travel luggage under $150

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The best affordable luggage: 7 great options under $150 on amazon.

Quality luggage doesn't have to break the bank.

The Best Cheap Luggage

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Travel horror stories can make anyone feel like they need to spend the big bucks on good luggage, but that's simply not the case. While cheap suitcases might make you think of shoddy materials and personal items strewn across tarmacs or luggage carousels, the truth is today's budget-friendly luggage brands offer quality construction at an attractive price.

We've put together a list of the best luggage under $150, including both carry-on bags and checked luggage. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, these affordable luggage options are set to become your go-to bags for every type of trip.

Best Soft-sided Carry-on: SWISSGEAR Sion 6283 21-inch Expandable Carry On Spinner Luggage

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Hard-sided Carry-on: Amazon Basics 20-inch Hard-side Spinner

Best soft-sided checked bag: swissgear 6283 24.5-inch expandable spinner luggage, best hard-sided checked bag: coolife luggage 28-inch expandable suitcase, best duffel bag: samsonite andante 2 32-inch wheeled duffel.

• Best Backpack: ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L

Best Underseat Bag: TPRC 15-Inch Smart Under Seat Carry-On

(Note: Prices and availability for this luggage were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Courtesy of SWISSGEAR

What sets it apart: SWISSGEAR consistently earns rave reviews for its durable yet affordable luggage. This soft-sided carry-on bag, in particular, stands out with more than 18,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. The bag has two exterior pockets and two interior pockets, plus a removable zippered wet bag for organization. Adjustable tie-down straps secure clothing and shoes in place. Other features include a built-in ID tag, a locking telescopic handle, multidirectional spinner wheels and multiple carry handles. This SWISSGEAR suitcase is available in a variety of colors, including an eye-catching teal.

Travelers appreciate: Recent buyers agree this bag is roomier than it looks. They also appreciate how effortlessly it rolls on most surfaces.

Price: $119.99 or less

What sets it apart:  Perfect for weekend getaways and other short trips, this hard-sided Amazon Basics spinner provides travelers with the organizational benefits of larger luggage in a compact model. The extra-thick ABS hard shell protects a fully lined interior complete with a divider, clothing straps and three zippered pockets for small items.

These features pair with the suitcase's full 180-degree opening and its ability to expand for up to 15% more packing space (but remember to check carry-on size restrictions before doing so, as this may put the suitcase outside of limits for some airlines). This hard-sided bag also has four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle to maneuver through tight airplane aisles with ease. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Travelers appreciate: Adventurers have used this luggage everywhere from the rough cobblestones of Europe to the bullet trains of Japan , and there is one thing they all agree on: This hard-sided spinner moves like a dream. Recent travelers praise the durable wheels and easy glide for moving across different surfaces smooth and effortless. While the spinner isn't immune to scuffs and scratches, reviewers say the hard exterior has held up across multiple baggage handlings.

Price: $84 or less

What sets it apart: This medium-sized bag – a slightly larger version of our soft-sided carry-on pick – offers enough space for a weeklong vacation. Its pockets can help you stay organized during your travels, too: There are two exterior pockets, two internal pockets and a detachable zippered wet bag designed for toiletries. The expandable bag also has tie-down straps for securing belongings in place (an essential feature for checked luggage ), as well as a locking telescopic handle, top and side handles, and 360-degree spinner wheels.

Travelers appreciate: Travelers praise everything about this bag, from its durability to its maneuverability. They also appreciate that it comes in bright colors that have made it easier to locate at airport baggage claim.

Price: $129.99 or less

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Courtesy of Coolife

What sets it apart: While many affordable hard-sided luggage options struggle to stand up to airport baggage handling, the ABS and polycarbonate material of this spinner provides a light and durable hard shell. Added design elements like the textured scratch-resistant finish and beveled upper edge increase the bag's toughness. Built for durability and ease of use, this expandable Coolife suitcase has multidirectional silent wheels and a sturdy aluminum telescoping handle for smooth travel.

The incorporated TSA lock gives an extra level of security for personal items. The bag's interior comes fully lined with several pockets, clothing straps and a divider to ensure all of your items stay organized. This suitcase already has a large capacity, but it also offers an extra 2.5 inches of space when expanded. It comes with a two-year warranty as well.

Travelers appreciate: Recent travelers love this suitcase's durable wheels and ease of movement, with many commenting on how easily it rolls across different surfaces. They also appreciate the spacious storage and built-in lock, as well as the beautiful exterior and six color options that make it easy to identify at baggage claim. The Caribbean blue, in particular, is even more striking than it looks in photos.

Courtesy of Samsonite

What sets it apart: Designed to maximize convenience and durability, the Samsonite Andante 2 takes duffel bags to the next level. This checked bag is constructed with water-resistant fabric, a locking pull handle, multiple exterior grab handles, corner protectors and bumper runners. There's a separate water-resistant pocket at the end of the duffel to pack your walking shoes or wet items, so your clothes and electronics stay dry.

The main portion of the bag is broken into two parts, with a drop-bottom compartment that's perfect for packing cubes and allows for extra organization when packing. The drop-bottom compartment is accessed by a 180-degree zip opening, and the U-shaped main compartment has a large opening for easy packability. An extra bonus of using this checked duffel bag is the lightweight design, which weighs in at slightly less than 8 pounds despite having wheels.

Travelers appreciate: Recent packers love the spacious compartments and durable materials of the Samsonite Andante 2. As a testament to its quality, travelers have put this bag through the wringer with heavy loads and multiple destinations, and still say the bag barely looks used by the end. They also praise the reliability and affordability of this bag, but some warn it doesn't stand upright easily when filled, a trait common among rolling duffel bags .

Best Backpack: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

What sets it apart: Not only does this backpack work well as a personal item for air travel, but it doubles as a day bag you can use at your destination – think cruise excursions, city trips and more. It's incredibly lightweight and foldable, so you can also stuff it in other luggage when not in use. The backpack has one front zippered pocket and two side mesh pockets for a water bottle and other travel essentials. Available in a variety of colors as well as other sizes , it is both water- and tear-resistant.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers appreciate how lightweight and versatile this backpack is, as well as how much it can store.

Price: $21.99 or less

What sets it apart: The ultimate underseat bag , this soft-sided carry-on features a USB port for charging devices on the go. It also has a variety of external pockets, including a side pocket that allows for quick access to the essentials, and there are three additional pockets inside. This bag is available in a few different colors, including black and purple.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers rave about this bag, noting it works well as a personal item. While it fits under the seat on most planes, some recent reviewers note that Frontier has made them stow it in the overhead bin.

Price: $53 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

The following brands offer quality luggage at an affordable price. These brands also offer savings promotions throughout the year:

• Amazon Basics
• American Tourister

The difference comes down to the cost of materials. For example, a hard-sided suitcase like The Carry-On by Away is more expensive because it's made of polycarbonate, a type of plastic that is virtually indestructible. Polycarbonate is more costly than materials like ABS, which is used in the Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta loved traveling as a student and, as a result, figured out quickly that not all budget luggage brands are created equal. Dealing with everything from broken wheels to stuck zippers, she's had to improvise her way through a lot of luggage disasters. Those experiences helped her figure out what to look for when purchasing affordable luggage. Vasta hopes this article will help other budget travelers avoid her early mistakes.

Amanda Norcross regularly tests luggage and used her personal experience as well as consumer ratings and reviews to choose the best cheap luggage.

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Best Carry-On Luggage: Affordable Bags Under $150

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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A sturdy, well-designed carry-on bag is one of the most important products any traveler can buy—especially if you’re looking to pack light and avoid checking a suitcase. But while there are plenty of pricey carry-ons on the market ( $3,250 carbon fiber suitcase , anyone?), you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a solid carry-on that can serve you well all over the globe.

In our search for the best affordable carry-on luggage, we looked for bags that cost less than $150 and fit within the most major U.S. airlines’ current size restrictions, which are smaller than they used to be at 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Check out 32 airlines’ carry-on and personal item restrictions here . We also scoped out a variety of bag types, from hardside spinners to rolling duffels. Finally, we chose only bags that were well-reviewed by customers on Amazon. Check out this roundup of the best cheap carry-on luggage.

Hardside Spinner Suitcases

Samsonite winfield 2 fashion hardside spinner 20-inch.

We love the brushed look on the exterior of this suitcase , which appears stylish but also helps hide scuff marks. Inside is a main compartment with compression straps, and a zippered section with two mesh pockets on the other side. There’s a built-in TSA combination lock, but unfortunately, no side handle. The bag measures 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.64 inches, according to the Samsonite website, and weighs 6.7 pounds.

Rockland Melbourne 20-Inch Expandable Abs Carry-On Luggage

This affordable bestseller comes in nearly two dozen different colors including lime, turquoise and magenta (of course, basic black is an option too). Inside is a main compartment with compression straps and a zippered section, and there are handles on both the top and the side. Its size when expanded is a smidge over most U.S. airlines’ limits (22.1 x 14.4 x 9.2 inches), but it’s close enough that most travelers shouldn’t have an issue.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 4-Wheel, 20-Inch Upright Suitcase

This seven-pound carry-on is sleek and attractive, available in nearly a dozen colors. With the wheels it comes in right around the airline size limit for carry-ons (21.75 x 15.25 x 9 inches), and it includes handles on the top and side for easy hoisting. There’s a large zippered compartment inside, as well as a smaller zippered pocket for odds and ends, and a main compartment with compression straps.

Softside Spinner Suitcases

Samsonite flexis softside luggage with spinner wheels.

This Samsonite style is available in two carry-on sizes, a 19-inch version or a 20-inch version . With a built-in USB port and accessible “quick change” pocket for clothes or shoes, it’s the ideal bag for a business traveler or someone who is always on the go.

AmazonBasics Premium Upright Expandable Softside Suitcase with TSA Lock

This well-reviewed and affordable softsided carry-on bag comes in at 19 inches. The two inline wheels lend to comfortable rolling and help minimize its size.

Travelpro  Bold 22-Inch Expandable Rollaboard

If you’re looking for a lightweight bag from a reputable brand, consider this Travelpro offering , which weighs 7.4 pounds. Nice touches include compression straps and a zippered pocket designed to hold wet clothes and toiletries. The bag is expandable, but the tapered design helps the weight stay balanced. There’s a large pocket on the exterior of the bag, as well as a mesh compartment inside, plus a zippered pouch for incidentals.

Underseat Bags

Amazonbasics underseat luggage.

This affordable, underseat carry-on bag has over 600 five-star reviews on Amazon. The easy-access front pocket is ideal for in-flight essentials and the bag is backed by an AmazonBasics’ 1-year limited warranty.

Lucas Wheeled Under-the-Seat Cabin Bag

If you want a bag small enough to go under the seat in front of you on the plane, consider this compact offering , which measures 15.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches. The bag includes multiple interior and exterior pockets, as well as some fun extras: a hanging cosmetic satchel, travel slippers and a document holder. It comes in red, black, or blue.

Samsonite Wheeled Underseater

Despite its small size, this bag is stuffed with handy zippered pockets for easy organization, including side pockets that can hold water bottles and a removable pouch for travel-size liquids and gels. This bag is currently available in black, pink, purple, and teal.

Rolling Backpacks

Matein rolling backpack.

Matein’s rolling backpack comes in at 13 x 9.05 x 19.68 inches and weighs just 4.8 pounds. It has a separate fully padded laptop pocket and main compartment to fit various clothing items. The handle can be hidden by an exterior zipped pocket, making this affordable carry-on bag easy to carry as a backpack as well.

High Sierra Adventure Access Carry-On Wheeled Backpack 

High Sierra’s affordable carry-on wheeled backpack is actually three bags in one: a wheeled bag, a backpack, and a daypack. Its total dimensions are 9 x 22 x 13.5 inches.

Rolling Duffel Bags

World traveler black white damask rolling wheeled duffel bag.

This pretty black and white bag can be carried over your shoulder, held by the hand straps, or rolled along behind you. Exterior and interior pockets help keep travelers organized, and the bag packs mostly flat when it’s empty for easy storage. The bag measures 21 x 11 x 11 inches, so you won’t have to worry about fitting it into an overhead bin.

Kattee Luggage Rolling Duffel Bag Leather Trim Canvas Wheeled Travel Bag

This attractive bag features leather trim, a roomy main compartment, and plenty of pockets inside and out. There’s a retractable trolley handle, as well as shoulder and hand straps, so you can carry it three different ways. We saw conflicting reports on this bag’s size (the Kattee official site confusingly lists it at both 20.87 x 16.53 x 9.05 inches and 21.7 x 14.8 x 10.2 inches), but the fact that it’s a duffel means that you can squish it into most overhead bins and airport bag sizers.

Carry-On Duffel Bags

Baboon go-bag.

This hybrid backpack-duffel carry-on bag has a 40-liter capacity and is made of waterproof materials. Its dimensions are 12.5 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches, so the bag will fit in all airline overhead bins and meet all TSA guidelines.

Bric’s X-Bag/X-Travel Collection Folding Duffel

Bric’s folding duffel is the ultimate carry-on bag. It’s made from sturdy, waterproof, and easy-to-clean nylon; and the affordable carry-on luggage looks polished and expensive. The bag is also incredibly lightweight and can be folded and stored flat, ready for use as an additional travel bag. The carry-on duffel holds items for up to three days, and inside you’ll even find a mini-shoulder bag to use as a day bag on your travels.

Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe

This is SmarterTravel editor Ashley Rossi’s go-to weekend bag . She says it fits everything you need and more for a long weekend getaway and can be shoved into just about any overhead bin. The affordable carry-on luggage has inner organizational pockets and a bottom compartment for shoes and bulkier items. Bonus: the canvas material is easy to clean and durable.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

Women’s casual-wear for new zealand, shop the look.

V-Neck Tank

Relaxed Army Shorts

Gables Sunglasses

Duo Nail Set

Men’s Spring Travel Outfit

PFG Bahama Ii Short Sleeve Shirt

Women’s Dressy Outfit for a Day Out in the Sun

Tank Wrap Dress

Cubic Zirconia Ear Crawlers

14k Simple Band Ring

Perry Leather 13-Inch Laptop Tote

Men’s evening outfit for croatia.

Vision Quest Slim Fit Cotton Shirt

Light Wash Jeans

Kingston Leather Sneakers

Women’s swimwear for a florida trip on the beach.

Essential Tube Bikini Top

High-Cut Bikini Bottoms

Classic Sandals

Men’s swimwear for punta cana.

Swim Trunks

Neutrogena Sunscreen

Women’s Outfit for Walking to Tijuana

Big Rainbow Boyfriend Tee

Tye Dye Legging Shorts

65-piece Hair Scrunchies

Men’s Outfit for Walking to Tijuana

Paper Plane Print Tee

No Sweat Relaxed Fit Shorts

Vintage Canvas Backpack

Women’s Business Casual Outfit for Travel with Carry-On

Ribbed Puff Sleeve Tee

Dress Pant Yoga Pants

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

20-Inch & 28-Inch Trunk Rolling Luggage Set

Men’s Amazon-Based Work Business Casual Summer Outfit

Slim Fit Cotton Business Casual Shirt

Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani

Stretch Dress Chino Pant

What type of carry-on bag do you use? Share your pick in the comments.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Things Not to Do When Checking a Bag
• How to Pack Efficiently: 8 Products That Can Help
• Choosing the Right Travel Luggage

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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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The 11 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces for Your Next Vacation

From carry-ons to checked suitcases, these are our top picks under $200.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Fortunately, we found a host of options under $200, so you can spend less time picking out a suitcase and more time planning your trip. But there are a few things to keep in mind before buying new luggage—here's what to look for in an affordable bag.

What to consider

One of your biggest luggage choices is going with a hard-sided or a soft-sided exterior. A hard-shell exterior is typically made from a durable and lightweight plastic material. It tends to be slightly heavier but also more durable. Soft-sided luggage is usually lighter and less durable. In our research, we also found hard-shell luggage has more interior organization.

Depending on where you plan on bringing your luggage, you'll want to make sure your bag will fit where you plan to store it—whether that's in overhead bins, under the seat in front of you, or in the trunk of your car. If you're flying, a couple of inches may be the difference between stowing your suitcase in an overhead bin or having to gate check. All the bags below come in multiple sizes, so grab your tape measure before you make a purchase.

You have to lift carry-ons over your head, so weight is important to take into consideration. Your checked bag weight is important too, as airlines typically charge overweight bag fees if you're over a certain limit. That takes into account the weight of your bag, so if you're a heavy packer, finding the lightest suitcase possible may be a priority.

How we chose

To find the best affordable luggage, we took a look at past Oprah's Favorite Things lists, consulted customer reviews, and included editor-tested and -approved picks. We found options for both carry-ons and checked bags, so there's a range of options depending on your type of travel. We also considered the price point and kept all recommendations under $200.

Amazon Basics Hard-side Spinner Suitcase

This smaller, 20-inch carry-on is under $100, making it quite budget-friendly. The thick hard-shell exterior will keep your belongings protected while you're on the move. Four multi-directional spinner wheels let the suitcase roll with you from security to your gate. There are four color options, too, so you can find one that fits your taste.

Samsonite Virtuosa Hard-side Expandable Luggage

When it comes to the best carry-on suitcases , this pick from Samsonite not only looks sleek but is lightweight and easy to store in overhead bins. The RightHeight telescoping handle gives you the option to set it where you feel most comfortable while heading to your gate. Wheels that spin a full 360 degrees allow the bag to roll smoothly through the airport. The chic leather details, interior organization system, and TSA-approved locks round out this lightweight piece of luggage.

Coolife 3-Piece Expandable Luggage Set

This set comes with different size options: There's one carry-on bag and two sizes of checked bags to choose from. Each is expandable so you can fit as much as you need and offers minimal interior organization so you have flexibility in how you pack. TSA-approved locks on each bag, quiet spinning wheels, and a durable hard shell make Coolife's options all the better. There are also seven different colors to choose from.

Beis The Weekender

Our editors find themselves often reaching for the Beis Weekender bag for quick overnight trips. The bottom compartment opens up for shoes, hair tools, and other non-fragile items. The inside can hold bulkier items, like sweaters and jeans, and there's a laptop sleeve too. The trolley pass-through has a zipper on the bottom, so when you're not securing this bag to a roller suitcase's handle, you can use it as an extra pocket.

Brouk & Co Capri 2-in-1 Garment and Duffel Bag

For quick getaways, this duffel bag has a do-it-all design. "This smart carryall makes schlepping your stuff for an overnight getaway goof-proof," Oprah said about this 2022 Favorite Things pick . The bag unzips to lay flat and gives you access to a garment bag that protects your clothes and helps prevent wrinkles. "Fill up the garment bag first, then add a couple of pairs of shoes to the side pockets and zip it all up so it transforms into a duffel bag before you put in the rest of your essentials.”

