A woman and man with the 70L Fairview and Farpoint backpacks sit looking at a mountain vista in the sunshine with us behind them

Top Travel Bags and Packs

Whether you’re backpacking, camping, or voyaging to unexplored places, the question remains – what to do with all your stuff? From cold weather treks to warm weather retreats, it’s vital to have a bag capable of holding all your kit whenever and wherever adventure beckons. Comfortable, versatile, durable, and stylish, your bag should provide ample storage and support on your travels and remains an essential piece of kit for any intrepid explorer. Whatever the occasion, you need to select a pack capable of keeping your clothing and equipment safe and secure and able to take the weight off your shoulders with comfortable straps and lash points.

 

To help you decide, we at Cotswold Outdoor have compiled a list of the Top Travel Bags to take you - and all your kit - from A to B this holiday season. Displaying the best packs capable of carrying tents and sleeping bags, ice axes and trekking poles, or just enough to fit in overhead airline capacities – this is our list of backpacks, rucksacks, daypacks, and duffels all suited for different activities, needs, and budgets. So you can get ready to explore further this holiday season.
Travel Bags and Packs Header 5 - 1


Tough and Dependable

Mountain Equipment Roller Kit Bag 70L - Expert Review

Mountain Equipment Roller Kit Bag

 

Built to last, Mountain Equipment’s 100 and 70L Roll Bags were made tough. Designed to endure the worst of the weather with robust wheels, an extremely durable tarpaulin outer, and an entirely divided waterproof internal divider to separate your wet adventure kit and tech - this is the bag designed for adventure-seekers needing to lug every single piece of their kit from A to B.

 

The Roll Bag is the wheeled duffel designed to take away on challenging adventures and rugged outdoor expeditions, where bringing all the necessary equipment is a necessity. So whether it’s a weekend away climbing the crag with the 70L, or a week-long trekking adventure abroad with the 100L, the Mountain Equipment Roller Bag is equipped to carry it all and take every bump in the road along the way.

 

The outer fabric of the pack is incredibly robust, made from a tough waterproof tarpaulin with nylon webbing and a reinforced base for exceptional performance with heavy loads, in even the worst of conditions. The reinforced carry straps and haul handles help when lugging the bag into transport and through bustling streets, while the low profile wheels and retractable handle make busy airport terminals a breeze. Providing a series of compression straps for stabilising your gear for the long haul, a host of interior pockets for separating out your clothing and kit, and a wide U-shaped lid for easy access – there’s not an awful lot this Mountain Equipment duffel can’t handle out there.


The Weekend Away Adventure Pack

Osprey Talon Pro 30L Rucksack - Expert Review

Osprey Talon / Tempest 30L Backpack

 

Whether it’s a wild camping weekend away, a ski-touring meet-up, or a demanding, technical alpine adventure holiday in the hills, Osprey's Talon 30L Daypack is up for it all. Designed to be tough enough for the outdoors yet lightweight for all-day pursuits, the Talon is made with ultralight 100D Robic and 200D Extreema Nanofly fabric with a chemical-free PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. This construction ensures all your kit can stay safe from abrasion and the wet British weather while keeping you comfortable and on the move with a design created for optimal stability and dynamic movement, even on the most arduous and undulating terrain.

 

Designed to fit comfortably and close for the long haul with a stable fit and carry construction, this pack comes complete with a die-cut harness, Osprey’s well-known injection moulded Airscape HDPE back panel, and EVA ridged foam padding at the rear - comfortably fitting to the back and allowing ventilation during high-energy output and warmer weather hikes. Plenty of zippered inner and outer pockets including walking pole attachments, gear loops and even a Hydraulics Reservoir external hydration sleeve make this a pack that you can take on excursions big and small. Coming in at just over 1kg, this is the bag for the weight-conscious backpacker who wants to take in the view without everything weighing them down.


State-of-the-Art Design

Osprey Transporter 100L Waterproof Duffel - Expert Review

Osprey Transporter 100L Waterproof Duffel

 

A masterclass in tech and design, Osprey’s 100L Transporter Waterproof Duffel Bag delivers on all fronts for an exceptional travel piece you can take on work meets and conferences, hiking weekends in the highlands, or epic adventures a little further from home. Designed to withstand whatever rugged adventure you have planned, this duffel comes equipped with the ultimate defence in abrasion resistance. Able to endure anything and everything with an incredibly robust, eco-conscious Bluesign-approved and fully recycled IPX7 Nylon Diamond Ripstop HT double-coated with a durable TPU coat. Fully water-tight, this duffel is IPX7-rated and fully submersible with YYK Aquaseal zippers, offering unmatched protection to your expedition gear to protect from dampness, rust, and deterioration.

