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Duffel & Travel Bags

Black Hole® Matte Wheeled Duffel 40L

Black Hole® Matte Wheeled Duffel 100L

Black Hole® Duffel 40L

Black Hole® Duffel 55L

Black Hole® Duffel 70L

Black Hole® Duffel 100L

Black Hole® MLC® 45L

Black Hole® Mini MLC® 30L

Great Divider 26L

Guidewater Duffel 80L

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This Bag Survived Our Move to New Zealand: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Review

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Packing light does not come naturally to me . I’m (regrettably) the person breaking a sweat to shove their too-full carry-on into the overhead compartment, the one who throws an extra eight items into the backseat seconds before pulling out of the driveway for a road trip.

So, when my husband, son, and I decided to uproot our lives in Colorado and spend 4 months living/working in New Zealand, I was a touch nervous about fitting all our necessities (and “necessities”) into a reasonable number of suitcases. When I got my hands on an early model of the 2024 Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Since mid-December, I’ve taken this mega-hauler on a road trip to Illinois, a ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colo., and across the globe to New Zealand. Here on the South Island, the Black Hole has been a staple on weekend excursions in our trusty 2009 Nissan Vanette. I’ve hauled, rolled, shoved, stuffed, and squeezed it, and after more than 11,000 miles of travel , it’s clear the bag isn’t perfect … but it’s pretty darn close.

In short: After nearly 4 months of testing, I can confirm that the 2024 Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag ($419) delivers the durability and overall quality I’ve come to expect from Patagonia’s Black Hole luggage line. This bag is bomber, big enough to move a family across the world, and convenient for airport travel and weekend excursions. Launching this August, the updated model’s sustainability benefits and burly wheelset only sweeten the deal. This is a great duffel despite slight weight and storage penalties.

If you’re in the market for a smaller duffel or an option without wheels, check out our guide to the Best Duffel Bags of 2024 .

Editor’s note:  The Black Hole 100L Duffel reviewed here does not launch until August 2024. ( Here is the current version .) We will update this review when a link is available.

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag

• Face fabric Recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
• Weight 10.5 lbs (100L)
• Volume options (for wheeled duffel) 40L, 70L, and 100L
• Pockets One external, two internal
• Enormous size
• Durable frame
• Heavy-duty exterior fabric
• Wheels work on rough terrain
• Stylish matte finish
• Made with recycled materials
• DIY organization
• Difficult to store

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Review

As this delightful Instagram vid explains, Patagonia’s Black Hole line of duffel bags has been around for decades. Over time, the Patagonia team has fiddled with the bag’s shape and expanded the range of size offerings.

I married into my first Black Hole duffel, a standard 40L version , circa 2011. Then I got the now-discontinued Black Hole Mini Messenger Bag, the Black Hole MLC Cube 12L , and the Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L . I’ve trusted our fleet of Black Holes with everything from ski helmets and bike shoes to keys and laptops.

In keeping with the brand’s “ Earth is now our only shareholder ” sentiment, the 2024 Black Hole lineup puts Mother first with a fully recycled laminate coating on the exterior ( recycled TPU ) rather than using virgin TPU, which comes from petroleum. Using recycled TPU decreases carbon emissions and gives the new Black Hole lineup a sleek, matte finish rather than the familiar shiny one.

Patagonia designers also slightly revised the 100L model specifically. They moved the external pocket from the side to the “top” (the end that points up when rolling) to facilitate easier on-the-go access; updated the ease of repairability on the wheelset; and made the internal frame collapsible so it’s easier to store.

Size and Organization

Size is arguably the Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag’s biggest attribute. The bag holds a lot of gear — the equivalent of a 7-year-old child and a little bit of gear.

I had room to spare when packing for both a 2-week road trip to the Midwest and a 4-day ski trip. Had I taken advantage of the internal cinch straps, there would have been even more space. In packing for New Zealand, however, I needed to maximize the load while maintaining some semblance of order.

When it comes to organization, the Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag lives up to its name. Unzip the maw of this monster, and it’s just an empty cavity ready to eat whatever you throw in. Like prior models, two internal pockets attached to the lid provide great stash space for smaller items like socks, undies, cords/electronics, etc., but otherwise, the organization strategy is left up to the user.

In one aspect, that’s a benefit: The user decides if and how to use packing cubes like Patagonia’s 3L , 6L , and 14L “Cube” line. On the other hand, packing cubes up the price tag on your luggage setup considerably.

Personally, I dig packing cubes, but if I had my druthers, the 100L would have an additional compartment or two, including at least one with an anti-odor lining for storing dirty clothes.

Design and Durability

After experiences with checked bags getting lost and a gate-checked stroller returned with a crippled front wheel, I have minimal confidence in baggage operations handling my stuff with any care at all. Knowing that this Black Hole 100L bag’s exterior is polyester ripstop fabric, bolstered with a toughness-enhancing TPU finish (both recycled), helped to ease my concerns.

As it turned out, I had no need to worry. We checked the bag at Denver International Airport, and two flights and 21 hours later, we snagged it at baggage claim in without any noticeable damage.

The real durability test came when we walked more than a mile up and down escalators, through a quasi-creepy hallway, over a paved outdoor path, and across tile and low-pile carpet to get from international arrivals to domestic departures in Auckland. An important note: this test (trek) wore a hole in one of our other duffels. The Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L was unscathed.

