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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

May be out of stock

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

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The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

For frequent fliers or light-packing vacationers, these are the best carry-on bags.

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Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Every frequent flier needs a good carry-on. And even if you travel only occasionally, you'll be glad to have one on hand. But besides allowing you to bypass checked baggage, what makes a high-quality carry-on? If you ask us, it's about capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design.

With this in mind, we tested more than 150 carry-ons, including suitcases, duffels, weekenders, backpacks, and underseat bags to see which models check all the boxes. We packed them up, spun them around, hoisted them overhead, rolled them over various surfaces, and whacked them with a baseball bat to see how they'd hold up in a real-life setting. The results of these tests were considered — along with price, weight, dimensions, materials, and smart features — to narrow down the best carry-ons currently on the market.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Earning perfect scores in all tests, this all-star carry-on has a spacious capacity, a super-durable thermoplastic shell, and smooth-rolling wheels.

There's no designated zippered section for dirty clothes.

We tried lots of excellent suitcases, but the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner was a clear winner. Earning perfect scores in all our tests, it's easy to maneuver on two or four wheels and rolls smoothly on various surfaces, including carpet and hard flooring. We also like that the aluminum telescoping handle extends and locks with the push of a button. This all-star suitcase has various pockets within the main compartment, and it expands a couple of inches when you need extra space. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags — no expansion needed. We wish this carry-on had a zippered section or removable bag for dirty laundry, but it does have a separator to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes.

We loved the sleek, minimalist-modern design of the Freeform, which comes in 12 hues ranging from white to mint to merlot. After hitting it with a baseball bat, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) shell remained scuff-free and showed virtually no signs of damage. Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and any scuffs it has accumulated have been easily buffed out. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it's a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on.

The Details: 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 5.6 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | 10-year limited warranty

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-up

Tumi alpha international dual access carry-on.

This bag has two access points and a removable garment bag for a suit or dress.

When the front-access section is fully packed, it will eat into the space in the main compartment.

The Tumi International Dual Access carry-on was a close runner-up to the Samsonite Freeform. It moves like a dream on various types of flooring, thanks to the four smooth-gliding dual spinner wheels and comfortable telescoping handle. Even after using the bag for three months, the wheels never got caught on any surfaces, making it easy to run through the airport or navigate a new city. Made of the brand's signature ballistic nylon, it also passed our baseball bat test with flying colors.

We were able to pack everything into the bag’s various compartments and loved the flexibility of a removable suiter for trips with dressier attire. The clamshell design also features several interior pockets and compression straps on one half to easily hold our four-day-trip packing list. The front-access portion can easily fit a sweater or light layer when the main suitcase isn’t stuffed full, or you can use it for tech items or a small makeup bag instead. There are also two pockets on the exterior for smaller items like an umbrella and a built-in USB port you can connect to a power bank (sold separately). Though the price is higher than many other carry-ons, this is an investment in an undoubtedly high-quality carrier that will last for years to come.

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | Softside | Expandable | 4 dual spinner wheels | 5-year warranty

Best Expandability

Away the carry-on flex.

• Organization 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5

This carry-on is pretty spacious to begin with, but you can unzip the expander for 2.25 inches of extra space.

It might not meet all carry-on sizing requirements when you fully expand it.

This durable carry-on manages to be compact and portable while still offering a ton of space inside thanks to two large interior compartments and a helpful compression system. You can zip your items in on one side and buckle them in on the other, using the mesh pockets to store smaller items for organization. As all overpackers know, sometimes you just need a few extra inches of space — and The Carry-on Flex features a zipper expander that adds an additional 2.25 inches if you happen to buy one souvenir too many on a trip and need to fit it all in on the way home. However, be wary of your airline’s overhead bin allowances because using the expander may make your carry-on one inch too large, and you may be forced to check it (the expanded dimensions of the bag are 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches).

Other highlights we loved during testing included the smooth wheels that can roll in any direction; the different height options of the handle; and the notch on the underside of the bag that makes it so much easier to lift out of a car trunk, into an overhead bin, or off of a luggage carousel. The bag also felt very sturdy and tough with no dents and barely a scratch after we threw it off counters and hit it repeatedly with a baseball bat during testing.  

The Details: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | 8.15 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

July Carry On Trunk

• Capacity 4.5 /5

We love this trunk for how sleek and stylish it looks while still having useful features like an ejectable power bank and a customizable handle height.

You have to be more intentional about what you pack since the trunk has no expandability.

This stylish carry-on trunk features a clamshell design that opens right down the middle rather than the 30/70 design that many trunks typically have. It feels like a luxury bag thanks to the zipperless clasp closures, ejectable power bank, and multi-stop rubber handle (you can customize the handle to sit at any height you want). We found the trunk super easy to maneuver over different surfaces like carpet and concrete pavers during testing, and it rolled effortlessly on four wheels. When we rolled it on two wheels, it did slow down slightly, but it was still easy to move, and the weight felt evenly distributed through the bag and handle.

We never thought a glossy exterior could be so scuff-proof — the trunk had no scuffs at all even after we pushed it off a counter three times. We did manage to give it a few very small dents after hitting the trunk with a baseball bat, but they were barely noticeable. One thing to note is that this trunk has no give because of its hard shell and clasp closures, so you cannot overstuff it, and you have to be more picky with your packing list.

The Details: 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | Limited lifetime warranty | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

• Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Delsey paris hardside expandable luggage with spinner wheels.

• Maneuverability 4 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

At just over five pounds, this hardside suitcase is lightweight and compact while still fitting an impressive amount of clothes.

It sustained minor denting during testing, and the handle is somewhat short and felt a little loose.

The carry-ons we tested ranged in weight from about 13 pounds down to 4.36 pounds. Weighing just over five pounds, the Delsey Clavel was the best lightweight option we tried. This hardside spinner has a polypropylene (thermoplastic) shell that held up pretty well during our tests, though a particularly hard bat swing did dent it slightly. After traveling with the bag for six months, it only has minor scuffs — even after it was checked. While it looks small, it holds a surprising amount of clothes, even without the expander, and should fit into an overhead bin without any issues.

This carry-on maneuvers well over cracks and bumps. However, the handle is somewhat short and feels slightly loose. Still, we think the price is fair and would recommend it to anyone in the market for lightweight, fuss-free baggage for shorter trips.

The Details: 22 x 14 x 10 inches | 5.3 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | 5-year limited warranty

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

This wallet-friendly carry-on has a scratch-resistant shell and a surprisingly spacious capacity.

It only comes in four colors and doesn't have any smart features or a combination lock.

For something more affordable, look no further than Amazon. We found that this affordable hardside suitcase maneuvers really smoothly, even on carpet and over bumps, and handles turn like a champ. Not only that, but the scratch-resistant shell held up surprisingly well through our bat and drop tests. We were able to fit four days worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries without having to expand the bag, though we're comforted by the fact that there's room to spare. After six months of regularly using the bag, we found it to be the perfect size for weekend trips. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner exceeded our expectations in more ways than one. And while it only comes in four colors, we're big fans of the simple, sleek design.

The Details: 22 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.3 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best With Laptop Compartment

Samsonite just right carry-on spinner.

Samsonite 

• Durability 4 /5

It’s packed with organization features, including a padded laptop sleeve, a wireless charging pocket, and removable packing cubes.

There was some peeling and scratching on the outer material and wheels of the bag after our durability tests.

If you tend to travel with a laptop and other devices, the Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner is especially handy with a tech organizational panel that you can unzip and unfold at the front of the bag to easily store and access your valuables. This panel features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a padded tablet sleeve, a document sleeve, a wireless charging pocket, a USB charging port, and plenty of zippered storage pockets. There are locks for both the main compartment and the laptop compartment, and the bag also comes with removable packing cubes for additional organization.

Though the suitcase felt a bit heavy after we packed it, it was very easy to maneuver, gliding through turns and different terrains beautifully. It suffered some minor marks after we threw it off counters and hit it with a baseball bat, including some peeling and scratching on the exterior and the wheels. One of the top corners was ever so slightly dented as well, but chances are you’ll stick this carry-on in the overhead bin rather than checking it so it won’t get banged around as much, especially if you have your laptop inside. All of the built-in tech compartments, elastic compression straps, and bonus packing cubes are an excellent way to keep all of your valuables in place. 

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9.3 inches | 7.9 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | 4 dual spinner wheels | Limited 10-year warranty

Best Softside

L.l.bean medium carryall pullman.

This rugged softside bag has plenty of pockets for organization, including one for shoes.

The main handle only has one height setting, and the additional grab handle is located on the left side of the suitcase, which is more convenient for lefties.

The L.L.Bean Carryall Spinner Pullman is a redesign from L.L.Bean’s luggage collection, made with a new fabric and design that we love for a softside carry-on. The rugged, abrasion-resistant material on the outside of the suitcase feels like it can stand up to rough handling, and the shell of the bag has some rigidity that makes it feel extra sturdy for a softside bag. We also loved this carry-on for its unique outer pockets that you just can’t find on a hardside bag, like a shoe pocket that keeps your dirty boots or sneakers separate from the clean clothing inside. We packed socks and underwear in the zipper compartment on the lid of the suitcase, which saved interior space for the rest of our clothing. While the carry-on rolled smoothly on the concrete and linoleum floor of our obstacle course, it was a little harder to maneuver over carpet. It also caught our attention that the side handle is located on the left side of the bag, which made it a little awkward for our righties to hoist the carry-on into the overhead bins on our airplane set — although this would be a plus for left-handed travelers.

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | Softside | 4 spinner wheels | 1-year return policy

People / Joy Kim

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner

The Chatelet Air 2.0 has a gorgeous vintage appeal, and despite the elevated aesthetics, it doesn't sacrifice functionality or durability.

It's not expandable, so the compact design is best for short trips.

If luggage aesthetic is a top priority, Delsey's Chatelet Air 2.0 might be your best bet. Inspired by traditional Parisian architecture with unique lines, contrast stitching, and a vintage appeal, this suitcase is a sight for sore eyes. Sleek design aside, it's exceptionally functional. There's a fully zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other, plus pockets throughout and even a handy USB port.

What's more, the zippers open and close smoothly, and it glides effortlessly with the four spinner wheels on carpet, hard floors, and even stone pavers. It's durable, too, sustaining no visible damage after three months of use including two international flights in which the bag was checked. This bag is a standard carry-on size, and we were able to fit everything on our packing list . However, it’s probably best for short trips as there wasn't really any room to spare when we finished.

The Details: 22 x 15 x 10 inches | 8 pounds | Hardside | USB port | 4 dual spinner wheels | 10-year limited warranty

• Leticia Almeida

Most Spacious

Travelpro x travel + leisure carry-on spinner.

Travelpro 

This 45-liter carry-on has plenty of room, a two-inch expander, and tons of interior organization.

It may not fit in some overhead bins if you use the expander.

Spaciousness is key when it comes to a carry-on, especially if you’re using it as your main suitcase. This 45-liter Travelpro carry-on had an impressive amount of space for our packing list during testing, and it also has a generous two-inch expander if you need more room. While some hardside bags are very rigid, we noticed that this one has a bit of give if you do need to pack it extra full. Despite being slightly flexible, it proved to be rock-solid when it comes to durability, surviving our drop and bat tests without a single scratch. We think this makes an excellent investment for frequent flyers with top-notch organization inside, including two split-case compartments with two separate zippered divider panels, multiple accessory pockets, and a removable pouch. We were also impressed with the quality of the compression straps, which were adjustable and stylish without sacrificing durability. 

The Details: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 8.6 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Most Durable

Briggs & riley sympatico domestic carry-on expandable spinner 22-inch.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

The shock-absorbing Makrolon polycarbonate stands up to dents and scratches, and the wheels glide with ease over bumps and around corners.

It's expensive, and the expander is located on the inside, which is a little counterintuitive.

The most durable carry-on we tested is Briggs & Riley's Sympatico Domestic Spinner. This compact suitcase is undeniably expensive, but hear us out. The exceedingly robust, shock-absorbing Makrolon polycarbonate shell sustained exactly zero dents or scratches during our bat and drop tests and still looks brand new after six months of frequent travel.

Durability aside, this carry-on was easy to maneuver on hard floors and carpet, around tight corners, and even over bumps. It also has a good amount of packing space with plenty of organizational features. We like how thoughtfully designed its features are, with elements like pockets, dividers, and expanding sides that really help you maximize the space in this smaller carry-on bag. One thing to note is that the expander is on the inside, which isn't the most intuitive. Other than that, we loved the look of the glossy exterior and think it definitely reflects the premium price tag.

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.8 pounds | Hardside | Expandable | USB-port | 4 spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

Best Underseat

Calpak hue mini carry-on luggage.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5

It's conveniently compact but still spacious enough to hold multiple outfits and maneuvers effortlessly on four spinner wheels.

There's no outer zipper pocket, and it's definitely not as spacious as some others.

Looking for something you can stash underneath the seat in front of you? The 29-liter Hue Mini Carry-On from Calpak might be just the thing. Measuring 16 x 14 x 8 inches, it's conveniently compact but still spacious enough to fit a couple days' worth of outfits. There's also a laptop sleeve, making it a top choice for short business trips. Despite the mini design, the sophisticated color options and modish silhouette will leave no confusion over whether it's for an adult or child. The four spinner wheels offer excellent maneuverability, too, and there's even a TSA-approved lock if you ever decide to check it. If we could change one thing, we'd add an outer pocket for easy access in-flight. But other than that, we think the price is more than fair for the quality, features, and durability.

The Details: 16 x 14 x 8 inches | 6 pounds | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | 2-year limited warranty

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best for Organization

Paravel aviator carry-on plus.

• Durability 4.5 /5

A compression board makes it easy to fit everything into the zippered compartments, and there's a removable laundry bag for dirty clothes.

This suitcase isn't expandable, but it's one of the larger carry-ons we tested.

For highly organized travelers, we recommend the Paravel Aviator. After regularly traveling with the bag for six months, we really love the exceptional capacity and organizational features. Even though it's not expandable, the built-in compression board makes it easy to fit everything into the zippered compartments. It also comes with a removable laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Inspired by retro luggage with a modern twist, this classy carry-on is gorgeous. Not only that, but the durable polycarbonate exterior feels sturdy and sustained just a few minor scuffs during our tests. It's super easy to maneuver, too. Although the Paravel Aviator is somewhat steep in price, we think it's a worthwhile investment for those in the market for a high-quality suitcase. While updating your luggage collection, lovers of vintage-inspired design and organization should also consider a train case .

The Details: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | 8.5 pounds | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | USB port | 10-year limited warranty

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Comfort 5 /5

It's got a generous capacity, various pockets, a laptop sleeve, contoured straps, and a rain cover for protection from the elements.

The price is pretty steep for a backpack, but you can count on quality.

Clocking perfect scores on all our tests, the best carry-on backpack is definitely the Cotopaxi Allpa. Boasting a generous 35-liter capacity, plus various pockets and compartments, it makes packing pretty stress-free. Not only that, but the side zippers allow for easy access, even when it's stuffed full. There's also a padded sleeve for your laptop or a tablet, plus a portable keyboard .

The pack is available in several cheery colorways with a slightly rugged flair, and we loved the design and looks. It's made of high-strength polyester with ballistic nylon paneling and coated with water-repellent thermoplastic, so you can count on it to hold up for years in various weather conditions. It even comes with a rain cover for an extra layer of protection. The contoured straps make it super comfy to wear, while the handles make it easy to lift overhead.

The Details: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.5 pounds | 35 liters | Nylon

Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Weekender

Away everywhere bag.

• Portability 5 /5

The clamshell design has two large zippered compartments, plus various pockets, a laptop sleeve, carrying handles, a shoulder strap, and a locking zipper.

It's nearly the size of a carry-on suitcase, and the shoulder strap is a little finicky.

The Large Everywhere Bag from Away is our favorite weekender to bring as a carry-on. It's designed like a clamshell suitcase, folding out from the center to reveal two zippered mesh compartments. After packing it up, it's undoubtedly big enough for a four-day trip — maybe longer. The nylon exterior feels sturdy, albeit a little boxy, and flaunts a professional, minimalist appeal.

This carrier has two handles and a removable shoulder strap. The strap is comfortably padded, and while it's supposed to be adjustable, we found it a bit finicky. Other notable features include a padded laptop sleeve, a magnetic locking zipper, and a trolley sleeve that slides onto the handle of any suitcase. While the Large Everywhere Bag is nearly the size of a rolling carry-on, it's substantially lighter in weight (at under four pounds). We think this is a solid choice for business travel and short trips, whether you get there by plane, train, or automobile.

The Details: 21 x 12 x 9.5 inches | 3.8 pounds | 38 liters | Nylon and leather | 1-year limited warranty

Best Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Mark & Graham

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

This garment bag is surprisingly spacious yet lightweight, and it folds into a cabin-size duffel with smooth zippers and a trolley sleeve.

It's pricier than most garment bags and isn't backed by a warranty.

This garment bag-duffel hybrid is surprisingly spacious. We fit one suit, a button-down shirt, dress pants, two dresses, a belt, a pair of loafers, stilettos, a water bottle, and a phone inside with no issues. When open, you can hang it from the upper strap and attach multiple hangers to the sturdy iron hook. Then when you're done packing, it's easy to fold up into the duffel configuration.

Though it doesn't roll like a suitcase, the Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag is pretty lightweight, even when packed full. It has two grab handles and a padded shoulder strap, making it easy to lift and carry. There's also a trolley sleeve on the side, allowing you to slide it over your luggage handle so you don't have to carry it on your shoulder. This bag seems well-made and proved durable in our tests — it didn't rip or even scratch when we dragged a stiletto heel across the exterior. The price is steeper than most garment bags , and it's not backed by a warranty. Still, we think it's an excellent choice for frequent business travelers.

The Details: 22 x 10 x 10 inches | Duffel

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Other Carry-on Bags We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on bags, there were many items that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses with maneuverability, capacity, design, durability, and/or overall value revealed during testing. 

Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Carry-on : We appreciated the large capacity and expandability of this bag, allowing us to easily fit everything on our packing list. But the wheels are somewhat large, which makes it hard to fit into an overhead bin.

Samsonite Tru-Frame Carry-on Spinner : We loved this carry-on for its futuristic, zipperless design and durability, though it felt a bit more compact than some of the more spacious carry-ons on this list.

Tumi Alpha Continental Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-on : This suitcase is an investment, but it has more of a premium feel than most others we tested and is exceptionally sturdy. It is rather heavy, though, at 11.4 pounds and may be a bit wider than most airlines’ carry-on size requirements.

Samsonite Omni PC Expandable Carry-on Spinner : This is a decent option for a lightweight bag, but ultimately we felt some maneuverability issues were enough to keep it off our list of top picks. It didn't turn as sharply as many others and rolling it over carpet was a bit of a challenge.

Arlo Skye The Weekender : This weekender has a spacious interior with a separate shoe compartment and a very large side pocket for electronics and other accessories. We wish the padding on the shoulder strap was adjustable so you could align it better with your height.

Monos Carry-on Plus : We were fond of this carry-on, noting the ample compartments and spacious capacity. However, it was slightly tricky to turn on four wheels, and the handle wasn't quite up to par with others we tested.

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket : Even though it doesn't expand, this suitcase fit everything on our packing list, did well rolling over bumps, and showed no signs of damage from our bat swings. Plus, like some of the other Arlo Skye luggage pieces , it comes with a removable power bank. While we have few complaints. we were concerned about this bag fitting in the overhead bins.

July Carry On Pro : We found this suitcase to be aesthetically pleasing, plenty spacious, and easy to maneuver. While the feature-rich design is enticing, it was pretty similar to the Away Carry-on, which compressed a little better.

The Travel + Leisure team performed various luggage tests in our New York City lab to evaluate the capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design of each carry-on. We filled each bag with enough clothing and essentials for a four-day trip, including six shirts, three pairs of pants, five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, two jackets, and two pairs of shoes, plus one small and one large toiletry bag. We then analyzed how well the bags handled the cargo.

After packing them up, we rolled the bags around on different surfaces (when possible) to see how well they maneuvered over pavement and carpet, and we maneuvered them through human obstacle courses to see how they can handle sharp turns in tight spaces. We also recreated an airplane set in our lab to lift the bags into real overhead bins and push them underneath seats. We whacked the fully packed bags with a metal baseball bat and pushed them off a table to see how well they held up to wear and tear.