Rockland Melrose Underseater Luggage

For short trips or when you don't want to risk your plane running out of space in overhead bins and having to check your carry-on, this under-seat bag does the trick. The 15-inch bag even has exterior pockets to give you quick access to smaller things, like your phone, wallet, or passport. Even though it's small, the handle adjusts to a standard height, so you can roll it comfortably.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Suitcase

The perk of soft-sided luggage is that it tends to be lighter than a hard-sided pick—and every pound counts when you're checking your bag. The fabric has a water- and stain-resistant coating to keep it looking clean, while interior organization and two-inch expansion means you will have space to pack as much as you need.

SwissGear Sion Soft-side Checked Luggage

For trips that require a ton of stuff (think: a two-week jaunt to Europe), this 29-inch bag is the way to go. The 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to navigate the XL luggage from the curb to the check-in agent. The suitcase is one large compartment with zippered pockets on the top and comes with a bag for your liquids and toiletries to save you from the stress of leaks getting on your clothes.

Samsonite Omni PC Hard-side Expandable Luggage

While this checked bag is a bit heavier than the others on our list, it has a hard shell for those who prefer a durable exterior. The TSA-approved locks sit on the side, so you can keep your belongings secure while your luggage is out of sight. Multi-directional wheels glide over the ground for the short while you're transporting the suitcase. It's also divided into two large compartments so you have flexibility with your packing.

Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Suitcase

The best part of this carry-on suitcase is the padded laptop sleeve on the front that gives you quick access to your tech, meaning you can get through security just a little faster. The cushioned top and side handles make the bag comfortable to maneuver, while the handle adjusts to your preferred height. The bag offers one large storage compartment, so if you're a packing cube aficionado, you can organize how you like. The 360-degree spinning wheels make rolling the bag a breeze, too.

Traveler's Choice Pagosa Hard-shell Carry-On Luggage

The biggest benefit of this suitcase is the interior power bank pocket that helps you stay charged up while on the go. Slip your TSA-approved portable charger into the inside pocket, plug it in, and use the side of the suitcase to power up your devices. The suitcase expands, so you can lean into overpacking, should you choose to. The push-lock handle extends and contracts depending on how high you want to set it.

Ellen McAlpine is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, covering tech, fitness, lifestyle, and beyond. In her time as a writer, she’s covered everything from top tech items like running watches and ring lights to phone cases and beauty tools. 

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The Best Affordable Luggage (That Definitely Doesn’t Look Cheap)

Pack your bags on a budget.

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Dealing with overpriced last-minute flights and adding up all the meals, housing and activities for your upcoming vacation is hard enough as it is. So the last thing you want to do is have to spend a fortune on new luggage—which, let’s face it, can be quite a challenge to avoid with all those trendy travel brands popping up.

Luckily, you can walk down the (airport) runway in style without breaking the bank. After tapping PureWow editors and perusing a ton of reviews, we’ve found the best suitcases and travel bags that look (and feel) high-end, but won't cost you more than $150. Whether you're in need of a dependable weekender bag ($108) or a sleek hardside carry-on ($90) for longer journeys, you’ll find impressive luggage—at surprisingly affordable prices—below.

The Best Affordable Luggage At A Glance

Best Overall Affordable Luggage

Coolife hardside carry-on.

Best Affordable Hardside Carry-On

Amazon basics hardside carry-on.

Best Affordable Softside Carry-On

Us. traveler aviron bay softside carry-on.

Best Space-Saving Affordable Luggage

Rollink flex vega cabin suitcase.

Best Affordable Luggage Set

Rockland melbourne hardside luggage set, how we chose the best affordable luggage.

To choose the best affordable luggage, we started with ones our editors have personally owned, loved and have confirmed to withstand a luggage carousel or two. From there, we checked the ratings and reviews of similar luggage found at large retailers like Amazon , noting if they had any special features such as built-in TSA locks, multiple compartments and comfortable handles. We also looked into the more affordable options at trendy luggage brands seen across social media, such as Béis and its TikTok-famous Weekender bag.

Beyond budget-friendly prices, we took the material of our luggage picks into account. Hardside (or hardshell) luggage is typically made from either acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate (PC), two types of strong plastic. While PC shells are more flexible and can better withstand impact (and therefore, the rigors of travel), it tends to be pricier than ABS, which is more rigid and slightly less durable. Nevertheless, they are both fine options for suitcases. We also included a selection of both underseat bags and softside suitcases to suit a variety of travel needs. Read on for our top 15 picks.

The Best Carry-On Luggage For Your Every Need

1. Coolife Hardside Carry-On

• What We Like: lightweight, TSA-approved lock
• What We Don’t Like: can bend if overstuffed
• Size: 20-inch carry-on

Made with a blend of both ABS and PC plastic, the sleek shell of this 20-inch suitcase means your belongings are majorly protected, as does the built-in TSA lock. Not only does it weigh in at less than 7 pounds, it also has 360-degree spinner wheels—meaning your dash to the gate won’t be slowed down by a clunky suitcase. Inside you'll find a removable fabric divider, which is equipped with two zippered pockets. Overall, the carry-on boasts a 4.5-star rating from more than 12,000 reviewers, many of whom appreciate it for its quality and maneuverability. You can also get it in the 24-inch or 28-inch size (which is expandable) if you need more space.

2. Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On

• What We Like: expandable, scratch-resistant
• What We Don’t Like: no TSA lock

This luggage might seem basic, but it's got everything you need for a smooth trip. You know, like an expandable zip gusset for more packing space and four 360-degree spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. The extra-thick ABS shell can withstand the bumpiest overhead compartments, while the interior organizer (with three zippered pockets) will keep your valuables secure. One buyer called it "a reliable and practical travel companion," and praised its "durable construction, ample storage capacity and smooth rolling wheels."

3. U.S. Traveler Aviron Bay Softside Carry-On

U.s. traveler.

• What We Like: expandable gusset
• What We Don’t Like: softside material isn’t as durable
• Size: 22-inch carry-on

This 360-degree wheeled spinner suitcase gives you more performance for less moolah. There’s an interior strap to keep everything organized (ditto the two external pockets) as well as an expandable zippered gusset that provides you an extra 2 inches of packing space. It’s 22-inches long, which is quite large compared to other affordable options on this list. While it does have a softsided exterior, it is made from a twill polyester fabric that the brand claims will withstand the wear-and-tear of travel. Plenty of buyers agree.

4. Rollink Flex Vega Cabin Suitcase

• Why We Like: durable, saves space in your closet, holds a lot
• What We Don't Like: zippers and wheels aren't smooth, interior space could be larger, side pocket not very functional
• Size: 21-inch carry-on

Launched in the U.S. in the summer of 2022, Rollink piqued our interest with the brand's claims that its suitcase could fold down to less than the width of a credit card, reducing its size by 75 percent. After testing it for a year, we can safely say that while it definitely takes up more than a credit card's worth of space in your closet (the expandable area between its two hardside ends allows it to shrink down to about the width of a book), it's still compact enough to be a apartment lover's dream. It works through the use of three wooden interior slabs attached to velcro strips that you can attach to the sides of the case for stability and shape. Once you're finished using the suitcase, the wooden sides detach from the velcro, allowing the the suitcase's two ends zip together to be zipped together.

When expanded, this holds slightly more than my 24-inch American Tourister bag ($126), since the bottom isn't cluttered by any bars or obstructors. It has also held up pretty well over time: While it certainly has its scratches, few are very noticeable. We do wish the side pocket was a bit more functional (it's a bit too tight to get much inside or get anything back out once it's gone in) and that the hardware, including the zippers and wheels, were a bit smoother, but other than that, it's a nice and innovative little case for the price.

5. Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage Set

• What We Like: three suitcases included, spinner wheels
• Size: 20-inch carry-on, 24-inch checked, 28-inch checked

Who can resist *three* suitcases for the typical price of one? This luggage set, which includes a 20-inch carry-on, 24-inch checked suitcase and 28-inch checked suitcase, offers major bang for your buck. Beyond the aesthetically pleasing look of the textured ABS shell, this set's benefits include expandable gussets, ergonomic aluminum telescoping handles and fabric dividers inside. "The design and build quality of these suitcases are top-notch," per one promising review. "Despite facing rough handling during my trips, they have shown remarkable durability with minimal scratches and dings," the buyer added.

Best Affordable High-End Luggage

6. delsey paris comete 3.0 carry-on, delsey paris.

• What We Like: stylish design, scratch-resistant
• What We Don’t Like: can feel small

It’s rare to find something at Delsey Paris for under $150 that isn’t a small bag, but this expandable hardshell carry-on delivers designer quality without costing you an arm and a leg. Its textured rigid shell is durable and scratch-resistant, per the brand, while the roomy interior features a large mesh compartment to keep items separated and organized. We love its sleek and stylish design, which is proof that you don't have to sacrifice form for function.

Best Affordable Checked Luggage

7. melalenia hardside large suitcase.

• What We Like: TSA locks, comes with six packing cubes and laundry bags
• What We Don’t Like: shell may be susceptible to rough handling
• Size: 28-inch checked

Make that checked bag expense really pay off with this 28-inch ABS suitcase that has silent spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock and a sturdy aluminum telescopic handle. Its main draw, however, is that it comes complete with its own set of packing cubes and laundry bags to keep your clothes tidy no matter how long your trip. Plus, the chic woven look of the suitcase's exterior makes it look pricier than it is.

Best Affordable Weekender

8. béis the weekender bag.

• What We Like: wipe-clean canvas, separate shoe compartment
• What We Don’t Like: can get scuffed
• Size: 18-inch weekender bag

Béis, the luggage brand founded by Pretty Little Liars  star Shay Mitchell, has been taking over social media lately—for good reason. Among the trendy brand's most buzzed-about items is this water-resistant Weekender duffel. In fact, PureWow Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater  reviewed  it after taking it on a two-week European vacation, and said it " easily  earned a spot among [her] travel essentials." She loved that the wire rim on the bag's opening makes it easy to see all the contents inside, and added that the separate compartment at the bag's bottom is ideal for keeping shoes, toiletries or dirty clothes. Add to all that a convenient trolley sleeve and removable padded shoulder strap, and you've discovered your perfect travel tote.

Best Affordable Backpack

9. hex evolve logic backpack.

• What We Like: antimicrobial fabric, interior 15-inch laptop sleeve
• What We Don’t Like: only one color
• Size: 17-inch backpack

If you like packing light so you don’t rack up extra charges at the airport, this backpack is a great choice. Its exterior is fashioned from eco-friendly recycled fabric which is both water-resistant and antimicrobial (meaning it repels germs and bacteria). Other well-thought-out details, ranging from the lightly padded shoulder straps to the back trolley sleeve, make it particularly suited to travel. Despite its small size, you could definitely pack smartly for a weekend with only one shoe option. Plus, you'll find a cool faux-fur lining in the front pocket to protect your more delicate essentials, along with a dedicated laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch device.

Best Affordable Rolling Duffel

10. olympia u.s.a. rolling duffel, olympia u.s.a..

• What We Like: stands upright, lots of pockets
• What We Don’t Like: only two wheels
• Size: 22-inch rolling duffle

We love a rolling duffel that fits a lot but is still small enough throw in the overhead compartment, and at 22 inches, this eight-pocketed bag hits the mark. It has the ability to stand on its own—pending how much stuff you shove in there—and in addition to rolling it, you can carry it like a duffle or a backpack thanks to the convertible top handles. Reviewers note that the bag is quite durable and roomy, while the tailored styling means it looks appropriate even beyond outdoorsy adventures.

Best Affordable Underseat Bag

11. samsonite spinner underseater.

• What We Like: compact, USB charging port
• What We Don’t Like: only suitable for short trips or as a personal item
• Size: 16.5-inch carry-on

You’ll never be asked to gate-check again with this polyester roller bag that conveniently slides under most airplane seats—making boarding and exiting a little less hectic. It has a trolley strap to easily attach atop larger luggage and plenty of interior (and exterior) pockets to keep your essentials organized. Better yet, the ingenious central pouch unzips like a tongue for easy access to everything inside. You’ll also find a USB charging port to keep devices juiced during layovers (so long as you add a battery charging pack), and there’s a laptop compartment that fits devices up to 13.3 inches.

Best Affordable Laptop Luggage

12. solo re:start rolling laptop bag.

• What We Like: fully padded laptop sleeve, two-wheel maneuverability
• What We Don’t Like: only works as a personal item
• Size: 15.6-inch carry-on

The fabric of this mini-suitcase is made of recycled bottles, so it’s as eco-friendly as it is conveniently compact. It boasts a padded mesh laptop compartment as well as an interior organization section, making it super efficient when it comes to lugging around your electronics, which reviewers adore. And since it pairs two wheels with two feet, you can be sure this little number isn’t going to roll away with your expensive items inside. With a water-resistant exterior and antimicrobial coating, it's also impressively designed for the long haul.

Best Patterned Affordable Luggage

13. vacay spotlight hardside suitcase, nordstrom rack.

• What We Like: funky pattern, durable PC shell
• What We Don’t Like: only comes in one color
• Size: 30-inch checked

The purple marbleized pattern is obviously the first thing you'll notice about this hardside luggage (for good reason!), but it's more than just a pretty face. In fact, its PC shell should ensure extra durability and, at 30 inches long and under $100, it's one of the most affordable large suitcases we've come across. And you’ll get more than your money’s worth with its built-in water-resistant pockets, 360-degree double wheels and expansion gusset that adds 2 inches of depth when you need it. Reviews say it’s great for long trips—not least of all because you're guaranteed to spot it instantly on the luggage carousel.

Best Affordable Vintage-Inspired Luggage

14. world traveler classique luggage set, world traveler.

• What We Like: retro look, TSA locks, comes with cosmetic carry bag 
• What We Don’t Like: may scratch easily
• Size: 20-inch carry-on, 13-inch cosmetic bag

There are several reasons to love this rose gold luggage set. For one, it comes with an adorable hardside cosmetic bag to match (and attach to) the carry-on suitcase, so you can secure your toiletries *and* your outfits. There's also the fact that both pieces have a unique retro look, thanks to their mod curves, glossy PC shell and trunk-style detailing. As far as functionality goes, they're each fully lined and feature useful interior pockets, while the suitcase includes a built-in TSA lock, expandable zip closure and spinner wheels.

Best Affordable Folding Bag

15. paravel fold-up bag.

• What We Like: folds into a pouch, made of recycled materials 
• What We Don’t Like: may be smaller than expected
• Size: 18-inch duffle

Sometimes you want a "just in case" bag. You know, that extra bag you stuff in your carry-on just in case you decide to go shopping and come home with souvenirs for your entire extended family. This ingenious little fold-up number from Paravel is that—and then some. It goes from a compact 8-inch pouch to an 18-inch duffle that, even on its own, can hold up to five days' worth of clothing and two pairs of shoes, according to the brand. It’s also made of a super lightweight nylon that was crafted from recycled plastic bottles, so not only is it sustainable, it also won't weigh you down. Plus, you can personalize it with the monogram of your choosing. 

Best Affordable "Aesthetic" Luggage

16. made by design hardside carry-on.

• What We Like: multiple color options, top and side handles
• What We Don’t Like: might be too large to carry on to some airplanes

This hardside carry-on from Target mimics the clean, minimalist aesthetic of popular Instagram brands, so you can snap a first-class #OOTD at the airport without having to pay first-class prices. There are plenty of pockets within to keep your belongings organized, and it's expandable if you end up packing too many outfits for the 'gram. Most importantly, though, you can expect it to withstand the wear-and-tear of travel thanks to its sturdy shell exterior, constructed of a PC and ABS combo.

Where to Buy Affordable Luggage

You can find a selection of inexpensive, good-quality luggage at most big box retailers, including Amazon and Target . But you can also find travel bags from fancier brands like Paravel and Delsey Paris for under $150 if you shop smaller suitcases and weekender bags.

Is It Worth Buying Expensive Carry-On Luggage?

Affordable luggage doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality, but if it’s within your means, a suitcase (or any travel bag) is worth the splurge. As they say, you get what you pay for, and more expensive luggage usually guarantees durability and might even mean more space. Plus, pricier pieces typically come with more bells and whistles, like expanders, dividers, built-in locks and perhaps a USB-charging port. If you travel often, it can definitely be worth the money to invest in higher-quality luggage.

What Time of Year Is Cheapest to Buy Luggage?

The best time to buy cheaper luggage is when people are not traveling—meaning you should try not to upgrade your suitcase before you take a summer trip or head home for the holidays. However, you can find some of the best deals towards the end of the summer as peak vacation season heads into a lull. But if you’re willing to wait, you can always find great deals on luggage on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day. 

The 12 Best Luggage Sets to Buy for Your Most Amazing Trip Yet

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Who likes dragging tons of bags around the airport or paying to check luggage ? Certainly not us, and probably not you either.

Having a great piece (or two) of carry-on luggage can help you on both of these points. But not just any bag will do. You want to find something that’s sturdy, convenient, easy to move, and will hold everything you need. Since shopping around to find the perfect carry-on can take a lot of time, we’re here to make things a little easier for your trip.

We’ve done the research for you, and below are our picks for the best carry-on luggage that will fit almost any budget. Our criteria for this list include size, packing and travel convenience, added extras, durability, and of course, price.

Why a great carry-on bag is so important

Best carry-on luggage under $150, best carry-on luggage under $300, best carry-on luggage under $600.

Your carry-on bag is probably the most important travel companion you can bring when you’re flying. Even if you’re going to be traveling for weeks and have checked a full suitcase, it’s your carry-on that will hold all of your essential items.

Because anything can happen to your bags once you hand them off to airline personnel, you always want to keep your medications, electronics, documents, and other valuables close . A strong, sturdy carry-on will help safeguard these items and minimize the risk of facing disaster should your checked bags get lost or damaged.

A good carry-on can also save you money. If you can pack what you need for your trip within the carry-on and personal item allowance most airlines give passengers, you may not have to check any bags at all. This means no checked baggage fees . Plus, you can quickly depart the airport after landing instead of waiting at baggage claim for your luggage.

Not sure you can manage with just a carry-on bag? Most U.S. carriers allow bags up to 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, and some, such as Southwest, AirTran, and Spirit, give you a few more inches. International flights and airlines generally call for bags that are slightly smaller. Though it’s always best to check with your airline for specific dimensions, you usually have ample room to work with when packing carry-on only.

