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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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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.

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Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

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

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

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

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Bag for a Lifetime

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

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

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

Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

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We tried to book tickets for Spring Break. I got an email from United asking for a note from her doctor to verify her medical condition. There is nothing wrong with my daughter. Travelocase called them and said my daughter needed a kidney transplant so they could change the flight without a fare penalty. Here is the note to me from United: "Someone acting on your behalf has been calling United reservation to rebook your itineraries. It appears that a third party travel service provider has been fraudulently claiming medical hardship in order to modify your itinerary without paying the proper fare. If you could provide a good contact number, we will have one of our service representatives contact you to resolve this matter. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. Revenue Integrity United Airlines "

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

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Date of experience : March 04, 2024

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Our trip to cabo was amazing, non stop flights. The best part was they gave us carry on and seats together, not like other companies asking for extra for seats. The only worry was i receive my tickets in 3 days. But after the trip, the wait for worth.

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Date of experience : December 20, 2023

****CONSUMER BEWARE**** These people…

****CONSUMER BEWARE**** These people are huge scammers. On 9/8/22 I purch tickets from the Travel-O-Case website for STL to Denver and then from Denver to Fresno to arrive on 12/22/22 & my return ticket from Fresno to Denver & Denver to STL, to leave on 12/24/22. A snow storm hit the U.S. on 12/22 & I only made it to Denver from St. Louis on 12/22 & was stranded in Denver. My other tickets were cancelled as United had no staff to fly the planes. I called Travel-O-Case on 12/22 to inquire about a refund. They told me to go through United. I did deal with United & they refunded me for another flight I purchased DIRECTLY through their site that got cancelled, that I had purch on 12/22/22 as I was trying to get back to STL. I dealt with United for over a month trying to get a refund for the remaining unused flights, & they finally closed my complaint & told me I had to deal with Travel-O-Case directly, since they are a 3rd party site & since I purchased the tickets directly through them. I contacted Travel-O-Case on 2/7/23 to open an official complaint to get my money back on the unused tickets & they have been stringing me along for over 4 mths. They told me they have a case opened with United & are waiting on them. I know that is a lie as I contacted United & no case is opened & I also confirmed with United that it does not take this long for a refund & TravelOCase has been dragging this out for the past 4 mths to avoid giving me a refund. I would like my money back for the unused tickets that were cancelled due to the weather, which was out of my hands. Well Travel-O-Case now tells me since United sent me a partial refund of $189.60 (from a flight I purchased directly thru United, NOT the travelocase site), then that is it, they cannot issue me no other refund. So the un-used tickets for Denver to Fresno, Fresno to Denver & Denver to STL is basically money in the trash, which is over $400. Totally shady company & dealing with foreigners from the start, stay away!

Date of experience : December 22, 2022

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Date of experience : April 30, 2023

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The agent was very helpful and answered all my questions. Helped me changing my name and made sure my information was correct. Also sent me my new booking reservation I truly enjoyed talking to her.

Date of experience : April 16, 2023

Excellent service to help customer.

We made our booking in october for travel in February to travel to Punta cana. Our travel was 15 February, however we didnot notice my husband passport was expired, which we only noticed 3 days before the travel. We got a urgent date to fix it, however travel in the first week of march was coming very expensive. I called Serenity and explained her situation, she could have tried to charge me lot due to my urgent situation, instead she called airlines and tried for 2 days to get me a fare difference waiver and got my tickets changed for free. I m really thank you for her. It took a lot of time, but she kept following up and giving me information that she is trying for waiver. Once it was done i was very happy. My trip also went amazing. Thanks

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Nice experience

The Best Carry-On Luggage

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.

Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage but may help you avoid extra fees as well.

If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers.

It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions 1 and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 bag at about half the price.

It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines —a rarity at any price.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable, but it offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components—including wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

With more capacity than Away’s standard carry-on, this suitcase is sized appropriately for most flights. On smaller planes, though, you may get gate-checked.

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

Remarkably well priced for a reputable brand, this is an ideal lightweight pick and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.

With clipped on-page coupon (limited colors)

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

A soft-sided carry-on that fits more in less.

This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It’s a buy-it-for-life suitcase.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

If you’re willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

Luxury touches and a strong polycarbonate and aluminum design give this bag a standout look with exceptional feel and performance. It does cost nearly $200 more than the comparably sized Away bag, though.

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

A polycarbonate back and rugged wheels make this design suited for rougher travel over difficult surfaces. However, it has a limited warranty, and it’s somewhat unwieldy to handle.

What to consider

Four-wheel bags, aka spinners, are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two-wheel bags will always be more durable .

Hard-sided looks better to most people, but soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer .

Plenty of reputable brands offer lifetime warranties; it’s generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind .

Depending on where you travel, you might need to look for specialty luggage sizes .

We’ve also included picks that stood out for their form and individual functionality: an upgrade with best-in-class compression, a pick made of polycarbonate , an upgraded hard-sided case with latch closures and an aluminum frame, a rolling soft-top hybrid , and a budget pick that’s also the best ultra-light suitcase we can find.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line of luggage is still our top pick after 10 years of testing. It addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price while offering the best warranty against potential airline damage in the industry (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which you can do in minutes).

The Platinum Elite features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, as well as solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. Travelpro also provides a full catalog of other replaceable parts . Instead of chasing the smart-bag moment, Travelpro added an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And weighing less than 8 pounds when empty, the Platinum Elite is dead in the center of average weight for bags this size.

In our view, soft-sided luggage lasts longer and shows less wear, but if you prefer the look of a hard-sided bag, Away’s The Carry-On is our choice. Like our other picks, this bag stands out for its high-end components: YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its strong but flexible polycarbonate shell shows scratches—however, after seven years of using the Away Carry-On, our testers have found that it is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer knocks than other similar models we’ve tested.

Away also makes a slightly larger version of the same model: The Bigger Carry-On . It conforms to carry-on size for most major airliners, but you might be asked to gate-check it on smaller planes.

Similar to our soft-sided picks, this Away bag is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. And though the coverage doesn’t explicitly protect against airline damage, it does apply to any damage that an airline could possibly dish out—specifically, but not limited to, the shell cracking or wheels breaking off.

Some companies have tried to shave off a few pounds from their standard luggage designs to make so-called ultra-light luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we’ve seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.

The Maxlite 5 is just over 2 pounds lighter than our top pick—that’s the weight of two or three pairs of jeans. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have trouble lifting luggage over your head and prefer an easier-to-manage suitcase, the Maxlite 5 may be your choice. This bag is also the best one we’ve found under $200, with almost all the benefits of luggage nearly twice the price.

For the more frequent flyer who is willing to invest in a higher-quality bag, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On . Every detail of this bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested.

Briggs & Riley boosts this extra capacity with a ratcheting compression system that easily presses an entire extra outfit (if not more) into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It’s simple, impressive, and unmatched by any other brand’s compression system.

The Expandable Spinner version is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. If things go awry, Briggs & Riley has a catalog of replaceable parts and a global network of repair centers , as well as a reliable lifetime warranty covering repairs for airline damage.

For some people, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On may be worth the extra cost. Behind the maturity of Italian leather accents and polish of higher-end Hinomoto wheels, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On bypasses the biggest compromise in most polycarbonate designs: the stitched-in zipper. Incorporating an aluminum frame around the center of the case and two latch locks, it feels comfortingly secure and well structured where other luggage tends to sag or bend away.

There’s a potential catch, however: The flex in a polycarbonate design (and most luggage, incidentally) is its strength. The more robust a piece of luggage becomes—by replacing, for instance, a zipper with an aluminum frame—the greater the chance that if something hits the case hard enough, the frame can bend or break. That said, you need to hit a frame like this with an extreme amount of focused force for that to happen. And Carl Friedrik provides a lifetime warranty that appears to cover airline damage in the event that an airline doesn’t compensate you within 14 days.

The Yeti Crossroads 22”/35L Wheeled Luggage represents the best of a relatively niche type of luggage design. Call it a hybrid model—a blend of a soft-sided luggage on top and hard-sided luggage on the back—that lends itself to fairly specific circumstances. It’s ideal for tough roads, broken streets, and slamming your luggage into uneven curbs with abandon. Do most people need this kind of luggage for their day-to-day travel? Absolutely not, and it can feel heavier than it really is. But if you do, this is the best there is—at least for the moment.

The Yeti Crossroads has everything you might expect from a brand that has built its reputation for over-the-top toughness and durability. The two heavy-duty wheels are among the largest and broadest that we’ve seen. Externally, Yeti blends a polycarbonate shell back with a water-resistant 700-denier nylon front and waterproof zippers. However, Yeti backs its luggage with only a three-year warranty and no mention of airline damage. That’s very limited protection, especially for the conditions this bag was designed for and definitely in comparison with the standards that our other picks set.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, our pick for the best carry-on luggage: travelpro platinum elite, our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: away the carry-on, budget pick: travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on spinner, upgrade pick for the best carry-on: briggs & riley baseline essential, upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on: carl friedrik the carry-on, also great for tough conditions: yeti crossroads 35l wheeled luggage, other good carry-on luggage, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and 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 and gear writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

In the 10 years we’ve been covering this category, luggage has evolved, and so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on for most people. After spending well over 200 hours doing research and interviews and easily twice that time conducting hands-on testing, we’ve seen a few truths become clear. First, at a certain threshold—roughly over $200—most luggage is fine. It will more than likely get you from point A to point B without incident many times a year for many years. What distinguishes great luggage from everything else is mostly an attention to detail—the quality of a bag’s handle, its wheels, the frame, and stitching—and a company’s guarantee that it will stand behind its product.

Every year we try to refine our testing and find new ways to consider what it means to be the best luggage. We’ve weighed and measured suitcases, comparing our results with company claims. We’ve calculated true internal capacity with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls 2 and some decently complex math for a writer to scratch out. We’ve packed and unpacked more bags than I care to remember. We’ve studied and compared wheel bearings, wheel sizes, pocket counts, pocket quality, the curious subtleties of garment bags that will (or more often won’t) keep your clothes wrinkle-free, the strength of warranties, and repairability.

We believe that any maximally sized carry-on should be capable of holding enough clothes to last you five days with room to spare for miscellaneous necessities. Most years we aim to have two testers, one male and one female, pack two bags individually as if headed to the same wedding. 3 What we included isn’t representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we erred on the side of bulky, and we hope it gives you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags will hold.

We looked at how each bag loaded. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Did it have compression straps to keep things in place? Were the straps thick enough to avoid creasing the clothes? Just how much would the bag compress? How much room was left over? Once packed, was the bag prone to tipping over?

Over the years I’ve torn bags apart to see how the frames were put together, taken apart wheels, dismantled handles, and more or less treated luggage as poorly as one person could. I’ve wheeled loaded bags around many neighborhoods, looking at how well each bag rolled and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. I’ve dragged bags up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. For our finalists, I’ve repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route because I like the sound that polycarbonate luggage makes when it bounces down cavernous stairwells.

In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback in this review.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our pick for a soft-sided carry-on; if you need a little more room, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard .

It has a history of great performance. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line has been our top pick for almost every iteration of this guide because it addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price: In addition to smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, it features solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid 7.8-pound internal chassis. Travelpro backs it all with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase). Additionally, Travelpro supplies a full catalog of other replaceable parts .

It moves well across most surfaces and through most situations. The spinner bag’s configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moving. The small tracking assistance makes a large difference when you’re navigating the Platinum Elite through a crowded airport or down a busy street. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. After years of testing, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, makes four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. However, if you prefer slightly more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder, 4 you may appreciate the two-wheeled 22-inch version of the Platinum Elite. One of our paid testers, who’s 6-foot-6, told us that although he could see the appeal of a spinner, “I would still choose the two-wheeler. It has a little more space, and when you’re my size, packing is just so horrible.”

It’s sized to maximize your space, but you have options. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Platinum Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including that of American Airlines and United Airlines. I’ve personally traveled with Travelpro carry-ons this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and I’ve never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. If you’re nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro makes a 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer international size, but they hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert.

It keeps clothes compacted but not creased. Inside, the Platinum Elite has a pair of tie-down straps and two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what you’d find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley luggage . Compared with the simple tie-down straps you often find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothes—a problem we’ve encountered in numerous other bags we’ve tested. Beyond that, the Platinum Elite’s internal organization system is about average. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means there’s no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bag’s sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries.

It’s tough yet flexible. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags we’ve tested. It hides scuffs and scratches, and it’s much more versatile than hard-sided bags. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30% in a pinch—although the bag is no longer carry-on compliant at that point. We prefer to use the expansion zipper as something of an ad-hoc compression system: We unzip the expansion zipper while packing the bag and then zip it at the end, tamping everything down tight. The Platinum Elite carry-on also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets, including two in the front, suitable for a sleep mask and other small miscellaneous items, and one on the side for a battery, though it can fit a bit more if necessary. It also has an accordion pocket on the front for magazines and electronic tablets.

It’s well balanced and spacious. This luggage has an 1,856-cubic-inch interior, which we measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls . In real-world terms (the needs of Ping-Pong champions notwithstanding), the Platinum Elite swallowed up five days’ worth of clothes with no problem and had a good deal of room to spare—and that’s without our resorting to the expansion zipper.

It has an excellent warranty. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpro’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage . The sole other company we’ve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose carry-on suitcases start at about $500. Travelpro bags have owner-serviceable parts and multiple repair centers . To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic wear.

Travelpro has a history of fixing production errors remarkably quickly. In 2019, we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Travelpro identified and fixed the issue before it had reached the threshold of more than a few comments online.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.8 pounds Volume: 46 liters

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After nearly a decade of testing the Platinum Elite line of bags from Travelpro, we have yet to encounter a single serious issue. The fabric exterior brushes off scrapes and is easy enough to clean. Simply, it is a remarkably built bag that continues to travel well, year after year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though the Platinum Elite rolled well in general, we are still concerned when dragging the bag up stairs. Some of the other bags we tested had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag; this Travelpro model’s skid plate isn’t as big or as protective. I haven’t had an issue, but if you’re particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs, it’s something to be aware of.

• In 2018, Travelpro added a USB-A pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite as a way to compete with so-called smart bags. We like the battery pocket, but the built-in cable itself, which routes from the pocket to a USB port less than 6 inches away, is an unnecessary item, which at best adds a potential point of failure to the bag—USB cables do not last forever. Does it ruin the bag? No. Is it a feature? Not really.

If you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. If you want to maximize your available carry-on space, it also comes in a slightly larger size: The Bigger Carry-On .

It can take wear and tear. Most travelers are still better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But the Away Carry-On’s wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors.

We’ve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Its polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin , which is more than three times as expensive.

You have options if you need extra space. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex . The Flex is the same bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (it’s about $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. It feels like just one more thing to break. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

It feels great to use. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Away also uses YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015). At this point, we’re pretty comfortable saying that years of debate over the best zipper are largely redundant, but YKK still sets the standard.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Away has sparked more imitators and outright duplicates than any other brand in the past decade, in part due to its appeal with younger travelers. I’ve thought about why, and as best as I can guess, a simple polycarbonate cube dripped in limited-edition soft hues does exude a certain calm; the fact that some of those same colors also coat the exteriors of pills ending in suffixes -ax and -il is not, one assumes, accidental.

It has a great warranty. The Away Carry-On is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Though the warranty doesn’t specifically mention airline damage, the damages it does list—cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels or handles becoming unusable, zippers that don’t work, fabric tears that render any pocket unusable—basically outline anything an airline could possibly dish out.

Dimensions (for The Carry-On): 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.5 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• The Carry-On’s sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks.
• It lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have.
• The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make the bag frustrating to pack and unpack. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I personally find a clamshell design to be more finicky when packing.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is one of the lightest pieces of luggage we’ve tested, at a great price.

It’s lightweight. We have a hard time imagining how anyone could make a suitcase much lighter than this without breaking certain laws of physics. A few years ago, I took apart a Maxlite suitcase to see how the internal frame was built. What I found beneath the fabric was a clever lattice of plastic supporting the frame, which offered the best balance between weight-saving and structure.

For some people, especially those with limited upper-body strength, a lighter bag—even by just a few pounds—may be easier to lift or manage. That said, most people don’t need extremely light luggage, but just to pack less. For all the innovative design, the Maxlite 5 shaves only 2.4 pounds off the weight of our top pick. That’s the equivalent of a couple of pairs of jeans.

It’s inexpensive. My general advice to friends is to spend more than $200 but less than $500 to get good, if not great, luggage. The Maxlite 5 is the one piece of luggage I’ve found that breaks that rule. You can usually find it for about $150 or less, which is a remarkable price considering the bag’s quality.

Simple is good. This model doesn’t have any real bells or whistles—no battery pass-throughs or magnetically tracked wheels, as with our other Travelpro picks. Instead you’ll find two simple front pockets, a few well-placed handles, and a cavernous main compartment with a couple of pockets and two light straps to hold your stuff in place.

It comes from a trusted brand. We haven’t covered, examined, and interrogated a single luggage brand at Wirecutter for as long as we have Travelpro. For a decade, Travelpro has done a premier job of maintaining trust with its customers and with us—we’ve watched the company make small changes in design, catch flaws quickly, and address warranty concerns promptly. This is not something we say lightly: Travelpro is a name you can trust.

Dimensions: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 5.4 pounds Volume: 46 liters

• The Maxlite 5’s warranty isn’t as robust as that of our top pick: Manufacturing defects in the wheels, zippers, and handles are covered for as long as you own the bag, but airline damage and shipping to a Travelpro repair center are covered only for the first year. (And you do need to register the bag.) Considering that this bag costs half the price of the Platinum Elite, this makes sense, but it’s something to be aware of.

If you’re a frequent flyer and willing to invest in higher-quality gear, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity).

It’s the best of the best. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found that it had a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Briggs & Riley keeps its design consistent, adding, at most, small improvements such as this year’s upgraded lifting handle. Our 6-foot-6 paid tester pointed out that the Baseline Essential’s handle extended an inch and a half farther than that of the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which made it less likely to hit his heels as he pulled it.

Although the wheels don’t snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth-rolling and easy to maneuver. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and actually improves your overall travel experience. That’s why we’ve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. The Baseline Essential is one of the best carry-on luggage options available today.

Its compression system is truly a marvel. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Essential bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2.5 inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. It’s a unique design and very satisfying to use.

It’s the easiest to pack. Briggs & Riley placed the tracks for the Baseline Essential handles on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags and trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. According to our measurements, the bag, unexpanded, offers 1,905 cubic inches of storage room (and that accounts for the space occupied by the wheel wells and such). Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inches. That’s remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested.

The Baseline Essential spinner is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder. It’s similar to the folder in Travelpro’s two-wheeled Platinum Elite bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. Each of the three folds has a bit of padding that helps to keep a suit from pinching onto itself and creasing, though much of that depends on how well you pack. You can fit a week’s worth of clothes in the Baseline Essential, including some puffy gear for colder weather. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package.

It’s understated. On the outside, the Baseline Essential is pretty unremarkable. There’s nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if you’re trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Its outer, nylon fabric seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags we’ve tested. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK.

Similar to our top pick, the Baseline Essential includes a charging pocket. However, Briggs & Riley skipped the internal USB wiring, instead opting for a simple pocket arrangement (video) on the back of the bag for discreetly storing a charge pack and your phone. It’s an elegant solution.

It comes with an excellent warranty. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the “functional aspects” of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, you do have to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers . Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. The bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home.

We’ve put in the miles, and the Baseline Essential is in a separate league. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline Essential carry-on while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. After considering all the bags in our test and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone who’s always on the move. “I love this bag. It carries so much,” Brian said. “Sometimes I check it. Sometimes I carry it. It always fits.”

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 (expands to 11.5) inches (HWD) Weight: 10 pounds Volume: 37 liters (expands to 48 liters)

• Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use more protection. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we don’t advise doing), we felt more scraping than we’d like.
• At first glance, the handle feels too loose for a roughly $700 bag. We spoke to Briggs & Riley representatives, and they explained that this is a deliberate choice: The looser tolerances allow for the handle to retract by itself when you click its button, without your having to force it down. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane.
• At 10 pounds, the Baseline Essential is the heaviest bag we recommend. In this price range, weight often equals durability, which equals quality. But if you’re uncomfortable with a heavier bag, this isn’t the best pick for you.

Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is an impressive polycarbonate case that improves in areas where most other companies tend to cut corners.

It’s robust and durable. It improves the usual hard-case design primarily by replacing the zipper with an aluminum frame sealed with two metal latches incorporating TSA locks. This trim makes the case feel far more robust, which is a very satisfying feeling when you’re wheeling luggage around an airport.

Clasping shut an aluminum frame with a metal lock is pleasing—it feels like closing a safe and locking it tight. The polycarbonate shell has an equally rigid feeling but exhibits plenty of flexibility under strain. Although it’s difficult to compare polycarbonates between brands, higher-end polycarbonate feels dense to the touch even as the material flexes; in this piece of luggage, Carl Friedrik offers impressive quality.

Additionally, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On has YKK zippers internally and Hinomoto spinner wheels from Japan—both considered the top of their class.

It’s thoughtfully styled. The soft leather accents and bolted frame all have a certain maturity that’s often lacking in other, competing cases. This look carries to the inside of the luggage as well. A simple gray polyester lining accompanies two sets of compression straps and a removable compression pad, which has a zippered pocket.

It has an excellent warranty. As you might expect for the price, Carl Friedrik backs up its luggage with a lifetime warranty that protects against airline damage (assuming the airline hasn’t responded to your request for compensation within 14 days).

Dimensions: 21.6 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8.6 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• This is a brand-new pick—so far we haven’t found any flaws, but we’re keeping an eye on the latches. Luggage latches are small, complicated mechanical devices that have a myriad of ways to fail.
• The handle feels just a touch loose, which, as with our upgrade pick from Briggs & Riley , can be a benefit. It can also sometimes be a hazard. Again, we’ll continue testing it.

Hybrid designs like the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage aren’t for everyone, but if you like the flexibility of a soft-sided luggage with the hard-hitting ruggedness of a polycarbonate back and two large fixed wheels, then this bag is just right.

It’s made from tough materials and easy-to-repair parts. Yeti has a reputation for using tough, sometimes cutting-edge, materials in all its gear. The Crossroads is no exception. The 700-denier nylon is one of the better nylons we’ve tested—tightly woven and exceptionally durable. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.)

The Crossroads comes in only a two-wheeled design, which is usually able to withstand more damage than a four-wheeled design. The wheels are also easier to service on the road and often replaceable. 5

It’s well organized. It includes a front panel organizer, similar to that of modern laptop backpacks, with two slots for your laptop and tablet plus a mesh pocket for spare gear. Fully packed, it still has room for a few magazines as well, if you like. Internally, the soft top has a zippered main compartment with a decent amount of packing space, as well as two mesh organizing pockets.

It’s a pleasure to pack. As the Crossroads is built around a molded polycarbonate base, the entire suitcase becomes, in essence, a large tray to pack and then zip shut. It’s a very satisfying design—easier to manage than many of the clamshell designs that are currently popular. Yeti’s packing cubes are designed to fit snugly in the Crossroads’s main compartment, and the bag does come with one small cube. But if you choose these, you’re spending a premium for additional packing cubes when almost any packing cube will work.

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• We’d love to see a better warranty. Three years is very limited when compared with other luggage brands selling similarly priced suitcases—especially for a bag that claims to be as tough as the brand’s reputation.
• Occasionally, Yeti’s tough-gear reputation veers almost into absurdity, as with the inclusion here of self-sealing zippers on a bag that isn’t actually waterproof—merely weather resistant. They’re top-of-the-line zippers. But self-sealing zippers can be hard to operate and require regular lubrication, which most people aren’t used to providing.
• The front-facing laptop organizer is woefully unshielded. If you’re traveling with a laptop, place it deep within the bag if you want it properly protected.
• The bag feels heavy—by our measurements, it weighs about a half pound more than Yeti’s 7.5-pound estimation. It’s not the heaviest of our picks, but something about the weight distribution and shape of the bag makes it feel heavier when you’re swinging it around.

If you need a hard-sided budget bag: Look at the Gregory Quadro Hardcase 22″ , an unexpectedly high-quality suitcase from an outdoor-gear company. Gregory offers a lifetime warranty with service and repair. Although the warranty doesn’t explicitly mention airline damage, Gregory’s good reputation speaks for itself in this matter. However, the Quadro Hardcase is a pound heavier (at 6.5 pounds) and about $60 more than our budget pick.

