hand rolling travel bag

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

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

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

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

The Best Rolling Suitcases

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

How We Selected

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

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

Away The Carry-On Rolling Suitcase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monos Carry-On Pro Rolling Suitcase

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

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

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

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

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

Interior of the Monos Carry-On Pro

Roam Carry-On Front Pocket

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage 24-Inch

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

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

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

Paravel The Aviator

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

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

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

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

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

Interior of the Paravel Aviator.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Rolling Suitcase

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

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

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

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

Rimowa Original Cabin Rolling Suitcase

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

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

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

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

What to Consider When Buying a Rolling Suitcase

Size and weight.

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

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

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

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

Hardside or Softside?

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

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

Spinner or Fixed Wheels?

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

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

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

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

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

What we considered

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

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

Buying Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

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

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

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

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

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

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

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

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Bag for a Lifetime

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

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

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

Ryan Waniata

Martin Cizmar

Julian Chokkattu

Amanda Hoover

Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

Matt Jancer

Scott Gilbertson

Christopher Null

Medea Giordano

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The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bring all the gear you need in these sizeable luggage pieces

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TripSavvy / Jessica Juliao

Rolling duffels are the luggage style of choice for adventure travelers, outdoorsy folks, and chronic over-packers—essentially, anyone who requires plenty of flexible space and the added versatility of a bag that can be carried or slung over a shoulder as easily as wheeling it from A to B. These days, many brands also make duffels that are as fashionable as they are functional, also making them a viable option for business trips and weekend getaways. Things to look out for include sturdy carry handles or straps, a reliable wheel and trolley system, and a generous, durable interior with some organization features.

To help you narrow down your search for the perfect rolling duffel, we tested 30 of the most popular brands in the TripSavvy lab. Using a series of tests designed to simulate the rigors of airline travel, we scored each duffel on its capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

• Others We Tested

How We Tested

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Tough, long-lasting material

Burly, smooth-rolling wheels

Won't turn on a dime

The 100L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel from Patagonia impressed us from the outset with its impressive capacity. With some strategic packing, we could fit double or even triple the amount of clothing on our prescribed packing list. We liked its structured bottom for support and its flexible upper, allowing for maximum packing potential. The duffel features ripstop polyester with a highly weather-resistant TPU-laminate coating. We found it sleek, functional, and sturdy enough to potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. After our stringent durability tests, the duffel showed zero signs of wear and tear.

It’s also great for the planet, with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. The main compartment features a large opening and internal compression straps, with mesh pockets in the lid for smaller items. There’s also a zippered side pocket to separate shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked that there are multiple ways to transport this bag. You can use the reinforced haul handles to lift it onto the luggage scale; or weave through the airport using the sturdy, oversized wheels and telescoping handle. Although somewhat tricky to maneuver around tight turns, we found that the wheels rolled perfectly on rough and smooth surfaces.

Dimensions: 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 9.49 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: Ripstop polyester with a TPU-film laminate | Sustainability: 100-percent recycled ripstop polyester

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 3.8 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

Plenty of external storage

Handles rough treatment well

Folds away when not in use

We'd like a more functional handle

Made from surprisingly sturdy 600-denier polyester, the Travelers Club Xpedition duffel bag retails for just over a tenth of the price of our overall winner. Despite its low cost, it held up well to our durability tests with no obvious dents, tears, or broken elements. The main compartment is spacious (so much so that we had room left after packing for a 10 to 14-day winter trip) but lacks organization features. This was more than made up for by the bag's exterior, however, which features no fewer than six extra-large zippered accessory pockets.

The duffel features sturdy top and rear carry handles for manual lifting. Alternatively, it has two wheels and a retractable handle—although we felt the latter's design was lacking since it wasn't height adjustable and could have been smoother to extend. Most importantly, though, it was strong enough to maneuver the bag around our simulated airport obstacles while the wheels rolled smoothly over hard surfaces. Finally, the duffel features a tri-fold bottom for convenient storage.

Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: 77 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

Hybrid design adds sturdiness

Maneuvers well

Generous capacity

Adjustable height handle would be nice

The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag features 1,200-denier PVC—making it waterproof, lightweight, and (as our tests proved) exceptionally durable. Coming in at roughly a quarter of the price of our overall winner, we felt it offered incredible value for money, especially given its innovative design. The large main compartment features a U-shaped opening for easy access and easily fits everything on our packing list. We loved the half suitcase/half duffel concept, with a structured bottom that gives contents an extra layer of protection.

Organization features include an interior zippered mesh pocket, two exterior pockets, and clever compression straps that fasten outside the duffel to keep everything in place. The duffel comes with high-quality YKK zippers and balanced bottom feet that allow it to stand upright on its own. We found the telescoping handle comfortable but wished it had more than one height setting. Finally, the oversized trolley wheels operated smoothly through turns and over a variety of terrains, including gravel.

Dimensions: 33 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 11.35 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: PVC | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Carry-on

Vera bradley foldable rolling duffel bag.

 Amazon

• Portability 5 /5
• Value 4.6 /5
• Durability 4.6 /5

Made from recycled plastic bottles

Good level of organization

Easy to store

Not as durable as some outdoor brands

Made from Vera Bradley’s lightweight, recycled ReActive fabric, the Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag wins points for sustainability by saving 24 plastic bottles from landfill. It’s also water-repellent and survived our durability tests without sustaining any damage. The main compartment features a mesh slip pocket and a concealed bottom compartment perfect for separating shoes or dirty laundry. We fit everything on our packing list before realizing this bottom compartment existed. There are also two zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel.

We found that the wheels turned smoothly around tight corners and handled all terrains well. The bag is also small enough to carry comfortably using the dual top carry handles. It stands upright on its own and folds flat for convenient storage in the back of your closet. Other thoughtful design features include a travel lock, luggage tag, and a zippered pocket for storing the handle when not in use. The duffel is available in Reactive Black, Rose Foliage, or Sunflower Sky and has a five-year warranty.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: ReActive fabric | Sustainability: Saves 24 plastic bottles from landfill

Best Checked

Ebags mother lode checked rolling duffel.

• Portability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

Spacious and easy to pack

Tough construction

No side handle for easy lifting

With a durable, molded bottom and flexible polyester top, this rolling duffel from Mother Lode divides into two sections. The zippered top compartment features a mesh storage pocket and compression straps, while the bottom compartment is unstructured except for two large pockets perfect for shoes or toiletries. Both sides of the bag are deep, allowing space to configure your belongings. We packed for a week and still had room to spare without using the three exterior pockets or the zippered expansion feature.

We found the overall quality good, with zippers that opened easily, smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy telescoping handle. The latter offers three height settings for maximum stability and comfort. It was easy to maneuver over and around obstacles and survived our durability tests with no signs of damage. In fact, the only downside was the absence of a side haul handle, which made lifting it a little awkward. The bag comes in one color, Heathered Graphite, and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Dimensions: 29 × 17 × 15 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for International Travel

Ogio terminal travel bag.

• Design 4 /5

All the room you could need

Great manueuverability

Easy to lift

Limited plain colors

If you're planning a round-the-world adventure and need a bag that can fit weeks' worth of belongings while also withstanding the rigors of international travel, you'll love the Ogio Terminal Travel Bag. It's constructed of durable 420-denier nylon, with protective, reinforced skid bars on the back panel. We found it lightweight yet so strong it didn't show any signs of our repeated bat and drop tests. In terms of capacity, we'd have scored it a 10 if we could, with enough space to fit clothes, shoes, and accessories for 14 days.

The interior features a neoprene lining, a mesh divider, and compression straps—while two large external pockets provide space for keeping toiletries or dirty laundry separate. The skate wheels and retractable handle helped the duffel to move smoothly and quietly through our obstacle course, while multiple grab handles came in handy for loading it into cars and buses. Colors, except for sober Black Pindot, are eye-catching with names like Double Camo, Acid Waves, and Nebula.

Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 13 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Capacity: 95 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

• Value 4.5 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Easy to pack and organize

Customization options

Smooth roll

The Tumi Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel will set you back the better part of $1,000, but for those who can afford it, we feel the quality is commensurate with the price. The bag is made from virtually indestructible ballistic nylon, with a molded, impact-resistant bottom and protective bumper rails. It sailed through our durability tests unscathed. We loved its clamshell-style opening and the divided interior with a large mesh zippered pocket and compression straps.

We were able to fit everything on our list with space to spare. With so many compartments on the inside and outside, we actually enjoyed the packing experience! One of the exterior pockets has a water-resistant lining. The duffel maneuvered skillfully across all terrains thanks to its large, high-quality wheels and two-stage telescoping handle. It also has leather-accented top and side carry handles and a bottom grab handle. Other benefits include molded feet for standing upright and the brand’s proprietary Tumi Tracer.

Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 14 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Ballistic nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for Hauling Gear

Rei co-op big haul recycled rolling duffel.

Sleek design

Sturdy, eco-friendly material

Adventure-specific extras

Not particularly fashionable

Need an outdoors-approved duffel big enough to fit the whole family’s gear that's hardy enough to travel where few other suitcases can go? The REI Co-op Big Haul duffel is for you. We packed everything on our list with plenty of space left over. We loved the weather-resistant finish on the recycled ripstop nylon exterior; and the heavy-duty, oversized wheels that easily handled all of our testing terrains and challenges. The telescoping handle felt sturdy, and the side, front, and end handles made the duffel simple to lift as needed.

The main compartment features several practical mesh pockets and a set of compression straps. We also liked that the duffel has exterior compression straps that allow it to be cinched in, depending on how full it is. Other features that reinforce the impression that this duffel is meant for the great outdoors include daisy chain lash points for attaching extra gear and piggyback clips for connecting your daypack or other luggage.

Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces | Capacity: 109 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Contains recycled, bluesign-certified materials

Best for Business Travel

Ted baker albany rolling duffel bag.

Chic design details

Solid internal organization

Deceptively capacious interior

High price tag

Despite its carry-on-approved dimensions, we found the Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag much more spacious than it initially looked and were highly impressed with how much we could fit in. We loved its elegant, tapered design, envelope-style front pocket, and stylish faux leather accents. It’s an excellent choice for business travelers , with its rose gold detailing, including on the zippers, embossed Ted Baker logo plate, and aluminum trolley system.

While the exterior is smart, professional black, the interior features a vibrant, butterfly-patterned lining. It has multiple compartments, including a padded sleeve for your tablet or laptop; and TSA-approved locks to keep everything secure in transit. We found that the wheels performed impeccably over gravel, carpet, and through our obstacle course, while the duffel itself was so lightweight that carrying it using the top handles was just as easy. The only drawback was the price tag, although we felt it was a fair reflection of the bag’s quality.

Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Capacity: 33 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

In the end, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L stood out as our overall winner for its impressive capacity and rugged, all-weather construction. We also like the Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel thanks to its multiple exterior pockets and affordable price.

