top 10 travel bags brands

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The 14 best luggage brands of 2024.

These brands offer suitcases and travel gear with standout features and proven reliability.

The Best Luggage Brands

Courtesy of Travelpro

While you can't control everything on your journeys, embarking with the right luggage for your type of adventure certainly makes things go more smoothly. But with the variety of brands, styles and types of bags available, making a choice on what to purchase can feel overwhelming.

To make it easier to find your perfect travel companion, U.S. News compiled this list of the best luggage brands for carry-ons, checked luggage, weekender bags, backpacks and more. Based on testing by our editors and consumer reviews, these brands are consistent traveler favorites.

The Top Luggage Brands for 2024

Best overall: travelpro.

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hard-sided: Away

Best soft-sided: samsonite, best lightweight: july, best customizable: roam, best for organization: solgaard, best for fashionable function: béis, best affordable: amazon basics, best for international travel: delsey paris, best for business travel: tumi.

• Best Expandable: Briggs & Riley

Best Luxury: Carl Friedrik

Best for style: calpak, best for minimalists: monos.

(Note: Styles, return policies and warranty information were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues, retailer policies and other factors.)

Price range: $130 to $695 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Founded by a commercial airline pilot, Travelpro invented the Original Rollaboard – a two-wheeled upright suitcase with an extendable handle. For more than 30 years, this brand has continued to bring innovation to its entire collection of luggage, which includes carry-on bags, rollaboards, totes and checked suitcases – as well as accessories like packing cubes , luggage tags and toiletry bags .

Travelpro has become a perennial favorite among airline crew members worldwide, with employees from more than 90 airlines using Travelpro luggage, according to the brand's website. Combining durability and functionality with elements like exterior organizational pockets, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner (one of U.S. News' top carry-on luggage picks) is popular with travelers, who say they appreciate the spinner wheels and extendable handle for easy maneuverability through airports.

What our editors say:

I'm a big fan of the Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner . I purchased the suitcase in 2022 and have used it for multiple trips. It is incredibly light, fits an impressive amount of clothing and is easy to maneuver with super smooth spinner wheels that you can pull or push. The textured, wavy design also makes it less likely to see scratches or scuffs, and the slate blue version I got (Ensign Blue) is a color that's easy to pick out off the luggage belt. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Courtesy of Away

Price range: $295 to $745 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1-year to lifetime

Designed for travelers by travelers, Away is an online retailer that offers suitcases, bags and accessories. Created to make journeys easier and inspire more travel, Away suitcases are constructed with high-performing and lightweight materials, with a focus on intentional and functional details that matter, like double buckle compression pads and color-matched leather luggage tags. The Carry-On is highly rated by travelers and was chosen as the best hard-sided carry-on by the editors at U.S. News.

I always recommend Away luggage to fellow travelers. The Carry-On has been with me on countless trips over the past few years, and it's still in great shape. For checked luggage, The Medium is my go-to because it's big without being bulky and holds plenty for a long trip. You don't need anything larger or more expensive than this. – Amanda Norcross, Content and SEO Strategist

Read: The Best Hard-Sided Luggage

Courtesy of Samsonite

Price range: $63 to $1,150 Return policy: 90 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 3-year to lifetime

Offering a range of travel bags, luggage and accessories for business and leisure travelers, Samsonite has been a leading luggage brand for more than 100 years. Samsonite is known for focusing on durability and innovative design, and today's travelers can find a range of hard- and soft-sided luggage along with a variety of travel accessories.

I love traveling with Samsonite's SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner . I'm a big fan of soft-sided luggage in general, and this suitcase feels particularly well made and durable. I've found it to be more spacious than it looks, even when I don't use the expansion zipper. The brand's organizational features are my favorite part — especially the wet pocket and the buckle system that keeps the tie-down straps out of my way when packing. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Courtesy of July

Price range: $245 to $595 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Inspired to create well-built luggage that combines form and function, July has hard-sided luggage as well as a range of totes and bags. Constructed using aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, the suitcases feature an eggshell design to optimize function and durability. There are anodized aluminum bumpers on the corners of the suitcases (except for the light designs), and the brand offers expandable and trunk luggage as well.

For travelers seeking lightweight options, the July Carry-on Light is the U.S. News pick for best lightweight carry-on. In addition to suitcases, July makes a variety of bags, including the Carry All Weekender Plus with a clamshell design for easy packing as well as the machine-washable Everyday Large Tote .

I am extremely impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of July luggage and bags. The Carry-on Light is truly lightweight, and the construction exceeds any of the other lightweight designs I've tried. I also appreciate that the cotton canvas Everyday Totes are machine-washable (and they fold up to save space when you're not traveling). – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Price range: $550 to $695 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Created with an emphasis on the journey, each piece of Roam luggage is hand-finished in the U.S. From the front and back colors to the zippers and the wheel color, purchasers can choose from a variety of options to create a custom hard-sided carry-on or checked bag. The interiors of the luggage include compression panels with mesh pocket insets, and there are expandable designs.

The quality construction, customization and attention to detail make this brand a good option for those seeking unique and personalized luggage. In addition to suitcases, the brand offers customizable backpacks, duffels and tote bags, including the Everyday Tote .

The extremely smooth wheels and the option to choose the colors of every aspect of the carry-on or checked suitcase really sets ROAM luggage apart from other brands. I also love the multiple zippered compartments in the Everyday Tote, which can be customized to coordinate with a ROAM suitcase. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of Solgaard

Price range: $265 to $375 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Lifetime

Launched in 2016 with the Lifepack – a solar-powered anti-theft laptop bag with Bluetooth speakers – Solgaard has revolutionized luggage with its innovative approach to bag and suitcase design. In 2017, the brand launched its award-winning Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original , the U.S. News winner for best overall carry-on for 2024. This piece became a traveler favorite for its patented built-in shelves, which eliminate the need to unpack while traveling yet keep clothes and essentials in place. The brand continues to add to its offerings with checked luggage, weekender bags and backpacks outfitted with Solgaard's built-in closet system.

The quality construction combined with a sleek external aesthetic really makes Solgaard luggage stand out from the crowd. The closet system truly is a game changer, and the ergonomic handle is extremely comfortable and easy to maneuver, even on long travel days. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of BÉIS

Price range: $218 to $348 Return policy: 45 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Inspired by her own travels, actress Shay Mitchell started BÉIS to make travel bags and accessories that are both fashionable and functional at attractive prices. BÉIS'  The Weekender  is U.S. News'  top weekender bag  pick, and the brand offers fashion-forward hard-sided luggage sets, backpacks, duffels and travel accessories. Travelers can choose to pair luggage like  The Carry-On Roller  with coordinating bags and totes for a chic coordinated look.

BEIS is worthy of all the hype it gets. I'm impressed with the overall quality and design of the luggage, and The Weekender is my go-to bag for short trips. − Amanda Norcross

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Price range: $36 to $150 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: 1-year limited

This brand of luggage by Amazon is designed to offer exceptional value. Amazon Basics luggage options include hard- and soft-sided rolling luggage and underseat bags. What's more, Amazon Basics sells a variety of travel accessories, including packing cubes, waist and neck wallets, and toiletry bags.

I love how budget-friendly and durable the Amazon Basics brand is. I have both the 20-inch Hardside Spinner and the Expandable Softside Spinner carry-on bags. If you need a cheap, lasting carry-on, you can't go wrong with one of these pieces of carry-on luggage – both are less than $100. Plus, if you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these shipped straight to your house within one to two days. – Erin Evans

Courtesy of DELSEY PARIS

Price range: $100 to $545 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 2-year to lifetime

Founded in 1946, DELSEY PARIS began creating suitcases for travelers after the postwar birth of tourism. Combining French elegance and style with quality construction, this 75-years-and-counting heritage brand produces iconic luggage styles like the Chatelet collection in carry-on and checked sizes. Owners of the Chatelet luggage like the vintage-inspired styling and ease of use. In addition to luggage that combines fashion and function, the brand continuously adds travel must-haves like duffel bags , backpacks , weekender bags and more.

DELSEY makes some quality, good-looking luggage. The DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero International Carry-On is one of my go-to pieces. The bag's interior is spacious and has many different compartments for organization, and the double-spinner wheels make sure it easily glides across various surfaces. – Erin Evans

Courtesy of TUMI

Price range: $518 to $4,500 Return policy: Items must be unused and returned in original packaging Warranty: 5-year limited

TUMI is an iconic international brand offering high-end luggage, bags and a variety of travel accessories, including passport holders, toiletry bags, portfolios and eyewear. The brand focuses on high performance and quality materials in its luggage offerings. Along with luggage, other TUMI travel products and accessories include wallets, travel purses and luggage tags.

I really appreciate the feel and quality of TUMI's nylon travel bags and purses. My go-to crossbody for trips is from the Voyageur collection that I've had for several years. The sleek black nylon construction with gold hardware looks like the day I got it, and the style can be dressed up or dressed down depending on my needs. When I need additional room, I toss the Just In Case Tote in my carry-on – I packed an Irish sweater and wool throw, along with several other finds on my trip to Ireland! – Rachael Hood

Best Expandable: Briggs & Riley

Courtesy of Briggs & Riley

Price range: $419 to $1,049 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Lifetime

Focused on creating innovative luggage and bags to make the journey easier, Briggs & Riley is a high-quality luggage brand with a lifetime warranty. The brand's "simple as that" exclusive guarantee covers all repairs and functional damage to Briggs & Riley luggage with no receipt needed or questions asked.

By learning from customer feedback and research, Briggs & Riley offers luggage and travel gear with innovative features like CX Expansion, which allows you to expand your bag to pack and then compress it to fit the carry-on into the plane's overhead compartment. The unique technology landed the Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner on the U.S. News' best carry-on luggage list in the category of best expandability.

There's a reason Briggs & Riley luggage doesn't come cheap. In terms of overall quality and features – expandability, in particular – it's the best luggage I've ever tested. – Amanda Norcross

Courtesy of Carl Friedrik

Price range: $495 to $745 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime

Based in London, Carl Friedrik was founded in 2013 by two brothers. Blending functionality with high-quality construction and premium materials, the brand offers luggage, wallets, bags and travel essentials. Carl Friedrik products are designed for durability and practicality, then constructed with time-honored methods and bespoke finishings. Take The Carry-on as an example, with its polycarbonate hard-shell exterior and Italian leather accents. In addition to luggage, the brand has an extensive collection of fine leather briefcases , weekender bags, backpacks and more.

I love the refined elegance and craftsmanship of Carl Friedrik luggage and travel goods. There are smart and functional details throughout each piece, and the feel of the materials is sleek and sophisticated. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of CALPAK

Price range: $165 to $275 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1- to 5-year

California Pack, which started as a handbag and wallet company in Los Angeles in 1989, evolved into CALPAK – a top-selling luggage and accessories brand. Designed to be both functional and affordable, CALPAK is a destination for hard- and soft-sided suitcases, the iconic Luka Duffel , packable tote bags, and a variety of accessories. Selected by U.S. News as the top underseat option , the CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On has a laptop sleeve, a front pocket and a luggage trolley strap.

When I'm packing for a short trip, CALPAK's Mini Carry-ons are my go-to. I always pack a tech organizer, and the Luka Duffel and Luka Mini Backpack are perfect for traveling or running around town. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of Monos

Price range: $255 to $455 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime

Valuing simplicity with an emphasis on sustainability , Monos luggage and travel bags are created to be timeless. The brand's premium suitcases like the Carry-On are constructed with lightweight, aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate to withstand the demands of travel. There are a variety of nylon and vegan leather bags and accessories, including the Metro Duffel and the Metro Backpack , with a unique modular system where kits can be removed or changed depending on travel needs.

The durability and sleek styling of Monos luggage are incredible. I appreciate the focus on sustainability, and I find the brand's modular system to really be a standout feature. – Rachael Hood

Read: Monos vs. Away: Luggage Comparison Charts

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a passion for luggage. Always shopping for luggage and testing different suitcases for various needs, she rarely checks a bag. Having traveled the world with top finds from CALPAK, TUMI and ROAM, she used her traveling experience along with her retail merchandising background to curate this list of the top luggage brands.

You might also be interested in:

• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Top Luggage Sets
• The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors
• The Best International Travel Insurance

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American Tourister

Briggs & riley, bric's, luggage faqs, the 11 best luggage brands of 2024, tested by experts.

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The best suitcases let you roll through the airport quickly and confidently, with assurance that your items are well-protected and sturdily organized within.

We selected our picks for the best luggage brands based on years of hands-on testing by several travel editors who regularly take up to 50 flights a year. Since the size of luggage you'll need will depend on your specific travel plans, we focused on the best brands rather than specific pieces. Our top picks are known for making sturdy and reliable luggage, with smart extras to make packing and traveling a breeze. 

Read on for our top choices for the best luggage brands at various price points to consider. If you're specifically looking for hand-luggage, check out our guide to the best carry-on bags . 

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

When it comes to value, Samsonite makes excellent luggage at some of the best prices, which is why we named it our top overall pick for the best carry-on . Samsonite offers numerous options for roller bags, including both hard-side and soft-side carry-ons and checked luggage, as well as wheeled underseat bags and even roller duffels. 

Samsonite also sells several two- and three-piece sets if you want to pair small, medium, and large roller bags together. In addition to traditional roller luggage, Samsonite also offers classic backpacks, wheeled backpacks, duffels, briefcases, wallets, dop kits, and more. There are even some cool wheeled garment bags that can fit under your seat and will fit far more than your typical folding or hanging garment bag. I've owned a Samsonite bag for over three years now and it's held up incredibly well.

You can read our full Samsonite Centric Carry-On review for more info.

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

Away has multiple options for roller luggage, including hard-sided, expandable, and aluminum. Bags are available in both neutral hues and bright, eye-catching colors.

Away's stand-out feature used to be the removable battery pack for charging your electronics on the go, which was previously available as an add-on to its carry-on bags. While the brand retired that feature, we still think its bags have thoughtful extras like in-bag compression, built-in TSA-approved locks, and a removable washable lining. 

In addition to roller bags, the brand also a range of other bags and travel accessories, including backpacks, duffels, pet carriers, totes, packing cubes, and more. I've personally owned Away luggage for years and can attest to its durability and practicality. 

Read our full Away luggage review and Away Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

Travelpro mostly makes soft-side luggage and rightfully earned its spot as our top pick for the best soft-sided carry-on . I personally love the clear attention to detail that comes with a Travelpro bag, from the whisper-quiet spinner wheels to the tear-resistant material and sturdy buckles.

In addition to rolling luggage, Travelpro has options for underseat bags (rolling and not), toiletry bags, backpacks, foldable duffels, garment bags (which often come included with a carry-on), luggage tags, laptop bags, and more.

Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Monos

Monos is a newer start-up that doesn't have as many suitcase options as the other luggage brands on our list, but it's worth mentioning since it's one of the best suitcases on the market with a hard front pocket that gives you an easy place to safely store laptops and extras. Monos suitcases are durable, come in an array of colors, and are well-priced. Plus, all of the luggage comes with a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. The same brand also makes some of our favorite durable packing cubes .

Currently, Monos has two sizes of carry-on that either come with a front pocket or not depending on your preferences, plus a medium-sized roller bag and a checked luggage option. Monos also make a backpack, duffel, and folio kit.

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

Many of American Tourister's carry-ons start under $100, and while they may not last you a lifetime, they certainly won't break down anytime soon either. The hard-sided bags are made from a sturdy ABS material, and the spinner wheels aren't quite as high-end as premium options but still easily roll on most surfaces. While these suitcases don't come with tons of extras (be aware that some don't come with built-in TSA locks), the interiors are still thoughtfully designed for easy packing. 

American Tourister has numerous roller bag options in varying sizes, including both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases. There is also a line of Disney luggage that kids especially might love. While there are also some nice wheeled underseat bags, American Tourister hasn't branched out much from classic roller bags, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a duffel or weekender bag is more your aim.

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

When it comes to high-end luggage, Rimowa is a consistent standout that uses premium materials to create long-lasting and recognizable pieces. Its ribbed aluminum luggage, which comes in every color from simple silver to a cherry red, is particularly popular — though it will cost you upwards of $1,000. However, thanks to heavy-duty construction that still manages to be lightweight, the rollers might be worth it if budget isn't an issue for you.

For a slightly more cost-effective (though still pricey) option, I particularly love the Essential Lite collection, which I named the best high-end hard-side carry-on thanks to the fact that it's incredibly durable but weighs less than five pounds. Unfortunately, if you're a fan of soft-sided suitcases, Rimowa is not the brand for you, and there aren't as many accessories available as some other brands. 

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

We named Briggs & Riley our top pick for the best high-end soft-side carry-on. I particularly like the super-smart interior features that truly elevate these suitcases, from a special CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25%, to making sure the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of the bag so no packing room is lost to the poles. These suitcases are certainly investment pieces, but they're built to last and also come with a lifetime warranty.

While I find the soft-sided bags to be some of Briggs & Riley's best options, there are also some nice hard-sided carry-ons and checked bags for those who prefer to go that route. In addition to roller bags, Briggs & Riley also makes backpacks, duffels, weekends, laptop bags, and travel accessories of all types, including packing cubes, bag ID tags, laundry bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Bric's

Bric's is probably best known for its high-end Bellagio collection of luggage, both recognizable and revered for its durable, but ultra-light polycarbonate exterior with leather trim that gives it a nostalgic trunk feel. It's the little details that set this Italian brand apart, including Hinomoto wheels, matching interior linings, and premium zippers. That's why you've likely seen a luxury travel guru wheeling this bag through the airport, or, if you're an eagle-eyed "Schitt's Creek" fan, may have caught Alexis Rose using this collection to pack up her belongings. 

However, for those not ready to spend $600 on a carry-on, Bric's also has several more affordable suitcases in both hard-sided and soft-sided options. The Capri collection features striking exterior detailing in a wide range of colors at a mid-tier price point, while B/Y Zeus will appear to soft-sided fans.

The brand also has a sale section where you can sometimes score premium collections that typically start at $650 or more for under $200. 

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

Like Rimowa, Tumi luggage pieces are an investment. But they're a worthy one since these suitcases will likely last you years, if not decades. With numerous options of all sizes for both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases, Tumi has bags to suit just about all tastes. 

Its well-thought-out suitcases include premium spinner wheels, heavy-duty zippers, scratch- and tear-resistant exteriors, and well-designed interiors that help travelers maximize every last inch of space. In addition to roller luggage, Tumi is also well known for its premium totes and briefcases, and also makes travel wallets, backpacks, duffels, care kits, travel umbrellas, and more. 

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

Victorinox luggage falls in the mid- to high-tier of pricing but its durability makes it a good value choice. The brand also frequently has luggage on sale during big shopping holidays when you can score suitcases for less. As you might expect from a Swiss Army company, the interiors of most suitcases are also thoughtfully designed to maximize packing space. 

Victorinox offers both hard-sided and soft-sided roller bags of numerous sizes including classic carry-ons, checked bags, medium-sized suitcases, and smaller wheeled underseat bags that can fit laptops and accessories. Beyond roller bags, Victorinox also offers briefcases, duffels, backpacks, totes, toiletry kits, garment bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Delsey

If you like the look of Bric's cream suitcases with leather trim, you may also want to consider Delsey's Chatelet line of hard-sided luggage. While these suitcases start around the same price as Bric's, they can be found on sale more frequently, often for half the price. Delsey's Titanium suitcases are also a fan-favorite option since they are ultra-lightweight but incredibly durable. 

Delsey has numerous options for roller bags for domestic and international travel in both hard-sided and soft-sided variations (though more hard-sided), as well as several luggage sets. It even has an eco-friendly line of laptop bags and duffels using recycled materials.  

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

There are pros and cons to each. In general, hard-sided luggage offers more protection for your belongings than soft-sided luggage.

For checked bags, you're best bet is hard-sided luggage, since it can withstand tough handling and having other items stacked on top. Soft-sided luggage may be a good option if you want more flexibility, since fabric-made suitcases have a lot more give. Soft-sided pieces are a good option for carry-ons because they can flex and compress to fit into tight overhead bins.  

What size luggage should I buy?

We think it's best to start with a carry-on size, since it offers the most flexibility, whether you want to keep it in the cabin or check it. Most US airlines cap carry-on size at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels.

When it comes to buying a checked bag, you'll want something between 25 and 29 inches long. Airlines typically charge a fixed fee for checked bags up to a certain weight, so it may be tempting to think a bigger suitcase is always better. However, bigger pieces of luggage come with more weight of their own, don't protect your items well when they're underpacked, and encourage overpacking, which can lead to higher baggage fees (or the dreaded airport floor repacking). 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

• Main content

The Perfect Luggage for Avoiding Airport Chaos Is Here

Because stress-free travel starts with having the right gear.

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

But choosing the best luggage is not always as easy as it seems. The variety of options on the market can make shopping for a new large suitcase or carry-on feel like driving through a dark tunnel without a navigation system. This guide here on the best luggage brands will help shine a little light on your trek, aiding you in choosing the right luggage for your budget.

Best Overall Luggage Brand

The Close Second

The Frequent Favorite

Best Investment Luggage Brand

Best Softside Luggage Brand

Best Luggage Sets

Best Luggage for Hauling Gear

Peak design.

Best Luggage for Apple AirTag Users

Best Adventure Luggage Brand

Eagle creek.

Best Luggage for Minimalist Travelers

Which brand of suitcase i s best.

The editors and writers at Men's Health are constantly on the go. From working assignments in LA to taking tropical vacations in Madeira, we make it a point to test all the best luggage brands in our adventures. Over the past four years alone, we've tested well over 40 different luggage brands to find the perfect piece. Here, we bring you the 17 best luggage brands of 2024 in one clean list, with Samsonite commanding our top spot of the best luggage brand overall due to the brand's outstanding durability, clean design, and wallet-friendly price.

No matter if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all bag or an entire luggage set, these are the best luggage brands on the market that will get you cruising without the stress of schlepping some raggedy old case. Ready to see the list?

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Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 10 years

Samsonite makes the best affordable suitcases and luggage sets in our eyes. While the brand is in just about every major department store, the best place to buy Samsonite luggage is on Amazon. The retailer carries some of Samsonite's highest-rated products that won't burn a hole in your wallet. You can score an entire hard-sided set for under $300 or shop the brand's durable nylon singles . The items might not be as feature-loaded and reinforced as some of the other brands, but you will be surprised at how far your luggage will go before you need replacing.

When asking Justin Crabbe , the CEO of Jettly, a private jet charter service, about his go-to luggage brand, he mentioned Samsonite as one of the most well-priced and reliable brands that come to mind. "With lightweight yet durable material, superior design, and multiple compartments for packing with ease, it is a traveler’s dream come true," says Crabbe.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, always seems to find himself traveling with Samsonite too. " Time and time again I think I need to upgrade my luggage, and then I come back to my softside Samsonite carry-on I've held onto for over 5+ years," he says. " It [my carry-on] has been my companion with me through many adventures, from high altitude camping trips in Colorado to overseas adventures in countries like China and Germany." Thompson also notes his Samsonite's all-black fabric body has resisted scratches and marks over time, which makes it suitable for business trips as a clean piece that will blend in among the other bags—and not stand out for being all mangled and disheveled.

Read more: Viral TikTok Travel Essentials

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: Lifetime

You must be living under a rock if this is your first time hearing about the magic that is Away luggage. The simple-yet-modern design makes you actually love to carry the brand's bags. Away's claim to fame comes from the brand's built-in battery packs that can power up your devices. Our Fashion Director, Ted Stafford, is a huge fan of Away due to the brand's attention to detail in the design process. " The interior of the suitcase has a streamlined design, which offers ample space to fit all your necessary items in an uncluttered and organized way ," says Stafford. " Plus, Away’s suitcases are extremely lightweight, so you can easily maneuver to and from your destination without pulling your muscles or overexerting unnecessary energy—to me, that kind of ease is invaluable at a price that’s very fair.”

The carry-on sizes come in a traditional option and a bigger carry-on for certain airlines that allow it. The brand also innovated on its hard-sided luggage collection, and now makes a full line of soft-sided durable ballistic nylon and outer pocket additions.

Read more: Long Flight Essentials

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 10 years

What would the best luggage guide be without TravelPro? The legacy brand has been a longtime favorite of frequent travelers, soft luggage fans, and, yes, even pilots and flight attendants. TravelPro sets are wallet-friendly and its bags are constructed with function in mind (we especially love how durable the 360-wheels and handles are on its pieces).

Nadia Podrabinek , a travel writer and founder of Why This Place, is a huge fan of her expandable soft side Travelpro carry-on due to the high quality of design for an affordable price. "The lightweight construction that does not sacrifice on quality, allowing you to travel with peace of mind; and the four-wheel spinner design makes maneuvering through airports easy, while numerous pockets help keep your items organized," Podrabinek says.

Travelpro might not be the most flashy brand, but there's a reason so many travel writers (and flight attendants) love the brand.

Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 5 years

Tumi is for the slick traveler on the move that appreciates design as much as they do function. The longtime brand founded back in 1975 makes sure every new piece of luggage helps aim to solve common travel qualms. Tumi's carry-on bags and backpacks are made with several easy-access zippered compartments to help breeze through TSA lines, and the brand's add-a-bag sets are designed to lug around two to three bags at one time with one hand.

Adam Mansuroglu, a former Style & Commerce Editor at Men's Health is a Tumi fan. "I've had my Tumi 19 Degree carry-on case for a few years now ; and whenever I want to feel a bit fancier and pretend like I live that jet-set life, I make sure to carry that silver stunner," Mansuroglu says. " I t not only looks sleek and stylish—it can hold a surprising amount of shoes for a fashion editor who can't seem to ever travel light."

It's no secret Tumi is one of the more expensive luggage brands around, but if can pony up the investment you'll be happy knowing you'll have a sleek bag that's going to last you for many years to come.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 3 years

Calling all gearheads. If you're an adventure traveler, Yeti has your back (literally, with the brand's first Crossroads backpack series). In this line of luggage, you'll find dry bags for white water rafting, carryalls, and classic rolling luggage and duffels that can withstand just about anything without showing much wear and tear. These bags are made for utility and function with a willingness to get tossed around and dirty with an easy clean.

Due to the tough construction of Yeti luggage, it's no wonder the bags have become a favorite for adventure tourists in the past few years. Geordie Mackay-Lewis , co-founder of Pelorus , a bespoke agency that plans exotic travel and yacht experiences, loves to pack Yeti bags for client excursions. " For our more adventurous trips, we pack our soft and fully waterproof Yeti bags, which can easily be thrown into a RIB or helicopter ," Mackay-Lewis says. " They also have great camera bags, which we’ve been using on client trips and reconnaissance missions for years."

It's worth mentioning only some of the Yeti bags are completely waterproof, but most are water-resistant.

Read more: Best Backpacks for Men

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: 5 years

Calpak’s popularity is right up there with AWAY, but a major difference is the organizational approach of each brand. Almost all of Calpak's luggage has separate sleeves for shoes, zip pockets for smaller items, compartments for magazines, and straps to hold it all in place. Plus, they make some of the best matching luggage sets around, including a full line of accessories that make packing easier.

Christen Nicole , a FORA Travel Advisor and travel blogger, told us the Astyll 3-Piece Set has been her current go-to for travels for the past two years. " I've loved how the polycarbonate shell has kept my belongings secure, and how the spacious interior pocket dividers have kept everything in its place," Nicole says. When it comes to naming her favorite bag in the set, she finds the carry-on to be the best piece overall due to its combination of generous space (up to 45 liters) with a light build (6 pounds in weight).

If you're someone who has to frequently sit on your suitcase to close it, then opting for Calpak will help turn you into an efficient packing pro. The brand's packing cubes and organizers are excellent at categorizing items, and the suitcases are deep and roomy.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetime

Smart, sexy, and functional as heck, are three words we'd describe Peak Design luggage. The West Coast-based brand originally started in making camera equipment—like carbon fiber tripods—but over time started venturing into camera bags, then everyday bags, then actual travel bags. Products like the Travel Backpack and Travel Duffel offer durable, water-resistant protection for everything from clothes to electronics.

We love how Peak Designs keeps things simple for the look of each bag, making sure to omit tacky logo placements and over-the-top colors, and instead go with a classic all-black look, plus a few natural color combinations on some specific bags.

Samara's luggage pieces are as sleek and stylish as they come. And while they look beautiful from a design standpoint, the one area that deserves recognition is their high level of functionality. We're talking about a strong aluminum frame, 360-degree spinner wheels, and telescopic handles. Plus, all Samsara luggage comes with Tag Smart, which is a unique design configuration made in the luggage to allow for easy placement of your Apple AirTag.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, likes to use his Samsara carry-on whenever he wants to switch over to a hardshell suitcase. "Right now, there's no other brand making such a well design AirTag holder for keeping tabs on its suitcase," Thompson says.

We also found the built-in portable charger is easy to pop out and use, and it works great when powering bigger electronics like laptops and over-ear headphones .

Read more: Best AirTag Wallets

Eagle Creek is known for its no-nonsense and affordable gear that caters to outdoor adventurers. The brand makes some of the best dang packing cubes one could buy, and if you follow up the product ladder you'll land on the different luggage pieces those very cubes can be stored inside. Eagle Creek makes only soft luggage, but the materials are often super tear resistant and the designs offer lots of utility and opportunity for smarter configurations of how to store everything from clothes and hiking essentials to camera gear.

Jackson Groves , travel photographer, adventurer, and founder of the travel blog journeyera.com, told us his personal favorite Eagle Creek bag is his Gear Warrior roller suitcase. " The Gear Warrior's rugged construction and water-resistant materials ensure that my belongings stay safe and protected even in challenging environments; and its spacious main compartment and multiple interior and exterior pockets offer ample storage space for all my essentials, allowing me to stay organized on the go," Groves says. " The durable wheels and retractable handle make maneuvering through airports, trails, and uneven terrain a breeze."

What we love the most about Eagle Creek is they have a no questions asked warranty policy, so if something were to get damaged on your travels, the brand will make sure either repair or replace your bag.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetiime

Osprey makes a number of trusted duffle bags and backpacks that are suitable for minimalist travelers and adventure junkies. The brand shines brightest in its travel backpack offerings. Yes, the packs work amazing for actually backpacking, but due to Osprey's commitment to loading its products with tough materials and premium features—like carrying belts and smart pocket configurations—we've found the backpacks work seriously good for fast weekend getaway trips, no serious outdoor adventuring required.

