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Home » Gear » best travel bags

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

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

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

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

Aer Travel Pack 3

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

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

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

WANRD Veer 18L

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

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

Aer Commuter Brief 2

• Price: > $145

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you traveling with Tech?

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

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

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

Are you Hiking?

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

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

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

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

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

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

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

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

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

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

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

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

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

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

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

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

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

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

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

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

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

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

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

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

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

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

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

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

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

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

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

#2 Outlander Packable

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

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

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

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

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

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

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

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

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

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

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

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

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Aer Commuter Brief 2

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

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

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Packability

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

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

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

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

Functionality

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

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

Durability and Weatherproofing

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

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

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

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

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

What kind of travel bag should I get?

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

What are the best overall travel bags?

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

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

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

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

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

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

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

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

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

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

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

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Bag for a Lifetime

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

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

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

Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

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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.

(limited colors)

You save $46 (25%)

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 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. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, 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.

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.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

• Travel Gear Reviews
• Luggage Reviews

10 Best Travel Bags of 2024

Our Top Picks

The Best Travel Bags for 2024

Our team of expert testers has several decades of combined experience sightseeing, adventuring, and commuting all across the world. This team of well-versed travelers and globetrotters present to you the top GearLab-tested travel bags for whatever type of road lies ahead. We lashed gigantic duffel bags to the backs of alpacas and wheeled small carry on luggage for miles through airports and international cities. We stuffed backpacks and daypacks under airline seats and in car trunks. We checked suitcases and carried essentials in fanny packs. We've also slung bags on our backs and on bikes just to get to work in the morning. Through it all, we evaluated every nook and cranny to ensure they could withstand the rigors of traveling, packing, and keeping us organized while we commuted downtown or expeditioned across the globe. We put many miles on these bags, carrying them, wheeling them, flying them, driving them, and even throwing them. We evaluated how comfortable they are to get around, how well they store and protect your belongings, how easy they are to access, and how durable they are to the rigors of wherever you're going. From wallet-friendly laptop backpacks to luxury luggage and weather-resistant messenger bags, we've found the perfect travel bags for your journey and budget.

We've traveled thousands of miles testing gear for commuting, moving, and exploring the world. Whether you're looking for a great carry on bag , the best luggage for withstanding the abuse of airline travel, or a top-rated laptop backpack to use as your personal item on the plane, our reviews can help. We've also tested the best travel backpacks and outlined our favorite duffel bags for hitting the road.

Editor's Note: We updated this review on May 8, 2024, to provide more information on our testers' process and background.

Best Rolling Carry On Luggage

Travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite has stolen our carry on luggage review team's hearts and for a good reason. It's like a treasure chest of organization, with exterior pockets galore and space-saving internal tricks that'll make you feel like a packing pro. This flip-top style bag opens up seamlessly with smooth gliding zippers. Inside, you'll find a detachable suit organizer, four pockets, and a removable toiletry case. The suitcase is built with both compression and extension capabilities, both of which provide great utility when a few extra souvenirs need to make their way home. It boasts several exterior pockets of various sizes, including a powerpack pocket to keep your devices charged up.

This may be stating the obvious, but a travel bag should be good at… well, traveling. The Travelpro Platinum hits that mark, earning a near-perfect score for ease of transport. This bag has features that allow it to disappear by your side as you make your way from one airport terminal to the next. It has an above-average 5 heights to choose from in the telescoping handle, making it easier to find a comfortable grip no matter your height. When it's time to lift your bag into the overhead bin or the trunk of a car, there always seems to be a grab handle right where you want it. In particular, our testers love the design of the roller wheels on this bag. A magnetized function keeps all the spinners locked in a forward position while walking, meaning you don't have to worry about a rogue wheel pulling your luggage away from you when you least expect it.

While it is on the higher end in terms of price, it also delivers higher-end features and is built with a level of quality that is meant to last. In our hands-on testing, it came out as one of the top-scoring pieces of carry on luggage for design and functionality, so not only will it stay with you through the long haul, but it will add an element of ease to your travels all along the way. Those who are often on the move will likely find that the investment is worth it for the convenience it will add to their travels.

This carry-on suitcase has almost everything you could want in a travel companion. It's built from high-density ballistic nylon fabric with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and scratches. Its four wheels magnetically align and glide smoothly without much effort. However, the Platinum Elite 21" is technically a tad too large, according to US airline carry on requirements. But these rules are seldom enforced, and as long as you don't overstuff the front pockets, you should be smooth sailing with your bag in the cabin. Looking to check instead? Check out the larger, 29" Platinum Elite .

Read more: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry On review

Best Value Rolling Carry On Luggage

Swissgear sion softside expandable 21-inch.

It can be difficult to find a carry on travel bag that maximizes capacity and features without breaking the bank. However, the SwissGear Sion Softside does just that. This front flip-zipping suitcase includes variously sized compartments inside and out, including a front shallow pocket great for phones and a larger external pocket for documents or a tablet. Along the inside, mesh pockets, a waterproof toiletries bag, compression straps, and an expansion zipper can be found. Pushing this bag through the airport is a breeze thanks to its four smooth-riding wheels.

To quote our lead tester, the Sion Softside “ is just SO darn packable. ” The cavernous interior took on our 7-day summertime getaway packing test, as well as a bulky gear packing test, and passed both with flying colors. We were able to fit everything we needed, plus some extra, and never had to touch the expansion zipper. Aside from having a larger-than-average main packing compartment, the interior has accompanying organization features like a removable waterproof toiletry bag and multiple built-in pockets built with durable mesh. For a bag in this price range, we were pleasantly surprised.

As noted above, this bag will help you get all your stuff from point A to point B, and it even throws in some nice organizational features, all without costing an arm and a leg. It is a great option for people who don't travel enough to spend $300+ on a suitcase but don't want to sacrifice convenience entirely. The SwissGear Sion fits the bill as a featureful bag on a budget. Some aspects, such as smaller wheels and less-than-perfect tracking, make it less suited to roll with on a weekly or monthly basis, but if the whole of your travel schedule is twice-a-year trips to visit relatives, then you're unlikely to be bothered by these minor inconveniences.

The Sion Softside is a bit heavy for a carry on piece; however, we appreciate its three well-padded handles that help during loading and unloading. Additionally, it is just barely out of US carry on regulations. If you avoid overstuffing and utilize compression techniques, this bag should have no trouble making it onboard with you. When you're not traveling via air routes, the Sion's expandable zipper provides an impressive amount of extra space — just don't jam it full and expect it to fit in the airplane's overhead bin. If you like the Sion Softside's budget-friendly characteristic but prefer hardshell cases, we suggest taking a gander at the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner . It's lighter in weight, well-built, and offers about the same amount of storage volume. Rather have a backpack-style carry on? Check out the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag , which features 40 liters of space and should fit in even the smaller overhead bins.

Read more: SwissGear Sion Softside review

Best Premium Soft-Sided Luggage

Briggs & riley baseline essential spinner.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is where luxury meets convenient airline travel. Its sleek design isn't just aesthetically pleasing. This travel bag is made to last with an exterior of ballistic nylon that can handle some wear and tear as you venture from destination to destination. We had no trouble gliding its large shock-absorbing wheels over various types of terrain, so you won't have to carry the suitcase when the sidewalk gets a bit bumpy. The Baseline Essential is packed with features, including an internal “ envelope ” that minimizes wrinkles in event attire. The bag has one of the most sophisticated compression systems we've seen to date. Additionally, the carry on is equipped with various external pockets that can hold a laptop, travel documents, and even charge a phone.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline has just about everything you could want in a carry on suitcase. It comfortably sits within TSA standards and effortlessly wheels around the airport. While the price might not be ideal for some, those frequent travelers are sure to get their money's worth. Additionally, this well-built suitcase is on the heavier side. However, we found the padded handles to be quite useful for unloading and loading. If you're in the market for a larger version of this premium pick, check out the large, checked suitcase version . If premium hardshell luggage suits your vibe better, we think the Rimowa Original Cabin is an excellent choice that stands out from the crowd — just be prepared to drop some serious cash.

Read more: Briggs & Riley Baseline review

Best Hardside Large Suitcase

Samsonite omni pc hardside expandable 28".

The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable 28" is the ultimate option for those who like to pack just about everything and know it's protected. This luggage offers ample room to haul various items, from wetsuits and climbing shoes to uniforms for a whole team. Its side expansion panel allows for additional storage space after a vacation full of souvenir collecting. This rolling travel bag smoothly navigates through crowds and corners with little effort, thanks to its four wheels and telescoping handle. Its polycarbonate construction is tough enough to hold up to airport tarmacs and concrete stairwells. The Omni is also lightweight for its large capacity, weighing just under ten pounds. The bag opens along the middle and separates into two shallower compartments equipped with mesh nets and straps to keep items secured on their designated sides. When zipped, this suitcase can be reliably secured with its incorporated TSA-approved lock.

Despite its advantages, the Omni PC has some drawbacks. The sheer size and depth of the bag can easily lead to exceeding the 50-pound airline weight limit, resulting in expensive overweight luggage charges. Moreover, when the bag is only packed halfway, the additional space allows items to shift inside. The suitcase is hindered when faced with rough terrains, as the small spinner wheels offer little support on rocks and curbsides. The bag's weight and lack of easy maneuverability when fully packed can also be a challenge, especially if any lifting is needed. If you don't need a bag this big, take a look at the smaller carry on version of the Omni PC that we tested. If you don't have a problem upping the travel budget, you may want to consider the Away The Large . It has an excellent packing system, a super durable shell, and a smooth ride.

Read more: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable 28" review

Best Rolling Duffel Bag

Osprey sojourn shuttle 100l.

The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is no stranger to adventure. This bag, which has been updated from Osprey's previous Shuttle Wheeled 100L, is the ultimate gear hauler, and it boasts the capacity and toughness to transport your stuff to any corner of the globe you may be headed. A key distinguishing feature is the exterior straitjacket compression system, which bookends your payload between two padded, 500-denier, high-tenacity nylon flaps and then cinches everything into place with two thick strips of webbing. Other stand-out features are the Sojourn Shuttle's extra-large 4-inch wheels, full-length interior metal frame, balance-engineered grab handles, and water-tight shell. In terms of quality and function, this bag's comprehensive design is top-of-the-line and checks all our adventure boxes. Literally every inch of it was engineered with purpose. Beefy zippers and zipper pulls, an exterior muddy boot bin, an add-a-bag strap — everything just makes sense. The Sojourn Shuttle even has a built-in Travel Sentry luggage identification plate that allows your bag to be located anywhere in the world if you (or your airline) happen to lose it.