A week after arriving, I discovered the bag fit perfectly in a cutout in the back of our van. Since then, I’ve slid the duffel into its little nook for each weekend adventure, scraping the exterior against glorified plywood, catching it repeatedly on a metal screw, and banging it on the van’s linoleum floor in the process. Even now, it barely shows the beating it’s taken.

Updated Wheelset on Black Hole Duffels

The wheels’ durability warrants applause as well. Pavement, of course, is no problem, but the roughly 3-inch (80mm) wheels also make it easy to cruise over chunky gravel driveways.

The dirt, tufts of dried grass, and tree roots at our campsites weren’t a problem, either. Even after testing them on a rocky beach. I was impressed to see only minor scuff marks on the plastic wheelbase.

Weight and Storage

Weight typically isn’t an issue for a wheeled duffel since you’re rolling, not carrying, the bulk. However, weight matters when you’re checking a bag and trying to avoid the fee for going over 50 pounds. That’s one scenario when the Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L’s heft (around 10.5 pounds) can be problematic.

In my mind, packed size is the duffel’s biggest downside. Maybe that’s no fault of Patagonia’s. It’s just the nature of owning a bag this big. The Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag’s updated internal frame allows the upper half to collapse on itself, but you still need to find a spot to house a roughly 33 x 16 x 5.5-inch bag.

Other similar bags, like the No Matter What Duffel Bag from Eagle Creek, offer more in terms of packability.

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel: The Final Word

Patagonia’s updated Black Hole Wheeled 100L Duffel Bag has a sleeker finish with the new recycled TPU-film laminate. Durability-wise, I’ve continued to knock around the duffel handles on ski trips, shove and scrape the exterior on van adventures, and wheel it across campsites. It’s proven durable, and then some.

The size is also an enormous attribute when you’re hitting the road — or the skies —and need to pack a lot.

Of course, its dimensions also make the bag heavier and harder to store. The Marie Kondos of the world will want to budget for packing cubes (better organization, more weight). Overall, there’s no question that the updated 100L model is a stellar addition to the heritage Black Hole line.

Patagonia's Warmest Parka Turns Ocean Garbage Into Good: Meet the $900 Stormshadow Parka

The freshest threads coming off the Patagonia factory line are made from ocean-bound and recycled plastic, woven into one of its warmest jackets: the Stormshadow Parka. Read more…

More than a decade ago, Courtney Holden moved to Boulder, Colorado, to pursue her dream of hiking, biking, skiing, and trail running — and then writing about the products, people, and places she encounters along the way. So far, things are working out. Over the years, she’s told stories about performance jorts and migrating tarantulas, interviewed nonagenarian triathletes and outdoor industry CEOs, and tested more gear than can fit in her garage. Outside of work, she’s still trying to remember whether the TIE fighters are the good guys or the bad guys, much to her husband and son’s chagrin.

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Gear Review: Patagonia Travel Luggage

800 • 669 • 3474.

Patagonia Luggage Gear Review  Black Hole® Cubes (3L, 6L, & 14L) Patagonia Travel Rod Roll Black Hole® Wheeled Duffel

On my most recent trip to the Colombian jungle in search of peacock bass, I had a chance to try out the new Black Hole® Cubes in conjunction with my usual travel set up of the Black Hole® Wheeled 100L Duffel and Patagonia Travel Rod Roll .

This is a gear review as well as my thoughts on the best way to get your rods, reels, clothing and gear to the majority of our remote angling destinations that we represent all over the world.

I have done quite a bit of traveling over the years and there is no one perfect way to pack and travel for a big trip. Each location is a little different and even for me it has changed over the years depending on where I am going and lately on airport security policies. One of the major decisions in the past was either carrying on or checking my rods, reels and lines. The idea being if you carry these items on and for some reason your checked bag was lost, you could still fish until your bag showed up and the trip wasn’t lost.

On this particular trip we were pretty restricted on weight (33lb for checked bags and 11 pounds for carry-on). Typically this would be easy for me, but since I was the host I was bringing some extra stuff, just in case, so I was trying to keep everything pretty lightweight to allow for extras. The Cubes are super lightweight, but also plenty durable, 300-denier 100% post consumer recycled polyester ripstop. All three weighed in at a little over a pound, empty (20.8 oz).  I really wasn’t adding any weight, just a way to keep all my things separate in the big open space of the duffel.

I have used zip locks before to separate my things, and it works, but the Cubes made it a little classier, more functional and definitely more durable. I used the 3L Cube for my toiletries. I have a toiletry bag at home but it is pretty clunky and with a hard bottom, it is relatively heavy for what it is. Switching over to the cube was nice. I put all my shower/bathroom things I needed in there and it was all together in one place, in my duffel, easy to find. For the 6L cube, I put my fishing terminal tackle/gear in that one. All of my tippet, leaders, extra lines, pliers, wire bite, nippers, tape, leatherman, etc. Same thing, it was all together, so once we got to the river, I could just pull it out, carry it to a table and I was ready to rig up my rods. For the last 14L cube, I put all my socks, underwear, buffs, etc in that one. For the most part I usually just throw these things in my bag, so I realized on this trip, it was nice separating them, so I could find them easily and they weren’t all spread out on the bottom of the duffel bag. These Cubes were a great way to keep my bags light while making it easy to separate my gear into more manageable units. Many duffel bags have pockets and dividers, but the Cubes allowed me to pull out this stuff and move it or take it with me. Depending on what you use them for, they could be taken with you on the river/lake/water.

