As a pilot, you’re constantly having to make decisions about what equipment is right for you, whether it’s an aviation headset, a GPS unit, or any other piece of aviation equipment. 

But it’s important to remember that there’s another item that is equally important to your comfort and convenience as a pilot: your flight bag!

It is imperative to select the right bag for you - one that easily holds your gear, is readily accessible, and is durable. And while that may seem like a simple decision to make, there are a lot of things to consider that can be easily overlooked. 

Here are some of the key considerations for choosing a new bag:

What Size Flight Bag Do You Need?

It’s a simple question, but one that’s easy to get wrong; just how large of a flight bag do you need? And how should you go about figuring that out?

To begin, take an inventory of the items you currently carry with you. Here are some of the key items that you may be packing (and be sure to check out our guide on packing like a pilot for more):

• Handheld radio

• Aviation headset

• Kneeboard

• Water / Snacks

• Flashlight

• Sunglasses

• iPad Mounts/ accessories

• Logbook

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good place to start. Focus on finding a bag that will fit all of these items and then some, and pay particular attention to bags that have dedicated space for specific items. 

Headset Storage - In-Bag or On-Bag?

Your aviation headset is one of your most critical pieces of equipment, so having an easy way to carry it without worrying about it sustaining damage is a very important aspect of selecting a flight bag. 

Many pilots like to carry their headsets in their bags, but a full-size headset doesn't always fit nicely into flight bags – even in one of the outside pockets. 

To counter this, many pilots carry their headsets in a separate headset bag that can be attached via a carabiner to their flight bag. These usually come with convenient handles, and allow you to protect your headset without adding weight and bulk to your flight bag.

A headset bag will also allow you to choose a smaller bag, or have more room for other essentials in a larger bag. 

On the other hand, some bags (such as the Brightline B7) have dedicated pockets specifically designed for aviation headsets. So if you do prefer to carry your headset inside your flight bag, that’s definitely an option. 

What Other Equipment Storage Options Do You Need?

The main thing that sets a flight bag apart from any other piece of luggage is the fact that flight bags are specifically designed for holding and organizing pilots’ equipment. 

Beyond the aforementioned headset storage, common features often include special pockets to hold charts, flashlights, pens, pencils, batteries, etc. The purpose of this is pretty simple: if you need any of these items in-flight, you don’t want to waste time fumbling around your bag; you want to know exactly where they are.

So be sure to look for a bag that has adequate division of space for the items you will carry. If you carry a transceiver for back-up, make sure the bag has an exterior pocket for it, which will make it easy to access when you need it most.

What Material Should You Choose For Your Bag?

The main consideration when finding a durable bag is the material, although there are some other factors that can come into play.

Many flight bags are made from nylon, ranging from a standard nylon to a thick-woven ballistic nylon. Obviously, the ballistic nylon is more durable, but it also adds more weight. Nylon bags are also fairly easy to clean and repair should any harm come to them. 

The main alternative to nylon is leather, which may be preferable from a style standpoint but can present some problems when it comes to durability. This is mainly because leather is much harder to maintain than nylon, so minor damage could be much more problematic. 

And for extra durability, consider a bag with a reinforced bottom to prevent additional wear and tear. 

What Style Of Bag Is Right For You?

This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but there are three main styles to choose from when selecting a flight bag.

Duffel-Style Bags - Similar to normal duffel bags except they have smaller pockets specifically designed for your aviation equipment in addition to the large main compartment. 

Attache-Style Bags - Briefcase or laptop bags that are designed specifically for pilots. These often come with a shoulder strap and make a good option for student pilots since they can double as a book bag during ground training. 

Backpack - Pretty self-explanatory, these are backpacks designed to carry aviation equipment. They’re very convenient to carry but may not be as spacious as other bags. 

Flight Bags Available At Marv Golden

Here is a selection of some of our most popular flight bags sold by Marv Golden:

The Brightline B7 Flight Pilot Bag includes space for your handheld radio, plus all your favorite in-flight accessories. Not only does it suit professional use, but it can be brought out for personal travel as well.

Another great option is the ASA AirClassics Flight Bag, which is made from a water-repellent polyester to go along with several other features that add an extra layer of durability. 

Sticking with AirClassics, there's also the ASA AirClassics Trip Bag, which is a great option for carrying all of your gear and essential on those overnight and weekend trips.