travel away luggage

The 7 Away Luggage Pieces We Recommend Most

By Rachel Chang

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I distinctly remember the moment I first laid my eyes on an Away suitcase . One of my coworkers had been talking nonstop about her new carry-on, and before heading out of town one day, she rolled the hard-shell spinner into the office. Like a proud new homeowner, she took our team on a tour through its features, leaving me mesmerized by its built-in compression straps and portable battery pack, as well as its stylish and sturdy design.

Though awestruck, I didn't immediately purchase my own; I was never one to invest in baggage—and the introductory price—$225 when it first hit the market—was beyond what I thought luggage was worth at the time. Following an ill-fated journey to Australia , in which I found my checked bag split open on the baggage carousel, the zipper having burst after I overstuffed it, I knew it was time to upgrade.

My first Away bag was The Bigger Carry-On , and despite having previously thought of luggage as glorified boxes to transport my travel essentials, I was immediately obsessed. For an overpacker, I was surprised how much I could stuff into the suitcase. Constantly slipping in “just one more” thing in, the zipper always held tight and the shell showed no signs of bulging. While on the go, the light glide of the wheels could tackle any surface, even cobblestone streets. Plus, the sleek, minimalist design just jived with me.

Shown in green

Being the space hog I am, I later upgraded to The Bigger Carry-On Flex , which added an extra 2.25 inches of expansion, meaning even I was able to go on a two-week trip with just a carry-on . As much as I’ve banged it around and overstuffed it, it’s remained impervious to my abuse.

These days, I often see other brands trying to mimic Away's features—a sign of just how much it’s changed the luggage industry. What makes it all the more surprising is that Away is still a relatively new company, having roared onto the market in 2015, with one simple goal: understanding travelers.

“From the beginning, we set out to expand the conversation around travel, solving real world travel pain points by keeping an incredibly close pulse on our customer’s needs,” Away’s chief marketing officer Carla Dunham says. “We dissected and developed a solution to all of the common headaches of travel while revolutionizing what it meant to be a travel brand.”

Founded by two female former Warby Parker executives, including Jen Rubio, who still serves as the CEO, Away was sparked by her own broken baggage disaster, noticing there was a hole in the market for luggage that was fun and functional.

After talking to hundreds of travelers, the initial carry-on was designed to meet all the most common needs—a lighter and stronger hard-side with an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell that moved easily with premium 360-degree wheels, with thoughtful features like a snap-in mesh laundry bag to keep clean to separate clean and dirty laundry, and a removable battery pack to eliminate the fight for the airport outlets.

The result wasn’t just success—the brand quickly entered the zeitgeist. Stars from Margot Robbie to Mandy Moore were spotted toting them , and Meghan Markle is believed to have given 17 Away bags as party favors at her baby shower. They've turned up on screen, too. Dunham says her favorite pop culture moment was when Portia tossed her Away away in The White Lotus. “It seemed so natural that she had an Away suitcase and that spoke to the brand’s unique position in culture and continued relevance.”

Since launch, the price points for the standard editions—which now start at $315 for The Carry-On and go up to $475 for the newly introduced The Trunk —have gone up, and are a notch above what casual or new travelers may be used to paying, but are still fairly reasonably priced for the suitcases' quality.

The brand has ventured into other travel accessories since launch, too, with both hits ( packing cubes ) and misses (travel pillows, now discontinued)—and added an outdoor collection, F.A.R., last year . It continues to evolve based on the needs of the moment. With the growing number of power outlets available on flights and around airport terminals these days, Away just phased out its distinctive built-in battery charger from its core product last month, as part of its first major refresh of its original classics line .

“Each update is incredibly intentional—from the improved features like a redesigned zipper shape, additional interior organization, and an updated trolley system, to the fresh color palette and new gloss finish, underscores how we obsess over every detail to make the journey smoother for our customers,” Dunham says.

As the brand continues to evolve, more updates and new products are sure to come, but some of the products remain staples. Here, we round up the Condé Nast Traveler team’s most-used Away bags and accessories.

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

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10" Capacity: 47.9L

A recent convert from a larger suitcase that often had to be checked, editorial assistant Jessica Chapel says the refreshed Bigger Carry-On suitcase “does wonders,” especially since she can fit almost as much in this more compact hardside spinner, which she recently took on a five-day trip with plenty of room to spare. She’s already traveled with the 7.9-pound bag by plane, bus, and car, and put it to the test when delays allowed her only 15 minutes to get between gates. She swiftly pulled the bag out of the overhead compartment thanks to “the perfect mix of convenient handle placements and the texture of the luggage,” put the bag on top of her head—an unconventional carrying method, to be sure—and sailed through the crowd. “It's the little things, including the unique placement of the luggage's underside handle—with a small dash of adrenaline—that certainly does the trick for easy access without any shuffle, which is exactly what's needed in an airport rush,” Chapel says. (She made her connecting flight in the knick of time.)

Also notable, she says: the interior lining, mesh, and drawstring laundry for dirty clothes (no longer snapped, as part of the refresh), are made of recycled polyester. Deputy global editorial director Jesse Ashlock concurs, having depended on the classic version for more than three years now, calling it a “solid workhorse polycarbonate bag that suits a lot of different trip styles.” I recently tried the updated version of The Bigger Carry-On, and was able to pack enough for a weeklong California getaway; I am especially loving the additional inner pockets to keep my essentials more organized.

Weight: 10.4 lbs. Dimensions: 26" x 19" x 11" Capacity: 68.8L

During a two-week car trip to Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard, destinations editorial assistant Charlie Hobbs brought along the “perfectly light” 10.4-pound medium check-in sized hardside, able to fit enough in to not have to do laundry the entire getaway. The interior of the upgraded version—which he found “unassuming”—includes more storage pockets: The compression flap, which used to have just one large zipper mesh compartment, is now divided into two zippered sections on one side with an added large pocket on the backside. Additionally, the zipper closure for the top half of the suitcase now has a zippered pocket on it. He also noticed what’s perhaps the most commonly called-out downfall of Away’s hardsides: “Despite only ever being in the car, this bag is already quite scuffed up,” he said. (When I was in Estonia with two other travel writers last month, looking at our three Away bags, we commented the same thing.) Each suitcase does come with Away's own version of a Magic Eraser that helps remove light scuffs, though a bit of elbow grease might be needed to get them out. That said, Hobbs found the 360-degree wheels rolled “perfectly well” and appreciated the new ergonomic curved zippers. Like Chapel, he found the luggage easy to lift up in a bind, when he had to put it on the roof of a Toyota for a ferry ride, noting it was easy to sling it up, “thanks to the side handles.”

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (not expanded) Capacity: 39.8L

“The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” global director of audience development Lara Kramer says. At 8.15 pounds, this model has the expandable 2.25-inches of zipper space going from 39.8 liter capacity to 46.7 liters, providing “the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed,” she adds. She and her husband both use it as their carry-on suitcase—in part because it moves so well, “gliding smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels.” Otherwise, she finds the other features “pretty straightforward,” also noting the issue of the exterior scuffing “very easily,” especially noticeable on a dark suitcase. “They're generally surface scuffs and not hard to buff out, but against the black color, it can look pretty jarring,” she adds. That said, Kramer says, “I still truly love this piece and it has continued to hold up despite many uses.”

Weight: 2.45 lbs. Dimensions: 12" x 6" x 18" Capacity: 20L

Simplicity comes first with this water-resistant nylon backpack, available in five subtle monochromatic shades, that CNT editors have called “functional” with “a classic look that you won’t tire of.” As a freelancer whose backpack is her office, that timeless look also means the backpack strikes the right balance of being professional (I’ve toted it to business meetings and events), travel-friendly (I’ve also taken it on day trips to the Jersey Shore and Long Island), and casual (it’s also doubled as my exercise bag for spin class). When I got caught in the rain at the US Open in New York, the raindrops wicked right off, and the bag's contents stayed dry. But my two favorite magic tricks of this bag are the extended clamshell-style zipper, which opens the main compartment and makes it just as easy to take something out of the bottom as the top, and the bag's weight distribution. Whether it’s the padded straps or the mesh back panel, it somehow makes the contents feel lighter—I’ve stopped at least twice to make sure my laptop was actually inside the 15-inch sleeve. Plus, the thoughtful number of pockets are great for storing little essentials.

