Overview
One of the most important pieces of kit for any traveller is your bag. Back in the day everyone just had suitcases but over the past few years a variety of different travelbags and rucksacks have come onto the market suited to certain types of travel.
In this factsheet we go through the four main types and list the advantage and disadvantages and the types of travel they are aimed at. Remember if you need any more advice just get in touch with our team!
Types of Bag
Hybrid Travelbag – a suitcase and rucksack hybrid
Traditional Rucksack – standard rucksack with top entry
Carryall – shoulder carry holdall with accessory pockets
Roller Duffels – carryall with sturdy base and facility to pull along
Hybrid Travelbag
This is the most common style bag amongst travellers these days. They were developed to allow much easier access to your belongings than a top entry rucksack by opening down the side much like a suitcase. However they still keep the advantage of a rucksack by having sturdy straps to allow you to carry your bag over long distances. Usually have internal storage pockets.
Advantages
• Easy access to clothes etc
• Still carry over long distances and hike using shoulder straps
• Zip away straps to protect during flights
• Removable daysack provided for daytrips etc
Disadvantages
• Easier access for thieves to main compartment
• Usually most expensive bags
Recommended for: Travellers who will be mainly flying and bussing around. Ok for the occasional walk or hike. A good versatile pack.
Traditional Rucksack
These standard hiking rucksacks are usually cheaper than their hybrid counterparts and have better back systems for professional hiking or walking. They are usually top entry which makes it difficult to get at luggage lower down your pack and usually have external accessory pockets.
Advantages
• Usually cheaper than hybrid rucksacks
• Large range to choose from
• Good for extensive hiking
Disadvantages
• Difficult access to belongings
• Straps can get damaged on flights
Recommended for: travellers who intend to do a lot of hiking and walking during their trip. However we recommend a rucksack protector during flights.
Carryall
The most basic and cheapest type of bag, carryalls can ease the budget! These bags usually have one main compartment and then a couple of internal/external compartments for smaller accessories. They can be carried by hand or over your shoulder.
Advantages
• Cheap and readily available
• Lots of storage space
Disadvantages
• Only carry short distances
Recommended for: those travellers who have a tight budget and who do not expect to carry their luggage large distances.
Roller Duffels
Roller duffels are an advancement on carryalls giving the facility to pull your bag along like a suitcase. Usually one main compartment and a couple of smaller accessory compartments.
Advantages
• Carry longer distances than carryall by pulling
Disadvantages
• Not good over rough ground!
• No facility for hiking/walking on trip
Recommend for: travellers who do not expect to be hiking or doing much moving around their main destination.
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