work travel luggage

14 best business travel backpacks for every budget

If you travel regularly for work, you won't need us to tell you that a good travel backpack is essential. That's especially true if a backpack can double as a decently sized carry-on luggage item while still housing your laptop in an easily accessible compartment.

We looked at some of the best (and most stylish) backpacks out there to take the hassle out of searching for the best item.

Without further ado, here are the best business travel backpacks that maximize form and function across various budgets.

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack, $33.47

If you don't want to break the bank, the Amazon Basics range offers a reliable and, dare we say, fairly stylish backpack for less than $40.

The bag has a dedicated (and padded) laptop sleeve that can easily hold a laptop up to 17 inches in size; it has additional compartments for pens, keys, cellphones and other items.

There's also a water bottle pocket on both sides of the bag for easy access when you're on the go.

Buy from $33.47

Lenovo Legion Gaming Laptop Bag, $55.19 (normally $79.99)

Admittedly, we've never seen Batman carry a backpack, but if he did, we're pretty sure it'd look something like this robust bag by Lenovo. It has a 20-liter capacity and room for a 16-inch laptop, alongside seven inside pockets to suit all your work travel needs — including a hidden compartment for valuables.

Built for carrying electronic items, the bag features foam antishock bumpers on the corners of the laptop compartment for extra protection against bag drops and other jolts.

There's also a high-quality magnetic lock to keep your items safe.

Buy from $55.19 (normally $79.99)

Tangcorle Travel Carry On Backpack, $58.90

Part backpack and part carry-on suitcase, this bag has an expandable design. This means it has a capacity of 36 to 50 liters and should easily fit the maximum carry-on size for most airlines.

Other features include an external USB port with a built-in charging cable, allowing you to attach your own power bank and keep your devices charged while on the go.

The main compartment is similar to one in an ordinary carry-on suitcase and can easily store five to seven days' worth of clothes, depending on how you like to pack. It is perfect for long weekends and short business trips.

Buy from $58.90

Samsonite Novex Laptop Backpack, $69.99 (normally $99.99)

If you are shopping for a travel backpack from a reliable brand with a more down-to-earth budget, this Samsonite bestseller has a lot going for it.

Despite its price, the Novex Laptop Backpack doesn't compromise on the basics. The separate laptop and tablet pocket features a special webbing system that provides extra durability in case you drop the backpack. Plus, thanks to the special supportive lining on the top front pocket, you won't have to worry about misplacing your headphones, glasses or cellphone.

The main storage compartment has room for all the essentials, though you may not find it large enough for a full change of clothes or a pair of shoes.

Buy from $69.99 (normally $99.99)

The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, $109

A modern classic, the Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack is a popular, on-trend design you'll frequently see on the backs of young professionals in buzzy city centers.

The backpack has two external water bottle holders and a main compartment capable of carrying up to 30 liters. Its laptop sleeve is also sizable and should easily hold machines up to 18 inches.

Perhaps its most interesting feature is the comfortable design of its shoulder straps, which are certified by the American Chiropractic Association.

Buy from $109

Ogio Renegade Backpack, $128.24 (normally $149.99)

If you're looking for the bag with the most pockets, this might be it. Ogio's flagship backpack has dedicated space for everything (laptop and iPad included) and then some. With a phone pocket, two zippered side pockets and five main pockets, you might just get lost looking around for your gear.

No matter how full you stuff this nearly 30-liter backpack, you shouldn't have much of a problem carrying it around, thanks to its supportive padded back panel and shoulder straps. This makes it easy to lug it around the airport or corporate campus.

Buy from $128.24 (normally $149.99)

Incase ARC Daypack, $129.95

Apple aficionados will no doubt be familiar with Incase, a popular brand of cases and protection solutions for iPhones, iPads and Macs.

The laptop pocket is big enough for a 16-inch computer, and it's lined in faux fur for additional protection. Its travel tech compartment also includes RFID-blocking technology, preventing thieves from stealing your digital information.

A water- and stain-resistant coating, two dedicated water bottle holders, and a pass-through system for rollaboard bags make this the ideal bag for anyone going from the gym to the office to the airport. If you need something bigger, Incase also makes a larger A.R.C. travel pack.

Need more convincing? Both bags are made from a sustainable mixture of recycled polyester, giving the company its A.R.C. acronym, which stands for "a responsible carry."

Buy from $129.95

Aer Pro Pack 20L, $179

As far as business travel backpacks go, Aer's is certainly quite stylish. It comes in three colors (black, navy and olive), and it's made of sustainable materials without compromising on durability. A separate laptop compartment safeguards your most precious technology, while the main compartment is large enough for all your chargers and other travel accessories.