If the Away Carry-On is sold out: Consider the Monos Carry-On Plus . Picking between these two models came down to splitting some very fine hairs. Both use YKK zippers. Both have lifetime warranties. The handles and interiors are almost identical. Monos even hides the stitching that attaches the zipper to the polycarbonate frame, which is a nice aesthetic touch. The difference came down to the Away Carry-On’s wheels, which spun just that much more freely in our testing, and the underside handle, which made it easier to pull out of overhead bins. And we’ve tested the Away Carry-On for longer. However, if it’s unavailable, the Monos model is a good, nearly identical substitute.

If you want a bag made of recycled materials: We suggest the Paravel Aviator Carry-On . Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some environmentally minded transparency to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

If you’re an infrequent adventurer: Try the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller , which could almost be an also-great pick under our hybrid pick . It’s cheaper, has a better warranty (but no explicit coverage for airline damage), and is made from recycled materials. However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, and money is no object: The Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage is worth a look, despite a few flaws and an $800 price tag. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. This packing method creates no creases and therefore no wrinkles. The case is protected by a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t cover airline damage.

We hope to take a look at the European brand Floyd , which is currently popular on Instagram. At first glance, it’s another piece of luggage looking to appeal to a younger mass audience. But the easy-to-replace polyurethane wheels and bearings—similar to skateboard wheels—do have “user-serviceable parts inside” curb appeal.

We’re currently testing Level8’s Voyageur series of luggage, which features an extra-wide handle. It’s a design trend we’re starting to track with a few lesser-known brands (and, incidentally, a Louis Vuitton case costing several thousand dollars). A wide handle should do two things: It should free up a little more space inside the luggage, and it should improve handling.

Lastly, we’re considering expanding our coverage to include equipment cases like those made by Pelican . Though their appropriate use is very specific, when you need to travel with high-end gear or fragile valuables, Pelican cases more or less set the standard.

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag : We’re generally fans of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, but this two-wheeled bag falls short. Specifically, the bottom of the bag is split by the zipper, which gives the bag an unstable feeling when it’s standing upright.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 22″ Carry On Luggage : If this bag were about $150 cheaper, it would be a good price for the quality. We like the recycled materials, but the bag lacks framing.

Solo Re:Treat Carry-On Spinner : I appreciate any bag made entirely out of recycled materials, but this model (from a brand owned by the same company that manages Briggs & Riley) felt awfully flimsy. Even with its five-year warranty, I just don’t trust that this bag can go the distance.

Thule Subterra : The clamshell design—similar to the ones you find on hard-sided bags—makes this bag difficult to close if you’re trying to fill it to its full capacity. It just isn’t as easy to use as our soft-sided picks.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller : The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Its wheels had a cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter, though, and the abundance of zippers and internal compartments made it tedious to pack.

Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On : At about half the price, this would be a great bag. But paying nearly $700 for a five-year warranty and a bag that doesn’t do nearly as much as a Briggs & Riley suitcase seems a bit silly.

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner : This bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for about $90. However, its ABS plastic shell is not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. It’s worth investing more in your luggage—the bag you choose will last longer and work better.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On : The Arlo Skye carry-on is a decent piece of luggage, but it’s hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than our pick from Away .

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition : 10 pounds! At this weight, you’ve lost a quarter of your allowable luggage weight to the suitcase alone, unpacked. And it’s nearly as expensive as our upgrade pick, with a much less satisfying compression system.

Briggs & Riley Torq and Sympatico : Though these collections seek to solve a different problem, neither is as impressive as the Baseline series.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage : We preferred sturdier polycarbonate shells over Calpak’s blended ABS polycarbonate shell. Also, the bag’s handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces.

Delsey Rempart Expandable Spinner Carry-On : At just around $200, the Rempart is a decent budget option. However, the external styling (like layers of pressed sheet pans) is an odd choice. It has some practicality, but only if you’re stacking identical Delsey cases one on top of another, which might happen, I suppose, at some point … maybe.

July Carry On : In the lineup between July, Monos, and Away, July falls just short. We appreciate the lifetime warranty, YKK zippers, and flexible but dense-feeling polycarbonate. But the overall design doesn’t do much to improve on the category (as the Monos bag subtly does).

Level8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″ : This is potentially a decent budget pick at just around $200. But the one-year warranty and the somewhat fiddly TSA lock and front latching panel give us pause.

Lojel Cubo Medium : Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. We also weren’t impressed by the zippered expansion system, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks.

Lojel Voja Medium : An odd suitcase, this would be a great children’s suitcase or a budget pick—especially if it were under $200. But its current price is steep for a polypropylene blend with a couple of latches.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

Airline policies vary, but a general rule is that the bag must be under 45 linear inches—the total sum of the bag’s length, width, and depth. Here’s the current sizing breakdown among the major US airlines:

• Alaska Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Allegiant Air: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• American Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (the dimensions of soft-sided garment bags are allowed to add up to 51 inches)
• Delta Air Lines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Frontier Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches (and less than 35 pounds)
• Hawaiian Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• JetBlue Airways: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Southwest Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches
• Spirit Airlines: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
• Sun Country Airlines: 24 by 16 by 11 inches
• United Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches

We double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers’ listed volumes by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly 0.5 pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents approximately 2 cubic inches (PDF) . After weighing each piece of luggage three times to establish an average empty weight, we filled the bags as full as we could with Ping-Pong balls and measured the change in weight. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space.

His five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 two-piece linen suit on a hanger
• 1 dress shirt on a hanger
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 5 medium-weight to lightweight shirts
• 1 heavy sweater
• 2 flannel shirts
• 5 pairs of boxer briefs
• 5 pairs of sport socks

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 dress on a hanger
• 1 blazer on a hanger
• 1 blouse on a hanger
• 1 pair of heels
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of light sneakers
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras
• 1 pair of yoga pants
• 1 flannel shirt
• 1 hair dryer
• 1 curling iron
• 1 jewelry/makeup kit
• 3 pairs of sport socks
• 4 lightweight shirts

You use a garment folder by laying a suit or dress across the panels, folding them into themselves, and zipping up the inner compartment. A folder should be wide enough that a suit isn’t cramped, and it should include hanger straps (which should fit around everything, even larger plastic hangers) to keep things from shifting around too much. Some folding boards have 0.75-inch-diameter foam rolls in them to help prevent creases along the packed clothes’ fold lines. When you aren’t traveling with fancy clothes, you can take the whole apparatus apart and use it as luggage dividers in the main bag itself, or leave it at home, converting the suit/dress compartment into an extra packing cube.

Yeti doesn’t seem to have an easy way to order replaceable wheels. But the 3.5-by-1-inch wheels are fairly common, and we’re looking at the best possible alternatives.

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.

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

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

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The Best Carry-On Luggage 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Travel Editors

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to fit everything you need into a carry-on bag. With increasingly strict airline baggage allowances and common occurrences of lost/mishandled checked bags, finding the right carry-on suitcase is key to avoiding expensive checked baggage fees and ensuring your stuff makes it to your destination. 

No one understands this struggle more than the SmarterTravel team. As travel editors, we travel a lot (and are firm carry-on only flyers.) We tested and reviewed the top carry-on luggage over hundreds of trips to help you find one perfectly suited for all your travels.

The carry-on bags we reviewed underwent rigorous testing to see how they held up to the realities of travel. We evaluated important factors like size and weight, wheeled performance, ease of packing, durability, and special features. Our testing process included packing each bag to capacity, carrying it through airports, stowing it in overhead bins, and taking it on planes, trains, and automobiles during real-world trips.

Ranging in price from affordable to splurge-worthy, the best carry-on suitcases earned top marks across all our tests for their optimal size, seamless maneuverability, handy organization, stylish looks, and resilience.

From a lightweight hard-sided spinner that fits easily in tiny overheads to a large carry-on that expands for over-packers, these are our travel editors’ picks for the best carry-on suitcases of 2024. 

Best Carry-On Suitcase Overall: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Suitcase

The Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Suitcase was our favorite of all the carry-on suitcases we tested. This smart and sleek suitcase is made from a durable polypropylene shell that helps contribute to its light weight of 6.4 lbs. Smooth spinner wheels and an adjustable handle make this bag easy to wheel even when fully packed.

The interior is just as nice, lined with a fabric made from 100 percent plastic bottles. There’s also a multi-functional panel divider that can compress clothes to create more space while providing pockets for organization. One of the pockets is water-resistant, so you can use it to separate swimsuits or wet clothing on the journey home.

Our favorite feature of the Samsonite Outline Pro is the antimicrobial handle technology used on the trolley grip and side handles, which helps keep us healthy while traveling. 

Dimensions: 15” x 10” x 23”

Weight: 6.4 lbs

Best Large Carry-On Suitcase: Roam Large Carry-On Suitcase

If you want to test the limits of an airline’s carry-on policy, we recommend the Roam Large Carry-On Suitcase as the best large carry-on suitcase. We’ve taken this suitcase on hundreds of flights and have only ever had to check it on very small puddle-jumper planes. This roomy carry-on can hold up to 42 liters, making it a great suitcase for chronic overpackers. 

This suitcase comes with two compression boards, which can be used to divide the two halves of the suitcase and help you fit even more in. The boards have large pockets perfect for packing cords and other small items. 

We also love that all Roam luggage can be customized to suit your style—you can choose the color of every part of this suitcase, right down to the wheels, to create a unique bag that definitely won’t get mixed up at baggage claim.

Dimensions:  9” x 16.25” x 22”

Weight: 7.7 lbs

Best Expandable Carry-On Suitcase: Delsey Rempart Carry-On Suitcase

An expandable suitcase is like having two bags in one—keep it small and compact for a short trip or open it up for a longer journey (or for the return trip when you buy lots of souvenirs to bring home). Delsey’s Rempart Carry-On Suitcase is our favorite expandable bag due to its patented Securitech Zipper that’s three times more resistant than a standard zipper (so you don’t have to worry about it ripping open, even when it’s expanded to its maximum capacity).

Other thoughtful features include an integrated TSA-combination lock, two packing compartments with compression straps, zippered pockets, and a lined divider. We also love that the interior lining can be removed and washed—an innovation you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever come home with a sandy suitcase after a beach trip.

Three carrying handles allow this bag to be carried in various ways. If you have other Delsey suitcases, the Rempart’s modular design allows it to stack on top for easy carrying and storage. 

Dimensions: 13.75” x 10.25” x 21.75”

Weight: 6.7 lbs

Best Soft-Sided Carry-On Suitcase: Travelpro Maxlite 5

The best soft-sided carry-on suitcase is also one of the lightest weight options on our list. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 lives up to its name, weighing just 5.4 lbs. This model is the brand’s latest and is a full half-pound lighter than the previous iteration, the Travelpro Maxlite 5. 

The suitcase has a unique tapered design that helps prevent it from tipping over when upright (a common problem with soft-sided suitcases). It also has a solid bottom tray design that helps increase the bag’s durability. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 can expand to 2 inches to provide extra space when needed. The interior is lined with a waterproof protectant that helps keep the bag dry. 

This suitcase comes with Travelpro’s limited lifetime warranty, which will cover the cost of repairs if it’s damaged for one year after purchase. 

Dimensions: 23” x 14.5” x 9” 

Weight: 5.4 lbs

Best Luggage Trackers

Best Small Carry-On Suitcase: Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel Carry-On Luggage

We love the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel Carry-On because it’s deceptively spacious for its small size and light weight. It even expands slightly to give you a little bit of extra space when you need it. We’ve packed for week-long trips with just this bag and had no issues fitting everything in. Despite the diminutive size, this suitcase is packed with organizational features, like an exterior laptop sleeve and interior zippered pockets. 

Made from 100 percent recycled, water-resistant fabric, this carry-on-sized spinner bag is easy to wipe clean and great for rainy destinations. 

The Warrior is equipped with heavy-duty wheels that allow you to roll this bag over rough terrain—a perfect pick for navigating the cobblestone streets of Europe.

Dimensions: 21.65” x 14” x 10”

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

The Best Hardsided Carry-On Suitcase: Away The Carry-On

Away’s The Carry-On Suitcase has won many awards and is beloved by travelers, and for good reason—it’s smartly designed. The Carry-On is Away’s smallest suitcase and will fit in most overhead compartments and pass all but the strictest baggage sizers at the gate.

This durable carry-on suitcase is crafted from 100 percent polycarbonate for maximum impact resistance. It glides smoothly on premium 360-degree spinner wheels and features a telescoping trolley handle with two height settings for ergonomic maneuvering. The water-resistant shell safeguards your belongings, while convenient features like the TSA-approved lock, laundry bag, and color-matched luggage tag help streamline your packing routine. 

Thoughtfully designed, the suitcase maximizes storage with a double-buckle compression pad and extensive interior organization like three mesh pockets and a handy hanging pocket. Reverse coil zippers grant easy access to the wide opening, and an underside grab handle aids lifting. 

As a bonus, Away’s carry-on suitcase comes in a variety of beautiful colors, including glossy and matte options. 

Dimensions: 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″

Weight: 7.5 lbs

The Best Luxury Carry-On Suitcase: Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On

The Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On is an organized packer’s dream. The design of this suitcase keeps suits, shoes, clothes, and toiletries neatly separated and wrinkle-free. Convenient amenities like the built-in USB port and built-in TSA lock maximize functionality. 

This is a great suitcase choice for business travelers, as the interior features a removable garment sleeve and fiberglass rod that allows you to hang a suit or dress inside the case without getting crushed or wrinkled. 

The Continental Dual Access features Tumi’s signature smooth-rolling wheels and a 3-stage telescoping handle for easy maneuverability. Protective features like molded bumpers and side panels guard against impacts, while built-in tracers and TSA-approved locks keep valuables secured. With options for top, side, or bottom access via well-designed zippers, this suitcase optimizes packing efficiency for several days of travel. 

Dimensions: 22.0″ X 16.0″ X 9.0″

Weight: 11.1 lbs

The Best Carry-On Backpack: L.L. Bean Approach Travel Pack

A carry-on doesn’t have to be limited to a suitcase. For the ultimate in mobility, opt for a backpack as your carry-on. You won’t have to worry about climbing stairs or pulling a bag over rough sidewalks, and a backpack can fit under your seat on a full plane when necessary, avoiding the dreaded gate-check. 

Our favorite carry-on backpack is the L.L. Bean Approach Travel Pack . Use it on its own for a short trip, or combine it with a checked bag (put all the essentials in the backpack and carry it on the plane) for longer journeys.  

The Approach Travel Pack opens flat and can be packed like a suitcase, unlike a traditional backpack where you’ll have to shove everything in through the top and dig through the entire bag to find something buried at the bottom.

Dimensions: 20” x 12.5” x 10”

Weight: 3.3 lbs

5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024

How We Tested These Carry-Ons

These are the carry-on suitcases that the SmarterTravel team uses on their own trips. We’ve taken them on countless flights, train trips, road trips, and cruises to find out the pros and cons of each bag. 

When testing a carry-on, we consider the following factors:

• Size and weight
• Ease of transportation
• Organizational features

We’ve tested out numerous suitcases that didn’t make the cut, which helped us narrow the list to the best carry-ons worth investing in. 

What Size is a Carry-On Suitcase

The dimensions for a carry-on suitcase vary by airline and generally change depending on if it’s an international or domestic flight. For flights within the United States, the most common size limit for a carry-on suitcase is 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high. 

The international carry-on suitcase size limit is usually 21.7 inches by 15.7 inches wide by 9 inches high, but this will vary by airline.

Note that airline carry-on size limits include all aspects of the suitcase, including the handles and the wheels, so be sure to check the total dimensions of your bag and not just the interior measurements. If your suitcase meets the size limit but the wheels don’t, it will not pass the carry-on sizer test.

Always check with your airline for the correct carry-on size for your trip, as it can change by destination. 

Is There a Weight Limit for Carry-Ons?

There usually isn’t a weight limit for carry-ons on domestic flights within the United States (unless you’re flying on a very small plane). However, you must be able to lift the suitcase into the overhead bin without assistance.

International flights are generally stricter with weight limits and will weigh your carry-on bag when you check-in. These weight restrictions vary quite a bit by airline but generally range from 15 to 35 lbs. 

What Can’t You Pack in a Carry-On Suitcase?

Remember, carry-on suitcases are subject to stricter security restrictions than checked bags. You can’t pack these items in carry-on suitcases, but you can pack them in your checked luggage:

• Liquids or gels bigger than 3.4 ounces
• Sharp objects (including knives, hiking poles, and large scissors) 
• Certain sporting goods (such as baseball bats and hockey sticks)
• Self-defense items (including pepper spray and brass knuckles)
• Weapons (including firearms) 

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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9 great suitcases worth the checked-bag fee

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We're clearly going places now. But choosing which suitcase you're going to purchase for an upcoming trip remains no easy task.

Whether you're a road warrior who hasn't stopped moving or your luggage game could simply use an upgrade after the great pandemic pause, you'll want to make sure you do some research before sliding your credit card. And as eager as we all are to get back out there in the world, it's worth taking the time to read reviews and comparison shop before settling on your next suitcase.

Since this is a bag that will be stored under the plane and tossed on luggage carts, sturdiness is key. Your bag is going to be thrown around quite a bit, so you'll want to make sure it's up to the task.

You'll also want a suitcase with plenty of compartments and organizational components. You're likely packing for more than just a few days if you're checking a bag, so it's important that all your items can fit neatly inside.

But be sure to have some fun with this purchase, too! Your suitcase is an expression of your personality, so you'll want to get one that you feel matches your travel style and goals (luckily, there's a color and style for that).

Related: What your luggage brand says about you

Before you finalize your order though, do yourself a favor and check out our guides to airline shopping portals as well as the best credit cards for online shopping . That way, the gear you're buying for your next trip is helping you actually get there, too.

Our favorite suitcases right now:

Arlo skye the frame check-in, monos check-in large, delsey paris, clavel collection, 30" spinner, travelpro platinum elite 25" expandable spinner, briggs & riley sympatico large expandable spinner, samsonite winfield 2 hardside luggage, rimowa original check-in, nomatic check-in, away the large.

Why we love it: Arlo Skye was founded by Tumi and Louis Vuitton alums, so you know it's going to be good. It's sleek and stylish, complete with an aluminum frame and an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell. Our favorite feature, though, might be the two TSA-approved clasp locks that keep your belongings safe and secure, all without a zipper. Just be sure to remember your combination.

The details: 26.6 inches by 17.7 inches by 11.0 inches and weighs 10.5 pounds

Pricing: Arlo Skye bags are only available on their website — The Frame Check-in sells for $495.

Related: Luggage review: Arlo Skye The Check-In

Why we love it: Not only does the Monos Check-In Large come in ten different colors and patterns, but it has plenty of room to pack every essential for the whole family and has an ultra-sturdy telescopic handle that makes it a cinch to push and pull. It's so tough to decide which is or favorite feature, but it might just be that ergonomically designed handle and those whisper-quiet wheels that make you feel like you're on a catwalk in the airport. Monos is also the only Certified Neutral travel brand, so you can feel like you're doing a good travel deed, too, purchasing one of these babies.

The details: Mono's largest suitcase measures 30 inches by 21 inches by 11 inches, and weighs only 10.58 pounds

Pricing: Monos luggage is only available on the Monos website, and the Check-In Large starts at $367 (on sale now for a limited time for $330). Get 15 percent off luggage essentials like packing cubes and a protective luggage cover with every suitcase purchase.

Why we love it: DELSEY PARIS' CLAVEL collection is the lightest and brightest assortment of luggage the brand has touted yet. The company pioneered the use of polypropylene in luggage manufacturing — a material known for its resilience to heat, wear and tear. And the CLAVEL collection keeps things ultra-airy and spacious, with nine color options, too, and three sizes to choose from (we say go large). Unique features include the patented zip SECURITECH® technology that's far more durable than a conventional zipper and the bag's expandable main compartment that allows for maximum packing flexibility. We love the two separate packing compartments with tie-down straps, shoe pockets and a mesh divider to keep all your belongings in place while on the move.

The details: The CLAVEL collection 30" spinner measures 32.5 inches by 21.5 inches by 31.25 inches and weighs just 9.8 pounds.

Why we love it: Travelpro bags are beloved by road warriors near and far — seriously, just ask the next flight attendant you see. Travelpro makes a number of different designs, but we have a soft spot for the Platinum Elite (and not only because of its lifetime warranty against airline damage and fun color options like Bordeaux and Coastal Blue). The eight self-aligning spinner wheels roll like butter and you can easily pack two weeks' worth of wardrobe essentials and then some inside.

The details: The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25" Expandable Spinner measures 25 inches by 18 inches by 11.25 inches, and weighs 9.8 pounds, extra light considering all you can cram inside.

Why we love it: Part of the sleek, resilient, tech-friendly Sympatico collection, the Large Expandable Spinner is the bag for the traveler who can't bear to leave anything behind. The Makrolon® polycarbonate case is extremely durable, built to protect contents and stay scratch-and-scuff-free. The brand's innovative CX® compression-expansion system allows you to expand the bag for 25 percent more space — and then compress it back down to its original size. Additionally, Briggs & Riley's simple as that® guarantee means if the bag is ever broken or damaged, the company repairs it free of charge (no proof of purchase needed, no questions asked).

The details: The Sympatico Large Expandable Spinner measures 30 inches by 20 inches by 12 inches and weighs 13.5 pounds.

Why we love it: We have a feeling you're going to love this bag so much, you might feel a twinge of guilt after you leave it with the check-in agent. This four-wheeled spinner has a polycarbonate shell that makes it extremely durable. It also expands as needed, if you just have to stuff that extra sweater or pair of shoes in. If that's the case, the full-zip interior divider and organization pockets will really come in handy. The bag comes with a limited 10-year warranty and is available in a slew of shiny colors that include charcoal, deep blue, orange, purple, arctic pink and brushed carbon color, among others.

The details: 31 inches by 20 inches by 12.75 inches, and weighs just over 11 pounds.

Why we love it: This list wouldn't be complete without a mention of Rimowa. It's a cult favorite for a reason — well, a few reasons. Its design is iconic, yes, but this four-wheeled suitcase is also designed to withstand trip after trip. There's no zipper on this bag, either; just two TSA-approved locks to keep your belongings in check, as well as a height-adjustable flex-divider inside. If you do encounter bumps in the road, though, you're entitled to a five-year guarantee as well as hotel repairs at participating properties around the world (yes, really).

The details: 26 inches by 17.8 inches by 9.5 inches and just shy of 12 pounds.

Pricing: Such accolades don't come cheap. Expect to drop $1,270 to put one of these in your travel closet.

Related: Your guide to the Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit

Why we love it: This isn't your standard check-in bag. This four-wheeled suitcase uses a magnetic compression system and full-perimeter expansion to keep your items secured and extremely organized. It has silent Hinomoto wheels, TSA-locking YKK zippers and a sleek, yet unusual design. It's virtually indestructible, too — just see what happens when you throw something at it. Go on, try it out.

The details: The Nomatic Check-in bag measures 29 inches by 18.5 inches by 9 inches, and weighs 12.3 pounds, making it one of the heavier suitcases on the list.

Related: Say goodbye to checked bag fees with our 7 favorite travel backpacks

Why we love it: You just can't go wrong with an Away bag . It's designed with frequent travelers in mind — with two compartments to house clothes and harder belongings, like shoes — and can withstand even your most rigorous trips, with its sturdy polycarbonate shell. As an added bonus, if you also have one of Away's carry-on suitcases, you can easily stow it inside the suitcase when you're not traveling, freeing up some storage space at home. Away bags also come in every possible color you could dream up — everything from classic black and white to light pink, brick red and deep hunter green. There are also a handful of limited edition colors and schemes, like the retro ski "Chalet" collection and an asphalt-colored suitcase with a mint-green zipper created in collaboration with the American Express® Green Card. Get them while you can. (These may no longer be available so be sure to check the Away site).

The details: Away's largest suitcase measures 29 inches by 20.5 inches by 12.5 inches and weighs 11.6 pounds.

Pricing: You can only buy Away's bags online , and The Large sells for $375.

The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Keep calm and carry on: Our 13 favorite travel carry-ons

Frequently Asked Questions

How to select the best checked luggage.

Since your checked luggage will likely get thrown around and banged up quite a bit, durability is key here. You'll want to make sure it's large enough to hold all of your belongings but not too large that you can't comfortably wheel it around the airport with you.

You'll also want to choose a suitcase that fits your travel style. If you're planning on more adventurous, rugged trips, you might be better off with a duffel. If you're staying in a luxury hotel with white-glove service, you won't mind leaving your luxury suitcase with a bellhop.

As you've seen here, suitcases can vary greatly in price. Keep in mind your budget as well as your personal style to find your perfect match.

Benefits of traveling with a checked bag

While many people love traveling with carry-ons due to their efficiency and ease, there's something to be said for checked bags, too.

They really come in handy for longer trips, especially ones where you're traveling for an extended period of time or require clothes and accessories for more than one type of trip. Checked bags allow you more flexibility, and not just in terms of the clothing you pack — you won't have to abide by TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule , either.

