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I'm a Travel Writer, and This Packing Hack Lets Me Shop My Way Through Europe Without Paying for Extra Bags

I think I've nailed traveling light to a T. I only bring the bare essentials and try to find items that are multifunctional or can be used for more than one activity (such as versatile sandals that look good while sightseeing but can also conquer hiking trails). However, I must confess: I really only pack lightly on my way into a city and not when I return home, because hand to heart: I love to shop. No matter how many times I visit a city overseas, whether it's Madrid, Rome, or Zurich, which I have popped into more than a dozen times each, I always return home with far too many souvenirs and gifts. While you may scoff at the thought of yet another tourist who buys snow globes and porcelain mugs, I tend to gravitate towards food gifts—artisan sardines from Spain, chocolate from Geneva, and even mustard from Berlin. As you can imagine, packing my suitcase when returning home after a trip abroad can be an issue, but I have a nifty trick: I always bring an extra bag with me, and my go-to is the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag. $200 at Amazon $200 at REI $200 at The Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag is my must-bring item whenever I travel. It's not only lightweight but can also be squished and folded into barely nothing when packed. When you need it (like filling it up with Haribo candy from Germany), you can whip it out, and voila—you have another bag that can act as your carry-on or second checked bag. I've tried many different styles and designs when testing out my 'duffel bag' theory, but nothing beats the Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag. It isn't your average duffel bag that you bring to the gym. In its own right, you can use it as your primary luggage, too. The recycled nylon material is incredibly durable and can withstand all the bumps, scratches, and tosses of being transported by airport staff. It's super easy to clean as well—simply wipe the exterior with a wet cloth to keep it looking brand new. On my last trip to Crans-Montana, Switzerland, having a bag that could be easily cleaned was crucial after hiking, running, and cycling in the muddy woods. $200 at Amazon $200 at REI $200 at For travellers who like to move around easily and hands-free, the Allpa Getaway Duffel Bag can also convert into a backpack. Equipped with secure and stable straps on one side, you can hoist the Allpa onto your back and move freely. On my last trip to Indonesia, this feature was handy during a volcanic eruption evacuation. Rather than dragging my luggage with wheels and fighting through crowds, I simply placed the duffel on my back and ran to the taxi rank to jump on a boat. I appreciated the straps, but if you don't want the extra weight, you can remove the backpack harness altogether. Like most Cotopaxi bags, the Allpa Getaway comes with added security, including multiple zippers and handy zippered pockets to keep your documents and other important items safe. There are also additional exterior compartments, which I appreciated on my last trip to Berlin. Making my way from the airport via the train station and walking to the Adlon Kempinski, I liked having the additional exterior pockets, so I could easily reach into the bag while it was still on my back and grab anything I needed. $200 at Amazon $200 at REI $200 at As a second piece of luggage to hold all my souvenirs, the duffel bag continues to shine and impress me each time I travel with it. One of the greatest benefits is the ability to pack it up when not in use. The Allpa Getaway Duffel is a hefty 70-liter bag, but it can be rolled up like a puffer jacket into a simple, little packing cube. Other perks include the key clip, which I dangle my wallet with extra cash for emergencies, but there are also multiple grab handles. If you've ever overloaded your duffel bag with too much, you may probably agree with me that handles beyond just the two straps in the middle are important when cradling a duffel bag efficiently. While I love the 70-liter bag, there are different sizes to suit everyone's needs—the 55-liter and even 100-liter bags come in a lot of cool colors, but I've limited myself to the medium-sized bag to tame my shopping habits. Reviewers, however, have shared their love for all three sizes. One Cotopaxi reviewer called it a 'very cool bag' because it could hold so much, adding, 'I really love this bag and plan on also getting my husband one. It's great for a few days of quick, little trips or camping.' Another reviewer said the bag was perfect for their trip to Tanzania. Meanwhile, an additional shopper praised the 55-liter version as the 'best bag ever,' saying it 'fit the perfect amount of stuff for a two-week trip to Morocco.' It makes me wonder: Should I get the 55-liter bag as well? Someone, please stop me. Keep scrolling for even more tough, travel-ready duffel bags from Osprey, The North Face, Yeti, and more—all available at Amazon. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.