Other Rolling Duffels We Tested

Briggs & Riley ZDX 27-Inch Medium Upright Duffel : We appreciated the roomy capacity of this medium-sized duffel as well as the thoughtful layout of its compartments (including an expandable one on the front). It was well-made and moved beautifully, but it sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 31-Inch : We could fit all of our items in this duffel with space to spare and liked its compression straps and storage pocket. We found it incredibly easy to maneuver; however, we would have liked to see another height setting for the telescoping handle and larger top carry handles.

Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag 32-Inch : This rolling duffel impressed us with its durability, standing up well to our drop and bat tests. It’s also an attractive option with plenty of packing space despite its relatively small size; however, we found that it listed significantly when packed full and stood upright.

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 32-Inch : With its massive main compartment and extra-rugged construction, we love this duffel for those who need to carry a lot of gear. It rolled easily on multiple surfaces, albeit being a little unwieldy around tight turns. It lost points for lack of organization features and usable carry handles.

High Sierra Fairlead 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag : This duffel scored highly for its many organization options and highly accessible main compartment. The carry handle and strap were comfortable; however, it was tricky to maneuver around turns and was unstable when upright.

Eagle Creek 130L Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel : We really appreciated that this duffel’s huge interior is made manageable by an included packing cube. It also converts into a backpack and is super lightweight, although the lack of structure that makes this lightness possible also means it can’t stand upright on its own.

DELSEY Paris Raspail 28-Inch Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag : We were pleasantly surprised by this duffel’s capacity and liked that it has separate pockets for laundry and other essentials. It had multiple handles and rolled well, but it felt a little flimsy overall.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-Wheel Duffel 29-Inch : This duffel accommodated all our belongings with plenty of space to spare. We liked the separate bottom compartment and multiple handle heights but ultimately felt it was overpriced.

Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel : If capacity is your priority, this enormous duffel could be a good choice. It also maneuvered beautifully despite its size; however, we found the unstructured interior a bit disorganized.

Samsonite Detour 29-Inch Wheeled Duffel : We liked this duffel’s tactical style and easy roll but ultimately found the interior disappointingly organization-free. We also struggled to fit everything on our list inside.

Samsonite Ripstop 30-Inch Rolling Duffel : This duffel withstood our durability tests well and scored top marks for its versatile pockets. But, it lost points for its awkward carry handles and the fact that the trolley system wasn’t adjustable.

Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : This duffel maneuvered fine and survived our durability tests; however, we felt the material was flimsy and couldn’t see it lasting more than a few trips. It also didn’t have any interior pockets.

Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : We felt this duffel was intended for carrying sports gear and would only consider it for that purpose. Otherwise, it was poorly designed and broke during our durability tests.

Eddie Bauer Expedition 30 Duffel 2.0 : We liked this duffel’s sturdy frame and felt it was well-balanced. It maneuvered easily through obstacles but lost points for thin fabric, loose stitching, and confusing organization features.

Travelpro Bold 30-Inch Check-In Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel : This is a huge duffel with a main compartment that is accessible in two ways. We liked its sturdy handle and surprising maneuverability but felt it was too bulky for most travelers.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag, Large 30-Inch : With just one exterior pocket and no interior organization, we found this duffel challenging to pack. We also felt the quality was lackluster, although it did maneuver well.

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag : We liked that this bag split clamshell-style into a structured bottom half and a more flexible top half with compartments. However, it scuffed easily during tests, making us question its durability.

Oiwas Small Rolling Duffel Bag : We gave this duffel top marks for maneuverability. Unfortunately, it failed to impress in terms of quality, with a flimsy handle, poor stitching, and zippers that broke during testing.

First, we weighed each duffel to check the accuracy of the manufacturer’s description. Then we packed it according to a packing list meant to replicate a four-day trip for carry-on duffels and a seven-day trip for checked duffels. While doing so, we took note of the bag’s capacity and how well-thought-out its organizational features were. Next, we rolled it back and forth on smooth concrete, pushing and pulling it to check how easily it moved. Then, we tested maneuverability by rolling the duffel through an obstacle course to simulate a busy airport.

Then we repeated these tests on a carpeted floor. We also tested how easy it was to drag the duffel onto the sidewalk and over gaps between cement pavers. We checked how comfortable it was to carry it using its handles and/or straps and then tested durability by repeatedly pushing it off a countertop and beating it with a baseball bat. These tests specifically targeted potential weak spots. Finally, scores were given from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value, resulting in an overall score used to select category winners.

Testing Rolling Duffels for Durability and Portability

What to look for in a rolling duffel, weight and dimensions.

The optimum duffel size depends on how much you want to pack and for how long. Bear in mind that for carry-on duffels, though, the IATA recommends that bags have a maximum length of 22 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a depth of 10 inches. Exact requirements may differ from airline to airline. Checked bags must not exceed a linear dimension (length + width + depth) of 62 inches. In terms of weight, it’s important to find a good balance between quality construction and lightness. However, the lighter your duffel is, the more you can pack before exceeding airline weight restrictions.

Rolling duffels vary significantly in price, with our category winners ranging from just over $40 to just under $1,000. The key is to determine the value of a potential purchase—if the bag is a splurge, is it worth it? A duffel with premium materials could last you a lifetime, in which case, the answer is probably yes. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can comfortably afford. Be sure to check user reviews, however, to help establish how much of the cost reflects performance and how much you’re paying for brand name only.

Other Features

Other features to look out for beyond the duffel itself include organization features—how many pockets or compartments does the bag have, and how easy are they to access? How many carrying options does it offer (can it be comfortably carried using the haul handles, or does it convert to a backpack?)? Some have padded pockets for your laptop or tablet, while tech-savvy carry-on duffels may even have USB or wireless charging facilities. The most important features for a rolling duffel to fulfill its purpose are easily maneuverable wheels and a sturdy, telescoping handle.

Every rolling duffel will have its own specific manufacturer’s instructions regarding the best way to clean it. As a general rule, however, most can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and should be left to dry naturally. Like all luggage, duffels should be completely dry before being put away and kept away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

Duffels are softsided by nature, and the best use sturdy, lightweight materials—most usually, ripstop polyester or nylon. For added weatherproofing, consider a PVC duffel or one coated with TPU laminate; while eco-conscious travelers should look out for bags made using recycled versions of these materials. The best-quality telescoping handles feature aerospace-grade aluminum.

Rolling duffels offer more flexible packing space than hardsided suitcases and are easier to stuff into irregular spaces (e.g., a safari truck’s roof racks or the cargo hold of a bus). Many argue that they’re more durable—all attributes that make them ideal for adventure travel or sports trips. They can usually be carried in more than one way, making them a good fit for journeys that will take you to areas a wheeled suitcase can’t go.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of adventure and family travel articles. She’s packed many a rolling duffel in her time, whether for scuba diving trips across Southeast Asia, research trips to the Peruvian Amazon, or camping adventures around the national parks of South Africa.

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Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag with Wheels, 14 Inches, Black

Purchase options and add-ons

• The external dimensions are 13.39 * 9.45 * 14.17 inches
• Fits in most airline overhead compartments and under the seat in front of you
• Spacious main compartment to hold clothing & an extra pair of shoes
• Plenty of interior pockets for small items including toiletries

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Convenient Carry-On Size

The luggage slides easily into most airline overhead compartments or under the seat, and is available in multiple colors.

Convenient Storage Space

The front organizer keeps travel essentials easily accessible. The luggage unzips to reveal a roomy main compartment and several interior pockets.

Telescoping Handle

The handle can be fully extended with the push of a button and locked into place. Pass-through panels hide the handle for a smooth profile.

Smooth-Rolling Wheels

Equipped with in-line skate wheels, the rolling luggage transports effortlessly from point A to point B, and anywhere in between.

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the fit, quality, pockets, mobility, and weight of the suitcase. For example, they mention it fits as a personal item on budget airlines, it's sturdy, and holds up very well through airports and car trips. Some appreciate the telescoping handle and the fact that it'd come in handy for short trips.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the fit of the suitcase. They say it fits as a personal item on budget airlines and under the seat well. It's compact but holds a lot of items. Some customers also mention that it fits easily three changes of clothes.

"...The bag was small enough that I could fit my folded winter coat on top of it in the overhead...." Read more

"I’ve used this bag for several plane trips. It fits well on top of my carry on bag...." Read more

"...I went on Spirt Airlines and this fit perfect on this flight . It is so handy that I now use this as my personal item bag on almost every trip I take." Read more

"Just took this baby on a trip to Mexico and it was great. Fit under the seat on AA just fine and held a good amount of stuff...." Read more

Customers like the quality of the suitcase. They say it's well-made, sturdy, and easy to maneuver. They appreciate the firm structure and say it should last for quite a while. Customers also mention that it'll fit two days of clothes in there.

"...They look like they should last for quite a while . However, if you over stuff it every day, you may overstress the sewn seams holding them in...." Read more

"...All of the zippers worked smoothly and the material feels sturdy ...." Read more

"...have given this five stars instead of four, but the fabric, while durable , isn't very elegant...." Read more

"Size and color are great. The fabric and construction are ok ." Read more

Customers like the pockets in the suitcase. They mention that it has ample storage room in separate compartments, and has lots of interior pockets. The outer ones hold two books, a travel umbrella, and the makeup they would need to. The side pockets fit shoes as long as they're flat. It has open space and multiple pockets with a removable organizer. It easily fits 4 shirts, two pants, pjs, s, undies, socks, and a laptop.

"...This bag is much smaller than you might think. It has several pockets for little things like a thin power bank, or maybe a tooth brush and paste...." Read more

"I just used this bag for a 4 day/3 night work trip. I easily fit 4 shirts , two pants, pjs, a lightweight cardigan, undies, socks, 1 pair of shoes..." Read more

"...It fits well on top of my carry on bag. Nicely designed for maximum storage space and really does fit under the seat." Read more

"...The outer ones held two books , a travel umbrella, and the makeup I would need to access during the flight or upon arrival...." Read more

Customers find the mobility of the suitcase easy to carry through a busy airport. They say it's handy for short trips and good for regular travelers. Some mention that the telescoping handle makes it easy to wheel through the airports. Overall, most are happy with the mobility and functionality of the product.

"...Overall, this was a great purchase and will come in handy for short trips ." Read more

"...This bag lasted three months before one of the seams break. Good for a regular traveler otherwise though!" Read more

" Easy to slide under airplane seat . Inside offers ample storage room in separate compartments." Read more

"...Over all, it’s a nice bag, and good for a weekend away . I might try one more time to get a “new” bag, and hope it’s defect free...." Read more

Customers find the suitcase lightweight and easy to carry. They also say it's open inside so they can use it as needed.

