travel bag box

Best MTB travel bags and boxes 2024 – the safest way to pack your bike for travel

Our expert round-up of the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes to buy for your next trip abroad

1. Best for big wheels

2. best for versatility, 3. best for easy packing, 4. best big size, 5. best budget hardcase, 6. best inflatable padding, 7. best cardboard box cover, 8. best free option.

How to choose
How to pack your MTB

Quick list 1. Best for big wheels 2. Best for versatility 3. Best for easy packing 4. Best big size 5. Best budget hardcase 6. Best inflatable padding 7. Best cardboard box cover 8. Best free option How to choose How to pack your MTB

Whether you're going on vacation with your bike or heading abroad for a big race, the best MTB travel bags, cases and boxes are a worthwhile investment for getting it there safely.

It's scary to send your best mountain bike down the conveyor belt at the oversized baggage check-in and put it in someone else's hands for an extended period of time. You can be as cautious as you like, but overworked baggage handlers and automated baggage systems may not be quite as gentle. There are horror stories of airlines destroying bikes, but bike bags and boxes are pretty well designed these days and do well to deliver your pride and joy to your destination and back unscathed.

That's why it's important to pack it as well as possible, using the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes. These travel bags and boxes are specially designed to pack your mountain bike safely, with dedicated compartments and nooks and crannies for the most delicate components. Other things to consider include their portability, durability, and value for money.

To make this buying process easier for you, our expert reviewers have tested out the best MTB travel bags and boxes that you can buy today. Our top option is the Evoc Travel Bag Pro, while our budget choice is a cardboard box – usually free from your local bike shop. Read on for our complete list, or skip to the bottom of the article for our buying advice to help you choose the best option for you, and our tips and tricks for packing your mountain bike safely for its travels.

The best MTB travel bags and boxes

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

The quick list

Best MTB travel bag for big wheels

Excellent protection with plenty of Velcro straps and padding, sturdy handles, and an internal stand.

Evoc Travel Bag Pro

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Around any bike event, you're likely to see a sea of Evoc bike bags, because they are some of the best you can buy. With room for anything from a lightweight roadie to a long and slack 29er enduro bike, the Pro version includes an aluminum tray that attaches to the axles of the bike inside the bag, and doubles as a work-stand when it's time to rebuild.

Inside the bike is secured with a range of Velcro straps and purpose-built padding, and the external wheel pockets will hold up to a 29 x 2.6in wheel and tire. Inside the bag, there are internal pockets for tools and pedals and the removable plastic ribbing allows the bag to be rolled up for storage.

The back features two ultra-smooth rollerblade wheels, and there is a third which slots into the front handle for easy transition from the baggage claim to your accommodation.

Pro Bike Mega Travel Case

With room to easily swallow road, TT and mountain bikes, the Pro Bike Mega Case is huge and features an aluminum base frame which connects to your bike at the axles. With so much room inside the case, the seatpost doesn't need to be removed, just lowered.

The inside of the bag has plenty of well-padded provisions to hold your frame securely, and the four 360-degree wheels at the bottom make the bag move easily in a straight line, but can be cumbersome in crowded baggage claim areas or train stations.

With handles galore, the outer fabric seems to mark a bit in transit, however, it's robust and, weighing just over 8kg, you should be able to get your bike and a bit of extra gear inside before you tip into overweight-baggage territory.

Scicon AeroComfort MTB

The beauty of the Scicon AeroComfort MTB is you can pack your bike and hardly turn a bolt. Packing is as simple as removing the wheels.

The bag is built around the Antishock Bike Frame (ABF) which is 12mm and 15mm thru-axle ready and designed to secure mountain bikes of all sizes with up to 29in wheels. The reinforced wheel pockets are located inside the bag and feature plastic caps so your cassette won’t poke through the bag.

At 14kg empty it is a bit heavy, but the weight penalty is more than made up for in packing ease and convenience. The bike straps into the bag securely, and the 360-degree wheels allow for easy one-handed dragging . With all of that said, we’ve seen baggage handlers stack Scicon bags upside down on baggage carts on multiple occasions so they won’t roll away, so consider some additional padding for your handlebars and shifters.

Thule RoundTrip Traveler

Bike bags are expensive, and if you don't have a bundle to drop on a soft-travel case, the Thule RoundTrip Traveler does well to toe the line between price, performance and protection. Using removable plastic ribbing for shape, the RoundTrip Traveler folds down completely flat when not in use.

The bike is secured with a fixed-fork block which has adaptors for all modern axle standards and uses a padded bottom-bracket block, similar to the standard Evoc bag. Inside there are heaps of zippered pockets for items such as tools and pedals, and the bag sees padded wheel pockets big enough for 29er wheels and tires.

At the back, there are two sizeable alloy roller wheels that don't get caught up on cracks or doorways and, at 7.7kg empty, it's noticeably lighter than pricier models.

B&W International Bike Box II

The B&W International Bike Box II is one of the simplest options on the market. There are no complicated packing procedures – instead, you get a few layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels and box, and it all fits inside two interlocking plastic sides.

The clamshell design uses six self-tightening Velcro buckles to prevent the case from slipping open, and it features a surprising number of handles given the design. B&W International has updated the case with a new plastic designed to flex and not crack and there are no latches or hinges to break.

With room for up to a 62cm frame, the case rolls on four wheels, two fixed and two free rotating, and weighs 11kg with the included padding.

Biknd Jetpack

Using unique inflatable padding and strategically placed rigid reinforcements, the Biknd Jetpack is well padded and big enough for just about any bike. The Jetpack does well to keep everything separated and insulated from clanging into other parts of the bike during transit, and the inflatable cushions insulate your wheels from the outside of the bag without adding much bulk.

The bag opens flat to simplify packing, and the bike connects at the axles to an aluminum frame – Biknd includes adaptors for every modern axle standard. With access to both sides of the bike, packing is simple, although you will need to remove your bars.

YT Industries Body Bag

The YT body bag combines the best aspects of using a cardboard bike box and purpose-built bag to travel with your bike. The Body Bag is basically a box cover, made from water-resistant nylon with replaceable rollerblade wheels on and handles galore.

With reinforced corners, the bag features internal cinch straps, the zipper goes nearly all the way around the case, and YT even includes a TSA friendly lock.

Weighing just 4.5kg, you’ll need to source a box that measures 34 x 90 x 134cm, which unsurprisingly happens to be the dimensions of the boxes YT uses.

Which brings us to...

Cardboard bike box

Yes, we realize the irony in recommending a cardboard box after we've spent all this time talking about the merits offered by purpose-built bike travel cases; but considering a box is how even the most expensive bikes are shipped from the factory, they work pretty well for travel, too.

First and foremost bike boxes are free. Boxes are also lightweight, meaning you can throw other gear in for extra padding. Sometimes it can be a struggle to manipulate your bike and get it securely packaged inside but it's the easiest solution for those who don't travel frequently.

That said, a cardboard box is not weather resistant and if it's raining or gets wet, the integrity of the box can be compromised.

How to choose the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes

Hard or soft shell.

Hard shell trombone-case-style bike bags were the best way to travel with a bike for quite some time; however, engineers at bike brands are pretty clever and softshell bags are nearly on par for protection, weigh less, and often have removable ribbing so they can be rolled up for storage.

Does its empty weight matter?

With a plastic base, wheels, internal skeleton, and robust materials, bike bags are heavy before you put anything inside, and some are considerably bulkier than others. Most airlines will give you 23kg / 50lbs before they hit you with an exorbitant overweight baggage fee, and when your bag weighs 12kg empty, when you pack a 10kg mountain bike, shoes, and a track pump you'll be nudging up against that limit.

Do I need to disassemble my bike?

No bike bag will take your bike fully assembled, but some require considerably more disassembly and mechanical acumen than others. At the very least you’ll have to pop your wheels off, but some bags also require you to remove your seatpost, handlebars, and even the fork.

What size box do I need?

Are you just looking to travel with your bike, or will you be taking trips with your mountain bike, too? Does your roadie have an integrated seat mast or aero bars? Are you riding an XL frame? These are all things to take into account when shopping for a bike travel case because some of the more compact options are simply too small for certain bikes and frame sizes.

Are wheels and handles a useful addition?

For something designed to help you move around with a bike in tow, bike travel cases are surprisingly awkward and cumbersome to move around with. At the very least you'll want plenty of handles to help you hoist your bag onto a conveyor belt or into the back of a car. If you'll be walking much after you land, a good set of wheels will make your life easier.

How to pack your bike into a bag or box

All bike boxes and travel cases require a different amount of disassembly, but these tips and tricks to packing your bike should help you make a smooth job of it.

1. Remove the derailleurs and rotors

Just about every bike bag out there comes with some sort of protection for your rear derailleur and brake rotors, but airlines have a knack for rendering them ineffective. Learn from our mistakes and just take the suckers off, as there's nothing worse than beginning to unpack your bike to find a bent rotor or a broken derailleur hanger. If you are removing rotors, don't forget to put a brake block in the caliper to prevent the pads sticking together or the pistons getting stuck – in a pinch, a folded over business card works too.

2. Deflate your tires

When you’re packing your bike, take a second to let the air out of your tires because airlines don’t allow anything pressurized into the cargo hold because it violates civil aviation safety regulations. Before the engineering types slide into the comments, yes we know that the cargo hold is pressurized to ~10,000ft which will only add 3-4psi to your tires, and it’s extremely unlikely a tire will burst in transit. The reason you need to take this step, is because if you do send your bike through with the tires inflated, there is the distinct possibility that an airline employee will pull your bag up and attempt to deflate them – we’ve heard horror stories of bags and tires cut. Avoid the drama and just let the air out.

3. Add some extra padding

Yes, we have just spent the last few hundred words saying how great bike bags and boxes are, but there's nothing wrong with a bit of added peace of mind. Some bags come with foam tubing, however pipe insulation or a sliced up pool noodle is perfect for an extra layer of protection. You can also pop into your local bike shop and, if you ask nicely, they might even give you some of the packaging from a newly unboxed bike.

4. Fill the gaps

5. Invest in a paint pen

Saddle height and bar roll aren’t something you often think about until either one is a little bit off, and the last thing you want to do on your riding vacation is to pull over constantly and faff with minor adjustments. A couple of dots and lines with a paint pen will allow you to replicate your preferred position on the bike first try every time.

Born and bred in Colorado, and now based in Australia, Colin comes from a ski racing background and started riding as a way to stay fit through the summer months. His father, a former European pro, convinced him to join the Colorado State University collegiate cycling team, and he hasn't stopped since. It's not often he pins on a number nowadays, and you'll likely find him in search of flowy singletrack, gravel roads and hairpin corners. Colin has worked at Bikeradar and is a regular contributor to Australian Mountain Bike and Cyclist magazines.

Rides: BMC Team Machine SLR01, Trek Top Fuel 9, Ibis Ripley

Mildred Locke Freelance writer

Best mountain bike clipless pedals 2024 – the top-rated clipless MTB pedals for XC, trail and gravity riding

Best MTB saddles for comfort 2024 – 6 top-rated butt-pleasing perches for mountain biking and off-road cycling

6 signs your mountain bike needs professional attention right now

The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

We Tested the BYD Seal&-the Car That Explains Why Tesla Just Cut Its Prices

Mark Andrews

Adrienne So

What Is 5G Home Internet? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon with bombproof YKK zippers and has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both and I would only fly with if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Small bag with several zippers 2 handles and 1 strap

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible Backpack

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

Carryon luggage in stowaway overhead container on airplane

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

USB cable plugged into removable battery bank on luggage

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Matt Jancer

Martin Cizmar

The Best Personal Safety Devices, Apps, and Wearables

Medea Giordano

Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Bags Made of Recycled Materials

Nena Farrell

The Best Cookware and Tools for Small Kitchens

WIRED COUPONS

Extra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo code

GoPro Promo Code: 15% off Cameras and Accessories

Get up to extra 45% Off - April Secret sale

10% Off Everything w/ Dell Promo Code

VistaPrint Promo Code: $10 Off $50+

50% off Select Products - Newegg Promo Code

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The Best Hard- and Softshell Cases For Traveling With Your Bike

Whether you want a light and stealthy case to avoid fees or a tough, hard-side case to protect your ride, you'll find it here.

Whether you’re planning to travel across the country or across the globe, a sturdy bike travel case or bag is a worthy investment. Your bike will be better protected—and you’ll have more peace of mind—than it will if you stuff it into a cardboard box and hope for the best. Here’s what you need to know.

B&W International Bike Box II

Compact and tough plastic case and four smooth rolling wheels.

Orucase Airport Ninja

Requires more bike assembly, but less likely to incur a fee.

travel Bike Travel Bag Pro

Securely holds modern 29er trail bikes with minimal disassembly.

SCI-CON AeroComfort 3.0 TSA

This case lets you leave the pedals, bar, and seatpost in place.

Thule RoundTrip Transition

ABS plastic shell protects the bike inside. Comes with a repair stand.

Hardshell versus Softshell

Hardshell cases provide the highest level of protection against impacts, but they also weigh more, which can lead to even higher luggage fees. Hard cases also don’t break down, so they take up more room in a hotel room or rental car when not in use.

Bag, Luggage and bags, Baggage, Hand luggage,

Softshell cases have come a long way in recent years, and some offer nearly the same level of protection as hard-shell models. Softshell cases are usually lighter than hard-shell cases, and fold or roll down for easier storage.

Hard-shell cases usually rely on a rigid, outer shell—made from a type of plastic—for their protection. Most softshell cases are constructed from durable nylon and rely on padding to protect your bike.

Car seat, Gig bag, Motorcycle accessories, Bag, Vehicle,

Some softshell cases have a rigid internal frame that provides structure and protects the bike from crushing forces. There are also hybrid cases, which have a fabric exterior lined with foam and plastic sheets.

Both types of cases often include additional padding for the frame, as well as straps to hold the frame and wheels in place.

Size and Weight

Pay attention to the size and weight of a bike case, particularly as it relates to the weight of the bike you plan to transport. Most airlines have a 50-pound weight limit before incurring an overweight fee. You need to factor in the weight of the case, the bike, and other items you’re considering throwing in there before selecting a case.

Hard-shell cases are more protective, but weigh more, leaving less for packing materials, bike, and gear. Softshell cases are lighter, which means you can pack a heavier bike without exceeding the limit but may offer less protection for your gear. The weight difference can be extreme: Thule’s Roundtrip Transition is made of ABS plastic and extremely rugged but weighs 38 pounds, while Orucase’s soft-sided Sub62 weighs just 13 pounds.

Most airlines have a dimensional limit of 62 linear inches—calculated by adding together the total length, width, and height of the bag. If an item of luggage is larger, it can incur an oversize-bag fee. Orucase’s Sub62 is smaller than 62 linear inches, so it should avoid an oversize fee, while Thule’s armored RoundTrip Transition measures over 106 linear inches and is almost certain to cost you extra.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Before choosing a case, have an idea of how much bike disassembly/assembly you’re comfortable with.

Cases like Scicon’s AeroComfort require very little wrenching to pack and unpack a bike but are larger and likely to incur a bike or oversize fee. A smaller and lighter case like Orucase’s Sub62 is much less likely to incur an oversize or overweight charge, but packing the bike into this case requires removal of both wheels, the bar and stem, rear derailleur, pedals, seatpost, and fork.

Black, Product, Fashion accessory, Technology, Bag, Auto part, Wheel,

If you want to use additional padding to protect your bike during transit, consider using your cycling apparel, since it has to make the trip with you anyway. You can also use pipe insulation, which is inexpensive and can be purchased at your local home-supply store. Always be sure you also have all the tools you need to get your bike back up and running at your destination.

How We Picked

Every case on this list has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We also consulted product managers and designers, athletes, and used our own travel experience with these cases to determine the best options. We evaluated them on performance, price, protection, weight, size, and how much bike disassembly is required to come up with a list of cases to serve the needs of anyone traveling with bikes.

Here are nine of our favorite bike travel bags and cases you can buy right now.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} Most Stealthy

Orucase airport ninja.

Looking to sneak your road bike through security and escape extra baggage fees? If so, this Orucase travel case is the ticket. The ultra-compact bike backpack fits most road frames and breakaway-style travel bikes. Though it’s soft-sided, the Orucase bag uses integrated plastic panels with energy-absorbing foam to armor it against impacts.

Least Wrenching

Scicon aerocomfort 3.0 triathlon, scicon aerocomfort 3.0 triathlon.

Scicon’s AeroComfort 3.0 TSA blends the low weight of a soft-sided bike bag with a rigid frame to protect your prized ride from surly baggage handlers. This travel bag is designed specifically for drop-bar bikes and requires minimal disassembly. The wheels stow in dedicated pockets on the sides and, best of all, there’s no need to remove the handlebar. The adjustable chassis holds your frame in place by the axles—either quick-release or 12mm thru-axles. The four-wheeled design makes it easy to maneuver through crowded airports, and the compact design keeps it within many airlines’ standard luggage dimensions, which may help you skip oversize baggage fees.

B&W BIKE BOX II

B&w bike box ii.

B&W’s International Bike Box II is a simple, effective, and affordable hard-shell case. The clamshell design is easy to use, and the interlocking halves fasten with six buckles to keep everything secure. This budget-minded case includes wheel bags and multiple layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels. Two fixed wheels and a pair of rotating castors make the International Bike Box II as easy to maneuver as a shopping cart.

DAKINE BIKE ROLLER BAG

Dakine bike roller bag.

Dakine’s Bike Roller Bag has enough space to fit 29ers, downhill bikes, and even 29er downhill bikes. Unlike many other soft-sided bags, the Bike Roller Bag has wheel sleeves inside the main compartment, which reduces the number of external zippers that could fail. Heavy-duty internal and external padding safeguards the frame, fork, and wheels from overzealous airport workers.

Cardboard Box

Bikeflights bike box, bikeflights bike box small.

A cardboard box is a light, inexpensive, and—provided the bike is packed properly—surprisingly safe way to ship a bike. Most brand new bikes—even high-end and custom bikes—are shipped in cardboard boxes. Bike breakdown and packing difficulty is average to high. A cardboard box has no puncture or impact protection, and can fall apart if it gets too wet. The BikeFlights Bike Box comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large.

Best For Mountain Bikes

Evoc bike travel bag pro, evoc bike travel bag pro.

EVOC’s bike bags are some of the most popular soft-sided options for road and mountain bikes—it even makes versions for BMX and fat bikes. The Bike Travel Bag Pro is a premium version of the company’s Bike Travel Bag. It includes an integrated aluminum chassis to hold frames securely in place by their axles. EVOC added six centimeters to the length of the bag to keep pace with the longer, lower, slacker trend in mountain biking. Another nod to modern mountain bikes are wheel pockets that can swallow 29-inch wheels wrapped in 2.6-inch tires. When not in use, the Bike Travel Bag Pro folds down small enough to fit under a bed.

THULE ROUNDTRIP TRANSITION

Thule’s RoundTrip Transition fits most road and mountain bikes within its tough, ABS plastic shell. Nylon wheel bags prevent frame and wheel rub during transport. The two-piece, hard shell cradles the frame in a lightweight aluminum stand that doubles as a work stand, making reassembly and maintenance a breeze once you arrive at your destination.

Fits Two Wheelsets

Biknd helium v4, biknd helium v4.

The Helium V4 is a drop bar-centric bike bag with a twist. Unlike most other bike bags, it can carry two wheelsets, which makes it an excellent option for cyclists traveling with both race-day and training wheels. Both sides fold flat for unfettered access for quick packing and removal. The feature that really sets the Helium V4 apart is the inflatable panels on the sides of the bag that add protection without heft. These inflatable bladders keep the weight to just 19.8 pounds, which is half of its heavyweight competitors.

