The Best Luggage Brands to Buy in 2024
Autumn signals a shift in mindset regarding both international & national travel. Whether heading South to the ski fields or jumping on a flight to your favourite overseas holiday destination; Kiwis are adventurers at heart. If you find yourself in the market for a new travel bag, it can be quite confusing in a world of knock-off brands replicating those more trustworthy. After all, when you’re next standing at the luggage carousel you want to avoid any catastrophes. We don’t need any split seems held together with duct tape.
In an attempt to ease the burden of finding the perfect travel bag for your next adventure, we thought we would pull together an A-Z Guide on the best luggage brands of 2024. Our world-class range of backpacks, duffle bags & wheeled bags provides you with everything you need for whatever your needs are.
Throughout this article we will run through:
What do I need to look for in a travel bag?
When it comes to picking the right bag for your next adventure there are many things to consider. Are you travelling internationally? How long are you away for? Are you walking across a river and require something fully waterproof? Hey, sometimes you never know.
Let’s start with where you are travelling & for how long. Ever since we have been starved of International travel we have all been mad keen on jumping back in the big bird and heading as far away from NZ as possible. It’s understandable & something that as adventures we have embraced with open arms.
Now to make this incredibly simple, here are our suggested capacities which we have conveniently matched with the duration of your trip.
- Overnight = 28 – 35L
- Two to Three Nights = 40 – 55L
- One Week to Three Weeks = 80 – 110L
Naturally, your required capacity is going to somewhat dictate whether we are considering backpacks, hybrid packs, duffle bags or fully roller travel bags. Once we have this established we need to determine its primary use. Are we throwing your new bag in the cabin of a boat or is this bag heading for the Koru lounge at Auckland International Airport? From this, we can determine if you need a fully waterproof duffle or a Nylon Tuff Skin backpack ready to take on a pack of rampaging bulls.
In a nutshell, capacity determines your options & thereafter a personal preference for features becomes the primary decision factor. To make the process as easy as possible we have taken the winners of each capacity & activity & laid it all out below for you. Without wasting any more time, let’s get into it.
The Best Luggage Brands of 2024
When it comes to the biggest brands in luggage there are a few to consider. Our buying team only purchase the best the market has to offer & here is a list of the best brands within the luggage space this year.
Big brand, big trust. It’s a primary ingredient in the curation of our luggage range offering here at Land & Sea. When choosing an item that must be trusted out of sight we put our faith in the world’s biggest brands.
The Best Backpacks of 2024
The Best Backpack for daily use
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L : The everyday carry
The Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L is the midsized 32-litre workhorse in the Black Hole collection from Patagonia. Perfect for organizing your daily commute and rugged enough to haul around the globe. This backpack has carved out its own space within the very popular Black Hole range. Made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L Specifications:
- Body: 8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate
- Lining: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
- Body fabric is certified as bluesign® approved
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
This product is best for:
- The city commuters’ best friend
- Great compartments for laptop & separating your valuables
- Can overnight if required
Let’s look at another option if:
- Trips over 2 nights
- If you need a fully waterproof backpack
The Best Backpack for Overnight Travel
Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L: The versatile & smart overnighter
Presenting a compact rendition of the renowned 45-litre Black Hole® MLC®, the 30-litre Mini MLC stands as a testament to sustainability, crafted with recycled materials and a recycled TPU laminate. This versatile soft-sided backpack is tailored for modern travellers, boasting cleverly concealed shoulder straps that can be tucked away, alongside a padded hip belt that transforms into an additional shoulder strap for convenience.
Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L - Black Specifications:
- Body - 8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate
- Shoulder straps - 6.8-oz 600-denier 100% recycled polyester and 8.3-oz 100% recycled polyester spacer mesh
- Lining - 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
- Webbing - 100% recycled nylon
- Body fabric is certified as bluesign® approved
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
- Care Instructions - Hand Wash, Do Not Bleach, Drip Dry, Do Not Iron
This product is best for:
- The incredibly efficient sales representative
- Somebody who has OCD & requires perfect organisation
- International travel is the perfect carry-on option
Let’s look at another option if:
- You hate packing light
The Best Backpack for Adventure
Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack: The waterproof number
The YETI Panga 28L Backpack is an airtight citadel merging the durability of the YETI Panga Duffel with a tried-and-true backpack design. Its ergonomic DryHaul Shoulder Straps offer extra carrying comfort, while the removable chest straps and waist belt provide added stability and security while you trek. And no need to carry it over your head while you wade or blink an eye if left out in the rain because it's a 100% waterproof gear fortress equipped to outperform any other backpack out there.
YETI Panga 28L Backpack Features:
- HYDROLOK ZIPPER - Makes sure water stays out so your gear stays bone-dry, no matter how torrential it gets.
- U-DOCK - The terminal end of your HydroLok Zipper that ensures a completely airtight seal.
