Bags & Packing Organization

Choosing the right bag can make or break your trip. Make sure you pick a style of bag that will work for your travel type and itinerary. You may want to pack in a smaller bag if you are going to be using a lot of public transportation than if you are going on a big bus tour. Below are some of the bags we have used for travel in Ireland. Traditionally, we are travel light and fast people, so we have also linked bigger bags in the same family of suitcases if you need to bring a little more that will fit in a carry on the airplane sized bag.

Osprey Porter 46 - This pack has been Ryan’s go to travel backpack for a long time. It is the perfect carry on the airplane sized backpack that holds enough gear for a 1-2 week trip to Ireland.

Samsonite Luggage - Quality luggage that will not break the bank. That is why we love Samsonite. We have owned several different models over the years. Ryan loves the soft sided luggage, and Corry uses a clamshell style hard sided case. If you are looking for something with a little more organization and accessories, the TravelPro Platinum Elite line gets great reviews online.

BAGSMART Packing Cubes - Packing cubes help you stay organized and can save a lot of room in your bag. These are not the cheapest packing cubes you can find, but the quality means they will not rip in the middle of your trip and they will not add a ton of weight to your bag. We love this set because it is designed for all the cubes to work together and fit nicely in one bag.

Hanging Toiletry Kit - We use older bags by eBags, which were discontinued when the site shutdown after being bought by Samsonite. This one is very similar to the ones we carry. Hanging toiletry kits work really well in Irish hotels, which can have small bathrooms where counter space is at a premium. The ability to hang your bag from a hook or towel rack will come in handy especially if multiple people are using the same bathroom.

Amazon Basics Travel Backpack - When I bring a roller bag (which is most trips), I add a backpack to the mix to help keep smaller things, stuff I may need on the plane, and breakable souvenirs on the way home. I don’t have an especially fancy one. This seems to be an updated Amazon Basics one I have used for a long time with minimal wear and tear.

Bellroy Lite Pouch Duo - These small pouches go with me everywhere. I have a set in my travel bag and I use a set in my work bag for daily use at home. The larger one can serve as a place for chargers and cables and the smaller one is good to pens and other small items you don’t want loose in your bag. If you have a lot of tech specific needs, I would recommend a pouch made specifically for tech like this one from tomtoc.

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