Many of us pay careful attention to large suitcases, duffle bags, and hiking packs, but smaller personal bags and packs are just as important for staying organized on a long trip or for simplifying your daily commute.
Day bags, totes, waist packs, and wallets make it easy to carry daily essentials, including your passport, credit cards, phone, earbuds, and e-reader.
Personal Bags and Personal Packs for Work and Travel
Selecting the bag that best matches your needs, personality, and style often comes down to the number of pockets, type of carrying strap, and material.
Waist Packs
Whether you call them waist packs, fanny packs, or hip bags, these small personal packs keep all your essentials within reach without weighing you down. Waist packs sit across your hips and are supported by your hips and lower back, so you don’t have to worry about tired shoulders after a day spent walking the halls of the Louvre.
Look for a waist pack with several pockets and an adjustable strap so you can keep everything where it belongs and ensure a good fit.
Wallets
A dedicated wallet makes it easier to organize your ID cards, credit and debit cards, cash, and other vital documents. RFID-blocking wallets keep your personal information safe from hackers and identity theft by protecting you from unauthorized card skimming and scanning.
Tote Bags
You can never have too many tote bags! You may use a tote bag on your commute for extra essentials like your lunch, books, and your work shoes. Or you could tuck a folded tote bag in your luggage for souvenirs or day trips to the beach. Either way, tote bags are functional, inexpensive, and useful personal bags.
For the most flexibility, look for collapsible tote bags, bags with closures for protection in inclement weather, and convertible tote bags that you can wear as a backpack when you have plenty of gear to carry.
Personal Packs, Messenger Bags, and Shoulder Bags
When you’re touring a new city or looking for a compact personal item for your next flight, you should consider a shoulder or sling bag. Zippered compartments offer extra security while adjustable straps convert easily between shoulder and crossbody wear.
Quality Counts for Personal Bags
Cotopaxi, FjällRäven, O’Neill, PacSafe, and Bellroy produce high-quality personal bags and personal packs that prioritize convenience, durability, and a stylish appearance. With strong materials like recycled polyester, thick cotton canvas, and weather-resistant TPU-coated nylon, bags by these trusted brands last longer and perform better than the competition.