day trip bag policy

How to Pack a Day Trip Bag — the Fast and Easy Way

By: Author Ginny Vail

Posted on Published: 12 February 24  - Last updated: 23 February 24

Home » Resources » Gear » How to Pack a Day Trip Bag — the Fast and Easy Way

Do you love taking day trips? Do you like traveling light and also like being well prepared? With our day trip bag checklist and a small prepacked essentials kit, you can do both.

Day tripping is one of the best parts of traveling and this is partly because we leave our luggage behind and often have just a small day bag. I love being able to go sightseeing or hiking with only a small backpack and maybe my big camera. But I also want to balance traveling light with being well prepared.

Two things help me quickly pack my day bag and feel confident that while I don’t have much to carry, I do have items I might need. The downloadable checklist (linked below) reminds me to pack things like camera gear, binoculars, and a sunhat. I also have a small Ziplock bag prepacked and always ready in my day bag. It’s full of small items like sunscreen, a nail file, bandaids, aspirin, and electrolyte packets. It’s my Day Trip Essentials Kit, and it can help smooth out small annoyances and sometimes even save the day.

You might also find a day trip kit helpful for spending time outside the airport on a long layover , or a day exploring a new port city during a cruise, or hiking in the middle of a city !

Here’s what’s in this article:

• A downloadable day bag checklist to remind you to pack important items like camera accessories or a sun hat.
• Suggestions for creating a small inexpensive, pre-packed day trip essentials kit for your day bag.
• Suggestions for creating a really tiny first aid kit to include in your pre-packed day trip essentials kit.
• Discover safety tips for day trips .

Organizing a Day Bag for a Day Trip

So, you’re heading out on a day trip and you’ll likely be away from your lodging for several hours. Maybe you’re checking out ancient rock art in Australia’s Kakadu National Park or taking a boat to Skellig Michael off the coast of Ireland. No matter where you’re going, it’s easier if you travel light, and it’s also great to have things with you that you might need.

Making sure you have the things you want or need is more likely if you have a day trip check list to remind you. Download ours, if you wish, and customize it to suit your needs.

Creating a Small Day Trip Essentials Kit

I save time by assembling small things I might need on a day trip, or any long outing, into a one-quart Ziploc bag. The kit goes in my daypack along with anything I want from the Day Bag Packing List. My kit is 8 x 6 x 1.5-inches (20 cm x 15 cm x 4 cm) and weighs 11.4 oz (323 g). Since I always keep my ID, cash and cards in my money belt, and my smart phone in my pocket, I don’t need anything else. I’m hands-free and good to go.

I seldom use more than a few items on any given trek, but these items are small, cheap, and take little space. With a pre-packed kit, I don’t need to scramble to get my day bag organized for an early excursion. Just knowing I have things I might need (like sunscreen or insect repellent) makes my day more enjoyable.

A Perfect First Aid Kit for Day Trippers

The Mini First Aid kit has a ridiculous amount of stuff but it’s only 3.25 x 4 inches (8.25 cm x 10 cm) and weighs almost nothing. Even so, it holds items that can save the day if you get a splinter or blister or maybe serious heartburn from lunch.

True story: My husband and I were walking toward the cathedral in Koln, Germany, and I tripped on an uneven sidewalk and fell. My camera, which was hanging around my neck, smacked my face and cut my nose. Items in the tiny First Aid kit, cleaned and patched me up enough to continue sightseeing.

You might notice that the assortment of over-the-counter pills are individual servings in sealed packets. I find these in convenience or liqueur stores and prefer them because they are sealed and have “use by” dates. It just feels more trustworthy if you happen to share them with a fellow traveler whose day would be better if they just had an aspirin or a bandaid.

Day Trip Packing List for Day Excursions

We created a checklist for our own use, and you can download a PDF copy below. The checklist is actually two lists on one sheet; it has all of the things in our pre-packed Day Trip Essentials kit and an expanded version of the day bag list below:

• Mini Day Trip Essentials kit (which includes the tiny first aid kit)
• Camera gear: Spare battery & SD card, polarizing filter, camera hood, remote shutter release
• Glasses (sunglasses & reading glasses)
• Maps, guides & tickets
• Snacks (Kind bars are our go-to)
• Water bottle
• Clothing for hot, cold, or rainy weather: Hat, coat, jacket, fleece, rain poncho, umbrella, gloves

The list helps make sure you’ve included whatever clothing, camera gear, or other gear you’ll wish you had on a specific trip. After boarding the train for a day in Monet’s Garden in Giverny, it’s too late to remember you really meant to bring a sun hat.

Customize the Mini Essentials Kit

Create your own Day Trip Essentials kit to suit your own needs. My day bag checklist is pretty standard, but the contents in the essentials kit are unique to me and have evolved over time. Here are the reasons for some of the odd bits:

• The Croakie eyeglass strap is an item I added after losing my favorite sunglasses on the Katoomba Mine Train in Australia.
• The bathroom kit helps when the only facility available is less than desirable.
• The Electro Mix turns a bottle of water into an energy drink, with Potassium.

Choosing the Best Day Bag for Day Tours

• Jim swears by his little black backpack by Eddie Bauer
• My favorite is the Outlander Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking DayPack

The Eddie Bauer comes with a rock-solid lifetime guarantee. When Jim’s 5 year old day pack suffered a broken zipper, he brought it back to a store and exchanged it for the latest model, no questions asked. You really can’t beat that kind of customer service.

My best day bag is an Outlander Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking DayPack. It’s small, lightweight, washable, and its 7 pockets keep things in place, so everything doesn’t go straight to the bottom of the bag. It also has elastic loops on the side mesh pockets to secure water bottles, and my smartphone tripod. The Outlander folds neatly into its 7 x 7-inch (18 x 18 cm) interior pocket.

Safety on Day Trips

Crowded cities and major tourist sites are a magnet for pickpockets and other thieves and scams. And that’s true in many parts of the world. Most of us travelers manage to avoid being harmed or robbed by taking a few precautions.

Here Are Ways to Keep Yourself and Your Possessions Safe When Day Tripping

Protect yourself:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and even more so in crowded cities and tourist spots.
• Avoid empty streets and alleys, especially late at night.
• Avoid excessive alcohol or other drugs. You need your wits about you.
• When crossing streets, know which way traffic flows and look both ways. Crossing a road when it’s clear on your right can be deadly in a country where traffic drives on the left.

Protect your personal stuff:

• Keep the location of your valuables a secret by carrying a small amount of money in a front pocket for small purchases and donations.
• Keep major money, credit cards, and passport in an RFID proof money belt or similarly, hidden-away device.
• Avoid putting valuables in your day bag. If you do need to put keys or other valuables in your bag, pin them to the inside bottom of the bag with a carabiner clip or safety pin.
• If you have a large, expensive camera, carry it on a crossbody strap, preferably in a protective camera bag.
• Avoid wearing expensive or even expensive-looking jewelry.
• When in crowded places, carry your day bag on your chest, rather than your back.

True Story: While standing across the street from La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, a woman came up and said “a man just unzipped your backpack; you should wear it on your chest instead.” Sure enough, the middle pocket was unzipped. But the pocket picker must have been disappointed because he didn’t take my Best of Spain book, which was the only thing in the pocket.

For overall travel safety see How to Travel Safely .

The Day Tripping Kit Works for Other Outings Too

I keep my small day trip bag packed all the time and use it for outings like taking my grandkids to the zoo or aquarium. In addition to the essentials kit, my day bag always has a windbreaker and sunhat.

Taking the Essentials Kit Through Airport Security

When flying, if you take your essentials kit on the plane, remember to move any liquids to a plastic bag for screening. In 2023, this was still a requirement at some airports. In May 2023, the airport in Athens Greece was still screening liquids, and several people in the security line were unprepared. They had to step out of line and remove all liquids from their carry-on bags. They were pretty stressed about it.

The Day Trip Essentials Kit is like an emergency kit. It contains many things you hopefully won’t need, but it can save the day if you do need an item or two. It takes little time and costs very little to build a kit — customized just for you. Plus, a Day Bag Packing List can help you remember to add other items to your day bag, so you have everything you need and not much you don’t.

Author bio: Ginny Vail is a travel writer, who loves sightseeing, photography, and videography. She’s been to 45 countries across six continents and traveled by air, car, bus, train, boat, and ship. Her articles can help you discover places to go, sights to see, and details about when and how to visit them.

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Plan, Ready, Go

Day Trip Packing List Essentials

Day trips are a great way to explore multiple destinations without changing accommodations. Just hop on a train or join a guided excursion.

But you’ll want to do a few things to prepare for your trip first. Follow the recommendations in this day trip packing list so you don’t forget anything when packing a day bag.

GET A FREE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS PACKING LIST (PLUS 4 MORE!) HERE

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

These bags are day trip essentials 

Anti-theft crossbody bag .

When venturing out on my travels for the day, this anti-theft crossbody bag is an absolute must. 

I love how the zippers lock shut so that I know that nobody can just slip the zipper open while I’m not paying attention.

There’s also an RFID-blocking compartment to protect your credit cards from electronic identity theft. 

This bag is also slash resistant and the strap is too, making it far less likely that a purse snatcher will be able to easily cut the strap and get away with your bag.

In spite of these helpful features, I still always wear the bag across my body and keep a hand on my bag at all times. 

It’s also very lightweight and surprisingly roomy, holding all the essentials you’ll need for your day trip. I also love the sturdy, stain-resistant, and water-repelling material it’s made of.

This way I don’t hesitate to set it on the floor when dining out and wrap the strap around my ankle for safekeeping. I never just drape the strap across the back of my chair.

For more about this purse, read my full Travelon anti-theft crossbody bucket bag review . 

• 5-Point Anti-Theft security system
• Locking main compartment with slip pockets and zippered pocket, plus an organization compartment with RFID blocking card and passport slots.
• Front slash pocket, zip rear pocket and removable LED light. Will hold a 10” tablet

Backpack 

Hubby loves to use his backpack for longer day trips or those when we’re traveling further afield. 

Although Jansport no longer makes his exact backpack (it’s lasted him for many years and thousands of miles of travel all over Europe!), it’s very similar to this backpack you can buy on Amazon . 

He loves that there’s plenty of room for a jacket, his large camera bag, and any souvenirs we might pick up. Plus, there’s exterior space for a water bottle. 

It also doubles as his personal item bag when we travel by plane. 

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Shoulder Bag 

For shorter day trips or when he doesn’t feel like he needs to carry much, hubby prefers to use his Rick Steves Civita shoulder bag . It’s reasonably priced and comfortable to carry. 

Though not as roomy as the bag I swear by (above), it’s a great alternative to a backpack, especially for guys who want a shoulder or crossbody bag that doesn’t look like a purse. 

Day trip packing list 

When deciding what to pack for a day trip, I usually ask myself these questions: 

• How far am I traveling from my accommodations? 
• How long will we be away? 
• What is the weather like where we’re going? AND what’s the forecast for when we return at the end of the day? 

Read More → Is a Pisa Day Trip Worth It?

Camera or phone for photos 

When hubby’s feeling serious about taking photos on a day trip, he’ll pack his camera bag in his backpack. 

Otherwise, we just take our phones. We have never taken better “phone pictures” than we have since we switched to these phones

Portable charger and cable 

Make sure your awesome phone doesn’t lose juice while you’re exploring your day trip destination. 

I always carry a portable charger just like this one . It’s small and lightweight. Perfect for slipping into your day bag. 

Oh, and don’t forget to bring the cable along as well. 

Water bottle 

Water is one of the most important essentials for your day bag. 

I often buy a bottle of water at my departure airport to drink on my flight and then just re-use that for my entire trip.

I tried a collapsible re-usable water bottle, but it just didn’t hold enough. 

And some other water bottles are just too heavy to add the weight to a day bag. Or they’re crazy expensive (hello, Hydro Flask). 

If you prefer to purchase a re-usable bottle, these are my favorite affordable lightweight water bottles . 

Waterproof jacket with a hood (so you don’t need to carry an umbrella) 

A lightweight, breathable rain jacket with a hood is a must on a day trip since I hate to carry an umbrella unless I really have to. 

With a jacket like this one , you’ll stay dry without trapping heat and making you all sweaty and yucky. 

It also packs small…perfect for adding to your travel partner’s backpack if you don’t feel like carrying it yourself (thanks, honey!).  

Sunglasses 

An inexpensive pair of sunglasses—that you won’t be heartbroken over if they get lost—like these Amazon Choice aviator-style glasses are a good choice for outdoor activity day trips. 

Hubby likes to wear clip-on sunglasses over his prescription glasses.  

Snacks 

I’m one of those people whose blood sugar can just drop like a rock if I don’t eat regularly, so I always travel with healthy snacks to get me through to the next meal when necessary. 

These granola bars are a staple in my day bag. 

These snacks usually get packed as well. 

Apples also make a great day trip snack…and then you don’t have any wrappers to dispose of either. 

Guidebook 

I recommend you take your guidebook with you so you can refer back to it for dining options and to make sure you don’t miss anything you want to see. 

My favorite anti-theft crossbody bag has room to hold a physical guidebook along with my other essential items. 

I also love to carry Kindle e-books with me on my phone. Rough Guides excels at formatting their e-book travel guides for Kindle. 

Using an e-book also has the added benefit of disguising your identity as a tourist a little bit more than wandering the streets with a physical guidebook in your hands.

Need help finding your perfect travel guide? Read my post on the best travel guidebooks .  

Personal care items 

Sunscreen .

Keep yourself protected from the sun with this SPF 70 stick sunscreen .

Stick sunscreens are great for taking with you on the go. You don’t have to worry about any leakage in your day bag. 

You can also use it for your face, but I don’t like how it feels so I use this SPF 50 sunscreen on my face every single day.

Apply under your makeup before your day trip.  

Hand sanitizer 

Travel can be dirty. Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer like this .  

Lip balm 

Travel can also be dehydrating, so I always pack this lip balm . I can’t use waxy lip balms, and this is the only one that doesn’t break me out. 

Hubby loves this lip balm .  

Wet wipes, tissues, and toilet seat covers 

Travel packs of wet wipes are a good idea to pack depending on where you’re traveling. These are my favorites . 

Travel packs of tissues  and/or toilet seat covers (again depending on where you’re traveling) make good additions to your day bag. 

Miscellaneous first aid 

Pack a few first aid items like band-aids, alcohol wipes, and pain relievers just in case.

There’s not much worse than having a bloody scrape or headache intrude upon your amazing day trip experiences. 

Tickets for train or attractions/sites 

Make sure you have all your tickets with you before you head off on your day trip. 

In addition to having digital copies and email confirmations on my phone, I like to print out hard copies of everything. 

I love technology, but I don’t trust it to get me into the Vatican Museums at my appointed time, thank you very much. 

Spare cash, credit cards, and debit card if you need more cash 

I always recommend carrying some cash with you when you travel. Make a stop at a cash machine if you need to and withdraw some additional funds in the local currency. 

Cash is handy for small purchases like an occasional coffee or a cheesy souvenir. You may also run into times when credit card readers won’t cooperate. 

This can be especially frustrating if you’re trying to buy a train ticket to Versailles…I’m just saying.

In that case, you’ll be thankful you have cash on you as an alternative to waiting in line to purchase your tickets from the attendant at the window.   

ID, wallet, keys, etc. 

Don’t leave for your day trip without proper identification, medical insurance cards, etc.

We also take color photocopies of all our important travel documents and ID and keep them in separate compartments from the actual items. 

Make sure you also don’t leave without your hotel room or Airbnb keys.   

Other tips for your day trip 

Dress in layers .

Pay close attention to weather forecasts for your day trip destination AND the town where you’re staying.

Depending on how far you’re traveling for your day trip, the weather could be completely different. 

You’ll also want to be prepared for the weather when you return, particularly if you have a bit of a distance to walk back to your accommodations. 

Dress in layers so that you’ll be prepared for any sudden changes in weather or the possibility that the weather forecast is wrong (impossible!). #sarcasm 

Wear the proper shoes 

You’ll also need the proper shoes. And I don’t just mean comfortable shoes that won’t leave you in pain at the end of your day. 

Don’t be like me and wear flimsy little TOMS at the Forum on a day trip to Rome .

I nearly fell and turned my ankle multiple times because the quite uneven ground really requires shoes with sturdy soles. 

If you’re going hiking, you’re going to want good support. I find hiking ankle boots too constricting, so that’s why I wear these hiking shoes . 

They’re also waterproof, which is great for me because I’m the kind of person who will walk straight into a puddle because I’m not paying attention to where I’m walking.

Probably because I have my nose in my guidebook. 

Confirm all reservations 

Take a beat to make sure that your motor coach tour or train tickets are in order and you have the correct date. 

Make sure you’ve booked any advance tickets or reservations you need for whatever sites or attractions you’re seeing. 

Final thoughts on the day trip packing list

Packing for a day trip can be a lot to think about. But with this packing list you should have everything you need every time.

No stress. No worries.

What about you? Do you have any other tips for how to pack your day trip bag? 

Related packing list articles:

• Why you should pack light
• The ultimate weekend getaway packing list
• How to pack light for a week in Europe
• The 10 best tips for how to pack carry-on only

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

After a lifetime of independent travel, using land-based public transport as well as, lately, a small campervan, age (77) and circumstances (Brexit😖) have encouraged me to take an organised trip which includes flights as well as various land-based travel options. Over the years, I have developed my own luggage and packing system, especially the “throw it all in “ method for the campervan! Now there are flying restrictions – Liquids in a plastic bag! Strict size limit for carry-on luggage! Controls on what travel snacks can be taken through customs when arriving in the EU! (Yes, I understand, the snacks are supposed to be eaten in flight😀). I’m finding it difficult to adjust to the fact that I am not taking my own home/tent/hotel room on wheels everywhere I go. I’m having to PLAN my packing and luggage, for goodness sake! So, thank you for all your notions and ideas. I will adapt if not adopt.

You made a good point that packing light is also important when planning to book a tour. I’d like to find a good multi-day tour soon because I want to go out of town with my kids. I think that will be a good way for us to bond.

Thanks for reading!

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Best Travel Day Bag: How to Choose the Right One

Best Suitcases , Handbags , LUGGAGE

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Not sure what the best travel day bag for your next trip is? There are lots of factors to keep in mind and we happily break down the criteria you should consider when selecting one. Check it out!

Best Travel Day Bag

Table of contents.

A day bag for travel is a must-have for any journey you take and an essential part of your capsule wardrobe . However, there are important criteria that you should consider when selecting one:

Packability

Functionality.

The right bag will check all the boxes on the above list, and ensure your personal items are kept safe and secure without being clunky and heavy. Below, we cover all these points and more!

How to Choose the Best Day Bags for Any Trip

Travelon Classic Messenger Bag

Security is an important factor to consider, especially when choosing the best day bag for European travel where there is a higher occurrence of pickpockets. Even if that’s not the case, you’ll still want a bag with good security features.

The security features you should look for are:

• Locking compartments
• Slash-proof material
• RFID-blocking card slots

A crossbody bag is a strong choice because you can keep it attached to you, rather than dangling off your shoulder. Make sure the bag part is visible to you (hanging closer to the front of your body) while out-and-about or in crowded areas.

Also, leave your passport or laptop behind at your accommodation in a locked suitcase or safe. That way you don’t have anything vital with you and your bag is lighter to carry.

Here are more popular anti-theft crossbody bags readers adore:

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Double Pocket Anti-Theft Crossbody

This popular Travelon crossbody has all the anti-theft features you could need: locking zipper pulls, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking pockets. The straps can be locked to stationary objects, too. So, when you sit down for a meal or lounge on a beach chair, you’ll know your bag isn’t going anywhere!

Travelon Double Pocket Bucket Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag

This bucket bag from Travelon features a spacious main compartment and an organization pocket for money and passports, with secure locks. The adjustable strap is comfortable to wear, and users say it holds everything you need for a day of exploring new places. And it’s slash-resistant, too!

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag

Travelon Essential Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

This Travelon bag gives you that cute messenger bag look while providing you with the utmost security for your belongings. With Travelon’s slash-proof material, lockable zipper, and RFID-blocking features, you’ll be able to focus on the sights around you without worrying about theft. It has great organization, can fit all you need for the day, and is lightweight too!

For security-conscious travelers, take a look at the best anti-theft travel bags !

NeatPack Multi Pocket Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Let’s face it: some bags are adorable, but they don’t pack very well. So, when choosing a bag for travel, it’s a good idea to look for one that’s packable. 

Well-made day bags for travel have pockets, zippers, and closures that are necessary for security and help you pack items more efficiently. The key to packing all your necessities is having a well-organized bag where your things are protected yet easy to find. 

The best day bags for European travel (or any other destination) should have pockets to carry smaller items, such as keys or credit cards.  You’ll also want to look for bags with RFID-blocking capabilities, like the NeatPack Crossbody .

Specialized compartments, for things like a water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, a travel scarf , or anything else you want to have on hand, can be useful too!

Here are more packable bags readers adore:

Baggallini Hobo Lightweight Travel Purse

Baggallini Hobo Tote

Baggallini is a huge favorite among TFG readers, and the Hobo tote is one of their most popular styles. It’s cute and uber practical, with a wide assortment of pockets and sleeves that can hold a lot while still being lightweight. A functional option for on or off the plane! 

Baggallini Cross Body Travel Purse

Baggallini Criss Cross Crossbody Bag

The Baggallini Criss Cross crossbody is lightweight and perfectly compact but has lots of room inside for your things. With so many handy pockets (including a hidden center pocket for valuables), it’s easy to keep daily essentials organized and ready to go. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to suit your travel wardrobe!

Kipling Pahneiro Adjustable Travel Purse

Kipling Pahneiro Bag

Kipling’s Pahneiro bag will fit everything needed for a day of sightseeing without being too bulky. A spacious main compartment holds larger items, while inner and outer pockets are just right for small essentials. It’s super versatile, so it’ll go with anything, and you can wear it as a handbag or crossbody to switch it up!

To be more secure on your next European adventure, use these anti-theft travel accessories !

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

Your day bag often doubles as your in-flight personal item, so it’s usually a smaller size than your carry-on. 

The exact dimensions you need to follow will depend on what your airline defines as a “personal item.” To figure this out, we recommend checking your airline’s website. For example, United Airlines’ max measurements for personal items are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

But beyond meeting the airline’s requirements, a good day bag has to work for you off the plane too. Think about what you’ll be doing during your trip to determine the best size for you! 

Here’s the full review of Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack!

Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack

You definitely don’t want to be carrying around a big bag or backpack that’s larger than necessary, especially for sightseeing trips where you’ll be doing tons of walking. 

If you’ll mostly be visiting cities, you can usually run back to your hotel during the day to grab a sweater or a change of shoes. So, a medium size bag is usually just right to hold the day’s essentials like a map, your on-the-go cosmetics, and a stylish scarf.

You can also use a packing cubes to keep your belongings organized in your day bag so that you have access to what you need right away!

Here are more bags that readers adore for a personal item:

Longchamp Le Pliage Leather Trim Backpack

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

The Le Pliage is a chic reader favorite and sells every year in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s durable, gorgeous, and spacious enough to easily fit a day’s worth of must-have items. One of the coolest features is that it can fold neatly into itself when not in use!

Learn why the Longchamp Le Pillage Backpack is so popular in this review !

Herschel Settlement Day Pack

Herschel Settlement Backpack

If you need to comfortably carry a good amount of items while sightseeing, check out this stylish Herschel Settlement backpack ! With 17L of space, it can hold a camera, a jacket, snacks, and other travel necessities. It’s simple, sturdy, and will hold up well over time, too!

