When it comes to planning your next big adventure, buying luggage is probably not high on your priority list. But take it from us: a well-designed carry-on suitcase, waterproof tote, or rugged bag that can morph from duffel to backpack at the drop of a shoulder strap can go a long way toward mitigating travel woes.

Over the course of three years, we tested 35 duffels, suitcases, drybags, and backpacks to see which bags were best-suited the adventurer’s needs. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend warrior, a full-time vanlifer, or a sponsored explorer planning your next big expedition, there’s something on this list for you.

Editor’s note: This guide was updated in November, 2024 to include four new products. We’ve also checked details and pricing throughout.Ěý

At a Glance

• Best Overall:
• Best Checked-Size Roller Bag:
• Best Carry-On Roller Bag:
• Most Rugged:
• Most Versatile:
• Best for Watersports:
• Best Gear Tote:Ěý
• Best Value Roller Bag:
• Best Value Duffel:
• Best Travel Backpack:Ěý
• Best For Camping:
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

Best Overall

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 22.8” x 13.3” x 9.5”
Available Sizes: 40 L, 55 L, 70 L, 100 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Large opening
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Stash pocket to separate shoes or laundry
⊕ Backpack carries well
⊗ Lacks internal organization

Patagonia’s Black Hole has been the gold standard for adventure travel luggage for a long time, and with this newest iteration featuring 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, the brand continues to lead the way in sustainability.

One of the best features of this duffel is how comfortable it is to carry as a backpack thanks to cushy, removable pack straps. An innovative, recycled TPU-film laminate also makes the bag lightweight and exceptionally abrasion- and weather-resistant. It’s rugged enough for major expeditions, yet convenient for the casual traveler, which makes it our top choice for 2024.

“In the rain, water beaded right off the bag, and it proved durable for outdoor adventures,” said one tester after taking the bag on a canoe camping trip in the Adirondacks and a camping trip to Moab, Utah.

The signature feature of the Black Hole, besides its pack straps, is its large main compartment that accommodates more gear than you’d think and makes finding said gear at a glance easy. The downside to this design is that the Black Hole doesn’t include a ton of internal organizational features found in other duffels, like zippered compartments to keep gear separated. The Black Hole has just one internal pocket on the zip-top lid to keep smaller items like toiletries organized.

However, it does include a surprisingly spacious external pocket for things you don’t want mingling with your other stuff (like wet or dirty items). That compartment also serves as the pocket you can stuff the entire bag into for compact storage when not in use.

Best Checked-Size Roller Bag

Ěý

Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 16” x 34” x 13” (125L)
Available Sizes:Ěý125 L

Pros and Cons:

⊕ Excellent customizable and removable organization system
⊕ Heavy-duty, replaceable wheels
⊕ Well-built
⊗ Fabric can fray if you use the skateboard carry system

When category manager Drew Zieff lived out of the Evoc World Traveller 125 during a three-week road trip through New England this summer, it quickly stood out for its best-in-test combo of organization and durability. “The wheels were on the larger side for a roller bag, and combined with that heavy-duty handle, the World Traveller cruises over uneven brick or packed dirt and gravel with ease,” he reported. He also appreciated the taller, narrower profile of the World Traveller, which was easy to maneuver through tighter gaps at airport terminals and campgrounds alike.

Dan Schwartz, an şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř contributor and endurance athlete, tested the World Traveller on a trip to Vermont to a) ride some singletrack, and b) get married. Despite being a self-proclaimed “minimalist bag guy,” Schwartz fell in love with the World Traveller’s organizational layout. The bag features two access points: an upper zipper reveals a small compartment, while a lower zip gives way to the main compartment. Both feature removable, adjustable dividers. Schwartz divided clothes between the two larger compartments and used the smaller ones for everything from socks and underwear to toiletries, a headlamp, and his derailleur and chain. He even left it packed once he got to his destination—the perfect portable dresser.

The bag sports two external pockets, too: a larger square one on the bottom, and a smaller semi-circle pocket on top. “They’re perfect for stashing gear you’ll need in transit,” said Zieff. “I used them for sunglasses, sunscreen, and snacks while driving from Vermont to Cape Cod.” The two external straps can be used for carrying a skateboard, which Zieff did on his East Coast adventure. Testsers were impressed by the overall durability, reporting no baggage handler-related damage (despite Schwartz loading the World Traveller with 62 pounds of marital and mountain bike gear). However, Zieff did note that his skateboard’s gritty grip tape started to wear on the otherwise tough fabric. Still, we’d recommend the World Traveller as the perfect closet on wheels for all kinds of four-season adventures.

Best Carry-On Roller Bag

DB Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On

Ěý

Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 21” x 16” x 9”
Available Sizes:ĚýCarry-On, Front-Access Carry On, Check-In M, Check-In L

Pros and Cons:Ěý

⊕ Sleek, Scandinavian design
⊕ Front panel provides easy access
⊕ Durable build
⊗ Really expensive
⊗ Heavy

DB’s Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On is everything we love (and one thing we hate) about Scandinavian design. The Norwegian outfitter’s premium roller is clean, minimalistic, functional, and built to last—a masterful blend of elegant aesthetic and rugged utilitarianism. So what’s not to love? A price tag that’ll have you cursing the kroner.

If the sky’s the limit for your carry-on budget, though, the Ramverk Pro is as good as it gets for frequent flyers. The roller features a tough, polycarbonate shell built around an aluminum frame.Ěý A stiff-yet-flexible, padded polyester front-access panel unzips to reveal a laptop sleeve, a few organizational pockets, and a spacious main compartment. Jed Doane, a Seattle doctor who moonlights as an ultra-discerning, multi-sport gear tester, loved the durability and construction. “The frame is strong and this bag is quite durable–it feels like a lifetime piece,” he reported after a summer of testing.

Doane dug the 360-degree-spinning, 50-millimeter Hinomoto wheels and the telescoping handle, too. The resulting maneuverability was so impressive that he said he “felt like Lewis Hamilton whipping an F1 racecar while swerving through the crowds of SeaTac.”

Most Rugged

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Pro Dry Pack 75L

Weight: 3.8 lbs
Dimensions: 26.8” x 14.2” x 12.2”
Available Sizes: 50 L, 75 L, 100 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Includes backpack straps for ease of transport
⊕ 100% waterproof
⊕ Small profile for large carrying capacity
⊗ Price

Testers found this 100-percent waterproof bag featuring a pressure-tested waterproof zipper, fully welded seams, and 100-denier Hydraulic fabric to be nearly indestructible, making it an ideal travel companion to wet and rugged environments. From bouncing around in the back of one tester’s pickup truck, to getting tossed around airports across the country on another tester’s month-long travels, this bag withstood it all.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the exceptionally steep price tag. The price point is comparable to other rugged, waterproof duffels of the same caliber, like the , but what sets the Hydraulic Pro Pack apart is its design that makes it so easy to carry.

We tested the 75-liter version, and even when packed to the gills, it proved to be one of the most comfortable bags to carry in our test thanks to form-fitting shoulder straps and extended foam back panels that provide protection and cushioning when carrying it as a pack. This bag has only one external pocket, but testers didn’t mind the lack of internal organization, as this pack is really best suited for major expeditions.

It’s pricey, and generally over-engineered for the average traveler. But for those who rely and depend on a rugged, waterproof, and easy-to-carry duffel bag for overland motorcycle touring, paddling, or rafting adventures, it’s worth every penny for its durability and practicality.

Most Versatile

Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote

Ěý

Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 63.5” x 86” x 147”
Available Sizes: 55 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide compartment opening
⊕ Many ways to carry and organize the bag
⊕ Folds up small into carrying case when not in use
⊗ Too bulky and uncomfortable to carry for long distances
⊗ On the heavier side

Out of all of the duffels and luggage we tested this season, the Nemo Double Haul proved to be the most ingenious. It’s a combination of a duffel bag and tote bag, with a huge opening designed to stay wide open while you pack thanks to the stiff trusses that give the bag structure.

Astonishingly, considering its size, the bag also folds down neatly into a carrying case, making it easy to travel with or keep in your car. The shell is made from urethane-coated, bluesign approved 100 percent recycled nylon, while the liner is made from bluesign approved, solution-dyed 100-percent recycled polyester with PFAS-free DWR.

This bag is meant for hauling. “It’s best for car camping, when you have dozens of items that may not have a home,” said tester Troy Tetreault after a climbing trip in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. “It also holds up well when tossed around amongst other gear.”

However, our testers wouldn’t recommend this bag for extended airline travel. The bag itself weighs 3 pounds, and testers found it awkward to carry because of the multiple ways the straps are set up for carrying—backpack carry, over the shoulder single arm carry, and suitcase carry.

Best for Watersports

Watershed Largo Tote

Weight: 1.7 lbs
Dimensions: 12.5” x 14.5” x 6”
Available Sizes: 19.5 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Large, tapered opening allows for easy access to contents
⊕ Waterproof
⊕ Sleek design
⊕ Durable
⊗ Opening/closure system can be finicky

The smallest bag on the list, this waterproof tote is perfect for day trips on the water, with plenty of space for all of the essentials and a guarantee that gear will stay dry.

“I took this bag canoe camping in November in the Adirondacks, and used it to carry camera gear while it was snowing during the canoe to our campsite. All of my stuff stayed dry,” said one tester.

Watershed bags have somewhat of a cult-like following in the paddling community, and testers in the know were keen to put the brand’s new Kyrptothane Plus material to the test. This material, made of 840-denier nylon base fabric, is thicker and more resistant to UV rays, making it more durable and less prone to breaking down from extended exposure in the sun.