Top-performing fabrics, metal frames, and quality components don't just grow on trees, so expect to pay a little more if you want the construction quality that this bag affords. It has some of the best zippers on the market, so you don't have to worry about them splitting during a long-haul international flight; however, this extra strength makes them more stubborn and stiff. We also feel its 99-liter central cargo bay may not provide enough packing volume for the most extensive expedition travel, so for your largest expeditions, check out the Sojourn Shuttle's 130-liter big brother. If you prefer a more compartmentalized approach to packing your gear, the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 is another excellent rolling duffel to consider.

Read more: Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L review

Best Overall Duffel Bag

Patagonia black hole duffel.

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel has years of high performance contributing to its design and overall excellence, and in our most recent duffel bag review , it proved itself to be our testing team's overall favorite model. The Black Hole is a versatile choice that comes in a variety of size options. No matter what size travel bag you need, you can be sure that it will do the job. There are a plethora of excellent features across the many sizes of Black Hole duffels, though they do vary slightly from size to size. Larger models like the 100-liter have multiple zippered pockets both inside and outside for storing small items and internal compression straps to secure gear. Smaller sizes, like the 55-liter, have fewer pockets and no compression system. All models have removable backpack straps, daisy chain attachments, and the same durable fabric. The 900-denier recycled polyester is both water and abrasion-resistant. A reinforced bottom panel helps protect your gear from damage while dragging and hauling.

We love this bag and only found minor shortcomings. We wish the closure wrap that secures the handles together were velcro, but Patagonia has chosen to use button snaps here, which take longer to attach. We'd also love to see more storage pockets inside the duffel for small items. Still, when looking at the overall performance and versatility of the Black Hole, these complaints are relatively minor. If you are after more pockets in your duffel, the Cotopaxi Allpa Duo is a great option for a large, rugged bag to keep you organized while traveling. We also love the HYC00 Travel for a smaller bag with excellent internal organization that's easy to access on the go.

Read more: Patagonia Black Hole review

Great Value for a Duffel Bag

Gregory alpaca.

The Gregory Alpaca is every bit as good as the top adventure duffel bags in our comparison and rings up for a more affordable price than many. This do-it-all duffel is packed with excellent user-friendly features, combining some of the best elements we've seen across a variety of bags. Available in multiple sizes, the Alpaca layout varies slightly between the smaller and larger versions. It has multiple storage pockets, daisy chain attachments, removable backpack straps, wet-gear pouches, and a durable 900-denier water-resistant ripstop polyester. The Alpaca blends a large storage volume with convenient carry options, rugged materials and straps, and a lower-than-average price.

The Alpaca scored above average in the majority of our testing metrics and presented very few noteworthy flaws. One drawback is that the briefcase-style handles are oddly long, especially on the smaller 40-liter version. They're easy to carry, but they can get caught on other objects when they're not secured. Overall, the Alpaca is one of our favorite bags and offers excellent value. If you don't need to carry your duffel far but want a high-volume bag that can keep your stuff together on road trips, the REI Roadtripper lives up to its name, with a low cost but convenient cavernous design to pack any gear. If you're just taking trips to the gym or soccer practice across town, the Adidas Defender is our favorite low-cost, reasonably-sized carry-all option.

Read more: Gregory Alpaca review

Best Carry On Travel Backpack

Osprey sojourn porter 46l.

When your trip goes off the beaten path, you'll want a bag that can keep up. That is exactly what the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is built for. If rolling a suitcase is impractical and lugging a duffel bag takes too much effort, then this comfortable carry on backpack is likely what you're looking for. Its 46-liter volume will easily stow all the gear you need, but internal and external compression straps secure items and cinch down to reduce the size of the bag. The 100% recycled ripstop nylon is well-padded and protects your bag from bumps, bruises, and the occasional rain shower. There is also a large and well-cushioned laptop sleeve. But the best part, and likely why you might choose a travel backpack, is that it is incredibly comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded up.

Despite the many things we liked about the Sojourn Porter , there are a few cons to both this bag and travel backpacks in general. To keep the size and weight of a travel backpack manageable, you'll likely have to pack light or bring additional pieces of luggage. The Porter is beefy enough that you can fit plenty of gear, but that also makes it easy to overload the bag, sometimes making it heavy and bulky. The Porter fits comfortably in airplane overhead bins; however, its rounded design makes it a bit awkward to fit under seats or in tight places. Likewise, when walking around a crowded area, it feels like you're wearing an obtrusive and bulky turtle shell. All in all, the Porter is a great option for those who prefer to keep all their belongings close and want to ditch the roller bag. Another very comfortable travel backpack to consider is the Osprey Farpoint 40 ; it has a robust harness and strap system reminiscent of a hiking backpack. It is also quite easy to live out of.

Read more: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L review

Top Travel Backpack for Internal Organization and Livability

Cotopaxi allpa 35l.

One of the hallmarks of life on the go is living out of your luggage. Achieving the perfect packing job is somewhere between art and science, with the goal being the ability to access any item you might need without completely unpacking or ruining your careful organization. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a bag that excels at livability and one that our testers agree they will reach for if they ever need to live out of their luggage. While travelers with suitcases and duffel bags have resorted to packing cubes, a great invention that also adds another item to your packing list , the Cotopaxi has integrated the benefits of packing cubes into its design. The system of mesh pockets divides up the main compartment, securing socks, essentials, and larger clothes in dedicated spaces. You can fully unzip the main compartment and not worry that any of your gear will fall out. The Cotopaxi is also quite comfortable to wear for a long duration, thanks to its comfortable shoulder and waist straps and its supportive back panel. The waist strap is completely removable, which is great if you don't frequently use it and would prefer it not to get caught as you move through crowds and down aisles.

In this day and age, almost every traveler brings some electronics, whether a tablet or laptop. The laptop sleeve of the Cotopaxi was a bit lackluster. The zipper is difficult to use when the bag is packed full, and it lacks internal padding. Another downside to the Cotopaxi Allpa is also a result of its best features. The internal mesh pockets are great for organizing gear, but they inhibit “ shove-it-all-in ” style packing. We found the Cotopaxi Allpa to be a pleasant backpack to travel with and live out of, and we recommend it for travelers seeking organization on the go. An alternative consideration that is quite sleek and packed with features is the Peak Design Travel 45 . It has an internal mesh pocket that can be accessed from both sides of the backpack and a large open compartment that will fit all your bulky gear and then some.

Read more: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review

Best Overall Laptop Backpack

Timbuk2 authority deluxe.

The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite laptop backpack . It's a useful pack for toting electronics on a work trip. It has a padded pocket at the back meant exclusively for a computer as well as a secondary sleeve inside the main compartment for another device. We also really like the auxiliary pockets for other supplies like pens, keys, chargers, or a wireless mouse. Though it's not water proof , its thick fabric beads water well, and it has a waterproof bottom if you have to place it on wet ground.

Though it performs well overall, this pack has relatively small dimensions. Though it can hold folders, notebooks, and files, it's not quite large enough to be a true overnight bag. It does have a water bottle pocket, but it's pretty small and meant for a specific, skinny style of bottle. Those two things aside, we love this pack for traveling with a lot of tech and think it's the best option for most people. If you're ready to invest in a backpack with a bunch of useful organizational features, we also love the Incase Icon . On the other hand, if you're looking to save some cash and are interested in a laptop backpack that's versatile enough to transition from town to trail, The North Face Borealis is a fantastic, high-value option.

Read more: Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe review

Best High-Capacity Laptop Backpack

Yorepek travel extra large.

The Yorepek Travel Extra Large is a high-capacity laptop-capable travel bag that is great for work trips and weekend getaways alike. Its 50 liters blows away the volume of every other pack in our review of the best laptop backpacks . It has a padded laptop sleeve and a solid collection of other pockets. Its main compartment is large enough for lunch, chargers, a change or two of clothes, and toiletries if you are spending a night away from home. It also has the advantage of being one of the more affordable bags in the category.

This pack is so large that it doesn't always have the padding to back up its capacity. The shoulder straps are wide, but if you are really intent on stuffing this one full for a work week or long weekend away, it can get uncomfortable if you have to carry it for extended periods. And though it held up great during testing, if this is going to be a main workhorse pack day in and day out, we would expect it not to last as long as the very top-performing packs. Having said that, this is our recommendation for those who need to tote not only their laptops but a lot of extra stuff as well. If the price point and organization are right for you, the Matein Travel is another solid option with less overall volume but similar organizational features.

Read more: Yorepek Travel Extra Large review

Best Go-Anywhere Travel Backpack

Osprey nebula 32.

There are few places where the versatile, high-performance, go-everywhere Osprey Nebula 32 won't be the perfect accessory. At 32L in capacity and jam-packed with thoughtfully arranged, well-sized pockets, it's a top choice for students as well as anyone who needs a smart, capable carry-all. Travelers with a heavy haul will appreciate the deeply padded frame, water-resistant exterior, and outdoor-adventure-inspired suspension system that delivers all-day comfort and protection no matter what configuration of bus, train, or plane lies ahead. They will also celebrate the large webbed grab handle and TSA-approved clamshell laptop compartment that are sure to make airport security a breeze. Tall, easy-access mesh side pockets, a soft-sided accessory pouch, and a heavy mesh front pocket provide easy stash-and-track options for water bottles, phones, travel documents, snacks, and sweaters. And, once arrived, it's a quick swap to replace the laptop with a hydration pack before heading out to explore.

Osprey is a brand that knows a thing or two about building a top-quality backcountry pack , and in the Nebula 32 , we see that expert design knowledge channeled into a lifestyle bag that's up to nearly any everyday challenge. Where it may disappoint for some is in cost. Such superior quality does not come cheap, and many travelers won't have the budget for such high-end hand luggage, no matter how reliably functional it may be. In these cases, we'd point you to the Patagonia Refugio 26L , which boasts a fairly comparable set of features at a lower cost, or the The North Face Jester , which excels in comfort and stability and comes at an attractive mid-range price point.

Best Messenger Bag

Chrome buran iii.

The versatile Chrome Buran III is one of the top-rated messenger bags in our test, and ready for anything that your commute can throw at you, whether it's by foot, bike, bus, train, or plane. Its rugged and weatherproof features are more than up to anything that you are. The bag's 1050-denier nylon fabric and 500D TPE tarp liner make it one of the most durable options available. It offers an oversized main compartment that boasts an intuitive pocket system for easy organization, including a large laptop pocket on the back that can hold up to a 17-inch laptop. The bag is comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded, despite lacking any dedicated padding on it. The cross-body stabilizing strap ensures a secure and ambidextrous fit while biking or walking, helpful for holding things securely when you're dodging and weaving traffic in the bike lane or the tube tunnel. The plethora of pockets on both the exterior and interior provide easy access to essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys without being too overwhelming.

