Packing for a sailing trip requires a fine balance: you need enough capacity for gear and clothing, compliance with airline cabin rules, and a bag that fits in the yacht’s limited storage space. Over the years, I've refined my luggage system through trial and error, moving away from traditional duffel bags and tactical gear to a more practical, travel-friendly setup.
Today, I rely on two trusted brands: Osprey and Maxpedition. Here's why — plus some alternative options worth considering.
The Maxpedition Ironcloud 48L is my go-to for short sailing trips and complex flight itineraries.
Why I Recommend It:
• Ideal for trips up to 2 weeks with multiple flights and connections.
• Fits in cabin luggage compartments, saving you from baggage claim delays.
• Extremely durable and low-profile — won’t attract unwanted attention.
• Versatile setup: I carry a separate 100L dry bag for check-in if needed, while Ironcloud remains my cabin bag.
• Security first: always equipped with a TSA-approved lock.
• Pro Tip: Always detach the CO2 cylinder from your life vest and pack it separately to avoid airport security issues.
Osprey Shuttle 100L - For Offshore Sailing & Full Gear Loadouts
For longer voyages and offshore sailing where you need to bring your full kit, the Osprey Shuttle 100L is unbeatable.
Key Advantages:
• Massive capacity for foul-weather gear, boots, mid-layers, and essentials.
• Smart compression: despite its size, the bag flattens when not in use, unlike typical rigid suitcases.
• Built for travel: sturdy frame, large wheels, and telescopic handle make airport navigation easy.
• Efficient packing: use Osprey and Sea to Summit organizers, plus compression sacks, to keep everything neat and accessible.
It’s the rare big bag that’s both practical for flights and compact enough for yacht storage.
• Lightweight 15L daypack for laptop, documents, and essentials.
• Separate compartment for CO2 cylinder from life jackets.
• Modular packing: organize clothes by type for quick access on board.
• Tactical bags (e.g., 5.11, MOLLE): heavy, airport-unfriendly, and unnecessary for sailing trips.
• Non-lockable, non-compressible luggage: security risks and space wasters.
• Rigid non-adaptable suitcases: impractical in yacht cabins.
If you’re exploring other options, these bags are also popular among sailors and yacht crews.
• Helly Hansen Duffel Bag 90L: Simple, durable, and folds flat.
• North Face Rolling Thunder 95L: Tough wheels and weather-resistant fabrics.
• Ortlieb Duffel RS 85L: Waterproof with integrated wheels - great for wet marinas.
Each offers its own balance between durability, packability, and ease of transport.
For sailing trips where avoiding checked baggage is important, the Maxpedition Ironcloud 48L remains my top choice. Its compact size, durability, and ability to fit in cabin luggage make it ideal for short journeys and complex itineraries with multiple flights. When a larger capacity is needed - especially for offshore sailing with full gear loadouts - the Osprey Shuttle 100L is my go-to solution. Despite its size, it offers the convenience of easy transportation and can be compressed to fit into the limited storage space on a yacht, unlike traditional hard-shell suitcases. This combination of bags has been thoroughly tested in real conditions, from multi-stop flights to week-long sailing charters, and continues to prove itself as a reliable, hassle-free packing system.
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