CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESEvery adventure is its own mission. As such, smart travelers rely on the best adventure travel luggage when the journey is about more than going from point A to B. Solid travel luggage needs to keep pace, allowing you to adapt to fluid weather, modes of transportation and security conditions.
In pursuit of in-motion perfection, Active Junky tested three luggage categories that prevail in the outdoor world: carry-ons, camera packs and cargo bags.
To be included in the Adventure Travel Luggage Buyer’s Guide, these picks had to withstand multiple unforgiving trips across the United States and through South America. Check out our top picks, and don’t forget to sign up for Active Junky for exclusive deals and cashback on your gear purchases.
Each of these five attributes is present in the packs selected, with one distinguished as the “Key Attribute.”
Efficiency: turns every inch of volume into useful, secure stowage
Flexibility: covers both 1) personalization and 2) adaptability to divergent traveling scenarios
Durability: counts when luggage is heavily loaded or treated with varying levels of respect by handlers
Style: looks at the flash (striking lines and detailing) even when there’s plenty of dash (mobility)
Value: watches for current utility and longevity relative to the price paid
Best For: Toting, riding and day touring use
Key Attribute: Efficiency
If travel is about pedaling, scrambling, paddling or patrolling streets infused with history, this 17L, PVC-free option needs serious consideration. Active Junky awards bonus points for multi-activity, multi-season gear. Seal Line’s Urban crosses the line as both a worthy commuting and travel model. RF welded with QuickClip bike messenger-inspired closure hardware, Urban’s removable framesheet adds stability and protection from angular loads. Pop it out and the framesheet doubles as a rigid writing surface, cutting board or hitchhiking placard. Shoulder and sternum straps fit anticipated loads while the stowable waist belt means stability in motion. While not scuba-ready, there’s little that’ll stop Urban from prevailing when crowded streets or bad weather (including dust storms) strike.
Best For: Challenging travel scenarios; biking, skating and commuting
Key Attribute: Durability
Best For: Hard everyday use, overnights and in-transit management of essentials
Key Attribute: Flexibility
EO argues that there’s no reason to give up roller convenience in a carry-on. After a multi-stop push across America’s airways, Active Junky agrees, as this sleek model makes the miles pass quickly. The handy mesh connector, outer organizational pocket and plush laptop case turn an impact-fighting roller into a welcome companion. Elegant despite (or because of) the neon green wheels, EO attracted compliments based on looks but no unwanted TSA or cabin staff attention due to size. A triple-coated weather-resistant front panel held off Atlantic Ocean spray and splashing coffee while the expanded main compartment sucked in clothing like a Black Hole. Incase reworks the roller category and our testers were glad to extol its benefits.
Best For: fast-paced travel, multi-day exploits
Key Attribute: Style
This hatchback-like pack carries heavier lenses and accessories in an extremely compact model with little non-usable space. Testers favored the lightning access, top-opening compartment for camera body or complete compact cameras. The generous bottom compartment opens like a zipped clamshell; no fear of misplacing or dropping extra lenses or accessories with Luminosity. Side tripod attachment is rock solid as are the top grab handle, shoulder and sternum straps. The wide waistbelt is helpful even if overbuilt for anticipated loads. More hydration capacity and a see-through flap pocket are all that stand between this pack and stunning design insight.
Best For: Camera protection and theft deterrence
Key Attribute: Style
Once again, the crew in Golden, Colorado sells themselves short; you end up getting killer utility and value as a result. Designed by Boulder-based Andy Mann, Descent is on the up-and-up as a nearly total approach to adventure photography. Active Junky used the outer pocket for topo maps, then stuffed radio, snacks and windshell inside along with Sony camera and accessories (GoPro users will salivate at the possibilities). Exterior tactical webbing took on extension microphone and mini-pod duties. Personalize Descent, an ideal model for MTB shooting where the bike carries tools and hydration. Consider it your office, and then go find a million dollar view. If you’re a multicamera or long lens shooter, scope out the 25L Borealis.
Best For: Self-supported sessions or using as a dedicated photo pack on longer trips.
Key Attribute: Value
Don’t let the retro military surplus color throw you. Active Junky tossed this one into the mix for stealth utility and obvious style. Every cubic inch earns its keep, both with bounteous interior storage and side pockets doubling as strap retainers. Unsnap top flaps to find hop-on, run-off shoulder straps capable at moderate packed weights; unlike many others, deployable straps are on the “clean” (top) side of the duffel. Fans of the brand’s G-1000 fabric recognize durability, while newcomers applaud the waterproof base. Testers challenged #6 with shrewd and outrageous packing scenarios, and, try as they might, Fjallraven always came out on top.
Best For: Extended stays that require varied apparel and gear
Key Attribute: Efficiency
Despite dragging, pummeling and overloading, Granite Gear delivered on recent South American testing trips; and that was even before leaving the house. Unlike many pieces evaluated in the last 24 months, Cross-Trek fought off abrasion and impact without appearing worse for wear. A kick plate and corner protectors helped the cause. When airline weight limits were pushed, Granite Gear shoved back as zip out shoulder straps, sternum strap and hip belt conquered stairs, escalators and unrollable surface conditions. Pockets and internal dividers proved useful as did smooth-spinning wheels. Testers couldn’t believe the easy price point for a high-capacity trip-maker backed by the brand’s irrefutable expedition credentials.
Best For: multi-day travel, hauling heavy or irregularly shaped loads beyond paved surfaces
Key Attribute: Value