Scott Cundy, Founder of Wildland Trekking and Intrepid Travel Director of Marketing, The Americas, swears by his Osprey Aether Plus 100 for everything from wilderness backpacking to conventional travel. " It has fantastic capacity at about 6,000 cubic inches, is durable, has an extremely robust hip belt which keeps the weight off my shoulders, and any great pockets," says Cundy. "M y favorite feature of this pack though is how the top loader is removable and becomes a very useable day pack."

The best part about traveling with an Osprey backpack is you can fit your laptop inside with two to three days of clothes and never have to worry about hauling a carry-on or duffel bag to your destination.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 2 years

OGIO can transport a wardrobe quite well, but what the brand is truly exceptional at is transporting gear. Whatever equipment you might want to take with you on your next big trip, an OGIO bag will work as a checked luggage option to get your prized possessions from point A to point B.

This prior notion is especially true when it comes to traveling with golf clubs, as pieces like their ALPHA Travel Cover help you roll your clubs through a terminal without any snagging or other inconveniences. "G reat product to carry clubs. Kept everything safe and has lockable zippers," said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best Golf Bags

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: 2 years

Coolife prides itself on constant innovation. The company was started in the '80s and has evolved to be as modern and relevant as today's big players, like AWAY and Calpak. The aesthetic is quite similar to such brands, with minimally-hued hardshell cases that protect your precious goods and spin nicely. While you don't get the popular brand name, you will get a far better price point, (we're talking under $200 for a two-piece set), making Coolife luggage a major bang for the buck you're spending.

Plus, the Amazon reviews on Coolife luggage are exceptional. " It [the set] cost less than a single suitcase in other stores and includes perfect sizes with the largest being expandable; don’t hesitate to buy these when you need luggage," said one Amazon reviewer. The three-piece set has over 1,000 five-star reviews alone.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: Lifetime

For over 120 years, Rimowa has been making hard-sided luggage, first starting with wooden suitcases and then moving to sturdy aluminum bags. Now, RIMOWA uses ultra-lightweight polycarbonate in its bags. The brand is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Though they come in at a luxury price point, these bags will last for well over a decade. Just take a look at this review a Rimowa buyer left at Nordstrom.com: " On our first trip using this suitcase, my entire family fought over who got to roll the Rimowa because it was just SO MUCH LIGHTER and maneuverable than our other suitcases. It’s sleek, sturdy, light and has great details and added features." The hard-sided shell might look intimidating at first, but once you feel how lightweight and easy this is to the wheel, you'll wonder why you haven't invested in it sooner.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're looking for unique luggage that will stand out in baggage claim, look no further. Not only are Roam 's designs multi-colored, the brand even offers the option to make it uniquely yours in their own design studio. Roam makes the best-checked luggage for that reason along with being light in weight, easy to wheel around, and extra secure with a locking system. "I was an early adopter of the Roam Journey. I traveled all over the world with it. It is lightweight and the customization options really make it pop on the conveyor belt. No more episodes of other people accidentally grabbing my mundane black bag," said one Roam reviewer.

We had thoughts about the carry-on looking small when we first got our hands on one, but the bag can surprisingly fit many days' worth of outfits. The only con about the carry-on thought is it comes without outer organizational pockets, so you'll have to store smaller belongings and electronics inside the bag.

You're probably going to be most impressed by Monos on this list. The Canadian brand makes luggage with a cool minimalist aesthetic that is efficient in packing space thanks to organized internal compartments and packing cubs. It seems as if the brand has thoroughly thought of every travel hiccup and created its products to solve those common issues. The Monos carry-on features a fold-out tech pocket that doesn't compromise the unbreakable aluminum and polycarbonate hybrid shell. The result of all of this: durable aluminum, lightweight polycarbonate, and soft-sided organization features. The wheels are virtually noiseless, and the brand's accessories snap perfectly into place among the entire line of luggage. It all looks and feels expensive, probably because it isn't cheap—but it will make your travel dreams so much better.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetime

Filson has captured the hearts of travelers who love timeless rugged design. While the Seattle brand doesn't carry any hard luggage, Filson does make some grade-A soft luggage. Everything from their duffle bags to messenger bags is perfect for short trips and for carry-on duties. One Filson review mentioned how well his duffel bag performed on a trip abroad. " Used it on a 10-day trip to Europe in winter; paired it up with a carry-on and this was perfect to fit bulkier items like boots, sweaters, and jackets," said the Filson.com reviewer.

The initial investment on any Filson bag is a pretty penny, but the quality materials like USA-sourced leather and tear-resistant canvas point to your bag lasting a long long time—and look better with every new sign of wear and tear, no less.

July is another luggage brand that's made a splash in recent years. The attention to detail in design, combined with stylish silhouettes, has brought forth a line of pieces that look great standalone and even better together. "The suitcase packed a lot of clothes very nicely as I traveled all through the Middle East, France, and Amsterdam. It rolls so easily it made the whole trip quite enjoyable. It seems very sturdy, and it is great looking," said one July reviewer.

July luggage comes in a ton of colors and—best of all—the brand offers small personalization services like monogramming and images of your pets. Yes, you heard that right pet parents.

Read more: Best Sling Bags

Why Trust Us

• In order to keep up with new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing the latest travel gear. Aside from covering travel gear in our evergreen roundups, we also highlight the best new travel gear in our gift guides and annual Travel Awards .
• When it comes to luggage, we make sure to line up real-world testing opportunities anytime we're on assignment or traveling for pleasure. Then, we bring the luggage back to our office to thoroughly inspect each bag to determine what design notes surprised us, and what could use more work.
• We consider how luggage brands appeals to specific types of traveler, as opposed to making generic assumptions that every traveler's needs are the same. We take into account everything from checked bags to carry-ons, to duffel bags and travel backpacks. Travelers who come to us will gain a full understanding of the luggage landscape and how it fits their lifestyle.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

How to Find the Right Luggage

Like your favorite pair of jeans , your favorite piece of luggage is going to come from a brand that fits your lifestyle. When looking for the best suitcase brand, you're going to want to write down what quantities you desire in your luggage. Here's what you should look for.

Frequency of Travel

The right luggage is going to fit with how you travel. If you're only going out of town a handful times a year, then you don't necessarily need to splurge on a super expensive suitcase or suitcase set. In fact, we'd recommend going for a wallet-friendly suitcase or set from brands like Samsonite or Coolife if you're not traveling that often, as these brands will hold up for years with light to medium use and not cost you very much upfront. If you're traveling a lot (for pleasure, business, or both) then you're going to probably want to lean towards making an investment in a piece of luggage that's made to handle continuous wear and tear. "When it comes to buying the right piece for your travel needs, my advice is always to opt for something that fits your lifestyle and budget," says Justin Crabbe.

How You Travel

After estimating how much you will be traveling throughout the year, you can start to write down your travel habits, or how you travel. Do you pack heavy or pack light? What features do you want or need? This is where features like TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, special laptop compartments, built-in portable chargers, and more are to be considered. "Look for ways to elevate your internal organization, like dividers, pockets, and sections that will help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible during your travels," says Sean Oblizalo. Another note: if you're into adventure traveling, look for a bag that's more flexible, lightweight, and made with weather-resistant materials is your best option. "Look for sturdy fabrics such as nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and strong zippers to ensure your luggage can handle the demands of outdoor adventures," says Jackson Groves.

You also want to consider how much you are willing to pay for your suitcase. Some suitcase brands are expensive because they get grouped into high fashion, but suitcases can also be expensive because they're known to last a long time (it's worth mentioning the best luggage brands have a kind of timeless style attributed to them). A few of the best suitcase brands that require a significant investment include RIMOWA, Tumi, and Filson. If you're looking for suitcase brands that provide the best overall value (for the price you pay), consider makers like Samsonite, TravelPro, and CooLife.

Lastly, take note of each luggage brand's warranty. A warranty will help get your suitcase replaced or fixed should it have any issues (like a broken off wheel or damaged handle). Most luggage brands have pretty good warranties these days (usually 5-10 years) but the best warranty you can get on a suitcase is a lifetime warranty. Warranties can be huge for frequent travelers, as your suitcase will wear down with high usage. If you are a frequent traveler, or if you're someone who simply wants the best warranty you can get, go with a suitcase that has a lifetime policy. Premium luggage brands are more likely to have lifetime warranties, so this can be another benefit to going up and investing in an expensive suitcase.

Is Hardside or Softside Luggage Better?

The most popular luggage comes in either a hard-sided or soft-sided structured bag. Like mentioned earlier, the pros and cons of both depend on what you prioritize when you pack. Soft-sided luggage typically has more room for movement, more organizational pockets, and can compress to fit into tight spaces (like the overhead of an airplane). They open with a top flap zip, placing the bulk of storage at the bottom. Softside luggage offers more packing room, but it can throw off the balance of your goods when it’s tossed around and stowed away by airline employees. Basically, soft-sided luggage does not provide as much protection as hard-sided bags—but they are roomier.

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Due to advances in making polycarbonate more durable and lighter, hard-sided bags started gaining popularity in the past few years Hardside luggage features a 50/50 split opening (also called a book opening), making each side an equal stabilizer with an outer shell of hard protection. Polycarbonate shells are typically better for business travel. They stack easily but are usually rigid with zero room to expand like a soft-sided bag. The latest hard-sided bags look sleeker and are easier to clean and move—but they require you to be more strategic in your packing.

Other features that you’ll want to consider are weight and wheelability. Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with four spinner wheels that can swivel 360 degrees to make rolling around the airport, pavement, or hotel floor a breeze.

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The 18 best luggage brands, explained by GQ's globetrotting travel editors

By Owen Gough and Heidi Quill

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

From nervous, infrequent flyers to veteran businesspeople hardened by dozens of hops on the red-eye, there’s one constant that remains the same with holidaymakers and travellers: the need to invest in a quality suitcase . The sight of passengers hoisting barely held-together tote bags over their shoulders for a long-haul journey gives us the sweats, so we’ve made it our duty to ensure that anyone taking a trip in the next few months is equipped with the best luggage brands that guarantee a smooth experience – at least when it comes to packing and lugging the thing around the airport.

And look, it’s not like you’re unaware of what's available right now. Trip-friendly bags from the likes of Antler, Carl Friedrik, Globe-Trotter and Samsonite are as ubiquitous in any airport as an ill-advised early-morning pint before boarding, but sometimes you just need a nudge in the right direction to find the truly elite options. Our editors have put in the groundwork so you don’t have to, arriving at the absolute best luggage brands that will deck out your travels with the best suitcases, carry-on , luggage tags , passport holders and accessories. Whether you're travelling to New York or New Delhi, read on to check out our top picks.

Skip to: Which suitcase is better, hard or soft? | How do I choose a suitcase? | What size should by carry-on luggage be? | How much should I spend on my luggage?

Which suitcase is better, hard or soft?

The choice between hard-side luggage or soft-sided suitcases will largely hinge on whether you’re checking it in on the plane or carrying it on with you. Hard-sided suitcases offer greater durability to cope with dings, scrapes and knocks that will inevitably happen in transit, keeping your neatly-packed clothes secure and protected throughout the journey. The problem is these checked bags are typically heavier which can cause a few headaches when you go to check it in or place it in the overhead bin, so keep that in mind.

Soft cases are easier to lug around and are lighter, but miss out on the protective functionality of hard-shell options. In this regard, they're a greater prospect for hold-all luggage or if you’re hopping on trains and buses, as you can squash them down if space is tight over long trips. The carry-on variety of luggage is easier and often cheaper, but worth only worth considering for shorter journeys. it's also worth considering these will certainly not be water-resistant, so keep that in your thoughts when planning a trip to rainier climes - or literally anywhere in the north-west of Europe.

Regardless of the solidity of your case, we’ll always recommend grabbing a wheeled suitcase, because no one wants to arrive at the gate for their summer holidays drenched in sweat and nursing a dead arm. Wheeled luggage has got significantly better in recent years, with telescopic handles and whisper-quiet, 360-degree spinner wheels for supreme manoeuvrability from check-in to your plane seat.

There are standout backpacks or shoulder bags that bring the sartorial chops you're likely hunting for while also offering additional storage space for your travels. These are typically best used on short trips or as carry-on luggage to save your muscles during a long journey, but most can be bought and used in tandem with your chosen suitcase to house an in-flight book, snacks, a work laptop and one of our favourite travel pillows to save yourself a crook neck upon arrival.

How do I choose a suitcase?

Selecting which checked luggage to go for can be as tricky as deciding where you're planning to holiday in the first place, so it's worth brushing up on the best options to help inform your choice. There's a fair amount of complication that makes this difficult, with different airlines imposing a variety of weight and size limitations, as well as the obvious sartorial and space aspects that make up a solid set of luggage.

Therefore, we'll give you the boring answer and say that it largely depends on what kind of travel you're doing in the immediate future. Larger trunks and suitcases will inevitably be your best bet for getting around the world on longer, more luxurious trips, with enough space to hold all the clothes and items you might need for a week or longer and are the most durable to better protect against general wear and tear.

Short city trips or weekend getaways will be the domain of smaller carry-on luggage , with wheels and handles to help you glide around train stations and airports stress-free. These might not have the capacious skills to keep you dressed for longer periods of time, but they often have enough to stretch to a week maximum should you need it.

Travel backpacks , soft-sided luggage and rucksacks are a solid option for very short weekend trips or overnight stays, as they aren't particularly roomy for all your gear over longer hauls but are easier to carry over shorter distances. They can also be a good accoutrement to carry-on luggage, as you can split your load between the two bags and get more in your trip thanks to side pouches or ballistic nylon separators that go a long way to organising your packing.

To make your packing stresses a little less intense, we also recommend picking up some packing cubes to use as a divider for your clothes. These little bags are a life saver for organising your suitcase into easily manageable chunks, using a compression system to squash all your items down for more space inside your suitcase. For example, pack all T-shirts in one bag, underwear in another, and maybe a smaller one for toiletries, and then once you're at the end of your trip, keep the used clothes separate from the clean clothes so you know what to chuck into the washing machine when you get back.

What size should by carry-on luggage be?

Frustratingly, not all airlines can agree on a set size and weight for your carry-on luggage, which can provoke headaches if you're prone to travelling with multiple companies or taking on a few flights in one trip with several layovers. However, there are some hard and fast truths to your carry-on limits. As a general rule of thumb, suitcases should not be taller than 24 inches, wider than 16 inches or deeper than 10 inches. This is your standard ballpark figure, and you won't find a single airline that allows beyond this limit.

It's worth noting this if your carry-on luggage is expandable – which many are – allowing you to extend your internal space to fit in those last-minute flip-flop additions. Using this feature may push your carry-on luggage over the edge, which will incur fees for additional space, you've been warned. As always, you should do your due diligence and check with the airline before you fly and then measure your own luggage to ensure it's within size and weight limits for the smoothest possible journey through check-in.

How much should I spend on my luggage?

Holidays don't come cheap, so you're probably not wanting to spend a small fortune on luggage, too. However, there are some common truths about picking up your travel gear and how much you should spend; namely, “don't scrimp and save if you don't want future headaches with faulty gear”. Going cheap will inevitably mean materials won't be up to scratch, and you may risk getting it through your journey in one piece, which tends to lead you to buying replacement bags anyway – so why not think of it as an investment piece?

£80 is usually the entry point to decent luggage, and it's worth being mindful about that cost usually being per bag or suitcase. Great options from Amazon Basics or Samsonite can land you in this price point and afford you a decent build quality to get you through a few years of travel.

By Heidi Quill

By Owen Gough

By Harvey James

Stepping up between £200 and £500 is the next price point, where you'll find proven quality and luxurious materials. Brands like Antler , DB and Carl Friedrik are lurking around this cost, and such suitcases should easily see you through several years of jet-setting if you're kind to them.

Anything beyond £800 is a real statement piece in the airport lounge; think Gucci, Louis Vuitton and the like. If you genuinely care about your aesthetics, over caring about wether your handsome gear picks up a few knocks and scratches in transit, then these brands will do you proud.

• Best value luggage brands: Antler | Monos | Samsonite | Amazon Basics | Herschel
• Best carry-on luggage brands: Carl Friedrik | American Tourister | DB | Monos
• Best designer luggage brands: Louis Vuitton | Globe-Trotter | Gucci | Prada
• Best luggage brands for style: Harber | Rimowa | Tumi | Paravel | Away | Crash Baggage

Best value luggage brands

Antler 3-piece Clifton set

Antler Stamford cabin suitcase

Antler Bamburgh duffel bag

British-made Antler holds a loving place in our hearts simply because its collection is capacious, hardy and worthy of a spot on our Instagram grid as we jet away for the summer. The Clifton set is one of the best-selling luggage options for a good reason: they are luxurious, durable and spacious enough for two weeks of travelling, all for a mid-tier price. If you can, we’d highly recommend picking up the packing cubes. We swear by these useful mini bags to keep underwear, T-shirts and socks stored neatly and crease-free on long-haulers or they can be used as a handy laundry bag to be kept separate from your clean clothes.

For shorter trips, we’ll point you in the direction of the Bamburgh duffel, a rugged, multipurpose shoulder bag that sports a shower-proof design, padlock-compatible zips and plenty of internal pockets to store passports, wallets and other essentials for easy access.

Monos Carry-on Pro Plus

Monos Check-in Large

Monos Metro Duffel

Sometimes premium products don't need to come at premium price tags, which is just fine by us – more cocktails at the pool bar, please. Monos scratches that exact itch with high-end luggage for jet-setting luxury without breaking the bank. And don't they just look gorgeous.

For short-haul trips, we'd recommend the Carry-On Pro Plus, a suitcase wrought from a polycarbonate shell that's nigh-on indestructible, with TSA-approved locks to keep your clothes safe and secure in transit , as well as a front pocket large enough to fit a laptop. The same thoughtful design carries on through the range with the Metro Duffel, housing enough space for weekend getaways to the coast in style.

Samsonite Base Boost suitcase

Samsonite Airea suitcase

Samsonite Lite-Shock - Spinner XL 81cm suitcase

Easily one of the most well-established luggage brands in the world, Samsonite is well-known for producing high-quality luggage options for frequent travellers. Offering TSA-approved locks and expandable storage at an affordable price point, it has become synonymous with aspirational jet-setting since the early 20th century.

Samsonite has a huge catalogue of top-spec luggage for you to peruse, but one of our favourites is the Lite-Shock Spinner. The polycarbonate chassis is expandable but tough against scuffs and marks, making it a veteran of the airport carousel. The lightweight design makes it a great choice for frequent flyers who regularly make short one-week getaways or business trips.

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Large Luggage

Herschel Supply

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carry On Luggage

Herschel Outfitter Wheelie

You know Herschel Supply for its bags already, just perhaps not its luggage. You’ve no doubt seen its logo on duffle bags and backpacks a million times over, but it’s exceptional suitcases that this Canadian brand should also be known for. Exceedingly tough, scratch resistant (even on non-black shades) and light, its hardshell models are handsome holiday buddies that come in at a more affordable price than many competitors, but with just the same reliability.

Carefully sectioned split zipped interiors, in-built locks and silent 360 degree wheels, we reckon Herschel’s suitcases have everything you’re looking for — and they have a lifetime warranty to boot.

Best carry-on luggage brands

Carl Friedrik

London Hackett check-in suitcase

Hackett London

Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender bag

If there’s anything Dickie Greenleaf taught us, it’s that luxury luggage set made of plush Italian leather goes a long way to elevating the overall style points of your holidaymaking. Sitting at the high-end of fashionable travel bags, London-based Carl Friedrik delivers sophistication to your luggage that simply cannot be ignored. In case you’re curious about CF’s sartorial credentials, its suitcases and briefcases have been featured in TV shows like White Lotus and HBO’s Succession, and those guys definitely know how to basque in the elegance of luxury travel.

The most recent collab with London Hackett is perhaps our favourite partnership in the world of travel brands. Our pick is the check-in suitcase, a handsome navy number that features whisper-quite spinner wheels and oozes elegance for the luxurious traveller. Dual locks ensure your belongings are protected in transit, and the design guarantees heads will turn as you glide through security.

American Tourister

Pulsonic Check-in suitcase

American Tourister Bon Air DLX

Urban Track

Did you know that American Tourister is owned by Samsonite? The sister brand is best-known as a purveyor of affordable, lightweight travel equipment that ticks a lot of boxes in the style department. Bright, eccentric colourways are the name of the game here, with options to please kids thanks to Marvel and Disney looks that will look mighty fine through check-in.

The best bit of this brand is, of course, the cost, offering top-tier options for less than £200 in most cases (get it?), and they can be bought on Amazon if you're a Prime subscriber and in need of a luggage upgrade in a hurry. Our pick? The Bon Air DLX, which is a capacious, ready-to-go suitcase with a hardside polycarbonate shell and mouse-quiet wheels.

DB Hugger bundle 90L + 30L suitcases

DB Essential weekend bag 40L

DB Ramverk tech organiser bag

There really isn’t much the Scandis can’t succeed in when they put their mind to it. DB is a hypey new brand hailing from the snowy climbs of Norway, innovating to make travelling heavy a lot more manageable. The noteworthy aspect here is that DB's collection is sustainably sourced and made to last, with durable designs that proffer a rugged chic coveted by backpackers and gap-year travellers.

We love that the Hugger bundle utilises a hook system where the larger pack piggybacks the smaller pack for an ergonomic lift that will make the long walk through the airport as slippery as a freshly-brushed piste in winter. Elsewhere, the Hugger Backpack on its own is a mighty travelling bag, with a huge cavern for your gear that’s well-protected thanks to the hybrid soft/hard-shell chassis and ribcage system that manages to look striking and deliver the sturdy goods where you need them. Packing space comes at a premium, so we'd also recommend grabbing the tech organiser bag to store cameras, phone chargers or other paraphernalia for a smooth trip.

Best designer luggage brands

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 suitcase

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Monogram rolling trunk

Is there any more clear-cut statement of luxury than Louis Vuitton travel gear? We think not. Providing that first-class feel regardless of whether you're in economy or business, Louis Vuitton's selection of logomaniac luggage never fails to look every bit the main character as you ought to feel pre- and post-vacation.

Choosing a particular LV bag is like deciding between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini – without dissimilar price tags –, but we came down on the side of the ultra-luxe Horizon 55 suitcase. Dappled in your choice of either the iconic ‘Damier checkerboard design or the Vuitton Monogram, this particular number is the only true sartorial choice you need to make to turn heads at the departure gate. Perfect to take in the cabin, the 37-litre capacity is more than enough to house your must-have travel essentials, and it also comes with a removable leather name tag for the ultimate travel flex.

Globe-Trotter Centenary suitase

Globe-Trotter x Golf le Fleur Centenary 20” suitcase

Globe-Trotter Centenary 20" cabin suitcase

If it's good enough for the likes of Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and almost every fancy fictional detective ever written since the late 1800s, it's more than good enough for us. The classic trunk has never looked as good as it does from Globe-Trotter, an iconic British brand well-versed in crafting the perfect suitcase to accompany you across the planet in style.

Spend any time perusing Globe-Trotter's website and you'll instantly fall in love with the fun, pastel-coloured take on the world's most famous luggage, courtesy of the Golf le Fleur collaboration. Seen here with a playful multi-coloured array of leather straps and buckles doubled up with an abstract leopard-print lining and ivory casing, it screams Wes Anderson's summer getaway must-have item.

Gucci Porter cabin suitcases

Gucci Savoy suitcases

Gucci Interlocking G cabin suitcase

If ever there was a master of the anachronistic, it would be Alessandro Michelle's era for Gucci, a theme that is deeply felt within the brand's luggage offerings. Where heritage prints and old-school silhouettes combine with innovative materials and modern durability, Gucci luggage simply cannot go wrong.

For the frequent flyer, we'd suggest the extra-hardy Porter cabin trolley suitcase, where its dense aluminium construction is accented with delicate panels of the ever-infamous ‘Double G’ logo print. For a more retro, aesthetic-focused take, however, the Savoy Ophidia-inspired trolley bag and Interlocking G patterned travel bag make stylish travel partners indeed.

Saffiano leather trolley suitcase

Prada Symbole trolley suitcase

Saffiano leather carry-on suitcase

Minimalist design with maximum aesthetic appeal – that's Prada's effortless mode summarised. A subtle style flex, toting a Prada suitcase is a discreet nod between fashion aficionados, where the simple yet iconic enamelled triangle logo sends a low-key signal of luxury to your fellow travellers.

From the plain jet black pick to the logomaniac Symbole patterned number, the handful of suitcases we've selected from Prada's online shelves cater to the needs of departure lounge wallflowers to Insta-focused travellers alike. Whatever your airport aesthetic, we've got you covered.

Best luggage brands for style

Roll top Backpack

Commuter Backpack

Harber Weekender

There's something about leather luggage that presents superior luxury. Our top choice for a high-quality range of beautifully crafted bags is Harber London, perhaps the most sophisticated top-end bags around. It's giving James Dean on the back of a Triumph motorbike, heading along the French Riviera, right? A reasonably new player in the international luggage game, Harber was created in 2012 to provide commuters with deluxe leather laptop sleeves, and after more than a decade, it now makes some of our favourite weekend bags, commuter rucksacks and accessories.

Each item on Harber's website is lovingly hand-crafted in Spain using 100 per cent full-grain leather, highlighting the dedication to the drip that the brand maintains. And while many products in the roster, like the gorgeous roll top backpack, are completely leather (aside from the military-grade buckles), others incorporate durable, water-resistant fabrics to make it significantly more robust. The brand gives you a year warranty as standard and ships worldwide.

Rimowa Essential Cabin

Rimowa Original Check-In L

Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin Plus

One of the most imperious luggage makers in the game, Rimowa has been cruising to sunnier climes since 1898, and really hit its stride a century ago by creating the world's first aluminium suitcase way back in 1930. Although it's also moved into polycarbonate wares of late, the Cologne-based brand has seen its status elevated via several hypey collaborations with the likes of Supreme, Off-White and Anti Social Social Club. In other words, it's followed exactly the new luxury same playbook as its LMVH stablemates in Fendi, Givenchy and, of course, Louis Vuitton.

There's no better place to start with Rimowa than its Original Check-In suitcase, if only because it's one of the most desirable pieces of luggage in existence. For those in need of something a little more understated, its Essential Cabin and Essential Sleeve Cabin Plus (with an external laptop sleeve, naturally) are both as sturdy as they are suave.

Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum suitcase 66cm

Tumi 'International' carry-on suitcase

In what might be the most bizarre origin story for a company name, Tumi's moniker comes from a type of Peruvian ceremonial knife used in the sacrifices of ancient South American rituals. Every day's a school day, right? In modern times, it's become a world-class luxe luggage brand beloved by pan-European flight hoppers and high-end holidaymakers alike.

Tumi's 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on suitcase is the style-centric luggage pick that ensures turned heads at baggage claim. Famous hands that have grasped the handle include Renee Rapp and Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min. The immediate appeal is obvious: a vibrant, silver-hued, smart case that's set apart from its competition by its sturdy, streamlined silhouette and rippled outer shell.

Aviator Grand Check-in Suitcase

Paravel Main Line Duffle

Aviator Carry-on suitcase

Sustainability should always factor in when travelling. While you can't help but contribute to greenhouse gases if you fly, getting around the world with some luggage that mitigates at least a little bit of the burden on Mother Earth is a good start, which is why we love Paravel's carbon-neutral range. Every piece of luggage from the brand is sustainably made, whether utilising recycled plastic bottles or ensuring the delivery of your product impacts the world as little as possible. Impressive, no doubt, but the bags themselves are actually pretty handsome in their own right, offering plenty of versatility for your travels. We love the Main Line Duffel, which is a smart, sophisticated shoulder bag complete with a wealth of internal pockets and a suitable level of stylish class for any jet-setter.

Everywhere Backpack

Away Bigger Carry-On

How could we collate a rundown of the best brands to wield as you swan through the airport without including Away? A brand close to our hearts, the New York travel company has an exceptional list of suitcases, carry-on and backpacks to get you through your next journey in style. Why? Because each bag is expertly crafted and comes in a range of beautiful pastel colours that are subtle, sophisticated and still enough to grab the attention of your check-in agent.

Our favourite is The Trunk, which is a bit beasty at first glance, but is capacious enough for a two-week trip to wherever you damn well please. We love the salmon pink number of the hardside travel suitcase, which is lighter than it seems, making it a great pick-up for over-packers and those who despise having to weigh their luggage.

Crash Baggage 79cm suitcase

Crash Baggage Share 55cm cabin suitcase

So-called because, well, its suitcases look like they've had a crash, a bang, and a wallop, Crash Baggage is founded on the belief that your luggage should be as durable as possible. Subverting shoppers' expectations of what brand-new luggage should look like, Crash's line-up comes pre-worn and dented in a tongue-in-cheek expression of just how resilient its cases are.

For your consideration, dear reader, we've picked out the Stripe 79cm, the Share 55cm and the Icon 79cm. Each decked out in dents and scratches, these cases are bold enough in both colourway and battle scars to be spotted whirling around baggage claim in no time. Plus, with all those aesthetic injuries, you're surely not to be messed with in the oft-competitive dash through arrivals.

Stori suitcase 55cm

The fashion-forward travel brand from Down Under, Nere's luggage will match any mood on your mind or adventure on your calendar.

Nere's most iconic suitcase, the Stori, makes the perfect travel companion for quick flights and long car rides alike, as their options are among the best lightweight suitcases in the market. Defined by the range's bold colour scheme, the Stori might be easy on the eyes, but it's its ABS polycarbonate shell and multi-faceted storage features mean that it's just as kind on your travel essentials. Due to the lightweight, the hardside spinner wheels are about as smooth as you could hope for, and are whisper-quiet to boot. Off you go!

The best suitcases for stylish storage on the go

The best holdalls and weekend bags for a stylish getaway

The best tote bags for men to stow your summer essentials in style

By Aaron Toumazou

By Emily Peck

By The Editors of GQ

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

31 Best Travel Bags: Duffels, Backpacks and Suitcases (2024)

We’ve reviewed hundreds of the best travel bags throughout the years – from the best hiking backpacks to the best laptop bags, we know bags. 

This article is for you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to travel bags. Are you a dedicated backpacker, a fan of the duffel bag, or maybe a devotee of the wheelie suitcase? Perhaps you’re not sure which type of travel bag you should buy or if you should make a switch.

Whether you’re a newbie or looking to upgrade and replace your existing travel bag, choosing from the best travel bags can be something of a minefield.

How on earth do you choose? The best way is to simply read on!

Keep scrolling and you’ll discover a wealth of detailed information on all the latest travel bags – backpacks, duffel bags, carry-ons, backpacks with wheels, and anti-theft bags; the list goes on! By the end of the article you’re sure to have found the best travel bag ever… for your needs!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

How to choose the best travel bag, best travel backpacks, best travel duffel bag, best travel daypacks, best travel luggage with wheels, best carry on travel bags, best anti-theft travel backpacks, best foldable travel bags, best travel duffel bags, best laptop travel bags, how and where we tested to find the best travel backpacks, faq about the best travel bags.