Fjallraven Kanken Everyday Backpack

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

This cute Fjallraven backpack has plenty of pockets, 16L of storage space, and ergonomic shoulder straps for comfortable carrying. Made of a dirt-resistant and water-resistant material, it’s amazing for travel and super easy to clean. It comes in a TON of colors as well! 

Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote

The best travel day bags are not only sized right but are made from lightweight materials, like the Le Pliage shoulder tote . 

For easier travel, try to avoid bags with unnecessarily heavy fabrics and accents (like buckles, etc.). While you want your small day bag to be fashionable, it still needs to be comfortable enough to carry around during the day! 

Here are more lightweight bags that readers adore:

TUMI Voyageur Ruma Lightweight Bag

TUMI Voyageur Ruma Crossbody Bag

If you like to travel light, it doesn’t get better than this TUMI Voyageur crossbody . Tiny but mighty, this bag offers multiple pockets, card slots, a key clip, and a TUMI tracer just in case it gets lost. Super functional and very stylish! 

Find out what our readers have to say about their Tumi Bags in our review !

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Bag

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Handbag

Readers adore Longchamp Le Pliage for their lightweight feel, durable nylon construction, and fashionable look. The Mini Le Pliage handbag is the perfect size for holding just the necessities for day explorations and more!

Find out why Longchamp bags are the best travel handbags!

Travelon Mini Sling Tote

Travelon Anti-Theft Mini Sling Bag

Another small and lightweight option, this Travelon sling bag comes equipped with the brand’s signature anti-theft features to keep your valuables safe and sound as you explore. Inside, there are lots of pockets and RFID-blocking card sleeves, while the exterior has a simple look that comes in a variety of pretty colors!

TUMI Tula Nylon Crossbody Bag

Once you’ve decided on the size and weight of your day trip bag, you’ll need to think about functionality. Consider your destination, what you’ll be doing, and what you’ll need to carry.

After all, this is the bag that you’ll put all of your essentials in for the whole day!

The Sak’s Sequoia Hobo Leather Bag

Depending on how much space you have, the best travel day bag may need to double as your purse too. If this is the case, look for a bag with small zippered compartments to hold your bills and loose change, such as The Sak’s Sequoia hobo bag , which has multiple handy pockets. 

Here are more functional bags that readers adore:

Baggallini Crossbody Everywhere Bag

Baggallini Everywhere Bag

The Baggallini Everywhere bag is amazingly practical, with compartments and pockets to keep everything you need organized. More functional features include a removable wristlet, a trolley sleeve, and a comfy, adjustable strap. It’s lightweight and durable, so it can handle any adventure with ease, and the variety of colors and patterns add lots of style!

Vera Bradley Crossbody Hipster Purse

Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody 

This adorable Vera Bradley crossbody is made from soft and washable recycled cotton and comes in a wide variety of fun patterns and colors. It’s the perfect everyday travel bag, with plenty of zippered pockets and a slim silhouette that’s convenient and comfy to carry.

Kipling Alvar Classic Cross Body

Kipling Alvar Crossbody Bag

A compact crossbody like this Kipling Alvar bag is such a great and functional style for travel! This bag is comfortable to carry and with plenty of compartments and zippered locks, your things will stay organized and are easy to access. This bag is lightweight, of great quality, and has a cute, classic look. 

Fossil Kinley Large Cross Body Purse

When it comes to style, the best day bags should offer both aesthetics and function. 

After all, day bags are the items you’ll have with you most of the time. So, try to find one that you’ll be happy to see in your travel photos and that you can wear all day long! 

Fossil Fiona Crossbody Purse

If you plan on walking around a lot, stay away from a bag that feels heavy or constantly needs adjusting. Your bag has to be functional, first and foremost, and cute or chic second!

A day bag like the Fossil Fiona crossbody definitely has the pretty factor; it’s made from soft leather, is uber comfortable to carry and lightweight, and can easily fit the day’s essentials. 

Here are more stylish and practical bags that readers adore:

Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Purse

Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Bag 

With dangling tassels and pretty faux leather, this Deluxity crossbody offers both style and function. Wearers say it holds its shape well and can fit a good amount of travel essentials, like a small camera, wallet, sunglasses, and more. It’s available in over 35 beautiful colors and is a very budget-friendly option, too! 

This best travel purse post has more choices of budget-friendly purses!

Oak Leathers Sling Crossbody

Oak Leathers Crossbody Sling Bag

With studded details and gorgeous genuine leather, this Oak Leathers day bag gets major style points. It’ll certainly add flair to your travel look while also providing ample space, interior and exterior organization, a bill compartment, and slots for your phone and sunglasses! 

Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Classic Leather Bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag

An elegant choice, the Le Pliage Cuir leather shoulder bag features Longchamp’s top-notch quality and design that TFG readers love. It’s the perfect size to carry everything you’ll need for the day’s adventures, and the removable strap allows you to wear it in different ways. Chic and lovely all around! 

Best Travel Day Bag Comparison Chart

Editor’s Pick: Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

The TFG editor-in-chief shares her top choice for a bag that’s stylish, comfortable, and super practical. Watch the video or read her entire Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack review! 

How TFG Editor Rocks Her Favorite Travel Day Bags

View this post on Instagram What a fantastic trip to Paris I got to go on a couple weeks ago with my mom! In addition to this stop, we were also able to visit Rome, Venice and Basel, Switzerland – we celebrated both of our birthdays together while abroad and it was seriously such a trip to remember. ❤️ And of course, it wouldn’t be a true travel fashion journey without bringing along some of my favorite TFG-approved pieces, such as Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian backpack and Leith’s ruched body-con tank dress. There are plenty more pics to share of this magnificent trip so stay tuned! #TravelFashionGirl #TFGonthego A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jul 1, 2018 at 7:54pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Got to put SO many TFG favorites to use while exploring Europe! There was comfort for all day walking in my @skechers Pureflex slip ons, anti-theft protection thanks to my @travelonbags messenger bag and lightweight layering in my @anatomiestyle Kenya jacket (it even folded up perfectly in the Travelon bag when I wasn’t wearing it!) plus the Anatomie Skyler pants, too. Last but not least, my favorite @ospreypacks Ozone 35 Liter backpack allowed me to pack carry-on only for 12 days (with the help of my Compass Rose packing cubes inside, of course ?) I was so happy to curate a look that ended up doing it all – have YOU tried any of these TFG approved items? Let me know in the comments below! #TravelFashionGirl #TFGonthego A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jul 13, 2018 at 1:28pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Easy & breezy ? Sunny days call for maxi dresses and this piece from @toadandcoclothing does the job perfectly (it’s literally called their “Sunkissed Maxi”) Flowy and functional, this is beautiful enough to be worn anywhere from a beach wedding in Playa Del Carmen, strolling around the temples in Southeast Asia or right there in San Diego where I shot these looks. Also pictured is their vacation perfect Americano hat – couldn’t have been a better match! #livewelldogood #trailtotavern #everydayisanadventure A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jun 3, 2018 at 6:38pm PDT

View this post on Instagram So many sights to see in beautiful Playa Del Carmen ☀️ One of my favorite activities to do when I’m in town is some good old sightseeing, and a day spent at @mercado30pdc certainly didn’t disappoint! Wearing one of my favorite dresses for travel, which is available to shop (and currently on sale ?) via my LinkTree! #TravelFashionGirl #myrm A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Aug 25, 2019 at 7:10pm PDT

What do you think is the best travel day bag? Share in the comments!

For more travel bags, please read:

• Best Cross Body Purses for Women
• Best Convertible Backpack for Travel as Recommended by Readers
• What Exactly Is a Carry-On Personal Item?
• Travelon Crossbody Bag Review: The #1 Selling Travel Purse

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Author Bio:  After three exciting years in New York, Claire Gros left the big city in pursuit of the alluring unfamiliar.  She now finds inspiration in the traveling summer solstice and the affordable flights that keep the sun in her sky. Follow her journey on instagram:  clurrgros .

23 Comments

Thank you for these great suggestions! I have discovered so many unique travel items by diving into your blogs! I am a fan of crossbody bags and can now add some new options to my list for our upcoming anniversary trip!

I love my Travelon Crossbody bag I bought it for my trip to Park City to see my sister and I knew I would be walking allot and they have an event every Sunday there called Silly Sunday’s with vendors and music so it was great to use while walking around . I am going to show my mom and see if she would like one to keep her secure when she is out shopping since she is 87 years old.

Did a vry hectic sched in France & Zurick and had a small black crossbody bag pretty much same as the Fossil bag shown only probably smaller & softer so it stretched. After much travelling past year Ive secured the essentials down to little money, coins, lipstick phone & a pen. My passport & more money goes to my secret chest bag

Right now I have an Osprey Stuff pack for my packable day pack, but I’ve been on the search for a crossbody/ backpack convertible bag. my main luggage when I travel is an Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack, so I need something I can bring that is hands free, but that I can also use once I’ve reached my destination and am running around a city. It’s a bit elusive! Most are backpack/tote convertibles or they aren’t very nice. The search continues!

I use the Von Baer Liberty Women’s Leather Backpack. I just like the feel of backpacks and the Von Baer bag provides enough space for me.

Perhaps it’s an age issue, but after trying several backpacks, I’m sold on lightweight cross-body bags. I feel somewhat vulnerable in a crowd with a backpack. The purse can be placed in the front and cradled in your arms if need be.

Good point!

Excellent reviews. Extremely helpful for those of us that don’t get to travel too often, but want to do it like a pro! thanks

Thanks Brenda!

I always took my lightweight backpack to a plane; thanks to your articles I tried a simple purse this time. It was awesome!!! I could have it rest on my carry-on and my shoulders were sooo thankful. 🙂

Have I not mentioned here before just how much I LOVE my Traveon Anti-theft bags? I own several now, and they are the PERFECT travel companion. I love all the anti-theft features, the various pockets (on most bags) that allows me to keep cards, cash & passport secure, and quick access to other items (like travel guides, airline tickets, etc). I stick to the cross-body bags because they’re so comfortable to tote, and I even use them for my day-to-day bag!

I’ve just recently become a new fan and will be writing alot more about them in the future 🙂

I agree completely, I own three Travelon bags, and one off brand Bagalini. They are so light, and have useful compartments and most now have RFID protection. The cross body style is adjustable, and it stores so much. I have a small clutch, with a wrist strap, but always go back to the medium sized, black cross body. I’m in Italy now, and debating a small leather cross body, for going out evenings, but it wouldn’t off the security features I’ve grown accustomed to.

You might like this small anti-theft clutch: http://amzn.to/2qmkuZD

Hi I put my Travalon crossbody travel handbag into my Onyaback folds to nothing packpack together with the coat and scarf i am travelling in and this still meets the size for the small second piece of handluggage.

Love the Rebecca Minkoff Julia Backpack for travel!!! I do like to take a larger tote bag with me as well. Usually put the Julia in it for my personal item. My favorite tote is my Goyard followed by my Beis.

I have found that the Longchamp cross body bag combined with a nylon Rebecca Minkoff backpack works the best for me. I can fit my travel wallet, sunglasses, tissues, key and chapstick in the cross body while extra odds and ends go in the backpack. Both are easy and light to pack.

Great suggestions thanks!

Thanks Evangeline 🙂

Thanks for the suggestions. I am on the eternal search to find the best backpack that converts into a satchel. Any ideas are most welcome! Thanks 🙂

Here are a few ideas: https://travelfashiongirl.com/convertible-backpack-purse/ Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestions. I am on the eternal search to find the best backpack that converts into satchel. Any ideas are most welcome! Thanks 🙂

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Home » Gear » best travel daypack

Choosing The Best Travel Daypacks – EPIC Round Up (2024)

And this is exactly why I wrote this definitive guide to the best daypacks for travel! A travel daypack is a truly essential piece of kit for any backpacking adventure and it’s important to get it right. Don’t scrimp and get something cheap. Believe me, you’ll thank me later.

Our EPIC round-up of the 11 best travel daypacks is more than a list; it’s a gateway to finding your perfect travel companion. These daypacks are not just about carrying your essentials; they’re about enhancing your travel experience, ensuring every item you need is just a zip away. Join us as we explore the top picks that are sure to make your next journey as seamless as it is memorable.

Quick Answer: What are the best daypacks for travel?

• The Best Urban Daypack – Nomatic Backpack
• Best Daypack for Long Hikes – Osprey Daylite Pack
• Best Compressible Daypack – Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack
• Best Travel Daypack for Electronics – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Recycled Daypack – LOJEL Niru Daypack
• Lightest Travel Daypack – Deuter Speed Lite
• Best Backpack For a Day Hike – Osprey Stratos 24
• Best Packable Daypack – Outlander Packable
• Sexiest Travel Daypack – Osprey Talon 22
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Daypack – Pacsafe Metrosafe
• Jump to -> The List of the Best 8 Daypacks

My Favorite Daypacks for Backpacking

How to choose the best travel daypack, faq about the best travel daypack, in conclusion: the best travel daypacks.

Here it is: the ultimate list of the best daypacks for travel! Tested, considered deeply, and then ordered in a way that’s gonna make you go “ Hmm, oh yeah, that’s a nice choice. ” What a finely pruned list of traveling day packs!

In a rush? Check out a quick overview of our favorite daypacks just below! After that, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty and the reviews.

Osprey Daylite Pack

• Feature Highlights >
• > The All Mighty Guarantee!
• > Comfortable

Nomatic Backpack

• Feature Highlights: >
• > Sleek Design
• > Always useful

Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack

• > It compresses!
• > Padded shoulder straps

AER Travel Pack 3

• Feature Highlights > Very durable
• > Top access laptop compartment
• > Well organized, designed

LOJEL Niru Daypack

• > Multiple color options
• > Expandable size options

Deuter Speed Lite

• > Weighs just 15.2 ounces
• > Great for trail running

Osprey Stratos 24

• > Most comfortable hiking pack
• > Lifetime guarantee

Outlander Packable

• > Fold to 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• > Only weighs .7 lbs

Osprey Talon 22

• > Feature-rich

Fjallraven Kanken

• > Simple yet useful
• > Tougher than it looks

Pacsafe Metrosafe

• > Anti-Theft Design

#1 Osprey Daylite Pack – The Best Daypack for Hiking

The Osprey Daylite Plus is a versatile and lightweight backpack, renowned for its durability and comfort. With a 20-liter capacity, it’s designed for daily use or short adventures, featuring a spacious main compartment, a front pocket with mesh organizer and key clip, and dual side mesh pockets for water bottles or quick-access items. Its ventilated and padded back panel and shoulder straps ensure comfort, even during extended wear. The Daylite Plus also offers hydration compatibility and multifunctional attachment points, making it a popular choice for hikers, commuters, and travellers seeking a reliable, compact pack that doesn’t compromise on functionality.

Osprey also offers an ‘ all mighty guarantee ‘ which means they will repair any damage that occurs to your pack. However, newer versions of the AMG are less comprehensive and now exclude both wear and tear and airline damage. Personally, I swear by Osprey packs. I’ve been travelling with the same 7-litre backpack for nine years now.

Check out our full review of the Osprey Daylite plus for more details.

• The All Mighty Guarantee!
• Comfortable
• Great for hikers or travelers
• No inner zipper pockets
• Not ideal for digital nomads
• On the smaller side (can be pro or con)

Is the Osprey Daylite the best travel daypack for you?

Whether you are exploring a city or jungle, this lightweight daypack packs some serious punch for its size and weight. There is a lot of storage inside including a padded sleeve that can be used for either a tablet or a hydration reservoir so you can convert it into a hiking hydration daypack . This is a tough, highly versatile daypack that will be more than adequate for most travelers needs… 9.5/10

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#2 Nomatic Backpack – The Best Urban Daypack

If you are after a go-to backpack for everyday use , then meet the Nomatic Backpack. It’s built from high quality materials and is intended for everyday, urban use; this is reflected both in its sober but stylish design aesthetic and the packs layout.

The storage capacity is 20 – 24l making this a great commuter bag and it can also be carried as a briefcase in case you need to go to a business meeting or something. Several members of our team own and love Nomatics and each new generation of their packs seem to get better and better. However, when I took this pack out hiking, it was not the most comfortable but it does perform much better for transit, taking down the gym or trips into town.

To find out more about how we tested this pack, check out our full review of the Nomatic Backpack for more!

• Sleek design
• Well comparmentalised
• Suitable for business use
• Not available in Europe
• Not suitable for hiking
• It’s pricey

Is the Nomatic Backpack the best travel daypack for you?

Note that Nomatic do not ship to Europe so if you are in Europe, then no this bag is not for you. Beyond that, this is solid choice for those in need or an Urban commuter backpack. If you want something durable with minimal storage then this is you pack.

If you need something with a bit more room (for gym shoes or something) then look for a 28-30L pack. This backpack is also not suitable for day hikes so if you like to get outdoors, go choose yourself an Osprey.

#3 Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack – The Best Compressible Daypack

The Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack is possibly the coolest travel daypack on this list. Why? That’s easy – it looks awesome, carries a ton of gear, is durable… and it COMPRESSES!

That’s right, this bad boy is a perfect daypack for travelers. The fact that it compresses and it’s lightweight nature make it very easy to transport. At 17 liters, this is one of the best travel bags for day trips. The Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack is made from ripstop nylon, is air mesh, and features YKK zippers in its construction.

Along with it’s durability is its comfort – the Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack has padded mesh shoulder straps, and a well designed breathable back panel. Furthermore, it’s priced at only $30 making it one of the best cheap daypacks on the market especially considering that the compressible case is included.

Prefer Tortuga backpacks? Check out their kickass Setout Laptop Backpack.

• It compresses!
• Lightest pack on this list
• Padded shoulder straps
• Back ventilation
• Not an ideal hiking daypack
• Not everyone loves the look of Osprey bags

Is the Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack the best travel daypack for you?

While all the bags on this list are awesome in their own way – it’s tough to beat the Tortuga Setout Daypack. Due to it’s durability, size, and compressibility this backpack is the ultimate daypack for travelers looking to travel super light… 9.5/10

#4 AER Travel Pack 3 – Best Travel Daypack for Electronics

The AER Travel Pack 3 is a highly functional and stylish travel backpack, designed to meet the demands of modern travelers. With its 35-liter capacity, it’s perfect for short trips, offering a meticulously organized design with a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets, and dedicated spaces for a laptop, shoes, and other travel essentials. The backpack is crafted from durable, water-resistant materials, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry.

Its ergonomic design includes padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and load lifters for optimal comfort and support. The Travel Pack 3 also features a lay-flat design for easy packing and unpacking, lockable zippers for added security, and a sleek, urban aesthetic that makes it a favorite among city dwellers and digital nomads alike. The Travel Pack boasts a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate a laptop up to 15″. It’s easy to access, which is great when you’re constantly getting in and out of your backpack.

Finally, the AER is tough, crucial for keeping your gear safe. Though it’s technically waterproof, the nylon and tarpaulin material is resitant enough to keep most water out. Just don’t walk out into a rainstorm without a cover.

• Very durable
• Top access laptop compartment
• Well organized, designed
• Rain cover is sold separately
• Water bottle pocket is a bit small
• Could’ve been more internal straps

Is the AER Travel Pack 3 the best travel daypack for you?

A stylish daypack from a stylish company, it’s padding and frame are built for ultimate comfort, and the additional dedicated laptop section makes it enticing for anyone traveling with tech … 9.0/10

#5 LOJEL Niru Daypack – The Best Recycled Daypack

Nothing makes a hippy traveler’s heart flutter quite like the words eco-friendly and recycled . Well, I can think of a few other things, but let’s focus on the backpack for now. The Niru Daypack is constructed from 100% recycled nylon fabric and uses 100% metal for the components. Just incase you need another reason to love this daypack, LOJEL even ships the backpack to you in corn-based, home-compostable packaging!

This 20 liter daypack uses a unique side access main compartment, allowing you a different look inside your bag. In doing this, LOJEL was able to include extra internal pockets the length of the bag, giving you more organizational options to pack however you please.

This lightweight daypack is designed to adjust to your everyday life and needs, no matter what they may be. Featuring three adjustable sizes, the backpack can slim down to hold a single journal and some documents or expand to hold a couple of days worth of clothes and your laptop. Overall, LOJEL brings an eco-friendly, highly functional backpack to the table without too large of a price tag.

Want some more ideas? Have a look at the epic range of travel luggage from LOJEL .

• Recycled material construction
• Large side-access main compartment
• Multiple color options
• Expandable size options
• Not waterproof
• Not great for long-days hiking around
• Thin shoulder straps

#6 Deuter Speed Lite – The Lightest Travel Daypack

First things first, this day bag is definitely not the right daypack for the average backpacker but if your primary concern is weight, this is the best lightweight daypack on the market, weighing in at just 1 lb 1 oz! This pack is extremely versatile and light and is perfect for ultra-runners, hikers and other types of athletes. If you are planning on going on plenty of adventures with your pack, this may be the right choice for you. I’ve been a big fan of Deuter packs for a while and I tested a Deuter Speed Lite whilst hiking in Pakistan in 2017.

What I really like about the Speedlite is that it has quick-access mesh pockets along the front meaning you can easily grab a protein bar on the go. The padded back panel is comfortable and ventilates well, even in scorching heats. The Speedlite includes a hydration reservoir sleeve which is rare for lightweight daypacks, but super handy if you want to drink on the go.

The Speed Lite does have one major disadvantage – this is a lightweight daypack designed for moving fast, and the manufacturers have done everything in their power to keep the weight down, this means you get zero paddings on the removable hip belt.

• Lightest daypack on the market
• Perfect for athletics
• Quick-access mesh pockets
• Comfortable and well ventilated
• Not as practical for non-athletes
• Zero padding on belt
• Bungee chords prove to be fairly useless (for me at least)
• Not good for digital nomads

Is the Deuter Speed Light the best daypack for travel for you?

For smaller loads and day hikes, the Speed Lite is widely regarded as the best ultralight daypack on the market and has a cult following amongst hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. As the most effective lightweight travel daypack on the market, this is an obvious choice if weight is your primary concern and you want a daypack that won’t weigh you down whilst running or climbing… 9.5/10

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#7 Osprey Stratos 24 – The Best Day Hike Backpack

First things first, this is a day hiking backpack . That doesn’t mean you can’t use it as a hiking daypack for thru-hikes. This a seriously comfortable, stylish and innovative pack which is widely considered to be the best Osprey daypack for hiking. The Stratos 24 includes an integrated rain cover, internal hydration reservoir sleeve and a stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment. This feature rich pack kicks ass and is probably one of the most comfortable daypacks around.

The dual side stretch mesh pockets and front panel storage pocket provide you with plenty of places to store water bottles, snacks or other bits and pieces. This is one of the most expensive packs on the list and it also is not especially light. It can’t pack down like foldable or compressible daypacks but if you want the most comfortable, reliable daypack for your travels then this is it.

The Stratos range by Osprey comes in several sizes so you could consider upping the size and picking up a 34 litre version instead. If you wanted go bigger (it’s better sometimes, right?) Osprey makes a 36-liter version of this pack. Read our review of the Stratos 36 and see if it’s a better fit for you!

• Phenomenal for hikers
• Style points
• Integrated rain cover
• Trekking pole attachment (or possibly a spear)
• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve
• Very pricey
• Does not pack down well
• Pocket accessibility is just ok

Is the Osprey Stratos 24 the best travel daypack for you?