- THICKSKIN SHELL - Our ThickSkin Shell is made of high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination to be puncture and abrasion-resistant.
- METALLOCK HARDWARE - Tough-as-nails, simple-as-rocks.
- QUICKGRAB LASH POINTS - Designed for when you need to get up and go at a moment's notice.
- DRYHAUL STRAPS - The DryHaul Straps are meant to be as durable as they are comfortable, complete with custom set hardware.
- STOWAWAY MESH POCKET - An easy-to-access internal mesh pocket that keeps your valuables safe, dry, and tucked away.
- INTERIOR SLEEVE - Extra organization for your on-the-go essentials.
- REMOVABLE CHEST STRAP & WAIST BELT - For added stability and security while you trek.
This product is best for:
- The person who never wants to buy a backpack again
- Those who intend to float down a river or use their backpack as a life raft
- Those parents with kids who destroy everything; not anymore!
Let’s look at another option if:
- You’re on a budget
The Best Duffel Bags of 2024
The Best Duffel Bag for daily use
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L: Throw it over your shoulder
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L is our go-to Black Hole® Duffel. This 55-litre workhorse organises your gear and has enough space for an action-packed weekend or a well-organised extended trip. Make your next trip that little bit easier with a well-sized, easy-to-transport and durable duffle that makes going away a breeze. Made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L Specifications:
- Weight: 1,180 g
- Body: 14.1-oz 900-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate
- Lining: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
- Webbing: 100% recycled nylon
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
- Country of Origin: Made in Vietnam.
This product is best for:
- The gym goer
- Those who love an overnighter or day traveller
- The student who is part of the running squad and requires a particular aesthetic
Let’s look at another option if:
- You need compartments
- If you're using this duffle for more than one person
The Best Duffle Bag for Overnight Travel
The North Face Base Camp Large Duffel: The tough companion
The North Face Base Camp Duffel Large is the go-anywhere, do-anything duffle bag that is as practical as it is iconic! One of our favourites this duffle is available in multiple sizes and colours to ensure there is an option that suits your needs. No matter where you go, this iconic, super tough expedition duffel will keep your gear sorted, and it is now made with 100% recycled materials. It offers all the features you need including compression straps, padded side handles and a new end-cap mesh sleeve for separating your dirty kit from your clean.
The North Face Base Camp Duffel Large Specifications:
- COLLECTION - Sustainable
- ACTIVITY - Climbing
- GENDER - Unisex
- DIMENSIONS - 16" x 28" x 16" (40.64 cm x 71.12 cm x 40.64 cm)
- MATERIAL - Body 1000D phthalate-free, recycled PVC with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish / boot 840D recycled ballistic nylon with non-PFC DWR finish
- AVERAGE WEIGHT - 4 lbs 0.9 oz (1840 g)
- VOLUME - 5797 in³ (95 liters)
This product is best for:
- The person who packs everything
- Overnight trips & weekend adventures. Suitable for long weekends & plane rides
- Those who need something durable but not quite waterproof
Let’s look at another option if:
- You want to keep the weight down
- Only need a duffle for one night
The Best Duffle Bag for Adventure
Yeti Panga 75L Waterproof Duffel : Float Down a River
YETI Panga 75 Duffel is an ultra-durable, fully submersible dry duffel. This dry bag is built to take a beating and keep your gear dry in the face of whitewater, or when you're fishing off-shore. This is a whole new category of waterproof.
YETI Panga 75 Duffel Features:
- EVA MOLDED BOTTOM - EVA moulded bottom provides a sturdy and waterproof landing pad for the Panga.
- THICKSKIN SHELL - Laminated, high-density nylon is nearly impenetrable to nature’s assaults.
- STOWAWAY MESH POCKETS - Two easy-to-access mesh pockets keep your valuables safely tucked away.
- HYDROLOK ZIPPER - This is where the magic happens. Water stays out. Everything inside stays dry.
- METALLOCK HARDWARE - Tough-as-nails, simple-as-rocks.
- QUICKGRAB LASH POINTS - Gear up quickly. Six total lash points are designed for versatile carrying strategies.
- DRYHAUL STRAPS - Comfortable and durable – whether it’s strapped to you or the horse.
This product is best for:
- Needs a personal floatation devise
- Plans on treating their kit like it will never break & pushing it to the limit
- The person who has everything
Let’s look at another option if:
- You’re not prepared to spend some coin
- Want something that is light weight. With durability comes some additional weight.
The Best Wheeled Travel Bags of 2024
The Best Wheeled Travel bags for an overseas holiday
The North Face Base Camp Voyager 29” Roller : Stylish & Durable
The Base Camp Voyager 29" Roller offers durability and convenience, ideal for seamless travel experiences. Crafted with our renowned Base Camp Voyager Duffel fabric, it boasts smooth-rolling wheels, a telescoping wide handle, and abundant storage choices, including a zippered divider and internal mesh pocket. Enjoy organized and stress-free travels with this reliable travel companion.