The standout feature is the main compartment's 180-degree flat-open zipper system, giving you unobstructed access to all your belongings.

There's even a hidden pocket to store an AirTag or other tracker so that you can locate your bag even if it's stolen or misplaced.

Buy from $179

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195

Made with water-resistant nylon, the Everywhere backpack by Away has a full wraparound zip that provides access to the main compartment. Not only can you fit more things in an orderly fashion, but you'll also be able to easily see your things when you need to retrieve them from the backpack.

Alongside the main compartment, the bag also houses a 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper and padded shoulder straps for comfort. It's available in five colors — including the limited-edition garnet colorway.

Buy from $195

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, $209

The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack has space for everything and then some. The padded rear pocket is the perfect spot for a laptop, so you won't have to dig through the main compartment to find your computer.

The main compartment is spacious and can expand by nearly 3 liters, giving you more room for your belongings. Plus, the front pocket has a dedicated organizer with multiple pockets, so you'll never forget where you put your passport, charger and cables.

Buy from $209

Nomatic 20L Backpack, $279.99

Although you may not have heard of Nomatic, this brand receives rave reviews from its loyalists. The company's bestselling backpack comes in two sizes: 14 liters and 20 liters. Both are expandable by nearly 20%.

The flat rectangular design may be controversial at first glance, but at least you can't complain about finding space for all of your gizmos. The bag has a staggering 24 unique storage compartments, ranging from enclosed pockets to mesh nets. It's a great bag for those who like to stay extremely organized when they're on the road.

Buy from $279.99

Briggs & Riley Traveler Backpack, $329

The Briggs & Riley backpack has an impressive amount of storage capability thanks to its multitude of pockets and 180-degree, lie-flat opening that allows unfettered access to every nook and cranny.

The laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve are in the same area as the main packing compartment, but they're separated by a zippered inner pocket to keep your clothes all by themselves.

There's also a so-called PowerPocket that fits an external battery pack and keeps a charging cable within easy reach — perfect for a quick boost of juice while you're on the go.

Buy from $329

Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, $525

Though Tumi makes a handful of durable bags, the Navigation Backpack excels for a wide range of travel needs. It features a separate padded laptop compartment (that can fit even the largest MacBooks), a main storage area and plenty of other smaller pockets.

It also has a zip expansion feature if you decide to grab some souvenirs during your travels.

The backpack comes in five colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your personal travel style.

Buy from $525

Rimowa Flap Backpack Large, $1,725

If you're looking to make a statement and are willing to spend some serious cash, Rimowa's travel bags are the way to go.

This luxury Italian-made large canvas Flap Backpack features a padded laptop sleeve and a large drawstring compartment to fit all of your travel essentials. It is secured by a flap-top enclosure with a magnetic buckle emblazoned with the Rimowa logo.

Buy from $1,725

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2024
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases

The Best Carry-On Luggage

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

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

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

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

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

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

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

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

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

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

Upgrade pick

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

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

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

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

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

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

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

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

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

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

What to consider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How the Platinum Elite has held up

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

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

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

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

His five-day travel kit included the following:

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

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

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

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

Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion.

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

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Louryn Strampe

Medea Giordano

Brenda Stolyar

Martin Cizmar

Julian Chokkattu

Adrienne So

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American Tourister

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

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

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

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

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

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

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

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

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

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

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Monos

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

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

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

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

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

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

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

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

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

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

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

Shop all luggage at Bric's

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

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

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

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

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

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

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

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

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

Shop all luggage at Delsey

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

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

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

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

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

What size luggage should I buy?

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

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

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

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

Caroline Morse Teel

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

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

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

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

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

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

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 15” x 10” x 23”

Weight: 6.4 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions:  9” x 16.25” x 22”

Weight: 7.7 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 13.75” x 10.25” x 21.75”

Weight: 6.7 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 23” x 14.5” x 9” 

Weight: 5.4 lbs

Best Luggage Trackers

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 21.65” x 14” x 10”

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

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

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″

Weight: 7.5 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 22.0″ X 16.0″ X 9.0″

Weight: 11.1 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 20” x 12.5” x 10”

Weight: 3.3 lbs

5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024

How We Tested These Carry-Ons

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

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

• Size and weight
• Ease of transportation
• Organizational features

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

What Size is a Carry-On Suitcase

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

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

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

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

Is There a Weight Limit for Carry-Ons?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Best Business Carry On Luggage (Efficient + Durable!)