Weight: 1.74 lbs. Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 8" Capacity: 26L

When it comes to travel backpacks, I’m far pickier than with luggage. I need an uber-spacious main compartment and every zipper and pocket needs to be just in place—so much so that I used the same ratty old Vans Off the Wall one for well over a decade. While I recently tested out a new Tumi backpack, I never liked the placements of its pockets. Enter the F.A.R. Backpack 26L. The main compartment is deep and wide open, yet still has a slip pocket in the back for my laptop. Hidden behind it is another zippered compartment that fits a 15-inch device. The front pocket is surprisingly roomy too, with tons of organizational pockets—plus, there are two water bottle side pockets, each able to hold a 32-ounce container. Add to that the fact the entire bag is only 1.74 pounds and it still fits under the seat in front of me on planes.

While the Everywhere Zip may be sufficient for day trips, personally, I do need the space of the 26-liter bag to fit my basic travel essentials for anything that includes an overnight stay. Plus the shell is tougher for more rugged travels, whether it's outdoor adventures or multi-stop itineraries, where it may be subject to more use. That said, I am still learning to trust mine completely. On two occasions, the zipper has opened on its own and I didn't realize until contents spilled out. But both times were when I was leaving hotels in a rush, so it's possible I didn't properly zip it.

Weight (full set): 0.7 lbs.

Dimensions: Small: 10" x 4" x 8" Medium slim: 10" x 4" x 4" Medium wide: 13" x 4" x 10" Large: 13" x 4" x 7"

Before I tried Away’s packing cubes, I was a skeptic of the travel accessory as a whole. Other cubes I had seen were either bulky, or felt rough, cheap, and pointless. Admittedly, when I first saw this innocuous set from Away, I was still doubtful. But as it turns out, this set of four nylon water-resistant zip bags with one mesh side are as subtle as they are useful. In the smallest one, I’m able to stuff in all my “just in case” accessories—a foldable running cap, beanie, scarf, gloves, and swimsuit, and tuck it into a teeny corner of the suitcase. The medium slim is perfect for organizing my underwear, packing them vertically, Marie Kondo–style , while the medium wide fits my bras, tanks, and socks. The final one, the large slim, rotates between storing pairs of shoes or other bulky items. They all fit together like Legos in my suitcase, weighing a combined 0.7 pounds—well worth it for keeping me organized on the go.

Weight: .8 oz. Dimensions: 6" x 8" x 3" Capacity: 0.5 gal.

When I first got this bag, I didn’t think I’d ever use it. It wasn’t quite a dry sack, it wasn’t quite a travel pouch. It was an in-between hybrid that I saw no practical use for. But then one day when I was running out the door, holding too many chargers in my hands, I tossed them in there—and it’s become my go-to tech accessories bag, traveling with me both on trips and in my everyday life. Made of water-resistant recycled ripstop nylon, it repels accidental spills (mostly coffee, in my case), but is so thin and sturdy that it doesn’t take up much space. The recycled nylon handle also makes it easy to grab when I’m trying to fish it out of my bag. Use it for chargers and cords, toiletries, or any other odds and ends, and know that there are small and large versions if you want a full set.

Review of the updated Away The Bigger Carry-On: Same great bag, revamped features

Editor's Note

• The Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On bags offer high-end luggage looks and features.
• Standout features include a handy mesh laundry compartment, fun colors, optional ejectable battery and 360-degree spinner wheels.
• However, the bag does scuff, and there are some elements to be aware of before spending close to $300.

Since it debuted in 2015, Away has become a popular luggage company with bags that are often easy to spot in every corner of an airport, from airline lounges to baggage carousels. It's almost like the iPhone of carry-on bags — simple, stylish and priced in a way that walks that line of exclusivity while simultaneously feeling affordable enough for many frequent travelers. It likely doesn't hurt Away's popularity — and visibility — that a few times a year, it unveils seasonally refreshed colors for its bags, too.

Right now, you can purchase away bags for what is likely the best deal of the year with 20% off for Black Friday . This Black Friday sale drops the price to $236 for the Away The Bigger Carry-On and $220 for the Away The Carry-On . And if someone with an Away bag refers you, that can drop the price an additional 20% as those discounts stack.

Personally, my family now has five Away bags: two child-size bags (that are no longer available) and one adult carry-on size from a limited-edition collection inspired by the northern lights as well as two of the more traditional colors and styles. The northern lights Away bag, which was beautiful when it first arrived at my door, didn't hold up very well.

But the Away The Bigger Carry-On in the coast color that Away provided for product testing a year ago and, more recently, the revamped design in olive, have both held up wonderfully overall.

Now that I've flown more than a dozen flights with the revamped Away The Carry-On in olive and spent a year and about 100,000 miles with the previous version in coast, I'm here to share my review of the Away The Bigger Carry-On bags. I'll also talk about some differences between the most recently released version and previous iterations.

What you should look for in a carry-on bag

The best carry-on bags have a few things in common. Notably, they have a sturdy handle and are easy to roll — not only on smooth airport surfaces but also on some slightly imperfect surfaces. Sometimes, taking that train to the city center and walking the rest of the way to the hotel while pulling your bag is the best course of action, and your bag needs to be able to handle that journey.

Ideally, carry-on luggage has some compartments to help keep your belongings separated and make the act of physically closing and opening the bag a bit easier. No one wants all the items that were so carefully packed exploding everywhere, thanks to gravity during the zipping and unzipping process.

The best carry-on bags don't waste a ton of weight on the bag itself and fit in airline overhead bins, pushing right up to that maximum limit allowed so you have as much packing space as possible. They're also built to withstand the harsh realities of frequently flying without becoming the ugly duckling at the baggage carousel shortly after buying them.

Related: Keep calm and carry on: TPG shares its favorite travel carry-on bags

Why we like Away's The Bigger Carry-On

Spoiler alert: After a year of using Away The Carry-On (often instead of my beloved Rimowa), I'm a fan.

While I still love my Rimowa carry-on bags that I've used for almost a decade, there is no question that the Away bag is more functional in a few ways — which is why it is now the primary bag in my rotation.

The mesh, zippered laundry compartment on one side of the bag is one of my favorite components, as it is so useful for keeping things organized and in place. The other side of the bag can then be used for packing cubes and the like, making it easy to pack, unpack and keep everything together.

In fact, the updated carry-on model released in the summer of 2023 has even more pockets and sturdier zips. It also has redesigned handles that are easier to grip and refreshed 360-degree spinner wheels.

Purchase link: Away The Bigger Carry-On

The zippers themselves are strong and easy to move, even when you may have slightly overpacked and are leaning all your weight on the top of the suitcase to get it to close while you zip it up. I absolutely do this all the time and am continually impressed at how much I can cram in there.

The 360-degree spinner wheels have made moving through the airport, along sidewalks and more basically a dream.

As someone who avoids checking a bag as much as possible, I'm particularly fond of the slightly larger size of Away's standard carry-on bag.

The Bigger Carry-On allows you to add an extra set or two of clothes or one more pair of shoes without drifting into that "must check a bag" situation. We'll get more into the exact dimensions in a bit, but this little extra room makes a noticeable difference when packing.

Related: Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Rimowa

Things to know about The Bigger Carry-On from Away

While this bag can be thrown in and out of a cab and dragged off a carousel without a worry in terms of functionality, be prepared for some scratches on the shell. (If you really want to see the durability in action, jump to the three-minute mark of the "Kids Away Luggage review video" at the end of this article to see how we tried to destroy that bag.)

Even with normal wear and tear, scuffs can absolutely be seen on the matte material. I found some on my test bag after just the first few flights.

Additionally, I've discovered that this coast color is quite popular, as I've been in a few situations now where multiple people have had the exact same bag.

Without something clearly identifying the bag as yours, you're risking bag mix-ups. Consider getting some kind of special identifier (such as a colorful luggage tag) and toss an Apple AirTag in for good measure, just in case. Or, choose a non-traditional or limited-edition color that fewer people will have.

One thing that's no longer an option on the Away carry-on bags is the removable battery, which I think is a good thing as I get stopped frequently when boarding flights to ensure mine is removed on the bags we have that still have that slot. The bag we got over the summer of 2023 does not have that battery slot, which I consider an improvement.

Related: 15 packing hacks for traveling with just a carry-on

How Away's carry-on measures up

Regularly priced starting at $295, the Away The Bigger Carry-On from Away is currently available in 12 colors (though a few are temporarily sold out or are limited-edition options) and is sized to fit in the overhead bins on most airlines.