Best for Large Bikes

Pro bike travel case mega, pro bike travel case mega.

Traveling with extra-large road bikes or 29er trail bikes poses problems for some cases, but not for Pro’s Bike Travel Case Mega. As the name suggests, this soft-sided bag is designed to swallow large and long frames easily. The alloy base holds the frame by the axles, while padded wheel pockets and foam bumpers keep your bike protected. Integrated pockets allow riders to stash pedals, tools, a mini-pump, and other ride essentials.

Unique Protective Feature

Douchebags savage bike bag, douchebags savage.

Once you get over the name, there’s a lot to like about this bike bag. The Db Savage is a soft-sided travel bag with a race car-inspired roll cage. This internal framework bolsters stiffness and provides an additional level of protection against damage. The Savage works with all road and mountain frames. It features external pockets for wheels and internal organizers for pedals and tools.

preview for HDM All Sections Playlist - Bicycling

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Cycling Gear

The Hottest Road and Gravel Bikes for Spring

The Best Helmet Cameras for Fun and for Safety

The 8 Best Bike Shorts with Pockets

Keep Time Trial Weird

The 7 Best Bike Bells for Any Riding Style

The 7 Best Cycling Socks for Hot and Cold Weather

The Best Saddle Bags for Storing Tools and More

Silca's New StripChip and Chain Waxing System

The 6 Best Garmin Watches for Cyclists

Tested: Hunt's new SUB50 Limitless Wheels

The 10 Best Mountain Bike Saddles to Buy Now

The Best Bike Bags and Cases for Travels in 2023

By : Nicholas Watts
Updated : April 11, 2024

We are a reader supported site. We earn commissions when you buy through links on our site. Learn more.

With air travels, I often hear horror stories and seen videos where the baggage handlers treat the bike bag just like another suitcase.

One of the primary concerns most cyclists have is whether their bike makes it out from transit safely. The first thing I’d do when I pick up my bike bag at the airport is to do a quick inspection before leaving the airport.

Packing your bike in a cardboard bike box provides very little protection, and you risk it getting damaged during transit.

It’s worthwhile to invest in a bike bag, and even more importantly, know how to pack your bike correctly . No bike bag is 100% damage-proof but at least they do offer wy more protection compared to a cardboard bike box especially if the bike costs thousands.

On this page, I’ll discuss the difference between bike bags and share some of the popular ones used by cyclists to travel.

A Quick Glance : Our Favorite Bike Bags and Cases

Soft Shell Bike Bag : Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 “One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.”

Hard Shell Bike Case : B&W Bike Box 2 “Value for money for a hard shell in terms of price vs the amount of protection.”

Soft Shell Bike Travel Bags

Scicon aerocomfort 3.0.

Type of Bike : Road
Compatibility : Quick Release, Thru Axle
To Remove : Wheelset
Weight : 8 kg

Scicon is arguably the most popular bike bag brand today.

It’s used by 7 out of 18 World Tour pro cycling teams in 2018 which includes the likes of Bora-Hansgrohe, Mitchelton-Scott, Bahrain-Medida, AG2R La Mondiale, and Quick-Step Floors.

The Aerocomfort 3.0 is the improved version of the very popular 2.0 version. Scicon has made several improvements based on customer feedback. The 3 most significant improvements are the addition of the thru-axles compatibility, new wheels system which was prone to breaking previously, and a reinforced internal bike mount.

It’s still without a doubt the lightest bike travel bag in the market today .

At only 8 kg, it’s even lighter than its already lightweight predecessor. With the bike packed inside, you’re definitely way below the 20 kg allowance that most airlines impose.

The thing I really liked about the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 is the ease of packing and the minimal disassembly required. I’d say most first-timers would probably need less than 10 minutes to have their bike securely packed and ready to go.

Pros : One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.
Cons : Smaller base can be unstable and prone to tilt over.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Type of Bike : Road, TT, CX, MTB
To Remove : Wheelset, Handlebars, Saddle, Seatpost
Weight : 9.1 kg

Evoc is a German brand well-known for its outdoor and travel bags. This Evoc bag is among their most popular products in their lineup. The unique feature about the Evoc Bike Bag is its one bag fits all concept. The same bag can fit all bike types from road to time trial, cyclocross, and mountain bikes.

Evoc uses an interchangeable internal bike stand to mount bikes. Each type of bike would require a different type of stand due to its shape and design. If you’re buying this bag for your road bikes, make sure you remember to get the bike stand!

Packing wise, the Evoc Bike Travel Bag requires a bit more work by removing the pedals, seat posts, twisting the handlebars sideways, and removing the standard wheel.

The good thing with such removal is the bag packs down into a compact size, which makes the baggage handlers’ work easier. I bet you wouldn’t want an aggressive baggage handler handling your bags, don’t you?

Pros : Fits all types of bikes.
Cons : Outer layers are not as durable as advertised.

Thule Roundtrip Pro XT

Weight : 8.6 kg

Thule is a Swedish company well known for its travel products. This mid-level bike bag has an internal bike mount that doubles up as a work stand, which will make assembling and disassembling your bike quick and easy.

Most road bikes will fit comfortably into the Thule Roundtrip Pro XT bag unless you’re riding anything above size 60, and it includes an adapter for thru-axles. It has a separate wheelset compartment so that your wheelset doesn’t come into contact with your bike frame.

The two roller wheels make it a snap to pull your bag wherever you need to go.

Pros : Internal bike mount can double up as a temporary workstand.
Cons : Soft case doesn’t provide 100% protection against rough baggage handlers.

Biknd Helium V4

Weight : 9.0 kg

Biknd is a Canadian brand that is all about developing innovative bike bags. In fact, their first product is the Helium bike bag which is now in its 4th version, hence the V4.

What makes the Biknd Helium V4 special is the unique way the protection mechanism is implemented. It uses inflatable airbags that strategically placed at both sides of the bag.

Packing the bike would require some disassembly work by removing the wheels, pedals, seat posts and twisting the handlebars sideways. To make packing easier, both the side and front panels can be opened completely.

Now if you’re traveling with 2 sets of wheels, you’re in luck because the bag can fit all of them. Unlike other bags where you keep one wheel on each side panel, the Biknd Helium V4 can hold 2 wheels on each side.

Pros : One of the best protection for a soft case.
Cons : Costs more than the average soft case.

Hard Shell Bike Cases

B&w bike box 2.

Weight : 11.5 kg

B&W is a German brand that has been making innovative outdoor bags since 1998. The Bike Box 2 is the successor to their original Bike Box and has won the prestigious 2018 German Design Award .

The B&W Bike Box 2 is among the lightest available. At almost 12 kg, you’ll most likely fall under the 20kg weight allowance most airlines allow.

However, take note that even though it can fit almost all types of bikes, you’d go above the allowable weight allowance should you fit a mountain bike, which is generally heavier than a road bike.

Packing is made easier with the two shells of the bag coming apart into 2 separate left and right. Once you’ve the bike disassembled, there are internal straps that hold it in place, and extra protection is achieved via the additional foam layers provided.

There’s no dedicated wheels storage compartment. B&W provides 2 separate wheel bags which are also placed inside the bag when you close it.

Pros : Most value for money for a hard case.
Cons : Smaller bag design means more to be removed when packing.

Thule Roundtrip Transition

Weight : 12.0 kg

The Thule Roundtrip Transition is the hardshell equivalent of the Roundtrip Pro XT. In fact, it’s Thule’s top-level and most secure bike case.

It has a sturdy aluminum base and when combined with a strong ABS shell, it provides excellent protection to your bikes.

You can pack your road bike, TT, CX, or mountain bike with this bag, making it very versatile.

As a bonus, thru-axle adapters for 15mm and 20mm axles are included besides the standard quick release.

The unique thing about the Thule Roundtrip Transition bike case is the internal mounting stand can double up as a mobile work stand, making assembly/disassembly and maintenance easier when you’re traveling.

Pros : Very high-quality build from a reputable brand.
Cons : Heavier than the average hard case.

Scicon Aerotech Evolution X

Scicon Aerotech Evolution 3.0 Bike Travel Bag

Weight : 11.0 kg

The Scicon Aerotech Evolution has been around for 10 years now and the 3.0 is Scicon’s latest version which was released in late 2017. The major improvement made in this version is adding the thru-axles compatibility.

Without a doubt, the Aerotech Evolution is Scicon’s one of the most secure bike travel cases out there. With premium pricing, Scicon has ensured no corners are cut. The bag has been thoroughly tested to ensure maximum protection for your bike.

The hard shell is made of very durable and hardened plastic, or what Scicon likes to call, thermoplastic . Internally, there is padding everywhere for your bike frame and straps strategically located to hold them in place. It would require some additional work to pack your bike into the bag.

Unlike the Aerocomfort 3.0 where only the wheels are removed, you’ll need to remove pedals, seat posts and twist the handlebars in addition to that.

You probably notice by now that most hardshell cases are bulky and heavy. While it’s still bulky (the shape and size remains), Scicon has managed to bring down the weight by 1 kg compared to its predecessor by using newer and more advanced materials.

At 11 kg, the Scicon Aerotech Evolution 3.0 is among the lightest bike case available.

Pros : One of the lightest hard cases around and offers a very high level of protection.
Cons : Be prepared to pay more.

BuxomBox Ventoux

BuxomBox is a small, UK-based company that specializes in bike boxes. In fact, bike boxes are their only product available.

The Ventoux Road is arguably the best one around when it comes to maximum protection. Its entire construction is top quality. With that, it also comes with a premium price tag. You’ve been warned.

For starters, the BuxomBox is made entirely from aluminum. It’s the same 6061 aluminum that’s used to make high-end aluminum race bikes. Not only do they look really good, but they’re also very durable and impact-resistant.

There are 3 sizes for you to choose from, depending on your bike size. Besides, you can also choose whether to support quick release, through-axle, or both.

With 4 handles, 2 at the top and 2 at the sides, you can maneuver the bag around the airport with ease. The 2 fixed and 2 caster wheels make things even easier.

Pros : Good looking, lightweight, and maximum protection.
Cons : Packing can be a chore for first-time users.

Bike Travel Cases Buying Guide

1. type of bikes.

This is the most important thing to consider when buying a bike bag or box.

The type of bike you’re planning to travel with will determine the bag’s shape and dimension and the box you’ll need.

Some newer ones like the Evoc Bike Bag , Buxom Box Ventoux , and Thule Roundtrip Transition can fit all bike types.

While it’s obvious that the bike frame of a road, cyclocross (CX) , time trial (TT), and mountain bike look different, there are more to that.

Among other differences are the handlebar’s shape, wheel hub width, and wheel size and diameter.

Geek Tip : Some bike travel cases are bike-specific, whether it’s for road, TT or mountain bike. Make sure you’re buying the right variant.

2. Quick Release vs Thru Axles

Today there are 2 types of braking systems for road bikes.

Traditionally, all road bikes use caliper brakes but disc brakes are getting popular recently for their better braking capabilities especially in the wet.

The mechanism used to attach the wheels to the bike is different between these two.

Quick Release. The QR was invented by Tullio Campagnolo and has been around for more than 90 years. It’s a wheel locking mechanism found in all road bikes with caliper brakes.
Thru Axles. The TA was first introduced in mountain bikes in the ’90s. Today, it’s used in all disc brakes road bikes. The axle needs to be pulled out completely to remove the wheels.

Why is this important?

The bike frame has a different design at the dropouts to accommodate either Quick Release or Thru Axles. And so does the bike bag to fit the different dropouts especially if they have an internal mounting stand.

Geek Tip : Newer travel cases are compatible with both quick release (caliper brakes) and thru axles (disc brakes) through an adaptor.

3. Ease of Packing

You’ll need to do some disassembling to pack your bike. You’ll need some of the common bike tools such as hex and torx wrenches .

The amount of disassembly needed depends on the bike travel case, but in general, this isn’t too hard to accomplish. If in doubt, you can always check out YouTube .

All bike travel cases are designed to fit bikes without the wheels, so no matter the make or model, you should expect that removal of the wheels will be necessary.

Some travel cases like the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 require minimal disassembly, while all bike boxes require quite a number of components to be removed prior to packing.

Generally, the list below needs to be removed :

Rear Derailleur

Geek Tip : How good you’re with the wrench is an important factor when it comes to choosing a bike bag or box that suits your needs.

4. Airline Weight Allowance

If you’re planning to fly with your bike, weight can be an important consideration. Most airlines have a check-in baggage weight allowance between 20 to 30 kg.

Bike boxes weigh more (anywhere between 12 to 18 kg) due to the hard and solid materials used.

On the other hand, bike bags weigh less, between 8 to 12kg, and can be carried more easily when you’re on the move.

Depending on your bike’s weight, you’ll probably end up with around 16 to 25kg baggage check-in weight.

Bike Bags vs Bike Cases : Which is Better?

You’ll often see cyclists pack their bikes either in a bike bag or a bike case. So you’d probably be wondering;

Which one is better to transport for you?

Bike bag or bike case?

Bike Case is the harder version and provides the most protection for your bike and is very durable. They’re made from tough materials like thermoplastics. It’s also sometimes referred to as a hard case or hard shell.
Bike Bag is the softer version that typically has internal structures to maintain the bag’s shape and protect your bike. The soft outer sides are made from nylon or canvas which could be vulnerable to tears over time. Some refer to it as soft shellbags.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which bike bag can fit my road, TT, and mountain bikes?

I understand that some of us have a few bikes and the bike we travel with depends on the type of riding we’re going to do.

In this situation, I recommend you consider a bike bag that is one size fits all. Generally, these bike bags don’t have internal mounts which limits your choice of bikes.

Have a look at the Biknd Helium V4 or the B&W International Bike Box 2 .

2. How do I provide additional protection to my bike on top of what’s provided by the bike bag or box?

There are several ways to do this. You can either,

Buy additional foam paddings and wrap them around the top tube, down tube, seat stays, and fork.
Use a cable tie to tie the chain to the chainring to avoid it from falling off.
Remove the rear derailleur if it gets in the way.

3. What is the lightest bike bag and box available today?

Many cyclists concur that the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 is the lightest bike bag today. At only 8 kg, you’ll have plenty of weight allowance left to pack your bike.

For the bike box, you can choose from either the Scicon Aerotech 3.0 or the B&W International Bike Box 2 .

Author Recommended Reads

How to Pack Your Bike for Air Travels
How to Ship A Bike and How Much Will it Cost?

Nicholas Watts

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024

Protect your bike and reduce stress when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes

The quick list

1. Best overall
2. Easy to use
3. Best value
4. Most portable
5. Most versatile
6. Most robust

How we test

Best bike bags and boxes 2024

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Easy to use 3 . Best value 4. Most portable 5. Most versatile 6. Most robust

Advice How we test

Riding new roads and exploring different places bathed in warm sunshine is one of the great joys of cycling, but getting you and your bike there safely can be the most stressful part of a cycling holiday . Some riders choose to hire a bike whilst on holiday, but for others, part of the attraction is the opportunity to ride their familiar bike up famous climbs or through beautiful landscapes - no one wants a week of cycling spoiled by an ill-fitting bike or uncomfortable saddle.

If you decide to fly with your own bike, then you have the choice of using a hard box or a soft bag, each with pros and cons which we will investigate below. If you choose to drive to your destination instead, however, you can read our guides to the best bike racks for cars and the best caravan and motorhome bike racks .

Best overall

The AeroComfort's soft exterior houses a metal structure to which you fasten your frame so it's held securely. There is very little disassembly required and as the bag is pretty light there is plenty of potential to pack extra kit inside and still be within your airline's limits.

Best for ease of use

As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding provided to protect your bike when it's in the bag, and the large side opening makes it simple to put the bike in place.

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod against a white background

Best value

Very light and compact, LifeLine's EVA Bike Pod also offers excellent value for money. Its semi-rigid design offers more protection than a soft bag but they are still quite flexible and as it only has two wheels it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre around an airport.

Most portable

Another light option, the Orucase B2 even includes rucksack-style straps which are handy if you have packed very light. There is a fair bit of disassembly required though and it can feel a bit lopsided when wheeling it around.

Best with integrated stand

Thule's RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag uses an internal frame that can also double as a workstand whilst on holiday, which is very handy. It's more of a reinforced bag than a hard case though and as such is quite pricey.

Most robust

One of the heavier boxes available, the VeloVault2 provides very reassuring protection for your bike. Its quality construction and overall sturdiness will ensure that your lightweight carbon frame should emerge unscathed, but there might not be much weight allowance left once this gets on the scales.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel: Our picks

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag

1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The AeroComfort 3.0 from Scicon is a firm favorite among the Cycling Weekly tech team. We've flown test bikes all over the world, and we like to use this carry case because it makes travelling by bike easy, hassle-free and incredibly quick. It takes just 15 minutes to pack the bike away, and even less time to put it back together.

How so? The outside is a soft, fabric bag, but inside you'll find a metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, loop your chain over a specially designed T-bar and use your quick releases to stand the bike on the metal frame, so it's immovable inside and thus a lot more secure. It couldn't be easier.

There's no need to remove anything aside from the wheels, the handlebars stay straight and don't need twisting. This does make the front end quite bulky, but we found that the protection is good, with a thick soft fabric, designated pockets for wheels, helmets and shoes, and most importantly the rear derailleur is kept off the ground.

Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review

Evoc bike travel bag

2. Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag

Whilst hard cases give the ultimate reassurance that your bike is well protected, they also take up a lot of room when out of use, and, they're heavy - limiting your ability to pack kit alongside your bike and stay within airline limits.

Enter soft cases, and this Evoc bike bag is an excellent option. Yes, it offers less protection - but the Cycling Weekly team has used it to transport press bikes on plenty of occasions (NB, we once even used a cardboard box for a personal bike, the theory is that baggage handlers will be more careful!).

This Evoc Bike bag excels in terms of ease of use, too. The side opening makes getting the bike in a cinch, and the handy Velcro makes getting the parts in the right place a piece of cake. The newer model reviewed here now has a reinforced front zip, meaning it should last longer.

Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

Although it's a reasonably compact bike box, the LifeLine Bike Pod will take a smaller-sized bike without too much disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels, with two front feet to stand on. Quick-release wheels, although not wheels with thru-axles, can be secured to the outside of the case.

Our tester found that the LifeLine Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around, although since you have to lift the front end and the carrying handle doesn't let you wrap your hand through it, longer carries can be tiring.

The sides of the bag are quite flexible, so it would be advisable to wrap wheels and frame well inside to prevent crushing. We were also concerned about how robust the feet would be and how well the zip would stand repeated use, but overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod is a relatively inexpensive option for the less frequent flyer.

Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review

Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

We've taken the B2 bike case on several domestic and international flights and were left impressed. It sports many welcomed features, including backpack straps and a rollable chassis. Combined with its compact, space-saving size it makes for a sleek, highly portable and trustworthy bag that we think is a great option if space is limited or you'll be traveling on serval modes of transport during your trip.

We did find that it's not the easiest to pack, and required some disassembling of your bike - so you'll need to be confident of putting your bike back together once you've arrived. It's also far from cheap, but in our opinion, it's likely a worthy investment given the ease of portability and the posibbility to save on extra fees due to its smaller size.

Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review

Most versatile

Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag

5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT falls into the not-quite-a-bike-bag category. It's a softshell but has some structural implants that should keep your bike safe through the worst of it.