But many airlines will charge you for checking a bag , so be sure to keep that in mind. Arm yourself with one of these credit cards to help avoid paying pesky fees for your suitcase.

Additional reporting by Terry Ward.

The 7 Best Rolling Suitcases, According to Our Hands-On Experience

Our top luggage picks for every traveler—and every budget.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

If it’s been a minute since the last time you replaced your luggage, consider the importance of having a reliable suitcase on your journey. You don’t want to be the person with the duck-taped spinner on the baggage carousel. That’s no way to kick off a vacation. Plus, performance and design innovations tend to improve with time, so you may be missing out on luggage that’s lighter weight and easier to pack than whatever you have stored in your closet.

As a former travel editor, I’ve tried quite a few rolling suitcases—and I tried several more just for this piece. Read on for our picks for the best rolling suitcases on the market, spanning a range of price points, plus advice on what look for while you shop.

The Best Rolling Suitcases

• Best Overall : Away The Carry-On
• Best Value: Monos Carry-On Pro
• Best Budget: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage
• Best Customizable : Roam Carry-On Front Pocket
• Best Sustainably Made : Paravel The Aviator

How We Selected

I have more than a decade of professional experience geeking out over luggage (to a degree that most people would find obsessive and exhausting). As a senior editor on Popular Mechanics ’ product reviews team, I still keep tabs on brands that are new to the marketplace, watching for new innovations in design and moves toward incorporating sustainable materials.

Our selection includes hardside and softside carry-on and checked rolling suitcases, from sub-$200 weekenders to luxury bags that cost well over $1,000. We got our hands on the majority of luggage we feature below, and vetted the others for high-quality materials and construction. To compare each, we considered wheel performance, handle sturdiness, and organizational design, along with overall aesthetics and nice-to-have extras like luggage tags and laundry bags.

Away The Carry-On Rolling Suitcase

Away’s original Carry-On, which dropped back in 2016, continues to be one of the brand’s bestsellers, and we totally get why. Of all the bags we got our hands on, this one went above and beyond for performance and attention to detail.

To my mind, the most important feature on any rolling suitcase is, in order, the wheels and the trolley handle—and Away’s Carry-On nails both. Travel can be tiring and stressful enough without a full-on workout to get your luggage from terminal to gate. That’s why it’s essential to have one that drives like a dream.

The bag didn’t get stuck on carpeting or pavement and kept up with me while I darted through crowds (one of my superpowers). I appreciated the grippy trolley handle versus the hard plastic on most others, and the TSA-approved combination lock was nice to have on top rather than along the side.

In terms of aesthetics, things like the wide-stitch leather trim and bonus leather luggage tag add considerable polish, which is appreciated at this price point.

Away’s latest update to its rolling suitcase line includes a recessed underside handle that helps you lift the bag onto a luggage stand or hoist it up into the overhead. Simple, but genius.

The interior also got a refresh, with three mesh pockets integrated in its compression system. Good functionality, but looks-wise, it doesn’t break the mold.

Still, all in all, it’s tough to find serious fault with this rolling suitcase. Away set the standard with a 100-night trial and a limited lifetime guarantee, which most newer luggage brands have since adopted. Whether you want to spend $315, especially when some of the competition offers a close second for considerably less, is your preference.

Monos Carry-On Pro Rolling Suitcase

Monos is a relative newcomer to the luggage and lifestyle travel space. Just five years in, the Vancouver-based brand has managed to turn out a collection of carry-on and checked bags that look great and offer fantastic value.

The Carry-On goes head-to-head with Away’s Carry-On on all the most important points—and costs $255 versus Away’s $315. The rolling suitcase’s high-performance spinner wheels and sturdy trolley handle are equally impressive.

And while it may not have an exterior with high-end details, Monos one-ups its main competitor on the interior, which looks more luxe and has a superior compression system. Extras thrown in include two shoe bags in addition to a laundry bag and vegan leather luggage tag.

The piece I tested is the Carry-On Pro, which adds an incredibly well-designed front laptop compartment, but is otherwise the same as the standard Carry-On, minus a few inches of interior packing space. I highly recommend it if you want an awesome rolling suitcase for work trips.

Along with everything that wowed me about the Monos luggage, I really appreciated that it came inside a canvas drawstring dust bag and shipped in a box with a handle. Those kind of thoughtful details go a long way when you’re dropping a couple hundred bucks.

Interior of the Monos Carry-On Pro

Roam Carry-On Front Pocket

Roam is the brainchild of two Tumi alums who saw potential in the marketplace for high-end, customizable luggage—and boy, is it fun to go down a rabbit hole using the brand’s online design tool.

You can choose color options for the front, back, and trim, as well as the wheels, handle, and even the binding. And, if the choices are too overwhelming, you can always leave it to the experts and go for one in the gallery. Because committing caused me more anxiety than I’d like to admit, I roped in a co-worker to design it for me (and it came out great!).

The spinner wheels performed admirably and I didn’t have any complaints about the trolley handle’s sturdiness. Also, all of Roam’s bags come with a lifetime limited warranty and a 100-day trial.

For a rolling suitcase at this price, I expected more for the interior, which was perfectly functional but lacked the next-level design of other carry-ons that cost much less.

Personally, I can’t travel without a laptop for more than a day or two, so I tested the Carry-On front pocket, which has a well-padded compartment but isn’t on par with the Monos.

If you want a rolling suitcase that offers solid performance and tons of color combo options, I highly recommend the Roam—but expect to pay much more for the privilege of owning a personally designed piece of luggage.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage 24-Inch

For less than $200, this medium checked hardside rolling suitcase is great choice—and it comes with Samsonite’s 10-year limited warranty.

The polycarbonate clamshell expandable bag has an eye-catching design and features spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and two interior packing compartments with zippered mesh dividers. There’s also a handy top handle, which makes it easy to grab off the luggage carousel.

Laptop compartments for Roam (left) and Monos (right).

Paravel The Aviator

Paravel was founded in 2016 and distinguishes itself from the pack as a sustainable, socially responsible travel brand that designs attractive, eco-friendly luggage and accessories.

The Aviator accompanied me on a weeklong trip to New Jersey. But soon after boarding the train, I decided it’s the perfect bag to take if I’m ever lucky enough to go back to St. Barth. The rolling suitcase is stunning—particularly in cream with camel vegan leather trim—and the interior’s design impressed me more than any piece luggage I’ve ever had the pleasure of packing.

Yet despite its lovely attributes, it didn’t perform nearly as well as the competition, particularly for city travel. The wheels were challenged by the commercial carpeting in my hallway and rough sidewalk pavement. It didn’t take curbs very well and the trolley handle wiggled from side-to-side.

It’s worth noting that on my flip trip back to New York, I saw a woman on the train platform with the Aviator and flagged her down to ask what she thought of it. She said she loved it overall, but also felt that the trolley handle wasn’t the sturdiest.

Still, for anyone seeking a high-style rolling suitcase that’s sustainably made, there’s no competition.

Interior of the Paravel Aviator.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Rolling Suitcase

At only 5.4 pounds, this 22-inch softside rolling suitcase is ultra-lightweight—and it’s from Travelpro, a go-to for inexpensive, well-made luggage.

It’s made of stain- and water-resistant polyester and tapered on the top to prevent tipping, with a telescoping handle that locks at two heights.

The main compartment has a zippered mesh top and adjustable hold-down straps on the opposite side, plus a zippered modesty pocket for small items like keys and chargers. There are also two large exterior compartments, plus it expands up to 2 inches—handy for the trip home if you went on a shopping spree. It comes in eight colors, though they're somewhat muted.

The only caveat is that the suitcase doesn’t have spinner wheels, which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Rimowa Original Cabin Rolling Suitcase

If dropping well over a grand on a piece of luggage is no biggie, Rimowa’s iconic aluminum Original Cabin rolling suitcase is worth considering.

Of all its high-end the ultimate jet-setter status bag boasts, my favorite has nothing to do with style. Its spinner-wheel braking system—a feature you would think midrange brands would prioritize figuring out—is practically worth the price tag. No matter how mindful I am of keeping my spinner next to me, it inevitably rolls away every time I travel.

The interior of Rimowa’s signature bag may not seem like much at first glance. But despite the lack of pockets to catch small items, its compression system is a godsend for over-packers—which is a good thing, because the bag closes with two locks rather than a somewhat forgiving zipper.

I’d be remiss not to point out that while the rolling suitcase’s name implies that it fits in the cabin, it’s almost two inches wider than standard domestic carrier dimensions. Chances are, anyone with funds to own a Rimowa won’t consider that an important detail—especially if the cabin is in a private jet.

What to Consider When Buying a Rolling Suitcase

Size and weight.

Carry-on and checked bag size and weight allowances vary widely among domestic and international airlines. As such, we highly recommend consulting your carrier’s website for specs before booking your ticket.

That said, standard carry-on dimensions for most domestic airlines are 22 by 14 by 9 inches (or 45 linear inches, measured diagonally across the suitcase), including wheels. Some international carriers cap carry-on height at 21 inches, so you may want to choose a smaller rolling suitcase if you frequently travel abroad.

Most domestic airlines don’t have weight restrictions for carry-ons, while most international carriers do. Checked bag requirements—and fees attached—are all over the map for both domestic and international carriers.

Keep in mind that baggage allowances may depend on fare class. A basic economy ticket on United or JetBlue, for example, doesn’t include a free carry-on—just a personal item.

Hardside or Softside?

The next decision to make is whether you want a hardside or a softside bag. Polycarbonate is typically used for hardside luggage (also referred to as hard-case or hardshell, depending on the brand) whereas softside rolling suitcases are often made of ballistic nylon—there are pros and cons of each.

Hardside suitcases are generally more durable, but lack outer pockets and scratch easily. Softside luggage isn’t as durable as edges can fray over time, but often includes several outer pockets so you can grab what you need while on the go. A few brands—like Monos and Roam—have hardside suitcases with padded front laptop compartments. You’ll find expandable models for both hardside and softside bags.

Spinner or Fixed Wheels?

Next up: do you want a bag with four spinner wheels or two traditional fixed wheels? Spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, which makes it easy to roll your bag alongside you rather than dragging it behind you all the time.

The downside is that spinners aren’t as compact fixed wheels and the majority of spinner bags don’t have a brake system, which may mean your suitcase rolls away on surfaces with an incline.

Finally, you should absolutely factor in the warranty when buying any suitcase. Some brands also offer a 100-day trial period with a money-back guarantee and a lifetime limited warranty. A 10-year limited warranty is solid. We avoided featuring brands or specific models with five-year warranties or less, since luggage can be quite an investment.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics , where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. 

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The best check-in suitcases for your next getaway, tried and tested

Lighten the load with these tried-and-tested travel heroes from antler, samsonite and more, article bookmarked.

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Need some new luggage for your travels ? We’ve rounded up the best suitcases with clever features that will enable you to pack pretty much everything except the kitchen sink.

With a growing number of airlines imposing increasingly strict regulations when it comes to luggage , the good news is suitcase brands are here to help, with some ingenious designs and features.

For every traveller who wants to test the limits of their luggage allowance, there are others who have mastered the art of packing light and simply want a practical suitcase without any bells and whistles, so, we’ve included a range of different options in our line-up. If you’re a fan of the aforementioned bells and whistles, you won’t be disappointed, either.

There are (slightly) fewer restrictions relating to checked baggage than there are to cabin bags , but bear in mind budget airlines in the UK will almost always charge to check in your suitcase. Easyjet, for example, charges a minimum of £6.99 for a suitcase weighing up to 15kg (the price depends on the flight booked), while Ryanair charges between £11.99 and £29.99 for a checked bag weighing up to 10kg.

Larger airlines are generally less restrictive. The allowance for economy passengers flying with British Airways is one item with a maximum weight of 23kg, while Singapore Airlines’ allowances are famously generous – even if you’re travelling on lite (the cheapest category) you’ll be allowed a suitcase with a weight of up to 25kg.

Whichever airline you’re travelling with, keep reading to discover the best suitcases for your trip.

Best cabin bags for travel in 2024, from small suitcases to overnight backpacks

16 best travel backpacks, tried and tested during hiking holidays and city breaks

14 best packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised when travelling in 2024

12 best weekend bags that are stylish yet practical

How we tested the best suitcases

Our tester is a travel writer, so, they had plenty of opportunities to put a wide range of suitcases through their paces, paying particular attention to the elements that are often the first to fail. Extra points were awarded to suitcases with additional reinforcement around the wheels, as this can be the first area to suffer damage as bags are chucked from trolleys to carousels.

As well as taking the suitcases on various trips, our tester spent hours playing around with different features, road-testing everything from compression panels to expansion zips. Long story short, you can rest assured these suitcases are the very best – which means all you need to worry about is enjoying your holiday.

The best suitcases for 2024 are:

• Best suitcase overall – Antler soft stripe cabin suitcase: £170, Antler.co.uk
• Best budget suitcase – Tripp new world ice blue cabin suitcase: £39.50, Amazon.co.uk
• Best lightweight suitcase – Samsonite C-LITE spinner: £389, Samsonite.co.uk
• Best check-in suitcase – Carl Friedrik the check in: £495, Carlfriedrik.com
• Best suitcase for kids – Micro Scooter suitcase and light-up wheels: £109.95, Micro-scooters.co.uk

Antler soft stripe cabin suitcase

• Best : Suitcase overall
• Size : 55cm x 35cm x 20cm
• Weight : 1.9kg
• Plenty of room
• Great internal design

This suitcase does it all – it’s got a low weight but still has the added extras that are often skipped by brands trying to create feather-light luggage. There’s a large padded pocket on the front, surprisingly sturdy wheels and thick fabric (bonus points for the use of recycled polyester), which feels as though it can easily survive its fair share of knocks and scrapes.

Inside, there’s just one main compartment, which has cross straps to keep contents in place. Although, a much thinner pocket has been built in to the suitcase’s lid – a zippered mesh cover makes this ideal for documents. We loved how this pocket was accessible from the exterior, too. Meanwhile, the small flap-style pocket on the inside of the main compartment was perfect for smaller items such as keys.

Tripp new world ice blue cabin suitcase

• Best : Budget suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 37cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Gets the basics right

Tripp’s cheap and cheerful suitcases do what they say on the tin – they come in a range of sizes, have a simple design that makes access easy, and (most importantly) they cost next to nothing. This isn’t the most hi-tech suitcase (although, we were grateful to see the Transportation Security Administration-approved locks) but the lack of bells and whistles – there’s just one handle, for example – is partly what helps keep the weight down, and this is a brand that gets the basics spot-on. The telescopic handle, for example, slides out incredibly smoothly. This particular case has a clamshell opening with a mesh zippered cover on one side and X-shaped compression straps on the other – more than enough to keep all our essentials in order.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 expandable large case

• Best : Hard-sided suitcase
• Size : 75cm x 32cm x 51cm
• Weight : 6.8kg
• Lightweight

We’re constantly flabbergasted by brands that churn out cases that come with sky-high price tags but are basic at best. Victorinox’s offering might be one of the pricier cases (although, trust us, it’s by no means the most expensive) but it’s worth every single penny.

There’s nothing we don’t love about this suitcase’s wonderfully innovative design, whether it’s the lightweight material (something known as sorplas – a recycled polycarbonate), the extendable luggage tag with a built-in pen and SIM card tool, or the way in which the expansion zips are clearly marked as such, which meant no more fumbling around with the wrong zip.

Like a growing number of suitcases, it’s expandable (in this case, by a supersized 20 per cent) but what sets this one apart is the side straps, which help maintain the case’s rigidity when expanded. Oh, and did we mention the raised Victorinox logo on the side contains a hidden pair of tweezers?

Aerolite large lightweight hard shell luggage suitcase

• Best : Supersized suitcase
• Size : 79 x 58 x 31cm
• Weight : 4.85kg
• It’s supersized

Aerolite is an appropriate name for this brand – its suitcases are surprisingly light and incredibly manoeuvrable. The ease with which the handle slides in and out makes wrestling it onto luggage belts a breeze, and the top handle’s slimline profile means it’s easy to hook backpacks over it, minimising the risk of back ache.

There’s no TSA-approved lock although we’re perfectly happy with the alternative – a three-digital combination lock which secures the zips together (at this point we’ll flag that we’ve never had our luggage searched by the TSA, which is why we’re firm believers that TSA-approved locks aren’t the be all and end all).

Samsonite C-LITE spinner

• Best : Lightweight suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
• Weight : 2.1kg
• Tough and flexible material

This four-wheeled spinner suitcase is incredibly light, thanks to the use of woven polypropylene, which is tough but flexible – as we’re prone to cramming more than we should into our suitcases, we appreciated the extra give. Plus, when expanded, there’s an additional 3cm of space. We also loved the design of the interior – one side has a zippered opaque cover, while the other has elasticated straps. These (like many similar straps) form the shape of a cross, but we loved the buckle-free catch – the straps simply hook around a central plastic disc.

We made full use of the internal power bank pocket, too. All too often, the lightest suitcases are the sparsest, but Samsonite has proved that reducing weight doesn’t have to mean skimping on essentials.

Kipling spontaneous S

• Best : Suitcase for easy storage
• Size : 33cm x 53cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.8kg
• Plenty of pockets

This might not be the lightest of cabin suitcases but it feels reassuringly sturdy (the main materials are recycled polyamide and polyester) and it has plenty of pockets – we found the large padded one on the interior of the case’s lid particularly suitable for electronics and documents.

On the inside, there are two similarly sized compartments – one covered by compression straps while the other is open-access. The smaller cases in the range are designed to fit inside the largest ones, minimising the amount of space they take up when not in use.

Katie Loxton Oxford cabin case

• Best : For seriously sophisticated travellers
• Size : 53cm x 39cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.23kg
• Sophisticated design

There’s a reassuring sturdiness to this vegan-leather suitcase (particularly its sidewalls), which can be personalised – either with a personalised luggage tag or with embroidered initials on the exterior. There’s not an abundance of features but everything feels top quality – even the extendable handle, which has plenty of cushioning, making it a joy to grip.

The suitcase, which is made with animal-friendly PU (polyurethane leather) comprises one main compartment, while the brand’s top-quality approach extends to the X-shaped compression straps – the ones on this particular suitcase have a wonderful stretchiness, which kept our items in place while making the most of the space available.

Carl Friedrik the check in

• Best : Check-in suitcase
• Size : 65cm x 44.5cm x 27cm
• Weight : 4.5kg
• Ultra-smooth spinner wheels
• Two TSA-approved locks

For a check-in suitcase, we found this surprisingly portable, thanks to smooth-rolling wheels paired with top and side handles, which made it easy to heave on and off luggage belts. Everything about this case feels top-quality, whether it’s the ultra-soft leather handles or the presence of not one but two TSA-approved locks.

The killer combo of lightweight aluminium and polycarbonate made this a breeze to roll across a particularly crowded Heathrow airport (with minimum noise, thanks to the ultra-silent wheels designed by Japanese brand Hinomoto). On the inside, both sides of the case have compression straps – one side has a zippered cover, too. One aspect that sets this case apart is the lack of zips – it seals shut using two lockable clamps, which feel incredibly secure.

HB personalised suitcase

• Best : Personalised suitcase
• Size : 56cm x 36cm x 23cm
• Weight : 3.4kg
• Great range of designs

There’s a reason the UK’s most popular influencers are regularly spotted wheeling this suitcase through airports. This is thanks to the personalisation options and the range of designs – there are dozens to choose from, spanning everything from on-trend marbleised styles to images of hearts, rainbows and florals. We opted for a small cabin bag with a blue camouflage design bearing our initials in black, and we loved the result.

The range of sizes is also impressive – choose from business (the smallest), kids’ size (slightly larger), small, medium or large. The bag came with all the essentials, including a TSA-approved lock, a two-stage extendable handle and an easily accessible side handle. Studs on the side allowed us to rest it on the ground without worrying about unintentional damage, and there’s extra reinforcement around the wheels, too.

Marks and Spencer Oslo 4 wheel hard shell large suitcase

• Best : Large suitcase
• Size : 77cm x 50cm x 27.5cm
• Weight : 3.8kg
• Reinforced zip
• Plenty of pockets on interior dividers

Trust Marks and Spencer to come through with a sturdy, lightweight suitcase that doesn’t disappoint. This suitcase isn’t about extra bells and whistles, it’s about simply doing everything well, whether it’s the tactile top and side handles, the ultra-smooth three-stage extendable handle or raised side studs that offer protection when the case is placed on the ground.

The interior is designed with easy organisation in mind – one half is covered with a zippered panel with a built-in pocket, while the other side has a mesh panel with two built-in pockets. We appreciated the reassurance provided by the reinforced exterior zip, too – who isn’t prone to a bit of overpacking, after all?

IT Luggage legion extra large

• Size : 85cm x 61cm x 34cm
• Weight : 5.76kg
• Relatively low price tag

This suitcase means business – upon clapping eyes on this, a friend’s first comment was: “It looks large enough to fit a human.” What’s more, its exterior has clearly been designed to cope with the full-capacity weight of this bag – side and top handles make lugging it onto luggage belts a breeze, and we were able to minimise the risk of bumps and scrapes by resting it on the four raised points on one side of the case.

Inside, it’s relatively simple – one half has a zippered mesh cover with three built-in pockets, while the other features cross straps. For seasoned over-packers, this colossus is a dream come true.

Marvel wavebreaker, 67cm

• Best : Suitcase for teens
• Size : 67cm x 47cm x 26cm
• Weight : 3.6kg
• Spiderman theme on interior and exterior

Yes, we’ve described this as being a brilliant suitcase for teens (which it is) but it’s also perfectly suited to grown-up Marvel fans. Spidey doesn’t just adorn the outside of this case – we love the way the interior lining is covered with various Marvel-related images, although a special shout-out has to go to the fabulous zipper pull on the interior cover – it’s in the shape of Spiderman’s head.

The interior is simple but well-designed – one half has an opaque cover, while the other has X-shaped compression straps. A TSA-approved lock and premium spinner wheels ramp up the quality, and the use of ABS (a type of plastic) keeps the weight low.

The verdict: Suitcases

Antler’s roomy soft stripe cabin suitcase was rugged, spacious and tactile, while Tripp’s suitcase is proof that you don’t need to offload all your cash (which, let’s face it, is better spent on holidays) on a decent suitcase. Finally, most people don’t even know that Victorinox do suitcases, but this legendary brand’s top quality, fantastically innovative offering is proof that its expertise applies to much, much more than Swiss army knives.

Now your suitcase is sorted, our guide to the best packing cubes will help keep your belongings organised

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Best suitcase 2024: quality luggage, bags and rolling models for your next trip

Pack everything, including the kitchen sink, with the best suitcase and luggage at your disposal

• 1. Best small suitcases (up to 56cm)
• 2. Best medium suitcases (57-71cm)
• 3. Best large suitcases (over 72cm)
• 4. Best children's suitcases
• Things to consider
• How we test

The best suitcases make packing, travelling and moving them around with you much easier and pain-free. But while it's easy to grab the nearest one to you at the shop or the first one you see online, it all comes down to what you need your suitcase for.

Are you heading off on holiday? A city break? A business trip? Are you off on a round-the-world adventure? Whatever you're about to embark on, you'll need to have the right luggage to take your stuff in... and luckily, T3 are here to help.

We've rounded up the best suitcases and luggage, from duffel cases so big you could almost sleep in them, to carry-on cases for those times when you need to get on and off the plane as fast as possible. To help you make the big decisions, this guide has plenty of advice and top picks for the best suitcases in 2024.

If you're travelling with a child, read our guide on the best travel stroller for hassle-free holidays, and if you're interested in more types of luggage, check out our guides to the best carry-on luggage , the best travel bags , and the best backpacks .

Beth is Home Editor for T3, covering style, living and wellness. Always off on a weekend away, Beth is often seen dragging a suitcase behind her, so she's well versed in the ones that fit the most clothes and the ones that roll the smoothest.

The top three

Best small suitcase

For the best small suitcase you can buy, you need to check out the Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case. It's petite, lightweight, and great for frequent flyers.

Best medium suitcase

If you need a medium-sized suitcase (over 55cm), then our favourite is the Antler Clifton. It's stylish, durable and fits easily onto flights, trains and other modes of transportation.

Best large suitcase

Sometimes the biggest suitcase is the only answer, and our top pick is the American Tourister Soundbox Suitcase (77cm). It's big, lightweight and surprisingly affordable for a big case.

The best small suitcases

1. Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you’re a frequent flyer, whether it is for business or pleasure, you need to have a Samsonite. You'll be super impressed by the space inside, and it's certainly built to be durable (so is worth the money). What's most impressive is how lightweight this cabin case is. The 4 smooth spinning wheels make it really easy to get around the airport with no fuss. 