If you are looking for a stylish daypack and don’t need something ultralight, then the Osprey Stratos 24 is a keeper. Hikers in particular will find this bag awesome, and although it wouldn’t be my first choice for the best daypack travelers, I can see the appeal. It looks sexy, and Osprey still kicks ass… 9.5/10

#8 Outlander Packable – The Best Packable Daypack

The Outlander is one of the smallest daypacks for travel and it folds up to become even more compact so you can pack it in your main backpack when needed. Besides the multiple compartments, this bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. It’s an extremely water resistant daypack and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable to abrasions too.

It is also very lightweight hiking daypack (weighing in at just 0.7 lbs) but please note that it does not boast any of the comfort or functionality of the best hiking daypacks. This is a great daypack for wandering around town and one of the best backpacks for day trips but it’s not comfortable to wear whilst hiking. The Outlander is only $20 so if you’re looking for a cheap packable day bag to explore cities with, then this is a good choice.

This is probably one of the best small daypacks for the cost of entry but it doesn’t come with a lifetime guarantee… Oh, I almost forgot! The Outlander comes in different colours, in case you’re all about that style.

• Smallest pack on the list
• Compact – a bag that folds up!
• Multiple compartments
• Water resistant
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style
• Not many accessories when compared to competition
• Little comfort
• No lifetime guarantee

Is the Outlander Packable the best travel daypack for you?

If you are the type of traveler that is looking to travel as light as possible – even at the sacrifice of hiking comfortably – then the Outlander Packable could be a good pick for you. Ultralight travelers, you’ve met your match! Hikers, digital nomads or anyone with camera gear, please seek elsewhere… 8.5/10

#9 Osprey Talon 22 – The Stylish Daypack for Travel

I’ve been using Osprey packs for nine years now and my current hiking daypack is the Talon 22. And it’s the goddamn tits! This is one of the best value lightweight hiking daypacks on the market and comes complete with an airscape back to keep you cool and comfortable, plenty of pockets, a whistle on the chest belt, a padded hip belt and external hydration access.

For day hikes and other adventures, the Talon 22 is hands down one of the best travel daypack around. Another great lightweight option (although not as ultralight) is the Osprey Apogee which comes with similar features. This particular model is ideal because it has THREE exterior pockets and a mesh pocket for water bottles. It is also one of the most durable options out there, specially made for rough use. The pocket on the hipbelt is a nice touch and a good place to keep your phone or snacks.

Like all Osprey products, the Talon 22 comes with the Almighty Guarantee meaning that Osprey will repair or replace your pack, no matter what. If you want an upgrade, there’s also a 33-liter Talon backpack as well!

• Perfect for hikers
• Good for travelers
• Plenty of pockets
• You get to be like me!
• Not for digital nomads
• If you don’t hike, look elsewhere
• Runs a bit small in size
• Not the cheapest option

Is the Osprey Talon the best travel daypack for you?

In my opinion, this is the best Osprey daypack on the market right now however I admit that it’s a better fit for travelers who plan on doing plenty of hiking and might not meet your requirements if you have a laptop you want to carry around in your daypack… 9/10

#10 Fjallraven Kanken – Another Urban Daypack

The Fjallraven is a timeless backpack. Seriously, I don’t think you could walk on the streets or venture anywhere without seeing one of these bags, at least once in your life. They’re immensely popular and, contrary to what some people may think very useful bags.

Right of the bat, I’m going to say this: Fjallraven makes pretty minimalist backpacks . The most classic version essentially has just two main compartments and a couple of handles. You don’t get any hidden pockets, extra accessories, or wild new technology when buying a Fjallraven.

What you do get is a bag that works. Fjallravens are very hearty backpacks – I’ve seen people take these things to the ends of the earth and back and put them through hell in the process. The bag is mostly made from vinyl which does a great job of standing up to the elements. The look of the Fjallraven is also unquestionable. Boxy, minimal, angular, and a bright red logo; these bags haven’t changed their look in decades. Honestly the look doesn’t have to change either. Vintage is always in vogue and the Fjallraven doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.

• Simple yet useful
• Tougher than it looks
• Immediately recognizable
• Brand is a bit pricey
• Nothing flashhy

Is the Fjallraven Kanken the best travel daypack for you?

Looking for a bag that doesn’t seem to go out of fashion and doesn’t lose its usefulness? The Fjallraven Kanken is that bag. Those in need of the best urban daypack will find a lot to love in the Fjallraven – it won’t break easily and can look good on just about any person. It’s just one of those pieces of kit that is able to stand the tests of time.

#11 Pacsafe Metrosafe – The Best Anti-Theft Travel Daypack

We recently reviewed the Pacsafe Venturesafe  and were thoroughly impressed. This tough anti-theft daypack features anti-slash material, lockable zips, hidden pockets and even a slash-proof strap which you can use to connect your backpack to heavy furniture. We’d recommend this as the best urban daypack for travel.

Whilst this anti-theft daypack does have its drawbacks (read the review to learn more), it’s definitely one of the toughest daypacks around, performs fairly well as hiking daypack, and if you want absolute peace of mind for your electronics and valuables, then the safest way to transport them whilst on the road is almost certainly going to be in the Metrosafe 20 litre daypack. If safety is a large concern for you, check out our epic guide to the best sling packs !

#12 Wandrd Veer 18 Packable Bag

Packable daypacks are now a thing and this is by the best packable daypack that we have tried. OK, focused on hauling high-quality equipment since 2017, the innovative backpack brand Wandrd made this packable daypack out of weather-resistant materials that stay lightweight to help modern travelers get more out of their trips. The packable bag weighs 14 ounces and will take up to 17 liters of gear wherever the journey takes you.

Two exterior pockets let you store your passport and phone without having to dig through everything when you’re going through security. Comfortable padded shoulder straps on the model make the packable bag suitable for day trips, and the back panel inflates for flexible support.

Not quite ultralight, this unit is best for travelers looking for a bag that can carry heavy equipment and still stow down with ease while traveling.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Everyone travels differently, so the most important thing to consider is YOUR travel style and needs.

Do you have a lot of electronics? Are you keen to head on day hikes? Is a space-saving foldable backpack adequate for your needs? How heavy should your daypack be?

Let me run you through the top factors to consider when picking out the best travel daypack for your needs…

Size of your travel daypack

Size is the most important feature when it comes to choosing the best daypack for you. You want to make sure that your day bag is big enough to carry your everyday essentials but you don’t want it to be so large that it’s a hindrance… Choosing the right size will depend on how much stuff you plan on cramming into your daypack.

For most backpackers, a twenty litre daypack will provide ample space. The best travel daypack shouldn’t be larger than 30 litres unless you want to try and travel with a carry on-only backpack as your only piece of luggage. If you do decide to go that route, check out our review on the Osprey Farpoint 40 , one of the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Weight of your travel daypack

The best travel daypacks are going to be lightweight enough for you to hike through urban jungles, real jungles, and up into the mountains.  These days, most daypacks are pretty light – North Face and Osprey both do a great job of creating truly lightweight daypacks.

The comfort of your daypack

You and your small backpack are going to become best friends so comfort plays a huge role when choosing the best daypack for your travels. If you choose the right size and weight, you are already halfway there. I strongly recommend picking up a backpack with a ventilated back to keep you from getting a super sweaty back. A padded hip-belt is also well worth having if you plan on doing plenty of hiking.

To make sure that your bags feels just right on you, learn how to adjust it properly with this handy fitting guide from REI.

Just as important as the size, security is an attribute you don’t want to overlook when searching for the perfect soul-pack. More than one backpacker friend has returned to their hostel only to discover that his or her wallet was stolen whilst getting pissed at the bar.

Although a slash proof daypack is ideal, you can get by with a pack that has double zippers which you can lock together. One feature I really like about Osprey packs is that the chest belt comes with an inbuilt whistle… Perfect for emergencies. If security really is your number one priority, check out our review of Pacsafe’s Venturesafe backpack.

Your daypack – be it a city daypack or hiking daypack – needs to be resistant and lightweight to make it easier to carry around. Water-resistant material is a plus. Although the daypack doesn’t need to be completely waterproof, make sure that it can take some drizzle without getting all your stuff soaked.

A dry-fast material is also ideal, that way you won’t be stuck with a musty bag. All of the daypacks reviewed in this post are made from high-quality, water-resistant, materials so you don’t need to stress.

Multiple Compartments

Multiple compartments are essential to make your day travel bag more practical. Having just one compartment will mix all of your belongings together and it’d be a pain in the ass to try to find one particular item if you are in a hurry. Having several pockets will help you to get your stuff organised and separated. Ideally, the best travel daypack should have between three to five compartments to keep everything in place.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What does a daypack backpack need?

A daypack backpack needs to fit your belongings that you use daily. We’re talking phone, wallet, power bank, snacks, maps, and so on. A bonus point is an extra department for your water bottle.

What is the lightest day backpack?

The Deuter Speed Lite might not be the biggest daypack, but it’s definitely the lightest. With weight of 1 lb 1 oz, it’s impressively sturdy and stylish.

What is the difference between a backpack and daypack?

A daypack is normally a little bit smaller and a hell lot lighter than a standard backpack. It’s for daily use which requires less volume, hence the smaller dimensions.

Are there any waterproof daypacks?

The AER Travel Pack 3 is pretty much waterproof, however, if you’re carrying expensive electronics with you, you might want to opt for an additional rain mat.

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Once you hit the road, you will quickly fall in love with travel so it’s important that you stretch your money as far as possible… Therefore, I strongly recommend picking a pack that comes with a lifetime guarantee.

It was a tough call, but the Osprey Talon is the best daypack for travelers. Designed by backpackers for backpackers, they know exactly what you need from your travel daypack. I’m a huge fan of mine. It’s gone a long way and seen a lot of skies.

The Talon might not be cheap, but you are really getting your money’s worth with it. This is the same pack that I’ve been using for seven years and it is simply the best hiking daypack. In my opinion, this is the best travel daypack for adventurous travelers and will suit most people on the road.

However, it is really tough to fit a laptop inside and everything else you may need to transport on a bus. Therefore, my second recommendation is the North Face Borealis .

The Borealis is a tough, innovative travel daypack which can handle hikes and also stow your laptop away safely in the padded laptop sleeve. This is the most comfortable hiking daypack I have found which still has a padded laptop sleeve.

Both of these packs are more than adequate for hiking and for hanging around town and, crucially, both of these daypacks come with lifetime guarantees.

So that’s it! Get yourself a pack, amigos, get packed, and go packing. Over and out!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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Hi, what about the Manta 24? Basing on the specs on the Osprey website it seems it can compete with the Talon and Stratos and from a pure stylish point of view I find it more attractive than the two mentioned above. So why it is not taken into account? It is simply that you didn’t try it (maybe because it is a new model?) or you tried it and for some reason it didn’t manage to enter in the top 10? If this is the case which aspect of the Manta is its weak point?

Hello, Indeed the Manta 24 is also a solid daypack choice. Just to be clear, we are Manta 24 fans! It is just as good in terms of performance as the Talon or Stratos. The big advantage of the Manta is the hydration reservoir – if that is what you are looking for. Not everyone needs that feature so it was less of a priority for us to mention. We will consider adding the Manta 24 to this list in the future. Good shout!

Great article. I’m looking at backpacks with zip panel removable day-packs. If you get one of the above, how do you carry it when you also have your backpack? Do you wear it on your front or attach it to the backpack somehow?

I usually wear a daypack on my front. Safer and more comfortable.

Great article! Thanks for the info. Do you know anything about Ethnotek backpacks? I’m heading to SE Asia for 6 months and I need a day bag. I have a 48L Osprey Kestral as my main bag, so I want something in the 20-25L range to store my laptop and Canon G7X along with all the accompanying accessories.

I’m not familiar with Ethnotek backpacks I’m afraid…

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Day Bags: What Is The Best Day Pack For Travel?

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

A good day bag is essential when traveling. As full-time travelers, our daypack bags are one of the most important items we carry. We never explore a city or go on a hike without them. As we prepared for our initial Around the World Trip in 2014, we were tasked with finding the Best Day Pack for Travel.

We were overwhelmed by the numerous choices of travel daypacks – there are so many styles and sizes to choose from! However, before we could determine the best daypack for travel, we had to seriously consider how we would use it.

Why Use a Day Travel Pack?

Before we talk about why you would use a small daypack for travel, we should answer the question, What is a Day Bag?

A travel daypack is a small bag that is carried while sightseeing, hiking or adventuring on day trips. For many travelers – ourselves included – a travel day bag also doubles as carry on luggage for both buses and long haul flights . 

A day travel bag is responsible for containing all of the things you would typically want (or need) while out exploring or sitting in a seat while enroute.

We use a small travel daypack anytime we leave our accommodations . In it, we carry necessities – like a wallet, DSLR camera , phone, keys, a small notebook, pen and a water bottle . Additionally, there are specific pockets in my bag where I stow hand sanitizer, hand lotion, sunscreen and lip moisturizer. In another compartment, I store toilet paper, tissues and feminine products. Odds and ends – like a bottle opener, safety pins, band-aids and extra hair ties – reside in my day pack as well.

Get our 14 Everyday Items for Traveling !

Depending on where I am – and where I am going – there is also room in my travel day pack for a foldable bag (if I’m going to a market), a guidebook (if I’m in a new destination), a scarf or light hoodie (if it might get chilly) and my laptop (if I need to go somewhere to work).

Basically, day bags for travel are a catch-all, carry-all for travelers – yet, they are small and compact. The best travel day bag will provide organization so that tourists can sightsee at ease knowing everything they need is within easy reach.

Features of The Best Travel Day Packs

While almost anything could work as a daypack travel bag, the best travel daypacks are designed with a few specific elements. These features hold true whether you are looking for the best daypack for travel in Europe or if you are seeking the best day trip backpack for hikes. 

Compartmentalized Travel Day Bags

A key feature for the best travel day pack is that it has internal compartments (and sometimes, external ones, too!). Yet, the best travel bag will have at least one large main compartment for stowing bigger items. 

Using a day pack for travel that only has one or two compartments is not sufficient. There should be several zippered or separated sections inside the bag. You don’t want to have to dig your dirty hands through your entire bag to locate your hand sanitizer. It should be kept in a compartment that is easy to get to.

Furthermore, segmented compartments help to keep items from spilling out of your bag. When you want to quickly grab your camera, you don’t want to inadvertently pull out other items like your wallet. Compartments keep everything in place and make it a cinch to find whatever you are looking for.

Having external water bottle pockets and an internal padded laptop sleeve are two common day bag travel pack features that you might want to consider. 

Protection from Pickpockets

Another trait of a good day pack travel bag is an anti-theft design. Unfortunately, some of the most popular cities in the world (like Barcelona , Rome and Ho Chi Minh City ) are crawling with pickpocketing thieves that target tourists. Therefore, the best travel daypack for Europe and Southeast Asia (or anywhere pickpockets are a problem ) is one that is specifically designed to deter thieves.

Top anti-theft elements include RFID blocking panels and slash-resistant straps. That said, zipped bags (or zippered compartments) should always be used to ensure pickpockets don’t get their sticky fingers on your belongings and valuables. 

Keep in mind that money, credit cards, wallets and cell phones should never be kept in an open area.

Durable and Water-Resistant 

The best daypacks for travel are made with quality materials and craftsmanship. Ideally, your day pack travel bag will be constructed with durable fabrics designed to withstand inclement weather conditions. Additionally, the material should be stain-resistant – and it also helps if it is washable.

Water – in the form of rain, sea or even splashing by the pool – is also something to be concerned with. It can ruin expensive electronic devices, like phones and cameras. That can put a big damper on your trip!. However, a water resistant or waterproof travel daypack can keep that from happening.

Beyond all of the technical aspects of a well-designed day pack, one thing to seriously consider before purchasing a travel bag is comfort. Not only does the bag itself need to be comfortable to wear physically (padded shoulder straps are a must!), but it should be a pack that you are also at ease with regarding accessibility and style.

For example, a travel day backpack (rather than a sling bag) may not be the best bag for sightseeing if you are someone who is constantly reaching for contents. While a fanny pack for travel is suitable for some tourists, if it is simply not your style then you should choose a different type.

Types of Day Bags

Before choosing the best day bag for travel, think about what type of day pack best fits your style, comfort and needs. There are 3 distinct styles of day packs to consider: Backpack, Cross Body Bag and Fanny Pack.

Backpack Daypack

A backpack is one of the most popular options for a small daypack. Top reasons to use a day backpack is that the weight is evenly distributed over both shoulders. Because of this, it is possible to carry more items with ease. This could include a pair of comfortable travel shoes to switch into after a long day walking or hiking. A backpack is not only balanced, but it stays out of the way when sightseeing and hiking. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to even the best day backpacks for travel. As already mentioned, accessing the contents of a backpack can be cumbersome to the wearer. Anytime you need something – your camera, Chapstick, a map, a sip of water – you have to take the backpack off to reach it.

In addition to that, carrying day backpacks on your back leaves you vulnerable to pickpockets, especially in crowded attractions or on public transportation.

Pro Tip : If you opt to carry a small day backpack, you can always wear it backwards – on your front – in overcrowded places where pickpockets might be lurking.

Cross Body Daypack for Travel

Cross body bags – or sling daypacks – are one-strap bags, like messenger bags and women’s travel day bag purses. These are worn across the body from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Travelers who use a cross body travel day pack do so for a couple of really good reasons.

First, there is less threat of pickpockets, because your hand naturally falls on the bag, making it easy to grasp onto. Second, items are literally at your fingertips; there is no need take it off to access the contents.

On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages regarding sling day bags that might not make them the best day bag for sightseeing. The weight of the bag lands squarely on one shoulder. While this might not be bothersome for some travel activities, it can cause neck and shoulder pain if you spend long days wearing it while sightseeing. This is especially true if you carry a lot of heavy items.

Pro Tip : A crossbody day pack is ideal for travelers who carry backpacks (rather than suitcases); the sling pack can be worn across the body, under the backpack on travel days. 

Fanny Pack Day Bag for Travel

A Fanny Pack is a waist pack for travel that is fastened around your hips outside of your clothing. A waist pack travel bag is a mini day pack, which can be absolutely freeing, but also limiting.

The pros of using a fanny pack travel bag is that it is attached to you – ideally to the front of you – which is well out of range of thieves. Because it is worn at the waist, it eliminates carrying weight on your shoulders. It is now fashionable to wear it across your shoulder as a chest bag. Although small, even the best fanny packs for travel have organized, zippered compartments.

That said, the downside of only carrying a fanny pack travel waist pouch is that space is limited. There should be plenty of room for essentials, but cameras and most ‘just in case’ items will likely not fit. However, some fanny packs do include a convenient water bottle compartment.

It should be noted that, if traveling to the UK, NZ or Australia, it is best to refer to your Fanny Pack as a Bum Bag…as the word fanny has a completely different meaning there!

Pro Tip : A daypack backpack and fanny pack can be worn at the same time. Items in the hip pack are within easy reach and larger items can be carried in a small backpack. 

Concealed Day Packs for Travel

A concealed sightseeing bag is meant to be used in conjunction with one of the best daypacks for traveling. 

A flat fanny pack for travel – also called a  Money Belt – is an item that is ideal for securing items beneath your clothing. Cash, credit cards and possibly even your passport are all items the can be carried in the multi-zippered bag.

In our opinion, money belts are the best travel bags to wear to ensure your money and important travel docs stay secure. Likewise, a bra stash is the best small bag for travel for women.

In addition to our day packs, we wear money belts (or a bra stash) in cities notoriously known for pickpockets.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that money belts and bra stashes are only useful to deter pickpockets if you, in fact, keep them concealed under your clothing!

The Best Day Pack for Travel

As full-time travelers, we actually travel with all three styles of day packs: Backpack, Messenger Bag and Fanny Pack. That said, most travelers will only need to choose one small day bag for a one- or two-week long trip. 

Choosing the best day pack for traveling is an important consideration for any trip. Because small travel daypacks come in so many different styles, we are featuring our personal favorites – as well as those highly rated by fellow travelers.

Backpack Style

When it comes to the best backpacks for day travel, they can be sporty, casual or ultra-lightweight. One thing these small daypacks for travel have in common, however, is that they are all functional.

Osprey Daylite Plus 

The reliable travel luggage brand, Osprey, makes an entire line of day backpack travel bags. The Osprey Daylite Plus, however, is a small lightweight backpack that ranks supreme. With a spacious 20L volume, multiple interior and exterior compartments (including a water bottle pocket), padded mesh shoulder straps and a ventilated back, it is clear why many travelers claim that it is the best backpack for day travel. Buy it!

BACKPACK WITH DAYPACK – Osprey also offers full-size travel backpacks with a detachable daypack. The Osprey detachable day pack that comes with the Farpoint Backpack is similar to the Daylite Plus. One of the many benefits of a removable daypack is that it can be secured on the back of the full-size pack or over the chest by attaching it to the shoulder straps. If you are looking for backpack luggage for your trip, we highly recommend the Farpoint Osprey backpack with daypack combination!

North Face Backpack 

There are two different styles of North Face day bags. The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack and the North Face Jester Backpack. The Borealis Mini is a small 10-liter bag that has Flex Vent technology and organizational pockets. However, it is on the small side. Especially if you intend to use it for day trips or need to carry larger items. See the Specs.

The North Face Jester Day Bag was designed with school in mind – but it works well as a travel day bag, too. Top features that rank it as the best travel day backpack are the segmented interior compartments and padded sleeve for laptops. Plus, with 27 liters of space, it is excellent to use as a carry on and a bigger travel day pack. Buy it!

Modoker Vintage Backpack

We like the look of vintage backpacks. But, what we love about the Modoker Vintage Backpack day pack is that it is loaded with key features for travelers. Multiple zippered pockets, convenient USB charging port and cushioned straps make this pack the best urban daypack (and one of the best travel daypacks for Europe). See More!

G4Free Foldable Daypack

Highly rated as one of the best packable daypacks, the G4 Free 20L only weighs 6 ounces and easily folds to the size of a sandwich. Made of scratch- and water-resistant material, the daypack is designed with 2 zippered compartments and 2 open pockets. Which is why we believe it is the best foldable daypack for travelers.

The bag can be packed in your luggage and used as a day trip backpack during your vacation. It can even be worn as a carry on for plane travel and then packed away on arrival to your destination. Buy it!

Pro Tip: Need more organization in your day pack? The Grid It Organizer is a fabulous way to keep all of your small items arranged!

Sling Style Bag

Just like backpacks, cross body day packs come in a variety of styles to suit every traveler!

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Although the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is designed with bike messengers in mind, I think it is the best day pack for travelers. I started using a Timbuk2 Messenger Bag as a day pack in the early 2000s. And it has been my travel day pack since we became full-time travelers in 2014.

Featuring numerous interior zippered pockets and compartments, there is a place for everything. The quality is top-notch (the bag I currently use is nearly 20 years old) and the airmesh strap makes it comfortable to wear. See more!

Travelon Essential Anti-Theft Bag

When it comes to anti-theft bags, Travelon is the trusted brand. Keeping your contents safe is at top of mind for their line of stylish daypacks. The Travelon Essential Crossbody Messenger Bag has two large zippered compartments with locking zippers. Plus, internal compartments for storing smaller items. Buy it!

Gootium Canvas Cross Body Bag

The rugged Gootium Canvas Sling Bag is fantastic day bag for Europe and worldwide destinations. The casual travel bag has a large capacity main compartment that can fit a laptop or large camera. Plus, there are several smaller zippered compartments and pockets. Read Reviews!