"...The bag also rolled easy and was super lightweight when I opted to pick it up and carry down the aisle when getting off the plane...." Read more

"...Plus, the bag is light enough in weight that I was able to carry it on and off the plane or train and even get it into storage bins above...." Read more

"...It’s small, lightweight , and even the flight attendants commented on how it was a perfect size...." Read more

" Heavy ." Read more

Customers like the maneuverability of the suitcase. For example, they say it rolls smoothly, is sturdily made, and easy to maneuver. Some mention that the zippers could be smoother. Overall, most are satisfied with the maneuvering capabilities of the product.

"...Second, I get an amazing amount of stuff into it. Third, the wheels are fluid and the handle seems sturdy enough...." Read more

"...It rolls well and has saved my back traveling between gates, from the gate to luggage retrieval, and then out to my airport ride...." Read more

"...wheels are old school but at least it has wheels, the strap is a bit hard to take off my carry on luggage but at least that means it’s secure and I..." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the suitcase. They say it's well made, nicely designed, and has a beautiful navy blue color. They also appreciate the thoughtfully designed pockets and the prominent AmazonBasics logo. The size and color are great, and the wheels are sturdy and make little to no racket.

"...Still, the bag holds an amazing amount and the pockets are very thoughtfully designed ...." Read more

"...First, it's a good looking little bag (I got the black quilted version). Second, I get an amazing amount of stuff into it...." Read more

" Size and color are great . The fabric and construction are ok." Read more

" Nice design for a piggyback personalitem bag.But disappointingly heavy for such a small bag..." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the suitcase. They say it's a good value for the money and that the time savings is worth the price. They also mention that it counts as a free personal item and that it saves them money on baggage fees.

"... Worth the cost when you need something but don't want to commit to an unexpectedly high price tag...." Read more

"...(it is reasonably priced ), but not so after six months." Read more

"...That time savings is worth the price right there for me...." Read more

"What a nice rolling under seater bag, at a much better price than most ...." Read more

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What’s the Best Personal Item Bag for Flying?

Between finding a carry-on that will fit in most overhead compartments, a toiletry bag or Dopp kit for your tiny bottles of shampoo, and an under-the-seat personal item to hold everything you’ll need for in-flight comfort and entertainment, solving the packing equation isn’t easy. To make things even more complicated, there aren’t even standard regulations for what counts as a “personal item” — as my fellow writer Rachael Griffiths explains here , each airline has its own particular requirements. If you’ve purchased a basic fare on a no-frills carrier like Frontier or Spirit, you’ll generally want to stick with a bag measuring 8 x 18 x 14 inches or smaller (and if you’re not sure how to fit everything into that, I’ve written a minimalist packing guide to help). On most other airlines, there’s a lot more you can get away with. Below, find advice from stylish frequent fliers (and Strategist staffers) about the totes, duffels, and backpacks they slip over the handles of their suitcases.

The best personal-item tote bags

Yolo Journal ’s Yolanda Edwards likes travel bags that don’t look like travel bags and can therefore be used for everyday sightseeing and shopping upon reaching your destination. Parker Thatch’s roomy totes fit the bill, and while they don’t have a luggage sleeve, Edwards has no problem slipping the handles of this one over her Rimowa suitcase. “And it’s great for going to the farmers’ market once I arrive where I’m going,” she adds.

“I look for a bag that can sit on top of my carry-on, fit a lot of items, and be easily stored when not in use,” says Daniela Velasco, the creative director of Drift magazine. That bag, for her, is Longchamp’s forever classic Le Pliage tote, which flattens and folds up for storage. Strategist senior editor Hilary Reid owns one in orange and is also “always surprised by how much fits inside.”

Is there a more quintessential carry-all than the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote? Writer and influencer Harry Hill doesn’t think so. “As someone who is usually drawn to more uppity travel bags, this trusty tote is a delight because of how unfussy it is,” Hill tells us. “It fits a ton, it’s super-lightweight, and I don’t have to worry about spilling coffee on the vachetta or putting it on the ground.” Hill suggests monogramming your name — or a crude joke, depending on personal preference. For additional customization, “the colorways are constantly changing, so keep an eye out if you have a specific vision for your tote.” While Hill adds that it’s impossible to go wrong, because any L.L.Bean “will make you look like a Kennedy skipping town,” the zip-up version of the bag will give more peace of mind at the airport.

Sewn in California from leftover sailing canvas, Pacific Tote Company’s bags are similar to L.L. Bean boat totes, except more brightly colored. The company is co-owned by director Roman Coppola (brother to Sofia, who carries Pacific Tote bags on set ) and beloved by bi-coastal film industry insiders. If you work in film and fly between L.A. and New York every other week, you carry your laptop in this pleasingly sturdy bag . Strategist columnist Chris Black is also a fan .

When she’s not traveling with her Parker Thatch bag, Edwards also likes to use Kule’s roomy totes as personal items. Saturday Night Live ’s Chloe Fineman travels with one of these too, and says it fits both a laptop and extra outfit inside. She adds that the “Oy Vey” design is “a little cheeky and a little funny,” as well as a nice reminder of home when she’s on the road.

Here’s another professional-looking, multi-purpose travel tote, as recommended by Strategist writer Lauren Ro. She says it makes a great carry-on personal item because it’s lightweight and custom-designed for air travel, with a luggage sleeve and exterior pockets for stashing chargers and tidbits, as well as a removable crossbody strap.

At least two friends that I know of ended up immediately purchasing a Baggu Cloud Carry-on after I flaunted mine at a destination wedding this past May. Made from weightless but durable nylon, the airplane-friendly version of the brand’s original Cloud Bag can hold a lot of stuff, and the bright colorways stand out in a sea of boring navy duffels at the airport. Puffy shoulder straps make standing in line at security a bit more tolerable, and generous external pockets are handy for stashing a book or water bottle. This bag’s dimensions are actually rather large (14 × 20 × 8 inches) for a personal item, but its bulkiness really depends on how much stuff you pack inside. I’ve taken mine on a personal-item-only Spirit flight with no issues at all, and on longer trips I have also slipped it over the handle of a Samsonite carry-on suitcase using the attached luggage sleeve.

The best personal-item duffel bags

Former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw calls this Patagonia duffel his “ secret second suitcase ,” because its unassuming-yet-roomy interior lets him pack heavy without checking a bag. The Black Hole’s 30-liter capacity is about as large as a bag can be while still qualifying as the “personal item” you can bring onboard with your main carry-on suitcase and slide under the seat in front of you, Cheslaw notes. “Within that capacity, I can easily fit two pairs of shoes as well as a week’s worth of underwear, socks, and thin shirts, relieving a ton of pressure on my suitcase.”

This new-school garment bag, which made our Travel 100 list of the best products to take on the road, can keep a suit or gown unwrinkled while also cleverly storing several other outfits. It’s ideal for destination weddings, and Moonflower wine bar co-owner Rebecca Johnson even took hers all the way to Tasmania for a romantic antipodean getaway with her husband. Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, told me that it’s very popular among her exceedingly well-traveled colleagues.

For both carry-on backpacks and duffels, former Paper fashion editor Mario Abad turns to Dagne Dover’s neoprene travel bags. “They’re the best,” he says. “They’re really lightweight, and they’re made of this scuba material that looks sleek and modern and is nice to the touch.” The bags aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, though. “You can fit a lot of stuff inside — it’s a minimal aesthetic, no busy details or anything, just all the compartments you need.” Jessica Morrobel of  Traveling With Jessica agrees that the Landon is an “absolute lifesaver,” and  Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, is also a fan, especially for quick overnights. The duffel comes in five sizes, but medium is the best option if you know you’ll be flying on budget carriers with strict rules.

The best personal-item backpacks

This is my current personal item backpack of choice. It is designed to slip over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, but over Christmas I took it as my only luggage on a weeklong train trip across Turkey and Georgia and it fit everything I needed, including an extra pair of shoes. The neutral design is as appropriate for day hiking and office commuting as it is flying. But the capacity is the biggest drawcard. Creator Jessica Wright of Bon Traveler is a longtime user and says she is “shocked” by how much it can hold. Great for packers who like to compartmentalize, the interior is separated into various sleeves and sections for a laptop, clothing, and tech items. But you can also remove these compartments and just use it as a black hole bag if needed.

My fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths prefers this sleek Timbuk2 backpack with even more sleeves and compartments for organizing items on the move. It, too, can store “a week away’s worth of clothes and a fat beach read if you’re strategic,” she says. Which is ideal if you’re traveling personal-item-only.

The “clown car of personal items” is what writer and film wrangler Maggie Slepian calls this top-loading backpack from hiker-beloved brand Gregory. When she used it as her only luggage item for a four-day trip to the East Coast last fall, it fit a laptop, notebook, sandals, running shoes, rain jacket, jumpsuit, two pairs of leggings, two pairs of shorts, several shirts, toiletries, socks, undergarments, five pairs of headphones (over-ear, noise-canceling earbuds, white-noise only, corded for the plane, and AirPods for Zoom calls), and snacks. Her water bottle was stashed in the stretchy side pocket.

Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is “a really good bag,” as Strategist contributing writer Molly Dektar observes . Popular among globe-trotting art world types, it can be carried as either a tote or a backpack, depending on the situation, and it folds into its own internal pocket, for easy storage. It is practical without sacrificing style: “Though it is crafted of black ripstop, it does not scream, ‘I hike!’ and though it has a large number of pockets and adjustable straps, it does not scream, ‘I code!’”

Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens is a fan of Patagonia’s Black Hole bags too — but she uses this more traditional-looking one. “ There are one zillion separate little pockets and perfectly sized compartments for things like chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods,” she explains, “as well as slim sleeves for a laptop and magazines.” The bag opens at the top, which means things won’t come tumbling out when you need to grab something. And while there’s a high level of organization happening on the inside, the bag has a smooth exterior: “ I quite like that the outside doesn’t look all that tricked out. ”

Despite fears of looking like a Scandinavian school child or 2012-era hipster, Strategist writer Dominique Pariso is loyal to her Kanken — and she’s not alone among our staff . “This backpack is so light, so compact, and so durable it really is ideal for stuffing under tiny airplane seats,” she explains. “Plus, you can fit way more stuff inside than seems humanly possible given its petite size.”

The best personal-item cross-bodies and fanny packs

Crescent-shaped bags have been everywhere over the past couple of years, but here’s one that’ll stand out from the crowd. Writer and artist Ludwig Hurtado says it’s big enough to fit your phone, headphones, passport, sunglasses, snacks, and even a book or two. And the cross-body strap makes it ideal for travel: “In theory, I love the look of a large tote bag, but when I’m running around the city or the airport, they tend to fall off my shoulder way too easily.” He took his to Paris Fashion Week as well as on a quick trip to Berlin, where it successfully helped him gain entry to Berghain.