Testers appreciated the large, tapered opening that makes it easy to access items inside. One gripe: It takes some elbow grease to open the two pull tabs on either side of the bag’s opening to pry it open. After a couple times of using this opening and closing system, testers got the hang of it, and felt thankful for such an indestructible system that kept their things dry.

Best Gear Tote

Evo XL Utility Tote 95

Dimensions: 28” x 19” x 15” (95L)
Available Sizes:Ěý50 L, 95 L

Pros and Cons:

⊕ Durable
⊕ Versatile
⊕ Internal and external pockets
⊕ Affordable
⊗ No shoulder strap
⊗ Bulky when fully loaded

The biggest thing Evo’s XL Utility Tote 95 has going for it? It’s big. Really big. With a volume of 95 liters—a size typically reserved for expedition duffels and checked baggage—the Utility Tote is a massive gear hauler our testers quickly fell for. “I love this thing,” gushed veteran gear tester and Tahoe SportsHub bootfitter John Lauer, who reported the tote handled everything from wake-surf days on Lake Tahoe to rowdy mountain bike shuttles in the High Sierra. “I travel with bulky gear all the time, and this makes it so much easier to keep those items together. It fits my entire bike or snowboard kit.”

That said, the Utility Tote isn’t a one-trick pony. The exterior is a thick, water-resistant, polyurethane-coated PET ripstop that hasn’t yet shown any signs of wear, while the tarp lining is both easy to clean and difficult to damage.

Evo managed to add a few organization features without sacrificing the cavernous main compartment, too. Dustin Stiffler, an Arizona-based gear tester and cyclist, appreciated the tote’s padded interior pockets. “It’s nice to have designated spots for bike tools, gloves and cycling caps, and an extra pair of sunglasses,” he said. Testers also dug the exterior pockets, which were perfect for separating wet or smelly gear, and the burly exterior loops, which were ideal for lashing wet towels, bike helmets, and shoes to the outside.

While Lauer claimed he’ll be using the Utility Tote year-round for years to come, he did wish Evo included a shoulder strap; hefting the fully loaded bag by the grab handlesĚý was cumbersome over longer distances.

Best Value Roller Bag

Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On 40L/21.5”

Ěý

Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 10” x 14” X 21.5”
Available Sizes: 40 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Large wheels and high clearance
⊗ Seemed to hold less than other bags the same size
⊗ On the pricier side

The Ozone line from Osprey, featuring five pieces ranging from four-wheeled suitcases to smaller backpacks and boarding bags, was designed for frequent flyers and travelers who value ease of transport. Of those, the Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On is perhaps the most convenient on-board option.

Made from an ultralight yet durable aluminum frame and nanofly recycled nylon fabric, it offers just enough organizational capabilities to make packing for a trip a little easier. This suitcase (like all pieces in this line) features a buttonless trolley handle and a YKK reverse coil coated zipper for improved water resistance—both industry firsts. The Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On also has a high clearance High Road LT frame, and oversized 90 millimeter wheels, making it rugged enough to handle terrain beyond concourse floors.

One tester takeaway: Despite this bag’s advertised 40-liter capacity, it didn’t seem to hold as much as softer duffel-style bags of the same size. That said, the sleek design combined with the function of this bag made it an obvious choice for our testers who needed a transport-friendly yet durable carry-on.

Best Value Duffel

Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L

Ěý

Weight: 2.9 lbs
Dimensions: 13.5” x 25.5” x 12.25” (90 L)
Available Sizes: 40 L, 60 L, 90 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide-mouth opening for easy access to gear
⊕ Uses 100% recycled fabric
⊕ Good value
⊗ Top zipper isn’t stiff enough

The Migrate duffel was a tester favorite for its holding capacity—you can fit a lot in here. The “doctor bag” style zip-top allows for easier access and full visibility of all your gear and an additional five liters of packing space.

Good news for those who tend to overpack and end up schlepping heavy duffels: Tuck-away backpack straps allow for multiple carry options. The added pockets—internal and front zippered pocket—set it apart from many other duffels in this category.

But perhaps the biggest pro of this bag: it incorporates 100-percent recycled 900-denier Polyester TPU and fully recycled 1680-denier ballistic Polyester RPVB that reuses windshield plastics from landfills and makes the bag abrasion- and weather-resistant.

Testers had just one complaint: the top zipper isn’t very stiff, so testers found the opening closing in on itself while they were packing the bag.

Best Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Ěý

Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 22” x 13” x 11”
Available Sizes: 30L, 40L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Adjustable volume system
⊕ Clean aesthetic
⊕ Good durability
⊕ Great organizational features
⊗ Heavy for a backpack
⊗ Expensive

“If you hate talking to strangers in the airport, then this pack might not be for you,” joked Tyler Macleod, a Denver-based tester who took the Travel Backpack on both a mountain biking trip to North Carolina and a sightseeing sojourn to Scotland this year. “I’ve never received so many compliments from strangers.” And while it’s true that the Travel Backpack’s aesthetic is undeniably sleek, this bag doesn’t just look dapper in transit: it also impressed with its user-friendly feature set and surprising ruggedness.

Features include a padded, 16-inch laptop sleeve and easy-access stash spots for passports, sunglasses, keys, and other odds and ends. Macleod’s favorite pockets, though, were the massive, stretchy water bottle sleeves that Peak Design engineered to double as tripod storage; each fit a Nalgene easily.

Testers also praised the comfy, stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, as well as multiple zippered access points. A set of snaps and expansion panels lets the Travel Backpack 45 slim down to a more manageable 35-liter or 30-liter pack. When compressed, it could fit under an airline seat. We weren’t worried about shoving it under there, either:ĚýPeak Design used a polyurethane-coated, DWR-treated, 400-denier nylon that’s seriously durable and water-resistant, and the bottom of the pack is armored with an even beefier 900D waterproof nylon. “I honestly tried to beat the shit out of this bag, and it looks brand new,” reported Tyler Macleod. “I chucked the backpack from a third-story balcony into the bed of our pickup truck. It proceeded to hang with the mountain bikes for more than three hours driving through the rain.” All his gear strayed dry, and the pack was no worse for wear.

Demerits were few and far between, but if we’ve got to nitpick, it’s on the heavy side for daily use. It’s also pretty pricey.

Best for Camping

The North Face Base Camp Gear Box

Ěý

Weight: 4.2 lbs
Dimensions: 16” x 22.2” x 12”
Available Sizes: 65 L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lots of space and organizational options
⊕ Folds down flat for storage
⊗ Specific use cases (mainly cars, vans, and home storage)

The North Face Camp Gear Box is made from the same material as the brand’s durable Base Camp duffel—300-denier recycled polyester and 840-denier recycled ballistic nylon. However, unlike a traditional duffel, this hold-all is equipped with internal metal “kickstands” that fold up for rigid support and down for storage, which makes this piece of luggage ideal for the road.

One tester used the 90-liter Base Camp Gear Box (large) to schlep all of her gear to a mountain bike race and was able to fit the whole kit and caboodle: chest protector, two full face helmets, one half shell, two tires, and two pairs of bike shoes within the box itself. She stashed three pairs of sunglasses, two pairs of goggles, and other bike maintenance tools in the added internal pouches. Extra brake pads, grips, and bike tools fit snugly in the lid-zippered pockets.

Even with all of that, the lid closed with ease. Plus, the outer handles on the box make it easy to transport in and out of vehicles. For someone who is on the road often, this box is a must-have for organization and travel.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 21
• Number of Products Tested: 35
• Number of Miles Traveled: 18,500

Over the course of three years, we tested 35 pieces of luggage designed for the adventurous traveler who hauls their gear through more rugged environments than airport concourses. Think rafting adventures, camping getaways, climbing trips, and cross-country roadtrips.

As such, we primarily considered soft shell luggage between 20 and 100 liters made with abrasion- and weather-resistant materials to withstand plenty of use and abuse. We then rounded up 21 individuals who travel extensively—including a professional photographer, an outdoor educator, a professional skier and mountain biker, a forest ranger, and mapping technology specialist—and tasked them with schlepping these bags around the country to assess the best picks for adventure travel.

We asked them to home in on overall performance, feature-set, ease of transport, and durability, among other qualities. The bags on this list rose to the top of the pile after impressing testers in all categories.

Meet our Testers

Caitlin Kelly

Originally from the Coast of Maine, Caitlin Kelly studied creative writing and environmental studies at St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. She has called the Adirondack Mountains home since, building community through her work with Women of the Adirondacks and The Adirondack Community Avalanche Project. She currently resides in Lake Placid, NY, and is the social and digital media specialist for North Country Public Radio. She is an avid backcountry skier and a ski patroller at Whiteface Mountain. Her writing has appeared in Powder Magazine, Adirondack Life Magazine, Freeskier, The Ski Journal, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Magazine, and Ski Magazine, among other publications. If you sit too close to her on a chairlift, you may get some glitter on you.

Drew Zieff

Ěýis a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes forĚýBackcountry Magazine, REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regularĚýşÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřĚýcontributor, he heads ourĚýsnowboardĚýgear coverage in the winter. A few years back, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into theirĚýdream adventure mobile. After a couple years of vanlife, the highlight of which was surfing from Canada to Mexico, the couple put roots down in Tahoe, though they still take van trips to the coast when there’s swell. Familiar with the needs of both weekend warriors and full-time nomads, Zieff happily directs our camping accessories, travel luggage, and camping kitchen coverage each summer.

The post The Best Duffels, Backpacks, and Carry-Ons for şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Travel appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Lost luggage. Damaged goods. Waiting at the carousel like lemmings to reclaim your bag. Checking a suitcase when you fly adds extra hassles and fees to your trip. In short: it’s not worth it.