• Best Travel Backpack – Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
• Best Travel Daypack – Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Best Travel Backpack Runner-Up – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Leather Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Overnight Bag
• Best Eco Luggage – Monarc Brand Settra
• Best Travel Luggage with Wheels – Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45
• Best Carry on Travel Bag – Stubble & Co Adventure Pack
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack – Pacsafe Metrosafe X
• Best Foldable Travel Bag – Wandrd Veer 18L
• Best Travel Duffel Bag – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag – AER Commuter Brief 2

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• Price > $289.99
• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

• Price: > $350
• > Laptop and tablet sleeves
• > Made with water proof sailcloth

AER Travel Pack 3

• Price: > $249
• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• Price: > $250
• > Book-style opening
• > Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• Price: > $169.95
• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• Price: > $148
• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

• Price: > $160
• > Excellent all-round duffel bag
• > Protected pocket for tech

AER Commuter Brief 2

• Price: > $145

When deciding between all of these great travel bags, how do you choose the best bag for travel? Here are some pointers…

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One of the easiest ways to narrow down the choices is to consider the size of bag you require. If you’re searching for a bag that will see you through the daily commute you’re almost certainly going to need a smaller travel bag than if you’re heading off vacation away from home.

Generally, good travel bags of somewhere between 30 and 45-liters, unless you plan to use air travel check-in. If you have a lot of electronics, camera gear, camping equipment, or clothes (we’ve all been there!), then a larger bag makes much more sense.

If you have a travel bag you’re looking to replace or upgrade, ask yourself what sort of style it is – and whether of course, you like that style!

If you’re comfortable with a backpack-style travel bag, then focus your search on the same; whereas, if you prefer the ease of a duffel bag or wheelie suitcase, that’s the way you should be leaning. Want something in between, have a look at a duffel-backpack hybrid bag instead.

Will you be carrying your travel bag for long distances? Because if so, every gram (or ounce) of excess weight matters. While wheelie suitcases are a great idea for city movement, wheels always add weight to a bag and are a pain if you are heading off-road (or even onto the cobbles of a city like Paris).

Also, remember that weight is often a trade-off for durability, especially when it comes to travel and hiking backpacks. The more durable a bag, the more it tends to weigh. Understand how you plan to use your bag before buying the lightest or most heavy-duty pack! Overall, the higher-quality luggage brands tend to be able to keep things lighter whilst still being durable.

Are you traveling with Tech?

Are you traveling with tech? These days you probably are, whether you’re traveling for pleasure or for work.

In which case, do you want a rigid travel bag that provides protection, or perhaps a padded laptop sleeve or compartment? We have an entire section dedicated to good travel bags for laptops.

If this is the case, make sure the sleeve is large enough for your particular laptop or tablet too!

Are you Hiking?

While some of the best travel bags are geared for travel, they’re often not designed for hiking. Some backpacks are designed for both travel AND hiking, but that usually means it’s not the best at either, just manageable.

If you want a backpack that you can take on the trails, then pay attention to how the backpack holds its weight, the suspension system (if it even has one), the shoulder straps, and waist strap comfort. Remember, some of the really nice traveling bags that look great for city hopping aren’t going to cut it on the trails!

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

For those who need a larger, more conventional backpack that can handle all sorts of trips. These come in all shapes and sizes though our top choices are around 40 liters.

For more information on these sorts of bags, visit our IN-DEPTH guide on how to choose a travel backpack . There are some really great travel bags to choose from.

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

Nomatic bags have 20 innovative features to make your travels all the easier, such as a dedicated shoe pocket that keeps dirty soles away from the rest of your luggage, and a fleece-lined RFID-blocking pocket that will keep your electronic data and passports safe from illegitimate scanning by scammers. Pretty much it is the only travel bag under 40 liters you will ever need; which is why we chose it as your top pick.

This bag also incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve, and is carry on approved for a plethora of international airlines!

Our testers thought this was, well, to put it bluntly, the best travel bag out there! There are so many features they could point to in terms of what they loved the most but because I’m limited on the wordcount I’ll focus on one. Organisation! They loved the different pockets, zippered sections and show well the shape of the bag fits packing cubes inside.

We have so much to say about this bag that we wrote an entire Nomatic Travel Bag review.

• Perfect carry-on size
• Tons of features for the modern traveler
• RFID-blocking pockets
• Laptop sleeve
• Weight is a tad heavy for some (1.8 kg)
• Hip belt must be bought separately

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

With their Travel Backpack model, US-brand Tortuga promises to deliver a travel bag that has the portability and ergonomic qualities of a hiking backpack with the organizational stance and ease of packing that comes with a suitcase.

That said, we do not recommend this backpack for hiking… refer to our reviews on hiking backpacks instead.

Having said that, our team of testers especially loved how easy to pack this bag was. With the rectangular shape and clamshell opening it was perfect for fitting in packing cubes and keeping everything neat and organised. The smaller size also fits perfectly into overhead compartments.

sComing in 30 and 40-liter versions, which you might consider weekend and max-sized, both sizes of the Outbreaker carry 15” laptops, and also tablets of up to 9.7”.

• Suitable for laptops up to 15”
• Comprises additional tablet sleeve
• Carry on compliant
• Made in China
• Rectangular shape
• Not for adventures

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

The AER Travel Bag 3 is one of the best travel bags, ever. We have no doubts about that. Pound for pound, we consider the AER Travel Pack to be as good as the Nomatic Travel Bag. They’ve designed and engineered a built-in solution to all of the previous problems we’ve had with travel bags.

This bag is great for digital nomads, backpackers, and business travelers alike. It is designed with your laptop and organization in mind. It’s 35 liters of backpacker perfection.

Use this bag as a daypack, a carry on, or both. You’ll appreciate the many pockets and storage features. Wear it around town to camp on your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or bring it on a plane without needing to check your bag.

I recently took this bag on a trip over to France and I totally fell in love with it. The real stand-out feature for me, travelling with my camera and laptop, was the strong and smooth zippers that can be locked for extra security.

For more details about the Aer Travel Pack 3, read our Aer Travel Pack review .

• Carry on friendly
• Shoe pocket
• Many organization features
• Small water bottle pocket
• Not entirely waterproof
• No raincover

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

Leather travel packs are stylish and hard wearing. Whilst note created for outdoors and not ideal for “backpackers”, they do suit urban, business an weekend travellers. MAHI leather is the company to beat in the leather bag market and this weekend sized 30L duffel is a cracking carry on companion.

This leather bag is the flagship duffel for a proven company, and its clean appearance and durable straps have earned it the highest place on our list. The bag can be carried with handles or a shoulder strap, and brass hardware ensures you can walk with confidence no matter how you hold it. 

You won’t lose anything inside the bag, thanks to the zip and phone pocket. You can pack everything you need this weekend in this lightweight and stylish leather bag that checks off all the boxes. 

This bag might not be for everyone and it did split our team somewhat, but for those who loved it, it was the outer material that was a real winner. They felt the feel of the soft and supple but strong leather used provided both great protection whilst looking super stylish and professional.

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

Travel can really take it toll on the planet – I mean jet fumes are not exactly good for anybody right? The good news is that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining serious momentum and ecological travel products are popping up everywhere.

So, the Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

As well as being eco friendly, the Monarc Settra is also a seriously cracking great pack. Its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight.

Then there are the organizational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s an absolute bargain although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

When our team gave this a test run they really loved how comfortable the straps and handle were however the bag was configured. Sometimes these types of bags are more suited to one use over the other but this guy feels great either way.

Small travel bags that are meant for shorter journeys. These typically hold less than 30 liters and are designed to be easy and lightweight.

If you’re interested in buying a smaller bag and want to learn more, we’ve written a  comprehensive daypack post as well!

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Daypacks have become a vital way of carrying all you need when you’re out and about for the day but can falter for two reasons.

Firstly, they don’t always provide enough space for a laptop. Secondly, what do you do with it when its no longer needed? The Tortuga Laptop Backpack answers both of these problems!

It will take a laptop of up to 16” and a tablet of 12.9” in dedicated sleeves, and folds flat so it can be easily be packed into your main luggage. We think this is such an awesome feature!

Weighing a very light 2.1 lb (0.95 kg), it won’t add much extra weight to your luggage, but is still made with waterproof sailcloth to keep your tech and other kit safe even on drizzly days!

Much like the larger Tortuga, this bag was well-loved on our team. They loved the fact that it still has clamshell opening which is pretty uncommon for smaller bags and helps when you’ve got organisational needs.

• Laptop and tablet sleeves
• Folds flat for packing
• Weighs just 500 grams
• Made with water proof sailcloth
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Volume limited to 21 litres
• Just one colour
• White interior may stain quickly

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

For a daypack orientated towards hiking and outdoor adventures, this is one of the best bags for travel on the market. Made from a durable ripstop and water-resistant nylon, it’s very capable of taking on the great outdoors.

Its frame helps to spread the weight evenly, taking the stress further off your shoulders, which will already feel the benefit of the padded and ventilated shoulder straps. 20-liter packs with frames and waist straps are virtually unheard of, meaning this pack is perfect for day hikes.

Lightweight at just over half a kilo, the Osprey Daylite Plus boasts dedicated spaces for laptops and tablets, in addition to ‘standard’ hiking bag features such as an emergency whistle and chest strap!

Our testers can confirm how well the mesh ventilation system works to keep your back dry. They loved how much this bag made their time on hikes or exploring cities like Bangkok much more comfortable.

• Made with durable ripstop nylon
• Water resistant
• Lightweight travel bag
• Buckle closure top flap
• Lacks external webbing or anchor points
• Front pocket is unlockable
• May be too small for some users

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is one of the best camera backpacks on the market for non-professional photographers. The bag is extremely versatile and extremely durable. Its versatility and durability mean the WANDRD PRVKE 31 can be used for more than just a camera bag.

It’s good for hiking, a daypack, or even a small travel bag – the magic is in the WANDRD’s ability to be more than just a cam era backpack .

The photographers on our team really fell in love with the functionality of this bag. The removable camera cube that straps in and connects with the side opening in practical use worked a treat. It meant assessing your camera on the go was easy and quick.

Looking for the best camera bag , check out our guide for some more options.

• Very durable and robust
• Great design
• Tons of pockets
• Comes with handy accessories
• Limited space for cameras/equipment
• Magnetic handles are just OK

Sometimes, having a set of wheels on your bag can be really useful. Not having to carry around a big ol’ bag can really save your back, especially when you’re in the airport or on some really nice pavement.

We’ve only covered a few bags in this section – read more about wheeled backpacks if you’re interested!

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

One of the main reasons you should invest in a backpack with wheels is for convenience. Well, this backpack takes convenience to an entirely new level with its super comfortable carrying system.

With this luggage, you will have a backpack, and rolling luggage all in one! The StraightJacket compression system helps keep the load tight, compact and neat for those long travel days jumping on and off transport.

A few more great features include padded top and side handles, a removable shoulder harness, and the HighRoad Chassis that gives you great clearance over any rough ground you might encounter.

This item meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (size does not exceed 45 linear inches).

Our team are most used to backpacking but they were pretty keen to give this hybrid number a go. Well, the vast majority were converted and they just loved how well this bag functioned as a backpack and then easily converted to rolling luggage without looking too much like a suitcase.

• Carry on size
• High clearance wheels
• Heavy! Over 6 Lbs.

#2 Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Wheeled Pack

This 37-litre rolling luggage that doubles as a backpack is perfect for international travel. It was built to be weatherproof and dirt-resistant for all of your adventures. Not only that but it also comes with a detachable 18l day pack too!

Plus, it’s probably the coolest looking backpack with wheels – something I haven’t said since the fourth grade! A few of its awesome features include the top quick stash pocket, multiple grab handles, and treaded off-road wheels so you can roll this bag on challenging terrain!

The main drawback is its weight. There is always a trade-off for durability and weight… and in this case, it’s a few pounds! This backpack may be overkill if you aren’t going on an adventure…

Our team felt this bag was more suited for rolling than carrying but appreciated the additional functionality. However, their favourite feature was the quality feel of the outer material and how much punishment the wheels could take.

• Perfect carry on size
• Weatherproof and extremely durable
• Treaded off-road wheels
• Heavy! 6+ Lbs.

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

A traditional wheelie suitcase, the four-wheeled Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on offers its users supreme protection of its contents thanks to its rigid form of ABS plastic.

Accepted by all the major airlines in Europe and North America as carry on compliant, it weighs 2.5 kg and has a mid-range capacity of 33 litres.

Its wheels rotate a full 360°, giving you effortless movement across airport departure halls. Inside, the case includes packing straps to hold all your baggage in place, two elastic shoe pockets, a slim mesh pocket for documentation, and a zipped divider to keep items separate from one another.

Finally, there’s a five-year guarantee to protect against manufacturing defects!

Our team loved the durability of these bags and just how high quality they felt. The hard exterior provided great protection whilst remaining compact and light. The four wheels also made rolling the case, even on the cobbles of Prague, super easy.

If you’re looking for some more options, check out this rundown of the best luggage from Level8 instead.

• Rigid-form carry on
• Easy wheel movement
• Five year guarantee
• Weight of 2.5 kg
• Wheels protrude and cannot be retracted
• Cannot be used as a backpack
• No padded laptop sleeve

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

For those who fly very often and NEED to make sure that their backpack will can be taken on the plane. Generally speaking, 20-30 liter bags can almost always be used as carry ons. 40 liter bags are a little bit more risky but, because we like to toe the line, we’ve included some 40-liters that we believe can be used as such.

If you’d like, you can also read more about carry ons here!

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

This nifty and compact carry on ready backpack is ideal for both city breaks and outdoor time.

This innovative, super uber cool, brand new to-the-market hiking daypack is tough, durable, and also highly functional. It is designed to be a go-anywhere, do-anything bag that is equally adept when out hiking in the woods, hitting the gym, or undertaking the daily hell that is the wretched commute to work!

It zips fully open almost like a suitcase and offers a raft of different compression-compartments separated by mesh netting and zips that make packing and squeezing stuff in a dream. There are also a few external pockets for leads, charges, passports and cigarettes as well as a deducted 16″ laptop sleeve.

Have a look at our Stubble & Co Adventure Bag in-depth review for more information.

• Durable Material
• Padded Laptop and Tablet Compartment
• Great organisation
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt
• Quite heavy
• Kinda expensive

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

If you are trying to decide between the Tortuga and the Osprey, then it simply comes down to one thing – your personal travel style

Do you need a carry on travel bag for camping and light hiking, or for urban travel? If you picked the former, then the Osprey Farpoint is for you!

Here’s the thing, the Farpoint is somewhat of a hybrid travel and hiking backpack. I’d never pick it primarily for hiking when Osprey carries so many specific hiking backpacks, but if you want a bag that can do a little bit of everything and accompany you on flights, then look no further.

The Farpoint range has been a popular choice amongst our team for years and this updated version lived up to its reputation. One of the features our crew loved the most was the combination of internal and external compression straps that help minimise the size of the bag when packed and keep everything from shifting.

This bag caters Digital Nomads and backpackers. Read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review here.

• Duffel bag or backpack
• Lifetime guarantee
• Not as much tech-organization as Nomatic
• Looks a bit like a turtle shell

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

Unlike the Farpoint reviewed above, the Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. If you love to hike, then you’ll love this bag for many reasons.

This bag is a go-to for short hikes and overnight camping excursions. It comes with an integrated rain cover, is quite lightweight, and has an impressive amount of organization capacity for it’s minimal design.

At 33 or 36 liters (depending on the size you buy), this bag is ALWAYS carry on compliant – just tighten up the compression straps. If you aren’t sold on the Stratos, the Osprey Cirrus 36 is another great option.

Our testers loved how comfortable this pack was to wear even fully loaded on the trails. Its super padded shoulder and hip straps alongside the mesh back panel made it great for hiking and long treks wearing the pack.

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

• Always carry-on compliant
• Awesome ultralight hiking backpacks
• New updated design
• Ventilated mesh back panel
• Likely too small for most travelers
• Not made for regular travel
• Mixed reviews on the pocket sizes

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

Tailored for the contemporary traveler, the Peak Design 30L Travel Pack offers a 30-liter capacity that is ideally suited for brief escapes or minimalist extended journeys. Its elegant design extends beyond aesthetics; it’s a reflection of functionality. With adjustable compartments for a tailor-made fit for your possessions, and clever side openings for easy item retrieval, this bag offers superior convenience. Expansion zippers allow you to modify the bag’s size to suit various travel needs, adding to its adaptability.

• Carry on compliant – even Ryanair
• Packs a lot in and extends to 33:
• Sleeves for laptop and tablet
• Not waterproof

Most travel bags have some sort of security against theft. For extra protection though, you’ll need a special backpack with more features than usual.

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

The Australian brand, Pacsafe, is dedicated to creating fully-functional travel bags that also protect you from theft. The Metrosafe X has a reasonable daypack size of 20 litres, while weighing less than a kilogram.

There’s an RFID-protective pocket to keep your credit cards, identity card and passport safe from data theft, and a PopNLock security clip that secures the Metrosafe X to any immovable object.

An interlinking zip closure system also makes it impossible for anyone to open any of the bag’s zips without you noticing! The Metrosafe X is also protected from the slash and grab tactics of some thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Pacsafe is the gold standard when it comes to keeping your valuables secure when travelling. Our testers loved how lowkey the bag looks and how simple the exterior is. It means with one lockable zip their gear felt safe and secure.

• Weighs less than a kilo
• RFID-blocking pouch
• Interlocking zips
• Embedded steel mesh
• Fairly plain exterior
• Too small a volume for some
• Some users report zips jamming
• Not for adventure travel

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

With a stylish modern design and 12.5 litre capacity, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack has both hidden zips to make it harder for pickpockets to make a quick grab for your kit, and additional hidden pockets.

The water repellent and slash proof outer material will see splashes of water just run off, while the interior has space for laptops up to 15.6” in size and tablets of up to 10”.

Further, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack also includes an integrated USB charging port into its design, enabling you to charge your smartphone and still use it by connecting it to a powerbank stored safely inside the bag.

Our testers loved the adjustable internal divider system which could easily be configured for a whole heap of different uses from camera equipment storage to keeping clean and dirty clothing apart. They felt it far from gimmicky and felt it worked well in practical use.

• Ideal for commuting or day travelling
• Hidden zips for main compartment
• Slash proof material
• Integrated USB charging port
• 12.5 litre capacity not for longer travels
• Water repellent rather than water proof
• Fits laptops up to 15.6”
• Powerbank not included

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

In the Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack, we have another travel bag with anti-theft features that is able to carry laptops up to 15” in size.

Like the Oscaurt, this model from Kopack has a hidden zip design that makes it difficult for pickpockets to target, while this bag is nice and comfortable thanks to the padding added to the shoulder straps and other areas of the bag that touch the body.

A sleeve on the inside means you can keep your laptop safe and in a convenient location, while the outer materials are deliberately made from tough nylon that is resistant to tears and anti-slash too!

Our testers loved the internal storage and how there was a dedicated slot to store battery packs that then connects to the external USB charger in seamless fashion, as well as the overall look of the bag; bridging the gap between hipster style and professional functionality.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Hidden zipper design
• Tear resistant nylon construction
• No RFID-protection pocket
• Not fully water proof
• The Bottom Has No Extra Padding
• Fits laptops up to 15” only

These are the ultimate packable backpacks – ones that can fold and collapse into a sleeve that is usually the size of a purse or tablet! These make for excellent additions to backpacking gear lists and are usually very affordable as well.

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

Wandrd make some of the best gear on the market today and have now added their packable backpack to the range. It has a sturdy main structure which is resistant to general wear and tear as well as protection against rain and other weather conditions.

Weighing just a few hundred grams, there are two zip-shut front pockets for smaller items of kit, pockets on either side for water bottles or an umbrella, and a mesh pocket with zip closure on the inside. An access point has been incorporated for use with water hydration systems.

Our team loved how comfy this bag was for how small it folded down. They felt the blow-up back panel really works well to great some structure and padding to the bag.

• Nice colour options
• Sturdy structure
• Multiple pockets
• No padding for laptop or tech
• Mesh pockets could be stronger

#2 Outlander Packable

The Outlander is a foldable daypack with multiple compartments! This bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. The fabric is water and abrasion-resistant and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable. It’s also extremely affordable!

Our team loved how the fabric, stitching and zippers felt really high quality and super strong given how lightweight and compact the bag is.

• Multiple compartments
• Durable for a packable
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

The Bagsmart Folding Travel Bag is a foldable duffel bag with a 46 litre capacity! Coming with a detachable shoulder strap, the Bagsmart still only weighs 1.2 pounds when empty.

Folding into a flat pack roughly the size and shape of a tablet computer, it can easily be slipped into a larger piece of luggage or even a daypack or handbag.

Each of the metal zips have strong metal tags for grip, which contrasts nicely against the otherwise plain black nylon material. The manufacturers report it to be strong enough to be placed in the hold of an aircraft without issue, but we’ve yet to test this out for sure.

The team loved how robust and strong the material of this bag felt given how lightweight it felt to carry and how easy it was to fold.

• Comes in two sizes
• Just 1.2 pounds in weight
• Folds down to size of tablet computer
• Tough enough to act as hold luggage
• Soft shell design without rigidity
• No padding or dedicated tech sleeve
• No backpack handles
• Not a wheelie suitcase

Duffels are tried and tested bags that are still useful these days. Grabable, packable, tossable, and stowable, for some travelers, duffel bags are the way to go.

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

Duffel bags don’t have to be foldable to be a great way of transporting kit from place to place, with the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag an excellent example of this.

Not only does it have all the features of a standard duffel bag – a large main compartment accessed via a large top opening – it also has a set of padded shoulder straps that can be pulled out when you want to use this duffel as a backpack.

There’s also a padded internal compartment for keeping your laptop protected; the tough double zips are lockable, and the materials are long-lasting and durable.

Our team of testers loved the high-quality feel across all features of this duffel. The material felt durable and strong and the hefty zippers with their lockable holes make your gear feel super secure.

• Excellent all-round duffel bag
• Packable padded shoulder straps
• Lockable zips
• Protected pocket for tech
• Has rain flaps but not fully water resistant
• Mid-sized bag of 40 litres
• Rigid construction
• Locks must be bought separately

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

This duffle is one of the best travel bags for air travel. It really shines when it comes to internal organization, even though it’s a duffel bag! It includes a compartment for your laptop and chargers, and also comes in a super stylish colorway with comfortable handles and straps.

Our team loved that, unlike many other duffel bags, the Peak Design Travel Duffel had separate pockets for your laptop and general organisation. That left the large main compartment free for bulkier items and allowed for easier access to their accessories.

• 35 L perfect carry on size
• Wonderful design
• Laptop compartment
• Tons of organization
• No luggage pass through
• Straps are not as comfortable as their backpack!
• Only fits 13″ laptop
• No water bottle pocket

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler comes not only with backpack shoulder straps, but also with grab handles, making this duffel-style travel bag simple to lift, move, and transport. Fantastic, no?

But there’s more! The 40 litre capacity version of the Cargo Hauler comes with an empty packed weight of just 2 lbs, making it a very lightweight travel bag, while 600 Dernier synthetic materials that are also water resistant make it durable and tough. Though there is no dedicated padded compartment for delicate items, the Cargo Hauler does boast a padded bottom section, so you should have little worry when placing your duffel on uneven ground.

Our testers loved how hard-wearing and durable the Eagle Creek duffel bag felt. The thick water-resistant material was durable and well-made, making the bag ideal for carrying outdoor equipment.

• Incorporates backpack straps and grab handles
• 600 Dernier material
• Padded base
• Water resistant rather than water proof
• 600 Dernier thinner than some duffel materials
• No rigid structure
• Not for business travel

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

Patagonia is the doyen of the outdoor market, and The Black Hole series of duffel bags are made with even thicker, more durable synthetic materials than the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. Each version of these duffels is constructed with a 900 Dernier ripstop nylon material which has been treated in to be highly water-resistant as well as tear-resistant – liquids really do just roll off this bag.

Despite the thicker materials used in these quality constructions, the Black Hole series still offers an impressive balance between usage and weight, with the 70-litre version hitting the scale at less than 3 lbs. It has backpack straps too! Perfect if you want to travel with a checked bag that you won’t be able to carry into the cabin. What’s more, they also offer a wheeled duffel version too.

If our team thought the Eagle Creek was hardy then they were blown away by this offering from Patagonia when it came to durability. Given the quality of the material, they were also impressed by how the bag stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage.

Want something different from Patagonia? Check out the best Patagonia backpacks instead.

• 900 Dernier ripstop construction
• Relatively lightweight
• Come with backpack straps
• Soft shell design
• Not fully waterproof
• No detachable cross body shoulder strap
• Not a guaranteed carry on

These days, lots of people travel with laptops . If you do as well, make sure that you have the right bag to protect. A laptop can be a big investment, and it’d be a shame if it was broken because it was carried in the wrong kind.

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

Many of our other reviewed travel bags have dedicated laptop compartments of one form or another, but that doesn’t mean a specialised laptop travel bag isn’t useful for expensive tech.

Taking the standard form of a modern briefcase laptop bag, the AER Commuter Brief 2 is made up of durable and waterproof materials and zips. It has a reversible padded shoulder strap for easy transportation and side pouches that can be used for packing water bottles or other accessories.

If you are a bike commuter, you will appreciate the relatively small size of the Commuter Brief 2 – not too bulky – but big enough to carry what you need for the day. You can also easily combine it with a stylish travel purse to keep your documents, passport and phone at hand too.

Our team loved how this bag felt super professional and compact to boot. They felt it was the ideal pack to take on busy public transport into the office or on a business trip.

• Reversible shoulder strap
• Capacity of just 13 liters
• Solely a laptop bag
• Cannot be used as main bag

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is the smaller version of their first laptop backpack – and it’s just as awesome! This bag is a 25-liter masterpiece for anyone looking for a smaller laptop bag that feels and looks great.

The Laptop Backpack has plenty of organizational features including mesh pockets and a secure area for your laptop.

The Laptop is marketed as a laptop bag for those who do a lot of air travel. If this sounds like you, then this may be your backpack from heaven.

One of the standout features of the bag for our testers was the separate compartment for their laptops. Having it away from the main section made them feel like their computers were safer from both accidents and theft.

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

• Minimalist design
• Dedicated Laptop and Tablet Area
• Pricey for 25 liter bag
• Might be too small for some

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

The Incase brand is known for making stylish business backpacks. This bag is made for people on-the-go and on business trips. The City Compact Backpack accommodates a 15-inch laptop and has tons of options for internal organization.

The bag itself is made out of 300D polyester, and the black option has a triple coated weather-resistant front panel. The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh, and the back panels are padded too.

The main compartment has plenty of storage space whilst remaining compact for a speedy commute around the city.

Our team loved the organisational features of this bag, from several different sections for keeping your laptop, accessories and main gear, it’s the perfect pack for digital nomads.

• Fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Padded back panels
• Main compartment expands by 35%
• Zippable laptop compartment makes security checks a breeze
• For minimal travelers only
• No strap to attach to suitcase handle

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

Not only does the Kroser Laptop Backpack offer some protection from the rain with its water-resistant qualities, but it also boasts some environmental credentials with its use of environmentally-friendly poly fabric!

It weighs in at just over 1 kg, and consists of several large compartments, with dedicated padded sleeves for laptops up to 17” in size and standard-sized tablet computers.

It also includes an integrated USB charging port, so that you can continue to use a smartphone while it is being charged with a powerbank hidden inside the bag.

Our team were pretty blown away by how high quality this bag felt given the budget price. The material, zips, sewing and water resistance are really top-notch for such a reasonable price.

• Environmentally friendly
• Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves
• USB charging port
• Not for longer journeys
• Does not boast TSA approval

The Nomatic Travel Pack is another superb offering from this brand! We think it’s one of the best day bags due to its size and versatility.

This 20-litre daypack can be expanded to 30 litres, making it extremely adaptable for your trip!

To test these packs, we laid our mitts on some of the best bags to travel with and gave them a good old test drive. Over several trips and adventures, our team members put each travelling bag well and truly through its paces all in the name of scientific discovery, or something like that!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry gear, so we specifically looked at how packable each one was so you could be sure you’re picking the best travel bag for your needs. Any decent pack maximises its available space and has features for making packing more economical. So basically we packed and unpacked the bags for this test!

Equally though, we also paid close attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to get to your gear quickly and easily was also an area we awarded points for when reviewing these bags.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable and ultimately unenjoyable! All the best travel bags minimise weight whilst maximising comfort and storage capacity. So we’ve awarded full marks to those that can tick those boxes well.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its job of holding clothes, gear and other accessories, well, we threw all that in there! We also gave those rated as carry-on compatible the famous “Ryanair test!” For cycle backpacks, we strapped them on and got on our bikes and went for a ride. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look hot AF if it completes its primary function. Well, we’re not those people, hell nah, we’ve got higher standards here. We believe you can look sexy whilst hauling your stuff around the world! So we’ve added extra beauty points!

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we’d run it over with a truck in the middle of a hurricane. But unfortunately, that’s not entirely practical. So the next best thing was the pour a litre of water over it and take it for a challenging trip out.

When assessing these bags we paid particular attention to the quality and hardiness of the materials used, the traction of the zippers, seam sewing and pressure points that often break.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know when looking for the best bags to travel with:

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

It is definitely not more professional – such a thing doesn’t exist. However, it’s the easiest way to carry all of your gear if you’re out and about on adventures.

What kind of travel bag should I get?

That depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. For city travel, you can opt between duffels, sling backpacks, daypacks and even wheeled backpacks. If you’re in more secluded areas, there’s no way around a professional and well-fitting backpack.

What are the best overall travel bags?

Check out our favorites: – Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag – AER Travel Pack 3 – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

Simple – buy an anti-theft backpack. The Pacsafe Vibe 25 is protected from the slash and grab tactics of thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

Whatever your preferred choice of travel bag, our epic list of the best travel bags has undoubtedly brought the latest and most impressive bags to your attention.

We’ve covered all manner of travel bags in this review, from traditional backpacks to laptop bags and the staple wheelie suitcase. Having scoured the world for the very best, our selection includes some of the globe’s biggest travel brands, but also lesser-known labels we think you should pay attention to! In fact, we’ve covered what we think are all the best travel bags for 2020 and beyond!

Need help packing once you’ve bought the bag? Check out our how to pack your backpack guide for some advice.

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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.