After testing these bags in the lab, we sent them home with our T+L editors to travel with the bag for a period of six months to continue evaluating the luggage in the real world. Keeping price, size, adjustability, features, and standout quirks in mind, the carry-ons with the highest scores in all testing categories were ultimately chosen for this roundup, and we will continue to update it as we test more carry-ons.

Tips for Buying Carry-on Luggage

Consider hardside vs. softside luggage.

When buying carry-on luggage , you'll see a range of hardside and softside options. Suitcases with hard shells can be better for protecting things from crushing and are generally easy to wipe clean. However, depending on the color and material, they can be prone to scuffing.

Softside luggage, on the other hand, is typically a lighter weight, more flexible if you tend to be an overpacker, and often just as durable as its hardside counterpart. While a textile shell can be trickier to clean, it may not show as much dirt or scuffs either, and it likely won't dent like a hardside bag can.

Look for lightweight construction

Lightweight luggage is crucial when choosing a carry-on. Be sure to note the empty weight of the suitcase or bag before buying it, as heftier designs will make a jam-packed carrier all the more cumbersome. Weight affects not only maneuverability, but also your ability to hoist it into the airplane's overhead bin. The wheeled carry-on suitcases we tested ranged in weight from 4.36 to 12.9 pounds. Anything heavier than that is going to be too heavy for many people.

Decide if you want extra organizational features

Some carry-on luggage is relatively basic, with a main compartment and a pocket or two. However, many suitcases, weekenders, and duffel bags have additional organizational features that make packing and accessing your stuff much easier. This may include a laptop sleeve, a shoe separator, a laundry bag, various zippered sections, exterior pockets, and even charging capabilities .

Choose between handheld, spinner, or two-wheeled luggage

When it comes to choosing the best carry-on bag for you, first consider your traveling style and packing needs. Spinner luggage, which features four wheels that can spin 360 degrees, is easy to maneuver whether you're running to your airport gate or making your way through a new city. Bags with spinner wheels are generally quite easy to roll over various surfaces, making them a great option if you plan to walk for long periods of time with your luggage. They allow you to maneuver well-stuffed expandable luggage more easily. Two-wheeled bags, however, may be less sturdy, but they'll give you a few more inches of extra space when packing. Bags with only two wheels also tend to be slightly lighter than their four-wheeled counterparts. Lastly, opting for a weekender or carry-on backpack means you can dash around as needed, and your bag will be more compact, but you will have to manage all the weight on your back or shoulders instead of rolling it.

Rules vary among airlines , but most allow carry-on luggage no larger than 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Some are slightly stricter, setting the limit at 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Keep this in mind when using your suitcase's expander, as the additional couple of inches could put you over the size limit. When in doubt, check the airline's website.

Some airlines have a carry-on weight limit of roughly 35 pounds. However, this is often not strictly enforced, and many domestic airlines don't have a limit at all. Bear in mind some international flights may restrict carry-ons over 22 pounds. Either way, make sure you are able to lift your bag on your own, otherwise, it's probably too heavy.

All liquids, including makeup, lotion, and other cosmetics, must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage. (For checked baggage, you can bring pretty much any size.) Powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant are usually allowed in larger containers. You'll also want to put all liquid beauty and personal hygiene products in a clear plastic bag before going through airport security. You can review the TSA's official liquids rules here .

AirTags are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. These trackers use such low energy Bluetooth that they're safe and TSA-compliant. For other GPS trackers, you should check with your individual airlines to make sure that your device is allowed, especially if they use a higher level of power.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, commerce writer Theresa Holland pored over in-house testing insights for dozens of bags, then cross-checked product descriptions and manuals to compile a comprehensive list of the best carry-on luggage currently on the market. Of the above brands, she owns carriers and on-the-go accessories from Away, Tumi, Paravel, Amazon Basics, Monos, and July.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often, whether it's the only bag coming on a weekend trip or used in tandem with a checked suitcase. It also spends the most time with us in transit, which means the functionality is even more important: Are your belongings easy to get to if you need to retrieve something while waiting at your gate? Is there a space to stash whatever item you remember on your way out the door? These are a few of the things Traveler editors considered when sifting through the seemingly endless options on the market. We set out to find the best of the best—bags that are lightweight but still sturdy, have enough space to house clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and will hold up for many trips to come. After months of testing, these are the pieces we've deemed the best carry-on luggage of 2023.

What we considered:

When testing out carry-on luggage, we asked editors and contributors to consider several factors: How light a bag was on its own, how much it could fit, whether the design and organizational factors were helpful (and aesthetically pleasing), how well it held up in transit, how easy or difficult it is to roll and pick up, whether it's worth the price point, and if there are any unique features that set it apart from other carry-on suitcases or bags they've used.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler' s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

What size can a carry-on bag be?

It depends on which airline you're flying with, but typically, dimensions are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high for domestic airlines (Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines adhere to these figures; American Airlines allows for an extra inch of height, while and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines's max is 24" x 16" x 10" and Spirit Airlines's allotment is 22" x 18" x 10"). Some airlines provide a single number; dimensions must add up to that number or below to be considered compliant.

International airlines tend to have slightly different size requirements; 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" is typical, but here are some exact specifications by airline:

• Air Canada: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9"
• Air France: 21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8"
• British Airways: 22" x 18" x 10"
• Emirates: 21.6" x 15" x 8.6"
• Lufthansa: 21.6" x 15.7" x 9"
• Qatar Airways: 20" x 15" x 10"
• Singapore Airlines: 45 total inches

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are not allowed in your carry-on. Additionally, firearms and other potentially hazardous items are prohibited. Check TSA's website for specific items you may have questions about.

Are carry-on bags free?

Again, it depends on which you're flying with and what kind of ticket you purchase. These airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item), regardless of what level ticket you bought:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

While these airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) to all travelers except those who purchased a base fare:

• United Airlines

Top recommendations:

• Best overall carry-on: Paravel The Aviator Carry-On
• Best lightweight carry-on: July Carry-On Light
• Best budget carry-on: Béis The Carry-On Roller
• Best expandable carry-on: Away Carry-On Flex
• Best softside carry-on: Travelpro Platinum Elite softside spinner

Weight: 8.2 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Glides smoothly even when fully packed, unique look and feel Cons: No external phone charger included, could use an interior pocket along the length of the bag

Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like scout tan, safari green, and scuba navy, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. It's a favorite of senior editor Megan Spurrell : “This is one of two carry-on roller bags I have used regularly for nearly three years—we’ve traveled everywhere from Lisbon to Mexico City to Los Angeles together.” Spurrell has used it for weeklong trips, and notes that it's still in good shape after years of use: “It has definitely gotten scratched up from being thrown into the hull of planes (I have checked it before, even though it’s carry-on), but it has held up well otherwise—there are no cracks in the shell, zipper issues despite how much I have stuffed it, nor sticky wheels.” The one minor flaw: The top handle placement is a bit counterintuitive, placed on the side of the suitcase further from your body.

Weight: 8.36 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn't guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It's been tested by commerce producer Paris Wilson , who used it to pack for her and her boyfriend on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads—“We live in downtown Manhattan where cobblestone streets are a staple and we still managed to make it to the subway without any hangups”—and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. “I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Away recently upgraded a few of its core suitcases, including The Bigger Carry-On. Updates include an additional zipper compartment, a color-matched interior made of recycled polyester, and an underside grab handle for easy overhead bin lifting. Tested by editorial assistant Jessica Chapel , who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York, it's one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it's way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.”

Weight: 3.9 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 14" × 7.5"

Pros: I enjoy the ease with which you can move this piece of luggage around; it feels very zippy Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks

July calls this the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world, and it is the lightest we've tested here at Traveler at just under four pounds when empty. Research director Alexandra Sanidad has brought it on planes to Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and on an Amtrak to Woodstock, New York; she says “it's very cute and fits nicely in tight spaces,” and is a “good price for a sturdy, colorful, functional suitcase.” As for what it fits, light packers can fit a week’s worth of clothing in here; if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits, plan for a weekend’s worth.

Weight: 11.1 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9"

Pros: Extremely functional and stylish, glides smoothly even when full Cons : It’s a little large for a carry-on; I've had to check it twice so far

Tumi bags are an investment—at over $1,000, this is one of the priciest bags on our list of the best carry-on luggage—but for frequent business travelers or those looking for a lifelong investment piece, it might be the bag for you. It's gone with former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian on trips to Mexico, Italy and France, a bachelorette party at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, and Boston. She calls it “the most beautiful suitcase I’ve owned,” and appreciates the “zipper expansion that drastically increases the depth of the suitcase,” as well as the “sneaky zipper around the front that allows you to pull out clothes quickly.” It is one of the heavier bags on the list, though, and Erdekian says she's had difficulty lifting it overhead when full. Also of note: It comes with a five-year warranty, and can be customized with a monogram or set of “pop of color” accessories.

Weight: 6.53 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

This hardside carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family.” Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny agrees, calling it an overpacker's dream bag. The hardside spinner comes in black, navy, bright blue, and orange.

Weight: 8.1 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10.3"

Pros: The front zipper is such a plus, with lots of sections for organizing Cons: The color range isn’t huge—I wish they alternated in more shades

This Arlo Skye zipper-front suitcase has gone on many trips with Spurrell —she alternates between this and a Paravel carry-on, and this one has been to Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk: “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” Sleek yet durable, it comes with a removable charger (boasting both USB C and USB A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. The aesthetics are a plus, too: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.”

Weight: 7.8 lbs. Dimensions: 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"

Pros: Expandable design, multiple exterior pockets Cons: Some travelers may prefer a clamshell opening; may be too large for some international flights

Every inch counts—especially if you're traveling with just a carry-on—and softside luggage offers a little more give than hard-shell bags. This expandable pick has a telescopic handle, spinner wheels for easy gliding, and an external USB port for charging your devices. It's earned an “Amazon's Choice” distinction thanks to its consistently high reviews and competitive pricing (its larger size, which has many similar internal features, is a favorite of former Traveler editor Louis Cheslaw). The suitcase is available in several shades (including black, Bordeaux, and true navy) and three carry-on sizes (19-, 20-, and 21-inches).

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"

Pros: Expandable, easy to roll Cons: Scuffs easily, no exterior pockets

Go one step further, space-wise, with this expandable suitcase, which gives you an additional 2.25" of packing space when needed. Traveler 's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer has used this bag for trips as long as a week (including a trip to London ), and noted how smoothly it rolled across almost any surface, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels. “The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” she says. “It's a pretty straightforward design, but what it does, it does very well: glide smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels and provide the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed. Between my husband and I, one of us is always snagging it as our main carry-on.” Kramer recommends choosing a unique color for your bag, or adding your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help it stand out, and notes the inevitable scuffs can look pretty jarring against the black colorway.

Weight: 12.5 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Very easy to store, even in small places; soft handle grip Cons: Expandable mechanism can be tricky to lock into place

The designers at Béis knew what they were doing when they built this soft-sided expandable carry-on , a favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager . It's a big space saver for people with minimal closet or storage space, and yet still fits plenty when expanded—enough for a long weekend to five-day trips. An exterior front pocket holds a laptop sleeve, pocket to place a portable charger (and a small hole to slip the charging cord through), plus a key clip. Smooth-rolling wheels and a soft hand cushion on the underside of the handle are great touches, too.

Weight: 7.16 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Responsive handle, very lightweight Cons: No exterior pockets for added storage

Lightweight with a rugged exterior, frequent traveler Patrick Thompson noted that this bag “seems like it would hold up to the hustle and bustle of an airport, getting jammed into an overhead compartment, and any excessive packing into the trunk of a car.” He's been using it regularly for over a year, bringing it on trips as long as two weeks (Argentina and Italy), as well as long weekend trips to Utah, Georgia, and Florida, and while it has gotten scuffed, it's still in good shape, and is a bag he'd recommend to other travelers. “I love the color and that it's very lightweight. I find it to be easily rollable when traveling.” While there is “a stealth pocket on the top corner that holds smaller items, which can be very useful and convenient while trudging through the airport,” he hasn't often utilized the front exterior zipper, which is meant for easy access to the main compartment, and would prefer another exterior pocket in place of it.

Weight: 10 lbs. Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 7.9"

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets Cons: Doesn't roll as easily when full

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional travelers’ dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” Briggs & Riley's signature expansion system allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.” Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Weight: 9.9 lbs. Dimensions: 14" x 22" x 9.5" Pros: Keeps dress clothes wrinkle-free, exterior pocket to hold documents or other small items Cons: May not be large enough to be your only suitcase on a trip

Heading to a wedding or business trip ? Kramer vouches for this compact Travelpro garment bag. “The lay-flat garment bag design is the real gem of this carry-on. It holds way more than you think—and arriving with all of your dresses and shirts wrinkle-free is a huge game changer.” The durable nylon fabric, made with a Duraguard coating, is a bonus, too.

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 22.8" x 9.4" x 15"

Pros: Smooth-rolling wheels, built-in phone charger, antimicrobial lining Cons: Scratched easily on first use

Tested by destinations editor Shannon McMahon , who prefers to travel with expandable hard-side spinners, this one stands out for “its super roomy packing capacity and its smooth-rolling wheels.” It's become her go-to carry-on after first using it for a four-day getaway last year with room to spare ( even after buying souvenirs ). Smart features of the utilitarian bag include a built-in phone charger, zippered laundry compartment, oversized mesh organizational pockets, and antimicrobial lining. The exterior scratched surprisingly easily on that first trip, but beyond that it hasn't seen much damage: “It's not a fight against scratches on the outside like I thought it would be, it seems like it was just a first-use thing.” The bag's biggest pros: Its packing power and its ultra-lightweight—“it's light as a feather when empty,” McMahon says.

Weight: 6.06 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" Pros: Wheels smoothly, easy to carry around Cons: Laptop sleeve doesn't fit much else, so if not using it, feels like an unnecessary use of space

Frequent traveler Katie Thompson has been using this suitcase for over a year, bringing it to Italy, Argentina, Florida, upstate New York, and Savannah, and calls it “an organizer's dream.” The Samsonite carry-on is loaded with zip pockets and mesh nets to give every item its own place. Thompson says it “can comfortably fit a week's worth of clothing if you are a light packer, but is probably best for a weekend trip,” and notes it rolls easily and in all directions. Another perk: The hardshell exterior has built in patterns that help to hide any scratches, though it has gotten some scuffs with time. Overall, it is “sleek, unique, and compact,” though overall storage is on the smaller side: “The additional pockets on the top side make the inside smaller,” Thompson says. “It fits less than my previous carry-on, but I still managed 10 days in Italy with it.”

Weight: 8.25 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 13.5" x 9.5" Pros: Front pocket for last-minute items, plenty of interior compartments Cons: Limited color options, no expansion

Hard-shell bags with a front pocket are few and far between, but this Calpak bag makes a strong case for it. Executive editor Erin Florio says she “actually [looks] forward to packing this thing;” while she was worried about its size at first glance, after traveling with it, she says smart packers could pack for up to 10 days with it. “The inner compartments make it really easy to organize all your items, from shoes to laundry to toiletries, which helps you fit in more,” she says. As for that exterior pocket, it can fit a laptop, hardcover book, and magazines.

Weight: 6.3 lbs. Dimensions: 23" H x 14.5" W x 9.5" D Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing including shoes Cons: Hard to lift when heavy. Also hard to clean/get scuffs out

Recommended by associate social media manager Kayla Brock , this expandable carry-on has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though in winter time, it's better suited for weekend trips). “Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the year-plus that she's been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Budget And Destination

By Avidan Grossman , Gerald Ortiz , and Tyler Chin

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The quest to find the best carry-on luggage shouldn’t be as onerous as your search for the perfect vacation destination —Instagrammable, but not, like, too Instagrammable—but it absolutely is. And though vacation destinations might feel beholden to your limited budget and even more limited OOO days, suitcase options abound at every price point.

The Best Carry-on Luggage, at a Glance

Gotta get to the airport ASAP? Don't run through the airport like a fool—our top picks for the best carry-on luggage are right here.

• The Best Softside Luggage : TravelPro MaxLite 5 Expandable Spinner , $170
• The Best Hard Shell Luggage : Away Carry-On , $275
• Another Solid Hardside Spinner : Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max , $375
• The Best Duffle Bag, Overall : Lotuff No.12 Weekender , $1,200
• The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag , $415
• The Best Do-Everything Duffel : Peak Design Travel Duffel , $140
• The Convertible Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag , $159
• The Best Budget Carry-On Bag : Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner , $83

Even the most cursory search for a good carry-on turns up a bewildering mixture of products from established luggage brands to agile fashion houses to venture-capital infused juggernauts. So, we've drummed up a short guide on how to shop for the best carry-on luggage, from indestructible aluminum-shell bags to slightly squishier softside luggage that you can squeeze under an airplane seat, then outlined some of our top-tier winners below.

Your Luggage-Related FAQs, Answered

→ What's the Difference Between Hardside and Softside Luggage?

→ What Makes a Good Carry-On Bag?

→ How We Tested

The Best Softside Luggage: TravelPro MaxLite 5 Expandable Spinner

Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner

Big on practicality and low on cost, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 offers the best value of any softside bag out there. It's the brand's lightest four-wheel spinner suitcase at five pounds, maximizing on maneuverability for when you're sprinting to catch your flight. The cavernous, expandable interior includes tons of weird little zippered sections and mesh pockets for you to cordon off your toiletries, small items, dirty clothes, and shoes from your clothes without busting out the packing cubes. And after you've racked up plenty of miles on those wheels, the Platinum Elite comes with a limited lifetime warranty for repairs and replacements.

The only ding against the TravelPro is its humdrum looks, which evoke the dated carpeting of one of the airports it'll be dragged through. But that hasn’t kept it from becoming a favorite of frequent flyers. If the TravelPro logo looks familiar, it's probably because you’ve spotted it on the luggage of the flight attendants and pilots that spend most of their lives in the sky.

The Best Hard-Shell Luggage: Away The Carry-On

The Carry-On

There are plenty of good reasons why the Away team has just about upended the luggage industry since it launched. Instagram-ready looks? Check. Durable shell? Check. Smooth Hinomoto spinner wheels, top and side handles, clothes straps, a mesh zip pocket, a laundry bag, sturdy YKK zippers, and—maybe most game-changing of all—a built-in USB charger so you don't have to screw around with airport outlets? Yeah, check. At just under three hundred bucks and spanning a range of handsome, low-key colorways, Away's carry-on means you don't have to choose between getting something cheap and ugly and spending a rent check on something luxe. For an industry that never really did the low-to-mid-tier thing well, that's a very welcome change of pace. Our testers have taken theirs on planes across the country and halfway across the world, and never run into issues. Provided you do , there's a limited lifetime warranty that'll cover any functional damage.

Another Solid Hardside Spinner: Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max

"The Zipper" Carry-On Max

The Arlo Skye Zipper carry-on is a winner for a couple reasons. The bag’s polycarbonate shell isn’t as hearty as the fabric on the TravelPro or the aluminum of a Rimowa, say, but we found the suitcase a bit more capable of withstanding regular use than many other hard-shelled suitcases we’ve tested. (It's also much cheaper.) All of Arlo Skye’s carry-on sized suitcases boast internal pockets for organizing your travel gear, including a few zippered areas for separating out dirty clothes and shoes. The company also makes a version with an easy-access front pocket, presumably for a laptop or magazines, but we’d imagine you’d rather store those things in a backpack or tote rather than in the suitcase you're hauling into an overhead bin. Arlo Skye’s luggage features a removable external charger, but unlike the USB port from Away that can only juice up your phone, it comes with a USB-C connection for keeping your laptop charged up, too. Still, the five-year warranty that Arlo Skye offers doesn’t compare to Away’s limited lifetime warranty, which is why the latter is still our top choice for long-hauler luggage that you'll want to keep dragging around a decade from now.