On the more affordable side of things, Baggu’s take on the crescent trend is excellent for travel. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and would be lost without it at the airport. It’s comfortable to wear, with a highly adjustable strap and two zippered internal pockets for securing your phone, passport, and wallet. The capacity is huge: I can fit a book and water bottle inside and still have room left over for other items. I’ve machine washed it several times with no issue. And while the bag looks smart, especially in the black colorway, it’s also low-key enough to avoid the attention of pickpockets. Hairstylist Teddi Cranford, who has visited Marrakech five times , says that it’s “essential for the souk,” because you can “just easily grab stuff out and zip it back up.”

Less sporty-looking than the ubiquitous Lululemon belt bag, and constructed from stretchy neoprene fabric that lets you stuff it full if you need to, our favorite fanny pack is perfect for the plane. As Strategist editor Maxine Builder explains, it’s made of “forgiving, easy-to-clean” neoprene, and “it expands a fair bit” so she can stuff more into it.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024

Let’s face it, traveling can be stressful. But with the right carry-on luggage, transit on planes, trains, and automobiles can be a lot easier.

Looking for the best new piece of carry-on luggage for your next trip? We all know there’s nothing worse than toting around a cumbersome piece of luggage, bulging at the seams with the amount of clothes you’ve tried to stuff into it for a weekend getaway. Making travel an easier affair starts with what you do before you get to the airport — namely, finding the right piece of luggage to suit your needs best and packing it appropriately. 

Carry-on luggage comes in a variety of styles, from the hardshell classics to soft-sided, duffel bags. Whether you value features like external pockets or 360-spinner wheels, internal compression, or TSA-approved locks, we’ve got you covered with our wide selection of the best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Our team has tested 17 different carry-ons over a year now to narrow in on the best of the best. We brought them all over the world on over 10 domestic and international flights, winnowing our selection to bring you the crème de la crème of these versatile pieces of luggage. We tested each carry-on with a mind for a number of different performance metrics, including build quality, packability, weight, and ease of transport.

Lead tester Miya Tsudome, along with supporting staff writers Steve Graepel and Chris Carter, are globetrotters at their core, and have legions of airfare miles under their belts. They know what makes a carry-on worth its mettle, and won’t waste time toting a piece of junk around the airport. Rest assured — every bag on this guide has been vetted by these stone-cold pros, and had to pass a series of taxing tests to earn their spot on this guide.

Read on to learn more, explore our carry-on buyer’s guide , and reference our handy comparison chart and FAQ sections for all the info you need to snag the best carry-on for your next trip.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Carry-On Luggage guide on April 3, 2024, to add further testing notes, double-check our selection, and ensure all carry-ons are still available.

• Best Overall Carry-On:  Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller
• Best Budget Carry-On: Rockland Melbourne 20
• Runner-Up Best Carry-On: TravelPro Platinum Elite 21
• Most Stylish Carry-On: Away The Carry-On Suitcase
• Best Carry-On for Rugged Travel: Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40
• Best Carry-On for Organization: SwissGear 6283 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller

• Weight 6 lbs., 9.6 oz.
• Dimensions 13.5" x 21" x 9"
• Materials 1000D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon & PC recycled plastic shell
• External Pockets 3 zippered pockets
• Volume 44 L

• Incredible organizational features
• Beefy YKK zippers that inspire confidence
• Loads of daisy chains and attachment points
• Detachable shoulder straps for extended carry over uneven surfaces
• Large, sturdy wheels can handle rough roads/sidewalks
• Shoulder straps aren't the most cozy
• The sheer amount of extra flaps and pockets inside takes up internal volume space
• All the pockets may not be attractive for minimalist travelers

Behold — the carry-on king of organization and traveling comfort! Boasting a staggering 12 separate compartments for storage, you’d think we’re reviewing a specced-out 120 L expedition duffel with more flaps and zippers than you can count … but you’d be wrong. The Topo Designs 44 L Global Travel Bag ($299) manages to cram so much under the hood that nearly every category of your travel loadout gets its own dedicated home.

We brought this feat of engineering on over seven domestic flights, two international flights, and a slew of road trips to truly push it to its limits, and we came away convinced. This has to be the best, most versatile carry-on for just about any border-hopping romp you could drum up.

Here’s a rundown of your storage options: a zippered main compartment, an internal zippered divider with two separate zippered pockets on top, two internal zippered mesh pockets in the lid, and a separate pouch that zips open internally from the lid — deep breath — one large external zippered pocket with three different pouches inside that, a smaller zippered pocket on top of this, and finally, a small zippered pouch on top for passports or wallets. If you need more organization, we don’t know what to tell you.

This elaborate design is both a resounding pro, and a con. While we love being able to keep every element of our travel kit separate and organized, the sheer number of zippers, pouches, and flaps this introduces does limit the bag’s overall storage volume. While it’s advertised as 44L, we found we were able to pack less gear overall than other carry-ons with the same claimed volume.

That said, as a soft-sided bag it has more give than hard-sided models, allowing you to still haul a bulging load — with the risk of it not fitting in the overhead compartment. Also, 12 pockets can feel like a bit much for less involved weekend trips where a change of clothes and a toothbrush suffices. For the hyper-organized business traveler or seasoned globetrotter on the other hand — this is a dream.

Soft-sided carry-ons also come with the inherent con of less durability and gear protection than their hard-sided peers. That said, the 1000-denier recycled nylon face fabric of the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag shrugs off some serious torture, and has shown little signs of wear even after years of rough use.

The chassis is sturdy, and the large red wheels roll smoothly over airport hallways, or bumpy cobblestone sidewalks alike. Trotting over some truly gnarly terrain to your next hostel for the night? Whip out the removable shoulder straps, and quickly convert it into a makeshift backpack.

While we wouldn’t recommend trekking long miles like this (the straps are sparsely padded, and it doesn’t have a hip belt), it’s an awesome feature that boosts the bag’s versatility and isn’t found on many other carry-ons.

With the most robust feature set of any carry-on on this list, a sleek, stylish silhouette, and durable design, this bag easily snagged our Best Overall award. Pop over to your cousin’s place a few states over for Christmas, or set off on a month-long escapade across Europe, the Global Travel Bag is the do-it-all travel companion you need.

Rockland Melbourne 20

• Weight 7 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22” x 13.5” x 9”
• Materials Durable ABS material

External Pockets

• Volume 43 L

• Comes in many different colors
• 360-degree spinner wheels and expansion zipper
• Durability is questionable
• Not many organizational features

Looking for a simple carry-on with those coveted 360-degree spinner wheels — but don’t want to break the bank? The Rockland Melbourne 20 ($120) is sure to fit the bill, earning its spot as our best budget carry-on. This no-frills bag opens up in a clamshell style, with one side having a zippered compartment and the other side remaining open with an optional criss-cross strap for keeping bulkier clothes secure. An expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing space, maximizing the constraints of carry-on luggage for longer trips.

The Rockland Melbourne 20 won’t dazzle you with its organizational features, however, and its quality is noticeably lesser than more expensive models in our lineup. The straps on the inside don’t do much to compress, rather will just keep your clothes from moving around too much. There are no smaller pockets in the interior of the suitcase, and the cloth material for the zippered compartment feels flimsy and prone to tearing.

While this suitcase wouldn’t be our first choice in taking on a long trip across the world, it will more than suffice for the occasional traveler looking for an inexpensive suitcase for short work trips or holidays, and comes in a variety of colors as a bonus. 

TravelPro Platinum Elite 21

• Weight 7 lbs., 12.8 oz.
• Dimensions 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"
• Materials Ballistic nylon
• External Pockets 4
• Volume 46 L

• Large volume
• Useful accessory pockets
• Fantastic wheels and zippers
• Ergonomic handle is best in class
• On the expensive side

This sharp-looking soft shell carry-on has multiple internal and external pockets to help keep you organized during travel and at the hotel. But what steals the show are its buttery smooth wheels.

The TravelPro Platinum Elite ($370) rides over four MagnaTrac “dually” spinner wheels. With 360 degrees of mobility, low-powered magnets gently pull the wheels into alignment when pushing the carry-on straight. The result is wheels that track and remain wobble-free. When will grocery carts adopt this technology? The Platinum Elite wheels were the smoothest we tested. Almost too smooth. When left unattended, we occasionally found the bag rolling away from us.

On the outside, the Platinum Elite has four external pockets. Three pockets sit over the lid, with two smaller pockets for loose items, like keys, papers, devices, and a large deep pocket that can hold a 17-inch laptop (or the entire New York Times Sunday edition). Unlike other carry-ons, this large laptop pocket doesn’t have a padded computer sleeve.

But the pocket itself is padded and we liked that it was gusseted, which allowed us to effortlessly pull out the computer from an overstuffed bag. While it’s narrow, the pocket has a lot of room — and we feel it sort of misses the mark. We think it would benefit from a padded sleeve to better lock in the laptop, or even a mesh pocket for accessory cables.

A fourth “power bank” pocket hides on the left side, allowing you to plug in your own power bank to the internally routed cable that ports to the external USB port on the backside of the bag. While most airports are upgraded with USB ports these days, we like that this configuration allows you to charge your device without pulling out the power bank. You can charge anywhere (think the train station) without the risk of forgetting an expensive power bank when rushing to the gate.

The main compartment is deep, and unzips to hinge along the carry-on’s long side. It’s big enough to swallow supplies for a week-long vacation and expands an extra two inches in case you want to bring a bit extra home. Lining the bin-side are four accessory pockets. A long side pocket can hold brushes, belts, or ties. Two mesh pockets are tacked mid-depth on the top and bottom and buckle together to form a compression divider. A fourth, clear plastic pocket is perfect for holding any liquids that might need to be removed at TSA.

The pair of pockets that buckle together do help wrestle a wardrobe into submission, but they aren’t removable, and when flipped out of the bag, they roll upside-down — making them much harder to access. They are also small, maybe just large enough to hold your passport, loose coins, and receipts. 

Under the lid is a large mesh pocket that’s great for keeping your pressed wears tidy. If you travel with a suit or dress, the Platinum Elite comes with a hanging garment bag that folds up perfectly inside the main bin. 

Like the wheels, all zippers slide exceptionally smooth, including the 2-inch expansion zipper that buys you more packing real estate. A pair of replaceable leather grips are bolted to the top and sidewall with Phillips head screws, and a pull handle sits on the underside. The ergonomic handle has four extension lengths, extending from 36 inches to 42.5 inches, making the TravelPro comfortable and easy to pull, push, or grab from any angle.

All in all, this is a versatile carry-on that blends function and style, and boasts stellar organizational features.