It also has a TSA lock which is perfect for those who travel to the states, and the hard casing means you’ll have peace of mind if you’re ever asked to put your bag in the hold. A highly recommended choice for anyone who travels on a regular basis. 

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Tumi V3 International 56cm Expandable Carry-on

Available in either Black or Pacific Blue, the Tumi V3 International Slim is the perfect carry-on case for a short trip away. It comes with four double wheels for stability, a telescopic aluminium handle and is lightweight at just 2.9kg. It’s also made from tough polycarbonate so should be able to clock up as many air miles as you do.

The Tumi V3 International Slim contains three zipped compartments for safely stowing all your belongings, as well as straps for keeping clothes in place. The case is secured with a zip fastening too, with TSA-compatible combination locks for security.

Unfortunately, the Tumi V3 International Slim isn’t perfect — there’s no side handle to help make it easier to stow in an overhead locker. That glossy polycarbonate shell also looks prone to scratching. And then there’s the price: it feels like a lot of money for a case like this. Rivals offer similar features for less.

3. Antler Juno 56cm Cabin Suitcase

This compact hard shell case from British company, Antler, has been designed to be both lightweight and cabin-friendly, weighing in at 2.5kg (empty, obviously) and measuring 56 x 35.5 x 23cm. This means you can board on 27 different airlines and stow the bag in an overhead locker or under your seat — making it ideal for quick getaways at the airport or short stays away.

Although it’s compact and lightweight, the Antler Juro 56cm comes with four bottom-mounted wheels and a telescopic handle for easy manoeuvrability. It also comes with 3-digit combi lock which is TSA ready for when you travel to the States.

The Antler Juro 56cm should stand out on the baggage carousel thanks to its unique ridged design. Best of all, it comes with a generous 10 year guarantee. 

4. Aerolite 55cm Hard Shell Cabin Luggage

This case from Aerolite is extremely light, and extremely affordable, two things we think are very important. It features four robust wheels and a double-tube retractable trolley grip handle, which make it simple to glide around the airport in any direction. It all feels very well made, despite its affordable price.

The outer casing is made from durable but lightweight anti-scratch ABS hard shell plastic to protect against the rigours of travelling, with chunky zippers on the main body. The interior features packing straps and an internal zipped divider with elasticated pockets (perfect for shoes), to keep the contents in place during transit.

The case includes a free three-digit combination barrel padlock for extra security, plus a five year guarantee for ultimate peace of mind.

This suitcase fits exactly to the maximum possible allowance for Ryanair (one of Europe’s most of the UK’s most popular airlines with the strictest ), as well as fitting within the maximum restrictions for Easyjet, and British Airways, etc.

5. Samsonite Flux Spinner Hand Luggage 55cm

We love Samsonite's entry-level 'Flux' carry-on suitcase, it combines the brand's expert material knowledge with a secure and flexible double zipper closure. Flux was the very first Samsonite hard-side range offering (hidden) expandability on all sizes, assuring even greater packing volume in times of extra packing needs.

Its cutting edge design gives a new blast of boldness, with every detail sculptured into the perfect travel companion to ensure maximum practicality. This collection was designed to make travel easier thanks to its smooth rolling double wheels, double tube wheel handle and fully lined practical interior to arrange your belongings.

The best medium suitcases

1. Antler Clifton

Our expert review:

Because of the durable materials and contemporary design, we think the Antler Clifton the best suitcase on the market. Clifton is made of Makrolon polycarbonate, one of the toughest materials out there, with built in flex to respond to deal with a the roughest of baggage handlers.

Despite its strong, durable design, the Medium-sized case weighs just 3.9kg, meaning it's light on its feet, and this state-of-the-art case technology is combined with a great deal of attention to detail, giving the Clifton collection a distinctive, Instagram-worthy aesthetic. 

That curvy design isn't just for looks, however, because with an expanded capacity of 83L, it's incredibly practical as well, with plenty of space for a fortnight's worth of travelling.

The interior is a winner too, being fully lined with soft-touch premium fabric and a number of useful features to keep your belongings organised. Read our full Antler Clifton Cabin Pocket hard-shell suitcase review for more.

2. Samsonite Lite-Box 69cm Aluminium

The winner of the T3 Award in 2019 for Best Suitcase, the Samsonite Lite-Box impressed judges with its ability to evoke the feeling of business class travel, even if you're cramped up in economy. 

Much of what makes the Samsonite Lite-Box the best suitcase is to do with the materials and contemporary design employed here. Lite-Box is among the lightest and sturdiest suitcases in its class, with the polycarbonate model weighing just 2.7kg and the aluminium model weighing in at 5.9kg.

This state-of-the-art case technology is combined with a great deal of attention to detail, giving the Lite-Box collection a distinctive, business-like aesthetic. That boxy design isn't just for looks, however, because with a capacity of 71L, it's incredibly practical as well, with plenty of space for a week's worth of travelling.

3. Samsonite Tunes 69cm Suitcase

Looking for a durable and lightweight suitcase? This Samsonite luggage constructed from 100% Makrolon polycarbonate, it combines  lightness, strength and reliability – ticking all the boxes for starting your travels right.

In order to meet the needs of the frequent traveller, the Tunes interior is fully lined and comes with two zipped divider pads. The distinct design is finished in a high-end matte finish with refined silver accents. The fresh modern lining emphasises the balanced yet distinct overall design.

The multi-directional 4 wheels and push-button telescopic handle offer smooth gliding through airports and city streets, and the case is fitted with a TSA padlock to allow US airport customs to check your luggage without damaging it.

4. American Tourister Soundbox 67cm

American Tourister is long-established luggage brand whose products come across like a younger, funkier Samsonite, offering a range of stylish suitcases at very affordable prices. You want a Star Wars or Minnie Mouse case? Then American Tourister will heed the call. 

This 67cm case, though, is fairly typical. Winner of a Red Dot design award, it’s a hard shell spinner case that nevertheless manages to be expandable too, stretching from 71.5 litres to 81 litres when fully loaded — and it comes in five bright and breezy colours that are guaranteed to make it stand out on an airport carousel, so too will its circular, vinyl record-like design.

Inside the case the top compartment is zipped, with ribbons to keep your possessions in place, while the bottom half features ribbons only. 

The American Tourister Soundbox also includes a 3-digital combination lock that's suitable for travel to the USA (it’s TSA-compatible), although our main worry would be its wheels, which protrude markedly from the case bottom, making them vulnerable to damage.

5. Horizn Studios 64cm Model H6 Suitcase

Horizn Studios is a trendy new luggage company, and its 'Model H' suitcase is one of the most stylish options you can buy (especially the Soho House version). It's strong, as well, engineered from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, so even if it's thrown around by the angriest of bag carriers it'll protect your belongings and instantly flex back to its original shape. 

This case is set on four 360-degree spinning wheels built by specialists in Japan and designed to be incredibly silent. The lock that secures the two-way zip is TSA-approved so you needn't worry about airport security.

Every suitcase also comes with a one year subscription to Horizn GO – a personal travel assistant. So whether you're planning a trip around the world or on hunting for the hippest hangouts during a city break – Horizn GO sorts everything along the way.

6. Briggs & Riley Baseline 4-Wheel Spinner Wardrobe

If you’re a corporate jet setter touching down for a meeting halfway around the world you don’t want a crumpled suit. Briggs & Riley’s baseline wardrobe case is designed to help you make a good impression as it’s shaped so you can ‘hang’ your clothes up, essentially folding them in half and stopping them from getting too creased. 

The interior also has a gusseted front pocket with a small section for keeping chargers etc, and a D-ring to hold hanging hooks, while the door panel has two mesh pockets for underwear, a zippered shoe pocket, a tie or scarf pocket, and another one for jewellery, tech bits or whatever else you like.  The case is made from tough-wearing nylon that’s designed to repel water and resist scuffs and tears. It has four wheels to make it easily manoeuvrable when you’re running for a plane. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.

7. Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano 68cm Aluminium Suitcase

Whether you're off on a city break or travelling for business, Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano's 'Spinner' suitcase is a hardy and robust option. Not to mention, its bright aluminium case really looks the part.

Inside you'll find two internal dividers, four leather straps, and zipped pocket to encourage neat and tidy packing, while the tough outer shell will keep everything safe and secure. 

For peace of mind, it fastens with combination and butterfly locks that can be used with or without the padlocks included.

8. Antler Urbanite Evolve 2-Wheel 71cm Large Upright Suitcase

If you’ve Marie Condo-ed your house and like your clothes organised, Antler’s Urbanite suitcase might be for you. It’s a light, durable upright case with multiple zip compartments to keep your bits and pieces in place and easily accessible. This 2-wheel suitcase can be carried in different ways with its variety of handles, from the zip-away pull handle at the top to the securely sewn webbing hand straps. 

And there are yet more straps inside to secure your clothes and gadgets, including a zip closure mesh compartment that’s ideal for underwear and small items. The case is great value for a large, durable design that comes with a three year guarantee.

The best large suitcases

1. American Tourister Soundbox 77cm Suitcase

Ideal for longer trips away, the American Tourister Soundbox 77cm Suitcase is a large suitcase with a hard polypropylene shell and TSA-ready locks. The big draw here is that, rather unusually for a hard case, it is expandable on all sides, allowing for that extra bit of wriggle room when returning home with those holiday souvenirs.

As this is a spinner case, it comes with four double wheels on the bottom as well as a double-tube handle for easy manoeuvrability. Its design is inspired by a vinyl record, and it'll certainly stand out on the luggage carousel. 

American Tourister Soundbox cases are available in a huge number of colours (but we prefer this mint green colour) and a selection of sizes as well.

2. Antler Clifton Large

Available in Black, Blush, Mint, Taupe and White, the Antler Clifton Large is the perfect case for a ski trip or a long family holiday. With four double wheels that handle uneven terrain, and a strong telescopic handle, it’s easy to push and drag anywhere even when full. If things get too squeezed, a zip expands the width to open-up another 11L. 

Made from super-lightweight Makrolon polycarbonate with built-in flex, and weighing 5kg, the Antler Clifton Large has a few niceties that competitors lack; inside is a long, zipped pocket for storing sundries, as well as a ‘wet pocket’ for toiletries (or wet swimming gear). 

The case is secured with a TSA-compatible combination lock for security, but the real selling point is all that gear you can get inside … and then some. 

3. Samsonite Magnum Eco Spinner 75cm

Samsonite is commitment to reducing its impact on the planet, and, as such, has recently launched the Magnum Eco Spinner. The Eco Spinner is made in Europe and crafted with recycled post-consumer waste: using recycled yoghurt cups for the shells and recycled PET bottles for the interior lining. These suitcases are the fruit of Samsonite's commitment to sustainability, without compromising on quality and comfort.

It comes in a range of stylish and understated colours that are inspired by nature, as well as a range of sizes, from cabin size right up to 81cm. Of course, being a Samsonite case you can expect security and durability and lightweight.

4. Globe-Trotter Centenary 30-inch Suitcase

If you're planning on travelling in style, you need one of Globe-Trotter's iconic suitcases. The British brand's luggage has been carried by some of the world's most influential historical figures, including Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Winston Churchill, and HM Queen Elizabeth II. 

This Trolley Case from the 'Centenary' collection is made from sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight vulcanised fibreboard, featuring smooth leather straps, polished silver hardware and a spacious canvas-lined interior.

Yes, the Globe-Trotter Trolley Case is on the more expensive end, but when you consider it's been handmade in England, and will become a family heirloom, it's a lot easier to justify.

5. Eastpak Tranverz L 79cm

Eastpak started life making canvas bags for the US military in the 1950s, and in the intervening years since it’s clearly learned a lot about making tough, lightweight, roomy bags for just about any need. The Eastpak Tranverz L is ahem, a case in point.

First up the Tranverz L is a made from flexible, but tough polyester, which enables you to cram in a good deal more stuff than it’s 121-litre volume suggests. It also folds relatively flat when empty, yet can still stand upright when it is thanks to its carcass, which includes a double-tube extensible handle, with two recessed wheels in the base. 

One thing we love about this bag is that there are handles everywhere — making it easy to pick up from any side, while also making its bulk easier to handle as you can grab more than one handle at once. It also rolls easily on its big, smooth-running wheels. 

The Eastpak Tranverz L is available in 19 different colours — so doing its bit to stand out on airport carousels. It also has an incredibly smartly arranged interior, with zipped compartments top and bottom. It’s also relatively light for a big bag, weighing in at just 3.635kg. The bag's only downside is that it’s not particularly secure — you can make it so by attaching TSA-ready padlocks (not supplied) to its patchwork of zips.

6. Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Upright Duffel

Sometimes only a huge suitcase will do — and this rolling duffel case from premium luggage maker, Briggs & Riley, fits the bill perfectly. 

Ideal for extended trips away, its huge 125.9-litre capacity is roomy enough for all your clothes, toiletries and other travel items. It comes with a removable metal frame to make the bag rigid when in use and comes with two main compartments — a duffel section, which comes with garment panels to minimise wrinkling, and a flat-packing section for other items. It also includes internal and external zipped pockets so you can keep the most important items close to hand. 

Despite its size, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Upright Duffel only weighs 5kg when empty and comes with two sturdy, smooth-running, recessed wheels and an external telescopic handle so you can pull it along. Further handles at the top and sides also make it easy to manoeuvre, while self-healing ballistic nylon and reinforced corners will keep it looking good for years — no wonder it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Having said that the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Upright Duffel is fairly expensive. The zipped main storage compartment, is the only part that is lockable, although a TSA-compatible padlock is supplied.

7. American Tourister Airconic 77cm

Sold in Cool Grey, Living Coral, Purist Blue, Onyx Black and Midnight Navy, the super-light American Tourister Airconic 77cm is designed for long trips with the family and any other trip where you need to take a lot of gear. About 101L, to be exact. That its makers have been able to make a case that holds so much and yet weight just 3.2kg is impressive, though design-wise it’s little more than a big box; inside is just a basic divider panel containing a mesh pocket. 

Its four double wheels cope with all kinds of terrain, and though the telescopic handle feels a little wobbly, it’s good enough to handle all that gear inside. Secured with a TSA-compatible combination lock, the American Tourister Airconic 77cm is pretty basic, but also pretty incredible if you're after something for long trips that demand a lot of gear. 

8. Samsonite S'cure ECO 75cm Suitcase

Ideal for longer trips away, the Samsonite S'cure ECO 75cm large suitcase with a recycled polypropylene shell and TSA-ready combi locks. Constructed using a minimum of 85% polyproplene, the core outside compartments are enriched with recycled wood waste.

The interior also benefits from recycled materials, with the textiles engineered from 100% post-consumer PET plastic bottles.

As this is a spinner case, it comes with four double wheels on the bottom as well as a double-tube handle for easy manoeuvrability. Internally, it comes with a bottom compartment with elastic cross ribbons for storing clothes, a zipped divider, and large side pocket.

Samsonite S'cure ECO cases are available in a number of sizes: 55cm, 69cm, 75cm and 81cm, so there’s bound to be one that meets your needs.

9. Aerolite ABS325 Hardshell Suitcase Set

Are you travelling with the family? Then you'll want this luggage set from Aerolite. It comprises of a 55cm cabin case (which meets cabin regulations of all major airlines), a 69cm medium case, and 73cm large case. Combined, this will give you 250 litres of luggage space!

All three cases feature four spinner wheels and a double-tube retractable trolley grip handle. The outer casing is made from durable, anti-scratch ABS, so you definitely won't have to worry about your luggage after checking it in.

Aerolight suitcases really are fantastic value, and, best of all, they all come with a 5 year guarantee for peace of mind.

The best children suitcases

1. Trunki Ride-On Suitcase

And finally, we couldn’t possibly do a suitcase round-up without including the incredible kid-friendly cases from Trunki. Available in 22 different designs — including this limited edition Gruffalo one — the hard shell cases are designed to be ridden on and come with lots of neat touches, from 'seat-belts' (read: ribbons) for teddy bears and secret compartments, to ‘horns’ for children to hold on to while they’re pushing or being pulled along when riding  the case.

We also love the fact that these cases are affordable and hard-wearing, being made from the same material as adult cases. They're also sized to be able to used as carry-on bags – perfect for when your kids decides they must have their favourite toy at 30,000 feet.

2. MiniMAX Kids Suitcase

The MiniMax is ideal for children to pull alongside them on their travels and features adjustable front straps, so they can carry along their favourite cuddly toy. The MiniMax also features adjustable backpack straps, which allows the bag to be carried when, inevitably, your little one gets fed-up of pulling it. These straps are concealed in a zipped rear pocket when they are not in use. 

The two font facing pockets allow children to easily store items and the compact design of the MiniMax means it will fit most airline cabin restrictions. Despite being a case made for children, it's still robust and sturdy, coming with a 2 year warranty for extra protection.

How to buy the best suitcase

There are all kinds of considerations when it comes to picking the best suitcase: budget, size, how long you’re going away, security and even longevity (how long you expect the case to last). In essence, you have three main choices when it comes to size: up to 56cm for cabin luggage, between 57-71cm for what we'd call a medium-sized suitcase, and 71+ for large suitcases. How much you plan to take on holiday, and whether you like to travel light, will dictate what size of suitcase you need. Each of these size ranges can then be divided into whether you want a hard or soft case.

Hard or soft case?

Hard or rigid cases are usually made from polycarbonate or ABS plastic. In theory, they offer better protection for fragile items and can withstand a reasonable level of abuse without damage, although some glossy-finished cases can get scratched all too easily. 

Hard cases are generally more waterproof and secure than soft cases, although that obviously depends on the quality of the seals / locks / zips located around the case. Some of the better soft cases are waterproof too. The downside is that hard cases don't offer much in the way of flexibility  bringing back holiday souvenirs along with all the stuff you took on holiday in the first place? 

The rigid nature of hard cases means you may not be able to fit your purchases inside. Having said that, some cases now – including the Samsonite Flux – do include some level of expandability, but even then they don’t have the flexibility that a soft case does.

Soft cases, on the other hand, are flexible by their very nature – the sides of the case will bulge out to accommodate the extra items you’re trying to stow inside. They are also more likely to have external pockets for stowing additional items in and the best examples are also made from waterproof materials with waterproof zips, helping to keep the stuff inside dry. 

The flip-side is soft cases are more vulnerable to having their contents stolen, since they often rely on zip fastenings. However suitcases of either type often include 3-digit combination locks so you don't have to worry about losing an extra set of keys, and most are TSA-compliant – that is they are able to be opened easily by security at US airports should the need arise.

2-wheels or 4-wheels?

Most suitcases come with either two sets of wheels on the base, or four. Which one you choose is largely down to personal preference. 

Two-wheel ‘puller’ cases are easier to manoeuvre in the real world of pavements and staircases where you can just tilt the bag and pull; Four-wheel ‘spinner’ cases are ideally suited to places with smooth floors, like hotel lobbies and airports where they get to glide around on all four sets of wheels – come across trickier terrain though, and you’ll have to drag them along on two wheels just like the others. 

Of more concern, potentially, is how robust and smooth-running the wheels are: ideally, they needed to be bolted (rather than riveted) to the case so they can easily be replaced if one does break, it also helps if they're recessed into the case corners a little – this makes them less vulnerable when they’re being tossed around by baggage handlers and have the advantage of making the footprint of the case slightly smaller.

Suitcase sizes explained

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

When you’re buying a case, you obviously need to think about why you're buying it, and what you’re going to use it for – you’re clearly not going to want to take a massive case with you if you’re going on an overnight business trip or a weekend away; but likewise you won’t want a tiny case when you’re off for a month in Kathmandu. 

For many travellers though, the most important thing is that they buy a case that can be stowed either in an overhead locker or under the seat in an aeroplane cabin – that means they don't have to hang around for ages in baggage reclaim, they can just grab their bag and go.

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on what constitutes a carry-on case; different airlines have different size and weight limits and what might be acceptable on one airline won’t be on another. 

It pays to do some research – and make sure any case you buy complies with size limits for your favourite carrier, otherwise you may find your suitcase ends up in the hold after all.

How we test the best suitcases

We spend a lot of time reviewing the best suitcases, so when it comes to recommending what luggage to buy, you can be safe in the knowledge that we'll recommend the best options for you.

Where possible, we take these suitcases travelling with us. This gives us an idea of what they're like to use in the real world; how practical they are, how smoothly the wheels glide along the airport floor, and generally how robust they are. While we can't take every suitcase we recommend on holiday with us, we do look at the materials they're made from, the design features, durability, and specs, to understand whether they work as intended or not.

Once the initial review period is complete we'll publish a full review, give the luggage a star rating, and add an abridged review to this guide. If it's really good then we'll also continue using the suitcase, and update our recommendation if we discover anything interesting after extended use. This is particularly important for suitcase reviews, as they might work perfectly on one trip, then fall to pieces on the next.

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Beth is Home Editor for T3, looking after style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to what strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations! She's also in the know about the latest deals and discount codes from top brands and retailers.

Having always been passionate about writing, she’s written for websites, newspapers and magazines on a variety of topics, from jewellery and culture, to food and telecoms. You can find her work across numerous sites, including Wedding Ideas Magazine, Health & Wellbeing, The Bristol Post, Fashion & Style Directory, TechRadar, CreativeBloq and more. In her spare time, Beth enjoys running, reading, baking and attempting craft projects that will probably end in disaster!

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The 8 Best Travel Camera Cases and Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your photography gear organized and protected while on the go

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

TripSavvy / Debbie Wolfe

Cameras are still essential travel gear, but unlike flip-flops and toiletries, cameras require special handling and, ideally, a dedicated camera case. If you’re hitting the road (or tarmac) with expensive camera gear, it’s worth investing in a camera-specific travel bag or case that not only protects your investment but also has a home for each camera, lens, and accessory you might bring along.

To help you find the perfect travel camera case, we had more than a dozen testers get hands-on with 21 of the most popular camera-specific travel cases and narrowed down our favorites. We reviewed bags on their design, layout, comfort when carrying, and even tested the waterproofing on bags that advertised it. These travel camera cases fit different niches within the category, giving you a wide range of options since not all photographers and videographers travel the same.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other camera cases we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, thule camera bag backpack.

Keeps contents within easy reach

Understated design

Can fly as a personal item

May not withstand a serious downpour

While they’re not an endemic camera brand and are probably best known for their ubiquitous roof racks and bike carriers, Sweden’s Thule makes exceptional camera luggage. Their 34.5-liter Aspect strikes an outstanding balance of simplicity and functionality and is unassuming enough to work great as an everyday carry pack even if your camera stays at home. The primary camera and lens storage area has a convenient side entry zip and enough space for a DSLR body with a lens attached and two to three additional lenses and accessories. Our testers loved the placement of this side access compartment because it’s accessible without removing the pack to unzip and pull the camera out quickly if needed.

You can easily rearrange the padded internal dividers to fit your specific gear needs, and there’s a mesh zippered pocket on the inside of the opening flap to hold loose items such as extra batteries and cables close at hand. The top-access compartment provides a separate area to carry extra equipment or miscellaneous non-camera gear, such as layers, snacks, and water. The laptop sleeve holds up to 15-inch laptops or tablets and is roomy enough that you don’t have to fight to get your device in properly. Like most camera bags, tripod storage is along the side and uses a mesh pocket and strap to secure it.

The Aspect is water-resistant, not waterproof, but stood up to direct water exposure in our testing. It also wears like a standard daypack and has a sternum strap and substantial hip belt if you fully load the pack. The hip belt also has mesh quick-storage built in, so you don’t have to overload pockets with things like lens caps and batteries when you’re in the thick of shooting. There’s plenty of room for gear for your average photographer, but the size and shape are small enough to fit under most airplane seat storage areas, so you don’t have to worry about contents shifting during flight.

Capacity: 34.5 liters | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15.6-inch | Materials: 100 percent nylon

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Peak design everyday backpack 20l.

Peak Design

Cutting-edge touches

Great for righties and lefties

Pricier than similarly sized bags

Peak Design started as a Kickstarter launch, and their camera bags and accessories are now some of the most sought-after camera equipment. Their Everyday Backpack (now in its second iteration) isn’t just another camera backpack and has loads of intelligent design features you’d expect from Peak Design. Our tester appreciated the ambidextrous side access that lets you into the main compartment from either side by removing one arm from the shoulder strap and slinging the bag around to your front. Inside, Peak’s innovative, origami-like FlexFold dividers keep your camera items from bumping into each other. 