For the last 15 years as a travel writer and editor, I’ve flown on average once per month and, in that time, I’ve only checked a bag on a handful of occasions. Mostly, I avoid it at all costs because I despise waiting at baggage claim. I’ve also dealt with luggage being rerouted to Panama City, had hard-sided suitcases smashed like the front end of a wrecked Fiat, and once watched as my fishing gear spilled out onto the tarmac because the TSA opened my pack for inspection—and then forgot to close a zipper.

Over a decade ago, I decided to forgo that rigamarole. That’s why I now travel almost exclusively with carry-on luggage, so I can cruise through airports like George Clooney in Up In the Air—efficient, deliberate, and with no time for yokels struggling to find their laptop and liquids in the security line. It’s easier than you think it is to forgo checked bags, even if you’re headed off on a far-flung adventure. I’ve gone on a weeklong fishing trip in New Zealand, met buddies to float Colorado’s Gunnison Gorge, and flew to Iceland to celebrate a friend’s 50th birthday party, which required me to pack a suit and tie for a disco-themed fête and rain gear for hiking in the highlands—all with just a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack. Checking bags, unless you absolutely need to, is for amateurs.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř travel, of course, is a much different beast than Clooney’s pink-slipping weekday missions. While the specifics of a two-day business trip may be different than a 10-day tour of Peru, the principles remain the same: pack light, know which carry-on rules can be massaged, and stick with a luggage setup and packing strategy that will work in 90 percent of scenarios. Here’s a primer on how to solve the carry-on conundrum, gleaned from two decades of my own travel headaches, in addition to my favorite carry-on luggage.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

The Downlow on Carry-On Luggage Rules

Airline regulations for carry-on luggage sizing are often as abstruse as their algorithms for pricing flights. Each carrier is unique in its guidelines, and there are different limits—both weight and size—for domestic and international flights. To help you navigate this red tape, here are a few things to be aware of.

Know the Official Size Restrictions

The maximum size carry-on luggage for domestic flights is, generally, 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or a combined length, width, and height that does not exceed 45 linear inches). Most domestic flights have a weight limit of 35 pounds, although many don’t even list that specific number on their sites and instead simply say something to the effect that you need to “arrive knowing that you can easily lift your bag into an overhead bin.”

For international carriers, the standard carry-on luggage size is usually slightly smaller than that of U.S. airlines, and carry-on weight allowances can be all over the place, with different limits for various classes of cabin. For example, has a 7kg (15.4 pounds) weight restriction for Economy Class and 10kg (22 pounds) for Premium Economy. (Both classes have a size limit of 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches.) For , you can board with a bag weighing a whopping 23kg (51 pounds), with a maximum size restriction of 22 x 18 x 10 inches. In short, if you’re traveling on an international airline and have doubts, look up its allowances online before you go.

Official Domestic Airline Carry-on Luggage Size Limits:

• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 24 x 16 x 10 inches
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Official International Airline Carry-on Luggage Size Limits:

• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches (55 x 38 x 22 cm)
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 15.7 x 7.8 x 9.8 inches (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
• Ěý Ěý Ěý : 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches (55 x 38 x 22 cm)

Understand the Unofficial Rules of Carry-Ons

For anyone who flies regularly, you know that the specific size restrictions outlined above are about as solid as an empty duffel bag. You can usually get away with a much larger item than one clocking in at a strict 45 linear inches. TSA agents are generally indifferent to baggage size—and they definitely won’t check to see if yours is compatible with specific airline regulations. It’s only once boarding begins that you find out whether the airline will allow the bags you’ve got. This is where the maximum size rules can be bent (although this is not an official endorsement or recommendation you try that). Here’s how:

Assume You Can Get Away with a Slightly Larger Bag: In general, if it fits in the overhead space and you don’t need a pulley system to lift it into place, you’re probably good to go. The caveat here is that if it looks heavy and bulky, a flight attendant is likely going to call you out on it before you even try. An oversized duffel packed with ski gear? It’s a dead giveaway and you may be forced to check it. A giant backpack that would satisfy the needs of a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail? Chances are you’ll be forced to check it, too.

But if you’re wheeling on a hardshell suitcase, even with a front pocket stuffed with rain gear that makes it much bigger than the maximum size restriction, few flight attendants will bat an eye—assuming you can get it to fit in the overhead space easily enough.

Your Choice of Carry-On Matters: “Benefit of the doubt” is why I like to travel with roller suitcases. The companies designing these bags, like Away, Rimowa, and Tumi, are intimately familiar with airline restrictions and how bags best fit in the overhead space. Wheeling one of these on the airplane already assumes—in the flight attendants’ eyes, at least—that it will fit in the overhead space. If it doesn’t, a flight attendant will usually gate check the bag for free, which means you can pick it up in the jet bridge or on the tarmac when you deplane. (Although sometimes they make you check it through to your destination, and you’re stuck waiting at baggage claim.)

In a nutshell, it’s usually best to opt for a standard issue roller bag or a small duffel as your main carry-on. If you need to travel with a larger duffel or backpack, make it appear smaller than it is by using the built-in compression straps to shrink it down as much as possible, then tuck in any loose straps. It won’t always work, but sometimes they’ll feel bad enough for you and let you store it overhead.

Hedge Your Packing Strategy: If you are bringing on a carry-on that you know is larger than the official size limits, make sure not to pack anything in it that you don’t want to get tossed around if you’re forced to check it. For example, don’t pack your laptop, medications, or anything of value in it. If they ask you to check it as you’re boarding the plane, you should be prepared to hand over the suitcase at a moment’s notice and let everyone else continue boarding (I beg of you).

Personal Items: What You Should Know

Many airlines don’t specify exact size restrictions for personal items, but the that all carry-on luggage fits under the seat in front of you if it’s not in an enclosed storage compartment. In my experience, flight attendants are fundamentalists about abiding by this rule, so there’s no point in trying to hide a 75-liter backpack under the seat. You’ll get asked to move it—and likely check it.

That said, most flight attendants don’t police the size of personal items as you’re boarding the plane, so all you need to do is make sure you can cram it under the seat when you sit down. This is why a medium-sized backpack works well: paired with a suitcase or duffel bag, you can stuff it full of an impressive amount of clothes and gear and still get it to fit under the seat.

Also, when boarding the plane, the attendants will focus primarily on evaluating your larger bag and overlook your personal item, so you can often get away with a larger second carry-on—again, as long as you’re able to stow it properly under the seat.

Outdoor Gear and the TSA

While TSA does not, generally, police policies on the size of your carry-on, they do care (very much, in fact) about the items in your bag—particularly camping equipment like pocket-knives, fuel canisters, lighters, and other banned items. In fact, it has an entire section on its website devoted to . Bear spray? No way. Bicycle pumps? Yes. Camp stoves? Only if they’re clean of residual fuel. (Fuel canisters are a hard no.)

Be sure to check the list linked to above if you plan to bring any sporting gear to verify specific rules regarding that item. For example, sunscreen is one product that many people forget. It’s considered a liquid so, if it’s over three ounces, you’ll have to toss it in the trash to get through TSA purgatory.

Also, double check every gear bag you’re carrying on to make sure there’s no errant banned item (especially in the pockets). Twice I’ve brought my fishing pack along and had an agent pull me aside to confiscate a folding knife that I had forgotten I’d stashed.

The Best Carry-On Luggage: Duffels, Packs, Suitcases, and More

Sorting out what to pack for each trip should be easy: don’t bring anything you won’t absolutely need. I generally abide by the rule of three: skip the third pair of shoes, the third sweater, the third pair of pants, etc. Pick clothes that you know you’ll wear more than once. Also, wear the heaviest clothes and large hiking shoes onto the plane and carry on your coat (it doesn’t count as an item).

When it comes time to pack, you should already know whether you’re bringing a roller, duffel bag, or backpack as your main carry-on, thanks to whatever specific adventure you have in store (like a backcountry raft trip or train trip through Europe). If not, simply opt for the default: a wheeled suitcase and a small or medium-sized backpack or tote. You can’t go wrong with any of the options listed below.

Carry-On Suitcases

Wheeled suitcases are designed for jaunts to and through the airport, and they excel at this—which is why they should be your go-to choice for most types of travel, even the adventurous kind.

In addition to being perfect for airport cruising, they can also usually withstand the abuse they take on the ground. I’ve had my Away suitcase strapped to the side of a snowmobile to reach a backcountry hut in British Columbia and thrown into the rear of a floatplane shuttle to a remote river in Labrador. While they may be less ideal than duffles in some scenarios—like my aforementioned examples—because they’re so adept at helping you cruise through terminals or navigate city sidewalks, dealing with the awkwardness of roller bags off the pavement is worth it. In short, everyone should have a roller suitcase as their default travel bag. When selecting one, just make sure that the company has a warranty—lifetime preferable—that covers normal wear and tear.

Best All-Around Suitcase: Away The Bigger Carry-On Classic

Dimensions: 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches

Cost: $295

Most hard-sided suitcases are extremely similar in design and durability these days. Away rises to the top because it hits the sweet spot between functionality, durability, and cost. It’s a mid-priced workhorse, with an interior mesh organization system that compresses clothes on one side, with a storage compartment for bulkier items, like shoes, on the other. Its 360-degree wheels are sturdy and smooth, and an exterior polycarbonate shell absorbs bumps and collisions with ease. I’ve used the same one for the last ten years and it’s held up remarkably well, considering all the abuse I’ve put it through. I suspect it’ll work well for whatever you toss its way, too.

