A good journey starts with more than just a suitcase — you also need the right travel accessories. A compact bag for days out, packing cubes for clothes and a sturdy case for your Nintendo Switch can save you time and help prevent damaged belongings. However, product pages are not always as clear as they should be. A large number of compartments, for example, says nothing about how practical the bag is, while “waterproof” is sometimes used when the fabric is merely water-repellent.
So pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:
Do not just look at a product’s name. Check the stated dimensions and capacity. A crossbody bag with a capacity of 1.2 litres is suitable for everyday essentials. For a day trip or a longer walk, an expandable model may be more practical.
For packing cubes, check that the set is suitable for the size of your suitcase. A large cube can be useful for jumpers, but takes up a relatively large amount of space in a small cabin case. A combination of different sizes helps with storing clothes in a suitcase, shoes and toiletries.
Nylon is often lightweight and easy to clean. However, pay close attention to what the product information actually says. “Water-repellent” generally means that light splashes are less likely to soak in; it does not automatically offer the same protection as prolonged exposure to rain.
Also check the care instructions. Some bags should only be wiped with a damp cloth. Machine washing, harsh cleaning products or heat can affect the shape and properties of the fabric.
A sling bag or shoulder bag should stay securely in place when you are cycling, walking or making your way through a busy station. A wide, woven strap can distribute pressure more effectively than a narrow one. For a console case, a sturdy outer structure, a secure zip and enough room for accessories are all important.
A case for Nintendo Switch 2 or a Switch OLED protective case must also genuinely fit the console. Check whether the product description confirms compatibility with Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED and Switch 2. Accessory compartments are useful, but they will not stop loose cables or controllers from pressing against the screen if there is not enough room inside.
Why it suits this profile: The set includes different sizes for clothes, shoes, dirty laundry and smaller items. This makes it suitable for travellers using suitcase organisers for the first time.
The contents are divided between four mesh cubes, a privacy cube, a shoe bag, dirty-laundry bags and smaller organisers. This means you do not just get one large compartment that is difficult to organise.
10-piece set, mesh panels for seeing the contents, handles and two-way zips. According to the product information, the nylon fabric is lightweight and can be cleaned with a cloth or by gentle hand washing.
Why it suits this profile: This bag is ideal for city trips, festivals, commuting and holiday days when you want to travel light but still have extra space available when needed.
The product information states that it has a capacity of 1.2 litres, expandable to 3.6 litres. However, check beforehand that the dimensions of 24.8 × 7.6 × 11.6 cm are suitable for your belongings.
The stated weight is 98 grams. The bag has internal pockets, a woven shoulder strap and a drawstring fastening. According to the product description, the nylon fabric is resistant to oil, stains and splashes.
Why it suits this profile: For gamers who regularly take their console to family, holiday accommodation or friends’ homes, this carry case has room for the console, games and accessories.
The case has a rigid structure, a zip, an accessory compartment and eight separate game-card slots. The manufacturer states that it protects against minor knocks and scratches, but does not offer complete protection against heavy falls.
According to the product information, it is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED and Switch 2. The dimensions are 23.1 × 15.7 × 1.9 cm and the weight is 300 grams.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Start by sorting your luggage by category. For example, put shirts in one cube, underwear in a smaller organiser and shoes in a separate bag. Use a dirty-laundry bag from the start of your trip, so clean and worn clothes do not get mixed together.
Do not overfill packing cubes. An overstuffed cube can put strain on the zip and is harder to fit between other items of luggage. With an expandable shoulder bag, it is best to place heavier items at the bottom and delicate belongings in an internal pocket.
A similar approach applies to a games console: place the console in its designated compartment, use the mesh pocket for cables or earphones, and check that game cartridges are fully secured in their slots before closing the zip.
Packing cubes, a compact crossbody bag and a luggage organiser are practical choices. They help you keep your luggage organised and make it easier to find smaller items. Always check the dimensions and permitted weight of your hand luggage with the airline.
Lifespan depends on the material, zips, seams and how the item is used. A lightweight bag can last for years if you do not overload it and clean it according to the care instructions. Allow a bag to dry completely after contact with moisture, and avoid harsh products if the manufacturer recommends using only a damp cloth.
A separate case is useful if you regularly transport your console. An ordinary backpack often does not provide reliable protection against pressure or scratches. A games-console carry case with a rigid structure, zip and separate compartments can make it easier to transport the console and accessories in an organised way. Always check the stated compatibility with your Switch model before buying.