The Ultimate Travel Flex: Rimowa Classic Carry-On

Classic Cabin Suitcase

Rimowa, the storied German luggage company founded in the late 1800s, has been a powerhouse in the luggage space for over a century, with a litany of perks to its name: A single-stage telescoping handle, a hinged double latch lock by the main compartment, elastic compression straps with magnetic pull-release fastenings, its signature ridged exteriors, the works. Couple that with some choice collabs with the likes of Dior, Off-White, Moncler, and beyond, and you'll see why Rimowa's become a status symbol among elite travelers and celebs like Rihanna and LeBron James. Each bag will set you back at least a grand, but if you've ever been stuck traveling with a lackluster piece of luggage and thought, Man, I wish my suitcase could do that , chances are Rimowa's can, and masterfully. We went deep on the legacy brand's signature bag here in case you want to hear more about the intricacies of how it maneuvers and exactly how it compares to something more pedestrian like the Away.

The Best Luxury Duffle Bag: Lotuff No.12 Weekender

No. 12 Weekender

Lotuff's handsome, all-American No. 12 duffle bag is our favorite of the genre , with all the details that matter (or matter enough to justify this $1,200 price tag). Take the zipper closure for one, which runs from end to end for extra security, and a wide opening that allows you to shove in a glut of your equally fancy sweaters and toiletries without breaking a sweat. Unlike other cheaply-made and poorly-designed duffles, the vegetable-tanned leather also gives it a first-class patina that only gets better with every trip. But should the leather break or that zipper snag, Lotuff will repair it for a fee, so this bag will stay in your family for many, many flights to come. The interior of the bag features a zip pocket for corralling your loose miscellanea, and the bottom of the bag is also reinforced with double leather for durability. With this bag, you're looking at an investment piece that, if you're treating it right, won't ever need to be replaced.

The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag

Topo Designs

Global Travel Bag 40L

Backcountry

Topo Design has built up a loyal following of rugged adventurers over its 16 years of business. The Colorado-based brand is making some of the best mountaineering, hiking, and travel packs and gear in the Mountain Standard Time zone, and we've found its Global Travel bag to be an excellent pack for doing exactly as the name implies. The bag actually offers three ways to carry it—whether you use it as a backpack, briefcase, or shoulder bag—but what it really has going for it is its plethora of pockets and U-shape entry, which means the bag unzips to fold in half.

That means no longer having to blindly and aimlessly rummage through your bag in the overhead compartment for one tiny thing before takeoff. Topo Designs put padding almost everywhere this bag touches your body, which also makes running through the airport with two minutes to board less torturous on your frame. Almost everything about the Global Travel bag has been configured to allow you to customize it with the brand's assortment of packing gear: The daisy chain lets you hook on accessory packs; the sizing of the compartments is perfectly measured to accommodate storage cubes; and attachment clips further turn you into a pack mule for even more baggage options.

The Best Do-Everything Duffel: Peak Design Travel Duffel

Peak Design

Travel Duffel 35L

If you have duffels reserved for specific purposes—travel, the gym , schlepping your everyday goods—then you have more space than us, friends. Peak Design, a brand that's become famous for its ingenious storage solutions for hauling camera and video gear, makes a travel duffel that fits the bill for every purpose. Available in 35- and 65-liter options (only the former can be used as a carry-on), the Travel duffel is one of the nicer bags we've seen in the sub-$150 price bracket.

There's also something every satisfying about the way the hand-carry straps snap together with a magnet, and if your arms are getting tired, those straps can be work on your back. The extra-wide zipper allows for great access to your goods, and some internal pockets make it easier to know where you've put your chargers, passports, and other miscellaneous travel goods. While the duffel doesn't fold into itself like the Patagonia bag below, it does fold down fairly flat. One of our staffers brings this duffel with him on his travels and stores it in his other carry-on in case the travel shopping bug bites him and one bag isn't enough to get his goodies home.

The Best Convertible Travel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

Black Hole Duffel Bag, 40L

Remember that hapless kid in fifth grade the whole class mocked for showing up with a rolling backpack the first day of school? ( People don't forget! ) Well, if you still holding onto some secondhand trauma from the incident, Patagonia's streamlined duffel might be good enough to risk straining your back to carry. Late last year, Patagonia updated its popular line of Black Hole bags , swapping out the high-gloss finish for a new matte look that makes good on the eco-conscious brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing. Aside from the new 100% recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) finish, essentially everything about this bag is the same. While we miss the look of the OG bags, we're happy to say the duffel loses none of the specs or details that made the originals so damn great.

The body fabric, lining, and webbing are all made out of water-resistant recycled materials designed to keep your valuables dry, while two padded straps make for an easy switch if you'd rather sling it over your shoulders like a carry-on backpack . The bag's handles are also specially reinforced to make for comfortable hand-carrying so your lower vertebrae will hold up fine no matter how far your terminal is from the gate. Best of all, the whole thing folds into itself for storage. With all due respect to your childhood classmate (who you definitely owe an apology), sometimes carrying your bag just looks cooler than wheeling it around.

The Best Truly Budget Carry-On: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics

20-Inch Hardside Spinner

We've all been there: You forgot to pack for your trip in two days, and wait, you don't have a suitcase. Take advantage of that Prime membership burning a monthly hole in your credit card statement, and scoop up the most popular carry-on Amazon from its namesake brand. With over 45,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews to its credit, this 20-inch hardside spinner has earned more than its fair share of compliments like “perfect for the price,” “light and sturdy,” and “great, all-around suitcase.” For an suitcase that costs less than a Benjamin, this spinner is built pretty well and features everything you'd want from a quality spinner: an expander, interior zippered pocket with additional storage, and smooth-rolling wheels for breezing through that moving walkway like you're The Flash.

4 More Carry-Ons We Like

We've also assembled a number of other worthy alternatives that'll help you jet off in style, even if you're on a Frontier budget. These may be slightly less accessible or less well-rounded than our top picks—and some of these we haven't had the luxury of testing ourselves—but they boast many of the same features you'd hope for in a well-traveled suitcase, from easy-gripping telescoping handles to a roomy, organized interior.

22-Inch 19 Degrees International Expandable Spinner Carry-On

Perhaps no other suitcase brand on the planet has the same name recognition as a Tumi, the workhorse luggage of choice for business travelers, and plenty of celebrities, since it first came on the scene in the ‘70s. Beyond the absolute basics—trustworthy zippers, a bevy of pockets and dividers, and locks for keeping everyone else out except the TSA—this shellacked spinner has style in spades. Add to that a Lever Lock system that fully enables your overpacking tendencies, and Tumi's tracing system (in case you ever lose sight of your bag), and you have hardly any reasons not to scoop one. The polished diagonal ridges on this spinner give it some subtle Rimowa vibes, too, without entreating you spend more than $1,000.

The North Face

Base Camp Duffel

Upgrading from the $30 Carhartt duffel you've had since college to something slightly more distinguished? North Face's base camp bag is the next logical progression, with a similar rugged style for outdoorsy folks, plus a water-resistant, recycled exterior that can handle a little dirt and distressing. It's extremely generous with a 50 liter capacity for tucking in gear, clothes, and beyond. Plus, the price point at under $150 is just right. It's probably the next best thing if for some reason Patagonia's high-vis logos aren't to your liking and you'd prefer something stealthier to haul your stuff into the great outdoors or onto the main cabin.

In the war between direct-to-consumer suitcases, Away is the clear winner by sheer popularity. But for anyone trying hard to not cave into peer pressure, Monos makes a comparable hardside suitcase that doesn't scream Instagram-obsessive-millennial. It's built with nearly the same specs as Away's carry-on and features nearly all the same design details from the interior compression, included laundry bag, 360-degree spinner wheels, and ribbed exterior. It's a whole Andrew Jackson less than the Away if that's enough to sway you to shop a suitcase from a lesser-known brand.

Cabin Luggage

Help your suitcase stand out in a sea of black nylon by copping a polycarbonate spinner in robin's egg blue. Floyd's retro carry-on spinners are inspired by ‘70s skating culture (peep the wheels!), with a breezy, laid-back sensibility that’ll help ease you into the vacation mindset. The glaringly orange, well-apportioned storage section inside only amplifies the brand's ethos of good vibes and great design. If you want swervier luggage that doesn’t look like everyone else's in the terminal, this one's a solid bet that perfectly blends high-vis colorblocking and design chops.

What's the Difference Between Soft and Hardside Carry-On Bags?

Hardside luggage used to be a bit of a novelty. If you had any 15 years ago, you might have been one of the few people in the airport hauling around their characteristic sleek shells—which made finding your bag at the luggage carousel a lot easier. But as these models started to become available in polycarbonate plastics, hardside options become just as ubiquitous as their soft shell counterparts.

By Gerald Ortiz

By Jeremy Freed

On the other hand, the main advantage of soft fabric luggage is its durability. That might seem counterintuitive because shouldn't something with a hard protective shell last longer? But in our experience, after the same amount of use, softside luggage looks more or less like it did when you bought it. Think about it: If you toss a soft fabric cube back and forth against a wall for a year, it might look a little bit busted on the corners, but its stretchy-soft surface would probably absorb much of the impact. But if that cube was made out of a thin, hard substance, you'd probably see a dent or nick in the paint basically anywhere it hit the wall.

That said, a bunch of fabric luggage options (save for the super expensive models) leave a lot to be desired aesthetically. Even when they're new, pulling a fabric suitcase behind you makes you look, at best, like someone who knows their way around a day planner. At worst, especially when they're covered in all sorts of metal rivets and extra zippers, they can look dinky—the tuxedo T-shirt of things to put your clothes in. So it makes sense that hard shell luggage almost always looks much better. Their glossy shells catch the light nicely as they float alongside you. And in recent years, companies have gotten a lot better at making them as durable as can be.

Fabric luggage does have one other advantage over hard shells, though. Thanks to their stretchiness, soft suitcases tend to be a little bit more accommodating to over-packers, while still maintaining the same carry-on size. You'll find it a little bit easier to actually zip them shut, even when they're filled to the brim with extra pairs of clothes. Hard shell suitcases offer a lot less give in terms of packing space, which makes them less than ideal if you tend to accumulate endless tchotchkes while you're traveling. It might not be a dealbreaker, but still something to consider.

What Makes a Good Carry-On Bag?

Size : According to the TSA, carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, but generally, the dimensions max out at 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Another important number to note regarding carry-on sizes is the capacity, usually denoted in liters. Considering size restrictions, the most capacity you'll have is around 40 liters, which is good for a week-long trip, but we did find one duffel bag that has a 50-liter capacity but can fly under the size restrictions because of its shape.

Style : Rolling bags, suitcases, luggage—those are probably the most popular style of carry-on bag. They easy to move around and don't require a rock-hard body to transport around the airport. However, some folks might prefer a lighter-weight duffel bag or backpack to trek into the great outdoors or keep close at home for short weekend sojourns. It all depends on where you're traveling, how much you're hauling, and

How We Tested

We here at GQ have been scanning the wild world of luggage retailers to find the carry-on bags you can comfortably roll up the cobblestone steps of Lisbon, zip-line with through the canopies of Belize , or begrudgingly leave at the gate on the way home for your nephew’s “graduation” from elementary school. We’ve combined our knowledge of the best luggage across a range of prices, styles, and construction types—ones that we've taken on planes, trains, and automobiles—to figure out which offer the best combination of solid construction, useful features, and magnificent looks.

We also added some runner-ups that we haven't had the pleasure of testing, but think combine the right features, price point, and reputation to go toe-to-toe with other contenders in their price range. Not so into the Away? Spring for a slightly more innocuous Monos. Want a heritage bag without blowing more than a grand? Tumi's got your back. After all that, here are our top picks that we’d be happy to drag behind and beside us on every single one of our upcoming trips.

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Protect Your Trip »

The best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Things aren't always as they seem – especially when it comes to luggage. In our quest to find the best carry-on bags, we discovered that while some suitcases look good, they don't always hold up to the demands of travel. Some designs have attractive features that add bulk but not additional functionality, while others just don't live up to the hype.

To determine the best carry-on luggage, we tested dozens of bags on countless trips to find the ideal bag for every travel need. Read on to find the best option in a variety of categories, tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓
• Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

Best soft-sided: samsonite solyte dlx carry-on spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero international carry-on - expandable spinner, best affordable: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner.

• Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner
• Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

• Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder–22"

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. Original photos were taken by our editors during luggage testing.)

Price:  $315 or less

Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds; 8.85 pounds with closet insert Packing capacity: 4-7 days |  Color options:  Red, purple, navy or 6 others, plus precious metals options Hard- or soft-sided:  Hard-sided   | Warranty: Lifetime

Sturdy and attractive, this suitcase is set apart from the rest by its patented and removable shelving system. This unique design feature makes packing easier, keeps items in place and removes the need for unpacking at your destination. Rather than a zippered clamshell design, the Solgaard Carry-on Closet has two latches that open with just the squeeze of two levers together; it secures with a TSA-approved lock.

The waterproof polycarbonate exterior has an aluminum frame and corner guards so this suitcase can withstand all the rigors of travel. There's also an ergonomic handle and frictionless wheels, which make it easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. What's more, this sustainable suitcase helps to repurpose 6 pounds of plastics that may have ended up in the ocean.

What our editors say:

This carry-on suitcase has it all! From the power bank (sold separately) to the super sturdy and comfortable handle to the removable closet feature – not to mention the attractive yet functional appearance – this suitcase packs a punch. I really like how easy it is to pull on a variety of surfaces, including carpet and brick. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 10 days; 45 liters | Color options: White, red, blue, green or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a truly well-rounded carry-on with a plethora of unique features. USB A & C ports on the outside of the bag give easy access to charging. (A power bank is not included, though the bag does have a pocket for one inside the expansion zipper.) Self-aligning magnetic wheels – a reviewer-favorite feature – allow painless travel through the airport as well as on roads, sidewalks, uneven surfaces and more. A built-in TSA zipper lock offers ultimate protection for your possessions.

Even without the features listed above, this Travelpro spinner is, at its core, a high-quality piece. The hard outer shell is ultra-strong and 100% polycarbonate; aluminum corner guards further protect your belongings. The clamshell-style suitcase has two large interior compartments along with three extra pockets, one of which is water-resistant, and the expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing room. Plus, this carry-on is made with genuine leather trim, so you can travel in style as well as comfort.

There are some amazing features on this carry-on, but my favorite is the wheels – as someone who typically prefers hands-free travel (primarily backpacks), I found that the way this suitcase easily glides around everywhere absolutely changed my mind about wheeled luggage. Just know that since this is one of the larger bags on this list, I would still check your airline's carry-on size requirements before traveling (though it's been tested for most major domestic airlines, and it fit perfectly on Delta). – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 39.8 liters | Color options: Black, navy, blue gray or olive, plus 2 glossy options Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited

When it comes to hard-sided carry-on luggage , nothing beats The Carry-On by Away. The bag is lightweight yet indestructible thanks to a 100% polycarbonate exterior. Plus, you can easily wipe away most scratches with a magic eraser.

In late 2023, Away launched a new iteration of The Carry-On that somehow made it even more efficient. The most notable new features are an additional underside grab handle, three extra interior compartments, and an enhanced compression system that upholds the bag's ability to accommodate nearly a week's worth of clothing. The bag's 360-degree wheels are also slimmer than those of its predecessor for improved maneuverability. While Away has long been known for its neutral colored matte options, glossy options of this bag are now available.

The Away Carry-On is my ride or die. I've taken it on so many trips over the past five-plus years and it's still in perfect shape. I know I'll have it with me for many years to come. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content and SEO Strategist

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Black, gray, green, aqua blue or royal blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This classic soft-sided option from Samsonite offers everything you need for a smooth trip. There are three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside so you can stack it on top of another rolling suitcase, as well as a USB port for charging your phone (though you'll have to purchase a battery separately).

Inside the suitcase, three more zippered pockets – including one for wet items – help you stay organized, while buckles keep the main compartment's tie-down straps out of your way while packing. This spinner can conveniently expand by 0.75 inches, but keep in mind if you're flying that overpacking may put it over your carry-on size allowance.

I've used other spinner suitcases in the past, but none of them glide as smoothly as this bag, with its 360-degree dual-spinner wheels. I also love the high-quality, lightweight material, but my favorite part is its organizational features – especially the WetPak pocket. I'd highly recommend the Samsonite SoLyte DLX for anyone who needs a trusty soft-sided carry-on for a flight; it definitely fits more than I thought it would. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $245 or less

Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.17 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Beige, light green, dark green, lilac, charcoal or 3 others Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Lifetime with 100-day returns

Weighing just under 4 pounds, this bag is the lightest hard-sided carry-on we found on the market. It's constructed with an extremely durable German polycarbonate shell, and the interior has two mesh zippered compartments to keep your belongings from shifting. The inner nylon lining is also resistant to water and stains. To make the suitcase easy to maneuver, there's a top carry handle, a telescoping handle and dual-spinner wheels.

I was absolutely shocked by how light this suitcase is. While some lightweight designs can be extremely flimsy, this July carry-on is very durable and holds a good amount of clothing. With compression packing cubes I was able to pack enough clothing for a week. It was extremely easy to put in the plane's overhead compartment, and the wheels rolled very smoothly for my entire journey. The only thing I noticed is that since the bag is so lightweight, the trolley bag I had was making it want to topple. Next time, I'd use a smaller tote or a north-south design to avoid that issue. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.16 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 41 liters | Color options: Black, blue, red or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This DELSEY PARIS carry-on is a well-built piece of hard-sided luggage. It meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines and offers an easily accessible front compartment – ideal for a laptop up to 15.6 inches or other items you want to be able to grab quickly. The suitcase has a TSA lock and two spacious internal compartments for clothing, shoes and travel gear. The double-spinner wheels glide smoothly across all types of surfaces, and the handle pulls out and retracts with ease.

I was incredibly impressed by this little workhorse of a carry-on bag. There are so many different pockets and compartments within it for organization, and it fits a surprising amount of clothes, shoes and accessories. The handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the glossy exterior makes it look sleek and chic. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

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Price: $80 or less

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 23 liters | Color options: Black, navy blue, orange or light blue Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is similar to many other hard-sided luggage products on the market, but it's available at a fraction of the price. The ABS shell is textured, so even if you – or luggage handlers – bang it around a bit, it does not show scuffs or scratches easily. The double-spinner wheels (a must, honestly, in today's luggage landscape) make the bag effortless to maneuver.

Inside, one side of the bag features a compression strap, while the other has a large fabric zippered closure, complete with a few organizer pockets for smaller items. Thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime, the carry-on luggage ships quickly, so it's also a great option if you need new luggage in a crunch.

This carry-on bag is a superb selection for the budget-conscious traveler. I appreciated how much I was able to get into this bag (it doesn't look huge, but it fit quite a lot), and the textured exterior really ups the durability factor. The compression straps and the interior organizer even helped me squeeze in a bit more. – Erin Evans

Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Price: $699 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (up to 11.5) inches | Weight: 10 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 37-48 liters | Color options: Black, navy or olive Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner has a standout feature that other bags on this list don't: one-touch CX expansion. Exclusive to Briggs & Riley, this technology allows your bag to expand and compress in one swift motion. Simply press and pull up on the red levers found at opposite ends of the bag, and it will grow 2.5 inches. Once you've packed your belongings, push down on the buttons to compress the bag before zipping it up.

This bag also features a garment folder to reduce wrinkles in a suit or dress, as well as cinch-down garment panels to secure the clothing in place. Other convenient features include interior mesh compartments for organization, an exterior pocket for airport essentials (or even your laptop) and a signature PowerPocket where you can charge your smartphone.

While the bag is undoubtedly an investment at $700, its "simple as that" guarantee (free repairs forever, no questions asked) – plus sturdy features like impact-resistant corner guards and self-repairing zippers – means you'll have it for life.

When it comes to quality, this is the best luggage I've ever used – period. The compression/expansion system is just the icing on the cake. – Amanda Norcross

Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Price: $165 or less

Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds Packing capacity: 2-4 days; 34 liters | Color options: Chocolate, oatmeal or rose quartz Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 2-year limited

Compact and filled with useful features, this CALPAK underseater has a water-resistant exterior, a TSA-approved lock, and side and top handles for easy lifting into the overhead or pushing under the seat. There's a telescoping handle, a luggage trolley sleeve and two exterior pockets for stowing small items like your passport, boarding pass and earbuds.

On the inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets and compression straps. For added convenience, the main panel can be secured via built-in snaps to get your laptop out while traveling (and keep your other belongings from spilling out), or you can unsnap it while packing to maximize the interior storage space.