Some of the Away bag's features include:

• Durable polycarbonate shell
• Leather detailing, including a black leather luggage tag
• TSA-approved combination lock for extra safety
• 360-degree spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride
• Interior compression system
• Hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate
• Underside grab handle (new to the 2023 model)

The Bigger Carry-On that I've been trying out has the following measurements:

• Exterior: 22.7 inches by 15.4 inches by 9.6 inches
• Interior: 20.9 inches by 15 inches by 7.9 inches
• Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Capacity: 47.9 liters

For reference, Delta Air Lines , American Airlines and United Airlines all have posted maximum carry-on sizes of 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, which is technically a hair smaller than this bag on all sides.

In practice, on most flights, a bag that is a fraction of an inch over will still fit in the sizer and in the overhead bin. Still, know that there is a possibility that you may need to gate-check your bag .

Southwest Airlines currently has a maximum carry-on size of 24 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches, which means this larger carry-on does officially comply with that carrier's baggage dimension limits.

Away The Carry-On vs. Away The Bigger Carry-On

The two main differences between the Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On are price and size.

The standard Away carry-on bag is usually about $20 cheaper than the Bigger version, at $275 instead of $295 (prices vary by color and exact model). Additionally, the traditional Away The Carry-On measures 21.7 inches by 14.4 inches by 9 inches, meaning it is smaller than the maximum carry-on size requirements for all major U.S. airlines, unlike the Bigger version. In the U.S., that difference isn't likely to cause issues most of the time, though it may be problematic when flying carriers internationally.

As someone who stuffs their carry-on to the brim, the additional capacity in The Bigger Carry-On is worth it.

But if you don't find yourself needing every square inch in your carry-on, then getting The Carry-On will save you a few dollars and be sure to keep you within the posted airline carry-on size limits.

Related: Carry-on vs. checked bags: Which is the better choice?

Overall impression

Even with the scuff marks that just happen over time, my Away suitcases still look pretty good.

I love the more voluminous Bigger version. I'm also a sucker for the zippered side of the bag that makes organizing — especially in conjunction with packing cubes — a cinch. And in perhaps the best test of all, my kids will pretty much only pull the Away bags on the rare occasion that some of our other bags are in the mix at the airport because they roll so much easier than all of our other luggage brands.

The new version that came out in 2023 is even better, especially with that handy spot to grip when pulling in or out of the overhead bins.

We're pretty much a fully Away bag family at this point, as they are the right balance of quality, style, durability and price. I give it a big thumbs up if you are in the market for a new carry-on bag this year.

Read on for more tips on finding the right piece of travel gear for you:

• Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Roam
• These are the 11 best travel fanny packs for easy, hands-free travel
• 10 must-have travel accessories for less than $15
• These are the checked bags carried by TPG's staff
• Is expensive luggage worth it?

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.

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.

(limited colors)

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.

Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion.

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Away Travel Carry-On Luggage Review [Worth Buying?]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

794 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3245 Edited Articles

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

Table of Contents

Away travel luggage, away travel carry-on luggage review, other away travel luggage, final thoughts.

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

Luggage these days is much more than just a way to carry your stuff from home to the hotel and back again. Rebooted and redesigned, suitcases are now more stylish than ever, with smart features and sleek upgrades that have made them Instagram-famous and utterly desirable.

American luggage brand Away has gone back to basics with bags and cases that are designed to work with you and offer creative solutions that help you enjoy your travel experience better.

Every piece in its collection has been thoughtfully designed to function perfectly and provide practical solutions to real-life travel problems.

From carry-ons to checked luggage and daypacks to a garment bag, every piece from Away has an attractive minimalist aesthetic on the outside, complemented by interiors that will transform the way you carry your belongings.

Bottom Line: With compression compartments to maximize your luggage load, hardshell exteriors that can be thrown around and still look super chic, and even a hidden battery to charge your devices on the go, the people at Away may just have created the ultimate suitcase.

Style and Look

With a hard, impenetrable shell, The Carry-On looks sleek and minimalist , and will never be out of place being pulled through any cosmopolitan metropolis or high-tech airport.

Unlike most monotone hipster carry-alls, The Carry-On is available in a range of colors, including navy, coast grey, sky blue, green, asphalt, white, sand, blush, and violet. Finding the right color to suit your personality shouldn’t be a problem.

Size and Compartments

Sized to fit in the overhead luggage compartments of most major airlines , this is practically the perfect carry-on . Measuring 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches on the outside, you can stow above or below every time you fly.

On the inside, you’ll find 2 separate compartments. A large zippered compartment to one side will deftly house your shoes, toiletries, and other hard objects. While to the other side, there is an impressively large open space for your clothing. The internal measurements are 20 x 13.5 inches with a total capacity of 39.8 liters.

Want to fit more in? One of the absolute best bits of the Away brand cases is the unique interior compression system .

Much more than just a couple of straps to pull around a bulging clothes pile, this offers an entire semi-rigid panel on top that squashes down to give you those all-important extra inches of interior space when you need it.

If that wasn’t enough, the case also comes with a washable laundry bag that folds up when not in use. While the bag isn’t huge, it’s fine to keep dirty items separate over a long weekend.

Durability and Materials

Made from an impenetrable shell that bends under pressure, but never breaks, The Carry-On offers first-class construction.

The sturdy, hard-wearing polycarbonate outer shell can take its fair share of knocks and bangs, while the softly lined interiors and genuine leather luggage tags and hinges give it a luxury feel that belies its functional form and price tag.

Bottom Line: By cleverly blurring the lines between a traditional hardshell suitcase and a flexible nylon/canvas one, The Carry-On offers rigid durability alongside complete adaptability.

This smart little case can charge cell phones, tablets , e-readers , and anything else that’s powered by a USB cord. With enough energy tucked away to fully charge your iPhone up to 4 times, The Carry-On is the ultimate companion for the tech-savvy traveler.

You can even fly with your electable suitcase battery as it’s compliant with current airline policies, FAA, TSA, and DOT regulations and meets UN/DOT 38.3 requirements. When you reach your destination, plug it in and let it recharge before you set off once again.

Be aware that while it can be carried in the cabin, checked luggage cannot contain lithium batteries. The Carry-On battery can be removed in a matter of seconds and carried with you in the cabin.

These sorts of design features add value to you as the passenger and set the Away brand miles apart from the competition.

Hot Tip: If the charging capability isn’t your thing or you already own a power bank, you can opt to purchase the case without a battery, which will make the case lighter and increase the interior space. Just know that if you opt for this you can’t add a battery later on.

With 4 360-degree spinning Japanese Hinomoto wheels, The Carry-On makes light work of long runways and endless terminal buildings. Agile and incredibly easy to maneuver, you can guide the case with just a single fingertip should you need to.

The pull-along handle is light and smooth and effortlessly extends or retracts to suit the height of the carrier. Made from superior materials, the telescopic handle is just like any other suitcase handle, only that bit better.

Lock and Zippers

With not one, but 2 zippers for easy opening and closing, The Carry-On does away with the need for separate locks by offering an integrated combination lock. Just activate a 3-digit combination and the mechanism secures the zippers in seconds.

As the lock is part of the actual suitcase, you never run the risk of losing your travel lock again, and even more impressive, the lock is TSA-approved to allow agents access when they need it.

Warranty and Customer Service

All Away Carry-On cases come complete with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that functionally impairs the luggage.

The electronic components are guaranteed for 2 years. That said, the good folks at Away do offer replacement batteries should you experience any issues outside of this warranty period.

Impressive credentials and an even more impressive Instagram campaign have made the Away cases some of the most sought-after in the travel sector. But, while they may be both pretty and practical, there are just a couple of really tiny downsides, too.

If you want to recharge your case to keep your phone topped up, you’re realistically looking at an overnight charge in your hotel before it has enough power to start charging your devices again.

While these cases are incredibly durable and designed to last a long time, they’re best suited to vacations and tourist travel . What is essentially a lifestyle brand with an excellent social media following, it attracts travelers who want to see the world without roughing it.

Globetrotting adventurers who plan to stray from the road less traveled may find a backpack or duffel bag more practical and hard-wearing.

Finally, the telescopic handles are a bit on the shaky side. While adept enough to wheel your case through the airport, you can still feel a slight tremor when you walk.

Bottom Line: All of these are minor gripes, and for the most part, The Carry-On from Away is an excellent suitcase that delights in providing both form and function to give you a good-looking case with on-trend extras.

