Which travel bag should you choose for your next trip?

Whether it's a spontaneous weekend, a business trip, or a longer stay, a travel bag is often the ideal alternative to a suitcase. Even more flexible, it's lighter and easier to carry, adapts to all types of travel, and offers generous storage capacity. At Lipault, travel bags are designed for the modern traveler: versatile formats, functional organization, signature colors, and often available in both materials, so everyone can find the bag that suits them best.

Why choose a travel bag over a suitcase?

A travel bag offers several key advantages over a suitcase. It compresses when empty or lightly packed, making it easy to stow in a car trunk, train luggage rack, or airplane overhead bin. It also weighs less when empty—for example, the City Plume 24H weighs just over 2 pounds—giving you more flexibility with airline weight restrictions. Plus, you can carry it over your shoulder, by hand, or as a backpack with convertible models—a real advantage for trips with stairs, uneven sidewalks, or tight connections where rolling a suitcase is impractical.

However, travel bags may not be ideal for very long trips or packing heavy items. For extended journeys, a large suitcase or wheeled travel bag is usually easier to manage, especially when fully packed. For example, a compact soft travel bag weighs around 2 lbs. (1 kg), while a large wheeled option weighs about 9 lbs. (4.2 kg) when empty.

A travel bag also makes an excellent companion to your suitcase. For example, you could check a suitcase and carry a travel bag onto the plane. Our practical bags slide onto a suitcase's telescopic handle, so you don't have to carry them separately.

Which travel bag size should you choose based on your trip length?

Choosing the right size travel bag comes down to how long you'll be away and how much you need to pack.

For 1 to 2 days, the City Plume 24H is a perfect fit. With a capacity of 26.5 liters, it weighs just 2.2 lbs (1 kg) and measures 11.4"H x 16.9"L x 9.4"W. This compact bag easily meets even the strictest carry-on requirements.

For a slightly longer weekend, the Lost In Berlin 72H Bag provides ample space with a 62-liter capacity and weighs 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). Its dimensions are 13"H x 21.7"L x 13"W, giving you plenty of room for several days away. This bag also converts into a backpack—perfect for city breaks or trips that involve lots of walking.

For 3 to 5 days, reach for the City Plume 72H Bag. It holds 62 liters, weighs 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg), and measures 9.4"H x 21.6"L x 9.4"W. Its dedicated shoe pocket and convertible backpack straps offer versatility and comfort.

For a week or more, or if you need to pack heavy, the Exile Wheeled Medium Travel Bag is a great option. This bag offers a generous 78-liter capacity, weighs 8 lbs (3.6 kg), and measures 28.3"H x 16.1"L x 12.2"W. With wheels and advanced organization—including compression, dedicated pockets, and a TSA lock—it makes extended travel a breeze, all while being lighter than most large hard-shell suitcases.

If you travel often, a wheeled bag like the Exile helps you move smoothly through airports and stations, giving you the flexibility of a travel bag with the convenience of wheels.

Travel bags and airlines: what to check for US flights

Many Lipault travel bags meet the carry-on size requirements of major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, and United. Certain City Plume models are designed to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, depending on the airline. Since baggage policies can change, always check your airline's current requirements before you fly, and refer to the Lipault Airline Carry-On Guide for detailed information on model compatibility.

How to pack your travel bag efficiently?

A well-designed travel bag reduces the need for extra accessories, but some tools still help optimize space. Packing cubes let you separate clean clothes from worn ones — a function built into the Exile thanks to its removable compression panel. A dedicated toiletry bag prevents liquid products from leaking into the main compartment. For business travel, a garment bag is a useful addition when you combine a travel bag with a change of clothes. For the best results, check out our Packing Tips and Tricks page for expert advice and helpful ideas to make packing your travel bag even easier.

Why choose a Lipault travel bag?

Lipault travel bags are crafted to make every trip easier: lightweight and durable materials—whether water-repellent twill nylon or fully waterproof polyurethane-polyester; sizes for every adventure, from a 26-liter carry-on to a 78-liter wheeled bag; smart interior organization with dedicated spaces for shoes, laptops, and travel documents; convertible backpack options for extra comfort; and a 2-year limited warranty on every bag. Whether you love the signature lightness of City Plume twill nylon or the modern, waterproof Lost In Berlin look, there's a Lipault bag for every American traveler—so the only question left is: where will you go next?