Toteally Kenya: Lag that Luggage

There is no such thing as '"the bag" especially when it comes to luggage. A back pack may be perfectly suitable for a trip across Europe but may be deemed inappropriate for a conference trip. The market offers a wide selection of all things bag and its all a matter of selecting that which suits your needs.

Your choice of luggage depends on the type of travel you will be undertaking. You must consider:

What type of trip you are under taking (are you staying in a hotel or camping, are you traveling abroad or doing a local trip?)
What kinds of activities will you be participating in (trekking, cycling, safari)
How many items you want to carry (clothes and other personal effects etc. Worthy note that this is determined by the duration of stay, luggage limits etc)

Types of Luggage, Packs and Bags

Wheeled Duffels

Nothing swallows up gear like a duffel bag, and one with wheels can be a dream come true for multisport gear junkies. If your adventures frequently require gear of widely varying sizes and shapes, a rolling duffel is a smart way to corral it all.

Best for: adventure travel requiring bulky or odd-shaped gear; family trips; road trips.

Wheeled Suitcase

Designed for traditional travel (business commuting, family visits, road trips), this category typically features compact sizing and sturdy construction made to handle the rigors of luggage transport systems. If you like to have things organized—medications here, toiletries there—look for bags with lots of pockets or add-in organization accessories.

Best for: business travel; family visits; road trips and travel to urban areas.

Wheeled Backpacks

Popular with adventure travelers, these combine the convenience of wheeled luggage with the mobility of a backpack. You can transport lots of gear with a simple pull of the extendable handle. Facing heavy foot traffic or a long flight of stairs? Strap on the shoulder and waist straps for hands-free carrying convenience.

Best for: adventure travel; road trips.

Travel Packs

These travel-oriented backpacks are for those who don’t mind carrying gear on their backs.

They excel where wheeled luggage cannot: on gravel, cobblestone streets, stairs and other uneven terrain. Travel packs sport internal frames, hideaway shoulder straps and built-in security features. Women’s travel packs have suspension systems designed specifically for a woman’s frame.

Best for: travelers who want to be highly mobile and plan on carrying all their gear.

Duffel Bags

The traditional duffel—minus wheels and pull handle—is lighter than its rolling counterpart, easier to store (no rigid parts, so it folds up smaller) and friendlier to your budget. It also offers huge capacities with several models available in the market. Zip your pack inside one to transport it on an airplane.

Best for: climbers, college students or any traveler on a budget.

Laptop Bags, Sleeves and Day Packs

These urban carry-ons have a padded compartment to protect your 10"–17" laptop, plus a bevy of organizing pockets to hold cables, peripherals and paperwork. Laptop sleeves can also be used with e-readers and tablets.

Best for: Urban travelers and anyone who wants to safely transport a laptop.

Carry-on Luggage

Want to avoid the expense and hassle of checked bags? All of the bags and packs described above—from wheeled backpacks to duffels—come in sizes intended for carry-on use.

Most airlines allow carry-on bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9". Rules can change, so be sure to check with your airline about size limits (or other baggage regulations) before departure.

Best for: travelers who pack light, are highly mobile and want to bypass baggage claim.

Size and Weight Guidelines

Most airlines typically enforce a 30 kg limit per checked item and charge fees for checked baggage.

For carry-ons, allowable sizes (and the number of bags allowed) are not standardized, but most airlines allow carry-on bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9". It’s wise to check with your airline about size limits before departure.

What size bag or pack is best for you? Here are some rough guidelines:

Trip Length	Suggested Bag Type
Weekend trips	Carry-on duffel, pack or bag
1- to 2-week trips	Back pack or wheeled luggage
Expeditions	All types

Tip: Don't worry about leaving extra space in your bag for souvenirs. Pack an empty duffel bag to fill with treasures for the return trip. (Courtesy of Rei.com)