The side-access panels have zippers, but the top flap closes with a dead-quiet MagLatch closure that can clamp down less or more depending on how full that compartment is. The laptop sleeve holds up to a 16-inch computer but can be adjusted for smaller computers so they don’t fall, keeping them easily accessible. We tested the 20-liter model, but you can get the same pack in a 30-liter version for a modest additional fee if you carry more gear than average. If you occasionally need even more capacity, stowaway external carry straps permit multiple configurations for lashing things like jackets, tents, or whatever your adventures call for. There are smart travel features as well. The pack’s back has a sleeve that slides over a roller bag’s handle, and there’s a quick stash top pocket for miscellanies such as phones, chargers, and passports.

Capacity: 20 liters | Weight: 4.43 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 16-inch | Materials: 400-denier recycled plastic

Tripsavvy / Robert Caponetto

Best Budget

Bagsmart photo camera backpack.

Attractive, non-techy look

Solid weather protection

On-body access

The top compartment lacks padding

Despite being one of the few bags we tested that retails for less than $100, this is a stylish backpack you could use for everyday carry without anyone knowing you're wearing a camera pack. Our tester said, "It looks like a nice, modern backpack that doesn't scream, 'I have expensive equipment in here!'" Inside the water-resistant canvas, however, is a large lower compartment with padded dividers that hold a camera with a lens attached and three to four additional lenses or other gear items. And like more expensive camera bags, there's a side pocket that lets you quickly grab your camera while keeping the bag slung on one shoulder.

The expandable top compartment captures the rest of your stuff with a water-resistant cinch top beneath the canvas flap that closes securely with belt-like leather straps. Side pouches with elastic hold water bottles or tripods, and the laptop sleeve keeps a computer up to 15 inches secure against your back. The canvas is water-resistant but also has a pull-out cover in case the weather takes a serious turn.

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15-inch | Materials: Canvas

TripSavvy / Abby Mercer

Peak Design Everyday Sling

Easy on-body access

Improved model

Conveniently compresses when not in use

Not fully waterproof

If you want to travel light with a stripped-down camera gear kit, a bag or pack can be overkill, making it harder to access what you need. For situations like this, we’ve used an earlier version of Peak Design’s 6-liter Everyday Sling for years, and it’s durable enough that it still looks like new. The updated version remains largely unchanged but comes in additional sizes (you can get it in 3-, 6-, or 10-liter versions) and new color options. The latest version also adds more durable zippers and uses recycled materials. The 6-liter is only big enough to hold a tablet, but you can use the external carry straps to bring a tripod when necessary.

The collapsible sling is thick, padded, and fairly stiff and can flatten enough to store inside a larger suitcase. Alternatively, you could pack the smaller sling sizes with your gear and place it inside other luggage to keep your equipment protected in transit and ready to be deployed for lighter trips at your destination. Our tester loved carrying the smaller pack when traveling, taking just enough equipment, and quickly swinging it around to reach gear.

Capacity: 3-liter, 6-liter (tested), 10-liter | Weight: 1.72 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 11-inch tablet | Materials: 400-denier recycled plastic canvas

TripSavvy / Mariah Tyler

Most Durable

Neewer rolling camera backpack.

Three carry options

Large capacity

Ideal for wet climes

Shoulder straps may be bothersome at times

If you carry a lot of gear, many travel camera packs can make you feel cramped trying to fit Speedlites, large telephotos, and extra camera bodies. Not an issue with Neewer’s luggage-style roller bag, which converts to a backpack, has a regular suitcase carry handle and plenty of interior room, and is rated to handle over 120 pounds of gear. The non-removable wheels and telescoping handle give your back a break when navigating airports and city streets, but the backpack straps (including a waist belt) let you go off-road when needed.

Our tester loved the solid structure and substantial padding to protect their gear and felt the bag could withstand drops and other abuse in transit. The exterior is made from waterproof nylon but has an attached rain cover, just in case. This extra-large backpack is just small enough to fit in overhead storage on a plane, but our tester found a few downsides. Because of the size and weight, it’s not the most comfortable for long-term wear as a backpack, and the backpack straps aren’t removable to prevent snagging when used as a roller bag.

Capacity: 60-kilogram weight-rated | Weight: 9.43 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15-inch | Materials: Nylon

TripSavvy / Jacob Fox

Best Organization

Think tank photo airport security.

Extra-durable exterior

Lots of interior space

Should fit in virtually any overhead bin

Hefty, even before packed

You expect durability with “tank” in the brand name, but this airline-ready roller carry-on bag should withstand nearly anything thanks to its ballistic-grade waterproof nylon material and heavy padding. Think Tank designed this bag to meet US and international carry-on requirements, but there’s still tons of room inside, and our tester loaded it up with two bodies and large lenses and still had about 20 percent of the volume left unused. Think Tank’s highest-capacity roller bag accommodates up to 600 millimeters of telephoto lenses.

There’s a laptop compartment that will hold up to a 17-inch device, but otherwise, the bag is essentially one giant equipment compartment with tons of dividers, giving you maximum flexibility to arrange the bag to hold your specific gear configuration. While you could fit smaller tripods inside, the bag has tripod-specific straps for exterior carry and a TSA-approved padlock and cable lock for theft prevention. Our tester loved the build and durability, but the downside is that the pack is heavy, which gets magnified when fully loaded, so you’ll want to use the rolling wheels whenever possible to avoid carrying the total weight.

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 12.76 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 17-inch | Materials: 1680-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Victor Protasio

Most Comfortable

Lowepro protactic 450 aw.

Lots of features available

Built for all-day comfort

For long days shooting in the field, you want a comfortable backpack, and it’s no surprise that a brand with backpacking roots makes our Most Comfortable pick. Colorado-born Lowe Alpine made the first internal frame backpacking pack, and they’ve been making camera-specific bags for over 50 years. The ProTactic 450 AW is for adventurous photographers who need to keep their pack on over countless miles and long days with ActiveZone support that uses firm but supportive padding that leaves room for airflow against your back. Our tester specifically called out the extra-wide waist strap for putting the weight on their hips where it belongs instead of the shoulders. Beyond simple padding, the ProTactic 450 employs FormShell construction lands it somewhere between a backpack and hard-sided luggage.

Everything about the ProTactic 450 AW says “tactical,” and its webbing-wrapped exterior permits attachment of LowePro’s many sold-separately SlipLock accessories, such as pouches for water bottles, phones, and other accessories. Included straps and a tripod cup securely attach to the outside. Despite being stiff and armored, there are four ways into the main compartment for easy access to your gear, no matter where the pack is.

Capacity: 25 liters | Weight: 6.26 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15-inch | Materials: Not listed

TripSavvy / Gregory Dupree

Best Storage

Nomatic mckinnon camera pack.

High volume

Adjustable capacity

Very expensive

Extra items not included

Salt Lake City-based luggage company Nomatic likely paired with popular YouTube photographer/videographer Peter McKinnon partly because of his massive following, but the 35-liter McKinnon Camera Pack has developed a loyal following of its own. The pack stands out for its ruggedly urban looks and enormous storage capacity, expandable up to 42 liters to accommodate lots of content creation gear but a few days' worth of clothes and basics. The TPU-coated 900-denier nylon is rugged and waterproof, forming a durable armor that's still flexible enough to feel like a backpack and retain some give despite ample padding everywhere. 

We tested the Nomatic pack in the field, and both testers appreciated how the pack forms to your back and the extra padding in the shoulder straps to ease the weight when fully loaded. Like an excellent backpacking pack, the shoulder straps also have load-lifter straps to help position the weight on your shoulders, and sternum and waist straps help distribute the weight more evenly. The pack is heavy compared to backpacking packs, and it needs to be to pad and protect your equipment, but it's light for its capacity compared to other large camera bags we tested. Even for such a nice pack, the price is high, so we wished Nomatic threw in a few helpful accessory pouches and packing cubes that are part of the McKinnon camera gear line.

Capacity: 35 liters (expands to 42 liters) | Weight: 5.75 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 16-inch | Materials: EVA back panels, 900-denier TPU-coated nylon exterior, Hypalon lashing points

TripSavvy / Henry Wortock

Our testers loved the Thule Aspect 's streamlined profile and photography-specific build packed with many innovative features. It has an accessible price point, making it an excellent option for pros and casual photographers. We also got most of the same features out of the surprisingly capable Bagsmart Photo Camera Backpack , which has most of the features we loved in pricier packs at a fraction of the cost.

More than a dozen recreational and professional photographers took 21 camera bags out around their home bases and on road and air travel trips. Testers spent time customizing the travel bag’s organization and trying different configurations. They then took the bags into the field, testing for ease of use and accessibility of gear while worn and comfort in transit. 

We also tested the weatherproofing of the bags when present by taking them out in bad weather when possible and spraying them down at home to gauge how well they keep gear dry. Testers examined zippers, fasteners, pockets, storage compartments, and special features for durability and ease of use.

Thule Covert 32L Camera Pack : This well-designed, high-capacity pack is an excellent option for balancing personal and camera gear storage via a removable camera pod that works as a sling. However, we felt the Thule Aspect was a better option for most travelers, thanks to a much lower price point. Pros who want more storage and versatility should consider the Covert if they find the Aspect too small or simplistic.

Manfrotto Advanced III Rolling Camera Bag : This basic camera roller bag ticks most of the boxes on paper, but our tester found the padding lacking and expected more storage from a carry-on-sized piece of luggage.

Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator Backpack : Our tester loved this bag's size and build quality, but other options in this category edged it out by having more carry options to ease the burden of carrying a higher volume of gear.

Boundary Prima System : We loved the design and modularity of this pack and its components but wished there wasn't an extra charge to make it waterproof and that they included more parts of their system.

Manfrotto MB MA2-BP-GM Advanced² Gear M Camera and Laptop Backpack : We appreciated the comfort and design of this pack despite lacking a hip belt, but felt it was a bit small for travel since there isn't much space dedicated to clothes and personal items.

Wandrd PRVKE : We tested the 21-liter size, and one tester, a professional photographer, felt there wasn't enough gear storage for most pros. We also felt the price was high, especially considering the additional cost of including the "essential" photography bundle.

Brevite The Jumper Camera Backpack : This stylish, small backpack scored high marks from our tester for being lightweight and easy to carry. It comes in many bright solid colors and could be an excellent choice for someone with a streamlined kit.

Hex Ranger DSLR Sling V2 : This is a more modestly priced sling than our Best Sling pick from Peak Design that could be an excellent option for photographers who don't want to spend over $100 on a camera sling. Compared to the Peak Design sling, it lacks some structure and durability, but it's about half the cost.

Bellroy Venture Sling 10L: This oversized sling got high marks from our NY-based tester, who loved the quality, design, and ease of use while walking around for street photography.

Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger Bag : If you prefer the ease of access of a shoulder-slung bag like this, the Tenba may be a great fit as a day trip bag, though our tester wished it were a tad smaller.

Lo & Sons Claremont : While it's not for everyone, this shoulder bag looks like an oversized purse and has some basic camera-specific design touches—an excellent choice for someone who wants a camera bag that's a bit chic.

ONA The Bowery Messenger Bag : Another stylish, purse-like shoulder camera bag. Our tester loved the style and could fit her entire kit inside but felt the price was too high.

Gatta Rae Noir : Another leather purse/shoulder bag option. Stylish and reasonably priced but bulky for travel and better-suited for day shoots closer to home for photographers who want a stylish bag.

Poler Elevated Camera Cooler : A fun, lunch-tote-style camera bag that converts to a light-duty lunch cooler after removing the padded dividers. A more unisex option for folks who want a shoulder carry day bag for a small camera kit.

What to Look For in a Travel Camera Case

Camera bag makers use various materials to achieve their design goals, and there’s no one “best” material to look for when evaluating your camera bag options. Some bags use fabrics such as nylon, and many employ coatings such as DWR or rubbery TPU to give them weather resistance. Many manufacturers will list the denier rating of fabric, and if durability is important to you, look for exterior materials with higher denier numbers. However, remember that higher deniers are usually heavier, bulkier, and less flexible.

Most backpacks and camera bags measure storage volume in liters, which can be a useful way to compare the size of different bags when shopping online. We tested some slings 10 liters or less in volume, and most packs fell between 20 and 40 liters. While you can undoubtedly buy camera bags and cases larger than this, they become too big to carry on and fall more into the luggage category than travel bags. When choosing a bag size for your travels with camera gear, consider not only the amount of camera gear you need to transport but any personal items, such as clothing, computers, hard drives, water, snacks, et cetera, that you’ll want to include to estimate the volume that’s right for you.

Additional Features

With most photographers operating in the digital world, most camera bags have a slot for a laptop, and we’ve included the maximum laptop size for any bags with that feature. If you usually employ a tripod, look for bags with a dedicated tripod storage solution. More advanced bags will often have special, smaller compartments for odds and ends that photographers carry, such as memory cards, hard drives, batteries, filters, and more. 

All but one of our picks above cost over $100, and camera bags are generally more expensive than comparably sized backpacks and bags because they include extra features and materials used to organize and protect your gear. You can expect to pay $150 up to $400 for a high-quality, higher-volume camera-specific pack, though smaller bags and slings will generally cost less.

Cleaning and care for camera bags will vary from model to model and brand to brand, but your best bet is to spot clean whenever possible. Waterproof bags can be easier to clean as they repel water, resist stains more readily, and can also be sprayed down if they get dirty. A few bags are machine-washable, but always consult manufacturer recommendations on how to clean individual bags.

Smaller bags can qualify as personal items, and several of our picks will meet size requirements for carry-ons for domestic flights. Because these requirements can vary depending on your location, destination, and airline carrier, it always makes sense to consult your airline’s specific requirements and fees before you fly.

If you happen to be traveling with film, TSA recommends you keep undeveloped film or cameras containing undeveloped film in carry-on luggage and request a hand inspection at security as the scanners used can cause damage to the film.

When traveling with camera gear, bringing any equipment you might need for a particular trip or a photoshoot is a good idea. While no one wants to lug around more gear than they expect to use, it can be expensive, difficult, or even impossible to replace items you didn’t bring when you’re far from home. If you prefer to overpack camera gear, get a bigger pack than you think you need.

Also, anticipate your non-camera needs, such as extra clothes, personal electronics, and food/beverage considerations. If you want one pack to hold everything, choose a camera bag that holds more than just camera gear. Especially when dealing with food and liquids, it’s a good idea to have separate compartments for personal and camera items.

Over 15 years as a professional photographer and videographer, Justin Park has tested and owned dozens of camera bags and cases for both work and play. He has employed and destroyed slings, backpacks, and hard cases filming Olympic games and backcountry sporting events such as mountain bike races and ultramarathons, including Colorado’s Leadville 100.

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Best Suitcases

With its internal organization, durable soft shell, quiet wheels and outstanding performance, this soft-sided, checked suitcase scored perfectly in all our tests.

The scratch-free, dent-free, scuff-free nylon fabric exterior stands up to rough handling. Smooth spinner wheels lock magnetically in line. They traveled well over all kinds of surfaces during testing. We loved the interior organization and built-in expansion, especially the built-in suiter. Comfortable handles made it easy to maneuver. It earned perfect scores on all our tests.

Somewhat pricey. As a soft suitcase, it doesn’t protect against impacts as well as a hard suitcase would.

The Samsonite name backs this appealingly priced, hard-sided roller with a colorful and durable polycarbonate shell and generous internal capacity.

The spacious interior easily accommodated two weeks’ worth of items during testing. The wheels performed well on uneven and rocky surfaces. It kept its contents dry when moving through an unexpected rain shower. This stylish polycarbonate case held up well to drop tests and rough handling. We love the selection of available colors.

We would have liked more interior organization options. While the wheels worked well, we wouldn’t want to walk long distances with it.

The hard-sided cousin of our top pick boasts full-zipped twin compartments and a reliable polycarbonate shell with smooth, magnetic wheels.

The textured polycarbonate case is flexible and strong while minimizing the look of scratches. We liked how both compartments have full-zip dividers, keeping them secure even when open. Magnetic wheels lock in place when rolling and go smoothly over any terrain. This suitcase displayed good resistance to water during testing. Expands 2 inches when needed.

It was not as quiet or organized as its soft-sided counterpart.

Minimalists and influencers love this suitcase, and it backs its reputation with excellent mobility, smooth wheels, smart internal compression and elegant extras.

The sleek and eye-catching polycarbonate shell is available in numerous colors, including collectible limited editions. Interior compression panels help maximize capacity. Smooth spinner wheels handled all kinds of terrain during our testing. It withstood major impacts during travel with only minor surface damage.

It doesn’t expand at all, and it may not fit within the guidelines of some international airlines.

An innovative compression system expands and contracts this soft-sided suitcase with a push and a click. Its subtle style and smart features underline its premium construction.

The special CX compression system expands with a button and compresses when you push the closed suitcase, returning to its original size. It has impressive internal panels and a built-in garment bag. The shock-absorbing wheels run smoothly. Exterior rails enable flat packing inside. There is a pocket for a battery pack and device charging.

Expensive. Despite its comfortable wheels, it felt somewhat heavy to move around. It might not fit in some overhead bins.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best suitcases.

Updated June 2024

Ready to buy now? Shop the best:

• Best of the Best: Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner
• Best Bang for the Buck: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Large Checked Spinner
• Best Hard-Sided Checked Suitcase:  Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Hardside Spinner
• Best Hard-Sided Carry-On:  Away The Bigger Carry-On
• Most Premium:  Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner

For travel, a reliable suitcase is a necessity. The best suitcases combine style with strength, durability and dependability. Whether you travel by plane, train, ship, bus or car, a good suitcase should be able to withstand the rigors of travel for years of adventures. It should offer enough space for your needs and keep its contents organized. 

You can get by on budget luggage, but if you want something dependable and durable that lasts a long time and is backed by its manufacturer with a solid warranty, do yourself a favor and invest in one of the best suitcases you can afford.

After extensive research and testing in the BestReviews Testing Lab, including long plane trips to and from other countries, we narrowed down a list of the five best suitcases you can buy. They range in price from the affordable to the premium, but from our experience, they’re all worth every penny. 

We think the best suitcase overall is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner, a durable soft-sided bag with quiet, smooth-gliding wheels and plenty of excellent organizational features to make traveling more enjoyable. 

Which suitcase is best?

Travelpro platinum elite large check-in spinner.

Best of the Best

Product specifications

Material: Nylon | Capacity: 143.5 L | Dimensions:  20.5” W x 12.75” D x 29.5” H | W eight: 11.5 lb | Number of Wheels: 4

We don’t often give a product a perfect score, but the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Spinner is deserving of this distinction. This soft-sided bag outperformed all the hard-sided models we tested, earning consistently awesome marks for durability, mobility, packing convenience, features and more. In short, it’s the best suitcase you can buy.

We packed over 60 items (10 to 14 outfits) for a two-week trip into its expandable main compartment and extra pockets. We loved the interior organization, including the removable toiletry bag, built-in suiter to keep suits and dresses wrinkle-free, inner mesh pockets and outer zip pockets. The high-density, coated nylon fabric showed zero wear or scuffs after an international trip in checked luggage along with our own measured drop testing. The wheels, which magnetically aligned with each other and clicked into place, moved smoothly and quietly on all kinds of surfaces. We also appreciated the comfortable handles.

While the Travelpro got perfect scores in our tests, it isn't perfect for every situation. You may prefer a hard-sided suitcase or something with more compression. But when all is said and done, the Travelpro beat all other suitcases in our tests, and with its brand reputation and quality, it deserves a perfect 5/5 rating.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Checked Spinner 

Best Bang for the Buck

Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 117 L | Dimensions: 21.5" W x 13.5" D x 30.5" H | Weight: 10.35 lb | Number of Wheels: 4

Samsonite is the biggest and best-known luggage brand in the world. Its vast selection of suitcases includes quality pieces under $150, including the Samsung Omni PC Hardside line available from retailers like Amazon. It passed our tests with excellent marks, and we think it’s the best suitcase for your buck.

We managed to fit over 70 items into the Samsonite, enough for a two-week overseas trip. The clamshell style didn’t offer too many organization options inside its two compartments, but the standard elastic straps kept contents in place on one side, and the zip panel kept things tidy on the other. The textured polycarbonate shell looked attractive and proved protective, withstanding our drop and tumble tests and a long flight in checked baggage with minor scuffs and scratches.

The wheels did well on various terrains, although we wished they were built a little better and less noisy, considering the size and weight of the suitcase. But these are minor qualms compared to the dependability, capacity and brand reputation of this suitcase along with its appealing price. We give it a rating of 4/5.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-Sided Check-In

Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 108 L | Dimensions: 18” W x 13.5” D x 30” H | Weight: 12.3 lb | Number of Wheels: 4

Travelpro makes hard-sided suitcases with many of the top-notch features of its soft-sided range. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Hardside Spinner is an excellent option with magnetic, locking wheels on a flexible, durable polycarbonate case.

The Travelpro fit as many outfits as its soft-sided counterpart in our testing. We appreciated that each compartment in the clamshell design included hold-down straps and zippered panels, the latter of which is an asset if you need to open the suitcase upright. Inside was a removable toiletry bag and zippered pockets, though it did not have as many pockets as the soft-sided Travelpro.

Its wheels were smooth and easy to maneuver, although we noted they were slightly noisier than those on our top Travelpro pick. The polycarbonate shell survived our drop and tumble tests with just a few scuffs, and we liked the way the ribbed, textured finish minimized cosmetic damage. This Travelpro Platinum Elite comes with the same lifetime guarantee as other Travelpros. We rated it 4/5 for its performance and features.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Best Hard-Sided Carry-On

Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 47.9 L | Dimensions: 15.4" W x 9.6" D x 22.7” H | Weight: 7.9 lb | Number of Wheels: 4

Carry-on suitcases must fit into tighter spaces and adhere to stricter guidelines than checked bags. The Away Bigger Carry-On is one of the most popular and recognizable carry-on suitcases. It’s a favorite of social media influencers with its wide selection of regular and special-edition colors on its polycarbonate shell. Our testing showed us that the Away is not just hype.

We took the Away Bigger Carry-On with us on an international trip and managed to squeeze in two weeks’ worth of outfits, although that was pushing its capabilities. When it fell down a tall airport escalator, it emerged fully intact with only minor scratches on its polycarbonate shell. Inside, it had two compartments, including one with wide compression straps and a connected compression panel to make the most of its capacity. We appreciated the grab handle and elegant extras.

The Away’s wheels handled all the terrain we encountered with no issues, moving smoothly and effortlessly from city streets to transit. Despite being slightly more than an inch bigger than recommended for cabin luggage, we had no problem carrying it onto international flights. We rated it 5/5 for features, durability and style.

Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner

Most Premium

Material: Nylon | Capacity: 37 to 49 L  | Dimensions: 15” W x 11.5” D x 21” H | Weight: 9.9 lb | Number of Wheels: 4

Premium luggage brands promise the highest-quality materials and construction for their suitcases. Briggs & Riley suitcases take the technology even further with the innovative compression system on this Global 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner. The compression system allows the suitcase to expand as much as 2 extra inches. Once packed, it locks back into its original dimensions. It’s like a magic trick, only real, and we were suitably impressed during testing.

This soft-sided spinner boasts a ballistic nylon body that resists scuffs and scratches. Its shock-absorbing spinner wheels roll effortlessly when full. Straps and compression panels help organize the contents of the spacious main compartment, and the integrated garment folder is ideal for suits or dresses. The Briggs & Riley keeps its trolley handle rails outside its main compartment, too, creating a flat surface for packing.

We appreciated the presence of an external battery pocket for charging devices on the go, and we liked the included secondary bag strap to keep all our carry-ons together. With its array of refinements and quality build, we rated the Briggs & Riley Global 21-inch Softside Spinner 5/5 as a premium suitcase pick.

How we tested the best suitcases

We graded the best suitcases on multiple factors, running them through specialized tests to understand and witness their capabilities and performance in specific categories. When possible, we took the suitcases on actual trips, exposing them to the rigors of airports, airplanes, city streets and general travel.

• We dropped each suitcase from heights of 3 feet and 6 feet to simulate rough handling and travel mishaps.
• We let each suitcase tumble down a flight of stairs to approximate wear and tear.
• We exposed each suitcase to rain or a shower to check water resistance.
• We rolled each suitcase over a variety of surfaces, indoors and out, carpeted and hard, including rough terrain and cobblestones.
• We rated each suitcase handle for comfort and usability, taking special note of the strength and settings of telescoping trolley handles.
• We studied how easy or difficult it was to lift or pick up a suitcase from an overhead bin or baggage claim conveyor.

Functionality

• We packed, emptied and repacked each suitcase, counting items and comparing full and empty weights, to simulate long-term use and get to know the capacity and capabilities of each compartment.
• We examined and used every pocket and additional compartment offered by each suitcase, including toiletry bags, laundry bags and suitors.
• When available, we used suitcase compression features, noting how much space or capacity was saved.
• We examined the materials used in making each suitcase and how many colors or styles are available.
• We took note of each suitcase’s texture, lining, extras and overall appeal.