Though we love this travel bag, it has some minor drawbacks. The bag is one of the heaviest messenger bags we tested. However, with how comfortable this bag is, you likely won't notice the weight. The zipper on the laptop pouch isn't waterproof — though it has a substantial weather-resistant flap over the top and will likely be covered by the rest of the bag when on your back. Although it is great for speedy donning and doffing of the bag, the seatbelt buckle clasp on the main strap is quite large and has a tendency to bang into painful places when not securely snug on the body. Lastly, the Buran III is on the expensive side, making it quite an investment for a relatively single-purpose bag. That said, this bag is built to last through years of school, work, and commuting. If you can't quite swing the price, you might also like the durable and functional Timbuk2 Classic , with plenty of great features at a much more tolerable price point.

Read more: Chrome Buran III review

A Great Versatile High-Value Daypack

Rei co-op flash 22.

The REI Co-op Flash 22 is a versatile one-size-fits-most pack with a lightweight, minimalist design that can be packed within suitcases or stowed comfortably under airplane seats as a personal item. The pack's organization, including multiple pockets and attachment points, is practical for travel, daily use, and outdoor activities. Each pocket is easily accessible and accommodates the essentials. Capable of fitting a 14-inch laptop, this minimalist day bag can also tackle work commutes or schooldays. If you want a little more room for your goods, we also like the slightly larger Trail 25 and even the more rugged backpacking-style Traverse 32 .

One drawback of the Flash 22 is its subpar ventilation system compared to the best hiking-specific daypacks . The mesh back lacks structural rigidity and overall padding. This, along with the lack of built-in compression straps, limits its ability to compress and hold a bulky load. All things considered, the REI Flash is quite inexpensive while boasting the features needed for a solid travel day bag. If you're looking for a dedicated laptop sleeve, you might like the 20L Osprey Daylite Plus , which has mesh water bottle pockets and enough organizational features to work as a daily pack or a personal item for air travel.

Read more: REI Co-op Flash 22 review

Excellent for Daily Essentials

Rei co-op trail 2 waist.

A solid fanny pack or top-rated sling bag is great for just about any travel, and we think the REI Trail 2 Waist is the best one for the job. This fanny pack pairs nicely with a backpack or suitcase for easy access to travel documents or a phone without adding to your airline bag allowance. It has a bucket-style main compartment that allows easy access to your items and an anti-theft back zippered pocket to protect important documents, a passport, or cash. Once you have arrived at your destination, this convenient little pack easily transitions into a sling bag, holding all your daily essentials as you explore. With five pockets in total — plus a key clip — you can stay organized and be prepared for the day of travel ahead.

It's hard to find anything wrong with the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack . If you're into flashy patterned bags, you might find this pack too boring. The fabric on this is also not as comfy as some of the other bags out there, but its DWR finish will at least keep your items dry. Time and time again, we return to this handy fanny pack (or sling bag!) to keep our basics close by on busy travel days. If you're looking for a little extra flare, the JanSport Fifth Ave comes in some seriously fun colors and patterns, though it won't keep your items nearly as organized.

Excellent for Keeping Organized

Peak design everyday 6l.

The Peak Design Everyday 6L is a versatile and functional sling-style crossbody travel bag for when you're on the go and need to carry your essentials. Although it's specifically designed with photographers in mind, the bag can be used in many different ways and has a bunch of hidden features to familiarize yourself with. The cushioned cross-body strap has a quick adjuster that you can loosen when casually walking around and tighten when actively biking or hiking. This sling bag can also be worn as a fanny pack by simply storing extra strap material in its designated sleeve and re-attaching the clasp. A removable divider can be adjusted to either side of the interior, and multiple pockets for small items like a passport, lip balm, or keys. It also pairs nicely with a backpack or rolling luggage bag for airport travel and comes in three different sizes.

We love this sling bag, but it has a high price tag. However, for your investment, you're getting a high-quality product. The Peak Design Everyday 's features take some time to familiarize with, and we admittedly watched a YouTube video to learn how to use all of its unique components. These two things aside, this bag is classy, stylish, and a finely tuned organizational pack that may be perfect for your travel needs. If you'd prefer a sling bag with a little more versatility to take you through bustling airports and along backcountry trails, the high-capacity Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui is a superb choice, as is the six-liter The North Face Borealis Sling .

How We Test Travel Bags

Over many years, our many travel enthusiasts and bag aficionados have been researching, traveling with, and testing the top travel bags, packs, and luggage available. Over the years, we have spent hundreds of hours scouring the market for the most promising, most interesting, and most popular products we can find. We've bought over 400 pieces of travel gear and brought them on adventures around the globe to evaluate their performance in the real world. We've wheeled bags through security, checked them on international flights, strapped them to pack animals in remote mountains, worn them trekking foreign cities, and commuted to school and work with them.

In addition to testing them on our own adventures, we've put each bag we tested through standardized and rigorous testing to draw out the nuances in performance and capabilities. We've put them in our showers, cycled through rainstorms, carried them in the snow, and jammed them full of as much as they could hold. In our carry on testing and large luggage testing , we drop each one of our suitcases from unnerving heights and push them down a flight of concrete stairs to see which ones will hold up to rough cargo baggage handling or accidental mishaps. Year after year, no matter the situation, we do our best to push these travel bags to their limits to learn which ones are best for what types of travel.

Why Trust GearLab

In the pursuit of finding bags for travel, we've assembled a team of bag geeks and travel experts to test everything from daypacks to duffel bags to roller suitcases. Jason Wanlass heads our rolling suitcase reviews, testing both carry on and checked sizes. Jason has spent decades wandering the globe in search of adventure with his family. He's traversed continents and taken more airplane trips than he cares to count and needs great luggage that can get him there. He is assisted by Myrha Colt , who has spent time living and long-term traveling on six continents. She's a true packing specialist, keeping overall functionality in mind. On top of larger-style suitcases, Myrha rarely leaves home without a smaller day bag in tow, and she uses her experience to inform our backpack reviews.

Leading the team on the hunt for the best duffel bags and travel backpacks for your journey is Hale Milano , along with a few other fellow gear testers. Hale has traversed the globe several times over, living out of everything from Army-issued duffel bags to rolling suitcases for business trips and ultra-light backpacks for adventure. Whether it's for work or play, Hale is never one to let his gear hold him back from enjoying his trip. Sifting through the many options of backpack shapes, sizes, and styles, this team has loaded up dozens to find the best that work for a weekend trip, business travel, or living out of long term. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is no stranger to long days and lengthy commutes, and he uses his experience to test the best laptop bags. After spending years venturing hours a day to and from school and work, he values a good day bag to hold the daily essentials, whether it be a lunch, textbook, or laptop. Together, this team has come far and wide, working tirelessly to bring you this list of top-notch travel bags.

How to Pick the Best Travel Bag for You

Choosing the right type of bag is often a matter of determining what type of travel or adventure you're doing, and working backwards. After all, the best bag for an overnight trip to a concert is probably not the same bag that will work for an Arctic expedition. If you're headed out on lengthy journeys abroad, you might value space and portability, or maybe one over the other. While these often don't go hand in hand, there are hybrid options like travel backpacks that meet somewhere in the middle. On the other hand, heavy packers who like having multiple outfit options for every day might opt for a large bag like a traditional suitcase, which will likely not be the most portable. Before choosing a bag, it's important to first consider what your intentions are with your travels, how long you'll be away, and how you plan to get around.

How Long Will You Be Gone?

In many cases, what bag size you need comes down to is how long you'll be away and how much you plan to take; packing for a weekend trip will look quite a bit different than packing for a month-long journey. Heavy packers or those headed away for an extended time should prioritize internal space, which can be achieved with a traditional suitcase or an oversized duffel bag. Those headed on a weekend getaway will likely be fine with a carry on backpack or smaller luggage. Ideally, it's best to fill the space in your bag so that contents don't shift around much during transit. Choosing the right size bag helps keep things packed neatly.

If you're traveling via air, you'll need to pay particular attention to your bag's size. It's worth understanding the difference between a carry on, a personal item, and full-sized luggage. Carry on bags fit in the overhead bins and within the size requirements put out by each airline. This varies slightly by company but is generally around the 22 x 14 x 9-inch range. Additionally, most airlines allow you to have a personal item, which is a smaller bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. This means you might actually be able to bring two bags on board with you as long as they fit within the size requirements. If you're headed out on a short trip or you pack light, you'll probably be just fine with these two bags. Beyond the airport, the same rings true. However, if you're headed on a fairly long journey or you need to pack your bulky winter gear, you might need to size up to a larger duffel or checked suitcase.

Duffel bags are a versatile option for whatever type of traveler you are. Often, these bags are available in a large selection of sizes, and many even double as a backpack, making them easier to carry through airports, on public transportation, or up long flights of stairs. Some of the smaller ones even fit under the airplane seat, allowing them to act as your personal item.

When considering size, most bags are measured in liters, which may get a bit confusing when trying to choose the right size for air travel that's defined in inches. In general, most day bags tend to be between 20-30 liters, which typically can be squeezed under an airline seat. This size fits typical travel needs like a laptop, an extra layer, a snack and drink, a book to read, and other carry on essentials. These work great as personal items, as they almost always fit under the seat. Medium-sized bags are within the 30 to 50-liter range and are typically considered carry on bags. They usually fall within airline size restrictions and can be stuffed into most overhead bins. Large bags, like suitcases and some duffels, are generally around 60 liters in volume and can sometimes be more than 100 liters. If you're a heavy packer, you'll want one of these huge packs — though be wary of your bag's weight if you plan to check it, as most airlines charge high fees for heavy bags.

You might be in the market for a bag that gets you across Europe, or you might simply need something small for your daily commute. Regardless, it's important to ask yourself these questions to ensure you get the most out of your bag. No matter how much other stuff you need to bring, you can never go wrong by adding a fanny pack or small sling bag to keep ahold of those smaller items.

How Are You Getting to Your Destination?

Working hand in hand with how long you'll be gone is how you'll get around: plane, train, bus, car? Choosing the open air? Be sure to look into your airline's bag specifications. Some let you fly free with a carry on and checked luggage, while others charge you for just about everything you plan to take. If you plan to check your bag, you won't need to worry much about it until you land.

Trains and buses have varying rules about luggage quantity and size. However, you should consider how often you'll be changing from one to another. Getting off and on constantly will be a challenge if you've packed heavy and bulky. Often, on buses and trains, you need to keep your luggage with you, which can get cramped. Consider an option that will be a bit easier to lug around if the rails or bus will be your primary form of transportation. Taking a road trip? Portability might not be worth stressing over. Instead, you'll want to consider how much space your bag will take up, especially after everyone has piled into the car. Soft-bodied options that compress down are often a great way to conserve space. Those walking or biking will need to prioritize their comfort and consider the size of the bag. Bulky bags with items jostling around are the last thing you need when navigating busy sidewalks and bike routes.