Concerned that The Carry-On isn’t right for you? Away offers a full collection of luggage essentials to suit every traveler and every journey.

Away Carry-On Alternative Sizes

• The Bigger Carry-On — This carry-on is just like the standard one, but is a little bit bigger. Measuring up at 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches, this little beauty was designed to squeeze into the cabin bag containers found at check-in and to give the user some all-important extra internal inches. It also has just over 8 liters of extra space compared to the standard-sized The Carry-On.
• The Medium — This midsize suitcase is designed to be checked in the hold when you travel and offers enough space for all those extra outfits, as well as the same unique compression system and high-quality polycarbonate construction. It measures 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches and has 68.8 liters of storage space.
• The Large — Away’s biggest suitcase yet, this full-size family case has the same attractive and durable polycarbonate shell, interior compression system, and removable laundry bag. Just as impressive as The Carry-On, only much bigger! It measures 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches and has 99.2 liters of storage space.

Away Travel Luggage With a Pocket

• The Carry-On with Pocket  — Like a regular carry-on , only better, this is still the perfect size for overhead storage bins, but with an extra, useful pocket. The nylon front pocket is big enough and protective enough to carry your boarding passes and travel documents, without eating into that all-important interior space.
• The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket — This suitcase offers an external nylon pocket that’s perfect for carrying your vacation documents, magazines, or other useful bits of kit close by your side when you travel.
• The Daily Carry-On with Pocket — A new release by Away, this carry-on is slightly smaller than its other carry-on counterparts and is geared towards short trips and business travel. The pocket provides easy access to your daily essentials.

Kids’ Carry-On

Make it a family affair with The Kids’ Carry-On . Just like the regular version, your mini-me can enjoy a shell that never breaks, a battery that charges their phone or tablet, and a versatile interior with a compression system and separate laundry bag.

This is the very same as the grown-up version but is just a little bit smaller in size at 18 x 12 x 9 inches with a 31-liter capacity.

The Aluminum Range

• The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition — Made with a durable aluminum shell and leather-wrapped, slow-release handles, this little beauty offers the same standards as the regular The Carry-On, but this time is made of even more robust stuff.
• The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition The Carry-On — Sized up but still made from aluminum, this is the bigger of the 2 carry-on cases. It offers all the same great features but in a slightly larger package.
• The Medium: Aluminum Edition — With the same beautiful curved lines and an attractive aluminum shell, the medium-size case is perfect for those who want more than a carry-on but don’t crave a full-size case.
• The Large: Aluminum Edition — With enough room for all the family, the trusty aluminum shell will protect everything inside. Shoehorn even more in with the interior compression system, and as you have come to expect, bring home your dirties in the removable laundry bag.

Modern-day luggage is fast becoming a reflection of the way we travel and indeed, where we travel to.

Away not only creates beautifully designed, cleverly crafted suitcases and bags that are more than fit for purpose, but it is also one of the few brands that take a holistic approach to modern-day travel. It offers practical solutions to the rigors of reaching your next destination with ease.

Hardshell exteriors, internal compression systems, and the ability to charge almost every kind of device on the go makes the Away cases some of the very best, and most thoughtful, on the market today.

For reviews on other types of luggage and travel bags, check out these pieces:

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-On Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Is away luggage tsa-approved.

Away luggage is compliant with the FAA and is TSA-approved as the lithium batteries can be ejected and removed from the luggage during your flight.

How much does Away luggage cost?

The standard carry-on luggage by Away costs $225 and includes an ejectable battery. The bigger carry-on costs $245 and the medium and large checked luggage costs $275 and $295 respectively.

Is Away luggage banned?

Most airlines instituted a ban on smart luggage in 2018. This means that luggage with a lithium battery that cannot be removed is banned. However, Away luggage comes with an ejectable battery which means you can check your luggage and take the battery with you as a carry-on.

How much does The Carry-On from Away weigh?

The Away Carry-On weighs 7.6 pounds, but if you opt for one without a lithium battery it weighs 7.1 pounds.

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About Amar Hussain

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

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

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

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

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

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

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

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

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

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

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

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Monos

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

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

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

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

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

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

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

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

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

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

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

Shop all luggage at Bric's

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

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

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

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

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

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

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

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

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

Shop all luggage at Delsey

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

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

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

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

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

What size luggage should I buy?

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

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

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

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I'm an Overpacker Who Swears by My Trunk Suitcase — Plus, 9 More Spacious Options for Month-long Trips

It recently fit everything I needed for a cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

As a travel writer and chronic overpacker, I was beyond relieved when I first discovered that retro-inspired trunk suitcases were coming back in style. What exactly are trunk suitcases ? Before modern suitcases were a thing, travel trunks were the sturdily-constructed luggage carriers that could handle the long-haul train trips that preceded today’s speedy air travel. Trunks tend to be the large-and-in-charge improvement on the smaller suitcases that I had been struggling with for years, typically offering a bigger storage capacity with their taller and narrower constructions — which I experienced firsthand on a recent cruise . 

When my sister and I signed up for an 11-day Grand European Viking Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, we were excited about all of the unique experiences we’d have during the trip. We had also booked a few additional nights before and after the trip to do our own thing, meaning that we had to pack for 15 days of cruising, hiking, biking, exploring cities by foot, and also attending classical music performances in Vienna. Clearly, we needed a wide variety of gear for our diverse activities and itinerary. We also didn’t want to have to wind up paying the sky-high laundry prices cruises are known for, so we had to bring large luggage. On the packing list? A big trunk that could accommodate shoes, sandals, books, a C-Pap machine, and two weeks' worth of clean clothes organized in packing cubes .

Regardless of your budget or travel style, there's a trunk suitcase for you. Below, you'll find nine of the best travel trunks on the market, including top-rated picks from Away, Delsey Paris, and more popular brands. 

Away The Trunk 

Let's start with my trunk suitcase of choice: The Trunk by Away. With 107 liters of packing space, this trunk is not playing around. You can fit 18 to 21 outfits in here, which is why it was perfect for the Viking River Cruise I took in Europe. Initially, I got this suitcase because my seven-year-old niece performs with a folkloric Mexican dance group and we needed something that could haul her expensive costumes to performances across the country without them getting damaged. While the suitcase works perfectly for her performances, it also comes in handy for general travel, especially when I'm transporting large and awkward items like snowshoes and bulky camping gear to and from my apartment in New York to my mom’s house in Wisconsin.

Away luggage fans will be delighted to know that The Trunk offers a complete redesign from its standard suitcases, which are basically different sizes of the same layout. The new 70-30 split on this means that you can stash really large items in the main compartment, and it rolls like a dream thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels. What's more, the included laundry bag prevents your dirty clothes from funking up everything else and the TSA-approved combination lock keeps your belongings safe in transit.

July Checked Trunk

Handsome heritage design? Check. Silent wheels and a soft handle for smooth and comfy rolling? Check and check. Delicious glazed finish, eye-popping colors, and stunning style? Check. Check. Check . Add in ultra-sturdy polycarbonate materials, a strong aluminum frame, and rugged twin latches that will outperform flimsy zippers any day of the week, and you have yourself one serious contender for the best trunk suitcase.

Plus, July’s Checked Trunk compression system makes it easier to pack away 95 liters of gear while the laundry bag neatly separates clean from dirty. An 80-20 split allows you to pack large items into the deeper compartment, which you’ll happily glide through the airport thanks to 360-degree spinner wheels. According to one July shopper, it "passed with flying colors" on their four-week solo trip through Italy and Germany. 

Delsey Paris Peugeot Voyages 26-inch Large Trunk

Delsey Paris

Travel + Leisure 's testing team was most impressed with how durable this Delsey Paris trunk is, especially considering that it’s on the lower-mid end of the price range. One tester noted that it “protects your belongings like a tank,” which may not be a surprise considering that the suitcase is a collaboration between Delsey and French automobile-maker, Peugeot. It’s not every day that you get automotive industry-level technology in luggage, is it?

The trunk’s two main compartments have compression straps and are deep enough that you can stack packing cubes or transport bulkier gear. The testing team also found that the trunk's wheels were very easy to spin and maneuver. It’s worth noting, however, that at nearly 12 pounds when empty, the sheer weight of the trunk could make it heavy to lift when fully loaded (also keep an eye on the total weight to avoid being charged overweight fees).

