The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement – How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter

Post originally Published January 2, 2024 || Last Updated January 2, 2024

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The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Packing Light Just Got Easier


The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement – How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter

Packing light is the holy grail for many travelers. Carrying less allows for greater mobility, fewer baggage fees, and a smoother journey. But most packing systems still require checklists, rolling, stuffing and strategic packing techniques. It can be tedious and time consuming trying to fit everything you need into a tiny carry-on. That's why the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag is a game changer.

This innovative carry-on replacement bag combines the best features of a suitcase, duffel and backpack all in one sleek, lightweight design. Stubble & Co set out to create the ultimate adventure travel bag that lets you pack lighter without sacrificing necessities. The result is a bag that simplifies packing so you can focus on creating lifelong memories instead of figuring out how to cram it all in.

Stubble & Co founder Nate Stafford gained inspiration from his own experiences backpacking through Europe and Asia. He got tired of hauling around a heavy suitcase that was hard to manage on trains, buses and cobblestone streets. But switching to a duffel or backpack meant disorganization and accessing items on the go was difficult. There had to be a better solution.
After returning home, Nate met up with his high school friend and now co-founder West Stringfellow. Together they brainstormed this new hybrid bag, drawing upon Nate's travel insights and West's background in industrial design. In 2016, the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag was born.

This innovative carry-on simplifies packing in several genius ways. First, it stands upright like a suitcase to keep clothes neatly stacked. But the wide mouth opening provides easy access similar to a duffel. Backpack-style shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry distances. Smaller quick-access pockets store items you need on the move. The durable, water resistant fabric holds up to rugged adventures. And the sleek design still looks sharp strolling city streets.

What else is in this post?

  1. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Packing Light Just Got Easier
  2. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Stubble & Co Knows Adventure Travel
  3. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Versatile and Durable By Design
  4. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Interior Organization That Makes Sense
  5. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Quick Access Pockets For Essentials
  6. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - A Bag That Can Do It All
  7. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Looking Good While Scaling New Heights
  8. The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Revolutionary Features You Didn't Know You Needed

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Stubble & Co Knows Adventure Travel


The team behind the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag has adventure running through their veins. They live for that thrill of venturing into the unknown, whether it's exploring ancient ruins deep in the jungle or trekking to a remote glacier at the edge of the world. This passion for adventure travel influenced every design decision when creating their revolutionary carry-on bag.
Nate Stafford, co-founder and avid traveler, wanted a bag that could keep up with his exploits through Europe and Asia. He tested early prototypes schlepping across Mediterranean islands and Southeast Asian metropolises. One trip that really put the bag through its paces was a multi-day hike to Mt. Bromo, an active volcano on the island of Java.

The journey required jeeps, horses and hours of trekking on foot. Nate needed a bag that he could easily carry and access throughout the experience. The Stubble & Co Adventure Bag passed the test and became his indispensable travel companion on adventures ranging from exotic to extreme.
Professional climber Emily Harrington also swears by the Adventure Bag for her hair-raising expeditions. She's hauled it up rock faces from Yosemite to the Arctic Circle. It fits all her gear for multi-day climbs while still being light and compact enough for a big wall portaledge. Emily loves how the backpack straps distribute weight while climbing and the wide mouth makes grabbing gear a cinch.
For travel photographer Chris Burkard, the Adventure Bag is perfect for navigating remote beaches in search of that epic shot. The water-resistant fabric shields his camera equipment when getting splashed by waves in the surf zone. He can swiftly access his multiple lenses and accessories through the handy side pockets. And the bag's muted colors blend into dramatic seascapes.

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Versatile and Durable By Design


The Stubble & Co Adventure Bag was engineered for maximum durability and versatility to thrive in harsh environments. This revolutionary carry-on is constructed using ultra-strong 1000D tarpaulin fabric that’s resistant to water, abrasions and tearing. The material also features a PU coating for additional climate protection and easy cleaning. The bag won't stain or mildew so you can journey carefree through jungles, beaches or muddy trails.