Best Soft-Sided Suitcase: Briggs and Riley Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 x 11.5 inches

Cost: $699

Soft-sided suitcases usually stand up to dings and scratches much better than hard-sided options, and this one from Briggs and Riley is as durable as anything on the market, made with ballistic nylon fabric and outfitted with impact-resistant corner guards that actually work. It’s also capable of a neat packing trick: it can expand to fit all your gear and then, once it’s zipped shut, compresses via pushing down on each side, where a latching system locks the sides in place. There’s a large front pocket for easy access to items like a jacket or sweater and it comes with Briggs and Riley’s best-in-class lifetime guarantee, which makes the steep price more than worth the cost.

Carry-On Duffel Bags

Best Overall: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 42L

Dimensions: 23” x 14.7” x 10.2” inches

Cost: $135

Any person who camps, hikes, climbs, fishes, runs, or does anything else outdoors can attest: a nearly bombproof duffel bag like this one from The North Face is a lifesaver for organizing gear. It works equally well for traveling, with an adjustable interior divider to help with organization, padded shoulder straps that can be stowed behind the back panel, and even a laptop compartment. Made from ballistic nylon and polyester tarpaulin, it’s designed for the long haul and solid backcountry beat-ups.

Best Wheeled Duffel: Patagonia Black Hole Matte Wheeled Duffel 40L

Dimensions: 21.75 x 14.5 x 11 inches

Cost: $359

This 2,400-cubic-inch bag—the two-wheeled version of Patagonia’s iconic Black Hole duffel, below—is perfect for plane travel when you have Type 2 fun planned for your final destination and need to pull it more than 90 percent of the time. It offers the same burly performance as the original duffel, with polyester ripstop fabric and reinforced handles. But this one also has oversized wheels for getting around the terminal and, say, the cobbled streets of colonial Quito.

Carry-On Backpacks

Not all backpacks will fit under the seat in front of you, so when buying one, be sure to consider how you want to use it: as a carry-on meant to be stowed overhead or as a personal item for stashing in front of your feet.

Best Overall: Yeti Crossroads 22L

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 7.1 inches

Cost: $200

With 22 liters of space, this pack is perfect for stashing impressive amounts of clothes and gear while still fitting under the seat in front of you. There’s an inside sleeve for a laptop; a zippered compartment up top for easy access to sunglasses, keys, and a passport; and a luggage pass-through panel allows you to affix it to the handle of your roller suitcase while cruising through airports. And because it’s made from Yeti’s proprietary Tuffskin nylon, it can withstand being tossed around once you arrive at your destination. I can back this up from firsthand experience hiking with it in a rainstorm in Iceland and after lashing it to the back of a motorcycle in Morocco for a tour through the desert. This same pack is available in 27 liter and 35 liter versions, if you want to opt for the larger size and use it as your primary carry-on bag.

Best Laptop Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack

Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 8 inches

Cost: $140

Sometimes all you need is a pack that can haul your laptop through the airport and then help you lug around a camera or a water bottle when you’re at your destination. With a sleek design that weighs just 18 ounces, this pack is perfect for those types of trips, where versatility is key and you’re on the go most days. It has an internal sleeve to secure a tablet or small laptop, a water bottle pocket, and two large internal main pockets for organizing other gear.

Best Big Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Dimensions: 22″ x 14.5″ x 7.6″ inches

Cost: $239

If you’re forgoing a suitcase or a duffle bag and want to use a backpack to travel with all of your clothes and gear, this is the pack that’ll get the job done. With 2,746 cubic inches of space, it’s big enough to store enough gear for a long weekend—or even weeklong—trip, yet it’s compact enough to fit in the overhead space of most planes. There’s a padded laptop pocket and a large interior space with two other pockets for organization and it can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag, or duffel.

Miscellaneous Travel and Packing Gear: Compression Bags and Totes

When traveling, not only do you need to get from point A to B, you also need to live out of your carry-on for the trip. This means staying organized on the road, and to help you do that, I recommend a packing cube (or two) and a tote. Having them on hand makes everything easier. I rarely go anywhere without them.

Best Compression Bag: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube

Dimensions: Comes in multiple sizes

Cost: $50 for a set of two

Compression bags are the secret between fitting what you need and having to leave essentials—like that sweater for foul weather, or a pair of flip flops for beach day—behind. Eagle Creek offers some of the best compression sacks on the market: Its Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube shrinks gear inside via a burly zipper that, as you close it, pulls the bag and its contents together.

Packable Tote Bag: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack

Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.25 x 8 inches

Cost: $99

One of the quirks I’ve developed over years of traveling is carrying this extremely lightweight (just 13 ounces) bag on pretty much every trip. It packs into its own pocket and, unfurled, you can carry it as a backpack or a tote. On the road, it has served as a perfect pack for grabbing groceries while walking the streets of Paris or bringing a bathing suit and a towel to a backcountry hot spring in New Mexico. (Usually, though, I simply use it as a laundry bag for dirty clothes.) When it comes time to pack for home, you also have an extra bag to carry on any souvenirs or other purchases you’ve made along the way. I usually check my main suitcase (it doesn’t matter if it gets delayed on the way home) and carry on the most important things in a backpack and this tote bag.

Ryan Krogh is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. In the last decade, he’s traveled to 27 countries and every U.S. state, nearly all with just a carry-on suitcase. This included his two-week honeymoon to Morocco and Paris, France, in 2022.**Not including his wife’s suitcases and the shipments home from the souks in Marrakech.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Carry-On Luggage for şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Travelers appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

We sought out warmer weather in Arizona, climbed freezing pitches in northern New Mexico, and ski-toured in Rocky Mountain National Park this January. Here’s the gear that helped us start the year out right.

Eastpak Transverz suitcase ($140)

I gifted this to my brother for Christmas, after traveling with him to Japan and feeling sorry to see him hoofing it around Osaka with a heavy duffel bag slung across his shoulder. I’ve had this same suitcase for longer than I can recall, and it remains my go-to for both weekend adventures and far-flung trips. Despite being thrown around by its share of bag handlers, it’s never been torn, lost a wheel, or been damaged in any noticeable way. But what’s remarkable is how much I’m able to cram into its two main compartments and still manage to zip the entire thing shut, something many a companion has marveled over. This is thanks in part to durable soft siding and compression straps that cinch shut and don’t budge. I’ll never buy another type of suitcase—and the way the Transverz is holding up, I may never have to. —Tasha Zemke, associate managing editor

Sealskinz Worstead Waterproof Cold Weather sock ($60)

As a triathlete, I am no stranger to neoprene booties—they’re . But when some friends of mine invited me on a hike in Arizona’s creek-tastic Aravapia Canyon, I knew my tri booties wouldn’t cut it. These waterproof socks were an impulse buy and they could have failed miserably. I’m happy to report they didn’t. In fact, I spent eight hours hiking in cold, knee-high waters and never once complained (and when I’m cold, I complain a lot). My hiking buddies were so impressed, that they all bought a pair as soon as we got back into cell reception. If you’re doing a hike in deep water (say, The Narrows in Zion), these are a must. —Susan Lacke, senior editor, Triathlete

Mountain Hardwear Subzero Down Jacket Reissue

I have been absolutely living in this jacket from Mountain Hardwear’s Reissue collection the past few months. The original Subzero Down Jacket came out in 1993, and in an effort to bring back an iconic design, the brand brought it back this past fall with more technical, modern features. The material is now made with a 100 percent recycled ulstralight Pertex Y Fuse ripstop shell fabric, and it has a non-fluorinated DWR finish, making it waterproof enough for the adventures I take it on. I wouldn’t reccommend wearing it when its pouring rain outside, but during a massive storm in Utah in early January, it didn’t soak through. With 650-fill RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) down, I’ve worn it in negative temperatures in both the Wasatch range and near the border of Idaho and Montana, and have stayed completely cozy and warm. I’ve received a ton of compliments on the style and love the way the size medium fits on the upper part of my thigh. I’m hard on my gear, but with dual-shell fabrics on the shoulders and sleeves that get the most exposure, I’m expecting this jacket to last me for many winters to come. —Kelly Klein, associate gear editor

Outdoor Vitals NovaPro jacket ($250)

I didn’t really know what to make of the NovaPro jacket when my sample came in last year. It’s a frankenstein of different winter systems, combining the 850-fill down of a belay jacket with the water- and wind-resistance of a hardshell and the armpit zips and thumb holes of a technical midlayer. At first, I was afraid I had one of those jack of all trades, master of none situations on my hands, but I was missing the point. I live in New Mexico, at 7,100 feet, where the desert’s cactus and wind overlap with the cold snows of the mountains, and a troubling percentage of my climbing days (and my winter dog walks) begin in the warm sun and end in 40 mph whiteouts. So I’ve learned to appreciate the NovaPro’s versatility. In the perfect world (or less frenetic climate) I’d go nowhere without a base layer, mid-layer, outer layer, and shell on my back or in my pack. But on low-commitment days, I now just wear the NovaPro. When it’s warm, I unzip the armpits and roll up the sleeves. When the wind picks up, I close the zippers, tuck my thumbs in the holes, pull on the hood, zip up the extra-high neck, and stick my hands into the insulated pockets. Added bonus: Outdoor Vitals’ ingenious Zero Stitch Fabric doesn’t just increase the wind-resistance, it also makes this jacket perhaps the most durable down jacket I’ve ever tested. One year in and it’s still duct-tape free. All in all: One of the best multi-purpose, all-arounder down coats I’ve had the pleasure of trying to ruin. —Steven Potter, Digital Editor, Climbing Magazine

Jungmaven Alaska Hemp Wool sweatpant ($158)

