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ever had to stuff your travel essentials in a too-small bag? i’ve tried (and failed). not fun. i don’t want to dig through my travel bag for my phone charger. i want easy access to my phone, earbuds, passport, sunglasses, sweater, snacks and other items. that’s a job only a substantial, well-organized backpack can handle. not convinced? let me give you a bag designer’s perspective on how a better made, large backpack for traveling can make your trips so much easier.
let me clarify what i mean by “large backpack.” i’m sure one of the first things that comes to your mind are those gigantic bags people take on a backwoods trek or hike. while those have their time and place, those bags are not what i’m talking about. this post is about showing love to a big (not colossal) backpack — as in, the take it to the gym, bring it to the beach, load it for a commute or bring it as your airplane carry-on kind of backpack.
so, why should you bring a large backpack for traveling?
okay, i’ll start with the obvious. a big backpack is essential for traveling because of its storage space. bigger is better here because the size increase helps protect your odds and ends from damaging one another. trust me, few things are more devastating than discovering that your keys scratched your phone in transit.
laptop bags and briefcases, while sophisticated, don’t typically come with much room for things besides your tech. when you need to carry a lot lightly, our shortyLOVE boxer is your sensible yet stylish go-to. i designed this big backpack to comfortably carry everything you need for an overnight or travel day, with separate spaces for specific items. bottom compartment for shoes or even that extra layer: check. concealed, zipped and padded laptop pocket: check. room for a travel read, snack and travel credentials: check, check and check!
a large backpack needs to keep your stuff organized for non-stressful traveling. what good is storage space without organization, right? the more pockets, the better your quick and easy access to travel essentials. i intentionally designed backpacks to be more organized for busy travelers like us who want to lay their hands on what they need at a moment’s notice.
the shortyLOVE boxer has a handy front zip compartment for your passport, small wallet phone charger or other small whatsits, back pocket for your travel magazines, an interior cell phone pocket, a zip pocket for loose items, and other clever pockets to tuck away essentials.
if you’re like me, you’re guilty of having overpacked once or twice (okay, maybe more!) for a trip. a big backpack can help put an end to that. sound too good to be true? maximize space in your checked luggage by removing some items and adding them to your backpack. say, a pair of shoes, a sweater, a jacket… light things that will easily fit into your carry-on backpack., and it’ll help keep your luggage manageable and leave room for souvenirs!
traveling light and don’t want to check luggage? not bringing a carry-on suitcase? a large backpack works for either scenario, which makes them a great choice for traveling. bring a big, lightweight backpack as your airplane personal item. use it as your primary piece of luggage and hop on a plane, train or ferry. use it as your overnight bag. they’re that versatile!
it’s all thanks to a backpack’s storage space and flexible organization. you get internal, packable space similar to a suitcase (albeit more compact), plus added organization for your travel essentials with water bottle pockets and interior/exterior compartments. the boxer even includes a detachable pouch that you can use as a catchall for your bangles, vitamins, hair ties, cosmetics, you name it (need a bag with more open space for a weekend trip? throw your things into the shortylove friday weekender travel bag and go!).
remember those backpacks you carried in middle school? basic. not organized. not stylish. definitely not intended for travel. i kept that in mind when designing the boxer. clearly this is a big, beautiful backpack for us grownups. designed with the comfort you always wanted but always deserved. unlike the average ripstop or canvas pack, which often has straps that chafe, dig into your shoulder and slide around, the boxer has soft, comfortable nylon straps. padded. adjustable for your perfect fit. they can also be tucked away so you can carry the backpack on one shoulder as a hobo bag. it’s nice to have options!
that’s not the only comfort you get with this large backpack for traveling! i designed this chic backpack using soft nylon twill inside and out. easy to spot-clean with simple soap and water so it always looks good. i added structured internal padding for a plush carry that can hold its shape without being rigid. no more stiff corners that dig into your hip or back. when i say the boxer is softer, smarter and more organized, i mean it.
bonus: i also designed the boxer with a back clip strap, which can be attached to the handle of rolling luggage. convenient, yes?
picture this: you’ve checked your luggage. you look at the clock only to realize – gasp – your flight is boarding. trust me, you’ll have a much easier time maneuvering through crowds wearing a big backpack pulling luggage. just throw it on your back, hold your phone or boarding pass tight and hustle to that gate. and you don’t even need to worry about your things falling out along the way because the boxer is securely zipped up!
the boxer is my perfect carry-on. once through the gauntlet of lines and crowds in the terminal, i slide it under the seat in front of me on my flight and watch the cloud shapes outside the window… everything i need is with me and i don’t have a care in the world until i reach my destination. a big backpack makes traveling so much easier by offering versatility and organization. i realize everybody may not need a large backpack for traveling, so i also designed a sizable weekender travel bag for overnights and long weekends — it’s our oversized friday tote. and if you don’t need to take as much, i designed a stylish, organized medium-sized tote bag — the tillie. she’s all zipped up, so she won’t spill your things on the floor. whichever bag you choose, throw in a coated, water-resistant stevie cosmetic bag to hold your travel-sized notions. she’s super handy!
safe travels!
xo — sloane
