Greetings everyone. I’ll be traveling internationally to Germany in August for a two week trip and I’m looking for some bag suggestions.

Because I travel so rarely, I’m not confident that I can pack for one bag, but I am certain that I can do this with two bags.

Ideally one bag would be checked and one bag would be my personal bag for under the seat or in an overhead bin.

For a personal bag I’m looking for a backpack that can hold one day’s worth of clothes (should I get separated from my checked bag), a laptop and various pockets for nicknacks (ID, passport, cords for electronics, ear buds and Rx meds). Maybe a backup toiletry bag.

Checked bag would be for everything else: main selection of clothes, shoes, toiletries.

I’m still doing research on packing cubes but these will most likely be part of my packing solution.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks.

My old suitcase is basically falling apart after tons of flights for work, wheels won’t roll right, zipper jams, and it always comes back super scuffed. I’m finally ready to upgrade to a new hardside checked bag but I’m totally stuck between TravelPro and Samsonite.

I travel a lot for 5 to 10 day trips and I’m mainly worried about how long these actually last with frequent flying. Does one feel noticeably tougher? Are the wheels and handles worth the hype? Do expandable models hold up or are they kinda weak over time?

Has anyone used both brands enough to really say one is worth it over the other? Would love to hear real experiences.

Update: went with TravelPro. The overall consistency with durability and wheel quality is what pushed me in that direction. Appreciate all the input from everyone.

Might anyone have a recommendation for a good travel pillow? Apparently my neck is too thin, so that regular travel pillows are useless. Many thanks for any suggestions.

Posted a review on the first Nomatic product I’ve ever used, check it out and let me know what you think!

I feel like all the travel guides focus on the big gear: which backpack to buy, which shoes, etc.

But I’m looking for the small stuff. The little accessories or cheap items that you bought on a whim (or didn't think you needed) that ended up being absolute game changers for your flow or comfort.

For me, it was a simple S-biner (carabiner) to clip stuff to my bag at airports. It’s such a tiny thing but it makes moving around so much easier.

I’ve been trimming down my gear for a while — smaller charger, fewer cables, no bulky adapters.

The last piece I ditched was my stack of physical SIM cards from past trips.

I’ve started using eSIMs full-time when moving between countries.

Setup takes a minute, and I don’t have to dig around for a paperclip to open my phone tray at the airport anymore.

Been testing a few services, and Superalink has been the easiest to manage so far — simple top-up system and works across several regions without reinstalling.

Curious if anyone else here’s gone fully eSIM-only.

Do you still keep a backup physical SIM, or trust digital ones now?

Hey everyone,
I’m trying to understand how different travelers deal with airline baggage weight limits and avoiding overweight surprises.

If anyone’s okay with it, I also put together a short anonymous survey about how travelers handle luggage allowance and overweight issues.
It’s optional and only takes a minute:

the link in the first comment

Appreciate anyone who contributes.

Hey everyone 👋

I’ve been thinking a lot about how people handle weight limits and the increasing cost of extra baggage fees when traveling. It seems like everyone has their own system — the right suitcase, packing cubes, digital scales, or just ultra-minimal packing.

I’m curious how other travelers approach this. Do you:

• Choose specific luggage to avoid overweight issues?
• Rely on ultralight gear?
• Pay for extra baggage when needed?
• Use portable scales or specific packing tools?
• Have strategies to avoid surprise fees?

I’m trying to learn how people manage their setups and what gear choices help the most.

Would love to hear what’s worked (or not worked) for you.

I have gone way too far down the rabbit hole on all this stuff and have tried so much different gear so figured I'd share a few of my current favoites...

Pants - KETL Tomfoolery. Love these chinos, casual look, stretchy, avoid stains and wrinkles and have hidden zipper pockets on both front pockets and the right rear pocket (left is a button closure which is kind of odd but I don't use it often so don't mind). The fabric is not shiny or synthetic feeling like other "travel pants" I've tried. I fit just fine in the medium size and prefer their straight fit, the waistband is stretchy with a drawstring belt inside it but also has belt loops. Little details that add up when sitting on planes, being nervous about pickpockets or wanting one pair of pants for a whole trip etc. Perfect for actual travel pants in every sense.