Thanks to some health issues and abysmal early-season snowfall, this winter most of my gear choices have been based on how well a garment transitions from watching TV on the couch to taking a nap on the couch. I’ve worn these sweats almost every day of my convalescence, and they’ve held up well to the use, without any stretching out at the knees or other signs of wear. Generally, I avoid synthetic fibers except for during exercise, and the merino-hemp blend fabric is dreamy—thinner and less bulky than your average cotton pants, but just as warm and even more breathable. The wide, elastic waist is very high, and stays comfortably in place at my natural waist. Recently, I’ve been wearing them to low-key yoga classes, and the cinched ankle and loose cut don’t restrict my movement at all. The price tag is steep for sweatpants, but the quality and design make them worth every penny. —Miyo McGinn, assistant editor

Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Half Zip hoody ($90)Ěý

There’s a lot of grid fleece options out there—all of them warm, breathable midlayers. Choosing just one mostly comes down to the little design details—cut, hoods, pockets—all of which Mountain Hardwear absolutely nailed with this half-zip version of their Summit grid fleece. The zipperless, longer-cut tunic style had been my go-to for a couple years, but the redesigned details in the half-zip add up to my personal Platonic ideal of a fleece top. The zipper adds extra venting to the already breathable grid fleece material, ideal for dumping heat on recent unseasonably warm dawn patrols. The bulky bunches of fabric around the waist that sometimes formed while wearing the longer tunic length were eliminated by the shorter cut (which also makes for a more flattering silhouette). The spacious, cinchable hood and cozy high neck, already perfect for windy outings, were unchanged. If I were really splitting hairs, two zippered pockets might be better than the current kangaroo pocket, but even with this small imperfection, no other fleece mid layer I know of comes close to rivaling this one. —MM

Sustainable Tomorrow Zen Bamboo Electric toothbrush ($99)

In my ongoing quest to purge single-use and unnecessary plastic from my life, I learned that about a billion plastic toothbrushes end up in the landfill each year. I’ve been buying manual bamboo toothbrushes for a while now, but recently started using an electric, rechargeable one from Sustainable Tomorrow. My mouth and I love it. It only needs to be recharged about once a month, has several different settings, and the automatic two-minute run time means I don’t short change my teeth with a too-quick brush. Also neat: every 30 seconds, the brush vibrates, signaling me to switch to a different quadrant of my mouth, so no teeth get ignored. Each brush comes with four replaceable heads–enough to last me more than a year. —Kristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and contributing editor

Iksplor Baby şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Zippy ($89)

My husband and I spend many weekend days ski touring in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, and in January we decided it was time to let our 8-month-old in on the fun. A lifetime of skiing has taught me how to dress and layer for winter adventures, but dressing and layering a baby for the cold comes with a steep learning curve. In the face of uncertainty, I’ve learned to go with what I know: a quality base layer paired with an insulating midlayer is the best line of defense against the cold. We put our son in the Iksplor Baby şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Zippy under a fleece onesie, then stuffed him into a down bunting. At the end of a 1-hour ski tour in 40-degree temperatures, his core, hands, and feet were warm. Ever since, the Iksplor onesie made of midweight Merino has become our go-to layer for our son on winter adventures. We love that the Merino is soft to the touch and doesn’t irritate his skin; the integrated hand mitts add an additional layer of warmth under his separate mitts; and the two-way zip for quick diaper changes on the go is a big bonus. Ten-ten would recommend this baby base layer for outdoorsy families. Sizing note: The şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Zippy runs large, so consider sizing down for your little one. —Jenny Wiegand, associate gear director

Rux 70L Essentials Set ($393)

For years I’ve been transporting all of my ski gear to and from resorts and backcountry locales in my trusty Dakine DLX 75L Boot Pack. Featuring a convenient backpack carry system, this pack can fit my ski boots, helmet, multiple pairs of goggles, multiple pairs of gloves, and my entire outerwear kit. While I love how organized this bag keeps my gear when I pack it, at the end of the ski day my gear rarely ever makes it back into the bag in an organized fashion. In the end, everything would land in the milk crate we keep in the back of our car for extra gear. So this season, I decided to free up space in the back of our car by replacing the boot bag and milk crate with the Rux 70L Essentials kit. This rugged, completely waterproof gear box fits as much as my Dakine boot bag, with the benefit of easier access to all my gear. The Rux system includes the collapsible 70L cube ($298), 25-liter waterproof tote bag ($80), and 3-liter pocket ($45) that attach to the cube via integrated utility rails in a customizable fashion. I’ve taken to storing our 8-month-old’s adventure essentials in the tote bag for easy access; it also doubles as an on-the-go diaper bag. While the whole system is arguably overbuilt for the average recreationalist, it’s amazingly utilitarian. It would be the perfect gear storage solution for adventurers with pickup trucks and no topper. The price tag is eye-watering when you consider that most of us have been making do with salvaged milk crates; but those milk crates don’t protect your gear the same way the weatherproof Rux system does. Plus this gear box comes with a lifetime warranty. Think of it as the Yeti cooler of gear boxes—it’s a splurge, but well worth it. —JW

Patagonia Men’s R3 Yulex Regulator Front-Zip wetsuit ($579)

Over the years I’ve surfed in a lot of wetsuits: O’neill, Hotline, Xcel, Rip Curl, Billabong, etc. That list includes a handful of the yulex wetsuits developed by Patagonia. The early iterations of those were…not great. Many were uncomfortable to surf in and so stiff that they sometimes required an extra set of hands to peel off. But Patagonia kept developing them and I kept trying them, mainly because I really wanted them to work. Most suits are made out of neoprene, a synthetic rubber derived from petroleum that does all kinds of bad things for the environment, but yulex is a natural rubber created from the hevea tree. Recently Patagonia launched the latest model of their yulex suit—which is made from 85 percent yulex rubber and 15 percent synthetic rubber—and I’ve been surfing in their R3 model (a 4.5mm/3.5mm) in Northern California for the past year, from spring upwelling through the El Niño winter. For one, the rubber feels better, both in your hands but also on your body. The thing is toasty, stretchy, and allows for ample freedom of movement. I’m not a tailor, but Patagonia’s designers credit that to new seam placement. After a year of rigorous use, the suit has also shown very little sign of wear and tear, despite my less than meticulous care of the product (ie: it sits in a wet and sandy ball in the back of my truck between sessions). Helpfully, if and when it does break down, Patagonia also has repair operation. It’s definitely the best Patagonia suit I’ve used so far. —Matt Skenazy, features editor

Flint and Tinder Stretch Ripstop Waxed Field jacket ($198)

First developed nearly 200 years ago, waxed jackets are still around because they’re so damn functional. The wax makes them pretty much waterproof, the cotton canvas is tough as nails, and people love the patina the jackets develop with wear and abuse. Over the past five years there’s also been a strong resurgence. Designers have taken a new look at a very old material and figured out how to make it even better. Flint and Tinder recently launched their version by blending a small percentage of spandex with the cotton. While that doesn’t sound like a big change, it truly is. Just a little extra stretch makes the jacket significantly more comfy and gives it a much larger range of motion. White testing I’ve found this jacket easier to get on and off, easier to wear while driving or riding a bike, and easier to work in when doing chores. I used to reach for a fleece jacket instead of waxed canvas if I was going to move around a lot, but now my fleeces are gathering dust and this jacket is on my back almost any time I leave the house. —Jakob Schiller, contributor

Red Hat Factory Southlander Wool beanie ($102)

Paying over $100 for a beanie is crazy. But I was suckered into this hat by a very clever Instagram ad where the company said all its hats are hand-knit in Norway by a group of women who make them in their living rooms. When I reached out about testing, the owner said that the hat I wanted was out of stock but that he would have his mom knit me one and send it over. If that’s not incredible customer service, I don’t know what is. Made of 80 percent wool and 20 percent nylon, the beanie is thin but warm, easy to wear, and never stinks. To everyone else it looks like a nicely designed hat, but to me it’s even more special because I know I’m wearing a one-off piece that was made with care.—JS

Pressio Ecolite Run jacket ($180)

This winter I’ve taken this jacket on two week-long trips where the weather ranged wildly from fall to deep winter—and it proved an excellent choice on both. The water-resistant jacket blocked 30 mile-per-hour winds and the spray from breaking waves on Chicago’s lakeshore path. It shed thick, wet snow on an evening run around Central Park. And, back home on the high plains, fended off blowing sleet. It kept me warm and dry on runs down into single digit temps (with the right base layers), yet breathed well enough to not get clammy inside when temps rose into the low 40s. The thin, flexible, fabric is soft and quiet, and, while the jacket has a close-fitting, athletic tailoring, the four-way stretch (achieved without spandex) gave me a comfortable, full range of motion. Little details are frosting on the cake, like the gauntlet-like cuffs that extend over the back of the hand, the wind-blocking flap behind the top of the zipper, and the forehead panel that keeps the hood secure. Plus, it is made from 70 percent recycled polyester and 30 percent biodegradable polyester, and is PFC-free. —Jonathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

Fischer Ranger 102 ski ($850)

I never thought I’d cheat on my beloved Blizzard Sheeva 10s (Rustlers for those of you who ride men’s skis), but these Fischers stole my heart from the first turn. They’re damp and stable, even at high speeds on bulletproof snow. They’re stiffer and heavier than my daily drivers, qualities I shied away from after a knee injury a couple of years ago. Instead, I’ve prioritized playfulness and forgiving flex in my skis—the Sheevas ride the perfect line between hard-charging and playful. But getting on the Fischers felt like driving my mom’s BMW after tooling around in my 2002 Tacoma—low, heavy, stable, and secure. A stiffer, flatter tail helps me keep momentum and force all the way through the turn and makes the transition between turns effortless. I ski Taos, which often encourages people to shorten their ski length and favor responsive, agile skis that can make tight turns in techy, steep terrain. But it’s also a place where you want to hold an edge, whether that’s on 42-degree firm chalk or a sweeping groomer. For that kind of skiing, these sticks are right on the money. —Abigail Barronian, senior editor