Eric Ravenscraft

Martin Cizmar

Boone Ashworth

Aarian Marshall

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

Scott Gilbertson

Brenda Stolyar

Adrienne So

Julian Chokkattu

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Suitcase Recommendations: Travel Experts Reveal Top Luggage Brands

Best Suitcases , LUGGAGE , Packing

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We interviewed twenty travel experts to find out their top suitcase recommendations. Read below to discover the best luggage brands for travel and why they love them!

Best Luggage Brands For Travel

Table of contents.

What are the best luggage brands for travel?

Here is a quick list of the best luggage brands according to top travel experts:

• Briggs and Riley
• American Tourister
• Eagle Creek

Keep reading the article below for more information about each of the top luggage brands and the most recommended styles for each one!

Top Luggage Brands Reviews

We’ve organized our top luggage brands reviews based on different categories, such as value for money and business travel. In addition, we’ve also listed the specific suitcase recommendations and styles recommended by the travel experts we interviewed. Remember, no matter what suitcase you choose, there’s no substitute for packing smart!

 Samsonite Omni PC 3-Piece Set (20/24/28) Hardside Spinner

Best Luggage Brands for The Money: Samsonite

Family travel and lifestyle blogger, Erin Bender from Explore with Erin , shares why Samsonite ranks on her list of the top luggage brands for family traveling.

“We chose 4-wheeler luggage. Not only is it great to push with one finger, but the kids can ride on it, too, which saves us from losing them in the airport. Go with the Samsonite with latch closures ; bags with zips break too easily and fragile pieces are in better care in a hard case.”

Sarah-Jane Begonja with Chasing the Donkey also agrees that Samsonite is one of the best luggage brands. “My arthritic spine and fingers always appreciate my 4-wheeler. It rolls along easier and I’ve been known to use it to stack my bottles of booze on top.”

The Samsonite Omni Collection is a popular hardside luggage which is available in a variety of colorful hues perfectly suited for a family. Buy it here!

Samsonite Winfield 3-Piece (20/24/28) Suitcase Set

Choosing a lightweight suitcase enables you to pack more without surpassing airline weight restrictions. Four spinner wheels come in handy as you maneuver your bag through the airport.

Planet Lew says: “I have a set of Samsonite 4-wheel spinners. The smallest is cabin size and I use it for up to week-long trips. The middle size is good if I need to take more stuff, and the largest is a bit ridiculous.”

Time and time again, travelers agree that Samsonite is number one on the list of top luggage brands, making it one of the most consistent in terms of suitcase recommendations. It seems as travelers particularly like their sets similar to the Winfield 3-piece set , shown above.

These good looking hardside suitcases are lightweight and easy to travel with. The wheels are smooth and are durable enough to last over the years. As a bonus, this set is water-resistant. Buy it here!

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Expandable Suitcase

Best Luggage Brand According to Our Readers: Travelpro

The founders of Travelpro actually invented the wheeled suitcase so there’s no question about this brand’s reputation. The Maxlite is one of their best selling styles. The Maxlite 5 , shown above, is a softside suitcase with a roomy interior featuring both top and side handles for ease of use. 

It has plenty of space and is great if you’re looking for a suitcase that fits in the overhead bin on most planes. A couple of our readers have even used this bag to travel carry-on only for two weeks in Europe and another reader took it traveling for three months in Southeast Asia .

Cherene Saradar from the Wandering Redhead says, “My Travelpro Maxlite international-sized carry-on suitcase is currently my go-to bag for most types of travel. I use it for both long and short-term travel. It is stylish and versatile and meets the standards for carry-on sizes for most airlines.”  Buy it here!

Travelpro Maxlite Air 21″ Hardside Expandable Carry on Luggage,

If you’re looking for a hardside one from Travelpro, this Maxlite Air is a perfect choice. The polycarbonate shell is very durable, and the spinner wheels are smooth on any surface, plus the room inside can fit everything without things spilling out! Buy it here!

Read this Travelpro Maxlite review and find out if this popular brand makes the cut!

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Titanium 29″ Trolley

Best Luggage Brand for the Price: Delsey

We’re particularly fond of their hardside suitcases such as the Helium Aero shown above. It comes in different sizes and also has a convenient expandable feature, making it one of our best suitcase recommendations. Buy it here!

Along with the Chatelet and Helium Aero, the Sky Max 2.0 is a popular Delsey softside luggage option. This luggage is great for the organized techie. It features a double padded neoprene sleeve that fits a tablet and a 15” laptop, and it even has a dedicated neoprene power bank pocket and cable port so you can charge electronics on the go. 

This brand is amazing and our readers agree!

DELSEY Paris 28″ Chatelet Hardside Luggage

Though this company wasn’t previously on our list of the top luggage brands, Delsey has low price points and stylish suitcases that have become one of our readers’ favorites! For a carry-on, we like the Chatelet 21″ carry-on size .

If you want a luxe look without a high price tag, the Chatelet  is gorgeous yet well-priced in comparison to similar styles on the market. Our favorite is the one with the ivory cream exterior lined with a lovely red interior but this black color featured above is absolutely adorable . They also have a softside underseater and a shoulder bag , too! Buy it here!

Coolife Hardside 21″ Spinner Luggage

Best Luggage Brands for a Budget: Coolife

Coolife has amazing and affordable luggage, you can find classic luggage styles for bargain prices, proving that you can travel on a budget!

When you’re looking for a reliable yet no-frills roller suitcase, the Coolife Hardside Spinner Luggage  is a go-to pick. At 20”, it’s a great carry-on size that is easy to tote around with you, whether you’re headed on a weekend getaway or an international adventure.

This suitcase is also available in a  set  that includes a 20”, 24”, and a 28” that’s expandable. 

Coolife Luggage Expandable 3 Piece Sets

The protective hard shell has a scratch-resistant finish and is made of extra-thick ABS+PC for enhanced strength and durability. The fully lined interior features a divider and interior organizer with three zippered pockets for easy organization.

One happy user says, “ Traveled to Italy and packed for 10 days. We were on the go and stayed no longer than 2 nights at one place. Luggage was super durable, easy to transport, and did pass the carryon requirements with Air Canada; not by much; (requirements are somewhat smaller compared to other airlines). Overall – very happy with this purchase.” Buy it here!

Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable 22″ Carry-on

Best Luggage Brand for Domestic Air Travel: Briggs and Riley

Briggs and Riley is one of the top suitcase brands loved by many jetsetters who travel for both leisure and business. Nancy D. Brown says, “I’m a Briggs and Riley carry-on girl unless I’m traveling longer than two weeks”.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcase shown above is one of their best selling carry-on styles and we think it looks amazing! It’s a sophisticated bag that features the brand’s CX™ expansion-compression system that increases packing capacity, and then compresses down to keep contents secure. It also has a built-in-tri-fold garment folder with foam roll bar for those delicate items you don’t want wrinkled.  Buy it here!

Briggs & Riley 22″ ZDX Luggage

Lindsay Taub, of Voyage Vixens , spent years in search of the perfect bag. She found it and is sharing her recommendation. “The Briggs & Riley Baseline Duffle weighs only a few pounds and easily converts from a shoulder bag to a cabin bag. It also passes for carry-on size, so there’s no need to check a bag.”  

If you want a rolling duffle, the Briggs & Riley ZDX 22” has plenty of packing room and is excellent for domestic trips.

For me, this is absolutely key because it gives you flexibility while traveling and there’s no chance of your luggage getting lost when you travel carry on.” Buy it here!

American Tourister Moonlight 21″ Hardside Spinner

Best Cheap Luggage Brand That’s Good Quality: American Tourister

Vienne Cheung, of VienneMilano , loves American Tourister and so do our readers. She says, “after much searching, I found a small, 20” suitcase similar to the Llite Max Softside Spinner ( currently sold out ). It was big enough to carry all of my products for my traveling pop-up events and spacious enough to fit a week of wardrobe for New York fashion week. Since I pretty much live in my suitcase, I am super happy!”

American Tourister offers a balance between quality and price. If you only travel occasionally and want a low cost option, the Moonlight Spinner is a good choice on our list of suitcase recommendations. We love the book opening case with its mesh divider panel that features additional packing compartments. The side-mounted TSA locks can deter theft, too. Buy it here!

American Tourister Moonlight 3-Piece Set

If you’re in the market for luggage sets, the American Tourister Moonlight 3-piece set is highly recommended! One user says, “This 3 piece (21/24/28 inch) hardside is just what I’ve been looking for. The two larger pieces have a strap on one side and a mesh on the other inside space. I find this better than just mesh on both sides like many products. So far I’ve done 2 trips and the outside zippers performed well.” Buy it here !

Osprey Ozone 42L Wheeled Luggage | Also available on Osprey

Best Luggage Brands for Durability: Osprey

Osprey is one of our all-time favorite travel brands and we’ve written many articles about this brand, which you can read about here .

If you’re planning to travel extensively, go on a round-the-world backpacking trip, or jetset full-time, this is the absolute top luggage brand to securely house your belongings. Other travelers agree:

Jacquie Whitt, the co-founder of Adios Adventure , has been using the Osprey Sojourn ( currently sold out ) bag for the past five or six years, and it tops her list of suitcase recommendations.  “It features wheels as well as hidden shoulder straps, should I be in a place without roads. One of the reasons I like Osprey is their guarantee. My first bag wore out after four years of traveling around South America and when I took it in for repair, they replaced it with a new bag.”

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

Vanessa of Turnipseed Travel says, “I’m currently trying out the Osprey Porter 46 , a soft-sided travel bag with backpack straps that weighs just over two pounds. Everyone focuses on the size of their bag, but the weight is just as important.”

Inma Gregorio, of A World to Travel , uses and recommends the Meridian , a wheeled, convertible 45L backpack with a 15L daypack attached.

As a long-term traveler, I couldn’t imagine traveling with any other brand. I’ve owned the Farpoint Backpack , Meridian Convertible  and most recently the Osprey Ozone .

The Ozone is perfect for organizing your essentials. The easy access zippered top liquids pocket allows quick access to your toiletry kit while hidden zippered sections store travel documents, a wallet or a passport, and the large mesh pockets are perfect to hold snacks, headphones, or other small items.  Buy it here!

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 22” Carry On Luggage

Best Luggage Brands for Frequent Travelers: Eagle Creek

When you embark on a long-term trip, you need a bag that’s built to last. Larissa Milne, of Changes in Longitude , recommends Eagle Creek as one of the top luggage brands for long-term travel.

Larissa says, “For my year-long RTW trip , I packed a wheeled Eagle Creek Hovercraft Upright 22” ( no longer available ) and still managed to fit in five pairs of shoes.

I also used a Baggalini Avenue Tote computer bag with a sleeve for sliding over the Hovercraft handle. The Baggalini is very light and multifunctional to use as a beach bag, too. For a purse, I used a small Pacsafe Citysafe .”

The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior suitcase is perfect for this type of travel. It’s constructed with durable and heavy-duty fabric that protects against friction and weather. The shell is a lightweight polycarbonate, so your luggage is safe without adding weight. It also has 4, oversized and heavy-duty wheels and a durable kick plate for smooth mobility and durability, which is essential when you’re going over the cobblestones in Europe or getting off the beaten path in Southeast Asia. Buy it here!

Tumi Alpha 3 Expandable Carry-On

Best Luggage Brands for Business Travel: Tumi

Jill Jacinto, Managing Editor at WORKS , recommends Tumi as one of the top luggage brands for frequent flyers.

“If you are frequently traveling for work, I’d recommend getting a Tumi carry-on piece like the Alpha 3 Continental . Tumi bags are pricey, but they can withstand wear and tear from constant travel.”

Elegant and spacious, the Alpha 3 is truly made for frequent flyers as it includes a convenient compartment to hang your clothes making unpacking and repacking a breeze! Buy it here!

Tumi 22” 19 Degree International Hardside Spinner

Tumi has great travel protection and a warranty. They’ll replace your wheels within a year and they offer a complimentary two-year warranty for all other wear and tear issues. 

Another reader recommendation is the Tumi 22” 19 Degree hardside which is expandable in case you need to pack more for a business trip, including sturdy zippers and a lever lock system. It’s pretty too! 

Jill also recommends sticking to a subdued neutral color if you’re traveling for work. Choose black or gray, especially since you will mainly only travel carry-on. Buy it here !  

Monos 22” Carry-On Suitcase

Best Luggage Brands for a Hardside: Monos

Monos is a hardside luggage brand that’s been increasingly popular with our readers, no doubt for its sleek designs, outstanding quality, lifetime warranty, and reasonable price! 

While they boast many great features, including super sturdy wheels and handle, anti-microbial interior fabric, and great organization, their unbreakable polycarbonate shells are what really make these suitcases stand out. One reader says, “I’ve traveled with two Monos bags. Lovely luggage! They’re very lightweight and glide perfectly. Very sturdy and well made, too.” 

The 22” Carry-On is a reader favorite that’s designed to fit in most overhead bins. A reader gives a rave review of this piece, “I just used my Monos carry on to travel to Europe and had no trouble with it fitting in the overhead bin. The quality of that bag is outstanding! I’ve had it for 4 years and it still looks and functions as if it’s brand new.” Buy it here !

Monos Carry-On Pro

Be sure to check out the Carry-On Pro , too, which uniquely offers a built-in front compartment that can hold a 15” laptop and other travel must-haves. A reader says, “I really love the design and look of it. I love the outside pocket and how easily it rolls.” 

TFGs say Monos are sturdy, beautiful, and practical for whatever adventure you have in mind. Buy it here !

Away The Carry-On Luggage

Best Luggage Brand for International Travel: Away

So many of our readers love Away and claim they make the best suitcases for international travel. Readers report that their polycarbonate hard shells will not only protect your belongings, but hold up incredibly well and stay looking great, even after lots of rigorous travel. 

One reader says, “I have replaced all of my luggage with Away bags. They are all I will buy now. I travel internationally frequently so they have been put through the wringer.” Another TFGer shares, “I managed two weeks in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with the standard carryon (and some careful planning!). I just got back from two weeks in Thailand with my husband and used it, plus one of their Medium Checked suitcases . You can really get a lot in, and they look great and feel very high-quality.” Buy it here !

Check out what’s inside the Away suitcase in this   video review!

Away The Medium Suitcase

Readers love Away for international travel because they’re incredibly resilient and dependable, plus their extra features like a water-resistant laundry bag, an optional USB charger, and an excellent compression system will make your travels all the easier! Away fans in the TFG community always rave about the space and how much you can pack in these suitcases, too. They hold a TON, and no matter the weight, are always easy to roll around and maneuver. 

Their 21” Carry On is the top pick among readers, as it’s super spacious yet meets the international carry on size limits. The Bigger Carry On will give you a bit more room, and is great for major airlines with bigger overhead bins. If you frequently check bags, you can choose between The Medium and The Large and have complete peace of mind that your belongings will be as safe as can be. Buy it here !

Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage

Best Luggage Brands for the Weight: Calpak

Calpak is one of our top suitcase recommendations for ultra-lightweight luggage because it is extremely practical in design, maximizing every square inch of space while having minimalist details lowering the weight of the overall bag.

This lightweight carry on weighs only 6.6lbs with 41 L packing capacity. Featuring two front pockets and a 17″ laptop compartment that can hold your electronics and more, the Luka soft sided luggage is the perfect piece for a work trip or quick out of town getaway. Buy it here!

Calpak Trnk Carry-On Luggage

One user says, “I’m headed to Italy for a month and wanted carry on only luggage. I thought this was the best option for me. I like the color and lightweight materials. I also purchased the Large Luka Tote to take on as a personal item, I just put my purse inside upon boarding.”

Another popular pick is the Trnk Carry-On . The interior is described as spacious and neat looking and it’s a 20” that only weights 7.4 lbs for a hardside. As a major plus, Calpak luggage is also incredibly affordable, making it one of the best luggage brands for cheap suitcases. Buy it here !

July Classic Family Set

Best Luggage Brand for Sets: July

Our readers LOVE the July hardside luggage and r anks as one of the top luggage brands for sets. It has such a sleek look, and its incredible design and functionality allow you to stroll through the airport with style and ease. 

Designed to nest perfectly inside each other, so they’re easy to store while you’re planning the next holiday. The handle turns to make it comfortable to hold as you run through the airport, and it has sufficient pockets to make it easy to sort and find the items you’re looking for.

At nearly $900, the July Classic Family Set shown above isn’t the most budget-friendly, but it’s a great investment for the frequent traveler or for family travel. Their suitcases will last you forever thanks to the break-resistant 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shells. While water resistant and stain proof nylon lining with leather finishes on the nylon straps and hinge. 

The set includes the Carry On , Checked , and Checked Plus . Buy it here!

Béis The 21-Inch Carry-On Roller

Best Luggage Brands for Style: Béis

Another luggage brand gaining popularity with readers, Béis offers multiple bag and luggage options. Their adorable 21” carry on suitcase is raved about by readers for its look, interior zip pockets, drawstring pouches, great compression system, and the built-in weight limit indicator that you can test just by holding it up! It’s also fairly light, at 8.36 lbs. 

The price point is great, too, especially given the stellar quality. One reader says, ‘I used my Béis carry on for multiple 14+ day trips and will not buy another brand of luggage because of the amazing quality!”

If you want some bigger options, try out the Béis 26” checked roller suitcase . One users says, “ This suitcase is wonderful for travel. It fits perfectly in airplane overhead compartment, rolls smoothly, and is great looking! I also bought the matching tote – just slip handles over and go!!” Or if you want even more space, th e 29” rolling suitcase is also popular. Buy it here !

Paravel Aviator Grand Checked Luggage

Best Sustainable Luggage Brands : Paravel

Paravel is an up-and-coming luggage brand that’s been getting praise from travelers for its gorgeous luggage that’s designed with sustainability at its core by using recyclable materials and conscious sourcing. 

The Aviator check-in option is not only a stylish piece but is made from extremely durable polycarbonate, aluminum handles, and tough zippers, all of which are recycled. Travelers highlight the effortless spinner wheels, interior organization, including a laundry bag, scuff-hiding finish, and vegan leather details.

One happy user says, “ Held so much more than my fabric luggage – and avoided overweight charges for once! Easy to manipulate through airports, and easy to clean with Magic Eraser.  Very happy with Paravel” Buy it here ! 

Paravel Aviator Luggage Set

Paravel also has great luggage sets, for anyone who wants more freedom with their suitcase choices. The Avaitor 2-piece luggage set consists of a 21” and a 28”, and is great for long stays with the ability to to fit 14 days of clothes.  

One reviewer says, “ Love the layout of the suitcases. Very easy to pack and keep things in their place. Minimizes shifting. And very easy to wheel around. And guess what? you can also personalize your sets too.” Buy it here !

Quince Hard Shell 20” Carry On

Best Compact Luggage Brands: Quince

A major favorite in the TFG community for their travel-friendly clothing, Quince also makes luggage that’s affordable and high quality. The 20” hardside carry-on is a dream for short getaways or expert minimalist packers and is compliant with all major domestic and foreign airline requirements. Despite the compact size, travelers say the lightweight polycarbonate design makes the interior super spacious, aided by the interior compression. 

This bag is also equipped with a water-resistant lining, smooth 360° spinner wheels, a removable laundry bag, and a TSA lock. While travelers have raved about its resilient construction, it’s amazingly lightweight at 6.2 lbs, and the exterior dimensions are 22″ x 14.4″ x 9.1”. 

Quince also has a 21” suitcase if you want a bit more room. This one weighs a mere 6.7 lbs, so pack it to the brim! Its dimensions are 22.8″ x 15.6″ x 9.8”. Buy it here !

Best Luggage for Travel Product Comparison Chart

Still can’t decide? Here’s a quick review of each of the best luggage brands for travel:

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”35″ class=”center-table-align”]

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

Pro Packing Tip

Whether or not you choose to travel carryon only, always use  packing cubes  to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.

Use luggage organizers such as packing cubes to maximize the space in your bag so you can fit in all your belongings in an organized and efficient way using minimal space. Buy it here !

What do you think are the top luggage brands? Share and comment below!

For more suitcase recommendations, please read:

• Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling to Europe
• This Packing Video will Change the Way You Travel
• How to Choose the Best Luggage Organizer
• How to Choose a Suitcase

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We hope you liked these suitcase recommendations for the top luggage brands for travel. Please share them with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

74 comments.

My hardside Samsonite bag cracked on this last trip (air, bus, ferry, etc..) This one replaced a Travelpro softside that had one of its spinner wheels crack off. Now that I’m flying business class and have a higher weight limit, I am going back to my heavy Pathfinder softsider that is indestructible.

Thanks for the great info!

I’ve been in search of the perfect bag for years, and this article is a great help!

Surprised Away luggage is not among the best. Affordable, well-designed, hard-sided luggage. My travel agent swears by them.

I love the recommendations and reviews all gathered in one spot. I’d like to invest in a great carry-on suitcase, but it is so overwhelming the options and features, especially when spread across multiple sites. Having them all gathered here along with reviews for each option makes comparison so much easier!

I need to replace my carry on, and this article is full of great ideas for a new suitcase. Thank you!

Have you reviewed July carry on?

This was a great informational post. When we had to replace our luggage, I started here and it saved me so much time.

What a great list of suitcases that also look stylish. I love hard sided suitcases for added security of not having exterior pockets to worry about pickpocketers.

Really enjoy your emails and your website, very informative and helpful. I started shopping for a new suitcase some time ago but wasn’t sure what brand(s) was the best value (sturdy, long-lasting, etc.). Now I have an idea where to start! Thank you!

I ordered the Travel Pro Maxlite carryon per TFG recommendations along with numerous other travel clothing and accessories. I feel less stress and so, so much more prepared for traveling now.

This is great!

I’m heading to Italy in 4 days and this information was so useful in deciding on day packs to tennis shoes

I bought a lightweight TravelPro which I learned about on this site. My husband and I traveled to 50 countries in 5 years (BC-Before Covid). This carry-on bag served me well. Since Covid we have been living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which is lovely but very hot this time of year. To scratch the travel itch again, we recently drove to the central highlands and are now in San Miguel deAllende, an exquisite town! The crazy thing about this is my packing. I brought everything I could ever want with me, including the kitchen sink, as they say. So many clothes, a dozen pairs of shoes, dresses, pants, tops, jewelry, electronics, you name it. You know what I wear? The same clothes I would have brought in just my carry-on! (I’m embarrassing myself with this story.)

Great post! Thanks so much.

I so appreciate this comprehensive review. I am finally going to buy new luggage based on this fabulous review!

I have coollife 24″ locking no zipper really like it. Also love my sologaard 22″ with builtin closet packer.

Looking for a new carry-on – seems that every second person I talk to has had recent challenges with lost luggage, so going to keep my belongings close! Thanks for the research – great list of choices!

Love my Delsey Helium Aero spinner! And now I’ve got my eye on that GORGEOUS Delsey Chatelet. Who knew luggage could look so chic! Great post TFG!

Thank you for all of your help in picking the perfect suitcase, packing cubes and showing us how to pack, you’re the best!

I purchased the Delsey International Carryon per Alex’s recommendations. Very lightweight & I love the color. Also purchased Samsonite. Your recommendations are very helpful! Thanks!

I bought the Delsey based on this article and it has served me well. I recommend it to my friends and coworkers because I’m so happy with it. Carry On Forever!

Thank you for this great article. I have been trying to decide on new luggage.

I enjoyed this article on different kinds of carry on luggage. I’m always looking for the “perfect” bag!

Love my Delsey!

I finally needed to replace my carry on after 10 years and hundreds of trips (I traveled for work…a lot). Using recommendations from TFG I purchase the TravelPro Maxlite and LOVE it. It’s lighter weight than my old one and it rolls like a dream. Thank you!

Great list! Value for money and quality, check! Thank you!

Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed the article!

Thank you for this great list! I absolutely love my Delsey Chatelet and have had them for years. I am looking to finally replace them and it’s good to see other great options as well. I am surprised not to see any Away choices in here though.

Every one of these bags, when I look on the Amazon site, indicate from user comments that with the handle and the wheels, they exceed the size limits for American Airlines. I am at a loss. I cannot seem to find a carryon that I can travel carryon only that is the allowable size.

Hi Gail, thank you for your question. I am not sure of the extant size dimensions for American Airlines, but you may find a carryon which meets the requirements here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-carry-on-suitcases-for-traveling-europe/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share and I am sure one our amazing readers would be able to help. Hope this helps you on your search for a new suitcase! ?

Great list (as usual). I would also add Away Travel. I have used Away exclusively for years across four continents for business and family travel and it has never failed me. Definitely holy grail along with my Amazon Basics and Travel Fashion Girl packing cubes. By the way I really love my TFG packing cubes for the kids things on family trips!

Hi Crystal, thank you for sharing your recommendation of luggage with us! Yay, so happy to hear you love your packing cubes!!! ?? Happy travels!

Great reading however spend half my time googling to convert your weights and measures into metric. Spoils my read but like neverthe less.

Love your tips! My question: I’m going on my first trip to Europe, and the travel company states that the checked luggage cannot be bigger than 62″ Length x Width x Height and cannot weigh more than 23kg/50lbs. Where do I find one with those specific criteria?

Hi Clare, thank you for your lovely comment, so pleased you enjoy the blog!! Have a look at this article, particularly have a look at the section about luggage size: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-101-step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-the-right-travel-luggage/ You may also find this article useful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/baggage-allowance-how-to-pack/ Hope this helps! Have an awesome trip to Europe! 🙂

Dilemma? Eagle Creek or Osprey? Seeking robust lightweight bags for family of 3 (girl aged 10) – thought perhaps convertible might be the way to go? As can use any way that best suits …are straps removable, put in when required etc

Hi Sonya, have a look at this post for some help in buying new luggage: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-101-step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-the-right-travel-luggage/ For TFG’s review of the osprey bags, have a look a this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-osprey-backpacks/ Hope this helps! 🙂

Tumi used to be excellent, it’s not the case anymore, their products are not resistant enough for people who travel a lot. Their handles break (got it repaired twice, each time Tumi charged us $150 dollars, for suitcase that are a few years old). The seam are taking some beatings. Now they refuse to change the handle because the luggage line is discontinued. We are talking about the handle only! I don’t believe they are up to their reputation anymore. We decided to switch brands, we will review your article with great care before making our choice. Thank you.

Hi Valerie, thank you for sharing your review of the Tumi luggage brand with us! 🙂

Love my Lipault 22 inch carry on with the matching 17 in cabin bag. I have been to Europe 9 times with this luggage. Holds up well and I can get a lot of clothes in it!,

Anyone try the RImowa electronic ?

I bought a Ricardo Sausalito Super Light set for my first trip to Europe. I am elderly AND disabled, so it had to be luggage that I could manage by myself in certain instances. It was perfect, easy to lift, easy to wheel, and with the bright print easy to spot quickly on luggage carousels. They had the proper smaller carryon size for European airlines, and the pieces all piggybacked easily. I loved them, still use them, and recommend them to my friends.

Love that brand, thanks Paula!

Of course one can fit A LOT into those little suitcases but the issue is the severe weight restrictions at least in the EU. They won`t allow bags over 7 kg as carry on and airport personell is very attentive to enforce that rule. they usually weigh the bags before you enter security and are very strict if the bag is overweight.

Good point Gudrun, try one of these bags instead: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-lightweight-luggage/

Where I can buy this ? Do you have online stores?

Hi Gladys, you can click on any of the items to be directed to the online store. Thanks!

What about the swiss luggage bag? Is it good?

Great brand as well Adia!

One bag, various companies: Mulholland Brothers Small Hippo Duffel, Tortuga Air, Whipping Post Rolltop Backpack, Rough & Tumble 1904, Best Made Company Kevlar Gear Bag. If my trip is gear-intensive for work, I’ll use the larger bags. Otherwise I pack very light using the backpacks.

Thanks for the recommendations!

I use American Tourister and according to me this is amazing.

Also one of our favorites 🙂

Briggs & Riley is AWESOME. You can’t beat the lifetime warranty. The Exchange 20 Convertible Duffle is my go to! It is small enough for ALL budget airlines. I prefer a backpack if I’ll be moving around a lot during the trip. It was perfect for 10 days in Belize an my 10 day trip to Italy and Germany. I love that there are no assigned sections so it maximizes the space inside.

Also they go on sale often.

Thanks for sharing Telicia! Glad you’ve found one perfect for your travels!

That’s a great article. I prefer Samsonite, as they tend to be more durable and functional than the average luggage. Brigs and Riley are also pretty good, albeit slightly more expensive.

Thanks Rachel 🙂 Glad you like it!

I’m looking for VERY lightweight luggage. Flying across the country for 2 weeks and I’m NOT a light-packer, so if the luggage is light perhaps I can get more clothes in there.

Hi June 🙂 I totally agree, as I think lightweight luggage would be a great help for you! Check out this guide to choosing the right luggage for some more help http://bit.ly/1YsZd7w

Fascinating article. I appreciate the various points of view!!! Personally, I travel in South America, A LOT–primarily by bus. LOL So, I’m perhaps somewhat outside the “norm” of most travelers. Sidewalks, say, when they exist, are like minefields. So, rollers/wheels are problematic, though INSIDE a bus station, you’re typically in business. LOL Also, I shy away from “nicer looking” luggage. I travel with “everyday” folks, folks who can’t afford the airfare, and so travel for 2 nights and 3 days, say, from Lima to Santiago by bus. (Come to think of it, I can’t afford the airfare either!!! LOL) Anyway, I’m entertaining the idea of something like a rolling duffle now. Traveling throughout Chile, Peru, Ecuador, etc. is TOUGH–on luggage and travelers alike. Thank you! (There’s nothing quite like folks who have BEEN THERE and used the product you’re researching.)

Thanks for your feedback Michael! 100% agree for South America a backpack or wheeled suitcase would be best.

I am a huge fan of Crumpler luggage & bags because they’ve thought of everything to do with travel. Love the bonus shoe bags, security and expandable features most. Am loving this whole site and appreciate your advice.

Thanks for the suggestion Sal! Glad you love the site 🙂

I have been traveling for years and have been using different brands of luggages. My favorite set of luggages are Monos luggage. They are made with German Makrolon polycarbonate – a lightweight, aerospace-grade material that is nearly impossible to break. They are very light and the whisper-quiet 360º spinner wheels glide effortlessly.

Patagonia MLC. Soft sided. Has backpack straps.

Great choice!

This list is not very helpful without listing weights for each product. I’ve been tempted before by brands that sound great, then when you look at their suitcases, they come in at like 10 pounds. No thanks.

Thanks for your feedback Carrie, Next time I do these types of interviews I’ll make sure to ask the travelers this question. Thanks again!