Away The Carry-On Suitcase

• Dimensions 21.7” x 14.4” x 9”
• Materials Polycarbonate shell exterior
• External Pockets Zero
• Volume 39.8 L

• Stylish and sleek
• Interior divider acts as a compression panel as well as provides an extra pocket
• TSA-approved lock on exterior
• Expensive for such a simple suitcase
• No expansion zipper

A bestselling, hard-sided, attractive suitcase, The Carry-On by Away ($275) is our pick for the most stylish suitcase. While style might not matter for some travelers, others going on business trips — or who are the fashion-forward type — might appreciate the sleek modern look of this bag.

These suitcases come in gloss or matte finishes, with many colorways to choose from. Whether you’re the bold and bright type, or prefer more subdued pastels, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Though style is part of this suitcase’s appeal, function is given equal weight in its design. While hard-sided suitcases are always going to have fewer pockets than soft ones, the interior of The Carry-On is designed with organization in mind. A clamshell opening reveals two compartments — one with a zippered enclosure and the other with a divider that acts as a way to compress down your clothes.

The divider cinches down with two buckled straps and maximizes space by including two zippered mesh pockets on one side for small items. The other compartment is a great place to store bulkier items like shoes or things that are best held in place by the zippered closure.

We took this carry-on on a 5-day trip and felt that it had just enough space for a getaway of this length, but would probably be too small for anything much longer. Soft-sided suitcases do better at maximizing every inch of an airplane’s overhead bins and typically have more pockets, making them more suitable for longer trips.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40

• Weight 5 lbs., 15.8 oz.
• Dimensions 23.6” x 14.1” x 11”
• Materials Bluesign-approved 900D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU-coated
• External Pockets 1 large pocket
• Volume 40 L

• Made with burly, 900D recycled polyester
• DWR & TPU-coated to protect agains the elements
• Sturdy wheels
• May be overkill for the everyday traveler
• Lack of organizational pockets

For your more rugged travels, whether backpacking around Southeast Asia, or flying to Europe for a hiking trip in the Alps, the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40 ($300) is a great choice for withstanding rougher conditions. A workhorse duffel, the outside of this carry-on is made with 900D recycled polyester, has a DWR coating for protection against wet weather, and is TPU-coated to boot.

Overlapping rain flaps and weather-resistant zippers ensure your contents won’t get drenched if you find yourself caught in a storm in transit. Put simply, this piece of luggage is burly. Oversized wheels roll easily through long layovers in foreign airports and perform excellently over uneven surfaces like dirt and grass. We even sprayed it with a hose to test its weatherproofing capabilities, and our clothes inside remained dry as ever.

Duffel bags are made to be tossed around and lashed to the roofs of cars or pack animals, but can be awkward and uncomfortable to carry. The Osprey Transporter has the benefit of being as burly and featured as a good duffel bag with the added bonus of a pair of wheels making it a great hybrid suitcase.

We stuffed its 40-liter interior with the contents for a climbing trip and could fit a rope, harness, shoes, ten quickdraws, plus clothes and toiletries for a week. The soft top was indeed bulging, but we could still zip it shut and were grateful that it expands.

SwissGear 6283 21” Expandable Carry On Spinner

• Weight 8 lbs.
• Dimensions 20” x 13.5” x 7.5”
• Materials Scuff-resistant Polyester fabric
• External Pockets 2 panel pockets, one large and one small
• Volume 28 L

• Many pockets and organizational features
• Expandable zipper
• On the heavy side
• Tie-down straps don’t offer too much compression

Some travelers prefer the sleek look of hard-sided luggage. Others will look for bags with pockets and organizational features to maximize packing space. Those in the latter category will appreciate the features of the SwissGear 6283 21” Expandable Carry On Spinner ($120). The most prominent features are two exterior pockets, a removable zippered pouch for dirty laundry, an internal storage pocket, and a large, flat panel pocket on the underside of the suitcase’s lid.

It’s hard to deny that it’s nice when your bag can be somewhat organized, and our testers really appreciated utilizing the exterior pockets for small items like an e-book, passport, phone, and earbuds for quick and easy access. Opening up this carry-on , there is one main compartment to put the bulk of your items, and some adjustable tie-down straps to keep them in place.

The large, zippered flat pocket on the underside of the bag’s lid was a perfect place for a laptop. The internal storage pocket provided another ideal storage spot for small items like toiletries or electronics, and the zippered “wet” bag proved useful, especially for keeping our dirty sundries separated.

The SwissGear 6283 provides ample organizational features for its relatively low price tag, and our reviewers were pleased with the capacity of this utilitarian carry-on.

American Tourister Moonlight 21” Spinner

• Weight 7 lbs., 13.2 oz.
• Dimensions 22” x 15” x 9.5”
• Materials N/A
• Volume 50 L

• Comes in a selection of fun colors and patterns
• Expands up to 1.5” for more packing space
• Four 360-degree spinner wheels
• Simple design, no extra organizational pockets or features
• Small wheels

If you’re looking for a basic, hard-sided suitcase that isn’t boring and won’t break the bank, look no further than the American Tourister Moonlight 21” Spinner ($130). With a classic, split-case construction, this carry-on also expands 1.5 inches to give you the most bang for your buck.

Four single spinner wheels allow you to roll this suitcase with ease, and the interior hosts buckled straps to keep your clothes packed down and a mesh compartment to keep the rest of your items secure.

This isn’t the most feature-rich carry-on. Hard-sided suitcases already have fewer features and pockets by design, and the interior of the American Tourister is pretty lackluster. The quality of this carry-on is decent for the price point, and American Tourister makes fun Disney- and Star Wars-themed suitcases if you’re into that kind of thing.

All in all, our testers weren’t overly impressed with the American Tourister , which is just a regular hard-sided suitcase with some fun branding. But for a decent price and fun color schemes, this could be a great choice for those who like to express a more offbeat style.

Samsonite Centric Carry-On Spinner

• Dimensions 22.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”
• Materials 100% polycarbonate shell
• Volume 53 L

• Sleek and rugged design
• Anti-scratch twill texture
• 360-degree spinning wheels
• No extra organizational pockets

The Samsonite Centric Carry-On Spinner ($200) is a sleek and rugged hard-sided suitcase that fulfills the basic duties of a good carry-on without much fuss. This carry-on’s polycarbonate shell has a twill texture that protects against the inevitable scuffs and scratches of transit. 360-degree spinner wheels allow for easy gliding across crowded airport terminals. TSA-approved locks cleverly secure the zippers so you can feel at ease that your valuables are secure.

The Samsonite Centric is a well-made suitcase with very few frills. The wheels are quite small, and not as robust across varying terrain as some of the other suitcases in our lineup, but will do well enough as you rush to your gate or try to find the hotel at your destination. Our reviewers appreciated the build quality of this carry-on, and were not afraid to toss it around and find that it did indeed come away with fewer scratches than some of its competition.

The suitcase’s interior is a little lackluster, however, with the basic setup of two compartments on each side of the clamshell, one that is large and zippered, and the other with some straps to keep your bulky items at bay. The suitcase in general lacks any exterior pockets, as is typical with a hardshell design, and doesn’t have much in the way of pockets or other organizational tools on the inside, either. But if you are looking for a simple, well-made suitcase that is sleek enough for a business trip but burly enough to withstand use and abuse, the Samsonite Centric is a good bet.

YETI Crossroads 22 Carry On

• Dimensions 22" x 16" x 9"
• Materials Hardshell polycarbonate back and 700-denier side
• External Pockets 2; one with two sleeves and an internal pocket

• Sharp modern styling
• Robust wheels
• Functional external pockets and multiple large device sleeves
• Pocket configuration may turn off some buyers
• Waterproof zippers are harder to pull

From the land of overbuilt and “Ford tough,” YETI entered the baggage game in 2021 with its Crossroads luggage series. The Crossroad 22 ($350) is positioned as the brand’s carry-on bag. Built for where the road ends and adventure begins, YETI’s hybrid 700-denier softshell/polycarbonate clamshell bag is a sophisticated take on the carry-on.

In addition to the main storage, the Crossroad 22 has two external pockets. Off the front, a large gusseted pocket reveals two padded sleeves that can protect both a 17-inch laptop and a large tablet. An accessory mesh pocket works great for keeping your cables and power supplies in order. A second, stealth pocket with a key keeper can hold your wallet, device, glasses, passport, etc. 

Unlike most carry-ons which hinge at the side, the main pocket drops open with a clamshell configuration hinging at the bottom of the bag. The deep side is protected with a polycarbonate back and has enough room to store a pair of dress shoes, running shoes, and your wardrobe for a week.

A mesh divider unzips off the backside of the lid, allowing you to separate your laundry or keep your shirts pressed while in transit. Laying over the mesh wall, a small and large mesh pocket zip-up toiletries or accessories.

All external zippers are water-resistant and machined to hook a lock, keeping both the elements and sticky fingers at bay. As expected from YETI, the zippers are tough. And a bit sticky. They don’t slide as easily as zippers found on other high-end carry-ons, like the TravelPro Platinum Elite.

The hardshell polycarbonate back and 700-denier water and abrasion-resistant top yield a carry-on that is overbuilt for the road and should last for years. We’ve used it for work and the computer sleeves are a practical addition to the mobile office. Just as long as you don’t overpack the bag. Overpacking the main compartment pushes contents up against the external pocket space, making it harder to pull and store the laptop from the sleeves.

And like the Crossroad 29 our editor reviewed back in 2022 , the 22 suffers from the same pocket dilemma. There are just so many of them. If you keep an organized garage, this can bring some piece of mind. Everything has its place. For others, sifting through which pocket stores what can be an overwhelming game of hide and seek. And like backpacks, more pockets mean more components that can eventually fail.

Like all good carry-ons, the Crossroad has an extendable arm that pulls to 31 inches and 42 inches, and that fat grip feels good in the hand. 

Need more space? We paired our Crossroad 22 with YETI’s 27L Crossroads backpack and had no trouble walking through security with both bags. The backpack slips over the carry-on handle, the 22 stowed nicely on its side in overhead storage and the backpack slid under the seat in front.

In short, like all YETI products, the Crossroad 22 is overbuilt and should last you for years of travel.

Dakine 42L Carry-On Roller

• Weight 6 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 21.5" x 14" x 9"
• Materials 600-denier polyester with polycarbonate internal backing
• External pockets 1
• Volume 42 L

• Inexpensive
• Large volume bag
• Soft-sided configuration feels floppy
• Handle feels lesser quality
• Lesser quality than pricer carry-ons

Dakine’s 42L Carry-On is a simple single pocket, split-level clamshell style carry-on that opens on the long edge of the bag. Prices vary according to fabric (they offer a variety of fabrics to choose from). We reviewed the black 600-denier version, available for $185.

Regardless of the material, all Dakine 42L Carry-On bags are configured the same, with a single external pocket closing the split-level main storage.

A large horseshoe pocket unzips over the lid, allowing you to store a 17-inch laptop (or two) behind a padded sleeve. An accessory pocket can keep your cables organized. 