Also as I mentioned above, the Black Hole® Wheeled Duffel along with the Patagonia Travel Rod Roll are my go-to ways to travel these days. With these I will carry-on the plane a waterproof backpack with all my necessities for travel that doubles as a boat bag/fishing pack once at my destination. The Black Hole® Duffel allows me to get around the airport pretty easily with the wheels and the telescoping handle. It is pretty water resistant and durable, so besides float trips, it can handle boat rides getting sprayed or being out in the rain/weather and is tough enough to handle the beating on the conveyor belt and the airport guys tossing it around. I can fill it up and it is never over 50 pounds (typical airline limit) plus the Rod Roll fits perfectly in there keeping them protected at the bottom of the bag.

Lately, many international airports are starting to get a little more strict on carrying on rods, reels, and lines. You can typically get through security in the States and get to your destination, but coming back, they are making you check them. So, nowadays you have to be ready for this. Of course you can simply put your aluminum tubes, or a rod-filled custom made PVC tube in your checked bag. However, the Rod Roll / Black Hole® Duffel , in my opinion, is the best way to do this. The Travel Rod Roll is lightweight (about the same as all 3 Cubes ), I can get 5 rods (it is only supposed to hold 4) in there, and put it at the bottom of the Black Hole® Duffel , throw my clothes, reels, plus Cubes on top and my rods are secure and protected. No problems to this day. My last two trips, I had to check my fly rods/reels in both Colombia and through Istanbul getting to Tanzania. Argentina has had this policy in place for a while now and Mexico is following along. I’m not sure what is so dangerous about a fly rod, reel or line, but it is pretty hard to explain common sense in an airport security line, to a guy that knows nothing about fishing, when they have your carry-on apart and rods all over the place. And it isn’t fun having to go back through check-in and security especially when you have long lines. As stressful as it is to worry about your luggage getting lost and you showing up at your destination with no rods, reels and the ability to fish, it seems to be the way most airport security is going. Even if you can carry the Rod Roll on the plane going to your destination and check it on the way home. You want to be set up and ready for this option.

I love the carry-on rod cases (Orvis and Fishpond) for taking rods/reels on the plane and the sense of security knowing that my necessary gear will be there when I get to the lodge. And at certain destinations (Alaska, Bahamas), this is the way I travel, but with changing airline security at different airports around the world, the Patagonia set up is the way to go for the majority of International destinations. It is best to book flights with the least amount of connections, check your Black Hole® Duffel , put an Air tag in there (if you have one) and hope that everyone does their job getting your bag to where it needs to be. Unless I am floating, I will be using the Black Hole® Duffel , Travel Rod Roll and Black Hole® Cubes as my go-to set up.

In Colombia, a travel buddy was lugging around his heavy waterproof duffel (no wheels) with his rods in aluminum tubes in the bottom of his bag wearing out his shoulders. When he got home, he got on our website and updated his travel gear. Give it a try, I think you will like it.

If you would like to hear more about any of these products or my hosted trip to Colombia please don’t hesitate to contact me at 800-669-3474 or via email at [email protected]

Erik Argotti Destination Specialist The Fly Shop, Inc. 4140 Churn Creek Road Redding, CA 96002

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Wheeled Duffel Bags

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Earth Is Now Our Only Shareholder

If we have any hope of a thriving planet—much less a business—it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have. This is what we can do.

Read Yvon’s Letter

Black Hole® Matte Wheeled Duffel 40L

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Our Black Hole® Matte Wheeled Duffel 40L is carry-on approved and ready for burly journeys. It delivers the same legendary performance you expect from our Black Hole® bags, but with a huge step toward impact reduction with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and now a pioneering recycled TPU-film laminate with a sleek matte finish.

What customers are saying: View all reviews

For more information visit our Size Guide

Specs & Features

Extremely durable, weather-resistant, 100% recycled fabric.

Burly recycled polyester ripstop with a matte, weather-resistant recycled TPU-film laminate

Multiple Pockets for Gear Organization

Large opening to main compartment; zippered external top pocket and mesh pockets in lid fit smaller items

Burly Haul Handles

Reinforced top handles stand up to heavy loads; exterior lash points for clipping on extra gear

Sturdy, Field-Repairable Oversized Wheels

Stout wheelset makes for smooth, comfortable travel; back-up wheel axles are included and allow for on-the-go fixes (spare axles stored in the frame)

Internal Compression Straps

Internal compression straps help secure contents during transit or cinch down items so you can fit extra gear

Collapses for Easy Storage

Internal frame collapses for out-of-the way storage between trips (product will ship collapsed)

Supporting the People Who Made This Product

Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labor

Country of Origin

Made in Vietnam.

3,521 g (7 lbs 12 oz)

Last Season Color Offered at Full Price

14.1-oz 900-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate

3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating

100% recycled nylon

Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory

Care Instructions

Hand Wash, Do Not Bleach, Drip Dry, Do Not Iron

Gear Capacity: 40L (2,441 cu in) Dimensions: 21.75" x 14.5" x 11" Weight: 7 lbs 12.2 oz (3521 g)

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50 Last-chance Deals to Score From REI’s Fourth of July Sale — Including Hoka, Patagonia, and More From $11

The sale only runs through July 4, so you’ll want to act fast.