When I'm traveling on a quick trip with my laptop, this is my go-to bag. Its compact size glides easily under the seat, and it's also compact and light enough to fit into the overhead bin even on the smallest regional planes. I love the laptop sleeve and the zippered exterior pocket for my book, earbuds and wipes. To maximize the interior space, I use compression cubes from Lug , and I'm able to squeeze in four to five outfits, a pair of shoes and daily necessities. – Rachael Hood

Price: $83 or less

Dimensions: 20.4 x 14.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 6.35 pounds Packing capacity: 2-3 days; 26 liters | Color options: Black, olive, gray, red, blue or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

This simple but sturdy carry-on piece from Amazon is a great option for business travelers, thanks to its front pocket for easy laptop access, smooth double-spinner wheels and TSA lock. This Amazon Basics soft-sided carry-on also features a handle on the bottom between the wheels, which makes it easy to put the bag up into and pull it out of the overhead bin. On some airplanes, it may even be small enough to fit under the seat.

The interior of the bag features one large compartment with two compression straps, plus two zippered pockets on the opposite site. The 20.4-inch option is ideal for shorter trips, but this style is available in larger sizes as well. Another bonus: It's available on Amazon Prime, so it ships quickly.

This Amazon Basics option is on the smaller side for a carry-on, but that's what makes it a solid choice for business travelers going on short trips who only need to pack a few things. The laptop pocket is easily accessible, and the handle on the bottom of the bag is super useful for hauling it out of an overhead bin. The black color is professional, and the price can't be beat. – Erin Evans

Price: $565 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 43 liters | Color options: Gray/cognac, gray/chocolate, gray/black or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime with a 100-day trial

Constructed with premium materials, this luxury carry-on has Italian leather accents, Japanese spinner wheels and a polycarbonate exterior with an aluminum metal frame for stability. It closes via two secure latches with combination locks (rather than a zipper). There's a front laptop compartment with a smaller pocket and pen slots to keep business essentials or travel documents easy to access.

The interior has leather details, compression straps and a removable compression pad with a pocket – ideal for small items like ties, fashion jewelry or silk scarves. Travelers can also purchase an additional compression pad to have a pad on each side of the interior compartment.

This suitcase exudes luxury with its Italian leather trim and understated elegance. The design of it looks very sleek, the interior is spacious, the handle is very sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. I especially liked that the top of the suitcase is very flat, which gave my trolley bag a secure base so it wasn't moving around while I was at the airport, and the front compartment was ideal for accessing my laptop on the go. It feels very sturdy, but the only downside is it weighs more than a typical carry-on. – Rachael Hood

Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22"

Price: $270 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 40 liters | Color options: Black Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The North Face's 22-inch Rolling Thunder duffel doesn't have the bells and whistles of other carry-on options, but it's a sturdy and reliable option for those who want a duffel style on wheels. The duffel has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. The soft-sided top of the bag is made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability. There are two zippered pockets on the outside to stash small items and a mesh pocket inside for some added organization.

I brought this duffel on a trip to New Zealand, and it held up very well. The Rolling Thunder had no issues after being checked on six different flights, and the flexibility of the style allowed me to easily store it out of the way in my campervan once I had unpacked. It's definitely a simpler style, but it does its job well. Be aware, though, that this wheeled style doesn't have straps that would allow you to carry it like a duffel; it can only be rolled. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $200 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-10 days; 35 liters | Color options: Multiple options but color availability changes frequently Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

When it comes to hands-free and adventure travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L can't be beat. This lightweight carry-on backpack comes with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a weight-distributing harness system, all to make for a comfortable carry (since sore shoulders can be a concern when it comes to carrying backpacks through time-consuming airport experiences).

Organization is a breeze with a top zippered pocket – perfect for storing travel documents or a Cotopaxi hip pack – and a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. Internally, you'll find two mesh compartments, one large and one subdivided, that work great with Cotopaxi packing cubes . The backpack's straps can be tucked away for more streamlined travel, and the bag even comes with a rain cover (though the Allpa is already TPU-coated to be water-resistant).

Furthermore, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainability : 94% of Cotopaxi products contain repurposed, recycled or responsible materials. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind Del Dia Allpa backpacks , for example, use remnant fabric.

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures and it's survived everything – wind, rain, being shoved into tiny rental cars, you name it. Besides being incredibly durable, I love how much this backpack can fit; my longest trip so far with only the Allpa 35L as my luggage has been a comfortable nine days, and that included packing bulky cold-weather gear. I just wish it had a water bottle pocket like the Allpa 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson

Also Recommended

Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner: While the Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner is a solid (and sustainable) carry-on bag for less than $200, it doesn't offer quite enough space – especially for someone who may be traveling for longer.

Away The Aluminum Carry-On Bag: This is a well-built carry-on bag. The only downfall is that it's on the heavier side, weighing nearly 11 pounds. Away's Aluminum Carry-On is also more than twice the cost of the standard carry-on by Away, which works just as well.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This is a great soft-sided option if you're looking for a lightweight suitcase. Featuring a sleek nylon construction, a large front exterior pocket and internal zippered pockets, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner works well but isn't as lightweight as the July Carry-on Light.

Monos Carry-on Plus: It's a high-quality suitcase with a lot of internal details, but given its larger size this bag doesn't fit in the overhead compartment on multiple planes (especially regional jets). That said, if you're traveling domestically on larger planes, the Monos Carry-on Plus could be an option to consider. Or, the smaller standard Monos Carry-on could be a good option as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

Pros and cons of soft-sided luggage, frequently asked questions.

Aside from traditional rolling suitcases, the following items can be used as carry-on luggage provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin or fully under the seat (not sticking out) in front of you.

• Duffel and weekender bags:  This includes weekenders and duffel bags with wheels . Just note that wheels are included in carry-on dimension restrictions.
• Garment bags:  These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines. You can place your garment bag in the overhead bin, or in some cases, a small closet on the plane.
• Pet carriers:  Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido.
• Backpacks:  If your carry-on backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you'll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
• Diaper bags: If you're traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don't count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Purses , briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but usually aren't considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled personal items. Underseater bags – often designed specifically to fit comfortably under a plane seat – are also ideal as a personal item.

Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline. Several major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines and United, impose a 22 x 14 x 9-inch rule. If you're buying new carry-on luggage, this is a good default size to choose – especially if you fly with a variety of airlines.

For international airlines, it's often 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. To be sure about dimensions as well as any weight restrictions, see our guide to Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline . It usually doesn't matter how heavy your carry-on bag is, though some airlines do monitor the weight.

• Hard-sided: The hard-sided July Carry On Light weighs less than 4 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight carry-on bags on the market. Other lightweight carry-on bags we recommend include the hard-sided Away The Carry-On (7.5 pounds) and the Amazon 20-Inch Hardside Spinner (7.3 pounds).
• Soft-sided: If you're looking for a lightweight, soft-sided carry-on bag, consider the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner (4.8 pounds) and the Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner (7.1 pounds).

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage – but only by a few pounds. If you're planning to purchase a hard-sided carry-on bag, look for something that's made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, both of which are lightweight yet durable materials.

How We Tested

Our team tested 26 carry-on bags across several price points and on a variety of trips spanning overseas flights, weekend getaways, overnight trips and more. We traveled by car, plane, train and cruise and packed for a variety of climates and activities, from shore excursions in Mexico to rainy road trips around Iceland. For bags with wheels, we tested their maneuverability on multiple surfaces, including gravel, pavement, grass, moving walkways, cobblestone and carpet. After four months of testing, we deem these carry-on bags the best of the best for 2024.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The following editors personally tested the luggage recommended in this article:

Erin Evans , Managing Editor: Evans loves a durable bag and also can't say no to a good deal. Considering how banged up luggage can get, her picks on this list are both well-made and affordable.

Rachael Hood , Senior Editor: Hood rarely checks a bag, yet she loves to pack a lot and pick up some new finds along her journey. She looks for a combination of durability, functionality, interior space and overall appearance.

Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor: Kendall opts for convenient and versatile carry-ons that can work well for weekend and weekslong trips alike.

Amanda Norcross , Content & SEO Strategist: Norcross has mastered the art of traveling with a carry-on bag only, but believes this is only possible with the right luggage.

Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer: Osmundson prefers lightweight, streamlined luggage that's ideal for adventure travel.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

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TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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The 16 Best Carry-On Luggage Bags for Any Traveler in 2024

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

780 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3151 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider With Carry-On Luggage

For every type of traveler, for the fashion-forward traveler, premium suitcase that really go the distance [we use this one], for the budget-conscious traveler, the bang-for-your-buck hard-shell carry-on, for travelers looking for a truly lightweight carry-on, for samsonite luggage lovers, for frequent flyers who want chic design, for the tech-heavy business traveler, designed for the practical traveler, for the discerning traveler, for the traveler who always packs too much, for the really modern traveler, for those serious about traveling the world, the backpack to stay organized on the go, the best design for the cool backpacker, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Cabin bags have revolutionized the way we travel. With airlines charging extras fees for checked luggage , more and more of us are cramming our belongings into little carry-on bags.

If you pack well, you can get pretty much everything you need into these compact cases — and you will also reap the rewards of not having to waste time at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.

Most U.S. airlines will have strict rules about the amount of carry-on luggage a traveler can have with them, as well as the size of the items they bring on board. Items that are too large, too heavy, or restricted won’t be allowed to travel with you and will need to be checked instead.

Every airline is different , but as a general rule you’ll be allowed the following per passenger:

• 1 small purse or laptop bag
• 1 small cabin bag measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (some airlines have even tighter restrictions, so check before traveling)

The usual rule for carry-on luggage is that it must weigh less than 40 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. If you want to be sure before you fly, weigh your bag using a good scale before you leave home .

If your bag is too heavy, it will be stowed in the hold. Carry-on luggage is placed in the overhead lockers — too heavy and it’s a safety risk since too many heavy bags make for a dangerous flying environment.

Need to fly with your suitcase full of weighty items? Opt for checked baggage instead.

Material and Durability

Unlike your checked luggage, your carry-on bag will stay close to you for the duration of your flight. This means you probably don’t need to pay for supertough materials if you don’t want to since it won’t be thrown around or battered by luggage handlers. But you do want something quality that will last.

You need to carefully consider the weight of the luggage you choose to use on board. Since you only have up to 40 pounds to play with, lightweight but durable nylon bags or similar are usually the most practical option.

There are thousands of small cases, bags, and even rucksacks that are designed to meet the size and weight restrictions of most major airlines, so finding one should be a cinch.

Carry-on Backpack vs. Carry-on Suitcase

As the battle between backpack and suitcase rages on, travelers usually come to a conclusion based on their individual travel needs. While a cabin bag usually comes with wheels and is easy to pull around the airport, they can have limited access and may hold less than their counterparts.

Backpacks need to be carried at all times, but do offer plenty of hidden compartments for handy travel accessories — and using one will keep your hands free while you fumble for your tickets at check-in.

Which is best? Both work well, and your choice should be based on your own personal preference .

Hot Tip: Need some tips on packing your carry-on? Check out our carry-on travel essentials  for short and long flights!

Wheeled cabin luggage is perfectly designed to let you pull it around the airport — when the wheels are good, that is! Complete with pull-up handles and different types of wheel options, these types of cases are now the go-to accessory for savvy travelers around the world.

Standard 2-wheeled versions are perfect for pulling behind you or pushing in front when you have to. They are practical and affordable.

If you want something that offers even more maneuverability, opt for spinner wheels that allow you to wheel your case sideways next to you as well. Spinner wheels are much more practical when it comes to pushing your case down a busy airplane where space is limited.

Either way, quality counts . Pay bargain prices and you can expect a wheel to pop off here or there or a broken handle that will render it useless halfway through your trip.

If you are pulling, pushing, or even carrying your luggage, you want to be sure the handle will withstand the journey . Cases often come with collapsible, extendable handles that stow away in the body of the case when not being used.

Backpacks, on the other hand, need handles that are strong and durable but are also easily flexible when it comes to storing your luggage in the locker.

Much like wheels, quality is key. A badly built extendable handle may snap or come out of its housing, while a backpack or bag with inferior handles can break and leave you cradling it like a baby.

Hard or Soft Luggage

This is another decision that should be based on personal choice. Legend has it that hard-shell luggage is more durable than softer cases, but in reality, this is not always so.

While hard cases do offer some extra protection, they can be heavier, and space may be compromised by the design of the shell. Soft suitcases are more flexible in terms of shape and generally lighter. That said, they could also be more prone to splits or tears.

Guess what we’re going to say next? Yep — whatever you choose, quality is key ! Pay for well-manufactured, lightweight hard-shell cases or strong nylon soft cases to ensure your cabin luggage lasts you for more than 1 journey.

Laptop Compartment

If you’re taking your work with you, you need to ensure that your laptop is well-protected while you fly.

Carrying laptops on board has its own intricacies, and you’ll usually need easy access to remove the laptop for airport security . After that, you need practical, secure storage for the duration of the journey.

Some cabin cases are designed with laptop users in mind and have their own laptop compartments fully padded for extra protection. Other travelers choose to take a separate laptop bag with them, but you would need to check with your carrier to see if this is allowed within your onboard baggage limitations.

Smart Luggage

These days, everything is getting “smarter” — from our phones to our homes, and now even our luggage. Smart luggage offers fancy extras like power banks to charge your devices, electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and TSA-approved locks.

Bags like this may cost more than regular luggage, but they’re totally revolutionizing the way we travel. Locate lost luggage, charge your devices, and keep your belongings safe from theft or damage as you go.

These additional functions are priceless for anyone who wants to enjoy fuss-free travel in the digital age.

Airline Rules for Smart Luggage

Turns out some things really are too good to be true! While smart luggage may seem like the perfect solution for connectivity problems of the modern-day traveler, it appears that it’s also causing major problems for the airlines.

The lithium-ion batteries found in these cases aren’t allowed in the cargo hold, and uninstalled ones can only be held by the passenger in the cabin during transit.

In an effort to combat potential fires and explosions as a result of lithium-ion batteries, no smart bags are allowed to be checked at all , and they can only be carried in the cabin if the battery is removable. Airlines who have already implemented policies like this including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.

It’s likely that many more will also follow suit, so please check with your airline before flying with smart luggage .

Best Carry-On Luggage Cases With Hard Shells

• Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner 20

Weight: 6.8 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22.0 x 15.0 x 9.5 Inches

Made by one of the biggest names in luxury luggage, the Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner is a beautiful piece of engineered luggage. Lightweight and effortlessly mobile , the 100% polycarbonate design is easy to move, offers plenty of internal space, and looks like business.

The micro-diamond texture is extremely scratch-resistant, which is important if you’re planning to use the case on multiple journeys. Inside the suitcase are interior dividers to help keep your belongings organized, as well as cross straps for flattening your clothes.

For added security, there is a side-mounted TSA-compliant lock. The free-spinning wheels are the major selling point of this individual case, and allow you to pull the case behind you or along next to your side.

Hard-wearing, good-looking, and incredibly practical, this Samsonite case is designed to match the size and weight allowances of most U.S. airlines. If you are looking for a case that will fit enough clothes and toiletries for a week away without checking your luggage, this little beauty could be the one for you.

What We Like

• Side-mounted TSA lock for security

What We Don’t Like

• In the unlikely event of a fault, the buyer pays shipping to return the item

Delsey Luggage Chatelet Spinner

Weight: 7.7 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 10 inches

If you want to fit in with the jet set but aren’t quite in the market for a full set of Louis Vuittons, this little beauty is stylish, practical, and a firm favorite with those in the know.

Elegant and innovative, this case is a real looker and comes in a variety of different colors. Clean curves and soft leather trim mean it wouldn’t look out of place in the most luxurious of destinations, while the polycarbonate construction is built to last. Designed to be seen, it can withstand extreme temperatures and will survive the general scuffs you can expect to receive.

The nearly silent spinner wheels assure smooth maneuverability and are a real talking point. Finally, the luxurious red interior is like a Louboutin for your belongings, and the zippered compartments keep your garments safely secured while you travel.

• Stylish design without exorbitant price
• Marks are easier to see on a light-colored bag

Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21″ Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels

Weight: 7.98 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 inches

The Paris Helium Aero case is made from 100% impact-resistant polycarbonate, ensuring that it’s strong enough to withstand the bumps and dings of airline travel while still offering plenty of class and style.

At 8 pounds, this may not be the lightest carry-on case on the market, but it is close and arguably one of the best looking. Stylish and sleek, the double spinner wheels add to its allure as the case glides effortlessly around the airport. 

On the inside, 2 full-size packing compartments provide plenty of space for all your travel essentials, and the tie-down straps will prevent your neatly packed items from moving around in transit. No matter how full your case, you will still be able to comfortably carry it when you need to thanks to the soft-touch top and side carry handles. 

Because Delsey understands just how much you love your luggage, this case also features integrated, TSA-approved locks, allowing agents easy access to your belongings without the worry of them causing any damage. 

• Lots of pockets and compartments for storage
• Zippers can sometimes break with heavy use

AmazonBasics Geometric Hardside Spinner Cabin Case

Weight: 6.77 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 21.7 inches

Basic by name, but not necessarily basic by nature, this little case from Amazon is great for budget-conscious travelers . The 21.7-inch hardshell case is perfect for shorter trips and will easily stow all your belongings safely while you travel.

Made with a scratch-resistant finish to protect against over-eager cab drivers or baggage handlers, the extra thick ABS shell is on par with many of its more expensive competitors and adds enhanced strength and durability.

Inside, the case is lined with 3 zippered pockets for storing all those important bits and pieces you need to bring along. Packing is a breeze with this expandable case — a useful extra 15% capacity means you can throw in that extra sweater or pair of shoes with ease.

The 4 double spinner wheels make this case easy to maneuver with 1 hand, leaving the other free for important tasks like child-wrangling or retrieving your tickets and passport while you walk.

With a telescopic handle and an additional securely mounted short handle, you can drag, roll, or carry this case through airports and foreign lands the world over.

• Supersmooth double spinner wheels
• Nowhere to store the zippers for protection

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 20″ Hardside 4-Wheel Spinner

Weight: 6.25 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  21.75 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches

This case offers tons of useful features for an insanely low price. For ease of mobility, the Reaction case can literally turn on a dime — the multi-directional 4-wheel spinners allow for smooth, 360-degree movement over virtually any surface.

Being exceptionally lightweight makes it even easier to move around, and you can fill it to the brim with your belongings without having to worry too much about your weight allowance when you board. Garment straps are useful to hold your clothes in place and prevent too much creasing.

If you’re into the aesthetic charms of carry-on luggage, this one is sure to please, with molded corners, an ergonomic handle, an attractive shine, and a scratch-free ABD hard-shell cover that looks great and is highly durable. The case is also available in 11 different colors , so you are sure to find something that suits your tastes.

Internally, there are additional zippered compartments that make light work of keeping your valuables and smaller items safe while you travel. All in all, this is a great little case that won’t cost a fortune. Kenneth Cole also offers a 10-year limited warranty with this case for your peace of mind.

• Molded corner guards to protect from impact
• Warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not general wear and tear

BAGSMART Carry On Luggage

Weight: 6.39 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 21.7 x 14 x 8.7 inches

BAGSMART designs great-value luggage that performs well and looks awesome. This case is no exception, offering a lightweight, unbreakable shell that you can fill up for your next adventure.

Made from 100% polycarbonate, the case is ultra-durable, really lightweight, and incredibly easy to maneuver. It is also strong enough to withstand being thrown around during transit since the shell can absorb most knocks, eliminating nasty dents and scratches.

Designed for the organized traveler, the internal space is practical and well-thought-out . There are 2 main compartments, a zippered mesh compression divider, and an interior pocket for smaller items. These partitioned compartments keep everything neat and tidy.

When you’re packed up and ready to go, the multi-directional wheels make quick work of airport terminals — and have been tested on bumpy terrain such as gravel.

Complete with a TSA-approved lock that is set using a combination code, you should be able to pretty much guarantee your belongings will stay safe wherever you’re headed.

• Well-organized interior with a compression divider and internal pockets
• Doesn’t expand for more storage space

Hot Tip:  For more lightweight options, check out our separate review dedicated to the best lightweight carry-on luggage . 