If you are looking for a small and ultra-lightweight daypack for travel, then a fanny pack may be the perfect style for you. I personally think hip packs are one of the best day bags for travel for women.

ENGYEN Fanny Pack

Similar to the fanny pack that I own, the ENGYEN Hip Pack is convertible and has multiple zippered pockets. This fanny pack even has room for a water bottle, so it is excellent for all day sightseeing or taking on the trails. 

JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack

Classic, simple and functional, the JanSport Fifth Ave Waist Pack gets rave reviews as the best fanny pack for travel. With an adjustable waist strap and two easy-to-access zippered pockets, it is all that minimalist travelers will need. 

SoJourner Stylish Fanny Pack

SoJourner fanny packs are not only fashionably fun, they are functional, too – which is why it ranks as the best waist pack for travel! Designed with the traveler in mind, the SoJourner Bum Bags have three high-quality zippered pockets and are made of water-resistant materials. 

Tips for Finding the Best Bags for Travel

Finding the right bag for your trip is both important and personal. As full time nomads, we have spent ample time searching high and low for the best day travel bags. We feel we have succeeded in finding day packs that fill our needs. 

As we have shared our top picks for the best small day pack for travel. However, if our choices are not exactly they style or function you are looking for, there are many more to choose from.

If you are still on the search for the best day bag for travel in Europe or the best bags for sightseeing on USA Weekend Getaways , find more top choices online . We believe it is the best place to buy travel daypacks for the wide variety of options!

More Travel Packing Tips

• Travel Hacks: Get all of our Best Travel Hacks For Packing to make sure you have everything you need for your trip!
• Join The Debate:  Backpack Vs Suitcase ? We break down the pros & cons and share which works best for what we pack !
• There Is No Debate:  Packing Cubes are like little magical packing helpers that always contain everything on our packing list !
• Checklist : Grab your FREE Packing Checklist ! 

Start planning your next trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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The Best Packable Daypack for Travel

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.

Packable daypacks are a perfect option if you need a lightweight spare bag to stash inside your luggage when you travel. They’re also great if you need an extra bag while running an unexpected errand during your daily commute.

After testing 18 packable daypacks, we chose four lightweight, portable, well-constructed bags to fit a variety of situations, including traveling, hiking, and commuting.

Although every trip has its specific considerations, the bags we recommend share a few similar qualities. All of them are water resistant to some degree, pack down small enough to fit easily into a carry-on bag, and hold at least 20 liters comfortably. We picked a bag for city travelers , a pack good enough for daily use , and a lightweight bag that stays dry in stormy weather . For space-conscious travelers, we have a pick that fits in the palm of your hand .

The research

Why you should trust us, compact and comfortable: away the packable backpack, more structure: waterfield packable backpack, a lightweight bag to carry in the rain: matador freerain22 waterproof packable backpack, a pack that fits in your palm: sea to summit ultra-sil day pack, how we picked and tested, other good packable bags, the competition.

I’ve covered travel luggage and bag design for Wirecutter for nine years and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time.

For this guide, I built on previous years of experience and research by a writer and two editors who have, among them, worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica.

We developed our earliest criteria for this piece after doing an interview with Sara Morrow, an archaeologist who spends summers working expeditions on a small island off the coast of Ireland. She uses a packable daypack to transport her tools, notebooks, and personal items between the base camp and dig sites, and she considers it a necessity in the field.

Personally, I try to pack lightly and almost always travel with at least one packable bag to use on small day journeys once I’ve reached my destination.

Away The Packable Backpack

Compact and comfortable.

Remarkably light and easy to compress, this bag ticks all the boxes for daily use while traveling: comfortable, quietly stylish, and sturdy.

Buying Options

Who this is for: It’s a good option for anyone who wants a packable bag that takes up as much space as a pair of socks but is still comfortable. Its casual look is also unlikely to draw attention when you’re walking around.

Away’s The Packable Backpack is made of a blend of light recycled nylon, with classic, if somewhat minimal, good looks.

It doesn’t weigh much, and it’s comfortable to wear. On your shoulders, the only thing that sets this bag apart from a regular backpack is the lack of structure, a side effect of the bag’s 7-ounce weight. It doesn’t have the same reassuring heft of a traditional backpack (no packable bag does), but when it’s filled with a few odds and ends, its wide straps and sensible shape are comfortable to carry on your back. To save on weight, Away designed the top of the bag like a cinch tote with a flip cover—a simple and effective solution.

It packs up small. When not in use, it rolls up and fits into a separate zippered pouch; it’s about the size of a bunched-up heavy T-shirt.

It’s well made and well priced. For a bag of this quality, it’s an excellent bargain. Away uses the same materials in similarly designed packable tote and sling bags, which we recommend if you’re looking for packable options that aren’t backpacks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A minor quibble is the lack of internal organization beyond the one small, zippered wallet pocket. If you need more organization, the WaterField Packable Backpack has another front pocket and bottle holders. But it’s such a small complaint for bags in this category that it’s hard to call it a flaw.

• Expanded dimensions: 18.1 by 11 by 5.9 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 7 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Capacity: 19 liters
• Warranty: 100-day return and one-year warranty

WaterField Packable Backpack

A more structured pack.

Slightly heavier weight and more-advanced materials give this backpack a reassuring heft and impressive water resistance—and a high price tag. It’s comfortable enough to use as your daily backpack.

Who this is for: Anyone who values a slightly mature look with extra durability and protection from the rain will appreciate this pack. However, it is our most expensive pick.

The WaterField Packable Backpack is a well-built travel backpack that marries the heft of a regular backpack with the compactness of an easy-to-pack tote.

It looks and feels like a regular backpack. In addition to being the most traditional-looking backpack of our picks, it feels the most like a traditional backpack. The shoulder straps, which are ergonomically shaped and lined with breathable mesh fabric, make the bag easier to carry over long distances.

It has more organization. WaterField’s Packable Backpack has a front zippered pocket and two open side pockets that could hold a water bottle and an umbrella. When you’re not using the bag, you can fold it down into a built-in packing pocket, which doubles as an interior zippered pocket when the bag is on your back.

Its high performance matches its high price. However, it’s WaterField’s attention to materials that sets this bag apart from our other picks (and increases the overall price). A layer of Taslan nylon—a very thin, but sturdy, fabric—is layered with a structural tricot mesh and a robust water-resistant coating. Water practically bounced away from this bag during testing—even more so than with our pick from Matador —so it’s a good option for wet climates.

• The Waterfield Packable Backpack weighs about 12 ounces; it’s heavier than our other picks but not by much. The bag holds 16 liters of stuff, which is on the smaller side compared with our other picks but still plenty big for a single traveler on a walk. It doesn’t pack down as small as our other picks.
• It’s a little tricky to pack into its self-contained pocket. It’s not as simple as just inverting it and stuffing away to your heart’s content. You have to do a series of particular folds to pack the bag properly, which WaterField shared in a video . There’s a fine line between portability and irritability, and this bag cuts that line very close.
• Expanded dimensions: 15 by 11 by 6 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 9 by 9 by 3 inches
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Capacity: 16 liters
• Warranty: “practical lifetime” repair or replacement

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

A lightweight bag to carry in the rain.

This bag will keep your things dry during adventures in wet climates or unpredictable weather. It packs down to about the size of a potato, but its lack of overall structure isn’t ideal for long hikes or days of carrying.

Who this is for: If you need a spare lightweight bag that can stand up to the elements while taking up very little space, the Freerain22 backpack is for you.

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is excellent in wet climates or anywhere where you might realistically expect to get caught in the rain—think hiking around Seattle or touring London in the fall.

It’s mini but mighty. The Freerain22 backpack folds down so small—to about the size of a pocket camera—that it feels like a magic trick. Made from 30-denier abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon (denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric), it kept our things dry even in a rainstorm, although a small amount of humidity and moisture did get in on occasion while we were hiking around Hawaii. The main compartment opens and closes with a roll top that buckles down on the sides like a dry bag. It’s the best possible design if you’re serious about keeping out water.

It’s versatile—to a point. During our testing, it worked well for travel and on the trail, as long as we didn’t try to carry too much, too far. This pack’s mesh shoulder straps, though very breathable and wide enough to distribute the weight, are like two pieces of hosiery: barely there. And though they are wide enough to resist pinching, a thin strip of fabric can only do so much to protect your clavicles. In addition to using this pack for travel and hikes, we also liked to throw the Freerain22 pack into a jacket pocket in case it rained during commutes around town.

It has some nice extras. Along with a sternum strap, removable hip strap, and loops to hold trekking poles or ice axes, it has two side pockets for water bottles, with side buckles for securing the containers in place, and a zippered front pocket. Other than that, it doesn’t have much organization. But that’s not why you buy a bag like this. The Freerain22 backpack is best as a just-in-case bag. It’s so small that you can bring it with you everywhere, and when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.

• The compromises that are necessary to shrink a bag this small also become its flaws. The shoulder straps are so thin and insubstantial that it’s impossible for the Freerain22 backpack to be comfortable over long distances, especially when you’re carrying more than 10 pounds.
• Some of our testers also found that the shoulder straps, though adjustable, were so long that they couldn’t get the straps short enough to fit their shoulders and frame.
• It’s not as structured as our other picks—it feels more like a reusable shopping bag on your back. If you want a stiffer, more traditional backpack feel, consider the WaterField Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19.5 by 11 by 9.5 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 5 by 3 inches (length by diameter)
• Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Capacity: 22 liters
• Warranty: one-year repair or replacement

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-size packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry more often, though, you might prefer one of our more structured picks.

Who this is for: It’s fantastic for anyone who needs a light, spare bag that they can take with them anywhere, anytime.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is perfect to keep in your pocket or in the glove compartment of your car—it’s handy for when, say, you need a spare bag at the market.

It’s our most packable pick. The Ultra-Sil pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it’s very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

It’s tougher than it looks. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, so it can carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more-structured picks.

• With a bag this small and light, any flaw is an aspect of its narrowly engineered use. Are the shoulder straps thin? Of course! Would it be nice if this bag—which deploys from a small sack that fits in the palm of your hand—had more back padding? Yes. But that would also make it larger and heavier. If you’re not willing to trade some comfort to get the smallest possible carry, this isn’t the bag for you.
• The bag also won’t keep your things dry in the rain like some of our other picks, such as the Waterfield Packable Backpack or the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19 by 11 by 8 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 3.5 by 2 by 1.5 inches
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Warranty: lifetime repair or replacement

Depending on whether you plan to scale cliffs or tour museums , certain features become more or less important when you’re choosing a day bag.

To help make sense of what to prioritize among the dozens of available options, we pored over articles across many outdoor publications and consulted other comparative reviews and advice from sources such as REI and GearLab .

We also considered our own experiences to determine what makes a great packable daypack. Here’s what we look for:

• Weight and size: The whole point of a packable daypack is that it packs well, so weight and compressed size are important factors. Carrying capacity generally correlates to the weight and size of a bag, except in more explicitly technical packs, which may cut down on weight by using lighter, but more expensive, materials.
• Ergonomic features: Stowable daypacks can look and feel like stuff sacks with straps, or they can be full, ergonomically shaped backpacks. The wearability of a bag usually comes down to its load distribution and support system (such as the sternum strap on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack ).
• Organization: Most packable daypacks come with at least two compartments—the largest, or main, compartment and the (often attached) pouch into which the whole pack stows away. Beyond those, an external pocket that can hold small, frequent-use items (such as keys) or sleeves for water bottles are useful. The drawback of adding more organization is that it decreases the packability of a bag and often contributes to weight.
• High-quality materials: Because a packable daypack needs to be able to carry at least some weight when in use but still fold up for storage, materials make the difference between a lightweight pack that feels cheap and flimsy versus one that you feel confident filling to the max and carrying into a rainstorm. The fabrics and composite materials used in higher-quality bags are light and durable but remain nearly invulnerable to water.
• 15- to 25-liter capacity: This seems to be the ideal range for a pack that can hold a full day’s worth of stuff while remaining reasonably lightweight and portable. It’s enough to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, along with some rain protection, a camera, an extra layer of clothing, and whatever else you might need for a day about town.
• Weather resistance and durability: Although a few bags we liked, such as the Matador Freerain22 pack and the WaterField Packable Backpack , come extremely close, total waterproofing is a lot to ask of any lightweight bag. At a minimum, a pack should provide enough protection to keep you and your gear dry through at least a few minutes of wet weather. The better packs often feature more-careful construction, which is visible in details such as sealed and tighter stitching (our pick from Matador), self-sealing YKK zippers (our pick from Away), and reinforced bottoms (our pick from WaterField).

If you’re planning some heavy excursions and looking for the absolute best equipment: You might consider the Hyperlite Summit 30 . It’s a remarkable piece of equipment, a full-size 30-liter backpack weighing only 0.8 pounds. Made of Dyneema composite fabric, Hyperlite backpacks are highly water resistant and long-lasting. And each one folds up to take the same space as a couple of T-shirts. Most people looking for a spare travel bag don’t need a $200 ultralight backpack designed for hiking. But for a rare type of traveler, the Summit 30 might be the best choice.

If you need a heavy-duty bag for hiking: The Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack is a capable hiking daypack that’s hydration-bladder compatible, but not everyone needs a packable bag this hefty. Alone, it’s 1.25 pounds, which is heavier than any of our picks. For the price, we prefer the simplicity of our other picks. But the Beast28 is a good bag, albeit with a large footprint even when it’s packed up.

If none of our picks are available: Consider the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack , another decent choice in the sub-$50 cinch-top-bag category. It’s a fine alternative, but for a little more money you get a lot more value with our other choices.

Aer Go Pack 2 : The previous version was a pick, but the current model is too bulky to be packable; it takes up more space in your suitcase than would ever be worth it on a trip.

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Backpack : This is a decent small backpack, but the drawstring closure top kept this out of consideration. Not only are drawstrings a hazard if they slip out, but they are prone to breaking, and the cinch closure is useless against bad weather.

Dakine Packable Backpack 22L : These are tempting bags, especially for the price. But the fabric (115-denier recycled nylon) feels thin and underwhelming—although it’s Bluesign approved, which we like. The problem is the bag’s closure, which only has a cinch top. If Dakine added a lid that could close over the design similar to Away’s The Packable Backpack , we’d likely make it a pick.

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack : This bag was previously our runner-up pick for hikers. Its zipper and material felt flimsy enough that we were concerned they would fail with long-term use.

Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24 : This is a good bag at a slightly high price, but it didn’t make the cut for us because of its weight and large size even when rolled up.

Gonex 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack : Although it has rave reviews online , we found the stitching was more fragile than we like to recommend.

L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack : The Stowaway Pack was organized and comfortable enough that we liked carrying it on the hiking trail, but we preferred our pick from Matador for its better weatherproofing.

Mystery Ranch In and Out 19 : The In and Out 19 is made of a 100-denier Cordura nylon, which was strong but too heavy for us. The biggest mystery during our testing was how to fold this bag back into its pouch.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L : This is simply a bad design for a tourist. The tote’s large handles, which hang loosely off the back of the bag when it’s worn as a backpack, are a huge red flag for personal safety and security. And all the extra straps and connections make carrying and using the bag a pain.

REI Co-op Stuff Travel Pack - 20L : This is a competitor of the Matador Freerain22 pack that falls short. It mimics our Matador pick in its design, but not in the quality of its materials. Its flimsier fabric and zipper will fail sooner.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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.

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

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.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

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The 15 Best Daypacks for Traveling Abroad in 2024 [Detailed Guide]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

767 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3091 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why Buy a Daypack for International Travel?

Size and capacity, material and durability, straps and handles, compartments, water resistance, hydration compatible, 1. best for travelers on a budget, 2. a stable, secure, and sizable daypack for hiking, 3. stow and go with this foldable daypack, 4. best for bikers, hikers, and those on the go, 5. great daypack for tech-heavy travelers, 6. big brand quality for an affordable price, 7. quality daypack complete with built-in hydration, 8. one of the best for the fashion-conscious traveler, 9. a big backpack with additional safety features, 10. iconic backpack with award-winning design features, 11. light on both your back and your wallet, 12. slim, sophisticated, and great for digital nomads, 13. an anti-theft backpack with impressive all-around capabilities, 14. lightweight backpack with added storage, 15. an expandable backpack that will last, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Daypacks are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfectly designed for taking the essentials you need with you for a day out while traveling. From sleek and minimal single backpacks to perfectly primed cabin bags with lots of compartments and zippers, the most successful daypacks are a fantastic example of form and function at their finest.

Rucksacks, suitcases , and cabin bags are all excellent vessels for carrying your gear, but when it comes to day trips, excursions, and even urban adventures, you don’t need big heavy baggage weighing you down.

Usually offering somewhere between 10- to 30-liter capacities, daypacks do not usually have an internal frame to support them, making them perfect for slinging in your things and going. Designed to carry lightweight loads, they also often feature a range of zippered compartments to keep your essentials safe.

Different daypacks are designed for different days out, and what you buy will depend on your travel style .

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you working while you travel, and will you need a compartment for your laptop ?
• Will you be using it for hikes and need a hydration pack, too?
• Will this be your cabin bag or just something you fold in your main luggage and use on arrival?
• Are you looking for something budget or a statement piece to compliment your style?

There is a daypack to suit every need. Some are made to cater to the outdoor enthusiast and can be carried on your back while you bike, hike, or climb your way to your destination. At the same time, others are compact and convenient enough to be used for a day trip, an afternoon at the shops, or even just for day-to-day commuting.

Whatever your own personal preference, be aware that a travel daypack works best when it is completely commutable. Soft, light, and easy to fold away when not in use means you can throw it in your luggage for use on arrival. Weatherproof, wipeable options will stay dry and clean until you get back home.

Things To Consider With Daypacks for Travel

The perfect daypack will be big enough to carry everything you need on a day out, but not so big that it gets in the way or holds you back from bigger adventures. It should be able to sit comfortably on your shoulders and not hang down too far or prevent you from sitting.

Daypacks that offer a compact capacity of 10 liters or less are just right for holding the most basic essentials, such as keys, money, and snacks, but might be too small for days out while traveling.

Those that offer a more generous capacity of up to 25 liters are better for keeping your extra clothing, food, water bottle , and other essentials close at hand.

You will want to invest in a daypack that is made of highly durable material, as there is nothing worse than a daypack that falls apart out on the open road. Ripstop nylon is tough but lightweight, as is ballistic nylon , while CORDURA-branded materials are also popular and practical.

The daypack should also feature YKK-grade zippers to keep the contents secure and strong nylon straps to hold your belongings safely on your back without the risk of breaking.

Hot Tip: Always look for a material that offers some protection against the elements and has been coated to offer some water resistance. They will also be easy to clean, too.

While wearing your belongings on your back is incredibly practical, it needs to remain a comfortable option, too. In order to prevent pain on your shoulders, neck, and the top of your back, daypack straps should be padded.

EVA foam is often found in the shoulder straps of the modern-day backpack — this high-density foam offers excellent levels of comfort and prevents chafing, rubbing, and skin damage on many of the most popular and best daypacks on the market today.

Enjoy greater flexibility with additional carrying options on your next daypack. Handles on the top and the side will allow you to carry it like a regular tote bag and will make it super easy to use when it is not on your shoulders.

You can also look for a daypack that offers additional straps to be used when you are wearing it. Sternum straps, chest straps, and other fixings keep the pack secure . These types of backpacks are perfect for high-octane outdoor pursuits, as well as offering an additional level of security in urban settings and on public transport.

Most daypacks offer a single large compartment for holding the majority of your gear and a selection of smaller ones for keeping individual items safe and well-organized.

When you are traveling, you will want to ensure that you can quickly reach your passport, wallet , cell, and other necessities, so keeping your backpack well-organized is essential.

Bottom Line: Laptop pockets should offer additional padding to protect your device, and anti-theft or hidden, theft-proof pockets are useful for keeping your money, passport, and other essentials safe on the go.

If you are keen to keep your gear safe, there are numerous built-in safety features that you can find in a daypack. These could include pockets lined with RFID-blocking material to keep your credit cards safe, lockable zips, no front access pockets, and reflective strips to ensure maximum visibility.

You’ll also want to consider an internal compartment for laptops and tablets.

Some of the very best daypacks are made from materials that offer some degree of water resistance. Made with a DWR coating that allows the water to roll off the daypack, you can be sure that your belongings will remain dry when the weather is damp or wet around you. These types of fabric can also be useful in exceptionally humid conditions.

Hot Tip: Note that water resistance does not mean waterproof. If your daypack is completely submerged in water, it may not be able to protect your belongings. If you’re going to get really wet you might want to consider a waterproof backpack instead. 

Some backpacks come complete with a built-in hydration system. These types of bags will provide you with liquids on the go and are especially well-suited to explorers heading off the beaten path or those looking to enjoy some serious outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and climbing.

Hydration compatible backpacks include a plastic or rubber “bladder” that can be filled with liquid. When the need arises, simply bite down on the valve and the water can be sucked from the pack to your mouth, keeping you cool and hydrated.

The 15 Best Daypacks for International Travel

There is a whole world of daypacks out there for commuters, urban explorers, and outdoor adventurers to enjoy. Here are some of the best daypacks for international travel.

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack  

The Amazon Basics range provides good quality luggage at affordable prices, and this laptop backpack is one of its best offerings. Good-size dimensions and a multi-compartment interior make this an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.

The padded sleeve offers protection for laptops measuring up to 17 inches , and it can also be used for keeping tablets safe. There are additional compartments designed to hold pens, keys, and even your cell phone, as well as zippered compartments that will keep your valuable essentials safe on the go.

Mesh water bottle holders can be found at the sides, and there is a quick access space for items you need to reach quickly.

Designed with comfort in mind, this backpack has adjustable, heavily padded shoulder straps to help you find the very best position to carry your gear with you. The material is water-resistant to protect against inclement weather and is also easy to wipe clean when you need to.

Much more than just a daypack, this is a workhorse that can be used as a diaper bag , an overnight bag, a school bag, a commuter bag, and so much more. Good looks, practical design, and a very affordable price tag make this an excellent choice for all kinds of travelers.

What We Like

• Padded compartment for a 17-inch laptop

What We Don’t Like

• No waterproof protection

Osprey Packs Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

Another of the world’s most popular lightweight backpacks, the Osprey Talon offers tons of exceptional features, including customizable fitting, superior comfort, and incredible versatility. Especially popular with the hiking community , this backpack comes complete with a BioStretch harness and continuous wrap hip belt to create an incredibly stable carry system.

For your ongoing comfort, the AirScape back panel will keep you cool on hot days, and the Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment and LidLock helmet attachment are useful for those who like to get out there by foot or by bike.

The simple design offers a large main compartment as well as 2 zippered hip belt pockets, dual stretch mesh side pockets, and even an ice tool loop with bungee tie-offs, making it great for ski trips and other winter activities.

There is a female-specific version, too. The Tempest 20 offers all the same great style and quality but with a smaller torso size that makes it both practical and comfortable on the go.

• Side mesh pockets to stash small items
• The hip belt is quite small

Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Water Resistant Travel Hiking Backpack

This versatile and incredibly durable backpack is surprisingly spacious on the inside while remaining simple and chic on the outside. Made from superstrong nylon fabric, it is also well-protected against the elements with a good degree of waterproofing, meaning that your valuables will stay safe and dry no matter what the weather throws at you.

The roomy main compartment offers enough space to keep all of your belongings well-organized en route, and the top-loading zipper makes for easy access. There are also a further 2 front zipper pockets that are perfect for holding small accessories, 1 internal zippered security pocket for valuable items, and 2 side pockets for your water bottles or even your umbrella.