• Luggage Deals
• Travel Accessory Deals
• Travel Apparel Deals
• Camping and Hiking Deals

Travel + Leisure

Any great adventurer knows that REI is the place to turn for the perfect gear to take their travels to the next level. However, thrifty shoppers know that waiting until the brand’s Fourth of July sale is the best way to get that same high-quality items at unbeatable prices, and with just two days left in the event, you won’t want to wait any longer to start checking boxes off of your shopping list. 

For a limited time, everything from camping essentials to stylish outdoor apparel and footwear is on sale at REI, with even clearance items boasting a discount of up to 40 percent off. But seeing as the sale comes to a close on July 4, we’ve rounded up the 50 best last-minute deals to shop before things go back to full price. And with brands like Patagonia , Fjallraven , and Hoka in the mix, it’s safe to say these deals won’t go unclaimed for long.

Best Luggage Deals

Whether you’re searching for a spacious backpack, a durable duffel, or even a rolling suitcase, REI’s Fourth of July sale is home to everything you might need — even in its final hours. For upcoming weekend trips, we suggest snagging the Eagle Creek Tarmac Xe 2-Wheel 65L Wheeled Luggage while it’s on sale for $192, while the Osprey Farpoint 65 Wheeled Travel Pack is another impeccable choice at 25 percent off. As for backpacks, the highly-rated Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack is still sitting at an impressively low $44, and even the Gregory Supply Duffel 90 is available for under $100.

• REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling 34-inch Duffel , $209 (originally $300)
• Patagonia Fieldsmith Roll-top Pack , $64 (originally $129)
• Osprey Farpoint 65 Wheeled Travel Pack , $240 (originally $320)
• Matador Seg45 Travel Pack , $150 (originally $200)
• Osprey Daylite 30L Duffel Bag , $60 (originally $80)
• Gregory Resin Roll-top pack , $76 (originally $130)
• Mystery Ranch High Water 50 Duffel , $247 (originally $329)
• Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack , $44 (originally $89)
• Eagle Creek Tarmac Xe 2-Wheel 65L Wheeled Luggage , $192 (originally $319)
• Gregory Supply Duffel 90 , $98 (originally $130)

Osprey Farpoint 65 Wheeled Travel Pack

Best travel accessory deals.

It’s no secret that packing cubes are the best hack for fitting everything into your suitcase with room to spare, and whether you choose the Matador Set of 3 Gear Cubes for $42 or the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set for $24, you’re in good hands. This Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Earplugs are essential for actually getting quality rest during long-haul flights and camping outings, and fortunately the duo is now available for a mere $19. Plus, give yourself a leg up in reaching your hydration goals while you’re on the go while the Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler is on sale for $24 for a limited time.

• Matador Set of 3 Gear Cubes , $42 (originally $55)
• Mystery Ranch Forager Hip Mini Waist Pack , $24 (originally $32)
• Matador Gear Tags , $12 (originally $15)
• Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Earplugs , $19 (originally $25)
• REI Co-op Roadtripper Pod , $11 (originally $17)
• Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottles - Pack of Three , $29 (originally $38)
• REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set , $24 (originally $35)
• Matador Waterproof Pill Canister , $15 (originally $20)
• Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler , $24 (originally $35)
• Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket , $63 (originally $85)

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Best travel apparel deals.

From sun shirts to hiking shorts, REI is stocked with the best gear for every activity on your summer lineup — with prices starting at just $30. As the hours tick away on the brand’s Fourth of July sale, we’re eyeing the Columbia Women’s PFG Tidal Light Lined Shorts for summer hikes while they’re available for just $38. Meanwhile, the PrAna Women’s Fernie Beach Pants have also caught our attention as they’re the perfect breezy layer for anything from a seaside dinner to a long travel day, and at $67, they’re available for more than $20 off. As for men’s apparel, the Columbia Men’s PFG Solar Stream Long-Sleeve Shirt is now sitting at $34 and will provide ample sun protection with a lightweight feel, while the Fjallraven Men’s S/F Wool Cycling T-shirt is an even breezier option at 30 percent off, ringing in at $56.

• Columbia Women’s PFG Tidal Light Lined Shorts , $38 (originally $50)
• PrAna Women’s Halle 5-inch Shorts II , $49 (originally $69)
• Columbia Women’s PFG Uncharted Knit Long-sleeve Shirt , $42 (originally $55)
• PrAna Women’s Wave Swimsuit Bottoms , $45 (originally $60)
• PrAna Women’s Fernie Beach Pants , $67 (originally $89)
• Fjallraven Men’s S/F Sun Shirt , $105 (originally $150)
• NRS Men’s H2Core Silkweight Shirt , $39 (originally $48)
• Free Country Men’s Taconic Rip Stop Shorts , $43 (originally $60)
• Fjallraven Men’s S/F Wool Cycling T-shirt , $56 (originally $80)
• Columbia Men’s PFG Solar Stream Long-Sleeve Shirt , $34 (originally $45)

PrAna Women’s Halle 5-inch Shorts II

Best shoe deals.

Diversify your footwear packing list this summer with the hundreds of options discounted at REI right now. If it’s hiking boots you’re after, the Merrell Men’s Moab Speed Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots are a tried-and-true choice that are currently on sale for just $119. Meanwhile, the Hoka Women’s Trail Code GTX Hiking Boots have also earned a discount of nearly $50 off and are the perfect way to add a pop of color to your favorite trail outfit. But even shopper-loved sandals are getting the discount treatment in honor of the holidays, with the Chaco Women’s Z1 Classic Sandals coming in at $70 as your new go-to hot weather shoe choice that provides both style and comfort.

• Hoka Women’s Trail Code GTX Hiking Boots , $138 (originally $185)
• Merrell Men’s Moab Speed Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots , $119 (originally $170)
• Altra Men’s Via Olympus Road Running Shoes , $120 (originally $170)
• On Women’s Cloudvista Trail Running Shoes , $112 (originally $150)
• Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 1.0 Road Running Shoes , $147 (originally $210)
• Merrell Women’s Speed Strike Hiking Shoes , $68 (originally $90)
• La Sportiva Men’s Bushido II Trail Running Shoes , $115 (originally $155)
• Keen Women’s Kona Leather Flip-flops , $53 (originally $70)
• Keen Men’s Howser II Slide Shoes , $58 (originally $90)
• Chaco Women’s Z1 Classic Sandals , $70 (originally $105)

Altra Men’s Via Olympus Road Running Shoes

Best camping and hiking deals.

Nothing takes your favorite outdoors activities up a notch quite like high-quality gear, which is exactly why you’ll want to head to REI to stock up on hiking essentials, camping equipment, and more at a steep discount. At the top of our shopping list is the Kammok Roo Double Recycled Hammock which is sure to elevate even the simplest campsites (and is also on sale for $64). The $98 top-rated Kelty Low Loveseat is another must-have for cozy fireside hangouts, and when it’s time to retire for the night, you’ll be happy to have snagged the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag while it’s on sale for $98 as well.

• Big Agnes Copper Spur HV Ul2 Tent , $318 (originally $530)
• REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag , $98 (originally $139)
• Kelty Low Loveseat , $98 (originally $130)
• Kammok Roo Double Recycled Hammock , $64 (originally $85)
• Gregory Nano 18 H2O Hydration Pack , $60 (originally $80)
• Black Diamond Onsight 375 Headlamp , $33 (originally $60)
• Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller , $30 (originally $40)
• REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles , $84 (originally $120)
• Nikon Trailblazer Atb Waterproof 8x25 Binoculars , $70 (originally $90)
• Osprey Talon 6 Waist Pack , $68 (originally $90)

Gregory Nano 18 H2O Hydration Pack

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The Best Luggage for Wherever You’re Headed

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

The Best Carry-On for Most People Away Carry-On Read more

An Upgraded Carry-On Aer Carry-On Read more

Best Budget Carry-On Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Aluminum Bag Rimowa Original Cabin Read more

When you're going on a trip, packing your bags scratches a very specific mental itch. Do you like breezing to your gate with only minutes to spare, bypassing the checked-baggage line and sweeping through the Global Entry prescreened traveler security lane? Are you on a business trip and bringing makeup and camera-ready clothes? Or are you traveling with small children and struggling to keep track of all their stuffies, snacks, grandparent gifts, and innumerable electronics cords for tiny headphones and remote-controlled sharks?

In the past year, I've flown and driven thousands of miles. I've hopped on quick flights for work, struggled through cross-country travel with my spouse and kids, and cinched duffel bags on the rooftop rack of my car for weekend trips. The WIRED Gear team and I have taken all these bags on at least two flights minimum, overstuffed them, checked them, shoved them into overhead bins, hastily unpacked and repacked them in car trunks and on airport floors, and most importantly, let our children ride on them from baggage claim to the Uber. Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks , Best Laptop Totes , and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated July 2024: We added the Rimowa carry on, the Beis carry on, the Tumi Velocity backpack, the Lojel Cubo Large, the Aer carry on, the State Logan carry on, and the Calpak medium checked luggage. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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The Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

★ Alternatives: We've tried similar suitcases by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . July's aluminum bumpers protect fragile belongings, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. I have checked both of these suitcases multiple times on multiple cross-country trips, and both have also been ridden by two small children with no damage.

An Upgraded Carry-On

As the Away's ubiquity shows, it works perfectly well for the vast majority of people. But if you find flying to be as unpleasant an experience as I do, a few upgrades might be worth the expense to make it more endurable. We think two recent luggage launches are worth your attention. Reviewer Nena Farrell loves the viral Beis carry-on , which, in addition to coming in a variety of cute, distinctive colors, has extras like a cushy handle, a built-in weight gauge, and a retractable strap that lets you clip a backpack or duffel to the front, in case your personal item doesn't have a pass-through.

I also recently tested Aer’s latest luggage launch. I like Aer’s better than Beis' for a few reasons. The design is sleeker, without ridges to attract scratches and dirt. Although I rolled and spun it side by side with Calpak, July, and Monos luggage, I did not find that Aer's Hinamoto ball bearing system rolled more quietly or smoothly. However, Aer's carry-on has wheel locks. This was crucial when I found myself in the luggage section of a rental shuttle, trying to manage four four-wheeled suitcases on an overcrowded ride from the airport to the rental car outpost while my spouse and children relaxed in the last three remaining seats. As someone who tends to just toss an AirTag into the shoe pocket of their luggage, where it accidentally falls out halfway across the world, I also like the tiny dedicated AirTag pocket.

★ Alternative: If sustainability is your bag (haha), Paravel offers an Aviator carry-on ($425) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Budget Carry-On

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

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

Best Aluminum Bag

The publicist who sent me the iconic Rimowa carry-on for testing warned me that it had been used for promotional photos and might have "some minor patina." This comment was offered with mild apology which I assured her was unnecessary; getting a Rimowa with a few scratches and dings is like buying a preseasoned cast iron pan. Rimowa cases have a cult following among travelers precisely because of how elegantly they wear their miles. The whole point of these nearly indestructible anodized aluminum boxes is to batter them in Bali, scrape them up in Sicily, then cover the wounds in stickers. In fact, a vintage Rimowa with dings and vintage stickers will probably cost you more on eBay than new, though it's more fun to make every dent yourself. I tested the bag on a trip to New York and appreciated the fine-tuned details in construction (the seal is tight enough I had no qualms about it sitting on a rainy tarmac) and, especially, the uncommon confidence and balance of the roller wheels. The Rimowa feels indestructible, and every attempt to break it only improves that patina, which makes it an ideal travel companion. —Martin Cizmar

Best Checked Bag

For a large checked bag, Lojel's Cubo Large has one feature that was invaluable. It has a flat-top opening, which means you can open it like a box, instead of swinging out both sides like a clamshell. I could not believe how much easier this made it to access all of our stuff. On a recent family vacation, I checked the Cubo Large, put it in the trunk of a Chrysler Pacifica, drove to my brother's house, drove to the beach, and kept four peoples' items organized in one hotel room for a week. I could open the suitcase and grab my kid's sandals without pulling the whole suitcase out of the trunk. Once we got to our destination, it took up half as much floor space as any other suitcase. When it weighed about a pound over the checked bag weight limits, I could discreetly unzip it and take out my Chacos without opening a clamshell and displaying all my belongings for all of United's employees to see.

Granted, the stitching on the interior organizational pockets is not so solid for the price. My kids almost instantly busted the button that holds the lid up. Also, a 10-year warranty sounds good, but almost every other manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers common problems, like broken zippers. However, this flat-top opening is a great feature that's worth recommending, especially if you have large, awkward items that wouldn't fit in one side of a clamshell suitcase.

★ Alternative: On this trip, I also checked the Calpak Evry Medium Luggage ($245) , and it did the job for half the price. It has a polycarbonate shell, interior organizational pockets, and a TSA-approved lock.

Best Backpack

Tumi’s iconic, expensive backpacks are the platonic ideal for airplane travel. The latest one is the Velocity, which is a collaboration with McLaren Automotive, and the sleek design is meant to evoke the aerodynamic lines of McLaren's racing cars. The shell is made from CX6, a type of woven carbon fiber that is engineered to be both super strong and incredibly light. This means that the bag has a firm structure that doesn't look saggy when it's empty, or stuffed like a turkey when it's full. It can fit a surprising amount of stuff—just unzip the front panel and it swings open like a glove compartment.

Like a lot of Tumi's backpacks, it comes with a bunch of travel-related extras, like a luggage tag, an add-a-bag sleeve, and a luggage-inspired leather grip handle. The padded laptop compartment fits laptops up to 15 inches (although surprisingly, the compartment is not suspended, so be careful putting it down). I filled it full of books and dragged it on our concrete walk, and I still couldn't scratch the surface. In keeping with the bag's slim profile, however, the water bottle pockets are extremely tight. It's also a little embarrassing flying with a $1,600 backpack in economy. Tumi has a wide array of equally attractive and useful laptop backpacks for less than half the price.

Best Kids Suitcase

For the past two years, I've found myself being the lone parent while flying with my two children, now 7 and 9. Unfortunately, trying to cheap out on my kids' suitcases has resulted in a garage full of dead luggage. My children busted the zippers on this generic rolling backpack off Amazon (which was much cheaper than when I bought it) almost instantly. The Target version is only 6 pounds and very cute, but the plastic shell and hardware is as fragile as a bird egg.

I would've saved so much time, aggravation, and money if I'd just bought them both State bags at the start. The Logan comes in a mini, carry-on, and checked size, and the carry-on has more or less the same dimensions as my carry-on. However, it has a number of child-friendly features. The prints are amazing; my kids love theirs. The front pocket is big enough for a snack box and their iPads, which means I can quickly usher them to their seats and unpack everything into the front pocket. There are two straps on the side that are ideal for tucking in Yellow Blanky and Truck Blanky when we have to move quickly at the gate. And it still weighs less than my own carry-on.

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Lifetime Bag

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright. The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes . L.L. Bean's boat tote ($35) is the iconic affordable, durable pick, but gear director Michael Calore's pick is the roomy zip hunter's tote ($55) .

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

Duffels are a huge and ever-expanding category. We also like durable Red Oxx duffels ($300) , and if you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists.