We recommend these four suitcases for those who are budget-conscious but still want something that is reliable and will keep your possessions safe while on the road. These picks are all hard-shell models, made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), polycarbonate, or a blend of both.

ABS is the least expensive type of plastic used in making hard-shelled luggage, which is why you see it mostly in this category on our list. It’s great at resisting impact but not as durable as polycarbonate, which is nearly impossible to break. An ABS-polycarbonate blend is a best bet for light, durable bags at a low price point.

Coolife Luggage 20-inch Carry-On: $60

This ABS-polycarbonate blend suitcase is both cool looking and built for strength and longevity. The manufacturer puts its products through what they call “insanely strict quality control test standards” and backs up those claims with a two-year warranty. The dimensions fit well within most airlines’ carry-on regulations, and this bag’s 360-degree spinning wheels make it easy to roll through the airport and to your destination.

The Coolife’s sleek brushed metal exterior is scratch-resistant and comes in four different colors. Its interior offers multi-use organizational pockets, two compartments for packing, and straps for keeping things in their place. If you should need to gate-check the bag, it has an integrated lock approved by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for added security.

Overall, the Coolife carry-on is a tough, sexy, and handy bag for any trip. If you opt to buy some of the larger suitcases, the carry-on will nest inside for easy storage.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 20-inch Carry-On: Around $67

This Kenneth Cole carry-on is an Amazon best-seller. We like it for its sturdy yet lightweight construction (only 6.25 pounds!) and size that fits both domestic and international carry-on standards.

With 12 gorgeous colors to choose from, this bag fits just about any style preference. Kenneth Cole also offers a 10-year limited warranty, which means you can buy with confidence.

The interior is much like most other bags of this size, with dual compartments, zippered pockets for organizational storage, and garment restraint straps. The ABS exterior has molded corner guards and self-repairing zippers. The 360-degree spinner wheels are great for easily rolling across different types of terrain and speeding through the airport.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion 20-inch Spinner: $90 to $130

This is a sleek-looking, hard-shell polycarbonate suitcase from one of the most notable names in the luggage industry. It’s another great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight carry-on that meets most domestic airline standards. We like the 10 oversized, zippered internal pockets, which make organizing your items simple.

The Samsonite Winfield 2’s brushed metal exterior comes in eight jewel-tone colors and is designed to hide scuffs and scrapes. It also offers multi-directional spinner wheels and a side-mounted TSA-compatible combination lock for added security. With its 10-year limited warranty, the Winfield 2 could easily become your favorite carry-on.

Travelers Club Wrangler 3-Piece Luggage Set with USB Charging Port: $150

Though this carry-on is part of a three-piece set, we think it’s an excellent choice, as it has some unique features that can make traveling easier. First, it’s a great value, as you get not only a sturdy ABS hard-shell 20-inch carry-on but also a 24-inch and a 28-inch suitcase for when you need more space. This brings the price point down to about $50 per bag.

What makes the Travelers Club Wrangler stand out, though, is the patented three-in-one cup holder, USB port, and phone holder on the back of the bag. It lays flush with the surface of the bag when retracted and easily flips open when you want to stow a beverage or have a place to lay your phone. The external USB port allows you to connect a power bank inside (not included) and quickly charge a device without having to mess with any zippers or repacking. This is a huge plus for us!

We gave you a mix of hard and soft options in this section. Each of these bags was selected because they provide the next level of value for the money, whether it’s in security, convenience, or space. These picks are worth every penny.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-On: $216 to $254

Travelpro has a pretty sophisticated carry-on with its Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable model . This is the first soft case on our list, but it’s comparable in weight to the Coolife suitcase discussed above. The extras alone make it worth considering.

First, this bag offers an expansion of up to two additional inches of packing depth. Second, it includes a drop-in, fold-out suiter, which allows you to pack clothes you’d rather keep hanging to avoid wrinkles. It’s like having a garment bag rolled into your carry-on, instead of having to bring a separate item.

This Travelpro also offers a TSA-compliant removable wet pocket for toiletries, taking the guesswork out of how many liquids you can pack. Finally, there’s an external USB port for charging your devices (like most e-luggage, the power bank isn’t included). Altogether, this bag has everything you could want for any trip you have coming up.

TLS Mother Lode Mini 21-inch Wheeled Carry-On Duffel with USB Port: $239

TLS stands for Tough, Lightweight, and Smart, and it’s eBags’ brand of carry-on luggage. Though it looks more like a soft suitcase than a duffel, the Mother Lode Mini 21-inch has some real grit to it at eight pounds, 11 ounces — making it the second heaviest on our list. However, the telescopic handle and static wheels make it easy to roll across the airport, though not as easy as bags with 360-degree swivel wheels.

One of the things we really like about this bag is the adjustable divider in the main compartment that lets you create a little shelf between items. It also has an exterior panel, which allows you to quickly access the main compartment without opening up the whole suitcase, and an external USB port for electronics charging.

The Bigger Carry-On by Away: $245

Like the name suggests, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On suitcase gives you more room to pack your stuff. The actual size of the bag is bigger than the 22 inch x 14 inch x 9 inch standard because the Away team noticed that airport sizers are inaccurate.

When you slide your suitcase into a sizer, the dimensions shown are actually bigger than those stated. After extensive testing in airports across the country, Away developed a 22.7 inch x 14.7 inch x 9.6 inch carry-on bag, giving travelers more room to pack and peace of mind that the bag will be a perfect fit at check-in.

Available in nine colors, The Bigger Carry-On is protected with a polycarbonate shell, a TSA-combination lock, and a lifetime warranty. The inner compartments are designed for soft items on one side and harder ones on the other. A water-resistant laundry bag and compression pad are included. You also have the option of adding an ejectable, TSA-compliant battery to charge your phone — at no additional charge.

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP21 Anti-Theft Wheeled Carry-On: $299

If you’re looking for more of a duffel-type bag, the Venturesafe EXP21 Anti-Theft Wheeled Carry-On is a great choice. This bag looks like a cross between a backpack (no straps, though) and a rolling duffel, and it has some serious anti-theft features, which is why we like it.

Don’t let the soft exterior of this bag fool you. It’s designed to block RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimming, resist cuts and punctures, and it has a stainless steel locking cable. The interlocking, puncture-resistant zippers also protect against tampering during transit. On top of all that, it can fit a laptop up to 15 inches wide, has internal and external compression straps to keep all your things in place, and has an internal attachment point for your keys, wallet, etc.

This is our best-in-class category, featuring high-value suitcases with price tags to match. These picks are for those who want to make a long-term investment in a carry-on and demand the maximum quality and durability for the money. If you use rewards or cash-back credit cards , now is the time to break them out for some extra points. 

Thule Revolve Wide-Body 22-inch Carry-on: $430

We like this suitcase for its tough exterior and soft felt lining that helps cushion your belongings. Weighing in at about nine pounds, the Thule Revolve is the heaviest bag on our list — but certainly is rugged, as you’d expect from any Thule product.

The exterior is made of 100% polycarbonate with a reinforced front panel, rigid frame, and internal corner protectors to provide both protection and stability. Safety features include puncture-resistant zippers, built-in TSA locks, and a retractable slot to keep your luggage ID safe. The inside is lined with felt to absorb shock, and it pairs with a compression system aimed at minimizing movement while on the go.

Victorinox Lexicon 21-inch Global Hardside Carry-On: $460

Victorinox makes some wonderful carry-on bags, and the Lexicon 21-inch Global Hardside is no exception. Available in three matte-finish, scratch-resistant polycarbonate exteriors, this suitcase has super-recessed wheels and handles, so you get as much space inside as possible to pack your belongings while still meeting carry-on guidelines.

Another reason we like this model is the handle bezel, which slides up to reveal a USB port with an integrated interior USB cable that connects to a power bank (not included). There’s also a pen, SIM card replacement tool, and hidden luggage ID tray here. This bag is eligible for the Swiss Tracker Bag Tracking Program, which can reunite you with your bag for free if it’s lost anywhere in the world, and the Access Lock Combination Recovery Program, which gives you an electronic way to get your lock combination.

Samsonite Fortifi 20-inch Hardside Spinner Carry-On with USB: $510

Samsonite’s Fortifi 20-inch suitcase is just plain beautiful, sporting a textured geometric design in Dark Navy or Dark Sand-colored polycarbonate.

What really stands out for this carry-on are the two TSA-approved locks keeping your belongings doubly secure and the dual external USB charging ports (power banks not included). There’s also a large zippered compartment designed for damp or dirty items, even toiletries (you’ll have to take them out for TSA inspection, though).

As you can see, there are lots of great carry-on choices out there. It’s worth taking some time to investigate options within your budget to ensure you get the most for your money. We hope this list gives you a good place to start.

Briggs & Riley Sympatico CX 22-inch Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner: $579

We saved the best for last with Briggs & Riley’s Sympatico 22-inch Carry-On . One of its stand-out features is the CX compression-expansion system, which gives you up to 22% more room to pack. When the case is closed, it compresses back to its original size, keeping your belongings safe inside.

It also has a suiter built into the inside lid, which cinches one suit or up to two shirts securely in place. The adjustable garment compression panels keep clothing flat to minimize wrinkling and shifting.

The outside is made of three layers of strong but light polycarbonate for both flexibility and protection. Built-in TSA locks, self-repairing zippers, and the ability to slide a matching Sympatico Shopping Tote or Weekender over the handle to wheel two bags as one round out this excellent carry-on option.

When you’re shopping around for carry-on bags, you have lots of alternatives to choose from, no matter what your budget is. If you use any of the best travel credit cards , you may be able to earn some more rewards with these purchases. 

We hope this list gives you some ideas to start with and things to look for when you shop around. Just remember to keep what you need from your carry-on, both in terms of convenience and long-term durability, at the forefront of your search. This will help ensure that you’ll get the most value for your money.

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The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Travel lighter and easier with these suitcases

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

These days, with more and more airlines charging fees for checked bags, many travelers are choosing to limit themselves to a carry-on whenever they can. This means it’s more important than ever to purchase a bag tough enough to withstand being hauled in and out of overhead compartments—yet light and spacious enough to give you the greatest amount of packing space possible. Handy extras range from TSA-approved locks and integrated luggage scales to USB ports for keeping your devices charged in transit. 

With so many brands and styles out there, choosing the right suitcase can seem overwhelming. To make it a little easier, we tested 41 of the most popular options in our testing lab. We put them through their paces and scored them for attributes, including capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other carry-on luggage we tested.

• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

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

Superior movement

Built to handle rigors of travel

Effortlessly cool

Not enough zippered pockets

An instant favorite with our testing team, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is made of injection-molded polypropylene for a hardside case that’s exceptionally lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. It stood up well to our baseball bat test with barely any scuffs—so much so that we’d feel confident if we had to check it. We loved its minimal, ultra-modern aesthetic and found that it had sufficient space for everything on our packing list, even without employing the expansion feature. 

Potential purchasers should be aware that although the expansion feature is a definite bonus, overstuffing the suitcase could make it exceed some airline carry-on restrictions. We felt the interior organization options were good, with a cross ribbon, divider, and several pockets. The only downside was that there was only one zippered pocket, meaning you’d have to choose whether to separate shoes or dirty laundry. 

The suitcase has four 360-degree double spinner wheels for flawless maneuverability, and we found that it had the best glide of any bag we tested. It was easier to operate on two wheels over bumps, but transitioning between two- and four-wheeled use was a breeze. The suitcase also features a multi-stage handle with a wider grip for added comfort; a recessed, TSA-approved combination lock; and a built-in ID tag. Colors range from classic black to silver or sky blue. Finally, your purchase includes a limited 10-year global warranty. 

Dimensions: 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Travelpro platinum elite carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 4.7 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Easy to maneuver

Solid, adjustable handle

Excellent impact and scratch resistance

Capacity could be more generous

Power bank sold separately

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Carry-On is a relatively expensive option; however, a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with reinforced aluminum corner guards makes it impressively durable and, therefore, worth the investment. Even after multiple drop tests and bat beatings, we could see no visible signs of damage. The textured finish should help reduce the visibility of scuffs or scratches, keeping your luggage looking brand new for longer. Exterior highlights include an integrated TSA lock and USB-A and USB-C charge ports. 

This suitcase benefits from Travelpro’s famous PrecisionGlide System, with eight self-aligning spinner wheels and a PowerScope Lite handle with four height settings. We found it incredibly smooth and easy to navigate and particularly liked the handle’s sturdy feel and textured grip. When it came to packing, we had to use the expansion feature to fit everything in, which made it a tight squeeze getting the bag into an overhead compartment. However, we liked the zippered divider panel and water-resistant toiletries section.

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

Minimalist, sleek aesthetic

Functional internal division

Easily handles any terrain out there

No TSA-approved lock

The AmazonBasics 21-inch spinner retails for well under $100, making it the most affordable option on this list. Despite its modest price tag, it surpassed our expectations on every test, making it an exceptional value for the money. It features a thick ABS plastic shell with a scratch-resistant, textured finish. We loved the simple sleekness of its design and the four bold colors to choose from, including black, navy blue, light blue, and orange. 

Four double-spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability in any direction, with the suitcase performing admirably over bumps, obstacle courses, and smooth and carpeted surfaces during our testing process. The fully lined interior is expandable by up to 15 percent, although we didn’t have to use this feature to fit everything in. We particularly liked the built-in organizer with its three separate zippered pockets and the compression straps that kept all our belongings in place. The durable zippers and a sturdy handle complete the bag’s list of attributes.

Dimensions: 22 x 14.9 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

Great resilience to cosmetic damage

Ample packing space from the outset

Simple yet effective internal layout

Wheels are too small

The Samsonite Omni PC Carry-On may retail for roughly double the price of our budget pick, but it's still considerably cheaper than many of the suitcases on this list and combines durability, capacity, and lightness to provide impressive value for the money. It features a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with micro-diamond texturing for extreme scratch resistance (even after our rigorous testing, it showed no visible scratches). And it's protected by Samsonite's generous 10-year global warranty—just one of many things we love about Samsonite luggage .

We found we could fit everything in without using the suitcase's expansion feature. However, it was still a tight fit in the overhead compartment, so it's a good idea to check the exact requirements of your favorite airline before purchasing. We liked the organizational features—namely, a zippered divider and compression straps. The only drawback was the undersized spinner wheels, which caught easily on ruts (but performed well on carpet and sharp turns). The handle has two height settings, and the integrated lock is TSA-compliant. 

Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best Softside

Travelpro platinum elite 21-inch expandable carry-on.

• Organization 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

Made to last from premium fabrics

Plenty of storage solutions

Smart capabilities

Relatively expensive

If you’re looking for a softside carry-on, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is an excellent pick, featuring high-density nylon with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions. This showed up during our durability tests, and the suitcase survived completely unscathed. With its genuine leather accents and chrome zippers, we feel this is a quality investment likely to endure long enough to justify its high price tag. As a bonus, it includes a built-in USB charge port with an external power bank pocket that adheres to FAA regulations. 

We did have to use the tip-resistant expansion feature to make space for everything on our packing list, which made the bag significantly larger. However, we really appreciated the thoughtful interior organization features, including two separate compartments, a deluxe tie-down system, and integrated accessory pockets. There’s even a removable, quart-sized wet bag for your toiletries and a fold-out suiter. Other highlights include Travelpro’s renowned PrecisionGlide System and a choice of elegant colors such as Bordeaux and Rich Espresso. 

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Hardside

Samsonite outline pro carry-on spinner.

Samsonite 

• Maneuverability 3.5 /5

Chic and streamlined 

Great choice of storage compartments

Several nice-to-have features

Rolled less smoothly than others

We loved the ultra-modern, contoured design of the Samsonite Outline Pro’s polypropylene shell, which not only looked excellent but also protected it entirely from scratches and dents during our testing process. The case also stands out for its integrated extras, including a USB charge port and a TSA-approved lock, while an interior lined with fabric made from recycled plastic bottles wins points for sustainability and a 10-year limited global warranty affords peace of mind.

We were able to pack everything without using the expansion feature and loved this suitcase’s intuitive organization options. These include a KompressPak panel to keep your belongings in place and two integrated, zippered pockets (one of which is waterproof for any damp items). The bag was slightly let down by its movement, which was clunkier than expected on all four wheels. However, the molded trolley handle is height-adjustable and infused with an additive to help reduce germs. 

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.39 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best for Business Travel

Béis the carry-on roller.

• Durability 2.5 /5

Outstanding organization

Simple to move

Resilient, attractive exterior

Somewhat unwieldy on four wheels

The Béis Carry-On Roller is an excellent fit for frequent business travelers, with an ultra-lightweight and durable virgin polycarbonate shell that’s easy to roll, drag, and lift while also withstanding extensive rough handling. The appealing 3D stripe design and range of sophisticated colors (from beige to dusky pink) ensure you’ll also earn style points with your colleagues. We found the Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels turned tightly and rolled smoothly over bumps, while the handle’s cushioned silicone grip was infinitely comfortable. 

Perhaps best of all is this suitcase’s thoughtfully designed interior, which features multiple zippered flaps, pockets, and pouches for everything from small essentials to shoes and laundry. In fact, the storage options were so comprehensive our tester wished they could exceed our maximum points score on this front. Other highlights include a 2-inch expansion feature, a retractable strap for attaching your purse, a weight limit indicator, and a TSA lock. Lastly, the suitcase comes with the brand’s limited lifetime warranty. 

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.36 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Leticia Almeida

Best Organization

Away the bigger carry-on flex.

• Durability 4 /5

All around fluid movement

Great choice for overpackers

Comes with sponge for removing scratches

Not a budget pick

If you’re the traveler who always needs more packing space—for last-minute items from home or souvenirs bought on your trip—you’ll love The Bigger Carry-On Flex from Away. Built using durable polycarbonate with stylish leather details, it fits 20 percent more than the brand’s standard carry-on and expands to reveal an additional 2.25 inches of space (although utilizing it may mean you have to check the bag on some airlines). An interior compression system helps you to fit even more. 

On the inside, the lining is removable—handy for washing out any accidental spills. We enjoyed the multiple organization compartments, including a hidden laundry bag designed to keep dirty clothes separate. The suitcase survived our durability tests intact and also aced our maneuverability trials. We found that the 360-degree spinner wheels glided smoothly, turned easily, and functioned just as well whether we were using two or four of them. Choose from a range of eye-catching colors and enjoy a 100-day trial and free shipping.

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Conor Ralph

Best Sustainable

Paravel aviator carry-on plus.