Hard sided backpacks might be the best fit who seeks a bag that doesn’t bulge out even if loaded full. Unfortunately they always come with extra pounds. If you really want light weight you have to count some extra bucks 🙁

Lightweight bags are actually many times cheaper because they have less bells and whistles. Check out Delsey bags 🙂

I’m constantly hearing great things about Briggs & Riley, so much so that (even though I’ve never bought one of their cases) I find myself recommending it to others whole heartedly. You just don’t hear bad things about their company! And that has to amount for something.

Eagle Creak and Samsonite seem to do their job pretty well also, but I’m on the fence when it comes to Tumi. They get about as many rave reviews as they do harsh ones so I don’t really know…

Hi Juanita! It sounds like your best bet is to go with Brigs and Riley since it has similar price points to TUMI but better reviews. You can find some great deals right now during the holidays and the after Christmas sales too. Thanks for reading!

I bought the travel pro carryon about 8 years ago. It has served me well, and held up great. It’s a great value for the money, and although it’s not the lightest, u can manage it on my own.

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The Best Suitcases for Checking

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.

For many travelers, the frequently discussed dream is to never check a bag. But life doesn’t always cooperate—sometimes you need a bigger suitcase.

After researching 30 pieces of checked luggage and testing eight finalists over many years, we can still say that the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who plan to check a bag.

The bag easily holds two weeks’ worth of clothes, and it looks and feels fantastic. And it comes with a limited lifetime warranty against airline damage.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

This bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most travelers, without going over airline weight limits.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner

Same suitcase, but bigger.

If you need a checked bag that gives you the maximum allowable space, and you don’t mind paying an overweight-bag fee, the 29-inch model is the way to go.

Away The Medium

The best hard-sided checked suitcase.

This great-looking, relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage matches our hard-sided carry-on pic. It has the same top-of-the-line components—including wheels that roll as smoothly as any we’ve tested.

Away The Large

The best large hard-sided checked suitcase.

If you need to maximize your allowed space, and you aren’t worried about weight limits, this bag is, as the name implies, the largest one Away makes. Apart from its extra capacity, it’s identical to The Medium.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 26″ Spinner

Hefty luggage for a heftier price.

This bag provides the most satisfying packing experience money can buy. It can fit an additional week’s worth of clothing, when compressed, in the same amount of space as the Travelpro Platinum Elite bag offers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable 31″ Spinner

The same durable bag, but bigger.

This bag is for anyone who needs a somewhat ludicrous amount of space. Fully expanded, this bag is the biggest we’ve found. Fair warning: If you fill it full of clothes, you’re all but guaranteed to exceed airline weight limits.

Monos Hybrid Trunk

This type of luggage brings back the classic silhouette of upright steamer trunks. Due to their design, trunks are considered by some to be easier to pack and to maneuver. However, airlines may flag the Monos as oversize.

Testing takeaways

We’ve found that the stated dimensions and weights of checked suitcases tend to be more accurate than those of their carry-on counterparts.

Wheel quality can affect how well carry-ons roll, but this is less true for checked bags—their weight smooths out the ride.

Handle shape and size often dictate a carry-on’s usable space. In roomier, checked bags, however, they’re less of a factor.

We considered how well a suitcase handles when it’s fully packed, how durable its materials are, and whether it’s comfortable to use.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the larger, checked-luggage version of our Travelpro carry-on top pick , and everything we like about its diminutive sibling applies again here.

It’s made of a hard-wearing nylon that’s both sleek and durable. And it looks and feels like a bag that costs a lot more than it actually does.

For a checked bag, it’s also surprisingly nimble. That’s thanks to the height-adjustable handle and the magnetically locking MagnaTrac wheels, which make the bag noticeably easier to maneuver—especially when it’s loaded with 50 pounds of stuff. And this suitcase is protected by a lifetime warranty, with stated protections against airline damages.

Internally, the Platinum Elite is well organized, and it includes a built-in garment folder for formalwear, with a removable folding board (similar to the one in our upgrade pick ). If you need a little more space, consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner .

Note that with luggage this capacious, it’s easy to overpack and exceed the 50-pound (22-kilogram) weight limit imposed by most airlines. But if you’re willing to pay the fee, the Platinum Elite can easily withstand the extra weight.

For anyone who enjoys the look and simplicity of hard-sided luggage—as well as the comfort of knowing that this one is virtually impossible to overpack— The Medium suitcase from Away is an excellent choice with an excellent warranty.

Soft-sided luggage typically has a longer lifespan than hard-sided bags, typically made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate. And soft-sided luggage typically has features like exterior pockets, making organization easier. However, the differences in durability and utility between hard- and soft-sided luggage are increasingly marginal, and plenty of people prefer the aesthetic and additional color options of polycarbonate suitcases.

Away builds its luggage with high-quality components. We tested the Away bag for three years before first recommending it. This suitcase has been our pick for over six years now, and we are confident in its long-term durability and the reputation of Away’s limited lifetime warranty . Away also makes a bigger checked-luggage model, The Large . We’ve found, however, that it’s very easy to overpack suitcases of this size, even ones that are hard-sided.

If you identify as a frequent flier or a serious overpacker, or if you have a large family and are willing to invest in higher-quality luggage for traveling, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner .

Although the Travelpro Platinum Elite is great for the price, the Briggs & Riley Baseline bag is great, period. Every detail is made to the highest standards of any luggage maker—from the zippers to the wheels to a unique compression system (which lets you fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into the same volume as offered by the Travelpro bag).

You won’t get the unique styling that other luxury brands specialize in, but Briggs & Riley’s reputation for reliability and durability is unmatched. The bag also includes a garment folder, as the Travelpro bag does.

If things go awry, user-replaceable parts and a network of repair centers located around the world make quick fixes easy, and the reliable lifetime warranty covers repairs for any kind of damage. We’ve traveled with this durable bag for six years now on multiple national and international trips. And it’s still in great shape and a dream to pack. Also, its expanding capability has rescued us more than once when we wanted to bring something extra home.

Trunk luggage, including the Monos Hybrid Trunk , replaces the 50/50 split of a clamshell design with a deeper central compartment. It’s a small change, and it makes packing this type of case very pleasant.

However, this luggage seems best for destination travel, when you pack up once and unpack once. Living out of a trunk requires more layers of packing and unpacking. So using trunk luggage across multiple stops could seem potentially onerous, compared with using a bag that has a typical clamshell design. Also, at least one traveler we know was dinged with an oversize fee for their Hybrid Trunk.

Monos continues to impress us with its luggage lines and construction. But the Hybrid Trunk stands out for its reinforced aluminum frame and denser-feeling polycarbonate, and it has a lifetime warranty for any damage that renders the luggage unusable.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, the best checked luggage: travelpro platinum elite 25" expandable spinner, our pick for the best hard-sided luggage: away the medium suitcase, upgrade pick: briggs & riley baseline expandable spinner, the best trunk pick: monos hybrid trunk, other good suitcases for checking, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel-bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years, we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts : flight attendants for major airlines; product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies; and travel writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

We’ve spent more than 160 hours researching luggage, continually testing to understand what makes good luggage. In the nearly eight years we’ve covered this category, the products have evolved—and so has our thinking about what kind of luggage is best for most people. Based on what’s available and what different travelers prefer, we think the following travel bags are the best checked luggage you can currently find.

There may be thousands of different types of checked luggage available for sale. Even after we excluded models that didn’t meet our basic criteria—a reliable warranty, reputable luggage reviews, and quality materials—we found hundreds of bags worth testing. And we went on to evaluate the choices between nylon and polyester, the difference in wheel-bearing designs, why alloys in telescoping handles matter, and more.

Besides the suggestions from our experts, we researched editorial and user reviews of luggage, making sure to include popular brands, such as Samsonite and Tumi, as well as more-esoteric names, like Hideo Wakamatsu. In addition to our interviews with experts, we’ve spoken with assorted salespeople, brand engineers, and media-relations folks, to make sure we found the best models from each company.

If you want a general rundown of our testing process, check out the corresponding sections from our best carry-on luggage review , since our testing of the larger bags mirrored that process. But we did uncover some differences—mostly having to do with the larger size of checked luggage—that led us to modify our analysis.

The smaller the luggage, the more intricate the design must become to accommodate travelers’ needs. While testing carry-on luggage in the past, we found that company claims of luggage weight and measurements weren’t exactly precise, with capacities exaggerated and weights minimized. Oddly, for checked bags, we didn’t find so much fudging of the numbers. Our best guess is that with the looser size and weight restrictions for checked luggage, manufacturers aren’t as motivated to manipulate their figures when advertising their larger bags.

When we tested carry-ons, we noticed the varied and individual way that each bag handled rough surfaces, depending on their wheels and build quality. With checked bags, this wasn’t a problem. When any checked bag was fully packed, the weight carried it over the roughest of surfaces, without a strong discernable difference between models.

With bags this large, the subtler points of comparison aren’t as pronounced. For instance, the handle’s size and shape can significantly change a carry-on bag’s usable space and your overall packing experience. But when space limits aren’t an issue, this doesn’t really matter. As a result, we focused on the obvious design comparisons, including how these bags handled when full, how durable their materials were, and whether the bags were comfortable to use.

For the majority of families who fly less than 25,000 miles a year together, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best choice for checked luggage.

It’s the bag to compare others against. The Platinum Elite suitcase is a durable, attractively styled, well-organized bag for a reasonable price. It holds a full seven days’ worth of clothes for two people, and it’s protected by a warranty that covers carrier damage, as long as you register the bag within 120 days of purchase. (The registration is a very simple process, and it can be done in 5 minutes with a smartphone: Simply take a picture of the registration code, which comes with the luggage; send that picture to a number Travelpro provides; and fill out the form in the response link .)

During a trip to New Zealand, our tester was able to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes—without a laundry stop—and several pieces of camera equipment into the Platinum Magna (the previous, largely identical model of the Platinum Elite) without issue. Like every large piece of checked luggage we tested, the Platinum Elite comes only in a four-wheel (or “spinner”) configuration. More wheels mean more bits with the potential to break (as well as some reduction of interior space), but that’s a necessary compromise for bags this size, if you want any hope of managing them in a busy airport.

It shrugs off wear and tear. The Platinum Elite’s exterior is made of ballistic nylon, which can take more overall abuse than polycarbonate and will show less wear in the long run. As we’ve said with regard to carry-ons , we don’t think polycarbonate hard-shell bags are as versatile or durable as soft-sided nylon bags. (Travelpro tests its bags by filling them with 70-pound loads and passing each handle through 7,500 automated lift tests.)

Hard-shell bags usually weigh about 4 pounds less than soft-sided equivalents. However, their increased failure rate and affinity for displaying scratches and wear aren’t worth it, unless the bag’s contents really need the extra protection from sharp jabs.

The soft fabric design allows for extra flexibility and the inclusion of exterior pockets, for quick access to small items. The Platinum Elite has two pockets: a flat one (suitable for documents and boarding passes) and an accordion-style one (which provides extra storage for miscellaneous small items; this can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids and need quick access to extra-small toys, coloring books, clothes, or other supplies).

Organization makes the dream work. During her three-week trip in New Zealand, photographer Caleigh Waldman said of the earlier, nearly identical model in the Platinum line, “On this trip I never stayed in the same location for more than three days and was forced to constantly unpack, repack, and maneuver [the bag]. Usually living out of any suitcase makes me crazy, but the many zip compartments [of this bag], both inside and out, make it easy to compartmentalize your things. The pockets, zippers, and interior liner seemed sturdy, and the large pull-back cover allowed me to access everything I had in the bag with ease.”(Full disclosure: Years later we married, but I don’t think that influenced her review.)

Similar to its smaller Travelpro sibling, the Carry-On Rollaboard , this suitcase has a built-in garment folder (or “suiter”). Additionally, a 2-inch-wide expansion zipper runs along three sides of the Platinum Elite, allowing the bag to accordion-open a touch, if you need the extra space (though we found this more useful as a way to compress what you’ve already packed than as an additional-space-providing feature).

It moves through the world with ease. The Platinum Elite handles beautifully for its size. Its aluminum handle extends to three different heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42½ inches). Although every bag we tested for this guide had similar levels of maneuverability, the Premium Elite’s MagnaTrac wheels, which align in the same direction, rolled past the rest of the competition with ease. On smooth surfaces, like those found in airports, it felt as if the bag were almost directing itself across the floor.

During her trip, Caleigh appreciated this suitcase’s smooth rolling, even when the bag was overpacked, saying, “It was not always easy to maneuver on rough or gravelly surfaces. Overall, though, given the limitations of traveling with this much stuff, I thought [this bag] did a great job moving through a variety of environments.” And it has sealed wheel bearings; these extend the wheels’ life by preventing dirt and grime from entering and breaking down the components as quickly. That’s a feature not usually found on cheaper bags. And chances are good that if a bag isn’t clearly advertising sealed bearings, you should assume it doesn’t have them. If, for whatever reason, the wheels do break, you can easily swap them out yourself with Travelpro’s readily available replacements .

It’s light yet cavernous. The Platinum Elite weighs 9 pounds 8 ounces when empty, which is average to heavy among checked bags. That’s a workable weight, though, for the bag’s spacious, 6,982-cubic-inch interior—twice what its carry-on sibling can hold! But when you’re selecting luggage this large, weight shouldn’t be your primary concern because all of the bags we tested felt about equally heavy once fully packed. The important thing is that, in our testing, the Platinum Elite swallowed up a week’s worth of clothes for two people with no problem, with a good deal of room to spare.

Travelpro also sells a Platinum Elite model that’s 29 inches tall . It’s important to emphasize just how absurdly large this suitcase is for most people. Given its capacity of 7,710.6 cubic inches (143 liters), the challenge here is to pack without breaking airline weight limits. I suppose if you were on a (very) long cruise, a bag this size might make sense.

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After my wife’s world travels, a neighbor borrowed this bag for their children’s college travels (Hawaii to New York), making several trips over the past few years. The Platinum Elite is still going strong.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We should note that bags of this size can hold almost too much. The Platinum Elite bag already weighs over 9 pounds. So when you pack it to its limits, it may be hard to keep it below the 50-pound weight limit of most airlines—and that means extra fees. But this is true of all checked luggage.

During her New Zealand trip, Caleigh Waldman packed the Platinum Magna 2 (29-inch model) for two weeks, with enough clothes, toiletries, and different types of shoes and activewear for the terrain. Though she didn’t fill the bag completely, she still found that her luggage came in over the 50-pound limit. “Every flight I took, I had to cough up the overweight-baggage fee, and it was a monster to carry up stairs and toss into car trunks,” she said.

We still think most travelers would be better off with one of our soft-sided picks than with a hard-sided carry-on. That’s because soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But if you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage, or you want the security of knowing you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Medium is the one we recommend.

From wheels to warranty, it’s the best polycarbonate option. Its wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than its hard-sided competitors. And it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

It provides more than enough space. The Medium weighs 9.9 pounds and measures 26 by 18.5 by 11 inches—a fairly standard weight and size for checked luggage this size. (By comparison, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch bag weighs 9.8 pounds and measures 28 by 18.5 by 11.75 inches.) If you need extra room,  Away’s The Large offers the maximum allowed space in a piece of checked luggage. The Large weighs 11.6 pounds and measures 29 by 20.5 by 12.5 inches. But with bags this big, it’s easier to overpack and exceed airline weight limits, which is why we recommend the Away Medium for most people.

Don’t sweat the flex. The Away bag’s modern and minimalist look comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately—according to every luggage designer we’ve ever interviewed—more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks is to tear. Still, the shell feels similar to those of higher-end (and significantly more expensive) suitcases, such as the $1,000-plus Rimowa Essential Check-In M ; it’s strong and flexible, and the Away bag itself feels good in your hands.

Away builds its luggage with impressive components. The wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we’ve tested. We’ve rolled these wheels across every conceivable surface, from cobblestone streets to the smoothest airport surfaces, and they were always a pleasure to use. When we first started testing The Away bag, in 2016, we found that flexibility to be a liability, especially on airport carpets. The first version of this bag that I tested tended to flex into itself and jam up its own wheels when I pushed it in front of me. But I haven’t had that issue with any of this suitcase’s latest models.

Its interior matches its minimal exterior. The Away bag’s interior is almost as bare-bones as its exterior. Unlike our other picks, this bag has no included suiter or suit folder, but you can buy one for $85 . The interior is split in half: One side closes with a zippered flap, and the other side has a built-in compression panel and straps, which work decently well.

It’s better to stick with the basics. We tested Away luggage for three years before making our recommendation. We traveled with it ourselves across the country, and we lent models of the bag to several testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using them. Away makes two similar models of checked suitcases with an expandable zipper: The Medium Flex and The Large Flex . For all intents and purposes, these are the same overall bags as the standard Medium and Large, except for the expanding center zipper and the price (they each cost $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers. They feel like potentially just one more thing to break. Also, they can increase the likelihood of exceeding the airline’s weight limit. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

Like our other picks, the Away pairs with its matching carry-on : The models are virtually identical, except for their sizes. Matching your luggage sets is visually appealing. But the real value in matching your carry-on to your checked luggage is that the smaller suitcase can, when you’re back home, nest within the larger one. (This holds true for every set of luggage we’ve ever tested. Here’s why: Nesting luggage is the most economical way for luggage manufacturers to ship their wares from their factories overseas.)

The lack of a suit panel for important items, like dresses and suits, may limit this suitcase’s appeal for some travelers. With a bag that has this much space, though, there are other ways to pack fancy clothes (video) without wrinkling them.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worth investing in luggage that goes beyond the minimums and somehow improves your travel experience. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner is that kind of bag. It costs more than twice as much as our top soft-sided pick, but after using all of these bags side by side, I’m sure there’s more than twice as much value hidden within this luggage: This is one of the best checked luggage systems we’ve found for international travel.

It has the best compression system. This suitcase’s most impressive feature is its compression system. Briggs & Riley’s proprietary compression system is superior to anything else we’ve seen—it allows you to fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into a bag with the same external dimensions as those of the Travelpro Platinum Elite suitcase. To manage it, you pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag; this extends its depth by a full 2½ inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed without putting stress on the zippers. Then you simply push on the bag to compress it back down again, and a latch mechanism keeps it securely in place. Unlike cheaper zippered expansion systems, which are either fully open or closed (like the Delsey bag’s ), this one can lock in at variable degrees of expansion or compression. This suitcase is unique and satisfying to use. (If you prefer a polycarbonate shell, Briggs & Riley has designed a similar compression system around a hard-shell case, for its Sympatico Spinner line. Still, we prefer the pliability of a soft-sided shell for any compression system.)

Measuring the extra capacity of the Baseline isn’t exact. The bag’s base (that is, where the wheels are) measures an inch deeper than the top of the bag (where the handle is); this design is, I believe, to make the base of the bag heavier when fully packed. At the base, the exterior of the Baseline Medium measures 25 by 18.5 by 10 inches; expanded, it measures 25 by 18.5 by 12 inches.

It takes hits like a brick. The Baseline Medium’s exterior is wrapped in 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which is durable and puncture resistant. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) But even more impressive is what’s underneath the nylon. The Baseline Medium’s frame is the strongest we’ve seen among any of the soft-sided luggage we tested. This bag can take considerable pressure from any angle. Like the Travelpro Platinum Elite, the Baseline Medium has two external pockets: a small one for tickets and passports and a larger one for small items or light outerwear. Briggs & Riley also makes a 31-inch Extra Large version of this bag, with nearly 10,000 cubic inches of interior space. It’s a good bag, but we can’t see the point of something this large. As it is, you can easily exceed most airlines’ weight limits packing the Medium to capacity.

Similar to its carry-on version, the Baseline Medium’s handrail tubes are on the outside of the bag; this makes the inside back wall almost completely flat, so packing is easier because there are no crevices to work around. We liked this feature for lighter carry-on luggage, since exterior plastic handrail tubes can protect the bag when it’s going over an edge, without risking too much damage. However, that all changes when you’re bouncing a 50-pound bag over a curb; in that case, an exposed handrail system seems like an unnecessary risk, especially since there’s so much room for an internal rail system.

Trunks are a welcome new addition (reimagined from a somewhat older tradition) to checked-luggage lines. Longer than they are wide, modern travel trunks—including our pick, the Monos Hybrid Trunk —stand out against the more-common squat, square luggage of the last few decades.

It has a pleasant shape, and it’s easy to maneuver. The Monos Hybrid measures 30 by 15.7 by 14.3 inches, with a capacity of 6,735.3 cubic inches, and it weighs 13.2 pounds. Imagine something like a small steamer trunk, except without the team of stevedores to move it.

In our early testing, we’ve found that the Monos Hybrid, with its taller, narrower shape, is easier to wheel around than other checked luggage. There’s something about the four wheels’ relative proximity to one another that gives the trunk a remarkable agility across most surfaces. Its wheels make it handle more like a carry-on bag than the other checked luggage we tested.

It’s a pleasure to pack. This element is harder to explain. Packing the trunk somehow just feels more pleasant than packing other types of luggage. Maybe it’s the main compartment’s higher walls, which give a comforting feeling of placing your clothes deep within the confines of a box. Or perhaps it’s the shape’s somewhat vintage appeal, bringing up nostalgia for a type of travel you’ve never experienced except in movies. Packing clothes into the Hybrid Trunk for a long journey is like stepping back in time just for a moment.

That said, unlike the steamer trunks of yore, the modern Monos Hybrid doesn’t have a ton of extra organization. One side has a fabric cover that completely zips in the contents; the other side has a compression panel with two zippered pockets. That said, for most modern travelers using (I hope) a good set of packing cubes , these simple dividers should be plenty to keep everything in the right place.

The Hybrid Trunk does away with the standard zipper closure, opting instead for an aluminum frame that runs along the seam of the luggage, where a zipper might have been. The case has two TSA locks, which close with a satisfying latch. We’ve reviewed a few bags with latches like this, and they’re great. Our only concern is that these locks have lots of small moving components, which could be a weak point over time.

It’s made for long, tough journeys. The only trunk models we’ve seen so far are made of polycarbonate. The Monos Hybrid immediately stands out with three details: an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, aluminum corner guards, and a reassuringly robust polycarbonate.

The Monos Hybrid Trunk, like our other picks, is protected by a lifetime warranty.

• We’ve heard from one traveler we know that Delta charged them an oversize fee when they checked their Monos Hybrid Trunk. Other airlines have, in our experience, been more lenient. If your chosen airline has a reputation (as Delta does) for being persnickety, maybe skip this bag.
• Another potential flaw we’ve found so far (we’ve tested trunks for only a few months) is that a trunk design may require more packing and unpacking to find what you need if you’re making lots of stops while traveling. A suitcase with a clamshell design, on the other hand, has both sides more or less open to you for easier access.
• Like the Away, the Monos Hybrid Trunk doesn’t have a dedicated suit folder or suit compartment for dresses or formal wear. Again though with this much space to pack in, there are a number of ways to protect clothes like this.

If the Monos Hybrid Trunk is unavailable: Consider Away’s The Trunk , which has a similar design (apart from having a zipper, instead of latches) for a similar price. However, though we’re generally fans of Away’s luggage, The Trunk isn’t as satisfying to use as the Monos Hybrid . The Away Trunk’s shell is flexible and its body is light, so it lacks the robust feel of the Monos Hybrid.

The Delsey Helium Aero , our previous hard-sided pick, comes in a 25-inch and a 29-inch version, so you can choose how much capacity you need. Like the Away suitcase, this bag is made of 100% polycarbonate, so it should last longer than cheaper, less-durable ABS plastic suitcases. However, Delsey’s 10-year limited warranty doesn’t match Away’s limited lifetime warranty.

Briggs & Riley makes excellent luggage, but we don’t think you need to spend this much on a hard-sided case without any extra frills, like the Briggs & Riley Torq Medium Spinner .

The Delsey Peugeot Large Trunk Spinner has a similar zipperless design as the Monos Hybrid, but the Peugeot bag lacks the corner guards and, more importantly, the lifetime warranty. Instead, the Peugeot is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Rimowa defined hard-sided luggage in the 1940s and redefined it in 2000, when it introduced polycarbonate luggage. But paying just over $1,000 for “virgin German polycarbonate” is silly. These bags, including the Rimowa Essential Check-In M , are smart-looking, though.

If you’ve ever wondered how much people pay for those handsome aluminum pieces of luggage, we’ll tell you: at least four figures. The Rimowa Classic Check-In M is twice as expensive as a ticket to Europe, yet it’s little more than a status symbol.

We also tested and dismissed Pelican and Samsonite suitcases that have since been discontinued.

We’re taking a look at the Level8 Voyageur Check-In . Its standout feature is the unusually wide handle, which seems to help its handling. The Level8 bag is less expensive than other luggage of its size and apparent quality. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. To make a decision, however, we do need to study the handle and the build quality a bit longer.

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

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in September 2022.

We’ve Loved Luggage From Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Line for a Decade. Here’s Why.

by Kit Dillon

Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks of January 2024

Here are the 100 things our readers loved most in January, from carry-ons to humidifiers and more.

Are Away Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Although we still prefer the better durability of soft-sided luggage, if you want the look and feel of a hard-sided case, we recommend the Away Carry-On .

20 Best Luggage Brands of 2024

Monos is consistently our most-recommended luggage brand, but there are plenty of other awesome brands that we love, ranging from budget picks to ultra-luxury fashion brands.

Ah, luggage. Unless you’re a very seasoned traveler, the sheer number of luggage brands, each having their own extensive and seemingly never-ending catalog, can be extremely overwhelming. Even the most well-traveled amongst us can’t keep track of them all.

So how do you pick the best luggage from all these brands? You rely on advice from those who’ve been there!

After 12 years of travel, I’ve learned the best luggage brands for every type traveler. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, I’m confident you’ll find the right luggage in this list.

• Best Luggage Brand Overall: Monos
• Best Affordable Luggage Brand: Amazon Basics
• Luggage Brand with the Best Warranty: Away
• Most Durable Luggage Brand: Osprey
• Best Lightweight Luggage Brand: July Luggage
• Best Hardside Luggage Brand: Briggs & Riley
• Best Soft Sided Luggage Brand: Travelpro
• Best Carry On Luggage Brand: LEVEL8
• Best Luggage with Spinner Wheels: American Tourister
• Best Luxury Luggage Brand: RIMOWA
• Best Luggage Brand for Adventure Travel: Db
• Best Checked Luggage Brand: Samsonite
• Most Aesthetic Luggage Brand: Delsey Luggage
• Most Functional Luggage Brand: Béis Luggage
• Luggage Brand with the Best Value: Calpak Luggage
• Luggage Brand with the Best Customer Service: TUMI
• Best Luggage Brand with Storage Capacity: Victorinox Luggage
• Best Luggage Brand for the Outdoors: Eagle Creek
• Most Sophisticated Luggage Brand: Bric’s Luggage
• Most Sustainable Luggage Brand: Paravel Luggage

Monos : Best Luggage Brand Overall

A relatively new brand, Monos is an up-and-coming luggage maker that burst onto the scene in 2018. It has a unique focus on designing and producing premium and minimalistic bags without the premium price tag and is one of the best luggage brands overall.

Though their luggage may not be the cheapest, the value they provide punches well above the price point. Monos is in both in the check-in and carry on segments and is one of the best luggage brands overall.

All hard shell luggage from Monos are constructed with German Makrolon polycarbonate. Not only does this give the luggage a lightweight feel, but it is also water-resistant and protects your valuables from hard impacts.

Let’s face it, our luggage is bound to be shoved, thrown, and tossed around during our flight and on the way to the hotel.

Monos has superb build quality and comes in many different sizes with a multitude of add ons (like a removable laundry bag).

The Carry On Pro even offers an external outside pocket which makes it extremely easy to store essentials such as passports, phones, and portable chargers—all things that travelers need easy access to.

Monos Luggage bags all come with Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels, which make pulling your Monos bags an effortless and seamless experience, be it on sidewalks or in the airport.

For those who are environmentally conscious, Monos is the first luggage brand to ensure they have net-zero carbon emissions. Did you know that the Makrolon polycarbonate used in their hard side offerings is made from vegan materials?

Additionally, Monos gives one percent of its revenue to reputable non-profit organizations that aim to combat climate change.

All of Monos’ products are durable and come with a lifetime warranty , which means that you don’t have to continuously buy new luggage bags for every trip. Neat!

For a closer look, check out our full Monos luggage review .

Amazon Basics : Best Affordable Luggage Brand

Looking for luggage on a budget? I don’t blame you—suitcases can be expensive. Though Amazon Basics makes a lot of products in a lot of industries, they also happen to be one of the best luggage brands if price is a deciding factor.

Their Hardside Carry On Spinner Suitcase is a fan favorite. This twenty-one inch bag is made of ABS hardshell and comes with 360-degree spinner wheels, making it a solid spinner carry on. It can even expand an additional fifteen percent to cram more stuff inside for all the souvenirs you’ll be picking up on your trip.

Do note that Amazon Basics luggage offerings do not stop at this suitcase alone! They have a great variety of other offerings that are all highly reviewed yet inexpensive—including a plethora of two-piece and three-piece luggage sets . Though they may not be the most high-end luxury brand by any means, there are very few suitcases on the market for under a hundred dollars.

Away : Luggage Brand with the Best Warranty

Away is a luggage company that has built a cult following over the past couple of years, with its focus on direct-to-consumer marketing, making shopping less of a hassle while simultaneously providing lower prices. Even though they’re not the cheapest, they have a comprehensive warranty which makes Away one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a suitcase that will last you a lifetime.

For both checked bags and carry ons, Away luggage comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Away offers hard sided luggage only, made out of 100% polycarbonate materials, making them tough and resistant to hard knocks while maintaining an almost weightless feel.

One of the most popular Away models is the Bigger Carry On suitcase, which is a favorite for those who fly frequently. Designed with space efficiency in mind, Away’s hard sided luggage has a large interior space which makes packing significantly less of a hassle.

Some models even comes with a rechargeable, removable power bank, saving you the trouble of constantly searching for a power plug to sit next to at the airport. The good part? This battery is compliant with airline regulations, so there is no need to worry about it getting flagged by those pesky TSA agents.

While Away luggage does make a great product, what you’re really paying for is the lifetime warranty. When you buy a suitcase from Away, you’re buying luggage for life. They also provide a 100-day, no-questions-asked return policy (that’s still applicable even after you’ve used it), showing just how confident they are in both their products and customer satisfaction!

Indeed, it’s Away’s lifetime guarantee that makes them one of the best luggage brands. For more information, check our full Away luggage review .

Osprey : Most Durable Luggage Brand

Planning an adventure to the lesser-traveled parts of the world? Need your luggage to not only look the part but also be able to withstand it? Osprey makes durable suitcases that are practical and tailor-made for the more adventurous among us. They’re one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for suitcases, bags or backpacks for more rugged adventures.