You'll also want to consider how mobile you need to be during your travel. If you're hopping from town to city to oceanside villa, you'll want a bag that's easy to get around. For example, travel backpacks and duffel bags are both going to be highly portable and comfortable to wear. On the other hand, you might be headed to a single destination where you can leave your belongings back at the hotel. In that case, you won't need to be as picky about the bag's style or versatility and can focus on what it fits and how well it travels to get there. Even for travelers who plan on migrating around their destination via trains or cars, consider how far you might be walking from your accommodation to the station; wheeled luggage and cobblestone or dirt streets don't mix well.

Where and Why Are You Traveling?

Next, consider what you'll need to bring along. Your destination and travel goals will dictate which bag suits you best. If you're headed to a cold climate or on a trip where lots of gear is needed, you'll obviously need more space in your pack than someone heading to the Caribbean with a swimsuit and snorkeling mask only. Some bags have one large compartment, while others have pockets galore. If you prefer to stay organized, look for a bag with plenty of storage options and internal pockets. Some of the travel bags in our lineup have great organization features with a pocket for everything. On the other hand, if you're the type of traveler to “ throw-and-go, ” a single-compartment bag will be best.

If you're headed to work or school, your travel bag is going to look quite a bit different than if you were headed abroad. Do you take a laptop or tablet with you? Specifically, look for a pack that is large enough to house your electronics. You might want to opt for a pack that has plenty of pockets that can separate out your wallet and keys to pens and pencils to binders and tablets. Additionally, consider how you get to work or school. Is it by public transportation, car, or bike? Consider the weather you may encounter and the protection you may need. Are you biking to work in the rainy Pacific Northwest or the snowy northern cities? Are you battling crowded subways and buses? In any case, you'll want to keep an eye on the bag's overall comfort, protection, and functionality.

The same rings true for a good day bag for other day-to-day adventures. Consider what your “ essentials ” are. If you're out to explore a new city or a new trail, keep in mind what you like to have on you, whether it be a change of clothes, headphones, or a packed lunch. Plenty of day bags will have enough space to hold your belongings. If you're taking a computer or tablet along, prioritize a backpack or messenger bag with a designated sleeve or compartment to keep it safe.

Headed on a work trip or to an event? You'll want a bag that can keep your fancy clothes wrinkle-free while keeping ahold of all your regular travel wear. Many carry on options and suitcases have included or incorporated garment bags to keep your business or formal attire looking fresh for those special events and meetings. These special compartments are often removable, so you can hang up your attire once at your destination. And when you're not on a trip where you'll need that specific component, you can leave it at home and free up some internal space.

Regardless of your reason for travel, we recommend pairing your main bag with a fanny pack or a small backpack. Having a smaller bag allows you to ditch your big bag back at the hotel or hostel so you can venture around with just the day's essentials. Fanny packs are great because they are low profile and almost never need to be taken off. Here, you can stash some money and your phone without worrying too much about theft. Sling bags and daypacks are another great option, allowing you to bring your favorite rain jacket or fleece, or have extra space for a snack to get you through a long day or bring back souvenirs you might pick up while out exploring a new city. For on-the-go accessibility, a good messenger bag can be easily slung on the shoulder and opened up on the fly.

Now that you know what your travel style is, it's time to find your bag. There are many different types of bags to help you get from here to there. While many have obvious uses and strengths, many more have multiple usable situations and attributes that help them excel in different travel environments.

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Best Sling Bags, Fanny Packs, and Crossbody Bags of 2024

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

Pack your bags on a budget.

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

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

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

The Best Affordable Luggage At A Glance

Best Overall Affordable Luggage

Coolife hardside carry-on.

Best Affordable Hardside Carry-On

Amazon basics hardside carry-on.

Best Affordable Softside Carry-On

Us. traveler aviron bay softside carry-on.

Best Space-Saving Affordable Luggage

Rollink flex vega cabin suitcase.

Best Affordable Luggage Set

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

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

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

The Best Carry-On Luggage For Your Every Need

1. Coolife Hardside Carry-On

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

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

2. Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On

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

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

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

U.s. traveler.

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

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

4. Rollink Flex Vega Cabin Suitcase

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

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

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

5. Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage Set

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

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

Best Affordable High-End Luggage

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

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

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

Best Affordable Checked Luggage

7. melalenia hardside large suitcase.

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

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

Best Affordable Weekender

8. béis the weekender bag.

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

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

Best Affordable Backpack

9. hex evolve logic backpack.

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

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

Best Affordable Rolling Duffel

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

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

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

Best Affordable Underseat Bag

11. samsonite spinner underseater.

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

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

Best Affordable Laptop Luggage

12. solo re:start rolling laptop bag.

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

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

Best Patterned Affordable Luggage

13. vacay spotlight hardside suitcase, nordstrom rack.

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

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

Best Affordable Vintage-Inspired Luggage

14. world traveler classique luggage set, world traveler.

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

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

Best Affordable Folding Bag

15. paravel fold-up bag.

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

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

Best Affordable "Aesthetic" Luggage

16. made by design hardside carry-on.

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

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

Where to Buy Affordable Luggage

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

Is It Worth Buying Expensive Carry-On Luggage?

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

What Time of Year Is Cheapest to Buy Luggage?

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

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

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Freelance Writer

Senior Editor

Why you should trust us.

The Avid Traveler’s Guide to Buying Luggage

Whether you travel with a suitcase, backpack, weekender, or duffel, your luggage is an important companion for your adventures. use this buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect bag..

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What to Look for

What makes good luggage. . . good.

Luggage may not be the most glamorous part of travel. But after lugging a truly terrible suitcase (jammed wheels, half-collapsed handle), across stadium-sized airport terminals, or rummaging for a phone charger in the dark abyss of a backpack, you realize it’s not something to overlook. Taking the time to choose the best piece of luggage for your needs can help you pack better and quicker, take care of your stuff, and move around with ease.

At AFAR, our travel editors have tested dozens of suitcases, backpacks, duffels, and weekenders to find the best. Although there’s no “one bag to rule them all,” we always consider the following before adding a new piece of luggage to our collections:

Durability: Is it made well enough to survive the stress of travel—aggressive baggage handlers, trunk bumps—and use for years to come?

Organization: Are there shoe compartments? Water bottle pocket? Laptop sleeve? All of the above? Give us the features that make it easier to pack and keep track of our stuff.

Comfort: Does that backpack fit your torso and distribute weight well? Will your suitcase roll easily? We spend a lot of time walking with our luggage, and want to do so without a struggle.

Material: Adventurous travelers may look for a bag with a lightweight waterproof (or at least water-resistant) material, while those who always check will want a tough hardshell suitcase.

Size and weight: Whether you’re #teamcarryon only or prefer to check, airlines have size and weight restrictions for both. Carry-on only travelers will want to stick to a lightweight bag smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. With checked luggage, you can go a bit larger, generally up to 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches.

Sustainability: We consider not only what’s best for our travels, but also for the environment and the teams making our bags. A wide range of brands, from the stylish suitcases of Paravel to outdoor-ready Patagonia, follow environmentally friendly practices, like using recycled water bottles to create fabric. They’re also committed to creating a safe, fair workplace for their employees. No matter what type of luggage you want, there’s a sustainable brand that makes it.

READ MORE Carry-on vs. Checked Luggage—Which is Best?

How to Pack a Suitcase

Hard vs. Soft Luggage—Which Is Superior?

Photos courtesy of Away and Rimowa

The Best Luggage Brands

While all of us at AFAR are frequent travelers, we don’t share the same style or luggage preference. Some of us prefer to always carry-on, while others invest in a checked bag with plenty of extra room for souvenirs, extra shoes, and all. that. baby. gear. Even different trips call for different luggage: A small, hard-shell suitcase might be perfect in Tokyo, while a travel backpack works better in far-flung, rugged corners of the globe—like gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Still, some luggage brands stand out from the rest: ones we return to again and again for well-made, reliable luggage designed to meet the needs of the travelers who carry them.

In no particular order, these are the best luggage brands our crew of frequent travelers have tried and loved:

1. Paravel : Sustainably-made luggage that’s also super stylish

2. Roam : Fully customizable hard-shell suitcases that are made in the USA

3. Lo & Sons : Durable canvas and nylon weekend bags from a family-owned brand

4. Rimowa : Luxury German brand known for its aluminum suitcases

5. Patagonia : Adventure-ready duffel bags made sustainably

6. Baboon to the Moon : Tough duffels with fun colors and patterns

7. Calpak : Affordable hard-shell luggage in fun patterns and colors

8. Herschel Supply Co. : Classic canvas backpacks and duffels with smart leather details

9. Travelpro : Reliable soft-shell spinners beloved by flight attendants

10. Away : Hard-shell spinners in a rainbow of limited-edition colors

11. Fjällräven : Adventure-ready bags that don’t look out of place in a city

12. Delsey : Chic French luggage that won’t break the bank

13. Tumi : Luxury luggage that is board-room ready

14. Steamline : Vintage-inspired luggage that will look great on Instagram

15. Piquadro : High-quality Italian leather bags

For the full story, read The 15 Best High-Quality Luggage Brands We Love .

The 19 Best High-Quality Luggage Brands We Love

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Best Bags to Buy

Photo courtesy of Roam

Carry-on luggage

While size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage vary by airline, a bag that’s 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller will fit in the overhead bin of most planes flown by domestic carriers. (Tip: Get a full breakdown in our guide to carry-on luggage restrictions .) If you plan to use a carry-on in addition to a checked bag, small duffels and backpacks are the easiest to carry alongside a roller bag.

But for those who use their carry-on as their only piece of luggage, space, organization, and ease of carry are all important considerations. Also: It doesn’t hurt to consider checked-bag friendly features (TSA locks, hard exterior), just in case you’re asked to check your bag at the gate.

Whether this is your main piece of luggage or something you plan to use alongside a checked bag, here are our top picks for carry-on bags:

Best overall : Jaunt Carry-On by Roam Buy now: $495, roamluggage.com

Runner up : The Frame Carry-On by Arlo Skye Buy now: $450, arloskye.com

Best budget buy : Ultralight Black Hole Duffel 30L by Patagonia Buy now: $69, patagonia.com ; backcountry.com ; huckberry.com

Best investment piece : Latitude International Carry-On by Tumi Buy now: $1,150, tumi.com

Best ecofriendly option : Aviator Carry-On by Paravel Buy now: $255, tourparavel.com

For more details about these bags and other options, read The Best Carry-On Luggage .

READ MORE The Best Carry-On Luggage for 2021

A Guide to Carry-On Luggage Size Restrictions

Everything You Need to Know About the TSA’s Liquids Rule

Photos courtesy of Matador and Cotopaxi

Travel backpacks

Sometimes, backpacks are just a better bag for the adventure. Perhaps you’re traveling far afield, hopping bush planes with restrictive luggage limits and walking dirt roads on the way to your hotel. Or, you’re exploring small European towns where an elevator to your third-floor Airbnb is not guaranteed, and a roller bag is sure to wake up the neighborhood on those quaint (but oh-so-loud) cobblestone streets.

