Ah, what to pack & what to put it in. The question aspiring digital nomads and travelers never tire of asking!
When we think of traveling or living on the road, we worry about having the right things – everything we’ll want and need. In the “Packing” posts of our blog, we’ll be offering up questions and suggestions to help you figure out what you do (and don’t) need to bring.
What to Lug(gage) around the World
First of all, if you have space to fill, you will fill it.
Think about how often you’ll be moving and the modes of transportation you’ll be using to help you decide what kind of luggage you’ll be using: carry-on only? Rolling suitcase, backpack, or duffle (or is it duffel? fun fact: both!)?
If you move less frequently, you may be fine with a larger bag. If you want or need to have clothing and gear for a range of climates and purposes, you’re more likely to have more to carry.
Refer to your itinerary to see luggage specifications and costs – major international flights usually allow for 2 checked bags free. Smaller airlines abroad typically have stricter restrictions on checked and carry-on baggage sizes and weights. Boats, buses, and trains are usually less restrictive.
You’ll inevitably grow tired of unpacking and repacking regularly regardless, so think about future you and what they’ll appreciate having and dealing with (or not) several months or years into your travels.
If you know exactly what you want, invest in that. If you’re on the fence, buy a mid-range option, use something you already have, or buy something off a friend / family member.
However, again, it’s not a permanent commitment: you can swap baggage out with friends and family visits, trips home, or replacing it (and donating a quality, slightly used bag). There are malls around the world – sometimes a lot of malls (we see you Asia!) – that sell suitcases, clothes, shoes, and tech, and increasingly the same brands you might have at home.
Our Baggage
Don’t worry, we won’t tell you about our personal problems. Instead, we’re sharing some of the bags that have traveled around the world with us.
Katherine
I definitely believe in investing in good luggage: I’ve had a few attempted muggings, and I’ve gotten away safely with my bags because they’ve been tough enough to hold together in a true tug-of-war. I also always carry purses and laptop bags that zip closed for similar security.
Deuter 65L backpack – I used this for 4 months traveling around India and SE Asia. I don’t personally love backpacks (neck & back pain), but this one was comfortable and well-made, and the access from both top and bottom was super handy when trying to retrieve items without unpacking the whole bag.
Eagle Creek rolling hard-soft duffle – my parents got this for me many years ago, and it’s gone with me to college, living and traveling abroad, on Remote Year, and more. It’s durable, and I like the combo of having a rolling suitcase with some protective hard frame but the soft-top makes it flexible with what I’m cramming in and easier to fit in various forms of transportation.
Delsey carry-on rolling suitcase – I got this in the Pavilion mall in Kuala Lumpur when I ran out of space to bring home everything from my first trip to SE Asia. I can actually travel for about a week with this + my purse/laptop bag, and on longer trips, I use it for all my tech, meds, and other important gear as my second carry-on.
Lo & Sons OMG bag – my sister got this for herself as a work bag but passed it on to me because she felt it was too big for her frame. I love it for my big travel days because it can carry so much, everything is padded and safe, and the many pockets & zippers keep all my stuff organized. Plus, it stood up to an attempted mugging in Montevideo, so I can attest to it being well-made.
Longchamp Le Pliage bag – I’ve used these for years, and I love that they fold up so can be packed flat. It’s super handy as an extra purse or tote bag, and it looks nice enough to carry for work but is durable enough to take to the beach or carry home groceries in. Plus, it’s super easy to clean. I use each of mine for years, and the straps held up when a motorcyclist in Morocco tried to steal it off my shoulder.