The Best Men's Travel Bags 2025
My travel hack for avoiding checking a bag, carrying all my personal items, and staying organized on the go!Â
Updated December 2024
Why I Did This Research
The quick scoop: As someone who travels weekly for work, I was tired of losing things and digging through multiple bags to find what I needed. After one too many mornings spent searching for my headphones or laptop charger, I decided to test out bags that could help me stay organized on the road. I tried 9 different bags during my travels, with the FTL Original and Regimen bag proving best for keeping everything in one place.
My testing line up
Gym gear, daily essentials, and 3 days of business travel clothes.
My testing lineup
Gym gear, daily essentials, and 3 days of business travel clothes.
The Key Factors I Tested in Each Bag
After reading tons of user reviews, and thinking through what functionality I needed, I developed the following list of factors that mattered to me:
‍
âś… Organization - I wanted a bag that helped keep me organized and my things protected.
‍
âś… Storage Space - It had to have enough storage for at least 2 travel days and, ideally, a shoe compartment that could fit a size 13 shoe.
‍
âś…Â Travel Functionality - I wanted something personal item-sized that I could take on the plane with me.
‍
✅ Professional Appearance - I needed something that looked professional for work—no nylon gym duffles.
‍
âś…Â Price & Quality - I wanted a bag that was high quality, durable, and would not break the bank.Â
My testing process
‍1. Travel Test: I used each bag as my travel bag for a work trip lasting 2-3 days. I travel frequently, so this was pretty easy. I also used each bag as my regular commuting bag for a few days each.
‍2. Packing Test: I tested bags for three key scenarios:
- A 2-day business trip, with a full suit.
- Workday essentials, with my laptop
- Workday essentials + Full gym gear
‍3. Feature Tests (some brands lacked key features):
‍- Protective Laptop storage
- Size of shoe compartment
- Garment bag functionality
- Packing/organizational features
‍4. Quality & Value Assessment:
- Inspected materials and construction
- Tested all zippers and hardware
- Checked stitching and stress points
- Evaluated water resistance
- Assessed cleaning and maintenance
My pick for the best men's travel bag
winner #1 out of 9
Best Overall
Capacity: 2-3 days of travel
Key Features:
1. Â Garment Bag
2. Â Shoe Compartment
‍3.  Laptop Sleeve & Packing Cubes
4. Easy access pockets
5. Water resistant
Visit www.ftLbags.com
🔥 Holiday Sale: $40 Off
Pros
The perfect work, gym, and travel bag
Best organization of any bag tested
Perfect size for travel carry-on bag
Premium materials and constructionÂ
Built-in 40LÂ garment bag for suits
Sleek professional look for work
Ventilated shoe compartment (fit size 13 shoes)
Padded laptop sleeve (fits 24" laptops)
Transitions easily from office to gym
Built-in packing cubes maximize space
High-quality YKK zippers and hardware
Excellent protection for formal wear
Fits 2-3 days of clothes efficiently
Water-resistant exterior
Easy thoughtful quick-access pockets
Cons
Not available on Amazon
Too many marketing emails
Overall
The FTL Original is the best bag I tested for people who travel a lot. I use it for everything - going to the gym, heading to work, and traveling for business. While it costs more than other bags, it's worth every penny because it helps me stay so organized. The pockets are smartly designed, it looks professional, and it works great whether I'm going through airport security or heading to meetings.
The FTL travel bag's dedicated shoe compartment keeps your footwear separate and
organized during trips. These are size 13 shoes!
Garment bag fits a full suit
Easy access pocket fits headphones, wallet, my charger, and had room to spare.
Laptop sleeve was spacious and felt confident storing it with the padding.
👍 What I love ️
Perfect for Business or Weekend Trip: This bag is designed to fit perfectly under airplane seats, which makes it a great carry-on bag. You can easily pack enough clothes for 2-3 nights of business travel, plus your gym clothes and shoes, and the built-in garment bag keeps everything in its place. The bag's design spreads the weight evenly and has a firm structure, so you won't feel things poking into your back when you carry it. What I really like is how comfortable it is to carry - the shoulder strap has thick padding, and the handle is shaped to fit your hand nicely, even when you're carrying it for a long time.
Superior Organization System: The FTL Original bag has the best organization system I've seen in any travel bag. It has specific spots for everything - from your laptop to your work clothes - which makes packing much easier and less messy. The bag has easy-to-reach pockets and a built-in packing system that makes good use of all the space in its 30-liter capacity. You can tell it's well-made by looking at all the details, like the soft laptop pocket that won't scratch your computer and the carefully padded sections that protect your clothes.
