Choosing a travel bag: your ideal bag for every trip
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 5 min read
Whether you are planning a city trip, going backpacking or taking a business trip, the right travel bag makes your journey easier. In this guide, you can quickly choose between a duffel, backpack and trolley, find the right size in litres and check the most important hand luggage requirements. ByMetz helps you choose with 50 years of expertise.
Consider your trip and requirements
Start by thinking about your travel style. For city trips, train journeys and airports with smooth floors, easy rolling is important. For active trips with stairs, cobblestones and unpaved paths, carrying comfort matters most. Are you travelling by car? Then flexible packing is useful, so the bag can adapt to the boot.
Think about what you are taking with you. Do you have a laptop or documents? Choose a bag with a protected laptop compartment and smart organisation. Travelling in wet or rough conditions calls for water-repellent materials, a reinforced base and sturdy zips. For extra protection in the rain, choose our waterproof travel bags. Want flexible capacity? Look for expandable compartments and compression straps. For organised and space-saving packing, use packing cubes. This way, you can match your requirements directly to the right bag type and size.
Bag types compared: duffel, backpack, trolley and hybrid
Duffel
A duffel is a soft travel bag that is quick to pack and offers plenty of space. It is ideal for weekend trips, sports and car holidays where flexible packing is important. For short trips, our weekend bags are a great choice. Choose wide shoulder straps or backpack straps if you sometimes walk longer distances. Water-repellent fabrics help keep your belongings dry in a shower. One example is the Samsonite EcoDiver Duffle M with 60 litres, which is lightweight and made from recycled materials. Look for a sturdy base panel, a separate shoe compartment and a zip that is suitable for use with a lock for extra security on the go. Prefer a durable and stylish look for work and private use? Then choose leather weekend bags.
Backpack
Do you walk a lot or often encounter stairs and unpaved terrain? Then a backpack offers the best carrying comfort. A well-adjustable harness with a hip belt transfers the weight from your shoulders to your hips. Volumes of around 40 to 70 litres are popular for multi-day trips: smaller for minimalist travel and larger for winter clothing. Useful features include a suitcase-style opening for easy access, a rain cover and a ventilated back panel. For city trips, a travel pack with a laptop compartment and internal organisation is a versatile choice that can also serve as hand luggage, depending on its dimensions.
Trolley
If you mainly travel across smooth floors, a trolley or wheeled duffel is the most relaxing option. If you want to roll quickly and comfortably, choose from our wheeled travel bags. Soft models are lighter and more flexible, while hard models offer extra protection. The disadvantage is less comfort on stairs or cobblestones. A spacious option is the Travelite Basics Wheeled Duffle L Expandable, which increases its capacity when needed. It is ideal for longer holidays or when you bring souvenirs home. Look for large wheels for stability and an extendable handle that feels sturdy.
Hybrid
Hybrid travel bags combine the best of both worlds, such as wheels with carrying straps or a suitcase-style opening on a backpack. They are useful when you both roll and carry your bag during one trip. Keep in mind that extra features add weight and complexity. Choose this type if you often switch between different surfaces and means of transport.
Size and dimensions: litres and hand luggage
The right size depends on the length of your trip and your packing style. Hand luggage has strict size limits, often around 55 x 40 x 20 cm for a cabin suitcase and 40 x 30 x 20 cm for a free underseat bag with low-cost airlines. Looking for a compact bag that meets these rules? View our hand luggage travel bags. The ByMetz 40x30x20 Classic Handbagage Tas fits within this small size limit. Always check your airline's rules, as they can differ by ticket and route. Also read our hand luggage dimensions: complete guide.
Personal advice from ByMetz
Are you unsure whether to choose a duffel, backpack or trolley, or do you want to be sure which capacity and dimensions fit your flight? Contact our specialists. Feel free to ask your question via info@bymetz.nl. You can easily order online, with a 30-day cooling-off period and the option to pay afterwards with Klarna. Discover our range from Samsonite, Eastpak, Travelite and the ByMetz collection.
Frequently asked questions
How many litres should a travel bag have for 1 week?
Allow 40 to 50 litres for light and compact travel, or 50 to 70 litres for average comfort. In winter or with outdoor gear, 60 to 80 litres may be more comfortable. Minimalists can manage 1 week with 35 to 40 litres.
Which type of bag is best for travelling?
For smooth floors and hotels, a trolley is ideal. For walking, stairs and unpaved terrain, choose a backpack. For car travel and flexible packing, a duffel is a great option. Not sure? Consider a hybrid.
What is smart to pack in your hand luggage?
Keep your passport, tickets, medicines, valuables, chargers and one change of clothes in your hand luggage. Liquids must be no more than 100 ml per item and packed in a clear bag. Consider bringing earplugs and a power bank. For extra convenience on the go, you will find padlocks, straps and more among our suitcase and travel accessories.
Which bag can you take on the plane for free?
Many low-cost airlines allow one free underseat bag of approximately 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Looking for examples that meet this size? View our hand luggage 40x30x20. Larger cabin luggage may cost extra. The ByMetz 40x30x20 Classic usually qualifies as free hand luggage. Always check the conditions of your ticket.