Free People Movement Smiling Buti Ankle socks ($16)

I’m prone to blisters, especially when I wear socks without a Merino wool base, so I was pretty hesitant to wear the Free People ankle socks. However, this adorable pair blew me away with how comfortable my feet were. They’re the perfect height that pops out the top of my shoe and cover the base of a legging. During long and cold winters I am always looking for little pockets of joy, and as silly as it sounds, these socks make me smile every time I pull them on. They’re made from 80 percent cotton and come in six fun colors. —Jamie Aranoff, Digital Editor, SKI

Howl Campfires R4 ($1299)

I’ve been testing the Howl R4 recently, which is a highly anticipated propane campfire that promises to give off enough heat to actually keep the costumer warm, unlike most propane fire pits on the market. After using it on a hunting trip earlier this month where the nighttime temps dropped into the low teens, I’m a believer. Why bother with a propane fire? Well, a lot of reasons, but if you live or camp West of the Mississippi, chances are you’ve run into a burn ban in the last few years and had to forgo a campfire. The R4 is actually UL Certified and legal to use during stage I and II burn bans in 50 states, and, unlike a wood fire, doesn’t leave any trace of its existence. Despite the safety deployments, it still puts off a lot of heat—it gets up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to a technology called BarCoal, a radiant tube heater of sorts. That means you’re not left shivering around a wimpy flame like a lot of other propane fires. Another bonus: you still get all the benefits of a campfire without waking up smelling like one in the morning. —Bryan Rogala, contributing writer

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio ($110)

As both an outdoors person with a lot of hobbies and a professional videographer, I’ve used a lot of two-way radios over the years. Rocky Talkie sent me a set of their Mountain Radios to try out a few months back, and I can confidently say they’re the best piece of radio gear I’ve used. The small form factor, metal-reinforced backup leash, and included carabiner make them the perfect communication tool for adventuring—I can’t count the number of radios I’ve lost over the years when the clips have failed. Their range (rated at 1-5 miles in the mountains) thus far has seemed more consistent than other brands I’ve tested, but my favorite thing about the Mountain Radio is the battery life. On a recent elk hunting trip in frigid conditions, I left the radios powered on all night in the truck after having used them in the field all day. When I found them the next morning, they still had 80 percent battery left. I only had to charge them once on that five-day trip, which is a lot more than I can say for some of my hunting partners’ radios, which died on us in the field multiple times. Whether I’m hunting, backcountry skiing, or on a video shoot, the Rocky Talkies are my new go-to radios. I’m looking forward to testing out their soon. —BR

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved in January appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Bajio Toads ($209)

These shades were not only the most environmentally friendly pick from our 2024 Winter Gear Guide testing, but also cut the glare best, too. Despite their relatively large size, they fit most testers’ faces and stayed put, which was helpful when bending over to pick up luggage or balancing a passport in one hand and a toddler in the other.

Read the Full Review.

Minus33 °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Long-Sleeve Henley ($90)

Testers wore this 100 percent merino henley for days during the review period thanks to its odor-fighting properties, next-to-skin comfort, and good looks. We especially liked the flat seams for carrying heavy packs without chafing.

Read the Full Review.

Roark Layover Pants °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s ($95)

These are some of the most versatile pants we tested this year. Not only are they durable, fighting off backcountry branches and beer with equal aplomb, but they offer incredible security, thanks to deep, zippered front pockets, and snap ones at the back. Plus, the mid-rise waist and straight leg fit looked good on a variety of body types.

Read the Full Review.

Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Ice Nylon Six Inch ($175)

If you have someone on your list that prizes comfort and warmth above all else, look no further. These might not be the most stylish boots—depending on one’s fashion sense, of course—but they provide superior grip on wet, icy surfaces and will keep your feet warm in frigid temperatures.

Read the Full Review.

Backcountry All Around Duffel ($139)

Duffels are often a haphazard mess of gear with little to no organization. That’s not the case here—not only are there numerous mesh pockets throughout for stashing smaller items, there’s even a dry pocket on the end to keep your sweaty and wet gear away from your dry stuff. Genius.

Read the Full Review.

Rux Waterproof Bag 25L ($150)

Any outdoors-person would be grateful to receive this smart waterproof bag for keeping dry gear dry, or wet gear separated from other items. It has enough structure to pack like a box, according to one of our testers, but carries and looks like a tote.

Read the Full Review.

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My wife and I recently took a four-day trip to Mexico City. To keep things simple and avoid any lost luggage during our transfer in Dallas I wanted to just bring one bag. That, and the last time I was there someone rifled through my checked bag and stole several things. (I still love you, Mexico.)

The easy choice was the Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30-liter bag ()—my go-to for shorter trips. One of the biggest draws is the pack’s size adaptability. The main compartment is big enough to hold everything I need for three to four days, including clothes, toiletries, a laptop, a rain jacket, and an extra pair of shoes. Thanks to the rolltop closure, it can also expand to hold four or five more liters of stuff on the way back, and it can be cinched way down and serve as a small day pack.

This adaptability came in handy several times on our trip. In Mexico City, the bag was great for day excursions when all I wanted to carry was a rain jacket, a long-sleeve shirt, and a bottle of water. Some days we walked up to 15 miles, and the bag carried well, whether it held almost nothing or was weighed down with water and gifts.

When it was time to head home, the ability to increase the volume proved essential. As a parent, of course, I could not return empty-handed. After some careful shopping—the kids didn’t get anything too big—I was able to expand the rolled top just enough to stuff everything in and close the buckle. I looked ridiculous because the bag was now extra tall, but everything stayed put, and the over-filled bag still fit just fine in the overhead compartment on our plane, a newer Boeing 737.

I’m also sold on the Chrome rolltop’s organization. Inside, the bag is refreshingly simple. There’s just one cavernous main pocket, a laptop sleeve (inside the main pocket), and two smaller zippered exterior pockets. I’ve come to hate bags that are “feature-rich” with pockets because I end up spending too much time trying to find whatever I’m looking for. There are very few places where anything can hide in the Chrome bag.

Finally, I love that the Chrome bag is waterproof. The weather was dry in Mexico City, but if we’d been caught in a rainstorm, the fully-welded, 600-denier, polyurethane-coated polyester would have given me complete confidence that not a drop of water would destroy my books, postcards, electronics, or anything else stored in the bag.

I liked the Chrome bag so much that since returning from Mexico I’ve been on a rolltop kick and tracked down two other packs you might also look into:

Osprey Transporter Roll Top ()

The 25-liter Transporter has more features than the Chrome, but doesn’t go overboard. My favorite add-ons are the mesh back that breathes well on sweltering days, two side water bottle mesh pockets that can be accessed while I’m wearing the pack, and a side zipper that makes it easy to stow my laptop without opening the rolltop compartment. The bag is not as waterproof as the Chrome—the Osprey’s seams aren’t sealed—but it still keeps most moisture out.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City 27 Liter ()

Even simpler than the Chrome bag, the Ortlieb Daypack has one huge pocket, a laptop sleeve, and one exterior pocket. Like the Chrome it won’t let a drop of water into the main pocket, even if you spend an hour in the rain. Made from a feathery-but-still-durable nylon, the bag itself weighs a scant 28.2 ounces. (Compared to 32.5 ounces for the Chrome bag and 32 ounces for the Osprey bag.)

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The least fun part of a snow-season getaway is dragging your two sets of skis or snowboards from the frozen tarmac to the resort, dodging black ice and kicking up road salt along the way. These travel tools will take the bite out of the winter schlep, whether it’s across town or across the globe.

Read more: The Best Winter Packs of 2023

How We Test

Number of testers: 65
Number of products tested: 47
Highest Elevation: 11,362 feet, Jungfrau, Switzerland
Lowest Elevation: -30 feet, Pacific Harbour, Fiji
Time Spent in Layover: 25 hours

We invited a small army of our loyal testers and veteran gearheads to help us put these travel essentials through their paces. That meant 65 powderhounds from varying backgrounds and ability levels, ranging in age from 23 to 53, drove hundreds of miles, transited through dozens of airports, summited mountains and skied back down them, hiked glaciers, and descended slot canyons. Then they packed up all their gear and headed back to the airport, train station, or snow-covered road to fill out feedback forms back at home. Only the very best travel gear survived the season of international, ice-crusted abuse and made it into this roundup.

Planning a ski road trip this winter? Here are some tips for camping in ski-area parking lots.Ěý

Reviews: The Best Luggage for Winter şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Travel of 2023

Osprey Women’s Fairview/Farpoint 70L Travel Backpack ($230)

Hauling a week’s worth of gear on your back is no easy feat, but the Fairview (Farpoint is the men’s-specific version) travel pack performed the best of all the packs we tried. As in Osprey’s banner backpacking rucksacks, the Fairview/Farpoint has a frame suspension that transfers weight from the harness to the hip belt. Testers noted that it didn’t feel heavy, even while running through airports or between train platforms loaded up with camera gear and electronics. The pack also makes light work of organizing gear with easy access and thoughtful features: A large main compartment panel zipper was key when trying to access goods without having to unpack the entire bag on a ferry dock, and a zippered rear flap stows the hip belt and shoulder straps for easy bag-checking. When you arrive at your destination, the backmost portion of the main body zips off to use as a day pack (it even has its own lockable laptop sleeve). Engineered with lightweight, recycled, bluesign-approved 210-denier nylon and 600-denier packcloth, the Fairview withstood shoving, slinging, tossing, and thrashing from backpacking and careless baggage handlers.

