8 Best Travel Bags for Startups to Buy in 2025

This BAGSMART duffle isn’t just another carry-on—it’s a masterclass in travel efficiency. With its lightweight Taslon fabric, 17-inch padded laptop sleeve, and a free TSA-approved toiletry bag, it bridges the gap between style and serious functionality. The shoe compartment is a game-changer, letting you pack sneakers or heels without worrying about soiling your clothes—perfect for professionals rushing from flight to meeting or weekenders who refuse to compromise on hygiene. If you’ve ever cursed a leaky shampoo bottle or struggled with a bulky, unorganized bag, this one solves those frustrations head-on.

In real-world use, the 19.7×8.7×13.8-inch duffle glides into overhead bins on every major airline and slides neatly over suitcase handles thanks to its rear trolley strap. The exterior zip pocket is ideal for passports and phones, while the water-resistant shell shrugs off light rain and baggage carousel spills. We tested it on a cross-country trip with gym gear, work clothes, and tech—and everything stayed dry, accessible, and wrinkle-minimized. However, the shoulder strap, while adjustable, lacks heavy padding, making it less ideal for extended carry over uneven terrain.

Compared to the foldable Arxus duffle, this BAGSMART model trades ultimate packability for superior structure and organization. It’s not meant to vanish into your suitcase when not in use—but that’s not its job. It’s built for travelers who want one reliable, all-in-one bag that works for business trips, weekend getaways, or hospital stays. It outperforms budget options with smarter storage and premium touches, all while costing less than many mid-tier competitors—offering the refinement of a premium bag without the baggage of a bloated price tag.

Meet the Arxus foldable duffle—a stealth MVP in the world of travel gear. Weighing just 0.75 lbs and collapsing into a 7×7-inch pouch, this bag is pure magic for spontaneous trips or as a last-minute packing savior. Crafted from tear-resistant oxford fabric with a 50-pound weight capacity, it’s shockingly durable for something so featherlight. The 22L unfurled capacity fits a weekend’s worth of clothes, making it ideal for gym weekends, day trips, or backup luggage—no more paying for checked bags when you can pack smart.

We tested it on a hiking weekend and as a personal item for a Southwest flight, and it performed flawlessly. The dual zippered pockets keep small items like keys and chargers secure, while the mesh interior pockets offer quick access to essentials. It easily slips over suitcase handles and fits under plane seats, but the thin shoulder strap digs in during extended wear—fine for short hauls, uncomfortable for long treks. The non-insulated material means it won’t protect temperature-sensitive items, and the main compartment lacks padding for fragile gear.

Against the Vancropak backpack, the Arxus wins on portability and price, but loses on organization and comfort. It’s the ultimate “throw it in and go” bag—perfect for travelers who value space-saving design and simplicity over high-end features. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, ultra-light companion that disappears when not needed, this beats pricier options by being brilliantly minimal without being basic.

The Vancropak 40L backpack redefines what a carry-on should be—organized, expandable, and travel-smart. Its TSA-friendly 180° lay-flat opening turns security checks from a hassle into a breeze, letting you see every item at a glance. The inclusion of three packing cubes—including a water-resistant toiletry cube—elevates it beyond typical travel bags, encouraging neat, compartmentalized packing right out of the box. With a padded back panel and chest strap, it’s built for comfort, making it a standout for travelers who walk long airport terminals or explore cities on foot.

In testing, the expandable depth (from 5.5” to 7.5”) allowed us to pack four days of clothing, a jacket, and tech without strain. The concealed anti-theft pocket kept wallets and passports secure in crowded spaces, while the four compression straps kept the load stable and compact. It fits under most seats and in overhead bins, but the front pockets are shallow—larger water bottles or tablets don’t fit securely. The water-resistant polyester shrugs off drizzle, though prolonged rain can seep through seams.

Compared to the BAGSMART duffle, this backpack offers better organization and on-the-move security, but sacrifices quick shoe access. It’s ideal for digital nomads, business travelers, or minimalist adventurers who want everything in one secure, back-friendly pack. It delivers more structure, smarter layout, and greater peace of mind than similarly priced duffles—making it the most intelligent carry-on in its class.

This BAGSMART 3-piece set is a value-packed powerhouse for frequent travelers on a budget. For under $17, you get a 41L duffle, a makeup bag, and a clear toiletry bag—all sized to meet international carry-on standards. The independent shoe compartment is a rare find at this price, letting you pack footwear separately without cross-contamination. The detachable shoulder strap and luggage sleeve make it versatile for plane, train, or gym, and the front zipper pocket keeps phones and IDs within easy reach.

We used it for a girls’ weekend and a business trip—each time, the dual storage zones kept clean clothes clean and essentials accessible. The pink fabric is stylish yet practical, resisting minor scuffs and light moisture. While the material isn’t as rugged as Taslon or oxford, it holds up well for short trips. The makeup bag is compact, best for small cosmetics, and the toiletry bag lacks internal organization—a missed opportunity. Still, for the price, it’s hard to beat the sheer utility.