Best luggage for frequent travelers, best softside carry on for business travel: travelpro, best underseat carry on for business travel: samsonite, most lightweight business carry on luggage: tumi, best expandable business carry on suitcase: briggs & riley, best aluminum carry on for business travel: arlo skye.

• Best Business Tote Bag for Women: Lipault

Best Rolling Garment Bag: Travel Select

Best rolling briefcase: ciao.

• Best Wheeled Backpack Carry On: Amazon

Best Carry On Garment Bag: Zegur

Keep reading below for reviews on each suitcase!

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Business Luggage

So you’re in the market for some new business travel luggage.

Maybe you’re a seasoned business professional looking to upgrade an outdated piece, or maybe you’re a recent college graduate finally starting to realize slinging your L.L. Bean backpack around the conference room isn’t really doing you any favors with the ole CEO.

Either way, picking a new business travel piece can be difficult. Functionality is paramount, but it always helps to have a sleek and modern look too.

We’ve found some of the best luggage for business travel, so keep reading to learn more!

Quickly jump to brand:

• Briggs & Riley
• Travel Select

Keep reading, or pin this article to save it for later ⇟

Best Business Carry On Luggage

Dimensions: 23″ x 15.5″ x 10″

Weight: 7.9 lbs

Travelpro is one of the best rated luggage brands because they make high quality, durable carry on suitcases – so well made in fact, that airline crews use it!

Their  Travelpro Crew is basically the civilian version of the luggage that flight crews use and in person, you can easily see why. 

The bags are made from heavy duty nylon and have extra robust corner armor with skid guards and heavy duty wheel housings. The wheels are really sturdy and easily spin in a full 360 degrees !

Inside is probably my favorite feature.

These bags are made for total packing versatility . They include a zip-in garment organizer which is perfect for storing folded shirts, so that you can arrive to your business meeting fresh off the plane, wrinkle free.

BUT you can also customize the interior, as Travelpro designed the bags to interchange with various additional organizers (sold separately). I have the suit organizer which keeps blazers, work dresses and jackets wrinkle free.

There’s also a packing cube organizer to keep smaller items and accessories neat and tidy, and a laundry organizer which is great for storing damp items – say, dirty workout clothes or a wet bathing suit.. 

I love the dark navy color – it’s sleek and discreet enough to take on business flights with the team but has stylish leather trims that keep it unique and still feminine.

Other excellent features for frequent travelers include: a removable TSA compliant toiletries bag , a built-in USB port, a dedicated exterior power bank pocket and a quick-access padded laptop pocket.

Travelpro Carry On Luggage

Sold on Zappos , Travelpro & Amazon

See all color options and read more reviews here

Best of all, Travelpro offers a lifetime guarantee on all their luggage and if for any reason you change your mind (which once you see the bags, you won’t..) there’s a 100 day free trial !

Dimensions: 16.5″ x 13.75″ x 9.0″

Weight: 7.0 lbs

When it comes to the best carry on luggage for business travel, there are few luggage brands more storied or trusted than Samsonite .

Their underseat carry on spinner proves that Samsonite is an old dog that can be taught new tricks when it comes to modern luggage for business travel!

It’s super compact and easily fits under airplane seats, so you don’t have to hope and pray there’s enough overhead bin space.

The main compartment is spacious, but still has a padded laptop compartment . Then there’s a quick-stash exterior pocket for any items you need on hand.

Like any essential carry on suitcase, the Samsonite features multi-directional spinner wheels that roll upright, making it easier to navigate tight spaces in the airport without straining your arm or back. 

Add textured wear-and-tear protective guards and a water-resistant coating, and you’ve got a hardy suitcase that can withstand any business trip from New York to California!

Samsonite Luggage

Available on Samsonite , Bloomingdales , Macys & Amazon

See all colors and read more reviews here

Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″

Weight: 6.3 lbs

Tumi makes an incredibly lightweight hardcase that’s perfect for frequent fliers.

Their hardshell carry-on is super tough and durable, thanks to layers of specially woven ballistic polycarbonate . But at the same time, the outer shell can bend and flex, so it won’t crack or break!

Inside there are two packing compartments with a hanger bracket to neatly fold up your suits. The bag has 4 lightweight spinner wheels that glide super smoothly and an integrated TSA lock.

This is one bag that’s perfect for domestic or international business trips!

Tumi International Carry On Suitcase

Available on Zappos , Tumi , Amazon

Weight: 9.3 lbs

Briggs & Riley makes some of the best business luggage.