However, the bag does have some weak areas and for the price you pay this doesn't induce confidence. But, maybe we're being picky. This is a solid purchase, undoubtedly, and we always add extra bubble wrap around our frames, whatever we're packing them into.

The base, which holds the bike static in the case, can have three legs added, transforming it into a workstand for when you get to your destination - which is a rather 'nice to have' too.

Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review

Blue Velovault2 bike box

6. VeloVault2 bike box

We really liked the VeloVault2 bike box when we had it in for test. It's big and robust, which is what many cyclists need to achieve peace of mind when flying with a bike.

However, weighing in at 12.5kg means it should sneak under most airline weight controls. The company has sweated the small stuff, too: the clasps are quality, it's easy to close and it rolls well.

VeloVault2 bike box has a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, improved strut design and it is roof box ready. Oh, and it's now bright blue... other colours are available if that's not to your liking.

How do I pack a bike into a bike bag or box?

Packing the bike into the bag or box sometimes takes quite a bit more effort than expected. The process may differ slightly depending on the specific box or bag, but the general process goes something like:

- Remove the pedals - Partially deflate tires and remove the wheels - Remove the seatpost and saddle - Remove the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer - Undo rear derailleur (but leave it on the chain) - Secure the frame and components in the box via the manufacturer-approved method - Pack the tools required to rebuild the bike!

There are a few more mechanical adjustments you might make, and if you’re handy with a spanner they shouldn't cause too much grief. For example, you might have to remove the chainset. This will keep it protected en route but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll have to reassemble it when you arrive on your hols, so if you're no spanner wizard it might be best to avoid this. It may also mean packing extra tools, which means extra weight to carry around.

Best bike bags vs best bike boxes: which is better?

You might think this is an easy question: it's surely a box, right? However, that's probably before you’ve taken weight into consideration.

A lighter weight bike bag influences two things: how comfortable it is to carry and lug about but also how much of your baggage allowance it eats into - and how much the baggage supplement might be.

The trade off is in the level of protection: a hard flight case like box is going to take the knocks better than a soft bag. That said, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of it and they also tend to be cheaper than bike boxes.

There is an in between option. The best bike bags tend to have some more structural inserts inside but retain more of a bag's lightweight nature. Other bike bags can have nifty, in-built storage techniques. For example, some have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and hold it tight.

Do I need to add extra padding to my bike bag?

Regardless of how tough your bag or box might be, you’ll definitely want to pad the important parts inside it. We’d recommend bubble wrap and foam piping. If you’re lucky, your local bike shop might have excess from all the bikes they get sent in. Don't forget to put it around the frame in places where other items in the box might rub against it.

A road cyclist riding with a mountain in the background

Riding in the mountains

A good bike box or bag has to tread the line between providing the best protection for your bike and yet still being light, easy to carry and simple to pack. These boxes have been used to carry various bikes on multiple flights, being packed and unpacked several times each. They all protected the bikes from any transport damage and none were particularly difficult or awkward to pack but each has its advantages and disadvantages that may clinch the deal for you.

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

Cycle commuter rides drop handlebar bike in Brooklyn, NY

How to make sure you're getting the most out of your two-wheeled trip to work

By James Shrubsall Published 24 April 24

Ex-WorldTour pro enjoying better pacing and a 'nicer time' after winning two out of two TTs this season

Useful links

Tour de France
Giro d'Italia
Vuelta a España

Buyer's Guides

Best road bikes
Best gravel bikes
Best smart turbo trainers
Best cycling computers
Editor's Choice
Bike Reviews
Component Reviews
Clothing Reviews
Contact Future's experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Advertise with us

Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

The Best Bike Travel Case in 2024

Whether you are transporting your bike in your car with luggage and other items or on an airplane at the mercy of baggage handlers, a bike travel case protects your bike and the money you have invested in it.

In addition, if you are taking your bike with you, then you are planning on using it. So you are not only protecting your bike, but you are also protecting your investment in your trip. So either way, a bike travel case makes sense.

We have created a buyer’s guide to discuss the important features you should consider when choosing a bike travel case.

How To Fly With Your Bike

Packing a bike safely, dragging the bike transport bag or box around, and paying the exorbitant excess baggage fee is frustrating, but it’s part of our sport. Let’s make the experience as low-stress as possible by taking a few precautions.

There are two ways to get your bike to the race site: ship it days before, or bring it with you on the plane. Shipping your bike means packaging it and sending it via a carrier that will take large items. You can send it to a bike shop or any other physical destination that can take daytime deliveries. If timed properly your bike will be there waiting for you, perhaps assembled and ready to ride of you sent it to a bike shop. The downside is the planning involved and time without your precious training buddy.

Most athletes do take their bike on the plane with them though…

Taking it with you on the plane has its benefits and drawbacks. You’re always with your bike (unless the airline loses it); you can ride it the day you pack it and as soon as you reassemble it at the race site. On the other hand, you’ll need to find a vehicle big enough to transport the bag or box to and from the airports (perhaps a companion’s bike as well), and it’s going to cost you plenty in excess baggage charges unless it’s an international flight (note: this policy is changing on many airlines).

Like it or not, there’s an excess baggage charge on bikes for domestic flights, hopefully none for international flights if you have only 2 pieces of checked baggage. The fee has steadily risen from $12 since I began flying with a bike many years ago, to $60-$100 now. To me the high fee says that the airlines would really prefer not to take checked bikes, and this attitude often comes across through ticket agents and baggage carriers.

If you believe baggage handlers really don’t want to deal with your bike, you’ll understand why you’d better pack it carefully. I’ve seen bikes dropped from significant heights, luggage weighing hundreds of pounds loaded on top, and generally handled with contempt. This doesn’t mean that it’s always the case, but it happens.

The case you use and the care you take in packing your bike can make all the difference. There are padded nylon bags with supportive metal frames inside, hard ‘sandwich style’ cases with foam layers inside, and hard cases with a metal framework inside to secure your bike’s frame. All the different types of bike cases work well, but none is a guarantee that your bike will be impervious to damage. If you don’t want to spring for the $250 to $750+ price to buy your own bike case, look for a bike shop that rents them for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re doing the packing job yourself you’ll need some basic tools and minor disassembly/assembly skills. You’ll need to remove wheels, handlebars, seat, and pedals, then reassemble it at your destination. Teaching you how to do this is a job for a bike shop or a mechanically skilled friend, but I can give you a few packing tips.

Your goals are to crush-proof the bike and avoid metal against metal contact. If your bike case doesn’t have a supportive framework, you should put spacers where the wheels’ axles would normally be in the frame’s fork and rear triangle. This does much to strengthen the frame, thus avoiding damage from outside forces like weight or dropping the box/bag. When you remove the handlebar with brake and shift cables still attached, it will have to rest next to, or beside the frame. This is fine as-long-as it’s secured with substantial padding at contact points. I like to use old-style toe straps to keep the handlebar from moving around and potentially denting the frame or damaging paint.

I recommend that you be self-sufficient and bring all the tools you’ll need. Also bring rags for padding and cleaning, as well as lubricant, a pump, spare tubes and tires. Bike cases allow room for other items that may not fit into your luggage. Use this space as needed for your gear, but don’t overload, as very heavy bike cases make for irate baggage handlers!

Allow extra time when checking-in with your bike. Bicycle transport bags and cases move more slowly than normal luggage on their way to the plane and ticket agents are often baffled when presented with a passenger traveling with a bike (if you’re lucky, they may not charge you).

Make sure you have an extra day at your destination before the race. For whatever reason, bikes often don’t make it there with you. But, every airline I’ve flown with has a policy of delivering the bike for free to you at your destination.

For me, luckily, this has always occurred within 24 hours of my arrival. If the bike doesn’t make it with your other luggage, don’t panic. I’ve found that the more connections you make, the more likely your bike will get ‘lost.’ On flights with connections, my bike has been ‘delayed’ about 20% of the time!

In many years of flying with my bike, it’s always made it to my destination – eventually. But just in case it doesn’t and you’re waiting there in a panic, make an alternative plan. Maybe you could borrow a friend’s bike who’s in another race, or perhaps a loaner/rental from a local bike shop could save the day. Traveling with your bike is a drag, but it could be worse: Be glad you don’t have to travel with a surfboard or a kayak!

How to choose bike travel case

Bike bag or bike box.

The first choice is whether you want a bicycle transport bag or box, and by box, we mean a hard case, not a cardboard box. Some people will say that they have used cardboard boxes and have not had any problems. They will say they know how to pack their bike in a cardboard box so that it is safe.

As mentioned earlier, you have money invested in your bicycle and on your trip. A hard or soft case will better protect your financial investment in your bike and your trip, provide you with a better chance of never having your bike damaged when you are traveling, and prevent you from suffering the disappointment of not having your bike available to use on your trip. So we recommend that you do not try to cut corners and use a cardboard box to transport your bicycle.

For transporting your bike, you can choose a soft bag, a hard case, or a hybrid-combination bag. Softer hybrid cases can have inserts in the base and upper frames that provide some structure and protection, or they can use the wheels to provide structure. These are still lightweight and made of soft materials. Other hybrid cases are made of the semi-rigid polymer that provides more protection and weighs a little more than the cloth of the softer versions. Hybrid cases are in the mid-price range between soft and hard cases.

Soft bike travel cases are the least expensive of the three choices. They also use less of your baggage weight allowance. Therefore, they cost less to transport by airplane than hard and hybrid cases. In addition, soft cases are easier to carry than hard cases, especially if they have more than one handle such as an over-the-shoulder strap and a hand carrier. An additional advantage of a soft case is the ability to use it for a variety of bikes if you are among the cyclists who have more than one bike. As for storage when you are not using a soft case, it can be easily folded and stored out of the way. However, soft cases do not offer as much protection as hard cases or even hybrid cases once your bicycle has left your care. So the softer the bike travel case, the more carefully you need to pack your bike.

Hard cases will protect your bike the best if the case falls, is thrown by a baggage handler, or ends up at the bottom of a stack of luggage. They have hard plastic shells with interior reinforcement. The hard plastic does make these cases more likely than soft cases to slide off elevated surfaces and fall on the floor. Since they are not as flexible as a soft case, it can be harder to get your bike parts to squeeze into open spaces in hard cases. This can be an additional issue when airport employees examine and repack your case. Hard cases also pose the problem of where to store them, both at home and when you are traveling. Additionally, hard cases are the most expensive and weigh the most, so they use more of your baggage allowance and cost the most to ship.

Many cases have built-in dropouts that help your bike stand securely in the case. You can also go to a bike shop and get the dropout protectors that were used in shipping to protect your frame in case your bike is mishandled. Another consideration is whether or not the bag you choose mounts the bicycle to the base, if it does, then you need to make sure that the axle of your bicycle is compatible with the base.

With soft bike cases weighing up to 17 pounds empty, they and most hard cases do have wheels to make it easier to handle them. Recessed wheels are better protected from damage, and wheels that can be replaced prevent your bike suitcase from becoming less functional because of a broken wheel. So be sure to check the durability of the wheels on the cases you are considering. In addition, before you are ready to pack it for a trip, check the condition of the wheels to make sure that none of them need to be replaced.

Besides the wheels, you will also need sturdy handles to help you transport your case on stairs, over curbs, and over unpaved areas. Our suggestion is to look for a case with both a sturdy top handle for carrying by hand and a sturdy shoulder strap to distribute the weight better and free your hands. Not only should the straps be sturdy, but you should check how the straps connect to the case to make sure that the connection will not break with you. Also, check to see if the straps can be easily replaced like the wheels. Additional handles on the sides will give you something to grip so that you can roll the case in tight spaces. Just as we recommended with the wheels, you should check the handles before trips to see if they need replacing.

If you are taking your case on an airplane, then locks either have to be TSA-approved or left unlocked so that airport security can examine the contents of your case. So while you are choosing a case, if the locks are not TSA-approved buy some that are TSA-approved.

Measure your bike and decide on your preferred way of packing it. With a standard 56-centimeter road bike and a normal seat post, you should be able to use most cases. Size issues arise with larger frames, integrated seat posts, and mountain bikes with full suspension. Also if you are among the cyclists that have more than one bike, you will want to make sure that the case you choose fits all your bikes.

Transporting a bike in a case can also mean considering what type of vehicle you will need to get to the airport and when you arrive at your destination. Soft cases with some disassembly can create a smaller bundle than a hard case, and you will not need a larger vehicle. Also, as mentioned earlier, hard cases present a storage issue both at home and when you are traveling

Obviously, you will be doing some amount of disassembly on your bike, and you will not want the parts just piled in the bag to scratch and bang against each other. Many cases attach the wheels to the sides of the case with quick-release skewers. Using older skewers with some padding protects your new skewers from damage. Some other cases have wheel bags. Removing the pedals and padding them is another preventive measure along with padding your tools. One recommendation for padding the various parts of your bike is pipe insulation from the hardware store.

Weight and Airline Restrictions

Remember you will not only be carrying other luggage, but you will be adding the weight of the case along with the weight of your bike and anything else you pack in the case. All of that will be calculated into your airline baggage weight limits. We suggest that you determine the weight of your bike’s case with everything packed inside. Then check the different airline policies and charges before you book your flight. Check to see if there are any airlines that transport bicycles for free . Some airlines with higher base ticket prices may be cheaper in the end when you add baggage fees.

Be sure you also check the maximum dimensions for luggage from various airlines before purchasing tickets. In addition, check for other restrictions such as how far in advance to book to be sure that the airline will accept your bike. Since working with a passenger who is traveling with a bicycle is a less common experience, when you find all of this information, print a copy of it and take it with you to the airport as proof in case an airline employee doesn’t know the company policy.

We have already mentioned several times that purchasing a good bike travel case is protecting what you have already spent on your bike and your trip. However, there is still quite a price range between good, protective cases. So you should be able to stay within your budget and protect your bike. If you choose a case at the higher end, you will get a more durable, protective case that is easier to transport. However, there are less expensive cases that provide adequate protection, although some of them may be smaller and require more disassembly of your bike. So while shopping for a case at the good price may not be the top reason for selecting a particular case, you can let it be a consideration without worrying that you might be buying a case that is not quite as good.

Packing Your Bike

As you are considering different travel cases, think about how you will disassemble and pack your bike in each case. For most cases, you will take off the wheels, the rear derailleur, the pedals, and the seat post. If you can leave the seat post, you will probably lower it down to the frame. You will also turn handlebars so that they are parallel to the frame. If you are considering removing the chainset, we advise only doing it if you are good with a spanner. Strapping removed parts to the frame keeps parts more secure and organized in your case.

Another step in packing your bike that cyclists debate is whether or not you need to deflate the tires. While it may not be really necessary, it saves the stress of dealing with an airline employee, who thinks it’s something that must be done. This final step in considering how your bike will need to be disassembled to fit in a case should help you with choosing a case.

Travel Insurance

A final recommendation is to buy travel insurance for your bike even if your case makes it unlikely that your bike will be damaged. As stated previously, you have an investment in your bicycle and your trip. Travel insurance will protect that investment so that your bike is covered and so is the part of your trip that centers around riding your bike.

The Best Bike Travel Case in 2023

1. scicon aerocomfort 3.0 tsa – best triathlon bike travel case.

The Scicon Aerocomfort travel bag was designed with input from time trial riders and triathletes. You do not need to remove the seat post or the handlebar, so your bike is out of the case and ready to ride quickly. The case measures 50.7 inch x 17.7 inch x 38.5 inch. It is lightweight at 17.64 pounds empty, which will add less to your baggage weight limit and fees.

The case is made of nylon and includes padding and rigid inserts to protect your bike. The base holds your bike upright in the case and can be used as a bike stand. It is compatible with both the quick-release and thru-axle systems. For maneuverability, the

Aerocomfort’s eight ball bearing wheels rotate 360° to help it turn corners. For security, it includes a TSA padlock that allows airline security to easily inspect the bag. It also offers a 3/4 length zipper and two wheel pockets.

2. EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro – Best Hybrid Soft/Hard Shell Bike Case

The EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro has a hybrid soft/hard shell design to help you pack and unpack your bike easily.

How easy? The only pieces you’ll need to disassemble are your wheels and pedals. The bag was designed with an extra wide wheel chassis so it’s sure to fit most road and time trial bikes.

To ensure that your precious bike is protected the case has aluminum slide rails from front to back.

All the extra protective materials sound heavy to some, but EVOC thought ahead. The travel case has clip on wheels and extra handles so you can maneuver through airports, bus and train stations, or just getting into your hotel room.

The case’s lid is made of highly durable polycarbonate and the pressure-proof P600D PU sides are strengthened with removed hard plastic rods.

Along with the bag, EVOC also provides a bike stand, wheel bags, and a clip-on front wheel for those who want a little extra protection.

If you travel by plane, the bag has a TSA approved lock if they need to look in your bag.

Bikers who have bought the bag like it because it’s makes packing their bike easy. There’s minimal assembly because it’s a soft and hard traveling case. And, when not in use, the bag can be folded up and stored in a discreet spot. It’s not the best for overseas trips but the bag is ideal for short trips close by.

I’d recommend this bike bag if you frequently travel within your country or make short trips with your bike. The case will be perfect and you can be assured your bike will be in good hands.

3. Evoc Bike Travel Bag – Most Versatile Bike Travel Case

The size of a case is one of the most important factors. How much will you have to disassemble your bike for it to fit in the case? If you are among the cyclists that have more than one bike, will this case fit all your bikes? How will the case fit in your car, and how will it fit in a vehicle when you reach your travel destination? Where can you store it both at home and on a trip?

This case measures 53.2 inches x 31.5 inches x 15 inches. The weight of the case packed with your bike is not only something you have to manage with other luggage, but it will also be calculated into your baggage weight limit and baggage fees. This soft case weighs 18.9-pounds empty.

When Evoc was designing this case, they took into consideration the extra protection provided by a hard case versus the weight, maneuverability, and pliability of a soft case. They chose to create a soft case. The Evoc bike travel bag is made from rip- and tear-resistant ripstop nylon with a polyurethane coating that provides water-resistance. It has 10-millimeter padding and rubber reinforcement to protect your bike. This bike bag provides a full-zippered enclosure, a zippered pocket on the front, several handles, two wheel bags, an accessory bag, and 2.5-inch inline skate wheels with reinforced wheel pockets.

To fit your bike in this bag, take off the wheels, turn the handlebars parallel to the frame, and use the padded straps provided to secure your bike in the bag. Place the wheels in their bags. This bag will easily hold 29-inch bikes, road bikes, time-trial bikes, and cyclocross bikes

4. Thule RoundTrip Transition – Most Protected Bike Travel Case

Thule makes hard-shell bike cases that make it one of the most protective cases on the market. It would be a good choice for those who travel internationally with bikes for pleasure or races.

The bike’s safety is guaranteed since the bike case is made from ABS shell with a durable rail of lightweight aluminum. This construction cradles and protects your bike during transport.

This would be especially important during air transport since bag attendants never handle any luggage with care.

Additionally, the bike case has multiple functions and can be used as a bike holder and work stand. If you bring your own tools, it would save you a trip to the bike store after landing. You can adjust and assemble your bike. And, it would ensure your bike is put together properly.

The inside of the case has a built-in fork mount that makes it easy to disassemble and assemble your bike.

As this is a hard-shell case, it won’t be easy to lug around everywhere. Luckily, the case comes with wheels and handles which makes it less burdensome to “carry” around an airport.

Bikers like it because it’s easy to travel with on planes. And, is easy to use once they understand how everything works. The case does a great job of packing everything in so nothing gets damaged- no matter how the airlines treat it. And, most didn’t have a problem wheeling the case around the airport.