• Durability 4.5 /5

Entirely carbon neutral 

Frictionless wheels for a super smooth ride

Great capacity and interior layout

No expansion feature

Paravel is a brand with sustainability at its core, and the Aviator Carry-On Plus is no exception. The carbon emissions involved in sourcing, producing, and shipping the bag are all offset—as is its first trip with you. Materials are all sustainable, from the recycled polycarbonate shell with its recycled vegan leather trim to the lining made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. And you won’t be sacrificing anything in terms of style, thanks to the chic two-tone color scheme and the test-proven scuff-hiding finish. 

Although this carry-on doesn’t expand, we were able to fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We loved the luxurious, impeccably organized interior, which boasts a compression board, pockets, and a removable laundry bag. The suitcase was also incredibly easy to maneuver, thanks to 360-degree wheels with carbon steel bearings that rolled like a dream. Other pros include a TSA lock and Paravel’s five-year warranty, making this purchase well worth it for those with the cash to spare. 

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Design

July carry on pro snapsleeve.

• Value 4.5 /5

External laptop sleeve 

Smart features

Sturdy, quiet wheels for a smooth glide

The compression system could be more effective 

Made from crush-proof polycarbonate that stood up well to our durability tests, the July Carry-On Pro represents the next generation of carry-on suitcases. Its most exciting feature is the detachable SnapSleeve, a padded 16-inch laptop compartment with space for documents and an extra zippered pocket that uses magnets to click into place on the outside of the suitcase. Want to store your bag overhead but keep your laptop with you? No more rummaging around in the aisle.

You can also charge your laptop and phone using the ejectable battery with its USB and FastCharge USB-C ports. The bag fits everything on our packing list, with a Twin-Strap compression system and hidden laundry bag. We especially loved how well the suitcase rolled on cement and rough surfaces, with four SilentMove wheels that never caught or got stuck. Other highlights include a 20-height telescopic handle, a TSA lock, and the ability to personalize—either with text or an illustration of your pet.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Durability

Monos carry on plus spinner.

• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4 /5

Durable exterior

Excellent capacity and organization

Gorgeous colors

Movement could be improved

The Monos Carry-On Plus is a looker with its premium materials, vegan leather details, and beautiful color choices like Desert Taupe and Rose Quartz. Not just a pretty face, though, it’s also incredibly tough, with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell that withstood multiple drop tests and bat beatings without sustaining anything more than easily removable scuff marks. Its longevity is proven by the fact it comes with a lifetime warranty. All details, from the YKK zippers to the sturdy telescopic handle, are top quality. 

We loved the suitcase’s interior too. We felt it was beautifully made and were impressed with how much we were able to fit. The clamshell design features a zippered panel on one side for keeping shoes or dirty laundry separate, while the other uses a compression pad and ballistic nylon straps to keep your belongings firmly in place. The only downside was the case’s maneuverability. We felt it was relatively hard to turn, and it worked better on two wheels than four.

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.38 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Splurge

Tumi continental dual access carry-on.

Spacious interior with superb layout

Seamlessly glides over any terrain 

Comes with Tumi Tracer

Exorbitant price tag

Retailing at more than $1,000, the Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On is undoubtedly a splurge (and one our tester found difficult to justify despite its excellent performance). However, if you’re looking for a suitcase that’s as much a status symbol as a luggage item, this is it. It features Tumi’s proprietary FXT ballistic nylon with a unique weave and special, extra-durable coating. The benefit was clear after our durability tests, of which the bag showed no evidence of damage. 

It opens two ways: clamshell style and via a front lid, both with quality security zippers. With three exterior pockets, multiple interior pockets, and dividers (including a removable garment sleeve), it’s the organized packer’s dream. We loved that we could fit everything without using the expansion feature and that it slid easily into the overhead compartment. Four dual spinner wheels and a premium telescoping handle guarantee a smooth roll over all surfaces, while extras range from a USB port to optional monogramming. 

Dimensions: 22.0 x 16.0 x 9.0 inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

The Samsonite Freeform Spinner earns first place among our testers thanks to its exceptional maneuverability, chic aesthetics, and long-lasting build. A close second, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner is easy to control and includes functional extras.

All carry-on luggage was tested in our purpose-built laboratory. First, bags were packed with a prescribed list of items to reflect what one might take on a four-day sightseeing trip in the fall . During the packing process, organization features and component quality were evaluated. Once full, we tested how well the suitcase rolled over a variety of terrains (smooth concrete, carpet, and gravel) before using an obstacle course designed to simulate a busy airport terminal to test maneuverability. 

Next, we lifted the luggage into a simulated overhead compartment to check fit and how easy it was to pick it up and set it down again. Finally, we subjected the suitcase to stringent durability tests, including pushing it off the top of a shelving unit and beating it with a baseball bat. Both tests were repeated to check all areas of the bag for weaknesses. Based on these tests, we gave each product a score from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value. These scores determined our category winners. 

In all, we tested 41 pieces of carry-on luggage. The top performers are those included above. Here are some other pieces we deemed as honorable mentions:

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket : This suitcase performed quite well in our tests, particularly in terms of durability, capacity, and maneuverability, but the internal organization could be better and the price tag was a bit high.

Bric's Bellagio V2.0 21" Carry-On Spinner Trunk : Stylish, tough as nails, and stellar organization capacity are a few things we loved about the Bellagio. Our tester subtracted some points because the toiletry bag didn't fit and the price tag leaned toward the higher end.

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner 22" : For frequent travelers who can invest a bit more upfront for an extremely durable suitcase, this is a no-brainer. The interior featured a less-than-intuitive expansion feature and our tester struggled with the zippers.

COOLIFE Carry On with Pocket : We couldn't fault the long-lasting build or the value of this pick. Though generally a solid option, we noticed the maneuverability was lacking (performing some tasks better on two wheels and some on four), and the internal compartment made packing bulky items a bit more complicated.f

What to Look For in Carry-On Luggage

Although weight restrictions for carry-on bags vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, the aircraft size, and your travel class, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that limits can be as strict as just 11 pounds. Therefore, the weight of your empty carry-on affects how much you’ll be able to pack within it and is an essential factor to consider. Different materials and designs affect luggage weight; generally, polypropylene is the lightest choice for hardside cases, while nylon and polyester are favorite lightweight picks for softside cases. 

Maneuverability

Imagine you’re late for your plane and need to run through a crowded airport terminal , dodging fellow passengers as you go. You need a carry-on that rolls effortlessly, whether pushing it in front of you or pulling it behind you and one that can turn instantly in any direction. For the best maneuverability, always choose a suitcase with four wheels instead of two, and make sure they’re the spinning kind that offers seamless, 360-degree movement. Good quality wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle will give you the same maneuverability on various terrains. 

Organization

Even the most basic carry-ons will typically have at least one interior pouch or pocket, usually for separating dirty laundry or shoes or for stashing smaller items so they’re easy to find. More sophisticated options include multiple pockets of varying sizes and materials (perhaps a waterproof one for damp items), zippered dividers that split your packing space in two, and fold-out suiters or removable garment bags. Exterior pockets are typically reserved for softsided bags and can help stash passports and other documents you need to keep handy.

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Hardside and softside cases have pros and cons, and which is better is primarily a matter of personal preference.

Hardside cases generally offer a trendier and more modern aesthetic, provide better weather resistance, are easier to clean, and protect delicate items with their rigid frame. However, they tend to show more wear and tear on their sleek exteriors than softside bags, so if you're choosing purely based on looks, keep that in mind. Also, hardside bags tend to have fewer pockets and organizational features.

Softside cases are more able to withstand rough handling since they won’t dent or crack and are often lighter and more flexible. The latter means that you have more wiggle room if you tend to overstuff your bag or need to pack odd-shaped items. However, if you're packing fragile items in a softside bag, you need to do so with extra caution as the soft exterior won't provide much protection from drops or hard landings. For breakables, we recommend packing in a hardside bag that can better protect items inside.

Dimensions vary from airline to airline (and sometimes from plane to plane), but the IATA gives the general rule that dimensions should not exceed 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth. These dimensions include any exterior pockets, wheels, and handles, albeit with the telescoping handle retracted. 

A smart bag is any bag with integrated tech capabilities. Most often for carry-on bags, this means a built-in battery pack that powers a USB charge port so you can keep your electronics going throughout your journey. Be aware that the battery should be removable in case you have to check your bag since lithium-ion batteries cannot be put in the hold.

Before cleaning your bag, you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines since the process will differ depending on the materials. However, you can generally use a soft-bristled brush (softside luggage) or a damp cloth (soft and hardside luggage) to spot-clean any dirt or stains. Dry your bag entirely before storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. After traveling across six continents for everything from scientific expeditions to gap year adventures, family vacations, and across-the-world emigration, she’s well-versed in the art of packing the perfect carry-on bag and knows which features are most helpful.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Budget And Destination

By Avidan Grossman , Gerald Ortiz , Tyler Chin , and Brittany Loggins

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.

Let’s face it, we’re living in an age where trusting any airline with checked baggage is not only a risk, but an inconvenience. Who has time to wait at a luggage carousel when you have a (hopefully!) vacation to get to?

That said, finding the perfect piece of carry-on luggage can be a tall order. Not only are there plenty of established luggage brands to choose from, direct-to-consumer brands like Away and fashion-fueled juggernauts like Rimowa have entered — and, frankly, started dominating — the chat. Sure, they’ve diversified the market, but they’ve also made it a whole lot more difficult for those of us that just want a workhorse of a bag that’s as durable as it is versatile.

With the goal of finding that perfect piece of luggage in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the most tried-and-true options that range from hardshell stunners to leather duffels. All of the specs are included so that you never have to worry about your luggage squeezing into the overhead bin—and we’ve even thrown in some photos from pieces that have stood the test of travel.

The Best Carry-on Luggage, According to GQ

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 Bigger Carry-On , $295
• The Convertible Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag , $159
• The Best Budget Carry-On Bag : Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner , $83
• The Best Splurge Carry-On Bag : Rimowa Classic Carry-On , $1,525
• The Best Customizable Carry-On Suitcase : Roam Carry On , $550
• The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag , $415
• The Best Do-Everything Duffel : Peak Design Travel Duffel , $140

Jump To : 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 Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On

Away The Bigger Carry-on, tested and reviewed by Brittany Loggins

Away really took the luggage industry by storm when it launched in 2015. And while the brand has launched a lot of colorways and collabs since its early days, the streamlined hardshell design has stayed basically the same. We've had the Bigger Carry-On size since 2017, and it’s traveled with us on more than 50 flights in that time. While the light blue color makes scratches and marks somewhat inevitable, the structure, wheels and inside lining are truly as good as new. We also think the outside doesn’t look nearly as bad as it could given the amount of times it’s been used, and we suspect that it could be shined up a bit if I ever decide to take on such a task.

Now for the specifics: the bags have smooth Hinomoto spinner wheels, top and side handles, clothes straps, a mesh zip pocket, a laundry bag, and sturdy YKK zippers. They also have a built-in USB charger, which was a little more exciting before airlines started requiring them to be removed from the luggage itself before takeoff. While our tester took out the mesh insert long ago to maximize the amount of items they could cram in the bag, that’s also an option to use as a clothing compressor if you need it.

Another Solid Hardside Carry-On Suitcase: Monos Carry-On

Monos carry-on, tested and reviewed by Tyler Chin

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. And there's less of a chance of someone else grabbing your bag from the overhead bin, which—joking or not—should be enough to get someone on the no-fly list for at least a year.

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 fully love the aluminum model, but if you're balling on a budget (but still can afford to drop a few hundo), Rimowa makes this exact shaped suitcase in a polycarbonate option, which makes it more comparable to your typical DTC-style suitcase (ahem, like Away). 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 Customizable Carry-On Suitcase: Roam Carry On

Roam carry-on, tested and reviewed by Brittany Loggins

For Roam luggage, customization really is key. Our tester opted for a model that featured different shades of pink, and that's because Roam's level customization is truly impressive, from the outside shell to the zipper lining and handles. If you want to keep it subtle, these cases look amazing with basic colors but a fun pop for the zipper lining and wheels. You can truly make it as loud and bright or as subdued as you want. No matter what colors you choose, the glossy or matte options for the hardshell, as well as the overall design and silhouette, are brought to you by the same team that built the iconic Tumi luggage, so it’s gonna look great.

Our tester had their carry-on for five years, lauding its small-but-mighty design. The brand recently added an expandable option, too, which offers 37% more space when activated. But even without the expansion, our tester has been able to fit a on of stuff, including bulky jackets and snow pants for a five-day ski trip and a tuxedo, suit, two pairs of shoes, and regular daily wear for an even longer Europe excursion.

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.

By Gerald Ortiz

By Reed Nelson

By The Editors of GQ

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

Patagonia Black Hole duffel bag, tested and reviewed by Timothy Beck Werth

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.

3 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.

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.

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

Two wheels vs. four wheels : Generally, four wheels have become the norm and that’s because they can be both pushed and pulled. It also makes it easier on all four wheels to manage the weight of the luggage, which can ensure that they’re still running smoothly for years.

With two-wheeled luggage, you have to pull it, however it does have pegs on the front so that it can stand upright on its own. It used to be the case that larger suitcases would be two-wheeled because it was assumed that it would have to be pulled along. That said, today even larger pieces like trunks and checked bags tend to have four wheels.

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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The Best Cheap Luggage: 7 Affordable Options Under $150

U.S. News & World Report

September 26, 2023, 8:00 PM

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Some luggage comes at a steep cost that can make travel a financial challenge for the average person, but travel horror stories often put on the pressure to spend the big bucks. Cheap suitcases might make you think of shoddy materials and personal items strewn across tarmacs or luggage carousels, but today’s budget-friendly luggage brands offer quality construction at an attractive price.

We’ve put together a list of the best luggage options — from compact carry-ons to stylish soft-sided bags to heavy-duty duffels — with top-of-the-line designs and high-quality materials at prices under $150. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, these affordable luggage options are set to become your go-to bags for every type of trip.

(Note: Prices were accurate for this luggage at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues or other factors.)

Best Soft-sided Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag

Dimensions: 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Soft | Warranty: Lifetime limited

What sets it apart: This soft-sided Travelpro bag is fitted with a number of convenient features to make traveling a breeze. The sleek design includes an adjustable height telescoping handle and wide U-shaped front flap for easy packing. The numerous exterior and interior pockets — including a padded laptop sleeve, quick-access external pockets, and a removable hanging organizer for storing cosmetics or toiletries — will help you stay organized.

While two-wheel designs are often seen as less convenient, the sturdy front legs keep this bag upright even when packed to the brim, and the two high-performance wheels make traveling with this bag a breeze. If you’ve got multiple bags, use the convenient rear strap to secure this compact carry-on luggage on top of larger luggage.

Travelers appreciate: Recent travelers love this versatile bag’s spacious interior and clever pockets. Many also say the in-line wheels and sturdy handle make it easy to maneuver, including down narrow airplane aisles. Travelers who use the Maxlite 5 in addition to larger suitcases rave that it is a convenient height and stacks easily.

Price: $149.99 or less Shop now: Travelpro | Amazon

Best Hard-sided Carry-on: Amazon Basics 20-inch Hard-side Spinner

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 6.53 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: One-year limited

What sets it apart: Perfect for short trips, this hard-sided Amazon Basics spinner provides travelers with the organizational benefits of larger luggage in a compact model. The extra-thick ABS hard shell protects a fully lined interior complete with a divider, clothing straps and three zippered pockets for small items.

These features pair with the suitcase’s full 180-degree opening and its ability to expand for up to 15% more packing space (though you should check airline size restrictions before doing so, as this may put the suitcase outside of size limits for some airlines). This hard-sided suitcase also has four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle to maneuver through tight airplane aisles with ease.

Travelers appreciate: Adventurers have used this luggage everywhere from the rough cobblestones of Europe to the bullet trains of Japan , and there is one thing they all agree on: This hard-sided spinner moves like a dream. Recent travelers praise the durable wheels and easy glide for making movement across different surfaces smooth and effortless. While the spinner isn’t immune to scuffs and scratches, many travelers praised the hard exterior for holding up across multiple baggage handlings.

Price: $88 or less Shop now: Amazon

Best Soft-sided Checked Bag: American Tourister Belle Voyage 25-inch Spinner

Dimensions: 27.3 x 17.5 x 12 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Soft | Warranty: 10-year limited

What sets it apart: Easy to spot at baggage claim with its metallic accents, this American Tourister check-in spinner offers travelers easy mobility, a thoughtful design and a sleek exterior. The spacious interior has shoe pockets, a mesh pocket for valuables, a modesty pocket for more sensitive items and clothing straps to help keep everything in place. The separate pocket on the front of the suitcase also gives you space to store items, and the 180-degree front panel opening allows for easy packing with the option to expand up to 1.5 inches for added space.

The single airflow spinner wheels and push-button locking handle will help you maneuver through airports and train stations, while the integrated top, side and bottom carry handles make lifting it off the baggage carousel easy.

Travelers appreciate: This suitcase is a favorite among travelers for its easy-to-spot exterior, lightweight design and durability. Many recent users of the bag appreciate the affordable price, sturdy wheels and lightweight design.

Price: $89.99 or less Shop now: American Tourister

Best Hard-sided Checked Bag: Coolife Luggage 28-inch Expandable Suitcase

Dimensions:

29 x 20.5 x 11 (13.5 expanded) inches | Weight: 10.88 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Two-year

What sets it apart: While many affordable hard-sided luggage options struggle to stand up to airport baggage handling, the ABS and PC material of this spinner provides a light and durable hard shell. Added design elements like the textured scratch-resistant finish and beveled upper edge increase the bag’s toughness. Built for durability and ease of use, this expandable Coolife suitcase has multidirectional silent wheels and a sturdy aluminum telescoping handle for smooth travel.

The incorporated TSA lock gives an extra level of security for personal items. The checked bag ‘s interior comes fully lined with several pockets, clothing straps and a divider to ensure all of your items stay organized. This suitcase already has a large capacity, but it also offers an extra 2.5 inches of space when expanded.

Travelers appreciate: Recent travelers love this suitcase’s durable wheels and ease of movement, with many commenting on how easily it rolls across different surfaces. They also appreciate the spacious storage and built-in TSA lock, as well as the beautiful exterior and six color options that make it easy to identify your luggage at baggage claim.

Price: $139.99 or less Shop now: Coolife | Amazon

Best Backpack: SwissGear 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

Dimensions: 18 x 11.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 3 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Soft | Warranty: Three-year limited or 10-year extended warranty upgrade when ordered through swissgear.com

What sets it apart: At the top of the backpack game for many years, this SwissGear travel backpack has padded shoulder straps and a back panel with breathable mesh fabric and built-in support. If you don’t want to carry it, you can slip it over a carry-on suitcase handle thanks to its add-a-bag trolley strap. One unique feature is the TSA-friendly laptop compartment with a padded 16-inch computer sleeve and a padded tablet pocket to help you breeze through security. What’s more, the backpack has a built-in USB outlet power port (with the battery pack sold separately) to charge your phone on the go.

