A fashion writer’s top travel bag picks

Let’s talk about bags. Travel bags.

Whether it’s space for tech, a strap that won’t dig into your shoulder, or just the right aesthetic for that airport-to-city transition, finding the right travel bag is as personal as the trip itself.

Throughout my journeys around the globe I’ve acquired quite the list of deal-breakers and must-haves, whether that’s learning the hard way in New York with a stupidly small micro zip-pouch, or nailing it in Japan with a leather backpack and cross-body rotation.

Lately I’ve been on the hunt, scouring nearby shop shelves and the web for my next travel companion — a stylish, versatile and optimally functional bag. It’s been quite the mission, as a self-confessed harsh marker.

But like anything in life, I’m determined not to settle for subpar (and neither should you), so I thought I would share my top picks, the creme de la creme of travel bags . . . for now.

Fjallraven Kanken classic backpack

She’s taken it to Antarctica, Cambodia and Greece. Oh and she’s trekked the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan with it too. Who is “she”, you wonder? My wonderful travel aficionado colleague Penny Thomas, and I trust her word far more than a company attempting to sell me their self-proclaimed “world’s best backpack” for an eye-watering price.

The history of Fjallraven Kanken is fascinating. The bag was first designed in the late 1970s when an alarming amount of schoolchildren in Sweden were suffering with back pain. Ake Nordin designed a functional solution with a design featuring shoulder straps running down the entire back of the bag so they would remain taut.

The Kanken went on to become not only a Swedish staple, but a worldwide sensation with colour variations elevating it into the fashion sphere. One can truly wear the rainbow, they have so many colour offerings. Its price depends on which size and style you opt for, but the classic retails for $189.95 on the company’s Australian website.

Urth Dolomite Camera Sling

Let’s be brutally honest with each other. Camera bags have the potential of looking downright daggy. There, I said it, and I’m sorry, but in this day and age there’s simply no need to opt for a prehistoric-looking utilitarian bulky bag when brands like Urth exist. Hot take, but you can’t blame a fashion writer for thinking as such.

Urth was created by photographers Christian and Chris, for fellow shutterbugs to use. This 5.1-litre cross-body style ($149) is designed to hold one DSLR camera, one or two extra lenses, filters, spare batteries, keys, phone and a charging cable — you name it, there’s space for it (within reason).

What I really like about this option is the three colour offerings of Sand (beige), Onyx (black) and Moss (khaki green), and its weatherproof recycled-nylon fabrication. There’s also adjustable dividers to suit your camera gear, and a lifetime warranty.

Taz + Tez Archy Modular Camera Backpack

A two-in-one deal is exceptional in almost every circumstance other than hair products, hence why I love this bag. It doubles as a backpack and shoulder bag with straps that are reconfigured between styles — how brilliant! It’s a camera bag, but the camera insert is detachable, so those who may not need that function shouldn’t turn away just yet.

Key features of the $229.95 bag include 12 pockets (the more the better, right?), PETA-approved premium vegan leather fabrication and a roomy interior with plenty of space for personal belongings.

The style is named after a cute little Tassie devil “adopted” at Devils @ Cradle sanctuary in Tasmania. The Australian brand is owned and operated by sister duo Tara (Taz) and Tessa (Tez) to be an antidote to fast fashion and consumerism.

Budget-friendly considerations

Nappy Backpack, $49, Kmart

Ditch the changing mat and don’t put nappies in there, and you have yourself a handy little backpack with plenty of pockets. Who cares about the name?

Water Bottle Bag, $89.95, Ela & Earth

Excellent for profuse water drinkers who need a decent-sized bottle with them at all times. I feel your pain.

Spotless Spots Crossbody Bag, $79, Gorman

A cross-body option that can easily fit inside another, bigger, day bag. Stylish in its own right too.

Notable mentions

Tokyo Totepack 20L, $289, Bellroy

I like how this has an internal AirTag pocket and fits laptops up to 15 inches.

Universo Tote in Hickory, $299, Sans Beast

I have adored Melbourne-based vegan leather brand Sans Beast for half a decade now. Their bags are divine and very well made. I love how the Universo Tote can be used as a shoulder bag, a cross-body bag (with an extension strap) and a handbag. If it had backpack straps too, I think I would ascend into heaven.

Ona Soft Bag, $160, Olend

A fun option for those with eclectic style, and my fellow avid nappers — it looks like it would make do as an excellent pillow.