Travelling without the right bag can make or break a trip. Ideally, you want one that’s ergonomic, sturdy, spacious, durable and safe enough to handle all the wear and tear any adventure throws at it. And style is equally important, too.
The only problem is that the market is saturated with travel bags in all different sizes, shapes and materials, and finding the right one that ticks all of your requirements can be incredibly overwhelming. But that’s where we come in.
So you can stress less about bag shopping and spend more time planning your itinerary, we’ve done the hard work for you and searched far and wide for the very best travel bags for every type of occasion.
You’ll find smaller-sized picks like backpacks and duffels as well as larger options, like lightweight carry-on luggage, all at different price points. Whatever your decision, they’re all guaranteed to keep your belongings safe and organised, and you a very happy traveller. Read on for our top picks.
The best travel bags in 2024
01
Light Max carry-on 55cm suitcase expandable
$144 (usually $240), American Tourister
American Tourister carries a huge range of best-selling luggage but if you’re specifically on the hunt for one boasting maximum packing space with minimal weight, you can’t look past the Light Max. Made with ultralight polypropylene technology and premium components, this luggage has been tested under the industry’s toughest standards. Other notable features include its smooth double wheels, interior organisation and expandable mid-section.
“I’ve never been one to travel with much cabin baggage when heading overseas given the need to carry through various transits,” one five-star reviewer explained. “This bag however makes it effortless and has changed the way I travel. This bag is the perfect cabin size to hold all the essentials for comfortable flights as well as enabling additional items to be carried if checked.”
Another person simply said: “Very good quality, extremely light and very easy to carry.”
Weight: 2.3kg
Capacity: 40/44L
Key features:
- Internal organiser
- Expandable
- Double wheels
- TSA combination lock
- Mesh pocket
- Available in a myriad of colours and sizes
- 10-year global warranty
02
July Carry All Weekender in French navy
$295, July
This cult-favourite Aussie brand is all about making stylish, minimal and thoughtful travel accessories that will last the distance, which is exemplified in their Weekender bag. Some of its standout features include the 16-inch padded laptop compartment, a water-resistant outer, premium leather carry handles, and thoughtfully placed internal dividers and zipped pockets so you can keep everything you need organised and within reach. You also have the option to monogram it with your name or initials for an additional fee.
Hundreds of happy customers have labelled this bag as their “go-to” for every type of adventure.
“Perfect for a weekend away or as an additional bag to carry on,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “Lots of pockets and slides easily over the carry on luggage. Is good quality and it shows.”
A second person wrote: “Love the various compartments. Very functional. Strong and high quality fabric! my fav weekend bag so far.”
Weight: 1kg
Capacity: 28L
Key features:
- Internal key hook for secure and easy access to keys
- Padded laptop sleeve compartment
- Water-resistant
- Pass-through band for easy attachment to your luggage
- Premium leather handles
- Made from twill nylon fabric
- Option to add personalisation for an extra $65
- Five-year warranty and 100-day returns
03
High Sierra composite 4 55cm expandable wheel bag
$275, Strandbags
Is it a duffle for weekends away? A rolling suitcase you can wheel through airports? A backpack for long treks? Well, it’s all three, thanks to the incredibly versatile design. The telescopic trolley handles hideaway, as do the padded shoulder straps in a zippered compartment, allowing you to use this bag in whatever way works best for you and your travels. It weighs only 2.3kg and comes with multiple compartments and external loops to stash and attach all your essentials. Plus, it features front and top comfort-grip handles, lockable zips and corner guards to keep everything safe and secure.
