How to Choose the Right Bag for Every Trip

Christopher Roche
4 days ago
3 min read

Your guide to picking the perfect pack for any adventure.

Ever stood in front of a stack of backpacks, duffels, and suitcases, wondering which one to grab?

You’re not alone.

The truth is, no single bag works for every trip. What fits for a quick weekend escape might fall short for a two-week international adventure. As travelers and gear nerds at The Modern Xplorer, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that choosing the right bag can make or break your journey.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose the ideal travel bag for every kind of trip—from business to international travel—and share a few tested favorites we’ve relied on over the years.

Quick Travel Bag Checklist:

Before we dive into specific trip types, here’s a quick checklist of things to consider when choosing any travel bag:

Trip Length & Type: Are you city-hopping, hiking, or flying overseas?
Carry Method: Flying (carry-on size matters), road-tripping, or backpacking?
Gear & Activities: Laptop and dress shoes? Or hiking boots and a sleeping pad?
Comfort & Fit: Good straps, padded back panel, and ideally a hip belt for longer hauls.
Organization Needs: Are you a “pockets and pouches” person or a “toss it all in” minimalist?
Durability & Security: Think weather resistance, rugged fabrics, and lockable zippers for longer or international trips.

Weekend Trips (1-3 Nights)

For short getaways, less is more.

At The Modern Xplorer, we’ve found that one well-packed backpack keeps things simple and stress-free.

Our go-to? The Aer City Pack Pro. Sleek, minimalist, and compact enough to fit under most airplane seats. While its 24L capacity might sound tight, smart packing makes it more than capable for a full weekend.

Need just a bit more room? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a reliable upgrade. Carry-on compliant with great internal organization and rugged materials, it’s become a favorite among minimalist travelers.

The key: One bag. One focus. No wasted time juggling luggage or second-guessing your loadout.

Business Trips (Work Travel)

Business travel is about staying organized and professional, without overpacking.

For 1–3 day trips, a multi-purpose backpack like the Aer City Pack Pro pulls double duty: laptop hauler and overnight bag. The clamshell design and luggage pass-through make it perfect for carry-on travel.

If you need to pack suits or formalwear but don’t want the hassle of a traditional garment bag, the Halfday Garment Duffel is a game-changer. It combines a garment bag's structure with a duffel's flexibility, making it ideal for business travelers who want both function and style.

Tips: Padded laptop sleeves are a must. A structured compartment helps keep dress clothes neat. Stick with neutral tones (black, navy, gray) for versatility.

International Travel (2+ Weeks Abroad)

Ah, the big globe-trotting journey – exciting, but packing for it can be daunting.

If you're frequently moving—hostels, trains, buses—go for a carry-on-sized travel backpack (40–45L). These offer mobility, flexibility, and less hassle with checked bags.

Top picks:

Osprey Farpoint 40
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

I use the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L for lighter international travel. It's smart layout forces intentional packing, and the latest version (recycled materials + better harness system) makes it even better. If you need more space, check out the Allpa 42L.

Smarter Packing = Better Travel

Whatever bag you bring, how you pack makes the difference.

Roll clothes instead of folding — it saves space.
Use packing cubes — they’ll change your life.
Ditch the “just in case” items — if you won’t use it twice, leave it behind.

Intentional packing = less stress and more freedom.

Quick Guide: Which Bag for Which Trip?

Trip Type	Suggested Bag Type
Weekend Getaway (2–3 days)	30–40L backpack or duffel
Backpacking / Hiking	50–70L internal frame pack
Business Travel	Laptop backpack or Garment duffel
International Travel	40–45L travel backpack + packable daypack

Final Thoughts

The right bag is the one that fits your style and needs.

I have a closet full of packs, each with a role: the office-ready commuter, the rugged trekker, the city-hopping carry-on. And that’s okay. There’s no perfect bag for every adventure — just the right tool for the trip ahead.

Pack light. Pack smart. And wherever you're headed, travel well.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned – all opinions and recommendations are based on personal experience and independent research.