If you travel frequently, you know the importance of good luggage. The right carry-all bag ensures you have the things you need for a productive and comfortable trip. Fortunately, many options are available, many of which are designed to meet specific business travel needs.
Choosing the Right Bag
Choosing the right bag or bags for business travel requires you to consider several factors:
- Mode of transportation: If you’ll be driving to your destination, you need a bag that will fit in the trunk of your car or the cab of your truck. You’ll be handling your bag yourself, so you won’t have to worry as much about its contents being damaged in transit. If you are flying, you’ll either want a carry-on that meets airline regulations, or a sturdy suitcase that can withstand rough baggage handling.
- What you’ll be carrying: If you plan to carry specialized tools or equipment in addition to clothing, toiletries, and personal electronics, you may need a bag that is specially designed for the things you need to perform your job.
- Ease of carrying: You’ll want a bag that you can carry easily, comfortably, and safely.
Once you understand your needs, you’ll be able to start shopping.
Totes & Duffels
Totes and duffel bags are popular with travelers. They are lightweight and their soft sides make them easy to fit in a car trunk, truck cab, or overhead airplane bin. The best bags also have outside pockets that make it easy for you to access items, such as reservation confirmations or snacks, that you might need while traveling without having to dig through your bag.
Another advantage to tote and duffel bags is that they take up very little room when empty. This makes them easy to store when they aren’t being used. You can also pack a tote or duffel into another bag so that it is available for use while you are traveling. Both of the duffels below meet airline standards for overhead bin storage and are made to be tough, weather resistant, and protect your belongings.
Recommended Duffels
Both of these duffels are super-tough, with plenty of separate sections and pockets that will keep your items accessible, safe, and dry as you travel.
Red Oxx Safari-Beanos PR5 Medium Duffel
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Duffle
Tool Bags
Keeping your tools and equipment protected, organized, and handy with specialized tool bags is a no-brainer: A quality tool bag is something you can use every day (not just while traveling) and your purchase may even be tax-deductible.
Recommended Tool Bags
The Techni-Pro rolling tote projects a professional image while protecting your tools and electronics. The Milwaukee Packout is a backpack that provides a safe, comfortable way to carry your tools with you while traveling or going out on a job.
Techni-PRO Soft Sided Rolling Tote with Pallets
Backpacks
Backpacks allow you to carry your items while keeping your hands free. The problem for most working adults, however, is finding a backpack that doesn’t look like it is better suited to a camping trip or hauling textbooks. Convertible backpacks often combine professionalism with convenience: Adjustable and removable straps allow you to transform your backpack into a conventional briefcase or suitcase.
Backpacks
Each of these convertible backpacks offers multiple ways of carrying items while also projecting a professional appearance. Looking for maximum versatility in your business luggage? Check these two pieces out.
Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack
Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack
Carry-On Roller Bags
Frequent flyers rely on roller bags for quick movement around airports and reduced strain on their shoulders, arms, and backs. As with totes and duffles, the best roller bags also have outside pockets that allow you to keep necessary items accessible as you move from check-in to the security line to your gate. These bags can also keep your clothing clean and wrinkle-free, allowing for easy unpacking when you get to your hotel.
Roller Bags
Sleek, attractive, fast, and sturdy, these roller bags meet carry-on standards yet are also able to protect your belongings if you end up checking them.
Just as having the right luggage can make a huge difference in the success of your trip, knowledgeable travel support, pre-negotiated discounts, and streamlined payment options are also factors in better business travel. Join CLC Lodging today to take advantage of our travel management services.