Weight: 2.3kg
Capacity: 39L
Key features:
- Soft construction
- External loops and multiple compartments
- Versatile design can be worn as a holdall, luggage or backpack
- Lockable zips, kick-plate and corner guards for extra protection for your belongings
- Telescopic trolley handles and padded shoulder straps can be hidden away
- Five-year warranty
Also available at:
- $165 (usually $275) at High Sierra
- $165 (usually $275) from Myer
- $275 from Strandbags
04
Hybrid Trolley v3 32L in black
$249.98, Kathmandu
While Kathmandu is known for their high-quality outdoor travel gear, they also have a range of super-light luggage designed with durability in mind. The Hyrbid Trolley v3 is just one example of this, which ingeniously converts into a backpack via a stashable harness and a wheely with a telescopic mon-handle that easily slides in and out. It’s available in a classic black or a rich plum hue and while we love the 32L size for its versatility, Kathmandu also carries different sizes in their Hybrid Trolleys, ranging from a compact 12L to an extra spacious 70L.
“Good size for travelling, fits nicely under the seat in larger aircraft or in the overhead locker,” one five-star customer wrote. “Holds plenty of clothes for trips away. Is robust on the road, train and is easy to lift up or off the baggage carousel.”
The bag is so loved that customers have even admitted to buying more than one, with one person writing: “Perfect sized cabin bag, and a great weekender! 3rd one we have purchased and they are all going strong.”
Weight: 2.28kg
Capacity: 32L
Key features:
- Fold out backpack straps and harness
- Sturdy telescopic handle
- Durable wheels
- Lockable zips
- Internal mesh pocket and front pocket
- Available in two colours
- Free delivery for Kathmandu members
Also available at:
- $249.98 from The Iconic
05
Samsonite carry-on 55cm expandable suitcase in black
$201 (usually $335), Samsonite
When it comes to purchasing premium luggage, Samsonite has become the go-to brand for many. This lightweight and durable suitcase expands so you can pack more in for your adventures. Plus, it’s made with a unique reinforced shell for extra strength and resilience.
Happy customers praise its durability, design and style, with one reviewer writing: “Love the look of this case. Easy to manoeuvre and wheel. Beats my old two wheel case that caused me shoulder pain dragging it. Well laid out and the expandable zips are great for extra space.”
Weight: 2.6kg
Capacity: 37L and 43L when expanded
Key features:
- Domestic cabin baggage size
- Integrated three-digit TSA combination lock
- Dual wheels
- Integrated ID tag
- Functional elastic cross ribbons to secure packed items
- Expandable
- 10-year global warranty
Also available at:
- $201 (usually $335) from Myer
06
Curio 2 carry-on 55cm suitcase
$159 (usually $265), American Tourister
Another notable pick from American Tourister’s range is the Curio 2, which is the brand’s best-selling polypropylene collection. Lightweight, durable and secure, this petite but mighty suitable is expandable so you can pack even more for your adventures. It also features a premium interior organiser, multiple pockets and double wheels for smooth rolling on any surface.
“Great product, fits all my needs, smooth to walk with, flexible too,” one five-star reviewer admitted.
Another person simply said: “Love all of it, lightweight, great quality, stylish.”
Weight: 2.7kg
Capacity: 40/45L
Key features:
- Internal organiser
- Expandable
- Cross ribbons
- Double wheels
- Duosaf security zipper
- TSA combination lock
- Mesh pocket
- Available in a myriad of colours and sizes
- 10-year global warranty
07
Tokyo totepack in deep plum
$269, Bellroy
While it may look small, this ergonomic travel bag can hold a whopping 20L of goods so you bet your travels are sorted. It comes with all the bells and whistles you need to take you from A to B — a padded laptop sleeve, a plethora of interior and exterior pockets to help with organisation and padded straps so it can convert from tote to backpack. Simple, no-fuss, versatile and stylish, this totepack is worth every cent.
Reviewers especially love how this handy bag is good enough for travel and daily use.
“Love love love this totepack,” one person wrote. “I use it to carry my work laptop on days I’m working in the office. Before I bought this I was a “bag lady” on office days – handbag, laptop bag, lunch bag…now I can fit everything in the totepack and with the backpack straps my hands are free to open doors. As one of my colleagues commented “you could take it anywhere” – it fits in at the office but would work just as well for hand luggage if travelling. I love all the pockets and while it can fit a lot inside, it doesn’t look bulky.”