Mostly known for their hiking backpacks , Osprey has been a leader in the bag industry for decades. That’s all to say, they know what they’re doing. Osprey cuts no corners when it comes to manufacturing their products, which means you can travel with peace of mind no matter how far you intend to go off the beaten track.

Don’t be tricked into thinking that hard sided luggage is the only type of durable luggage! Osprey offers a wide range of soft sided luggage such as the 30″ Osprey Shuttle wheeled suitcase (which is made with bomb-proof ballistic nylon fabric and an ABS plastic base infused with aluminum).

Yes, bomb-proof.

Osprey also focuses on quality-of-life features like ergonomics and organization. Spacious interiors are complemented by compression straps to keep the bulk down, and plenty of external and internal storage compartments to make sorting easy and access to your important items a hassle-free experience.

Osprey is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a wild adventure and want to see sights that are not readily accessible. You’re guaranteed a seamless experience!

July Luggage : Best Lightweight Luggage Brand

A pretty popular brand from the Land Down Under, July luggage is an Australian brand that built off its initial success and has now expanded into the US. They offer primarily hard sided luggage in a few different tiers, each offering slight upgrades and features from the former, but all of them meeting specific needs. July is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a lightweight piece of luggage, since the Carry On Light is the most lightweight suitcase on the market.

The original July Carry On is the base model, while the Carry On Light variant weighs in at a surprising four pounds, which is the lightest double-wheel suitcase available across the industry, making this the best lightweight luggage in all categories.

The Carry On Pro variant has a few extra features—a detachable external laptop sleeve on the suitcase, an ejectable battery with both the standard USB and the USB-C Fast-charge, a highly adjustable telescopic handle, and lastly, quality YKK zippers.

In particular, the detachable laptop sleeve is the July Carry On Pro ’s best-known feature, and for good reason! It can be extremely useful for frequent fliers as it saves you the hassle of packing and unpacking your luggage to remove your computer during customs. The inside of the Pro is made of water-resistant nylon lining, and the SilentMove, 360-degree spinner wheels are silent and smooth and make using it an easy and fuss-free experience.

All July models are tastefully designed and follow the industry trend for a more modern, sleek, and streamlined design that exudes minimalist luxury. A great part about July Luggage is that they provide a lifetime warranty and 100-day trial with free returns and free shipping in the US and Canada, meaning it’s easy to get a replacement or a refund if you decide you don’t need it.

All in all, in this list of the best luggage brands, July wins the lightweight luggage category due to its Carry On Light suitcase . It’s literally the lightest suitcase on the market.

Briggs & Riley : Best Hardside Luggage Brand

A well-known American travel ware brand, Briggs & Riley is constantly recognized for its continuous innovation, performance, and dedication to travel. Though they carry soft sided bags, where I believe they shine is in their hard sided luggage. This makes Briggs & Riley one of the best luggage brands for hard shell suitcases.

One of the best hardside luggage products around is the Torq Luggage , which is available in six different sizes—two carry ons (21″ and 22″) and four checked bags (27″, 28″, 30″, and 32″).

The Torq Bag is known to be one of the best hard sided luggage offerings with a scratch-resistant outer case, a classic handle system made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and the iconic Outside handle design.

In particular, Briggs & Riley’s handle is specially designed to not be bumpy and allow the user to have a wrinkle-free interior to work with. Though luggage of this heft can often be heavy, the Torq Bag is incredibly lightweight, due to its three-layered Makrolon polycarbonate material.

Alternatively, their Baseline Collection carries a special expansion-compression technology that allows the luggage to expand to provide 25% more packing space when open, yet compress back into its original size when closed.

Briggs & Riley also builds some of the best garment bags on the market. If you’re looking for men’s luggage for traveling with a suit, they have some great options.

Within the luggage lid, it carries a zippered compartment and garment bags, whilst its exterior has several pockets for easy storage. It also has double self-aligning spinner wheels which makes the long inter-terminal walks way less painful.

Almost every manufacturer on this 2024 list of the best luggage brands makes hard shell luggage, but if it’s the cream of the crop that you’re looking for, Briggs & Riley has it.

Travelpro : Best Soft Sided Luggage Brand

If you’re flying frequently, you’d want luggage that is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also durable, practical, and flexible in use. Travelpro designs its luggage with these philosophies in mind, as it aims to target utilitarian, mile-chugging fliers who need something to make their around-the-world appointments easy. Travelpro is one of the best luggage brands for soft sided suitcases and frequent flyers.

Expandable storage? Storage is plentiful in the Travelpro luggage platinum elite spinner. External compartments? Big enough for you to put in a parka, scarf, passport, and any number of things you want for quick access. Durability? Travelpro makes its soft sided luggage offerings in abrasion-resistant nylon to make sure that your bag will last through the many flight hours and more.  The durability and attention to detail make Travelpro suitcases some of the best soft side luggage on the market.

Travelpro luggage is a cult favorite among flight crews for a reason. Their practical and sturdy travel luggage resonates well with frequent fliers who need a reliable companion that’ll ease their traveling process. Travelpro luggage comes with solid and durable wheels that even auto-align to ensure easy mobility and is decorated with cushioned handles to give comfort no matter how heavy it is.

Travelpro offers plenty of hard and soft sided luggage that comes in a range of colors, thus helping you maintain that ‘business’ look while also maintaining some flair. Travelpro also gives a ‘Worry-Free’ lifetime warranty on its luggage offerings, giving frequent fliers the exact peace of mind they need to keep using their favorite luggage. Travelpro was started by an airline pilot, and the design, durability, and utility speak for this heritage.

LEVEL8 : Best Carry On Luggage Brand

LEVEL8 takes your carry on luggage game to the next level by introducing a range of hard-side luggage options. The most popular of its carry on luggage offerings are hard shell carry ons, which come in both Makrolon polycarbonate and aluminum exteriors. LEVEL8 is one of the best luggage brands for carry on size suitcases.

The advantages of using luggage made from polycarbonate are its durability and resilience to scratches, which can be useful when carrying electronic valuables and fragile items. However, it can be slightly more rigid and inflexible compared to softside luggage.

Focusing on higher-end simplicity, LEVEL8 aims to make your experience sleek and easy—offering no-frills and only the things you need. LEVEL8 luggage comes with options for batteries installed for those airplane boarding waits. Within this luggage are dividers to make it easy to keep things intact and neat, as well as custom packing cubes.

You label the packing cubes by choosing which velcro label you want to attach to it, making it easy to identify what’s inside. It’s also really easy to move around the airport, as the self-aligning spinner wheels glide effortlessly across surfaces, and are built to last. These spinner wheels are rimmed with a rubber material to ensure any floor surfaces remain unscratched, and the rigidity of the entire case will keep your belongings safe, even in the overhead bin or the luggage carousel.

American Tourister : Best Luggage with Spinner Wheels

A fan-favorite among the practical traveler, American Tourister is perfect for a casual getaway when you don’t need an overly luxurious or bulky bag. American Tourister offers a plethora of colors, shapes, and sizes and is easily available at most large retail stores like Target and Walmart. American Tourister is one of the best wheeled luggage brands.

The best part about American Tourister luggage is their spinner wheels! It is not easy to find quality spinner luggage with four full spinner wheels at the price point that American Tourister competes in. Having durable wheels allow the luggage to move smoothly and seamlessly, while being scratch-resistant and long-lasting. Families take note! They are durable enough to withstand long trips with children, yet affordable enough that you won’t break the bank.

Though you may not get the bulky, hard-side build as some of the other options on here, the price allows the American Tourister to punch above its weight and be a decent companion for your trip. Should you need to replace anything on your luggage, American Tourister has a surprisingly robust and solid warranty offering that is very rarely seen by other competitors in this price bracket, making it a great cost-saving option.

RIMOWA : Best Luxury Luggage Brand

The darling of the luxury luggage world, RIMOWA offers stunning pieces of luggage that exude a sense of minimalist grandeur and opulence. Although RIMOWA only specializes in hard side luggage, they do it supremely well. They’re one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a luxury suitcase and you have the budget to match.

RIMOWA luggage range from polycarbonate bodies to full aluminum, which gives it a sense of durability coupled with an exclusive premium feel. Though you may be paying slightly more for one of these bags (with the cheapest offering being over $500), you do certainly get what you pay for. The German precision of its manufacturers is evident in every facet of their lineup, from their distinctive parallel lines to the quality zippers and wheels.

RIMOWA also offers a variety of different sizes and colors to get that perfect fit for your style and your traveling needs. It’s not all about the aesthetics either, as RIMOWA builds their luggage well and will protect your belongings without you having to break a sweat. It is waterproof as well, which means that you’re able to strap it to the outside of a car and drive through a storm!

The wheels are also extremely well-designed and built to last for a long time. For frequent and practical travelers, RIMOWA is a luxury godsend as they will last as long and go wherever you go with no issue. The telescopic handle is both sturdy and easily adjustable which will ensure comfort and ease of use as you glide through the airport check-ins.

Because RIMOWA is made out of lightweight aluminum or polycarbonate, the bags are extremely light for their durability. In the unlikely event that something does break, RIMOWA offers a five-year guarantee and repair service at their stores as well as several hotel partners. From its riveted aluminum corners to its distinctive aluminum body, you’re bound to turn heads with RIMOWA’s sleek and minimalistic look. Do remember, though, that RIMOWA is considered a luxury brand and can be on the pricier side. Although they are amazingly designed luggage bags, if you’re on a budget, you certainly can get similar options performance-wise for less money.

Db : Best Luggage Brand for Adventure Travel

An award-winning Scandinavian luggage brand, Db uses aggressive innovation and intricate design to create new and improved luggage bags. Db has a stunning collection of durable luggage that is best suited for adventurers who want to venture off the beaten track. They are one of the best luggage brands for adventure travel.

Db has been the choice for athletes and design experts for its game-changing hemispheric design that provides easy access for gear as well as organization. Designed for the rough and tough rather than airports and hotels, the Db duffels are designed with reinforced and sturdy shoulder straps to allow travelers to trek these bags up steep inclines.

Plus, you need not worry about the bag ripping or tearing on you, as Db makes many of their bags out of heavy-duty fabric and has handles for whatever holding style you need it for. You could even put additional luggage on top of it thanks to Db’s renowned ‘Hook-Up’ system so you can lug even more things without having to jerry-rig a solution.

Db offers a range of their gear in different sizings based on your needs, but all options give a spacious interior for their respective sizings and offer a ton of options to sort your items as needed, sporting external pockets, organized compartments, and a split feature to easily put your items exactly where you want them.

Db sent adventurers with the likes of Michelle Parker and Nikolai Schirmer up the Alps and to Alaska, and even to navigate the mountains and water bodies of Northern Norway; all to find out what works best for them. Needless to say, if they put in that much effort, you will find it an almost perfect fit for your next adventure.

Samsonite : Best Checked Luggage Brand

Unsurprisingly, Samsonite is one of the most well-known luggage brands and almost anyone who travels knows their name. Samsonite’s catalog is extensive and spans many different styles of luggage, be it wheeled luggage or duffels, or even backpacks. There’s something for everyone! However, it may make shopping for the best Samsonite luggage a pretty daunting task for some as the number of choices can seem nearly endless.

Regardless of whether you’re budget conscious or not, there is no denying that Samsonite offers great value for money, no matter the price point. Their hundred-year experience in the industry has given them the upper hand in providing high-quality, well-built luggage that is durable and functional to provide ease of use to travelers.

Be it the hard side or soft sided luggage, most of the offerings have been met with generally good reviews, with many praising the quality of Samsonite’s luggage wheels as the de-facto industry standard.

There are a variety of collections that have additional features like battery packs, Bluetooth trackers as well as integrated weighing scales. There are a ton of features that Samsonite provides within their lineup that other manufacturers are unable to compete with, thanks to Samsonite’s large market share and volume.

The Samsonite Freeform 28-inch Spinner is a popular pick for checked luggage in particular, as it sports a very durable polypropylene hard side that is durable and premium-looking. It is also thoughtfully designed in the interior, as there are dividers and multi-pockets along with a compression strap to keep your clothes and belongings nice and organized. It also comes with a built-in ID tag, which is useful if you have lost your luggage and are trying to track the location down and recover your belongings.

Samsonite, being a large and reputable brand, has pretty extensive warranty and return policy plans, and their various partnerships with big-brand retailers like Macy’s and Amazon mean that they are easy and convenient to get.

Delsey Luggage : Most Aesthetic Luggage Brand

Delsey is an incredibly popular luggage brand. They get their popularity from producing aesthetically pleasing and solid travel gear and luggage. With a French heritage, Delsey gets much of its design cues from France and is regarded by many to be a stylish option with reputable French quality. Delsey is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a suitcase with style.

Delsey makes many of their hard side luggage with polycarbonate, which is stronger and more resilient than ABS or polypropylene –– so travelers looking for sturdier luggage, take note! Do take note, however, that there are some lines in the Delsey luggage catalog, like the Delsey Lagos collection, that are made with ABS.

However, Delsey tends to employ polyester rather than nylon for their soft sided luggage, which results in a less durable bag that may not endure long-term or continuous use. We do recommend travelers to opt for Delsey’s hard side offerings in general.

Many of Delsey’s mid-price range comes with several features that add convenience for travelers. For example, Delsey luggage comes with organizers that make packing and finding items easy as well as padded laptop compartments to ensure the safety of your electronics. Delsey also prioritizes the safety of your valuables with their proprietary ‘SECURITECH 2’ zipper system, which makes it two times more difficult to break into your bag via your zippers, keeping your items secure from thieves trying to go for a quick grab.

If you’re looking for storage capabilities, Delsey offers good sorting systems in their mid-tier price range. This is because their lower-end offerings only sport a few pockets and compression straps that are usable but certainly not as feature-laden as other competitors. In general, we believe that competitors such as Travelpro and Samsonite cannot beat Delsey’s luggage offerings, as the best Delsey luggage is known to be especially aesthetically pleasing.

Béis Luggage : Most Functional Luggage Brand

Béis is a luggage brand with a focus on function and utility whilst presenting it in a suave and attractive package. Being featured in many notable editorials such as Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and People Magazine, Béis also has a very strong social media following, which shows the attractiveness and appeal of their luggage lineup.

Unsurprisingly, Beis is such a hit with many, as it was founded by actress Shay Mitchell, who many may know as Emily on the show Pretty Little Liars. Béis is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for that perfect balance of function and style.

Most of Béis’s catalog is made out of polyester fabric and water-resistant lining, which not only makes them lightweight and durable but also functional to keep your belongings safe and sound. Their catalog is also pretty extensive, spanning from luggage to totes, backpacks, and diaper bags, making Béis a huge hit with women and mothers.

Béis’ check-in offerings sport quite a host of utilitarian features that scream practicality and functionality but still retain a chic and minimalist look. For example, the water-resistant Nylon zipper tape helps to keep your items dry, and their hard-side construction with the Hinomoto 360 wheels ensures your bag is long-lasting and easy to use when moving about.

Furthermore, Béis has special additions that aim to make your travel extra comfortable, with cushioned handles, a retractable attach strap, and a side-carry handle fitted with a weight indicator so you know exactly how heavy your luggage is. Let’s face it, it’s a nightmare having to repack stuff at the airport check-in, and being able to do this seamlessly at home makes life so much easier.

For more information, check our full Béis luggage review .

Calpak Luggage : Luggage Brand with the Best Value

Calpak is a California brand that is focused on producing luggage for the mid-tier price range without sacrificing build quality. Aimed at the average traveler, Calpak has a host of luggage options ranging from duffels to luggage in both hard-side and soft-side. With its wide range of offerings in both sizes, styles, and colors, there is a ton to pick from to get something that fits you. Calpak is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for the best value.

Their most stylish luggage option, the Calpak Ambeur, is offered in various sizes such as a carry on as well as medium and large sizes, along with a two or three-piece set. Made with an ABS and polycarbonate mix, the Ambeur is made durable enough to withstand a battering or two during loading and unloading. However, you might want to note that its shiny exterior is easily scratchable, so take extra care when lugging it around.

It comes in a standard style of luggage with the main zipper that opens the luggage, but what’s neat about the CalPak Ambeur is that it can also be expanded via zipper to give an additional two inches height of storage to cram even more things inside it.

The Calpak Trnk line is another offering that features a retro styling that makes it stand out from the crowd, and has much of the utility of the Ambeur but in a different look. It carries either two or three pieces of luggage, with standard sizes available –– a 20-inch carry on, and larger 25 and 29-inch suitcases. Similar to most of the other lines, these Trnk suitcases have double spinner wheels, which allows for a smoother and seamless traveling experience. They also have telescopic wheel handles, corner protection, and side and top carry handles. Furthermore, this hard-side luggage is opened in a clamshell manner and has two compartments for packing –– one with elastic straps and the other with a fully zippered panel. It comes in gray, black, and nude colors, but you might want to check on their availability first before purchasing.

TUMI : Luggage Brand with the Best Customer Service

TUMI is a renowned luxury travel and lifestyle brand that aims to provide high-end luxury offerings to the travel market and is often seen as a pseudo status symbol among travelers. Though they were taken over by Samsonite in 2016, it has not lost its company focus on providing quality items and excellent customer service. TUMI is another one of the best luggage brands offering luxury suitcases.

TUMI has an extensive catalog that ranges from traditional luggage to backpacks and duffels in a myriad of materials, colors, and finishes—be it abrasion-proof ballistic nylon, hard sided bags of various types, and even fine leather. TUMI luggage is known for its durability and longevity, with its bags well-loved for their long-lasting effect.

Not to mention, TUMI luggage is designed thoughtfully and meticulously, with some of their bags offering exceptional external storage and internal organization to keep things tidy and easily accessible.

Additionally, TUMI’s lineup features the ‘Add-a-bag’ system that makes it easy to add on additional bags to the luggage, making it convenient to carry all your items on one larger roller.

The standout feature of TUMI luggage that defines its luxury experience is its impeccable customer service support. TUMI offers on-site repairs and luggage registration and tracking for your lost luggage, so anything that occurs to your luggage is covered and supported by their lifetime warranty.

Victorinox Luggage : Best Luggage Brand with Storage Capacity

As versatile and multifunctional as their household collection, Victorinox luggage bags offer a ton of handy additions that prove to be useful for all travelers. Victorinox bags often fly under the radar of most travelers, but those who know of them recognize the quality in the build and features that each of their products holds.

The entire catalog is extensive, which makes it easy for travelers to mix and match their bags and luggage to get the perfect travel fit –– be it for vacation or the business flight commuter. Victorinox also puts extensive testing into the durability of their offerings, putting each item through stress tests to ensure that they live up to the ruggedness they are known for.

Peace of mind is also a huge benefit of Victorinox. They offer 11-year warranties on their travel gear and the ‘Swiss Tracker Bag Tracking Program’ which helps you locate your luggage if it happens to go missing during your travels.

The Spectra 2.0 is a great all-rounder that is popular for many who are looking for a hard-side luggage option. Extremely durable while being incredibly lightweight thanks to its one hundred percent polycarbonate construction, the Spectra 2.0 comes in a variety of sizes –– which means you can choose between using it as a carry on or as checked luggage.

The Lexicon 2.0 soft-side is a great option for those in the market for soft-side luggage. It’s constructed using ballistic nylon, ensuring that it not only holds up well but also remains water-resistant for those short jaunts when it rains. The Lexicon 2.0 soft-side comes in a variety of sizes and includes both carry on as well as several checked luggage sizes.

For the more business-oriented traveler, the Werks Traveler 6.0 Softside is a quiet and professional-looking soft-side luggage option. Built with resilient nylon that offers abrasion resistance, this is a sturdy luggage option that will faithfully zip across the world with you and look right at home doing it. The Werks Traveler 6.0 soft-side features Victorinox’s ‘Pack More’ system which allows travelers to compress and maximize their luggage space efficiently.

The biggest seller to the business-oriented traveler is the removable garment suiter, giving easy access to change from your comfy travel wear to formal wear without much hassle. It can even expand an additional 1.5 inches should you need that slight bump in storage capacity. We can’t have your important business laptop and tech devices getting damaged while on your way to your next international meeting, can we? Just all the business stuff you need!

Eagle Creek : Best Luggage Brand for the Outdoors

Planning a trip to the more unexplored side of the world, going from mountain to mountain or desert to desert? Eagle Creek designs and offers luggage that is steeped firmly in adventure and exploration, giving their lineup a uniquely ‘intrepid outdoors’ feel. They are designed to be rugged and durable, and not skimp on any of the functionality outdoor travelers need. Eagle Creek is one of the best luggage brands for outdoor adventures.

Eagle Creek luggage boasts resilient and weather-resistant coated polyester fabric, allowing their luggage to perform where their more sleek and luxury-oriented counterparts will fail. Their rolling luggage comes with heavy-duty wheels as well as zippers that are designed to be tamper-proof, for when you’re traveling to the rougher parts of the world.

Their duffels and luggage boast a host of external pockets as well as various internal compartments to carry all your adventure gear and clothing to keep things organized. This especially applies to those going exploring, as separate compartments will help keep your clean and dirty clothes separate! Eagle Creek has thought about everything for the adventure traveler and is coming fully equipped to help them get to where they need to go.

A popular option from Eagle Creek luggage is the Cargo Hauler Duffel. It is affordable, lightweight, and comes with an array of storage selections that make it convenient to keep all your stuff and find them after. It also comes with backpack straps to make it easy to carry when it’s all loaded up, rather than the traditional shoulder strap seen on other duffels. The best part for the adventurous traveler? It can roll up into a rather small pouch to keep, meaning that it can be kept and then used for instantaneous ad-hoc storage whenever it is needed.

Eagle Creek is confident in its ability to provide luggage that can function like brand new even in the roughest landscapes. Eagle Creek walks its talk with a ‘No Matter What’ lifetime warranty on their luggage!

Bric’s Luggage : Most Sophisticated Luggage Brand

Another luxury luggage offering, Bric’s luggage provides a more sophisticated and dapper addition to the luggage world. On Bric’s luggage, leather is a mainstay, where they offer luggage fully wrapped in Italian leather and metal fittings. Did you know that they use leather as decorative trim on non-leather luggage, and even color coordinate the color of the roller wheels to the luggage? Bric’s is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a suitcase with a more sophisticated, elegant flair.

Bric’s attention to detail in their fit and finish is superb and is bound to be a head-turner no matter where you go. However, Bric’s luggage value is not solely determined by its aesthetics. The inside of their luggage is both spacious and thoughtfully designed, with straps and buckles to keep everything secure, even without the use of the zipper dividers. Their luggage is not only lightweight but also durable, allowing it to last for a long time whilst giving you the ease of carrying and transporting it around.

No matter the ground you put it on, the wheels of Bric’s luggage are not only durable but also roll effortlessly, even if your luggage is full to the brim. Bric’s zippers are finished extremely well and are not prone to getting stuck or breaking. Plus, they are known to provide a front-accessible compartment that protects your valuables whilst granting you easy access to them.

Bric’s is the option you want to get if you want to feel good about yourself and have people notice how stylish you are. It’s a great option to stand out from everyone else in North America as they are not a common sight! Bric’s makes it easy to match your other bags and accessories since they are designed to look well.

Paravel Luggage : Most Sustainable Luggage Brand

Paravel is swinging into the luggage market by providing vintage-inspired luggage with all the 2022’s expected modern comforts that we all love. Starting in 2016, Paravel focuses on bringing sustainable, convenient, and stylish options into the market. Paravel is one of the best luggage brands if your carbon footprint is an important factor when making buying decisions.

Paravel makes their luggage’s hardshell bodies out of flexible recycled polycarbonate and constructs their lining from recycled plastic water bottles. They put these materials to good use, too, as their luggage is designed to be both extremely durable as well as space-efficient. The interior prioritizes organization, fitted with both a compression board, straps, and a large zipper compartment to reduce the bulk of your items.

The telescopic handle is made out of aluminum and is comfortable to use, coupled with buttery smooth double spinner wheels that make it easy to push and pull along your travels. They also offer two different sizes for their Aviator carry on luggage, with the standard model being able to fit in most international overhead cabins while the Plus variant fits in a majority of US airlines.

Paravel also ensures that its shipping program is carbon neutral, as it continually works to offset its carbon emissions at all levels of its manufacturing and shipping chain. Recently, Paravel has also committed to donating ten percent of its discount sales to the Cabana Stripes Collection which aims to provide support to COVID-19 relief efforts. Not only are their luggage offerings both thoughtfully designed and competitively priced, but they also go to great lengths to provide social good through aiding causes as well as reducing their impact on the environment. It makes it easy to support this newcomer to the luggage market, right?

Paravel sells more than just rollable luggage, as they have a ton of offerings from packing cubes to weekend bags. This makes it ideal to get all your needs in one place, which saves on shipping as well as provides a cohesive matching design for your travel accessories.

What to Consider Before Buying Luggage

For luggage, we need to consider not only how much it costs, but also the design and features that they provide for the price. There are a ton of features that luggage brands have implemented into their luggage, from organization to offering battery packs and charging your devices while on the go.

Depending on your purpose for traveling, take note of luggage features that best suit your needs. For example, if you travel frequently for leisure purposes, you might consider getting luggage with ample storage space or expandable luggages to fit your souvenirs.

The weight limit for luggages varies across airlines. If you’re a frequent business traveler, you can afford to purchase heavier but more stylish luggage.

On the other hand, if you’re an adventure traveler, function might be your priority. In this case, a lightweight luggage with good storage capacity might suit you best.

Take note of the weight restrictions for different airlines and pick a luggage brand that suits the airline you frequent most.

Functionality

Versatility and practicality are two features to look out for when purchasing luggage. If you prefer handheld luggages, take note of where the suitcase handles are placed. Those on the top and side of the luggage will make lifting your luggage easier. For travelers who like wheeling their luggage, we’d recommend getting spinners so that you can wheel your luggage beside you with ease.

The durability of the luggage that brands provide is important to consider. We want our luggage to be able to last us as long as possible, be it in storage or out on the go. Realizing your luggage is broken while packing or when your clothes are strewn across the road is never a fun time when you’re traveling!

Best Luggage Brands Conclusion

I hope that this extensive luggage guide has given you some understanding of this large, diverse market. Luggage brands cater to different sectors of the market, and what luggage best fits you is largely dependent on your travel needs and frequency, as well as your individual preferences.

Be it your desire to explore the further reaches of the world or explore the lesser-seen, flying frequently across the world to conduct business meetings, or just going for a simple vacation, there are luggage and bag options that will perfectly suit your needs.

Though it is important to stick to your use case and budget, I do recommend that you consider getting something higher-quality (and thus higher-priced) the first time around. Not only will you enjoy the conveniences that higher-end luggage provides, but it also means that you LIKELY won’t have to replace it down the road. I believe in investing in quality gear—it’s better to buy something once than many times throughout your life.

Which suitcase brand is best?

Monos is our top pick for the best luggage brand overall. Their luggage is stylish, durable, and easy to use.

Which brand of luggage is the most durable?

Osprey makes some of the most durable luggage in the world, and they back it up with an amazing lifetime guarranty.

Is Samsonite or American tourister better?

Samsonite luggage is better overall, while American Tourister offers good budget options.

Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?

Airlines don’t really care what type of luggage you have as long as it fits the size and weight restrictions.

What luggage brand do pilots use?

Briggs & Riley is one of the most popular luggage brand among pilots and flight crews.

Jeremy Scott Foster

I am thinking to buy US Traveller soft side 3 piece luggage set from Amazon for $130 What is your opinion about this brand please let me know

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The Best Hardside Luggage for Traveling in 2024

A hardshell suitcase keeps your stuff safe and un-squished.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks

• Best overall: Freeform Hardside Expandable, Samsonite
• Best value: 28-inch Hardside Spinner, Amazon Basics
• Best carry-on: The Carry-On, Away
• Best minimalistic: Carry-On, Monos

Hardside or hardshell luggage is made of plastic or metal materials that hold their shape to encase and protect your belongings. At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we evaluate hardside luggage in the Textiles Lab, analyzing them for factors like durability, water resistance and ease of use. Plus, we share them with consumer testers who take them on their own trips and share real-world feedback. We've put together a list of picks including lightweight and durable options and hard cases with unique features that we think are worth your buying.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable

Samsonite's high-quality luggage has continued to perform well in our tests over the years , specifically in terms of durability and ease of use. The brand's Freeform hardside suitcase is a favorite of our consumer testers who agree that its wheels roll smoothly and that the bag is easy to maneuver around twists and turns. It also received perfect scores in Lab tests for being a breeze to open and close.

Inside, you'll find a zippered panel and an adjustable cross strap to keep your belongings in place, and we fit our entire packing load in the bag with room to spare. Our consumer testers did point out that the carrying handles are on the smaller side, but they still thought the bag was easy to pick up. There are three different sizes to choose from, or you can buy a set including a carry-on and a checked bag.

Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside Spinner

With more than 35,000 five-star reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, Amazon Basics' hardside luggage is a favorite of real users and GH analysts alike. When we tested this bag in our Lab, we found it to be spacious, and it received perfect scores for easy packing. Online reviewers agree, adding that they can fill the suitcase with more than enough clothing and essentials for their trips.

The suitcase is made with ABS plastic, which isn't as durable as some other hard materials, but it is lightweight and keeps the price low. Testers appreciated the luggage's wheel performance, sharing that the bag is easy to maneuver, but they found the telescopic handle to be flimsier than other models they tried. This suitcase comes in three different sizes and is available in two and three-piece sets for an even better value.

Away The Carry-On

Several of our Lab experts have been using Away luggage for years and have found them to stand the test of time. T his pick is made of polycarbonate material, which means it's lightweight yet durable. In our testing, we dropped it repeatedly from a 3-foot height, and there were no major signs of damage.

Our consumer testers thought the wheels on Away suitcases rolled smoothly and found they were easy to maneuver, but the handle isn't as sturdy as some other styles. In our packing tests, we were impressed by the compressive panels meant to keep your belongings in place and by the hidden laundry bag you can use to separate your dirty clothes. If you purchase the suitcase and decide it isn't right for you, the brand offers a 100-day return policy for unused items.

Calpak Ambeur Three-Piece Luggage Set

For luggage that's equally fashionable and functional, Calpak's Ambeur suitcases are a great option. The hardshell bags are made with a blend of ABS plastic and polycarbonate that's both lightweight and durable, but we did find the metallic colors scuffed easily. In Lab evaluations, the luggage was dubbed our "tester favorite" because consumer testers were so wowed by the design and ease of use.

