Whether they are heading out to a national industry conference, meeting with a key client, or working on-site, your employees are the face of your company. When they travel, they carry your brand with them—quite literally.
Choosing the right corporate gift can be tough, but if you want something that seamlessly blends practical utility, style, and massive brand exposure, look no further than custom embroidered backpacks and duffles. Below, we break down why custom carry-on bags from Thread Logic make the ultimate employee gift, highlight some of our favorite travel-friendly styles, and provide a handy US & Canadian airline carry-on size guide to keep your team traveling stress-free.
Why Custom Duffle Bags and Backpacks Make the Ultimate Gift for Travelers
Inexpensive corporate gifts end up forgotten in a drawer or offloaded at yard sales, but high-quality, versatile items, like travel bags, are an investment worth making.
- Seamless travel utility: Top-tier backpacks and duffles are designed with travel in mind. Some feature dedicated, padded laptop compartments to keep electronics safe at TSA checkpoints, built-in shoe compartments to separate clean clothes from dirty footwear, and luggage trolley straps to easily secure the bag to a rolling suitcase.
- Mobile brand advocacy: When your team walks through a crowded airport, boards a plane, or sits in a bustling coffee shop, their custom embroidered bag is front and center. It functions as a premium, walking billboard for your business.
- Durability and professionalism: Unlike screen-printed logos that can crack or peel over time, custom embroidery offers a polished, long-lasting finish that can handle the wear and tear of frequent travel.
Popular Backpacks and Duffles from Thread Logic
At Thread Logic, we proudly carry premium brands that employees genuinely love to wear, and they are all customizable with your company’s logo. Here are some of our top picks from the Custom Embroidered Bags selection:
The premium commuter: OGIO Commuter Transfer Pack & Logan Pack OGIO is legendary for its rugged, tech-friendly designs. These OGIO backpacks feature structured, ergonomic shoulder straps, padded device sleeves, and plenty of organization pockets, making them the perfect daily commuter bags.
The outdoor enthusiast: Cotopaxi Luzon or Batac Backpacks For companies with an active, outdoor-loving culture, Cotopaxi’s colorful, water-resistant bags constructed from repurposed fabrics are a massive hit. They are lightweight, durable, and stand out in any crowd.
The sleek weekender: TravisMathew Duration Duffel Perfect for 2-to-3-day business trips, this stylish duffle features a durable water-repellent finish, a dedicated, vented shoe compartment, and a sleek aesthetic that transitions effortlessly from the boardroom to the airport gate.
The Classic Traveler: The North Face Groundwork Backpack A classic for a reason: this bag combines the rugged design of an outdoor pack with a protective laptop sleeve and comfortable, padded straps. It's built to handle whatever the journey throws at it.
The Thread Logic Advantage: We have no minimum order requirements, meaning you can buy just one custom bag for a new executive hire or hundreds for your entire department. Plus, embroidery is always free with your purchase. You can even mix and match styles to let your team pick the bag that best suits their needs.
What Carry-On Size Is Allowed on Each Major Airline?There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport gate only to find out your bag is too big, resulting in expensive gate-check fees.
Most major airlines allow you to bring one standard carry-on bag (stowed in the overhead bin) and one personal item (stowed under the seat in front of you). Give your employees peace of mind on their next trip by sharing this quick-reference luggage guide:
Major US & Canadian Airlines Size Limits (Inches & Centimeters)
| Airline | Max Carry-On Size (Inches) | Max Carry-On Size (cm) | Max Personal Item (Inches) | Max Personal Item (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 22" x 14" x 9" | 56 x 36 x 23 | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat |
| United Airlines | 22" x 14" x 9" | 56 x 36 x 23 | 17" x 10" x 9" | 43 x 25 x 22 |
| American Airlines | 22" x 14" x 9" | 56 x 36 x 23 | 18" x 14" x 8" | 45 x 35 x 20 |
| Southwest Airlines | 24" x 16" x 10" | 61 x 41 x 25 | 16.25" x 13.5" x 8" | 41 x 34 x 20 |
| Alaska Airlines | 22" x 14" x 9" | 56 x 36 x 23 | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat |
| JetBlue | 22" x 14" x 9" | 56 x 36 x 23 | 17" x 13" x 8" | 43 x 33 x 20 |
| Air Canada | 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" | 55 x 40 x 23 | 17" x 13" x 6" | 43 x 33 x 16 |
| WestJet | 22" x 14" x 9" | 56 x 36 x 23 | 16" x 13" x 6" | 41 x 33 x 15 |
Please keep in mind these guidelines are subject to change, so double check with your airline before packing.
Ready to Elevate Your Company’s Travel Game?
High-quality, branded gear is a subtle yet incredibly powerful way to boost team morale and display pride in your company’s brand. Explore the full range of premium, customizable bags in our custom bags collection today. Just pick your favorite style, upload your logo, and let our expert embroidery team take care of the rest!