Against the HOTOR duffle, this set offers better value with included accessories, though it lacks HOTOR’s quilted durability and two-shoe capacity. It’s perfect for students, budget-conscious travelers, or gift-givers who want a complete travel kit without overspending. It doesn’t dazzle with premium features, but it delivers more functionality per dollar than almost any other bag in the lineup—a true budget champion with smart design at its core.

The HOTOR duffle is the undisputed king of shoe storage—a rare bag that truly understands traveler pain points. Its dedicated shoe compartment fits two full pairs of women’s shoes (up to size 12), keeping soles away from clean clothes and preventing that dreaded “gym bag smell” from spreading. Built with 3D quilted Oxford fabric, it’s both water-resistant and abrasion-proof, surviving rain, pavement scrapes, and rough baggage handlers with ease. The smooth two-way zippers and reinforced stitching signal long-term durability, while the 1.2-lb weight means it won’t add bulk to your load.

We tested it on a weekend with workout gear and dress shoes—and the compartmentalization was flawless. The interior zip pocket secured valuables, and the external quick-access pocket held our phone and boarding pass. It fit in overhead bins on JetBlue and Spirit flights, and the trolley sleeve stayed secure on bumpy airport rides. However, the lack of a laptop sleeve limits its appeal for business travelers, and the single shoulder strap can dig in during long walks.

Next to the BOVIP 3-in-1 set, the HOTOR wins on shoe capacity and fabric quality, but loses on versatility. It’s ideal for athletes, fashion-focused travelers, or anyone who packs multiple footwear styles. It doesn’t come with extras like packing cubes, but it nails its core promise better than any other bag here—delivering unmatched shoe storage in a sleek, lightweight frame.

The YAZEKOUS crossbody is a minimalist’s dream—a slim, secure, and stylish accessory that keeps essentials close without bulk. Crafted from soft, wear-resistant leather, it feels premium despite its sub-$12 price. The four card slots and zip pocket make it ideal for contactless travel, letting you ditch your wallet and carry just phone, cards, and lip balm. The metal chain strap is both fashionable and functional, with a reinforced clasp that won’t snap under daily use.

We wore it through airports, city walks, and dinner outings—the crossbody design kept it secure, and the interior fit an iPhone 13 Max and small items snugly. It’s perfect for light travel days, urban explorers, or as a secondary bag when you don’t want to lug a full duffle. However, the lack of padding means it won’t protect devices from drops, and the chain can feel cold in winter. It’s not a primary luggage replacement—but it’s not meant to be.

Compared to the BOVIP crossbody in the 3-piece set, this YAZEKOUS model offers better leather quality and card organization, though it lacks adjustability. It’s ideal for women who want a hands-free, theft-resistant way to carry daily essentials. For the price, it blends fashion, function, and security better than most accessories twice its cost—a tiny titan in the world of travel purses.

The BOVIP 3-in-1 set is a travel Swiss Army knife—a complete ecosystem for the modern woman on the move. You get a large canvas duffle with shoe compartment, a convertible crossbody bag, and a toiletry pouch, plus two detachable straps for customization. The weekender bag holds 2–4 days of essentials, and the shoe compartment fits three pairs—more than any other in this lineup. Made from durable canvas and PU leather, it balances style and strength, while the thickened bottom supports heavy loads without sagging.

We tested it for a beach weekend and a business trip—the crossbody bag doubled as a work clutch, and the luggage sleeve kept the duffle stable on a rolling suitcase. The three inner pockets helped organize small items, and the back zip pocket made ID checks effortless. However, the canvas isn’t fully water-resistant, so heavy rain can dampen contents, and the crossbody strap lacks padding for extended wear.

Against the BAGSMART 3-piece set, this BOVIP version offers larger capacity and better shoe storage, though the fabric is less weather-resistant. It’s perfect for moms, travelers, or gift-givers who want maximum versatility in one package. It doesn’t have tech protection like a laptop sleeve, but it covers more use cases than any other set here—a true multi-role travel companion that adapts to your life.

The DONBOLSO Barcelona is a handcrafted statement piece for the business traveler who values elegance and durability. Made from natural buffalo leather, it ages beautifully, developing a rich patina over time. The padded 15-inch laptop sleeve keeps tech safe, while the A4/A5 document compartments make it ideal for meetings, conferences, or academic use. Its unisex vintage brown design transitions seamlessly from boardroom to café, and the adjustable shoulder straps distribute weight comfortably for daily commutes.

We used it for a week of client meetings—the smart dividers kept files, tablet, and notebook organized, and the leather resisted scuffs and light moisture. The messenger style keeps it close to the body, reducing theft risk in crowded spaces. However, it’s heavier than synthetic bags, and the lack of external quick-access pockets means fumbling for phones. It’s not designed for weekend trips—no shoe compartment or toiletry storage.

Compared to the Vancropak backpack, this DONBOLSO bag trades casual versatility for professional polish. It’s not for backpackers or gym-goers—it’s for executives, teachers, or creatives who want a timeless, durable work companion. While pricier, it offers unmatched craftsmanship and long-term value—a leather legacy that outlasts trends and seasons.