Bottom Line: A feature-laden pack for every possible outcome while adventure-traveling.

Dakine Fall Line Hardside Roller Bag ($300)

Whether you’re a touring purist or a resort regular, you’ve likely spent a lot of money on your set-up—so protect it. Made with 100 percent recycled ABS and polycarbonate shell material, this hard-sided roller can hold two pairs of skis (up to 190 centimeters), two poles, one pair of boots, and a few pairs of puffies and ski pants. After years of seeing ski bags turn up damaged in baggage claim, we appreciated the extra protection that comes from the laminated foam interior and anchor straps to keep your gear from shifting inside. Testers also lauded the Fall Line’s oversized wheels and grab handles, which made for easy maneuvering. Thanks to a connecting handle, you can pair this bag with non-matching rolling luggage for easier, one-handed shuttling. It has a TSA-approved combo lock for added security, and tie-down passthrough points so you can attach it to your vehicle’s rooftop crossbars.

Bottom Line: Seriously secure armor for your precious ski or snowboard gear, with practical touches that make for easy hauling.

Thule Aion Carry On Spinner ($349)

’s Aion Carry-On Spinner is tailor-made for transitioning from ice-packed gravel parking lots to the airport. We rolled this 36-liter carry-on and its rugged oversized wheels through snow, mud, and sand, pushing the limits of its capacity without broken wheels, soiled fabric, or snagged zippers. The shell, fabric, lining, and mesh are made of water-resistant 100 percent recycled waxed polyester canvas fabric, with a polycarbonate back panel (50 percent recycled) that sheds snow and slush. For hurried exits, a removable compression packing cube with a TPU lining separates dirty gear from the rest of the bag. This came in particularly handy when contending with sweaty clothes after a big day in Idaho’s Sawtooths followed by heading straight to the airport, while others found its transparent material useful for finding toiletries. A large zip down the front offers easy access to a jacket in transitional moments, while a smaller front zip holds keys, phone, and wallet.

Bottom Line: A go-anywhere carry-on that transitions from the backcountry to the frontcountry and beyond.

Thule SnowPack M Ski/Snowboard Rack ($330)

This medium-sized ski and snowboard carrier is the best value for the money lightweight rack we tested thanks to its accessibility and gas-saving design. The SnowPack’s 20-inch clamp securely carries up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards (or two skis and a snowboard). Extra soft rubber arms protect fragile surfaces, and a locking option keeps your high-ticket gear safe while you après. It fits with Thule’s crossbar sets, round bars, and most factory racks so you can attach it to almost any setup and it took two people about an hour to install. Beefy release buttons make it easy to open and close while wearing thick gloves. Thanks to its lightweight aluminum construction and low-profile aerodynamic design, we never felt (or heard) drag while driving up and down canyons or at high speeds on the freeway.

Bottom Line: Intuitive ski and snowboard carrier that won’t slow you down on the road.

Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Tote ($90)

This robust 60-liter tote is ideal for everything from ski and snowboard accessories to a week’s worth of groceries. Thanks to a zippered front pocket, gear loops, and interior organizational pockets, we hauled helmets, goggles, balaclavas, gloves, extra layers, snacks, and water bottles back and forth from the car to the ski lodge countless times. We also used it as a shopping bag around Vancouver, B.C.’s Whistler Village, and even carried bags of ice for our coolers at our end-of-season parking lot party at . The nylon and polyester tote is made from factory remnant scraps and folds down to the size of a Jetboil stove.

Bottom Line: A robust, good-looking replacement for that decaying Ikea tote you’ve had in your trunk for a decade.

Mystery Ranch District 24 Backpack ($165)

The District 24 is a casual, lifestyle-oriented daypack with impressive carrying chops—and without the overengineering characteristic of many other small hiking bags. It has two, padded sleeves large enough to hold a laptop and tablet, a large internal compartment for stashing bulky hard drives and headphone cases, and various smaller internal organizational pockets for dongles, cords, and a mouse. Interior water bottle pockets on either side of the pack and dual stretch woven external pockets that are big enough for a 16-ounce Hydroflask but not a standard Nalgene bottle. Despite this lifestyle focus, the District 24 has load-lifters that allowed our testers to haul heavy spellbooks and magic cloaks in Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Open-cell foam-padded breathable shoulder straps and body panels made the District 24 a comfortable carry while hustling between gates, but we would probably switch to a different pack for working up a sweat while hiking. Extremely durable Cordura Recor—a super yarn that’s made entirely of reclaimed pre-consumer waste—survived tossing, shoving, and dragging without a scratch.

Bottom Line: A heavy hauler with everyday carry features.

Fjällräven Tree-Kånken Pocket ($45)

The Tree-Kånken is perfect for those awkward moments when you don’t have quite enough pocket space but don’t want to strap a fanny to your waist. The five-by-eight-inch pouch has a zippered one-liter main compartment that’s big enough to hold keys, wallet, lip balm, and even an oversized iPhone. The smaller zippered front pocket can fit small, flat, easy-to-lose things like credit cards, room keys, and tickets. It works by itself as a shoulder sling and also pairs with the classic Kånken backpack with a loop and snap button system. It’s made from 100 percent lyocell sourced entirely from pine trees in Sweden.

Bottom Line: A hyper-functional fanny pack replacement with eco-cred.

Pakmule Sway-Back with Porch Package ($1,280)

Deluxe winter tailgating demands a serious front-porch setup. This fully-welded hitch carrier weighs just 42 pounds but adds a whopping 12 feet of storage space and 500 pounds of cargo-carrying capacity to the back of your vehicle. One tester who attached it to his camper and took it to a remote area near Robbers Roost, Utah, was impressed by its handling and durability thanks to a locking, threaded anti-wobble mechanism for rough roads and rustproof, 70 percent-recycled aluminum construction. Bonus: An optional set of “Stirrup” stairs ($125) offers easy access to your backcountry porch.

Bottom Line: Looking to out-tailgate all the other campers and trucks? Slap an off-road-friendly porch on the back of your mobile home.

Back to the Winter Gear Guide

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There are two types of travelers in this world: those who need a specialized compartment for everything, and those who prefer to toss their belongings in a bag, zip it up, and go. Whichever you are, or if you’re somewhere in between, here are three of this year’s best outdoor luggage offerings to fit your travel style.

Norrøna Trolley Bag ($329)

The problem with most giant rolling duffels is that the internal frame takes up almost as much room as the gear you’re packing. But Norrøna’s Trolley duffel offers a cavernous 120 liters of storage space, thanks to a simple yet smart design feature that nixes the telescoping handle—and therefore the internal frame—in favor of flat-lying handles sewn into the top. This keeps the bag’s weight low, making it easier to stay under an airline’s 50-pound limit. Half-inch-thick, cushy trekking-style backpack straps make carrying this thick-skinned, 450-denier recycled nylon duffel over rough terrain more comfortable—even when it’s fully loaded.

STM Goods Dux 30L Backpack ($250)

STM stands for “smarter than most,” which sounds pretentious until you try the Australian brand’s Dux backpack. With 360 degrees of foam padding within the casing, our tester felt comfortable lugging around delicate cameras, lenses, and audio equipment. Flexible and adjustable polyethylene foam shelves form up to three protective compartments in the main body of the bag and are accessible through a zippered, butterfly-wing panel on each side. Plus, the laptop and tablet compartments are suspended above the bottom of the pack with a thick EVA foam cushion adding an extra buffer against dings and drops.

Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase Carry-On ($230)

Many rolling carry-on bags now have a specific storage compartment for laundry or shoes. But Gregory ups the ante with a removable 22-inch sleeve that features an antimicrobial coating to prevent even the gnarliest items from permeating the luggage with their smell—a refinement that came in handy for our tester during a two-week trip without a way to do laundry. We also appreciated the external USB charging port (just zip your power bank into the interior pocket and plug it in) and compression straps with zippered storage for small items. The four wheels are buttery smooth rolling over all sorts of surfaces, from city streets to gravel.

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I like skiing as much as the next guy, but I admit that the logistics involved are ridiculous from start to finish. Jamming your feet into stiff boots and scouring the lot for a parking space at the resort are just the cost of a day on the slopes, and the nightmare only intensifies when dragging your gear across the country on an airplane. Packing everything up and lugging it through airports is a predicament I’m fortunate enough to find myself in often, and this winter, the ($300 for the 192-centimeter length, $280 for the 175-centimeter length) has made traveling to shred powder much less of a pain in the ass.

Before this season, I’d been using a standard ($99), but it only had room for one set of poles and skis, plus a few layers of clothes wrapped around the skis. I liked it fine but needed something large enough for two pairs of planks when my wife decided to join me on a couple excursions. The RoundTrip caught my eye because of the wheels and the promise of more storage. So far it has delivered on spaciousness while still being easier to handle than my smaller bag.

The RoundTrip also satisfies all of my weird organizational needs. It holds two sets of skis and poles, as well as a couple of brilliant stuffsacks that you can pack with clothes before sliding them over the skis to fill up unused volume at either end of the bag. I put my street clothes in one bag and my ski layers in the other. There’s also an interior zipper to keep your gloves, hats, and gaiters in one place. Interior straps wrap around each pair of skis to keep them from shifting inside the bag, and a dedicated sleeve keeps your poles separated.ĚýTwo exterior compression straps buckle down to create a nice, tight package. And, as mentioned, the RoundTrip has wheels, so you can drag it through the airport like a roller bag.