The main compartment unzips to hinge on the long side, revealing the split-level storage. The deep bucket is backed by a hard polycarbonate. Behind the lid, the top-level storage is zipped behind a mesh divider and has a flexible polycarbonate sheet that protects the underside while providing some framework to keep the pocket from falling in on itself. 

The entire carry-on is wrapped and protected with a 600-denier ripstop water-repellent polyester and has stealthy internal zippers to access the hardware. This allows you to repair or replace the handle, wheels, or stubby support legs beaten down during travel. Dakine backs this with a limited lifetime warranty.

Extending to 33”, 38”, and 44”, the handle doesn’t feel as durable as other handles we tested. Dakine uses a thinner diameter aluminum tubing that looks (and feels) more dainty than the other bags.

Quirks? We found the bag feels tippy when standing. And while the bottom of the lid has a plastic molded insert, the top does not. This leaves the bag feeling floppy while packing.

As the adage goes, you get what you pay for. At $185 you won’t break the bank, but Dakine’s 42L Carry-On lacks the durability and accessories of pricer carry-ons.

Mystery Ranch Mission 40L Wheelie

• Weight 7 lbs., 4.8 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5” x 14” x 12”
• Materials Hardshell polycarbonate back and 1000-denier CORDURA fabric
• External Pockets 3 — one zippered dirty laundry pouch, one zippered shoe pouch, and one small exterior pocket for small items

• Large, spacious bag
• Ample pockets for maximum organization
• Made with burly materials
• Hard to access everything inside when bag and all accessory pouches are full
• May not fit in overhead compartments of small, regional planes

It’s hard to find a carry-on suitcase that’s more innovative than the Mystery Ranch Mission 40L Wheelie ($349). This suitcase has a plethora of features that make it unique and is made with burly, 1000-denier CORDURA fabric to withstand years of use and abuse. This bag makes the most out of being a mere carry-on, and for that reason, it earns an honorable mention in our review. 

Being a soft-sided piece of luggage, the Mission 40L feels way more spacious than its hard-sided, clamshell counterparts. A large, U-shaped zipper on the front of the suitcase opens to reveal the spacious main compartment. The inside flap is composed of large, zippered mesh pockets to hold small items.

There is a removable, large zippered pouch that floats in the middle of the main compartment as well, which provides some mild compression for bulky items, as well as helps keep more of your smaller items organized.

The most unique features of the Mission 40L are the separate pouches for dirty laundry and shoes — both of which can be accessed from exterior zippers and allow for even more organization of your items. They can also be rolled up and stowed away if you choose not to use them. 

Nothing is perfect, though, and while this carry-on has an incredible amount of thought and ingenuity behind it, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. The 40L size, packed to the gills, will most likely be denied entry as a carry-on on regional flights with small planes. It definitely is on the larger side of a carry-on, and as such you could run into issues with the more scrutinizing of airlines. 

While the shoes and laundry pouches make organization a breeze, when full it becomes more difficult to quickly see and access other articles in the suitcase. This, however, is only really an issue in transit, because when you get to your destination you can take out your shoes and laundry and easily live out of the suitcase as it is. 

Our reviewers also wished for two zippers for the main compartment, for quick opening and closing of the bag as well as providing the option to lock the compartment with a zipper lock. 

Despite these cons, we took our Mission 40L from the West Coast to the East Coast and back again for a 6-day trip, and were very pleased with how comfortably we could fit a week’s worth of clothes and not have to check a bag.

The North Face All Weather 4-Wheeler 22”

• Weight 9 lbs., 12 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14.2" x 9.5"
• Volume 24 L

• 4-wheel design is easy to roll
• No zippers to bust means locking security
• Small (24 L)
• Equally sized bins limit packing
• Heavy (almost 10 lbs.)

The North Face knows adventure and has been supplying travelers with luggage to escape off the grid for decades now. Its 22” All Weather 4-Wheeler carry-on ($350) is a hardshell carry-on that can hold a long weekend’s worth of supplies. 

With no external bling, this brutalist hard-sided carry-on feels more like a Pelican Case, and is truly inspired by deconstructing the bivalve. Hinged in the middle, the top and bottom halves mirror the same volume and open flat along the long side. The lid locks shut with a pair of TSA-compatible combination locks. Two rubberized handles sit on the long and tall side to help wrestle the smooth polycarbonate cube.

On the inside, both halves hold 12 liters of contents. One side is open with a removable compression divider that buckles into place mid-depth to the four corners. The divider has a thin mesh pocket to hold loose items, like papers or receipts. A long mesh pocket tucks on the inside along the hinge and stows an accessory bag that can be deployed for trail shoes or laundry.

The other half is zipped shut with a mesh divider that has both a horizontal quick-access zipper, and a horseshoe zipper that opens up the bin entirely. Both bays are trimmed with smooth-facing nylon, adding elegance to the otherwise spartan exterior.

True to The North Face’s modus operandi, the All Weather looks and feels like it could survive a weekend at war. The polycarbonate shell is secure and sturdy. The two sides close shut with a rubber gasket rand, sealing out water, and making the All Weather the most waterproof carry-on on our list. The four double wheels have 360˚ of mobility and track effortlessly from gate to transportation. And the Brut-design handle locks at three positions (30”, 33”, and 38.5”).

On the downside, at $350, it’s expensive and limiting — offering just over half the volume of other carry-ons on the list. And with both sides of the carry-on being equal, the capacity feels much smaller than others.

But, if durability, security, and weatherproof are your key metrics (and you pack light), the All Weather 4-Wheeler is worth a look. This carry-on is like a Volvo — boxy but good, with limited volume. It’s best suited for long weekend trips where you won’t overpack but want bomber durability.

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 40L

• Weight 7 lbs.
• Dimensions 21.6" x 14" x 9.5"
• Materials 100% recycled polyester ripstop with TPU-film laminate
• External Pockets 1 small zippered pocket

• Beefy seams and zippers
• Sleek, stylish look
• Weather and tear-resistant TPU laminate coating
• Sturdy wheelset delivers a smooth ride
• Only one external pocket
• Jealous friends

If you haven’t seen the ubiquitous Black Hole duffel bag while flying around on your travels — you probably aren’t getting out as much as you should. It’s a cult classic, and like every hero, it has a sidekick. Meet the Patagonia Black Hole Rolling Duffel ($359), a sleek rolling version of the outdoor community’s favorite rugged duffel.

With that same shiny, bombproof TPU laminate coating we’ve grown to cherish, a stalwart chassis, and a silky smooth ride, the carry-on version of this line brings some serious competition to the market. We took the Black Hole Roller on four domestic flights and a number of road trips during our testing period, and got a slew of compliments each time. This is a good-looking carry-on.

But its allure doesn’t stop at style, and the durable but compressible nature of its malleable face fabric means it can cram into smaller spaces with ease, and compress down as your loadout fluctuates during extended travel. A limit with hard-sided bags, and a relief while trying to cram your bag into the overhead compartment while everyone waits impatiently behind you on the plane.

While it easily fits the dimension restrictions of carry-ons, the interior space seems more voluminous than others we tested — largely due to the lack of internal features and high side walls. One small front zippered pocket constitutes the bag’s external organization, and two zippered pockets on the inside of the lid round out its simple featured set.

It does come with internal compression straps, and a full internal liner that zips open for a second makeshift compartment if you feel the need. We ended up shoving our dirty clothes into this pouch to keep them separate from our clean ones as they amassed mid-trip.

The hallmark of these bags is their signature shiny TPU coating. This affords both the duffle and rolling carry-ons top-shelf durability while keeping weight to a minimum. The external material is extremely water-resistant, and the fabric overlays the zippers, which allows rain to roll off the bag without seeping in.

This came in quite handy on one trip when our bags were unloaded from the plane in an absolute downpour, and came onto the luggage carousel soaking wet (we had to check our carry-ons at the gate for that particular trip).

Cons? Well, aside from a relatively minimal feature set, it was hard to drum up any quibbles with this bag. It comes with the same precautions as any soft-sided carry-on, namely a comparable lack of protection for sensitive internal contents. But that is standard, and the sturdy base and sidewalls provide adequate defense for anything not on the very top of your package.

The Patagonia Black Hole Rolling Duffel has a supremely smooth ride, durable chassis, and plenty of volume for a weekend getaway — and looks stylish to boot. Anyone looking to add some glossy, outdoor flair to their country-hopping loadout shouldn’t sleep on this one.

Carry-On Luggage Comparison Chart

How We Tested Carry-On Luggage

Our GearJunkie testers are avid travelers, with a combined experience of hundreds of flights taken, domestic and international, many trains traveled, and numerous countries visited. From the city streets of Paris, to the remote mountains of the Himalayas, our testers have covered a lot of ground in their lifetimes and know what can make or break a good piece of luggage. 

From flying frequently around the country for work to spending loads of time lugging baggage around Europe, as well as stuffing suitcases full of climbing gear for far-off adventures, our lead tester Miya Tsudome has had over 2 decades of hands-on experience with carry-on luggage. 

She collaborated with two other of our staff writers, Steve Graepel and Chris Carter, for this guide. They tested 17 different carry-ons over a period of 4 months — during which the three writers racked up some significant domestic and international air travel. They tested each carry-on with an eye for a handful of specific features, including packability, durability, and ease of use while battling around busy airports.

Finally, this is an organic guide, and we add the newest carry-ons and revisit our old favorites each season. We work hard to stay on top of the newest and best carry-ons on the market to bring you the most relevant suggestions possible.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Carry-On Luggage

Though no one bag “has it all,” there are many high-quality bags to choose from, and some that may fit your needs better than others. It’s worth considering the types of trips you make. Do you typically go on business trips or far-off adventures? Are you looking for something sleek and stylish or rugged and durable?

It’s also worth considering how often you travel and for how long — and what bag might make the most sense for your needs and budget. Read our comprehensive buyer’s guide below to gain some insight that might help you decide.

This article focuses solely on carry-ons. To add even more diversity to your travel loadout, be sure to check out our buyer’s guides on duffel bags , and travel backpacks .

Size is extremely important when considering purchasing a carry-on suitcase. It isn’t wise to assume that all suitcases labeled as “carry-ons” by their brand will automatically comply with all airline size restrictions. Although the standard is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, some airlines will be more strict, especially if you are flying on small regional planes or on airlines in different countries.

If you are spending a good amount of money on a new suitcase, and are worried about being able to easily fly with it, it would be best to err on the smaller side when considering your new purchase. This is also important to note for expandable suitcases, which when they are compact may qualify as a carry-on, but when stuffed full and expanded might exceed the limit. 

In our review, the Rockland Melbourne 20 , Dakine 42L , and SwissGear 6283 are the only suitcases strictly under the size threshold. However, it is worth noting that many airlines aren’t super discerning about an extra inch or two in any direction. 

