My school offers a two week study abroad program in Ireland during May, and I'm trying to figure out what kind of duffle bag I should purchase for the trip. I've narrowed it down, and I'm pretty sure I want to purchase one of the LLBEAN adventure duffles, but I'm not sure as to what size I should get. I was debating between the medium and the large. I don't think that the medium will be big enough, but I'm concerned that the large will be too big. - Here's the link to the large: www.llbean.com . . .

Has anybody had any experience with traveling with these bags, or have any advice on what size I should get?

Also, I'm not sure if this is posted in the proper category, so I apologized if it's not. Feel free to move it to where it might be best suited.

Thank you all in advance!

When I studied abroad I used an LL Bean hiking backpack made for women. I think it's a lot easier to have a backpack while traveling than a duffle bag. However, I'm not sure if it would fit two weeks worth of clothes in it unless you are a very good packer. I used it mostly for weekend trips. Is there a reason you want a bag as opposed to a regular suitcase?

I have that duffel bag, in the medium size (I think). It is a great size for a short trip- I got it for Christmas and took it when we went to visit friends and family for 5 days over New Year's. Unless you're a really light packer I would go with the large. Better to have extra room than not enough, and you'll probably buy some things while you're over there.

Those bags are awesome though. I had the small one that I used for a dance/gym bag for about 10 years. I only had to stop using it because it was a victim of a flood in my mom's basement.

If you're not going to be travelling from place to place every few days, then I don't think a backpack is necessarily more convenient.

I'll actually be staying in Dublin for two days, and then the rest of my time I will be spending in Galway. We will have a few day trips, so I actually do have a backpack that I figured that I could use as my carry-on for those occasions.

And I just figured that I'd get the duffle because it's cheaper than the suitcase. I have a few giftcards to use for LLBEAN, and I've heard really great things about the duffles.

My only concern with the large duffle is in regards to the size, and of it. I was wondering if it would be too large for airlines size guidelines. Does anybody have any ideas on this?

Thank you both for your input! The advice is greatly appreciated, and I think that I might be leaning more towards the large now.

The large would be too big for a carry on. Sometimes airlines don't pay as much attention to duffles because they are squishable, but the largest side should not exceed about 22-24" for most airlines. 22x15x10" is a good average on what you should be looking for in regards to a maximum size for a carry on. I would not recommend checking a duffle bag. You get to have a carry on and you could use your backback as your personal item. If you think you can fit everything into the medium and your backback that would work for your carry on, if not you might have to check a bag.

Have you ever thought of getting a used bag at your local used clothing/ goods store? I have gotten probably about 2 suitcases and 2 duffel bags total and they have all been in close to brand new condition. Many of my friends have also gone this route as well. The Nike duffel bag I got there only cost me $3 but sells for about $100 new. It was like this one here: images.nike.com . . .;
So if you have a second hand store in your area, I highly recommend that you check it out! You could find something really great for a fraction of the price!