Briggs & Riley Extra-large Trunk Spinner

For those truly monumental packs, you’re going to need an enormous trunk that can fit the biggest, bulkiest, and most awkward-sized items that you can find. Enter: the Extra Large Trunk Spinner by Briggs & Riley, which can accommodate a whopping 123 liters in its colossal two compartments. The 80-20 lid and cinch-down garment panels ensure easy packing and crisp clothing, even when dealing with delicate items.

In addition to now-standard features like built-in TSA locks and smooth-spinning wheels, this premium trunk ups the ante by adding self-repairing zippers and a complimentary monogram. The three-layer Makrolon polycarbonate material is also super lightweight and scratch-resistant. Taking to the review section, a traveler said that the suitcase recently endured a 21-day trip to Europe, including six flights, five trains, and a bus. She added that “it fit a mad amount of clothes, shoes, boots, toiletries, and souvenirs; and due to it being about 3 pounds lighter than other luggage this size, it still came in underweight with the various airlines.” 

Level 8 Large Trunk Suitcase

Though most trunk suitcases are on the more expensive side, Level 8 proves that a more affordable travel trunk is still possible. The Amazon-favorite luggage brand's Large Trunk Suitcase has all of the key features, like 360-degree spinner wheels, a four-level adjustable handle, built-in TSA locks, and a roomy interior (that can accommodate 99 liters), as its pricier counterparts. The bag also comes in five colors, including a pretty frosty pink, which makes it stand out among the mostly black, blue, and beige options that will make up the majority of the bags on the carousel. 

"It's easily the best piece of luggage I have owned," an Amazon shopper raved , noting that it fits up to two weeks' worth of items and "has at least four to five different sleeves you can utilize, a few separators, and multiple straps to keep larger items like shirt, pants, and shoes in place." They even added that the outer shell "is very solid, so it could easily handle some rough handling by the airport staff or just general travel wear and tear." 

Traveler's Choice Maxporter II 30-inch Hardside Spinner Trunk

Another affordable option for a super spacious trunk is the Maxporter II by Traveler’s Choice. This 106-liter trunk features a 70-30 split, so you can fit large and bulky items in the main compartment, but it also has two removable dividers in case you want to add a bit more organizational structure in there. The spinner wheels let you easily glide around, while the protective corner guards prevent the suitcase from getting too banged up on the conveyor belt.

The suitcase's tall and narrow design was much appreciated by one Amazon shopper , who shared that it could stand up straight in his small hotel room in Japan to take up less floor space. He went on to say that the model's large packing capacity allowed him to “easily fit a full set of clothing, plus winter items (a packable shell jacket, insulated hiking-style boots, and dress clothes) in the upper zipper portion," and quipped that he could "easily blow past airline weight limits with this thing.”

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell Large Luggage

Herschel Supply Co. may not call this a trunk suitcase, but its large, tall and narrow build definitely fits the bill. Able to accommodate 95 liters, this beautiful bag is ready for the runway — oops, we mean jetway. TSA locks, 360-degree spinner wheels, and convenient side-carrying handles check all of the basic boxes, plus the Heritage also comes with nice features like reinforced corners, interior mesh storage sleeves, and garment straps. If a white checked bag isn't your first choice, it also comes in a punchy (and almost sold out) camo print that will add flare to your travel gear. 

One Nordstrom purchaser summed up the suitcase as “sleek, stylish, and wonderful to use,” adding that “as an overpacker, this is the perfect size to feel like I have enough, but since the luggage is so lightweight, it's easy to travel with.”

Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Hardside Expandable Luggage Trunk

Don’t let the price tag fool you, as this affordable suitcase is one of the best trunks that T+L editors have tested for both value and durability. Its polycarbonate shell and spinner wheels showed no signs of wear and tear and it was super easy to maneuver along various surfaces. Even when fully packed (which tends to make heavy trunks even more unwieldy), this suitcase could quickly change directions with no drag, which the testing team found impressive. With a 90-liter capacity and handy features like double-spinner wheels, and three TSA combination dial locks, this bag is easy to love. What's more, its 70-30 split allows for flexible packing, and the removable mesh divider and lining (which are machine washable) are just the icing on the cake for making everything fit and look tidy. 

Its best feature, however, is Delsey’s patented Overweight Indicator, which lets you know when your luggage weighs over 48.5 pounds. Considering that airline checked baggage fees continue to climb, this handy feature could easily save you $30 to $50 per trip. In fact, when comparing it to an older version, an Amazon shopper was happy to report that "it's noticeably lighter than the other one, and even when fully packed, it was not overweight…Before, we could only pack our checked bag half-full because it would be overweight, but with this bag, it won't be such an issue." 

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Spinner Trunk

This splendid suitcase offers 91 liters of real estate in a modern, attractive design that holds true to the values of the original trunk — sturdy and reliable. T+L testers reviewed this trunk over the course of three months, packing in bulky and oddly shaped equipment like ski boots and helmets. Though this beautiful beast can accommodate large sports equipment, the testing editors also loved that the zippered pockets on the two-divider flaps could be used for smaller items. Additionally, they found it to be a very packing cube-friendly trunk that could easily allow the cubes to be stacked on top of each other inside the deeper compartment.

As the true test of durability is in how well a suitcase holds up during and after long trips, T+L testers were pleased to find that the tough polycarbonate construction and the trunk’s four double-spinner wheels held up remarkably well despite numerous hits and drops. This was even the case for the dreamy cream Angora color, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged on the baggage carousel. 

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The Best Hardside Luggage for Traveling in 2024

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

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

Our top picks

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

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

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable

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

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

Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside Spinner

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

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

Away The Carry-On

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

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

Calpak Ambeur Three-Piece Luggage Set

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

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

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage

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

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

Heys Fashion Spinner 30"

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

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

Rimowa Cabin S Carry-On

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

When you open the suitcase, you'll find two spacious packing compartments and two adjustable compression panels to keep your belongings in place. Rimowa's suitcases are much more expensive than other brands, but they are among the best in our tests with high ratings for packing space, durability and maneuverability.

Briggs & Riley Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner

This innovative suitcase from Briggs & Riley is full of features to make packing for an international trip easier. On the outside of the hardside suitcase is an easy-access pocket for your phone and ID. The bag unzips into one large packing space that's fully lined and contains three zip pockets for easy organization. Plus, the bag utilizes Briggs & Riley's unique expansion system, which allows you to expand the bag for additional packing space and then compress it to its standard size once the bag has been filled — with just the push of a button. Our testers recently tried a softside bag from the brand with the same system and were blown away by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more room than expected.

When we tested Briggs & Riley's hardside suitcases in the Textiles Lab, they performed well, receiving high scores for durability, water resistance and ease of use. Testers also shared that the brand's bags were easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and said the telescopic handles were sturdy. Although we didn't experience this issue, some online reviewers have shared that the zipper pulls are prone to breaking with regular use.

Monos Carry-On

Monos' less-is-more approach to design results in a sleek, timeless look that our testers love. The durable polycarbonate luggage may have a simple appearance but doesn't skimp on quality or useful packing features. Inside, you'll find two spacious compartments: one zipper-enclosed compartment and one with an adjustable compression panel. There are also additional zipper pockets inside for even more organized storage space.

The large checked version of this bag was a GH 2023 Family Travel Awards recipient. It aced our durability tests, resisting major dents and damages after being dropped repeatedly from a 3-foot height, but it did show some signs of wear in our scratch tests. When testers tried it in our luggage obstacle course, they were impressed by how easy the bag was to maneuver and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled around twists and turns. The brand offers sets for an even better value and a generous 100-day return policy.

How we test luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test luggage using specialized equipment in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers . When we review luggage, we consider these factors:

✔️ Size and weight: In the Lab, we measure the size and weight of each suitcase to ensure that all online size claims are accurate. We place carry-on bags in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to see if they meet TSA size requirements.

✔️ Extra features: We make note of any additional features or components that make the luggage stand out, like carrying handles, built-in locks and telescopic handles that adjust to different heights.

✔️ Ease of use: We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip each piece of luggage (pictured here) and consider the accessibility of any packing compartments. We also consider features like telescopic handles and wheels.

After packing each bag, we roll it over different surfaces including tile, carpet and hardwood and test the carrying handles by lifting the bag onto a countertop.

✔️ Packing: We fill each bag with a standard packing load for a two-night trip including clothing, accessories and toiletries (picture here) and then score the suitcases based on how much they're able to hold.

