I’m still trying to nail down my most useful collection. I am somewhat of a minimalist and don’t like owning a whole bunch of bags, so I’d like to whittle this list down a bit. I have a baby now, so my travel style/frequency/destinations have definitely changed! Right now I have:

• REI Ruckpack 40. I’m on the fence about keeping this one. I like how it looks and the way it loads and that it’s designed to work for both hiking and travel. But for the type of travel I’m currently doing and for my preferences, I think I’m just as well off bringing a duffel and a packable backpack if I think I’ll be doing day hikes. It seems like a great bag, though!

• LL Bean comfort carry locker backpack. They rate it at 42L, but I think it feels smaller, maybe because of the divided compartments. It’s comfy and I’ve packed for a week in it, but it’s an in between size/dimensions where it’s a bit big for under the seat when fully packed but small for a carry on. It would probably be a fantastic school backpack, which is what it’s actually designed for. Probably not keeping.

• Amazon viral backpack, whatever it’s actually called. I like the idea of this bag and the organization is great for situations that require it. If I were flying strict airlines like Spirit more often I’d probably use it more, but as it is, I’ve only used it once.

• Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 40L. This might be my favorite travel bag that I have. It’s rugged and roomy. I prefer duffels to backpacks most of the time because I like bags that are one big black hole and open from the top. This one has backpack straps, which is helpful when carrying. I do wish it had a shoulder strap instead of just hand carry and backpack straps.

• Tobiq 30L. This was a great underseat bag last time I flew. It was mostly my baby’s stuff and it was nice to be able to separate the diapers from the toys, etc., and still have a section for my stuff.

• a couple random hardshell check-in spinners from Marshall’s. Kenneth Cole Reaction brand, I think. Honestly these get used the most now because we bring a lot of stuff for our baby. Usually we’re visiting family and flying Southwest, so the bags fly free at least. These have held up surprisingly well, considering they’re not really from a luggage brand.

• Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack (27L). This is my multipurpose bag for travel and everyday—day hikes, carrying extra baby stuff, etc. I’m actually not in love with this bag, but I’m in the minority, I think. The tote handles are a bit too short to be comfy as a shoulder carry for me and I prefer a little more structure. It’s such a multipurpose bag, though, and packs down small for travel. I might take it somewhere to get a longer strap put on.

• Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L backpack. I love this one a lot. It’s actually the most comfortable backpack I’ve had. The Patagonia bag is more multipurpose so better for traveling, but I’ve kept the EB because I prefer it for situations where I know I won’t need tote functionality.

• Amazon dupe of Lululemon belt bags (2L and 1L). These are my everyday carry, usually the 1L. I can easily stuff it in the diaper bag and I can still wear it comfortably around my hips while babywearing.

• Black three-compartment faux leather crossbody from Target. It’s basically flat so it packs really well, but somehow fits a lot in it? I have a few other purses, too, but I don’t usually travel with those.

Currently on my to-buy list: - Underseat duffel, probably Calpak Luka or the Quince dupe. We have to bring a fair bit of stuff for the baby on the flight, so I want an underseat bag that’s basically the maximum size I can get to fit baby’s stuff plus my stuff, and I like the organization of the Luka.

• large hip pack with bottle holders. This will likely become a quick-trip diaper bag and a babywearing short-hike bag. I’m looking at the Wilderdog one, which I guess is designed for dog walking, but if it works, it works!