What bag is easier to travel with?

Jess G

Well-Known Member
I will be traveling back and forth alone and I won't be checking a bag. 3 night trip, I debating between a weekender bag or a backpack. What do you think would be most comfortable to travel with?
 

Disney4family

Well-Known Member
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We use a clear backpack. It's waterproof and saves time at security. The security guards always smile and say thank you.
 
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CaptainAmerica

Premium Member
LOL! I'm going to try! I think it should be doable. I'll wear my sneakers and a hoodie on the plane, pack 1 pair of flip flops, 3 shorts, 3 tank tops, 2 sports bra's and a small bag of toiletries.
Good luck! I'd never go with fewer than two pairs of sneakers. With my luck it would downpour on the first day and then I'd be buying Gold Bond by the gallon.
 
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LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
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Depends on the size of the back pack! https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/travel-bags We bought one of these 15 years ago, it still looks new. That luggage lasts through everything!

I got something similar from LL Bean. If he can travel around Europe with that hybrid suitcase/backpack, then why can't I? But then I realized guys can pack lighter than we gals....
 
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I am Timmy

Well-Known Member
I got something similar from LL Bean. If he can travel around Europe with that hybrid suitcase/backpack, then why can't I? But then I realized guys can pack lighter than we gals....
We did, that's why we bought it! We bought one of these, and three of his carry on roller suitcases, and zoomed around for three weeks with our two boys (11 & 8 at the time). We each had one bag for the whole trip, and put toiletries in DH's bag since guys can pack less (heh heh). I did end up doing laundry in Paris with my 8 yr. old (that was interesting!), but it worked out pretty good. The luggage suffered through 8 flights on that trip alone, and it's the same luggage we use today (wow, every trip to Orlando from WA., and others!). Heavy duty construction, in-line skate wheels, extra strength zippers (even when stretched to the limit they don't budge), and front pockets have really let us get our money's worth. Plus, my DH carries the backpack, and pulls my suitcase - so I get to just carry my purse. Win/win!
 
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Weather_Lady

Well-Known Member
You absolutely can pack for 3 nights in a backpack, and it will be more comfortable than an over-the-shoulder weekender bag. I've packed for 5 nights (not just 5 nights, but 5 nights worth of Scandinavian winter clothing!) in an 18" convertible carryon (that could be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, or carried sideways like a conventional carryon - it was most comfortable as a backpack thanks to the weight distribution across my shoulders - it's a Rick Steves bag similar to the one a previous poster pictured above). The most important thing to do at the beginning is make a bare-bones packing list and stick to it so you don't end up over-packing.

I'd recommend that you consider taking the two bags that each airline allows, though -- a small rolling carryon (no more than 21" in length), and a "personal item" consisting of either a backpack (so you can be hands-free while walking through the airport) OR a travel tote (the kind with a flap so you can slide it over the handle of your wheeled bag and breeze through the airport hands-free - I have a Baggallini Kindred tote that I love). Wear all of your bulkiest clothes (hoodie, jeans, sneakers) on the plane. Pack your remaining clothing, jammies and swimwear in the wheeled carryon, which will go in the overhead compartment. Pack your electronics, toiletries, meds, snacks, etc. in the tote/backpack, along with a wallet or tiny crossbody purse, or whatever else you're going to use for a park bag, and place the tote/backpack under the seat in front of you while in flight.

If you are sure that you just want to bring one bag (e.g., backpack), then I recommend using packing cubes or gallon-sized Ziploc bags (not space-saver bags - the idea is to pack light, literally) to keep everything organized inside it. Put your shoes in the bottom, packing cubes of rolled clothing along the back, and clear Ziploc bags or mesh pouches with electronics and smaller items in the front/pockets, for easy access during the flight.

Happy trails!
 
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LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
We did, that's why we bought it! We bought one of these, and three of his carry on roller suitcases, and zoomed around for three weeks with our two boys (11 & 8 at the time). We each had one bag for the whole trip, and put toiletries in DH's bag since guys can pack less (heh heh). I did end up doing laundry in Paris with my 8 yr. old (that was interesting!), but it worked out pretty good. The luggage suffered through 8 flights on that trip alone, and it's the same luggage we use today (wow, every trip to Orlando from WA., and others!). Heavy duty construction, in-line skate wheels, extra strength zippers (even when stretched to the limit they don't budge), and front pockets have really let us get our money's worth. Plus, my DH carries the backpack, and pulls my suitcase - so I get to just carry my purse. Win/win!

I was amazed at the number of travel tools he has on his website. I've got packing cubes, a hanging toiletry bag, but the clothesline is a great idea. I might order that since not every hotel bathroom has a retractable drying line in the tib/shower. And I like the idea of using those space bags for dirty laundry...
 
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LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
You absolutely can pack for 3 nights in a backpack, and it will be more comfortable than an over-the-shoulder weekender bag. I've packed for 5 nights (not just 5 nights, but 5 nights worth of Scandinavian winter clothing!) in an 18" convertible carryon (that could be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, or carried sideways like a conventional carryon - it was most comfortable as a backpack thanks to the weight distribution across my shoulders - it's a Rick Steves bag similar to the one a previous poster pictured above).

I'd recommend that you consider taking the two bags that each airline allows, though -- a small rolling carryon (no more than 21" in length), and a "personal item" consisting of either a backpack (so you can be hands-free while walking through the airport) OR a travel tote (the kind with a flap so you can slide it over the handle of your wheeled bag and breeze through the airport hands-free - I have a Baggallini Kindred tote that I love). Wear all of your bulkiest clothes (hoodie, jeans, sneakers) on the plane. Pack your remaining clothing, jammies and swimwear in the wheeled carryon, which will go in the overhead compartment. Pack your electronics, toiletries, meds, snacks, etc. in the tote/backpack, along with a wallet or tiny crossbody purse, or whatever else you're going to use for a park bag, and place the tote/backpack under the seat in front of you while in flight.

If you are sure that you just want to bring one bag (e.g., backpack), then I recommend using packing cubes or gallon-sized Ziploc bags to keep everything organized inside it. Put your shoes in the bottom, packing cubes of rolled clothing along the back, and clear Ziploc bags or mesh pouches with electronics and smaller items in the front/pockets, for easy access during the flight.

Happy trails!

Rolled clothes, that's the key. Not only does it prevent wrinkles, you can pack more.

I've got an entire set of luggage from LL Bean, from rolling underseat bag to extra large 27" pullman. And a carry-on tote that holds tablet, tickets, phone, book, water bottle, etc., that slips over the handles of my other pieces. And all the bags, other than the rolling underseat, have organizer pockets on the sides that can hold shoes. But for a weekend trip, I have an extra large tote that has slip pockets on the outside (perfect for shoes) that holds a lot.
 
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