We also learned about any guarantees or warranties included with each suitcase. We consulted product information and third-party reviews and examined customer feedback on each suitcase tested.

Best suitcase features

At the most basic level, a good suitcase must contain your clothes and belongings safely and securely during travel and be easy to lift and move. The best suitcases have these essential functions and are a pleasure to use on every trip.

Wheeled luggage transformed travel. Travelpro invented two-wheel rolling luggage with trolley handles in the 1990s, and Samsonite popularized multidirectional spinner wheels in the early 2000s.

With 360-degree swivel mounts that let the suitcase move laterally in any direction, spinner wheels have become the most popular suitcase wheels. You can pull a spinner suitcase behind you, push it in front of you, or walk it alongside you. Spinner wheels can have single or double wheels on each strut mount. Double spinner wheels offer for smoothness and stability.

Roller wheels are generally bigger than spinner wheels and are usually used as a pair. Suitcases with roller wheels can only be pulled behind you, but they are considered more rugged, dependable and durable than spinners, as the roller wheels don’t extend as far out of the main suitcase as spinners do. The founder of Travelpro invented the rollaboard suitcase and built the company around it.

Our top picks: Wheels

• The wheels on the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Softside Spinner and the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Hardside Spinner magnetically align to each other while you’re moving for a smooth experience. The wheels on the soft-sided bag, however, were impressively quiet compared to the hard-sided bag, which was noisier. 
• The Away Bigger Carry-On endured rough handling and had no issues going over any surfaces, including the cobblestone streets of London.
• The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Carry-On boasts shock-absorbing wheels that moved effortlessly in our testing.

Compartments and expandability

A suitcase comes with one or two main compartments. Each compartment should offer enough space to hold your belongings and ways to keep them secure.

• Straps hold down clothes or other items and keep them from shifting during travel.
• Dividers keep items separate and, in clamshell suitcases, keep one or both compartments completely sealed until opened.
• Pockets keep smaller items organized. A suitcase may have one or more flat pockets, pouches, toiletry bags, laundry bags or shoe bags.

Expandability is a valuable feature to look for, especially checked luggage, where size rules may be less strict. Expansion usually comes in the form of a zipped panel or baffle that expands to increase the suitcase’s capacity.

Many suitcases now come with compression. While elastic straps have been around for decades and add a little compression to clothes, the kind of compression now available maximizes suitcase capacity by flattening items like clothes. Compression systems include wider cinching straps and panels.

Our top picks: Compartments and expandability

• The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner has one of the most impressive and innovative compression systems, expanding with one-touch hardware and compressing with a satisfying click back to its original size.
• The Away Bigger Carry-On maintains a svelte, minimalist look with efficient internal compression.
• The Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Softside spinner features roomy outer pockets and expands in such a way that it maintains its balance even when fully loaded.

Handles should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip no matter how long or how far you’re going.

• Trolley handles , or retractable handles, have become the main handles of wheeled suitcases. They should be as strong and secure as possible without shaking or flexing. It helps if the handle grip is soft, padded or contoured for your hand. Handle rails that extend or retract at the push of a button are appreciated. It's also helpful if the trolley handles can lock at different heights to accommodate user height. 
• Pull handles should be located on the top and side of the suitcase so you can pick your luggage up horizontally or vertically. Since handles can count against the allowed dimensions of a suitcase, many have low-profile, retractable or semi-retractable handles that fit more flush with the suitcase body.
• A bottom handle , between the wheels, is particularly handy when pulling a carry-on suitcase from an overhead bin or a checked suitcase from a luggage carousel.

Our top picks: Handles

• The Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Checked Spinner has comfortable handles that are easy to grip, and we liked the leather construction of the handles on the top and sides.
• The Away Bigger Carry-On ’s trolley handle felt secure and solid in hand, and we liked the inclusion of a third pull handle between its wheels.
• The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner has three convenient pull handles, including one between its wheels.

Security features

A good suitcase can keep its contents safe from thieves or unwanted attention while fulfilling national and international airline security requirements. Secure and dependable closures, like zippers or latches, are necessities. It’s also helpful when a suitcase remains identifiable to the owner without sacrificing privacy.

• A TSA lock is a combination lock with a special keyhole accessible only by agents of the U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA). These locks allow TSA agents to inspect baggage when necessary without anyone else gaining access to the contents.
• Zippers should be heavy-duty, easy to hold and easy to pull. They should have solid, interlocking teeth and seams that don’t tear or rip, even under the tension of a full suitcase.
• Latches are another type of suitcase closure that can be easier to use and physically stronger than zippers. They’re found on some suitcases, particularly hard-sided suitcases with metal shells.
• Luggage tags are helpful when picking up suitcases at baggage claim and when locating suitcases that have been misplaced. Many premium luggage brands include matching ID tags with their suitcases. It helps if the tag obscures your name and other private information until necessary so random strangers cannot see your information.
• Some suitcases can be monogrammed or include written or electronic tracking info.

Our top picks: Security features

• The Away Bigger Carry-On keeps its TSA lock recessed in its body, helping reduce the chance of damage or obstruction. It comes with a discreet, color-matched luggage tag and optional monogramming.
• The Briggs & Riley Global 21-Inch Softside Spinner comes with a luggage tag that can be hidden away to preserve privacy.
• All the suitcases we’ve picked have TSA locks and large, comfortable pulls on their zippers.

Hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage

Which is better: hard-sided luggage or soft-sided luggage .

Each type has pros and cons. In a nutshell, hard-sided luggage protects contents from crushing and impacts more than soft-sided suitcases, but soft suitcases don’t scratch or scuff the way those with hard shells do, and they can flex more.

Soft-sided luggage

Soft-sided suitcases have flexible cases made of high-denier polyester or nylon fabric. They can be cut or torn by sharp objects and may be prone to compressing if placed under weight. But they don’t scratch or scuff, and they can flex to accommodate more items. The nylon fabric used in luggage is usually thick ballistic or thin ripstop. Denier counts measure the density and strength of luggage fabric; the higher the denier, the stronger the material.

Hard-sided luggage

Hard-sided suitcases used to be made of cardboard or metal, and while aluminum ones are still available, most hard-sided suitcases are now made of polystyrene, ABS or polycarbonate plastic. These materials reduce weight and add flexibility while protecting contents. They’re all prone to scratching and scuffs, however, and most open like a clamshell, taking up counter space and making them more challenging to pack efficiently.

Our expertise

Jmar Gambol has been writing for BestReviews for three years. He has authored several buying guides on luggage, including the best kids’ suitcases, best Samsonite luggage, and more. He has traveled internationally for most of his life and has always enjoyed shopping for, using and taking care of luggage. He owns and uses both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases in carry-on and check-in sizes, and he probably has more of them than he strictly needs.

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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 Minimalist: 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 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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Golf Club Protection: The Best Golf Travel Bags

Just imagine that you booked your ultimate golf bucket list trip. Maybe you chose somewhere iconice like Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Bandon Dunes, TPC Sawgrass or Pinehurst.

You’re probably excited beyond belief. A vacation with your friends or family playing the course(s) you’ve always dreamt about playing.

That is, until you start thinking about the travel aspect of it. More specifically, how to travel with your precious golf clubs and make sure they don’t get damaged.

Because let’s face it, if you’re going to play a once in a lifetime course you need to play with your own clubs. This isn’t a time to try out some generic rental set when you’re forking out big bucks for a once in a lifetime round.

Luckily, traveling with golf clubs doesn’t have to be as bad as it seems. While we’ve talked about traveling with your clubs, I want to dive into the best golf travel bags on the market.

There are so many choices out there that if you haven’t bought one yet, I want to make sure you get the right fit for your game. I’m confident after reading this post, you will find the one that will help get your clubs to your dream destination or just safely to your next golf adventure.

Our Picks for Best Golf Travel Bag

• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag – Best Soft Travel Bag for Most Golfers
• SKB Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Bag – Best Golf Travel Bag (Hard Case & Best Premium)
• Caddy Daddy First Class Travel Bag – Best Value Golf Travel Bag

What to Look for in a Golf Travel Bag

If you’re endlessly researching the best golf travel bag, you’ll quickly learn there are a ton of choices out there. From buying locally at a sporting goods store, on Amazon or somewhere else, there is no shortage of selection for golfers.

Key Takeaways

• You need some sort of golf travel case for your golf clubs, shoes, and other accessories on an airline. Do not attempt to check your clubs without a case! 
• There are two types of golf travel bags – hard shells and soft shells. 
• The hard shell cases are more protective but also weigh more which makes them harder to roll. Plus they’re bigger and not as easy to store in your car or garage.
• Soft shell cases are cheaper and easier to travel with. They also offer several versions with a hard shell top, more storage, and a kickstand. 

Here’s what you should compare when picking out your next golf travel bag.

Hard Case vs. Soft Case (Protection)

The first thing you’ll notice about the wide selection of golf bags is the case structure itself. Some have a hard exterior (hard cases) while others have a soft case like a normal piece of luggage. Both have their pros and cons depending on your golf travel needs.

The main pros of soft cases are that they are usually cheaper and easier to transport, especially if you have a smaller vehicle. Plus, they’re a lot easier to store in your garage when you’re not traveling. Hard cases on the other are usually much bigger and heavier but also provide more protection for your golf clubs.

I’ll review the best golf travel bags for both soft and hard shells, so this is more of a personal preference than anything else. Also, some companies make a shell top only that goes on your bag but we don’t recommend this option as it won’t protect your gear like a normal golf travel bag.

Durability & Padding

The next most important factor for picking out your golf travel bag is ensuring it’s durable and has plenty of padding inside to protect your sticks. Some have an internal compression strap system while others don’t or have as much padding on the inside.

Whether you choose a hard shell or a soft shell case, I always recommend a Bag Boy backbone travel cover support system too. This makes it less likely for your stuff to get damaged when handled at airports and thrown into a rental car or shuttle. Make sure you invest in a Bag Boy Backbone to ensure your clubs are protected and not crushed.

The last thing you want to have to deal with when you’re out of town is a snapped driver shaft. Keep your clubs safe and pack accordingly, especially for air travel.

Wheel System

The wheel system is another factor that will help you move around in crowded spaces. Some golf travel bags have spinner wheels while most only have two wheels (more like in line skate wheels) which make it a lot harder to maneuever. When researching your golf travel bag, make sure you consider the wheel system that works best for you.

Another big factor is the price of the bag. You’ll see these golf bags range from pretty inexpensive all the way up to the $500+ range depending on the model and brand you choose. 

Like any golf gadget, price isn’t everything thought. It’s important to find a bag that fits your budget but will also last a long time so you don’t have to revisit this a year down the line. 

Remember, this travel bag will protect the clubs that you probably spent thousands of dollars on. Don’t get cheap now and suffer when something happens to them in transit.

Depending on how frequently you travel, it’s important to get one that is relatively easy to transport back and forth. If you’re older or have some back issues, I recommend getting a lighter, soft shell bag to ensure it’s easy to get them in and out of the trunk. No need to suffer a pointless injury on the way to your golf vacation.

Plus, weight is a big factor for how much it costs to shipping your golf gear as well. Depending on the airline, if you go over a certain limit you’ll have to pay even more money each way. 

Also, it’s important to note unlike bags, these do not come with a shoulder strap and you’ll always have to push or pull it.

External Pockets 

Another important factor is the amount of storage within the bag itself.

This is one area where the soft cases usually win as they have 2-3 extra pockets outside the bag to house golf accessories (like balls, golf shoes) and other equipment. Extra storage is especially helpful if you’re playing somewhere that you might have to battle the conditions (like Bandon Dunes) and need to bring cold weather gear too. 

It’s important to remember to always check airline rules when it comes to the total weight for your golf bag. Usually, if it’s over 40 or 50 pounds, you’ll have to pay an extra $25 to $50 each way (which is a few sleeves of Pro V1s).

The last factor when selecting from our list of the best golf travel bags is the warranty.

You want to make sure the company behind the bag offers a warranty in case something happens (which the odds are a lot higher with air travel). This is more important with soft shell cases as they can get holes and tears while hard-shell bags seem to last a lot longer.

When researching these travel bags, I was surprised that some manufacturers have a warranty that covers incidents related to air travel!

Golf Travel Bag Reviews

Now that you know what you’re looking for before you buy, here are the best golf travel bags for airlines. You really can’t go wrong with any of these products!

1. Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series golf travel bag is for the serious golfer who doesn’t want to risk anything while traveling. If you’re a very serious player who’s invested a lot (i.e. PXG golf clubs) this is a great bag for you. The overall look plus durability, makes this one of the best golf travel bags for so many reasons. 

• Internal cinch strapping system to keep your bag secure.
• Lightweight – 11.8 pound design. Sort of a hybrid between soft and hard case.
• 4-wheel design unlike most golf travel bags which makes it easy to move around. The pivoting caster wheelers make it much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. 
• It has some of the best protection available and has some of the highest reviews on the internet. 
• Not only is durable but it’s aesthetically one of the best cases to look at with five color choices. 
• No external pockets for additional storage making it tough if you bring extra golf accessories.
• The biggest con for most golfers is the higher price tag as it’s one of the most expensive bags on the market but the quality of this bag is top-notch.

Overall Review

The 4-wheels make transporting it incredibly easy and the extra storage makes it easy to transport all your gear. Some reviews said the release mechanism is a bit stiff when opening and close and the main zipper isn’t that accessible. All in all, the internet didn’t have too many negatives for this epic golf bag.

All color options are great looking and easy on the eyes but with dark colors will withstand the wear and tear of travel. If you can afford it and are a serious jet-setter, this bag is well worth the price.

Go here to read our hands-on Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian review .

2. SKB Deluxe ATA Case Golf Travel Bag

The SKB Deluxe ATA golf travel bag looks more like a weapon to take to war more than one to transport your golf clubs. While its design is a bit over the top, it provides the ultimate protection for your clubs. If you’re someone who has aftermarket shafts or expensive clubs like PXG, this case will help you protect your investment more than most. 

• Hard shell case for maximum protection.
• Comes with a TSA locking system for safe travel and allows them to check it easily.
• Durability, durability, durability. This hard shell bag seems unbreakable. It’s made of polyethylene which also keeps moisture and dirt out. 
• The makers of this product are so confident about this case, they offer a $1500 club coverage and a million-mile guarantee.
• High price tag. It’s one of the higher investments on our list but provides incredible durability for your gear. 
• Weight – these golf travel bags weigh in just under 18 pounds before adding clubs. And as the average of clubs and gear weighs another 25-35 pounds, this makes it easy to go over the 40-50 airline weight limit pretty easily. 

The SKB golf travel bag is made of durability and works for both stand bags and cart bags but a little tight with bigger cart bags. They also have a TS lock which makes it more likely to be searched so don’t put too much else outside your bag itself. 

Overall, this is the best hard case on the market with the only con being the weight. Since it’s so heavy, make sure to pack accordingly and weigh it before you show up to the baggage counter. 

You can read our full hands on review of the SKB Deluxe ATA Travel case here .

3. Caddy Daddy First Class Premium

If you don’t need a hard case, the Caddy Daddy First Class Premium is another great choice. It’s lightweight but provides plenty of protection with 1000D Ballistic Nylon construction. 

Inside the case they have 2-layer foam padding to protect your clubs and hopefully avoid a lazy TSA agent. Like the other Caddy Daddy, this travel case has two generous sized external pockets with exterior zipper access. Plus, you can even lock these as well to make sure nothing falls out and keep your gear safe. 

But the main selling point for this travel case is the premium oversized wheels. While there are only two wheels in this case, I’m confident they won’t break anytime soon. The “all season” wheels are larger than most bags and very heavy duty. 

Unlike other bags, this one even has a 2-year warranty as well. Paired with the self-standing wheelbase, internal/external straps, this is a great option for golfers who travel frequently. At only 10 pounds, it has everything you need to protect your sticks. 

• Ultra-durable nylon construction.
• Two year full replacement warranty.
• Large side pockets for extra storage.
• All season, heavy-duty wheels are very sturdy. 
• No hard shell feature. 
• Only one color option.

You can pick up your Caddy Daddy First Class Premium travel bag here or read our full hands on review of the Caddy Daddy First Class premium .

4. CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover Bag

The CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 travel bag is a great bag that I’ve personally used for several years now. I’ve got hands-on experience with this one and they’ve helped get my clubs all over the country including a trip to Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hills. Needless to say, it’s very durable.

Here’s why it’s at the top of our list. 

• Accommodates cart bags and stand bags easily. 
• New internal compression straps to keep your bag secure.
• It’s super easy to fold up and put in a storage cabinet in the garage. 
• Molded luggage tag and business card window to find your bag quickly off the carousel.
• With 3 outside pockets, there is plenty of room to store clubs, shoes, rain gear and more. 
• Another huge pro is the 9 pound design. I’ve never had a problem loading it up with gear and ever going over 37 pounds of total weight. 
• The major downside is the lack of reinforcement around the clubs themselves. There’s very little padding next to the heads themselves so make sure to pack them with extra towels for protection. 

If you’re only traveling a few times a year and want a budget-friendly bag, this is a phenomenal option. It’s pretty inexpensive, it’s lightweight, easy to store and has tons of storage.

This is a great option for most golfers, especially if you have a smaller stand bag. Not to mention, a one-year warranty (which even covers damages caused by airlines). 

If you want more info, check out my in-depth review of the CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 .

5. Himal Soft Sided Golf Travel Bag 

Similar to the CaddyDaddy option is the Himal golf travel bag . It’s also a soft shell, all black design that is great for transporting your clubs. If you’re a golfer who doesn’t travel much and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, this is a great choice for you.

• Heavy duty velcro carrying handle.
• One external pocket for additional shoe storage.
• Business card holder on the front of the bag for easy verification.
• Made with 600D polyester oxford materials which is very durable. 
•  Warranty information. Unlike others on this list, the warranty length was a little gray and couldn’t find specifics for total warranty length.

This bag isn’t fancy by any means but for a casual traveler, it has everything you need to get your golf gear from A to B. While not as luxurious as Sun Mountain and others on this list, it’s very affordable and still a lot better than a travel cover.

6. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag

At this point, I’m convicned Amazon basically makes every item imaginable, including a great golf travel bag. When they notice an item is consistently selling they’ll create their own “Amazon Basics” model for it, including a low-priced golf travel bag.

The AmazonBasics soft-sided travel bag is very affordable and has a ton of perks for such a low-priced golf bag.

• One of the few freestanding travel bags. When your bag is inside, you can rest it upright or lay it flat. 
• Aside from the price, the biggest pro is the durable nylon fabric and ability to stand on its own even when clubs are inside. 
• This bag has a ton of storage with two massive outside pockets. Plus, it has a ton of padding to protect your clubs too. 
• A few negative reviews (what few there are) talk about wheels falling off and ripping relatively easily. Luckily, users have gotten replacements but it’s still more work and hassle for you if a wheel pops off or need a replacement. 

At such a low price, it’s a great buy with little risk as the investment is so small. Overall, it’s ranked very high by golfers worldwide and a great choice if you’re not traveling often.

7. Founders Club Golf Travel Bag 

The Founders Club travel bag is another top choice among golfers, not to mention its great looking and easy to spot. The soft shell case is made of a very durable material and there is a ton of padding to make sure your clubs travel safe.

• One-year warranty.
• External shoe accessory pocket.
• Easy to transport with dual in line skate wheels. 
• Heavily padded handles that make it easy to grab off the belt or lift out of the car.
• Customizable embroidery panel. You can remove a small part of the bag and get it customized with your name, logo, etc. This will help you spot it quickly and ensure no one accidentally takes your bag. 
• While the external pocket is great, there are also two internal pockets as well. These are great for rain gear, extra towels, and more. Plus, an internal strap to keep your bag secure.
• Only one color choice (light gray) could get dirty quickly. Otherwise, this is an excellent bag.

Founders Club has become a go-to name with cart and stand bags so it makes sense to roll out a golf travel case in their product line. This is one of the most stylish travel bags on this list, very moderately priced, and has a ton of storage for your gear. 

If you like the style but want even more protection, make sure to check out the Founders Club Hard Shell cover bag . It has the same bottom style in a soft shell case with a hard top, making it truly unique and helps you get the best of both worlds. 

8. Caddy Daddy Enforcer Hard Top

If you need a heavy-duty travel case, you will love the Caddy Daddy Enforcer . The hard top design makes it one of the most protective cases on our list but not too heavy either. 

What’s great about this case is that it’s not a 100% hard shell, like others on this list. Instead, just the top part is hard while the middle and bottom section is made with strong fabric. This gives it maximum protection  without  making it too heavy and hard to drag around the airport. 

The case also has both internal and external straps to keep your gear locked in. This will help make sure they don’t rattle around too much during a bumpy drive or turbulent flight. 

The Enforcer Hard Top also features inline skate wheels (only two) but does some with extra pockets. These large pockets make it easy to store extra shoes, apparel, and more. 

But the best part of this premium travel case?

The case folds up so that the bottom fits inside the top hard shell portion.  This makes it easy to store in your garage or even a small closet if you live in an apartment. It looks like a traditional bowling ball bag as it’s so small and even has a handle on the top. 

This case weighs 10 pounds and measures at 51 x 13 x 13 inches. While it’s a higher price tag than some, it’s 100% worth it and consider it to be a nearly perfect travel bag. If you’re a road warrior, this is the best travel case for you! 

• Tons of internal padding to protect your golf clubs.
• The case folds up for easy storage despite a hard shell top.
• Hard shell and soft shell design is perfect for serious travelers but not too heavy either. 
• The lightweight design ​​won’t make you pay extra airline fees by going over the weight limit. 
• Only two in-line skate wheels. 
• Pockets on the outside seem a little small. 

Click here to learn more about the Caddy Daddy Enforcer.

9. Club Glove Last Bag

The Club Glove Last Bag is another trusted golf bag that is used and trusted by tour pros so it had to make this list. This tour series bag is made of CORDURA, which is much more durable than nylon and provides a ton of protection for a soft shell case. Plus, it’s so big it makes it easy to transport tour and cart bags with ease.

• It’s made in the USA and everything from the material to the zippers and clasps are made with super high-quality material. 
• It’s super easy to get your stuff in and out and there’s one main zipper. 
• Huge color selection. This travel bag comes in 16 colors so it makes it easier to identify it in the airport carousel.
• When it comes to soft shell cases there really isn’t much wrong with this as far as storage, weight, and looks go. 
• The only downside is the price. As with the Sun Mountain, this is one of the most expensive golf travel bags available.

The Club Glove last bag is legit and easy to see why it’s trusted by the best golfers in the world.

There is also a Club Glove Last Bag XL Tour pro version that’s even bigger and offers all the same benefits. Plus, at only 9 pounds it’s still incredibly light and easy to transport with ultimate protection, especially at the top of the bag.

Both of these models are great golf travel bags but they aren’t cheap. If you’re looking for a reliable bag and travel frequently with a cart or tour bag, this one’s for you. Remember, don’t skimp on quality for price when it comes to protecting your sticks!

10. Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Case

Some players prefer choosing functionality over aesthetics and the Samsonite Hard Sided Travel Case is a very heavy duty. While it isn’t the best to look at it, it is extremely durable and has plenty of extra storage for all of your equipment. This hard shell case will get your stuff from A to B safely!

• Five year manufacturers warranty.
• Three color choices (black, navy, and titanium).
• Even though it looks heavy and bulky, it is very lightweight and durable solid.
• Inside the hard case travel bag is a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads (huge benefit over most cases).
• Very easy to move around. With four multi-directional spinner wheels and two inline skate wheels allows the case to be pushed or pulled.
• Internal compression straps secure the bag inside the case to ensure your clubs are secure.
• Accommodates larger 10.5″ top golf bags with longer, 48″ clubs (that’s three inches normal than a standard, off the rack driver).
• There aren’t many downsides but price is important and it’s not cheap. It’s roughly 2-3X the prices of some of the other choices on this list.
• Appearances. Personally, I’m not a fan of the look because it’s bulky and kind of generic looking but at the end of the day, it’s easy to move and will keep your clubs safe.

I won’t lie, this heavy-duty bag won’t win any awards for appearances but it’s one of the best hard case options. It looks more like a rolling coffin but I am 100% confident that your gear will stay safe en route to your destination. The ABS Shell shields your bag and clubs from the wear and tear of travelling. 

Plus, this is one of the few options that allows longer clubs as well. With quality materials and packing features, this piece of luggage can take your clubs is a solid choice.

11. Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-Piece Travel Set

If you’re skipping hard case golf travel bags because they aren’t as fashionable, I think you will love the Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece travel set . Not only do you get a good-looking bag, this golf travel case also comes with a matching duffle bag and shoe bag too. 