• Samsonite Freeform Spinner Cabin Case

Weight: 6.5 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches

Samsonite is one of the biggest names in luggage, and every case it sells is designed to be lightweight, extremely durable, and a good-looking addition to any traveler’s collection.

This particular model has been created to offer the strength you would expect from a hard-shell case, with the lightweight maneuverability you’d expect from a roller skate (honestly, it handles that well!).

Spacious interiors make light work of clothing and belongings to last a few days away, while the cross straps and divider are perfect for keeping your clothing tightly pressed and uncreased during transit.

The double wheels are perfect for pulling along behind you or keeping close by your side, and the Samsonite TSA 3-dial lock will prevent unwanted opening by anyone other than TSA agents.

This case is also expandable to a degree so you can pack that extra heavy sweater, and the built-in ID tag makes it easily identifiable as it swings past you on the luggage carousel.

The Freeform is designed with the discerning traveler in mind. The price tag may be a little higher than some of the lesser-known models out there, but you’re paying for a superb case built to last by a world leader in the luggage market.

• Built-in ID tag for quick identification
• Shows scratches easily

Trek Aluminium Suitcase

Hot Tip: Use special promo code UP10 for 10% off!

Weight: 9.6 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.7 inches

Chic and stylish, this hardshell carry-on case is designed to offer maximum luggage capacity, while still meeting the size restrictions for overhead lockers on most domestic and international airplanes.

With its unbreakable aluminum-magnesium alloy shell , the Trek carry-on case oozes sophistication and good looks, making it perfect for both business travelers and leisure trips alike. The unique zipper-less closure is easy to open while remaining incredibly secure, and the dual TSA-approved combination locks mean the case can be accessed easily by security agents should they need to.

The super spacious, fully-lined interior offers over 34 liters of space in both halves to carry everything you need for your next trip. The pocketed panels will keep your liquids and clear bag secure in transit.

It’s not just the rugged good looks, and clever design touches that make this such an excellent choice for carry-on passengers, the way in which it moves is a revelation, too. Forget about wonky wheels and flimsy handles, this beauty comes complete with ultra-smooth 360-degree spinner wheels and an aluminum telescoping handle that makes it an absolute delight to wheel around the airport.

Refined, sophisticated, and built to last, this is the perfect carry-on case for frequent flyers.

• Zipless closure and hard-shell for tamper protection
• Might be out of budget for many travelers

COOLIFE Suitcase With Front Compartment

Weight: 7.87 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 14.5 x 9 x 21 inches

With a front opening compartment complete with a padded laptop pocket and other small storage, this suitcase is designed for those who need instant access to their devices, documents, and other items while they travel.

Grab your passport, wallet, phone, tablet, or laptop with the flick of a zipper , leaving your pockets empty and your hands free. Great for business travelers or those who need to take a lot of tech with them, you can breeze through security without having to unpack your entire bag just to get your devices out.

The main compartment is also pretty impressive with plenty of space for your clothes, and each compartment is held in place by cross straps and an organization divider to stop your belongings from rolling around during transit.

Both the main and front compartments can be locked using the double TSA combination lock, so you can rest easy knowing your items are secure when unattended in the overhead lockers.

Made from ABS and polycarbonate, this suitcase is lightweight to maneuver on the 360-degree spinner wheels. With a durable structure, this sleek and futuristic-looking case has a particularly impressive look.

This is a great case for those who want to be able to access their items at a moment’s notice.

• Front pocket and double TSA lock
• Tech compartment eats into the main compartment space quite a bit when full

Best Carry-On Luggage Cases With Soft-shells

SwissGear Travel Gear 6283 Spinner Luggage

Weight: 8 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches

Soft and light yet somehow strong and dependable, the SwissGear Travel Gear 6283 is a good choice for those who like soft-shelled cabin luggage.

Every aspect of this case has been designed with longevity in mind. This is a case that’s built to last and offers tons of features to help it withstand the rough and tumble of long-distance travel.

Made from durable, scuff-resistant polyester, the case is lightweight and can expand to offer extra packing space when needed. It also has some nice extra features like a zippered wet bag for keeping dirty clothes separate from the clean stuff.

It is also easy to maneuver with a telescoping locking push/pull handle system and 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels that will glide effortlessly across most types of terrain.

With easy-to-access front pockets (that you won’t find on most hard-shell cases) and a built-in ID tag, this is one case that you can literally buy, fill, and carry on!

• Comes with a removable zippered wet bag
• Can tip over easily due to lightweight wheels

Travelpro Platinum Magna Expandable Spinner Suitcase

Weight: 7.7 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches

No one wants to be traveling and find their cell phone has run out of charge. This Travelpro suitcase comes with a built-in USB port and power bank pocket , so you can charge up on the move.

As with all the best cabin luggage, this suitcase is lightweight, sturdy, and conforms with the height and weight restrictions in place on most U.S. airlines. It’s not just on the plane where this case excels though — the super-smooth rollaboard wheels and PowerScope extendable handle ensure that this case is easy to pull along, no matter how far the journey.

On the inside, your clothes can remain wrinkle-free during travel as you lay them neatly inside the suiter compartment. The engineered zipper is also designed to withstand the constant opening and closing of your case while you find the perfect outfit for your vacation.

Another plus for this particular bag is its extremely lightweight design, meaning you can pack more belongings without worrying about having to check your luggage. Overpacked? Not to worry — this case also comes with expandable capability to increase the internal storage area.

Complete with a worry-free lifetime warranty , this is a great little case for your next adventure from a brand that makes quality products.

• No loss of internal space with rollaboard wheels
• The built-in suiter is a little narrow

Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Expandable Cabin Case

Weight: 9 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  14 x 9 x 22 inches

Briggs & Riley has been committed to supplying American globetrotters with luxury luggage for over a quarter of a century; this cabin case is another example of the company’s very fine work.

A top pick with frequent flyers and airline staff, the Baseline expandable case has its very own neat trick that allows it to offer a whopping 25% more packing space when needed . The case then manages to compress back down to fit perfectly in the overhead storage lockers of most U.S. domestic airlines.

With a state-of-the-art hybrid fiberglass frame, the case remains lightweight and easy to maneuver while still being incredibly durable. Made from super-strong ballistic nylon, the outer fabric is hard-wearing and water-resistant.

The aluminum handle system offers a super comfortable ergonomic handle, and the freewheeling system makes this case a dream to move around even the busiest of airports.

• Exterior telescopic handle with no compromise on internal space
• Not as much freedom pushing and pulling compared to spinner wheels

Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 22 Inch Expandable Rollaboard

Weight: 5.4 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22 x 14.5 x 9 inches

The Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 is one of the lightest cabin bags ever made, meaning you can bring even more of your wardrobe when you travel. With lots of innovative features, this little beauty is made from tough, durable polyester that looks and works perfectly.

This case’s most fascinating feature is the patented Rollaboard that places a frame several inches from the bottom, allowing the designers to do away with heavy and bulky reinforcing frames found in similar cases. This means less weight and more space for you !

Exterior pockets are spacious enough to safely store a laptop, while the full-size inner compartment is large enough to keep even the crispest of suits wrinkle-free. If you want to squeeze even more in there, the case can expand to give you more room — but you could quickly exceed the maximum size restrictions for your airline carrier .

The modern design is also pretty impressive. Despite its somewhat surprising dimensions, this looks pretty sleek for a softshell case, and the smooth gliding wheels and ergonomic handle make it a good choice for most travelers.

• Super light, so you can get more from your carry-on allowance
• Tips forward easily

Best Carry-On Backpacks

Osprey Farpoint Travel Backpack

Weight: 3.5 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  22 x 14 x 9 inches

Osprey is world-famous for their awesome backpacks, and this one is as good as any in the range. In fact, this one comes in 2 different options for men and women. The Farpoint and the Fairview offer practical solutions for those looking for a cabin-sized rucksack that can be used for your onward journeys, too.

If you like to sling your belongings on your back, both the Farpoint and the Fairview are made from super-tough ripstop nylon and feature slash-proof straps, tons of useful compartments, and a harness and hip belt for ease of wear during longer excursions.

Both have a discreet laptop and tablet sleeve that will keep your tech protected while you travel. Easy to access, lightweight, and big enough to handle a good amount of belongings while still being cabin-sized, these backpacks are just about the perfect alternative to cabin-sized suitcases.

Osprey backpacks also come in a wide range of colors (and bigger sizes, too), so if you want to coordinate your checked luggage, you should be able to find a size and style that matches.

• Comfortable harness and hip belt for comfortable wear
• No frame to stand up straight vertically

Asenlin 40 Liter Travel Backpack

Weight: 2.7 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.2 x 9.45 inches

Whether you’re jetting off on vacation or a business trip, this backpack is versatile, attractive, and perfect for travelers who prefer to carry the world on their back instead of pulling it along on wheels.

Weighing in at 2.7 pounds, you can maximize your hand luggage allowance by filling up your bag with as many belongings as you need while still meeting the size restrictions for overhead bins.

Offering an impressive 40-liter interior, you can pull the compression straps tight to keep the pack easy to carry. Stay organized on the go by stashing your belongings into the convenient packing cubes that come in 3 different sizes .

To increase the comfort, the designers added well-padded and adjustable shoulder and sternum straps that can be zipped away to check your backpack or to easily attach to the handle of your suitcase.

With a front organizer pocket to quickly access your tickets, passport, and other accessories and a separate padded compartment for a 17.3-inch laptop, you’ll breeze through security in a matter of minutes.

• Includes 3 packing cubes to stay organized
• The laptop compartment makes the backpack front heavy

Hynes Eagle Flight Approved 40L Backpack

Weight : 2.53 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  20.1 x 13.4 x 9.8 inches

Hynes Eagle bags suggest that you’re a traveler who knows a bit about the world — and that you certainly know which kind of bag best suits your needs. Their cabin-approved backpacks are just the right size and offer tons of interior space while retaining modern silhouettes and a certain minimalist chic.

Made from water-repellent polyester, this is one of the hippest of all cabin rucksacks… and should probably be accessorized with a chai latte (and maybe even a beard).

Trendsetting aside, everyone should be impressed by the multiple interior slip pockets — one of which fits a 15.6-inch laptop with ease. Externally, there is a front zip pocket that enables easy access to your passport, money, phone, and frequent flyer cards.

Designed with ergonomics in mind, there is an adjustable sternum strap for added stability, as well as multiple exterior compression buckle straps for adjusting the height based on your own individual needs.

This is a true hands-free carry-on bag that won’t limit your mobility, while still being able to stow plenty during your travels.

• Convenient interior slip pockets for your passport, money, and gadgets
• No waist belt to help distribute the weight

The ability to travel without having to check bags makes your check-in faster and negates the need for lengthy waits at baggage claim.

Although you may need to do your research before you invest in the right cabin luggage for your needs, finding a small case that is easily maneuverable, lightweight, and able to hold everything you need for a few days away is really a game-changer when it comes to domestic and international air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a backpack considered a personal item or carry-on.

The size of the backpack and the individual airlines rules will determine whether a backpack is a personal item or carry-on. As a rough guide, if the backpack is handbag-sized and comfortably fits under the seat in front of you, it would usually be classed as a personal item. Please check with your airline for their exact requirements.

What is considered carry-on luggage?

Each airline will have different carry-on luggage size requirements but carry-on luggage is usually determined by its dimensions. As a rough guide many airlines consider carry-on luggage to be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This will vary, so please check with the airline you are flying with.

What is the best carry-on bag for travel?

Cabin bags have revolutionized the way we travel. With airlines charging extra fees for checked luggage, more and more of us are cramming our belongings into little carry-on bags. These are some of our tops picks:

• Chester Lightweight Polycarbonate Spinner Case
• Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21″ Hardside Luggage
• Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 20″ Hardside

What bags are suitable for hand luggage?

As the battle between backpack and suitcase rages on, travelers usually come to a conclusion based on their individual travel needs. While a cabin bag usually comes with wheels and is easy to pull around the airport, they can have limited access and may hold less than their counterparts. Backpacks need to be carried at all times, but do offer plenty of hidden compartments for handy travel accessories — and using one will keep your hands free while you fumble for your tickets at check-in.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage in 2023, for All Types of Travelers

Whether you prefer a suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack, we've got you covered.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Which brings us to arguably the most vital piece of luggage a person can own: a carry-on bag. The first step to finding your personal best carry-on luggage is by deciding what kind of travel you will be embarking on. If it's a short weekend trip, a backpack or duffel bag will suffice, but if you're going away for, say, a week then a carry-on suitcase (or travel bag ) will likely be more efficient.

Best Carry-On Duffel Bag

Filson medium rugged twill duffle bag.

Best Carry-On Travel Backpack

Nomatic travel bag 40l carry-on backpack.

Best Carry-On Suitcase Overall

Away the carry-on.

Best Luxe Carry-On

Rimowa hybrid cabin carry-on.

Best Adventure Travel Bag

Exped radical 45l travel pack.

Best Budget Carry-On Suitcase

Samsonite omni pc hardside expandable luggage.

Best Carry-On Garment Bag

Modoker convertible garment bag.

Most Durable Carry-On Luggage

The north face base camp voyager 42l duffel bag.

Before upgrading your carry-on bag there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure your bag's measurements are TSA-approved—most airlines allow carry-ons no larger than 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall, including the wheels and handle. If you’re a heavy packer, you’ll want an expandable bag to maximize space. If you’re storing your suitcase in a small closet, you might want a bag that flattens when empty.

Read more: Best Luggage Brands

We curated the top carry-on bags for all types of flyers. The pieces of luggage below represent a wide range of budgets, travel styles, and aesthetic preferences. But the common denominator is that each carry-on prioritizes function above all else. Your carry-on luggage probably won't be able to help you tune out the screaming baby across the aisle, but it will certainly get your gear from point A to point B safely and with as low amount of stress as possible! Here is the best carry-on luggage for every type of travel in 2022.

About the Expert : I’ve spent most of my life hiking, kayaking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. For more than a decade, I’ve traveled the world, including all seven continents, and covered outdoor and adventure travel, sharing my advice on Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. These days, I personally evaluate adventure travel gear (like carry-on luggage) and tech gadgets for Men’s Health from my home base south of Boston. So, you might say I’m a little gear-obsessed.

Made with beautiful bridle leather and rain-resistant rugged twill that’s sourced from one of Britain’s most storied mills, Filson duffle bags are guaranteed to last for years to come. The Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant, so it’s built to take a beating even in the unlikely event that you need to check it. Bespoke design notes like a rust-proof brass zipper and storm flap closures help bolster the bag to combat weather, and its interior pockets are made of dry finish tin cloth for added durability. Simply put, this is the All-American choice (one that's actually made in the USA) of carry-on duffles.

With a 43-liter capacity, it’s well-sized for all but the longest trips. Extended weekends are no problem, and even a week is possible with some smart planning. There’s little to dislike about this bag beyond the price. At nearly $600, it’s among the most expensive duffles on the market. But, with heirloom-quality design touches and a handsome, retro-military-inspired look, we think it’s easily the sharpest and best carry-on duffle bag this year. Plus, it’s available in Large or XL sizes, if Medium isn’t enough for your loadout.

Read more: Best Travel Bags

For the ultimate in travel versatility, nothing beats a good backpack . That’s true whether you’re a weekend warrior, a frequent flier, or a digital nomad with no fixed address. A travel backpack is more portable and always “ready to go” than a wheeled rollaboard and easier to tote around than a traditional duffle bag. This year, our go-to backpack carry-on is the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L. At 22” x 14” x 9”, it’s the perfect size for stashing in overhead bins. Plus, it’s wrapped in a durable, water-resistant shell. The patented strap system allows this one to convert from a duffel to a backpack and back again on the fly.

Inside, as the name implies, you’ll find 40L of usable space—that’s more than enough for most trips, especially if you pack right. There’s plenty of clever organization features, too, including a laptop sleeve, a sunglass case, and a dedicated water pouch. In short, there’s a lot to love about this bag. It’s lightweight, innovative, perfectly sized, and we like the modern, minimal aesthetic too. But the part? It’s a steal at under $300—all of which is why it’s our pick for the best carry-on backpack of 2022.

What do buyers say? “I couldn't be more pleased with the build quality and how well it has worked in even the tightest carry on situations,” said one Amazon reviewer. Read more: Best Travel Pants

Because Away is a direct-to-consumer brand, you’re able to score top-quality carry-ons (and checked luggage too) without the usual "middleman" markup. The brand’s simply named The Carry-On has risen to become a luggage staple for frequent travelers. What you get is a strong polycarbonate hard shell with easy-rolling, 360-degree spinner wheels and an ejectable USB charger to give your phone extra juice while on-the-go. The lightweight, minimalist shell is available in a dozen handsome colors and secures with TSA-approved combination locks.

Inside, an interior compression system and water-resistant laundry bag are added to make packing for the ride back just as easy as the initial departure. For couples who like to coordinate with matching luggage and more than one suitcase, the Carry-On lineup is available in a variety of other sizes with smaller versions built to nest inside larger. That’s a serious win for apartment dwellers or anyone short on space. Did we mention the Away Carry-On is less than $300?

What do buyers say? “Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully,” said one AwayTravel.com reviewer.

Read more: Best Hoodies

It wouldn’t be right to talk about the best carry-on luggage without bringing up Rimowa. The luxury German luggage maker has a long and storied history with some of the world's most premium bags. The Hybrid Cabin blends extremely lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy with even lighter polycarbonate for a carry-on that’s easy to maneuver and incredibly durable. Decked out in stark white or jet black, it boasts an understated sophistication that feels undeniably luxurious. Inside, a customizable Flex Divider can be arranged however you like to keep your belongings in order. Plus, the whole suitcase rolls on a proprietary Multi-Wheel system that’s whisper-quiet and moves effortlessly.

From the luxurious good looks to the durable construction to the thoughtful detailing in every piece of this carry-on, it’s hard to find anything bad to say about it. But, premium luggage of this caliber doesn’t come cheap. This is the most expensive carry-on in our roundup with a price tag north of $1,000. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the swankiest pieces of luggage we’ve seen this year. So, if you’ve got money to burn on new luggage and only the best will do, this is your man.

What do buyers say? “Bought this impeccable piece of luggage for my husband and he loves it, especially for its maneuverability. The spinner wheels glide seamlessly over any type of flooring and the aluminum corners adds that touch of style,” said one Bloomingdales.com reviewer.

Adventure travel usually requires a ton of extra gear. So, we appreciate an ultra-versatile bag that can pull double duty as both your carry-on luggage and your adventure backpack—no need to pack both. Exped’s latest Radical series is purpose-built to do just that. Situated in the middle of the lineup, the Radical 45 is a near-perfect carry-on size. With clever straps, it converts easily from a duffle bag to a backpack, so it’s whatever you need it to be. The main compartment is accessible via an extra-long zipper that provides easy access for packing and unpacking of large items or packing cubes. Large side pockets offer additional storage and direct access to the main compartment in a pinch.

We love that this one is ridiculously light with a minimum weight of just 24.7 ounces (barely 1.5 pounds!), yet it’s capable of holding up to 45 liters of your belongings. It’s available in a handful of smaller and larger sizes, too, so you can buy several bags to coordinate your gear storage for longer trips. It’s also a tremendous value at under $100. The only downside? The “open concept” main compartment means there’s little in the way of organizational pockets or pouches to keep your gear separated.

What do buyers say? “... a great bag, perfect for weekends or a carryon. I love the compression aspect, it allows you to fit way more than you would think,” said one REI reviewer.

You can never go wrong with Samsonite when it comes to carry-on suitcases. For us, the Samsonite carry-on with the best overall value is the Omni PC Hardside Expandable. The stylish hardshell case is crafted in polycarbonate with a micro-diamond texture that’s highly scratch-resistant, so your case will stay looking clean and sleek, trip after trip. Don’t let the roughly $150 price tag fool you. It comes loaded with all the bells and whistles. We’re talking multi-directional spinner wheels, TSA-compatible side locks, and a retractable pull handle. Interior compression straps keep everything in place while in transit.

