In this blog I will share the bags and slings I use for my travels. The minimalist in me wants to own one bag and be happy, however I’ve learned over 4 years of travelling full time, that this isn’t always possible. All these bags live at home and I pick the best one depending on the nature of the trip.

Bellroy Venture Sling

I’ve used a selection of different slings over the years, and none do the job as well as the Venture line from Bellroy. They come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. I love the 2.5L for essentials, and the 6L for a small camera and extras. If you’re packing more gear, the 9L is great, while the 10L is more specifically aimed at camera carry. I am currently using the 9L for my travels.

Peak Design Outdoor Backpacks

I was never a huge fan of PD bags, having tried them a few years ago. While they offered amazing organisation and storage, they were very uncomfortable and not really designed for prolonged use. The new outdoor line seems to have fixed this issue as these bags are great. They don’t offer much in terms of organisation inside, and they can be a bit too complicated, but they are bloody comfy. I have the 40L for big trips and the smaller 18L as daily carry. The harness is thick and spreads the weight evenly. I also love that the hip straps can be moved between different bags, so even the small 18L can utilise them if carrying a heavy load. If I am going on a big adventure with hiking, trekking or anything that requires me to wear my bag often, I would pick one of these.

Bellroy Transit Travel Pro

This is my go-to bag for short trips or when I want to travel extra light. It’s only 30L but can expand to 38L with a zip. It has the best internal storage I’ve come across and the quality is top notch. I wouldn’t want to wear it for long periods of time, as honestly, the PD outdoor bags are much more comfortable. The lack of hip strap and slightly thinner shoulder straps let it down, I feel. If you don’t plan on carrying much weight, and you won’t be trekking with this bag for hours on end, it’s fantastic.

Bellroy Venture 40L Duffel

I love this duffel because it’s incredibly light and spacious. It looks small from the outside, however it can carry a lot more than you’d expect. If I am going from home to airport to hotel without needing to carry my stuff, this duffel is my go-to choice for clothes, shoes etc.

Peak Design Compression Cubes

While these aren’t exactly bags, they are absolutely crucial to my packing. They come in two sizes and they do what they say on the tin. You can pack your clothes in, and then use the second zip to compress the cube. This saves so much space and it’s the key accessory that allows me to bring enough clothes for a multi-month trip, in just a carry-on backpack.

Hero Clip

I had to mention this here as it’s an essential piece of kit. This is a very simple hook that attaches to your bag and allows you to hang it off the floor. Whether it’s a wet pavement in an outdoor café, or a dirty public bathroom floor, this little accessory will save your bag from getting filthy.