How to Pick the Right Travel Bag for YOU (Not Me - YOU)

In this video, I share the system - the decision-making tree - that’ll give you decisive confidence on how to pick the perfect travel bag for YOU - not me - but for you.

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TIMELINE + LINKS
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Some of the links below are affiliate links. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

0:00 Intro

0:21 First Considerations

0:52 Second Considerations

1:19 Personal Item Packing Demo
🚨👆 MISTAKE IN VIDEO: I said it’s 13L but the one I used in the video is the slightly larger “Cinch” model. Do your own research to choose, but BOTH easily fit in ALL international AND budget airlines’ “Personal Item” restrictions.
👕👇 My Top MEN’S Unbound Merino Picks👇
👚👇 My Top WOMEN’S Unbound Merino Picks👇

3:07 Importance of Checkboxes

3:26 1 of 5 - Airline Compliance
The importance of research can NOT be overstated. Every time you’re looking at flights, BEFORE you book, go to each airline’s “Baggage Policy” page so you’ll be mentally prepared on inclusions, size and weight restrictions, as well as fees for anything beyond what’s included.

4:57 2 of 5 - Storage & Organization
👝👇 Pouches & Packing Cubes I Personally Use👇
🔗👉 Alpaka Pouch (Medium): DISCONTINUED ☹️
🚨👆 For this specific cube, the entire set must be purchased
🟢👇 My Velcro-Backed Circle R.E. Patches👇

🎒👇 Backpacks, Luggage, Accessories shown in this section👇

6:23 3 of 5 Ease of Access

7:54 4 of 5 Security & Durability

9:09 5 of 5 Looks & Comfort

#Travel #TravelHacks #TravelBag

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DISCLAIMERS:

✅ A portion of this video is sponsored by Unbound Merino, meaning, they paid me to feature their Merino wool clothing between the 1m44s mark and the 3m08s mark.

✅ Some of the links above have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[BadNessie]

Great points! Out of personal experience I want to add: check out if the bag topples over when you put it down, in case that's something that would be a discomfort for you. I personally hate it when they topple over or even slip down when you lean them against something (like your leg or a wall) and the next bag I'll get for myself needs to pass my now mandatory topple test. When it comes to rain: I always, always, ALWAYS bring a poncho. Light weight, uses it's own pocket as a bag, is safe to use in wind, covers everything including the backpack, no risk of water getting between the backpack and your back, and you can even get stuff out of the backpack or put on / take off your jacket underneath without everything getting wet. True lifesaver in my world.

[shophet]

6:54 This is a side note but I would like to recommend packing two grocery tote bags in your luggage. For longer stays, you may need to go to a laundromat/coin laundry place. One tote will be used for dirty laundry and will gradually fill up as you spend time at your destination. The other could hold clean laundry. A full grocery tote bag is under the 4.5kg limitation for the machine in other countries. Empty the dirty clothes from one tote into the laundry machine, and put them into the other tote once they've been cleaned.

[factsudidintknowabout]

Please make a second part with specific bags for the specific categories

[ericduan]

I'm also consider buying merino Tshirts for casual & travel outfit. I've always worried that merino wool would be too hot. But last month I went hiking with a friend who wore a merino Tshirt under 30°C heat. He had no problem with it which really impressed me. Thanks for sharing your travel experience with merino clothing.

[RetroCorey]

Man, I love your videos dude. I have been on a simple living trend for awhile now. I love to simplify every aspect of my life as much as possible. This one was so cool, I travel with one tiny backpack as well. It isn't that hard, once you realize you don't need what you think you need. BTW...I need that hat! I love that style. Cheers!!!

[frankzajac]

I recently discovered your channel, and I just want to say thank you for all the detail you provide in your video's descriptions. With all the time stamps and links to everything you show, it's a great help and is very appreciated.

[digitalmike]

I've been having a very dark week and seeing this video pop up just now poked a little ray of light through the black clouds, your energy is I haven't even watched the video yet. Thanks for your videos.

[rev.dennisp.sepulveda]

Videos such as these are very valuable. I have the pouch philosophy when it comes for packing.