I highly recommend this for people who go on long journeys with their bikes. You’ll see all the damage done to the case and your bike will come out unharmed.

5. Scicon AeroTech Evolution X TSA Hard Case

The Scicon AeroTech Evolution X TSA hard bike case offers bikers padded protection and enough space for all the bike parts while being lightweight. Of course, there is minimal disassembly on your part when you need to travel with your bike.

The case was specifically designed for race bikes and can accommodate nearly every bike size.

Inside the case, you’ll find a suspended frame system that holds the bike in place while offering stability and protection. Just like what a seatbelt does for you.

The case has special storage space for your pedals, saddle, and wheels when you take apart your bike. To make things easier, you won’t need to remove your handlebars. However, you will need to loosen them and turn them to ensure they fit into your bike box.

If you travel by plane, the case is built with TSA approved key locks. This ensures that your bike is safe and customs has access to the bike if needed. This holds true for airports in the USA, Canada, and other major international airports.

Yes, the case sounds bulky and heavy and hard to move, but no fear. Even for the smallest triathletes out there, it’s easy to travel with. The wheel system rotates in a circle so it ensures your bike case won’t fall down and you’ll silently traverse the airport terminals.

I recommend this bike case if you need one that will last for years and is durable. There is some disassembly required for this case. Be sure you’re comfortable with that part before you buy it.

6. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case

First, measure the parts of your bike or bikes that you intend to leave in one piece when you are traveling. Then check the sizes of the different cases to make sure they are large enough.

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Case measures 49.5 inches x 11.8 inches x 35 inches. Now calculate the weight of the items that you will be packing in your bike case and add that to the weight of the empty cases. This is what you will be transporting to and from the airport and your hotel. It will also be included in your baggage weight limit and fees. The Thule RoundTrip case weighs 19-pounds empty.

This soft case is made from durable ripstop nylon with aluminum supports and can be used for road bikes, cyclocross bikes, and mountain bikes with a 46-inch wheelbase or less. It offers four integrated wheels, five integrated handles, and two 29-inch wheel bags. Since it is a soft case, when it is not in use, it folds up compactly for easy storage.

7. B&W International Bike Guard Curv

The Bike Guard Curv® Case has been designed to provide you with the protection of a hard case at a reduced weight. This also reduces the concern of excessive baggage fees. It weighs 18.1 pounds empty without the protective inserts, which is in the range of soft cases. With the protective inserts, its weight only goes up to 24 pounds, which does not take that much extra off of your airline baggage weight limit for you to skip receiving the extra protection of a hard case. The Bike Guard Curv® uses self-reinforced polypropylene (PP) Curv®-material. It is weatherproof, scratch-resistant, eco-friendly, and 12 times stronger yet lighter than ABS plastic.

The two sides are not attached but instead interlock. This protects the case from “slide-by” compression. For storage, the two sides can be nested inside of each other, which saves space, especially in a hotel room. The case can be packed with only one of the two pieces. This case was designed for 29-inch mountain bikes, road bikes, and triathlon bikes. The Bike Guard Curv® has two fixed wheels and two free-rolling wheels. The four handles give you the option of two carrying handles, a handle for pulling, and another adjustable handle for pulling. A TSA pad-lock can be attached to lock the case.

The interior inserts include two wheel guards, foam padding for between the frame and the wheels, a rear derailleur protector, a foam spacer for the handlebar, a foam block for the chainring, and four frame accessory bags.

8. BIKND Helium V4

The BIKND Helium V4 bike case is a light and easy-to-carry case with air protection.

To ensure maximum protection, the bike has inflatable padding which is truly one of a kind.

And, what makes this case even more unique is its size. It’s the smallest bike case with the most protection. It can fit in the trunk of the smallest cars.

The case was designed with additional compartments for all your bike accessories and even an extra wheel set.

Although it is small, you won’t have to disassemble your bike that much.

Like the EVOC case, this one uses both soft and strategically placed hard materials to make it incredibly protective at a low weight.

The inflatable parts of the case are on both sides of the frame and give the same protection as a hard case but without the extra weight.

Bikers like this bag because it is light weight with strong protection technologies, which make it easy to fly with. The bag opens 360 degrees which makes it easy to pack and unpack the bike. It’s compatible with most road bikes which makes it useful for a triathlon family.

I’d recommend this bag once the company fixes the airbag technology issues. There have been reports of the bags not staying inflated for the entire journey.

9. PRO Mega Bike Travel Case

The PRO Mega Bike Travel Case is a larger soft case. The size makes it quick and easy to pack, including just dropping the seatpost. The large size leads to a debate over whether you need to remove the handlebars or not. Some just loosen the handlebars and turn them parallel to the frame. The PRO Mega Bike Case measures 51 inches x 10 inches x 30 inches.

Despite its size, this bag does not weigh that much more than the other soft cases. Even with all the packing inserts included, this case only weighs 18.1 pounds empty.

The hard plastic base with the aluminum frame and the packing inserts are the highlights of this bag. There are also two plastic poles at each end to add support to the bag. The base has movable brackets for attaching the front and rear axles. Since the brackets can be moved, you can adjust them for your bike’s wheelbase. The maximum wheelbase that can be accommodated is around 47 inches.

You take off the wheels and secure the dropouts to the base using your skewers. If you have some old skewers, you do not need to put your current skewers at risk. There are straps to hold the skewers in place. The brackets have two levels for attaching your bike. The lower level is intended for taller bikes and mountain bikes. There is a chain holder on the rear bracket that keeps the chain under pressure along with a chain cover.

The packing inserts feature large padded blocks that can be Velcroed where needed, including two for the head and seat tube junctions on the frame.

This case is made with foam-padded, ripstop nylon. There are pockets on the side for the wheels and accessories. Inside there is a mesh bag for accessories. It has multiple handles and four wheels that can rotate 360°. These type wheels can be hard to control especially on unpaved or uneven surfaces. The extra handles can be helpful, but you will also have other luggage.

In our product reviews, we presented four soft cases and one hard case. In our buyer’s guide, we recommended that, because of your investment in your bike and your trip, other issues were more important than cutting corners on the cost of a case. So for the best protection, a hard case is really the best choice. However, spending a little more to get a better case is a one-time expense. Transporting a hard case will mean an excess baggage fee every time you travel with a hard case. That is one reason that we are choosing a soft case as our top choice.

However, we reviewed the B&W International Bike Guard Curv® Hard Bike Case which, as one of the lightest hard cases, can reduce the excess baggage fee. It also eliminates the issue of the space needed to store it because it has two sides that can nest inside of each other. However, it does not offer enough internal restraints to keep your bike secure, and the two interlocking sides are complicated to restrap. Airport security may not restrap this case once they inspect it. That is another reason that we have chosen a soft case.

Our recommendation is still to get travel insurance that will provide you with coverage on your bike for loss, damage, or misdirection, including replacement so you have a bike for the portion of your trip during which you planned to use your bike. Then you are covered even when using a soft case.

After comparing the four soft cases, we have chosen the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA as the winner. The base provides adjustable brackets for attaching your bike that accommodates different wheelbases and bike heights. It holds your bike securely and has a chain holder that keeps tension on your chain and derailleur. The base has large foam blocks that use Velcro, so they can be placed wherever they are needed to protect your bike. It is also the case that helps you pack your bike the quickest which is most important when you are at your destination. To us, all of this makes the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA the top choice.

15 thoughts on “The Best Bike Travel Case in 2024”

Thanks, well written and useful!

Soft vs. Hard

American Airlines flies bicycles as regular luggage now, but states that if the bicycle is not in a hard-sided case it will be subject to “Fragile Handling”.

Is there a hard case for tri-bikes where you do not need to takeoff the handlebars and/or aero bars?

I know only next bike cases where you do not need to takeoff the handlebars: Evoc Pro bag and Scicon Aerocomfort Triathlon 3.0, but the Scicon is a soft case.

alan triathlon hard case, nothing to dismantle

is it available case and light weight bike made for exact fit?

For more options where you can leave handlebars on, have a look at the large aluminium Buxum Bike box, or the brand new Evoc Pro bag

Hello, I have a size 44 Trek Domane with clip on aerobars. Any recommendations for a hard bike case that will let me leave pedals, saddle, handlebars on? Or as much as possible! Thanks!

Hi Megan, Closest I can think are not hard cases: – Scicon TSA Tri Bike bag; – new Evoc Road Pro. I have the Scicon and I basically pop the wheels off my bike, set it in the bag, attach the padding, zip it and go. Please note that some airlines are requiring that handlebars are removed before accepting it regardless of what the bike case allows.

The Scicon looks like a good case but people have posted photos of broken frames when using the soft one versus the hard one.

I just flew back to NYC with my road bike in the Scicon TSA Tri Bike bag – easy to maneuver and plenty of room inside to pack all my bike and running gear and clothes – I basically didnt bring an extra luggage – bike survived the trip.

I loosensed the brake handles a bit as advised by some tri friends –

Surprised you didn’t include BikeboxAlan. Most common case I see at events, which is why I bought mine and love it.

the best one and with 7 years guarantee

I frequently use Fedex to ship my bicycling to avoid the problem of it not fitting in a rental car. Do you think any of the softsided /hybrid cases would be suitable for shipping by Fedex? Thank you, Jay

I have a carbon recumbent. Any recommendations in a cases?

Best bike bags 2024: Bags, boxes and cases that will protect your bike when you fly

The best bike bags to protect your pride and joy from heavy-handed baggage handlers

Best for roadies

Best for minimal disassembly, best for integrated handlebars.

Best for MTB and road bike users

Integrated repair stand

Best budget bike box.

Best for airbag protection

Best for low weight

Best simple hardcase

Easy to manouvre

How to choose

How we test

Quick list 1. Best for roadies 2. Best for minimal disassembly 3. Best for integrated handlebars 4. Best for MTB/road bike users 5. Best for an integrated repair stand 6. Best budget box 7. Best for airbag protection 8. Best for low weight 9. Best simple hardcase 10. Best for the nervous traveller How to choose How we test

The best bike bags, bike boxes, and travel cases for bikes are incredibly well-designed these days.

Many cyclists travel abroad with their bikes for holidays or to compete. This means flying with your bike which can be a daunting proposition. Most of us have heard horror stories of riders opening their bike bag to find a damaged bike inside after a flight. Choosing the right bike bag or rigid travel case or box will ensure your bike is protected and will make your journey easier , meaning you can relax and just enjoy riding.

Another thing you might want to consider while travelling with your bike is an insurance option. Even with one of the best bike bags things do occasionally happen. We have a list of the best bike insurance options, some of which cover your bike even when travelling, so if the unthinkable happens and your bike doesn't arrive in one piece, you'll want to have insurance in place to help ease the blow.

You might also want to check out our list of the best bike torque wrenches . Modern bike components have specific torque specs and some of the options on our list will require some disassembly of your bike before use. Don't get caught at your destination without the tools you need to ensure your bike goes back together exactly how it's meant to.

With those considerations in mind, please keep reading to see our list of the best bike travel cases and the best bike travel bags available today. We have flown with many of the bike bags in this guide, so that we can properly review packing procedures and durability on a flight.

Best bike bags, travel cases and boxes: quick list

The Evoc Pro holds a road bike with pedals and wheels removed. A hard upper section adds protection.

Best bike bags, travel cases and boxes

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Road Bike Bag Pro pairs a soft lower and hardcase upper to offer protection without being too heavy. It includes an aluminium tray inside that attaches to the axles of the bike inside the bag, holding it secure and out of harm's way when in transit. This can double up as a workstand too, if you remove the pedals.

To pack, only the pedals and wheels need to come off, and the saddle may need lowering. Then the frame is secured with a range of Velcro straps and purpose-built padding, the wheels go into individual wheel bags, and there's plenty of space to fill with kit, which doubles up as extra protection.

There are internal pockets for tools and pedals, as well as an external pocket for the roller-skate-style wheel, which can be removed to prevent damage.

The internal braces that add structure to the soft lower half are necessary, but they are stiff, so can hurt your hands when trying to get them in and out. The stitching between the upper and lower might also need care, as ours has started to show signs of wear.

Despite that though, this is still the best bike travel case if you want to avoid any wasted time on your trip. Just check out our Instagram reel for how quickly Josh can unpack his bike for proof.

Read more details in our full Evoc Road Bike Bag Pro review.

2. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

The beauty of the Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA is you can pack your bike without turning a single bolt (unless you have thru-axles); all you have to do is remove the wheels.

With a rigid Frame Defender metal base, the bike slots in using your quick-release or thru-axles, and comes with plenty of additional padding and a gear bag that's secured to the base under the downtube.

At 9kg empty, the bike straps into the bag securely, and the 360-degree wheels allow for easy one-handed dragging. With all of that said, we’ve seen baggage handlers stack Scicon bags upside down on baggage carts on multiple occasions so they won’t roll away, so consider some additional padding for your handlebars and shifters.

Read more details in our full Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 TSA review.

Bike box Alan Triathlon aero easyfit bike box

3. Bike Box Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit

Bike Box Alan makes a number of hard case bike boxes in Yorkshire, UK. The Triathlon Aero easy fit is the largest bike box the company produces and with a max width of 50cm means there is no need to disassemble the front end of your bike to pack it into the box.

All that is required is to remove your wheels and pedals and you're good to go, making this box a great option for time trial or triathlon bikes, road bikes with more complex integrated handlebars or cable routing or for people who just don't want the extra hassle.

The boxes are available in six different colours, we tested the red version. You can also choose customisable stickers and the box carries a 7-year manufacturing warranty as well as a range of spare parts.

You can read more details in our full Triathlon Aero Easyfit review.

Best for MTB and Road

Best bike travel cases, bags and boxes: PRO

4. PRO Mega Bike Travel Case

With room to easily swallow road, TT and mountain bikes , the Pro Bike Mega Case is huge and features an aluminium base frame which connects to your bike at the axles. With so much room inside the case, the seatpost doesn't need to be removed, just lowered, and in most cases, you can get away with simply spinning your bars.

The inside of the bag has plenty of well-padded provisions to hold your frame securely, and even with the four 360-degree wheels at the bottom, the bag tracks easily in a straight line but it can be cumbersome in crowded baggage claim areas or train stations.

The outer fabric seems to mark a bit in transit, however, it's robust and weighing a hair over 8kg you should be able to get your bike and a bit of extra gear inside before you tip into overweight baggage territory.

Thule Roundtrip Bike travel case on a white background

5. Thule Roundtrip bike travel hard case

There are some bike travel cases that require a lot of disassembly and others that don't. The Thule Roundtrip Bike Travel Case falls into the category that requires taking things apart but they've been smart to embrace the concept. Parts of the bag that add support and protection come out and assemble into a work stand. There's even a clever triangle that you rotate to match your desired front axle standard.

You can use the work stand to keep the bike supported and at a comfortable working height while you either get it ready to travel or get it ready to ride. It's a good enough work stand that although we have a list of the best bike repair stands you might be able to get away with a two for one purchase if you aren't much of a home mechanic.

Best bike travel cases, bags and boxes: BW International

6. B&W International Bike Box II

Sometimes simple is best, and that's precisely what the B&W International Bike Box II has to offer. There are no complicated packing procedures - instead, you get a few layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels and box, and it all fits inside two interlocking plastic sides.

The clamshell design utilises six self-tightening Velcro buckles to prevent the case from slipping open, and it features a surprising number of handles given the design. B&W International has updated the case with a new plastic designed to flex and not crack, and there are no latches or hinges to break.

With room for up to a 62cm frame, the case rolls on four wheels, two fixed and two free rotating and weighs 11kg with the included padding.

Integrated airbags

Best bike travel cases, bags and boxes: biknd

7. Biknd Helium V4

Using unique inflatable partitions and strategically placed rigid reinforcements, the Biknd Helium V4 is one of the most well-padded cases of the bunch. With the ability to carry two wheelsets, the Helium bag puts two airbags on either side to absorb impacts while the rigid base and front cover protect fragile handlebar components.

The bag opens flat to simplify packing, and the bike connects to the frame at the axles. There are special compartments for your pump, helmet and shoes and sturdy end caps to prevent hubs from poking through the bag.

Even with the airbags, the Helium is not all that light tipping the scales a 9kg, but it does offer considerably more padding than any other soft case.

8. OruCase B2

While many airlines are abandoning the extra fees for checking bikes, some still haven't taken note, and that's where the OruCase B2 comes in handy. Travelling with the OruCase B2, when asked by desk agents what's in the bag we've told them everything from massage tables and trade show gear, to 'it's just a really weird duffel bag’ — just make sure you’re not wearing a bike t-shirt, trust us.

The OruCase sneaks in under most airlines’ maximum external dimensions limits for baggage and features plastic armour panels that are backed by foam to keep your ride safe. You'll need to remove your pedals, handlebars, front brake, fork and seatpost, and the bag is still a tight fit, but it comes in two sizes to fit a range of frames.

Weighing in at under 7kg empty, there is plenty of free weight for you to fill the bag with riding clothes (which also work great as extra padding), and there are plush backpack straps to help you get around with minimal fuss.

Best for simplicity

Best bike travel cases, bags and boxes: Bike Box Alan Premium

9. Bike Box Alan Original Premium

The Bike Box Alan Premium is a hard case box that claims to fit road bikes up to 65cm in size. Our 58cm test bike had plenty of room to spare, so we're confident the claim is true. It is a super sturdy, hard-wearing box that comes with a seven-year warranty.

The solid plastic case takes the brunt of all heavy-handed impacts while your bike is in transit, and the inclusion of an anti-crush pole prevents lateral pressure on your chainstays and forks, should your chosen airline decide to stack your bike at the bottom of the pile. There is a weight penalty, however - an empty box weighs in at 11.2kg.

Two layers of foam padding prevent damage from within, and the myriad Velcro straps and internal instructions make packaging a straightforward process.

Removal of your handlebars, seatpost, wheels, pedals, and rear derailleur is required, which does take up some of your precious ride time but for the protection on offer, it's a sacrifice worth making.

10. Topeak PakGo X

The Topeak PakGo X is a bit like the kind of carry-on luggage you'd recognize on every flight except it's super-sized. Once packed the bike sits with the fork facing the ground and the tail of the bike up in the air. This means a more upright outer silhouette that's easier to manoeuvre.

More important than the orientation of the bike though is the well-thought-out protection. There are a number of protective elements and each one has a label on it. As you are packing it's easy to find which piece goes where and every part of the bike is both protected and securely held to avoid movement in transit. You will need to remove the bar and stem, saddle and seatpost, rear derailleur, and wheels but there's a place for everything.

The one thing to be aware of is the weight of the case. Topeak lists the weight as 10 Kg for the case only but that's not how you'll use it. Instead, you'll want to look at the 12.8 Kg weight that includes all the protective pieces. Unless you have a lightweight road bike it's unlikely you will avoid overweight fees.

Read more details in our full Topeak Pakgo X Bike Carrier review.

What to look for in bike bags, travel cases and boxes

There are quite a few considerations when choosing the best bike bag or case for your bike. We'll break these down below, to help you to make an informed choice of the best bike bag for your needs.

Hard or soft shell?

Hardshell bike travel cases were the best way to travel with a bike for quite some time; however, engineers at bike brands are pretty clever and softshell bags are nearly on par for protection, weigh less, and often have removable ribbing so they can be neatly rolled up for storage.

How much does empty weight matter?

With a plastic base, wheels, internal skeleton, and robust materials, bike travel cases are heavy before you put anything inside, and some are pudgier than others.