Thoughtful Features: I feel like the designers of this bag thought of everything. The shoe pocket has air holes to ensure breathability for sweaty items, and the hardware is high quality and sturdy. There are two easy-to-reach pockets for items like keys, passports, or headphones, and a water bottle holder that makes accessing important items quick and easy. It also has a strap that slides over your rolling suitcase handle, making it easy to move through airports, and special protection to keep your work clothes looking neat
Sleek and Professional Designs:Â I was a big fan of the minimal branding on the FTL. It doesn't look out of place at work or client meetings. The bag keeps its shape and looks neat even when it's full. I found the materials to be very high quality and liked the structured design.
đź‘Ž What could be better
Organization Learning Curve: The bag has a really well-thought-out organization system, but it took me a couple of trips to figure out the best way to use all the pockets and sections. Once you do though, it's definitely worth it.
Trip Length Limitations:Â While this bag is perfect for short trips and can easily fit everything I need for 2-3 days away, it's probably too small if you're traveling for longer. But that's actually what I like about it - it's sized perfectly to fit under airplane seats and isn't a pain to carry around the airport.
Really love the design and style of the FTL. IÂ had no issues fitting everything IÂ needed for my business trip and didn't have to check a bag.
Capacity: 2 days of travel
Key Features:
1. DuraLite™ waterproof fabric
2. Anti-microbial lining
3. Swiveling locker hook
Check Price
visit www.stuartandlau.com
Pros
Highest quality materials of any bag tested
Best-in-class waterproof material (DuraLite™)
Anti-microbial lining for gym gear
Premium Italian leather accents
Exceptional build quality
Clever magnetic key holder system
Well-designed laptop protection
Thoughtful organization layout
Luxurious look and feel
Cons
Most expensive option tested
Not suitable for trips longer than 2 days
Shoulder strap is difficult to adjust
Missing a garment bag section
Overall
The Regimen bag is really well-made and carefully designed, but it's also the priciest one I tested. If you're willing to spend more, you get what you pay for - it's built to last and looks great. The quality materials and solid construction make it worth the extra cost if you want something that's going to hold up and look professional for a long time.
The Regimen bag had solid organization, including a padded laptop sleeve.
👍 What I love ️
Professional Look: The Regimen Gym Bag looks really professional - it's more like a nice work bag than a typical gym bag. The stitching is neat and clean, and the materials look high-end. I like how the buckles add some style without making it too flashy for the office.Built to Last: What really stands out is how well this bag is made. The materials feel solid, the stitching is done right, and the inside is lined with a soft material that won't scratch your stuff. The shoulder strap has good padding, so it stays comfortable even when you're carrying it for a while
‍
Smart Storage: The bag is thoughtfully organized with some nice features. I especially like the shoe compartment - it keeps your gym shoes separate from everything else. While the bag looks slim, it can hold quite a bit without getting too bulky.
Everyday Use: This bag works great for daily use. It's perfect for going from the office to the gym, with enough room for what you need without being too big. The size is just right for moving around busy places while still looking professional.
đź‘Ž What could be better
Not ideal for electronics:The bag could be better at protecting your stuff. The laptop section isn't as padded as I'd like. If you travel a lot, I noticed it doesn't protect your electronics as well as other bags I've tried. I noticed a few scratched on my laptop post-travel with the Regimen.
‍
Could Be More User-Friendly: There are some annoying little things about this bag. The shoulder strap is tricky to adjust, the side pocket isn't very useful, and the laptop section doesn't fully cover your computer. There's no strap to slide it onto your rolling suitcase, which is frustrating at the airport. Plus, the easy-access pocket is too small to be really useful.
‍
Size Issues: While it's fine for daily use, this bag isn't great for longer trips. Since it doesn't have a garment bag section, it's hard to pack enough clothes for 2-3 days away.
About the Price: This is one of the most expensive bags in its category, and honestly, I'm not sure it's worth the high price. While the materials and build quality are good, you might expect more features and better functionality for what you're paying.
I was a fan of the leather details on the Regimen bag.
Capacity: 1-2 days of travel
Key Features:
1. Solid organization system
2. High-end leather accents
3. Magnetic locking zipper
Check Price
visit www.awaytravel.com
Pros
Matches away luggage collections
Excellent laptop protection
High-end leather accents
Good variety of professional colors
Magnetic locking systems
Clean, modern aesthetic
Solid organization system
Great brand reputation
Cons
Limited organization
It's not the best for suits
Small water bottle pocket
Poor laptop protection
Smaller bag, lack of structure
Overall
The Away bag is pretty good, especially if you already have other Away luggage. While it doesn't have all the smart organization features of some other bags I tested, it's well-made and looks professional enough for work. It's a safe choice that gets the job done.