Fortunately, many brands have recognized the need for a backpack specifically designed for travel (as opposed to hiking), creating a wealth of options for the suitcase-adverse. Multitudes of pockets, main compartments that open like suitcases, and stylish, urban-inspired designs all differentiate these backpacks from their outdoors counterparts. At the same time, you’ll still find features that work for both use cases: waterproof exteriors for rainy days, hip belts to help distribute weight, and comfortable, padded straps.

Do you prefer a backpack over a suitcase? Here are our top picks for travel backpacks:

Best overall : Allpa 35L Travel Pack by Cotopaxi Buy now: $200, cotopaxi.com

Runner up : SEG30 Segmented Backpack by Matador Buy now: $150, matadorup.com

Best budget buy : Migrate Duffel 40L by Eagle Creek Buy now: $79, eaglecreek.com

Best investment piece : Travel Backpack 45L by Peak Design Buy now: $300, peakdesign.com

Best ecofriendly option : Setout Backpack 35L by Tortuga Buy now: $179, tortugabackpacks.com

For more details about these bags and other options, read The Best Travel Backpacks .

READ MORE The Best Travel Backpacks to Shoulder for Your Next Trip

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The Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel

Photo courtesy of Calpak

Large, checked luggage

Whether you need a little extra room or simply prefer to let the airlines lug your luggage to the plane, you’ll want a bag designed for checking. Look for features like locking zippers, tuck-away backpack straps, and sturdy external materials to keep your belongings intact.

Also consider size and weight. While airlines have larger size restrictions for checked luggage than carry-on, they still need to be under a certain size and weight to avoid paying a fee at the check-in counter. Most airlines will charge an excess baggage fee for anything over 50 pounds (fully packed) and/or 62 linear inches (to calculate your bag’s linear inches, add its dimensions. For example, a bag that’s 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches will be 29 + 20.5 + 12.5 = 62.)

According to AFAR editors, the best luggage for checking are:

Best overall : Aviator Grand by Paravel Buy now: $315, tourparavel.com

Runner up : The Large by Away Buy now: $295, awaytravel.com

Best budget buy : Ambeur Large Luggage by Calpak Buy now: $195, calpaktravel.com

Best investment piece : Original Check-in L by Rimowa Buy now: $1,400, rimowa.com

Best ecofriendly option : V4 Extended Trip Expandable Packing Case by Tumi Buy now: $750, tumi.com

For more details about these bags and other options, read The Best Checked Luggage .

READ MORE The Best Checked Luggage for #TeamNoCarryOn

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Yeti Just Launched a New Line of Ultra-Durable Travel Bags

Photos courtesy of Lo & Sons and Herschel

Weekend bags

For quick trips and weekend getaways, there’s no need to pull out your wheeled suitcase. Instead, reach for something that has just enough room for a day or two of belongings, is comfortable to carry, and—of course—is full of organizational features (especially if you have no time to waste on unpacking).

Some of these can also double as a personal item on flights. The dimensions of the underseat space can vary depending on the kind of airplane you’re flying on and therefore, so do the size restrictions. For example, United allows personal items that are under 36 linear inches on domestic flights, whereas American Airlines has a limit of 40 linear inches. If you want your weekender to pull double duty, pay attention to the size.

For quick trips and weekend getaways, here are the best weekend bags and weekenders:

Best overall : The Catalina Deluxe Small by Lo & Sons Buy now: From $129 (was $215), loandsons.com

Runner up : Arcane Duffel Pack by Osprey Buy now: $130, osprey.com

Best budget buy : Novel Duffle Bag by Herschel Buy now: $90, herschel.com

Best investment piece : Weekender by Paravel Buy now: $295, tourparavel.com

Best ecofriendly option : Earth Bag Premium by Hamilton Perkins Collection Buy now: $158, hamiltonperkins.com

For more details about these bags and other options, read The Best Weekend Bags .

READ MORE The 16 Best Weekend Bags for Serious Travelers

These Are My Ride-or-Die Travel Bags

Rothy’s Launches Its First Travel Bags

Accessories and Tips

Photo courtesy of Paravel

Tips for packing, organizing, and taking care of your luggage

Choosing the right piece of luggage is the first step to packing light, packing well, and being prepared for challenges en route—be it swiftly removing your laptop from your carry-on, or keeping your belongings safe while getting tossed from plane to baggage carousel.

Improve your packing even further with these tips and essential luggage accessories:

1. Keep things organized with packing cubes

While packing cubes won’t necessarily save you space, they do keep the contents of your bag organized and make it easy to find what you need quickly—a packing practice we know Marie Kondo would approve of .

>> Read: The Best Packing Cubes

2. Separate your shoes with a shoe bag

No one wants their dirty shoes nestled up against a clean, cashmere sweater. If your bag doesn’t come with a dedicated shoe compartment (like the Lo & Sons weekender bag ), invest in a shoe bag to separate your footwear from the rest of your items.

>> Read : Why Shoe Bags Are Essential

3. Use a toiletry bag—or two

Toiletry bags help with organization, sure, but they also protect your clothes in the unfortunate case of an in-flight shampoo explosion (hello, air pressure) or a not-quite-tightly-closed makeup container. If you really want to get organized, though, the Home Edit team recommends “separating your hair products, skincare products, and cosmetics into different bags so you don’t have to dig through your makeup just to find your floss at night.”

>> Read : The Best Toiletry Bags and Dopp Kits

4. Clean your bags between trips

“Your most trusted travel companion deserves a thorough cleaning after every trip,” says AFAR contributor Maggie Fuller. Use her guide to give your suitcase, backpack, and other travel gear a good scrub-down.

>> Read : How to Clean a Suitcase

Additional reporting by Kyana Moghadam, Kelly Bastone, Katherine LaGrave, Brooke Vaughan, Maggie Fuller, and Sarah Buder.

Products we write about are independently vetted and recommended by our editors. AFAR may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which helps support our independent publication.

Frequent Travelers Swear By This Pricey-But-Worthwhile Luggage

Shopping Writer for HuffPost

If you’ve ever found yourself trudging along a busy airport terminal with a travel bag that’s doing nothing but holding you back, it may be time to invest in something that, while expensive, is worth the money.

I appreciate a good affordable product as much as the next person, but there are times when my money-savvy ways led me to spend more in the long run by buying something that costs less, but doesn’t last as long. This is most often the case with bags for travel, which can be incredibly pricey.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve been in touch with tons of frequent travelers, from flight attendants to travel influencers to our very own HuffPost staff, in order to find out what expensive pieces of luggage and bags actually justify their cost.

Their testimonies, along with the help of reviews from other travelers, helped us create the following selection of carry-on backpacks and suitcases, including with larger checkable luggage, that have paid for themselves in traveling performance.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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If you're jetting out on an all-inclusive vacation or hitting the highway for an impromptu road trip, there’s one thing you need for both (awesome) scenarios: luggage. Pick out the best bags to pack your essentials in with Macy’s selection of luggage and travel bags. From softside and hardside to carry-on and underseat luggage , we’ve rounded up the most durable travel companions from some of the best brands in the game.

Ready to Roll You’re going to need some travel luggage when wanderlust strikes. Check out our selection of luggage set s. They are the best way to add everything you need in one complete collection, including duffel bags and TSA-approved carry-on luggage . If you are catching the red eye and just need to take a few things with you, consider a cute backpack that you can stow in the cabin or under the seat in front of you.

First Class Get ready to roam and wander in a first-class kind of way with classic Samsonite luggage . A trusted pick for travel days, packing is a breeze with hardside luggage created with tons of compartments and expandable designs. Do you tend to pack ten days' worth of clothes when you’re only going away for three? Softside luggage is designed with the over-packer in mind with extra zippered compartments.

Travel Companions When you want to keep your precious cargo close, laptop bags & briefcases are the easiest way to tote around all of your tech essentials. They are small enough to carry with you and functional enough to store small items that you need to keep within reach (think: wallet, hand sanitizer, and some bubble gum). If your kiddos are tagging along, kids’ luggage is the cutest way to help keep all of their things organized.

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I'm a Frequent Flier, and These 15 Genius Items Have Helped Me Outsmart Checked Bag Fees — From Just $10

Perfect the carry-on-only lifestyle with these game-changing gear and accessory picks.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

I’m a professional travel writer and devoted carry-on-only packer . I hardly have to explain why: It’s widely known that checked baggage fees can be exorbitantly expensive (and are on the rise) — sometimes even rivaling the price of an a la carte seat. Beyond that, when you check your bag, you send it out into the unknown, where it can be marooned in some far-away city (which actually happened to me), subjected to theft, or altogether lost. Plus, I just like to have all my stuff with me at all times, should I need anything in a pinch (and I like using my carry-on as a perch that rolls my personal item bag through endless stretches of the airport so I don’t have to bear the weight).

Over years of experience and many thousands of miles, I’ve amassed a solid system of tools to help make my carry-on-only travel life happen. And there are a few more I’m eyeing to complete my inventory. The good news: All of my top carry-on essentials picks are available at Amazon, and most are on sale now, with a starting price point of just $10 . Here are the best carry-on luggage, backpacks, duffel bags, and other important packing travel accessories to lighten your load and help you skip those baggage fees.

Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Carry-on Spinner

Before we get into the travel accessories, let's make sure that your carry-on luggage is up to snuff. I’m not the only one in my family who goes carry-on-only: I expect my kids to do the same so we don’t end up paying those extra fees or waiting at the carousel (remember: a traveling family is only as streamlined at the airport as its weakest link). So I got these 20-inch spinners for my twins three years ago; they’ve traveled all around the world with us, and are still holding up great. These have four multidirectional spinner wheels, a telescoping handle with a push button, and interior mesh and zipper pockets. At six years old, my kids were big enough to handle a 20-inch spinner, and these are so much more practical and enduring than the juvenile character-shaped options.

Etronik Weekender Bag

If you're a fan of the Béis Weekender Bag like I am, then you'll love this version from Amazon-loved brand Etronik (which has a price point that's a fraction of what I paid for my Béis one — even in the brand’s warehouse sale). I like that it has a fully separate PVC-lined and vented compartment on the bottom for shoes or dirty clothes, plus it can be used as your sole luggage or an extra roomy personal item bag that you store under the plane seat. It also has a USB interface for easy phone charging on the go. This one is available in 28 colors (I have the pale pink version), and (unlike my Béis bag) it also comes with an extra matching pouch that can be used for toiletries or safeguarding your in-flight essentials. 