✔️ Drop testing: Each piece of luggage is filled with a standard weight and dropped from a 3-foot height from different angles to mimic real use (pictured here). We then analyze the luggage for signs of damage like dents or cracks.

✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers take part in our obstacle course that involves rolling the bags over different surfaces like carpet, tile and wood flooring (pictured here), lifting the bags, maneuvering the bags around cones and more. They also share their thoughts on properties like ease of use, sturdiness of the handles and wheel performance.

We share suitcases with testers who are able to take the bags on their own trips and provide us with real-world feedback about their experiences.

What to look for when shopping for the best hardside luggage

When shopping for a hardside suitcase, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Material: Not all hardside suitcases are made from the same hard material, and the material can impact performance, weight and price. These are the most common:

• Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it's much heavier than other options and can be pretty expensive.
• Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage. It is both lightweight and durable, but it can scratch easily.
• ABS is a plastic material that is more affordable and even more lightweight than polycarbonate, but it is a bit less durable.
• Polypropylene is another type of plastic that is even lighter than and slightly stronger than ABS plastic. It's fairly durable and affordable, as well.
• A composite or mixture of polycarbonate, ABS and/or polypropylene combines aspects of each material. Most composite suitcases are made with an ABS base coated in polycarbonate material. This adds extra durability, but it still isn't quite as durable as a suitcase made of 100% polycarbonate.

✔️ Wheels: Wheels with 360° spin receive the best maneuverability scores in our Lab tests and with consumer testers. These wheels allow the luggage to rotate fully and move side to side in addition to moving straight ahead.

✔️ Handles: There are two types of handles you should consider: telescopic handles and carrying handles. Telescopic handles extend from the suitcase so you can push and pull the bag around. Check to see if the handle is easy to open and close, whether or not it can be adjusted and if it's padded for comfort. If you're going to be lifting and lowering your bag often, make sure the side and top carrying handles are large enough for you to easily grip them.

✔️ Compartments: Internal compartments aren't necessary, but they can be helpful when it comes to packing and securing your belongings. Interior pockets are often made with mesh panels to allow your belongings to breathe and to help you see what's inside. There are zip pockets to hold extra belongings and zip panels to keep clothing separated inside the suitcase – so you can keep your running shoes away from your nice dress. Some hardside suitcases also come with removable compartments like a laundry bag to contain dirty clothes or a garment bag to hang clothing.

✔️ Returns and warranties: Luggage warranties tend to only cover manufacturer defects, which can often be difficult to prove. If you're worried about spending money on luggage you won't love, opt for a brand that offers a trial period or generous return policy so that you can test the bag before committing, especially if you're shopping online without seeing it in person first.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She's tested luggage in the Textiles Lab, including carry-ons, duffels and travel backpacks and has shared suitcases with dozens of consumer testers for real-user feedback. She has also covered the best luggage on Amazon , hardside luggage , checked luggage and kids' luggage .

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Grab Your Passports—This Is the Best Luggage for International Travel

Let these help you go the distance in style.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

To help you find the best suitcases, carry-ons and more for crossing borders, I’ve sourced and tested plenty of options. The selection ahead is highly researched, backed by glowing reviews, editor testing, and expert recommendations. We’ve considered every detail, from the toughness of materials to the convenience of multi-directional wheels and TSA-approved locks. You’ll find options that meet travel and comfort requirements along with aesthetically pleasing options to compliment your style. And, with the perfect crossbody by your side, you’ll be ready to take on a new adventure overseas with confidence, style, and ease. So go ahead, book that trip you’ve been dreaming of and travel with these chic and dependable picks.

Away The Large Flex

Away luggage pretty much broke the internet upon its launch. Since then, the brand has only expanded (no pun intended). The Large Flex is a more innovative version of the brand’s original version because it’s expandable. You get an additional 75 inches of space, if needed. Other great qualities of Away suitcases include 360-degree spinner wheels, an interior compression system, a leather luggage tag, grab handles, and a TSA-approved combination lock. Need I say more?

Material: Polycarbonate

Colors: 11 options

Weight: 12.25 lbs

Customer review: “I’m in love with my blue large flex luggage. I fit so many jackets and shoes inside for my first trip with it to Europe. The magic eraser makes it look brand new after every trip. It’s sleek, stylish, and has tons of space and neat features inside. You can’t go wrong with this bag. I’ve recommended it to all my friends.”

Solgaard Check-In Closet Original

Solgaard’s Check-In Closet suitcase is one of the more unique designs on this list, with 1,000 five-star reviews directly from the site. It features a built-in shelving system covered by an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, so you can pack with a purpose and organization in mind, and unpack with ease. The removable, built-in shelving system has five shelves along with compression straps for even more storage. There's also a zippered mesh pocket opposite the closet to store several pairs of shoes. The high tech design provides ample space for more.

Colors: 9 options

Weight: 12.3lbs

Customer review: “ Excellent suitcase! Love the closet feature. Makes unpacking so much easier to just hang up the closet when I go whenever I need to go.”

Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag Duffle Big

If you haven’t already been sold by Baboon To The Moon’s Instagram ads, listen here. The Go Bag is the brand’s most popular product. While it comes it a few different sizes, we’re fans of the 40-liter option because it’s a large carry-on that can fit three to five days’ worth of clothing and act as a duffle bag or backpack. It’s a great addition to any international trip serving as a weekender, backpacking bag, or carry-on. The weatherproof outer shell makes this a great option for adventure travel. Plus, it’s easy to clean and has a secure zipper to avoid theft.

Travel expert and content creator Nikki Tomlin says, “ I wanted to try out Baboon To The Moon bags because I heard they were sustainable and made from recycled materials. I’m so glad I did! The 40-liter size is, hands down, my go-to ever since I got it. I’m obsessed with it as a carry-on and for its all-around functionality. It can be a side duffle bag or a backpack. The straps are fully adjustable. It’s super comfortable and flexible yet sturdy and durable, allowing me to pack anyway I want for any trip. It doesn’t fall apart or pop open like others, even when stuffed. It’s also super easy to clean. I also have the 60-liter and use it for winter trips when I need more gear.”

Material: Phthalate-free PVC fabric

Colors: Mineral Green, Deep Mahogany, Citronelle, Mandarin Red, Crocodile, Black, Navy

Weight: 3.5 lbs

Customer review: “ This bag is exactly what I wanted! It’s the perfect size for work, where I need to bring a few changes of clothes and water-resistant enough that my stuff won’t get drenched when I’m out in the rain. Customer service was also so quick and kind, getting back to me when I had a question. 10/10 would recommend! ”

Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set

When you need new luggage, Calpak has you covered. Key features of Calpak’s luggage include TSA-approved locks, expandable capacity up to two inches, convenient bottom grab handles, an included luggage tag, and a divider with multiple interior pockets. Strutting through the airport with a matching set has never been so stylish. With Calpak, you can achieve that look without breaking the bank.

Colors: Rose Gold, Silver, Black, Gold, Copper

Weight: Carry-On: 6 lbs; Medium: 8.6 lbs; Large: 10.3 lbs

Customer review: “ I absolutely love my new luggage. It’s stylish, durable and comes with built-in locks. It’s Not nearly as heavy as I thought it would be based on my previous set. I’ll definitely be buying the luggage cover. Airlines can be brutal on your luggage, and I’m sure it will get pretty scratched up without it.”

Beis The Large Check-In Roller in Honey

Shay Mitchell aimed to design a chic and budget-friendly luggage line for women who are constantly on the move. She focuses on the small details that many other brands overlook. Take the Large Check-In Roller, for instance; it features a built-in weight limit indicator to alert you when your suitcase is too heavy. It’s effortlessly maneuverable with thoughtful ergonomics and available in a variety of fun colors. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty (and who doesn’t love that?).

Travel expert, editor, and content creator Kristin Corpuz says, “I love Beis’ suitcases because of how functional they are. I’m typically a carry-on-only kind of girl, and the brand’s carry-on never ceases to amaze me by how much it can fit inside. I’ve traveled for six weeks through Europe with that suitcase, and plenty of other trips before and after. It’s super sturdy (20+ countries and countless road trips do a lot of damage) and glides easily through the airport. My favorite underrated feature is the padded handle, which makes it super comfortable to maneuver through a crowded terminal.”

Colors: 13 options

Weight: 11.84 lbs

Customer review: “I bought this one and the carry-on luggage for an upcoming work trip. I was able to fit everything I needed. I love all the details from the extra pockets to the compression straps, and the cushioned handle. The wheels are so smooth, too. I did not feel like I was struggling to push the suitcases around. It's worth the buy!”

Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro stands out as a top choice in the category of softside suitcases. Customer reviews and editor tests highlight the impressive room of this carry-on. It boasts ample space and expandability, with organizational pockets both inside and out. It’s designed for convenience, featuring easy-lift handles and swivel-friendly wheels. The lightweight, soft-shell fabric allows for more packing flexibility, making it a smart choice for travelers. Since it’s a roomier suitcase, be sure to crosscheck your international airline requirements on this one.

Material: Nylon

Colors: Titanium Grey, Patriot Blue, Jet Black

Weight: 8 lbs

Customer review: “ Travel Pro is great! The ballistic nylon is the way to go. It's lightweight and durable. I finally upgraded my 2 wheel to this spinner. My old bag has over 1.3 million miles of travel over 22 years of business and family travel. I’m sure this will go the distance to.”

July Trunk Luggage Set

A long international trip calls for all your necessities. The trunk set from July is an overpacker’s paradise, making them well-equipped to handle it all. The luggage features a scuff-resistant finish, silent wheels, and an ejectable Power Bank. Other notable features include built-in compression that is durable enough to keep clothes in their place, no matter what side you open. Plus, instead of zips, this set uses twin latches to easily lift and open with optional lock usage. Finally, it’s made with a rivetless aluminum frame to withstand it all.

Colors: Cherry Red, Deep Green, Coastal Blue, Light Sand, Moss Green, Light Grey

Weight: Checked Trunk is 13.2lbs , Carry-On Trunk is 8.4lbs

Customer review: “I traveled for four weeks on my own through Italy and Germany with this trunk. I made it through the stoney streets of Rome, Florence, Innsbruck, Munich, Dresden, Berlin and through the fields, sheep dung and peacock poop of rural northern Germany. I'm super pleased to say the trunk has survived very well. I'm very happy with my purchase.”

Monos For the Frequent Flyer

The most important callout of the Monos set is that the carry-on fits in international overhead bins. The entire set is a dream design, with each product effortlessly complementing its companion. With various compartments and features throughout the collection, the modern minimalist design will keep you organized and moving on the go. The Carry-On features a built-in front compartment for easy access to your travel essentials and documents, which is an integral part of international travel. The Metro Backpack is made from water-resistant nylon twill for daily commutes and weekend trips and also comes with an additional snap compartment. Plus, this easily slides onto the Carry-On as a personal item. This set also comes with packing cubes—and more organization is always a good thing.

Material: Polycarbonate, nylon

Weight: Check-In Large is I10.58 lb, Carry-On is 7.01 lb

Customer review: “I first used this luggage for a trip to Europe. The luggage rolled smoothly over rough terrain. It did take a slight beaten on the outside of the luggage by airport staff but I plan to use the included sponge to clean it. The organization inside the luggage is a wonderful plus for me. So many pockets to store items. The only negative is that I wished it had a handle on the bottom to assist with lifting the luggage. I had a full luggage and it was hard for me to lift up.”

Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinners

Another highly reviewed soft-side suitcase is from Briggs & Riley. The brand’s baseline spinner is a bestseller and a great choice for those who prefer to pack all of their clothes into one end of the luggage. The light-colored interior lining makes it easy to see your items packed, and the top flap features an additional zip pocket. It also has a hook and mesh pouch to hang and fold a more delicate garment to minimize wrinkling.

Colors: Olive, Navy, Plum, Black

Weight: 13.6 pounds

Customer review: “I had purchased a Briggs and Riley wheeled carry-on and overnight bag a number of years ago at a high-end luggage store. When I needed a larger bag, I couldn’t find a match locally. Enter Amazon. They had the exact bag I needed. I’ve done a fair amount of traveling and they still look like new. They’re extremely durable (great zippers and reinforced corners), lots of pockets, easy to maneuver and they look classy. They are a bit more expensive, but you’re definitely paying for a high quality product. I doubt I’ll ever need to replace these.”

Halfday Travel The Garment Duffel 45L

For starters, this garment bag/duffel bag combo has over 3,000 perfect five-star reviews. It’s an ideal piece of luggage for destination weddings, business trips, and more. It’s a viral, two-in-one bag that makes packing fun, easy, and quick. It has a strong hanging compartment that can fit a suit and multiple dresses (a 50R men’s jacket for size)—all wrinkle-free! It also zips up to create enough space for a full load of folded clothes and multiple pairs of shoes. Plus, it’s a great carry-on option for a checked bag because it slips nicely over a trolley, has shoulder straps, and is super lightweight.

Material: Polyester

Weight: 2.3 pounds

Customer review: “This bag is unreal and so perfect. It’s actually larger than I thought so I did some strategic packing and was able to get a week's worth of clothes in it and a shaving kit easily! I would highly recommend this even if you don’t travel a lot.”

Rimowa Essential Cabin Plus

There’s no polycarbonate hard shell suitcase quite like a Rimowa one. After all, the brand has been specializing in and perfecting designer luggage for over 120 years, and this style is a bestseller. It’s incredibly lightweight for how large it is, and has all the features you can imagine and more. On average, you can fit 10 days of travel essentials and extras inside.

Weight: 7.5 pounds

Customer review: “The look is super sleek, modern, and luxurious. The suitcase itself is highly functional with a few perfect features. The wheels are high-quality, which makes walking with the suitcase extremely easy. I highly recommend it.”

Carl Friedrik The Luggage Set

Carl Friedrik luggage is compliant with most European, U.S. and RoW airline cabin size restrictions, so if you’re traveling internationally, this takes the guesswork out of it. The materials are superior, featuring a polycarbonate shell and aluminum frames to ensure protection and longevity. Plus, the leather-lined detailing is a nice touch.

Colors: Grey/Black, Grey/Cognac, Grey/Chocolate, Black/Black

Weight: Carry-on: 8.6 pounds; Checked bag: 9.9 pounds

Customer review: “This is by far the best luggage set I’ve ever owned. It fits everything, rolls extremely easily, and easily withstood all aspects of the travel. So glad to have made this purchase.”

Steamline Luggage The Entrepreneur Check-In Spinner

There’s something beautifully romantic about the design of Steamline Luggage products that call for a trip to Italy, Paris, or the South of France. Modern features like 360-degree spinner wheels meet a retro, high-brow design to make some of the most elegant suitcases you’ll ever see. It’s crafted from vegan leather, adorned with gold hardware and lined with blue and white striped fabric. Plus, when you’re not traveling, the design serves as a beautiful trunk display.

Material: Vegan leather

Colors: Navy, Red, Black, Pink

Weight: 11 pounds

Tumi International Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Tumi makes some of the best luggage in the game. This unique design is among the best carry-ons for international travel. The soft top nylon is super durable and lightweight, allowing you to pack more efficiently. It has TSA-approved locks, multiple compartments, a removable garment bag, and two ways to open for easy access to items.

Colors: Black/Gold, Black/Black, Anthracite/Gunmetal

Weight: 11.1 pounds

Customer review: “I love the ease of use and overall design of the Tumi. I splurged to get this as I have other luggage but now I don’t leave home without it. Best luggage you can find.”

Meet the Experts

• Nikki Tomlin is a travel expert and content creator who has been to 16 countries in the last two years exclusively with carry-on-sized luggage.
• Kristin Corpuz is a travel expert, editor, content creator, and efficient packer who prioritizes photography, style, and outfits.

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Away’s Memorial Day Sale Is a Rare Chance to Save on Best-Selling Luggage and Weekender Bags

Away's luggage set sale is taking $50 off any best-selling suitcase and bag combo for Memorial Day.

Jetsetters, rejoice: Away officially kicked off its Memorial Day luggage sale  just in time for the summer travel season. Away rarely has sales, but the long weekend savings will save you $50 on any best-selling suitcase and bag combo. To help get your luggage lineup prepared for sunny getaways, weddings, and work trips, this Away luggage sale couples the brand's suitcases and bags for the smoothest trips possible.

Shop Away's Memorial Day Sale

Aside from stylish colors, Away suitcases are known for their high-quality, polycarbonate shells and functional design that are perfect for anyone who's ready to get on the move. Usually, these pieces are an investment, so these Memorial Day luggage deals are your best chance to score high-performance travel accessories for less.

