Travel and commute packs need to hold up to daily wear. In some ways, airports, planes, boats, daily commutes, and weekend trips share the same demands on gear as mountain travel, which is why Arc’teryx’s Travel & Commute packs are made with ultra-durable, weather-resistant fabrics and technical features like taped seams and organized compartments that stay protected from the elements. Whether you’re looking for a gear organizer for your daily trips to the gym or crag, a carryall that easily transitions from the office to the outdoors, or a duffle for expedition travel, choosing the right pack comes down to knowing how you’ll use your it and what features will suit those needs best.

People often assume that any bag will do when it comes to choosing a travel pack, but designs that utilize technical fabrics and advanced construction techniques last longer and can withstand everything you throw at it — from rainy bike commutes to weekend trips to your favourite bouldering zone. Arc’teryx travel and commute gear is made with materials like nylon ripstop, which is exceptionally durable, and waterproof TPU lamination for maximum resistance to rips, abrasion, and weather. And since travel bags, duffles, totes, and commuter backpacks often feature large internal compartments, Arc’teryx has specifically created easy-access openings, laptop sleeves, and secure zippered pockets to help keep all your gear organized when you’re on the go.

Although travel and commuter bags aren’t made for long days in the mountains, they do have to meet the demands of everyday life. That’s why Arc’teryx uses the same obsessive design approach and innovative techniques for everyday carry bags as it does for the most technical women’s multi-day packs, made to perform in the harshest environments.

What is the difference between a travel pack and a backpacking backpack?

Travel packs prioritize ease of packing and unpacking, with features like stowable straps to avoid snagging on luggage equipment, laptop sleeves, and panel access openings into the main compartment of the pack. Travel-specific packs are also usually more rectangular in shape and compact in size. Backpacking backpacks, or multi-day packs, are built to maximize carrying capacity for extended outdoor objectives, like thru-hikes. They are long and tubular, to optimize carrying weight and often have frame systems to help distribute weight, making them more rigid. The straps and hip belt are often wide padded for added comfort when carrying heavy loads.

What is the best women’s bag to use as a carry-on?

The best carry-on bags are spacious, yet compact. Small travel-specific backpacks, totes, and duffle bags can easily fit under airplane seats and meet the size restrictions for most airlines’ carry-on policies.