Weight: 850g
Capacity: 20L
Key features:
- 15-inch padded laptop sleeve
- Padded backpack shoulder straps tuck away flat
- Multiple internal and outer pockets
- Water-resistant woven fabric
- Available in four colours
- Three-year warranty
Also available at:
- $269 from David Jones
- $269 from Amazon
- $189 (usually $269) from The Iconic
08
Chelsea Weekender in woodland green
$167.40 (usually $279), Antler
Antler’s Chelsea Weekender is the perfect travel bag to pack in your essentials for a few nights away. It’s made from water-resistant nylon and fits a slimline 13″ laptop. Like all Antler products, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which means you can trust this bag to last you a really long time.
“Great size for a weekend bag – big enough for everything you need, compact enough to be super portable,” one of the hundreds of five-star reviewers wrote. “Brilliant range of pockets and compartments to keep everything organised. Very durable, high quality construction.”
Weight: 1.2kg
Capacity: 39L
Key features:
- Comes with a detachable shoulder strap
- Finished with premium leather details
- Water-resistant and durable nylon
- 13-inch padded laptop pocket
- Lifetime warranty
09
Australian cotton heritage zip canvas tote in dark pistachio
$79.95, Country Road
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the classic Country Road tote. The beauty of this iconic Aussie weekender is in its simplicity — it features a zip closure, a removable crossbody strap and an external slip pocket. It’s effortless, it’s sleek and it’s well-made. What else could you ask for, really?
“I use this constantly for travelling,” one of the thousands of five-star reviewers confirmed. “Fits more than you think.”
Another person said: “Sturdy and Fashionable, plenty of space and easy to carry around.”
Weight: 1.2kg
Capacity: 39L
Key features:
- 100 per cent Australian cotton canvas
- Zip closure
- cotton webbing straps
- Exterior slip pocket
- Removable crossbody strap
- Reinforced handles
- Available in a range of colours
Also available at:
- $79.97 from David Jones
- $79.95 from The Iconic
What size should a travel bag be?
The ideal size for a travel bag really depends on the length of your trip, your travel style and any airline or transport restrictions. As a guideline, a small duffle will be sufficient enough for a weekend trip, a medium-sized bag (30-50L capacity) should be ideal for three to five days away and a larger suitcase is recommended for trips longer than seven days.
How do you choose the best travel bag?
Your choice of travel bag can make or break your holiday. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most informed choice.
Determine your travel needs: Consider the type and frequency of your trips. Are you a frequent flyer, a weekend traveller or someone who takes extended vacations? Your travel needs will dictate the size and features of your travel bag.
Consider durability: Look for travel bags made from materials that are lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of travel.
Size and capacity: Will you be using your travel bag for smaller essential items like your phone, wallet and electronics? A smaller-sized travel bag will suffice. On the other hand, if you intend on packing clothes, shoes and toiletries, prioritise looking for a bigger-sized bag.
Wheels, straps and handles: The more well-designed your travel bag is, the easier travelling will be. Straps should be adjustable and handles should be comfortable to hold for long periods. If you don’t want a travel bag that weighs down your shoulder or back, opt for a bag with wheels so you can seamlessly transport it to and from places without straining any muscles.
Organisation: Look for interior compartments, pockets and straps that help keep your belongings organised and prevent items from shifting during travel.
Weight: While lightweight is the goal, don’t compromise on essential features or durability for the sake of shaving off a few kilos. Aim for a balance between low weight and functionality.
Style and aesthetics: Your travel bag is a reflection of your personal style. Choose a design and colour that you find visually appealing and easy to identify among other traveller’s bags. It’s even better if you have the option to personalise your bag.
Read reviews: Research and read reviews from other travellers who have purchased the same bag. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into a product’s pros and cons.
Budget: Set a budget that aligns with your requirements and stick to it. There are plenty of travel bags at various price ranges, so you’re likely to find one that suits your needs.
Looking to save money on lightweight carry-on luggage? Check out our coupon codes for Amazon, Myer and more.