Everyone deserves to get away this summer. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to an Away suitcase, or gifting one to a lucky recipient, this Away sale is the perfect opportunity to snag a new carry-on and weekender bag at a discount. Ahead, choose a suitcase to start building your travel bundle before this Away Memorial Day deal expires.

The Carry-On

Pick between 10 different colors of the most popular suitcase and get all of the features you know and love about Away luggage — 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and interior compression.

The Bigger Carry-On

This hard-side suitcase has more space than your average carry-on, which is ideal for those last-minute items. Get this upgraded option, available in 11 different colors.

The Carry-On Flex

Unzip the flex feature to create additional space to fit in any last-minute items. When not fully expanded, this suitcase is the perfect size to carry-on and becomes checked luggage when fully flexed.

The Medium Flex

Count on this piece of checked luggage to make all of your trips more manageable. With a flex feature that expands to allow for additional space, you’ll never have to worry about making it all fit.

Gear up for summer! Check out our ultimate guide to shop  the best Memorial Day 2024 sales .

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Willie Norris & Travel Brand Away Collaborate on Pride 2024 Luggage Collection That Comes With Witty Statements

Posted: May 29, 2024 | Last updated: May 29, 2024

Willie Norris x Away

Air Willie is prepared for take off.

Fashion designer Willie Norris has partnered with the travel brand Away to launch a new collection of luggage on Thursday in honor of Pride Month, which begins June 1. Featuring the bold text her work is known for, the carry-ons and garment bags are decorated with witty statements like “Something to Declare” and “This Is Personal.”

On designing the luggage, Norris told WWD she drew inspiration from air travel signage: “I wanted the products in this collaboration to simultaneously blend in and stand out at an airport, and look like they were signs of their own.”

Though Norris referred to designing on luggage as a “dream blank canvas,” the format did come with some challenges. “Getting my signature bold type to translate properly onto the texture and divots of the Away suitcases was a challenge that the design team at Away handled with aplomb,” Norris explained.

Proceeds from Norris’ collaboration with Away will go toward the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation, an organization advocating for safety and equality within LGBTQ+ tourism. Norris added that Away is a longtime supporter of IGLTA; the designer emphasized the importance of supporting the queer community beyond Pride Month.

“Away’s mission to transform travel resonated deeply with me,” Norris said. “In a world where borders and boundaries can often feel limiting, Away’s ethos stands for openness and inclusivity. They understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and they strive to make traveling an empowering and positive experience for all.”

This new collection follows Norris’ previous collaboration with Away, which included suitcases designed for members of the queer community traveling during Pride — however, they weren’t on sale for the general public. This year, the designs are on the market, with the Bigger Carry-On retailing for $295 and the Garment Bag available for $195.

When it comes to jetting off, Norris offers succinct and sage advice: “Take it all in stride. Traveling is a privilege — be grateful for the ability to do it. Be nice to people. Eat well.”

Willie Norris x Away Pride Collection 2024

Designer Willie Norris collaborated with Away on a travel collection that celebrates Pride 2024.

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The Bigger Carry-On

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New pockets added to our signature interior compression system, so you can stay more organized. Paired with The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of Four) .

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Additional interior organization (include two compression pad pockets, and a zipper flap pocket).

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Meet our award-winning Classic suitcases—designed by travelers, for travelers. The Bigger Carry-On is our best-selling, standard size Carry-On, designed to maximize packing space and sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major US airlines. It features a lightweight, durable hard shell that's been rigorously tested and a signature interior compression system that helps you pack, organize and protect more. Details like an easy-grip top handle, additional underside grab handle, and smooth-gliding wheels make it easier than ever to maneuver and lift your suitcase. Better travel starts here.

Prefer a smaller size? Try The Carry-On , sized to fit in all overhead bins.

• Durable, lightweight 100% polycarbonate shell
• Premium 360° smooth-gliding wheels for better maneuverability
• High-grade, quick-release trolley handle with 2 adjustable height settings
• Ergonomic, reverse coil zippers for easy access and extra security

TSA-approved combination lock

• Double-buckle compression pad to help you pack more in
• Best-in-class interior organization (three mesh pockets, plus one hanging pocket)
• Additional underside grab handle for easy lifting
• Water-resistant polyester laundry bag with a drawstring closure
• Includes a luggage tag, crafted from 50% recycled leather
• Meets carry-on requirements for most major US airlines
• Nests inside The Medium, The Large, and The Trunk

Our Classic suitcases are shipped in exterior packaging that is 100% recyclable. Learn more .

Exterior measurements  22.7" x 15.4" x 9.6" Interior measurements  20.9" x 15" x 7.9" Weight  7.9 lbs Capacity  47.9 L Measurements include wheels.

We want you to love everything about getting Away—which is why we offer free returns and exchanges on unused items for the first 100 days. We can only accept returns on unused items, so please gently test them out at home before traveling with them. Learn more about our return policy .

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Keep in mind that while personalized items cannot be returned or exchanged, they are still covered by our warranties. For shipping info, see our FAQ .

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The Best Packing Cubes for Travel, Editor-Tested

Organize and optimize your space.

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

Our Top Picks

Best on Amazon

Bagsmart compression packing cubes for travel (set of 6).

Best for Families

Calpak packing cubes (set of 5).

Away Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 4)

Best Compression

Quince compression packing cubes (set of 6).

Best Water-Resistant

Paravel packing cube quads (set of 4), what to look for with packing cubes.

Size: You'll find that most packing cubes arrive in sets ranging from two to six+ cubes in each. From long, narrow styles ideal for storing socks and underwear to larger packs for sweaters and shoes, there's a range of sizes to fit every category. We've noted the dimensions for each individual cube for your reference.

Compression: While all packing cubes are essentially offering compression, there are some options that are designed with specific compression capabilities. These styles have a second zipper that allows you to trim down on space to create more room in your carry-on or luggage.

Material: From soft mesh to more structured nylon styles, different fabrics will indicate durability as well as affect the overall look and feel of each cube.

From breezy mesh styles to structured options and Amazon gems, the best packing cubes for travel make prepping for your next trip a breeze. Below are the best packing cube sets we recommend.

Bagsmart's compression packing cube set is not only affordable but also high-quality and durable. When it came time to pack our own suitcases, we opted for these. The nylon keeps a soft structure that makes the most of your available packing space while holding the overall shape. We found the medium-size bags to be particularly useful for the bulk of our clothes ranging from tees to trousers and swim cover-ups.

Editor's Review

How satisfying is this to look at? We appreciated the unwavering structure and versatile sizes of these Bagsmart packing cubes.

Calpak's packing cube set is made from high-quality, durable nylon and mesh materials that hold their soft structure when testing. We like that you can personalize each bag—making these ideal for families who need to keep things organized and perhaps separate for different members. This set of five packing cubes also includes a water-resistant pouch to protect your most delicate belongings.

Calpak's softly structured packing cubes allow you to see the inside components while optimizing space.

Two of Calpak's larger cubes are enough to hold a weekend's worth of outfits while making the most of your storage space.

Crafted from a premium nylon mesh, Away's packing cubes are unique from the others that we tested in that they lie completely flat when empty. The material is silky and lightweight but also offers the durability you'd expect from the trusted travel brand. They're already spacious but will effortlessly expand as you fill them.

Whether you're organizing your favorite weekender or carry-on suitcase, Away's packing cubes will keep your space optimized for maximum space.

Away's soft mesh packing cubes are surprisingly spacious and can expand while holding a weekend or week's worth of clothes.

Quince's packing cube set offers the greatest range in terms of the different size offerings. The two larger cubes are ideal for packing ready-to-wear like tops, pants, and sweaters, while the smaller options help bathing suits, socks, and underwear. These also feature a second zipped compression layer to take your space optimization to the next level.

Quince's recycled nylon cubes come in an array of sizes that you can rearrange for a personalized packing experience.

Paravel has graced Oprah's Favorite Things list over the years—including its fold-up backpack in 2022 that can be easily stored in your luggage. The beloved travel brand's packing cubes are made from the same sturdy, water-resistant nylon that comes from upcycled water bottles. The made-t0-fit system ensures that each of the four packing cubes fits perfectly inside your carry-on luggage. Pro tip: A monogrammed set makes a thoughtful personalized gift for your favorite traveler and is available only through the Paravel site.

How We Chose the Best Packing Cubes

Our fashion and commerce team is dedicated to finding you the best of travel accessories. We researched and tested top-rated and brand-new packing cubes that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily . Follow her on Instagram .

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Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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