Their rolling carry on has 4 spinner wheels that glide effortless in 360 degrees. The bag is made from durable ballistic nylon , so it can withstand rain, sun, dirt and being thrown about!

The best part of the bag is its interior.

Briggs & Riley designed this carry-on spinner with a compression expansion system that squeezes down all your stuff to increase packing capacity.

There’s also mesh garment panels inside to minimize wrinkles, which is important for suits and business clothes!

For well made, high-quality luggage, get Briggs & Riley ! It’s like the Bentley of suitcases.

Briggs & Riley Carry On Spinner

Available on Zappos , Briggs & Riley , Nordstrom , Macys , Bloomingdales & Amazon

Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 9.6″

Weight: 10.5 lbs

Looking for an aluminum frame carry on?

You’ll love this sleek and sexy option from Arlo Skye .

It’s a roomy carry on with full grain leather handles , whisper quiet wheels and an anti-microbial interior lining.

There’s a removable charger to re-charge your phone quickly, and a theft-proof zipperless frame with TSA clasps.

Aluminum does show some nicks and dings over time, but it’s easier to keep pristine as a carry-on suitcase!

Arlo Skye Carry On Suitcase

Available on Arlo Skye

Best Tote Bag for Women: Lipault

Dimensions: 11.5″ x 17.3″ x 9.8″

Weight: 2.8 lbs

Lipault makes a fantastic personal bag for business women.

Their 24 hour bag is lightweight, simple and functional. It has a long removable shoulder strap and roomy main compartment that can easily fit a couple day’s worth of clothes and a pair of shoes or two.

There’s a smart sleeve in the back to slip it over your carry on suitcase and two exterior zipped pockets for quickly accessing your must-haves.

Finally there’s a laptop compartment so you can smoothly get through TSA!

And when not in use, the soft plush-y bag folds flat for easy storage. Best of all, the nylon is extremely hard wearing and durable, and will resist dust, dirt and scratches.

Lipault 24 Hour Tote Bag

Available on Zappos +  Amazon

Dimensions: 23″ x 22″ x 7″

Look, I get it.

Securing your work laptop, Blackberry, pitchbooks, passports, and boarding passes is important, but nothing is more important than finding a great business travel luggage piece that carries your suits.

I repeat: nothing.

Fortunately, the Travel Select Amsterdam Business Rolling Garment Bag is a specialized luggage for business travel piece that has us fashionistas covered.

The Travel Select is compact, lightweight, and can either roll on inline skate wheels or be carried over-the-shoulder with a detachable strap.

Plus, for you gents out there, the Travel Select is tailor made for business suits and features two smart pockets on the front – perfect for an extra tie or pair of cuff links!

Travel Select Rolling Garment Bag

Available on Amazon

Dimensions: 15″ x 14″ x 9″

Weight: 4.0 lbs

Perfect for those brutal business trips requiring two (or more) flights in one day, the Ciao Under the Seat Carry On is, befitting its namesake, compact.

The Ciao lends itself nicely to people who pack smart, as it comfortably holds a small briefcase, laptop, tablet, several notebooks, and a change of clothes or two.

In addition, its intelligent ‘pocket design’ maximizes space and fits under an airplane seat, so the Ciao can be considered your personal item while your larger carry-on suitcase is stored in the overhead bin!

Ciao Rolling Briefcase

Sold on Amazon

Best Wheeled Business Backpack Carry On: Amazon

Dimensions : 19.3″ x 13.4″ x 9.5″

Weight: 5.1 lbs

The most effective carry on luggage for business travel tends to be the most versatile, and nowhere is business travel luggage versatility on greater display than in the Little World Wheeled Business Backpack .

On the inside, the Little World features a thick sponge-lined sleeve that can carry laptops up to 19 inches. Additionally, there are back pockets and two mesh-lined pockets to secure items separately.

On the outside, there are three exterior zipper pockets to go along with a rolling handle and shoulder straps with a sponge-padded back for support when carrying as a backpack – this piece can do it all!

Amazon Wheeled Backpack

Dimensions: 23”x 22”x 4”

Weight: 3 lbs

The ZEGUR 40” Garment Bag is simply the mother of all carry on garment bags.

Its interior can carry up to three suits (or even more dresses) and has separate interior compartments for shoes, ties, or other items.

Smartly, the ZEGUR has buckled straps that both secure your garments and ensure they come out wrinkle free on the other end (anything saving me from trying to work a hotel ironing board is saintly in my book).

And, unlike some garment bags, the ZEGUR has an exterior travel document sleeve that allows you to easily grab your travel documents without having to rummage through all your gorgeous clothes!