There’s so much room and it packs so well that the RoundTrip has become the only bag I use when I’m flying somewhere to ski. On a recent trip with my wife, I fit our skis, poles, and all of my clothing in this bag. Its padded exterior, with reinforced panels, compression straps, and extra rigidity from the stuffsacks, made me feel supremely confident that my gear would be safe, even as I watched baggage handlers sling it around.

A plastic pad to keep your skis separated is included, but I found it unnecessary; if the bag is packed fully and your skis are strapped down properly, there shouldn’t be any ski-on-ski rubbing.

I was suspicious about the S-curve zipper, which seemed like aĚýdesign quirk at first, but it does help the bag keep its tubelike shape. In my old straight-zippered bag, my stuff always slid to the bottom when I carried it. With the RoundTrip, everything from the zipper to the padding is designed to maintain its structure and keep my gear in place.

The only thing holding back the RoundTrip from being an ideal bag is its lack of a shoulder strap. Yes, it’s designed to be rolled, but occasionally I wanted to sling the thing over my shoulder to navigate crowded airports. The grab handles are useful, but their placement means you have to carry the bag like a suitcase, which can be cumbersome when it’s loaded. However, it’s a minor gripe for a bag that makes traveling with skis less sucky.

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Whether by plane, train, or automobile, we’re all eager to make up for lost travel time in a vaccinated world this winter. This gear will go as far as you do.Ěý

Nixon The Hauler 35L Backpack ($130)

At 35 liters, the Hauler is the ideal size for carrying on a plane as a personal item. It fits under your seat but allows room to squeeze in extra layers, and has a separate shoe compartment so you can reserve precious checked-bag space for your boots. But the highlight is the 270-degree zipper, which lets you get into the very bottom of your pack without digging. The four external carry straps (they’re for a skateboard, but one tester used them for a snowboard and a ski jacket), removable hipbelt, and comfy back panel make this pack functional for hiking or uphilling once you reach your destination.

Bose QuietComfort Earphones ($279)

We’ve raved about Bose’s noise-canceling headphones for travel before, but until now have failed to find a more portable version. These earphones blew us away with their sound quality and intuitive controls for raising and lowering volume, adjusting noise-canceling levels, and skipping through songs. Our favorite features: the automatic pause when you remove one earbud, and the way they stay put during exercise and under a ski helmet.Ěý

Matador Laptop Base Layer Case ($60)

Base layers are a key part of any active winter wardrobe, and they should be a staple in your tech kit, too. Matador’s ripstop-nylon computer case is lightweight and waterproof (thanks to an inner drybag liner), with just enough padding to keep a laptop safe from dings and scratches on a bumpy ride without adding extra bulk. Roll the top down for full protection, or Velcro it shut for quick access in less rugged conditions.

Hitch Water Bottle ($69)

A to-go cup nests in the bottom of this vessel, with its top snugly in place on the water bottle’s lid; ­un-nest, fill, stack, lock them together, and you can carry two drinks in one hand. Both vacuum-insulated containers come with no-spill covers that keep both beverages at ideal temperatures for several hours.

Fjällräven Visby 3 in 1 Jacket ($550)

Technical enough for snow and sleet but stylish enough to wear around town, and ideal for changing winter conditions, theĚýVisby 3 in 1 combines a waterproof, PU- and DWR-coated recycled polyester shell with a removable insulated midlayer jacket. Wear them together when it’s cold, or separate them when you need less protection or less insulation. We also love the deep pockets and the flattering cut that tapers slightly at the waist, more reminiscent of a peacoat than a parka. (women’s XXS–XL / men’s XS-XXL)

Dakine Split Roller 110L Luggage ($240)

Wheeled haulers are great for swallowing gear, but they come with some drawbacks: most lack organization, are difficult to store, and tip over when standing up. Not the Split Roller, which has a clamshell opening with a divided interior that makes partitioning layers easy. We also love the interior neoprene stretch panel, which accommodates bulky gear and even the most egregious of overpackers. AĚýcollapsible bottom brace, which provides stability even when the bag is stuffed to the brim and folds down for easier storage.

Dovetail Workwear Allyson Trucker Jacket ($139)

Combine the style of a jean jacket, the functionality of a chore coat, and the coziness of your favorite flannel, and you get the Allyson. Six deep, secure buttoned and zippered pockets eliminate the need to carry a purse for small items. On a recent trip, one tester was able to fit in a phone, sunglasses, wallet, e-reader, headphones, and boarding documents without looking lumpy. Meanwhile, a super-soft cotton flannel lining makes this jacket far warmer than it appears, almost like wearing two layers in one. A plant-based stain- and water-repellent coating held up to both a drizzly day and spilled airport coffee. (women’s XS–3XL)

Kodiak Kindersley Boots ($170)

The waterproof Kindersley has 200-gram PrimaLoft synthetic insulation to keep toes dry after hours in the snow. But don’t be fooled by the technical elements. Unlike your snow boots, the Kindersleys are easy to dress up, what with their classy dark-brown leather, sharp-looking metal rivets, striped red laces, and pebbled outsoles. A cozy suede tongue and springy footbed constructed from a plant-based foam make for comfortable après beer tours after a day on the slopes.

Duer All Weather Performance Denim Jeans ($199)

To test Duer’s claim of “any time, any place, any weather,” we wore these pants hiking, biking, and sledding in snow, wind, and rain. The soft cotton-polyester-spandex blend was stretchy enough to preserve range of motion in all of those activities. Meanwhile, the wind- and waterproof inner membrane kept us surprisingly warm and dry. And, unlike other technical pants, these can be dressed up for dinner. (women’s 24–34 / men’s 28–38)

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On September 8, VF announced it had sold Eagle Creek to Travis Campbell, a long-time VF executive who was most recently the corporation’s president of emerging brands. Campbell plans to build the brand back from its new headquarters in his hometown of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Read more about the acquisition on our sister site, the .

The travel gear industry lost a heavy hitter yesterday, asĚýEagle Creek that it will shut down operations by the end of this year. Its parent company, VF Corporation, the Colorado-based conglomerate that owns other big outdoor names like the North Face and Altra,Ěýoffered scant details about the factors that led to the brand’s demise, simply saying that keeping the label running “no longer makes strategic or financial sense.” As a frequent traveler and owner of many Eagle Creek-stamped bags, I’m left to mourn the 100-liter-sized gap in high-quality, rugged travel gear.

During its almost 50Ěýyears in business, Eagle Creek,Ěýwhich was started by Steve and Nona Barker in San Jacinto, California, inĚý1975,Ěýbecame renowned in the rough-riding adventure travel community for the durability and innovative design of its luggage, backpacks, and accessories. During my time as a travel editor and gear reviewer, I’ve tested more than half a dozen Eagle Creek offerings, including the bombproof Cargo Hauler duffel, the versatile carry-on, and the smart backpack. I was always impressed by the thoughtful design details: unlike some other travel brands, whose products include bells and whistles that offer little practical value, it’s clear that the minds behind Eagle Creek’s creations are travelers themselves and that they thought hard about what would actually workĚýbest on the road. For example, the Wayfinder’s hidden tech pocket has a cord pass-through between the shoulder strap and laptop compartment for charging your phone on the go from a powerbank. I’ve edited plenty of writers who swear by the brand’s hardiness, including one whose luggage has held up for over a decade. The brand’s Caldera International Carry-On, an update of the Switchback, even nabbed one of şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’sĚýcoveted Gear of the Year awards.

Away from my desk and out on the road, I’d often find myself inventing items in my head that I wished existed (such as a wheeled carry-on with backpack straps and a zip-out personal item), only to find that Eagle Creek . My favorite example of this phenomenon is the packing cube. Long plagued by my two arch nemeses—overpacking and a lack of organization—I dreamt of a cube that didn’t take up precious bag space, could compress items down to half their size, and showed what was inside. Eagle Creek, of course, made thisĚýtoo.

No other product in my years of testing and globetrotting has changed the way I traveled as much as this packing cube. At around two ounces each, the Pack-Its punch well above their weight when it comes to functionality—I wish I had them when I was living out of a backpack in Asia and AustraliaĚýfor more than three years. The compression zippers allowed me to squeeze a week’s worth of clothes into a suitcase normally meant for a few days, saving me more than a few checked bag fees. Their stand-out feature, though, is so obvious I can’t believe it’s not standard everywhere: they’re translucent, so I can know what’s in theĚýcube without opening it. That, combined with the variety of sizes and styles that allows me to organize clothing by day or use, has saved me countless minutes of unpacking and repacking as I move from place to place. Practically speaking, this meant that while my mom rushed to squeeze everything back into her suitcase as we hopped hotels in Italy, I was enjoying my third espresso down in the cafĂ©. Hearing the news about Eagle Creek’s downfall had me wondering how many Pack-Its I could buy in bulk before they disappear forever.

Long before they perfected the packing cube, Eagle Creek started out making custom backpacks. In 2007, the company was acquired by VF Corporation,Ěýwith the goal of turning humble beginnings into a . It’s unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic’s decimation of the global travel industry had a hand in the brand’s sudden disintegration. While some jobs will be eliminated, VF Corporation says many Eagle Creek staffers will be shifted to sister brands like Jansport and Eastpak.

I, for one, will be sad to see Eagle Creek’s logo disappear from shelves; it’s one of the few luggage companies that virtually guaranteed a one-time purchase. The brand’s “No Matter What” warranty—which included replacement or repair of many products, regardless of the cause of failure—was one of the few left in the business after L.L. Bean and REI announced that they were ending similar return programsĚýin recent years. It’s not clear if or how VF Corporation will honor that warranty now (the company did not respond to a request for comment). Regardless, I hope that Eagle Creek’s staff will carry on the spirit of the brand’s simple-yet-significant innovations and buy-it-for-life quality atĚýother labels in the industry.

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