The signature mesh panel and zippered compartments provide effortless access to all your travel essentials.
👍 What I love ️
The Look: The Away bag has a clean, modern style that stands out. The outer material is the same high-quality stuff that the FTL uses, so it won't scratch easily and keeps looking nice. The stitching and metal parts are well-made, and the bag looks good whether you're headed to the gym or the office.
Style That Works: What I like is how this bag manages to look both casual and professional. The sleek design and nice leather details make it look more expensive, while the mesh inside keeps things organized. It's built strong enough for everyday use but still looks good enough for any situation.
Travel Features: The bag has some handy features for daily use. There's a strap to slide it onto your rolling suitcase, and the mesh inside helps keep your stuff separated. Since the outside is scratch-resistant, it keeps looking nice even with regular use - especially good if you're using it for daily gym trips.
đź‘Ž What could be better
Limited Organization: The organization system in the Away bag is pretty basic - there's just one main compartment and a few pockets, which makes it harder to keep things separate and organized. I find myself digging around to find stuff. This is especially tough when I'm packing both work and gym gear and want to keep clean and dirty items separate.
‍
Storage Limits: While this bag works for overnight trips, it's a bit cramped if you're trying to pack for 2-3 days. The shoe compartment takes up quite a bit of space in the main section, and there's no special spot for keeping dress clothes wrinkle-free. This makes it tricky if you're packing a suit or nice clothes for work.
‍Comfort, Flimsy Laptop Sleeve, Small Pockets: The shoulder strap padding isn't very comfortable on longer carries, and the water bottle pocket is too small for larger bottles. The laptop sleeve feels a bit flimsy, and I wish it had more padding for better protection.
I fly to Miami often for work. Headed to my hotel with my Away bag.
Capacity:Â 1-2 days of travel
Key Features:
1. QuickPass™ magnetic pocket
2. Water-resistant
3. Leather carry handles
Check Price
visit www.july.com
Pros
High quality materials
Durable design and structure
Lightweight and easy to carry
Gunmetal hardware
Modern sleek design
Water-resistant
Cons
A bit feminine for my taste
Basic shoe compartment
Limited color options
Minimal internal organization
Just enough space for daily use.
Overall
The July bag is a good choice if you want something in the middle - it's not too expensive but still has nice features. It's especially great if you prefer a bag that's light and simple to use.
👍 What I love ️
Build Quality: The July bag is really well-made, with better materials than you'd find in bags like Herschel. The leather handles and straps make it look more expensive, and the outer material feels sturdy and built to last. Some of the zippers have nice protective covers, too.
‍Daily Use: This bag works well for everyday commuting, with enough room for your usual stuff. The materials feel solid, and the covered zippers make it easy to get in and out of the main sections.
The Look: The bag has a modern, clean style that looks nice. It's sleek and styish, but does look a bit more feminine than other bags. The quality materials and leather details definitely make it look like a more premium bag.
đź‘Ž What could be better
A Bit Tight for a 2 Day Trip: The July bag has a few limitations you should know about. While it's well-made, the organization is pretty basic compared to other bags in this price range, and you might find yourself wishing for more pockets and sections. The bag is fine for daily use, but it's a bit small for anything longer than a 2 day trip (although this was a stretch).
‍A Bit Feminine: Some might find the design a bit too feminine - it's definitely going for a sleeker, more delicate look compared to other bags. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's something to keep in mind if you're looking for a more gender-neutral style.
‍Lack of Organization: If you're someone who likes to have a specific place for everything, this bag might feel too simple. There aren't many specialized compartments, so you'll need to be creative with how you organize your stuff. At this price point, you might expect more thoughtful organization features.
Key Features:
1. Clamshell opening design
2. Fleece-lined laptop sleeve
3. Internal mesh storage
Check Price
visit www.herschel.com
Pros
Best value price point
Eco-friendly materials
Clean tech-focused design
Good laptop protection
Lightweight construction
Professional appearance
Smart internal organization
Cons
Less premium feel than top picks
Basic strap system
Limited external pockets
Simpler organization system
Overall
The Bowen bag gives you good bang for your buck, especially if you care about eco-friendly products. While you won't get all the fancy features of more expensive bags, it's a solid choice made with sustainable materials. Think of it as a basic but well-made bag that's also good for the environment.