For your peace of mind and added security, the zippered pockets are all lockable.

Incredibly lightweight, even when fully loaded, this brilliant little backpack also folds up when not in use, making it easy to stow in your suitcase when you are not using it. With adjustable, mesh shoulder straps, the Outlander is comfortable to carry all day long, and the stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased longevity.

Available in a wide range of colors, and easy to carry in its very own pocket, this is a delightful little daypack that is more than capable of performing just as well as some of the more expensive backpacks from big brand names.

• Folds up neatly when not in use
• Material is incredibly thin

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

This popular backpack made by a well-established leader in leisure luggage is sure to impress hikers, bikers, and adventurers of all kinds. Offering a very acceptable 18 liters of storage space, the very best feature of this little backpack is the integrated 2-liter water bladder, keeping you hydrated on every adventure.

FDA-compliant and BPA-free, the 2-liter bladder also comes with a kink-free sip tube and an easy-to-use push-lock cushioned bite valve, making it perfect for adventurous types. There is even a small opening for ice, helping you to stay supercool and nicely hydrated in the great outdoors.

Made from high-quality materials, this backpack offers a fully customizable fit that suits all frames, and the foam stabilizer with mesh coverings will help to keep the backpack comfier for longer.

When it comes to keeping your gear safe and sound, the spacious main compartment has plenty of room for larger items, while the 3 further zipped pockets will keep smaller items protected.

There are also 2 mesh pockets for drinks and snacks, a bungee cord system for your bike helmet, a butterfly opening for jackets, and an integrated rain cover to keep your stuff dry. This is a daypack that offers premium features on a budget.

• Lots of pockets to stay organized
• Bladder screw top can sometimes leak

KROSER Laptop Backpack

Sleek and full of techie extras, this beautiful backpack is functional, practical, and perfectly formed for day-to-day use and further travels. The leather and nylon exterior looks super plush, while on the inside, there is plenty of room to hold everything you will need. The material is also water-repellent to help keep your valuables safe and dry.

Perfect for those who like to stay connected, this backpack comes with a built-in USB port that will help you to charge your phone conveniently ( power bank not included), and the padded foam compartment will keep your laptop well-protected.

The main compartment is large enough to carry a laptop measuring up to 17 inches comfortably, and there is plenty of additional space for your camera, headphones, tablet, or other travel essentials.

There is a selection of further pockets for credit cards, wallets, and passports, as well as a zippered front pocket for easy access and 2 side pockets to hold your water bottles. Designed with practicality in mind, this backpack has some other useful features, including a luggage strap that slips over your suitcase handle, a glasses hook on the side handle, and a top handle for carrying when necessary.

The breathable mesh back and padded shoulder straps help keep you sweat-free and fully comfortable while you carry it, and the sleek design is just right for the fashion-conscious traveler.

• Has a built-in USB port for easy charging
• Might be too big for smaller people

The North Face Borealis Men’s Backpack

As perfect for the urban hiker as it is for the outdoor adventurer, this compact backpack from one of the biggest brands in the market is a firm favorite with travelers, commuters, and students alike. It makes a great daypack for city travel.

The patented FlexVent suspension system makes it super comfortable to carry on your shoulders , and the back paneling keeps the bag supported at all times.

Be ready for anything with 2 decent-sized compartments that can house all of your essentials. The laptop sleeve is well-padded and will keep your tech truly safe on the go, and the second, fleece-lined compartment makes light work of looking after your camera, tablet, cell phone, and anything else you can think of.

Because The North Face really knows what you want from a daypack, it has also included a selection of smaller, zippered pockets, both inside and outside the main compartments. There is also a bungee strap system for storing easy-to-reach items and clever little drinks holders on each side.

The breathable padding on the back helps keep you sweat-free for longer, and the adjustable shoulder and sternum straps will help you to find the most comfortable position to suit your frame — a brilliant backpack, from one of the biggest and the best.

• Available in a variety of colors
• No padding on the hip belt

• Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack

As you would expect from the luggage giants at Osprey , the Daylite Plus Daypack really is one of the best of the bunch. Made from heavy-duty 210D nylon oxford and weighing a tiny 1.2 pounds, this versatile daypack can be used in town, in the air, and just about anywhere else you want to take it.

Designed with everyday adventurers in mind, this backpack comes with a hydration bladder sleeve just behind the back panel, and there is a hip belt for extra stability if you are hiking or biking your way across the country.

With a large panel-loading main compartment, there is plenty of room to take your essentials with you. If you really need to, you could even stash your laptop in there, too. With a further selection of side mesh pockets, a front pocket with a mesh organizer, and a key clip, this bag offers a lot of practical storage space.

Lightweight, durable, and incredibly comfortable to carry , the Daylite Plus is also one of the best-looking backpacks in the Osprey range. It can be used on its own or attached to some of the larger Osprey bags, including the Sojourn and Farpoint backpacks, offering even more flexibility for dedicated travelers.

• Breathable mesh back panel
• No top handle to grab quickly

The North Face Jester Backpack  

As popular with city slickers and urban commuters as it is with outdoor explorers, the Jester Backpack is a sleek and sturdy budget-friendly daypack that performs well in any environment.

Made from superstrong polyester and available in a wide range of colors, this backpack will shake off some heavy rain but is not entirely waterproof. Its simple design makes it lightweight to carry, and the adjustable padded shoulder straps and FlexVent support on the back panel keep you feeling fresh.

A large main compartment offers subtle padding and a thin layer of protection to laptops, while the secondary zippered compartment is fleece-lined and handy for holding all your travel essentials close at hand. There is also an external bungee storage system.

Good looking and with a cool name tag, this backpack works well for outdoor adventures, but can also cope admirably with the daily gym workout, after-work hike, or commute . An entry-level North Face backpack, this little beauty offers plenty of simple, usable storage space when you need it most.

• Front bungee cord for external storage
• Doesn’t stand up on its own

Thule Crossover 30L Laptop Backpack

A true all-rounder, this chunky but funky laptop bag from Thule bridges the gap between the needs of everyday commuters and weekend explorers. Packed full of Swedish style and practicality, you can be sure to find lots of compartments and storage slots, while padded straps and water-resistant fabric comes as standard.

The larger of the main compartments is designed to hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop and a tablet in the integrated, padded laptop compartment. The Crushproof SafeZone will also keep your phone and sunglasses safe from damage.

Designed with active wearers in mind, the padded and adjustable shoulder straps are extremely comfortable to carry, and the mesh covering and padded back panel helps air to breathe around you, keeping you cool no matter how active you get.

The water-resistant fabric and zippers will keep your belongings dry, whatever the weather throws at you, and the gusseted side pockets are perfect for keeping a water bottle or umbrella close at hand.

There are lots of other useful features, including an organization compartment to keep cords and accessories safely tucked away and a discrete slip pocket on the side. This is an excellent example of a backpack that has thought of everything.

• Has a protected top pocket for your sunglasses or other fragile items
• Zippers can be noisey

Peak Design Everyday Backpack  

This legendary backpack has a huge following and a heavy price tag but ticks a lot of boxes for commuters and adventurers alike. The award-winning design comes from a small company that started life making camera bags, and its continued desire to make the ultimate carry bags is what makes this one of the very best backpacks out there.

The MagLatch lid has a magnetic clasp that closes over the top and onto the front of the bag, making it supersafe yet easy to access. At the same time, the modular straps can be attached or removed as necessary, meaning you can carry it however you want to.

This backpack offers an incredibly cool organization system that includes Flex Fold dividers that can turn the main compartment into any shape you need to keep your camera kit or other stuff free from movement. There is also a tech pocket in the bag big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop, a selection of side panel pockets, water bottle holders, and even hidden pouches for extra security.

This backpack is as comfortable to carry as it is easy to use, and the padded shoulders straps with pivoting joints move with you to keep your carry position on-point.

Made from a 400D nylon-canvas blend with a double DWR coating, this backpack is weatherproof enough to keep your gear dry, and the zippers all feature aqua-guards to ensure the safety of your belongings.

An investment piece, for sure, this incredible daypack is worth its hefty price tag and is bound to impress anyone who appreciates great design and superior quality.

• Gear can be accessed from the top or side openings
• The interior dividers could be better

Gonex 20L Ultralight Packable Backpack Handy Small Daypack

Foldable, storable, and incredibly usable, this lightweight backpack is roomy yet affordable and perfect for lots of different uses. In addition to a good-sized main compartment, there are also nylon mesh pockets on the 2 sides for storing your water bottles, an inner zip pocket for storing small items, and a large front pocket for keeping your most important items close at hand.

Made from good quality, rip- and water-resistant nylon fabric, this backpack feels light as a feather , but is built and designed to last. It also comes with a durable 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zipper to keep your items safe and to remain rust-free and smooth running.

Large enough to carry magazines, books, or your iPad, this backpack folds up small enough to be kept in your purse or carry-on for use as and when you need it. This is a handy little backpack that can be used for day trips, vacations, hikes, camping, and even a trip to the shops.

• Water-resistant with a quick-drying exterior
• The zippers can get caught on the material

Thule Lithos Backpack

With its slim profile and clever design features, the Lithos is as practical on the subway as it is on a mountain peak. Nice-looking, good quality, and gimmick-free, this is a great backpack for everyone.

With a wide, top-loading main compartment, you can easily fit in everything you need for your trip. The padded and suspended tech pocket is perfect for keeping a 15-inch laptop safe and protected, and there is a further 10-inch sleeve for your tablet, too .

There are zippered interior pockets for smaller items and an exterior front organization panel for easy access to your essentials. Side pockets will also keep your drink close by.

For your carrying comfort, there is a padded back panel and straps that can be adjusted to find the perfect fit. Other useful additions include an attachment point for a bike light and strap management for excess webbing.

Functional, compact, and lightweight, this is the type of backpack that wouldn’t look out of place in a business meeting, yet be equally at home on the back of a bike. Available in a choice of colors, this is a sleek choice for the fashion-conscious adventurer.

• 2 side pockets for water bottles
• No sternum strap

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Liter Anti Theft Laptop

Made from strong and durable polyester, this sleek and functional laptop backpack is a great option for commuters and adventurers alike. Full of useful features, this comfortable and practical backpack will keep your gear safe on the go.

The anti-theft design comes complete with lockable zippers, cut-proof materials, and an RFID-blocking pocket to keep your credit cards and ID safe.

With impressive internal dimensions, the backpack offers a padded and suspended interior notebook sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches, 2 side pockets, 2 zippered interior pockets, and a key and wallet clip. This bag is more than big enough to comfortably carry your laptop, iPad, portable camera , and everything else you need on a day out.

The soft, durable external materials are water-resistant to protect your belongings against the elements, while also being easy to wipe clean. Complete with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty, this is a good mid-range backpack to suit every type of backpack user.

• Slash-proof straps for security
• The shoulder straps are too wide for those with a smaller frame

G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Daypack

Foldable yet formidable, this lightweight and compact daypack offers 20 liters of awesome storage space for urban adventurers and outdoor explorers alike.

The bag’s made from a water-, tear-, and abrasion-resistant coated nylon material reinforced in more than 14 places for extra strength. The S-shaped straps are made with a breathable mesh and are adjustable.

Inside, it boasts 3 zippered compartments: The largest can hold an iPad and clothes, while the outer pocket can secure key. The smaller inner pocket is designed for cash, cards, and passports. Side mesh pockets are the right size and shape for bottles and umbrellas.

Weighing in at under an ounce, it folds up into a built-in pouch the size of a sandwich . This is an awesome little bag for traveling abroad, since you can fold and stow it when not in use and the water-resistant material is easy to keep clean no matter how active you may be. Strong and durable, this is an affordable and easy-to-use addition to your lightweight luggage collection.

What we Like

• Small and lightweight to stash in your suitcase
• Thin material, so the contents can stick into your back

NOMATIC Travel Pack

The zippered laptop sleeve and mesh dividers will help to keep your electronics safe and separate from your other belongings, and the lie-flat design for your laptop is TSA-approved. There is also a charging cable pass running through all of the major pockets in the backpack.

Featuring an innovative strap system, you can add versatility to this backpack by unsnapping the back panel, tucking in the straps, and carrying it like a briefcase . Other upscale features such as a magnetic snap water bottle pocket and the retractable key leash make this a great choice for business travelers.

Made from durable waterproof materials and zippers, this backpack is spacious enough to carry everything you need for a few days away. Add to that the additional exciting features such as the RFID-safe storage, clamshell opening for easy access, and multiple hidden pockets, and you have an excellent alternative to a traditional cabin bag.

Perfect for the stylish traveler, the Nomatic Travel Pack expands to offer 20 to 30 liters of interior storage space, and sleek, sophisticated design on the outside.

• Lockable security pocket
• Zippers can sometimes break

Daypacks come in a variety of types and sizes, but by far, the most popular ones are those that remain lightweight and fully portable, no matter how much you squeeze in them. If you are in the market for a good quality everyday backpack, take some time to do your research and choose a specific daypack that suits both your needs and your budget.

From super-slim basic backpacks for bikers and hikers to fully-padded laptop bags or mini carry-ons, if you choose the right daypack, it will quickly become an integral part of your everyday use or next big adventure.

Looking for more travel products? Head over to our one-stop shop on travel product reviews .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a daypack.

A daypack is a type of bag or backpack that you use to carry just enough items to get you through the day. Daypacks have many uses , from commuting, hiking, traveling, or general days out.

How big is a daypack?

Daypacks vary depending on what you will be using them for. For the bare essentials and very little features, you can get daypacks as small as liters. Most daypacks will be around the 20- to 30-liter mark.

What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?

Daypacks are a type of backpack. Backpacks come in all types and sizes and some have 100-liter capacities. Daypacks are simply backpacks that you only use to carry your daily essentials and can be anywhere from 10- to 30-liters.

What's the best daypack for traveling?

Some of our favorite day packs include:

• The North Face Jester Backpack
• KROSER Laptop Backback

What is the best size daypack?

Daypacks that offer a compact capacity of 10 liters or less are just right for holding the most basic essentials such as keys, money, and snacks, but might be too small for days out while traveling.

Daypacks that offer a more generous capacity of up to 25 liters are better for keeping your extra clothing, food, water bottle, and other essentials close at hand.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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10 Best Travel Day Packs (2021 Edition)

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Never underestimate the power of a good travel day pack on a trip. These versatile day packs are perfect for any active vacation or even for a city getaway if a backpack is more your style than a purse. Plus, if you run out of space in your bag on the way home, they make for a great spare carry-on.

Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Pack 27L

This hybrid tote/backpack is one of the best day packs for travel because of its dual functionality and lightweight material. Though it’s not heavy, it’s well made and resistant to both tears and wet weather.

The main compartment is zippered, and there are two mesh water bottle side pockets, as well as a large zippered front pocket, so it can hold all of your carry-on essentials . The 27-liter size makes it roomy enough for an overnight stay, but it folds into itself for easy storage.

Gonex Packable Daypack

Gonex makes a great streamlined pack that stuffs into its own small pouch. The material is a lightweight but strong nylon that’s resistant to rain and tears. It has one main compartment as well as a few smaller ones, making it one of the best travel day packs to keep you organized without adding a lot of weight.

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

This offering from Public Rec is a sturdy option for those looking to do some hiking or other outdoor activities. Even though the bag is made of strong polyester, it’s still lightweight and waterproof. It has a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, stretch-woven side pockets, a padded shoulder harness, and a zippered top pocket for essentials.

Matador Freerain24 Backpack

The Matador Freerain is the latest style in Matador’s compact packs range. This ultra-light style is watertight with waterproof rolltop construction, making it super durable for any type of outdoor activity. It has a 24-liter main compartment, dual side pockets, and a front vertical pocket for easy access to essential items.  

Osprey Daylite Backpack 13L

Whether you’re taking a city tour or a summit excursion, the Osprey Daylite is the perfect travel day pack. For hikers, it has a slot for a hydration bladder and is designed to be attached/removed from larger Osprey bags. For the urban traveler, it has a large main compartment, front pocket, and side mesh pockets. At 13 liters, it’s on the smaller side, but it still fits everything you would need for a day.

Sherpani Camden Pack

This is a great travel day pack for urban travel due to its zipper locks, RFID-protected pocket, laptop sleeve, and flexible straps: It can be carried as a tote, worn as a backpack, or worn crossbody. There’s also a zippered luggage pass-through sleeve so you can put it over the handle of your carry-on at the airport.

Herschel Supply Co. Nova Mid Volume Backpack

This stylish travel day pack option holds a 13-inch laptop in the padded sleeve compartment and has internal and external pockets to hold your essentials. The main compartment zips shut, and the shoulder straps are padded.

Fjallraven Kanken Classic

I’ve been flying with my Kanken as my personal item for more than a year now and I love its size, durability, and shape. The Classic style makes for the perfect travel day bag as well, with a roomy main compartment and front pocket for your essentials. The simple design is stylish, and you can fit a surprising amount of clothing and gear inside.

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

REI’s Flash Pack is a travel day pack with dual functionality. Simply turn it inside out and the backpack doubles as a stuff sack for packing. This day pack is super comfortable to wear with a lightly padded back panel—which also slips out to double as a seating pad—as well as padded shoulder straps and a detachable hip belt and sternum strap. The sternum-strap buckle can also be used as a safety whistle. And at 18 liters, it’s the perfect size for day trips. What can’t this day pack do?  

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Packable Daypack

Cotopaxi makes a great lightweight travel day pack, perfect for hiking. The 18-liter pack has a large main compartment with an internal hydration sleeve, mesh shoulder straps, a front zippered pocket, buckled strap support, and a top drawstring closure.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Pack a Backpack: 5 Essential Tips
• 9 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel
• How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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How To Pack A Carry On For A Seven-Day Trip

When you're getting ready for that long-awaited vacation, being a minimalist is a good way to save time, aggravation, and money. Many people try to bring only one small piece of carry-on luggage on airplanes, as checking baggage can cost anywhere from $30 to $200, depending on the size of the suitcase, according to Lugless . That's why it's best to know how to pack a carry-on just right for your next seven-day travel adventure.

Before you do anything else, check with your airline on the dimensions they allow for carry-on luggage. The most standard size for many airlines like United, Jet Blue, and Delta is a bag not bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. However, these airlines have no weight limit on the bag. It just has to fit into the overhead compartment (via Travel + Leisure ). If you know how to pack your carry-on right, this shouldn't be an issue.

What you should pack for a seven-day trip in one carry-on

If you're heading for a summer vacation destination, make sure to pack five shirts, three shorts or skirts, two dressy outfits, one piece of outerwear in case it gets cool, one pair of sneakers, one pair of flip-flops , one pair of dress shoes, two bathing suits, one cover-up, and accessories, as well as essentials like pajamas, socks, and underwear (via Islands.com )

Of course, check the weather at your destination for the week you'll be there because you might have to adjust that list in case of rainy days. Also check with your hotel to make sure they supply certain toiletries and necessities, including a hair dryer. If these things are included with your hotel stay, you don't have to pack them.

Before you start packing all these items, lay them out on a bed or floor first so that you can take a visual stock of what you have and see if you missed anything from your list. You might not even want to pack everything you have laid out. You can wear a sweater or jacket on the plane, as well as your heaviest pair of shoes. The less that goes in the carry-on, the easier it will be for everything to fit.

How to fit all those items in your carry-on

Now that you know what's going in the carry-on luggage and what's not, it's time to get it all in there and make sure it all fits. Islands.com recommends placing the front of the shirt on a flat surface, folding the arms back to square the item, folding the square in half, and then rolling. The shirts will unroll unwrinkled and leave more room in your suitcase.

Pants and sweaters can just be folded into squares, making them quite compact. Be careful with any dresses or other more formal items by leaving them on a hanger and putting them into clear plastic bags.

Now that everything is ready, it's time to place the items, starting with the square ones. Place these in the carry-on luggage first, and the rolled shirts can surround them. Your socks and shoes can then go into any empty spaces you see. Finally, place your toiletry bag on top of the clothing and lay the dressy items in their plastic bags flat at the very top. As long as it all fits and you can zip with ease, you're ready to go.

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How To Choose the Right Sized Travel Bag for Any Trip

Finding a properly sized travel bag is a key part of any successful trip, from a simple weekender to a month-long adventure.

Getting Started

There’s a travel bag out there for everyone, and we’re here to help you find it. The process can be a little overwhelming, but narrowing down what needs to fit into your pack is a great place to start. In this post, we’re going to be talking about different bag sizes and their uses. By the time we’re done, you’ll know just what size pack you need (or at least be headed in the right direction).

We’ll cover everything from 1L slings that keep your pockets free all the way up to 60L outdoor adventure packs for carrying the whole shebang. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pack for daily commutes or are ready to jump off the deep end into backpacking across Asia, we’re psyched to help you get started.

Before we get into it, there are a few essential things to consider. When we mention liters, we mean it in terms of volume, not dimensions. Two different 40L travel bags may not fit the same amount of gear. This is highly dependent on the built-in organization, available compartments, and shapes that the pack implements. We notice the most significant differences between different brands, but sometimes even two travel backpacks made by the same company will differ in packability. Ensuring all your gear will fit inside is one of many critical pieces to the intricate puzzle of picking your next travel bag.

Here at Pack Hacker, we have a ton of travel gear reviews, guides, and how-to videos that will help get you started, continue your journey, or find your magnum opus.

Okay—now let’s get into the fun stuff.

Pocket Dump Sling (1L)

Starting off on the small end of the spectrum is the 1L sling, or what we like to call the Pocket Dump Sling. It might seem tiny, but we promise, 1L is bigger than you think! It’s small enough for you to wear it all day without getting uncomfortable, but it will fit just about anything you usually store in your pockets (hence the name).

Use it to carry your daily essentials: a cell phone, keys, wallet, headphones, and even a small point-and-shoot camera or snack. We also love using these packs while traveling to store a passport, earbuds, travel wallet, and other travel documents like a boarding pass. Pocket dump slings are great at the airport because instead of removing all the items from your pockets and slowing up the line, everything is already in the sling. Just throw it on the conveyor belt and continue through the checkpoint.

From this category, we recommend the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Hip Pack . It’s pretty versatile, as you can wear it as a sling or on your waist, and it packs away nicely for compact storage when not in use.

The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Hip Pack all packed up.

We’ve also found that a sling of this size is great for walks around a new town, city, or nature area while abroad. You can throw your essentials (and maybe a friend or partner’s essentials too, if you’re feeling generous), head out on the town, and keep your hands and pockets free the whole time.

Pockets Plus (2.5L)

If you love slings like we do but crave a little more space, try something around the 2.5L size. We call them Pockets Plus because they fit all the items we usually carry in our pockets, plus a few extra goodies.

This size is excellent for daily use and while traveling because it offers a little more flexibility in what you can bring along with you. Similar to a Pocket Dump Sling, you can leave your pockets empty when you head through a TSA checkpoint. You will also have additional space to bring entertainment like a Nintendo Switch or a small tablet, a couple of snacks, a battery bank, and a few cables to keep everything charged up while you’re on the move. We’ve even been able to fit a packable rain jacket and set of wet wipes, so long as they have a small enough form factor!

The Aer City Sling 2 all packed up.

We love the Aer City Sling 2 , which comes in right at 2.5L. It’s one of the more comfortable carries that we’ve tested, and it has ample space for stowing your gear. We also love its low-profile design, especially while traveling to ensure that we don’t look too touristy. While on the plane, have quick access to entertainment like a Nintendo Switch without digging around below the seat. You can even hook it onto the seat in front of you using a HeroClip for easier access. You’d better stow it during turbulence, though!