Most airlines will give you 23kg / 50lbs before they hit you with an exorbitant overweight baggage fee, some budget airlines even less. If your bag weighs 12kg empty, when you pack a 6.8kg lightweight road bike, shoes and a track pump you'll be nudging up against that limit.

What size do I need?

Are you just looking to travel with just your road bikes, or will you be taking trips with your mountain bike too? Are you riding an aero road bike with integrated handlebars or TT bars? Are you riding an XL frame?

These are all things to take into account when shopping for a bike bag because some of the more compact options are simply too small for certain bikes and frame sizes.

Do I need to disassemble my bike?

That's going to cut into riding or relaxing time once you get to your destination and require you to carry more tools to rebuild your bike. As mentioned above, a torque wrench is essential if you're going to have to reassemble delicate components.

Do I need to worry about wheels and handles?

For something designed to help you move around with a bike in tow, bike travel cases and bike bags can be, unsurprisingly, awkward and cumbersome to move around with.

If you want to avoid a back injury, a set of wheels should be a minimum requirement, especially if you're walking much after you land - some bike bags even use easily replaceable roller blade wheels, as they're prone to damage when being loaded and unloaded.

In addition, you'll want plenty of handles to help you hoist your bag onto a conveyor belt or into the back of a car.

Do I need to remove my derailleurs and rotors?

Take them off. Just about every bike bag out there comes with some sort of protection for your rear derailleur and brake rotors, but airlines have a knack for rendering them ineffective.

Learn from our mistakes and just take them off. The last thing you want is to start your holiday with a bent rotor or a broken derailleur hanger. If you are removing disc-brake rotors, don't forget to put a brake block in the caliper to prevent the pads sticking together or the pistons getting stuck - in a pinch, a folded over business card works, too.

What's the fastest way to get my bike back together?

Should I add extra padding?

Yes, we have just spent the last few hundred words saying how great the best bike travel cases, bags and boxes are, but there's nothing wrong with a bit of added peace of mind.

Some bags come with foam tubing, however pipe insulation is perfect for an extra layer of protection. You can also pop into your local bike shop, and if you ask nicely, they're likely to have plenty of spare packaging from a newly unboxed bike.

If you have a few spare kilos in your bike bag once it's packed, throw your shoes, riding clothes, bars and gels and whatever else will fit without tipping your bag over the limit. If you've paid for 23kg / 50lbs, you may as well use it, although be aware that some airlines stipulate that a bike bag should contain nothing but your bike.

Do I need to deflate my tyres?

When you’re packing your bike, take a second to let the air out of your tyres. Airlines don’t allow anything pressurised into the cargo hold because it violates civil aviation safety regulations.

Before the engineering types slide into the comments, yes we know that the cargo hold is pressurised to ~10,000ft which will only add ~3-4psi to your tyres, and it’s extremely unlikely a tyre will burst in transit.

The reason you need to take this step, is because if you do send your bike through with the tyres inflated, there is the distinct possibility that an airline employee will pull your bag aside and attempt to deflate them. At the very least, it'll mean someone heavy-handedly rummaging through your neatly packed case, but we’ve heard horror stories of bags and tyres cut.

Avoid the drama and just let the air out. If you're running tubeless, drop them to a reasonable PSI that won't result in a sealant shower.

Is there anything else I should consider?

If you need to remove your handlebars , put the faceplate back on your stem so you don't lose the four bolts.

If you need to remove your stem, refit the top cap, then a zip tie around the steerer will keep your fork, headset and spacers from rattling loose. Be careful not to damage the steerer when cutting the zip tie off.

If you have Di2, unplug the battery. At the very least, it'll save some battery life, but it may also prevent your tightly packed derailleurs from shifting in transit and overworking the motor.

If you have an internal seatpost wedge clamp, remove and pack it safely. You don't want to spend the first hour of your trip fishing it out of your frame.

Take a spare derailleur hanger with you. For the price, it's worth having a spare anyway, not least when thousands of miles from home.

Some airlines will let CO2 cartridges through, but others will stop the bike and remove them. If you're going to risk it, make them easy to find so the baggage handler doesn't have to empty your entire bag.

If you're using zip ties to hold things in place, you'll need cable cutters or scissors in your case for unpackaging at the other end. You'll also need more ties for the return journey. Maybe pack a screwdriver that'll allow you to undo the zip ties without cutting them. Not only does it save you zip ties, it saves the planet from a little bit of single-use plastic.

Take your tools. If you're having to disassemble your bike to fit it in the box, you'll need to reassemble it at the other end - make a note of the tools used and don't forget to pack them. Especially your torque wrench. You don't want a 90km/h descent of Alpe d'Huez with badly torqued carbon handlebars.

Bottles are a great hardshell for storing potentially damaging things - e.g. allen keys, or items that will pop if crushed - gels, suncream, toothpaste. Wrap them in a carrier bag, though, or you might have oddly flavoured water on your first ride. Shoes are equally useful for this.

If you've got space in the bike bag, wrap your cycling kit in plastic bags and fill the gaps. Not only does this leave room in your other bag, it will act as padding.

Don't forget food. Your riding holiday is likely going to involve increased mileage, and speaking from experience, you can't always trust the local tuna sandwich.

The crew at Cyclingnews is a dedicated group of cyclists who, just like you, care deeply about their bikes. When we travel, we have to trust baggage handlers just like you.

We're lucky to be able to travel a lot in the course of sharing all kinds of relevant cycling technology with you, so we take the opportunity to try out different cases and hope we get a working bike back at the other end.

Every experience informs the next and we are sharing a collection of options we think are the best available for a whole range of different needs.

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, skiing.

Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine.

Tom Wieckowski Tech writer

Riding the Paris-Roubaix Challenge: Project Best Winter Ever bonus edition

I’ve seen the future, and it’s really salty: Testing Flowbio’s new wearable hydration sensor

Tour of Turkey: Lonardi wins chaotic stage 3 sprint, Van Poppel relegated from first

Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Sportive and endurance bikes
Gravel and adventure bikes
Urban and hybrid bikes
Touring bikes
Cyclocross bikes
Electric bikes
Folding bikes
Fixed & singlespeed bikes
Children's bikes
Time trial bikes
Accessories - misc
Computer mounts
Bike bags & cases
Bottle cages
Child seats
Lights - front
Lights - rear
Lights - sets
Pumps & CO2 inflators
Puncture kits
Reflectives
Smart watches
Stands and racks
Arm & leg warmers
Base layers
Gloves - full finger
Gloves - mitts
Jerseys - casual
Jerseys - long sleeve
Jerseys - short sleeve
Shorts & 3/4s
Tights & longs
Bar tape & grips
Bottom brackets
Brake & gear cables
Brake & STI levers
Brake pads & spares
Cassettes & freewheels
Chainsets & chainrings
Derailleurs - front
Derailleurs - rear
Gear levers & shifters
Handlebars & extensions
Inner tubes
Quick releases & skewers
Energy & recovery bars
Energy & recovery drinks
Energy & recovery gels
Heart rate monitors
Hydration products
Hydration systems
Indoor trainers
Power measurement
Skincare & embrocation
Training - misc
Cleaning products
Lubrication
Tools - multitools
Tools - Portable
Tools - workshop
Books, Maps & DVDs
Camping and outdoor equipment
Gifts & misc

Best bike boxes and bike bags 2024 — bike-specific luggage options to keep your prized possession safe when travelling

First Published Mar 28, 2024

This article contains links to retailers. Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent. Find out more about road.cc buyer's guides.

If you’re travelling with your bike, one of your biggest concerns will likely be making sure it arrives safely. The road.cc team has travelled hundreds of thousands of miles over the years with our bikes, using a variety of bike boxes, bike bags and flight cases, and below you'll find our selection of the best plus some handy bonus advice too.

Buy now for £680 from Bike Box Alan
Find out more

Buy now for £918 from Buxumbox

Buy now for £746.49 from Bike Inn

Buy now for £553.98 from Ebay

Buy now for £545.99 from Merlin Cycles

Buy now for £59.99 from Decathlon

The best bike bag, bike box or flight case will protect your bike from anything short of a direct artillery strike. It should require minimal faff to get your bike into it, can carry various bike genres and wheel sizes, and shouldn't make too big a dent in your luggage weight allowance. It should also cost a sensible amount of money, or if it's expensive, last you for many years.

There's some tension between all those requirements. Extremely protective cases tend to be heavy and expensive, while cheaper bike bags don't protect your bike as well. Nevertheless, if you plan to travel with your bike even once or twice a year then a bike box or bag is a very worthwhile investment. Nothing ruins a cycling trip more than your bike lying crushed on the Tarmac before you've even cleared customs!

> How to fly with your bike

Even if you're not flying, a bike box, bike bag or flight case can be useful. Sure, you can just put your bike in your car, but if you want to get lots of other luggage in too, a bike bag will protect your bike from bumps and scratches.

How we review bike bags and boxes

road.cc reviewers keep hold of a product for at least a month before submitting their verdicts, and when it comes to bike bags and boxes, that means travelling and experiencing what it's like to live with the product in a real-world scenario. All of the bike boxes we've reviewed have been taken on flights, stuck in cars and/or public transport and moved around on foot, and we'll spend plenty of time consulting the instructions to learn how to pack and unpack bikes from them to assess the ease of use.

We score bike bags and boxes on build quality, durability, performance and value, and when sizing up against other similar products on the market we'll try to compare apples to apples; for example, we won't expect a cheap bike bag to provide the same level of protection as a super premium hard case.

Why you can trust us

Only bike bags and boxes that have received good, very good or excellent scores will make it into this buyer's guide, so you can be sure we haven't just included a bunch of stuff we can make a commission from. Our reviewers also work completely independently when testing products and writing up their reviews, and are only put in touch with brands/distributors if they have a burning question or the product is faulty. We like to think all these steps reduce the chance of bias or ear-bending as much as is possible.

As we've mentioned already, we road test bike boxes and bags properly, so only send them out to reviewers who are due a trip abroad and will be in a situation to assess all the features. It sometimes means we can't review them as quick as we'd like sometimes, but we don't do half jobs!

Without further ado, here are our top picks with everything from cheaper padded options costing as little as £60, right up to indestructible hard cases costing over £900. You'll find our top six in the quick links right below this paragraph followed by more detailed summaries and links to reviews, plus some extra honourable mentions, and finally a q+a section with stuff you'll want to know about bike bags and boxes...

The best bike boxes, bags and cases

Bike Box Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit Bikebox

The BikeBox Alan Triathlon Aero Easyfit Bikebox is a secure, easy-to-pack bike case that's brilliantly thought out. The wide section for handlebars means there's no need to start dismantling your bike, but that extra bulk can cause a few issues with car boots and check-ins.

The Triathlon Aero Easyfit immediately has a significant advantage over other boxes, because it doesn't require you to remove your handlebar. That's not just a good feature for those who are picky about position, it's also nice not to be wrestling with dismantling and reassembling an integrated front end – something we commonly see on road race bikes these days.

If you've got the cash and want an easy life, this is a brilliant choice, and certainly not just for triathletes!

Read our review:

Buxumbox Tourmalet bike box

Made of aluminium, the Buxumbox Tourmalet is super strong and easy to pack. Yep it's expensive, but there's no reason it won't last you a lifetime of cycling travel.

The Tourmalet has fixing points for bike wheels with thru-axles or quick-release, and you just need to remove both the wheels, the pedals and the seatpost to pack it. It was all very simple according to our reviewer, with the seatpost and saddle stored at the bottom of the box, held in place by elastic cord.

It's not light at around 13kg, but this is a well thought-out bike case that’s built to take anything baggage handlers can dish out. In fact, it looks like it'll survive anything short of a direct artillery attack.

To summarise, the Buxumbox Tourmalet will carry your bike as safely as it is probably possible to when flying. The price and possibly the weight are hurdles.

Scicon Aerotech Evolution bike hard case

This super strong bike box from bike luggage experts Scicon is made from a tough plastic polymer, and it provides superb protection for your bike. It’s also simple to pack and rolls on four wheels with proper bearings.

Our reviewer was able to pack it without swearing once, and it simply involves whipping off the wheels and one pedal, rotating the bars downward and taking the seatpost out before fitting your frame inside. Everything sits perfectly stable in transit without parts bashing into each other.

The price might be a sticking point, but you're unlikely to be disappointed if you decide to invest.

Thule RoundTrip Road Bike Travel Case

The Thule RoundTrip Road Bike Travel Case is probably as close to a bike box you can get in what is technically a bike bag, with a sturdy outer plus an intgrated bike stand to keep everything from getting banged around inside.

Our reviewer praised the innovative design, and how well it packs down for storage between or during trips. Your bike is fixed to an adjustable frame inside the case that can be removed and turned into a bike stand, which is really handy for doing bike maintenance or cleaning on your trip. Our reviewer managed to pack a bike in the RoundTrip in 10 minutes flat after some practice, so it's easy to live with.

It's expensive, heavy and you might struggle if your bike has a very long wheelbase, but for the vast majority of us who can afford it the RoundTrip is one of the best ways to protect your bike while travelling.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro

The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro is a very good, lightweight softcase with excellent features.

It's lightweight, packs down well and protects your bike while travelling by plane, train or automobile. This bag is also easy to assemble with four PVC tubes that reinforce the wheel pockets and four fibreglass sticks that strengthen each end of the case. Inside are a number of Velcro and clip fittings that wrap around your bike and secure it to the inside of the case.

A standout feature is the removable front castor wheel. This clips onto the aluminium handle so the bag sits level, allowing you to steer it in any direction with just your little finger in one of the three topmost handles. You could even secure a lanyard to your belt if your hands are full, which makes for a very convenient airport experience.

While it's not far off the price of a hardshell, it's lighter at just 8kg, leaving more luggage allowance for other stuff, and folds down for storage so you don't need a huge cupboard under the stairs for it.

B’Twin Bike Transport Cover

This bag is really best used for transporting your bike by car, ferry or any place where baggage handlers aren't involved, because it offers very little in the way of protection but if you use a lot of extra foam padding and bubble wrap, it could be risked on flights if you're not overly attached to your bike. Even so, it's very good value and will keep your bike fully protected from the elements.

It has a large bike compartment, two wheel compartments and a rigid base. It weighs 3.6kg and, like most other bags of this kind, it comes with a shoulder strap. It's amazingly cheap and light, but as we said you're probably going to want to add protective layers of foam or cardboard to beef it up a bit.

More bike box recommendations

Topeak Pakgo X

While it doesn't come cheap, Topeak's Pakgo X is a high quality box that is easy to manoeuvre around, offers great protection, and comes with some nice additions that make it an ideal travel companion

The shell is lightweight and flexible Makrolon polycarbonate, which stood up to several flights and trips during our reviewer's testing period. To pack your bike, a mini workstand of sorts is provided inside for you to mount your frame to before loading it back into the shell, the standout feature according to our reviewer and one which really helps to keep the bike secure. Unpacking is even faster, and you should be able to fit almost any type of bike in it with the wheelbase limit at 112cm.

The final party piece is the upright design, with wheels that make strolling through the airport with the Pakgo an absolute breeze. Go for this if you want protection that is almost as good as the most super tough bike boxes out there, yet in a reasonably light package that is easy to cart around.

Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box

The Bike Box Alan Premium is more compact than the Triathlon Aero Easyfit, with the same steel catches to hold the sides together and good wheels to make travel that little bit easier. You can even choose your own stickers!

Our reviewer described it as a well-designed and sturdy box that will keep your bike well-protected through the vagaries of airport baggage handling. You can hire or buy one, which you do would depend on how frequently you travel.

It's worth mentioning that this bike box, while still very good, is not compatible with thru-axles, as the design sees the wheels secured by the skewers that you screw back in via the outside of the box. Bikes with disc brakes take up a vastly larger slice of the market since our review of this box was published, so there's a good chance you'll need to upgrade to BikeBoxAlan's Triathlon Aero Easyfit, which is thru-axle compatible and is one of our top-recommended bike boxes.

Still, if the bike you travel with comes equipped with rim brakes, this quality bike box is still very easy to recommend.

Bikebox Online VeloVault2

BikeBox Online's VeloVault2 bike case is a sturdy, easy to pack and easy to transport option for keeping your bike safe when you fly. It is made from high-quality components that should stand the test of time. Like the options here from Bike Box Alan, you can't justify stumping up the cash to buy one, they're also available to hire.

B&W Bike Guard Curv

The Bike Guard Curv is a high-end bike case which gives excellent protection to your pride and joy. It comes in two halves, and there's no hinge holding them together. Instead, the edges of the case slot together, alternately inside and outside the other, around the circumference of the case. It's a bit fiddly the first time you do it according to our reviewer, but once you've done it a few times it won't take long.

In our reviewer's travels their bike arrived unscathed, with the straps and dense foam blocks holding everything together nicely on the inside and the straps on the outside securing the shell.

At a little over 8kg it's light for a hard case, but it's also rather expensive. Go for this if you're prepared to invest but want a bike box for life.

Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag

The softshell Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag allows secure, easy packing of your bike, with plenty of remaining space for all the items you would usually need when travelling with your bike. It has plenty of straps and handles to make travelling with the bag easy.

The Elite Travel Bike Bag does a great job at an excellent price. Our reviewer found it was relatively easy to load into a car and manoeuvre onto baggage carousels too. It's also helpful that, when unloaded, the bag folds down to a small size, taking up roughly a quarter of the space needed when fully loaded.

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Evoc’s highly rated bike bag comes with a reinforced fork mount, external-loading wheel pockets, compartments for smaller parts, and multiple handles. It’ll even take big mountain bikes and packs down for simple stowage.

Internal reinforcement strengthens and supports the soft out shell and pulled and picked up by the handle, it rolls easily on a pair of rear wheels. In that regard it's not quite as nice as Evoc's Bike Travel Bag Pro, our top-rated bike bag, but at typical retail prices it's a fair bit cheaper.

Scicon Aerocomfort Triathlon 3.0 TSA Bike Bag

Now in its third iteration, Scicon's Aerocomfort offers pretty exceptional protection for a bag, and does at least as good a job as many hardshell bike boxes.

You fix your bike to a frame inside the nylon ripstop bag, and hold it steady with a strap system. A waterproof polyurethane base and high-density foam padding provides plenty of protection for your bike.

The internal wheel pockets are a very neat feature, as they allow customs officers (who might not care about your bike as much as you) to inspect what's in the bag without having to remove anything. It also comes with a padlock to deter impulsive thieves.

Yes it's expensive, but this bag is a serious investment if you travel with your bike frequently.

Read our review of the previous version of the Scicon Aerocomfort:

Post Carry Co Transfer Case

If you want to save on airline fees by carrying your bike as if it isn't one, Post Carry Co's Transfer Case is a great solution.

As we've mentioned, the main selling point is that this case is not much bigger than a large suitcase and can take a full-sized road or gravel bike. It's small enough to pass as normal luggage and avoid airline fees, yet doesn't lack protection and is impressively high quality. The dimensions do mean you'll have to spend more time and effort disassembling/reassembling your bike before and after travelling, but if you're ok with this and have the mechanical skills then you'll reap the rewards by not having to wait for oversized luggage after your flight.

Best bike boxes and bike bags: how to choose and everything you need to know

Why should i use a bike box or bike bag.

Because you can't rely on anyone else to look after your bike the way you would! Travelling by air is the situation where you'll most commonly want to stash your bike in a protective case. After all, baggage handlers aren’t known for their finesse or delicacy of movement. No disrespect to those guys but they’re not going to move every bag and case as if it contained a priceless Ming vase, are they? Would you, if you were in their position? Luggage often gets flung about, dropped or stacked sky high, and you don’t want your bike to be subject to any of that with anything other than heavy-duty protection.