Despite its compact design, the backpack has a large capacity main compartment, with an internal zippered panel — that, when unzipped, turns into a side-access shoe bag — plus multiple organizational pockets. Given its size, the bag is an ideal personal item on a plane.

Travelers appreciate: The SwissGear 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack’s compact profile, multiple compartments and technology-focused design make it a favorite among travelers. They praise the TSA-friendly electronics compartments, organizational features and how easily this backpack slides under plane seats.

Price: $139.99 or less Shop now: SwissGear

Best Carry-On Duffel Bag: SwissGear 1900 21-inch Duffel Bag

Dimensions: 11 x 21 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Soft | Warranty: Five-year limited or 10-year extended warranty upgrade when ordered through swissgear.com

What sets it apart: While there are many duffel bags that meet carry-on size restrictions, the SwissGear 1900 duffel offers travelers some unique perks — including a separate shoe compartment. This section keeps your clothes and other personal items clean, and it crushes flat to add more cargo space when not in use. The duffel also has an internal zippered mesh pocket with a removable wet bag and a digital organizer panel with pockets for all your travel accessories.

Once you’ve gone through security, take advantage of the side insulated cooler compartment for storing hot or cold snacks and drinks. On top of all these unique features, this travel duffel has a plush grab handle and an attachable padded shoulder strap to make carrying it around airports easy and comfortable.

Travelers appreciate: Travelers love this SwissGear duffel for its durability, spacious compartments and insulated compartment. While many reviewers heaped on praise for the quality of SwissGear products, the shoe compartment stole the show for most. It fits larger shoe sizes than most other bags on the market, making it ideal for a wide range of travelers.

Price: $74.99 or less Shop now: SwissGear | Amazon

Best Checked Duffel Bag: Samsonite Andante 2 32-inch Wheeled Duffel

Dimensions: 32.4 x 15 x 14.8 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds Hard- or soft-sided: Soft | Warranty: Three-year

What sets it apart: Designed to maximize convenience and durability, the Samsonite Andante 2 takes duffel bags to the next level. This checked bag is constructed with water-resistant fabric, a locking pull handle, multiple exterior grab handles, corner protectors and bumper runners. There’s a separate water-resistant pocket at the end of the duffel to pack shoes or other wet items, so your clothes and electronics stay dry.

The main portion of the bag is broken into two parts, with a drop-bottom compartment that’s perfect for packing cubes and allows for extra organization when packing. The drop-bottom compartment is accessed by a 180-degree zip opening, and the U-shaped main compartment has a large opening for easy packability. An extra bonus of using this checked duffel bag is the lightweight design, which weighs in at slightly less than 8 pounds.

Travelers appreciate: Recent packers love the spacious compartments and durable materials of the Samsonite Andante 2. As a testament to its quality, travelers have put this bag through the wringer with heavy loads and multiple destinations, and still say the bag barely looks used by the end. They also praise the reliability and affordability of this bag, but some warn it doesn’t stand upright easily when filled, a trait common among rolling duffel bags .

Price: $124.99 or less Shop now: Samsonite | Amazon

You might also be interested in:

— The Top Weekender Bags

— The Top Luggage Sets

— The Top Luggage Trackers

— Hard vs. Soft Luggage: Which Is Right for You?

— The Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.

More from U.S. News

The 13 Best Carry-on Luggage Pieces of 2023

The 9 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2023

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Cheap Luggage: 7 Affordable Options Under $150 originally appeared on usnews.com

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The Best Cheap Luggage

Ready to replace those worn, old bags? Although quality luggage does not come cheap, and you can spend hundreds of dollars for high-end pieces from the likes of Briggs & Riley or Tumi, there are certainly some suitcases out there that are easier on the wallet. We consulted a variety of resources, including hands-on testing by experts and consumer reviews on sites like Amazon, eBags, Walmart.com, and Luggage Pros, to find the best carry-on luggage, checked bags, and multi-piece luggage sets for travelers on a budget.

Something to keep in mind when searching for the ideal baggage: Size matters, especially if you want to avoid airline baggage fees . Many domestic airlines now require carry-ons to be no larger than 22 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. International carriers tend to be stricter, with many limiting carry-ons to 21.5 or 21.6 inches high.

While many travelers prefer hard-shell suitcases, because they offer more protection and often weigh less, some experts suggest that soft-sided luggage is the better option. It's more forgiving if you overpack; it fits more easily into overhead bins; and it's not as prone to the scuffs, cracks, and zipper issues that can plague hard-sided luggage.

Four-wheeled spinner bags are easier to maneuver inside airports on level, smooth surfaces, but their wheels protrude, making them more vulnerable to damage than two-wheeled rolling luggage, and they can easily get bogged down on rougher terrain.

While some bags carry lifetime warranties (Briggs & Riley, for example, offers lifetime coverage that includes free repairs for damage caused by airlines) that sort of guarantee usually comes with a premium price tag. Manufacturers of cheaper luggage typically provide only a few years of protection, and most warranties don't cover anything beyond manufacturing defects. It's also notoriously difficult to collect on claims, according to many owners' reviews. Our picks have relatively sturdy construction, and most cost under $150, providing at least a little consolation in the event of loss or damage.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Our Top Pick

Kirkland Signature Softside 22" 2-Wheel Carry-On Review

Est. Price: $100 | Buy it from Costco

Best Carry-On Luggage

Dimensions: 20.5" x 14" x 9.5" | Weight: 8.8 lbs.

• Reviewers vouch for its durability.
• Quality lining with lots of designated compartments and storage pockets, including an RFID-safe pocket.
• Convenient extras, such as a garment compartment with a hanging loop and multiple straps as well as a removable laundry bag.
• Replaceable inline wheels are large for smoother rolling.
• More favorable warranty than other cheap luggage.
• A little heavier than some comparable bags.
• Skirts size limits and might be a tight fit for a carry-on if fully expanded.
• Several owners say the latest version of this bag doesn't match the quality of its successors.

Takeaway: Reviewers at Wirecutter call this bag "a great value for infrequent travelers." They commend the 3.5-inch wheels and body reinforcement for providing an easy ride that can stand up to more than a few bumps and bangs. We spotted a little grousing among owners who prefer the previous generation of this bag, which was a four-wheel spinner rather than a two-wheel rolling bag. They complain that this version is smaller and feels slightly flimsier, but overall, user reviews confirm that it's among the better carry-ons for the money. The smaller dimensions also make it better suited to current airline carry-on size restrictions. Including handles and wheels, it measures just 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches. The bag can be expanded by an inch, too, but then persnickety gate personnel might flag it for being oversize. Perhaps most important, getting a refund or replacement under the bag's 10-year warranty isn't the ordeal it can be with other luggage (although airline damage and wear and tear aren't covered). And you don't have to be a Costco member to take advantage of this deal: Nonmembers can purchase the Kirkland Signature carry-on for an additional 5 percent surcharge.

Amazonbasics Hardside Spinner Luggage 20-Inch Carry-On Review

Est. Price: $50 | Buy it on Amazon

Best Cheap Carry-On Luggage

Dimensions: 21.6" x 14.4" x 9.2" | Weight: 7.1 lbs.

• Hard shell helps protect contents.
• Slightly smaller frame meets some international carry-on size restrictions.
• Expandable for extra capacity.
• Basic but practical interior includes divider, straps, and handy pockets.
• Notably responsive customer service, according to reviews.
• Telescoping handle and spinner wheels are flimsy, some owners complain.
• 3-year warranty is relatively short.

Takeaway: Don't let the $50 price tag give you pause: A vast majority of owners say they're plenty satisfied with this inexpensive carry-on luggage. Double spinner wheels (the bag has two wheels on each of its four corners) make it easy to glide through a crowded airport, and there's ample room for small items in the three zippered interior pockets. Users say the exterior is fairly durable, despite being made of ABS plastic, as opposed to the sturdier polycarbonate that most experts prefer. When things do go wrong, some reviewers say, it's the wheels and the retracting handle that are most often to blame. But we noted several comments from owners who claim Amazon was quick to replace damaged luggage under warranty. Good Housekeeping testers were impressed enough to name the 20-inch AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner the best "Budget Buy" in a recent carry-on luggage review, and it's also recommended by trusted sources including Travel & Leisure magazine. This bag is available in five color choices, and most owners say they like its sleek appearance.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 25" Expandable Spinner Review

Est. Price: $133 | Buy it on Amazon

Best Soft-Shell Check-In Luggage

Dimensions: 25" x 18" x 11" | Weight: 7.3 lbs.

• Incredibly lightweight for a bag this size, users say.
• Roomy and versatile with expandability; large exterior pocket can easily accommodate a 16-inch laptop.
• Sturdy zippers.
• Stable and relatively easy to maneuver.
• Well-padded top and side handles for comfortable pulling and lifting.
• Some owners say it feels flimsy, particularly the wheels.
• Exterior fabric shows wear and scuffs easily.

Takeaway: This Travelpro Maxlite luggage is part of a line that has long been a favorite of experts and users. The Travelpro Maxlite 4 25-inch won a "Best Buy" nod from Outdoor Gear Lab . Owners say the refreshed Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch bag is just as good as its predecessor, and nearly a half a pound lighter to boot. It's easy to open and close, with rugged zippers, and thanks to a smart design, it doesn't become unstable or tough to tote through an airport when it's loaded up. There's also a lot of space for packing, as the sparse interior — just a small zippered side pocket, straps, and a zippered mesh flap in the lid — allows plenty of room for your belongings. And it can expand an extra 2 inches. Four spinners add welcome 360-degree mobility, although a handful of owners complain that the wheels are prone to breaking, jamming, or getting stuck in pavement cracks. One other potential drawback: While the polyester exterior is waterproof and stain resistant, reviewers say it scuffs fairly easily and can get "fuzzy" with repeated use and abuse. Overall, though, most agree this bag hits the sweet spot of price and performance. Travelers looking for luggage that can stand out from the rest will also appreciate that the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch comes in four color choices in addition to basic black, including "slate green" and "dusty rose." Travelpro's limited lifetime warranty on the Maxlite 5 series now includes one year of coverage for damage caused by airlines.

Delsey Helium Aero 25" Expandable Rolling Luggage Review

Est. Price: $110 | Buy it on Amazon

Best Check-In Hard-Shell Luggage

Dimensions: 25" x 17.5" x 11.5" | Weight: 10.2 lbs.

• Sturdy polycarbonate case.
• Feels light despite its relatively heavy weight, users say.
• Can be expanded.
• 4 double-spinner wheels roll smoothly across most surfaces, according to reviews.
• Integrated TSA lock.
• Available in a whopping 10 color options.
• Some complaints about the zippers failing.
• Shell is prone to scuffing.

Takeaway: If you prefer hard-shell luggage, the 25-inch Delsey Helium Aero spinner is a terrific value, reviewers say. Wirecutter calls it the best checked luggage available on a budget. Experts there laud the durable, 100-percent polycarbonate shell as a particular boon — most hard-sided suitcases in this price range rely on cheaper ABS plastic or a mix of materials. You won't find lots of pockets and compartments inside — just a zippered center divider and garment straps — but most owners don't consider this a drawback. It's expandable up to 2 inches, although some owners complain that the zippers jam or break if the bag is packed to its limits. Also, in a world where black and blue luggage are ubiquitous, the wide choice of colors is nice. The bag carries a 10-year warranty, with the usual caveats regarding limited coverage (airline damage is not included) and difficulty collecting on claims.

Rockland Rio 2-Piece Luggage Set Review

Est. Price: $29 and up | Buy it on Amazon

Best Cheap Carry-On Luggage Set

Upright | Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 7.5" | Weight: 6 lbs. Tote | Dimensions: 11" x 14" x 5.5" | Weight: 1 lb.

• Small enough to meet some international carry-on standards.
• Upright can be expanded, has 2 exterior pockets, and is fully lined, with a zippered pocket and garment straps.
• Available in more than 50 colors and patterns.
• Entire set weighs just 7 pounds.
• Exceptionally inexpensive.
• Mediocre construction.
• Prone to tipping, especially if overloaded.
• Tote is on the small side.
• Relatively short warranty.

Takeaway: The Rockland Rio 2-Piece Luggage Set is perfect for occasional weekend car trips or for a quick flight — as long as you pack conservatively. The carry-on is a compact 19 inches high, so it'll meet just about any airline's size restrictions, and it can be expanded by 2 inches if you buy too many souvenirs. The included "boarding bag" is small enough to fit under a seat and slides over the handle of the larger bag for easier, one-hand portability. It also includes a removable shoulder strap. While users do appreciate the light weight of this luggage set, many gripe that the carry-on tends to topple when stood upright. Several also complain that the two small roller wheels make the bag difficult to maneuver through airports and along sidewalks. But given how low the price is, many consumers seem willing to accept such shortcomings: Thousands have given this set positive reviews. The low cost also makes it a suitable choice for kids' luggage, and many reviewers say it's a hit with their little globetrotters. This Rockland Rio luggage set comes in an almost dizzying array of colors and patterns, but basic black is usually cheaper at most retailers. The set carries only a three-year warranty; however, at this price, if something breaks, it would be easier just to buy a new set.

American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT Review

Est. Price: $76 | Buy it on Amazon

Best Value Luggage Set

Upright Checked Bag | Dimensions: 25" x 16.5" x 8" | Weight: 7 lbs. Upright Carry-On | Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 7" | Weight: 5.6 lbs. Wheeled Duffel | Dimensions: 11.5" x 23" x 12" | Weight: 2.6 lbs. Boarding Bag | Dimensions: 10" x 15" x 6.5" | Weight: 0.8 lb.

• Exceptionally low cost for a 4-piece luggage set.
• Good assortment of bag sizes, with versatile uses.
• Uprights are lined, with garment straps and mesh pockets.
• Entire set is relatively lightweight.
• Reasonable durability for the price.
• Some say packing capacity is limited.
• Duffel is too large to qualify as a carry-on on many airlines.

Takeaway: No one expects a cheap four-piece luggage set to stand up to regular abuse at the airport. But if you need a lot of bags and don't have a large budget, this American Tourister set (the successor to the popular Fieldbrook II line we've recommended in the past) is perfectly adequate for a family road trip or the occasional flight. The 25-inch carry-on bag is expandable, and both uprights have two exterior pockets, zippered mesh interior dividers, and garment straps. All but the smallest bag have roller wheels, although some owners say they would have been happier with spinner wheels. Another drawback for some reviewers: The duffel lacks a retractable pull handle. Despite the usual complaints about the durability of cheap luggage in general, most owners say these bags live up to their modest expectations. Many praise the assortment for suiting all their travel needs and serving an entire family. This Fieldbrook XLT set comes in four basic colors; there's also a blue floral version with spinner wheels that's sure to stick out at the baggage claim. American Tourister backs this luggage with a 10-year warranty, but, as is typical, airline damage is not covered.

Samsonite Winfield 2 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set Review

Est. Price: $261 and up | Buy it on Amazon

Worth a Small Splurge

Large Bag | Dimensions: 28" x 19.75" x 12.5" | Weight: 11.1 lbs. Medium Bag | Dimensions: 24" x 16.25" x 11.5" | Weight: 9.3 lbs. Carry-On | Dimensions: 20" x 13.5" x 9.5" | Weight: 6.7 lbs.

• Polycarbonate shells for added protection and durability.
• Spinner wheels for multidirectional gliding.
• Garment straps and mesh-pocketed interior divider in all 3 bags to keep items neat and organized.
• Large and medium suitcases are expandable.
• Users say carry-on meets international size limits.
• Built-in TSA locks.
• Multiple color choices.
• Some complaints of zippers failing.
• Hard shells are prone to scratching.

Takeaway: Most reviewers say this Samsonite luggage set is a good value, and it appears on a lot of lists of top affordable luggage, including Travel & Leisure's. The bags are clad in rugged but lightweight polycarbonate, rather than cheaper ABS plastic, and relatively few owners report serious damage like cracking or chipping — although a number say the material scuffs easily and the "brushed pattern" purported to hide scratches isn't necessarily effective. All three bags are also equipped with flush-mounted, TSA-approved combination locks, which some owners say gives them an added sense of security for their belongings. Owners praise the interior liners, which keep everything nicely in place and have two built-in pockets to keep smaller items safely stowed. The spinner wheels make the bags easy to maneuver around the airport, most reviewers say, and we saw reports of them handling roads and even cobblestones well. Feedback is more mixed on the durability of the handles and the zippers, the latter taking the brunt of the strain on hard-shell bags. Nevertheless, a majority of owners say their money was well spent on these bags. While they may be a bit more expensive than some other budget sets, they're meant to endure, and Samsonite offers a 10-year limited warranty. Overall, this is an excellent (and quite aesthetically attractive) choice for frequent travelers.

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The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

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.

Next to a good carry-on suitcase, the right personal-item bag—what the airlines call any purse, briefcase, or small backpack—is key to having a stress-free flight.

The carry-all at your feet is the best place for your necessities: books, headphones, your phone, a laptop.

Of course, just about any bag, as long as it fits under a seat, can be a personal item, but having a great one is especially important if you’re flying basic economy, which may limit you to a single underseat item.

There’s more to great underseat luggage than its size. In this guide, we go over the features you should look for, including excellent quality of construction, multiple ways to carry the bag, and internal organization options.

From there, we look at different types of personal-item bags that have all those features but are suited to different needs: Some bags are more protective, which is good if you’re traveling with expensive or breakable items. Others are easier to carry, which is helpful if you find larger carry-ons cumbersome. And still others provide more divided compartments and extra pockets for travel necessities. We also offer a few picks to fit different situations.

The research

Why you should trust us, what is a personal-item bag, what makes a good personal-item bag, decide what type of personal-item bag you need, a wheeled bag with reinforced sides: travelpro crew versapack rolling tote, a handsome shoulder bag: waterfield air porter carry-on bag, an adaptable carry-all: the away everywhere bag, a classic tote in nylon: longchamp le pliage tote, the competition.

I’ve covered bags and luggage for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time, I’ve assessed hundreds of bags, ranging from carry-on luggage to travel backpacks to duffle bags . I’ve talked to bag designers, luggage experts, and people who make a life (and sometimes a living) as world travelers. For this article, we also looked at underseat size regulations for the major domestic airlines.