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Having noticed the impressive volume of five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers (nearly 80,500 and counting!), the Matein backpack seemed like a no-brainer purchase for my husband to use as a carry-on and personal item bag on international trips  — and he’s still traveling the world with it years later. This bag is all about thoughtful organization, with a separate laptop compartment, a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back, and a front compartment that's organized with pen pockets, a key fob hook, and more dedicated spaces. The back padding is thick, and the adjustable shoulder straps are sturdy and comfy. There’s also a built-in USB charger for staying charged up on the go. 

Wrangler Smart Carry-on Luggage With Cup Holder

To be a carry-on-only traveler, you have to get used to always having a piece of luggage with you at the airport. And that means coming up with successful strategies for making the most efficient use of the only two hands I have. That’s why I love that this carry-on roller bag has its own built-in cup holder for that must-have airport coffee. It also has a USB port and phone holder, creating a trifecta of useful features that make carry-on-only travel seamless and convenient. Plus, it boasts an expandable capacity and smooth-rolling multidirectional wheels.

Hanples Travel Backpack

The cool thing about this backpack is it opens all the way — like a suitcase — so you can get the benefits of traveling with a roller bag while reducing the risk you might have to check it if the overhead bins fill up. Even better news: It fits under the seat as a personal item, and weighs just 2.5 pounds. This bag also has a thick cushioned laptop compartment and an expandable design that gives you 5 liters of additional packing space, and there’s a port for a charging cable or headphones.

Coolife 3-piece Luggage Set

If you’re new to carry-on-only travel — or just want to overhaul all of your gear at once — I love this budget-friendly luggage set that covers all of the bases needed to keep you from checking a bag. It comes with a 20-inch spinner bag, a backpack, and a toiletry bag, all nicely matching (I think the white version with camel piping is super chic). The luggage features a TSA-approved lock and a fully lined interior divider for organization. And, the backpack has a sleeve that fits right over the trolly handle for seamlessly rolling through the airport. 

Lovevook Weekender Bag With Accessories

I like this structured weekender bag with a 30-liter capacity to use as a complement to a roller bag (or carried alone for a short trip); it has a sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle for hands-free bliss, and the main body is made with waterproof canvas with the bottom is enhanced with PU leather for added water resistance. It has a sturdy design with its shaping ribs and metal feet at the base for standing freely, which comes in handy when you're packing or trying to find something inside mid-flight. What's more, the main compartment features a wet pocket as well as useful tech sleeves, and the outside ones have zipper closures for essentials. 

Veken Packing Cube Set

Now that you have a quality carry-on bag, you'll need to stock up on important travel accessories. Organization is the key to carry-on-only packing, and packing cubes are a huge help in that effort. This affordable and highly reviewed set comes with eight unique pieces, including a shoe bag, a laundry bag, and a cosmetic bag in addition to the zippered, all-purpose cubes in various sizes. Mesh panels make it easy to see what’s inside each pouch at a glance so you only have to open the one you need.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

My tech essentials always stay with me under my seat because I’m typically using both my laptop and my phone in flight (I even keep my Apple Watch charger with me to keep the battery full for the following day on overnight flights). I had a fancy, gimmicky tech organizer before this one, but it was too fussy to be useful — so I bought myself this simple, practical, and compact case at an impulse-buy price to replace it. It does the trick perfectly with its spacious and see-through mesh panels, smooth zippers, and forgiving expandability for tech over-packers (guilty). 

Amasuki Multifunction USB Charger

Speaking of overpacking tech cables, there’s a better way to travel with everything I need without jumbled cords taking up precious luggage space: This multifunction cable supports simultaneous charging of three devices, and eliminates the need for fussing with multiple charging cubes — especially in a confined situation like an airplane seat with limited ports. Mix and match as needed to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and other devices without packing unnecessary extra bulk so you can stay streamlined in a carry-on-only situation.

Cadence Capsules

If you follow my coverage, you already know I swear by these game-changing capsules that keep all of my toiletries secure and organized — and in the most aesthetic, streamlined way possible. The set comes with individual magnetic cases that attach in a honeycomb pattern to the others, each clearly labeled with its contents. You can keep all your TSA-approved liquids in your carry-on without any risk of leaking (freeing up serious space in your toiletry bag for other essentials). I use mine not just for toiletries but for other essentials I want to keep with me, including delicate jewelry and medications. 

Amazon is stocked with other travel-friendly sets to safely transport your toiletries — like the leak-proof Bpluma Travel Bottles that are just $10 and perfect for shampoo, conditioner, and more. If you're looking for something more stackable and versatile like my favorite Cadence capsules, opt for the Cosywell Small Travel Containers . 

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Case

My husband and I both have one of these toiletry cases, which have a smart feature: a hook, so you can hang it in a small space like, say, an airplane lavatory to get freshened up on the go without your stuff rolling everywhere. Its transparent pouches allow you to see contents inside at a glance, and tons of zippers keep everything organized and any potential leaks well contained.

Hibag Compression Bags Set

This set of 12 compression bags is handy when you’re going carry-on-only and need to make every square inch of suitcase real estate count. They have the space-saving effect of vacuum sealing (though you don’t need an actual vacuum to draw the air out) with the promise of freeing up to 80 percent of luggage room. I’ve yet to try this strategy myself, but I’m intrigued — and inspired to give it a shot based on the more than 36,000 five-star Amazon ratings.

Ododos Belt Bag

When I’m only traveling with a carry-on, I have my hands full. And that means that I need to have my most essential items — like my passport, phone, and credit card — easily accessible lest I keep any airport lines from bottlenecking. That’s why I often travel with a nifty belt bag , which I usually wear across my chest so I can keep my eyes on it and away from would-be pickpockets (note: it also works as a waist or shoulder bag). This one is durable, water-resistant, and so affordable. And it comes in more than 40 colors to match any travel wardrobe style. 

Amazon Basics Packable Duffel Bag

Even when I’m packing super compactly for carry-on-only travel, I accept the possibility that I might come home with more than I left with — whether that’s travel souvenirs or bulky materials from a work trip. This 100 percent nylon bag folds flat, packs down small, and weighs nearly nothing (though it has a 50-pound capacity to bring back any overflow items). Packing one of these means always having options — and “options” is my favorite packing strategy in one word.

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Now that we understand our shipping category, the next step is figuring out how to pack your luggage securely and what paperwork is needed . Deciding on the best way to do so involves considering the following factors:

Hard plastic & metal cases are most suited to Express transport and are easily stacked & handled without risk of damage.

If there are fragile items in your luggage, you should wrap them individually with a protective wrap and ensure that all empty spaces in the luggage are filled with fillers. To ensure that your baggage is handled with extra care, affix a "fragile" label on the outside of your shipping container.

Luggage weighing more than 75 lbs. should use a pallet, crate or a made-to-measure box that is sufficiently sturdy. Pieces weighing above 150 lbs., require a fork-movable crate or loading your luggage onto a pallet, as handling equipment is often required to move heavy weights.

• Avoid using thin "shell" suitcases
• Tape down the handle & avoid suitcases with exposed non-recessed wheels and wrap suitcase with shrink-wrap or box
• Hard reinforced plastic or metal cases offering adequate protection for fragile sporting & musical equipment
• Tape down clasps to avoid accidental opening or shrink wrap entire case
• Non-Rigid Soft luggage (duffle bag) offers no protection to contents of bag
• We have created an easy-to-understand glossary of logistics terminology to help you navigate the jargon in international shipping.
• Do not use sticky pouches for the shipping labels and documents, place your label and documents into a tie-on holder
• Ensure name/address is on both inside and outside of luggage
• We do not recommend the use of locks as luggage may need to be inspected for regulatory or security purposes
• If using a lock, please be aware this may be removed for Security or Regulatory inspections and not returned

Box the bag in one of the standard boxes available at your DHL Service Point. Find a location .

The benefits and savings of shipping your luggage with DHL Express ahead of your trip are abundant. From convenience and timesaving to reduced stress and global reach, this service offers a comprehensive solution to streamline your travel experience. Consider DHL Express for your next journey and enjoy the freedom to travel without the burden of bulky bags. You can also send documents, see our top tips here . For more information or to get started, please don't hesitate to contact us .

Each country has its parcel labelling requirements. That's why it's essential to research the most recent customs regulations to ensure that your luggage meets the shipping requirements.

Example: For entry into the United States a US Customs and Border Protection Form 3299 - Declaration of Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles should be completed prior to the importation of used personal effects over $200 USD. Shipping to Mexico may require the shipper to provide documentation such as a passport, airline ticket or boarding pass. Learn more about changes to the EU's customs security and safety program (ICS2).

Travelfornoobs

The Complete Packing List for Moscow

Moscow packing list – what you need to bring, how to pack for moscow.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Moscow. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Moscow gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Moscow.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Moscow will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important hings to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Moscow:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Moscow will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Moscow now on Booking.com

AirBnb : Get a discount for your first booking!

Book now your activities in Moscow on Getyourguide:

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7 Best Travel Toiletry Bags, Tested By Women's Health Experts

Travel pros approve, too!

Best Travel Toiletry Bags

Best Overall

Pavilia hanging toiletry bag.

Best Roll-Up Travel Toiletry Bag

Lululemon roll-up travel toiletries kit.

Best Durable Bag

Fjallraven kanken toiletry bag.

Some travel bags are smaller, with a simple interior, and others are larger with more pockets. What you decide to invest in comes down to how long you'll be traveling for and whether or not you like to travel light or heavy. Regardless of your preferences, just know that there are plenty of options out there for you. In fact, Women's Health editors tested and rounded up seven of their favorite picks to help you decide on the best one for you. Before you shop though, here are a few things to keep in mind.

What to consider

The goal is to find something that will fit all your personal care items without taking up a ton of space, being mindful that TSA rules will also limit the sizes of these products. "TSA’s 3-1-1 rule states that all liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less and fit inside one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag," says travel expert and blogger at The Smart Travel Guide Peggy Carlaw. "The trick to packing a toiletry bag is decanting your own products into small containers or purchasing travel-sized containers." This hack will save you space while lowering your bag weight. Once you do this, choose a bag that's big enough to hold the amount of containers and makeup you're traveling with.

Finding a bag that fits within your budget is the priority. That said, certain materials are more travel-friendly than others. Carlaw recommends a bag made from either nylon or polyester. "These are long-lasting, lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean," she says. "Cotton and some other fabrics are not waterproof, hard to keep clean, and not sturdy enough to protect their contents," she adds.

Water-resistance

While this feature is optional, having a water-resistant bag will ensure that everything else in your suitcase will stay dry if any of your toiletries spill out or leak during travel. At the same time, if your luggage gets wet or clothes get damp, all the items in your toiletry bag (like powders, medications, and electronics) will stay dry. This is especially helpful if you're traveling somewhere where the humidity is high, Carlaw says.

