Got travel plans? Here are 6 bags to consider before you pack
A journey of a thousand miles begins with making sure you've packed everything you'll need.
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There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to travelling – you need to tailor your luggage choices to your personal needs and length and purpose of trip, whether it’s a month-long business trip or a weekend getaway. We hunted for the best kind of luggage types in each class, along with a couple little extras to make more economical use of the space available to you. Have a look below.
Hardside Carry On Spinner Travel Luggage
Amazon.ca
This one’s for that quick weekend jaunt away or business trip, or if you’ve got some overflow from your checked luggage. Aside from its scratch-resistant hard shell, it offers flexibility for when you remember some last-minute items you forgot to pack, or are returning with some gifts: unlike many others of its kind, it’s expandable by around 15 per cent.
Why we’d order it
Fully lined interior, with a divider and three zippered pockets
Double spinner wheels
Wildly popular among users who purchased it on Amazon.ca, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on almost 13,000 Amazon.ca reviews
SwissGear Cross Country Large Checked Luggage
Amazon.ca
For longer-haul flights, your checked luggage needs to be up to the task, and this bag from SwissGear fits that bill nicely. Expandable and lightweight, it’s built to last, with features such as reinforced handles, high-tensile zippers, and a rear kick panel for extra protection during the many times this piece will be manhandled from the departures concourse all the way through the cargo bay to the luggage carousel at your destination.
Why we’d order it
Sturdy and waterproof polyester fabric design
Four spinner wheels
Rated 4.4 out of 5 by users on Amazon.ca
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Archibolt 42-inch Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag
Amazon.ca
And when your regular checked luggage isn’t up to the task, there’s this beast of a bag. At 42 inches in length, and with two front pockets, this should cover your long-term travel needs, and is just as suitable for sports gear as well. Three inline skate wheels and a telescopic pullout handle should help you get it from your vehicle to the baggage check-in, or from the luggage carousel to your hotel.
Why we’d order it
Weatherproof and tear-resistant polyester material
Easily collapsible for storage between trips
Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on 200 ratings
Travel Laptop Backpack
Amazon.ca
We just love this backpack. Within its relatively simple, no-nonsense design is enough space for a laptop and other items for those on a business trip or heading off to college or university. Sweetening the deal is the fact it comes with an external USB charge port (power bank not included), and a headphone jack. Just a great little thing to travel with.
Why we’d order it
Ergonomic strap design saves your back from strain
Fits laptops up to 17.3 inches
Very popular among Amazon.ca users, who rated it 4.6 out of 5, based on almost 5,000 reviews
Matein Electronics Travel Organizer
Amazon.ca
Now let’s look within. Most people would want to gather their electronics together in one place while packing, and this Electronics Travel Organizer from Matein from Matein is a good place to do it. Rather than scatter your various cords, pens, thumb drives and other small items in this pocket or that, it provides one, easily organizable space for them – hopefully minimizing the amount of fumbling you have to do when you’re in a slightly elevated state of travel stress.
Why we’d order it:
Double layered with movable dividers, increasing customizability
Comes in large or small sizes
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on reviews from more than 2,700 users
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag
Amazon.ca
When packing your toiletries, most people prefer bag-within-a-bag approach. If you’re travelling with your partner and/or children, or travelling solo with a lot of personal stuff, this toiletry bag from Bagsmart is worth a look. Aside from being nice and roomy, it comes with a handy hook so you can hang it in your hotel closet or off the back of the bathroom door (it’s water-resistant, too).
Why we’d order it:
Four separate compartments fold neatly into a travel-sized pouch
Available in eight different colours and designs (prices of each vary)
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on more than 11,000 reviews – one of the most popular items we’ve ever seen on that site
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.