Messenger Bag (13L)

If you need to bring along more gear than a basic sling allows, we recommend you grab a messenger bag between 9L and 13L. These packs are great for when you don’t necessarily want the weight of a backpack, but your list of essential items is a little larger, like on short hikes or day trips to nearby towns abroad. If you are set on carrying a sling, there’s also a travel bag subset that's a cross between a messenger bag and a sling.

A 13L messenger bag is a good pick for commuters who want something that won’t take up much space on trains or buses. It’s also a low-profile option if you’re exploring a new city and need more space but don’t want a full travel backpack. These bags are also great for cycle commuting because they aren’t too heavy and allow access to your gear while in transit.

There are many different styles to go with, so it's essential to think about which features are important for your usage needs. A pack with a large main compartment will hold the most gear but lacks the organization that some crave. A pack with more organization may not have as much room for larger items, but each item has a home.

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger all packed up.

In the 13L range, we like the Peak Design Everyday Messenger pack, as it can fit all of our daily go-to gear inside the large main compartment. It does have some organizational capabilities with the included FlexFold dividers, but in our experience, the dividers aren’t the most durable. As we said, it all depends on your specific usage needs.

Daily Bag (15L)

Some people don’t like slings and would prefer to wear a backpack while commuting to work or exploring a new city, which is just fine by us. For a travel bag you can wear every day and carry most of your work essentials, we recommend something between 15L and 18L. This should give you enough space to bring all the gear you need, plus a little bit extra.

Although just a minor step-up from the 13L messenger, we’ve found that those two to five liters can make all the difference. Not only can a daily bag carry everything you need for work, but it will also be versatile enough for extracurriculars, too. So much room for activities!

Hit the gym after work, stop at the coffee shop for a drink and to get your side-hustle on, or even head out for a hike somewhere on the way home. The biggest draw of a daily bag over the smaller packs listed above is the ability to do an abundance of different activities without stopping home to drop off and grab more gear.

The Tom Bihn Luminary 15 all packed up.

We recommend the Tom Bihn Luminary 15 , Able Carry Thirteen Daybag , and Away Small Zip Backpack in this range. Each of these packs will be able to carry a laptop, water bottle, packable jacket, and even a few extra goodies like a tech pouch, phone, wallet, or change of clothes. They all keep a pretty low profile, so you won't feel like you're lugging around a giant travel bag.

Personal Item Backpack (20L)

Shifting from a daily bag to a personal item bag is another small jump, but we’ve found that a 20L travel backpack has just enough space for a weekend trip, or longer if you pack smart. We like this size travel bag because it will likely fit under the seat in front of you on a flight, which means no pesky carry-on fees or worrying about your bag getting lost, which is a big plus. They're great for heading straight to the airport from the office, as they can handle your work needs with your travel accessories added in, too.

It's important to note that it's ultimately up to your airline to decide whether or not a travel bag is allowed to be used as a personal item, but we’ve found that most packs around 20L will fit the bill. It's always a good idea to check the specific rules and dimensions of who you'll be flying with before you start packing, though. There isn't much worse than getting to the airport to find out that your personal item has evolved into a carry-on and that you're stuck with the bill.

After you've stowed your laptop and other travel essentials, you should have room for a packing cube or two. This is great for organization and ensuring that you have all the items that you need for the duration of your trip. If you pack minimally and strategically, you can make a personal item backpack work for week-long trips, too!

The Bellroy Tokyo Totepack all packed up.

In this range, we recommend the Bellroy Tokyo Totepack . It has an open main compartment that is great for getting the most out of the volume. Toss in a few packing cubes and a tech pouch, and you're ready to take on the weekend!

Daypack/Travel Backpack Hybrid (30L)

We love the daypack and travel backpack combo because it enables you to pivot between everyday activities and traveling with ease. We like travel bags around 30L for this purpose because anything larger will be a bit too big for daily use, and anything smaller won't have enough gusto for longer trips. Finding that happy medium is vital for a comfortable journey without sacrificing any essential gear along the way.

For us, a good daypack and travel backpack combo needs to fit a laptop, tablet, toiletry kit, several small or medium-sized packing cubes, a tech pouch, and other various odds and ends. However, your packing list may vary depending on how you like to travel.

We keep an eye out for ways to compress or expand a hybrid travel bag because this enables it to be more versatile. Compression straps and compression zippers are both great features that will allow you to adjust the size depending on your needs at the time, but not all brands include these options.

When you arrive at your destination, take out packing cubes and other items that don't need to be with you at all times. Then you can compress the pack (if it has that feature), fill it with what you need for the day, and head out into adventure mode. When it's time to head home, load the gear and cubes back up with any souvenirs you picked up along the way and go to the airport. If you've picked up too many presents for your family back home, a travel backpack with attachment points is great because you can clip additional pouches and accessories on the outside of the pack.

The Knack Pack Series 2 all packed up.

The Knack Pack Series 2 is a pack with a lot of features for more efficient travel. Uncompressed, the pack is 35L, a great size for traveling, but it sizes down to a handy 24L for daily usage. It has a ton of internal organization, ensuring that every item will have a home and nothing will get lost on the journey. Both of these features make it a great contender to get you to and from your destination stress-free, which means you will be able to enjoy your trip more.

Travel Backpack (40L to 45L)

We're now on the edge of what can be considered a carry-on bag, and we have to admit, we’re loving every minute of it. Most 40L packs are about as large as you’ll be able to bring onto the plane, but adding a few more liters is worth it if you can (and want to) check a travel bag.

These packs are the standard size for one-bag travelers who will be away from home for extended periods of time. Suppose you will be spending a few months bouncing around different countries in Europe, a year exploring what Asia has to offer, or country hopping through Central and South America. In that case, this size travel bag has your name all over it!

Now that we’ve made our way to the larger end of the size spectrum, we tend to look for a few features that add quality of life. We like clamshell packs because they give you the ability to see the entire main compartment at once, rather than digging through to make sure you have everything you need for a day's work or specific adventure. It's almost like a suitcase you can wear on your back, and we find we can be most organized and comfortable this way.

The Osprey Fairview all packed up.

One of our favorites in this category is the Osprey Farpoint. The pack comes in both men’s ( Farpoint ) and women’s ( Fairview ) styling at 40L. Our team has tested this travel bag for over a year in over a dozen different countries worldwide and found that it can hold all of our gear and remain comfortable in almost every situation. No bag is perfect, but a quality travel backpack will quite literally be by your side through it all, so ensuring that you get all the features you need is essential.

Gear Hauler (60L)

Ah, finally. The granddaddy of them all.

Have you ever heard the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” and thought, well, what if I want to bring the kitchen sink, too? Then you're in the right place. A gear hauler is a great fit for a road trip where the size of your travel bag isn't the biggest concern. This normally comes in the form of a duffel, but there are a couple of colossal travel backpacks out there if that's your preference.

In the 50 to 60 L range, gear haulers are also great for outdoor adventures and hobbies that require a lot of equipment, like camping. Another great use for such a pack is to transport coats, snow pants, boots, and skiing and snowboarding gear in the winter.

We’ve also run into on-the-move creators who find them useful when packing audio and video equipment alongside their clothes on trips where they won't be able to stop back at home between gigs. The great thing about a huge travel bag is that you don't need to worry about what you’re bringing because of the sheer volume these packs offer. Unless you quite literally bring your kitchen sink, odds are, it will fit.

The YETI Crossroads 60L all packed up.

In this range, we like the YETI Crossroads 60L Duffel . It has a monumentally large main compartment that's complete with two stowable dividers, which is great for separating different kinds of gear. You could do clothes in one, camera equipment in another, and food and snacks in the last one for an epic cross country photography road trip. Or you could fill all three sections with the Pokemon cards you've been collecting since you were a kid and stow it on the top shelf of your closet so your partner thinks you finally got rid of them after all these years. The opportunities are endless!

Wrapping Up

As you can probably tell, there are a ton of travel bags out there, and each one thrives in a different setting. Odds are, you’ll have a use for almost all of the packs we listed here, but it’s about figuring out what works best for you and your specific usage needs. Be sure to check out our gear reviews , guides , and blog for more assistance finding your perfect pack!

January 31, 2022

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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Baggage & Travel Fees

When you travel with us, we want to help you feel prepared and that includes understanding everything you need to know about your baggage — before, during and after your trip. We encourage you to explore below to learn more about what you can and cannot travel with, possible baggage and travel service fees and more.

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More : Track Checked Baggage | Special Items | Excess & Overweight Baggage | Prohibited or Restricted Items | Delayed, Lost or Damaged Bags | Embargoes & Limitations | First Checked Bag Free | 20-Minute Bag Guarantee

Common Baggage Fees

The baggage fees shown below are for Delta Comfort+® and Main Cabin customers traveling on domestic flights within the U.S., without a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card , Medallion Status or Active Military exceptions:

For your first standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg), each way +1 Free Carry-On Bag and 1 Personal Item

For your second standard checked bag under 50 lbs. (23 kg), each way

• Baggage size must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) when you total LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT
• Visit Carry-On Baggage to find sizing and requirements for carry-on bags
• Customers may check in, select the number of bags they plan to check and pay for or redeem miles (domestically, at most airports) toward bags during the 24-hour check-in window on delta.com, in the Fly Delta app or at a kiosk upon arrival at the airport
• Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and select Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Members can check their first standard checked bag for free
• The checked baggage allowance each way price varies by route and fare class

Other Terms & Conditions:

• CAD or EUR base amounts will be charged when exiting Canada or Europe, respectively, and converted to local currency; for itineraries between Europe/India, fees will be converted from EUR into local currency.
• All passengers traveling to or from Key West, Florida are limited to one checked bag. This supersedes all exceptions.
• Boxes are accepted as checked baggage to/from Central or South America ONLY if they are in the original, factory-sealed box.
• Exception – Boxes are NOT permitted to/from Brazil, Mexico, and Chile at any time of the year.
• Regional Jet Service — No excess baggage (weight, size, or piece) will be accepted on Delta Connection® or other regional jet flights to/from cities in Mexico.
• Weight restrictions at no extra charge vary by cabin. Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+  and Delta Premium Select passengers should follow the standard 50 lb limit per piece. Delta One, First, and Business passengers should follow the 70 lb limit per piece.
• First bag fee does not apply in the following markets if traveling to/from the United States and Canada: PTY, SAL. Not applicable to passengers with a Basic Economy ticket.
• Additionally, lower fees may apply depending on your date of purchase. See previous checked fees.
• SkyMiles members with flights originating from most domestic airports can pay for standard checked bags fees with miles instead of paying in cash during check-in on Delta.com, the Fly Delta app and at a kiosk at the airport. Excess and overweight baggage cannot be purchased with miles. Members traveling from qualifying airports will see standard checked bag fees displayed in cash or miles amounts when paying for their checked baggage. Member must have sufficient miles balance to cover all bags checked in the reservation. SkyMiles Program Rules apply.

Baggage Rules & Fee Exceptions

Find more information about baggage, restricted or prohibited items and exceptions for Active Military and Medallion Members. All baggage fees listed are current and applicable for all ticketing on or after today when Delta's baggage rules are determined to apply. If you ticketed at a much earlier date, please refer to Delta's previous checked baggage page for more details.

Excess & Overweight Baggage Know how many bags you're allowed to check on your flight, plus the cost to bring excess baggage depending on your destination.

Military Baggage You serve us, and we’re delighted to serve you. Please review the bags allowed for active duty United States military personnel.

Medallion Member & Delta SkyMiles AMEX Card Member Baggage We’re thankful for your loyalty. Review the complete policy for bags allowed for Medallion members and Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members.

Special Item Requirements See requirements for fragile items like musical instruments, sporting equipment, medical equipment or more.

Prohibited or Restricted Items For the safety of all passengers, review what items are banned items (flammables, aerosols); and restricted items (batteries).

Flight Partner Baggage

Travel changes, same-day travel changes.

Most fares for domestic travel on Delta are eligible for same-day flight changes. Some tickets don’t offer change eligibility, such as international travel and Basic Economy (E) fares.

Same-day Confirmed

If there is space available in the fare class you originally purchased, you may be able to select the Same-Day Change check-in option and pay a $75 Same-Day Change Fee to confirm a seat on a new flight. This fee does not apply to Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members.

Same-day Standby

At the time of your change request, you may be able to select this option for a standby seat on a new flight for free. You won’t lose your seat on your original flight unless your standby seat clears.

Standard Flight Changes

For all tickets purchased on/after March 31, 2021 in order for you to keep the value of your ticket, be sure to cancel or make changes prior to departure. Based on the fare rules, you may have to pay a change fee and/or a difference in fare. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed. However, you may cancel Basic Economy tickets and a cancellation charge will be deducted from the value of your ticket; remaining value will be issued as an eCredit .

How the Change Fee Works

• If you want to make a change, check your original ticket for specific fare rules regarding change fees
• Pay the price difference between your original ticket
• Pay the change fee according to your flight’s origin, if applicable
• Receive confirmation for your new flight

Award Ticket Changes

We continue to simplify travel by eliminating change fees and redeposit fees for Award Tickets and mileage upgrades for travel within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), as well as international travel originating in the U.S. and Canada. Changes can be made any time prior to departure. Basic Economy Award Tickets cannot be changed in most cases. However, you may cancel your Basic Economy Award Travel for a cancellation fee of 9,900 miles for domestic travel (within the United States and Canada) and 19,900 miles for international travel. The fee will be deducted from the value of your ticket, and any remaining mileage will be redeposited into your SkyMiles account.

Redeposit of Miles for Award Tickets/Mileage Upgrades

In addition to eliminating change fees for tickets originating in the United States and Canada to anywhere in the world,* we have also eliminated the redeposit fee for Award Tickets and mileage upgrades originating in the United States or Canada. There are no change fees for travel within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), international travel originating in the U.S. and Canada and travel between the Caribbean and the U.S.* You may redeposit miles any time prior to departure. A redeposit fee of $150 will still apply for Award Tickets and mileage upgrades for travel originating outside of the United States and Canada.

*Excluding Basic Economy tickets which are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases. However, you may cancel your Basic Economy Award Travel for a cancellation fee of 9,900 miles for domestic travel (within the United States and Canada) and 19,900 miles for international travel. The fee will be deducted from the value of your ticket and any remaining mileage will be redeposited into your SkyMiles account.

Change and Cancel Fees

Review the change and cancel fees below that range from $0 to $400* based on your origin, destination and type of ticket. For Main Cabin and above travel originating from the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the change fee is $0, but a fare difference will apply for ticket changes. If your new flight costs less than your current flight, you may be issued an eCredit for the difference (minus any applicable change fees). Remember that a fare difference will still apply for any ticket changes.

The  Change and Cancel Waiver  is still in effect for flights originating from Asia, Oceania and Israel so customers may continue to change or cancel their flight from these regions without incurring a fee.

*Unless expressly stated otherwise, all fee amounts are stated in US Dollars.

Travel Originating in the United States and Canada

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from the United States (including the USVI and Puerto Rico) or Canada. 

Travel Originating in the Caribbean

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from the Caribbean.

Travel Originating in Mexico

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from Mexico.

Travel Originating in Central America

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from Central America.

Travel Originating in South America

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination, when departing from South America.

Travel Originating in Europe

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from Europe.

*For Main Cabin through Delta Premium Select tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024, there are no change or cancel fees.

**For Basic Economy tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024, tickets can be changed or canceled for €200. For Basic Economy tickets issued on or before February 23, 2023, the change or cancel fee is €150.  

Travel Originating in the United Kingdom

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from the United Kingdom.

**For Basic Economy tickets issued prior to February 23, 2023, the change or cancel fee is £150. 

Travel Originating in Africa, the Middle East and India

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from Africa, the Middle East or India.

*For Main Cabin through Delta Premium Select tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024, there are no change or cancel fees. For Main Cabin through Delta Premium Select tickets originating from Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, there are no change or cancel fees.

**For Basic Economy tickets issued on or before March 21, 2024, the change or cancel fee is $200. For Basic Economy tickets issued on or before February 23, 2023, the change or cancel fee is $180. For Basic Economy tickets originating from Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, the change or cancel fee is $200.

Travel Originating in Asia & Pacific

Please review the change and cancel fees below based on your ticket type and destination when departing from Asia and the Pacific regions.

Travel Services

Unaccompanied minors.

The unaccompanied minor program provides an employee escort and amenities for children traveling alone between the ages of 5 to 14; or 15 to 17 with guardian request. For a $150 fee each way, up to 4 children will be supervised by Delta staff as they travel. Focused on safety, the program gives each child a barcoded wristband scanned at each location and children receive access to Delta Sky Zone lounges for unaccompanied minors, where available.

Infant in Arms

Traveling with a child under two years of age? It’s free to hold an infant in your arms or in an FAA-approved travel harness on flights in the U.S. & Canada. For international flights only, it is 10% of the cost of an adult fare.

We know the furry members of your family matter too. That’s why Delta allows small dogs, cats and household birds (limited to the U.S.) to travel with you in the cabin on your flight in an approved carrier for a fee. For our most up to date fees by region, please visit our Pet Travel Overview page. Size and other restrictions apply. Travel options and exceptions for service animals, U.S. Military personnel and other special cases are also available.

Direct Ticketing & Fee Updates

We offer a direct ticketing service for customers who wish to purchase their tickets over the phone through Reservation Sales or in person at airports and other ticket office locations. A Direct Ticketing international charge applies to tickets issued in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The service is complimentary for all other points of origin.

$25 - $35 USD Round trip for tickets issued in select European countries

This fee will be waived for phone reservations on request.

FREE for all other points of origin.

Most domestic Delta airport locations are designated "cashless stations" and do not accept cash from customers.

Please see the list of included airports . Note that as of April 1, 2024, Delta will no longer accept cash in any U.S. airport locations.

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• At the airport

Checked bag policy

Checked bag allowances.

Changes to bag allowances and fees have been updated as of February 20, 2024.

Travel within / between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands – 1st checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if you pay online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

Travel to / from Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana – 1st checked bag fee is $35 and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, at each check-in location, each way, even if you purchase or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you've been incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

• Bag limitations
• Bag and optional fees

How many bags can you take?

Check up to 10 bags on american airlines operated flights if your trip is:.

• Transatlantic
• Transpacific

Check up to 5 bags on American-operated flights if you’re traveling to / through / from:

• Mexico / Caribbean / Central America*
• South America*
• Bag regions

*There are seasonal and year-round bag restrictions

We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height.

For all regions, except to / from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is:

• Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm
• Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs
• For First / Business, weight is 70 lbs / 32 kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags

For all confirmed customers on flights to / from Australia or New Zealand:

• Weight: 70 lbs / 32kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags
• Oversize and overweight bags

What it will cost

In some cases, you won't have to pay the fees for up to 3 bags when traveling on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. If you qualify for complimentary bags based on your AAdvantage ® status or one world ® status, the benefits are based on your highest status level at time of ticketing or check-in.

If your status level is:

• Higher at ticketing than at check-in, show your ticket receipt to the airport agent
• Lower at ticketing than at check-in, current benefits will automatically apply

Free checked bags may not apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners. Visit the website of the airline operating your flight for details.

Other airlines

1st checked bag is complimentary for:

• Eligible AAdvantage ® Aviator ® and Citi ® / AAdvantage ® cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines operated itineraries)
• AAdvantage Gold ® status
• GOL Diamond Smiles members
• oneworld ® Ruby

or when traveling to these destinations:

• El Salvador*
• New Zealand^
• South Korea^
• Transatlantic*

*Excluding Basic Economy

^Excluding Basic Economy for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023

1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for:

• AAdvantage Platinum ® status
• one world ® Sapphire members
• Confirmed Domestic First customers
• Confirmed Business customers
• Confirmed Premium Economy customers

1st, 2nd and 3rd checked bags are complimentary for:

• Confirmed Flagship ® First and Flagship ® Business Plus customers*
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status
• one world ® Emerald
• Active U.S. military and / or dependents with ID traveling on orders (1st - 5th bags free of charge)**
• Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel**

*Applicable only to Flagship ® First International, Flagship ® First Transcontinental and Flagship ® Business Plus. AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status, AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status and oneworld ® Emerald members traveling in Flagship ® First may check a 4th bag at no charge

**Free checked bags apply when traveling on American marketed and operated itineraries. Free checked bags don't apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners.

Save time, pay online

Don’t wait in line at the airport – get the best price available and check up to 3 bags when you check-in on aa.com or in the app.

Pay for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and receive the best price available for travel on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America.

For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, save $5 on the 1st checked bag fee for travel within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information about paying for your bags online, visit our customer service FAQs.

Customer service FAQs

All published bag fees apply at each check-in location and are base rates according to travel dates and destination; applicable taxes are not shown.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you buy or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2)

^^A $30 1st checked bag fee and a $40 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024. A $40 1st checked bag fee ($35 if paid online) and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies within / between the U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. Otherwise, a $35 1st checked bag fee and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024.

*Free bag excludes Basic Economy: For Basic Economy travel to / from Haiti, a $30 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024 and a $35 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. For Basic Economy travel to/from Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru a $45 1st bag fee applies. For Basic Economy travel to / from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname) a $45 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $60 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023. For Transatlantic Basic Economy travel, a $75 1st bag fee applies. For Transpacific Basic Economy travel for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023 a $75 1st bag fee applies and for tickets issued on / before June 6, 2023 there is no 1st bag fee.

**For travel to / from Honduras, a $65 2nd bag fee applies seasonally for travel November 27, 2023 – January 10, 2024 for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a $40 2nd bag fee applies year round. For travel to / from Panama and South America (except Guyana and Suriname), a $65 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $100 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

If your region isn’t listed, we can still help:

• Reservations and ticket changes

Through checked bags

We only through check bags if all your tickets are in the same reservation and you’re connecting to another American Airlines or one world ® flight.

Each passenger traveling to Cuba may only check up to 2 bags* with a maximum weight of 70 lbs / 32 kgs per bag, plus 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.

• Carry-on bags

*Seasonal exceptions apply to Havana, Cuba effective for travel on / after March 14, 2023

*For travel to Cuba, a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and Main Cabin for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023. For tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023 a $30 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin. For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024 a $35 1st bag fee applies to Basic Economy and there is no 1st bag fee for Main Cabin.

**For travel to Cuba, a $150 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after March 14, 2023 for travel on / before November 15, 2023 or travel on / after January 10, 2024. A $200 2nd bag fee applies otherwise. Excludes Main Plus for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2).

What else can you travel with?

• Mobility and medical devices
• Traveling with pets
• Special items and sports equipment

Restricted items

There are some items that are only allowed in checked bags or your carry-on. Check to see how to pack and travel with restricted items.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

You may also like...

• Paying for bags online

Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more

What to Pack for a 7 Day Trip: The Ultimate Packing List [2023]

• June 16, 2023
• Travel Checklists

Welcome to Travel Checklist™, where we make packing for your trips a breeze! We understand that preparing for a 7-day trip can be overwhelming, which is why we've put together this ultimate packing list to help you stay organized and ensure you have everything you need. Whether you're embarking on a beach vacation or exploring a new city, we've got you covered. So grab your suitcase and let's get started!

Table of Contents

• Packing Essentials
• Electronics
• Miscellaneous

What do I need to pack for a one week trip?

How do you pack a 7 day carry on, how many days of clothes can you fit in a carry on, quick tips and facts, final thoughts, 1. packing essentials.

