Review
Are you an overpacker? Here are the best travel bags and packing tips recommended by experts
I spoke to professional organizers to figure out how to pack less and more efficiently as a maximalist and lifetime overpacker.
By Andriana Kourkoumelis
I am a frequent flyer and a chronic overpacker, so preparing for a trip has always been a stressful experience. Historically, my goal has been to fit as much as possible in a personal item, carry-on, and checked bag which hasn’t been the most efficient. I usually found myself having way too much stuff that never got worn or used, and I dreaded unpacking before my trip even came to an end.
This year, I’ve taken steps to minimize my travel load by challenging myself to not check a bag, instead relying on just a personal item and carry-on to get me by. After some trial and error, packing has become second nature for me thanks to a few crucial adjustments.
Based on recent go-bag releases by Halfday Travel, BEIS, and Away and the “Type B” traveller trend on social media, leaving for vacation without a checked bag is absolutely chic. Tapping into a more minimalist approach to packing isn’t just easier to manage before, during and after your trip, but it helps relax the mind, getting rid of any unnecessary overwhelming feelings.
How can you pack for a week long vacation in a carry-on?
A successful packing attempt begins with your closet and your bag. If those two are difficult to navigate, you won’t have an easy time preparing for your trip. Lili Pettit, professional organizer and founder of Clutter Healing, explains that in order to become an expert packer you must de-clutter unnecessary clothing or items that might be clouding your space, and your mind.
“Planning ahead, trying stuff on, and feeling really good about your selection is really important. Having an organized place to start with so you know where all your stuff is,” Pettit says.
She explains that packing cohesive, rewearable outfits starts with a closet cleanout to prevent overpacking and stress over finding specific items in your wardrobe.
“If you’re trying to pack things from a place of chaos, and you have a bunch of stuff in your closet that you don’t like and don’t wear,” Pettit advises starting with closet organization.
Pettit views cleaning and organization as a ritual for her clients. She works with them to change habits that might be leading to clutter, and these same tips when approaching packing a small bag with a week's worth of clothing.
“Think about how long am I going to be gone? Is it possible to wash things when I’m there? And what activities am I doing?” she says. These three questions can go a long way when creating a game plan for a perfectly arranged travel bag.
When it comes to actually filling your bag with everything you need, Drea Montali, founder of Dream Organization, recommends opting for bags with no pockets.
“I just want a tote bag or a backpack that has no compartments and I just use pouches for everything,” she says.
Montali uses different pouches to organize and separate items based on categories like tech, toiletries and makeup. She also recommends clear pouches, so you can see everything when trying to find something on the go. Montali also strongly advises that you make sure the bag itself is clean and completely empty at the start of the packing process.
Now that you have your empty, open concept tote or backpack, how would you go about folding all your clothes? Montali advises to roll your clothing or file fold to get the most out of the space and minimize wrinkles – and she doesn’t use packing cubes because they make it hard to see what you have at a glance.
“When you file fold just like a drawer at home, you are able to open it and just see everything at once so it just keeps your stuff neater,” she says.
After putting this advice to the test I can confidently conclude that my packing game has improved greatly, and the choice of bag has a lot to do with it. Below, I compiled a list of expert recommended and personal favorite travel bags great for minimal packing.
The best bags for traveling without checking in
Best overall
Bellroy was recommended by Pettit as one of her favorite travel shoulder bags. She kept seeing the brand pop up in various client closets, and figured she would give it a try considering the accessible price point and sleek design.
I tested the Lite Duffel by the brand, and found that I was able to fit five outfits, two pajamas, undergarments, two swimsuits, tech, makeup, toiletries, and a book. Packing in just a carry-on never seemed possible for me until I used this duffel and applied both Montali and Pettit’s packing tips.
A highlight for me was how lightweight the bag was, and after commuting with it all day I didn’t have any shoulder or back pain. The interior compartment is extremely spacious and the bag opens wide enough to see everything and pack compactly and comfortably.
According to the brand, the bag is also made out of primarily recycled nylon, making the bag easy to clean after a long travel day. If you decide to bring a rolling carry-on as well, there is a strap on the duffel to slide on the handle for easy transportation around the airport.
Best tote
The extra large zip-top L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag has been my go-to personal item for as long as I’ve been travelling. This classic, chic bag is simple yet effective with minimal pockets made out of a lightweight canvas. The tote definitely fits more than you think due to the flexible material, combined with Montali’s folding tips you can certainly use this for a week long trip. One of my favorite aspects however is the iconic customization, I personally had my initials embroidered on for a personalized touch.
Best backpack
Pettit actually prefers using a backpack instead of a tote when packing a personal item due to comfortability and packing her tech. With the weight of all your items distributed evenly on your back, a backpack could be a better option for you if you struggle with totes or shoulder bags constantly slipping or weighing you down.
My favorite thing about this option from Patagonia is that it opens just like a traditional luggage making it easy to live out on vacation, plus it can be converted from backpack to duffel easily by removing the shoulder straps. This bag is also very durable and easy to wipe down if it gets dirty due to the weather resistant recycled polyester, according to the brand.
Best for formal wear
This year I will be attending a destination wedding with a black-tie dress code, and I wanted to figure out the best way to transport a floor length gown wrinkle-free.
This garment duffel by Away is the perfect solution for anyone packing formal wear for a work trip, wedding, or special occasion. The bag features a zipper compartment that can fit three floor length garments on hangers. Once zippered, the bag can be rolled up to fit more clothes on top keeping your delicate clothes flat and separated.
Accessible shoe compartments also work great for packing a pair of heels and sneakers without the bottoms touching your clothes. The bag also features a great compression strap to fit all the outfits you need plus toiletries, tech and makeup.
Best packable
As a huge Longchamp fan this bag is a wonderful option for when I need a personal item that I can also unpack and use as a handbag when I’m on vacation.
Recommended by Montali, the XL tote is made from recycled canvas and can also fit a lot including your laptop. My favorite way to use my Longchamp while I travel is to bring another duffel on the way and fold up the Le Pliage as recommended by the brand and use it to bring back extra things I may have bought on my trip without checking in.
The bag itself, while large, is extremely lightweight and easy to clean. As a bag collector who is a sucker for details, you also can’t go wrong with the iconic leather handle and snap closure.
Meet the experts
- Lili Pettit is the founder of Clutter Healing® Inc., a holistic home organizing and space-clearing practice that blends expert organizing systems with intuitive healing work. With 17+ years of experience transforming homes and lives, Lili has become a sought-after guide for individuals seeking clarity, calm and sustainable organization in their physical and emotional worlds.
- Drea Montali has 10+ years in the fashion industry and designing closets for California Closets. She started her own professional organizing company based in her hometown, NYC. As a native New Yorker, she understands the challenges of small spaces and lack of storage.
This article is written and edited by a writer who selects the products and ensures the information provided is accurate. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the publication date. We may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases made through these links.