How 'Women's Health' selected

For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including associate health and wellness editor Tianna Soto and lifestyle commerce editor Jasmine Gomez , tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated travel toiletry bags. Our team consulted one travel expert and evaluated bags based on size, fabric material, ease of use, and more to narrow down the seven best travel toiletry bags for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Below, check out the seven best travel toiletry bags, tested by Women's Health editors.

After testing several travel toiletry bags over the past few weeks, our best overall pick is this hanging toiletry bag from Pavilia. For starters, it hits all the callouts that our expert recommends—clear plastic pockets, a water-resistant shell, and polyester material.

The hook at the top makes it easy to see and access your items without having to take them all out, or having to dig through each pocket. Editors also like that this bag has a budget-friendly price of $24, which is a total steal compared to some of the more pricier options on this list.

Women's Health health editor Tianna Soto appreciates that this bag comes with eight pockets that fit all of her self-care products. For her, it makes organizing a breeze, and it folds up without taking up too much space in her luggage. However, she notes that if you over-pack it too often, there's a chance that the zipper can get stuck. Additionally, it might not be the best choice if you value your privacy while traveling with company. "If you’re sharing a hotel room with someone and don’t want everyone to see what you have in there, you may not love the clear pockets," she says.

Read more: Best Travel Coffee Mugs

If you swear by all things Lululemon, you'll be thrilled to know they have a toiletry bag that's perfect for your next trip. It comes with three main pockets that can be easily folded up. Unlike some other options on this list, this bag is closed using a security buckle, ensuring that your belongings won't fall out during travel.

WH lifestyle and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez is a big fan of this bag because of its waterproof-material and mesh pocket, which she says makes room for some items that need more breathability (think: makeup sponges and toothbrushes).

She also likes that it provides easy access to her products. "I love that it rolls out vertically with a hook at the top, making it easy to access what I need without having to dig through an entire bag," she says. One thing to keep in mind is that there isn't an added layer of protection for whatever is inside, aside from the pockets. So keeping this in your backpack or in a hardshell suitcase might be best.

When it comes to durability, this toiletry bag from Fjallraven is our top pick, especially if you're a frequent flyer. We like that the fabric feels sturdy, and it's on the thicker side, so it can easily stand up against frequent use or bumpy trips. The dark color makes any dirt or marks less noticeable, too. It comes with two spacious compartments that can fit anything from makeup to skincare or haircare. Because the pockets inside aren't clear like some of the other bags on this list, you might have to dig around in different sections to find what you're looking for, though.

Still, this option is well worth your dime, according to WH associate news editor Charlotte Walsh. "I typically have to pack two separate bags—one for my makeup and the other for shower products—but with this, I can fit it all in one!" she says. She also appreciates the waxed fabric liner inside, which serves as a barrier in case anything spills.

Victoria's Secret Travel Toiletry Bag

A personal favorite of WH beauty editors, this toiletry bag from Victoria's Secret has deep pockets that are perfect for those who prefer the perks of a roll-up bag with the structure of something more durable. It comes with two main compartments and one smaller one that sits closest to the hanging hook. While this bag isn't water-resistant, we appreciate that the clear pockets make it easy to find your belongings.

"It's easy to see everything that's in the bag without having to spread everything out on the sink and make a mess," says WH senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson. She adds that this bag eliminates the need to bring two toiletry bags with her since the pockets are extra spacious.

Mark & Graham Clear Coated Cosmetic Train Case

Feel like a splurge? You will adore this customizable toiletry bag from Mark & Graham. While this is the most expensive option on our round up, the variety of prints to choose from, in addition to its durability and deep double pockets, make it worth every penny.

Its rectangular shape allows for a smooth packing process, as it can easily fit into the corner of a small suitcase or duffel. It also has a handle on top that provides "easy access when you're digging around in your bag after a late-night or early-morning arrival," says WH features editor Currie Engel. "[The bag] makes me feel like an incredibly put-together person even on my most hectic and chaotic trips." If you're not shopping for yourself, this bag also makes for a great gift for your jet-setting bestie or family member.

Herschel Milan Toiletry Bag

The most stylish option on this list, this toiletry bag from Herschel is great for quick weekend getaways. It's on the smaller side and made from vegan leather. The bag comes with an expandable internal and rear storage sleeve, and it's available in six colors and two sizes. It's worth noting that while this bag is fashion-forward, it doesn't have clear pockets and isn't big enough to guarantee that all your travel must-haves can be stored away.

Ultimately, it will securely store whatever you do travel with, though. WH executive digital director Amanda Woerner, who has been using hers for years, is a fan of this bag for its overall quality. "Herschel toiletry bags hold a ton of makeup and skincare products, and despite the fact that various tinted moisturizers, face washes, and who knows what else, have spilled inside there for years, it's still in great shape," she says.

Beis The Cosmetic Pouch Set

Some people prefer to have one bag, while others don't mind two. Whether it be for organizational purposes or for having two bags to use individually, you can't go wrong with this matching set from Beis. These are not water-resistant nor do they have clear pockets, but editors like that they're compact enough to fit in small suitcases, and that you're essentially getting two bags for the price of one. Plus, they're a sleek and stylish option for travel.

"I love the matching neutral color, and the bigger size means that I can still squeeze in some of my full-size products," says Walsh. She notes that one downside to the rounded shape of the bags is that you lose some of the extra space that you may get from a square pouch.

Meet the experts

• Peggy Carlaw is a travel expert and blogger at The Smart Travel Guide .

Read more about the best travel gear

Best Gifts For Travelers | Best Makeup Bags | Best Travel Jewelry Cases | Best Carry-On Luggage | Best Travel Journals | Best Travel Pillows

Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.

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Airlines got too confident, and now they are paying the price despite record-breaking travel

• Despite booming travel, airlines are struggling to turn a profit.
• Southwest expects seat-mile revenue will decline up to 4.5%, while American predicts up to 6%.
• Experts blame fewer last-minute business travelers, overcapacity, Boeing delays, and inflated costs.

Making money in the airline industry has never been easy.

It's a capital-heavy business with the constant need to expand and innovate while simultaneously managing ever-changing demand and costs.

Expensive fuel, maintenance, and labor don't help, nor do unpredictable setbacks outside the airline's control, like pandemic travel bans and production slowdowns at planemaker Boeing.

Despite the challenging environment, 2024 is still set to see record-breaking passenger numbers, according to the International Air Transport Association, or IATA ,

With so many people traveling, US airlines were poised for success. Some, like Delta, have found it. But across the industry, many airlines are struggling to turn profits thanks to issues like overcapacity, unrelenting competition, and unexpectedly high costs, according to experts.

Take Southwest, for example, which in June cut its forecasts and now expects revenue per seat mile — a key financial metric for airlines — to fall by up to 4.5% where it had previously expected 1.5% to 3.5%.

Before that, American in May warned it expected the same metric to fall by 5% to 6% compared to last year. Its earlier prediction was 1% to 3%.

Across the board, airlines have trailed the benchmark S&P 500 index with more debt than the average publicly traded company and thinner margins.

Airlines got overambitious with their expansion plans

Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt told Business Insider that thinning margins are, in part, because airlines added too much to the market too fast amid confidence in the soaring demand and now can't sell all of those seats.

Reuters reported American hurt its pricing power after aggressive growth in its domestic market. The airline also missed out on revenue from corporate customers due to a flawed ticket sale strategy it has since admitted was a mistake to adopt.

"We're seeing softness in customer bookings relative to our expectations that we believe is in part due to the changes that we have made to our sales and distribution strategy," American CEO Robert Isom said during a May conference.

Southwest also cited its struggle to predict demand as part of its revenue problem. And, unlike ultra-low-cost carriers , Southwest doesn't charge extra for ancillaries like bags or seats — another missed revenue opportunity.

In fact, activist firm Elliott Investment Management recently pumped nearly $2 billion into Southwest, questioning strategies like its lack of add-on fees and calling for a board shake-up and the firing of Southwest CEO Bob Jordan.

Business travelers are booking fewer last-minute premium-priced tickets

Part of the industry's overcapacity problem is because lucrative business travel still hasn't completely rebounded since the pandemic, Harry Kraemer, former CFO and CEO of healthcare firm Baxter International, told BI.

Corporations aren't spending as much on last-minute business travel since the pandemic made Zoom and Google Meet more convenient.

Related stories

"Half of the market is gone, and it's their highest margin," Kraemer said. "You've got all this excess capacity, and you've bought these planes, so what are you going to do with them."

Further, Harteveldt said companies have become more price-sensitive and are looking for cheaper options, noting ULCCs Frontier and Spirit are even getting business customers.

Over the past 12 months, shares of Spirit and Frontier have declined roughly 79% and 50%, respectively, far underperforming competitors and the market.

In an effort to boost revenue, they've changed their strategies to capitalize on the demand for more premium perks, such as dropping change and cancel fees and creating "business" class-like seats.

Boeing delivery delays have eaten into profits

Harteveldt said Boeing's ongoing delivery delays have cost airlines like American, Southwest, and United millions of dollars. This has forced them to adjust their planned flying, impacting revenue opportunities and flight availability.

He also said the lack of new planes means airlines are flying older ones for a longer time. The costs of maintenance and lesser efficiency can add up, and customers can't get access to the nicer amenities and reliability of newer jets.

Airlines need to expand with new routes and planes, he said — it's the nature of the highly competitive industry.

However, Harteveldt noted these forced network shake-ups, like Southwest's exit from four airports , could be beneficial for better leveraging airline pricing power, as capacity can be brought back in line with demand.

"The airlines should find and serve routes that are the most profitable, and that means they may need to increase capacity in some markets and completely exit others," he said.

Low-cost competitor JetBlue Airways overhauled its network to stay above water after its failed merger with Spirit.

Harteveldt noted that Airbus is also facing production setbacks that are impacting deliveries and worrying investors, though not as dire as Boeing.

Airlines are plagued by high costs in an extremely competitive industry

Nearly everything is more expensive than it was before the pandemic, and airlines are no exception.

"It's the worst possible combination of high fixed costs and inflation on the variable costs," Kraemer said, pointing to costs like planes, labor, and fuel. "There are so many permanent changes like virtual meetings that airlines will need several years to adjust for."

Fuel costs in April were 33% higher than they were during the same time in 2019, according to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, US airline pilots have gotten huge pay raises in recent years to help fend off a labor shortage.

For low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit, these high costs make it challenging to make money, Kraemer said. Still, they force competitor fares down — creating another profit obstacle for mainline carriers. IATA reported in June that industry ticket prices, including ancillary, are 15% below 2019 levels despite high growth.

Harteveldt said beefing up revenue in any way possible is the best way to counteract the ever-growing costs.