At around $150, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck carry-ons on the market. Sure, there are less expensive hardsided-carry-ons, but few with the same durability, number of features, and great looks. If you’re a heavy packer or like to keep a variety of luggage at the ready, the collection is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes too, including larger checked luggage. Plus, you score free shipping and free returns through Amazon, which is almost like a free in-home trial.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 20,000 Amazon reviews, 92% recommend the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside luggage with at least a 4-star rating.

Don’t let the outside of this bag fool you. Modoker designed this compact, 45-liter duffel to fit a suit, a pair of shoes, and a weekend’s worth of clothes. The secret is in the bag’s “rolled tube” design, which makes it so you can store your suit wrinkle-free by gently wrapping it around the everyday clothes you’re storing on the interior. It’s an ingenious design with a surprising number of pockets and storage that almost reminds us of Mary Poppins’ iconic carry-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink bag. It works as an accompaniment to a classic rollaboard suitcase for longer trips or stands on its own for weekend business trips where you want to pack as little as possible.

The handsome, minimalist design is available in several colors—all of which work with just about any aesthetic. What truly sets this one apart, however, is the price. At under $50, it’s an amazing value, especially if you’re looking for the simplest, most straightforward carry-on you can find. All of which makes it our pick for the best carry-on garment bag.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 7,700 Amazon reviews, 87% recommend the Modoker Convertible Garment Bag with at least a 4-star rating.

When you value functionality over flashy good looks, The North Face’s Base Camp Voyager Duffel Bag is your man. At 23 x 14.67 x 10.2 inches, it’s technically larger than maximum allowable carry-on size. But, the soft-sided construction means you can easily make it fit with a little clever packing. The 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin exterior features a non-PFC DWR coating, together making this one extremely rugged and water-resistant to boot. Inside, it offers a generous 42-liter capacity which is more than enough for a hard-packing weekend away or more than a week, depending on your packing ability. External webbing allows you to clip extra gear to the outside, while a divided interior makes for easy organization.

At under $150, this one is a steal, especially given the premium The North Face branding. The Voyager line-up also features several other sizes, in case you prefer to travel ultra-light or you like bringing all your gear along for the ride.

What do buyers say? “This is the best bag I have ever had. It's functional and perfect for a 2-14 day trip depending on your packing skills,” said one Backcountry.com reviewer.

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Of course, there’s no one best carry-on bag. But, there is a best carry-on for you . Here’s what to look for when shopping for your perfect luggage.

Consider Your Travel Style

Above all else, your personal travel style is likely the most important consideration. Think about how you travel and what you like to do when you land. If you’re an adventurous traveler who values function over flash, a rugged backpack or duffel might be for you. If you’re a weekend warrior jetting off to cross-country business meetings every few weeks, a rolling garment bag would be ideal. For occasional vacationers who travel a few times a year, a traditional rollaboard with a telescoping handle, a durable outer shell, and decent interior organization should do. It’s all about what works for you.

For hard-sided carry-ons, you’ll likely want an aluminum (or aluminum alloy) or polycarbonate shell. These offer the best value in terms of durability and price. Either material is tough enough to endure modern travel, and will be fine in those rare instances where the airline forces you to—gasp—check your bag at the gate. Soft-sided carry-on travel bags, like backpacks and duffels, are typically made from some sort of ripstop nylon. Ideally, you want one with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish that fends off rain, splashes, and light snow. While this material is built to take a beating, it’s less than ideal if you’re forced to check your bag. So you’ll want to measure it when it’s fully packed before heading to the airport to be absolutely sure it fits in the overhead bin.

In our experience, it rarely makes sense to spend more than $300 on a well-made carry-on. That includes everything from backpacks and duffel bags to hard-sided luggage and rollaboards. Brands like Samsonite and Away make excellent, durable luggage designed to last a decade or more, and many of their best products are in the $150-$300 range. Spending any more than that is usually just a splurge, and you’re typically paying a premium only for the name.

Other Features

The best modern luggage offers a long list of features. TSA-approved combination locks are a great security feature, ensuring your belongings stay safe while in transit. Easy-rolling wheels are critical for rollaboard travelers—these allow your suitcase to glide through the airport with minimal effort. Some suitcases these days even feature a built-in USB battery bank for topping up small gadgets on the go without having to scramble to find a power outlet at your next layover.

How We Selected

For the past year, we consulted with Men's Health 's editors and travel-savvy writers on the best carry-on luggage. Our experts—including our Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson—put a number of carry-on luggage pieces to the test and evaluated their storage capacity, organization features, durability, weight, and price. We also considered well-reviewed carry-ons with high customer ratings on etailer websites we trust. The list above represents our honest picks of the best of the best carry-on luggage for every type of traveler in 2022.

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Aarian Marshall

Adrienne So

Eric Ravenscraft

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Medea Giordano

Louryn Strampe

Scott Gilbertson

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The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it’s a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys’ weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you’ve been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don’t go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel’s Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there’s also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it’s also less than $100. That’s what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp’s convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear it as a backpack or carry it around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from point A to point B with ease. It’s sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It’s got distinctive grooves and an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It’s also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there’s nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, Away’s backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier’s duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It’s thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn’t get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it’s made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It’s also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men

The best carry-on luggage for men should be three things: rugged, stylish, and functional.

If you’re looking for the best carry-on luggage for men, you want options that are versatile, durable, and well-designed. So many carry-ons out there are overly complicated, have limited functionality, or simply aren’t well-built enough to survive the rigors of travel.

From business trips to scary bus rides in the Himalaya to destroying luggage wheels on the cobblestones of little German towns, I’ve gained a lot of experience with what makes a good carry-on.

I personally have always traveled with just carry-ons. Checking bags can be expensive and complicated, and it always adds more stress when traveling. I love the simplicity and peace of mind of carrying everything with me.

When shopping for the best carry-on luggage, you want one that will last a lifetime and serve for all your traveling needs. In this list, I focused on the best luggage for men that are sized to work for both domestic and international trips.

• Best Carry-On Luggage for Men Overall: Monos Carry-On Pro
• Best Budget Carry-On Luggage for Men: AmazonBasics 21-inch Hardside Spinner
• Most Stylish Carry-On Luggage for Men: Carl Friedrik The Carry-On
• Best Small Carry-On Luggage for Men: Away Daily Carry-On
• Best Luxury Carry-On Luggage for Men: RIMOWA Cabin
• Best Business Carry-On Luggage for Men: July Carry-On Pro
• Best Carry-On Luggage for Men’s Suits: Briggs & Riley Baseline 21” Garment Spinner
• Best Samsonite Carry-On Luggage for Men: Samsonite Ecodiver Carry-On
• Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage for Men: Briggs & Riley Torq
• Best Softshell Carry-On Luggage for Men: Travelpro Platinum Elite

Monos Carry-On Pro : Best Carry-On Luggage for Men Overall

Monos focuses on simple, elegant, functional luggage, and they make some of the best hardside luggage out there. While their products aren’t the cheapest, their emphasis on quality leads to suitcases that measure up to much more expensive brands.

I love that Monos suitcases are built to last and are sustainably made. This is refreshing in a world full of cheap products. I’ve completely destroyed multiple suitcases while traveling, so I can assure you that investing once in a high-quality carry-on is better than having to replace a cheap one down the road.

The Monos Carry-On Pro is my pick for the best carry-on luggage for men because it packs all the features you need in a rugged but stylish package that’s ready for anything.

So many carry-on luggage options out there are overly complicated and cumbersome without delivering on durability and real-life useability. In my view the best carry-on for men needs to be simple, long-lasting, and, above all, versatile .

I look for a suitcase that’s ready for week-long business trips, impromptu vacations, and long-haul international journeys. I don’t have room in my life to juggle different suitcases for different uses, so I want one that can do it all.

The Monos Carry-On Pro really delivers in terms of versatility and quality, making it the best luggage for men . Its simple and elegant design cuts out the clutter while giving you a compact suitcase that checks all the boxes for men’s travel.

With simple but functional interior pockets and an exterior pocket that can fit a 15” laptop, the organization features of this bag are adaptable for any travel use. Whether you need to bring a laptop on a work trip or hiking gear for trekking in the Alps, this suitcase has you covered.

The four smooth-rolling spinner wheels are quiet and durable. This suitcase won’t hold you back when you’re rushing to make a flight transfer and will hold up in all conditions.

The Carry-On Pro comes with TSA-approved locks built in. This is a great feature that lets you keep your belongings secure while traveling.

This hardside suitcase is built with an aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell that is practically unbreakable. A Monos product really is an investment, because it will last a lifetime.

The versatility, quality, and timeless style of the Monos Carry-On Pro really make this a standout option for men looking for a do-it-all piece of luggage. For a closer look, check out our full Monos luggage review .

• Technical Specs

AmazonBasics 21-inch Hardside Spinner : Best Budget Carry-On Luggage for Men

AmazonBasics is known for making functional and affordable products across a huge range of markets, from batteries to shirts. AmazonBasics luggage is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.

Suitcases from AmazonBasics prioritize price point and value over high-end features and materials. While you won’t get the same design and quality as top-tier products, they work surprisingly well for the price.

I’m a big fan of buying products that really fit your needs. If you aren’t flying that often and just need a simple carry-on for occasional trips, it’s not worth spending big dollars on something that won’t get frequent use. It’s definitely worth choosing the best affordable carry-on luggage rather than spending extra money for something you don’t need.

The AmazonBasics 21” Hardside Spinner is affordable without making too many compromises on quality, and if you’re not traveling as frequently, this may be a perfect fit for you.

With so many expensive luggage options out there, it can be difficult to find a decent one if you are on a tight budget. A good budget pick should hit an affordable pricepoint without sacrificing durability or useability.

The AmazonBasics 21” Hardside Spinner hits a great affordable price point. While it’s not as stylish, feature-rich, or rugged as some of the more premium options on this list, it does really well at performing the basic functions of a carry-on suitcase without breaking the bank.

At 21” this suitcase is perfectly sized to fit in overhead bins on almost any flight in the world. If you’re on a budget, you want one suitcase that can work for both domestic and international flights, and this size is ideal for that.

Inside, this suitcase has a zippered divider and organization pockets. Though simple, these features help make the most of the packing space.

The double spinner wheels on this AmazonBasics carry-on aren’t as smooth as pricier suitcases, but they do the job. I wouldn’t expect outstanding durability on rough surfaces, but they roll just fine on smooth concrete.

Overall, this is a great little suitcase at an even better price!

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On : Most Stylish Carry-On Luggage for Men

Carl Friedrik is a London-based brand that centers on functional design and quality. Their aim is to build products that are both elegant and durable.

Their products are made for people who don’t want to compromise on craftsmanship, quality, and sophistication.

While it’s more expensive than most options on this list, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is perfect if you’re looking to up your style game while traveling. With a simple, gorgeous design, well-thought out features, and premium leather detailing, it has the style and construction to stand the test of time.

Beautiful, well-designed luggage can really add to your overall style and confidence while traveling. If you are aesthetically inclined, you want luggage that marries understated refinement with detail-oriented design and the highest quality materials.

The Carl Friedrik Carry-On is my top pick for most stylish carry-on for men because it does an excellent job of combining elegance with functionality.

The understated styling is quite masculine, with clean lines and a selection of dark colorways. Premium leather detailing really gives it that extra touch of luxury.

The construction is also superb; it’s built around a lightweight polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame that adds stiffness. This construction means this suitcase will last a lifetime.

At 21.5”, this suitcase is designed to fit overhead bin restrictions for both domestic and international flights. You can rest assured that this case will work no matter where you’re going.

Instead of a zipper, this suitcase incorporates all-metal latches into the aluminum frame. I love this aspect of the design because it means no snagged or broken zippers. Based on my experience, this is a much more durable option.

This suitcase definitely isn’t cheap. There are tons of other great-looking products out there for much less money, but if you want a luxury suitcase that doesn’t compromise on style, this is a fantastic choice.

Away Daily Carry-On : Best Small Carry-On Luggage for Men

Away is a company that makes high-quality products designed by travelers, for travelers. This really shows in the attention to detail in their designs.

One thing I love about Away is their commitment to positive impact in the global community. Their mission statement says, “the more we travel, the better we all become,” and they stand behind that with various initiatives aimed at making travel more accessible for underprivileged communities.

Most airlines around the world allow you to bring one carry-on to put in the overhead bin and one personal item that fits under your seat, but some airlines, especially budget ones, are charging fees for overhead carry-ons .

To get around paying carry-on fees, you can bring just a bag that’s small enough to fit under your seat. This will only count as your personal item, so you skip the extra charge.

A good piece of under-seat luggage should above all be compact while still having space for everything you need to bring. Since you’ll be bringing it through airport security, exterior pockets are a great benefit so you can easily pull out electronic devices.

The Away Daily Carry-On is a great choice for an under-seat carry-on bag. It is perfectly sized to bring as your personal item on flights, and is well-designed and high quality.

To be clear, this suitcase is small. Very small. Unless you are a true minimalist, using this as your only luggage probably isn’t a good choice. It does work very well as a second bag if you bring another larger carry-on though.

The construction of this hardside suitcase is outstanding. It uses high quality materials throughout, from the polycarbonate shell to the fabric lining, everything feels high quality. This luggage is built to last.

The 13” external laptop pocket gives you easy access to electronics, books, or anything else you may want en-route.

This tiny suitcase also has fantastic internal organization. It comes with removable accordion dividers, zippered pockets, and a built-in laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate from everything else. All these organizing features help you keep everything neat and accessible as you travel.

Away also stands behind their products with a limited lifetime warranty. I always love to see companies backing up what they sell.

For men who either need an additional personal item luggage or are just ultralight packers, I can’t think of a better option than the Away Daily Carry-On. Want to learn more? Read our Away luggage review that dives into all the details of Away suitcases.

RIMOWA Cabin : Best Luxury Carry-On Luggage for Men

If you have some extra cash to spend and are looking for a premium suitcase that exudes quality and luxury, look no farther than the up-scale brand RIMOWA. This German brand has been building travel cases since 1898 and has a long heritage of quality products.

Rimowa is always at the cutting edge of luggage design. From aviation inspired aluminum cases in the 1930s to the world’s first polycarbonate suitcases, this brand is constantly pursuing innovation and improvement.

In luxury carry-ons, you want the absolute best in materials, craftsmanship, quality, and design. The RIMOWA Cabin costs a premium, so it’s not for everyone. If you’re willing to pay any price for the highest quality, this may be the suitcase for you.

The construction of the RIMOWA Cabin is impeccable. From the durable outer shell to soft and long-lasting interior lining to the flawless fit and finish of the closures, handle, and wheels, the quality is obvious from the first time you handle it.

The built-in TSA-approved locks are sturdy and functional for locking up your important belongings in the airport or at your destination.

RIMOWA’s lifetime warranty is one of the best in the business. It’s nice knowing that your investment in this product is backed up by the manufacturer.

July Carry-On Pro : Best Business Carry-On Luggage for Men

July is a high-quality brand that makes some of the best lightweight luggage on the market. They are committed to making travel products that work better, last longer, and let you focus on what you love about traveling. We even have a full July luggage review that covers this brand in depth.

Business travelers need professional-looking luggage that is streamlined and functional.

A key feature you need for a business carry-on bag is the ability to conveniently bring a laptop. For frequent travelers who fly for work trips, you want to be able to bring your laptop and easily pull it out at security checkpoints.

The July Carry-On Pro is a sleek, durable suitcase that packs some incredible innovations into the design. For business travel, this case excels with its clean look, solid build, and clever laptop-carrying solution.

Many suitcases have externally-accessible pockets for laptops and other electronics, but the July Carry-On Pro really stands out from the crowd here with their unique detachable laptop sleeve.

The sleeve has integrated Fidlock latches that hold it securely to the case, and it’s super easy to remove when you need to. Rummaging around for your laptop is a pain, and this system is the best I’ve ever seen for keeping your laptop secure and accessible.

A TSA-approved lock keeps this rolling carry-on bag secure during your travels.

This case comes with a removable power bank that has a USB port for charging devices. This is incredibly convenient for keeping your laptop and phone powered up during your flights.

Wheels are a common failure point in luggage, so July designed their own from scratch. These wheels are smooth, quiet, and built to handle cobblestones and rough surfaces. Why is this specific model ranked as the best for this specific category?

For business travel, I don’t think there’s a better option than the July Carry-On Pro.

Briggs & Riley Baseline 21” Garment Spinner : Best Carry-On Luggage for Men’s Suits

If you’re looking for the best garment bags for traveling with a suit, Briggs & Riley has some fantastic options. Their designs focus on simple functionality and bomber construction.

This brand has an incredible lifetime guarantee and offers repair services for your bag to keep it going forever. This brand has a fantastic reputation for backing up their products for life.

If you need to bring a suit while traveling, a dedicated garment bag is the best option. Garment bags feature hanging storage for suits and shirts and an array of smart organization features for packing clothing.

When looking at garment bags, I want to see a good hanger setup for keeping a suit wrinkle free and pockets for shoes, belts, and other accessories.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Spinner has all the features you need for traveling with a suit, and has great build quality.

The center hanging bracket gives you packing space for up to three garments, and the center tie-down and compression straps help contents from shifting during travel. This means your suit will be crisp and uncrumpled when you arrive at your destination.

The spinner wheels roll smoothly in any direction. This makes this bag easy to maneuver through the airport.

There is also a variety of internal zippered compartments that help you make the most of the space in the main compartment of the bag.

Samsonite Ecodiver Carry-On : Best Samsonite Carry-On Luggage for Men

Samsonite is probably the most popular big-name luggage brand right now, and for good reason. They make solid suitcases for a variety of budgets.

If you want to shop for luggage at a local store, Samsonite is the brand you’ll most likely encounter because they are in most major retailers. You won’t necessarily find the same attention to quality and detail as smaller manufacturers, but Samsonite luggage is generally well-made and has good value.

The Samsonite Ecodiver is one of the best products available from this brand. It’s durable construction, good organization features, and clean design make it a great choice for men’s overhead luggage.

This softshell spinner is made from burly fabric that uses Samsonite’s Recyclex materials. That means the main exterior and interior fabrics and zippers are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastics.

This bag has plenty of external zippered compartments. This means you can have easy access to items like electronics and books while you’re traveling.

The Samsonite Ecodiver is perfectly sized for both international and domestic flights. Despite the small size, I’ve found it holds a surprisingly large volume inside (partially thanks to the two-wheel design). That makes this bag very versatile for a variety of trips.

The two roller wheels are quite smooth-rolling. I am a huge fan of two-wheeled suitcases because they are stronger than spinner wheels and perform much better over rough surfaces like cobblestone. The Ecodriver wheels are big and tough, and they should handle quite a bit of abuse.

If you are specifically looking for Samsonite-branded carry-ons, the Ecodiver is one of their most durable and functional offerings.

Briggs & Riley Torq : Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage for Men

This is the second Briggs & Riley product on this list, and that’s because they are one of the best luggage brands and make seriously capable luggage! Their hardside spinner options are particularly good.

Hardside cases excel at durability and security, so for the best men’s hardside bag you want one with bomber construction. The Briggs & Riley Torq combines legendary durability with rugged styling and intelligent features for the best hardside luggage for men.

The Torque has a high-quality polycarbonate shell with reinforced edges and anti-scratch texturing. This means it can stand up to abuse during travel.

The double spinner wheels are well built and have steel ball bearings. This is a huge upgrade from more cheaply built wheels that use bushings, and it will ensure these wheels spin smoothly for years to come.

With a TSA-approved lock, you don’t have to worry about your belongings being stolen. Combined with the durable shell, this is an extremely secure suitcase.

The external front compartment on this bag is an awesome feature. It gives you easy access to electronics, books, or other items you may need to grab in the airport.

This bomber hardside suitcase looks and feels rugged and will last a long time.

Travelpro Platinum Elite : Best Softshell Carry-On Luggage for Men

Who is the manufacturer? What do they specialize in? For what do they stand? What kind of people do they make products for?

Travelpro is a popular brand that is a leader in travel product innovation. In fact, the founder, Rob Plath, was an airline pilot who invented the first rollaboard suitcase with two wheels and a retractable handle. travelers.

Where hardside suitcases are best for durability and security, softshells can be lighter, more adaptable, and often have more exterior zippered pockets for organization and easy access.