 

With organisation and ease in mind, internal compression straps for all your layers and a removable internal mesh pocket to keep your tech safe, secure, and within easy reach when needed, this bag is crafted with long-haul travel in mind. Plenty of lash points make it easy to carry and secure additional layers, while attachment points provide carry potions for tools such as ice axes, trekking poles and carabiners. Providing you with comfortable, removable padded shoulder straps and wide, reinforced grab handles for lugging through airport terminals and into the back of transport, it makes travel a breeze…


The Planet-Friendly Backpacker's Go-To

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack - Expert Review

Osprey Farpoint and Women's Fairview 40 and 70L Travel Packs

 

For those travelling the world and wanting to leave only footprints, the Osprey Farpoint and women-specific Fairview 40 and 70L are essential planet-friendly partners for multi-day treks and gap-year exploits. A fully recycled polyester body, PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish and bluesign-approved fabric accreditations make this bag a full-fledged eco-warrior, all without sacrificing the features and durability you would need for those far-flung adventures.

 

Adaptability and versatility are key with this pack. The 70L capacity is the perfect size to fit all your kit, with a 55L main bag for all your clothing and equipment and a piggy-back system 15L detachable daypack to use as a carry-on or day-excursion bag for trips out when needed. But that’s not all. When needing to be placed into the aircraft hold or back of a coach or pickup, this rucksack also comes with lockable zippers and a simple back system zippered cover, giving protection, durability, and peace of mind.

 

A sweaty, uncomfortable back while waiting in airport queues or navigating busy city streets is also a problem of the past, as Osprey’s iconic ventilating and fully adjustable Airscape Back System with ridged foam for comfort and a breathable hip belt means your kit won’t be weighing you down on excursions and treks.

 

Providing all the features you need for escapes away, including an assortment of zippered pockets and organisation sleeves for all your clothing and kit, external gear loops and dual compression straps to cinch in a jacket and tools, a slide-adjustable chest strap with emergency whistle, and wide, comfortable side and top grab handles for easy carrying and manoeuvrability – this is the pack made for the go-getters.


For the Off-Road Trailblazers

Osprey Rolling Transporter 90 Wheeled Duffel Bag - Expert Review

Osprey Rolling Transporter 90L Wheeled Duffel 

 

If you’re looking for a workhorse suitcase built to carry all your kit on those big trips away, it doesn’t come bigger and better than Osprey’s Rolling Transporter 90L Wheeled Duffel Bag. Named Transporter for good reason, this enormous 90L roller duffel is the ideal companion for those expeditions without an end date. With a large internal space, an internal compression system, a multitude of pockets and dividers, and large HighRoad Chassis wheels built to withstand everything from airport floors to dusty trails - this bag was built to withstand the ardours of travel head-on and take the much-needed weight off your shoulders.

 

There’s no doubt about it. Travel can be tough on luggage. Dents, scratches and tears – the outside and rigours of airline and van travel can take their toll on you, your case, and the equipment you choose to carry within it. With a fully recycled, highly durable polyester TPU-coated outer, fully reinforced base, overlapping rain flaps, and a chemical-free PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent finish designed to protect your clothing and equipment from the damp, Osprey has designed the Transporter to keep your belongings safe, secure and free from wear and tear. The double zippers with eyelets give you the ability to snap on a TSA-approved padlock should you need it, while the large main compartment with an internal divider gives you plenty of space for even the bulkiest of adventure equipment pieces.

 

Providing all the means on a true off-roader along with subtle traveller-friendly nods such as lockable zippers, an ID card holder, a tuck-away strap pocket, and lofty side and top grab handles suitable for lugging into the back of your pickup – this is the bag for those truly determined to explore it all.


When Comfort is Key

Osprey Aether 55L Rucksack - Expert Review

Osprey Aether / Ariel 55L Rucksack

 

For those that want to stretch their out treks further – the Aether 55L Rucksack from Osprey more than delivers. The pack created for multi-day trekking and backpacking in the great wide somewhere – the Aether 55 provides readiness, reliability and durability without a hitch. With a rugged, abrasion-resistant 420D High Tenacity nylon outer and PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent finish for complete weatherproofing even in a downpour, this is one of Osprey’s best-loved bags, re-designed from the ground up. Now with even more features both inside and out for your comfort, readiness, and willingness to keep exploring further.

 

What makes the Aether different from other leading trekking backpacks is its complete dedication to creating the best fit for its wearer. An injection moulded Airscape HDPE back panel with foam ridges provides exceptional comfort, loadbearing and ventilation on sweaty ascents – for complete stability and security. The innovative webbing slide adjustment ensures comfort from the beginning of the trek to the end of the day campsite, with the addition of a customizable Fit-on-the-Fly harness, hip belt, and shoulder straps to provide a fully adjustable torso that gives near-perfect customization and fit to the wearer.