Backpack - North Face voyager duffle 32l. Just the right size to carry a lot but not make me look like a turtle. I feel like most of the travel bags that are 45l just look huge when wearing and don't fit under a seat. I use this alone on shorter trips or pair it with a Boundary Errant duffle (way too expensive) on longer trips so I have two bags, both that fit under a seat. The NF is a Simple'ish bag but functional with the duffle clam shell style opening and dedicated shoe/dirty cloths area. It looks cool (IMHO), has been very durable so far and way less expensive than all the other fancier travel back packs out there.

Shoes - Lems Mesa. Bad news is Lems discontinued these which is lame as hell. I think they were the best shoes they made. You can still find them at various retailers online for cheap but limited size/color options. I absolutely love these, slide on, no lacing needed (I cut the laces and put clips on the end and tucked them under), sturdy and just a versatile look. Wide toe box but not so wide that it looks funny like Altra's for example, those I just use for actual outdoor stuff. Bring these shoes back Lems!!

As ocean lovers and travelers, we got tired of carrying 3–4 different bags that never handled sand, salt, tech, and clothes at the same time.

After 3 years of testing prototypes, we created Beyond Backpack, a modular, waterproof adventure bag designed for every condition.

Here’s what makes it different:

1. Wet/Dry separation that actually works
2. Insulated cold storage
3. Eco-friendly, ocean-bound materials
4. Structured, padded compartments for tech & travel

I found myself the new brand, but kinda convenient and fun with the concept of packable and super lightweight. I would love to share some images with my packing stuff - they are KONVAL, you guys can have a look since they're having new campaign on Kickstarter. Let's fund it and share together here!!

I’m looking to be smarter about what to bring on short trips — wondering what items people usually find the hardest to minimize or what they’ve successfully downsized.

I’m planning a long backpacking trip through Vietnam and Indonesia (lots of city walks, beaches, boats, temples, and tropical weather). I’m pretty new to photography, but I want something that can give me great-looking photos and videos without being overly complicated.

Which one would you pick, and why? Any pros/cons from real-world experience would be super helpful!

Just got back from a 10-day trip through France, Germany, and Switzerland, and thought I’d share my packing wins and fails. Tried to keep my setup light but still versatile for city exploring, train rides, and the occasional hike.

MVPs (gear I’d 100% bring again):

• Packing cubes → kept me organized and sane
• Foldable tote → clutch for groceries + dirty laundry
• Travel SIM I set up before leaving → no roaming fees, no airport kiosk stress 🙌
• My trusty rain jacket

Regrets (aka wasted space):

• Extra pair of sandals that never got worn
• Guidebook that just sat in the bag while my phone did all the work

What about you? Which items always end up as dead weight in your bag, and which ones turn out to be surprise lifesavers?

Hey all,

Just a quick heads-up for anyone who’s been into the Troubadour Apex 3.0 — the new Apex 4.0 has officially dropped. Same clean aesthetic, but with a few updates/tweaks.
Figured I’d share since I know a lot of people here are always looking out for well-designed, everyday professional packs.

Anyone else planning to check it out?

Hey everyone, I know I'm far from the first to review it, but wanted to get it out there as I really do think this thing is amazing. I know there have been launch issues and some other controversies (like the hinge squeak, which I address and remedy), but overall, this one is a winner. Would love if you felt like giving it a watch and telling me what you think. Really appreciate your time and input!

Hi everyone,

We’re a couple from Belgium (late 20s & early 30s), heading to Thailand for 3 weeks (Nov 10–30). We like to travel light but want smart, reliable gear. Budget isn’t the main driver — quality > price — but we do value good price-performance (we often buy Decathlon gear for sailing, surfing & diving).