[pedalparadise]

Another important consideration is whether the bag will fit your body. Torsos can be shorter than the allowed carry on length. A backpack style bag longer than is comfortable doesn't work regardless of other considerations.

[indrajit_j]

As a Jakarta native who lives on the other side of town from the airport... it has never come to mind that getting to and from the airport would be easier (and much cheaper) if I only travelled with a backpack... I guess I really have to rethink how I pack my travel bags!

[Dogastrophe]

Ah, Maurice! It's like you knew I am on the hunt for a new travel bag to replace by carry-on roller and posted this one just for me. Cheers!

[OB]

You did a very good job providing information that would be helpful deciding on a backpack.

[thekid]

I started with a Gregory Daypack. At the time, well in Canada(Barrie area), a lot of these travel bags did not exist. Moved to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. It saw 10 plus countries and 20+ days of travel through Asia but I never was in love with it. I gifted it along. Took the Patagonia Black Hole mini to the U.K. last year and cemented having a better bag to me. Bought an Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L to travel back to Ontario and to use for longer trips in Europe. Probably the best harness system I have. I also picked up two Thule bags to try. Both 40l. One more urban style. The other is more your typical travel bag. Truthfully breaking away from black. I am in between your packing style. I have my cord/power adapter cub but pens, passport, keys, and wallet I throw in the bag organizer. I also bring a personal item but that carries my camera, jacket to cushion my camera and water bottle. I use that bag to tour around and leave the rest at the place I am staying.

[BillNelson-OU]

I’m 6’4” and 265 lbs so my clothes are also extra big. I’m all about packing light and efficiently but i do have to go with a larger bag than most. Luckily it’s proportionately easier to carry for me. Airlines don’t take size of a person into consideration so the restrictions are actually helpful in forcing me to be minimalist. If you are smaller then the restrictions should be more than enough to accommodate your needs so don’t stress.

[MrDiMaggio]

Maurice, I love your channel and videos, and have learned a ton (binder clip in the curtains was huge!), thank you! I love merino wool too, however as a business traveler (corporate) you're not fooling anyone with khaki merino wool joggers as khaki's, they look like sweat pants/joggers. Big fan of Jack Archer Jetsetters, or Lululemon ABC pants for more of an office setting. Light, can get several wears without washing, water/stain resistant, wrinkle free, and pack pretty small.

[misslilyteacher]

I love your videos! I'm planning on going on a backpacking trip in S.America next year so I always watch your videos for inspiration and ideas. I also notice your cool tattoos! Could you make a video on them? They look so badass and cool.

[RobertBeedle]

I backpack travel everywhere. Over the years, my systems have evolved. Tricks:

1) Plan to discard a few pieces and buy new on the trip. Take older things that you can wear once and toss or donate. I usually do this with undergarments, but coats and pants have made it as well. Pre-planning includes buying new or overpacking and gradually reducing.
2) Mail myself a reload mid-vacation with a return label for everything I don't want. If there is nothing to ship back, the return label can be cancelled.
3) Shopping trips. I went to Japan two weeks ago and had to buy a cheap duffel to bring home souvenirs and new clothing. It was so affordable I couldn't help myself. The cheap duffel was a free checked bag on the way home.

[Sarius-]

I really cannot praise that Tomtoc bag enough. I bought it after seeing your recommendation for budget bags, and I agree that it's hard to beat. It's affordable, made with quality materials, large enough for most people, and seems durable. It's lasted for 3 trips so far and has a 4th coming up in December. The last budget one I had broke on the first trip because it had clips on the bottom of the straps instead of stitching. It's also 31% off on Amazon right now. My mother said she's going to buy one for my father lol.

[krobbins]

I love all the travel hacks and packing tips but nothing will ever convince me to give up my favorite backpack, a plain old LL Bean school backpack. It's 42L and I've had it for at least 10 years. It fits so much stuff and I love the separate compartments. I seriously don't need another bag because I can get everything in that one backpack. Plus, if it gets dirty, I throw it in the washing machine and it comes out looking clean and ready for the next trip.

[sassychan]

Thank you for posting this video. I'm looking for a travel backpack to invest in while taking advantage of the Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales. You've made some great points that have narrowed my personal choices to at least 3.😊