When choosing a travel bag, there are several things to consider. It should offer sufficient storage space while remaining compact – and, of course, comply with airline requirements. Depending on how, where, and for how long you are traveling, different sizes are suitable. As experts in leather bags and luggage, we at Harbour2nd know exactly what size the perfect piece of travel luggage is. We have summarized all the important tips for you here.
These factors play a role in the size of the travel bag
Travel bags are just as individual as your trips. That is why the appropriate size depends on several factors. We have summarized the most important ones here so you can make the best choice for your plans:
The duration of the trip
First and foremost, you should of course consider the duration of your vacation or business trip during your planning. After all, the longer you are on the road, the more you likely want to take with you. You can use these as a rough guide:
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Short trips: If you are planning a weekend getaway or going on a business trip, small bags with a volume of about 20 to 40 liters are usually very suitable. In our product range, we offer great travel bags made of leather and canvas that are suitable for both weekend trips and slightly longer ventures. A high-quality toiletry bag from our collection will also fit here.
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A few days: If you are traveling for several days, you should opt for a bag with a volume of about 40 to 70 liters. This has enough room for everything you need – for example, enough clothing or additional items that wouldn't be worth bringing on a short trip.
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Long trips of one week or more: For longer trips, suitcases or large bags of about 70 to 100 liters are usually suitable. This provides space for plenty of clothing for different weather conditions and allows you to pack some personal items like books or sports equipment.
Important: These figures are only a rough guide. How much storage space you really need is very individual and depends on several other factors. While some people plan short city trips with just a small backpack, others take a large suitcase.
The occasion of the trip
The bag or suitcase size also depends on the occasion. For example, if you are planning a business trip for which you need to bring your laptop, a suit, and important documents (by the way, our business bags are perfect for this!), you may need more space than for a short city trip with as little luggage as possible.
Consider the weather conditions
The weather at your destination also plays a major role. If it is nice and warm at your destination, you generally need much less space for clothing than if you choose a cold travel destination. After all, T-shirts take up less space than cozy sweaters!
Plane, car, or train?
This is often the central question when packing. While you can be more generous with your planning for road trips, things often look different with public transport. On trains, there are usually no restrictions on bag size, but it is a different story on planes and, increasingly, on long-distance buses.
Air travel
For long-haul flights, you usually check in a piece of luggage and take one piece of carry-on luggage with you. Shorter travel plans often work with just carry-on luggage. You can find out more about the requirements for carry-on luggage on planes in our blog post on this topic.
The short version: Both the maximum size and weight of carry-on and checked luggage are precisely specified by the airline and vary depending on the airline. Therefore, you should get precise information beforehand. Incidentally, many of our products are perfect for taking into the cabin. For example, you can take a look at our leather bags or our leather backpacks for this purpose.
Bus travel
Just as with your flight, there can also be precise regulations for bus travel regarding the maximum size and weight of your luggage. Since this can be very individual, you must also check exactly with the respective provider here. Often, for example, bags and suitcases between 15 and 30 kg are allowed, as well as one bag to take onto the bus.
Discover companions in the perfect size for your trips
Whether you have to adhere to specific regulations or can fully utilize the space in your own trunk – a beautiful and practical travel bag is an absolute must for your next trip. We offer you several high-quality options with different capacities and in numerous dimensions. From large bags to small belt bags, we have it all. We rely on the best leather as a durable and stylish material, as well as high comfort, such as through comfortable shoulder straps.
Feel free to take a look at the category that interests you the most! We are always happy to help with any questions and advise you on your selection.
Frequently asked questions about the size of travel bags
We also address some questions on this topic in more detail in our FAQ:
Should I prefer a larger or a smaller bag?
Generally, it is never a bad idea to have a little more space. This makes you more flexible and allows you to pack things you might not necessarily need. On the other hand, many people tend to pack unnecessary items when using large travel bags and end up carrying more than they actually have to. The key is to find a balance between flexibility and efficiency!
What are typical dimensions for travel bags on planes?
Common dimensions for a travel bag as carry-on luggage are, for example, 55 x 40 x 23 cm. However, caution is advised here, as some airlines may prescribe different dimensions! Be sure to check this on a case-by-case basis to avoid additional fees at the airport. For checked luggage, there is often a maximum weight of 23 kg in Economy Class.
Are large travel bags still easy to carry?
Medium-sized travel bags, such as the models from our shop, can still be carried very comfortably over the shoulder (depending on the weight). This allows you to move completely freely on a wide variety of surfaces – this is not always possible with suitcases. In addition to carrying options, larger models often have wheels so you can pull them and save your back.