• Six two-tone color choices that won’t get dirty or worn down easily.
• A Duffel bag makes a great carry-on bag that you can use year round.
• Sealed ball bearing inline skate wheels allows for the case to be pushed or pulled.
• Inside features a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads.
• Made with lightweight and durable polyester that shields your bag and clubs while still looking good!
• Functional shoe bag with mesh ventilation windows to help prevent moisture buildup, and large enough to accommodate two pairs of shoes (up to to size 13).
• Smaller size than most bags. If you have added length to your woods, they might not fit. 
• While the material looks sturdy, some reviewers on Amazon had a different experience. 

One thing I like about this choice is the matching shoe bag and duffle bag. Plus, all the colors are great looking and appear to have been made with high-quality material.

Looks aside, the bag seems highly functional with the extra foam cushioning to protect club heads. Plus, you can push or pull the bag around the airport easily. 

12. Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag 

The Athletico padded soft cover bag is one of the most affordable options on the market. For a quick weekend trip, I think this is a solid option but for longer destinations, another bag could work better. 

• 5mm of padding throughout, to help protect your golf clubs during transit.  
• Easy to carry. A padded shoulder strap further allows you to carry the bag through crowder airports with ease.
• 600D polyester and feature a vinyl base to protect the bag from scuffs and abrasions. 
• One color choice but the material seems sturdy. 
• Zero external pockets. Where are you supposed to put your extra gadgets and shoes? On the exterior of the bag, the only thing is the strap and name tag. If you’re a golf hoarder and pack heavy, probably not the one for you. 

This soft bag doesn’t look like it’s the most protective but reviews about it have been glowing. Ideally, I think this option is best for a lightweight stand bag not a staff bag. For a quick trip, this one can work but with no outside pockets, you probably have to use your luggage space to carry some of your gear.

If you’re on a budget, you may want to seriously consider this option. Plus, if you need to keep moving through a busy airport, you can throw this on your shoulder and get moving.

FAQs about the Best Golf Travel Bag

Do you have more questions about finding the right travel bag? If so, we got you covered. 

Where should I buy my travel bag?

I think Amazon is always the best place as so many people are Amazon Prime members you can get your stuff delivered quickly. In most cases, you can get your brand-new travel bag in less than two days and in some instances, same-day delivery.

So if you notice your old golf bag has a hole or is looking a little worse for wear, you can easily replace it quickly. Plus, with Amazon’s generous return policy, you can return it if you don’t love it after opening the box. If you take it out of the box and think the material is too thin or a wheel is too loose and could fall off, imagine how bad it will do when a baggage carrier is tossing it around. 

How much should I spend on my golf travel bag?

As you probably know by now, golf is not a cheap sport but it’s so addicting, most golfers will do and spend whatever it takes. While I can’t determine how much you should spend on a bag, I think the total price comes down to what type of travel you plan on doing.

If you’re the type of golfer who is going to travel frequently, you should splurge on a bag that will protect your equipment above all else. Looks don’t matter with a travel bag like they do with a normal stand or carry bag. For avid travelers, protection above all else. 

You also want to make sure it is well under weight limits, so you don’t have to constantly worry about that each time you go to the airport. There’s nothing worse than having to move stuff around so you don’t have to pay extra baggage fees. 

If you’re someone who is only going somewhere 1-2x per year, you can choose a more budget friendly, soft sided bag. While they don’t offer quite as much protection as a hard sided bag, each one above is a quality golf travel bag. Plus, you’ll save 50-75% depending on your choice. 

What are the best ways to pack your clubs?

Regardless of the bag you pick from this list, make sure you use these tips to ensure you end up getting your clubs to the destination safely.

• To protect your club heads, detach your driver and fairways woods if they are adjustable. Then, store them in the pockets of your bag itself or in a separate, checked bag to save room and reduce weight.
• Use towels or bubble wrap for irons or other clubs. Even though it’s more work, you can ensure they don’t get scratched during travel.
• Double-check the weight of your travel bag before you go to the airport. Also, make sure to confirm with the airlines how much weight is allowed per bag so you don’t have to pay extra. 
• Avoid putting anything expensive in your bag in case it gets lost (for example, GPS watch, expensive rangefinder, golf GPS, etc.). Losing your clubs is already a huge pain so don’t compound it by having other valuables inside. 
• Always take pictures of your gear before you go to the airport. This way you have documentation in case anything happens in transit.
• Use a stiff arm if you are worried about using a soft sided bag. A stiff arm is a few inches longer than your driver and will create a more sturdy outer shell. 

These tips with the right golf travel bag should help protect your clubs from normal wear and tear. For more traveling tips and information, check out our full guide on How to Travel with Golf Clubs or go here for a full golf trip packing lis t.

My Experience 

I make several flights per year where I carry my clubs and flying with golf clubs is always a little stressful, even if it’s only an hour-long flight. We’ve all seen too many videos of airline employees throwing clubs around when loading into a plane. Since golfers spend months if not years creating the “perfect set” of clubs, it’s easy to get slightly concerned. 

My best tip to ease your anxieties is to make sure to buy one of the bags on this list so your case is protective. Next, I always pack my clubs strategically with towels between my irons/wedges/woods. It’s also not a bad idea to unscrew your adjustable woods and keep them in a larger pocket. 

Lastly, I always make sure my bag is under airline weight at home to avoid any chaos at the airport. I will also put an Apple AirTag in my bag so I can always track my clubs too. 

Final Thoughts on Best Golf Travel Bags

Regardless of whatever bag you choose, selecting the right travel bag is all about protecting your clubs and finding the right one for your budget. Not all golf travel bags are created equal and I think it’s a great idea to grab a Bag Boy spine as well.

If you’re going on a golf vacation, your number one priority is to make sure they ended up at the destination safely. A broken wood or iron shaft can ruin your mood and experience that you might have spent a lot of money on.

Whether you’re looking for a soft or a hard cases, make sure to do your research. Each golf club case should get your clubs safely but personal preference, budget, color, style, and features will play a factor as well. Not to mention, some of these store easily in your house or garage while others could take up a lot more room. 

Also, you want to ensure the inside of the bag has plenty of protection for your clubs. Don’t forget to factor in your golf bag as well. If you have a cart bag, you might need to get a large carry case or hard case as the smaller, more budget friendly ones won’t fit. 

Pick up one of these golf travel bags, book one of those lifetime golf trips and start enjoying golf more than ever before.

2 thoughts on “Golf Club Protection: The Best Golf Travel Bags”

This was well written for novice golfers and those planning on enjoying this AWESOME game while traveling.

I feel so much more comfortable in choosing the best travel bag for my budget, travel itinerary, other preferences,

Great article. Very informative and well written. Thank you for your assistance in my purchase decision. Your article has made it much easier.

Comments are closed.

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NBC Select Travel Awards 2024: The best hardshell and softshell suitcases

At NBC Select, we spend hours researching, testing and reviewing products so that you can be more selective and informed about the things you buy. For our first-ever NBC Select Travel Awards, we spent months thoroughly testing travel gear covering various categories.

We traveled across the globe to Tokyo with hardshell suitcases and packing cubes , commuting to and from our New York City office with weekenders and duffel bags and tried toiletry bags , noise-canceling headphones and more.

After all of our testing, we collected thoughtful feedback for every product. After sifting through all editors’ reviews, we found the products deserving of the Travel Award winner’s stamp of approval.

Below, we rounded up the best hardshell and softshell suitcases, plus information about how we evaluated each product.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best hardshell and softshell suitcases | Best hardshell suitcases | Best softshell suitcases

select We took over 30 duffels, backpacks and weekenders on planes, trains and more for our Travel Awards. These are the best

How we picked the best hardshell and softshell suitcases.

Arguably one of the most important types of bags you’ll take with you on a long-haul trip, a great hardshell and softshell suitcase should be durable, spacious, easy to maneuver and able to hold up well against scratches, scuffs and potential damage (especially if you regularly check in your bags).

• Durability: Overall, we wanted to see that once the bag was fully packed, it was easy to pull and roll around on various surfaces, including carpet, tile and pavement. We also wanted to see if the fully packed suitcases held their shape well with items like clothes and shoes inside. Plus, it was important to ensure that the suitcases held up well against elements such as water or accidental spills.
• Maneuverability: Similar to durability, we prioritized maneuverability in the hardshell softshell suitcases we tested. We wanted to ensure the handles weren’t flimsy or prone to breaking, especially after pulling and handling the bag for hours. Additionally, we wanted to make sure the suitcases were relatively easy for the average person to lift and carry if they plan on using them as carry-ons.
• Spaciousness: We wanted to make sure the suitcases we awarded had sufficient room to hold common articles of clothing such as t-shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, and certain types of shoes. Ideally, the bag would hold at least a few days' worth of outfits. We also wanted to make sure they were compatible with packing cubes, which help to keep belongings more organized. 

Best hardshell suitcases 

Best overall hardshell suitcase: away the bigger carry-on.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is the best overall hardshell suitcase because it delivered when it came to all of our testing criteria. This Away suitcase, as the name implies, is a subtly larger version of the brand’s standard carry-on suitcase. The bag can fit multiple packing cubes and has ample room for clothing, toiletries and shoes. It also comes with a small bag for storing dirty laundry.

Additionally, it comes with a TSA-approved lock, which NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez found useful during her travel testing.  “I loved using this carry-on and was able to pack roughly around 10 days worth of clothes with the help of packing cubes,” she says. “I also thought that the inside features were convenient.” Aside from space for clothing, it also has straps and buckles, which help flatten and secure the items in the bag, which makes it easier to close. The handle is easy to adjust and the wheels roll smoothly and handle various surfaces well, whether upright or at an angle.

Best lightweight hardshell suitcase: Quince 21” Carry-On

Quince 21” Carry-On

During our testing, we found that the Quince 21” Carry-On balances durability and maneuverability well. While the suitcase keeps belongings safe and secure, it’s also easy to lift and place in an overhead compartment or into the trunk of a car, especially when it is fully packed. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin tested the bag and loved how well it handled different terrain. “I dragged this bag through the streets of New York, on multiple flights, checked and not checked, and dragged it up flights of stairs and it looks great,” she says. While the bag is prone to some scrapes (the case with many hardshell bags), it comes with a small sponge to help wipe scuffs away.

Best budget hardshell suitcase: Bagsmart Carry-On  

Bagsmart Carry-On

The Bagsmart Carry-On can hold a surprisingly large amount given its size, according to NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg, who tested the bag. “I was really impressed by this carry-on. Its dimensions are smaller than the average carry-on,” she says. “But it held a lot of things and the quality is good for the price.” The suitcase is slightly smaller than the standard carry-on size for most major airlines but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice space for storing clothing or other travel items. It also has 360-degree wheels, an adjustable handle with four heights, TSA-approved locks on the zippers, multiple compartments for organizing clothes and an expandable zipper on the side.

Best softshell suitcases 

Best overall: thule subterra 2 carry-on spinner.

Thule Subterra 2 Carry-On Spinner

Thule’s Subterra 2 suitcase is the perfect softshell carry-on for your travel needs, whether you’re using it for a quick trip or taking it on a long-haul vacation. Former NBC Select editorial operations manager Shari Uyehara says that while testing the bag, it “helped make traveling a lot easier” — she loves its sleek, stylish design, and how well it’s held up after multiple trips. It’s made from a polycarbonate shell and a durable nylon/polyester blend that’s designed to be water-resistant and to withstand the impact of travel wear and tear, according to the brand.

The suitcase also includes an easily-accessible removable panel that compresses your clothes to maximize packing space, which Uyehara says she loves most of all. “I love how spacious it is and that it can easily hold all of my items,” she says. She also says that, compared to other carry-on suitcases she’s tried, this one is lightweight and very easy to wheel around.

Best lightweight: Calpak Luka Soft Sided Carry-On

Calpak Luka Soft Sided Carry-On

Malin, who’s never used soft-shell luggage before, says that this suitcase is “ideal to use for a short trip”, because of its spacious yet lightweight design. When testing the suitcase for a weekend trip, Malin says she fit three full day outfits, three pairs of pajamas and three workout outfits inside of the suitcase’s main compartment, plus underwear, bras and socks.

It’s made from Calpak’s puffy, polyester Luka material, which the brand says is designed to withstand travel — the flexible material also makes it easier to close (and overstuff, according to Malin). The carry-on also has 360-degree spinner wheels and two front pockets with a padded laptop compartment, which Malin says is her favorite part of the bag. “The sleeve makes it really easy to take my laptop out, which would be super helpful if I was going through security at the airport,” she says. Malin says she can store extras like her resistance bands and Bala bangles in the larger part of the pocket, and it’s an easy bag to wipe clean.

Why trust NBC Select?

Products underwent an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite in their respective categories. We utilized our editors as shopping and trying experts. Each editor was given the same criteria during the testing period to ensure each item was held to the same standards and procedures. We looked at spaciousness, durability, comfort, zippers and much more. You can read more about our process here .

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When a product carries the NBC Select badge, you can trust that our team of editors as shopping experts and professionals vetted the item thoroughly. First and foremost, we are journalists, so we will always do our research and reporting.

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• Travel Products
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• Organizers + Accessories

The 11 Best Travel Tech Organizers of 2024

On-the-go organization and storage for all your tech essentials.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Keeping your tech organized and accessible is essential for a stress-free travel experience. Sure, we used to just toss our tech items in a clean toiletry case and call it a day, but that was before we had so much stuff. These days it seems like there’s a different cable for every device, and a different device for practically everything. We’d rather spend a little extra time in the sun than be fiddling with tangled charging cords or searching for the correct generation USB plug. 

These travel tech organizers will keep you juiced up, plugged in, and zoned out without skipping a beat. We’ve got picks for the ultra-minimalist who can survive with the bare essentials, the unabashed maximalist who needs space for everything, and everyone in between.

Best Overall

Calpak tech organizer.

It’s got a packable, slim profile but still fits the essentials. 

The retention bands can lose elasticity quickly when storing overly bulky items.  

This minimalist bag has a spot for all your essential travel tech accessories and comes with the quality and cachet of the Calpak name. The clamshell design makes it a cinch to grab your gear without fiddling with deep pockets or multiple organization layers. Plus, this tech organizer sports the right amount of padding — enough to cushion but so much that adds unnecessary bulk — and its slim 1.5 inch-deep profile still fits nicely in a carry-on or personal item bag. The top grab handle makes it easy to pull out and carry, too. 

All three full-side storage pockets have convenient pull tab zippers, and two have front mesh fabric, so you can assess their contents in one quick look. We found the two interior slip pockets large enough to hold a portable charging bank and loved how the four elastic retention bands kept our cords separated, snug, and at the ready. Just note that these bands can stretch out over time; faster if you store very thick or bulky cords. Plus this case comes in 12 colors and patterns, so it’s simple to pair the perfect bag with your travel style. 

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 1.5 inches | 0.25 pounds | Polyester and polyethylene

Best Budget

Bevegekos tech organizer travel case.

You get twice the usual storage area with this organizer’s two-layer, double-clamshell design.

The smaller compartments are tiny and reduce the overall functionality of the organizer. 

There are not a lot of bells and whistles with this basic organizer, but it delivers for anyone who doesn’t travel often or those who don’t have many tech accessories to pack. We really liked the extra value that the double-layer clamshell design gives. Instead of the usual two interior storage walls, this organizer has four. You’ll get two larger slip pockets for storing a smartphone or charging bank, three medium-sized mesh pockets for things like wireless earbuds or USB charging cables, and a deep slip pocket with two fairly tight small mesh slip pockets on top. The two small mesh pockets can only really fit something small, like an SD card, leaving it to feel a bit outdated and like a waste of space. Instead, we’d rather see this whole panel used as another large slip pocket. This bag also comes in medium and large versions, with varying dimensions and deeper pocket sizes.

The Details: 7.48 x 4.33 x 2.16 inches | 3.87 ounces | Jacquard | Water-resistant

Best Roll-up

Procase travel gear organizer.

The elastic closure band keeps it secure whether it’s stuffed or slightly filled. 

There is a risk of items slipping out if the elastic on the interior pockets loosens.

Unlike a zippered bag with a fixed width, this rolling design allows you to pack in a variety of tech accessories without having to worry as much about volume constraints. With this organizer bag, you’ll be able to stuff all the pockets and roll it up. The elastic band closure will secure the roll whether you’ve packed a lot or a little. Other rolling bags we’ve seen have a fixed snap or buckle closure, which means you’ve got to fill the bag exactly in order to get a secure closure. We also like that when this unrolls, your entire tech set is laid out and easy to access. Storage compartments include three mesh zippered pockets, six retention bands for cords, three mini slip pockets, and two expandable nylon slip pockets. We do want to flag that once the elastic pockets start to loosen, you may run the risk of some items sliding out. 

The Details: 17 x 9 inches (laid flat), 4.5 × 9 inches (rolled up) | 4.6 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant 

Best Everyday Use

Dagne dover tech organizer.

There’s a D-ring loop that can clip into a main bag for easy locating on the go.

It’s best used with Apple products.

This simple but effective tech organizer from Dagne Dover is a no-fuss solution for making sure you always have your essential tech accessories with you. Like with many compact travel tech organizers, the Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Organizer seems to work best with Apple products (or products with a similar size and shape). It’s a great organizer for everyday use during commutes with compartments for a computer charging cable extender, charging brick, a small USB charging wall adapter, and a USB charging cord. We also like the small, plastic D-ring that can be clipped into a larger commuter backpack. The tough neoprene material is waterproof, too. So if you get caught in bad weather, you don’t have to panic. We like the small version but it also comes in a large size for those with more gear.

The Details: 4.5 x 2.25 x 5 inches | 5 ounces | Neoprene, recycled polyester | Waterproof

Mark & Graham Essential Tech Folio

Design details boost the overall look of the folio. 

It’s leather and can be ruined with excessive water exposure. 

With two-toned colorways and design details like angled leather pocket sleeves, this folio earns extra style points. Thankfully, it’s not looks over function as you use tasseled leather pulls to navigate the gold metal zip. Once opened, you’ll see one side with two inset sleeves, a change pocket, and cut-slots for your ID and other cards along with a spot for a tablet; the large version can fit a standard iPad but it also comes in a small size that fits an iPad Mini. The other side has well-spaced leather slip pockets for things like a wireless earbuds case, a smartphone, a passport, and thin loose charging cables. Giving it as a gift? You can go the extra mile and personalize it with a gold or silver foil embossed monogram or larger printed letters. This is a real leather product, so it’ll need to be handled with care. Wipe off and dry any water to avoid spotting or damage. 

The Details: 8.5 x 11 x 1 inches | Leather

Best Cable Organizer

Side by side cable organizer tech bag.

 It has a very packable shape and unbeatable storage capabilities (that even fits bulky PC chargers).

Most of its storage organization uses retention straps.

This organizer bag immediately stands out among others because of its shape. It goes against the grain of the usual boxy design and goes for slim length. We love it not only because this makes it extremely convenient to pack (especially in a duffel or backpack) but also because it requires less bending for your cords. It can accommodate long cords easily and manages to do what few tech organizers can: fit those thick PC charging cords , including the brick. The outer panels have a flexible compression fabric that holds items in place but can stretch to fit oddly shaped or oversized accessories. Items are stored in two separate zippered compartment sides, mostly using elastic retention straps of different sizes. There’s only one zippered pocket inside. It’s mesh and roughly the size of a credit card. 

The Details: 10.2 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches | 9 ounces | 300D polyester, elastane nylon

Best With Stand-up Case

Native union stow lite organizer.

It looks smart and is made from soft but durable recycled materials. 

There’s no handle or wrist strap.

This soft-sided tech organizer bag has an A-line silhouette that ensures it will stand up on its own, making it more convenient when you’re searching for something or loading it up before a trip. We like how simple but stylish it is. It's made from recycled plastic bottles with a leather zipper trim that kicks up the look (though we wrestled with the zipper a few times because of the trim). It’s a great pick for travelers who have a few specific items they want to store separately for quick access, but don’t mind tossing other items in the main pocket. The interior organization includes five lightly padded slip pockets for items like USB charging cords, Bluetooth mouse, and earbuds with the case. The main pocket can be a bit snug when the pockets are full but can generally fit an iPhone charger and MacBook charger (both with bricks), a slim charging bank, a few extra USB cables, and small wall adapters. One thing we found to be lacking? You can only carry it like a clutch — there’s no handle strap or detachable wristband. 

The Details: ‎4.53 x 7.48 x 2.56 inches | 3.18 ounces | Leather and recycled polyester | Water-repellent

Best Leather

Parker clay utility pouch.

The beautiful and durable leather is sourced from Ethiopia.

The partially zippered opening can make it annoying to load.

If you’re the type of person who likes to keep their valuables close, this gorgeous leather tech pouch is carried like a clutch. It’s made from sustainable goat leather from Ethiopia, which looks as luxe as it feels against your palm. We like bringing this pouch in our personal item and packing it with our in-flight entertainment tech essentials like an iPad mini, Kindle, smartphone, earbuds with a case, and corresponding chargers. It’s also best unloaded at your seat since you’ll only get a two-thirds opening, which can block access and be especially frustrating when loading it up. On the plus side, a quick change of contents and this pouch can easily become a clutch. 

The Details: 10 x 7 x 0.25 inches | Leather

Best for Apple Products

Away the tech case.

It can fit a boxy universal travel adapter. 

The deep shape that takes up twice as much room as other comparable products.  

Away’s The Tech Case follows the brand’s reputation of high-quality travel gear that goes big on understated style and function. This soft-sided case is water-resistant and has a spacious dual level design that’s good for storing and organizing bulky tech accessories when traveling. The flip-top zipper closure has three retention bands that are the perfect size for storing USB charging cords and an earbuds case. On the opposite side, there’s a shallow compartment with a mesh panel that unzips, revealing access to a deeper bottom compartment where you can store your laptop charging cable, extension cable, and power brick. We like it because it’s possible to fit a universal plug adapter in this space, making it perfect for international travel. However, at over six inches in depth, it can be tougher to pack simply because of its own bulky shape; so keep that in mind if you’re primarily a carry-on traveler.

The Details: 6.3 x 4.7 x 2.95 inches | 3.7 ounces | Nylon  | Water-resistant

Best Fan-style

Inateck electronics case.

It’s a durable and simple organizer with great capacity. 

Since it opens like a book, not all the pockets have security features. 

If you’re the type of person who prefers to see all of your items at a glance, consider the Inateck Electronics Organizer Travel Case. It has a unique accordion fan design that opens like a book, neatly exposing its contents. You’ll still get great organization on the inside, too. The large size is approximately the size of a toiletry case and is big enough to fit a Nintendo Switch. The 1200D polyester material is hardy enough to hold up for frequent travelers and makes the bag water-repellent, too. Inside, you’ll find soft and stretchy lycra material with eight various slip pockets, a large velcro-secured pocket, and seven elastic retention straps. Unfortunately, most of the slip pockets do not have elastic rims or security straps, so you’ll want to be sure to have a flat surface since it opens up 180 degrees.  

The Details: 10.24 x 3.74 x 5.91 inches | 8.2 ounces | 1200D polyester | Water-repellent

Best Hardside

Procase hard travel electronic organizer case.

The water resistance and shock absorption give us extra piece of mind.

It works best for smaller items that aren’t too bulky. 

A hardside case is the way to go when it comes to protecting your most expensive tech accessories. This ProCase Hard Travel Electronics Organizer has a durable, water-resistant EVA shell and shock-absorbing lining that works double time to keep your electronics safe from spills, drops, and splashes. We like the convenient wristlet strap and dual-compartment design. The storage capacity is more than enough, with five zippered mesh pockets and two compression slip pockets. However, it’s not designed to hold bulky items; just smaller tech accessories, which is a bit of a bummer considering the overall size. If you need more space, opt for the large or extra-large versions.

The Details: 9.72 x 5.82 x 2.55 inches | 0.31 ounces | EVA | Water-resistant

Tips for Buying a Travel Tech Organizer

Know what items you need to store.

Take stock of your tech items to make sure your desired tech organizer has the capacity and capability to hold what you need it to. This is particularly important if you’ve got a bulky item or two, or if the majority of your stuff is small and easy to lose. If you’re having trouble finding an organizer that fits your needs, consider what your basic essentials are and what might be able to be safely and securely packed elsewhere. You’ll also want to consider where you’ll be packing the organizer to make sure it’ll fit in your bag while still giving you room to pack anything else you need. 

Consider durability and water resistance

Are you a frequent traveler or just preparing for a one-off trip? Frequent travelers will want to pay more attention to the durability of their tech organizer than someone who won’t be using the product repeatedly over a short period of time. Budget-friendly doesn’t always mean poorly-made, as you’ll see with our picks, and products with a higher price point may not deliver when it comes to key things like water resistance. Leather looks great and can look even better over time, but it’s easily ruined by scrapes and exposure to liquid. On the flip side, ripstop material like 600D polyester or EVA won’t look as luxurious but will last much longer and provide better protection against bumps, drops, and spills. Also, consider the quality of your organizer's zipper. This is an oft-overlooked detail that can make or break how much use you can get out of a product. Once the zipper breaks, it’s usually game over. 