👍 What I love ️
Value-Conscious Design: The Herschel bag strikes an impressive balance between functionality and affordability. At $110, it provides solid construction and practical features while maintaining an accessible price point. The thoughtful laptop protection and sealed zippers demonstrate attention to essential details without inflating the cost.
‍
Comfort-Focused Features: What really stands out is the well-executed comfort elements. The padded shoulder strap effectively relieves pressure during carrying, and the easy adjustment mechanism makes it simple to customize the fit. These comfort features show consideration for daily usability.‍
đź‘Ž What could be better
Material Quality: While construction is solid, the materials reflect the budget-conscious price point. The preference for plastic over metal hardware and polyester stitching creates a notably less premium feel compared to higher-end competitors. The overall build quality, while adequate, clearly indicates its more casual positioning.
‍
Limited Specialized Storage: The bag lacks certain premium features like a dedicated shoe compartment or garment bag. While it offers basic organization and quick access pockets, the storage options are more simplified compared to premium competitors.
Capacity:Â 2- 3 days
Key Features:
1. Innovative Design
2. Well-made zipper
3. Shoe compartment storage
Check Price
Pros
Cool garment-to-duffel conversion feature
Good value for the price
Solid metal zippers
Useful shoe storage
Decent capacity
Cons
Garment bag does not fold on itself
No laptop storage
Materials feel cheaper than competitors
Looks too casual for business settings
Side pockets are too tight to be useful
Bulky and not personal item sized.
Overall
The Halfday bag has a neat trick - it converts from a garment bag to a duffel, and comes at a good price point. But there are some compromises: the materials feel cheaper than similar bags, the pockets are too tight, and there's no laptop storage. It's a decent choice if you want the conversion feature and don't mind a more casual look, but don't expect premium quality.
Main compartment was a bit hard to keep organized.
👍 What I love ️
Innovative Design: The unique ability to transform from a garment bag into a duffel bag showcases clever engineering and versatility for travelers who need adaptive luggage solutions.
‍
Value Proposition: The product offers a reasonable price point for its transformative capabilities, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers.
đź‘Ž What could be better
No Laptop Storage: The conversion from garment bag to duffel is really clever and works well. There's a good spot for shoes and enough room for most trips. But the side pockets are so tight they're almost useless, and there's no dedicated laptop space, which is frustrating.
Bulky: I found the Half Day to be much larger than other bags I tried, but it didn't make up for this, with more room in the bag. I had trouble fitting it under the seat and was asked to check it due to lack of room in the overhead bins.
Poor Organization: While the garment duffle idea is cool, the middle compartment lacks organization, and I felt was hard to pack and close.
‍
Quality: While this bag works great for casual travel, it definitely looks more like a gym bag than something you'd bring to a business meeting. It gets the job done, but if you need something that looks professional or want premium materials, you might want to look at other options
Key Features:
1. Air mesh pouch
2. Side unsnap expansion
3.Neoprene luggage sleeve
Check Price
visit www.dagnedover.com
Pros
Unique neoprene material
Machine washable
Great color selection
Good internal organization
Stylish casual design
Excellent shoe storage
Water-resistant
Good size options
Cons
Less professional looking
Neoprene shows wear
Limited wear
Not ideal for business travel
Overall
The Dagne Dover excels as a casual or gym bag, with its washable design being a standout feature. However, it's less suited for formal business settings compared to our top picks.
👍 What I love ️
Unique Material Innovation: The bag's neoprene construction creates a distinctly aquatic-inspired design. Similar to a life jacket, this unique material choice likely offers excellent water resistance, making it particularly suitable for outdoor and leisure activities. The material's durability and weather protection show thoughtful consideration for real-world use.
Versatile Casual Design: What really stands out is how the bag embraces its casual, outdoorsy identity. The design works particularly well for weekend trips, boat outings, and leisure activities. The included accessories like a shoe bag, laundry bag, and attachable pencil case demonstrate attention to casual travelers' needs.
‍
Travel-Friendly Features: The bag functions well as a personal item for travel, with enough space for a weekend trip. The inclusion of specialized bags for shoes and dirty clothes shows consideration for practical travel organization. The comfortable wearing experience makes it suitable for casual journeys.
đź‘Ž What could be better
Professional Limitations: The casual, outdoorsy aesthetic significantly limits its versatility in professional settings. The design clearly prioritizes leisure use, making it less suitable for office environments or business travel. The slightly feminine styling may also narrow its target audience.
Organization Constraints: While the bag includes various accessory pouches, the main compartment lacks strong organizational features. The laptop compartment is notably small, and the single main compartment design limits efficient organization. The absence of a dedicated shoe compartment or garment bag restricts its functionality for more structured packing needs.
