Travel bags are an essential part of your travel gear. They keep your belongings secure and organized while you’re on the go and also come in handy for everyday use. But with so many options, it can take time to figure out which is right for you. So, what should you look for when shopping for a travel bag? Here are some things you should consider.

Material

The first thing to consider when buying a travel bag is the material. The material you choose will affect how durable your bag is and how long it will last. 

For example, leather is probably the best choice if you’re looking for something that will last you a long time. Leather can be expensive, but it’s worth it if you want a durable travel bag. Some leather bag options you can choose from are:

Leather Carry-On Bag: A carry-on bag is excellent for various activities, including traveling and camping. In this article from Von Baer, they recommend choosing a leather bag as a carry-on, as it’s the perfect compromise of being practical but also stylish.

Leather Duffel Bag: A duffel bag is great for traveling, especially if you’re going on a long trip. It’s also an excellent option for camping or going to the gym.

Leather Backpack: A backpack is an excellent choice for traveling, as it allows you to have both hands free. It’s the perfect travel bag for people who pack light.

Canvas and nylon are also great options if you’re looking for a more affordable travel bag. They’re lighter, which makes them easier to carry around if it’s only a short trip. However, they won’t last as long as leather bags.

Capacity

The capacity of your travel bag is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new bag. How often are you traveling, how much stuff do you need to bring, and how long will you be gone? These are all questions to consider when determining what bag size best suits your needs.

If you’re going on a short trip that’s only a few days long, it might not be worth buying an enormous suitcase. Instead, try a lightweight duffel or backpack that can hold everything you need without taking up too much space in your car or on the plane. 

If you’re going on a longer trip or have more things to bring, it might make sense to invest in something larger. Get a suitcase with multiple compartments so you can organize all of your stuff. This will help prevent things from getting lost or mixed up together.

Security Features

Travel bags, at their core, are meant to keep your stuff safe. But if you’re looking for a bag that will protect your belongings from more than just the elements and maybe even help you avoid theft, you’ll want to consider some security features.

RFID Blocking Pockets: It’s the perfect pair to an RFID wallet. If you’re carrying a wallet or smartphone that stores sensitive information, keeping it in an RFID-blocking pocket can help prevent would-be thieves from stealing any data they don’t have permission to access. 

Lockable Zippers: Some bags have zippers that lock open and closed, making it harder for potential thieves to get in and rifle through your stuff.

Hidden Pockets: Some travel bags have hidden pockets sewn into them, so you can stash cash or other valuables without anyone knowing about it. These are especially useful if you’re traveling abroad or in an area with high crime rates.

Comfort

If you are planning on traveling for a long period, you will want to ensure that your bag is comfortable and does not cause any issues. If your bag is too heavy or uncomfortable, it can lead to many problems.

The bag’s weight is essential because if it is too heavy, it will be hard to carry around all day. This can cause back pain and other issues later due to improper lifting techniques when carrying it around.

You also need to make sure that the straps are padded. It’s vital so that they don’t dig into your shoulders or arms while walking around with them all day long while carrying all your belongings inside your travel bag. Plus, if they are nicely padded, they won’t feel like they’re cutting off circulation and will therefore be more comfortable to wear. 

Warranty

A good warranty will protect you against defects or problems with the product. It should be able to cover all parts of the bag and include both manufacturing defects and wear and tear.

If you’re buying online, it’s imperative to look into the warranty before purchasing anything because some retailers won’t offer refunds if they can’t repair or replace your item.

Takeaway

Ultimately, the best bag is the one that best fits your needs. It’s not always the bag with the most features or the largest size, no matter what the advertisements say. Hopefully, this buying guide will be helpful to you when making your next bag purchase.