Storing your tech in one spot while traveling helps you to keep track of it, especially the smaller pieces, while you’re away from home. Using a storage option with built-in organization keeps your sanity. Tossing your essentials into a single-pocket bag is convenient — until you need them, and tech organizers help to avoid the frantic fishing through your luggage for a charger for your portable speaker or that important flash drive. They can also help keep cords from tangling, a major win and frustration saver.  

Depending on the size, you can pack your travel tech organizer in your checked bag, carry-on, or personal item. However, many travelers are wary of packing anything valuable like tech in their checked luggage for fear of theft or damage, plus you’ll want to make sure there are no power banks or other devices prohibited from the cargo hold. It’s most common to bring an organizer into the cabin which also allows you to access it during your travel day as needed. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Katherine Alex Beaven did hours of research on the most popular and best-reviewed travel tech organizers to keep your tech gear organized. She also relied on insights from the Travel + Leisure team, who put several of these travel tech organizers to the test in real-world settings.

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Travel Bags

9 of our favorite golf travel bags to consider for your next golf trip

The proper golf travel bag is necessary for anyone hitting the road. A travel bag needs to check all the boxes —durability, pocket space, padding and an internal strap to keep the bag snug and not moving around inside—the difference-maker is the much-appreciated ability to effortlessly move through the airport. Wheels to allow you to move through the airport with minimum effort is also key.

If you're reading this, it's not too late. You've likely done the hard part—booking your next golf trip. Now you need to figure out how to get your golf clubs safely to your destination. We're here to help, here are a few of our favorite travel bags that'll make things a little easier whenever you hit the road again. RELATED: The best travel cover for golfers

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian is large enough to hold anything from a standard carry bag to the largest of cart bags. There are enough pockets to store everything from a pair (or two) of golf shoes, raingear, a dozen balls and, on the way home, probably a bag of dirty laundry. At the airport, the pivoting wheels make maneuvering through check-in a breeze.

Caddymatic Hard Top Shell Padded Travel Cover with Wheels

A durable, polyester lower half folds up inside the hard top to make it easier for storage. The shell top of the bag helps protect clubs from damage in transit.

More to consider:

Founders Club Golf Travel Cover Luggage

Samsonite "The Protector Hard & Soft Golf Travel Cover with Shark Wheels

Founders Club Golf Travel Bag Travel Cover Luggage for Golf Clubs with ABS Hard Shell Top

Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm

Not only is Club Glove one of the most trusted companies in this space, but it also offers some of the most impressive style offerings in golf. Available in 16 colors, these are well-designed bags, which also include a stiff arm protector to keep your driver safe.

Bag Boy T-2000 Travel Cover

For anyone who's struggled to fit their golf bag into a tight travel case in the past, the Bag Boy will seem like a revelation. The full wraparound zippered compartment makes it simple to get your clubs into the case.

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover

This might be the most innovative option in this group. The Kube folds into a versatile little square, making it convenient for condensing in size when your bag's not in there (think in the trunk of your car on a golf trip, or in storage when you're not on a trip).

TourTrek TC PRO Travel Cover

Just like the bag above, this Tour Trek has a large compartment that wraps around and zippers shut. The company also boasts a central internal compression strap to help secure your clubs in transit. There are 11 colorful options to choose from.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Golf Bag

This durable case is molded from a durable polyethylene, which the company says was built to better fit golf bags of any size. This case also boasts what the company calls a "patent-pending closure system" with industrial strength latching to make the system more secure.

OGIO Straight Jacket Travel Cover

The strap system on this durable Ogio bag makes it easy to secure your clubs, so they don't move around and become damaged in transit. The travel bag is fully padded to protect your clubs further, and keeping the product as fresh as possible. The company, one of the most reliable for all types of bags, also boasts tip-resistant stability. (This model is currently sold out, but you can shop a similar Ogio travel bag here .)

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How-To Geek

I paid for google's drive storage. here's why i don't regret it.

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Why upgrade to paid google storage, is google drive worth the cost, how i use my google drive storage, is there anything to be worried about with google drive, is a paid google drive subscription worth spending money on.

Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage, but what happens when you run out of space? Since your storage is shared between your email, your photo and video backups, and other services, running out unexpectedly can be a hassle. Here's why you should upgrade.

I try to my monthly subscriptions down to a minimum. Even so, I was more than willing to spend money on paid Google Drive storage. Among the reasons I opted for paid Google storage include:

Ability to Store More Files, Photos, and Videos

Upgrading to a paid Google Drive plan significantly increases your storage capacity. For example, the basic plan offers 100 GB of storage for $1.99 per month, while higher-tier plans provide even more space. At roughly two dollars per month, it's hard to beat 100GB of cloud storage. Additionally, it's super easy to download files and folders through Google Drive.

Personal Use Cases: Travel Writing and TabletopRPGs

As a travel writer , the increased storage capacity allows me to save more photos from my adventures. I no longer need to worry about deleting older pictures to make room for new ones. Additionally, my involvement in TabletopRPGs means I use Google Docs extensively to plan and keep notes. The extra space makes it easy to have all my plans and notes in one place, accessible anytime. I'm sure most other users have hobbies or work that they'd appreciate cloud storage solutions for.

Seamless Sharing of Large Files with Others

When I'm working on personal projects (like that game I built with ChatGPT ), I can easily share them with other indie game developers like myself to get feedback, no matter how big the files are. The same goes for beta-testing tabletop rule systems. What makes this even more enticing is that I can link Google Drive directly to Windows Explorer .

Convenience of Having All Files in One Place

I work when I travel, and as a result, I'm constantly on the go. With a significantly large Google Drive, I can work on stuff while in transit and sync it to my drive once I have a connection. That means things like a 13-hour layover in Panama aren't wasted but instead can be used to get some work done on my mobile device.

Syncing with Google Photos, Gmail, and Other Apps

The biggest benefit of having paid Google Drive storage is its seamless integration with Google Suite. I have a lot of things stored on my Google Drive, from the thousands of travel pictures I've taken to the hundreds of lines of code I've written. While I could (and do) also use GitHub for coding, it's nice to have Google Drive as a backup that syncs automatically from my desktop.

Google Drive offers several pricing plans that cater to different needs. The 100 GB plan costs $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year, while the 200 GB plan is priced at $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. For those with even greater storage needs, the 2 TB plan is available for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Each plan offers a significant increase in storage capacity, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their requirements. Personally, I don't need more than 100GB and if I manage to fill that space up, it's time to start backing up excess things off-site.

From my perspective, the value gained from upgrading to a paid Google Drive plan is substantial. The small monthly fee is justified by the convenience, enhanced productivity, and peace of mind that comes with ample storage. For instance, paying $1.99 per month for 100 GB of storage means I no longer have to spend time managing files or worry about running out of space.

While Google Drive is my preferred choice, it's worth noting that other cloud storage services offer similar features. Services like Dropbox, OneDrive , and iCloud also provide paid plans with various storage capacities. However, Google's integration with other services (especially Google Suite, which I use extensively) makes it the obvious winner for me.

So, what's the best way to utilize this storage? According to my current storage amount, I've used nearly 30GB of that 100GB storage space. Where are all my files? Hands down, the majority of my storage is taken up with high-quality destination photos and videos. I also have a folder dedicated to work (divided up into personal and business projects) and a large array of tabletop PDFs with rulesets I'd like to try out with my gaming group. Easy sharing of Google Drive files means I can collaborate easily with others.

One of the features I particularly enjoy is the ability to use the Google Docs app on my phone . This allows me to write and save documents directly to my Google Drive, enabling me to work seamlessly, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. This feature has been a game-changer for my productivity and flexibility. Getting a paid Google Drive subscription changed how I approached work immensely.

One of the shadows that looms over those of us who use cloud storage is the idea that our data is going to be leaked . I don't store anything sensitive, like unencrypted passwords, on my drive, but I still would be concerned about the security of the system.

Google Drive addresses privacy concerns with robust security measures. All files are encrypted during transfer and while at rest. Additionally, Google provides detailed information about its privacy practices and complies with global privacy standards, ensuring that your data remains protected.

Another potential concern is the flexibility of the subscription . Google makes it easy to cancel or downgrade your plan if your storage needs change. You can manage your subscription directly from your Google account settings, ensuring that you only pay for what you need. If, for example, I realize I'll need more storage for HD drone footage, for example, I can just expand the subscription to a 200GB one without any fuss.

The answer to this varies depending on your personal considerations. At $1.99 a month, it's far less expensive than a Spotify Premium or Xbox Live subscription. It's useful with a variety of other apps. Portability and easy access through the internet means that you always have access to your files. However, if paying a monthly subscription seems like too much of a hassle, the 15GB free tier still offers a lot of usage. The downside is that you'll have to clear up the files inside them far more often. With all the things I do with my paid Google Drive subscription, it's well worth the price I pay for it.

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Hurricane Beryl explodes to Category 5 on path toward Jamaica and Cancun

FORT LAUDARDELE, Fla. – Hurricane Beryl continued to rapidly intensify on Tuesday morning, reaching a powerful Category 5 hurricane before downgrading to a 4 with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

“Life-threatening” winds and potentially 5 to 8 feet of storm surge are forecast to strike Jamaica on Wednesday, despite some potential weakening during the day on Tuesday.

Beryl is forecast to bring 4 to 8 inches to Jamaica Wednesday, with up to 1 foot in localized areas.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic are not in the direct path of Beryl, but the storm is close enough to bring a potential storm surge of 1 to 3 feet along the southern coasts, the hurricane center said. Tropical storm conditions are forecast to arrive in Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tuesday, while the Cayman Islands will experience hurricane conditions.

Southern areas of Haiti and the Dominican Republic will be impacted by Beryl’s outer bands Tuesday into Wednesday, with 2 to 6 inches of rain possible.

On Tuesday night, the storm was located about 360 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica

. The hurricane had top winds of 150 mph and was moving west-northwest at 22 mph .

All of Jamaica and parts of Mexico and Belize were within Beryl’s cone Tuesday. Jamaica has issued a hurricane warning and hurricane conditions are possible there by Wednesday.

Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac were under a hurricane watch Tuesday.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Dominican Republic from Punta Palenque west to the border with Haiti and the entire south coast of Haiti from the border of the Dominican Republic to Anse d’Hainault.

“Development this far east in late June is unusual,” the forecasters at the hurricane center said. “In fact, there have only been a few storms in history that have formed over the central or eastern tropical Atlantic this early in the year.”

“Beryl is the easternmost hurricane and ‘major hurricane’ to form in the tropical Atlantic during the month of June,” the Weather Channel reported.

It is not expected to affect South Florida, but should pass Jamaica on Wednesday and reach Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by Friday.

Once the storm crosses the Yucatan and is over water once again, it will be weaker, but its potential path broadens, and could include Southern Texas.

Forecasters also said that a tropical wave, located about 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands in the Atlantic on Monday, could become a tropical depression by midweek as it moves toward the eastern and central Caribbean.

It has a 20% chance of developing in the next two days and a 30% chance in the next seven days as of 2 a.m. Tuesday.

It is expected to move west at 15 mph to 20 mph, forecasters said.

The next storm to form would be Debby.

The western Gulf of Mexico generated the 2024 season’s first tropical storm last week. Dubbed Alberto, the system made landfall in Mexico 250 miles south of the U.S. border, but sent storm surge and flood to spots 500 miles away in Louisiana.

The 2024 hurricane season, which officially began June 1, is expected to be extremely active.

In its annual May outlook, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that the 2024 hurricane season has an 85% chance of being above normal, with 17 to 25 named storms with minimum sustained winds of 39 mph, and eight to 13 hurricanes. An average year has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.

In addition, NOAA has forecast four to seven major hurricanes for 2024, meaning those that are Category 3 or above.

Experts at Colorado State University stated in their 2024 forecast that the U.S. East Coast, including Florida, had a 34% chance of a major hurricane making landfall this year. The average from 1880-2020 was 21%.

Forecasters say that the record-warm water temperatures that now cover much of the Atlantic Ocean will continue into peak hurricane season from August to October. That warm water fuels hurricanes. By early June, the tropical Atlantic was already as hot as it usually is in mid-August – peak hurricane season.

Hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30.

“I am encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a public address late Monday. “It is, however, not a time to panic.”

You never know what will happen

Chances are you or someone you love has experienced what it’s like to be a caregiver while juggling life’s bills and responsibilities.

• Best Online Advisor for Low Fees 
• Best Online Advisor for Diversified Investing
• Best Online Advisor for 529 Plans
• Best Online Advisor for Financial Planning and Personal Development
• Best Online Advisor for Retirement Saving
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Online Financial Advisors 2024: Find the Right Fit for Your Needs

Paid non-client promotion: Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate investing products to write unbiased product reviews.

What Are Online Financial Advisors?

A financial advisor is a catch-all term that includes financial planners and investment advisors. Most online advisors offer investment management — whether it's carried out by a human or a sophisticated computer algorithm — and financial planning services or tools.

Types of Online Advisors

The main types of online financial advisors are: 

• Robo-Advisors: Automated investment platforms (aka robo-advisors) use algorithms to generate a custom investment portfolio based on an individual's risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. Robo-advisors typically offer low-cost ETFs as a cost-effective way to instantly diversify an investor's asset allocation and mitigate risk. 
• Human Advisors (Virtual): Financial advisors that offer personalized financial planning and investment advice online through virtual meetings, email, and other virtual communication channels. 
• Hybrid Models: Some online brokerages offer hybrid financial advice, combining automated investment advice and management through a robo-advisor and one-on-one consultation from a human advisor. 

Benefits of Using Online Financial Advisors

Online financial advisors allow you to ditch the in-person hassle and access expert financial guidance from your phone or home computer. Online financial advisors leverage investment technology and generally low-cost compared to traditional in-person consultants.  

Not only does it make investing more affordable for many individuals, but clients can more easily adjust and monitor their investments on their own time. Robo-advisor and hybrid online advisors typically offer online dashboards and tools for convenient managing and monitoring. 

Compare the Top Online Financial Advisors 2024

For this list, we didn't consider online advisors that match clients and advisors for comprehensive financial  planning services, such as Zoe Financial or Facet Wealth . Instead, we focused on tech-driven firms where you can access an automated and personalized portfolio and consult a professional for advice when needed.

Here are our top picks for the best online financial advisors as picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

SoFi Automated: Best Online Advisor for Low Fees 

SoFi Automated Investing supports individual investment accounts, joint accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k) rollovers.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No account minimum or management fees to invest
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Goal planning and automatic portfolio rebalancing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Range of other account options across SoFi website
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. SoFi offers complimentary CFP access across all accounts
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No tax-loss harvesting
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No socially responsible portfolio options

SoFi Invest is one of the best investment apps and the best investment apps for beginners. It's a great platform for US investors who are looking for an intuitive online trading experience, an open active or automated investing account, and assets like cryptocurrencies.

• Promotion: None at this time.
• Consider it if: You're new to investing and want to leave the trading decisions to professionals.

SoFi Automated Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage accounts , traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA.

SoFi stands out for its lack of advisory fees, free one-on-one consultations with CFPs, portfolio diversity, and goal-planning features. SoFi builds a personalized investment portfolio based on your risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. Additional SoFi membership perks include loan discounts and career counseling. 

What to look out for: SoFi doesn't have tax-loss harvesting features and limited portfolio diversity. 

SoFi Invest review

Betterment: Best Online Advisor for Diversified Investing

Betterment offers individual or joint accounts, IRAs, trust accounts, and cash reserve or checking accounts.

$0 to open, $10 to start investing ($100,000 for premium plan)

$4 per month (or 0.25%/year) for digital plan; 0.40%/ year for premium plan; 1%/year for crypto portfolios

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No minimum for standard investing account
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Goal-based planning, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving, and socially responsible investing available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to certified financial planners
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Mobile app with external account syncing options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You'll have to pay to consult a human advisor, unless you have the premium plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $4 monthly fee (or 0.25% annual fee)

Betterment is best for hands-off investors who want to take advantage of professionally built, personalized ETF and cryptocurrency portfolios. The platform offers CFP access, so it could suit those in search of additional guidance from human advisors.

• App store rating: 4.7 iOS/4.5 Android
• Consider it if: You want access to robo-advice with multiple service levels.

Betterment Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, inherited IRA, and trust.

What stands out:  Betterment is a robust trading platform offering premium plans with unlimited access to CFPs through phone or email. Investors can use the platform's goal-setting feature, ESG investing, automatic rebalancing, and easy-to-use financial dashboard. 

What to look out for:  Accounts with a $100,000 balance can upgrade to get advisor access, but the annual fee increases from 0.25% (an industry low) to 0.40%

Betterment review

Wealthfront: Best Online Advisor for 529 Plans

Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.

$1 ($500 for automated investing)

$0 for stock trades. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee for investment accounts; crypto trust investments available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Tax-loss harvesting, portfolio lines of credit, 529 college savings plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cash account
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Mobile app and investing and retirement tools
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You need at least $100,000 to utilize additional investment strategies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No human advisor access

Wealthfront is one of the best robo-advisor options if you're in search of low-cost automated portfolio management, and one of the best socially responsible investing apps for features like tax-loss harvesting, US direct indexing, and crypto trusts.

• Consider it if: You're balancing several goals and want to streamline your finances.
• Promotion: Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.

Wealthfront Investing offers individual and joint taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, trust, and 529 savings plan .

Wealthfront is one of the best online financial advisors for college education savings and cryptocurrency trusts. You can borrow up to 30% of your investment balance at a low interest rate with a portfolio line of credit. Wealthfront also offers personalized recommendations with smart financial planning software. 

What to look out for:  On-staff financial advisors don't offer personalized advice

Wealthfront review

Ellevest: Best Online Advisor for Financial Planning and Personal Development

Ellevest offers two investing portfolios to fit your needs.

$1 - $240 (varies by portfolio)

$54 - $97 annually; $5 or $9/month

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Personalized, automated investment advice with a $0 minimum requirement
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly plans include discounted access to certified financial planners
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Automated IRA accounts and 401(k)/403(b) rollovers available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Private wealth management for individuals, families, and institutions who have at least $1 million to invest
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No active trading opportunities available; money is mainly invested in stock ETFs and bond ETFs
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can only open individual investment accounts and retirement accounts; joint accounts or custodial accounts not available

Ellevest is one of the best robo-advisors for goal-focused investing. It could be a good fit if you want automated investing and retirement accounts.

• Consider it if: You're looking for a one-stop shop for financial planning.

Ellevest offers individual taxable brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA (all held at Folio Investments).

Ellevest is a comprehensive financial advisor and trading platform built around women's unique needs and challenges. Investors get access to an extensive library of content and advisor-led workshops. Additionally, Ellevest offers a socially responsible investment portfolio and monthly progress reports. 

What to look out for:  Financial coaching costs extra (but members get 30%- 50% off). Access to retirement account management requires an upgrade.

Ellevest review

Ameriprise Financial Investments: Best Online Advisor for Retirement Saving

Ameriprise Financial Services has been operating for 130 years Ameriprise Financial Services is licensed in all 50 states but only has 10 physical locations throughout the US; it's currently headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Varies by account

$500 annual advisory fee, 2% AUM

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to personal finance research and investment tools
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Fiduciary financial advisor access
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Various account and investment options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High account minimums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Difficult to navigate website
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complex fee structure

Ameriprise Financial Services is a brokerage and financial advisory firm best for experienced, passive investors interested in using the site's financial planning services, wealth management tools, and fiduciary advisor access.

Ameriprise Financial Investments offers three managed account options that can be opened as an individual brokerage account, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 529 plans, and Coverdell education savings accounts (CESA). 

Ameriprise Financial Investments is one of the largest registered investment advisors in the US and is best for experienced investors looking for advanced charting and investing features. You'll get access to fiduciary financial advisors for consultations or account management. 

What to look out for: Ameriprise 's managed account fees are high, and it has a complex fee structure. 

Ameriprise Financial Services review

How Much Do Online Financial Advisors Cost?

Financial advisors providing financial advice often charge by the hour, typically between $100 to $300. Advisors creating a comprehensive financial plan tend to charge a flat rate between $1,000 and $3,000. 

If you hire an advisor to manage your investment portfolio, you'll be charged a percentage of your account balance, typically between 1% and 3% annually. In comparison, that's much higher than the fees that the best robo-advisors charge; you get the added benefit of building a relationship with a trusted source who can adjust your strategy as needed, provide personal recommendations, and answer questions when they arise.

How to Choose the Best Online Financial Advisors

The best online financial advisor for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance, investments, and time horizon. If you're a new investor interested in passive investing, an online robo-advisor is likely a good place to start. On the other hand, if you're looking for professional insight and a customized financial plan, you're better off with access to a human advisor through phone or video calls. 

You can also meet with an expert in person for financial guidance. So if you prefer to meet face-to-face, here are some tools to find some in your area:

• This is a database of all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals who are authorized to use their CFP® marks by the CFP® Board and are accepting new clients.
• Using the advanced search function, you can choose from over 40 focus areas you're looking to get help with and include your current amount of investable assets.
• Click here to visit the CFP Board website .
• This database helps connect young professionals — those in generations X and Y (millennials) — with individual advisors.
• Every advisor holds the CFP® certification, is a fiduciary , does not require a minimum net worth to take on new clients, and does not earn commissions.
• Click here to visit XY Planning Network .
• This platform maintains a database of fee-only financial advisors, not specifically CFP® certificates, who commit to a fiduciary oath once a year. 
• You can filter by location to see a list of advisory firms in your area.
• Click here to visit the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors website .

Online financial advisors are generally trustworthy. The best advisors follow the fiduciary rule, meaning they operate in their clients' best interest and are fee-only. This means client fees are their only compensation, and they don't earn a commission when they invest in certain funds or buy financial products.

Not everyone needs a robo-advisor, but beginners or passive investors looking for a hands-off approach to stock trading may prefer how cost-effective and convenient robo-advisors are. Affordable financial advisors can be hard to come by, so robo-advisors are a great alternative for many people. However, a financial advisor may be better if you need specific advice on your finances or investment strategy or if you're too overwhelmed or confused by your money to plan for retirement or invest in the stock market. 

The cost of an online financial advisor varies from platform to platform and advisor to advisor. The cost largely depends on the services, licensing, account balance, and complexity. Robo-advisors typically charge lower fees than human advisors. 

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Methodology

We Reviewed the best online financial advisors using Business Insider's methodology for rating investment platforms . We compared a long list of Registered Investment advisors (RIAs), considering fees, investment selection, access, ethics, and customer service. The best online advisors have top marks in all five categories. Investment platforms are given a rating between 0 and 5.

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LOCAL ALERT: Local agencies put boil water advisory in effect for all of DC, Arlington County

Arkansas groups not asking US Supreme Court to review ruling limiting scope of Voting Rights Act

The Associated Press

July 1, 2024, 7:01 PM

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Progressive groups in Arkansas have decided to not ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on a lower court’s ruling that private groups can’t sue under a key section of the federal Voting Rights Act .

The Arkansas Public Policy Panel and the Arkansas State Conference NAACP, which challenged Arkansas’ new state House districts under the law, did not file a petition by Friday’s deadline asking the high court to review the ruling by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

John Williams, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, said the decision to not seek review did not signal agreement with the court ruling that the groups believe is “radically wrong.” The ACLU represents the groups in the case.

Williams said they didn’t seek review because they believe there’s still a mechanism for private groups to sue under another section of federal civil rights law.

“Because that still exists, there was no need to bring this up before the Supreme Court,” Williams said Monday.

The groups’ decision avoids a fight before the high court over a ruling that civil rights groups say erodes the law aimed at prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. The groups have argued last year’s ruling upends decades of precedent and would remove a key tool for voters to stand up for their rights.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in January denied a request for the case to go before the full circuit court after a panel ruled 2-1 last year that only the U.S. attorney general can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act requires political maps to include districts where minority populations’ preferred candidates can win elections. Lawsuits have long been brought under the section to try to ensure that Black voters have adequate political representation in places with a long history of racism, including many Southern states.

The Arkansas lawsuit challenged the state House redistricting plan, which was approved in 2021 by the all-Republican state Board of Apportionment.

The 8th Circuit ruling applies only to federal courts covered by the district, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Arkansas’ Republican attorney general, Tim Griffin, called the groups’ decision to not take the issue to the Supreme Court a “win for Arkansas.”

“(The 8th Circuit ruling) confirmed that decisions about how to enforce the Voting Rights Act should be made by elected officials, not special interest groups,” Griffin said in a statement.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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