Key Features:
‍1. Air mesh pouch
2. Side unsnap expansion
3.Neoprene luggage sleeve
Check Price
visit www.aersf.com
Pros
Clean, minimalist aesthetic
Excellent value for quality
Durable ballistic nylon exterior
Smart organization system
Comfortable carry options
Great laptop protection
Water-resistant build
Professional appearance
Cons
Limited interior organization
Basic shoe storage solution
Could use more quick-access pockets
Conservative color options
Overall
The Aer Weekender offers exceptional value, combining durability with clean design. It's perfect for minimalists who want quality without complicated organizational features.
👍 What I love ️
Practical Capacity: The Aer Travel Weekender offers generous space for its category. The spacious side pockets provide useful storage for water bottles and other items, while the main compartment can accommodate enough for two nights of travel. The overall volume makes it versatile enough for gym and daily use.
Protective Design Elements: What stands out is the zipper integration with the cover material, representing a thoughtful approach to weather protection. The bulky zippers, while not aesthetically pleasing, offer easy grabbing and manipulation for quick access to contents.
Basic Functionality: The bag provides adequate space distribution for basic needs, with particular attention to side storage options. Its capacity strikes a reasonable balance for those needing a bag that can handle both daily commuting and occasional overnight trips.
đź‘Ž What could be better
Material Quality: The construction quality raises significant concerns. The outer material feels noticeably cheap, reminiscent of budget laptop bags. The interior materials also feel lower quality, potentially compromising protection for sensitive items like laptops. The zipper quality is particularly concerning, showing snagging issues straight out of the box.
‍
Design Execution: Several design choices impact usability and aesthetics. The handle design feels awkward, with straps that interfere with comfortable handling. The quick access pocket's interior placement reduces its utility, and the overall aesthetic leans toward a basic backpack look that many might find unappealing in professional settings.
‍
Value Proposition:Â Given the material quality and construction issues, the price point feels difficult to justify. The combination of cheaper-feeling materials and functional limitations makes it hard to recommend at its current price point, especially when compared to competitors in the same range.
Capacity:Â 40L (Small)
Key Features:
1. Additional storage pockets
2. Large capacity
3. Rollable/foldable design
Check Price
visit www.loandsons.com
Pros
Largest capacity tested
Great bottom compartment design
Multiple material options
Wide range of colors
Good for extended trips
Excellent weekend bag
Easy to maintain
Good value
Cons
May be too large for some airlines
Less professional appearance
Softer structure
Can get bulky when full
Overall
The Catalina Deluxe is perfect for those needing maximum capacity, though it may be too large for strict airline personal item requirements. Better suited for road trips or checked baggage.
👍 What I love ️
Generous Capacity: The bag excels in pure storage volume, offering ample space for shoes and general items. The separate compartment design provides basic organization within its spacious interior. For those prioritizing maximum carrying capacity, this bag delivers substantial room for belongings.
‍
Travel Integration: What stands out is the inclusion of a carry-on sleeve, showing consideration for travelers' needs. The bag's ability to hold a large volume of items makes it potentially useful for longer trips where maximizing packing space is the priority.
Simple Design: The bag takes a straightforward approach to storage, offering a large main compartment that can accommodate various item sizes. This simplicity could appeal to users who prefer to organize their belongings with their own system.
đź‘Ž What could be better
Construction Quality: The build quality raises significant concerns. The materials feel noticeably cheap, and the zippers are difficult to operate smoothly. This combination of poor material choice and mechanical issues suggests potential durability problems over time.
Structural Issues: The bag's lack of internal structure creates several practical problems. It tends to droop and sag when using the carry-on strap, and the absence of reinforcement makes it challenging to manipulate or access contents efficiently. The bag struggles to maintain its shape, particularly when not fully packed.
‍
Limited Organization: The organizational features are notably sparse. The absence of a laptop sleeve, garment bag, and easy-access pockets significantly limits functionality. The "big hole" design of the main compartment, while spacious, makes it difficult to keep items organized and easily accessible.
Why I chose FTL as my go to travel bag
I've been using the FTL Original bag for about six months now, and it's really changed how I organize my day. The bag keeps everything in its place - my laptop, work stuff, and gym gear all have their own spots, so I'm not constantly digging around to find things. I can take it from work to the gym without it looking out of place at either one, which has made my daily routine much easier. The bag is built solid with water-resistant materials and good quality zippers, so I'm not worried about it falling apart. One of my favorite things is how the shoe compartment has air vents - no more gym clothes making my work stuff smell!