4 Best Business Travel Bags Every Man Must Own
The frequency of business trips suffered some stagnancy during the pandemic. It looks like things have settled down, even if not to pre-pandemic levels. According to a 2024 Deloitte report, 20% of the surveyed travelers expected to take 6 to 10 business trips.
A smaller group of 10% said that they would go on 10 or more business trips in 2024. As 2025 draws closer, travel managers are expecting a further surge in business travel. Are you also looking forward to several professional trips in the upcoming year?
If yes, then we have your packing needs covered. This article will not act as a travel checklist but will discuss different travel bags. Smart packing for business trips is all about carrying along the right travel bag. Depending on the needs of your trip, you can carry along one or a combination of the following four travel bags.
Best for Carrying Business Paraphernalia - Satchel
The word ‘satchel’ finds its roots in the Latin word saccellus, which translates into a small bag. A satchel bag is similar to the bindle bags that American hobos liked to carry in the 1930s.
If we dive even deeper into history, we will discover that satchel bags were primarily carried by scholars and those in the profession of academia. These bags were useful for carrying books safely.
The aesthetics of a satchel bag may differ, but almost all serve a similar purpose. They are used to carry around portable items or essentials. By design, it is usually a small, leather bag that comes with a shoulder strap and flap closure.
Why would a man traveling for business purposes require a satchel? The main aim would be the convenience and safety of carrying personal belongings. Keeping in mind the modern professional traveler’s needs, business satchels come with a separate padded compartment for laptops.
Additionally, multiple dividers and pockets are also available for efficient storage of items like phones, pens, wallets, and chargers. Choosing high-quality materials and clean lines impart a polished and sophisticated look. Such bags can help make a solid first impression on clients and overseas colleagues.
Best for Traveling With a Suit - Von Baer Grand
Most business trips are not too extended. Even if one is on ‘bleisure’ that combines both work and personal time, the trip may last for four or five days at most.
Every professional traveler knows better than to carry too many bags. At that point, some or the other will have to go with the checked-in baggage. Smart travelers aim to fit all their necessary items inside a functional weekend duffle bag. Depending on the company culture and meeting formality, you may have to carry along a business suit.
The “Grand” from Von Baer is the perfect garment duffle bag, letting you take your suit with you without needing to carry an extra bag. It has a sophisticated and luxurious look, with a durable cotton lining.
The outer material is full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather, which enhances the bag’s texture, durability, and aging properties. You can choose among three richly-hued colors for the outer leather.
There's also the option of a personalized laser engraving for the ultimate statement of professionalism. All the hardware used to enclose the bag is premium-quality and will last you a lifetime.
Alan Ritchson also listed it as one of the things he can't travel without.
Ritchson claimed that the bag could easily accommodate his 17 suits, a pair of shoes, and toiletries. The American actor even joked about fitting in a little person inside. Essentially, it's the only bag you will need to enjoy a business trip that involves bringing along professional suits.
Best for Keeping the Essential Essentials - Man Purse
Ever heard of the term man purse? It usually refers to the equivalent of a ladies' handbag used to carry essentials like keys, wallet, and phone. With a distinctly masculine aesthetic, a man's purse or bag can be carried over the shoulder or across the chest.
Gone are the days when the idea of a hand purse was only associated with women. Men today are choosing to carry one for convenient storage of those items that may not fit into their pockets. Some man purses are sleek enough to accommodate a small notebook inside.
Pockets do get bulkier but that alone may not be the sole reason. Some sophisticated blokes enjoy the ease of organization that a small bag offers over a messy pocket.
Since we are referring to a professional trip, it’s unseemly to show up to a meeting with a bloated pocket. For larger documents and files, a briefcase is a must and on more relaxed days, a man's purse will suffice.
Best for Semi-Casual Days - Backpack
We know that you must be wondering how a backpack would ever be suitable, even for the most smart casual days. The truth is that the dynamics and nature of work have evolved manifold. Business casual has crept in and for good reasons.
Companies now have days when employees can dress in business casual attire. The American Psychological Association states that how we dress impacts our mood and emotions. Dressing professionally gives our brains the cue that we’re more powerful and competent.
Now, a standard backpack may disturb that perception, right? Yes, which is why you should not be carrying a standard one on a business trip. Many sleek, professional-looking multi-functional backpacks are designed exclusively for professional purposes. It can be ideal for carrying laptops, diaries, chargers, and documents.
Plus, if the attire for the day is more laid back, a backpack will complement the style more than a briefcase. The choice depends entirely on the formal nature of the meeting or business.
The best bags we have discussed in this article are subject to certain factors, including the nature of the trip, budget, and more. Ideally, a savvy working professional keeps one of each in their business arsenal to stay prepared.
Simply carrying along a suitable bag can make a lasting impression on folks at the airport, flights, conferences, and more. Moreover, a designated bag for every occasion will ensure all your valuable belongings stay where they must. The last thing you want is to get back and scramble for keys or chargers.
The travel bag market is expected to become $56.78 billion by 2030. The market is saturated with all kinds of products, including those for work trips. We just talked about four, so which one have you decided to give a try for your next business trip?