THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TRAVEL LUGGAGE

Are you getting ready for your next epic adventure? Whether it’s a city break, European escape, or you’re planning a trek in a far-flung destination, the right luggage will make all the difference to your getaway. Here, we guide you through the different options, so you know what will work best for your trip. Plus, we’ll check out the accessories you need to help your trip to run smoothly.

Duffel bags are a top choice for travellers who don’t plan to cover long distances on foot or move locations frequently during their trip. With sizes ranging from compact 30L options to cavernous 120L models, it’s easy to find a duffel that matches your travel needs.

Sturdy, spacious, and flexible, duffel bags excel at carrying bulky items like snow boots or camping gear. Their soft-sided design means they can be squeezed into tight spaces where hard-shell suitcases simply won’t fit.

Most duffels feature shoulder straps and grab handles for easy carrying. Many models also open from either end, making it simple to pack and unpack on the go.

These bags are a favorite for expeditions thanks to their durable, abrasion-resistant materials and water resistance—handy if you get caught in the rain. When you’re not travelling, duffel bags double as excellent sports bags, so they won’t just gather dust between adventures. 

• Wide range of sizes (30L–120L) to suit any trip
• Flexible, soft-sided design fits into tight spaces
• Great for packing bulky gear
• Durable and often water-resistant materials
• Easy to carry with shoulder straps and grab handles
• Versatile—can be used as a sports bag year-round

• Not ideal for carrying over long distances on foot
• Can be difficult to keep gear organised, especially if you’re repacking frequently
• Best suited for trips with minimal location changes or short walks between stops

Wheeled luggage is the classic choice for holiday travel, making it easy to transport your belongings and reducing the physical strain of carrying heavy bags. If you’re travelling with multiple pieces of luggage, wheeled suitcases are especially handy—you can stack or balance additional bags on top as you roll through airports or stations.

Most traditional suitcases feature two wheels, but four-wheel (spinner) models are becoming increasingly popular. These offer greater stability and maneuverability, allowing you to glide your suitcase alongside you with minimal effort.

The rigid structure of wheeled luggage is a major advantage when it comes to organisation. The hard shell and compartmentalised interiors make it easy to keep your gear tidy and accessible, which is especially helpful if you’re moving from place to place every few days. In fact, wheeled suitcases are often the easiest type of luggage to “live out of” on the go.

• Effortless to transport, especially in airports or urban environments
• Great for carrying multiple bags at once
• Available in two-wheel and four-wheel (spinner) versions for added stability and manoeuverability
• Rigid structure keeps gear organised and protected
• Easy to access belongings and live out of while travelling

• Best suited for smooth surfaces—can be difficult to carry up stairs or over rough terrain
• Rigid structure adds weight and makes it harder to squeeze into tight spaces
• Less flexible than soft-sided bags for odd-shaped or bulky items
• Wheeled rucksack hybrids are available, offering more flexibility but less structure—consider your needs before choosing

Wheeled luggage remains a reliable and convenient option for most travellers, particularly those who value organisation and ease of movement in airports, hotels, and cities.

Rucksacks are the versatile all-rounders of the travel world and a firm favorite among seasoned adventurers. Designed for durability and ample storage, they’re built to withstand the demands of life on the move. Features like breathable back panels maximise comfort, especially when you’re carrying your pack for extended periods.

Organisation is made easy with internal sections, dividers, and a multitude of pockets—perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, muddy shoes, or even stashing valuables in hidden compartments. Many rucksacks also include padded sleeves for safely carrying laptops or tablets.

Carrying your gear on your back leaves your hands free, making rucksacks the most practical choice for active travelers or those moving frequently, particularly in remote areas. However, traditional top-loading designs can make it tricky to access specific items without unpacking everything. To avoid this hassle, look for models that zip open fully for easier access.

Finding the right fit is crucial for comfort. Carrying a poorly fitting rucksack can quickly become uncomfortable, but expert fitting services are available to help you choose the best option for your destination, activities, and load.

With a rucksack, finding the right fit is important too. Lugging around all your gear in a pack that doesn’t fit will soon get uncomfortable, but we can help. Our free, expert rucksack fitting appointments ensure you get the right advice on what’s best for where you’re heading, your activities and what you’ll be carrying. Find your local store now. 

• Highly versatile and durable for all types of travel
• Large capacity with internal dividers and pockets for easy organisation
• Padded sections for electronics and hidden pockets for valuables
• Breathable back panels enhance comfort during long carries
• Hands-free convenience—ideal for active or remote travel
• Fully opening designs available for easy access to contents

• Top-loading rucksacks can make it hard to reach items quickly
• Comfort depends on getting the right fit—expert fitting is recommended
• May require unpacking and repacking at each stop without full-zip access

Rucksacks remain the go-to for travellers seeking flexibility, comfort, and practicality on the move.

A day pack is an essential piece of travel gear, whether you need a convenient carry-on for flights or a smaller bag for your daily adventures. Offering the comfort and functionality of larger rucksacks, day packs are perfect for keeping your must-have items close at hand throughout your journey.

Choosing the right size is crucial. Your day pack should be spacious enough to hold everything you need for the day, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome while you’re out exploring.

If you plan to use your day pack as a carry-on, opt for a frameless design. Packs with frames can add unnecessary weight and bulk, making them harder to stow in overhead compartments.

• Ideal for use as a plane carry-on or for daily essentials
• Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
• Offers the comfort and organisational features of larger rucksacks
• Keeps important gear accessible throughout the day

• Select a size that balances capacity and portability for your needs
• Frameless designs are best for air travel and easier storage
• Avoid overpacking, as a heavy day pack can weigh you down during activities

A well-chosen day pack keeps your essentials organised and accessible, making it a must-have for any traveller.

When you’re travelling with your own ski or snowboard equipment, protecting your investment is essential. Specialist ski and snowboard luggage is designed specifically to safeguard your gear, providing padding in all the right places to absorb knocks, bangs, and even rough handling by airline baggage crews. This ensures your skis, snowboards, and boots arrive at your destination in perfect condition.

For maximum protection, look for bags with armor panels, extra-durable tearproof fabrics, and ultra-tough stitching. These features help your luggage withstand repeated trips and the rigors of travel, keeping your equipment secure season after season.

There are different options to suit your needs:

• Slim-line bags are ideal for carrying a single pair of skis.
• For group trips, choose ski holders that can transport multiple pairs at once.
• Split-tier carry systems are perfect if you need to carry both skis and snowboards together, offering organised and efficient packing.

Packing cubes are a must if you’re looking to make the most of your luggage space. Using different cubes allows you to separate out your gear and keep it organised, so you can grab what you need, when you need it. 

When you’re travelling, security shouldn’t be taken lightly, so looking out for features that will help protect your gear should be a top priority. Interlocking zips are great as they mean you can padlock your bag and deter opportunistic thieves. Combination locks remove the dread of lost keys, while TSA locks allow airport authorities to open your bag without damaging it.

Whether you’re heading into the wilds and downpours are a risk, or you’ll be hitting the water and need somewhere to store gear you don’t want to get wet, dry bags can help. Designed to ensure your possessions stay dry and undamaged, they’re available in various sizes, and can also be used to help separate gear in your pack.

When you’re on the move, chances are your rucksack will take a hit or two, so it’s a good idea to get the right accessories to improve protection from the off. Rucksack covers are great as they can prevent the straps from getting damaged, prolong your rucksack’s life and add an extra layer of security.

Book a free in-store appointment and let our experts help you find the perfect luggage solution for your travels.