I received a Rakuda bag for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I only review select items that I would buy for myself and my family.
Summer means travel and travel means packing, travel bags, and luggage. All of that often equates to heavy lifting and discomfort which I really don’t like.
My suitcase and carry-on bag on my trip to Indiana last week were both nothing less than crazy and crazy-heavy respectively. Sorry Delta, but my luggage may have been a tad over the carry-on limit.
I’m addicted to bags. Purses, tote bags, travel bags, backpacks, you name it. The coat closet by our front door is more of a bag closet. That is not because I LOVE collecting bags. I’m not a fan of collecting things. It’s because I am searching for the perfect purse and travel bag. I have looked for purses and travel bags that are stylish, comfortable, light weight, and durable, for the past few years. My sister Grechen, who is basically my personal shopper, will tell you how picky I am when it comes to purses and bags of any sort. During my quest, I’ve learned that weight often wins over style or function and I might not get the bag that I hoped for, thus the dozens of bags in our coat closet. However, in the case of the satchel I received from Rakuda, all of my requirements are met. This satchel (ie travel bag) has a classic style, it is very light, and it has all the pockets I need, as well as a wide, adjustable strap for comfort. In other words, this is a pretty awesome bag!
What I Consider When Choosing A Travel Bag:
Style
- If you’re not a fan of trendy purses that will look good for just a few months, you might want to considering buying a bag that is a classic style to use for travel. Considering buying a bag that will look good with black and brown outfits.
Comfort & Functionality
- Your travel bag should have at least one exterior pocket so you have easy access to important things like a phone or camera.
- The main interior pocket should have a wide opening so items inside are easy to get to quickly.
- A long strap for cross-body use will help with comfort on long days of tours. The purse strap should be wide and soft so that it doesn’t dig into your shoulder.
Weight & Durability
- The weight of a bag is a huge factor when travelling. Whether it’s the weight of luggage or the bag you’re carrying while touring your destination, it’s important to make sure the bag is as lightweight as possible so you don’t have to strain and you’re not uncomfortable just to make it through the day.
- Make sure that your travel bag is made up of materials that are durable such as high quality leather and strong canvas. These materials won’t tear or fall apart easily and can usually hold up in all types of weather.
Watch my brief video about the Rakuda Satchel
Things I Carry In My Travel Bag:
It took a few years for me to realize that I don’t really need to carry as much in my travel bag as I thought I did. Do I really need magazines, a charger for my iPad and iPhone, an external battery for both, a water bottle, my large wallet, a notepad, my large sunglasses case, a first aid kit, and 4 different snacks? Not really.
Here is what I carry in my bag/purse while I am out and about on trips:
- Wallet
- iPhone
- Water bottle
- Chapstick
- iPad Mini
- Small Moleskine notebook
- Pens
- A few cosmetic items (powder, nail clippers, lip gloss, etc)
- Charger and external battery for iPhone and iPad (I can’t stop carrying these, although I’ve tried.. I am a charging addict)
What is the Rakuda Satchel Great For?
My son Sebastian (13 years old) took the satchel out of the box and ran before I could even look at it. He claimed it as his own and started gathering things to put in it. He gathered a sketchbook, pencils, his favorite aviators, his Camelback water bottle, Kashi snack bars, iPhone, and earphones and was packed like he was ready to go on a safari. That being said, you can rest assured that this satchel is great for both men and women. My son really wants the Desert Tan Cargo Backpack and with the 40% promo code (see below) Rakuda is offering now, he just might get one!
- Travel bag – The Rakuda Satchel is really a great travel bag. Your wallet, a map, sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle, your phone, and an iPad will fit in this bag.
- Camera bag – When used as a camera bag, the camera can be stored in the main pocket and an extra lens can easily be stored in the exterior magnetic enclosure pocket.
- Dad diaper bag – This is a great bag to use as a Dad diaper bag when Dad is taking a quick trip to the park or mall. A couple of diapers, a box of diaper wipes, a sippy cup, your wallet, and even a change of clothes for baby will fit comfortably in this satchel making it a great Dad diaper bag.
Get 40% off your Rakuda purchase through June 30th!
Rakuda is offering 40% off all products when you use promo code Rakuda40 through June 30th, 2013! Visit RakudaBags.com.
Learn More And Connect With Rakuda:
I received a Rakuda bag for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.
