Bags & Luggage

Match the bag to the journey you actually take

The most common mistake is buying for the longest trip you might take rather than the trips you actually take. A 40-litre backpack is unwieldy as a daily commuter bag; a 20-litre daypack will not hold a week's clothing.

• Daily commute with a laptop — 15–22 litres, padded sleeve, structured back
• Weekend away — 30–40 litres, or a cabin-size wheeled case
• Cabin baggage — the common limit is 55 × 40 × 20 cm, but budget carriers are often smaller and enforce it strictly
• Checked luggage — 60–75 litres covers most two-week trips

What determines whether a bag lasts

Zips fail before fabric does. Look for chunky, well-seated zip teeth and double-stitched or bar-tacked stress points where straps meet the body. On wheeled luggage, inline skate-style wheels roll better on rough surfaces than small spinner wheels, though spinners are easier in airport terminals.

Water resistance and waterproofing are different things. Most bags are the former, which handles a shower but not a downpour.

Delivery and returns

Bags and luggage ship worldwide with estimated delivery of 10–25 business days and 30-day returns. If a bag is for a specific trip, order at least six weeks ahead.