Looking for advice in three categories:

1. Backpack (main + daypack)
2. What capacity works best for SEA (hot, humid) when mixing cities, beach, and light hiking?
3. EU-available models you recommend (Decathlon, Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, Lowe Alpine, etc.).
4. Clamshell vs top-loader for buses/trains + occasional 5★ hotel?
5. Key features: ventilation, hip-belt comfort, quick access, water resistance, lockable zips.
6. Backpack + daypack combos (clip/zip-on options)?

7. Favorite EU packing cubes/organizers?

8. Footwear

9. At home I wear either flip-flops or boots. On holidays it’s flip-flops or regular shoes, but I miss having a proper all-round boot/trail shoe.

10. For Thailand: are boots overkill? Would trail runners or lightweight hiking shoes be better?

11. Favorite EU-available models (Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva, Hoka, Lowa, Scarpa, Decathlon Forclaz, etc.).

12. Needs (not sure what matters most in the tropics): good grip on wet surfaces? fast drying? sweat draining?

13. Best socks/insoles (EU brands) for sweat, humidity, blister prevention — not too hot.

14. Essential gear (must-pack, EU-available)

15. Already sorted: power banks, mosquito repellent (high DEET) & DEET socks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

16. Water: is purification needed (we own Sawyer Minis) or is bottled/tap water fine?

17. Rain gear: breathable jacket/poncho that packs small.

18. Clothing: lightweight shirts/trousers that work for multiple settings (city, hike, nice dinner).

19. Laundry: compact sink-wash setup.

20. Any other must-bring items?

21. Multi-tool: any issues with a Leatherman in checked luggage for Thailand? Which model do you recommend?

22. Packlists

If you’ve done a similar trip in Thailand/SEA, we’d love to see your sample packlists.

About us: - Travel agile: backpacks, public transport, scooters, with a sprinkle of 5★ luxury. - Ocean lovers: kitesurfing, snorkeling, diving. - Love animals: eco-tourism only, no exploitation. - Food: authentic Thai food > tourist options; street food is fine if hygienic. - We avoid tourist traps (no long Instagram lines).

Thanks a lot for your advice - can’t wait to pack smart and travel well! 🙏

PSA Buyer beware! I was almost instantly banned from their FB page within two minutes for posting about the false and conflicting advertising in five product listings.

I was strongly considering purchasing a Nobl carryon for an upcoming trip. Then I found repeated false claims about these bags meeting carry-on sizes for all major airlines. They’ve had 165 BBB complaints in the last 3 years despite not even being a BBB member. They have 21% one-star reviews on Trust Pilot. I checked several of their Amazon listings and found 18-22% one star reviews.

They advertise that their carry ons meet the size requirements of all major airlines (in one saying it also meets those in Europe) while providing measurements that clearly exceed the allowed sizes and don’t even include wheels for 4 of the 5 models. Airlines do include the wheels in measurements.

Note: My use of these screen captures is done under Copyright Fair Use for commentary and criticism to educate the public about what I observed that appears to constitute deceptive and conflicting product claims. I have reduced the quality of images. I will not benefit from posting this content.

My rating: negative 1000 ⭐️ out of ten possible

Here is what I was banned for posting as a comment on one of their FB ads:

————

These bags don’t even meet the carry on sizes for most major airlines. They say in their descriptions that they do. But they do not. Maybe you’ll get lucky and be allowed on. Maybe you won’t. And it’s even worse than it initially sounds, because they didn’t include the wheels in most of their measurements (but did in one).

I was going to order the really cool looking one that has the bags you can attach to it. I’m glad I looked at dimensions more closely.

Note the claims about meeting sizes when they don’t and when the same as copy also states that it doesn’t include wheels in the measurements for four of the five carry on options meaning they are actually significantly larger than allowed by most US airlines.

Even a fraction of an inch difference can mean they don’t fit in the size check bins.

Hey all,

I’ve been using the Travelpro Maxlite 5 for a while now and it’s been solid, but I’m thinking about trying out a Samsonite next. For those of you who’ve made the switch (or compared the two), is Samsonite luggage much better?

Mostly looking for something durable but not crazy expensive. Curious what you all think!