Baggallini vs. Kipling – Which Bags are Better?

I’ve spent considerable time searching for the perfect bags to accompany me on my journeys over the past 12 years, cycling through almost all of the top travel brands.

I’ve tried both Baggallini and Kipling in several sizes and styles. Each has its own unique set of features, strengths, and weaknesses, but to me, there’s a clear winner. Here’s everything to know about Baggallini and Kipling bags to help you choose between the two:

Common Features of Baggallini and Kipling

I was led to Baggallini (read my full review) when the brand hired me to do some brand photos for some of their bags on our Japan trip, and I was led to Kipling because, well, it’s so popular that I see it everywhere.

Both Baggallini and Kipling have built solid reputations for producing high-quality, stylish, and functional bags. Here are some common features that I appreciate in both brands:

1. Durability: Both are known for their durability and make most of their bags from sturdy Nylon that can last for years, whether it’s the daily commute or an international adventure. They’re easy to wash as well.
2. Lightweight: What I love about both brands is how lightweight their bags are. This is a crucial feature for any travel bag as it allows me to pack more without worrying about additional weight.
3. Multiple Compartments: Both brands excel in providing numerous compartments and pockets. As any girl who travels knows, pockets are KEY.
4. Lots of Colors and Styles: Style is also important, and both brands offer bags with plenty of color choices and styles.
5. Pricing: The brands are fairly similar in price for most of their respective lineups, with most bags running between $50-$150, with frequent sales.

Key Differences Between Baggallini and Kipling

What I Tried

Crossbody Bags: When comparing crossbody bags from Baggallini and Kipling, I find that Baggallini’s designs are more functional. The added security of RFID-blocking pockets and the ability to expand the bag’s capacity are significant advantages. Both brands have a nice range of colors and patterns in their crossbody bags.

Carry-On Bags: For carry-on bags, Baggallini’s offerings tend to be more structured and professional. They have well-organized interiors with specific compartments for laptops, tablets, and other travel essentials. Kipling’s backpacks, with their playful designs, SO MANY colors, and sturdy build, are great for casual travel, without advanced security features like RFID-blocking. Personally I need a sturdy carry on, and I would opt for Baggallini here (though usually, I use my Pakt backpack – read my Pakt review to find out why). Nordace also makes a solid travel backpack.

Fanny Packs: Kipling’s fanny packs are a winner for me, and I LOVE the ease of a fanny pack in the airport. Unless I’m on a crowded train, they’re also tough to pickpocket. The fact that it comes in a metallic finish is icing on the cake, and I always get compliments on it.

Both also make luggage, but based on my experience, I would go for a suitcase with a lifetime warranty like Away or Monos instead.

Baggallini vs. Kipling Features

Baggallini bags have practical features like zip-open bag extenders and RFID blockers (which block scanners from stealing credit card and passport info) in some of the pockets, which make them particularly appealing for travel safety.

I love the extender function. This allows me to expand the bag’s capacity when needed, which is handy when I find myself needing extra space after some impromptu souvenir shopping. Many of them also have inner wallets that match.

Kipling bags lack these features – at least all three that I bought did. Some do, however, have their signature gorilla keychain.

They both have inner straps that can clasp onto a wallet, making pickpocketing harder. This is key when traveling in Europe!

Kipling bags are celebrated for their strong, sturdy zippers and distinctive, playful design. Although they don’t have the same locking zipper technology found in brands like Pacsafe, Kipling’s zippers are robust and have never failed me.

Baggallini vs. Kipling Materials:

Baggallini bags are typically made from lightweight, water-resistant nylon. This material is not only durable but also easy to clean. I’ve had instances where I’ve accidentally spilled a drink on my bag, and it was easy to wipe off without leaving a stain.

Kipling bags are made from crinkled nylon, giving them a unique texture and a slightly more casual appearance compared to Baggallini. The material is also lightweight and water-resistant, but I personally do not love the crinkle look. Baggallini’s shimmery fabric looks classier to me.

Kipling vs. Baggallini Straps

Looking at the woven straps of the Kipling vs. the Baggallini nylon straps, there’s really no comparison. In some countries like Vietnam, bag strap slashing is common, and the Kipling would be much easier to slash.

It also just looks nicer to have straps that match the fabric more like these do. The Baggallini straps look classier to me and overall the bag looks nicer as a result.

Kipling vs. Baggallini Organization

I find Baggallini bags to be exceptionally user-friendly, with specific compartments for electronics, water bottles, and even a designated place for my keys. The crossbody bags, in particular, are my go-to for city exploring. The adjustable strap and compact yet spacious design make it easy to carry around all day without feeling burdened.

Kipling bags are more like any other standard purse with a large area for most of what you need to bring and a few side pockets or inner pockets, depending on the design. There’s no stand-out organization features as far as I can tell.

Kipling vs. Baggallini Aesthetics

Baggallini offers a range of colors and patterns, but they tend to lean towards more subdued, professional hues like black, navy, tan, and charcoal for most of their line. They look a bit classier to me, and if I can put a finger on it, I’d say they look like they belong to less of a younger crowd than Kipling.

Kipling bags are known for their vibrant colors and playful patterns. From bright pinks and purples to funky prints, there’s a Kipling bag for every personality. This makes them stand out in a crowd and adds a personable element to travel gear, but feels less classy and more ‘fun’ to me.

Who Wins? I Pick Baggallini

For me it’s an easy choice – I think that Baggalini bags are much better for travel. They look nicer, I like the fabric more, the straps are sturdier, they have more pockets and features, and I actually use the Baggallini bags. The Kipling bags are cute, and if you’re looking for bold colors and a fun personality to your bag, they might be the better choice for you, but I ended up selling mine.

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