Types of Carry-Ons 

Carry-on luggage comes in all shapes and sizes, but can typically be categorized as being hard-shell or soft-sided. The type you choose will be determined by whether you prefer the protection of a hard shell or the versatility of a soft-sided case, as well as being a personal style choice.

Hard-Sided Carry-Ons 

Hard-sided luggage is usually what comes to mind when one pictures a suitcase — ubiquitous, sleek, rolling clamshells that slide easily into overhead compartments. These shells are usually made of polycarbonate materials, and can sometimes be textured to be more resistant to scratches and dings but will inevitably reveal scuffs more than their soft-sided counterparts.

Being hard-sided allows for more protection of their interior components, and is ideal if you are traveling with fragile items. But a lack of exterior pockets is typically a big trade-off when choosing a hard shell model, as well as the fact that their clamshell opening doesn’t allow for quick access to the interior — you typically will have to unzip the whole bag to go in and search for an item. The Samsonite Centric and Away’s The Carry-On both have a textured exterior that is supposed to protect against scuffs and scratches. 

Soft-Sided Carry-Ons

Soft-sided carry-ons have several distinct advantages. One is that they are typically more lightweight, which can make a difference when packing a bag full for a week of travel, and then having to pick it up and put it into an overhead compartment. Wear and tear over time will be less obvious on their fabric exteriors versus visible scuffs on a hard shell, and because most soft shells have a U-shaped zippered opening instead of a clamshell, there is less stress on the zipper over time. 

Soft-sided luggage also makes the most of their exteriors with ample pockets. While hard-sided luggage tends to look sleeker and can be easier to slide into an overhead compartment, soft-sided carry-on luggage can provide more bang for your buck with its extra pockets and ability to expand.

Packability

Clamshell .

The suitcases we tested mainly feature two different designs that influenced their packability. All of the hardshell suitcases feature a clamshell construction — a zipper opens all the way around to reveal two separate compartments on either side. This is beneficial for organization, as you can separate your clothing from your other items. Some brands, like Away’s The Carry-On , also have custom packing cubes to make organization even more satisfying.

Our testers found that the clamshell design helps to keep us more organized and less likely to just stuff a bunch of clothes into a duffel bag because closing them up easily is dependent on how well you packed your items. However, a big drawback to this style is when you’d like to grab something out of the suitcase in transit, you have to open it all the way and splay out both sides to find what you’re looking for.

U-Shaped Zipper 

A U-shaped zipper opening to one main compartment is the other common suitcase design you’ll find from many brands, as found on the Osprey Transporter , Patagonia Black Hole , Mystery Ranch Mission , and in some ways increases a bag’s packability. Being able to quickly pack and unpack a suitcase without having to separate any components is a big plus for ease of use.

U-shaped zipper openings are typically found on soft-sided suitcases, and can allow a bag to be stuffed to the brim and still be able to zip close with a little bit of extra legwork.

These suitcases tend to be deep and can accommodate layers of clothing, especially when put into packing cubes or rolled up tightly to maximize space. Occasionally, bags like this will have some organizational components such as side pockets and compression straps, but staying organized will be more of a challenge when all of your items share one main compartment.

Extra Features

Compression straps.

Having the ability to compress bulky items to make more room in your carry-on luggage is a very desirable feature, but these straps are not all created equal. Many suitcases will have some sort of strap system, but often won’t do much to compress at all and will merely serve to hold your items in place.

If you are planning to pack as much as you can and love what some good compression straps can provide, it pays to be discerning about the bag that you buy. The best compression straps in our lineup can be found in Away’s the Carry-On , and the Osprey Transporter .

Internal Zippered Storage

Arguably one of the most important things to keep the inevitable stress levels lower when it comes to travel is good organization. No matter how hard you try to stay organized, things can unravel quickly when you open up your bag, pull out a toiletries kit, and your whole system of neatly folded clothes comes apart with it.

That’s why it can be nice to find a bag with good internal zippered storage, so you can keep items separate and accessible without disturbing the whole order of your packing.

The Mystery Ranch Mission has an impressive amount of internal zippered storage which helps keep organization an easier affair. In our hard-sided suitcase selection, we liked that Away’s The Carry-On made extra use of their compression divider adding a large, zippered mesh pocket suitable for slim items.

Spinner Wheels vs. Non-Spinner Wheels

360-degree spinner wheels have been a boon to the evolution of the carry-on suitcase. Four wheels that spin independently in every direction make maneuvering a bag through crowded train stations and in the narrow aisles of planes easier than ever before. And it is hard to deny that the feeling of “gliding” your suitcase along instead of dragging it behind you makes transit more appealing. 

There are some advantages of two-wheeled suitcases, however, that are worth mentioning. There are usually four spinner wheels on a suitcase which means more parts that can break. The wheels are also much smaller than on two-wheeled suitcases, and worse for maneuvering over cobblestone streets, grass, or other uneven terrain.

The wheels on non-spinner suitcases are typically much larger, sometimes even with lugs for better traction, and are a better choice if you know you’ll be going over varying terrain. They are also usually easily replaceable and longer-lasting than their spinner counterparts. 

External pockets are another category that can be aligned with the hard-sided versus soft-sided debate. They are typically a feature of soft-sided suitcases, such as the Mystery Ranch Mission or the SwissGear 6283 , though there are rare brands that have figured out ways to incorporate pockets or panels into the front of their bags.

External pockets can be desirable for a number of reasons, namely for storing smaller items that you might want to access in transit such as a passport, e-book, iPad, headphones, sleep mask, etc. Especially when putting a suitcase in an overhead compartment, knowing that those items can be easily accessible if needed will be a relief to you and the passengers surrounding you.

Some may choose not to want external pockets, however, for security reasons among others. Having all of your items safely locked inside a hard-shell suitcase may be desirable for some. Especially when on a train where the luggage storage area can be far away from your seat. 

TSA-Approved Locks

When looking for a suitcase that features a lock for extra security, it would be wise to make sure the lock is “TSA-approved.” These are usually combination locks that can be opened with a master key by security personnel so that your luggage isn’t subject to damage during a routine inspection.

Materials and Design

It is typical for hard-sided suitcases to be made of polycarbonate shells, while soft-sided suitcases are made with varying types of nylon. As mentioned before, hard-sided suitcases will be more prone to scratches and scuffs as they are tossed around in transit, and if this degradation in aesthetics is something that will bother you, a soft-sided suitcase may be the better option. Of course, though nylon won’t reveal scratches as readily, it is still a fabric that can be prone to tearing.

It is a good idea to check the denier of the fabric for soft-sided suitcases, with a higher denier meaning the more resistant the nylon will be to snags or tears. Some suitcases, like the Osprey or Patagonia Black Hole , will even have a DWR coating in addition to high-denier fabric that makes their bags even more durable as well as weather-resistant.

Another consideration is that the polycarbonate shells of hard-sided suitcases typically have the option of coming in bright colors or patterns, which can make recognizing your suitcase at baggage claim or in the stuffed luggage compartment of a train a breeze. Some might also like the expression of style these bags allow for.

Frustratingly, there is no universal airline standard for maximum carry-on luggage size. The general guideline followed by many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but small regional flights or foreign airlines may have different restrictions. Because of this, we absolutely recommend looking up the restrictions of your preferred airline, to get a sense for what size suitcase might work best for your needs.

Choosing between a hard-sided and soft-sided carry-on is a matter of personal choice and desired features. Hard-sided luggage of the right dimensions can help ensure that you don’t accidentally exceed airline restrictions of carry-on sizes. In the same vein, they are also more difficult to overpack. 

But they will lack many of the features that soft-sided bags allow for, such as external pockets, u-shaped openings for easier access to the main compartment, as well as features such as pouches for shoes or dirty laundry and more room for internal pockets. Hard-sided luggage also tends to show wear and tear more easily than soft-sided luggage.

The answer to this question varies greatly depending on the season you are traveling in, and what kind of trip you are planning to go on. Are you going on an adventure vacation where you’ll pack extra accessories like hiking boots, rain jackets, or special gear? Are you traveling in the winter where bulky layers may take up a lot of space? Or are you going on a beach vacation where all the clothing is light and easy to pack? There are a lot of factors that go into how much you can realistically bring on each trip.

Typically, you will probably be able to fit 5 to 7 days’ worth of clothing in your carry-on suitcase. If you pack smart, you can maximize the space. Some tips include rolling your clothes into tight cylinders instead of folding them. This will help reduce wrinkles and allows you to squeeze thinner items between the spaces of bulkier ones.

Also, wearing as much of your bulky clothing while you’re actually traveling will maximize the amount of room you have in your luggage for the rest of your clothing. If you’ll be staying at an Airbnb, check if they have a laundry machine and you can pack less and plan on doing a load midway through your trip to extend the use of some of your layers.

There are pros and cons for having a bag with wheels or without wheels as your carry-on of choice. A backpack will allow you to be more nimble in transit, as you take up less space and can quickly grab your bag and throw it on your back without having to fumble with handles or wheels.

Therefore, a backpack could be a good choice for someone who is traveling by train or bus. But carrying a heavy bag on your shoulder or back throughout the day can be tiring, and a rolling suitcase eases the load on your body. If you know you’ll have to carry your bag for a longer period of time, a roller can be a better choice.

The Best Duffel Bags of 2024

We tested the best duffel bags of 2024 with options for every adventure and budget. Top picks include Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more!

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We found the best travel backpacks of 2024, including top picks from Peak Design, Osprey, Patagonia, and more.

Originally from New York, Miya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and quickly fled west to see what the great outdoors had to offer. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. She now works as a photographer and freelance writer and is always looking for ways to share her passion and expertise for outdoor gear through her writing.

Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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The best carry-on luggage of 2024.

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

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

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

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

Best Overall: ROAM Carry-On Front Pocket

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

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

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

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

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

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

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

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

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

Price: $625 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14.25 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds Packing capacity: 4-7 days; 37 liters | Color options: Custom color combinations include red, black, lilac and slate Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime with a 100-day trial

This fully customizable suitcase allows travelers to create a one-of-a-kind carry-on bag. From the front and back of the bag to the handles, zippers and wheels, you choose the color combination you love.

However, it's not all about the aesthetics: This hard-shell suitcase has 360-degree ball bearing wheels that roll easily over multiple surfaces, including brick sidewalks and moving walkways. The telescoping handle is sturdy and adjustable, which makes the bag glide with you, and the front-access pocket has a key fob and room for a laptop, phone, glasses and small travel essentials. There's also a built-in TSA lock. The back of the suitcase has an inset with a monogrammable leather tag to keep your personal information discreet while traveling.

Note: This carry-on is currently on closeout with limited color availability.