Before we dive into specific items, let's talk about the essentials you should pack for any 7-day trip. These items are a must-have regardless of your destination or travel style:

• Travel documents : Don't forget your passport, ID cards, driver's license, visas, and travel insurance information. Keep them organized in a secure travel wallet.
• Money and cards : Bring enough cash and make sure to have a mix of credit and debit cards. It's always wise to have some local currency on hand.
• Travel adapters : Depending on your destination, you might need an adapter to charge your electronic devices. Research the electrical outlets in the country you're visiting and pack the appropriate adapter.
• Medications : If you take any prescription medication, ensure you have enough for the duration of your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and pain relievers.
• Reusable water bottle : Stay hydrated during your trip by bringing a refillable water bottle. It's both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
• Travel-sized laundry detergent : If you plan to do laundry during your trip, pack a small container of travel-sized laundry detergent. This will come in handy for hand-washing clothes in a sink or using the hotel's laundry facilities.

2. Clothing

When it comes to packing clothing for a 7-day trip, versatility is key. Aim to pack items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

• Tops : Pack a combination of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops, depending on the weather at your destination. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics.
• Bottoms : Include a mix of pants, shorts, and skirts. Choose versatile pieces in neutral colors that can be dressed up or down.
• Dresses : If you prefer dresses, pack a few that can be worn during the day or dressed up for evening activities.
• Outerwear : Depending on the climate, pack a light jacket, sweater, or cardigan for cool evenings or unexpected temperature changes.
• Undergarments : Don't forget essentials like underwear and socks. Pack enough for each day of your trip, plus a couple of extra pairs.
• Shoes : Select comfortable shoes that are suitable for the activities you have planned. A pair of sneakers, sandals, and one dressier option should cover your bases.

Remember, the key to fitting all your clothing in your suitcase is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. This not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles.

3. Toiletries

Toiletries are a crucial part of any packing list. Here are some essential items you shouldn't forget:

• Travel-sized toiletries : Opt for travel-sized versions of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. These are not only convenient for travel but also meet TSA regulations for carry-on liquids.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste : Don't forget these daily essentials for maintaining good oral hygiene.
• Haircare : Bring a brush or comb, hair ties, and any styling products you use regularly.
• Skincare : Pack your essential skincare products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen.
• Makeup : If you wear makeup, bring your must-have items like foundation, mascara, and lipstick. Remember to pack travel-sized versions or decant your products into smaller containers.
• Personal hygiene items : Don't forget items like deodorant, razors, and feminine hygiene products.

Pro-tip: To save space, consider using solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars and solid deodorant.

4. Electronics

In this digital age, electronics play a crucial role in our day-to-day lives, even while traveling. Here are the electronics you should consider packing for a 7-day trip:

• Phone and charger : Your smartphone will likely be your go-to device for navigation, communication, and entertainment. Don't forget to bring your charger and consider a portable power bank for on-the-go charging.
• Camera : If you're a photography enthusiast, pack your camera and any necessary accessories like extra batteries and memory cards.
• Laptop or tablet : If you need to work or want to enjoy your favorite TV shows during downtime, bring your laptop or tablet along with the necessary chargers.
• E-readers : If you're an avid reader, packing an e-reader can save space and weight compared to bringing physical books.
• Headphones : Noise-canceling headphones are a traveler's best friend. They help drown out background noise during flights or long bus rides.

Pro-tip: Invest in a travel adapter that has USB ports, so you can charge multiple electronic devices simultaneously.

5. Miscellaneous

Now that we've covered the essentials, let's discuss some miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your 7-day trip:

• Daypack or tote bag : A small daypack or tote bag is useful for carrying essentials during day trips or exploring the city.
• Travel pillow and blanket : If you're traveling by plane or train, a travel pillow and blanket can make your journey more comfortable.
• Reusable shopping bag : Having a foldable reusable shopping bag is practical for carrying groceries, souvenirs, or beach essentials.
• Travel locks : Keep your belongings secure with travel locks for your luggage.
• Travel-size laundry bag : Separate dirty clothes from clean ones by packing a travel-size laundry bag.

Now that you have a comprehensive packing list, it's time to answer some common FAQs!

Packing for a one week trip can seem daunting, but with a little planning, it's manageable. Here's a quick checklist to guide you:

• 5-7 tops or blouses
• 3-4 bottoms (pants, skirts, or shorts)
• 1-2 dresses or jumpsuits
• Underwear and socks for each day
• Comfortable shoes
• Toiletries (travel-sized)
• Electronics and chargers
• Travel documents and money
• Medications and first aid kit

Remember to pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Keep in mind the climate and activities you'll be participating in during your trip.

Packing a 7-day carry-on requires careful planning and efficient use of space. Here are some tips to make it work:

• Choose a carry-on bag that complies with airline size restrictions.
• Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.
• Use packing cubes to keep your items organized and maximize space.
• Wear your bulkiest items (like a jacket or sneakers) during your flight.
• Opt for travel-sized toiletries to comply with TSA regulations.
• Minimize the number of shoes you pack by selecting versatile options.

It's important to pack only what you truly need and avoid overpacking. Embrace a minimalist mindset and focus on essentials.

The number of days of clothes you can fit in a carry-on depends on various factors, including the size of your bag and the type of clothing you pack. However, as a general guideline, you can typically fit enough clothing for a 7-10 day trip in a standard carry-on bag. By focusing on versatile pieces, practicing efficient packing techniques, and utilizing space-saving accessories like packing cubes, you can maximize the amount of clothing you bring.

• Travel-sized toiletries : Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space and comply with TSA regulations.
• Layering : Choose clothing items that can be layered for versatility and adaptability to changing weather conditions.
• Maximize space : Use packing organizers like packing cubes to make the most of your suitcase's space.
• Roll, don't fold : Rolling clothes instead of folding them helps save space and minimize wrinkles.
• Limit shoe options : Bring only the essential shoes you'll need for your trip to avoid taking up unnecessary space.

And now, here are a couple of lighthearted travel quotes from fellow adventurers:

"To travel is to live a life worth packing for." – Anonymous traveler

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my packing list." – Susan Sontag

Packing for a 7-day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following our ultimate packing list and implementing our tips and tricks, you can ensure you have everything you need while still traveling light. Remember, packing is all about finding a balance between being prepared and not overburdening yourself with unnecessary items. Bon voyage!

Reference Links:

• TSA's 3-1-1 Liquids Rule
• Ways to Roll Clothes
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Jill Cataldo

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Ultimate day pack for theme park trips

May 11, 2015 By: Coupon Maven 12 Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy.

Warm weather is finally here! As spring heads into summer, visiting a theme park (or two, or three!) may be in your vacation or staycation plans. Whether our family’s headed to Disney, Universal, Six Flags or another destination, I always bring what my family affectionately calls my “black backpack” on all of our theme park trips. I don’t like carrying a purse when we’re in theme-park commando mode, and I’m also not a hip pack kind of person. 

A few years ago I discovered the perfect small, yet durable sling-style backpack. It’s the perfect size for everything I like to bring on day trips, yet it’s much smaller than a traditional backpack. It’s got lots of pockets, it’s well-made, and it’s pretty gender-neutral, meaning my kids or my husband don’t mind taking a turn with it when we’re out and about. 

What goes in this bag? On a typical theme park day trip, this pack contains:

• Hand lotion (mini hotel size is good)
• Pocket pack facial tissues

• Ziploc bags to keep electronics dry if you go on a water ride

• Pain relievers

• Cough drops
• Insect repellent
• Sea-Bands or motion sickness medication

Other optional items:

• Earplugs (concerts, auto racing)
• Feminine hygiene products (hey — they are necessary!)

Drink bottle:

• Arctic Zone 1 Liter Hydration Bottle with zip insulated carrier and strap
• Country Time Lemonade Mix
• Ziploc bags

 A few tips if you plan to take a bottle:

• Six Flags Great America does not let you bring any beverages in the park. They will let you bring an empty bottle in, or a bottle of water, but not a premixed bottle of lemonade. We learned the hard way to mix it after entering the park’s gates.
• When we fly to other destinations, I bring a sealed canister of drink mix along. Every single time I’ve had this in a suitcase, our luggage has been flagged for inspection, and the TSA agents have handled our canister of Country Time or Kool-Aid as if it were some sort of explosive device. I’ve learned to remove the canister of drink mix before going through the luggage X-ray and putting it into a bin along with shoes, toiletries and what not. We’ve had a much easier time getting that scary drink mix through security by removing it from our luggage.
• We like Country Time and Kool-Aid because the canister lid is marked with a one-quart line, which makes measuring individual sandwich bags of mix easy and quick.

Minimalist plan:

For “grown-up” days when we don’t need this level of tactical theme park preparation, I like to take a cross-body wallet. This is my favorite:

It’s called the  Simply Smart Cross Body Tech Companion Travel Bag . I found mine at Hobby Lobby awhile back for $9.99, and Amazon carries them too. What I love about it is that it’s got secure pockets for your driver’s license and credit cards that seal with a Velcro closure. A zipper pouch on the side holds cash, keys and other essentials. And on the back? A smartphone pocket with a window allows you to use your touchscreen while it’s safely stowed in the pouch. (This pocket also closes with Velcro.)

I like to wear this cross-body, over one shoulder and under one arm.

While I wore it over my shirt for the above photo, this is how I actually wear it when I’m theme-parking:

It hides under my shirt and isn’t easily visible. It’s very secure (I’ve worn it on roller coasters!) and allows me to go on rides without leaving a bag behind. And, even when I do bring the little black backpack of gear, I wear this too. Some park rides require you to leave bags behind in a cubby or on a shelf while you ride. With this, all of my personal items stay with me just in case my bag were to take a walk. 

If you’re planning some day trips, theme park trips or other events, I hope some of these tips help make your day out even more fun & easy!

Related: Heading to a theme park? Check out my ultimate one-minute theme park tailgating setup  — yes, it really sets up in one minute!

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August 7, 2016 at 1:13 am

You might want to consider bringing sunscreen.

Coupon Maven says

August 7, 2016 at 2:24 am

Sunscreen is the very first item on my list! In the photo of the bag’s contents, you can see a tube of Australian Gold SPF 45 to the left of the Kool-Aid limeade. :)

Andrew says

August 8, 2016 at 11:57 am

I’ve added bug spray to my list since i’ve always been eaten alive.

August 8, 2016 at 12:02 pm

I have some of that in here too (listed as “insect repellent” in list though, so you may have missed it.) It’s the little orange-capped bottle of Cutter Advanced insect repellent next to the Kool-Aid in the above photo. :)

Elise Young says

March 15, 2017 at 5:39 pm

I ALSO RECOMMEND BRINGING ANTI-FRICTION GEL, WHEN I USED TO GO TO THEME PARKS MY THIGHS WOULD ALWAYS RUB TOGETHER AND START HURTING SINCE YOU’RE WALKING SO MUCH FOR SO LONG.

July 11, 2017 at 9:40 pm

Does Six Flags Great America (Chicago/Gurnee) have water fountains available to fill empty water bottles?

July 11, 2017 at 9:49 pm

Yes, they absolutely do. Do NOT fill your bottle with anything other than water before entering the park though. We learned the hard way — they made us dump it out. Now I keep the lemonade mix in my pack and mix it at a drinking fountain once we are IN the park.

November 30, 2017 at 9:21 pm

A good tip for blister prevention is to put solid stick, not gel, deodorant on places where your shoes may rub. Apply it directly to the foot. I always get my heels, my big toes, and outer parts of my pinky piggies. Will keep you happier longer for sure! If blisters do occur, I highly recommend Compeed Blister Plasters. They come in a variety of sizes, a compact case, and stick very well for instant and continued relief allowing you to resume walking almost as though nothing ever happened. Happy park hopping!

KathyF says

May 18, 2018 at 3:17 pm

Very good info, thank you! Looking for a quick list for tomorrow’s theme park trip :)

June 19, 2018 at 8:25 am

THANK YOU FOR THE INFO

June 4, 2019 at 10:26 pm

What is the best shoes to wear?

June 5, 2019 at 8:55 pm

Honestly, anything that’s already broken-in and comfortable. I’ve gone in everything from sneakers to hiking sandals.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Spring Travel: Away, Samsonite, Calpak and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag for spring break travel can help make any trip as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your spring travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming Memorial Day weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your next trip.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $150

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $144

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024 

Samsonite detour travel backpack.

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Béis Travel Tote

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

Dagne Dover Jemi Puff Tote

Whether you're traveling to work or a weekend getaway, this lightweight tote is perfect with pockets for days to keep all your belongings organized. 

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

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This Airline is Now Charging Peak and Off-Peak Checked Luggage Fees. Will Others Follow?

By Jessica Puckett

Bad news for the overpackers among us: It’s now even more expensive to check baggage on one of the most popular airlines in the US .

Following a recent spate of US airlines raising their checked bag fees in early March, JetBlue is once again raising its prices for the service. Under the airline’s latest policy, JetBlue plans to charge as much as $50 for the first checked bag and as much as $70 for the second bag during “peak” travel periods, including the majority of this summer .

A JetBlue spokesperson told Condé Nast Traveler in March that raising checked baggage fees is one step the airline is taking to help return the company to profitability and cover the increased costs of transporting bags. “By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone,” the spokesperson said, adding that the first checked bag is free for JetBlue Plus cardmembers, and Mosaic customers can check two bags free of charge.

For everyone else, here's what you should know about JetBlue's new checked bag fees—and whether or not other airlines might follow suit.

How does JetBlue’s new checked bag policy work?

The new fee policy operates on a sliding scale, with prices jumping during “peak” travel windows and dipping during times that are considered “off-peak.”

For most economy fares—including Blue, Blue Basic, and Blue Extra—the airline’s checked bag fees now range from $35 to $50 for the first checked bag, and from $50 to $70 for the second checked bag. The full pricing breakdown is available on the luggage page of JetBlue’s site.

According to JetBlue’s website, the airline considers the following days as peak travel periods over the next year: April 11 to April 29, 2024; June 20 to September 3, 2024; November 21 to December 2, 2024; December 19, 2024 to January 6, 2025; February 13 to February 24, 2025; and April 3 to April 28, 2025.

All other days are considered off-peak travel days. Looking at the date ranges for peak travel, they do fall during some busy stretches, including the spring break travel period, almost the entire stretch of summer travel, Thanksgiving week, peak Christmas travel , as well as President’s Day 2025.

Has this type of fee policy ever been used before?

“Variable pricing is hardly new,” says Gary Leff, a travel specialist who writes the aviation blog View From the Wing . “It’s just unique for checked baggage.”

Some airlines use a sliding scale of fees for extra charges like seat selection and pricing for award trips using frequent flier miles —the more in-demand the route or travel window, the higher the cost for these services. “Some of the ultra low-cost carriers vary their bag fees as well, but it's not rigidly spelled out in the same way,” says Brett Snyder , president of Cranky Concierge , a firm that provides travel planning and airline assistance.

Will other airlines adopt JetBlue’s new checked baggage fee policy?

It’s not yet clear if charging extra for checked luggage during peak travel periods is something that will spread throughout the industry. But airlines do tend to copy each other in these areas: When one carrier raises fees, others generally follow in a domino effect—like travelers saw happen with baggage fees in early March.

“I would never be surprised to see an airline adopt a new method of charging fees that would allow it to increase revenues,” says Snyder. “This plan allows JetBlue to keep bag fees at the same low level as other airlines during off-peak times. But during peak times, it can charge more and make more money since it knows people are more likely to have to travel anyway.”

But since most major air carriers raised the cost of checking a bag only weeks ago, they might be slower to adopt JetBlue’s model, possibly waiting and watching to see how it performs. “JetBlue was first with the most recent spate of baggage fee increases, just two months ago. Since the major carriers just increased bag fees after JetBlue did, I don’t expect them to follow suit at least right away,” Leff says.

Traveler reached out to major US airlines to ask whether they might adopt a sliding scale of fees in the future, but most declined to comment, and others did not respond by time of publication.

What do these fees mean for the industry, and how can travelers avoid them?

Checked bag fees are part of the bread and butter of airlines’ profits. US airlines collectively earned nearly $5.5 billion from checked bag fees in the first nine months of 2023 alone, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics . During that time period, American Airlines brought in more than $1 billion in the charges just by itself.

Airlines want to keep these fees as profitable as possible. “There’s an argument for charging more for checked bags when the capacity of aircraft to carry them is limited, for instance on routes where people tend to check a lot of baggage,” says Leff. (For its part, JetBlue has said the price increases are in part due to higher wages and the surging price of fuel, among other inflationary pressures.)

If travelers want to avoid the sliding scale of fees, there are a few key points to pay attention to in JetBlue’s new policy. “There is a discount for booking checked bags in advance instead of waiting to do it until the last minute,” Snyder says. Under the new rules, passengers can save up to $10 if they pay for a checked bag more than 24 hours before departure (essentially, before check-in opens). “If someone has to check a bag, they should do it in advance. Otherwise, the only way to avoid this is by not checking a bag. That might mean stuffing everything into a carry-on , or looking into shipping services that send you baggage ahead of you,” Snyder says.

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

How To Pack For A 5-Day Trip In A Carry-On

Published: November 15, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Rosita Kilburn

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Planning a trip can be an exciting and thrilling experience. However, when it comes to packing, it can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re limited to a carry-on bag. The challenge of fitting all your essentials in a small bag without sacrificing style or comfort can seem daunting. But fear not! In this article, we’ll show you how to pack for a 5-day trip in a carry-on, ensuring you have everything you need while traveling light.

Traveling with just a carry-on has numerous advantages. It saves you time at check-in, eliminates the risk of lost luggage, and provides the freedom to navigate through airports and train stations with ease. Plus, it allows you to hit the ground running once you reach your destination, without having to wait for your checked bags.

The key to successfully packing for a 5-day trip in a carry-on is careful planning and strategic organization. By selecting the right bag, packing versatile clothing, and prioritizing essential items, you can streamline your packing process and enjoy a stress-free journey.

So, whether you’re jetting off on a business trip or embarking on a weekend getaway, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to pack efficiently for a 5-day trip with just a carry-on bag.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Bag

The first step to packing for a 5-day trip in a carry-on is selecting the right bag. Look for a carry-on bag that meets the size restrictions of the airline you’ll be flying with. Most airlines allow carry-on bags that are around 22 inches (56 cm) in length, 14 inches (36 cm) in width, and 9 inches (23 cm) in depth. Opt for a bag that is lightweight yet durable, with multiple compartments or pockets to help you stay organized.

If you prefer a traditional suitcase, choose one with wheels and a retractable handle for easy maneuvering. Hardshell suitcases provide extra protection for your belongings, but soft-sided suitcases are usually more flexible, allowing you to fit them into overhead compartments more easily.

If you’re more inclined towards backpacks, look for one that has a dedicated laptop compartment and padded shoulder straps for added comfort. Backpacks with multiple compartments and external pockets can help you stay organized and easily access your essentials during your trip.

Consider the destination and purpose of your trip when choosing your bag. For business trips, a stylish and professional-looking carry-on bag can make a great impression. For casual trips or outdoor adventures, a rugged and waterproof backpack might be your best bet.

Remember, the goal is to fit everything you need for 5 days in this bag, so choose wisely and make sure it meets your travel needs. Once you have selected your bag, it’s time to move on to the next step: planning your outfits.

Step 2: Planning Your Outfits

Planning your outfits in advance is key to packing efficiently for a 5-day trip in a carry-on. Take some time to research the weather and activities at your destination to help you determine what types of outfits you’ll need.

Start by laying out all the clothes you want to bring and organizing them into outfits based on each day or activity. Aim for versatility and choose items that can be mixed and matched to create different looks.

Pack basic essentials such as neutral-colored tops, bottoms, and outerwear that can easily be dressed up or down. Focus on lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that are easy to pack and won’t take up too much space.

Consider packing a pair of comfortable shoes that can go well with multiple outfits. It’s a good idea to wear your bulkiest pair of shoes during travel to save space in your bag.

Don’t forget to pack essential accessories like belts, scarves, or hats that can add a touch of style to your outfits. These small accessories can make a big difference in enhancing your overall look.

Another handy tip is to choose a color scheme for your outfits. Stick to a few complementary colors that can be easily mixed and matched. This will help you create a variety of outfits without packing excess clothing.

By planning your outfits in advance and choosing versatile pieces, you’ll not only save space in your carry-on but also ensure that you have appropriate clothing options for each day of your trip. Now that you have your outfits planned, let’s move on to the next step: packing essentials.

Step 3: Packing Essentials

When packing for a 5-day trip in a carry-on, it’s important to focus on packing the essentials. These are the items that you absolutely need to have with you during your trip. Here are some essential items to consider:

• Clothing: Pack enough underwear and socks for each day of your trip. Include versatile clothing items such as a few t-shirts, a couple of pairs of pants or skirts, and a lightweight jacket or sweater. Choose items that can be easily layered to accommodate changing weather conditions.
• Shoes: Bring one or two pairs of comfortable shoes that can be worn for different activities. Consider your destination and the types of activities you’ll be doing, whether it’s walking tours or dining out.
• Medications: If you take any prescription medications, be sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip. It’s also a good idea to bring a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medications or treatments you may need.
• Electronics: Don’t forget to pack your essential electronics such as your phone, charger, and any other devices you’ll need. If you plan to work or stay connected during your trip, a laptop or tablet may also be necessary.
• Travel documents: Keep all your important travel documents organized and easily accessible. Pack your passport, identification, boarding passes, and any other necessary documents in a secure and easily reachable place in your bag.
• Personal items: Don’t forget to pack personal items such as toiletries, including travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Remember to comply with the TSA liquid restrictions and place them in a clear, resealable bag.
• Extras: Consider any additional items that are necessary for your specific trip, such as a travel adapter, a reusable water bottle, or a travel-sized umbrella.

Remember, the goal is to pack efficiently and only bring what you truly need. By focusing on the essentials, you’ll be able to minimize the size and weight of your carry-on, making your travel experience more comfortable and hassle-free.

Now that you have packed the essentials, it’s time to move on to Step 4: maximizing space in your carry-on.

Step 4: Maximizing Space

When packing for a 5-day trip in a carry-on, maximizing the available space is crucial. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your carry-on bag:

• Use packing cubes or compression bags: These handy tools allow you to compress your clothing and maximize space in your luggage. Roll up your clothes tightly and place them in the cubes or bags to remove excess air and create more room.
• Utilize empty spaces: Make use of empty spaces in your bag, such as stuffing socks or small items inside your shoes. You can also place smaller items like underwear or accessories inside pockets or gaps between larger items.
• Layer your clothing: Rather than laying your clothing flat, layer them inside your bag to save space. Fold or roll your clothes and place them on top of each other, alternating the direction of the garments to create a compact and flat layer.
• Consider multi-purpose items: Opt for multi-purpose items that can serve multiple functions. For example, a sarong can double as a beach cover-up, a scarf, or a lightweight blanket. This way, you can pack fewer items without sacrificing functionality.
• Minimize toiletries: Instead of bringing full-sized bottles of toiletries, transfer small amounts of your essentials into travel-sized containers. Alternatively, opt for solid toiletries such as shampoo bars or solid perfume sticks to save space and comply with liquid restrictions.
• Wear your bulkiest items: If you have larger or bulkier items like a bulky sweater or jacket, wear them during your travel to save space in your bag. This allows you to take advantage of the extra space in your carry-on.
• Invest in a compact travel towel: Traditional towels can take up a lot of space in your bag. Instead, invest in a compact travel towel that dries quickly and can be easily rolled up to save space.