The telescopic handles aced our tests, with one tester sharing that it was the "smoothest handle by far" out of all of the bags available for testing. Other testers agreed, explaining that the padded handles were comfortable to lift, pull and push. Plus, the Ambeur luggage aced our packing tests. If you don't need a set of three bags, you can opt for a two-piece set or choose from any of the five styles available.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage

Travelpro designs luggage for frequent travelers and primarily offers soft fabric luggage, but the brand does have a few hardside pieces including the Maxlite Spinner. This bag has a roomy luggage compartment with two zippered panels, and it can be expanded by 2 inches, lending you extra room for all of your souvenirs on the trip home.

In our Lab tests, Travelpro bags were easy to fill with a full load of clothing and travel gear like toiletries and shoes. They also performed well and earned high durability ratings. Testers loved the cushioned telescopic handles which lock at two different heights. We did find the carrying handles to be on the tighter side, which can make the bag difficult to lift into an overhead bin.

Heys Fashion Spinner 30"

For a fun suitcase that's easy to spot on an airport luggage carousel , try one of Heys' Fashion Spinners. Choose from cute character designs, trendy animal prints, watercolor scenes and bold graphic patterns.

The brand's suitcases are made of a polycarbonate and ABS plastic composite — primarily ABS with a polycarbonate coating for protection. They weren't the most durable in our evaluations and showed some scratches in our tests, but they earned high scores for ease of use. The bag's interior is filled with organizational pockets and compression panels to easily pack all of your belongings. One GH analyst who has owned a Fashion Spinner set for over a decade said the long-lasting bags were spacious and could fit everything needed for a trip, even before using the zippered expansion system.

Rimowa Cabin S Carry-On

Rimowa only makes hardside luggage, and it's a cutting-edge brand that continues to impress our Textiles Lab experts . The Original line is made with aluminum, which is more durable than other hard materials like ABS plastic and polycarbonate. This style of suitcase features the brand's iconic grooved design and has a zipperless closure, opting for locking latches instead — TSA-approved, of course.

When you open the suitcase, you'll find two spacious packing compartments and two adjustable compression panels to keep your belongings in place. Rimowa's suitcases are much more expensive than other brands, but they are among the best in our tests with high ratings for packing space, durability and maneuverability.

Briggs & Riley Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner

This innovative suitcase from Briggs & Riley is full of features to make packing for an international trip easier. On the outside of the hardside suitcase is an easy-access pocket for your phone and ID. The bag unzips into one large packing space that's fully lined and contains three zip pockets for easy organization. Plus, the bag utilizes Briggs & Riley's unique expansion system, which allows you to expand the bag for additional packing space and then compress it to its standard size once the bag has been filled — with just the push of a button. Our testers recently tried a softside bag from the brand with the same system and were blown away by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more room than expected.

When we tested Briggs & Riley's hardside suitcases in the Textiles Lab, they performed well, receiving high scores for durability, water resistance and ease of use. Testers also shared that the brand's bags were easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and said the telescopic handles were sturdy. Although we didn't experience this issue, some online reviewers have shared that the zipper pulls are prone to breaking with regular use.

Monos Carry-On

Monos' less-is-more approach to design results in a sleek, timeless look that our testers love. The durable polycarbonate luggage may have a simple appearance but doesn't skimp on quality or useful packing features. Inside, you'll find two spacious compartments: one zipper-enclosed compartment and one with an adjustable compression panel. There are also additional zipper pockets inside for even more organized storage space.

The large checked version of this bag was a GH 2023 Family Travel Awards recipient. It aced our durability tests, resisting major dents and damages after being dropped repeatedly from a 3-foot height, but it did show some signs of wear in our scratch tests. When testers tried it in our luggage obstacle course, they were impressed by how easy the bag was to maneuver and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled around twists and turns. The brand offers sets for an even better value and a generous 100-day return policy.

How we test luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test luggage using specialized equipment in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers . When we review luggage, we consider these factors:

✔️ Size and weight: In the Lab, we measure the size and weight of each suitcase to ensure that all online size claims are accurate. We place carry-on bags in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to see if they meet TSA size requirements.

✔️ Extra features: We make note of any additional features or components that make the luggage stand out, like carrying handles, built-in locks and telescopic handles that adjust to different heights.

✔️ Ease of use: We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip each piece of luggage (pictured here) and consider the accessibility of any packing compartments. We also consider features like telescopic handles and wheels.

After packing each bag, we roll it over different surfaces including tile, carpet and hardwood and test the carrying handles by lifting the bag onto a countertop.

✔️ Packing: We fill each bag with a standard packing load for a two-night trip including clothing, accessories and toiletries (picture here) and then score the suitcases based on how much they're able to hold.

✔️ Drop testing: Each piece of luggage is filled with a standard weight and dropped from a 3-foot height from different angles to mimic real use (pictured here). We then analyze the luggage for signs of damage like dents or cracks.

✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers take part in our obstacle course that involves rolling the bags over different surfaces like carpet, tile and wood flooring (pictured here), lifting the bags, maneuvering the bags around cones and more. They also share their thoughts on properties like ease of use, sturdiness of the handles and wheel performance.

We share suitcases with testers who are able to take the bags on their own trips and provide us with real-world feedback about their experiences.

What to look for when shopping for the best hardside luggage

When shopping for a hardside suitcase, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Material: Not all hardside suitcases are made from the same hard material, and the material can impact performance, weight and price. These are the most common:

• Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it's much heavier than other options and can be pretty expensive.
• Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage. It is both lightweight and durable, but it can scratch easily.
• ABS is a plastic material that is more affordable and even more lightweight than polycarbonate, but it is a bit less durable.
• Polypropylene is another type of plastic that is even lighter than and slightly stronger than ABS plastic. It's fairly durable and affordable, as well.
• A composite or mixture of polycarbonate, ABS and/or polypropylene combines aspects of each material. Most composite suitcases are made with an ABS base coated in polycarbonate material. This adds extra durability, but it still isn't quite as durable as a suitcase made of 100% polycarbonate.

✔️ Wheels: Wheels with 360° spin receive the best maneuverability scores in our Lab tests and with consumer testers. These wheels allow the luggage to rotate fully and move side to side in addition to moving straight ahead.

✔️ Handles: There are two types of handles you should consider: telescopic handles and carrying handles. Telescopic handles extend from the suitcase so you can push and pull the bag around. Check to see if the handle is easy to open and close, whether or not it can be adjusted and if it's padded for comfort. If you're going to be lifting and lowering your bag often, make sure the side and top carrying handles are large enough for you to easily grip them.

✔️ Compartments: Internal compartments aren't necessary, but they can be helpful when it comes to packing and securing your belongings. Interior pockets are often made with mesh panels to allow your belongings to breathe and to help you see what's inside. There are zip pockets to hold extra belongings and zip panels to keep clothing separated inside the suitcase – so you can keep your running shoes away from your nice dress. Some hardside suitcases also come with removable compartments like a laundry bag to contain dirty clothes or a garment bag to hang clothing.

✔️ Returns and warranties: Luggage warranties tend to only cover manufacturer defects, which can often be difficult to prove. If you're worried about spending money on luggage you won't love, opt for a brand that offers a trial period or generous return policy so that you can test the bag before committing, especially if you're shopping online without seeing it in person first.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She's tested luggage in the Textiles Lab, including carry-ons, duffels and travel backpacks and has shared suitcases with dozens of consumer testers for real-user feedback. She has also covered the best luggage on Amazon , hardside luggage , checked luggage and kids' luggage .

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Best Travel Backpacks for Your Next Adventure

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

I love the idea of getting out of town and traveling. I don’t care if it’s an overnight trip, a weekend getaway, or visiting a new city for a week or more. The idea of discovering new places, trying out new restaurants, and shopping appeals to me. When I hit the road, I also take a travel backpack. It doesn’t matter if I’m traveling by train or plane—there’s me and a travel backpack.

I’m confessing here: I own three travel backpacks. No, it’s not that I am a shopaholic (I take the fifth on that); each type of travel backpack serves a different purpose. The one thing that all my backpacks have in common is a padded sleeve for my laptop.

I use my small top-loading backpack for quick overnight trips, the gym, and working away from home. It’s roomy enough to hold a change of clothes and has compartments to organize things while securely holding my electronics.

Travel backpack number two is my carry-on item when flying—it’s a 24L bag that neatly keeps my electronic equipment safe. The main compartment has room to hold my valuables and shoes. The outer zippered pockets carry my wallet, passport, and items I must grab quickly. It fits under the airplane seat with ease.

A 35L bag is my bag for week-long trips. It has a secret top compartment, a separate shoe compartment, and a padded laptop sleeve, and it can be overstuffed. To keep things balanced, I use both the chest and hip straps.

Travel backpacks allow you to easily hop on a plane or train and bypass waiting for your bags at the end of a long flight. The best travel backpack will enable you to kick up your heels and go anywhere immediately.

Our top picks for best travel backpacks

Best small backpack for travel: delsey paris peugeot voyages backpack tote bag.

DELSEY Paris Peugeot Voyages Backpack Tote Bag

Peugeot Voyages luggage has the exact details of luxury brands without the nosebleed price tag. While it’s a unisex travel item, it’s a great travel backpack for women, as the exterior compartments can hold a French wallet, a small makeup bag, and other sundries. Their backpack tote bag has a weatherproof exterior made from eco-friendly materials, and the roomy interior is lined with antimicrobial fabric that absorbs odors. That’s a win-win if you’re toting smelly sneakers or laundry on the trip home.

Specifications:

• Material: Exterior - poly/nylon made with recycled water bottles, Interior- recycled polyester treated with antimicrobial SILVADUR. Leather trim.
• Dimensions: 14.25 x 6.5 x 16.25 inches
• Capacity: 24.4L
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Colors: Navy Price on publish: $195

What we like:

• Multiple interior and exterior pockets, including an RFID compartment
• Zippered top
• Padded straps and back
• Has a dust bag

What we don't Like:

• It can only be hand-carried when it’s converted into a tote bag.

The bottom line:

It’s a little pricey, but I find it incredibly durable as someone who owns it. It looks new even after two years of use.

Get it here: DELSEY Paris Peugeot Voyages Backpack Tote Bag

Best large backpack for travel: Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

We like Timbuk2 products because they stand behind their sustainably made gear. If you have a problem with it, activate their lifetime warranty, send the backpack to them, and they’ll fix it for free. The Never Check expands three liters, from 24.50L to 27.5L, making it adaptable for any type of trip, barring a long-haul one.

• Material: Sustainably sourced fabric sourced from bluesign® certified mills
• Dimensions: 10.6 x 11.4 x 18.9 inches
• Capacity: 24.50L to 27.5L expanded
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Colors: Black
• Price at publish: $209
• Has an organizer compartment with slots for everything that you need to grab quickly
• Weatherproof zippers keep the interior dry
• Separate compartments for water bottles and iPad
• Knowing that the travel backpack can expand makes it tempting to overpack

The Timbuk2’s travel expandable backpack is great for business and leisure travelers.

Get it here: Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Best travel backpack for men: The North Face Jester Backpack

THE NORTH FACE Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack, Leather Brown/Tnf Black, One Size

TNF prides itself on creating rugged gear that lasts forever. Made from recyclable materials, this 28L travel backpack’s FlexVent™ suspension system frame comfortably distributes weight, and includes injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a breathable lumbar It has padded laptop and tablet sleeves and two external water bottle pockets. The main roomy compartment can hold a week’s worth of neatly rolled clothing.

• Materials: 600D recycled polyester with non-PFC, durable, water-repellent, non-PFC DWR finish. Trims are made with recycled plastic.
• Dimensions: 11 x 8.25 x 18.13 inches
• Capacity: 18L
• Weight: 1.63 pounds
• Colors: Black, Gray, Leather Brown, Pine
• Price at publish: $74.99
• Lightweight
• Designed to stand upright, it doesn’t tip over when rummaging through it
• Water-resistant
• Padded back panel and molded shoulder straps
• Not exactly sure what the bungee cord trim is supposed to do other than spice up the backpack’s style

This well-made, eco-friendly backpack was designed to protect your back while carrying a week’s worth of clothing.

Get it here : The North Face Jester Backpack

Best travel backpack for women: Baggallini Soho Backpack

Baggallini Soho Backpack

A word of warning: once you buy one Baggallini backpack, you want more. Baggallini’s Soho Backpack was my gateway drug. It’s sleek-looking and can be used for commuting and overnight trips. I use it when I’m working away from home or when traveling on short trips. The Soho clocks in a little over a pound and fits a 16-inch laptop. The top loader expands when opened, making finding things a breeze inside the main compartment. Inside, it has RFID card slots, a pen holder (!), and a waterproof exterior.

• Materials: Water-repellent nylon
• Dimensions: 11 x 15 x 6 inches
• Capacity: 455 cubic inches
• Weight: 4.25 pounds
• Colors: Black, Black Camo Jacquard, Black Cheetah, Black Croc Jacquard, Black Neoprene, French Navy, Gray Camo, Heather Gray Neoprene, Smoke, Smoke/Faux Python
• Price at publish: $87.95 - $140
• Hidden key/valuables pocket
• Great for overnight trips or to hold gym clothes
• Many interior pockets to keep stuff organized
• Can be worn as a crossbody, hand carry, or tote bag
• I wish it came in larger sizes for week-long trips

Baggallini’s stylish Soho backpack chicly holds gear for an overnight trip or carries valuable items you don’t want to stow in checked luggage.

Get it here: Baggallini Soho Backpack

Best lightweight travel backpack: Venture Pal 35L Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack

Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Travel Camping Hiking Outdoor Sports Backpack Daypack

If a travel backpack could knock one out of the park, it’s the Venture Pal. Over 200 people bought it this month alone, and it has over 16,000 reviews on Amazon. It’s one of the lightest travel backpacks that can store many items. This is one of the few backpacks that can go from traveling by plane to camping in the forest. Its main compartment has two separators, allowing you to pack to the max and be organized simultaneously.

• Materials: Ultra-light, tear- and water-resistant nylon
• Dimensions: 20.1 x 14.2 x 7.8 inches
• Capacity: 35L
• Weight: 0.31 kilograms
• Colors: Black, Orange, Orange/Navy, Army Green, Navy Blue, Green, Fuchsia, Royal Blue, and Purple Price at publish: $24.99 - $25.99
• Adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap has an emergency whistle
• Folds flat when not in use
• Multiple interior and exterior compartments, two side mesh pockets for water bottles
• In some cases, the water-resistant coating cracks after years of use 
• One reviewer mentioned that the straps aren’t comfortable for wide shoulders

This bag is a great bargain with a lifetime guarantee and warranty. The Venture Pal backpack can be used as a hiking day pack for travel or camping.

Get it here: Venture Pal 35L Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack

Best travel backpack for international travel: Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack for Men

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack for Men

Osprey has honed its reputation for creating outstanding long-haul travel backpacks among the digital nomad and gap year crowds. Virtually indestructible, it safely holds a 16-inch laptop and your worldly goods. The harness, back panel, and hip belts can be stowed away when unused. No need to carry a small bag for daytime excursions as it comes with a detachable daypack with a lockable laptop/tablet sleeve. It can be used as a domestic flight carry-on item. Simply detach the daypack, place it under the seat, and stow the main pack in the overhead compartment. Shopping tip: Osprey also made our lists for the best backpacks for college and high school , best lightweight luggage , and best laptop backpacks .

• Materials: Bluesign® approved 450D recycled twist dobby polyester, PFAS-free DWR
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Capacity: 55L
• Weight: 4.234 pounds
• Colors: Gopher Green, Muted Space Blue, Black, Tunnel Vision Gray
• Price at Publish: $220
• The sternum strap comes with an emergency whistle
• Internal compression straps keep items in place
• External gear attachment loops
• Their “All Mighty Guarantee” covers damages and defects
• Its size makes maneuvering down narrow streets difficult, according to reviews
• Only good for long trips

With Osprey’s “All Mighty Guarantee” that covers damages and defects, this backpack is a great investment for long-term travel.

Get it here: Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack for Men

Best travel backpack on Amazon: BAGSMART Compression Travel Backpack

BAGSMART Compression Travel Backpack, 40L Expandable Airline Approved Carry On Backpack with Packing Cubes, Water Resistant Weekender Backpack Fits 17 Inch laptop, Luggage Daypack with Shoe Bag, Grey

BAGSMART makes packing easy as its travel backpack has two packing cubes and a shoe bag. It unzips like a suitcase, and just like a suitcase, it has compression straps to keep items in place. With multiple inner and outer zippered compartments, you can organize everything. Designed for comfort, the travel backpack has ergonomically designed adjustable straps and breathable back padding.

• Materials: Water-resistant polyester Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.2 x 10.23 inches
• Capacity: Expands from 25L to 40L Weight: 2.21 pounds
• Colors: Beige, Obsidian Black, Gray, Purple
• Price at publish: $39.99
• The padded compartment holds a 17.3” laptop
• Zippered compartment designed to hold folders, business papers, or a book
• The shoe bag fits two pairs of shoes
• The removable chest buckle can be misplaced Some buyers felt that the water bottle pocket could be deeper

Bagsmart’s travel backpack expands from 25L to 40L, making it a great choice for business and leisure travelers—and it includes packing cubes and a shoe bag.

Get it here: BAGSMART Compression Travel Backpack

Best stylish travel backpack: Ghurka Blazer No. 78

Ghurka Blazer No. 78

Fans of the quiet luxury trend will swoon over Ghurka’s chic leather backpack. The soft, supple leather is as strong as it is beautiful. This travel backpack is lined in cotton twill and has an interior key ring. It holds a laptop or documents securely in its snap-closure sleeve.

Specifications

• Materials: Vintage leather, cotton twill
• Dimensions: 12 x 15 x 6.25 inches
• Capacity: N/A
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Colors: Chestnut, Black, Khaki Twill Vintage Chestnut, Walnut, Tan
• Price at Publish: $1725
• Exquisite craftsmanship
• IYKYK (If you know, you know) status symbol
• Two front tabbed pockets, two side open pockets
• Adjustable straps
• Cinch top closure
• Can only hold two days of clothing 
• Rather pricey

The bottom line

If you’re looking for a luxe bag for a quick trip or as a companion to your suitcase, this is the bag.

Get it here: Ghurka Blazer No. 78

Best travel backpack for organization: Nomatic Travel Backpack

Nomatic Travel Backpack

This is your travel backpack for those who dream about being organized and those who are organized (lucky people). It has dedicated compartments for everything. That includes a waterproof internal water bottle zippered spot, places for electronics, passports, wallets, laptops, and everything you need for any type of trip. It can be configured into a duffel bag .

• Materials: Water-resistant tarpaulin made with nylon/polyester interior, polyester/PU foam interior, and YKK zippers
• Dimensions: 9 x 19 x 13 inches
• Capacity: 30L
• Weight: 3.27 pounds
• Color: Black
• Price at publish: $279.99
• Tablet and laptop sleeves are easily accessible
• Ventilated shoe pocket that can hold two pairs of men’s or women’s shoes
• Spacious main interior compartment
• Holds a 14-inch laptop and 12-inch tablet
• Removable waist straps
• Designed for short trips; if you need more room, go up to their 40L model

Get it here: Nomatic Travel Backpack

Best affordable large travel backpack: SHRRADOO Extra Large Travel Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port, College Backpack Airline Approved Business Work Bag Fit 17 Inch Laptops for Men Women,Black

This oversized travel backpack is great for long trips or those who hate leaving stuff at home. It’s light for its size, has multiple compartments, will hold a 17-inch laptop, and has an external USB charging port for your phone. Just supply your power bank. It is designed with an easy-access front zippered compartment, open-top pockets, a mesh zippered pocket, and a key ring.

• Materials: Water-resistant nylon, lined in nylon
• Dimensions: 19.5 x 15 x 11 inches
• Capacity: 52L
• Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Colors: Black, Blue/Black, Gray/Black, Purple/Black, Red/Black
• Price at publish: $27.99 - $32.99
• Breathable mesh straps and a U-shaped back ventilation system
• Built-in combination lock for laptop compartment
• 20 pockets of varying sizes
• Three main compartments that have hidden pockets

What we don’t like:

• No waist or chest belt
• Buyers complained of the external USB charging port wires disconnecting but stated it’s easy to fix

Buyers state that the travel backpack is a workhorse and indestructible.

Get it here:

Most comfortable backpack for travel: Briggs & Riley HTA Large Cargo Backpack

Briggs & Riley HTA Large Cargo Backpack

This sleekly tailored travel backpack was made for comfort. The back has extra lumbar support with aerated mesh-backed antimicrobial padding, and the adjustable straps are also thickly padded. Created from recycled water bottles, the durable nylon fabric is weather-resistant. Add a dash of personal style with a complimentary monogram.

• Materials: Recycled poly/nylon ballistic
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 14 x 8 inches
• Capacity: 22.66L
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Colors: Forest Green, Black
• Price at publish: $329
• Self-repairing zippers
• Padded laptop compartment holds a 17-inch laptop
• RFID blocking front pocket
• Multiple exterior zippered compartments and a hidden back security pocket
• Lifetime guarantee
•  It’s a bit pricey for a bag that can only be used for short trips.

Thoughtfully designed and gentle on your spine, this travel backpack has a compartment built like a mini-desk: spots for pens, papers, and notebooks—making it good for a daily commute or a quick trip away from home.

Get it here: Briggs & Riley HTA Large Cargo Backpack

Best backpacking bag for carry-on: FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Camping Backpack

FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking,Camping,Travel Backpack for Men Women (Green)

Heading off to Coachella, the forest of a big city, this large-capacity travel backpack is waterproof and has multiple compartments. Ergonomically designed with adjustable straps, and a padded back panel, it can hold 40 pounds worth of stuff, yet weighs a little under two pounds.

• Materials: Tear-resistant, water-resistant, anti-abrasion polyester
• Dimensions: 20.5 x 13 x 7.1 inches
• Capacity: 40L
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Colors: Blue, Black, Green, Camo, Orange, Purple, Blue Leaf, Dark Green, Yellow
• Price at publish: $33.99
• Three zippered compartments, two mesh side pockets, two waist strap pockets
• External reinforced port for headphones or cell phone (bring your charger) 
• One buyer mentioned that they fit a softball bat into it
• No-questions-asked refund policy
• While buyers liked the roomy design, a few had issues with tight zippers

This travel backpack is sturdy enough to use for camping trips.

Get it here: FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Camping Backpack

Best travel backpack for parents: Ivy Cove Genesis Diaper Backpack

Ivy Cove Genesis Diaper Backpack

It’s not easy traveling with little ones. Hands-free luggage can be a lifesaver while corralling a toddler through an airport, but not if you also have to haul a diaper bag on your shoulder, too. Ivy Cove’s diaper backpack saves the day when on the road—while the handles look like a traditional tote, two back straps allow you to easily carry it on your back. The roomy outer pocket can store picture books or small toys.

• Material: 100% cotton-coated canvas, leather handle, and 100% polyester with PVC backing (interior)
• Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 6 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Color: Cobalt/Brown
• Price at publish: $268
• Lined to prevent leakage
• Interior zippered pockets
• Large main outer pocket, two side pockets
• Adjustable webbed backpack straps
• It’s a bit pricey but can be a lifesaver on the road

It’s a sleek-looking convertible diaper backpack that will be useful after the potty training stage.

Best designer travel backpack: Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Nylon Canvas Backpack

Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Backpack in Cognac at Nordstrom

Stay on-trend while protecting your valuables on the road with this stylish and eco-friendly designer backpack. When traveling, it can hold valuables, like a passport, wallet, and other necessities. Once at your destination, it can be folded away or used as a day bag.

• Materials: Recycled nylon with leather trim, water-resistant lining
• Dimensions: 11 x 10.25 x 4 inches
• Weight: 0.6 pounds
• Colors: Cognac, Navy, Cornflower, Graphite, Black, Tomato, Forest, Bilberry
• Price at publish: $140
• Zip top closure with snap flap
• Top carry handle
• Adjustable canvas backpack straps
• Interior pocket
• Holds a tablet
• Can only carry one change of clothes

Buyers liked its durability and its ability to hold essentials while traveling chicly

Get it here: Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Nylon Canvas Backpack

Best travel backpack that does everything: Able Carry Max Backpack

Able Carry Max Backpack

This travel backpack is compartment city. Each is cleverly designed to lie flush and not create a bulky look. There are two main compartments: one for clothes and the other for work-related things: padded laptop and tablet sleeves and lots of slots to hold office things. There are more zippered compartments on the top, at the sides, and in the front. The front zippered compartment has a detachable key ring. A side zippered compartment can stow a bottle of champagne, thermos, or water bottle. It’s like a mobile office and clothing storage unit in one travel backpack.

• Materials: X-Pac and Cordura 1000D, 420 Ripstop nylon (lining), Duraflex buckles, YKK zippers
• Dimensions: 20.4 x 12.6 x 7.9 inches
• Capacity: Total 30L (main compartment 25L, work compartment: 5L)
• Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Colors: Tarmac Black, Ocean Blue, Earth Green
• Price at Publish: $278
• Thick shoulder support and padded, adjustable straps
• Back ventilated pads
• Magnetic chest straps
• Best for short trips or commuting

Buyers rave about its sturdiness and Able Carry offers a two-week test run—try it for 14 days and if it doesn’t work for your needs, return it.

Get it here: Able Carry Max Backpack

Best travel backpack for long journeys: Nols Expedition Pack

Nols Expedition Pack

Designed for long wilderness treks, this huge travel backpack has lightweight aluminum, shapeable stays, and straps that can be adjusted 12 ways to create the perfect fit. There are two outside pockets on the lid of this top-loading backpack. It’s the ideal place to store snacks.

• Material: Nylon
• Dimensions: N/A Capacity: 80 + 10L
• Weight: 5.63 pounds
• Color: Glacial Blue
• Price at publish: $277.99
• Hydration system compatible
• Dual drawstring top closure
• Two ice ax store loops
• It’s huge and this must be a checked baggage item.

If you’re an avid outdoors person, this backpack will accompany you through all terrain.

What to keep in mind when shopping for a travel backpack

Airline regulations.

The largest backpack that would be allowed on a domestic flight would be 22” x 14” x 9” for it to be considered a carry-on bag. If taking a large backpack on an international flight, the largest backpack can not be bigger than 21.5 “ x 15.5” x 9” as a carry-on item. If the backpack is bigger than either of those measurements, it must be checked in as luggage.

The best way to pick a travel backpack is to match it to the length of your trip. We checked in with eco-friendly, sustainable travel bag company Timbuk2’s Director of Merchandising, Brandon McCarthy , on choosing the best travel backpack for your vacation. McCarthy echoed my packing philosophy. When asked how to find the right size travel backpack, McCarthy wrote in an email interview, “For a one to two-day overnight trip, a 20 to 25 liter pack can accommodate all your gear and needs.” McCarthy continued, “Opt for bigger travel backpacks like 35 to 40 liter bags for longer trips. They offer lots of storage space, have smart pocketing, and a comfortable carry with the additional lumbar support and sternum straps.”

Functionality

Looking at the larger travel backpacks is a good idea if you’ll be on the road for over two weeks. That means travel backpacks that are 40L or over will generally hold everything you need for a long trip on the road. If you’re a packing whiz and can make packed clothing into tiny rolls or extremely small squares, use a 35L. (And don’t forget your toiletry bag .)

However, if you’re a maximalist, opt for a long-haul travel backpack. The larger size (55L and over) will hold multiple wardrobe changes.

If you’re like me and cannot live without your laptop, make sure the travel backpack that you select has a dedicated padded laptop compartment.

Lastly, expandable backpacks are great for people who travel a lot. Because they expand, their size can be adjusted for your needs.

Cost-to-benefit ratio

The final factor to contemplate is the dreaded cost-to-benefit ratio. While owning and showing off a top-of-the-line travel backpack is nice, you can find a great backpack that won’t cost you a mint. After all, you want a backpack that works, not one that will make your fellow passengers green with envy.

Take into account how often you travel. If you go on frequent vacations or work trips, investing in a pricey travel backpack that can withstand constant travel stress makes sense. A moderately-priced backpack is a better investment if you only travel once or twice a year.

No matter how much money you may spend, you want one that works for your trip and needs. Some bags are marketed specifically for travel, like certain backpacks for women , but most are for any and everyone. You can even buy travel backpacks for kids, which are sized proportionately for smaller frames. Narrow down your choices on what type of backpack you need. That should include size and options. After you do that, then look at price tags.

This curated list has travel backpacks with rave reviews and tons of options that are under $100.

How we chose the best travel backpacks

I picked the best travel backpacks based on a few factors: personal experience, buyer reviews, and brand reputation.

With very few exceptions, most travel backpacks on this list are unisex. Whenever I used a new travel backpack, I noted how it fulfilled my needs. Below are the criteria for judging whether a travel backpack could withstand hard travel.

One of the most important factors when choosing a travel backpack. Look for backpacks that have solid construction. Inspect it to ensure that stress points are reinforced and check the seams to see if they’re tightly sewn and appropriately finished. Test the various closures (snaps, buttons, zippers, etc.) and see how easy or difficult they work. A travel backpack material should feel sturdy and robust. It shouldn’t thin out if it’s overstuffed. In other words, does the material feel like it would break if you added one extra item to the backpack, or does it hold securely?

When choosing a travel backpack, be mindful of the backpack’s initial weight. Each airline has a domestic and international weight limit for carry-on items, which includes travel backpacks.

Domestic Airlines:

• Frontier: 35 pounds for any carry-on item
• Jet Blue: No weight limit
• Southwest Airlines: No weight limit
• United Airlines: Unpublished weight limit
• Hawaiian Airlines: 25 pounds
• Delta Airlines: None

International airlines:

• Aer Lingus: 22 pounds
• AeroMexico: 22 pounds
• Air Canada: None
• Air France: 26.4 pounds
• All Nippon Airways: 22 pounds
• British Airways: 51 pounds

It’s best to contact the airline you’ll be using to find out their weight restrictions.

Another reason to consider a travel backpack’s weight is comfort. Because you’ll carry it on your back, you want it not to impede your movement or cause discomfort. A heavy empty backpack will be heavier when packed; it can cause shoulder and back issues.

Whether long or short-haul travel, look for a bag that is designed to keep the traveler feeling comfortable no matter what they’re doing. Choose travel backpacks with a mesh ventilated back—mesh keeps the back cool and does not allow sweat to pool on the skin.

All travel backpacks should have padded, adjustable shoulder straps. Larger-sized backpacks should come with a padded sternum and a padded hip belt. Padded belts help provide stability. Travel backpacks should also have easy-to-use closures.