At its most basic, a personal-item bag is a carry-on bag that you can stuff under the seat in front of you while on a flight—which is why it’s sometimes called underseat luggage. Although we wanted to find bags that maximize your available underseat space, airlines generally aren’t as forthcoming with their underseat dimensions as they are with their overhead-bin restrictions. And personal-item sizes, once you do find them, usually differ from one airline to another:

Air Canada : 17 by 13 by 6 inches Alaska : not specified Allegiant : 16 by 15 by 7 inches American : 18 by 14 by 8 inches Breeze : 17 by 13 by 8 inches Delta : 22 by 15 by 9 inches Frontier : 18 by 14 by 8 inches JetBlue : 17 by 13 by 8 inches Southwest : 16.25 by 13.5 by 8 inches Spirit : 18 by 14 by 8 inches United : 17 by 10 by 9 inches

After checking with 12 airlines, we found that the average size of a personal-item bag is roughly 18 by 14 by 8 inches. If your bag isn’t rigid and comes close to these measurements, you’re probably going to be okay stuffing it under the seat in front of you. If you really want to be sure your underseat luggage will fit, the best way is to call ahead and confirm the underseat dimensions for your flight.

Similar to carry-on luggage, underseat luggage is subject to size and shape requirements. However, unlike most of the things people fly with—nearly all of which are precisely designed for airplane use—almost any small bag (your favorite backpack or tote, for instance) can work as a personal item. That said, there are a few details that separate a great personal-item bag from an ordinary one. Beyond it being just the right size, we’ve found that a personal item should have a few key design details to really stand out.

• Durability: A personal-item bag will spend a bunch of time sitting on an airplane floor, an unappealing resting place of shoe grime, spilled liquids, and lost snacks. It’s important that a bag is made of material that’s both resistant to abrasion and easy to clean.
• Organization: As more airlines begin to introduce Basic Economy tickets, which often restrict travelers to personal items only, having a bag that can mimic some of the capacity and organization of a carry-on becomes increasingly important. We prefer a variety of pockets, ideally a separate laptop compartment, and some kind of water-bottle holder.
• Multiple carrying options: Some underseat luggage pieces designed with air travel in mind have sleeves that you can slide over the rails of carry-on luggage handles. But other carrying options, like backpack straps, shoulder straps, or side handles, can also facilitate easy maneuverability.

Lots of luggage manufacturers now sell bags specifically labeled “personal items,” and some of these have useful features that you might not find in your average backpack or tote bag (more on that later). Still, if you have a bag that already works for you, stick with it. If not, check out our picks below, but also look at the recommendations in our guides to laptop backpacks (most of which will fit under a seat), to duffles (ditto), and any of the picks in our guides to packable daypacks  and tote bags . One of those might work just as well for you as a made-for-the-purpose personal item.

For this guide, of those bags specifically designed to be personal items, we looked for models from reputable brands that we’ve recommended in the past, that meet the average underseat dimensions, and that have the traits to make it a great personal-item bag. Then we chose bags that offered different features to suit multiple types of travel scenarios and preferences.

We have a wheeled-bag pick for people who prefer to roll their bag behind them. We have picks that carry like totes. Some of the bags we chose have pass-through straps to loop over the handles of your carry-on luggage . Though this last feature can help you manage the load of a suitcase and a bag, several luggage designers I’ve talked to over the years have said that one of the most common ways to break a carry-on is to rest something too heavy across the telescoping handles. Though they’re able to pull a decent weight, these handles are not designed to support large or heavy loads across their narrow frames. With this in mind, we have options for travelers who prefer pass-through straps as well as those who don’t.

Travelpro Crew VersaPack Rolling Tote

A wheeled bag with reinforced sides.

Designed to fit under an airline seat, this diminutive version of our favorite carry-on luggage rolls along on wheels, has a long extending handle, and its reinforced sides mean it’s tougher than your average fabric tote or backpack.

Buying Options

Who it’s for: The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Rolling Tote’s small squat form sits on two wheels, which makes it a remarkably maneuverable case for anyone who doesn’t prefer (or is unable) to carry their personal item on their shoulder or back. The Crew Tote also mounts well to the handles of a carry-on suitcase with a pass-through strap that’s held tight with Velcro.

Why it’s great for travel: The compact Crew Tote is large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip but still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. However, if you catch a seat with an underseat power bank or any other kind of obstruction, you won’t be able to wedge this case into place like you might be able to do with a soft bag or backpack. That said, the internal frame, wrapped in nylon fabric similar to soft-sided carry-on luggage, should endure plenty of accidental kicks and scuffs. That reinforcement is particularly useful if you’re packing delicate items, such as cameras, extra computer equipment, or fragile gifts.

We’ve recommended Travelpro Platinum Elite luggage for years in our carry-on and checked suitcases guides because of its durability, dependability, and lifetime warranty (that also protects against airline damage for the first three years). Like those other Travelpro picks, the Crew Tote meets the same standards in materials, build quality, and guarantee.

Pockets and organization: The Crew Tote has one main compartment, as well as a front pocket for small papers and tickets. The main compartment of the Crew Tote is built and organized like a small piece of carry-on luggage, with rolling wheels and internal, zippered organizational compartments, combined with some aspects useful in a personal item, such as a padded sleeve (it holds up to a 14-inch laptop) and a pass-through sleeve. The tote is also compatible with Travelpro’s customizable packing-cube system (video) , which we discuss in the Competition section of our packing cubes guide.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with any rolling luggage, you lose a little packing space to the handle and wheel carriage. The rigid shape of the Crew Tote means there’s very little wiggle room if, for whatever reason, it doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you. Despite the inclusion of a small, exterior, flexible pocket—nominally for an umbrella or water bottle—we found that it was too small to be of much use for anything except a very narrow plastic water bottle.

Dimensions: 16.5 by 15.75 by 8.5 inches Weight: 6.7 pounds Capacity: 22.5 liters

Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag

A shoulder bag to organize your tech.

The versatility and toughness of a canvas-and-leather briefcase, with the organization and capacity of a small daypack.

Who it’s for: The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a high-end personal item made for air travel. But the bag truly shines as a tech organizer that still has enough room to also hold a change of clothes. Plus, it’s good-looking enough to carry from the plane to the boardroom without raising an eyebrow.

Why it’s great for travel: The Waterfield Air Porter has a pass-through strap you can attach to a wheeled-suitcase handle, and like our other picks, the bag fits well under an airline seat. In addition to the waterproof waxed-canvas exterior, which makes the bag easy to wipe off if it comes out from under the seat looking dusty or spilled-on, Waterfield bags have waterproof exterior zippers and water-resistant interior lining. The Air Porter is built to look better with age, while also keeping your stuff safe from the elements and stress of travel. In addition to the pass-through strap, the bag has handles (so you can carry it like a briefcase) and a removable shoulder strap, which keeps it from getting caught on things while it’s stowed away.

Waterfield also makes an Air Caddy to hold your tablet and cables. If you don’t already have a tech organizer , I recommend it. The Air Caddy is as well built as the Air Porter, plus it fits nicely inside the bag and matches the overall look. (Unfortunately, Waterfield no longer offers a discount for bundling in an Air Caddy when you buy the Air Porter.)

Pockets and organization: The bag is split into two compartments. One half has a built-in padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop and two pockets for tech accessories (including wires, headphones, and charging components), both of which are large enough to hold a battery pack for on-the-go charging. The other half is the larger compartment, with plenty of small interior pockets to assist you in organizing things like a few small pieces of clothing or a toiletry kit. The Air Porter also has a front expanding pocket, with magnets that keep the flap closed whether the pocket’s empty or full. It’s a great feature if you often travel with magazines and books. On either side, the Air Porter has two expanding sleeves for holding a travel umbrella and a water bottle.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Air Porter is our priciest pick, but considering the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, we think it’s worth the price—this bag will last a lifetime if cared for properly. We do wish it were a little larger so you could take full advantage of the space available at your feet. Waterfield has a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, but you will have to cover return shipping costs. Additionally, Waterfield offers a lifetime warranty for any product defects.

Dimensions: 15 by 10.25 by 4.5 inches Weight: 2.4 pounds Capacity: 11.25 liters

Away The Everywhere Bag

A hold-all to attach to your carry-on.

This bag slides over the handles of your carry-on for easy transport. It’s made of durable nylon and has plenty of space for in-flight essentials.

Who it’s for: The Away Everywhere Bag feels aggressively designed to offend absolutely no one. It is the true neutral of all personal items, with plenty of carrying options and as many organization options as our other picks. If you want a personal item that’s both simple and well-organized and similar to a weekend duffle bag or large tote (with enough space for a spare outfit, toiletry bag, and a laptop), this is an excellent pick.

Why it’s great for travel: The Everywhere Bag is made of water- and abrasion-resistant nylon, which is perfect for the floor of an airplane. The bag also has a removable shoulder strap, and like most of our other picks, it includes a sleeve for slipping over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, which makes it convenient to carry atop your luggage.

Pockets and organization: The interior features six slim pockets and a sleeve large enough for a 15-inch laptop. At the base of the bag, there’s a zippered waterproof pocket for an umbrella. Outside the bag is a single slim pocket, well-shaped for tickets and important travel documents. Otherwise, the bag opens into a larger interior pocket, which is enough to hold a change of clothes, a toiletry kit, and a book or magazine. If you’re flying for just an overnight trip, this could easily be the only bag you need to carry. (The bag comes in two versions: Original, which has a main zipper that extends partway down the ends of the bag, and New, which has a main zipper that extends all the way down each end of the bag, providing a larger opening.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Without any interior separation, all your gear is mashed together along with your computer and tech. There isn’t a special pocket for a water bottle, which means if you carry one, it is dangerously close to everything else.

Dimensions: 16.3 by 7.3 by 10.2 inches Weight : 2.6 pounds Capacity: 20 liters

Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

A stylish, expandable tote.

This tote packs up small when not in use, and the tough nylon is perfect for the floor of an airplane: It’s easy to clean and protects its contents from most scuffs and kicks it might receive on a long flight.

Who it’s for: The Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is great if you need an adaptable personal item that can easily double as a purse or work bag as soon as you leave the plane. Unlike many bags made to be this tough, the Longchamp is handsome and looks good enough to easily transition from travel bag to daily carry.

Why it’s great for travel: The lightweight (especially compared with leather bags) Le Pliage Tote shines as a travel bag because of its simple, packable design and practical materials. The nylon construction wipes down easily if spilled on, and you can fold it down and pack it away if you want to consolidate down to one bag on any leg of your trip.

The Le Pliage’s shoulder strap is made of rolled leather, which our tester said kept the strap from biting into their shoulder as much as unrolled leather straps can. Its main compartment is large enough to hold a laptop, sweatshirt, water bottle, and other assorted travel items. It zips shut, so you won’t lose anything even as you stuff it underneath your seat. The understated shape and design of the bag also blends in nicely with both professional and casual outfits.

Pockets and organization: There is one modest pocket on top for your phone, wallet, and keys. However, we found that even this pocket felt a touch small.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For a bag that’s great for taking right from the plane to the office, we wished for a laptop compartment, or some other way to separate items beyond the single top pocket. In our testing, we ended up organizing the tote ourselves with bag organizers . The Le Pliage lacks a pass-through strap or slot for attaching to the handles of your carry-on luggage.

Dimensions: 12.25 by 11.75 by 7.5 inches Weight: 0.7 pounds Capacity: 17 liters

Cotopaxi Nazca 24L Travel Pack: The clamshell design of this backpack, a former pick in this guide, was perfect for anyone who liked to separate their gear into individual pockets and compartments. The bag was well made, shaped to fit under just about any airline seat, and warrantied for a lifetime of travel. Sadly, it’s been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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.

Further reading

The Best Duffle Bags

by Kit Dillon

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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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.

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.

Louryn Strampe

Medea Giordano

Martin Cizmar

Julian Chokkattu

Adrienne So

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The 10 Best Carry-Ons for Every Type of Traveler

From hardside spinners to duffels, backpacks and ride-ons for kids, we've found the perfect carry-on for your next trip.

Related To:

Our top carry-on picks.

• Best Overall: SwissGear Energie USB Hardside Carry-On
• Best Value: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry-On
• Best Large: Away The Bigger Carry-On
• Best Smart: Wrangler Smart Carry-On With USB Port & Phone Holder
• Best Duffel: Wohlbege Canvas Duffel Bag Carry-On
• Best With Shoe Compartment: Gonex Canvas Duffel Carry-On
• Best Backpack: Hynes Eagle Carry-On Backpack
• Best Underseat: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On
• Best for Laptops & Tablets: Calpak Hue Front Pocket Carry-On
• Best for Kids: Jetkids by Stokke BedBox Ride-On Carry-On

After many cross-country trips and a few treks across Europe, I've learned that packing light just makes sense. You'll breeze right through security, you'll never have to wait at Baggage Claim (or worry that your bag got lost along the way) and you can keep all your essentials within arm's reach during your flight. So, for me, it's a carry-on bag every time.

And, over the years, I've come to know exactly which carry-on bags are worth their salt. Here are the 10 best carry-ons for every type of traveler, including those who need a little extra room, plus some helpful details and tips to consider when buying a carry-on.

What to Consider When Buying a Carry-On

COST: Although carry-on bags can certainly be expensive, you don't need to spend $500 or more to get a quality product. In fact, we'd argue that the best carry-ons cost just $100-$300. Case in point? Almost everything on our list is less than $350.

SIZE: Dimensions matter a lot , especially if you're flying internationally. We suggest sticking to the standard 22" x 14" x 9" for domestic flights and sizing down to 21" for international flights, just to ensure that your carry-on will fit in the overhead compartment. If you know which airline you're flying with ahead of time, you can always double-check their size restrictions online. And P.S.: Every bag on our list meets that 22" or under standard.

HARDSIDE VS SOFTSIDE: Ah, the great debate. If you're torn between finishes, consider the following information. Thanks to their sturdy outer shells, hardside carry-ons are better at protecting more fragile personal items in transit. That said, they also tend to be bulkier and might only fit in the overhead compartment. Softside carry-ons , on the other hand, are more flexible — so you can easily slip them under the seat in front of you — but they're also a little harder to clean.

EXTRAS: On that note, it's important to consider which details best suit your lifestyle. Do you like the idea of rolling your bag to the gate? Look for a carry-on with spinner wheels . Do you frequently travel with larger electronics, like a laptop? Choose a carry-on that has a TSA lock and an easy-to-reach tech compartment, since they'll need to scan your device at security.

How We Picked the Best Carry-Ons

Carry-on bags are definitely an investment, so it's important to us that you're spending money on a quality product. To that end, we examined hundreds of suitcases, read the reviews, weighed the pros and cons, and factored in our own firsthand travel experience to come up with our list of the best carry-ons. We also took price, materials and airline size restrictions into consideration.

Best Overall Carry-On

SwissGear Energie USB Hardside Carry-On Spinner Suitcase

We take the title "Best Overall" very seriously around here. So when it came to crowning the best carry-on, we considered size, material, ease of use, special features, warranties and price. The result? SwissGear's Energie USB Hardside Carry-On. With overall dimensions of 22.75" x 13.5" x 8.5," this suitcase falls on the slender side, making it ideal for both domestic and international travel. The polycarbonate shell is durable and scratch-resistant and capped off with eight spinner wheels for a smooth glide through the airport. The Swissgear also boasts a TSA lock, a USB port and a 10-year warranty — all for $108.99.

Best Value Carry-On

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry-On

More than 42,000 positive reviews and a 4.6-star rating say everything . With its extra-thick hard shell, four sets of spinner wheels, fully lined interior and expandable design, the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry-On is the total package and proof that you really can have it all for less than $100. It's also available in four different colors, ranging from black to orange, so you can easily locate your bag in the overhead bin.

Best Large Carry-On

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Sometimes, you need a little more room — and when that time comes, you should opt for Away's Bigger Carry-On. This suitcase is sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines and uses an internal compression system to help you make the most of the space available. The Bigger also comes with a TSA-approved lock and can be purchased with a battery if you'd like to charge your phone on the go. But take note: Lighter colors will show more wear and tear, so you might want to stick with deeper hues like Black, Navy or Olive.

Best Smart Carry-On

Wrangler Smart Carry-On With USB Port & Phone Holder

Whether you're at the airport, in your hotel or wandering around with your suitcase in tow, it's extremely convenient to have a USB charger built right into your bag. What separates the Wrangler Smart Carry-On from other suitcases, though, is that this baby actually includes a phone holder , so you can be totally hands-free on your journey . And as if that's not enough, the Wrangler also boasts an integrated cupholder for your coffee. The suitcase comes in seven colors as well.

Best Duffel Bag Carry-On

Wohlbege Canvas Duffel Bag Carry-On

If you're looking for a duffel bag that's roomy and built to last, the Wohlbege Canvas Duffel Carry-On is it. Crafted from high-density canvas fabric with silver hardware, this handsome bag is exceptionally durable. It can hold five to seven days' worth of clothes (depending on whether you fold or roll yours) and boasts multiple zippered pockets for your accessories, an adjustable shoulder strap and innovative rubber squares that elevate the base just in case of spills.

Best Duffel Bag With Shoe Compartment

Gonex Canvas Duffel Carry-On With Shoe Compartment

There's nothing worse than packing for a trip and promptly having to nix a favorite shirt or dress to make room for your shoes (or having to store your dirty shoes in the same compartment as your clean clothes). Luckily, you can avoid both issues with the Gonex Canvas Duffel Carry-On. Unlike most duffels, which offer small side pockets for shoes, this bag gives you an entire lower compartment for about three pairs. This stylish duffel bag is also made from water-repellent canvas, has a removable shoulder strap and features an innovative back "sleeve" so you can slide it over the handle of a checked bag.

Best Backpack Carry-On

Hynes Eagle Carry-On Backpack

If you're the backpack-or-bust type, then you should know that we swear by the Hynes Eagle 38L Backpack Carry-On. Though it looks like a typical backpack, the Hynes Eagle actually opens like a suitcase — and it has the capacity of one, too, with space for about a week's worth of clothes. (You can fit more than that by using the included packing cubes.) And thanks to compression straps inside and out, you can trust that your gear will fit in the overhead bin or beneath the seat every time. The backpack also includes padded shoulder straps that you can tuck out of the way in transit. All in all, it's a steal for $52.99.

Best Underseat Carry-On

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On

Underseat carry-on bags can be pretty hit or miss; either they're too big to fit under an airline seat or they're too expensive. So we searched high and low until we found one that's the right size and the right price point: the Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On. With its compact, no-fuss design, it easily slides under domestic and international seats alike and gives you all the bells and whistles (smooth-gliding spinner wheels, a telescoping handle, multiple pockets, a TSA lock, etc.) in a completely reasonable package.

