I Love to Pack Light-but This 1 Bag Always Comes With Me Just in Case I Need Extra Space on the Way Back

"I love to pack light, but I'm also the kind of travel writer who's always coming home with more than I left with. Whether that's ceramics from Portugal, antiques from Italy, or a vintage haul from shopping all summer in Paris. Browsing, curating, and collecting are my favorite things to do when traveling, but that also means I need luggage that can adapt and expand. Over the years, I've learned a simple way to make my luggage accommodate my shopping habit-a collapsible duffel bag."

"Unlike flimsier fold-up duffels, the REI Big Haul is built tough with high-quality 400D ripstop and water-repellent fabric, reinforced buckles to back up the zipper, and padded straps so you can wear it like a backpack. I even once squeaked by security using it as my " personal item " (though don't yell at me if you're asked to check it at the gate)."

"I pack the bag with soft goods on the outside, so that breakable items are cushioned and compressed in the bag's interior. The thick handles on each end are hefty enough that I don't worry about them ripping off when getting tossed around by baggage handlers. I've packed it full of souvenirs like bottles of olive oil, jams, books, pottery, and clothes-and it's held up since 2018 with no broken souvenirs to date."

"The Big Haul is my go-to in large part because the outdoor brand works to reduce its carbon emissions and supports climate projects around the world. If I'm buying a new item, I try to ensure it's from a brand that prioritizes sustainability. If you think the 60-liter size is too big or too small for your needs, REI has the same collapsible design in 28, 40, 90, and 120-liter versions."

Collapsible duffel bags allow travelers who collect souvenirs to expand luggage capacity on return trips while keeping a compact footprint on departure. The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 compresses to about the size of a toiletry bag and can be slipped into carry-on luggage, then checked when full. Built from 400D ripstop and water-repellent fabric with reinforced buckles and padded straps, the bag withstands heavy loads and can be carried like a backpack. Packing soft goods around breakables cushions fragile items. REI offers multiple sizes and emphasizes sustainability through emissions reduction and climate project support.

Read at Travel + Leisure