Travel Bags - What To Buy

No matter what kind of vacation we are on, we always pack our stuff in our travel backpacks. Especially now with kids, it’s nice to be able to carry your luggage on you. Sometimes I walk with one full backpack on my front and another on my back while my hands are carrying 2 duffel bags. That way my wife can carry one kid in the child carrier and have her hands free to deal with the other.

We got hooked to these while traveling in Europe for 3 months. Living out of a backpack that long, you learn how to pack light. Recently, traveling with kids has been a challenge keeping everything we need down to two bags but it’s still possible. We usually end up with an extra duffle that’s holding “diaper bag” type stuff.

REI Grand Tour

Eagle Creek Packs

REI Grand Tour Travel Pack

Destination comfort and convenience: REI Grand Tour travel pack features a hydration-ready, removable daypack and an adjustable suspension system. From luggage to backpack, the zip-away suspension system features adjustable torso length and padded shoulder straps, waistbelt and backpanel. Panel-loading daypack zips on/off main pack easily; daypack's main compartment features a hydration pocket and hose port (reservoir sold separately). Daypack's front panel organizer includes pockets for cards, pens, electronics and keys; vertical zippered pocket provides additional storage. Travel pack's main compartment has a large zippered opening for easy access to the interior. Zippered bottom compartment provides extra storage for clothes and gear; adjustable divider creates a sleeping bag compartment. Locking zipper sliders on daypack and main travel pack let you secure your possessions (locks sold separately). Exterior compression straps stabilize the load for jostle-free carrying. Side mesh pockets hold 1-liter water bottles; top organizer pocket holds a few pens, spare change and other small essentials. Shoulder harness adjusts easily to fit those with torso lengths from 17 to 20 in.; padded waistbelt adjusts securely around hips. Two aluminum stays create excellent load-bearing support. Zippered panel conceals the suspension system—great when checking the bag at the airport. Side and top foam handles; D-rings let you clip on a single shoulder strap (sold separately) for another carrying option. Daypack volume is 800 cu. in. (13 liters) and main bag volume is 3,400 cu. in. (55.5 liters,) for a total volume of 4,200 cu. in. (68.5 liters). Constructed of 420-denier nylon twill with 630-denier ballistic nylon on bottom for added sturdiness.

Eagle Creek Truist Tour Pack - Women's 65 liters

The Eagle Creek Truist travel pack fits like your favorite backpack but has travel-specific features to keep you comfortable and your gear organized while you take in all this world has to offer. Women-specific X-ACT Micro-Adjust™ suspension adjusts easily to fit a wide range of torso lengths. Ventalite™ mesh and 3D foam construction allow air to circulate between pack and your back, keeping you well ventilated. Ergonomic shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap and pully-assist padded hipbelt create a customized, supportive fit. Removable X-frame aluminum stays and high-density polyethylene frame sheet provide support for heavy loads, so you don't get tired traveling between destinations. Main compartment is easily accessed through top, front panel and zippered bottom compartment so you don't have to dig through your pack to find what you're looking for. Bottom compartment features an internal, stowaway divider to keep dirty clothes or your sleeping bag separate. Top expansion collar adds extra capacity for last-minute souvenir purchases. Central Lock Point allows main entry points to be secured with 1 lock, sold separately. Detachable raincover provides protection from inclement weather and added security in crowded locations. Modular travel pouch top can be removed and worn as a fanny pack; pouch features an audio port, fleece-lined electronics pocket, passport pocket and detachable key fob. Side compression straps secure both large and small loads for increased stability. Lash points allow attachment of additional gear. Constructed of 500-denier nylon with a 915-denier Cordura® nylon bottom for added sturdiness.