A good softshell suitcase should make the most of these advantages, with excellent pockets, expandable sides, and lightweight. While hardside cases typically have the advantage in durability, softshell bags can still be very durable if they’re made with high quality materials

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Spinner checks all these boxes with an elegant, and highly practical design. This expandable carry-on bag is very durable with well-thought out features.

Softshells are less secure than others on this list, and this bag doesn’t have a TSA-approved lock, so if you’re looking for the most secure and protective suitcase, you’d be better off with a hardside option.

The array of internal and external zippered pockets gives you a fantastic array of choices for stowing items. This is a huge benefit for staying organized while traveling.

The expandable design gives you 2” of extra storage capacity. This makes this bag extremely versatile as it can adapt for different trips.

As a bonus, the Travelpro Platinum Elite comes in a wide array of colors, so you can pick an option to suit your personal style.

If you’re looking for a stylish and functional softshell overhead bag, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is the best on the market. Travelpro also makes some of the best rolling carry-on luggage with two wheels if you want something simpler and more durable.

How to Choose the Best Carry-On for Men

There are a lot of options to choose for the best men’s carry-ons. You want to make sure you get a bag that fits your personal needs, preferences, and style.

Here are some of the key considerations to take into account when shopping for a new suitcase for traveling.

Hardside vs. Softshell Luggage

One of the biggest decisions to make when picking between different carry-ons is whether to buy a hardside or softshell suitcase . Each has their advantages and disadvantages, and one is not necessarily a better choice than the other.

Reasons to Choose Hardside

• Superior durability
• Better protection for delicate items
• Improved security

Reasons to Choose Softshell

• More external pockets
• Lightweight
• More adaptable to what you’re carrying

Wheeled Luggage vs. Travel Backpack

This list focuses on wheeled luggage, but you also have the option to pick a carry-on backpack .

Wheeled luggage is definitely more convenient in the airport and for urban travel. It’s really nice to not need to carry weight on your back all the time.

A carry-on backpack may be a better option if your trip will take you farther off the beaten path. Dragging a wheeled suitcase through remote villages in Asia isn’t really doable.

For many trips, I opt to bring both: a wheeled suitcase for flying to my destination and then a small backpack for bringing items around once I get there.

What Size Should You Buy?

Most domestic airlines restrict overhead luggage to 22”, while many international flights require bags to be under 21”.

I’d look for a 21” option that can fulfill both uses. That way you only need one bag. If you feel like you need more space, an expandable bag can give you more storage capacity while still being able to shrink down for international trips when needed.

It can be helpful to know how to measure luggage so you can be sure that a particular suitcase will fit airline size limits.

Features to Look for

• Look for an option with durable spinner wheels . Wheels can take a lot of abuse, so you want ones that will stand up to it.
• If you need to bring a laptop or tablet, an external laptop pocket makes it much easier to pull it out while going through security.
• Many modern suitcases have TSA-approved locks that let you keep your belongings secure while being quick to open at security checkpoints.
• Zippers are a common failure point in luggage. Look for high quality YKK-branded zippers for maximum longevity.

Best Men’s Luggage Accessories

A good travel setup involves more than just a suitcase. Here are some of the best accessories to improve your travel experience.

• Monos Compressible Packing Cubes – These packing cubes are fantastic for organizing all your essentials in the main compartment of your bag. You can also use one to keep dirty clothes separate from everything else.
• Away Small Toiletry Bag – This small zippered bag works well for keeping all your toiletries organized and in one place.
• July Tech Kit – Small electronic items like cables, chargers, and headphones can be easy to lose. This little case gives you a dedicated place to keep them.

Why Trust TravelFreak?

I’ve traveled all over the world, from Nepal, to Africa, to Germany, and have had my share of problems dealing with luggage. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes for a piece of luggage to stand up to real-world travel.

Working as a product engineer, I learned a lot about how the everyday objects we use are manufactured and where companies tend to cut costs. In giving you these recommendations, I’ve put that knowledge to work to analyze manufacturer claims about durability and build quality.

At TravelFreak, we make our product recommendations based on real-world experience. I’ve had luggage fail on me, from crushed wheels to ripped seams and zippers. I’m committed to finding products that are well-built and provide all the features you need for a seamless travel experience.

Our team together has a huge range of travel experience and we’ve used lots of different luggage options. This list compiles our knowledge of the best men’s luggage out there.

Men’s Carry-On FAQs

What is the best men's carry-on luggage.

The Monos Carry-On Pro is the best for men overall. This suitcase is simple and streamlined.It has all the features you need in a sleek, durable package that will last a lifetime of travel.

What is the best brand of carry-on luggage?

Monos is the best luggage brand in my opinion, with durable, streamlined suitcases.

Is hard or soft luggage better for a carry-on?

Hard luggage is secure and better for fragile items. Soft luggage is usually more lightweight.

What is the best and lightest carry-on luggage?

The July Carry-On Light is the best ultra-lightweight carry-on suitcase.

What is the size of a carry-on luggage for a man?

Domestic flights limit carry-on sizes to 22”x14”x19”. International flights limit size to 21.5” tall.

Final Thoughts

For many men, a good carry-on may be the only piece of luggage you’ll ever need. The ability to bring one bag that can fit into the overhead bin simplifies travel and eliminates the cost of checking bags. Fortunately, there are tons of great options out there.

For the discerning man who needs a trusty carry-on, you can’t go wrong with any of the options on this list. Whether you’re a rugged minimalist going far from the beaten path, or a style-conscious urban globetrotter, you need a carry-on that will fit your needs and stand the test of time.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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8 Best Carry-On Luggage For Men For Your Travels In 2024

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When traveling, there are plenty of positives to having your bags checked: you get more space, you can bring liquids, and you don’t need to lug your bag around the airport. However, there are many negatives associated with checked luggage as well–most notably, the risk of your belongings being “lost” in transit. It’s for reasons like these that many travelers have converted to the carry-on life, and here’s why you should consider it too.

The best carry-on luggage for men makes travel simpler, not more complicated. First off, you get to skip that enormous line to drop off your luggage. You also get to have your belongings with you at all times. And, if you’re anything like me, it forces you to leave your closet at home–seriously, you don’t need that many pairs of underwear .

Now, there are several different kinds of carry-on luggage, so it’s good to determine what you plan to use yours for and what your travel habits look like. This list features a little bit of everything to give you the most variety in your search. So, whether you’re looking for a small tech bag or a heavy-duty hardshell suitcase, you’re in the right place.

Now, how about we pack our bags and take flight with this list of the best carry-on luggage for men?

Key Takeaways

To compile this list, I sifted through dozens of luggage options and bags that fit the carry-on criteria. I also considered factors such as luggage type, size, and additional features that ultimately led me to these 8 contenders. Overall, I’ve concluded that the best carry-on luggage for men comes from Tropicfeel with the Lift 40L Rollerbag . The Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel also serves as a fantastic option, with tons of attention put into the smallest details.

• Buying Considerations

Why You Should Trust Us

Final verdict.

Best Overall: Tropicfeel Lift 40L Rollerbag

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Why it’s great: Tropicfeel has quickly become synonymous with modular travel gear, which is exactly why the Lift 40L Rollerbag tops this list of the best men’s carry-on luggage. This bag features a base capacity of 40 liters; however, it can be expanded up to 82 liters. The 80mm rubber wheels allow for a smooth ride when rolling, but this bag also features straps that can convert it into a backpack if needed.

How to use it: This bag is the definition of versatile. It can be used in tandem with several Tropicfeel accessories, such as a smart packing cube, toiletry bag , laundry bag, etc.

Who is it for: This bag can serve as the perfect companion for anyone who frequently travels with carry-on luggage and wants a ton of versatility for all kinds of trips.

Flaws but not deal breakers: Much of the versatility with this bag comes from the accessories that are all sold separately. The price can rack up quickly depending on how many of these accessories you want to add.

Size: 20.5” x 14.1” x 8.6” | Shell: Soft | Colors Available: 4 | Wheels : 2 | Compartments : 3 | Extra Features: Backpack Straps & Modular Accessories

Best Luxury: Mismo M/S Supply

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Why it’s great: The Mismo M/S Supply is an elegant, yet versatile carry-on bag. The three fabric choices all feature a water-resistant coating, while leather accents reinforce key areas making it durable for the long run. The handles also double as straps allowing this bag to be carried like a backpack.

How to use it: This bag features a cavernous main compartment which can be used to carry all of your clothes and more. The d-rings that line the top of the bag also allow for some solid expansion if you have a lot of cargo.

Who is it for: This would be an excellent bag for anyone who desires something classy yet versatile. Not to mention, it’s also available in canvas, nylon, and jacquard materials to fit different material preferences.

Flaws but not deal breakers: While the main compartment does feature several pockets for organization, there is no dedicated laptop pocket. Mismo suggests using a laptop sleeve for extra protection if you plan to store one in this bag.

Size: 20” x 9” x 11” | Shell: Bag | Colors Available: 10 | Wheels : N/A | Compartments : 1 | Extra Features: Expandable Size & Backpack Straps

Best Budget: Canway Travel Duffel Bag

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Why it’s great: The Canway Travel Duffel is one of my go-to options when bringing carry-on luggage for a short trip. This bag offers tons of different pockets and compartments, both big and small, to organize just about anything you may carry. This duffel can also be packed down and zipped into a small square, which makes it even easier to store in your hotel room or at home.

How to use it: This bag features a large main compartment, a separate footwear compartment, and a host of pockets to aid in the packing process.

Who is it for: This is a super solid bag for anyone on a tight budget. It’s also offered in different sizes that range from 25 liters to 115 liters for every kind of traveler.

Flaws but not deal breakers: In my experience, it’s pretty difficult to pack this bag down into a square, and the whole process could take some time. I typically don’t fold this bag up unless I absolutely need to.

Size: 26.3” x 13.7” x 12.2” | Shell: Bag | Colors Available: 13 | Wheels : N/A | Compartments : 2 | Extra Features: Separate Footwear Compartment & Packable Design

Best On Amazon: SwissGear Sion Softside Roller Bag

Why it’s great: SwissGear is a prominent figure in the travel space, known for high-quality luggage like the Sion Softside Roller Bag. This bag features a multitude of pockets, both internal and external, to keep all of your belongings organized. The retractable pull handle and 360-degree wheels also make it a breeze to carry throughout the airport and at your destination of choice.

How to use it: This roller bag is fairly standard, featuring a large main compartment and additional zippered compartments for storage. Each pair of zippers is also compatible with a lock if you want an extra layer of security for your luggage.

Who is it for: This bag is for those who want something simple–a travel staple, if you will. There aren’t any major technological features with this bag as it is built to simply get the job done.

Flaws but not deal breakers: The quality of this bag is a bit questionable for long-term usage, with the handle and wheels being the weakest links.

Size: 22.7” x 14.2” x 10.2” | Shell: Soft | Colors Available: 7 | Wheels : 4 | Compartments : 4 | Extra Features: Expandable Main Compartment & Multi-Directional Wheels

Best For Work: Modoker Convertible Garment Bag

Why it’s great: This Convertible 2-in-1 Garment Bag from Modoker is designed to keep your formal attire wrinkle-free while on the go. This bag can fit a full suit, dress shoes, and other personal belongings with ease. There’s also an external pocket on the side that can carry a passport, pens, and other essentials for easy access.

How to use it: This bag can be carried via the shoulder sling or the pair of handles on top, which can be connected for a more comfortable grip. Once you reach your destination, this bag can be opened up completely and hung to keep your clothes looking crisp.

Who is it for: If you frequently travel for work, or maybe a destination wedding here and there, this bag would be an excellent choice to keep your formal clothes in good shape.

Flaws but not deal breakers: Unfortunately, you can’t put in or take out your suit without first unzipping the entire bag, which can be pretty inefficient at the very least.

Size: 22” x 12” x 11” | Shell: Bag | Colors Available: 1 | Wheels : N/A | Compartments : 4 | Extra Features: Wrinkle-Free Suit Storage & Shoe Compartment

Best Tech: Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel

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Why it’s great: This 35L Travel Duffel from Peak Design lives up to the brand name, with an array of technological features to make travel easy. This bag has a high-visibility nylon interior for low-light situations, while the bottom is made with a 900D waterproof liner for protection against the elements. Not to mention, there are a ton of accessories that can be bundled with this bag to fit all of your personal needs.

How to use it: This bag can be carried by the handles or the shoulder strap, like any standard duffel bag. The handles can also be slung over your shoulders to be carried as a backpack.

Who is it for: This is perfect for anyone desiring a bag with plenty of technology incorporated into it. It’s also great for people who may need to carry technology with them, like camera gear.

Flaws but not deal breakers: The magnets that hold the handles together are a bit weak, so they may come loose easily. Luckily, the handles can be detached if you don’t want them jostling around while you carry the bag by the shoulder strap.

Size: 22″ x 14″ x 10″ | Shell: Bag | Colors Available: 2 | Wheels : N/A | Compartments : 1 | Extra Features: Detachable/Magnetic Handles & Modular Accessories

Best Heavy-Duty: Monos Carry-On Pro

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Why it’s great: Monos has developed one of the best hard shell carry-on options out there with the Carry-On Pro suitcase. This case features a built-in compression pad, perfect for protecting large flat items such as a laptop or a book. The TSA-approved lock also adds an extra element of security if you ever need to use this as a checked bag.

How to use it: This suitcase can be used as a carry-on option when transporting delicate items or if you just prefer extra security.

Who is it for: This suitcase is for people who prefer the security of hard-shell carry-on luggage. Monos also offers this suitcase in several different sizes and variations to fit as many needs as possible.

Flaws but not deal breakers: The front compartment is pretty narrow and doesn’t offer a whole lot of space. It’s unable to fit large items (even some laptops) and is better suited for small items like a passport.

Size: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ | Shell: Hard | Colors Available: 13 | Wheels : 4 | Compartments : 3 | Extra Features: TSA Lock & Removable Compression Pad

Best Everyday: Béis Commuter Duffel Bag

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Why it’s great: This Béis Duffel Bag is one of the best daily commuter options out there with a sleek, modern design. It features a few basic necessities, such as a key leash, trolley flap, and external water bottle holder. The bottom panel is also made of tough plastic, with metal feet that can keep your belongings protected from water and anything else that this bag may come in contact with.

How to use it: This bag has a large compartment as well as several internal and external pockets that can be used for everyday carry or travel necessities.

Who is it for: If you want an everyday bag that can easily convert into a carry-on option, this is the bag for you. It’d also be a great choice for pilots and flight attendants who are consistently on the go.

Flaws but not deal breakers: There is a dedicated laptop compartment in this bag, although it doesn’t feature much padding beyond the bottom panel. You may want to use a laptop sleeve or case for extra protection.

Size: 21.5″ x 9″ x 12″ | Shell: Bag | Colors Available: 2 | Wheels : N/A | Compartments : 2 | Extra Features: Tough Bottom Panel & Key Hook

Buying Considerations For Carry-Ons

First off, there are several different types of carry-on luggage. You have both hard and soft suitcases as well as many different bags. Personally, I feel bags are the best type of carry-on luggage because they generally offer way more space and versatility than any other option. Hard cases are typically better suited for checked luggage because it’s thrown around without much concern during the loading process. Since you have carry-on luggage with you pretty much at all times, you can get away with a bag that offers less overall protection but more space in return. Of course, this is all personal preference, and you may love having a hard case. Those who are minimalistic travelers may not even need that much space and could benefit from something like a rucksack or messenger bag .

Size/Capacity

The size and capacity of your carry-on luggage also play a crucial part in the decision-making process. The standard dimensions for most carry-on luggage are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall (45 linear inches). However, these measurements could vary depending on the airline and where you’re traveling. In my experience, I’ve never had an issue with carry-on luggage that is slightly larger than these dimensions, but I almost always travel with a duffel bag. Of course, the size of your carry-on luggage directly impacts how much you can store in it as well. If you’re a heavier packer, it’s best to go with something that fits the largest dimensions possible, but if you’re a light packer, you get away with a smaller carry-on.

Additional Features

Any additional features your carry-on bag has built-in can also make a substantial difference while traveling. Over the years, different luggage brands have made massive strides in the travel industry, modernizing luggage with all kinds of different features. So, it’s important to determine what you value most in your carry-on luggage. Do you want a high-tech option with a ton of versatility, or are you more comfortable with a tried and true classic? It also depends if you’ll primarily be using this carry-on for work travel or if it’ll just be a vacation bag.

Ryan Jamison’s contributions to FashionBeans highlight his expertise in men’s fashion, from detailed footwear reviews to stylish travel attire recommendations. From extensive coverage, including the versatile Thursday Boots and essential travel clothing for men , his writing underscores his ability to blend functionality with style. It’s more than just product reviews; it’s a deep dive into the lifestyle and practicality of fashion choices. And so, this makes his recommendations particularly reliable. Jamison’s byline stands as proof of his in-depth understanding of what modern men need from their fashion and grooming products, making him a trusted voice.

Overall, the Tropicfeel Lift 40L Rollerbag earns the title of the best carry-on luggage for men. This bag is like a chameleon, able to be altered in order to meet just about any needs you may have when traveling. The Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel is another high-tech choice that makes the most out of every single design detail.

The best kind of carry-on luggage depends on your personal needs and preferences. Some people don’t carry much, so they can get away with something like a large backpack while traveling. Others may need a bit more space and would benefit from a duffel bag or suitcase.

The standard dimensions for domestic carry-on luggage are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall (45 linear inches). Whether or not these dimensions are actually reinforced is ultimately determined by the strictness of the airline. I’ve brought bags that exceed these dimensions on multiple airlines, and I’ve never run into any issues with sizing. Of course, international flights use different dimensions, so take that into consideration before purchasing any bag designated for air travel.

Personally, I feel soft luggage and bags are ideal when choosing to go with carry-on. Hard shell luggage is primarily built to protect your personal items as they go through the not-so-delicate security checking process. With carry-on luggage, you have possession over it at all times, so you don’t need to worry about it being manhandled by anyone else. Not to mention, soft luggage and bags generally offer much more flexibility than hard luggage.

Ryan is a writer, filmmaker, and all around content creator. Over the years, he has written screenplays, short stories, and nonfiction informational pieces. Ryan is currently working to build up his YouTube channel (@ ryan-jamison ) via creative video essays that combine his love of filmmaking and writing. He also *occasionally* posts some photography on his Instagram (@ ryanjamison99 ). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves running, hiking, reading, and he’s also a total boot nerd.

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The best underseat cabin bags for avoiding airline baggage fees

By Chelsea Dickenson and Lauren Burvill

Gone are the days where a carry on bag simply meant a small suitcase that you can wheel onto the plane and store in the overhead bin. Instead, especially when travelling short haul in Europe, you rarely get more than an underseat bag included in your fare for free, and even then you have to make sure it fits in the strict measurements for your specific airline. While it can be a headache to navigate these rules, the good news is that there are plenty of bags on the market that make life easier for you. Here are my top picks when it comes to the best underseat carry on bags for budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.

How we choose the underseat cabin bags

Every bag on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by budget-travel expert Chelsea Dickenson of Cheap Holiday Expert , as well as our in-house editors. When testing these bags, we look for function, design features, quality and overall value for money.

• Best all rounder: Cabin Max Travel Bag
• Best for maximum packing space: Decathlon 20L Bag Essential
• Best for quality: Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag
• Best under seat suitcase: Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase
• Best under seat backpack: Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port

Cabin Max Travel Bag

When I asked others for underseat carry on bag recommendations, the Cabin Max range was the response I heard numerous times. This makes sense when you realise that the company truly understands the plight of bargain hunting travellers and so have created a line where each backpack meets the exact maximum measurements for the specific airline that you’re flying. In addition, their bags feature multiple pockets (including one for a laptop and bottle), adjustable ‘packaway’ straps and air mesh padding. There’s a 3 year warranty too.