By employing these space-saving techniques, you’ll be able to fit more belongings into your carry-on bag without exceeding size or weight limits. With the available space optimized, it’s time to move on to the next step: deciding between rolling and folding techniques.

Step 5: Rolling vs. Folding Techniques

When it comes to packing your clothes efficiently, you have two main options: rolling or folding. Both techniques have their advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and the types of clothing you’re packing. Here’s a breakdown of the two techniques:

Rolling: Rolling your clothes is a popular technique for maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles. It involves tightly rolling each item of clothing individually and placing them side by side in your bag. Rolling works especially well for lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics, such as t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. It allows you to pack more items in a compact manner while reducing the likelihood of wrinkles. Additionally, rolled clothes are easier to spot and retrieve from your bag without disrupting the organization.

Folding: Folding involves the classic technique of folding your clothes neatly and stacking them on top of each other in your bag. This method works best for thicker fabrics, like sweaters or jeans, that may not roll as easily. Folding your clothes in a precise and consistent manner can help maximize space and keep items organized. It also allows for easier visibility of your clothing options, making it easier to locate specific items when needed.

For optimal packing, a combination of rolling and folding can be used. Utilize rolling for lighter garments and folding for bulkier items. This way, you can take advantage of the benefits of both techniques while optimizing space and minimizing wrinkles.

Remember to experiment with different methods and see which one works best for you. Ultimately, the goal is to pack efficiently, save space, and keep your clothes as wrinkle-free as possible.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of folding and rolling, it’s time to move on to Step 6: organizing your accessories.

Step 6: Organizing Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches that can elevate your outfits and add a personal touch to your travel style. However, they can also take up valuable space in your carry-on if not organized properly. Here are some tips for organizing and packing your accessories efficiently:

• Use jewelry organizers: Invest in a compact jewelry organizer or use small pouches to keep your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings tangle-free and protected. Taking the time to separate and secure your jewelry will prevent them from getting lost or tangled during travel.
• Utilize sunglasses cases: Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes, but their bulky cases can take up precious space. Instead, use microfiber pouches or soft cases to store your sunglasses. These pouches can also double as a cleaning cloth for your lenses.
• Wrap belts around the perimeter: Belts can take up unnecessary space if not organized properly. Wrap your belts around the perimeter of your luggage, utilizing the empty space between the bag and the inner lining. This method saves space and keeps your belts tidy.
• Keep electronics organized: Use cable organizers or small pouches to keep your electronic cables, chargers, and adapters neatly stored. This will help prevent tangles and make it easier to locate specific items when needed.
• Pack hats strategically: If you’re bringing a hat, pack it by stuffing it with smaller items, such as socks or underwear, to help maintain its shape. Place it on top of your rolled or folded clothes, ensuring that it doesn’t get crushed or deformed.
• Consider a toiletry bag: To keep your toiletries organized, consider using a dedicated toiletry bag with compartments. This will prevent leaks, make it easier to access your essentials, and keep your items tidy and secure.

By organizing your accessories in a thoughtful and efficient manner, you’ll have easy access to them during your trip while maximizing the space in your carry-on bag.

With your accessories sorted, it’s time to move on to Step 7: packing toiletries and personal items.

Step 7: Toiletries and Personal Items

Packing toiletries and personal items can be a challenge, as these items often take up a significant amount of space in your carry-on. However, with some careful planning and organization, you can pack them efficiently and keep everything within the approved liquid restrictions. Here are some tips to help you pack toiletries and personal items for your 5-day trip:

• Opt for travel-sized toiletries: Instead of carrying full-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries, look for travel-sized options. Many brands offer mini versions of their products that meet the TSA’s liquid restrictions of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
• Use reusable travel containers: If you prefer to use your own products or have specific brands you love, invest in reusable travel containers. You can transfer your favorite toiletries into these smaller containers to save space and comply with the liquid restrictions.
• Consider solid toiletries: Solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars, solid soap, or solid perfume, are a great alternative to liquids and can help you reduce the amount of space taken up by toiletries. They are compact, lightweight, and often come in sustainable packaging.
• Place toiletries in a clear, resealable bag: To comply with airport security regulations, place your toiletries in a clear, resealable bag. This allows for quick and easy inspection during the security screening process.
• Keep personal items organized: Use small pouches or organizers to keep your personal items, such as medications, travel adaptors, earphones, and other essentials, organized and easily accessible. This will save you from rummaging through your bag to find these items when you need them.
• Consider space-saving techniques: If you find that your toiletries are taking up too much space, consider using space-saving techniques. For example, you can place smaller items, like cotton balls or Q-tips, inside your travel containers to make use of every available space.

By considering the size and quantity of your toiletries, utilizing travel-sized or reusable containers, and keeping everything organized, you’ll be able to pack your toiletries and personal items efficiently while staying within the carry-on limits.

Now that your toiletries and personal items are packed, it’s time to move on to Step 8: organizing your travel documents and electronics.

Step 8: Travel Documents and Electronics

When traveling, it’s essential to keep your travel documents and electronics organized and easily accessible. These items are crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. Here are some tips to help you pack and organize your travel documents and electronics:

• Travel documents: Keep all your essential travel documents, such as your passport, identification, boarding passes, and hotel reservations, in a secure and easily reachable place in your bag. Consider using a travel document organizer or a dedicated pocket in your carry-on to keep everything together.
• Electronics: Prioritize what electronic devices you need to bring. This may include your smartphone, tablet, e-reader, or laptop. If possible, try to consolidate devices to minimize space. Remember to pack their chargers, adapters, and any other necessary cables.
• Protective cases: Invest in protective cases for your electronics to ensure they are safe during travel. For smaller devices like smartphones or tablets, consider using a sturdy phone case that can double as a stand for hands-free use.
• Cable management: Keep your cables and cords organized to prevent tangling and make it easier to find what you need. Use cable organizers, twist ties, or even a simple resealable bag to keep your cables tidy and easily accessible.
• Backup and cloud storage: Before your trip, consider backing up important files and documents onto a cloud storage service or an external hard drive. This way, if anything happens to your electronic devices, you’ll still have access to important information.
• Download offline content: If you’re expecting limited or unreliable internet access during your trip, download movies, books, maps, and any other necessary content onto your electronic devices beforehand. This will keep you entertained and prepared even when offline.
• Secure your devices: Be mindful of the security of your electronic devices. Set up passwords, PINs, or biometric locks to protect your sensitive data and consider using a tracking app or service to locate your device if it gets lost or stolen.

By organizing your travel documents and electronics, you’ll have quick and easy access to everything you need during your journey. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your devices and important information are secure and protected.

Now that your travel documents and electronics are in order, you’re almost ready to go! Let’s move on to the final step: getting everything ready for departure.

Step 9: Ready to Go!

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final step of packing for your 5-day trip in a carry-on. With all your essentials carefully organized and packed, you’re almost ready to embark on your adventure. Here are a few final tips to ensure you’re fully prepared:

• Double-check your packing: Before you zip up your carry-on, take a moment to double-check that you’ve packed everything you need. Consult your packing list and go through each item to ensure nothing has been missed.
• Weigh your carry-on: If your airline has weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, take a moment to weigh your bag using a luggage scale. This will give you peace of mind and prevent any last-minute surprises at the airport.
• Keep travel essentials easily accessible: Place items that you’ll need during your journey, such as your travel documents, wallet, phone, and a book or entertainment device, in a convenient and easily accessible pocket of your carry-on.
• Prepare a personal item: If you’re allowed a personal item in addition to your carry-on, prepare it with items you’ll need during your flight or journey. This could include a small bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, or snacks.
• Review airport guidelines: Take a moment to review the guidelines and regulations of the airports you’ll be flying through. Familiarize yourself with security procedures, liquid restrictions, and any other specific requirements to ensure a smooth travel experience.
• Label your bag: Secure a luggage tag with your contact information to your carry-on bag. In case your bag gets misplaced, having a clear identification will make it easier for the airline to reunite you with your belongings.
• Relax and enjoy your trip: Lastly, take a deep breath and get ready to enjoy your journey. Remember that the purpose of packing efficiently is to make your travel experience more comfortable and hassle-free. Embrace the adventure and create lasting memories!

With these final steps, you’re fully prepared and ready to go. Grab your carry-on, head to the airport or train station with peace of mind, and embark on an amazing 5-day trip full of new experiences and wonderful memories.

Bon voyage!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to pack for a 5-day trip in a carry-on. By following the step-by-step guide and applying the tips and techniques, you’ve mastered the art of efficient packing. Traveling with just a carry-on allows you to save time, avoid baggage fees, and have the freedom to explore your destination without the burden of heavy luggage.

Throughout the process, you learned the importance of choosing the right bag for your needs, planning your outfits strategically, and packing essentials while maximizing space. You discovered the benefits of rolling and folding techniques, organizing accessories, and efficiently packing toiletries and personal items. Additionally, you now have a better understanding of how to keep your travel documents and electronics organized and secure.

Remember, the key to successful packing is thoughtful planning and careful organization. By prioritizing versatility, minimizing duplicates, and choosing multi-purpose items, you can make the most of your limited space while still ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable trip.

As you embark on your 5-day adventure, embrace the freedom and flexibility that packing light brings. Enjoy the convenience of having everything you need within reach and the ease of navigating through airports and train stations with ease. Travel with confidence knowing that you have all your essentials packed efficiently and can focus on creating unforgettable memories during your trip.

So go ahead, pack that carry-on bag, and embark on your next adventure with a sense of excitement and preparedness. Happy travels!

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I’m a Frequent Flier, and I Never Leave Home Without This Spacious, Sleek Weekender Bag

It’s been my go-to carry-on for 3 years — and it never fails to get compliments.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

“I love your bag,” has become a frequent compliment from fellow travelers or plane seatmates over the past three years since I first started traveling with a July Carry All Weekender Duffle Bag — and I travel a lot. 

At first, I thought they were admiring my crossbody or roller bag but I quickly became accustomed to the direction of their praise. That’s because I love the bag too. 

July Carry All Weekender Duffle

I'm super picky when it comes to my personal items for carry-on — especially as I only ever travel with a carry-on — so it's important that all my bits are organized at all times. Over the last three years of using the bag, I’m still pleasantly surprised at how spacious the bag is and how durable it is despite how much I stuff into it. 

At 10.5 inches by 18 inches by 8.5 inches with a capacity to hold 28 liters, it’s really the perfect size — big enough to fit all my larger personal items, including a 16-inch padded laptop sleeve compartment, but divided enough to keep my smaller items organized, with internal zipped pockets ideally sized for documents, medicine, chargers, or small notebooks, an internal key hook for easy access to keys, a front access zip pocket with two internal compartments, and the brand’s QuickPass hidden pocket with magnetic closure for secure yet seamless access to travel documents. 

Jillian Dara

Even though it offers the two exterior pockets, the bag doesn’t appear bulky whatsoever — in fact, it’s the opposite, sitting sophisticated and stylish atop your rolling carry-on via its convenient, pass-through band. The minimal design is emphasized by its weighted 420D twill nylon fabric that’s lightweight (only 2.2 pounds), water-resistant, and further premiumized by the leather handles and trim.

I have the duffle in the forest green color, but the three other hues available are equally as classic and flattering — French navy, midnight black, and chalk, an off-white with cream and gray undertones. I find my darker color never to have shown stains (reviews say any scuffs on the chalk color are easily spot-cleaned out), the gunmetal zips are as undemanding to zip as day one and even if I had a glitch, the luggage brand’s five-year warranty really assures me that this bag can be my favorite forever.

In addition to rolling my July Carry All Weekender around the airport by using its pass-through band, there are also two other ways to carry it with a handle palm carry as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. I find the handle palm carry the most comfortable but that’s likely because I’m always overpacking the bag and find it less strenuous to carry this way.

Don’t take my word for it? The July Carry All Weekender has 299 five-star reviews with a user percentage of 98 percent who would recommend the product. Crystal H. writes, “I adore this bag so much. It's exactly the "I-need-a-little-more-space-than-my-carry-on-allows" bag that I need for my cross-country hauls.” Liam P. adds, “It’s so organized, the passport pocket is really helpful and accessible side zip perfect for more documents. Has made a big difference to traveling. Fits under the seat on the plane easily.”

Perhaps what I most love about the July Carry All Weekender is its ability to effortlessly elevate my casual plane look. Even if I’m in sweatpants or leggings, I still receive compliments on its streamlined appearance — and who doesn’t love some unsuspecting kindness from a stranger when you least expect it?

Still searching for the perfect weekender carry-on bag? Shop more from our favorite brands below.

More Weekender Carry-on Bags: 

Carrywell travel duffel , fit & fresh neoprene weekender, stuery duffle genuine leather canvas carry on, béis the convertible mini weekender, calpak luka large duffel.

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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it's a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys' weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you've been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one that your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don't go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel's Novel bag is, in so many words, is the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there's also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it's less than $100. That's what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp's convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear as a backpack or carry around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from Point A to Point B with ease. It's sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It's got distinctive grooves, an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It's also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there's nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, away's backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier's duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It's thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn't get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it is made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It's also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} Accessories

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Don't lose your items on the plane. They could end up resold here. | Cruising Altitude

Losing luggage is a nightmare scenario for many travelers. It could mean having to buy a whole new wardrobe or even parting with something near and dear to them.

But those lost items are sometimes given a second chapter thanks to Unclaimed Baggage, a store and e-commerce site that resells many items that vanish during travel.

“Airlines really are great in reuniting lost luggage,” Sonni Hood, public relations manager at Unclaimed Baggage, told me. But, she said, “a fraction of a percent adds up quickly when you consider that millions of people fly every day.” 

The store in Scottsboro, Alabama, said it introduces about 7,000 items to its shelves every day, and the online shopping portal sees about 5,000 new items each week. 

In a new report that Unclaimed Baggage plans to release annually, the store details the most common items in lost bags for the year.

“The different things that are happening in our culture eventually find their way into what people are packing in their suitcase,” Hood said. 

According to the Found Report , some of the most common items in 2023 were underwear, shoes and tablets/e-readers. (Sonni swore an oath that the store sells only unused underwear, so go forth with your shopping in peace.)

She also said lost luggage can teach you a lot about consumer trends. Lululemon is clearly having a moment – it’s one of the most popular brands in the store right now. Stanley cups also saw a spike in appearances in 2023, edging out Yetis and other thermos brands that were more popular in the past. Even electronics come and go in waves.

“Last year we found hardly any DSs, (but) we found so many Nintendo Switches,” Hood said.

The report also details some of the more novel finds of 2023, including two live snakes, 19 Rolex watches, a jar full of shark teeth, and a Halloween card from the 1980s signed by President Richard Nixon.

How to avoid losing your bags when you travel

Hood said there are simple steps travelers can take to make it less likely they lose their stuff in the first place – or more likely they’re reunited with it if something goes wrong.

Here are her essential tips:

• Label your bag inside and out with your name and up-to-date contact information.
• Remove old stickers and bag tags from your checked luggage.
• Make your suitcase stand out on the carousel so someone doesn’t accidentally take it.
• Pack all your essentials, like medicines, in your carry-on bag.
• And finally, don’t rush.

“Whenever you’re getting off the plane, it’s so easy to leave your Kindle or a cellphone or your glasses in the seat,” Hood said. So take a second to really make sure you have everything with you before you depart.

As someone who once left his jacket in the overhead bin and then spent hours trying to find it at the lost and found in London Heathrow Airport, I agree.

As Hood said earlier, airlines are generally pretty good about reuniting passengers with lost items. I did get that jacket back, for example. Here’s the process at the four largest U.S. airlines if you lose something on your trip.

American Airlines' lost luggage process

American recommends filing a report with the airport or with the Transportation Security Administration if you know you lost your stuff on the ground. But if you lost it on an aircraft or in a lounge, or you’re not sure where along your journey you may have left your things, there’s a process for filing a claim through AA.

According to American, once you file a claim, the airline will search for your items for up to 30 days. For lost baggage specifically, American requires you to make a report in person at the Baggage Services Office within four hours of landing. You'll also need to submit an online claim form and a checklist of the items when reporting a lost bag and requesting reimbursement for any of its contents. 

For all other individual items, AA has an online claim form, accessible by clicking here . 

Delta Air Lines' lost luggage process

Delta has online forms for lost, delayed or damaged bags and missing , nonchecked items that were lost on board, in a Delta lounge or in the gate area.

According to the airline, it will search for lost bags for about 21 days, and 30 days for lost nonchecked items after receiving a report. The airline recommends being as detailed as possible in your missing-items report and filing the report within seven days of noticing the items are missing. 

United Airlines' lost luggage process

United has an online claims process for lost luggage that hasn’t been found within five days of your arrival. The airline recommends going to the Baggage Service Airport if your luggage hasn’t arrived when you land or calling the Baggage Recovery Center if you’ve already left the airport. United requires passengers to report missing bags within 24 hours within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico and within seven days at international destinations.

For missing nonchecked items, United also has an online form . 

Southwest Airlines' lost luggage process

Southwest requires passengers to file a report in person at the airport’s Baggage Service Offices if their bag does not arrive or to file an online report if they have already left the airport. 

Southwest requires passengers to make their claim within four hours of arrival for a domestic flight and within seven days for an international itinerary.

The missing-bag claim form also has an option for missing nonchecked items. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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Air Travel Consumer Report: January 2024 Numbers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of January 2024 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. 

DOT expects that airlines will operate flights as scheduled and that when they do not, airlines will provide consumers the services consumers have been promised when a flight is canceled or delayed because of an airline issue. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the 10 largest airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. Consumer-friendly information regarding airline commitments to their customers is available on the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard at FlightRights.Gov. DOT also pushed airlines to provide fee-free family seating and rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those of the 10 largest that do not, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.

In addition, DOT is improving transportation for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, DOT finalized a rule which requires airlines to make lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft more accessible. Then, in February 2024, DOT issued a proposal to address other barriers that Americans who use a wheelchair encounter when it comes to air travel by, among other things, mandating enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passenger with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs.

Further, when necessary, DOT takes enforcement action against airlines and ticket agents that fail to comply with the Department’s aviation consumer protection requirements. In 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office. This includes a $140 million penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing passengers during the 2022 holiday meltdown. That penalty, which was in addition to over $600 million DOT already ensured was refunded by Southwest to passengers, requires Southwest to establish a $90 million compensation system for future passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations. DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds to travelers since the pandemic began.

Flight Operations

The 560,352 flights operated in January 2024 were 99.56% of the 562,845 flights operated in January 2023. Operated flights in January 2024 were down 0.44% year-over-year from the 562,845 flights operated in January 2023 and down 7.18% month-over-month from 603,756 flights operated in December 2023. 

In January 2024, the 10 marketing network carriers reported 582,425 scheduled domestic flights, 22,073 (3.8%) of which were canceled. In December 2023, airlines scheduled 606,218 domestic flights, 2,462 (1.3%) of which were canceled. In January 2023, airlines scheduled 573,877 domestic flights, 11,032 (1.9%) of which were canceled.

On January 6, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the grounding of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with a mid-cabin door plug installed operated by U.S. airlines or in U.S. territory. On January 24, 2024, FAA cleared all such aircraft to return to service after each aircraft operator successfully completed a new inspection process approved by the FAA. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have informed the DOT that the grounding of the 737 MAX9 aircraft with the mid-cabin door plug installed has impacted their on-time statistics during this reporting period.

January 2024 On-Time Arrival

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 72.8%, down from both 83.9% in December 2023 and from 76.2% in January 2023.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates January 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Delta Airlines Network – 77.8%
• Allegiant Air – 75.6%
• Southwest Airlines – 73.9% 

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates January 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Alaska Airlines Network – 64.7%
• JetBlue Airways – 69.5%
• American Airlines Network – 70.5%

January 2024 Flight Cancellations

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers canceled 3.8% of their scheduled domestic flights, higher than both the rate of 0.4% in December 2023 and the rate of 1.9% in January 2023. 

Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Canceled Flights January 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Hawaiian Airlines – 1.5%  
• Spirit Airlines – 1.5%   
• JetBlue Airways – 1.7%    

Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Canceled Flights January 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Alaska Airlines Network – 11.9%    
• United Airlines Network – 6.9%    
• Southwest Airlines – 3.1%    

Complaints About Airline Service

The release of air travel service complaint data in the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. The Department is investing in modernizing its system for handling consumer complaints with the support of a Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of consumers who use the system each year and enable OACP to more effectively engage in oversight of the airline industry. 

As DOT modernizes its system, given the continued high volume of air travel service complaints concerning airlines and ticket agents, DOT has revised how it processes consumer complaints received after June 1, 2023. From June 2023 until the date its system is modernized, DOT intends to revise the ATCR to display consumer submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) as opposed to complaints for this period. The Department will continue to display civil rights complaints in the ATCR in a similar manner as before and anticipates publishing submission and civil rights complaint numbers in spring.

Tarmac Delays

In January 2024, airlines reported 71 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, compared to five tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights reported in December 2023. In January 2024, airlines reported six tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights, compared to zero tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights reported in December 2023. 

Airlines are required to have and adhere to assurances that they will not allow aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights without providing passengers the option to deplane, subject to exceptions related to safety, security, and Air Traffic Control related reasons. An exception also exists for departure delays if the airline begins to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point to deplane passengers by those times.

The Department investigates extended tarmac delays.

Mishandled Baggage

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers handled 37.4 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.75%, higher than both the rate of 0.50% in December 2023 and the rate of 0.73% in January 2023.

The Department began displaying the mishandled baggage data as a percentage (i.e., per 100 bags enplaned) in January 2022. This is consistent with the manner that the mishandled wheelchairs and scooters rate is calculated and displayed.     In the prior three calendar year reports (2019 to 2021), the Department calculated the mishandled baggage rate based on the number of mishandled bags per 1,000 checked bags. 

Mishandled Wheelchairs and Scooters

In January 2024, reporting marketing carriers reported checking 56,659 wheelchairs and scooters and mishandling 836 for a rate of 1.48% mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, higher than the rate of 1.39% mishandled in December 2023 and lower than the rate of 1.47% mishandled in January 2023.

As described earlier, in February 2024, the Department announced its proposal to strengthen its rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to address the serious problems that individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs and scooters face when traveling by air that impact their safety and dignity, including mishandled wheelchairs and scooters and improper transfers to and from aircraft seats, aisle chairs, and personal wheelchairs. The proposed rule would require that airlines meet strict standards in accommodating passengers with disabilities by setting new standards for prompt, safe, and dignified assistance, mandating enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs, and outlining actions that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport. The proposed rule also clarifies that damaging or delaying the return of a wheelchair is an automatic violation of the ACAA.

Bumping/Oversales

Bumping/oversales data, unlike other air carrier data, are reported quarterly rather than monthly. For the fourth quarter of 2023, the 10 U.S. reporting marketing carriers posted an involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, rate of 0.20 per 10,000 passengers, lower than both the rate of 0.35 in the third quarter of 2023 and the rate of 0.30 in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Incidents Involving Animals

As part of its IT modernization, DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is improving the options for covered carriers to submit their monthly and annual Reports on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport. While the new system is being developed, OACP is permitting covered carriers to delay submission of reports on incidents involving animals during air transport. Annual data on such incidents will be published when DOT receives carriers’ complete submissions of the 2023 data. 

In January 2024, carriers reported zero incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal while traveling by air, equal to the zero reports filed in both December 2023 and in January 2023.

Consumers may file air travel consumer or civil rights complaints online at   https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint , or they may mail a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .