Best Designed Luggage and Backpack

[vdj_145]

What is the best luggage and backpack for international travel?

Are there any stand-out products that are optimally designed and just work the way you need them to? Every product I've tried so far has fallen short - nothing that's given me an iPhone moment when I saw them.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think ‘best luggage’ is very personal.

A good starting point would be something with a lifetime guarantee. For example Briggs and Riley, or dare I say it, Rimowa (yes yes I know the design isn’t what it used to be). Even Antler has lifetime warranty these days.

I travel with a Rimowa trunk. All the advantages of a hard shell, but split like a soft case, not clamshell like other hard shells. Much easier for packing and one side isn’t heavy.

A new innovation is 4-wheel cases where you can lock the wheels. Very handy on public transport or if you want to stop your case running away on a slight incline.

 

[kookaburra75]

We've been very happy with cabin cases and suitcases from July - an Australian company with lifetime guarantees. July Australia | Luggage Bags & Travel Suitcases Australia | July
They were my first foray into four wheelers, but they handled everything well so far.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Take a look at this website for reviews of many types of backpacks, they cater more towards the "casual" traveller than say "Business Traveller", and primarily around the concept of "OneBag" travel - that is where you essentially take all you need in a single carry-on bag.

Pack Hacker | Your Guide to Smarter Travel

Pack Hacker finds & tests gear for travel and everyday life. We believe the best reviews & guides are created through unbiased real-world testing & usage.

packhacker.com

I have an unnatural and unhealthy obsession with backpacks, and have far too many that I've collected from o/s (brands that are usually hard to get here in Australia), so if anything is of interest, I might be able to help!

 

[Ouabain]

What is the best luggage and backpack for international travel?

Are there any stand-out products that are optimally designed and just work the way you need them to? Every product I've tried so far has fallen short - nothing that's given me an iPhone moment when I saw them.

Million dollar question isn't it?

I've been searching for ages myself, and seem to fall in and out of love with different aspects of various bags. I loved the July Carry On Pro for a while, and am currently flirting with Samsonite Ecodiver 55cm.

I have used a f-Stop Tilopa BC and Loka in the past, but am currently using the Jack Stillman Nomad sling.

 

[Pushka]

Is it really bad if I was on the search for a quality backpack for me, found one on Amazon, bought it, and when it arrived it was exactly the same as the back pack I already had! Least I'm consistent I guess.

 

[Ouabain]

Is it really bad if I was on the search for a quality backpack for me, found one on Amazon, bought it, and when it arrived it was exactly the same as the back pack I already had! Least I'm consistent I guess.

Clearly your search criteria hasn't changed? (not a bad thing)

 

[Pushka]

Clearly your search criteria hasn't changed? (not a bad thing)

Consoling myself with that

I do like those topo packs but a bit $$ for me.

 

[Flyerwin]

July - an Australian company with lifetime guarantees. July Australia | Luggage Bags & Travel Suitcases Australia | July

I love these - I'm a fan of zipperless luggage so these are great.

backpacks

I'm a business traveller and have taken to packing for a single backpack for a couple of nights business travel. I don't even have to use the overhead baggage holders and fit the backpack in the seat ahead if I really have to.

 

[stm1sydney]

Answer: It depends. Best backpack for me, being HLO and aiming for 8kg, is Kathmandu Litehaul 38L. Good quality, good size, light, enough pockets, good laptop protection, good straps.

 

[kookaburra75]

I'm a business traveller and have taken to packing for a single backpack for a couple of nights business travel. I don't even have to use the overhead baggage holders and fit the backpack in the seat ahead if I really have to.

I have picked up one of these bags as a very cheap and cheerful bag that does the job, and fits under the seat in front if required. Coowoz Essentials Review

 

[Flyerwin]

I have picked up one of these bags as a very cheap and cheerful bag that does the job, and fits under the seat in front if required. Coowoz Essentials Review

Nice tip thanks.

 

[k_sheep]

Take a look at this website for reviews of many types of backpacks, they cater more towards the "casual" traveller than say "Business Traveller", and primarily around the concept of "OneBag" travel - that is where you essentially take all you need in a single carry-on bag.

Pack Hacker | Your Guide to Smarter Travel

Pack Hacker finds & tests gear for travel and everyday life. We believe the best reviews & guides are created through unbiased real-world testing & usage.

packhacker.com

I have an unnatural and unhealthy obsession with backpacks, and have far too many that I've collected from o/s (brands that are usually hard to get here in Australia), so if anything is of interest, I might be able to help!

The correct number of backpacks is n+1.

Currently I'm using the Osprey Fairview 40+15L; great packs, very well designed. But not entirely comfortable with very heavy loads.

Am using my REI Flass 55 (many years old) for actual hiking - will be gutted when it dies. Such a workhorse. Has done over 1000km with me easily. Looks like cough but so comfy and versatile ... I've even carried it on planes rarely though I think it's probably out of the dimension limit (but it squishes well and I very rarely fill it). Gate agents never seem to care about backpacks (I put it under the seat anyway because I like having my stuff to hand).

I want to get a 55 or 60L for bigger trips but finding it hard to justify ... will wait and see if any of my friends are giving one away lol.