My brother, Jonathan, and I are both picky designer types and love a well-designed product, especially when it comes to pieces for travel. (Think: shoes + bags.)
We got to have a fun work day together in NW Arkansas at the Ledger coworking space when I was visiting my fam recently. When I knew I was going to cover a few travel favorites, I roped in Jonathan because I knew he’d have some fab picks too. Check out the video below for close-ups of what we bring on every trip.
Our Go-To Travel Bags & Shoes (Including Men’s!) For Every Trip
My brother leans a little more outdoorsy (but make it cool), and I lean a little more sporty, but we’re both choosy when it comes to products to spend our money on.
Jonathan owns a custom T-shirt business and sources THE softest tees to print on, and we’ve both had former careers in graphic design. We’re suckers for pieces that get the job done well, and I knew I could count on really comfy, well-made, cool-looking picks from my bro!
Our Favorite Travel Bags For Airport Days: Practical & Cool
For years I struggled with which bags to carry on the airplane and through the airport. I’ve always loved a backpack and took a black Fjallraven for years that I still have and use, but over the past year I’ve switched to the CalPak Terra Backpack Duffle and love it. The way it fits onto the rolling Hue Mini Carry-On (also from CalPak) is my new favorite combo. The backpack holds everything I need, including a laptop, and fits under the seat in front of me (and converts to a duffle bag if I need that!).
The Hue Mini Carry-On holds my backpack while I’m moving through the airport, carries plenty of extra shoes or a change of clothes (I still always check a bag because #fashion), but easily stows in the overhead compartment on the plane.
My brother loves Topo Designs bags and has a few different sizes and designs. His favorite for every day and travel is the Mini Quick Pack belt bag. It holds just what a guy needs and looks outdoorsy and cool without screaming dude-purse. For any folx who don’t want to carry a phone in their pants pocket, this type of bag is perfect. For the airplane he packs a couple of snacks, sunglasses, his phone and Airpods, et voila! Similarly, it holds the right amount for everyday adventuring too.
Our Favorite Shoes For Traveling: Versatile & Comfy
platform sneaker | hiking sneaker
When I’m going on a trip, whether I can take extra shoes in my carry-on or not, I always want to bring a pair of white sneakers that’ll go with everything. Right now, my favorite white sneakers are the Nike Blazer Low Platform.
I’m a fan of Nike Blazers in general, but the platform option in all white gives me such a versatile sneaker that’s still comfy and walkable for the airport and whatever I have planned on my trip. It goes with everything from trousers to dresses and shorts. Love. True to size, unlike other Nike shoes I’ve worn.
Jonathan has THREE pairs of his favorite men’s Lems Trailhead V2 Sneakers, in various colors. He loves that they’re hiking shoes that can be worn every day.
His trick for travel is to swap out regular laces with these stretchy laces. They’re for both kids and adults (he wanted me to mention he does know HOW to tie his shoes — he just chooses not to). They run TTS, and from a fashion standpoint I definitely approve. Love the outdoorsy/sporty mix they offer.
Travel-Ready Outfit Details
On Laura:
Nike Blazer Low Platform Sneakers (tts) / Vuori Performance Joggers (S) / BP. Square-Neck Tee (M)
CalPak Terra Backpack Duffle / CalPak Hue Mini Carry-On
On Jonathan:
Lems Trailhead V2 Sneakers (TTS) / Natural Threads Tees / Vuori Ripstop Traveler Joggers (M) / No-Tie Shoe Laces
Another fave travel shoe: Xero Prio Sneakers
Hope this helps solve a few travel probs for anyone out there with upcoming trips! One last item I adore that we didn’t focus on this time is this infinity travel pillow that I adore. It’s soooo soft and cozy.
You can follow Jonathan over on @naturalthreadsusa on Instagram if you need superior custom tees or want to check out the cool designs he has for sale! Thanks for joining me, brother!
Until next time!
xo,
-L + Jonathan
Would love for you to follow over on my Instagram, if you’re so inclined, for more outfits of the day, pet memes and motherhood musings from Portland, Oregon.
 & bags (CalPak & Topo) are our go-tos every trip.){kind=link}
