Finding the right flight bag for your needs can be a daunting task. There are just so many options out there and when you think you found the right one, a newer, cooler, flashier one comes to market. In the video below I review some of the bags that I have personally carried as flight bags.
Some helpful hints on finding the "perfect" flight bag:
Take an inventory of what you currently have in your home. A lot of times other bags are more than suitable for the task of becoming your new flight bag.
Before you spend money on any bag make sure to check your local Goodwill/Second hand store/Grandmothers Attic! You will be surprised what you will be able to find.
Think about what you need/want to take with you before selecting a bag.
Take into account if you want to use your bag for any other uses like work or school.
Just because a bag is labeled as a flight bad, does not necessarily mean that it will meet your needs.
Find a bad that will allow easy access to the items that you need in flight. This will make you fly more safely as you will not have to hunt through your bag trying to find a particular item.
Remember that most times flight bags are put through some pretty harsh treatment. You would want a bag that can survive the harsh tarmac, being thrown in trunks of crew cars and stuffed in tight spaces in various aircraft.
There is no such thing as a "perfect" flight bag. As you progress as a pilot your needs will change and so will the needs of your flight bag. This is why it is important to not spend unnecessary money on bags that you will potentially outgrow.
Of course, we would love to hear from you! If you have any tips to selecting the "best bag", let others know by including a comment.
Some of the bags shown in the video:
Kensington Contour Pro Notebook Case https://amzn.to/2uc9qxv
AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories - Black https://amzn.to/2udnmqV
High Sierra Endeavor Business TSA Elite Laptop Backpack, Black (new version) https://amzn.to/2KOvg4p
Flight Outfitters Bush Pilot Portfolio Brief (Tan/Brown/Orange) https://amzn.to/2KDV18m