We’ve heard tales of people who thought they’d take their bike abroad in a soft bag or a cardboard bike box and it all going horribly wrong. You might get away with it, of course. You might get away with it many times. But what about that one time when your bike is at the bottom of a tower of cases being sorted by a bloke who’s already late finishing his shift?

It happens. Really, it does. And arriving in the Pyrenees with your bike frame snapped in two is, let’s face it, a disaster. Aside from needing to replace your bike in the long term, you need to salvage a trip for which you’ve already paid.

The best bike bags and bike boxes might be expensive but chances are they’re not as expensive as your bike or your holiday. Invest in something that’s right for your needs and it’ll likely last you years.

Should I get a hard or soft bike case?

Soft, padded bike bags are lightweight, easy to store, and they’ll protect your bike from scratches and scrapes. As a rule, they’re also cheaper than rigid boxes. Some come with aluminium frames and rigid spacers for the frame and fork dropouts to help prevent damage.

Next, there are boxes made from semi-rigid polymers that offer good impact strength. In terms of weight, they’re somewhere between a soft bag and a rigid bike box.

Then there are boxes with rigid walls that provide loads of protection, although these tend to be the heaviest and most expensive options out there.

Between that lot there are plenty of variations.

In short, rigid bike cases provide more protection than soft bike bags, but are heavier, more expensive and harder to store when you're not using them.

Should I get a bike box or bike bag with wheels?

All the bike boxes we know of and a lot of soft bike bags come with wheels that allow you to pull/push them to and from a car, around the airport and so on, and that’s a hell of a lot easier than carrying all that weight.

Wheels that are recessed into the base of the box are less vulnerable to getting broken off in transit and wheels that can be replaced after a mishap might save you needing to buy a completely new bike bag or box.

In related vein, you can’t drag your bike bag or box everywhere – you’ll inevitably need to lug it up some steps or over some gravel at some stage. That’s when some form of carrying handle or strap comes in useful; more that one option helps. A shoulder strap will save your arms doing all the hard work.

Should I lock my bike bag or box?

Locks might seem useful but, realistically, how often are you going to let a loaded up bike box out of your sight anyway?

Okay, it’ll be separated from you for the flight, but bear in mind that if you check in a locked bike box and the customs officials want to look inside, they’ll bust the locks open. They need to be able to check what’s in there and a simple lock isn’t going to stop them (otherwise drug smuggling would be really, really simple).

All things considered, it's better to leave it unlocked for the plane, but you might want to lock it if you're leaving your bike in the box at a hotel or elsewhere... and even then, a thief would likely recognise what's in the box was valuable, swipe it and worry about the lock later! What could be useful in this scenario is some sort of GPS tracker, but you can get discrete ones that slot into various places on your actual bike nowadays anyway.

Does my bike box or bag need to be big?

You should make sure the solution you go for is big enough to take your bike easily. If you have a 56cm road bike with a normal seatpost, you’re unlikely to have a problem with any of the options out there; however, if you take a very big frame, have an integrated seat post (an extended seat tube rather than a separate seat post), or if you have a full-suspension mountain bike, things might get more complicated.

Check the minimum dimensions you need before you part with your cash, and allow a bit of wiggle room. You don’t want to have to remove every component and use masses of force to get your bike into a box; you need something that’ll take your bike easily. International travel is stressful enough without adding to it with bike packing pressures.

You can often fit other stuff inside your bike box or bag, in the spaces between the frame tubes, although this obviously adds to the weight and that might be a consideration when you’re flying. Some airlines, such as Easyjet and British Airways explicitly forbid putting anything in a bike bag other than your bike.

If you intend to drive to the airport rather than take public transport, remember to make sure your bike bag or box will fit in your car. As long as you can fold the rear seats down, that’s not usually a problem. Oh, and remember that you’ll have to store your bike bag or box somewhere at home. One of the drawbacks of a hard-shelled bike box as opposed to a soft bag is the extra storage space you’ll need for it.

Another thing you might want to think about here, when you've made sure your bike box or bag can be stored, will fit in a vehicle and complies with most airline weight limits, is the not-so-careful baggage handler on a long shift scenario. Something that is super light and easy to lob around is perhaps more likely to be treated badly than an object that is a bit trickier to lift and manoeuvre; so even if it's a bit more of a chore for you to move around, a bike storage solution with plenty of protection (and therefore more weight) and larger dimensions could actually keep your bike safer, and that's surely worth the slightly achy arm.

How easy are bike boxes and bags to pack?

Getting a bike bag or box that’s large enough (see above) is the essential first step, but beyond that some options are much easier to pack than others.

You’ll have to take the wheels off your bike, either spin the handlebar or remove it from the stem, and remove a pedal (or both of them). You’ll likely have to remove the seatpost or push it down too (depending on the size of your bike). You’ll have to deflate the tyres for flying too. (Yes, we know tyre pressure is far too low to be hazardous, but as our commenters have pointed out, life's too short to teach airline check-in staff the laws of physics.)

If you have to remove the rear mech and/or the chainset, things can start to get boring. You obviously have to rebuild the bike at your destination, then take it apart for the return journey and rebuild it again when you get home. As long as you have half-decent spannering skills, that’s unlikely to be a problem. It only takes minutes on each occasion, but it just adds to the faff and might shorten valuable riding time.

Do I need extra padding in my bike box or bike bag?

You need some means of stopping the various bits of the bike from damaging one another. Some wheels attach to the walls of a bike box with their quick-release skewers (we've had a skewer take a knock and get ruined in this way, so you might want to consider using old skewers for the job) and have some form of cover to avoid harm, others have their own separate wheel bags, as do many bike bags.

Look for other means of storage for removed pedals, the tools you need for rebuilding your bike, and so on.

If you’re ever in doubt, you can always fall back on the cyclists’ favourite, simple pipe insulation from your local DIY store, to protect the various parts of your bike.

What do bike bags and boxes weigh?

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to weight. First, you have to move your loaded up bike bag or box around so lightness makes life easier.

Second, you have to stick within airline weight limits. Currently, EasyJet allows you 32kg for a boxed up bike and the Ryanair limit is 30kg. Sticking within those boundaries shouldn't be a problem.

British Airways, though, say that items over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge. Larger items (in dimensions rather than weight) like bike boxes can be carried for an oversized bag charge, although they waive this at the time of writing.

The point is, you need to check your allowances with your airline before you travel (and preferably before you book) in order to avoid expensive surprises.

I've found my ideal bike case and it's super secure. Do I still need travel insurance?

Yes! Even the best bike boxes don’t guarantee you against damage to your bike, so get yourself some insurance that covers the value of your bike.

Safe (and secure) cycling travels folks!

Help us to fund our site

We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. If you like road.cc, but you don’t like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99.

If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site.

Help us to bring you the best cycling content

If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.

Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.

Add new comment

12 comments.

For those who only bike-fly once or twice a year, rental is a great option. There's a guy in Marlow on Thames (for example) that I've used. He's got a garage full of boxes in good nick, and was very customer-friendly.

Saves you having to store one of these beasts, and all your club mates borrowing it foc.

The original bikebox alan is still the best imo: had mine since 2015 and used it on six foreign trips to likes of channel Islands and USA without incident.

agreed - it's been faultless. Only concern i have is that I'm not sure how it will work with my new thru-axle bike?

It's increasingly difficult to continue using the original BBA with modern bikes. They just don't like the high degree of stem/bar disassembly now required. I also found that 30mm tyres didn't fit, and the 26mm were a pain. I run tubeless so drop the psi down to about 30 for flying.

On the other hand, their Aero EasyFit box at the top of the article is fabulous for modern bikes! A dream to drop an integrated cable, aero-ish modern bike into. Thruaxles etc well catered for, loads of tyre clearance. You'll still be jealous of the Thule guys integrated bike stand though when you're unpacking balancing in the corner of a hotel reception;)

Took my thru axle bike abroad in one. It was a couple of years ago and I can't remember how I did it but you can attach the wheels with skewers still. A bigger problem is removing then bars / stem with integrated cables.

Buxumbox owner here. It is great.

I had previously rented a B&W Bike Box II, very similar to the B&W curve above. It was good, but.... 1. There was enough flex to leave me just a little anxious about the bike getting through the journey unscathed. 2. The interlocking clamshell design can be fiddly sometimes. I got it together just fine on the way out, but on the way home, under time pressure to get out of the door and to the airport I struggled. I would get the interlock on one side to work, for it to pop out on the other, and so on.

The buxumbox is very sturdy. I've flown a few times with it, and I just have 0 worries about risk of damage to the bike. The downside is that it is heavy - 13+ kg odd. It is also large. You may need a larger rental car, or you may need to get a larger taxi. Other cases will have this problem too, but the Buxumbox is definitely just a little larger. On the plus side, there is 0 problem storing a track pump and other stuff in the bottom of the buxumbox - there are bungee cords there precisely for this.

I would just go buxumbox for piece of mind, every day.

very happy with my Velovault 2. Easy to pack, with plenty of space for a larger frame. The customer service was excellent too

The other thing you need to know about is inflatable roof racks. They fit on most cars, excluding softtops and those with roof rails without a gap underneath them.

It takes about 20 minutes to fit a rack and a bike box to a small hired hatchback at an airport.

HandiRack | Inflatable Roof Rack | Universal Roof Bars (handiworld.com)

The Scicon aerocomfort is terrific. My brother and I share one which has now been humped and bumped all over the place without incident.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

A graphic comparing the difference in capacity between a 45-liter and a 35-liter backpack.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

The packed Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack, shown fully open so that the contents are accessible.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

The Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview 40 Travel Pack, one of our also-great picks for the best carry-on travel backpack, shown in black.

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

View of the straps on the reverse of the Osprey travel backpack.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, our also-great pick for the best carry-on travel backpack.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

The Tortuga Backpack Pro shown with the front clamshell lid in the open position.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon. In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

A graphic illustrating a clamshell bag opening

Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

A person in an outdoor environment wearing one of our picks for best buy it for life backpack with a minimalist look, the GoRuck GR1.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Three of our favorite backpacks, totes and duffle bags on display

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

A person wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Sweepstakes
Travel Products
Luggage + Bags
Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The Best Travel Hat Boxes to Keep Your Caps Safe and Secure

It’s a terrible idea to shove these precious accessories in an already jam-packed bag.

If you’ve ever traveled with a hat, you know it’s a terrible idea to shove it in your suitcase or purse. That’s a surefire way to bend the brim and otherwise misshape it. Instead, we recommend investing in a sturdy, trip-friendly hat box when regularly vacationing with these items. In fact, we’ve researched a wide range of suitable options depending on how many hats you’re traveling with, and their sizes, many featuring convenient carrying options like straps or trolley sleeves.

Our favorite hat box is the Inner Large Hat Box because it’s light and soft and has various carrying possibilities. But if you’re looking for something specific like a baseball cap carrier or something for multiple hats, read on for our top picks.

Best Overall

Inner large hat box.

Three different carrying straps makes travel ultra convenient.

It’s softsided so may not be suited for the most delicate hats.

This soft-sided travel case is perfect for stashing fedoras or other wide-brim hats while you travel. Though it can certainly be carried on its own, we love that it’s lightweight and slim enough to be packed inside your suitcase as well.

This product tops our list for multiple, comfortable carrying options. It’s equipped with a non-slip top handle, adjustable shoulder straps (which can be worn on one shoulder or two like a backpack), and a trolley sleeve if you prefer to slide it onto your suitcase handle. There’s also a small, transparent slip on the outside, which you can use to put your name and contact info in case you lose it.

The Details: 5.9 x 14.6 x 13.19 inches | 2.4 pounds | Ethylene-vinyl acetate | Fits 1 hat

Best Hardside

Brixton fedora travel case.

It’s as sleek as it is sturdy.

It’s pretty bulky if you're only carrying one hat.

Made specifically for wide-brim hats like fedoras, this fabric-covered, hard-shell travel case will protect delicate brims from bending. Its two carrying options include a leather top handle and an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. The stylish case comes in a cream exterior with brown leather details or a gray exterior with black leather details. Inside, you’ll find a silky fabric liner with a large slip pocket and a smaller zip pocket. Feet at the bottom help it stand on its own.

The Details: 15 x 6 inches | Fits 3-4 hats

Best Softside

Happibox hat storage box.

It can hold up to 10 beach hats.

This is not the sturdiest option for tossing inside a suitcase.

A waterproof fabric keeps toppers safe from accidental messes or spills in this travel-friendly case. You can fit up to a whopping 10 beach hats (with a 15-inch diameter or less) into this expandable case, which has a convenient transparent panel for peeping what’s inside. While it’s great as a closet organizer, top and side handles make it suitable for travel as well (though we wouldn’t recommend tossing it inside a suitcase). When not in use, it collapses down to 1.5 inches tall.

The Details: 16 x 8 inches | 1.3 pounds | Waterproof fabric | Fits 10 hats

Steamline Hatbox Deluxe

You’ll want to put this beachy, vintage-feeling hat box on display.

It’s expensive if you plan to keep it hidden in a suitcase.

We dare you to find a cuter hat box than this peachy case splashed with hand-painted palm fronds and tropical flowers. Inside, the aesthetic splendor continues with a pastel pink and white-striped lining and a slip pocket for small essentials. The hardsided case is plenty sturdy, and detachable tan shoulder straps make toting this box a breeze. Still, when not in transit, the case makes for stunning storage and décor right at home, too.

The Details: 15 x 14 x 6 inches | 3.5 pounds | Fibreboard, leather, plastic and silvertone plate | Fits 3 hats

Best for Single Hats

Gigi pip leather hat carrying tote.

The multifunction tote makes the perfect carry-on bag if you’re traveling with one hat.

This bag doesn’t keep your hat shielded from the elements.

If you’re only traveling with a single hat, a hat box may end up being bulkier than it’s worth. Instead, consider a tote bag (that can double as your personal item bag) with nifty exterior straps for securing your wide-brim hat.

In this genuine leather bag, the innovative “U” strap cradles the crown while the side straps secure the brim on either side. The straps are adjustable and lay flat against the bag when not in use. Inside the tote, you’ll find a zippered pocket and an open pocket.

The Details: 20 x 14.2 inches (minus straps) | 100 percent leather | Fits 1 hat

Best for Multiple Hats

Treehouse london felt hat storage box.

The box folds away when not in use.

The transparent window only allows you to see the top hat.

If you’re the kind of person who plans a different hat for each vacation outfit, you’ll appreciate this stackable organizer that can fit up to 10 hats. The case is made of high-density felt, which is stronger and thicker than most felt, while still being lightweight enough to toss in your suitcase. (If you prefer to carry it separately, a shoulder strap makes that easy.) It is dirt-resistant, odorless, and capable of holding a good amount of weight. Furthermore, it has good abrasion resistance and won’t be damaged by a hat's tip or any hard objects either.

The Details: 19 x 11.5 inches | 1.35 pounds | felt | Fits 10 hats

Best for Wide-brim Hats

Calpak large hat box.

The beautiful textured exterior comes in three neutral hues.

At 6.7 pounds, it’s fairly heavy on its own.

With a 53-liter packing capacity, this ultra-large case has room for much more than just hats. Stow sunglasses, a water bottle, or other small- to medium-sized essentials in the large interior slip pocket. In fact, even if you’re not traveling with a hat, this sleek case can double as a carry-on or weekender bag with its adjustable and removable shoulder strap. If you are toting a wide-brim hat (up to 18.5 inches in diameter), the hardshell, water-resistant exterior will keep it well protected from any bumps, bends, or spills.

The Details: 20 x 8.5 inches | 6.7 pounds | Polycarbonate and polyester

Best for Baseball Caps

New era cap carrier.

With a six-cap capacity, it’s a great bang for your buck.

It won’t accommodate wide-brim hats.

Traveling with multiple baseball caps is a breeze with this organizer which can accommodate up to six flat-brim styles. All-over EVA foam keeps hats protected and secure while on the go. The case is small enough to toss inside your suitcase, or use the adjustable carrying strap or rubber carrying loop to tote it separately. It opens and closes via a dual zipper, and vent holes on the bottom free any odors and keep hats fresh. When you’re not on the road, store your hats in this case inside your closet to keep them dust-free, too.

The Details: 13 x 10 x 5.5 inches | Polyester and EVA foam | Fits 6 hats

Tips for Buying Travel Hat Boxes

Determine the best size and shape.

It’s important to consider how many hats you’ll want to pack before determining the best hat box for your purposes, as various options have different capacities. Measure your largest and widest hat to make sure it fits inside the selected case.

How you plan to carry your hat case is important as well. If you’re hoping to place it inside a checked suitcase, make sure to measure the hat box against your suitcase first to ensure it fits. If you plan to tote it separately as a carry-on or personal item, look for adjustable shoulder straps in a wide width for comfort.

Choose the proper material

Hardshell hat boxes will be the most protective, however, they also tend to be a heavier option. If you’re traveling by plane, you may want to invest in a hardside case that can withstand being jostled around. Water-resistant cases are also great for mass-transit travel as they can keep items safe from unexpected spills.

If you’re traveling by car, you may be OK with a softside case, which will be easier to carry. Soft cases are also perfect for closet storage, as they help keep hats organized and shielded from dust.

Hat boxes have rigid sides so hats don’t get crumbled and smushed in your luggage. The shape of a hat box should reflect the type of hat you’re carrying — for example, wide-brim hat boxes tend to be large and round, while hat cases meant for baseball caps tend to be smaller. A hat box will keep your accessory separate and secure from any potentially damaging sharp objects or liquids in your luggage (or elsewhere). Hat boxes can also keep your hats protected from dust while you store them in your closet at home.

If your hat box has a shoulder strap, you may wish to use it as a personal item or carry-on in order to save suitcase space. Many hat boxes will be able to accommodate other small items — such as sunglasses or wallets — so be sure to check the capacity if you’re hoping to stash a few extras in the case as well.

If you want to check your hat box on its own, we recommend a hardshell hat box as those will be best able to withstand the jostling around that happens on a luggage belt or on a plane. Make sure the hat box has secure zippers or clasps, and that you detach any straps before checking the case.

If you have a smaller, more lightweight hat box, you may opt to put it inside your checked suitcase. An alternative way to carry a single hat you plan to wear most of the time is by using a hat clip, which you can secure to the outside of a bag. They come in a variety of price points and styles, from simple clips to fancy leather options.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Talia Ergas scoured the web for the best hat boxes in every category, paying close attention to durability, capacity, material, size, and shape.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind: These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material: Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material: Ripstop polyester | Weight: 4.2 ounces (set)

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind: REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it: The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind: Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material: 100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at Calpak

Why we like it: While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind: The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size: 5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it: The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.

Keep in mind: While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material: Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight: 15.5 ounces (set)

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material: Polyester | Weight: 10.4 ounces (set)

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews: We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material: We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

The best Easter gift ideas for adults who love travel

The best toiletry bags for every traveler

Free bonus issue.