Best for Camping

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $107 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $80 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

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

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $275 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

How to Pick a Bag

Nowadays, there are so many baggage options that narrowing down which bag you need can be difficult. Here are a few factors that might make a difference:

• Two or four wheels? Very few people who try the maneuverability of a four-wheeled spinner suitcase want to go back. Four-wheeled spinners are so much easier to maneuver in crowded airports or down airplane aisles. However, two wheels are easier if you're pulling it over rough terrain. Also, they don't roll away.
• Hard-shell or soft-sided? Fabric bags tend to be lighter. They're also more flexible, so they can squish down to fit tighter overhead bins or stretch to accommodate that souvenir sweatshirt that you couldn't resist. A hard-shell suitcase provides more protection, but has no give. If you travel with a lot of fragile items, consider an aluminum suitcase, which offers the most protection of all.
• Use a tape measure and a scale. Whether your bag fits in the overhead bin increasingly depends on both where you're flying (domestic or international) and what airline you choose. Always check the airline's weight and dimension requirements before packing your bag.

A Few Travel Accessories

If you're packing a bag, a few of these items are helpful.

Craftsman Measuring Tape for $14 : Always measure the dimensions of your bag! There's nothing worse than trying to walk on a plane and having to get out line because the gate attendant decided your bag was too big.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 : Weigh your bag before you leave the house, too. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

Apple AirTag for $24 : Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 : Keep everything inside your bags organized by separating it into different cubes. You shouldn't have to hunt through a pile of socks to find your bathing suit.

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

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

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

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

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The Best Work Bags for Men, According to Stylish Guys

In this era of flexible work hours and informal office dress codes, the leather briefcase has lost a lot of ground to outdoorsy backpacks and tattered tote bags . So to find some more stylish men’s work-bag options (that are still comfortable to wear and large enough to hold a laptop and set of gym clothes ), I reached out to well-dressed men across a range of professions to find out which ones they carry. Their answers ranged from classic messenger bags to sleek and (they promise) boardroom-friendly backpacks.

Briefcases and messenger bags

Filson’s soft briefcase is an enduring option. My fellow Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa has been carrying one for around five years and says its water-resistant oiled cloth has developed an attractive patina over time. The bag has a luggage sleeve so it can sit atop a wheeled suitcase, and its internal and external compartments are thoughtfully laid out. Our hard-to-please menswear columnist Chris Black also endorses this bag , writing that even though it “got rinsed during the 2012 menswear boom, it’s time to bring it back.” (If you need more proof of the brand’s resurgence, Jeremy Allen White ’s Carmy wears a Filson tin-cloth coat throughout this season of The Bear .)

Geoffrey Perez, global head of luxury at Snapchat, takes this appropriately high-end shoulder bag to work. Its visual appeal is obvious, but he says the bag is also extremely functional for his daily bike commute . “It’s the perfect size, easily fits my laptop, and has pockets for all my other stuff,” he says. The recycled nylon is waterproof and durable — it has protected his office supplies in both rain and shine for several years with no signs of wear and tear.

For a nylon option under $1,000, Black has “always loved” this messenger bag from Japan’s Porter-Yoshida. “The navy is chic and a nice change from the typical black, and it has enough storage for your laptop, legal pads, gum, cords, an extra pair of briefs, sunglasses, keys, and a bottle of Mountain Valley sparkling water,” he says. Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has also told us that he’s a fan of the brand.

Writer and District One Studios founder Dan Q. Dao says his leather work bag from Italian brand Officine Creative is “giving Bottega, but at a friendlier price point.” Aside from looking sleek, the bag is practical in that it offers two methods of carry. “I really like having the choice between top handle and shoulder strap on a bag, depending on how heavy it is that day and what I’m wearing,” he says. “Because I hate when the strap wrinkles a shirt.”

Substack video and podcast lead Austin Tedesco is a Filson guy too (he upgraded from Everlane when someone he was dating declared that “there’s nothing sexier than a man with a Filson bag”), but prefers backpacks to messenger bags. “Shopping for men’s work bags can be tough because most of them lean too far into tech-dork efficiency, wilderness cosplay, or impracticality,” he says. With its grown-up look, a Filson backpack offers “the rare good middle ground.” Tedesco’s exact bag, the Dryden, is no longer available, but this style is similar.

Rains makes our favorite men’s raincoat , and its matching waterproof backpacks are excellent for office commuting. Jaye Thompson, a creative at Mother New York , has been taking this one to work for two years and loves how it looks. “It’s nice and minimal,” he says. “Its design features have function and utility without being distracting. And I have the all-black one, which blends in quite nicely.” There’s a water-bottle holder and lots of zippered internal and external pockets for organization, and he adds that the exterior elastic strapping is ideal for holding a bike helmet. And as you’d expect, the bag keeps anything inside of it bone-dry during downpours.

Gonzalo Donoso, a designer at Mother Design , is also team Rains but prefers the brand’s smaller backpack. “The construction is very sleek,” he says. “It looks expensive, even though it’s fairly affordable.” On a typical workday, he’ll place his Macbook Pro and a number of notebooks in the bag, and he has also been known to take it to Trader Joe’s to load up on groceries. A hidden pocket close to the straps means you don’t have to fully open the bag to grab smaller items.

Like many of the guys I spoke with, David Zwirner Gallery senior director Thor Shannon resisted bringing a backpack to work for a long time. “I tried a cross-body, briefcase, and a gym bag, and none of them worked as well for my back,” he explains. He settled on an older version of this lightweight and water-resistant Uniqlo backpack, which he says is “anonymous and unprecious” with no visible logos. “I’ve had it for probably four or five years, and I destroy it and throw it around all the time,” he adds. “And ultimately, it can take that abuse, which is why I like it.” He typically uses the bag to carry not only a laptop but also “every charger known to man,” his gym and swim gear, and a bike helmet. He’s held onto it for a long time (leaving an AirTag inside has helped), but points out that the affordable price means “I could lose it and get another one easily without guilt.”