What our editors say:

I was extremely impressed from the moment I opened the box. It was nicely packaged in a blue ROAM-branded dust bag and the carry-on is beautifully constructed. It's made of high-quality materials, and I found the compression panels with mesh zippered compartments to be extremely useful for both maximizing space and keeping items in place while traveling. But what really sets this bag apart is how easy it is to maneuver when fully packed for a weeklong trip. It glides effortlessly over all types of terrain, even inlaid brick sidewalks! The customized color scheme (which is really easy to do) takes this carry-on to a new level. Plus, you can create a coordinating tote or backpack to match. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

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

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

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

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

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

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

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

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

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

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

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

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

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

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

Price: $245 or less

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

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

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

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

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

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

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

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Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Price: $80 or less

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

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

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

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

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

Price: $699 or less

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price: $165 or less

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

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

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

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

Price: $83 or less

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

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

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

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

Price: $565 or less

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

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

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

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

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

Price: $270 or less

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

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

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

Price: $200 or less

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

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

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

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

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

Also Recommended

Solgaard Carry-on Closet – Large: This bag packs a built-in organizer component along with a durable exterior. The Solgaard Carry-on Closet is worth considering if you like to avoid packing and unpacking.

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How We Tested

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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The Best Rolling Backpacks for School, Work & Travel That Eliminate Back Pain

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

No matter if you’re heading to class, work, or traveling, a  backpack  is the one essential item you should have on hand. Backpacks make it easy to toss everything you need in a dedicated space and get on the go. But did you know wearing a heavy bag across your shoulders can cause posture changes (not the good kinds) and back pain? Luckily, there are rolling backpacks — the solution for storing books, computers, the kids’ change of clothes for preschool, and more. Ahead, shop our list of the best rolling backpacks with durable features and impressive maneuverability.

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Best Rolling Backpacks at a Glance

Best Overall: Kipling Gaze Large Rolling Backpack , $209 Best for Students: JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack , $105, was $150 Best for Preschoolers: lvyH Kids Rolling Backpack , $46 Most Affordable: Rockland Roadster Rolling 17″ Backpack , $35 Best for Travel : Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack , $175 Best for Kids: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Gray Classic Camo Reflective Backpack , $85 Best for Work:   Francine Collections Rolling Bag , $124 Best for College Students: Solo New York Bleecker Recycled Polyester Rolling Backpack , $125, was $260

Are Rolling Backpacks Good ?

Rolling backpacks make transporting books and other essentials easy without carrying all the weight on your back. These bags have a roomy interior and are also perfect for traveling. Parents also love rolling bags since they help the kiddos get into school independently (they also have fun prints and designs). There are also picks on the market that are specially made for carrying your laptop and traveling.

Are There Disadvantages to a Rolling Backpack?

Even though rolling backpacks have multiple benefits, they do have some disadvantages. First, rolling backpacks can not easily go up and down stairs. You can lug them up and down staircases, but you risk breaking their handles and risking the bag ripping. Also, the wheels on rolling backpacks can get caught on rough terrain, such as uneven sidewalks, gravel, and grass, which can damage the wheels.

Are Rolling Backpacks Better for Back Pain?

The average backpack carries 25 to 30 pounds. That means you’re resting all that weight on your shoulders, which can lead to strains and aches in both children and adults. If you carry a backpack daily, consider alternatives like a rolling backpack. According to Orthopedic One this will reduce strain on your back and shoulders. For extra safety, “make sure the backpack is properly fitted to your body. Tighten the straps to keep the weight of the backpack across your back. This will ensure a proper weight distribution as opposed to the weight resting on your shoulders,” Orthopedic One added.

We rounded up the best 8 rolling backpacks for adults, students, and kids, ahead.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Kipling is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. 

BEST OVERALL

Kipling Gaze Large Rolling Backpack

Buy Now at Kipling

Kipling’s Gaze Large Rolling Backpack is best for elementary middle school students, thanks to its cute and simple design that your preteen can decorate. The rolling backpack comes in three colors and offers multiple compartments to keep all of your essentials in one place. There are over three pockets: A main zip compartment, water bottle pockets, and a pull-up handle that rolls the bag. And if you don’t want to wheel it around, grab the straps to wear as a backpack.

Dimensions: 8.25″ x 17.25″ x 12.25″ Capacity: 26 liters Weight: 4.37 lbs

Pros: Tuck away backpack straps Water bottle pockets

Cons: Expensive Limited colors

BEST FOR STUDENTS

JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack

$105 $150 30% off

Buy Now at amazon

Buy Now at walmart

JanSport is a pro when it comes to creating durable and versatile backpacks. This take on the classic backpack makes it easier than ever to tote your books, laptop, and more with one bag. The rolling backpack provides a 15-inch laptop sleeve to protect your computer, a telescopic handle, tuck-away shoulder straps, and tons of space inside.

Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 10″ Capacity: 36 liters Weight: 4.2 ounces

Pros: Trusted brand Durable

Cons: Shorter handle

BEST FOR PRESCHOOLERS

lvyH Kids Rolling Backpack

Buy Now at Walmart

This adorable unicorn backpack will get little learners excited to go to school. Its fun design is functional and offers enough room space inside for a change of clothes, back, backpack, and more. The bag also has side pockets to hold water bottles. Shoppers report that it’s the “perfect” size for little ones and also praise how easy the backpack makes it for them to get into school independently.

Dimensions: 11.41″ x 5.9″ x 15.7″ Capacity: 12 liters Weight: 2 lbs

Pros: Multiple designs Lightweight Suitable for children under 5ft tall

Cons: Not made for older children

MOST AFFORDABLE

Rockland Roadster Rolling 17" Backpack

Buy Now AT TARGET

Even though this rolling backpack doesn’t have any interior compartments, there’s still ample room to transport your items. Plus, the exterior pockets have a built-in organizer, and there’s also a space for water bottles.

Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ x 10″ Capacity: 36.2 liters Weight: 6 lbs

Pros: Zippered front pockets with organizer Under $40

Cons: No Compartments or Pockets inside

BEST FOR TRAVEL

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Buy Now at calpak

This duffel backpack earns the title of “best for travel.” The bag is available in 10 colors ranging from neutrals to vibrant pinks, and it matches Calpak’s bestselling luggage sets . The pack is easy to maneuver through crowds and the airport and also converts into a backpack in a flash.

Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 7.5″ Capacity: 26.5 liters Weight: 2.7 lbs

Pros: Shoppers say it fits work items, clothes, and more Padded laptop pocket Includes detachable adjustable shoulder strap

Cons: Bulky design

BEST FOR KIDS

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Gray Classic Camo Reflective Backpack

Buy Now at pottery Barn Kids

This camo backpack from Pottery Barn Kids is reflective, and it’s also on wheels! It includes a front panel pocket and two side pockets. The interior compartment keeps notes and other essentials safe and sound. The rolling backpack also comes with a shoulder strap and carrying handle.

Dimensions: 11.5″ x 7″ x 15.5″ Capacity: 20 liters Weight : 1.75 lbs

Pros: Multiple sizes available Can add monogram

Cons: More expensive than other picks

BEST FOR WORK

Francine Collections Rolling Bag

If you’re always lugging a pile of things into your office, add this rolling bag to your cart immediately. Although it’s not technically a “backpack,” it has a modern tote design that keeps all of your daily things organized. The wheels give your shoulders a break when needed and easily maneuver without getting stuck on the way.

Dimensions: 17.5″ x 8.5″ x 14.5″ Capacity: Holds up to a 17.3″ Laptop & 12″ Tablet Weight: 6.25 lbs

Pros: Sleek look Crafted from vegan leather

Cons: Very large

BEST FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Solo New York Bleecker Recycled Polyester Rolling Backpack

$125 $260 52% off

Buy Now at nordstrom rack

College classes require so many textbooks, that’s where the Solo New York Bleecker Rolling Backpack comes in to help. It has a non-bulky design that looks stylish but also packs enough punch when it comes to offering you all the room you need to tote your books around campus.

Dimensions: 13″ x 21″ x 7 1/2″ Capacity: 29 liters Weight: 3.92 lbs

Pros: Water resistant Laptop pocket fits most 15.6″ laptops Multiple compartments

Cons: Minimal design features

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

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

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

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

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

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

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

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

There's no designated zippered section for dirty clothes.

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

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

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

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-up

Tumi alpha international dual access carry-on.

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

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

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

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

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

Best Expandability

Away the carry-on flex.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

July Carry On Trunk

• Capacity 4.5 /5

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

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

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

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

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

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

• Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Delsey paris hardside expandable luggage with spinner wheels.

• Maneuverability 4 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

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

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

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

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

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

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

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

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

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

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

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best With Laptop Compartment

Samsonite just right carry-on spinner.

Samsonite 

• Durability 4 /5

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

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

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

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

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

Best Softside

L.l.bean medium carryall pullman.

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

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

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

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

People / Joy Kim

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner

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

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

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

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

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

• Leticia Almeida

Most Spacious

Travelpro x travel + leisure carry-on spinner.

Travelpro 

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

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

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

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

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Most Durable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Underseat

Calpak hue mini carry-on luggage.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5

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

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

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

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

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best for Organization

Paravel aviator carry-on plus.

• Durability 4.5 /5

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

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

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

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

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

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Comfort 5 /5

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

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

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

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

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

Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Weekender

Away everywhere bag.

• Portability 5 /5

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

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

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

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

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

Best Garment Bag

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

Mark & Graham

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

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

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

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

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

The Details: 22 x 10 x 10 inches | Duffel

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Other Carry-on Bags We Liked

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Buying Carry-on Luggage

Consider hardside vs. softside luggage.

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

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

Look for lightweight construction

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

Decide if you want extra organizational features

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

Choose between handheld, spinner, or two-wheeled luggage

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

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

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags:  Moscow city

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The bridge over Zolotoy Rog Bay in Vladivostok

The views of St. Petersburg from the TV tower >>

Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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Fall in love at first flight with your vacation to Elektrostal by saving a ton of cash on your last-minute cheap flight. There’s no more scouring the internet for a good deal—book your flight to Elektrostal on Hotwire, and you’ll be up, up, and on a getaway in no time.

Because once the wheels are down in Elektrostal, the good times start rolling. So buckle up, you’re in for a fun ride.

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Don’t waste your time on endless searches for cheap airline tickets oneway or roundtrip. We’ll have you on your way to Elektrostal with a tiny bag of pretzels in your hand before you can say “tray tables in the upright position”—and for a ticket price that works for your vacay budget.

So all you have to worry about is where you’re headed after the VKO airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About flights to Elektrostal

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Airline ticket prices fluctuate all the time, depending on the day of the week or the month of the year. The cheapest round trip flights to Elektrostal are in , but when you book your flight on Hotwire, savings are always in season.

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When you’re planning your trip to Elektrostal, convenience is the name of the game. Luckily, Elektrostal Zhukovsky Airport is nearby so you can deplane and get going on checking off everything on your Elektrostal must-do list.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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