Are you an adventure seeker looking for a bag as rugged as your travel? Read on to see if the Topo Designs Global travel bag lives up to the hype.
Finding the perfect travel bag is akin to discovering a rare hidden gem. Some travel calls for a sturdy carry-on and other times, you need a trusty bag that you know fares well on adventure.
If you read my Carl Friedrick Carry-On X review, you’ll know I am notorious for overpacking. This means finding a bag that accommodates my over-preparedness while fitting in the overhead bin is always challenging.
When Topo Designs graciously offered The Modest Man their Global Travel Bag to sample, I gleefully accepted. It was perfect timing, too, as my latest travels took me camping on the California coast for a week.
I put the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller up to the test. Are you wondering how it did? Read on to see if it ranks as a travel bag favorite or if it’s just more extra baggage.
Topo Designs’ Basement Beginnings
Before we dive into the review, let’s chat about Topo Designs’ humble beginnings.
The brand began in 2008 in a basement in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen desired outdoor goods that were durable, functional, and classic. Rose purchased a sewing machine and began creating packs in his basement.
The duo’s founding mission is rooted “with the fundamental belief that everyone experiences the outdoors differently. [They] want to get everyone outside without feeling encumbered by the traditional notions that hold them back.”
As a result, they create travel bags, packs, accessories and clothes for both men and women. Durability and sustainability are at the core of their creations. The brand uses organic cotton and recycled nylon to create ethical and eco-friendly products.
My Global Travel Bag Roller First Impressions
Upon opening the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the color combination and size of the bag. I chose the bag in the Bone White/Olive color combination.
I traditionally opt for neutrals, but I wanted something that (slightly) stood out of the crowd. This color combo is wonderfully neutral, and the blue accents contrast nicely.
The bag was also surprisingly flat. I wasn’t sure it would hold a week’s worth of clothes for my camping trip, but I’m an optimist, so I would try to make it work anyway.
I also liked the various carry options. You can extend the telescoping suitcase handle to roll it along. By the way, the wheels look and feel super sturdy. Or, use one of the three side/top handles to carry it as you would a briefcase.
My favorite option is the backpack carry.
Yes, this bag has stowable backpack straps so that you can toss it on your back as a hands-free option.
However, it’s important to note that if you are of modest height, you might find the bag to be a bit long on your back. It’s 21” long, and I’m 5’6”, so it felt a bit long to carry on my back. I am also a toddler’s parent; therefore, the hands-free option is a no-brainer, regardless of size.
Last, Topo Designs constructs the front of the bag with sturdy, rugged recycled nylon. However, the back of the bag is made from recycled plastic. This gives you a lightweight and flexible bag that retains its shape.
Packing The Global Travel Bag: So Much Room For Activities
Don’t be fooled by the Global Travel Bag Roller’s size. It packs shockingly well. After all, Topo designs the bag with SO many pockets, almost forcing you to become organized.
I also appreciated the high-visibility liner. Trust me, you’re not losing anything in this bag!
You’ll find a zippered laptop pocket in the padded exterior pocket or a pocket for travel docs if you prefer. There are also two drop-in pockets.
Inside, you’ll find two internal compartments. The first compartment has two zippered mesh pockets and a nylon zippered pocket. Unzip the first compartment to see the main packing area. Personally, I liked that the main compartment closes with a zipper as it acts like a large pack bag.
I could pack a whole week’s worth of clothes in this bag, though there wasn’t much room left over. Here’s everything I took with me:
- Ten shirts (both short and long sleeves)
- Two sweatshirts
- A hooded flannel button-up
- One set of pajamas
- One pair of shorts
- Eight pairs of pants
- Undergarments packed into the Topo Designs 10L Pack Bag
- A corduroy baseball cap
- Toiletries packed into a Topo Designs Dopp Kit
- Two pairs of shoes
Yes, I know that’s a lot. Obviously, I haven’t learned my lesson, and I am still an overpacker. However, everything fits perfectly into the Global Travel Bag Roller.
Sadly, I think I could have packed more (even if I didn’t need more) if I had additional pack bags.
The roller might be too big for your needs if you are a minimalist when packing or traveling. Instead, you could opt for the slightly smaller Global Travel Bag 40L or the Global Travel Bag 30L. Suffice it to say Topo Designs has a bag for almost all of your travel needs.
Topo Designs Dopp Kit and 10L Pack Bag
Topo Designs also sent their Dopp Kit and 10L Pack Bag along with the travel roller.
I’ve already mentioned that the travel roller has plenty of organization, but I really liked the Pack Bag. It’s perfect for things like undergarments and even shoes to ensure your clothes don’t get dirty. Or, tuck one away to pack your dirty clothes for the trip home.
There are a plethora of uses for the Topo Designs Pack Bags, so I highly recommend adding one to your shopping cart.
I kept undergarments in mine, and there was plenty of room for socks, underwear, and more. In fact, I think these things would have fit perfectly fine in the 5L Pack Bag. Unfortunately, it was out of stock when I placed my order.
The 5L Pack Bag measures 7”h x 3”d x 10”w, while the 10L is 14”h x 3”d x 10”w.
The Dopp Kit also had plenty of room for everything I needed to bring, with extra space. I was able to pack the following in my Dopp Kit:
- Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste
- Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
- Travel containers with face wash, moisturizer, and lotion
- Travel-size contact solution and a week’s worth of disposable contacts
- Eyeglasses and case
- Retainer case
- Deodorant
The Topo Designs Dopp Kit features a triangular design that allows the bag to stand upright. It’s constructed of recycled nylon, similar to the travel bag and easy to clean.
The Dopp Kit measures 5.5”h x 5.5”d x 11”w. It’s not a giant bag by any means, but it feels incredibly roomy.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller Specs
By now, you should know that I absolutely love the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller. If you’re not entirely convinced yet, here are a few additional specs and features to entice you.
- PackFast Attachment Clips
- Heavy-duty YKK zippers w/security loops
- External stabilizer bar
- Crush-proof wheels
- Sustainable yet sturdy, recycled nylons and PC plastic
The Global Travel Bag Roller measures 13.5”w x 21”h x 9”d.
Yes, you read that right. I could pack everything I mentioned in a 9” in-depth unpacked bag.
This bag also weighs 6.6 pounds unpacked.
Should You Go All In With A Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller?
The answer is a resounding yes if you need something outdoorsy, rugged and sustainably made. You should definitely add the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller to your luggage rotation.
Other than the length of the bag in backpack mode, there isn’t anything negative to say about it.
While it could replace a hardshell carry-on luggage, I don’t know if I would. I would be concerned about how it would fare checked-in should you need to.
At the very least, it would likely get dirty from handling and airplane luggage storage. There’s a time and place for both so if you have the space in your home, I’d definitely keep both.
Without a doubt, this bag does exactly what it’s intended to — make one bag travel as easy as possible!
What’s your go-to travel bag? Let us know in the comments below.