Nick Dierl , the co-founder of music PR firm Orienteer , first came across Yeti’s rubberized tote bag when deciding upon a gift for the groomsmen at his wedding. He’s since transitioned into using it as a work bag, finding that it works especially well for business travel. It typically holds his computer, toiletries , and a pair of running shoes, and it is surprisingly comfortable to carry even packed to the brim. While Yeti is best known for making coolers, this bag isn’t designed to insulate what’s inside — although Dierl says that fact that it’s fully waterproof means you can fill it with ice and drinks in a pinch if need be. His bag lacks any meaningful signs of wear and tear after two years of regular use: “How many totes can you say that about?”

As Strategist contributing writer Molly Dektar observed last year , this convertible backpack-tote has become something of a status item among 20- and 30-something-year-old NYC working artists. It is functional and durable, as you’d expect from a Patagonia bag, but doesn’t look too technical — especially in the all-black colorway. “Though it is crafted of black ripstop, it does not scream, ‘I hike!’” she points out. “And though it has a large number of pockets and adjustable straps, it does not scream, ‘I code!’”

Rellosa cheats on his Filson briefcase with the brand’s more casual-looking zippered tote and says that it has ended up being the work bag he uses the most. “I like that it’s slightly more formal than a canvas tote, plus it zips up and has two deep side pockets,” he says.

If you are going to carry a canvas tote to work, make sure it’s a sturdy one with a zipper. Beloved by bicoastal elites , Pacific Tote Company’s colorful bags (made from repurposed sailing canvas) are designed by Roman Coppola’s creative agency the Directors Bureau. Film producer Chris Chang, who works closely with Coppola and told me he owns “not ten, but more than five” Pacific Totes, says they’re the perfect casual bag for grown-ups. “It’s kind of fun because I’ve always sort of been a tote-bag guy for as long as I’ve been alternative or whatever,” he says. “But it feels like a real bag — a New Yorker tote , it’s just a flimsy little thing.”

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Stavropol Krai Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Stavropol Krai, often simply referred to as Stavropol, is a federal subject (krai) of Russia located in the North Caucasus region. It is known for its diverse landscapes, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Here is some information about Stavropol Krai:

Places to Visit in Stavropol Krai: Pyatigorsk: This famous spa town in the region is known for its natural mineral springs and lush parks. The Proval Lake and Flower Garden Park are popular attractions.

Kislovodsk: Another renowned spa town, Kislovodsk boasts beautiful architecture, promenades, and the Kurortny Park.

Stavropol: The capital city of the krai offers historical sites, such as the Ascension Church and Stavropol Drama Theater.

Mineralnye Vody: This city is a gateway to the region’s spas and the nearby Caucasus Mountains.

Essentuki: Known for its therapeutic mineral water, the city features picturesque parks, including the Essentuki Park.

Budyonnovsk: A town with a rich Cossack history and cultural heritage. Explore Cossack traditions and history in the Cossack Museum.

Best Time to Visit Stavropol Krai: Summer (June to August): Summer is an excellent time to visit Stavropol Krai. The weather is warm, and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Spring and Autumn: Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer milder temperatures and are suitable for sightseeing and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Things to Do in Stavropol Krai: Visit Mineral Springs: Enjoy the healing properties of the mineral springs in the spa towns of Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, and Essentuki.

Hiking and Nature Exploration: Explore the region’s natural beauty by hiking in the Caucasus Mountains, visiting parks, and taking in scenic landscapes.

Cultural Experiences: Learn about the diverse cultures of the region, which include Cossack traditions and historical sites.

Try Local Cuisine: Savor traditional dishes like shashlik (kebabs), pelmeni (dumplings), and local dairy products.

How to Get Around Stavropol Krai: Public Transportation: Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) serve many cities and towns in the krai.

Trains: The region has a railway network that connects cities like Stavropol, Kislovodsk, and Mineralnye Vody.

Taxis: Taxis are available in urban areas and are a convenient way to get around. Ensure you agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Car Rental: Renting a car can be a good option for exploring the region independently, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Where to Eat in Stavropol Krai: Local Restaurants: Explore local eateries and restaurants to enjoy traditional Russian and Caucasian cuisine.

Cafes and Tea Houses: Visit cafes that offer Russian tea, pastries, and local dishes.

Street Food: Look for food vendors selling local snacks and quick bites in markets and town centers.

Where to Stay in Stavropol Krai: Accommodation options in Stavropol Krai include hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, with choices for various budgets. Popular places to stay include the spa towns and larger cities like Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk.

Travel Tips for Stavropol Krai: Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in Stavropol Krai. While English may not be widely spoken, knowing some basic Russian phrases can be helpful.

Currency: The currency used is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere, so it’s advisable to carry cash, especially in more rural areas.

Safety: Stavropol Krai is generally safe for tourists, but be mindful of your belongings and practice common-sense safety precautions.

Climate: The region has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for seasonal weather conditions.

Respect Local Traditions: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially in regions with Cossack heritage and culture.

Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the local transportation options and consider using taxis or ridesharing apps for convenience.

Stavropol Krai offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical heritage. By following these travel tips, you can have an enriching and memorable visit to this diverse region in the North Caucasus.

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