Best Carry-On for Laptops & Tablets

Calpak Hue Front Pocket Carry-On

If you're planning to do some work while you're away, you'll need a carry-on bag that's designed with your electronics in mind. And our top pick is the Calpak Hue Carry-On for a few reasons. Not only is the suitcase made from durable polycarbonate (a must for protecting your tech), but it also features an integrated laptop sleeve for extra cushioning. Best of all, that laptop sleeve is conveniently located in a pull-down front pocket, so you can access your computer without having to unload your entire suitcase. A TSA-approved lock completes the design and ensures that your items stay secure.

Best Carry-On for Kids

Jetkids by Stokke BedBox Ride-On Carry-On

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The 5 Best Suitcases Under $150

Take some of the stress out of traveling with the right luggage.

Let’s face it. Traveling—whether it be by airplane, train, car or boat—isn’t usually the most enjoyable activity. The days leading up to it are filled with anxiety too, mostly because of the seemingly insurmountable task of packing. But packing doesn’t have to be the worst if you have the right luggage.

The right luggage is designed to meet airline guidelines for carry-ons and checked luggage. The right luggage has enough compartments to keep your personal items organized—and it has those four-wheel rollersthat glide along the airport floor and the concrete sidewalk.

Not all luggage is created the same, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a suitcase the works wonders for you. Below, you’ll find the five best suitcases on Amazon for under $150.

The Best Hard-Sided Carry-On

Why We Picked It: A suitcase doesn’t have to be huge in order to be useful. In fact, compact luggage is a must-have for anyone who travels by air and needs a thoughtfully sized carry on for putting in the overhead storage or anyone who frequently takes weekend trips and only needs a few days’ worth of clothing. This fully lined suitcase has a protective hard shell with a scratch-resistant exterior, and is expandable up to 15% for additional packing space. The fourcasters make it easy to roll your suitcase in any direction.

The Lightweight 3-Piece Set with TSA Approved Locks

Why We Picked It: Not all travel requires the same size suitcase. For the avid traveler who prefers both a checked suitcase and a carry on, or for the family that needs enough space to stay organized, this 3-piece set can solve most packing stresses. Including a 20-inch, 24-inch and 28-inch sized suitcase, this set is designed to be both long lasting and ultra-lightweight. Made from 100% ABS material, the impact resistant shell will keep your belongings secure without weighing you down. The interior features a mesh zip pocket for easy storage of toiletries, shoes, electronics and more. If that’s not enough, all three sizes come with TSA-approved locks for adding an extra layer of peace of mind to the hectic travel experience.

The 3-Piece Soft Sided Luggage Set

Why We Picked It: Complete with three pieces and a worldwide two-year warranty, this soft sided luggage set offers a little more in easy to reach exterior storage than their hard shell counterparts. The four multi-directional casters and the telescopic handle made from ergonomic aluminum guarantee a near effortless glide across most surfaces.

The Printed Luggage That Comes In A Variety of Sizes and Looks Designer

Why We Picked It: Boasting a 4.5 star rating, this hard sided suitcase from American Tourister comes in a large checked size, a medium checked size, a carry size, a 2-piece set, and a 3-piece set to meet whatever your travel needs might be. Most fun patterned suitcases like these are reserved for child sizes or designer brands, but American Tourister offers nine unique prints that’ll make anyone’s travel a little less boring. It opens like a book for easy access to the entire contents, and features a mesh divider and cross straps for secure belongings.

The Trusted Carry On Luggage With Over 2,000 Rave Reviews

Why We Picked It: Stylish luggage doesn’t have to have a whole lot going on to enhance your travel experience. This classic expandable hard sided luggage from Samsonite is both chic—it kind of looks like an alligator—and functional, with its 100 percent micro diamond Polycarbonate exterior, expandable zipper with TSA approved side mounted locks and muti-directional roller wheels. It’ll meet most airlines’ carry on standards while still maximizing your ability to pack smart.

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The 10 Best Underseat Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorite underseat luggage options are sleek, sturdy, and hold all the essentials.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

A piece of underseat luggage is one of the best solutions for preventing baggage stress while traveling by air. You can have your valuables right at your feet, you don’t have to worry about checked bag fees, and the best underseat luggage can fit at least a few days’ worth of clothing.

To find the best carry-on luggage that fits under airplane seats, we tested 21 bags in our New York City lab. We packed each bag with a weekend’s worth of clothing, a laptop, and a toiletry bag and then placed the suitcases in a compartment we created to replicate the average dimensions of storage space underneath airplane seats. We set up an obstacle course to test the maneuverability of the wheeled bags by pushing and pulling them around cones, and we even built our own to-scale airplane set to test how each piece of luggage fit under the seats and in overhead bins. Take a look at the picks that withstood the tests and impressed our editors.

Best Overall

Calpak luka soft-sided mini carry-on luggage.

It's sturdy, functional, and much more spacious than it looks.

It doesn't maneuver quite as easily on two wheels as it does on all four.

Despite its compact size and softside design, the Calpak Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-on impressed us in pretty much every category, ultimately snagging the top spot on the list of underseat luggage we tested. After putting it through a series of tests, we discovered the bag is much deeper and more spacious than we thought — in fact, we were effortlessly able to pack two outfits, two toiletry bags , a pair of sneakers, a laptop, and a charger inside. It also boasts three small interior pockets, a laptop sleeve, a small exterior pocket, and an accordion-style front pocket for easy access to your items, making the mini spinner an organized traveler's dream.

When it came to construction, we were equally blown away. Even when packed full, it's incredibly light and wheels easily on four wheels over surfaces of all types. We tossed the bag around and hit with a baseball bat to test its durability, and while the handle did pop open on one particularly rough toss, it never scuffed or scratched and the items inside remained intact. It doesn't maneuver quite as easily on two wheels as it does on all four, but it's lightweight, and you can even use the luggage sleeve to slide it over the handle of a larger suitcase. To top it all off, every zipper on this bag ran smoothly for us, and it fit perfectly under an airplane seat. We tested it out in the rose quartz hue, but we also love it in rouge, peony, and oatmeal.

The Details: 16 x 14.25 x 9 inches | 5.38 pounds | 23.2-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Most Versatile

Samsonite spinner underseater.

The bag has plenty of storage for small and larger items, making it a versatile option for travel.

It was a tight fit under the seat.

Whether you’re traveling by train , airplane, or car, the Samsonite Spinner Underseater with USB Port is a great choice for a versatile and functional underseat bag. We loved how easy it was to  pack a laptop and clothing for a weekend trip. The suitcase has one main compartment, and the U-shaped opening folds out to reveal a mesh zipper pocket. Between the large compartment and the opening flap, there is a padded laptop sleeve that can fit laptops up to 13.3 inches. Since the suitcase has one large compartment, you can fit bulkier items like shoes or a blazer if you’re traveling for work. We thought the exterior pockets on the front and side were ideal for storing headphones or a tablet, and the attached USB port is a game-changer for charging your phone while traveling. The suitcase rolled smoothly and was comfortable to carry with the top handle.

The Details: 16.5 x 13 x 9.5 inches | 6.17 pounds | 36-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Most Stylish

Delsey paris chatelet air 2.0 underseater.

It has a beautiful design that matches other Delsey luggage and accessories.

It's a tight fit under standard seats, and may not fit under smaller seats.

We love Delsey for its stylish matching suitcases and accessories, and this elegant underseater was no exception. It has 20 liters of capacity, so it fit everything on our packing list easily. It has one main compartment and an external front pocket that is large and padded enough to fit laptops and other tech items. We love the interior snaps that allow you to partially open the suitcase (so it opens like a mouth when upright), but then you can unsnap the panel to fully open flat to pack. It also includes cinch pockets inside so you can individually pack shoes, water bottles, or toiletry bottles.

The exterior is made out of fairly soft recycled polyester, so it does scuff a bit during transit, and the lighter colorways are prone to staining. But the bag is so small and lightweight, the two wheels glide smoothly, and it's easy to carry. When packed full, it can be a tight fit under most airplane seats, but it will certainly fit in overhead bins and under more spacious airplane seats. You can also get Delsey's matching carry-ons , checked bags , or even a train case .

The Details: 16.5 x 15.75 x 8.25 inches | 5.97 pounds | 20-liter capacity | 2 wheels

Most Spacious

Rockland underseater luggage.

It has one large compartment that’s perfect for fitting bulky clothes like shoes and jeans. 

The bag may be too large for some underseat spaces, depending on the aircraft and your seat position.

If you’re looking for a roomy piece of luggage that fits under most airplane seats, then the Rockland Melrose Upright Wheeled Underseater Carry-on Luggage is your best option. In testing, we were impressed with how easy it was to pack two days’ worth of outfits, including two pairs of pants, three T-shirts, a sweatshirt, and a pair of heels. After regularly using the bag for six months, this is our new go-to weekend bag as it has plenty of space for all our needs.

The bag has a U-shaped opening with a large main compartment for clothing items, and the opening flap has several mesh and zippered pockets for storing smaller items. We liked how organized the suitcase was thanks to plenty of interior compartments, two mesh water bottle pockets, and two zippered front pockets. The bigger front pocket is tablet-sized but can’t fit a laptop, so you'll need to store your laptop in the main compartment. The roller bag easily fit under the seat during our test, but the ample space inside the suitcase comes with a risk of overstuffing and not being able to slide it in front of your feet.

During our maneuverability assessment, we found the inline wheels to be difficult to turn on tight corners, but the bag rolled smoothly when we pulled it behind us. Additionally, the handle was slightly difficult to pull up to the preferred height of shorter testers. Still, we think the superior organization and impressively plentiful space make this underseat luggage well worth an investment, especially if it’s on sale. 

The Details: 16 x 11.5 x 8 inches | 4.56 pounds | 2 wheels

Best Organization

Kenneth cole reaction underseater spinner.

It has zippered compartments on the front and sides to easily access your most needed items.

The front tends to bulge outward when the bag is packed full.

This cute and convenient bag comfortably fits everything you'd need for a quick weekend trip, including your shoes and toiletry kit. It has an extendable handle as well as regular bag handles, so you have the convenient option to roll or carry it. The bag also has straps on the inside to keep your items in place during transit.

Two zippered extenders leave room for expansion, although you may have a harder time fitting the bag under your seat when fully extended. Inside, you can keep all of your item organized in two interior stretch pockets and an interior zippered pocket; outside, there's an exterior pocket on the front and one on each side of the bag to keep all of your most needed valuables within reach. This bag moves smoothly across the floor and its four wheels make for easy maneuverability around corners.

The Details: 17 x 13 x 9 inches | 5.6 pounds | 34-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels

Best Hardside

Calpak hue mini carry-on luggage.

It provides excellent organization and protection with a laptop sleeve, zippered interior pockets, and pouches. 

The bag's lock instructions were not included and aren't available online.

The Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage is both functional and stylish. The bag fit perfectly under the airplane seat we recreated, and although it’s a hardside bag, we think it has enough give to be able to squeeze it under a tight seat. In testing, the bag provided excellent organization, with one side dedicated to mesh pockets and a laptop sleeve while the other side was an open compartment for shoes and clothes. We fit two pairs of pants, a bomber jacket, flip-flops, and three shirts inside the underseater without issues.

The one downside to the Mini Hue Carry-on is that there are no pockets on the outside of the suitcase. If you need anything during your flight like a laptop or chargers, we recommend pulling those out ahead of take-off since it might be difficult to open the suitcase mid-flight, especially if you are using the dial lock on its side. The four-wheeled rolling bag made up for this access pitfall during a series of tests involving a mini obstacle course: it glided smoothly and felt sturdy, and we love that the Mini Hue handled hurdles like a breeze due to its four 360-degree spinner wheels. This sleek hardside suitcase has a clamshell opening and comes in 10 colors.

The Details: 16 x 13.5 x 8 inches | 6.05 pounds | 31-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels

Best Splurge

Tumi oxford compact carry-on.

It has a sleek, modern design and performed well in our maneuverability tests. 

The bag couldn’t fit a laptop in the designated sleeve once it was full of two days’ worth of clothes.

The Tumi Oxford Compact Carry-on is a luxury suitcase that impressed us with its excellent maneuverability. With four recessed wheels, this bag glides smoothly regardless of how you roll it. There was no resistance when we pulled it on two wheels or pushed it using all four, which makes it a great option for navigating busy airports. It fit under the seat, but we did have to flip it upside down with the front on the floor to squeeze it into place.

The bag has a U-shaped opening with one larger zippered compartment and one smaller one that fits two pairs of pants, two shirts, and a jacket. Unlike a traditional clamshell suitcase, one side of the bag stays upright after the bag is unzipped, and we think that could be a hassle if you need to unzip the upright compartment to grab clothes. The bag has a deep, wide front pocket where we placed a toiletry bag and a pair of shoes, but there wasn’t enough space to fit a 13-inch laptop. We still liked this spacious front pocket and the smaller pocket in front of it for a phone or charger. The bag also has a USB port on the side for charging electronics. If you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious piece of luggage, the Tumi Oxford Compact Carry-on has a sleek and functional design, making it a great option for your next weekend trip. 

The Details: 14.5 x 14 x 9 inches | 5.39 pounds | 21-liter capacity | 4 recessed wheels

Best Design

Steve madden underseat wheeled bag.

It has fully-lined interior and exterior compartments, convenient for storing toiletries and accessories.

It’s smaller than the average underseat luggage and might not work for bulkier clothes like winter jackets. 

Functional and practical for weekend trips, this Steve Madden Underseat delivers an elegant look and much, much more. The bag has a U-shaped opening that unfolds outward to reveal two clear-plastic-lined, zippered pockets and one large zippered pocket. The interior pockets are great for easily finding items in the bag and staying organized. There are also zippered pockets on the front, back, and sides of the suitcase, creating ample storage space for small items like toiletries, jewelry, or phone chargers. After six months of use, this bag still looks brand new with no sign of wear and tear.

This bag is a bit smaller than the average underseat luggage, so it may not be ideal for long trips. In addition, the bag fit under the seat with slight difficulty initially due to the zippers and dangling accessories getting caught, but when we flipped it onto the flatter side, it slid under with greater ease. We were impressed that despite being packed full of clothes, the bag felt lightweight when we pushed and pulled it through our obstacle course, and the two wheels glided smoothly. 

The Details: 14.5 x 8 x 13.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | 5-liter capacity | 2 wheels

Best Laptop Compartment

Hartmann herringbone deluxe underseater.

It's features an innovative protective laptop case and extreme durability.

It has some trouble on uneven surfaces.

If you often travel with a laptop or tablet and don't trust any old laptop sleeve to keep your tech safe, we recommend giving the Hartmann Herringbone Deluxe Underseater a try. The wheeled luggage is crafted with a unique laptop case that is suspended in the middle of the main compartment by elastic straps — and we were absolutely mesmerized by it while testing it in our lab. The suspension prevents your laptop from touching the sides of the bag when empty, and when full, the laptop case acts as a divider and becomes further cushioned by the items packed around it.

Beyond the innovative laptop compartment, we were also impressed with this underseater's durability. We pushed it off a counted multiple times, and even after skidding across the floor after one push, it suffered no damage at all. All zippers on the Herringbone ran smoothly, though we did have slight difficulty closing some of them when the bag was stuffed to the brim. Through out tests, we discovered the spinner rolls smoothly over flat surfaces but has a little trouble with uneven ground, so we wouldn't recommend it for heavy use over cobblestone sidewalks.

The Details: 18.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches | 7.16 pounds | 4 wheels

Travelpro x Travel + Leisure UnderSeat Tote

The bag has tote bag handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and a rear strap for placing it on a suitcase to carry. 

There wasn’t enough room for a laptop after placing two days' worth of clothes in the bag.

For those in search of a bag that doesn’t have wheels to worry about fitting under a seat, the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Underseat Tote is a great option that you can sling over your shoulder or place on a suitcase. During our test, the bag fit perfectly under the seat, however, after placing two days’ worth of clothes inside, there wasn’t enough room for a laptop. If the bag isn’t filled to capacity, there is a laptop sleeve in the back for safely storing a computer. The zippered top opens up to one main compartment that has a buttoned sleeve and zippered pocket. You can easily store phones and passports in a small pocket on the front of the bag.

After regularly using the bag for six months, including on international trips, we still love the capacity, quality, and overall look of this underseat bag. We especially liked having the option to carry the bag either as a tote or with the detachable shoulder strap. If you’re also traveling with a wheeled carry-on suitcase, you can use the tote bag's rear strap to slide it over the handle of your suitcase instead. While the price point is on the higher end, we think the versatility and sleek design of this tote bag will ensure you’ll get more than your money’s worth. 

The Details: 17 x 9.5 x 9 inches | 2.26 pounds | 22-liter capacity

Other Underseat Luggage We Liked

A few bags came close to making our list for the best underseat luggage, but fell short during testing.

Nomad Lane Bento Bag V 3.0 : This underseat tote bag had excellent organization for small items like toiletries, but it likely wouldn’t fit bulky clothes and is better suited for an overnight trip. 

Verage Spinner Carry-on Underseat Luggage with USB Port : Although the bag glided smoothly when we pushed it, it didn’t fit under the plane seat and would make a good weekend bag for train or car trips instead.

We tested 21 pieces of underseat luggage from popular luggage brands like Samsonite, Tumi, Delsey, and more. We compared the bags after testing capacity, design, functionality, and maneuverability, which helped us determine the overall value of the underseat luggage. 

We started by measuring each bag by length, width, and height as well as recording the weight. To judge the design, we took into consideration the organization of each bag, including the main compartments, as well as the front, side, and back pockets. To test the capacity of each bag, we packed a weekend’s worth of clothes which included two pairs of pants, two shirts, a pair of shoes, a toiletry bag, and a laptop. We noted if the bags could fit the clothes and laptop with ease and if there was room left over or if items got left out because there wasn’t enough space. 

After packing the bags, we wheeled or carried them through an obstacle course to see how well they rolled when pushed and pulled, or how comfortable the tote bags were to carry around tight corners. We quickly walked through the obstacle course to simulate a busy airport where travelers might be rushing to get to their flights and looked for resistance in the wheels, flimsiness in the handle, and comfort of the handles or shoulder strap. We also wheeled the bags over different types of flooring to see how smooth the wheels felt.

Next, utilized our mock airplane set (complete with to-scale dimensions) to test how luggage would actually perform on a flight. We placed the bags under the airplane seats and in the overhead bins to see if they fit and how easy or difficult it was to position them for a flight. After completing the tests, we considered whether the performance of the underseat luggage lived up to, fell short of, or exceeded expectations set by their price points to determine the overall value of the bags. Our editors long-term tested each underseater on real-world travels for an additional six months to make sure they held up over time.

Tips for Buying Underseat Luggage

Check the bag size.