Going on a road trip? These games will help you pass the time

The 8 best travel backpacks of 2024

The best gifts for women who love travel and adventure

19 national park gifts for the adventure seeker in your life

The best backpacking stoves for your outdoor adventure

Environment
Perpetual Planet
History & Culture

History & Culture

History Magazine
Mind, Body, Wonder
Paid Content
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event
Book a Trip
Inspire Your Kids
Shop Nat Geo
Visit the D.C. Museum
Learn About Our Impact
Support Our Mission
Advertise With Us
Customer Service
Renew Subscription
Manage Your Subscription
Work at Nat Geo
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Contribute to Protect the Planet

Mattress Toppers
Sheets & Bedding
Sleep Products
Cleaning & Laundry
Heating & Cooling
Home Office
Kitchen & Dining
Storage & Organization
Wine & Bar
Accessories
Handbags & Purses
Lingerie & Sleepwear
Outdoor & Fitness Apparel
Kids Clothes & Accessories
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Toys & Books
Apparel & Accessories
Camping & Hiking
Fishing & Hunting
Tennis & Racket Sports
Tools & Tech
Training & Recovery
Water Sports
Winter Sports
Personal Products
Wellness & Self Care
Computers, Tablets & Accessories
Online Tools
Smart Home Devices
Smartphones, Smartwatches & Accessories
Hotels & Lodging
Travel Products
Father's Day
Mother's Day
Valentine's Day
Amazon Prime Day
Beauty & Grooming
Tech & Electronics
Travel Deals
Mattress & Sleep

How To Pack A Suitcase, According To A Seasoned Traveler

Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to Linkedin

Learning how to pack a suitcase can make future trips seamless and stress-free. With plenty of helpful packing methods out there, it’s easy to maximize the limited space of your suitcase so that you can bring as much as possible, depending on your itinerary. The best way to pack a suitcase depends on the length of your trip and other factors, such as the season you’re traveling in and your travel style.

For cruises or a one-hotel trip where you won’t be changing accommodations often, you will only need to think about packing and repacking once. However, if you plan on changing hotels and cities often, you will be packing, unpacking and lugging your suitcase around throughout your trip, meaning you’ll need to have a plan in place. No matter your itinerary, we’ve outlined the best strategies to help you pack more strategically, as well as some essential items to make packing as easy as possible.

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses, Chosen By Sleep Experts

How to clean hardwood floors, according to professional cleaners, what you will need to pack a suitcase:.

Best Suitcase: Away The Bigger Carry-On
Best Packing Cubes: Bagsmart Keep Shape Packing Cubes , Eagle Creek Pack-It Tube , JJ Power Travel Shoe Bag
Best Toiletry Kit: Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit
Best Tech Kit: ProCase Electronic Organizer
Best Cosmetics Bag: Eachy Cosmetic Bag
Best Jewelry Case: Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer Case

Step 1: Consider The Type of Travel

Before you even open your suitcase, you should think about the kind of trip you’re going on and how much space essential items will take up. If you’re packing for a ski trip , you will need to bring heavier, snow-proof gear—but you can re-wear most of it. On a beach trip, your summer outfits will take up less space, but you will need more of them as you lather on sunscreen and deal with sand and sweat.

Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally also plays a role in how you pack. On a domestic trip, familiar products are easier to find and you don’t need to worry about packing adaptors to charge your electronics. When you’re flying internationally, there may be some necessities that will be difficult or impossible to find abroad.

Step 2: Decide On The Number of Items

After you’ve considered the essentials for the style of your trip, think about how long your trip will be. Short trips can be the easiest to pack for because you can get away with squeezing in a little bit more than you need, while longer trips of two weeks or more are not so bad if you count on doing laundry somewhere along the way. I’ve found that I’m more likely to overpack on a week-long trip when I don’t think I will have a chance to do laundry and want to be prepared for a few different weather scenarios.

Start with this basic breakdown of how many of each item you should aim to pack depending on how long you’ll be traveling for—with optional items included if you’re traveling somewhere you expect to swim. If you plan on hitting the hotel gym or going for a jog or a bike ride, you should also bring along one outfit for working out and a pair of sneakers.

Weekend Trip

For a weekend trip, you really only need three outfits, or four if it’s a three-day weekend. This includes one nice outfit for going out to dinner, but it does not include what you’ll wear on the way to your destination.

1-2 bottoms
1 dress (optional)
1 pajama set
1 swimsuit (optional)
3 pairs of socks
3 pairs of underwear
1 pair of comfortable shoes
1 pair of “going-out” shoes (optional)
Toiletry bag with essentials (toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup, etc.)
Chargers and electronics

On a seven-day trip, you will need to pack clothes that can easily be mixed and matched, while prioritizing items that you can use multiple times, like jackets, jeans and sweaters that can handle multiple wears between washes. Always pack extra underwear and socks on a longer trip, especially if you’re doing a lot of physical activity.

2-3 bottoms
1-2 dresses (optional)
1-2 swimsuits (optional)
8 pairs of socks
8 pairs of underwear
1 pair of comfortable close-toed walking shoes
1 pair of sandals or flip-flops (optional)

Two-Week Trip Or Longer

If you’re traveling for two weeks or longer, you should plan to do laundry at some point during your trip so you can pack less and have a fresh start somewhere in the middle of your travels. However, things don’t always go according to plan, so you should still pack more than one week’s worth of clothes just in case.

3-4 bottoms
2-3 dresses (optional)
8-14 pairs of socks
8-14 pairs of underwear

Step 3: Choose The Packing Methods And Products To Help You Pack

If you are flying carry-on only, all of your liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit in a clear quart-sized bag. If you check your luggage you can bring toiletries that go over this size limit, but you should still pack, wrap and secure them tightly in plastic bags so that if they they leak during transit, the rest of your items will not be ruined.

To keep your toiletries organized throughout your trip, you’ll need a hanging bag like the Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit . This particular bag is a great choice as it allows you to see everything laid out just how you left it and it’s quick to pack up. However, if you need more space for a large makeup collection, check out the super spacious and customizable Eachy Cosmetic Bag .

Dress Shirts

To minimize wrinkles in your best shirts, use the narrow fold method. Button up the shirt and lie it flat with the buttons facing down. Fold the sleeves across the back of the shirt and then up at a 90-degree angle until the cuffs line up with the collar. Fold the sides to overlap on top of the sleeves, and fold the fest of the shirt up from the bottom until you have a neat square package. You may still have to iron out the folds when you arrive.

To protect your shoes while traveling, pack them in a separate waterproof bag and fill any empty space with socks or other small soft items that will give them extra protection and help them keep their shape. You can use a plastic bag if you’re in a pinch, but these waterproof shoe bags are specifically designed to hold their shape and have an extra pocket to fit a pair of flip flops.

Packing Cubes

These essential travel tools make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your suitcase organized, but most people use them wrong. Your first instinct might tell you to put pants with pants and shirts with shirts, but the most effective way I’ve found to use packing cubes—especially on a trip with multiple transfers— is to group clothing by activity.

Keep your day-to-day sightseeing clothes in a separate cube from your going-out-for-dinner clothes or beach-gear cube. When it’s time to get dressed, you’ll have your outfit pre-planned and I also find that it’s also a good way to store accessories. For example, I always bring my favorite microfiber beach towel with me, so I keep this in a separate cube with my swimsuits, a beach dress and a sun hat. When I’m not looking for my beach clothes, it doesn’t get in the way and it doesn’t get lost.

I prefer cubes with some shape, like these BagSmart packing cubes , but I also like to mix it up. I’ve found that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Tube is the best shape for storing my rolled socks and underwear, which I always keep in my carry-on in case my luggage gets lost.

If you love to accessorize, you’ll need a system to prevent your favorite jewelry from getting left behind in random hotel rooms. Instead of bringing along a hard-sided jewelry box which could tangle your necklaces as they get jostled around, try a folding jewelry organizer like this case from BagSmart , available in three sizes.

Electronics

In addition to a good case for your laptop or tablet, you should also have a separate organizer case for all your wires, chargers, portable batteries, and hard drives. If you’re bringing a lot of electronics, protect them with a hard-sided case like this ProCase Electronic Organizer , which has multiple compartments and partitions to keep your gear tangle-free.

Is It Better To Roll Or Fold Clothes In A Suitcase?

If your goal is to fit as much as possible into your suitcase, rolling is the way to go. However, if you need your clothes ready to go as soon as you land and won’t have time for ironing, folding is preferable. The best strategy is to do a bit of both, rolling items like underwear and pajamas, but folding nice shirts and dresses.

What Is The 5 4 3 2 1 Packing Method?

The 5 4 3 2 1 packing method maximizes potential outfit combinations so you can express your personal style. It works by assigning a number to each category of clothing: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 shoes, 2 dresses, and 1 bag. It’s a good jumping-off point, but you may need to adjust the numbers for longer or shorter trips.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

From meticulously testing and reviewing the best luggage to bring with you to the airport to the best packing cubes to keep you organized, we at Forbes Vetted have dedicated ourselves to helping make travel easy. When it came time to put together a guide to packing a suitcase, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers have everything they need on hand to pack for their trips stress-free.

To break down how to pack a suitcase, we tapped the expertise of freelance travel writer Jamie Ditaranto . Along with contributing to Forbes Vetted, Ditaranto has spent the last eight years writing travel content for Condé Nast Traveler , Travel + Leisure , National Geographic and more. She has lived in Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Brazil and has visited all seven continents. As someone who is always packing for a trip, Ditaranto put her first-hand expertise as a frequent packer to the test for this story.

More Packing Guides

International Travel Packing List
Ski Trip Packing List
African Safari Packing List

Editorial Standards
Reprints & Permissions

10 Best Vacuum Storage Bags of 2024

Our top picks will increase your closet and suitcase space in minutes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

Spacesaver vacuum storage bags.

GONGSHI Vacuum Storage Bags

Best for Travel

Ziploc space bag.

Top-Seller on Amazon

Cozy essential vacuum storage bags.

Best Variety Pack

Hibag vacuum storage bags.

Best for Bedding

Hefty shrink-pak vacuum storage bags.

Best for Stacking

Storage master jumbo vacuum storage bags.

Best Extra-Large

Vacwel vacuum storage bags.

Best Hanging

Taili hanging vacuum storage bags.

The best vacuum storage bags make the most of your space by removing the air inside and sealing it tight. Many use a vacuum or hand pump to suck out all the air, while some travel-friendly space bags can actually be hand-pressed shut. Because of this, they're great for packing out-of-season clothes, bedding and more into small spaces like under your bed or inside your suitcase .

After consulting our in-house experts and scouring online reviews, we've rounded up the best vacuum storage bags to shop on Amazon, starting at just $8 (with fast, free shipping to boot!).

The original Spacesaver vacuum storage bags are our top pick for heavy-duty storage needs where damage protection is imperative, like cross-country moves and travel. You can use either the included hand pump or your vacuum to reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. Choose from small to jumbo sizes and variety packs for all your storage needs.

Reviewers appreciate its ease of use and sturdy plastic . "I'm moving all the way across the country and was stressed out wondering how much of my clothing I could actually take with me. These Space Saver bags are a life saver!" wrote one five-star reviewer . "They are so easy to pack, zip and vacuum out the air. One of my best purchases ever here on Amazon (and I've made thousands)."

Stow bulky bedding, sweaters, pillows and more with these space-saving storage bags. You can either use the included hand pump or a standard vacuum cleaner to compress each bag and reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. For under $20, this pack comes with four bag sizes to store different items: the smallest size fits six to eight sweaters while the largest fits a queen-sized bedding set.

The triple-sealed valve is designed to keep bags airtight so your items stay condensed, and the double-layered material is designed to be puncture- and scratch-resistant, making it more durable against damage. "They're strong and sturdy," one Amazon reviewer said . "They have great sizes and storage space, and they hold the seal (some for a year now)."

Skip the checked luggage line at the airport with these travel-friendly storage bags. Forté named the Ziploc Space Bag a long-standing Lab favorite. There's no need for a pump or a vacuum to take the air out — simply fill each with up to five pounds of clothing or bedding, seal it with the Ziploc slider and fold to press out the air. It also costs under $10 for a pack of two.

Since they don't require any bulky equipment, these bags are a great option for users on the go. The brand claims the bags reduce the volume of clothing and bedding by up to 75%. They're also waterproof and airtight per the brand, meaning they should help protect your items from damage caused by travel and storage.

Boasting more than 38,000 five-star reviews and counting, Amazon's #1 best-selling space saver bags claim to shrink the size of your items by up to 80%. This variety pack includes 20 bags, making them great for anyone moving houses or with lots of vacuum storage needs. The pack includes standard vacuum-sealable bags as well as travel bags that can be rolled to press out air — no pump required.

Waterproof and reusable (purported by the brand), the bags' valves and seals are designed to prevent expansion and keep moisture and debris out. "The quality of these bags is outstanding," one online shopper wrote . "I feel confident storing my clothing, bedding and other textiles knowing they are safe and well-preserved."

Whether you need to increase your under-bed storage space or condense your clothes on the go, this pack offers the most variety with six different-sized bags for all your needs . The standard bags range from pouch-sized bags for lingerie and T-shirts to extra-large bags for bedding sets and pillows . Each waterproof bag has a handy line to show you where to stop filling them, making it more intuitive to pack than other options on our list.

While it can be sealed with the included hand pump or a vacuum, we love that the travel bags can be rolled to seal out excess air sans tool if needed. "These were a game changer during our move," an Amazon reviewer wrote . "The sizes vary drastically, accommodating many different types of items from quilts to pillows as well as clothes."

Hefty is known for its durable garbage bags and freezer bags, but the brand also has a line of high-rated vacuum storage bags. Including three large and three extra-large sizes, Hefty's Shrink-Pak bags claim to be waterproof and reusable season after season, so you don't have to worry about moisture, dust or bugs ruining your items. Plus, you can simply press the air out with your hands and seal.

We love how the extra large bags have a zipper on the long side rather than the shorter top, making it easier to pack bedding supplies like pillows and comforters. Shoppers agreed, with one writing : "We just went through a very long, drawn-out move and the shrink bags have been a true lifesaver! We were able to put lots of our clothes, towels and blankets in storage while we shopped for a new house. When we finally started unpacking, everything looked exactly the way it did when it was packed!"

Outfitted with a stylish plaid print, we wouldn't mind keeping these space bags out in plain sight. And it's not just for aesthetics. Their unique woven texture provides a bit of grip to their exterior, helping them to stay in place better while stacked. The bags come in four sizes and packs of six to 26, making them great for small organization projects and large undertakings.

Plus, they compress with a vacuum or its included pump. Reviewers appreciate the variety of sizes and ease of use, too. "I love these sealable storage bags!" one shopper wrote . "The quality is fantastic, very well-made and sturdy. I really like the assortment of colors and sizes, too, so much so that I ordered a second box!"

If you need to store cumbersome items like king-sized duvets, foam cushions or dog beds , Vacwel's XXL bags offer an impressive storage capacity of 47 by 35 inches . Featuring a nylon lining for extra durability, the brand claims these bags are waterproof and protect against dirt, bugs and dust. They even come with sticker labels to easily identify stored items.

"These bags are durable and got the job done," an Amazon shopper added . "I was able to vacuum seal large comforters and sheets! Very surprised at how many bedding items that I was able to put in the bags." Note that a pump is not included, so you'll need a vacuum handy to seal these bags.

Protect your out-of-season garments and make room for new pieces with these clever hanging storage bags on Amazon. You can stash up to five pieces of clothing inside each, including coats, jackets and suits . Just place one included hanger on each rotating ring, zip it up and vacuum all the air out. The vertical storage design keeps your clothes clean and organized until you're ready to wear them again.

"I get immense joy out of packing away my winter clothes in the Taili hanging bags," an Amazon reviewer said . "[It] shrink wraps everything into compact boards ... It was very easy and effective to use."

How we chose the best vacuum storage bags

With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which vacuum storage bags are worth buying. To help you find the right pick for your needs, we consulted our experts in the GH Institute Cleaning Lab and vetted customer reviews to bring you a range of vacuum storage bags that suit a variety of purposes.

How do you choose the best vacuum storage bags?

Choosing the best vacuum storage bags depends on your individual needs — do you just need to store a few seasonal sweaters, or pack up your whole house for a move? According to, the size and dimensions can help you figure out which options are right for you.

" They should be large enough to hold multiple items and be durable enough to use from year to year ," Forté says. For those who don't own a vacuum (or have one readily accessible), opt for a bag that can be rolled to compress or can be hand pumped.

What do you put in a space bag?

While you might want to use your vacuum storage bag to compress bulky items like winter coats and duvets, Forté warns against vacuum-sealing down-filled items . Instead, she recommends only compressing them halfway.

"Otherwise, you risk crushing and breaking the down feathers and they may then not be as lofty or insulate as well," Forté says. Additionally, be sure not to store wet items, or you risk creating mold and causing long-term damage.

How long can you store items in a vacuum storage bag?

Forté recommends using storage bags for short-term and seasonal storage . "Keep items in them too long, and you risk permanently setting creases or crushing and flattening items that are supposed to be lofty and puffy," Forte says. For best results, be sure to check the recommended storage time on your bag's instructions.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Associate Commerce Editor Lauren Gruber put together this list of the best vacuum storage bag picks, based on insights and recommendations from Carolyn Forté .

Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she oversees all of GH's cleaning and home care product testing.

Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight , Shop TODAY , USA Today , Self Magazine , L’Officiel USA , V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media .

preview for Featured Videos From Good Housekeeping US

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

high end coffee makers for barista quality drinks

Hanes Beefy T-Shirt Review

Best Dinnerware Sets

prepared dishes on a blue background for good housekeeping best meal delivery services testing

The 15 Best Meal Delivery Services of 2024

cleaning equipment over the bonnet of a black clean car

The Best Car Cleaning Kits

various pills and capsules, vitamins and dietary supplements in petri dishes on a beige background

The Best Supplements for Menopause

The 7 Best Pellet Grills

Best Garage Door Openers

5 best laundry detergent sheets, tested by cleaning experts

The Best Laundry Detergent Sheets

3 Best Portable Chargers

5 best smart grills of 2023, tested by experts

The 6 Best Smart Grills 2024

The Best Sleeper Sofas

FREE SHIPPING ACROSS NORTH AMERICA FOR ORDERS OVER $150 FREE US SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER USD 150

The Jewelry Box

Small enough to be tucked away, and just right to fit all your every day jewels. Designed for travel, or as the perfect addition to your bedside table or vanity station.

Made from vegan leather, with a vegan suede interior.

Features: - Elastic Pocket - 3 Necklace Hooks - Removable Interior Compartments - 7 Ring Mounds - Polish Cloth Dimensions: 4.5" x 4.5" x 2"

save with sets

The Tote + The Jewelry Box

The jewelry box and the tote.

The Jewelry Box Bundle

Samara love notes, customer reviews.

Feels really well made and looks true to color! When I initially ordered the box they let me know they made a mistake and were actually out of the color I wanted - but the Samara team was super helpful and communicative in getting my order processed. Very happy with my box!

I love this jewelry box sooo much! It is so cute and is able to fit all my jewelry. Being a girl that travels a lot, this is a must have for me!

JOIN THE SAMARA LIFESTYLE

12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.