Ease of use

Travel backpacks with multiple pockets and compartments help keep you organized on your trip. There are travel backpacks with separate document compartments with slots for passports, wallets, phones, and items that you need to grab quickly when you’re on the go.

If you’re packing shoes, look for travel backpacks with separate shoe compartments.

While some travelers prefer a top-loading backpack, a clamshell or side-zippered backpack is more accessible to pack and easier to organize and find items.

A padded laptop compartment is a must if traveling with a tablet, laptop, or both. The padding will secure them and prevent any damage while traveling.

To prevent theft, choose a travel backpack that has RFID shielding pockets. Another good security feature is hidden pockets and compartments on the front or back of the backpack. Sturdy, tear-resistant materials prevent pickpockets from slashing the backpack when traveling.

How to pack a backpack for travel

McCarthy kindly explained the best way to pack a travel backpack. He suggested placing the heavier items (shoes or boots) at the bottom of the bag. To make room for all your clothes, roll them instead of folding them. Rolling clothes will maximize space in the travel backpack. Any items needed for traveling should be placed on the top of the backpack or in separate, easy-to-reach compartments. Place water bottles and chargers in exterior pockets to use while moving.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why choose a travel backpack over a suitcase when traveling.

I prefer traveling with a backpack over a suitcase for many reasons. The main one is cost. American Airlines recently raised their check bag fee from $30 to $40. The average checked baggage fee for domestic airlines is $40 and $75 for international flights. Most airlines don’t charge a carry-on fee. And since most travel backpacks will fit within the size parameters of a carry-on, it’s a win-win situation to use a travel backpack as your carry-on luggage .

It’s wiser to fly with a travel backpack because of security or the lack of it. We’ve all heard horror stories about luggage being lost en route, broken into, or destroyed while flying. I stuff my valuables into my travel backpack, take it with me on the plane, and relax while flying.

When I flew to a destination wedding, I had to use a suitcase to pack outfits for all the events. My travel backpack held my jewelry, laptop, makeup bag filled with necessities, and clothing change in case something went wrong with my luggage. Yes, I overthink and over plan for any contingency. However, if something went south, I could enjoy myself until my luggage arrived.

Lastly, does anyone enjoy waiting for luggage to arrive on the carousel? No one. With a travel backpack, you exit the airport in seconds, grab a taxi, and your vacation starts immediately. Everything is more accessible when your luggage is securely attached to your back.

What is a travel backpack?

Travel backpacks are designed to complement a suitcase or be used in place of one. They are considered carry-on items by airlines. Travel backpacks are sturdier than regular backpacks and contain more storage space than regular backpacks.

Are travel backpacks carry-on friendly?

More travelers are choosing travel backpacks as their carry-on bag of choice. Many travel backpacks are designed to fit under the seat or in the overhead cabin. As long as the travel backpack’s size fits the airline's requirements for a carry-on, traveling with a backpack will be carry-on friendly.

What size travel backpack do I need?

For a weekend trip, use a 20 to 25L backpack. For a weeklong trip, go up a size to a 35 to 40L backpack. If a destination wedding or many activities happen during the week or two-week trip, try a bigger backpack that’s 40 to 50L. The bigger the bag, the more compartments.

What features should I look for in a travel backpack?

For any travel backpack, whether long or short-haul, look for a bag with padded straps and a padded and ventilated back. Larger-sized backpacks should come with a padded sternum and a padded hip belt. The padded belts provide stability. A good feature to have in travel backpacks is compartments with RFID shielding. If taking a laptop or tablet, ensure the backpack has a secure, padded compartment explicitly designed for the device. Travel backpacks with multiple pockets and compartments help keep you organized on your trip. If you’re packing shoes, look for travel backpacks with separate shoe compartments.

What type of backpack should I choose? Front-loading or top-loading design?

Front-loading backpacks are designed like a suitcase. It’s easy to find any item that you’ve packed. Top-loading backpacks can hold more stuff, but you may need to unpack it to find one item. It comes down to personal preference.

What’s the best material for a backpack?

Look for backpacks that have reinforced stitching, especially in stress areas. Look for sturdy zippers, and a good option is zippers that lock. Most backpacks are made with durable, non-tear, water-resistant, heavy-duty nylon, polyester, Cordura, or a combination of those materials.

Do travel backpacks have security features?

Many backpacks have secret or hidden compartments to keep essential items safe and lockable zippers. Many travel backpacks have at least one compartment that has RFID shielding.

Can I use a travel backpack for hiking or camping?

There are multi-use travel backpacks that are designed for both travel and camping. Looking over the list of the best travel backpacks, you’ll notice a few are also good for the great outdoors.

Can I use a backpacking backpack as a carry-on?

When choosing a travel backpack as a carry-on item for flying, it’s not so much the type of backpack; it’s more the size of it. Most airlines use the same size regulations for any kind of carry-on bag. As long as the backpack fits between 22” x 14” x 9” for domestic flights and 21.5” x 15.5” x 9” for international flights, you can use it as a carry-on item. So, if you own a backpacking backpack that fits that size parameter, you can bring it on the plane.

What size backpack is best for long-haul travel?

There are travel backpacks that are designed explicitly for multiple-month trips. Digital nomads and those who plan to spend a season traveling opt for 50 to 70L backpacks. The larger-sized travel backpacks are designed to hold everything needed for long trips.

How do I fit a travel backpack?

Before traveling, try on the backpack and adjust the shoulder straps. Take a moment to check the fit of the sternum and hip belts. If they’re too loose or too tight, take the time to adjust the straps.

How do I clean a travel backpack?

It’s best to read the care tag on the backpack before washing it. Most travel backpacks can be cleaned with soap and a moist cloth. Some backpacks can be washed in a machine.

What is the largest backpack allowed on a plane?

The largest backpack that’s allowed as a carry-on item is 22” x 14” x 9” for domestic flights and 21.5 “ x 15.5” x 9” for international flights.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The 12 Best Rolling Duffel Bags for Easy Travel

These roomy luggage pieces are the perfect travel companion.

Some smaller capacity rolling duffels are great to use as carry-ons . It's easy to pack a bunch of stuff, but it won't feel quite as heavy when you can roll it rather than have to carry it. The bigger ones you'd need to check on a plane, for example, come in clutch for bringing on long-term trips and are easy to store in smaller spaces than your standard suitcase .

Best Overall Rolling Duffel

Patagonia black hole wheeled duffel bag.

Another Great Rolling Duffel

Cotopaxi allpa roller bag.

Best Rolling Duffel for Weekends

Samsonite just right weekend wheeled duffel.

Here, we rounded up the 12 that do this rolling and duffel-ing combo job best. Most are made with a durable nylon or polyester, while there are other options that are a more functional waterproof or stylish leather.

Patagonia's Black Hole bags are beloved for their maximal amount of space for smart packing. In addition to that roomy inside, we trust Patagonia's recycled polyester ripstop fabric the most out of any of these duffels.

This is a real adventure bag. It's designed to be durable, water-resistant, and can take the tough terrain of both the outside and the tough use that comes with travel. It's no frills, comes in a basic black and a rotating cast of other colors, and it's designed with a 70- or a 100-liter capacity. Keep it simple, and buy one of these.

Cotopaxi's roller bag is great for an easy-to-use bag that packs a ton away. The 65-liter capacity is quite large, great for long trips or ones where you're packing a lot. This size is too big for carry-on, though, so keep in mind you'll have to check it.

The split case design opens flat for easy organization, particularly useful for using packing cubes. The outer nylon material, like all Cotopaxi materials, is designed with 100 recycled fabrics from pre-consumer waste. However, because of that tight, non-stretch fabric, it can be a little harder to zip than other more flexible duffels.

Samsonite's rolling duffel is a great option for work trips and quick weekends away. It's nice to look at, more put together than some of the rugged, outdoorsy bags.

It's standout detail is in the organization design. There are easy-access pockets for keeping your keys, headphones, and small items organized. There are pockets for your tablet and laptop, too. There's a charging port, although you'd have to buy the charger separately.

Bric's X-Bag 21 Rolling Duffel

For an easy choice, Bric's bag has fewer of the fancy components, but it has all the essentials. It's more of a true duffel with wheels than it is a soft-sided suitcase, so we'd reframe this as buying a duffel whose wheels you use sometimes. (It does use smooth inline skate wheels, though.)

Some reviewers report the handle as a little flimsy, but for something you're using every once in a while—versus relying on it like you might a suitcase—it gets the job done.

Royce New York Rolling Duffel Bag Suitcase

Royce's rolling duffel is an excellent luxury choice. The high-quality leather makes this as nice of a bag as you can get, and the waterproof lining makes it more functional. If you're the big boss, you can't show up on a work trip with a Patagonia duffel. Bring this instead. It will usually work as a carryon except for smaller or stricter flights.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag

For a function-first bag, it's hard to beat L.L.Bean's gigantic rolling duffel. It has been redesigned in recent years to make the zip opening a wide U-shape, so you get more access to the gigantic black hole inside.

It holds a ton but you'll need to do the organizing yourself. Where other bags have convenient storage pockets built in, this is just a big single compartment. It's designed with waterproof fabrics, although the zippers and its seams are not, so don't go submerging it in water.

Thule Subterra Luggage

If you prefer having one bag you can do a lot with, Thule's Subterra luggage is a great option. It splits into two pieces, which you can take on and off as needed. As a whole piece, it might not be carry-on size, but split into two, it can function as your carry-on and personal item.

However, some reviewers report cheap-feeling handles and wished the removable back also had backpack straps, rather than just the single strap.

Rains Texel Cabin Bag

Rains made a rolling duffel, done up in its signature polyurethane-coated polyester. It's stylish, roomy, and ideal for taking places you might get caught in rain. Although it is waterproof, the design is meant more for the occasional traveling through light rain rather than explicitly designed for tough weather.

Briggs & Riley 21" Carry-on 2-Wheel Duffle

In opposition to a duffel with wheels, Briggs & Riley's bag is more of a soft-sided suitcase that is also a duffel. It stands upright and easily packs up as you'd expect a suitcase to.

However, the ballistic nylon (which is moisture-, dirt-, and abrasion-resistant) is durable enough for the rough use a carry-on can get. Still, it packs up like a duffel bag, and it has that signature big compartment in the middle.

THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Rolling Thunder

For something designed for rugged terrain, The North Face makes a big, rolling suitcase out of 100 percent recycled Base Camp fabric. Its capacity is big-big at 95L, which also means it can get heavy.

This size duffel is exactly the kind those wheels come in handy for. You can pick it up with gear, toss it in and out of vehicles, and roll it around when your arms need a rest.

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack

If you hate traveling heavy, Osprey's travel pack all but ensures you don't. This smart, compact bag is made for efficient travelers who want items that are as minimally bulky as possible.

This one has a solid 45-liter capacity with a smart back panel and harness for when you need to carry it. And when you're rolling, it uses 90mm oversized wheels for smooth lugging.

Tumi Wheeled Duffel

Tumi is always a wise choice for a well-designed, high-quality bag that looks like you're a smart, capable business person. Duffels don't normally exude professionalism, but this one does. Wheel it into the convention center and everyone knows you don't fuck around when it comes to KPIs and YoY earnings.

It's as large as you'd want your suitcase to be but is easier to handle on cobblestone streets or when you're needing to switch between rolling and carrying. It has a smart telescoping handle and the zip expands up to two inches wider.

Tips for Buying Rolling Duffel Bags

When you're shopping for your ideal rolling duffel bag, there are two key components to keep in mind: the materials that it's made out of and how much it stores. Deciding how much space you need and the spaces you'll be using it in the most will help narrow down your search to exactly the right pick for you.

Materials: Duffel bags are so classic because they are designed to get roughed up a bit, and your rolling duffel should do the same. If you want something that does well in an overhead compartment or crowded car trunk, ripstop polyester or nylon is great. For something more fit for the outdoors, look for waterproof and water-resistant options.

Capacity: A common complaint for rolling duffel shopping is when it's not clear if a bag will be carry-on compliant or not. Keep the capacity in mind when you're shopping for the right one. If you want a ton of space and aren't worried about airline restrictions, go for the big ones. But if you want the option of using the duffel as a carry-on, make sure the size is smaller and it fits with your most frequented airline size requirements.

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Best Smart Luggage to Make Summer Travel Easier: Shop Smart Suitcases

Set out in style with smart luggage from top brands that anticipates and accommodates to your needs while on the go.

If you're planning on seeing the world this summer, make sure you're ready with the right luggage for you. For some, that means carry-on luggage that can actually hold all your belongings. For others, it's the best smart luggage available. The best high-tech bags and spinners can do plenty of the heavy lifting that comes with travel for you, and with style. 

Smart luggage can include bags with charging ports to keep your electronics (especially your smartphone ) juiced up, automatic navigation to help your spinners follow you, and even built-in scooters to make getting to your next gate a breeze. 

While some of these features can make prepping for a trip pricey, you might find that the extra bit of cash adds to the convenience factor when traveling. When you don't have to search for a plug around the airport to charge your phone or you have your luggage follow you around instead of pulling it with you, you'll remember what a good investment you made. 

With that in mind, we've gathered up some of our favorite picks with a variety of smart components, from USB ports to ride-on framework and automatic, motorized luggage that goes where you go on its own. You'll also see familiar brands like Samsonite and Wrangler among some of our picks. Below, find options for the best smart luggage this year to make travel a cinch this summer. 

Best Smart Luggage of 2024

Wrangler smart luggage set.

This affordable luggage set keeps things simple with a USB port to charge up your mobile devices and a 3-in-1 cup holder to complement its hardshell exterior and double spinner wheels. It also comes in a wide variety of colors. 

Ovis Auto-Follow Suitcase

This suitcase can be filled to the brim and will follow you around the airport so you don't even have to carry it. Just charge up the battery, connect via app, and you're good to go. It sports a lightweight shell made of polycarbonate with a glossy finish in multiple colors as well. 

Olotu Cycling Suitcase

Why carry or roll your luggage around when you can ride on it instead? This load-bearing hardshell luggage has space for you to stand on it and ride it as a scooter. It supports up to 242 lbs and still has plenty of storage area for your belongings. It's pricey, but imagine being able to zip through the airport with your own transport — you can do it with this suitcase. 

Luggex Carry-On Luggage with USB Port

This fashionable luggage set comes with both USB-A and USB-C charging ports so you can add your own power bank and fill up on power while out and about. It also offers a separate cosmetic case that you can carry all those important goodies in that you can't lose on the way to your destination.

Feilario Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This affordable spinner wheel luggage comes with all the necessities you need for heading through the airport or wherever it is you're traveling from. It includes a USB port, Type-C port, a phone holder, water cup holder, and a handle hook all for your convenience. 

$170   $150

Iubest Luggage Carry-On Scooter Suitcase

If you're traveling with kids, help keep them out of the way and moving along with this ride on suitcase. It features a detachable scooter that the kids can jump right on and follow you along through every terminal, all without dropping their luggage somewhere. 

Faginx Electric Rideable Suitcase

This electric suitcase doesn't only follow you around, but you can ride it as well. It's a sturdy, aluminum alloy suitcase made with aviation-grade aluminum alloy. Its 250W brushless motor gets you where you're going in a snap, and if you're sitting still, you can use its lithium battery to charge up your phone and other devices. 

Space Suitcases Smart Rideable Suitcase

This fun, space age-esque suitcase is half motorized scooter, half luggage. It has a built-in electric motor that means you can sit down and ride through the airport, train station, or wherever you're going. Just pack your belonging  and get gong. It has 26 liters of storage and a TSA-approved lock built-in. Plus, its 250W motor can get you where you want to go quickly, even with a full compartment. 

Nomatic Travel Pack

If you don't have enough items to necessitate a larger hardshell bag or even a larger carry-on, consider this waterproof, expandable backpack that has plenty of room for laptops, clothes, and other essentials. It has an RFID lockable security pocket, a USB port, plenty of pockets, and 30 liters of space for everything you need to bring with you. 

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The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These bags will save you space, time, and headaches from overly complicated backpacks and suitcases.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips For Buying
• Other Duffels We've Written About
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

We’ve all been there: gearing up for a long weekend trip with friends or a significant other. Or maybe a quick work trip for that special client. Either way, it’s not a long enough duration to justify a carry-on suitcase or checked bag, but you still need to make sure you have enough room for a few changes of clothes and accessories.

We gathered up 56 of the best duffel bags available and are putting them to the test in the Travel + Leisure lab. We judged them based on capacity, organization, design, portability, durability, and value, and will continue to test them for an additional six months to make sure they stand up to real traveling. These are the best duffel bags for any trip you may be taking, whether skiing or jetting off to a sunny destination.

Best Overall

Bellroy classic weekender 45l.

This weekender is lightweight and easy to pack.

We wish the clips that attach the crossbody strap to the bag were made of metal rather than plastic.

We think the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45 is the overall best duffel bag you can buy. It’s more affordable than many of its counterparts and earned a perfect score during testing. While measuring its storage capacity, we found that it easily had space for four days of clothing and shoes, and we made special note of the accessibility of the wide mouth. Other bags on our list may have more pockets, but the storage of the Bellroy Classic Weekender is extremely useful, including a huge outer pocket that has a key leash and internal organization for small items like passports, wallets, or a phone. The three inner pockets are modest but are ideal for keeping all of your knick knacks close by. Snacks, chargers, sunglasses, or anything else you may need to find are all available with just a quick glance.

Another other area that the bag accels in is portability. It comes with two hand straps and a longer crossbody strap, the latter of which kept it secure against our body when fully packed but also made it comfortable to carry with just a few items in it. When compared to another bag we tested that was the same exact size and packed with the same exact items, this Bellroy duffel felt so much lighter and easier to carry. Some large duffels get bulky and cumbersome on the shoulder, but this was not the case for the Bellroy — it stayed magically lightweight, and we can picture carrying this long distances through airports and train stations.

The Details: 14.96 x 25.59 x 15.75 inches | 2.16 pounds | 45-liter capacity | Polyester | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel

This vegan leather bag looks sleek and expensive, but it won’t break the bank.

It would function better as a supplement travel companion than a do-it-all bag.

If you’re on the hunt for a duffel bag that won’t make you look like you’re just leaving the YMCA, pick up the Monos Carry All Duffel, our pick for the most stylish of the bunch. It comes in four colors, each of which looks exceptionally fashion-forward and is made from vegan leather that will only get better with time. (Without completely draining your wallet like real leather would.)

We were big fans of the roomy interior and the thoughtful organization, which we think kept the large main compartment from becoming too much of a mess, even when fully packed for a four-day trip. If this four-day trip involves a lot of walking, we aren't worried. We loved the comfort of the two hand straps and were impressed by the versatility and comfort of the shoulder strap — the shoulder pad was plush and didn’t fall up and down the strap.

The Details: 20 x 12 x 10.4 inches | 4.14 pounds | 27.3-liter capacity | Vegan leather

Best for Commuters

July carry all weekender.

This versatile bag shines in crowded places where space is at a premium.

It may not be able to hold enough for a full weekend away.

Ideal for the commuter that travels by plane, train, or automobile, the compact, super portable Carry All Weekender from July is a great pick for short trips, either to work, the gym, as a personal item on a plane, or on a quick two-day vacation. The bag has an internal laptop sleeve and pockets to keep small items in their rightful place, while the easy-to-pack main compartment holds onto the clothes you’re toting along with you. We do wish it had a bit more storage, though, just to be safe.

The bag comes with a pass-through band so you can easily add it to your rolling luggage when trips go beyond a few days, while the brand’s signature QuickPass pocket uses a powerful magnet as its closing mechanism, meaning you won’t have to fuss with a zipper each time you reach for your passport or wallet. It also features a removable padded shoulder strap and external D rings to use as attachment points.

The Details: 10.5 x 18 x 8.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Nylon | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Dagne dover lagos convertible duffel bag.

Dagne Dover

It’s one of the most versatile bags we tested, with the ability to convert it from a duffel into a backpack.

It’s much pricier than other bags on this list.

If you prefer a duffel bag that you can wear in any which way, the Lagos Convertible Duffel is an excellent choice. It’s got hard-wearing hand straps, just like your average duffel, but you can also transform it into a crossbody or a backpack depending on where you’re going, what you’re doing and if you might need to use your hands.

While its cavernous, pocket-laden interior is easily able to fit all of your gear, we loved that it still could be made small enough to count as a personal item on an airplane, leaving your carry-on slot for something bigger. The bag weighs just over two pounds when empty, so it’s easy to fold up and stow in that carry-on if you think you might be bringing home more than you left with. We also found that it was exceptionally durable and water-resistant.

The Details: 16 x 11 x 11 inches | 2.15 pounds | 32-liter capacity | Polyester

Best With Shoe Compartment

Calpak luka duffel bag.

The shoe compartment makes this an essential bag for sneakerheads.

This might not be big enough for longer weekend trips, but it does come in a larger size.

We found that the Calpak Luka was perfect for two-day trips, but could easily be used on longer trips as a supplemental bag or personal item. The multiple interior pockets are ideal for socks and underwear, while the shoe compartment holds either two pairs of regular shoes or one pair of boots — a must have feature for a shoe aficionado.

The thick polyester material is nice to the touch, but we suspect that it won't be as long-lasting as some of the other bags on this list. However, at just over $100, this bag is chic enough to turn heads and spacious enough to keep all your gear in one place, including that ever important extra pair of kicks. It also comes in an impressive color range no matter what your taste.

The Details: 12 x 16 x 7 inches | 2.1 pounds | 22-liter capacity | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Camping

Yeti crossroads duffel bag.

This durable bag is built to last, with abrasion-resistant material that will stand up to rugged camping trips.

This is too large to be a carry-on, and the shoulder strap could be more comfortable.

Like all Yeti products, this duffel looks and feels like it was built to last, making it the ideal option for camping trips and rugged adventures. It's made of a proprietary TuffSkin nylon that helps the bag keep its shape and resist damage and dirt. The bottom of the bag is made of a harder shell for extra protection (though this means it can't pack down teeny tiny for storage). The Crossroads's interior organization features really stood out during testing with two dividers that create three sections for separating different types of items and several smaller pockets for belongings like phones, wallets, and chargers. Two exterior pockets on the top provide yet more slots for your stuff (though these two pockets are pretty small).

The bag has three handles for carrying — one on each end and another on top — as well as a detachable shoulder strap. The strap has a firm, flat section meant to mold to your shoulder area, but it could be a little more comfortable. Overall, it's a sturdy, durable piece with good organization, and it's a great choice for longer trips or outdoor camping adventures. Plus, the three-year warranty will give you some peace of mind as you take it on its first few forays into the wilderness.

The Details:  24 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches | 4.3 pounds | 60-liter capacity | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Tripsavvy / Nick Kova

Best Budget

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

It's comfortable to carry and has generous side pockets.

Because you can pack so much in it, this bag becomes heavy quickly and can be difficult to carry.

Our favorite things about the Gonex Canvas are the price, flexibility, pockets, and durability. We love the sheer number of pockets and zippered compartments that it has. Aside from the main compartment, there are five additional zippered compartments on the outside, and the inside has an additional zippered pouch and two pockets for holding your wallet, keys, phone, and other small items. Plus, it's one of the  best lightweight luggage  options on the market.

The strap handles for this bag can be secured together under a flap, and the shoulder strap is nicely padded; carrying it was comfortable. The exterior canvas won't attract dirt, and the bag protected all cargo and showed no damage or scuffs during our durability testing. We also love that there are several color options and patterns to choose from.

The Details:  17 x 11 x 10 inches | 2.8 pounds | 50-liter capacity | Cotton canvas

Best for Long Trips

Thule chasm sport duffel bag.

It comes with a packing cube, and it's made of strong materials.

It doesn't have any external pockets.

Thule is best known for its car top carriers, but the brand brings its knack for sturdy cargo storage to this duffel bag as well. We were all impressed with the durable, waterproof tarpaulin exterior and the spacious, pocketed interior — though an exterior pocket or two would have been nice. It even comes with a packing cube that can be used for clothing, toiletries, or a smaller pair of shoes.

Coming in four sizes, we also loved that the bag can be held either by the handles or by the very comfortable backpack straps. It's a bit strange that there's no shoulder strap option, but we did not find ourselves missing it. The Chasm nailed our durability tests and is a great option for longer trips or even weekends in the outdoors.

The Details:  29 x 17 x 13 inches | 4.4 pounds | 90-liter capacity | Nylon | Water-resistant

The Spruce / Nick Kova

We've tested duffel bags on multiple occasions in our New York City lab, trying out 56 bags overall. First, we weighed each duffel bag with a luggage scale and noted whether the weight was the same as the weight listed by the manufacturer. Then we measured the length, width, and depth (height) of each bag and made the same comparison.

Next, we got packing. We ordered dozens of identical outfits and packed three pairs of pants (a mix of jeans and sweats), two coats (one fleece, one jacket), five shirts, two pairs of shoes, a full toiletry bag, and a coffee mug into each bag. We answered questions that included: how well does everything fit? Is there enough space to keep the clothes tidy, or do you really have to jam them in there? Can you zip it up easily? We also took careful notes of the organizational and structural features of each bag as we packed, looking for useful pockets, compartments, sleeves, and other features.

Then we walked around carrying each bag after it was packed, spending several minutes trying out each possible carrying method and noting comfort and ease levels.

Finally, with the bags fully packed and zipped closed, we pushed them off of a ladder or table several times each, trying to make them land on different parts of the bag each time. We examined them for scratches, marks, scuffs, etc., and we opened the interior to be sure everything held up. We then carried the bags around again to check for any changes or problems.

After our lab testing process, we sorted through our team's feedback and analyzed the information to recommend the highest quality products. We continued to test each of the winners over the course of six months to make sure they held up in our real travels. We also will continue to update this article as we test even more duffel bags worth buying.

Other Duffel Bags We Liked

Some of the duffel bags we tested did not make our list of recommendations. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

The North Face Base Camp Medium Duffel Bag : This bag performed so-so on most of our tests, but a finicky zipper that kept getting stuck kept it off our winners list.

Tumi Double Expansion Travel Satchel : The bag looks good but it's a little too expensive for the very limited capacity.

Baboon to the Moon Go-bag Big : While spacious, we found it awkward to carry for longer than a minute or two.

Carhartt Trade Series 2-in-1 Packable Duffel with Utility Pouch : It was fine overall, but the near-complete lack of organizational features meant it was not a standout.

Briggs & Riley Weekender Duffel : This straightforward bag has everything you need for a weekend trip. It’s not packed with features or fashion, but if you’re looking for a standard, no-fuss option, this duffel may be for you.

Herschel Bennett Duffel : With a special shoe compartment and a suite of pockets, this bag from Herschel is one of the most spacious duffels we tried. While we wish it had a dedicated laptop sleeve, we think it’s great for someone who’s looking for a large duffel bag.

Tips for Buying a Duffel Bag

Comfort is key.

If your duffel bag doesn't roll, then you will be carrying it, so you want to make sure it's comfortable to do so. Look for duffels that are lightweight and have padded straps, as well as different carrying options. Many duffels come with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap so you can ensure your bag is the perfect length for you. Consider a convertible duffel with backpack straps if carrying by hand or perhaps a rolling duffel with wheels. A good goal may also be to find a bag under three pounds so it starts out lightweight and won't minimize the amount of items you can pack.

Know your organization needs

Some duffels are simply single compartments, some have dividers, some have lots of pockets. For business travel, look for bags with laptop sleeves and pouches for things like chargers, keys, and wallets. If you're more of the spur-of-the-moment roadtripping type, a simple one-compartment bag lets you throw all your belongings in with ease and without too much thinking. If you want to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones or your shoes away from your shirts, look for a bag with interior dividers. It's a matter of personal choice; just be sure to pay attention to details about pockets, pouches, shoe bags, and other special features before making your purchase.

Look for durable materials

Whether your travels include packing for an Irish vacation or a hike to your local campground, you need a bag that will survive the journey. Bags made of materials like nylon, polyester, and most vinyls are likely to be waterproof, protecting your bag from the elements. Meanwhile canvas and leather bags may not be water-resistant, but the thick and durable materials should prevent against rips and tears.

Frequently Asked Questions

It all depends on the size. There’s no hard-and-fast rule because duffel bag sizes widely vary. But as a general rule, if your duffel bag can fit beneath the seat in front of you, it’ll be considered a personal item . If it’s too big to fit underneath an airplane seat, you will then need to place it in the overhead bin, and it will be counted as a carry-on. If the bag exceeds your airline's carry-on size restrictions, you will need to check it.

Yes, in almost all cases you can check a duffel bag. Just be sure to secure the straps and handles so they don’t get caught during processing. If you have a high-end duffel bag, just be careful as checked baggage is susceptible to rough handling during transit. And keep in mind that if the duffel bag does not have a lot of protective padding, your items inside may break, so be sure to keep any fragile or valuable items in your carry-on.

It’s best to pack your heavier items first so that they act as an anchor and keep your bag in position. Apparel such as shirts and pants should be rolled up in the shape of a cylinder to prevent wrinkling. Then you can store smaller items such as socks or accessories in the extra free space or in dedicated pockets. You can also use compression packing cubes to help make the most of your space.

How you clean a duffel bag will depend on the material and the manufacturer's recommendations. Sometimes bags are machine washable, but we'd suggest spot cleaning to play it safe. You can usually use mild dish soap and a damp cloth or paper towel to get out dirt or stains. Water-resistant materials may help protect your bag more than materials like cotton or canvas.

Other Duffels We've Written About

If none of the duffel bags above are catching your eye, here are some other standout duffels that may suit your needs.

Patagonia Wheeled Duffel Bag : Having a wheeled option means you can easily roll your duffel around the airport instead of carrying on your shoulder, and this Patagonia option is our favorite out of all the wheeled duffel bags we've tested. It comes in three sizes, and we tested the massive 100-liter version, which is impressively spacious.

Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Yeti Panga Dry Duffel : If you need something that will stand up to rainy destinations, this large Yeti bag is our favorite waterproof duffel. In fact, you can fully submerge it in water three feet deep for up to 30 minutes, and nothing inside will get wet thanks to the locking, leakproof zipper.

Aer Travel Weekender : If you're looking for something smaller in size that you won't have to pay to check, this 35-liter weekender topped our list of our favorite carry-on duffel bags . It's easy to carry with the adjustable shoulder strap, and it has a padded laptop pocket.

Royce New York Leather Duffel Bag : This pebbled leather duffel is our top pick for leather duffel bags , serving as a stylish carry-all for weekends away. There's an option to monogram the bag for a special touch.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, writer Joe Niehaus went through T+L testing feedback and data, read through customer reviews, and consulted the manufacturer’s product descriptions. Joe is also an experienced traveler and recognizes common pain points when searching for travel baggage like duffel bags.

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