The North Face Base Camp Voyager 29" Roller Specifications:
- Activity: Lifestyle
- Dimensions: 16.5" x 9.63" x 28.75" (41.9 cm x 24.5 cm x 73 cm)
- Material: Main shell - 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU laminate. Back: 840D recycled ballistic nylon with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
- Average weight: 9 lbs 7 oz (4300 g)
- Volume: 5736 in³ (94 liters)
This product is best for:
- Durable & Stylish overseas travel
- The person who wants a bag for several years & is willing to purchase quality
- International globetrotters
Let’s look at another option if:
- You need a carry-on roller
Best Wheeled Travel Bag for overnight travel
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L : Maximum Legal Carry
Meet the timeless Black Hole® MLC® bag - a rugged, soft-sided 45-litre suitcase designed to accommodate global adventures. Equipped with convertible backpack straps for effortless load-carrying comfort, it's crafted entirely from 100% recycled materials, including body fabric, lining, webbing, and a TPU-film laminate. Engineered to meet the majority of carry-on specifications, it's your ideal travel companion. Ethically produced in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility, this bag embodies both durability and sustainability without compromise.
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L Features:
- Extremely Durable, Weather-Resistant, 100% Recycled Fabric - Built with recycled materials and a recycled TPU-film laminate; based on the maximum carry-on size of most airline carriers, and free of wheels or handles that might get in the way once you're out of the airport
- Multiple Storage Options - Large main compartment with two interior organization pockets and one drop-in top pocket for smaller items; bag volume is 45 litres
- Versatile, Padded Laptop Pocket - Dedicated space for tech storage that fits most 15" laptops, with room for documents and cords; laptop carrier zips open and lies flat for easy TSA compliance
- Three Carrying Options - Three carrying configurations allow the bag to be used as a backpack, a shoulder bag or a duffel, and all straps tuck away when not in use; external lash points add the ability to accommodate more gear
- Hip Belt/Shoulder Strap - A padded, stowable hip belt doubles as the shoulder strap. Change the carrying style by pulling the hip belt out of the pass-through panel and attaching it to the buckles near the long-end grab-handle
- Attaches to Rolling Luggage – A wide webbing loop on the back panel acts as a haul handle or can be slipped over the handle of rolling luggage for easier movement through airports
- Supporting the People Who Made This Product - Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labour
This product is best for:
- Those who need all the space they can without checking their luggage in
- Those who require impeccable organisation and optimal storage
- Those who travel in style
Let’s look at another option if:
- Need a bag for two people
Notable Mentions
Just Another Fisherman Angler Tech Dry Backpack : The Ultimate Adventure Pack
The Angler Tech Dry Backpack was built by fishermen for fishermen. A cleaver design provides keen fishermen with a pack that provides them with everything they need and nothing they don’t. Made out of strong Nylon Canvas with a PVC coating, this is a pack that will last for years to come.
Just Another Fisherman Angler Tech Dry Backpack Features:
- A stash pocket for small items
- Adjustable padded shoulder harness
- Removable side utility loops for rod tubes and secure storage
- J.A.F Angler Tech labelling & Large Print
- 5” Laptop sleeve
- Zip Stash pockets
- Large main compartment 30L
This product is best for:
- Land-based Fisherman
- Those who need a water-resistant PVC Pack
Let’s look at another option if:
- You need a fully waterproof pack that can handle being submerged
The North Face Travel Large Canister: Everyone needs one
The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister is one of those items that once you have it, you never know how you lived without it. Super easy to cart around & perfect for trips away. Inspired by the super popular Base Camp Duffel, the Travel Canister helps you pack smart. It is a simple, super-durable carry-all and it is made with 100% recycled materials.
The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister Large Specifications:
- COLLECTION - Sustainable
- ACTIVITY - Lifestyle
- GENDER - Unisex
- DIMENSIONS - 9.5" x 5" x 5" (24 cm x 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm)
- MATERIAL - Body 300D phthalate-free, recycled TPE laminate with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish / boot 840D ballistic nylon with non-PFC DWR finish
- AVERAGE WEIGHT - 8 oz (226 g)
- VOLUME - 215 in³ (3.5 liters)
This product is best for:
- Everyone
Let’s look at another option if:
- You don’t clean your teeth
Wrap Up
Overview of how to pick the best travel bag for you
We have all stood at the luggage carousel watching fellow travellers pick their bags up one by one & we have all felt a sense of luggage jealousy at one point. Sometimes we don’t always need the fanciest or the most expensive travel bag but one that is as functional as it is cost-effective. Travelling both internationally and domestically is a modern-day luxury that we should not take for granted. Our mission is to ensure you gear up with the best product available for your next adventure so you can spend more time creating memories abroad.
Our job is to curate NZ’s best selection of world-class luggage & that’s exactly what we have done. Now it’s time to adventure together!