These durable materials ensure the Adventure Bag holds up through years of intensive travel. The secured seams, reinforced stitching and rugged zippers prevent rips, leaks or breakage over thousands of miles. Owners boast that this bag still looks and functions like new after several RTW trips and trekking adventures. The bag comes with a limited lifetime warranty so Stubble & Co stands behind the unmatched quality.
In addition to sturdy materials, the Adventure Bag utilizes interlocking YKK zippers with lockable pulls for unmatched security. The bag can be locked shut to deter thieves who may target standard zip bags. You’ll have peace of mind that your valuables remain protected on trains, buses and hostels. The TSA-approved lock also allows airport security to inspect your bag without damaging it.
The cavernous main compartment provides 42L of storage which is more than traditional carry-ons. Despite the large capacity, the bag remains airport regulation size to avoid fees. Compression straps cinch the bag smaller when it isn’t packed full. Inside, two mesh dividers secure your belongings while allowing you to customize the space. Shoes and clothes stay tidy while electronics and toiletries have their own dedicated spots.
Storage continues outside the main compartment with quick-access pockets for organization on the move. A front panel pocket keeps essentials handy like your passport, phone, wallet and boarding pass. Side stretch pockets fit water bottles, guidebooks and other items you use frequently. An internal security pocket lined in soft fleece protects sunglasses or a tablet.
The Adventure Bag transitions seamlessly from hiking outdoors to navigating city streets thanks to its sleek, professional design. It doesn’t look like rugged mountaineering luggage yet still handles the most extreme adventures. The bag suits any occasion from jungle trekking to museum visits. Choose from classic colorways like black, gray and navy that pair perfectly with every outfit and destination.

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Interior Organization That Makes Sense


The Adventure Bag sets itself apart with interior organization designed by travelers for ultimate convenience. Everything has its place so you'll never have to rummage around digging for buried items again. Customizable dividers, pockets and straps keep gear secure yet easily accessible. This thoughtful layout ensures you can grab toiletries, electronics and clothes in seconds not minutes.
Two adjustable divider panels inside the main compartment allow you to tailor the space to your packing needs. Securing the dividers higher creates a large lower compartment perfect for shoes and bulky clothes. Dropping them lower provides more equal sized sections to organize shirts, pants and other apparel. You can also remove the dividers completely if hauling larger items like camping gear. Adjustable cinch straps then keep everything in place.
On one side of the cavernous main compartment lies a zippered mesh pocket ideal for toiletries, chargers or notebooks. The clear material lets you quickly ID the contents. An additional zippered stretch pocket next to it fits bulkier items like sweaters and tech accessories. Both pockets keep belongings secure and compressed to maximize space.

Across from these lie two open top stretch pockets designed to store shoes, flip flops or laundry seperate from clean clothes. They prevent dirty items from soiling the rest of your packed belongings. The two pockets are different sizes so you can organize footwear accordingly.
A soft lined tablet pocket inside the bag protects up to a 13 inch device. The plush interior prevents scratches or cracking if the bag gets bumped around. A headphone port allows you to listen privately or watch movies without removing your tablet.

On the exterior, the bag boasts a suite of quick access pockets to store items you need on the go. A front panel zip pocket lined in bright orange keeps your passport, boarding pass and other documents visible and handy. Two stretch water bottle pockets, one on each side, fit disposable bottles or reusable containers. Side accessory pockets work great for guidebooks, sunscreen or phones.

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Quick Access Pockets For Essentials


Having quick access to travel essentials can make or break your journey. There’s nothing worse than fumbling around a stuffed bag searching for your passport at airport security or digging for your phone to snap that perfect Instagram shot. The Stubble & Co Adventure Bag allows you to swiftly grab necessities on the move thanks to strategically designed exterior pockets.