Before you buy underseat luggage, you’ll want to check the dimensions of the bag usually listed in the product description. We learned from testing that, although a bag might say it’s airline-approved, it’s a good idea to double-check an airline’s underseat dimensions, as they vary. While airlines have different underseat dimensions, the average size of an airplane seat is 16 x 14 x 9 inches — the dimensions we used to test each bag. Most underseat bags will have similar measurements, but the suitcase’s ultimate size may depend on how full it is. If you really are looking for a small-capacity personal item option to combine with a cabin bag, a more compact weekender or duffel bag may fit the bill.

Consider the difference between wheeled and tote bags

If you’re a frequent flier, an underseat bag with two or four wheels could be a better fit for navigating busy airports. Tote bags are generally lighter since they don’t have wheels, which could be a better option for weekend trips by car or train where space isn’t as limited as an airplane. We tested tote bags and wheeled bags that came with rear straps for securely attaching to a bigger suitcase to make carrying the underseater a breeze, especially through airports. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're using underseat luggage as your primary suitcase, you'll want to minimize your packing list to just the basics: a small toiletry bag, a compression packing cube that will fit your wardrobe and cut down on bulk, and any necessary can't-do-without electronics and accessories. Consider a wardrobe of basic, neutral pieces that you can mix and match throughout your trip.

For our tests, we tested capacity by fitting two days’ worth of clothes, a laptop, and a toiletry bag into each suitcase. Generally, an underseat bag can’t fit much more than a weekend’s worth of clothes, but it varies by the types of clothes or electronics you bring.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors and expert product testers to determine the results for the best underseat luggage based on a series of tests completed in our T+L lab.

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Calpak 4th of July Luggage Sale: Save Up to 60% on Suitcases, Duffels, and More Travel Essentials

Calpak's 4th of July sale is filled with impressive savings on suitcases and travel bags for summer.

Vacation season is here and this week's 4th of July luggage sales are filled with incredible deals on travel must-haves . Whether you’re gearing up to explore a new city this summer or regularly rack up frequent flier miles, the Calpak sale has all your luggage needs covered. 

When it comes to impossibly stylish luggage, Calpak makes some of our favorite suitcases and travel bags for jet-setting season. Just in time for sunny getaways, the Calpak 4th of July sale is offering up to 60% off the brand's best-selling carry-ons , totes, backpacks and more.

Shop the Calpak Sale

Calpak's range of travel essentials includes well-designed luggage that helps you breeze right through the airport. If your go-to suitcase is in need of serious upgrading, Calpak luggage combines functionality, durability, and style all in one. Ahead, we've rounded up the best 4th of July luggage deals to shop from Calpak before your next trip. We recommend shopping fast before the best styles and colors sell out.

Best Calpak 4th of July Luggage Deals

Hue medium luggage.

Elevate your travel style with this medium-sized rolling suitcase. Featuring spinner wheels, a built-in TSA-approved lock, expandable capacity, and convenient pocket dividers, it's both fashionable and functional.

$245   $208

Hue Front Pocket Carry-On Luggage

Calpak's carry-on suitcase features a dedicated laptop compartment to keep you computer secure and protected from damage. 

$265   $225

Calpak Evry Starter Bundle

Bringing you everything you need for smooth travels ahead, this complete set includes a large and carry-on size luggage featuring built-in TSA approved locks, 3 packing cubes, 2 pouches, and 1 luggage tag.

$545   $273

Calpak Stevyn Large Rolling Duffel

Grab and go with ease with this bag's top handle to start any vacation right. The two wheels were designed to handle any terrain, plus there's a separate zippered shoe compartment to keep the rest of your essentials clean.

$185   $111

Trnk 2-Piece Luggage Set

This 2 piece set has a hard shell with faux crocodile design that’s ultra modern, and extra durable. It includes large and carry on size rolling suitcases with spinner wheels, built-in TSA approved lock, dividers with pockets, and expandable feature. 

$470   $306

Astyll Carry-On Luggage

This tiny rolling suitcase from Calpak fits perfectly in an overhead compartment on a plane. At just 22 inches long by 14 inches wide and 9 inches deep, you can easily use it as a carry-on bag. Of course, the Calpak Astyll Collection comes in many different sizes, and every size is currently on sale.

$195   $117

Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Perfect for when you don't have quite enough space in your main suitcase, but also for when you want to keep things light. This uniquely small carry-on roller was designed to fit beneath most airline seats. 

$165   $149

Ambeur 2-Piece Luggage Set

This 2-piece lightweight set is effortlessly expandable, includes built-in TSA approved lock and spinner wheels that will take you places with ease. 

$470   $395

Astyll 3-Piece Luggage Set

Calpak's marble Astyll Collection has spinner wheels, expandable capacity, and pocket dividers for any and every trip you embark on.

$715   $358

Celebrate independence from high prices. Check out  the best 4th of July sales  on  appliances , TVs,  mattresses ,  skin care  and more ahead of Independence Day weekend.

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The Best Affordable Luggage: 7 Great Options Under $150 on Amazon

T ravel horror stories can make anyone feel like they need to spend the big bucks on good luggage, but that's simply not the case. While cheap suitcases might make you think of shoddy materials and personal items strewn across tarmacs or luggage carousels, the truth is today's budget-friendly luggage brands offer quality construction at an attractive price.

We've put together a list of the best luggage under $150, including both carry-on bags and checked luggage. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, these affordable luggage options are set to become your go-to bags for every type of trip.

Category Navigation Box Enhancement : Table of Contents - Travel - The Best Cheap Luggage

(Note: Prices and availability for this luggage were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Best Soft-sided Carry-on: SWISSGEAR Sion 6283 21-inch Expandable Carry On Spinner Luggage

What sets it apart: SWISSGEAR consistently earns rave reviews for its durable yet affordable luggage. This soft-sided carry-on bag, in particular, stands out with more than 18,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. The bag has two exterior pockets and two interior pockets, plus a removable zippered wet bag for organization. Adjustable tie-down straps secure clothing and shoes in place. Other features include a built-in ID tag, a locking telescopic handle, multidirectional spinner wheels and multiple carry handles. This SWISSGEAR suitcase is available in a variety of colors, including an eye-catching teal.

Travelers appreciate: Recent buyers agree this bag is roomier than it looks. They also appreciate how effortlessly it rolls on most surfaces.

Price: $119.99 or less

Button Enhancement : Travel - SWISSGEAR Sion 6283 21-inch Expandable Carry On Spinner Luggage

Best Hard-sided Carry-on: Amazon Basics 20-inch Hard-side Spinner

What sets it apart:  Perfect for weekend getaways and other short trips, this hard-sided Amazon Basics spinner provides travelers with the organizational benefits of larger luggage in a compact model. The extra-thick ABS hard shell protects a fully lined interior complete with a divider, clothing straps and three zippered pockets for small items.

These features pair with the suitcase's full 180-degree opening and its ability to expand for up to 15% more packing space (but remember to check carry-on size restrictions before doing so, as this may put the suitcase outside of limits for some airlines). This hard-sided bag also has four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle to maneuver through tight airplane aisles with ease. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Travelers appreciate: Adventurers have used this luggage everywhere from the rough cobblestones of Europe to the bullet trains of Japan , and there is one thing they all agree on: This hard-sided spinner moves like a dream. Recent travelers praise the durable wheels and easy glide for moving across different surfaces smooth and effortless. While the spinner isn't immune to scuffs and scratches, reviewers say the hard exterior has held up across multiple baggage handlings.

Price: $84 or less

Button Enhancement : Travel - Amazon Basics 20-inch Hard-side Spinner

Best Soft-sided Checked Bag: SWISSGEAR 6283 24.5-inch Expandable Spinner Luggage

What sets it apart: This medium-sized bag – a slightly larger version of our soft-sided carry-on pick – offers enough space for a weeklong vacation. Its pockets can help you stay organized during your travels, too: There are two exterior pockets, two internal pockets and a detachable zippered wet bag designed for toiletries. The expandable bag also has tie-down straps for securing belongings in place (an essential feature for checked luggage ), as well as a locking telescopic handle, top and side handles, and 360-degree spinner wheels.

Travelers appreciate: Travelers praise everything about this bag, from its durability to its maneuverability. They also appreciate that it comes in bright colors that have made it easier to locate at airport baggage claim.

Price: $129.99 or less

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Best Hard-sided Checked Bag: Coolife Luggage 28-inch Expandable Suitcase

What sets it apart: While many affordable hard-sided luggage options struggle to stand up to airport baggage handling, the ABS and polycarbonate material of this spinner provides a light and durable hard shell. Added design elements like the textured scratch-resistant finish and beveled upper edge increase the bag's toughness. Built for durability and ease of use, this expandable Coolife suitcase has multidirectional silent wheels and a sturdy aluminum telescoping handle for smooth travel.

The incorporated TSA lock gives an extra level of security for personal items. The bag's interior comes fully lined with several pockets, clothing straps and a divider to ensure all of your items stay organized. This suitcase already has a large capacity, but it also offers an extra 2.5 inches of space when expanded. It comes with a two-year warranty as well.

Travelers appreciate: Recent travelers love this suitcase's durable wheels and ease of movement, with many commenting on how easily it rolls across different surfaces. They also appreciate the spacious storage and built-in lock, as well as the beautiful exterior and six color options that make it easy to identify at baggage claim. The Caribbean blue, in particular, is even more striking than it looks in photos.

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Best Duffel Bag: Samsonite Andante 2 32-inch Wheeled Duffel

What sets it apart: Designed to maximize convenience and durability, the Samsonite Andante 2 takes duffel bags to the next level. This checked bag is constructed with water-resistant fabric, a locking pull handle, multiple exterior grab handles, corner protectors and bumper runners. There's a separate water-resistant pocket at the end of the duffel to pack your walking shoes or wet items, so your clothes and electronics stay dry.

The main portion of the bag is broken into two parts, with a drop-bottom compartment that's perfect for packing cubes and allows for extra organization when packing. The drop-bottom compartment is accessed by a 180-degree zip opening, and the U-shaped main compartment has a large opening for easy packability. An extra bonus of using this checked duffel bag is the lightweight design, which weighs in at slightly less than 8 pounds despite having wheels.

Travelers appreciate: Recent packers love the spacious compartments and durable materials of the Samsonite Andante 2. As a testament to its quality, travelers have put this bag through the wringer with heavy loads and multiple destinations, and still say the bag barely looks used by the end. They also praise the reliability and affordability of this bag, but some warn it doesn't stand upright easily when filled, a trait common among rolling duffel bags .

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Best Backpack: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

What sets it apart: Not only does this backpack work well as a personal item for air travel, but it doubles as a day bag you can use at your destination – think cruise excursions, city trips and more. It's incredibly lightweight and foldable, so you can also stuff it in other luggage when not in use. The backpack has one front zippered pocket and two side mesh pockets for a water bottle and other travel essentials. Available in a variety of colors as well as other sizes , it is both water- and tear-resistant.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers appreciate how lightweight and versatile this backpack is, as well as how much it can store.

Price: $21.99 or less

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Best Underseat Bag: TPRC 15-Inch Smart Under Seat Carry-On

What sets it apart: The ultimate underseat bag , this soft-sided carry-on features a USB port for charging devices on the go. It also has a variety of external pockets, including a side pocket that allows for quick access to the essentials, and there are three additional pockets inside. This bag is available in a few different colors, including black and purple.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers rave about this bag, noting it works well as a personal item. While it fits under the seat on most planes, some recent reviewers note that Frontier has made them stow it in the overhead bin.

Price: $53 or less

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FAQ Module : Best Cheap Luggage - Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta loved traveling as a student and, as a result, figured out quickly that not all budget luggage brands are created equal. Dealing with everything from broken wheels to stuck zippers, she's had to improvise her way through a lot of luggage disasters. Those experiences helped her figure out what to look for when purchasing affordable luggage. Vasta hopes this article will help other budget travelers avoid her early mistakes.

Amanda Norcross regularly tests luggage and used her personal experience as well as consumer ratings and reviews to choose the best cheap luggage.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Weekender Bags
• Hard vs. Soft Luggage: How to Choose
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The Best Polos for Men, According to Stylish Guys

Years ago, after watching Borg vs McEnroe , I did what any easily influenced filmgoer would do and ordered a Lacoste polo of my own on eBay. To this day, I wear it with denim and the occasional trouser. And, of course, I’m not alone. The humble staple of suburban CPAs and private-schools has long been a foundational piece of menswear, serving as the de facto uniform for a number of Waspy sports and outings — not to mention just being a reliably nice-looking shirt to wear to work or on a date.

As with most basics, there are a lot on the market. All the better to take a discerning eye to the style and hear from the men who wear them best. To come up with this list, I talked to self-professed sporty coastal elites as well as everyday stylish guys with an eye for affordable yet high-quality clothing. Their picks, though varied, all read cooler than the polyester polo your dad wore to his senior prom. Haven’t worn a polo in a while? Consider this your invitation to talk a walk on the preppy side.

“I only started wearing polos in the last five years or so,” says Jason Stewart — a DJ, co-host of How Long Gone , and Substack writer . “You get the comfort of a T-shirt with the respect of being a person who is at least trying.” For Stewart , any polo straight off the hanger has a bit of a try-hard feel to it. His solution: lots and lots of washing to break it in just right. A collar that’s a little worn-in, maybe the slightest fray to the hem — these are the details that make the potentially stuffy style feel lived-in. When I talked to Stewart, he was wearing his favorite polo of late, a Uniqlo piqué number. “I can wear that on a hike or wear this same shirt tucked into a suit and get compliments,” he says of the shirt, which comes in a number of strong neutrals, including black, gray, and a subtle sage-y green.

For slightly less, try the Luxe Touch polo from Banana Republic Factory. It comes in regular and tall sizing in a whole swath of colors and is made of 100 percent cotton with a special anti-odor feature and breathability. At just $20 a pop, it’s affordable enough to buy in multiples and build out your summer rotation.

Ask a boomer dad in your life for a clothing recommendation and there’s a high likelihood he’ll point you to L.L.Bean. And who can blame him? The brand has been the destination for affordable quality in almost every category for decades. Polos are no different. L.L.Bean’s are designed not to wrinkle, fade, shrink, or pill. They also come in tall and regular sizing. The big question is: To monogram or not to monogram?

Winston Jones says that if you think you don’t like polos, you’re just wearing them in the wrong color or fabric. His advice: Look for something with banded arms, a banded bottom, and a little bit of texture, like this handsome option from Mango. If you’re between sizes, Jones suggests sizing down for a fitted feel (his preferred look). Pair it with trousers and you have a quick and put-together outfit.

When it comes to polos, Xavier Donnelly , creative director at Ash Hotels , is picky about two things: length and material. “I like knit polos and long-sleeve polo sweaters,” Donnelly says. “I prefer that they have a ribbed trim at the waist and the sleeves. And I hate when they are too long.” This vintage-inspired option from Abercrombie satisfies both of those specs and is a great gateway polo before investing in one of Donnelly’s other favorites, like his cashmere long-sleeve polo from Ralph Lauren or hot-pink number from Loewe.

“Sometimes you’re in a tucked situation, and sometimes you aren’t,” says Stewart. If you’re in search of a longer-length polo that can do both, he suggests looking to J.Crew’s tall section, where all sorts of colors and styles are frequently marked down. This one has a washed look that helps it appear broken-in straight out of the bag, as well as some subtle texture thanks to the piqué knit. Bonus advice from Stewart for avoiding looking too much like a John Hughes character in your shirt: “Add an ugly hat or shoe to the mix if you want to rough up the preppy image.”

I knew Christopher Echevarria , founder and creative director of both Blackstock & Weber and Academy , would have a strong point of view about what makes a polo truly great. Two details, it turns out, can make or break a polo, according to him: buttons and sleeve length. “I like a thick polo with nice mother-of-pearl buttons and a sleeve that isn’t too long,” he told me. Reminiscent of his former caddying fit of chinos and polos, Echevarria loves to sport the staple with chinos or even camouflage shorts. “I love a casual polo like this Oobe one and a denim fit,” he says. The Oobe has a slightly longer length than some of the other polos on this list, though Echevarria told me he’s agnostic on whether or not a polo should be worn tucked in.

“The wrong polo can make you look like you work at an insurance company. The right polo should make you feel like a classic movie star like Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, or one of the kings of cool style, Steve McQueen,” says Jake Bell, who writes the daily Substack Who Do You Know? and specializes in branding, art and creative direction, and content creation. For him, the “right” polo often comes from Noah — specifically this top with a simple embroidered crest on the chest. “This would look great paired with a vintage collegiate sweatshirt on top,” he says. If $128 is more than you want to spend on a polo, try eBay or Poshmark, where pieces from the brand often pop up.

Cody Min is the founder of the creative studio Astronaut Monastery and a lifelong polo wearer. “I’ve always worn polos of varying quality. My grandmother used to get us a polo for Christmas from some Macy’s sale,” he told me. “Every year it was different, and sometimes a bit hit or miss, but we always enjoyed the surprise.” These days, his favorite polos come from Junior’s , an independent brand based in Philadelphia. “They make an absolutely killer all-cotton crêpe polo that breathes insanely well in the summer but holds its shape. It has a perfect knit hemline that stays tucked in nicely and tapers the body perfectly.” His default is to wear polos with trousers in the summer and a safari jacket in the cold months. But no matter the weather, he’s tucking his polo in.

Another favorite polo of Bell’s is this slim-fit one from Stone Island, which he says “will make you look like one of the lads catching some pints watching Manchester United.” He points to the pinstripes on the collar as one of the details that makes this one worth it. Just note: This polo has a front-and-center logo. “The badge logo used to be monochromatic, so it was more subtle, which is my only complaint,” says Bell.

If you’re ready to take your polo game to the next level — and to splurge — Bell recommends this cashmere polo from Todd Snyder. He went to the brand’s Williamsburg store recently to try one on. “I was skeptical about the cashmere for summer, but it’s incredibly breathable and actually lighter than cotton or piqué,” he says. “Their polos really hug you in the perfect way. It features a johnny collar so you don’t need to worry about buttons.”

Years of wearing a uniform as a schoolkid have turned James Hirschfeld, co-founder and CEO of Paperless Post , into quite the polo connoisseur. “The material needs to be a fine cotton piqué or wool-cashmere knit to avoid the back-to-school-uniform feeling,” he says. “I am on the slighter side, so it’s important to me that the arms aren’t cut for a bodybuilder and the length isn’t too long (since I wear them untucked).” Brunello Cucinelli makes Hirschfeld’s ideal polo, but this pick from Zanone is similarly elevated, well cut, and decidedly not a school uniform.

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