clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

7 Must-Shop Spots for Luggage in San Francisco

View as Map

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Get outta town! And we mean that in the nicest way possible. Whether it's a sunny, lake-loving weekend in Tahoe or a week of croissant-hopping in Paris, just leave. This is your chance to flaunt your awesome new suitcase. To help you procure said travel mate, we've put together this guide to San Francisco's top luggage shops—flush with carry-ons, backpacks and giant roller bags. You're welcome and bon voyage. (Note: Stores are listed from north to south.)

Have a favorite to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Timbuk2

Copy Link
This local brand may be famous for its messenger bags (and customization), but it also offers a range of other styles. All roller bags, laptop cases, wallets, and backpacks are made specifically with those on the go in mind. Wanna save a few bucks? Check out the new-ish Timbuk2 Factory Store in the Mission, featuring past seasons' haul and cool one-offs. [Photo]
Fancy French label Goyard, which claims Coco Chanel and Edith Piaf as former clients, is coveted for its handmade cases and bags They're luxurious, drop-dead gorgeous and, yes, expensive. So if you're ready to travel in serious style, put the only stand-alone Goyard store on the West Coast on your list. May as well go for the signature hand-painted monogramming while you're at it. [Photo]

Flight 001

Copy Link
Travel goods are Flight 001's raison d'être and thus a no-brainer when scouting out new luggage. This travel store has all the smart, travel-friendly supplies you could possibly want. From suitcases to TSA-friendly containers, everything is fun, functional and conveniently gathered under one roof. Check out the Berkeley location when in the East Bay.
REI is more than just a place to grab your camping gear. Indeed, the Seattle-based company has an excellent selection of luggage that will easily serve as your workhorse travel crew. From its own brand of carry-ons to larger roller bags and cases from Osprey and Eagle Creek, this cavernous SoMa space is chockfull of travel goodies.[Photo]

Michael Bruno

Copy Link
Although you wouldn't know it by walking by the Castro storefront, this shop is quite the legend. For 30-plus years the store and owner Lou Briasco have been serving up an amazing selection of luggage at great prices with equally noteworthy customer service. (Practically every Yelp review comments on Lou’s knowledge and friendly manner.) Key brands here are Briggs & Riley and Eagle Creek. [Photo]

Mission Workshop

Copy Link
The mission of Mission Workshop is to create bags with a clean aesthetic while maintaining their integrity over time. So travelers hard on their wares, these American-made rucksacks, expandable, modular backpacks, and messenger bags are for you. (All products/materials go through rigorous field tests.) Apparel and bike shoes are also sold in the warm, hipster-y space.

Waterfield Designs (Online)

Copy Link
We included this online-only retailer because it’s a true standout. Not only are all bags and cases designed and manufactured in SF, but they have achieved cult-like status for their impeccable workmanship, durability and sleek design. (Thumbs up for customer service, too.) And while everyday bags and laptops cases are its bread and butter, the Outback Duffel Bag wins our vote for best weekender.

Timbuk2

This local brand may be famous for its messenger bags (and customization), but it also offers a range of other styles. All roller bags, laptop cases, wallets, and backpacks are made specifically with those on the go in mind. Wanna save a few bucks? Check out the new-ish Timbuk2 Factory Store in the Mission, featuring past seasons' haul and cool one-offs. [Photo]

Goyard

Fancy French label Goyard, which claims Coco Chanel and Edith Piaf as former clients, is coveted for its handmade cases and bags They're luxurious, drop-dead gorgeous and, yes, expensive. So if you're ready to travel in serious style, put the only stand-alone Goyard store on the West Coast on your list. May as well go for the signature hand-painted monogramming while you're at it. [Photo]

Flight 001

Travel goods are Flight 001's raison d'être and thus a no-brainer when scouting out new luggage. This travel store has all the smart, travel-friendly supplies you could possibly want. From suitcases to TSA-friendly containers, everything is fun, functional and conveniently gathered under one roof. Check out the Berkeley location when in the East Bay.

REI

REI is more than just a place to grab your camping gear. Indeed, the Seattle-based company has an excellent selection of luggage that will easily serve as your workhorse travel crew. From its own brand of carry-ons to larger roller bags and cases from Osprey and Eagle Creek, this cavernous SoMa space is chockfull of travel goodies.[Photo]

Michael Bruno

Although you wouldn't know it by walking by the Castro storefront, this shop is quite the legend. For 30-plus years the store and owner Lou Briasco have been serving up an amazing selection of luggage at great prices with equally noteworthy customer service. (Practically every Yelp review comments on Lou’s knowledge and friendly manner.) Key brands here are Briggs & Riley and Eagle Creek. [Photo]

Mission Workshop

The mission of Mission Workshop is to create bags with a clean aesthetic while maintaining their integrity over time. So travelers hard on their wares, these American-made rucksacks, expandable, modular backpacks, and messenger bags are for you. (All products/materials go through rigorous field tests.) Apparel and bike shoes are also sold in the warm, hipster-y space.

Waterfield Designs (Online)

We included this online-only retailer because it’s a true standout. Not only are all bags and cases designed and manufactured in SF, but they have achieved cult-like status for their impeccable workmanship, durability and sleek design. (Thumbs up for customer service, too.) And while everyday bags and laptops cases are its bread and butter, the Outback Duffel Bag wins our vote for best weekender.