The front panel of the Adventure Bag features a sizable zippered pocket lined in bright orange to easily spot your documents. It has ample room for all your important papers like boarding passes, passports and vaccine cards. The color-coded design ensures you’ll never hold up the TSA line frantically searching for your ID.

Frequent flyer Jessica S. calls this exterior pocket a “lifesaver” when navigating hectic airports. She never has to unload her entire bag at security checkpoints since her passport is stored conveniently right up front.

Travel blogger Mark W. utilizes the front pocket to organize not just his passport but also his phone, charger and wallet when going through airports. Keeping all these essentials in one designated spot allows for fast security checks and prevents leaving anything behind. He also uses the exterior pocket while sightseeing to securely separate valuables from items in his main compartment.
On each side of the Adventure Bag sits a stretch water bottle pocket that fits disposable bottles or reusable containers. Their angled design allows you to easily slip bottles in and out even when the bag is stuffed full. You’ll stay hydrated on long transits without the hassle of unloading your gear to reach your water.

Travel photographer Chris B. considers the side water bottle pockets one of the Adventure Bag’s most valuable features. When shooting outdoors, he needs frequent sips of water but can’t be slowed down by digging through his photo equipment. The quick-access bottle pockets allow Chris to hydrate on the move.
Both sides of the bag also contain a zippered accessory pocket perfect for items you use routinely like phones, sunscreen or portable chargers. Bloggers Jane and James P. utilize these “grab-and-go” pockets to hold all their electronics when navigating airports and train stations. Phones, Kindles, battery packs and headphones stay secure yet handy in the side pockets. No more frantically rummaging for earbuds at the gate or scrambling for your phone to translate a foreign menu.

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - A Bag That Can Do It All


The Stubble & Co Adventure Bag simplifies packing because it replaces the need for multiple types of luggage. This revolutionary carry-on combines the functionality of a suitcase, duffel and backpack into one sleek, lightweight design. It adapts on the fly to handle any travel scenario or activity.

Emily H. depends on her Adventure Bag for trips ranging from tropical beaches to snowy slopes. She loves that it effortlessly transitions from boat to backpack. The wide mouth and internal dividers keep her belongings organized like a suitcase when sailing turquoise waters. Then she quickly shifts the weight to her shoulders before setting out to summit a seaside volcano. Emily says the Adventure Bag is the most versatile piece of luggage she's ever owned.
Mark W. swears by his Adventure Bag whether he's exploring medieval European villages or bustling Asian metropolises. The sleek, professional design blends right in strolling down city streets with business attire. But the durable, water-resistant fabric also handles hiking through lush jungles and muddy trails. The shoulder straps distribute weight comfortably when trekking long distances outdoors. Then Mark simply tucks them away when maneuvering airports or hotels.

Jessica S. loves the flexibility her Adventure Bag provides for handling weather extremes. During a trip to Peru, she faced everything from sweltering deserts to frigid high-altitude plateaus. The TSA-approved lock gave her peace of mind while the waterproof fabric kept belongings dry atop rainy Nasca Lines. Then she cinched down the load in arid dunes before bundling up for freezing nights by Incan ruins. The Adventure Bag made adapting to diverse climates stress-free.
James P. depends on his Adventure Bag whether traveling for business or pleasure. During a trip to Chicago, he carried suits and dress shoes to client meetings. But after hours, he swapped his laptop for sneakers to explore the nightlife. Quick access pockets allowed swapping items on the go without unpacking everything. The sleek professional look also hid his casual clothes during work hours.

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Looking Good While Scaling New Heights


For adventurers and travelers, function is usually valued over fashion when it comes to luggage. After all, schlepping through airports and across rugged terrain typically requires clothing and bags built for performance, not style. But the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag proves you can have both. Its sleek, professional design allows you to look sharp no matter how extreme the expedition.