The only downside is that if you opt for a larger bag – say the easyJet size – it probably won’t fit in the baggage sizer for either Ryanair or Wizz Air. However, you could always opt for a Ryanair sized bag to make sure you’re sorted for all options in the future. Chelsea Dickenson

• Ryanair Size: 40 x 20 x 25cm – Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
• Wizz Air Size: 40 x 30 x 20cm – Fits on: Wizz Air and easyJet
• easyJet Size: 40 x 36 x 20cm – Fits on : easyJet

Decathlon 20L Bag Essential

You might have seen the ‘ viral Ryanair bag ’ doing the rounds on social media but I think this bag is better. For one, it’s cheaper at just £6.99, and the shoulder strap is going to make carrying this bag a lot easier than hauling around a bag by just its handles. Originally created as a gym bag to separate your workout gear from your shoes, the two compartments work just as well for travel. Plus, all Decathlon products come with a two-year warranty, so while it may not be the best quality bag, you’ll be covered for your next few trips at least. CD

• Size when folded: 23 x 20 x 10 cm
• Size unfolded: 40 x 23 x 20 cm
• Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet

Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag

It might be called an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically Antler's Chelsea bag can easily work as a weekender bag. I travelled with it on a recent trip to Barcelona and was able to comfortably fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries. Although if you need to pack extra shoes, there's room for a pair of flip flops but little more. If you're a frequent flyer, this is a worthy investment – in addition to numerous internal and external pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pouch, it also has an over-handle sleeve, making it an ideal option to take on a long-haul flight . The bag is made in a durable water-resistant nylon and comes in nine different colour options, which of course match their Chelsea suitcase range . See our full Antler Chelsea overnight bag review for more. Lauren Burvill

• Size: 41.5 x 26 x 18cm
• Fits on: easyJet

Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from reviewing small cabin bags is that they can get surprisingly heavy if you fill them to the brim! If you'd prefer to avoid heavy shoulder straps, an underseat backpack is the better option. I can’t get over just how many features this pack from Lossga has, including multiple pockets, a laptop sleeve, compression straps, a 180 degree ‘clamshell’ opening, and even a USB port for you to connect your own portable battery pack to.

For the price, it looks good – the outer material has a shine to it which keeps it from looking too cheap. The inside material is less lux, but it’s practical nonetheless. Overall, it’s a fantastic bag for the price and one of my top picks. CD

• Size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm

Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase

If you hate the thought of hoisting a heavy bag along with you for your holiday; don’t worry. There are only a few hardshell suitcases that will fit the small underseat carry on bag allowance but they do exist. Like Cabin Max, Flight Knight are a company that have noticed a need for luggage that fits exact requirements and so you can opt for one of their suitcases which is the exact size for Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyjet.

The case has an anti-scratch water resistant outer shell and comes with a three-digit combination barrel padlock for added security. It also has a five-year warranty. If space is important to you, do note that the Ryanair sized suitcase is only 16L – meaning you miss out a huge 4L compared to many of the soft bags! However, what you lose in packing ability, you absolutely make up for in comfort and ease. CD

Lauren Burvill

Shannon McMahon

Connor Sturges

Corinne Brooking

VMIKIV Underseat Carry On Bag

Most small carry on bags have quite a practical look to them, and yet this bag could easily pass as a casual day bag as well. I really liked that it was double lined, with several pockets on the inside and out, and I was surprised to find a padded laptop sleeve inside too – my 13” laptop fit in with plenty of room to spare. Other perks include the reinforced handles, a shoulder strap and a strap across the bag that allows you to slot your suitcase handle through it should you be travelling with that too.

The only drawback is that whilst it states it’s the same size as others, I couldn’t fit as much in as the other bags I tested. However, it’s a great option if you’re packing light and need a daily bag to carry your laptop around in too. CD

Lossga Convertible Cabin Bag

I think this bag is a great compromise between style and function. It looks good while having several pockets, a suitcase handle sleeve, reinforced handles, a shoulder strap and even one ‘wet pocket’ for storing damp items – perfect if you fancy one final dip in the pool before coming home.

However, the real standout feature of this bag is a little zip at the bottom that makes the bag even bigger. Try not to overfill the bag though, as it can get quite bulky in its bigger state which means you could struggle to fit it into the baggage sizer if asked. My top tip is to measure your bag once it’s full just to double check. CD

• Extended Size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
• Fits on: easyJet - but don’t fill it to the brim!

Take Off Personal Item Suitcase

One of the major downsides of using a suitcase is that the wheels take up a lot of space, so what if there was a suitcase where you could detach the wheels?! This is exactly what Take Off have created, meaning that many travellers have already hoodwinked airline staff by quickly removing the wheels on their cases before being asked to prove its size. CD

• Size: 45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches)
• Fits on: The dimensions are a fraction of a cm over the allowance for easyJet (45 x 36 x 20 cm) however there is a photo on the Take Off website showing that it fits in the easyJet baggage sizer. I definitely wouldn’t overpack this case.

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The 10 Best Weekend Travel Bags for Men

Tyler Schoeber

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Whether it be an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, a cool, casual overnight bag is key when a short stay is on the horizon. A good men’s travel bag looks good but is functional, too. From a classic leather number to a bag that adjusts to a variety of sizes, these shipshape options will outperform on your next trip.

Carl Friedrick Palissy Weekend Bag

Crafted to be the most dapper and sophisticated of the bunch, this handcrafted leather bag is one of the sleekest men’s weekend bags on the market. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but its classic design makes it particularly versatile; it’s equally at home on a business trip and on a casual weekend away. The bag can fit several outfits plus shoes , so it works as a weekend bag or personal item on a plane.

Would You Go on a Trip Without Your Phone?

Lands’ End Weekender Duffel

With a max capacity of 200 lbs, this bag offers great organization even when packed to the brim. A zippered side pocket keeps important items easily accessible while multiple internal pockets keep things neatly sorted. Carry this bag two ways, by the 9″ handles or the detachable shoulder strap.

Etsy Personalized Weekend Bag

A quality, personalized weekend bag that ships fast and won’t break the bank sounds like it would never exist, right? Wrong—GiftsForGuysCo on Etsy offers exactly that. Featuring numerous stylish options and thousands of top reviews, this bag is a solid self-buy or gift for a good buddy.

London Fog Brentwood III Drop Bottom Duffel

For something clean and classic, the London Fog Brentwood has you covered. While it may have an old-school look, its design is anything but, with a padded laptop sleeve, adjustable shoulder strap, and an extra wide opening. At just three pounds, this bag will elevate your look without weighing down your luggage.

The Ultimate Weekend Packing List

The North Face Base Camp Large Duffle Bag

Anyone that’s experienced a brutal winter in the Northeast knows that The North Face builds some quality items, meant for wear and tear—and this duffel is no exception. No matter the weather conditions, this bag will get you through it with a water-resistant and sturdy PVC-coated exterior.

Herschel Supply Co. Bennett Duffle

From backpacks to totes to messenger bags, Herschel Supply Company has been getting people’s stuff where it needs to be since 2009. Its Bennett Duffle in light grey merges the brand’s grade-A design (complete with a shoe compartment and removable shoulder strap) with its recognizable look and logo, creating a classic weekend duffel bag for men.

S-Zone Canvas Weekend Bag

The perfect weekend bag comes oversized in six classic colors from S-Zone. Because this has the most spacious design of the bunch, you can literally carry anything you need for a night or even a week if you have to.

Luggage Locks: Should I Lock My Suitcase When I Fly?

Samsonite Foldaway Duffel

A spacious bag is a lifesaver during a weekend away, but between-trip storage can be a nightmare. The Foldaway Duffel from Samonsite is made to be as convenient at home as it is on the road, collapsing down into a self-contained carrying pouch when not in use. At full size, this bag features a zippered external pocket, extra wide opening, and adjustable shoulder strap.

Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel

Considering the world feels like it’s ending these days, you may think it’s a bit late to get in on the sustainability game—but I can assure you, it isn’t. Peak Design’s 100 percent recycled, waterproof travel duffel is a timeless tote that’ll make you feel as good as you look carrying it. Whether you’re an all-black kind of guy or willing to spice it up with a bit of sage, this bag looks great no matter the choice.

Filson’s Medium Duffle Bag

An abrasion-resistant exterior is key when it comes to getting your wardrobe to and fro in one piece—especially when it looks this good. Filson’s well-designed Medium Duffle has top-carry handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, leather trimmings, and rust-proof zipper.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Tyler Schoeber is a production specialist, photographer, occasional writer, travel style guru, and general Renaissance man. Follow his adventures on Instagram at @tylerschoeber .

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Shop top men's toiletry bags for traveling

Men's toiletry bags from Amazon, Nordstrom, CALPAK and more.

Shopping for a toiletry bag? We have you covered.

Toiletry bags may hold some of the essential items for your trip: dental hygiene products, skincare, hair care, medicines, and beyond.

So to help keep your toiletries safe and organized, we're rounding up toiletry bags for men from brands like Dagne Dover, Away and BAGSMART. We're including bags in various sizes and materials and with different organizational methods to best suit your needs, whether you're packing for a long vacation or an overnight trip.

As you shop, consider how you want your toiletry bag to function once you arrive at your destination. For example, do you need a hanging bag you can store behind a door in a room with little storage or counter space? Do you need a water-resistant bag? Maybe you're looking for a stylish bag you can personalize with a monogram to make it your own.

Also, keep in mind if there are any travel regulations for your toiletries: a clear, resealable quart-sized bag can go in a carry-on and through TSA's checkpoint security .

Check out our picks for men's toiletry bags below to find the one that suits you best.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than ABCNews.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Prices may change from the date of publication.

Harvey Leather Travel Pouch

This Mark & Graham bestselling leather travel pouch has a nylon lining and a zipper closure. It's available in five colors, including chocolate, black and navy. 

• Mark & Graham

Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag

Dagne Dover's gender neutral toiletry bag has a 4.9-star rating ad over 1,400 reviews. It's made with water-resistant neoprene material and features a removable air mesh zip-top pouch. There are elastic loops for toiletries and an external D-ring. Plus, it can be hand-washed with a mild detergent in cold water. 

• Dagne Dover

Briggs & Riley Baseline Deluxe Hangable Kit

This hanging Briggs & Riley kit has multiple pockets for shampoo, deodorant, skin care and beyond. It's water-resistant, lined and has a top carry handle in addition to its hanging hook. 

The Large Toiletry Bag

"Designed to fit all of your travel essentials, and then some," Away's website reads. This large toiletry bag has a 4.8-star rating and is available in five colors. It has an exterior zip pocket plus multiple interior compartments. You can personalize it too, to gift to any man in your life.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag for Men

This BAGSMART bag has 4.7 stars and over 15,000 reviews. It's water-resistant and has elastic straps to hold toiletry bottles in its main compartment. There's also a front waterproof pocket and a dual-zippered opening. 

KOMALC Premium Buffalo Leather Unisex Toiletry Bag

With 4.8 stars and over 12,000 reviews on Amazon, this toiletry bag is a great option. It features an external metal zipper for smaller items and a main interior compartment for essentials. 

Small Clear Cosmetics Case

CALPAK's small-size case is TSA-friendly for air travel. It's made with water-resistant PVC with two zippered compartments for your toiletries. It has a lay-flat carrying handle is available in 18 colors. This bag has 4.9 stars and over 1,000 reviews on CALPAK's website. 

Tumi Alpha 3 Travel Kit

Tumi's Alpha 3 Travel Kit features a front zip-around closure, side-grab handle, exterior zip pocket and an interior zip pocket with elastic hoops. It also has an antibacterial lining.

Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Water Resistant Recycled Polyester Dopp Kit

Fill this Herschel Supply Co. toiletry bag with the essentials you need for a quick trip. It's "hardy 600-denier tech fabric means durability for a convenient dopp kit," according to Nordstrom's website. It has a lining you can wipe clean and a top zip closure for easy access to your products. 

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The Complete Guide to Makeup for Men

From shopping for products to applying them, the GH Beauty Lab's experts give the full rundown on men's makeup.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

As a guy who's never been good at getting much sleep and has eyebrows that are more implicit than tangible, I started wearing makeup when I was 18 as a way to give the impression that I was well-rested and had a meaner glare than my otherwise brow-less appearance suggests.

With thousands of products on the market, and even more tutorials and guides, figuring out where to start with makeup for men can be a daunting experience, and the learning curve for getting the "no-makeup-makeup" look that many men want deceptively steep. Luckily, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have both the product know-how and years of makeup testing data to help you shop for, shade match and apply makeup like a pro.

How to choose makeup for men

A roadblock for many men wanting to try wearing makeup is knowing what products to use. If you're a beginner and just wanting to spruce up your appearance or look more awake, you only need a handful of products, and it doesn't need to cost a fortune. Start off by looking at your face and figuring out what you want to accomplish. Generally, I'd recommend starting off with a brow pencil, concealer and tinted moisturizer (on a case-by-case basis). When picking which products to use, there's a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Coverage: Coverage is how opaque the makeup is, ranging from sheer to full. Sheer and light coverage products are forgiving for a couple of reasons. They tend to blend out with less effort, they look less detectable on the skin and if your shade match isn't 100% correct it won't show up as drastically. If you're a beginner, consider concealers like e.l.f's Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener or Fenty Beauty's Bright Fix Eye Brightener . These concealers offer slight coverage that doesn't look makeup-y on the skin, and can be blended easily with your fingers.

✔️ Finish: Makeup comes in a variety of finishes that can help achieve your desired look regardless of your skin type. Matte finish makeup can control shine for those with oily or combination skin. In a recent test of tinted moisturizers at the Good Housekeeping Institute, several testers with oily skin found that the bareMineral's Complexion Rescue Natural Matte Tinted Moisturizer controlled shine and made their skin appear smooth, another benefit to matte finish products.

Inversely, glowy or luminous makeup can provide dry skin with the moisture necessary to prevent the look of caking. In the same test of tinted moisturizers, a Good Housekeeping Beauty Awards winner, the Keys Soulcare It's Like Skin 2-In-1 Concealer + Tint was favored by testers for its natural, hydrating finish.

✔️ Shade: Complexion products tend to vary in shade by both depth and undertone . Depth refers to where the shade lies between very fair and very deep. Undertone refers to where the color lies on the warm and cool spectrum. In makeup, unlike in paint, "warm" typically refers to products with a yellow undertone, and "cool" to ones with pinker hues. "Neutral" products fall in the middle of these two ends.

Not sure where you fall? If your veins look green, you likely have warm undertones. If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If you see a mix of those colors, you might be neutral.

While it's good to know where you lie on both of these scales to help narrow down products, brands' terminology and shade classification systems are all unique, so the best way to find your match is to swatch it yourself in a store. If you're shopping online, many brands offer shade-finding tools or quizzes on their website that can help you narrow down your selection, though they vary in the quality of their recommendations.

How to apply makeup for men

✔️ Prep and prime: Makeup will always look best on skin that's been properly prepared. For men, this can mean a couple of things. Start off by washing your face , which gets rid of excess oil and sebum that can cause makeup to break up on your face sooner. If you plan on covering your beard or mustache area with product, a fresh, close shave will give you the smoothest canvas for application. Finish off your prep step with a hydrating moisturizer that will help blend smoothly on the skin.

✔️ Cover and correct: The most elementary application of makeup is hiding anything about your features you wish to conceal, but depending on what you're covering, the application can vary. When covering under-eye discoloration with concealer, try to focus your application on solely the areas that appear darker, and use scarce amounts of product on areas with lines or that crease when you smile.

Blend the concealer using a small, dense yet fluffy brush like the Real Techniques Expert Concealer Brush , using tapping motions. Blend the edges of where you put down the concealer first, and then blend the most concentrated application areas to keep the concealer focused exactly where you need it. Alternatively, use your pinky finger to blend in a similar manner if you're working without brushes to maintain that same level of precision.

If you're covering zits, apply a very tiny amount of high coverage concealer directly on the spot, blending with either your fingers or a brush. Trying to neutralize redness in a larger area of the face? Sparingly use a green color corrector on the most red spots — according to the color wheel, green will cancel out redness — then blend and apply a tinted moisturizer atop for a natural-looking neutralization. Tinted moisturizers provide just a hint of color to even out your complexion and can be applied with your fingers or a brush.

If your skin leans toward the oily side, setting any concealer you apply by dusting the application area with a loose powder with a makeup brush can elongate the wear of the concealer. Using smaller makeup brushes will give you more precision, and while it might take a little more time, it'll deliver a more undetectable final product.

✔️ Emphasize and enhance: Perhaps the most fun part of makeup is deciding what you want to do with your face now that you've prepared a perfect canvas. There are no rules to this part, so in lieu of an instructive guide, take the following as ideas you can choose to adopt or ignore depending on what works for you.

A more defined brow can make you appear younger or more awake, and give structure to your face. For natural-looking brow enhancement, look for brow pencils with ultra-fine tips for creating hair-like strokes. Additionally, look for brow pencils that feature a wide range of shades and tones, like the Fenty Beauty Brow MVP , so you can ensure a seamless blend with your real hairs. To apply, simply draw hair-like strokes where your natural brows appear sparse, most frequently at the tails.

Placing contour under the frontmost part of your brows, the hollows of your cheeks, and jawbone can give your face a more masculine, gaunt look. Contouring is makeup technique that adds dimension and helps sculpt the face by using colors that are slightly darker or lighter than your natural skin color.

A little blush focused more towards the center and higher planes of the face (as opposed to the applies of the cheeks) can give you a youthful flush without pulling your features outward in a feminine way. Cream products tend to be easier to blend (you can use your fingers) and look more natural for this step — just make sure to not apply powder until all of your cream and liquid products are laid down.

Clear mascara like Maybelline's Great Lash is fantastic for not only opening up the eyes and taming unruly brows, but also for shaping your mustache or beard, and a colored brow gel like the Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (a GH Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab expert favorite) can give a little more oomf to your facial hair if it's sparse in some areas.

Whatever you choose to incorporate into your routine, remember to have fun with it and not be afraid to experiment. In an endless sea of tutorials on TikTok and YouTube, it's important to remember that not every technique or product will work for everyone, and it's ultimately about what makes you look — and feel — good.

As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute , Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022 , Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.

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15 men brought to military enlistment office after mass brawl in Moscow Oblast

Local security forces brought 15 men to a military enlistment office after a mass brawl at a warehouse of the Russian Wildberries company in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast on Feb. 8, Russian Telegram channel Shot reported .

29 people were also taken to police stations. Among the arrested were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

Read also: Moscow recruits ‘construction brigades’ from Russian students, Ukraine says

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

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Stay near popular elektrostal attractions, electrostal history and art museum.

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Elektrostal Travel Info

Frequently asked questions.

Yes! The majority of room reservations are refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your check-in date. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might still have the option to cancel and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Elektrostal.

To access more information about rescheduling or cancelling your trip to Elektrostal, head over to our customer service page .

Apart Hotel Yantar is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this 3-star hotel offers free parking and free WiFi. It's located 1.9 mi (3 km) from Electrostal History and Art Museum. Another good option is Apartments , located 4.6 mi (7.4 km) away.

Hotel Mys Otdykha Nadezhda : Offers spa services, an indoor pool, and free parking. Park Hotel Yahonty Noginsk and Areal Congress Hotel are a couple of other choices that feature an onsite pool.

Visitors can enjoy all that Elektrostal has to offer including its museums. There are 35 hotels and other accommodations in the surrounding area. Find out more about Elektrostal .

A favorite place to visit is Electrostal History and Art Museum . You'll also find History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum and Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino in the area. Check out what more to see and do in Expedia's Elektrostal guide .

The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 22°F. The snowiest months in Elektrostal are December, November, February, and January, with each month seeing an average of 38 inches of snowfall.

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• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Balashikha Arena
• Bykovo Manor
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Military Technical Museum
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Fryazino Centre for Culture and Leisure
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Shirokov House
• Borisoglebsky Sports Palace
• Fifth House Gallery

Hotels near Elektrostal Airports

• Bykovo Airport
• Sheremetyevo Airport
• Domodedovo Intl. Airport
• Vnukovo Intl. Airport
• Chkalovsky Airport Airport
• Zhukovsky Airport

Other Hotels near Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast

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Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo gets EASA approval for Falcon 900EX EASy

Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo has received EASA Part-145 approval for Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy aircraft, authorizing it to provide line maintenance to the aircraft.

“Our ability to support long-range aircraft in this region is vital to our customers,” said Vitaly Aleksikov, general director at Jet Aviation Moscow Vnukovo.

May 29, 2015

Izzy has been part of the Business Jet Interiors International team since its second issue, and the editor since 2011. She also edits Auditoria and Railway Interiors International. Outside of work, Izzy is rediscovering her love of art by learning how to paint with watercolors.

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