Heading overseas and need a burly, durable hold-all? A travel bag will do the job, and may even be suitable for the trail.

Zips
Lockable, sturdy and strong, zips should be usable even when the pack is bursting at the seams.

Harness
A travel pack that doubles as a tramping pack will have a stowable harness for ease of transport.

Handles and straps
Top and side handles allow for easy pick-up from airport carousels and loading into cars and buses. There should also be attachments for a removable shoulder strap to provide an alternative carrying option.

Capacity
Large capacity packs and bags can go as high as 120-litres. Smaller capacity packs can be carried in the cabin. Zip pockets with organiser pouches for essential items should be easily accessed without opening the pack’s main compartment. Magazine and tablet/laptop pockets keep your travel entertainment close to hand.

Fabrics
Travel packs are designed to take a beating. Durable high-denier nylon, canvas, polyester and ripstop fabrics offer years of service.

Duffels
These sturdy bags do a great job of hauling lots of gear – whether for an expedition or just loaded with your clothes. They perform less well as a tramping pack.

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a pack…

Lowe Alpine AT Wheelie $549.95 Wheeled duffle, wide alloy handle, alloy top and side grab handles, tamperproof lockable zips, load-locker straps, moulded flat back. Fabric Travel Shield Grid 420D with TPU coating Capacity 90-, 120-litre Weight 4020g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Lowe Alpine Kulu $399.95 Fold-away hipbelt, rain cover doubles as a harness cover, top, bottom and full front opening, twin grab handles. Fabric 420D Nailhead Polyester Dobby Capacity 55+10-, 65+10-litre Weight 2220g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Osprey Transporter Duffel 95L $249.99 Dual-zippered end pockets with rain flaps, four grab handles, 12 web lashing points, lockable U-zip access to main compartment, stowaway contoured harness, D-ring attachments, internal zippered mesh pocket. Fabric 420D nylon hex rip, 900D packcloth Capacity 95-litre Weight 1100g. www.ospreypacks.com

Patagonia Black Hole 30 $249.99 Weatherproof with TPU laminate, main zippered compartment with padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, hydration compatible, front organising stash pocket, moulded backpanel, padded shoulder harness with sternum strap, stretch-woven side pockets. Fabric 450D polyester ripstop with DWR Capacity 30-litre  Weight 984g. www.Patagonia.com.au