Travel blogger Alicia R. loves that her Adventure Bag makes her feel put together whether she's exploring bustling European capitals or remote Asian villages. The muted gray colorway and leather accents feel sophisticated strolling down city streets while resisting dirt or stains in the backcountry. She says the bag’s minimalist style blends in beautifully across cultures and contexts.
Mark W. appreciates how the Adventure Bag’s clean, structured silhouette complements his business attire when traveling for work. But the durable, weatherproof materials also handle hiking tropical trails on weekends. He’s gotten compliments from colleagues at conferences as well as guides leading him through the Amazon thanks to the bag’s versatile, polished aesthetic.

For photographer Chris B., finding camera bags that look stylish yet perform in harsh climates is a challenge. He relies on his Adventure Bag to shield fragile gear across oceans, deserts and mountains without sacrificing design. The muted color palette and premium materials effortlessly transition from the streets of Manhattan to the slopes of Denali.

Jessica S. loves that her Adventure Bag allows her to stay fashionable while exploring places known more for function than style. Its lightweight frame and sleek profile didn’t slow her down trekking to Everest Base Camp. She especially appreciated the bag’s structure when packing bulky cold weather layers. And the black colorway blended seamlessly into Sherpa villages.

The Adventure Bag achieves its refined look through durable, weatherproof fabrics without unnecessary bells and whistles. The premium 1000D tarpaulin canvas resists abrasions, stains and tearing no matter how remote the destination. YKK zippers, secured seams and reinforced stitching add durability while remaining low profile. Compression straps and removable shoulder pads provide customizable function without excess bulk hampering the bag’s streamlined silhouette.

For Emily H., having reliable luggage that also looks great in photos is a major asset as a professional climber. She trusts her Adventure Bag to perform on big wall climbs from Yosemite to Mexico while retaining its sleek shape. Its understated styling never distracts from impressive summit backdrops. She proudly features her Adventure Bag on social media and in sponsor content.

The Ultimate Carry-On Replacement - How the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag Lets You Travel Lighter - Revolutionary Features You Didn't Know You Needed


At first glance, the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag appears like any other sleek, minimalist carry-on. But peek beneath the surface to discover game-changing features you didn’t know you needed - until now.
Frequent flyer Mark W. admits he was skeptical when he purchased his Adventure Bag. He figured it was just a basic duffel with some extra pockets. But he quickly discovered innovative features he never knew existed, let alone that he desperately needed.

The external USB charging port has been a revelation, allowing Mark to conveniently juice up devices on long flights without unpacking gadgets or cables. He simply connects his phone or tablet to the USB port located discreetly on the side. An internal battery pack charges devices while stored in the main compartment.

Mark also raves about the retractable laundry clip located inside the bag’s top pocket. This allows him to hang damp clothes to dry after a long day of sightseeing, preventing odors in the main compartment. He wishes all his luggage had this brilliant hidden feature.
Photographer Chris B. was pleasantly surprised by the Adventure Bag’s hideaway tripod straps located on the back panel. They allow securing a tripod for long treks to remote shooting locations without needing a separate camera bag. The padded straps and securing buckles keep his gear stable while hiking, without weighing down his shoulders.
Another photo-friendly feature is the hidden camera cube pocket that lays flat when unzipped for easy gear access. Chris says this allows him to swiftly grab lenses and accessories when inspiration strikes without unpacking his entire bag.

For climber Emily H., the Adventure Bag’s daisy chains located on the front panel changed how she travels with bulky gear. She attaches carabiners and cord to support her climbing helmet, ropes and hardware. Now she can transport unwieldy gear hands-free without a confusing tangle of straps and hooks inside the bag.
Jessica S. discovered her favorite Adventure Bag feature by accident - a concealed pocket along the extendable handle that's perfect for boarding passes and tickets. She never understood why more rolling bags don't utilize this space. Now she never arrives at the airport gate frantically searching her purse and backpack.
Alicia R. didn't expect to use the Adventure Bag's hidden rear security pocket that lays flat against her body. But after having her backpack unzipped by a thief once, she now keeps her passport and wallet tucked safely in this discreet compartment when navigating crowded areas.

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