"These days, it's less about having the lowest costs and more about generating the most revenue," he said, suggesting strategies such as charging for more ancillaries, reducing the number of discount tickets sold, or creating more enticing bundle packages.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

• Main content

Money blog: M&S loses 'grocer of year' crown - as Sainsbury's claims title for first time in 20 years

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering below.

Wednesday 3 July 2024 14:29, UK

• Marks & Spencer knocked off top spot as new grocer of year named
• RAC says people who fail driving test should be charged more for re-test
• Young people offered half price Amazon Prime membership
• Supermarkets reveal refund policies if deliveries come late

Essential reads

• Cheap Eats : Two Michelin-starred chef reveals his favourites in Birmingham
• Women in Business : 'We don't get invited to golf' - The women who coordinated pregnancies to start virtual cancer care business and raised £5m
• Basically... What is income tax?
• Money Problem : 'I hired a car via EasyJet but they are directing my complaint to someone else - what can I do?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Marks & Spencer is offering 20% off its new school uniforms to help parents get ready for the new school year.

The average cost of school uniform in England has dropped by 4% in 2024, according to a survey by The Schoolwear Association.

However, the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear items for a child starting secondary school in England is still £92.35 per pupil.

That can be a big expenditure, especially for families with multiple children.

M&S's discount excludes footwear, hosiery, underwear, outerwear, accessories, school bags and lunch boxes.

Asian-inspired eatery Itsu is looking at plans to double the number of its stores in the UK.

The chain is considering opening 80 new restaurants and has appointed Savills to advise on its expansion plans.

Itsu is looking to strengthen its foothold in London, where the majority of its restaurants are based, as well as growing its presence in new locations with flagship stores in big cities.

Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Belfast are among the UK cities currently without an Itsu store.

Kate Thompson, property director at Itsu, said: "At Itsu, we are focused on making the joy of delicious, health[ier], Asian-inspired food available to everyone across the UK and beyond.

"We look forward to working with Savills to help us deliver on our plan for growth."

A motoring research charity says a case should be made for raising driving test fees for learners who repeatedly fail.

The RAC Foundation said this would encourage prospective drivers to wait until they are ready to pass, easing the "unacceptable" backlog of tests in the UK.

Last month, AA Driving School said it obtained Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures suggesting the average waiting time for a test at the start of February was more than 18 weeks.

A ban on driving tests during COVID  lockdowns plus a driving examiner strike has led to a bottleneck of demand.

Before 2020, the average wait time was six weeks, from booking online to turning up at the test centre.

One way of addressing the issue, according to RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding, is to consider additional fees for those with several previous failures and even to offer a rebate to first-time passers.

"Forget about all the traffic jams out on the road, there is now an unacceptable amount of congestion in the test system with learners often waiting many months for a slot," he said.

"In part these jams are being caused by people who have failed multiple times and come back to take a test that might be their fourth, fifth or sixth attempt, or even greater."

Government figures show 93,204 practical car driving tests taken in the year to the end of March were at least the candidate's sixth attempt at passing.

Under the current pricing plan, practical driving tests cost £62 during weekday daytimes and £75 during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

Marks & Spencer's title as Britain's grocer of the year was taken away yesterday as Sainsbury's took the crown for the first time in nearly two decades.

At a lavish ceremony held at the Royal Albert Hall, Sainsbury's took home the top prize in the Grocer Gold Awards ahead of M&S, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and social enterprise The Company Shop.

The supermarket was praised for being the only "big four" supermarket (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons) to have gained shopper spend from both Aldi and Lidl amid the cost of living crisis.

"Restoring growth while increasing profits is not an easy thing to do at the best of times, but especially with the highest inflation in decades, and the discounters - and other rivals - also opening a significant number of new stores," said Adam Leyland, chair of the judging panel.

"But Sainsbury's has given shoppers permission to enjoy its wide range of food and drink through much more competitive pricing, most notably the launch of Nectar Prices last April, and its impressively rapid rollout."

Other awards handed out on the night included Britain's favourite supermarket, which was won by Tesco for the 10th year in a row.

Tesco also took home the award for employer of the year for its "pioneering" work in supporting diversity and inclusion as well as its support to young people, competitive pay, and step up in maternity and paternity benefits.

The award for customer service was won by Waitrose, while the Grocer Cup went to Greggs CEO Roisin Currie, recognising the success Greggs has had going from a high-street bakery chain into the UK's biggest fast food chain.

Santander has become the latest lender to announce cuts across a range of its mortgage products. 

The high street bank has said selected residential fixed rates will be reduced by up to 0.16% on election day.

The move, which comes after three other banks cut rates this week, could "ramp up the battle" between the UK's biggest lenders. 

Halifax and NatWest slashed rates by up to 0.23%, and Clydesdale Bank by 0.38%, earlier this week. 

"This is Santander reacting to its competitors and joining the rate reduction party," the managing director of Yellow Brick Mortgages, Stephen Perkins, told Newspage. 

"This move from Santander has the potential to ramp up the rate battle between the UK's biggest lenders." 

He said more cuts were likely, ahead of the expected base rate reduction in August. 

"Things are really hotting up now in the mortgage market," he added.

Simon Bridgland, director of Release Freedom, was less impressed by the move, saying it they are "abysmal rate reductions". 

"Any poor soul wanting a remortgage or existing Santander borrowers in need of a new deal will just have to stay on the higher existing rates," he said. 

"Residential lenders need to jump to it and drop rates further." 

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The index that tracks the share price performance of the 500 largest companies listed on US stock exchanges reached a new high last night. 

The rise followed comments on lowering inflation from the head of the US central bank, known as the Fed, which sparked market optimism. 

Some of the world's biggest companies make up the index, Microsoft and Amazon being two prime examples. 

Tesla's comeback in the form of a more than 10% share price rise will also have helped the new S&P 500 record. 

Its shares were at a five-month high after the electric car maker beat Wall Street expectations as price cuts helped stimulate demand.

Here in the UK, both the FTSE100 and 250 indexes are up 0.49% and 0.47% respectively. 

The biggest faller on the FTSE 100 list of most valuable companies was JD Sports which has had a run of losses for more than a week. Today its share price was down 3.61%. 

Bad news for motorists continues as the oil price tipped higher again today, reaching $86.64.

Anyone going on holidays to a country using the euro or importing goods from the continent can get €1.1797 for their pound. 

Sterling has crept up against the dollar this month with a pound buying $1.2691. 

Oreo has released a new limited edition vanilla latte flavour.

The product is already available in select supermarkets and combines a double cream vanilla filling with a vanilla latte one.

Each pack comes with 16 biscuits included and has a recommended retail price of £1.39. 

Becky Latcham, brand manager for Oreo, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to introduce Oreo's latest innovation.

"We know Oreo fans love to be playful with the way they eat their cookies so we couldn't resist putting our own spin on the original cookie that people know and love."

People aged 18 to 22 are being offered a half-price Amazon Prime membership in a bid to make the subscription "more accessible to young people".

It means anyone in this age bracket can get things like free next day delivery and Prime Video for £4.49 a month (£47.49 per year) instead of the usual £8.99.

"We're always looking for ways to provide more value to our customers and offering 18 to 22-year-olds 50% off Prime membership helps to make the wide range of Prime benefits even more accessible to young people," said John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon. 

He said at an "important time" in their lives, helping young people save will "make a big difference" whether they are heading to university, starting work or moving away from home.

The half-price offer has been open to students since 2014, but this is the first time the company has offered it to all 18 to 22-year-olds.

Every Wednesday we ask Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Aktar Islam, chef patron of Opheem - the first Birmingham restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars. 

His entry coincides with him being crowned UK chef of the year at The Cateys last night - congratulations, Aktar!

Hi Aktar , c an you tell us your favourite places in Birmingham  where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

I'm a big fan of Tiger Bites Pig . Grab a counter seat and watch them smash out some of the best Taiwanese bao buns in the UK. My favourite is the chicken - it's seasoned with Sichuan chilli oil and topped with chicken crackle. I could eat one every day.

Bonehead is the best fried chicken spot in Birmingham. Their Bonehead and Hothead seasonings are corkers. I usually get the burgers or the strips with a side of Nashville fries. If I'm feeling brave I'll get a pickleback too, but they are punchy!

Qavali is an Indo-Persian restaurant which takes its inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and uses spices and techniques rooted everywhere from Turkey to India. Marinated meat is grilled over charcoal, and often served in richly spiced sauces and broths. I'm a meat eater, so nothing makes me happier than a big plate of grilled meat and this is my go-to.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

I tend to cook with a lot of pulses when I'm at home. I usually opt for a roast vegetable and lentil dish. I just grab a tin from the cupboard and use any vegetables that I have knocking around. I add garlic, cumin, and chilli. It's so simple and flavourful. Serve with a roast chicken - perfect.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

If you regularly order your supermarket shopping online, chances are you'll have had a delivery turn up late at least once.

The bad news is that if you didn't try to claim back any extra you paid for a specific delivery slot, you may have missed out.

The good news is you now know for future.

Consumer group Which says: "If you paid extra for special delivery and your order arrived later than agreed, you can claim back the extra delivery cost as the service wasn't delivered."

We asked Scott Dixon, from The Complaints Resolver , to go into a bit more detail - and he flagged S49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which states:

"Every contract to supply a service is to be treated as including a term that the trader must perform the service with reasonable care and skill."

Scott says: "Late delivery would be considered as a breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, as you paid for a time-specific delivery as part of the contract you entered into.

"You could request a refund of the delivery charge as the time-specific part of the contract constitutes a breach and has not been fulfilled.

"I would contact customer services and be nice about it, as you are more likely to elicit a better outcome that way given the value involved."

The inspiration for this post was one of the Money team seeing their shopping arrive 45 minutes late last weekend.

They rang Tesco's customer service team who, full marks, took down the details and refunded the £7 delivery charge without much fuss.

Tesco's media team later told us they judge things case by case - but they do encourage you to contact their customer relations teams if there's any delay.

We asked the other supermarkets for their policies.

Asda said...

"Asda always aims to deliver goods within the delivery slot agreed with the customer. However, if an order is delivered outside of this slot, we will let the customer know and they are then able to request a refund for the delivery charge."

"We offer customers a one-hour delivery slot of their choice. If we're running late, we'll always contact the customer directly to let them know. On the rare occasion that we're really late, our customer hub advisors can issue refunds - these are assessed on a case-by-case basis."

Morrisons...

"We work with customers on a case-by-case basis to resolve any late delivery issues."

Waitrose...

"In the event of a delay, the shop makes every effort to contact each customer directly in advance of their delivery to explain the situation and provide an updated ETA. If the customer is no longer able to accept the delivery, we work with them to reschedule it at a time that suits. While delays are often beyond our control, we assess each situation on a case-by-case basis, and Partners can offer a gesture of goodwill when customers are inconvenienced."

Regardless of their policies, it's worth (politely) pushing - as the law is on your side.

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