 

But don’t let these comfort features fool you into thinking this isn’t a pack still suited to the trailhead, as the Aether still has the functionality and durability to reliably breeze through the ardours of multi-day backpacking treks with ease. With over ten internal and external zippered pockets and dividers for your kit, attachment points for your walking poles, sleeping pad and twin ice axes, both internal and outer compression straps for layering pieces and an integrated rain cover and reflective print at the rear to keep you seen, even in low-lighting - the Aether will become your new best friend for climbs, treks, and everything in-between.


For The Conscious Commuters

Osprey Ozone 36L 4 Wheel Carry On - Expert Review

Osprey Ozone 36L 4-Wheel Carry On

 

For the more eco-conscious-minded individual looking for a weekend departure bag that offers durability and space on their getaways, Osprey’s cabin-bag-friendly Ozone 36L 4-Wheel Carry-On is the ideal travel partner. With its fully recycled, Bluesign-approved Nanofly nylon construction and chemical-free PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, this is a suitcase designed with the planet in mind, without skimping on its performance features.

 

As much as being eco-conscious means buying more products with sustainable materials and credentials, it also means buying products that will stand the test of time. With high weather performance and longevity thanks to its water-repellent finish and durable, high-tenacity nylon and High Road LT4 Framer make-up, this is a pack made to perform its best, season after season.

 

But green features aren’t the only thing this bag brings to this list, as a series of internal dividers and zippered pockets - including a protective safety sleeve capable of fitting a 16” laptop - make packing and unpacking a breeze. Additional items of this weekend-worthy suitcase include; a high clearance chassis, durable, multi-directional 50mm wheels, weather-proof YYK Racquet coil zipper, and a monopole add-a-bag feature that allows another bag to easily clip to the top for ease of movement in urban environments. 


For The Whole Family

Osprey Poco Child Carrier - 1

Osprey Poco Child Carrier - Expert Review

Osprey Poco Child Carrier

 

Share the adventure with the whole family this summer with Osprey's Poco Child Carrier. A great piece of kit especially in the spring and summer months, Osprey's Poco Child Carrier is fantastic for whole family hikes and trips into town. Take your family everywhere with the Poco Child Carrier's incredible extra features built for safety and comfort. Equipped with the same innovative suspended mesh back system as some of Osprey's best-known and bestselling hiking packs and backpacks, you’ll both be comfortable as you head to share the adventure. Child safety is at the forefront of the design with a TÜV GS safety certification, with a fully adjustable child safety harness, seat, and foot stirrups to fit various child sizes, shapes, and weights. When it comes to trips with young children, it does feel like you need everything and the kitchen sink when you head out. Luckily, the Poco solves this with an easy-to-access on-the-go mesh front pocket and plenty of side pockets, base pockets, and more to house everything from toys and snacks to water bottles and phones. 

 

For on-the-go sun protection on warm summer hikes, the rapid deploy UPF22-rated Poco Sun-Shade protects your little cargo from harmful sun rays, making the perfect shaded spot for an afternoon nap on trips to the beach. And when the weather takes a turn for the worse, deploy the integrated rain cover to protect your little one from heavy rainfall. Easy to fold away and store and even easier to pop together ready for adventure - don't compromise on your hikes. Ditch the pram and pick up the Poco for whole family days spent in the hills.


Don't Forget The Accessories!

Multimat Compact Kumfie Sit Mat - Expert Review

Multimat Compact Kumfie Sit Mat

 

Worth its weight in gold - probably because it doesn’t weigh anything - is this packable, durable accessory mat from Multimat. Whether you’re waiting for a delayed flight on the airport floor or taking a pit stop on the rocky trails, the Multimat Compact Kumfie Sit Mat is here to assist. Coming in at an unbelievably cheap £6 price point this ultra-comfy foam seat pad is a traveller essential for any and all budgets.

 

Designed by using a fully waterproof and non-absorbent closed-cell foam, this mat is rugged, long-lasting, and durable. Unfolded, it gives a 38 x 38cm sitting space that’s both comfortable and thermally insulating on colder surfaces – making it as ideal for buses, planes and waiting room floors as it is for the dusty, rocky, rambling trails. Able to be folded down and slotted into a rucksack, carry-on bag, or duffel and grabbed at a moment’s notice, this handy compact mat is the ideal indoor and outdoor accessory - able to be slipped into a pocket and taken away wherever, whenever.





Related Articles


Let us know you agree to cookies

We use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. Third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website.

 

We store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. For more information, please see our cookie policy.