The Edit: Fashion

street style paris fashion week womenswear fallwinter 20202021 day two

12 Travel Pants for Women on Long Flights

24 Spring Sneakers to Shop for 2024

a model wearing white wide leg palazzo pants by doen in a roundup of the best summer pants for women 2024

15 Lightweight Pants for Effortless Summer Outfits

fashion photo session in paris july 2021

Sandals That Feel as Breezy as Linen Pants

The 10 Best New Balance Shoes

21 Matching Workout Sets for Every Type of Workout

16 Comfortable Sneakers to Wear All Day, Every Day

best suit sets best suits for women 2023

12 Suit Sets That Aren’t Just for the Office

a woman carrying a brown leather fendi bucket bag with a braided handle on the street in london in a roundup of the best designer bucket bags 2024

The 20 Best Designer Bucket Bags

7 Ways to Style Carhartt’s Classic $128 Work Pants

5 Sheer Dresses Inspired by Kate Moss

Tools & Home Improvement
Safety & Security
Fire Safety

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

Go to your orders and start the return
Select the return method

Image Unavailable

To view this video download Flash Player

ENGPOW 5200°F Fireproof Document Bag with Lock,Heat Insulated Fireproof＆Waterproof Box 8 Layers Document Organizer with Fireproof File Folder,Portable Home Travel Safe Storage for Important Document

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

The Upgraded Fireproof Document Bag is made of silicone coated material and aluminum foil which withstand the temperature up to 5200℉(double safe protection).Aluminum foil lining isn’t easily melt under high temperature after several tests. The bag is fireproof＆Water-resistant, which can effectively protect your important documents in a fire, flood, and wet weather. They will further keep your files intact.The package comes with a fireproof file folder for easy storage of more files.
Large-capacity: Our fireproof file bag adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs. These include 4 passport mesh bags, 16 card slots, 4 U Disk pockets, 7 folder layers and one main pocket with a large space. And fireproof file folder designed with 13 pockets.They can store your important documents,files,money,passport,U Disk,cards,laptop,certificates in a safe and orderly way.Great way to organize your files easy for you to find whatever files you looking for quickly.
Combination Lock Protection: Compared with other bags,our 5200°F fireproof document organizer bag can lock files and items inside the bag for safety. High-quality password lock provides maximum security for your valuables such as contracts, cards, certificates, conference materials, passports, etc. The package includes an instruction manual for lock(No keys required).Fireproof bag for files is sealed with professional waterproof zippers that can withstand high speed spray of fire hose.
Multiple security protection: Design with a strong handle for carrying everything you needed easily.Not only can you put it in your home, office, car,storage cabinet, you can also take it to camping, travel and various outdoor activities. Of course, giving it as a Christmas gift to your family, customers or employees is also a good choice.The newly designed fireproof bag is lighter,easier to carry than a fireproof safe, and easy to fold,it may fit both letter and legal-size files/paperwork.
Trusted after sales service: In the event of an emergency, our fireproof file bags are lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. We only wish to present the best to customers,to protect your valuables. If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know. We promise to arrange a REPLACEMENT or 100% REFUND immediately. Ready to respond within a 24 hour time,your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products.

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

Voncabay Fireproof Document Bag with Lock, 4 -Layer Fireproof File Box with Water-Resistant Zipper for Office Home Travel, Po

Product Description

Something you may need to know before buying:

Q:Are there two products in the package?

A:Yes,a 5200°F Fireproof Document Bag and a fireproof file folder.

Q: What is different about our new fireproof file bag compared to others?

A: The 5200°F Fireproof Document Bag is made of silicone coated material and aluminum foil which withstand the temperature up to 5200℉(double safe protection).Aluminum foil lining isn’t easily melt under high temperature after several tests.

Q:If I receive the goods and find that the lock or zipper is broken, or there are no instructions for the lock, or there are other problems, can I replace it with a new file organizer bag?

A:Sure! If you encounter any problems during the purchase process, please feel free to let us know. Ready to respond within a 24 hour time,your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products.

A good choice for Home,Office,Travel,Car

Our original Intention:

Accidents happen when we least expect, and there’s nothing more devastating than a fire that takes away valuable paperwork, personal information, pictures or achievements.That’s why we developed the fireproof document bag- Protect your financials, personal information,document notebook, that won’t let you down when emergency strikes

Nothing is completely foolproof, but added protection is always a good idea
Fireproof does not mean it could support endless fire exposure, please keep any fire exposure to the minimum.
Do not immerse or wash the bag in liquid
Included in the package is a 5200°F Fireproof document bag and a fireproof file folder.

Code Lock Design

The original number is 0-0-0. To set your personal combination, follow these steps:

Need to snap the zipper into the lock hole.

1.Put the dials at original number 0-0-0.

2.Press down the reset button (a)with a tool until hear the "Click" sound.

3.Set your combination by turning the dials(b),for example 8-8-8.

4.Push the button(c) towards to the direction of arrow and the reset button(a) will be back when you hear the "Click" sound.

Now you have finished to set your personal combination.Please remember your personal combination by heart. You can repeat the above steps if you want to reset your password

Compare with similar items

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

Review | Engpow 5200 Degree Fireproof Document Bag w/ Lock

Honest Review Fire Proof Bag

My Review on this Document Organizer Bag

Shavon Speaks

Looking for specific info?

Product information, technical details, additional information, warranty & support, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the versatility, ease of use, portability, and size of the file folder. They mention that it works well for storing important documents, is easy to carry and store, and has plenty of space. Customers appreciate the safety, and appearance. However, some disagree on quality and sturdiness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the file folder. They mention it has plenty of room, is large enough to hold important papers, and has lots of storage slots. Some like the design with many small pockets to hold as many small stuff as possible. The larger slots are nice for wills and miscellaneous documents, while the smaller compartments are great for different documents that can be locked away. Overall, most recommend the product for its size and functionality.

"...I'm very happy with this product it has tons of pockets to keep organized and easy to lock...." Read more

"I lov e all the little pockets to help organize passports and such. Also accommodates legal size folders and documents." Read more

"i highly recommend it. my all documents fits in perfectly ." Read more

"Product is sturdy and holds a lot. Bigger than expected ." Read more

Customers like the safety of the file folder. They mention that the material may be fireproof, but the zipper is not. They also say that it's sturdy, well protected, and an excellent way to protect valuables. Customers also say it'll give them peace of mind and is great for on the go emergency situations.

"...on Amazon, so far i am happy with it, looks waterproof but hope it's fireproof too like what it says on the discription." Read more

"Nice item... and a great way to protect my documents . Hope to never have it tested!!" Read more

"What I like about this product is that it's light weight, fireproof , and has it's own lock code for security measures...." Read more

"...Feels very durable and can protect documents from environmental elements . Highly recommended." Read more

Customers find the file folder easy to use. They appreciate the built-in organization and the different compartments to store things in. They say it's a great way to keep important documents organized and together so they can grab them quickly. Customers also mention the locking zipper feature is a good addition. Overall, they say it makes them feel more organized and prepared.

"...This has so many pockets, organizers , and storage space its great. This will be so much better than a heavy safe and way cheaper...." Read more

"...There are straps and pockets on the inside so everything can stay organized . I plan to put other important documents in it...." Read more

"...This bag has a lot of compartments and is very roomy. It is easy to handle as its more like a carry bag than a box. I recommend this product. 👍..." Read more

"...bags are a must-have for anyone seeking an efficient and clutter-free filing system . Highly recommended!" Read more

Customers find the file folder portable and easy to carry and store. They say it's a compact bag but very roomy with plenty of space for documents. Customers also say it is sturdy and lightweight.

" Portability and functional for what I need" Read more

"What I like about this product is that it's light weight , fireproof, and has it's own lock code for security measures...." Read more

"I like that this is not as heavy or bulky as the traditional safe." Read more

"...It’s a great bag to keep on hand to have essential documents at the ready if you need to grab and run or if you travel frequently with documents..." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the file folder. They mention it looks great, is well designed, and has lots of compartments to organize things. Some appreciate the shiny material and different color.

"...It looks nice and doesn't hurt that it locks...." Read more

"...So in that regards, it is very nice - easy to use...." Read more

"The case itself is nice and solid and space is just like described. I'm having issues with the security lock on it...." Read more

"...Just a tad disappointed in the color. Not bright blue as pictured , but a weird dark navy like...." Read more

Customers like the versatility of the file folder. They say it works well for storing important documents, like birth certificates, passports, and home documents. They also say it provides a convenient solution for storage and transporting important documents. Customers also mention that it's a great idea for all your important items, a spacesaver, and a good solution for files storage.

"This bag is wonderful to store all my important notary items I need for notarizations. I would have like another zipper to hold larger papers...." Read more

"...and ample capacity, they provide a convenient solution for storing and transporting important documents ...." Read more

"...I can now store all my important documents safely ." Read more

" Great for files storage !..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the sturdiness of the file folder. Some mention that it's sturdy and holds a lot, while others say that it is not very sturdy material, not firm as it looks like, and the seam has a tear.

"...The material is very durable and not easy for someone to rip open believe me my dog (German Shephard) tried and no success...." Read more

"This is not a sturdy case . It needed more compartments and should be able to hold legal size papers." Read more

" Nice item ... and a great way to protect my documents. Hope to never have it tested!!" Read more

" Well made and fast service." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the file folder. Some mention that the lock is great, while others say that it's impractical, difficult to use, and under quality.

"...with this product it has tons of pockets to keep organized and easy to lock ...." Read more

"...The lock can take some time to line up the zippers for closing, that's really my only complaint." Read more

" Excellent product and transaction and shipped quickly. Highly recommended seller." Read more

"...The lock pushes in with the softer frame . You have to maneuver a certain way to get it open. But, this is a small thing for me...." Read more

Reviews with images

Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Newsletter
About Amazon
Accessibility
Sustainability
Press Center
Investor Relations
Amazon Devices
Amazon Science
Sell on Amazon
Sell apps on Amazon
Supply to Amazon
Protect & Build Your Brand
Become an Affiliate
Become a Delivery Driver
Start a Package Delivery Business
Advertise Your Products
Self-Publish with Us
Become an Amazon Hub Partner
› See More Ways to Make Money
Amazon Visa
Amazon Store Card
Amazon Secured Card
Amazon Business Card
Shop with Points
Credit Card Marketplace
Reload Your Balance
Amazon Currency Converter
Your Account
Your Orders
Shipping Rates & Policies
Amazon Prime
Returns & Replacements
Manage Your Content and Devices
Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
Conditions of Use
Privacy Notice
Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
Your Ads Privacy Choices

IMAGES

Veryke 3Pcs Traveling Luggage, Rose Gold Rolling Traveling Storage
Lot 3 Luggage Travel Set ABS Bag Trolley Suitcase w/TSA Lockable
Ultimate Travel Bag Kit
New 3 Pcs Luggage Travel Set Bag ABS Trolley Suitcase Box Orange
36" Polyester Rolling Duffle Bag Wheeled Travel Luggage Suitcase
Foldable Duffel Bag Travel Luggage Bag Large-capacity Clothes Storage

VIDEO

Luggage/Traveling bags 🧳🧳 🛍️🛍️
2+3=WE
Super Easy _ Jeans Lunch Box Bag Making At Home/ Handbag/ Bag Cutting And Stitching 👍 Scissor700
The perfect travel bag ✈️🧳 #travel #travelblogger #traveling #suitcase #luggage #packing #grwm
The perfect travel bag ✈️🏝️ #travel #travelvlog #travelhacks #traveling #suitcases #luggage #grwm
Evergoods Civic Travel Bag 26 (CTB26)

COMMENTS

Amazon.com: Travel Boxes For Luggage
Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Essentials for Carry on, Luggage Organizer Bags Set for Travel Accessories in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Black. 4,024. 20K+ bought in past month. $1999 ($2.50/Count) Save 10% with coupon. FREE delivery Fri, Apr 26 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.
Best MTB travel bags and boxes 2024
Best for easy packing. Scicon AeroComfort MTB. Check Amazon. Best MTB travel bag for easy packing. Designed for easy packing, the Scicon bag is built around an internal bike stand which is 12mm and 15mm thru-axle ready. Read more below. Best big size. Thule RoundTrip Traveler.
The 14 Best Travel Bags We've Tested (And Some to Avoid)
Yeti Crossroads 35L. Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller ...
Best Bike Travel Cases 2022
Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro. $745 at Competitive Cyclist. EVOC's bike bags are some of the most popular soft-sided options for road and mountain bikes—it even makes versions for BMX and fat bikes ...
The Best Bike Bags and Cases for Travels in 2023
A Quick Glance : Our Favorite Bike Bags and Cases. Soft Shell Bike Bag : Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0. "One of the lightest and easiest to pack bike bags.". Hard Shell Bike Case : B&W Bike Box 2. "Value for money for a hard shell in terms of price vs the amount of protection.".
The 3 Best Bike Travel Cases
The lightest travel cases in our review were the Pro Bike Travel Case at 17 pounds, 13 ounces, and then the Dakine Bike Roller at 17 pounds, 15 ounces. The heaviest case was the hard-shell Topeak PakGo X coming in at 29 pounds, 11 ounces. Our test cases range from about 17 pounds to about 29 pounds.
Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024
2. Evoc bike travel bike bag. View at Jenson USA. Check Amazon. Best for ease of use. As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding ...
Travel Bag Box
Check out our travel bag box selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our cosmetic bags shops.
Best Bike Travel Case 2024: Bike Bags and Boxes
The Best Bike Travel Case in 2023. 1. Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA - Best Triathlon Bike Travel Case. The Scicon Aerocomfort travel bag was designed with input from time trial riders and triathletes. You do not need to remove the seat post or the handlebar, so your bike is out of the case and ready to ride quickly.
Best bike bags for travel
Best for minimal disassembly. The Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag requires only the wheels of your bike to be removed (Image credit: Josh Ross) 2. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike ...
Best bike boxes and bike bags 2024
The softshell Merlin Cycles Elite Travel Bike Bag allows secure, easy packing of your bike, with plenty of remaining space for all the items you would usually need when travelling with your bike. It has plenty of straps and handles to make travelling with the bag easy. The Elite Travel Bike Bag does a great job at an excellent price.
12 Travel Organizers That Save Space in a Carry-on
Amazon. Buy on Amazon $38. The Osprey Ultralight Roll Packing Organizer, another hanging kit, is a helpful accessory if you're looking to keep anything from your toiletries to a first-aid kit in ...
The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2024
Best small carry-on bag for most situations: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. Best large bag for most situations: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. Best mobile office: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L ...
Luggage & Travel Bags
Find a great selection of Luggage & Travel Bags at Nordstrom.com. Shop a great selection of suitcases, carry-on bags, duffle bags & more. Skip navigation. ... AM & PM Pill Box. $35.00 Current Price $35.00 (3) Gift with Purchase. Charlotte Tilbury. Makeup Bag. $20.00 Current Price $20.00 (84)
Luggage & Travel
Find travel bags up to 70% off online or in-store. Free returns in any Nordstrom Rack location. Skip navigation. ... staci jewelry box. $39.97 Current Price $39.97 (71% off) 71% off. $139.00 Comparable value $139.00 (2) Badgley Mischka Collection. Juliet Canvas Duffle Bag.
The 9 Best Travel Jewelry Cases of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall: Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case. Best Budget: Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer Bag. Best Roll-Up: Bagsmart Peri Folding Jewelry Organizer. Best Personalization: Mark & Graham Small Travel ...
The 8 Best Travel Hat Boxes of 2024
Best Overall: Inner Large Hat Box at Walmart ($59) Jump to Review. Best Hardside: Brixton Fedora Travel Case at Brixton.com (See Price) Jump to Review. Best Softside: HappiBox Hat Storage Box at ...
A Cruelty-Free Fashion House, Using Better Materials
All Bags Tech Collection Accessories Totes Travel Best Sellers. THE TOTE ... Travel. Best Sellers. THE TOTE THE LAPTOP SLEEVE THE FANNY PACK THE MINI ... The Jewelry Box $85.00. Beige | 3 colors available. See all See all. The Ocean Backpack $150.00. ...
The best packing cubes for travel in 2024
The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs ...
How To Pack A Suitcase, According To A Seasoned Traveler
Dress Shirts. To minimize wrinkles in your best shirts, use the narrow fold method. Button up the shirt and lie it flat with the buttons facing down. Fold the sleeves across the back of the shirt ...
The Kiana
The Kiana. The. Kiana. 4.7 18 Reviews. $135 USD. A functional, minimalist backpack featuring a key leash, zippered interior pocket, adjustable, comfortable straps. Includes a laptop pocket in the medium-sized Kiana. Size. Small Medium.
10 Best Vacuum Storage Bags of 2024
Cozy Essential Vacuum Storage Bags. Now 33% Off. $20 at Amazon $36 at Walmart. Boasting more than 38,000 five-star reviews and counting, Amazon's #1 best-selling space saver bags claim to shrink ...
The Jewelry Box
The Jewelry Box. The. Jewelry Box. 4.9 311 Reviews. $85 USD. Small enough to be tucked away, and just right to fit all your every day jewels. Designed for travel, or as the perfect addition to your bedside table or vanity station. Color.
Samara
Shop Women's Samara Tan Size OS Travel Bags at a discounted price at Poshmark. Description: The Jewelry Box is highly functional, and was thoughtfully designed to carefully organize each of your essential jewelry pieces when you're on-the-go. With necklace hooks, ring/ earring mounds, an elastic pocket and interior compartments, you can travel knowing that all your jewelry is stored ...
The 12 Best Travel Garment Bags of 2024
MZ Wallace Michael Garment Bag. $295 at MZ Wallace. Pros. Lightweight design. Exterior zip pocket. Cons. Pockets hold only small accessories. MZ Wallace's signature quilting isn't limited to ...
ENGPOW 5200°F Fireproof Document Bag with Lock,Heat Insulated Fireproof
Noiposi Document Organizer with 5200℉ Heat Insulated,15.0"x11.0"x4.3" Waterproof and Fireproof Document Box,Portable Home Travel Safe Storage Box for Important Documents,File and Birth Certificate. dummy. ROLOWAY Small Fireproof Bag (5 x 8 inches), Non-itchy Fireproof Money Bag, Fireproof Wallet Bag, Cash Fireproof Bag Set for Valuables ...

Best MTB travel bags and boxes 2024 – the safest way to pack your bike for travel

1. Best for big wheels

The best MTB travel bags and boxes

The quick list

Evoc Travel Bag Pro

Pro Bike Mega Travel Case

Scicon AeroComfort MTB

Thule RoundTrip Traveler

B&W International Bike Box II

Biknd Jetpack

YT Industries Body Bag

Cardboard bike box

How to choose the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes

Does its empty weight matter?

Do I need to disassemble my bike?

What size box do I need?

Are wheels and handles a useful addition?

How to pack your bike into a bag or box

1. Remove the derailleurs and rotors

2. Deflate your tires

3. Add some extra padding

4. Fill the gaps

5. Invest in a paint pen

Most Popular

The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Best Carry-On for Most People

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Best Backpack

Best Convertible Bag

Best Personal Item

Best Work Bag

The Best Hiking Daypack

Best Duffel Bag

The Best Expedition Bag

Best for Camping

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

A Good Emergency Go Bag

Other Bags We Like

Bags We Don’t Like

A Few Travel Accessories

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

When to Remove Battery Banks

WIRED COUPONS

The Best Hard- and Softshell Cases For Traveling With Your Bike

B&W International Bike Box II

Orucase Airport Ninja

travel Bike Travel Bag Pro

SCI-CON AeroComfort 3.0 TSA

Thule RoundTrip Transition

Hardshell versus Softshell

Size and Weight

Packing Tips and Tricks

How We Picked

Least Wrenching

B&W BIKE BOX II

DAKINE BIKE ROLLER BAG

Cardboard Box

Best For Mountain Bikes

THULE ROUNDTRIP TRANSITION

Fits Two Wheelsets

Best for Large Bikes

Unique Protective Feature

The Best Bike Bags and Cases for Travels in 2023

Soft Shell Bike Travel Bags

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Thule Roundtrip Pro XT

Biknd Helium V4

Hard Shell Bike Cases

Thule Roundtrip Transition

Scicon Aerotech Evolution X

BuxomBox Ventoux

Bike Travel Cases Buying Guide

2. Quick Release vs Thru Axles

3. Ease of Packing