Essentials - List of Top Notch Travel Bags

Like any journey, you better start with essentials. In this early issue, I will share brands that make technological and thoughtful luggage, backpacks and other products. Not sponsored, just my findings.

Best Travel Bags I Found

These are my personal favourites, but I might be unaware of some others. Some extensive research was carried out to find this list and now happy to share.

1. Samsonite — the oldest of all the mentioned companies. But the quality is excellent. On adventure, perhaps, one of the most important points is to travel as light as possible and that the baggage weighs as little as possible. So their products are ones of the lightest.

2. Horizn Studios — I really love their stylish design, but it might be a bit pricey;

3. Timbuk2 — no-jokes tech products and probably the best quality possible;

4. Away — minimalist and long-lasting;

5. Rains — futuristic and rainproof;

6. Sandqvist — Scandinavian quality and sustainability;

7. Thule — a great range of products;

8. Aer — smart travel;

9. Ucon Acrobatics - sustainable, minimalist and affordable;

10. Dsptch — USA quality;

11. Spiral — contemporary design.

Currently, I run with a Samsonite Proxis for a longer trip, Timbuk2 classic messenger bag, Horizn Studios Soho Travel backpack and Rains Tote bag. But I might get a smaller backpack just for city travel later on. Unfortunately, giving the current weight of MacBook Pros, any bag with one brings you down after a long day out in the wild.

Other Notable Businesses

These look great as well, feel free to check them out. I’m not including (almost) mass-market brands that you know well anyway. If you are comfortable with them, that is good too!

1. Bellroy

2. Lipault

3. Tropicfeel

4. The North Face

5. Patagonia 

6. Eastpak

7. Johnny Urban

8. millican

9. Peak Design

10. Matador

11. Got Bag.

What Should Be Inside

In terms of the bag contents, I prefer travelling light, so I strive to minimise stuff that I carry with myself. It is actually quite comical to see how the amount of things I bring for a trip has reduced over the years. If I really need something, it is always easy to buy it on the go. Some travel blogs recommend one packing list or another. I would say that there is no universal one. It is so individual, so fill your bag with whatever makes sense to you. The lighter you go, the farther you go.

End Note

What are your favourites? Reply to this email and let me know what you have found that I missed!

Next time I will share some insights from my current location.

📍Phuket, Thailand

— Ilya