This is one of the best travel bags for men or women!

Zegur Carry On Garment Bag

Shop luggage for business travel.

Must Have Accessories for Carry On Luggage

Laptop case.

I always bring my laptop on work trips so I can stay productive on flights. I’ve found a laptop sleeve   is crucial to protect the outside of my laptop from scratches.

This one holds up to 15″ laptops so I think it’s pretty useful! If you prefer a laptop sleeve with a handle strap, this laptop case is essentially the same thing but more portable. It comes in 4 colors so you can jazz it up.

For mac book users, my friends swear by this laptop case , which is multi-functional enough to work for iPad pros and chrome books as well as spill proof. It comes in a wide range of sizes and colors to suit whatever device you’re trying to protect!

Packing Cubes

Once you get a packing cube set , you’ll never go back to free range luggage.

Packing cubes help maximize space inside your luggage by neatly organizing clothing and separating your dirty worn clothes from freshly laundered ones.

Amazon   carries a wide range of packing cube sets and brands

  Read More     in my travel packing checklist series:

Best Travel Luggage

The Best Carry on Luggage for 2021

The Best Packing Cubes for a Perfectly Organized Bag

The Best Lightweight Luggage for Overpackers

The Best Hard Luggage Sets  for Stylish Travelers

The Best Underseat Luggage  for Minimalists

The Best Carry On Bags for Men - Rugged + Durable!

Business Travel

The Essential Business Packing List

The Best Business Travel Luggage

The Best Laptop Cases for Working Women

The Best Laptop Bags for Men

Packing Hacks

The Best Travel Wallets for All Your Vacation Essentials

The Best Jewelry Cases Never Untangle a Necklace Again!

The Best Toiletry Bags to Clean Up Quick

Travel Packing Lists

The Best Travel Jackets for All Types of Weather

The Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Weekend Trip

The Best Travel Backpacks to Hold Everything You Need

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Business Travel

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here .

Savvy frequent flyers pay special attention to every little detail when booking flights, hotels, and rental cars; this same vigilance applies to buying gear. This can be doubly true of business travelers, mainly because their needs can be more stringent than leisure travelers.

Those who frequently go on work trips must keep their documents, laptops, smartphones, and other electronics safe at all times, so they need luggage that accommodates these needs and meets airline regulations in weight and size. And, ideally, without risking lost luggage by having to check a bag.

An excellent piece of luggage will not only be ideal for keeping your essentials organized and secure, but it’ll also give you the peace of mind you need during your travels so you can focus on the job at hand. Below you’ll find some of the best carry-on luggage for business travel on the market so you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

Monos Hybrid Carry-On

Possibly the perfect carry-on suitcase for business travelers, Monos’ Hybrid Carry-On combines the best features of polycarbonate and aluminum luggage into a single premium rolling trolley. While most of the shell is crafted from lightweight thermo-plastic, the corners and latch are reinforced with aluminum to add extra protection to potential impact points and eliminate the possibility of a zipper malfunction. The result is a piece you can covet for years, and happily so, thanks to the intelligent organization features.

Not sure if it’s the right fit for you? My detailed Monos Hybrid Carry-On review might help you decide.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On Pro

Business travel requires a professional-looking case made of premium materials, and The Carry-On Pro from Carl Friederik is exactly that – and so much more. Crafted from first-rate polycarbonate, with a secure aluminum lock frame, silent Japanese spinner wheels, and sleek leather details, it delivers the ultimate blend of style and performance.

Apart from its good looks and outstanding construction, a few other things stood out when testing the bag: the snap-shut locks are way more secure and satisfying to use than a zipper, and the hard-shell front pocket, complete with a laptop compartment, is truly a lifesaver and makes passing security a breeze.

Thanks to an ideal combination of size, aesthetics, and innovative features, this suitcase has also emerged as one of the best carry-on luggage for business travel in our tests .

Horizn Studios M5 Smart

A combination of innovation and eco-conscious design makes the Horizn Studios M5 Smart the perfect cabin suitcase for business travel. This carry-on, with its robust, partially recycled German polycarbonate shell and chic vegan nylon front pocket, not only withstands the rigors of travel but also speaks to the environmentally aware traveler. Its sleek design and lightweight structure are meticulously tailored for effortless air travel, ensuring your journey is as smooth as your arrival.

Functionality meets sustainability in the M5 Smart’s design. The one-click removable smart charger keeps your devices powered up, eliminating the hassle of searching for power outlets. The four-stage telescopic handle and TSA-approved lock, coupled with the smooth glide of the Japanese spinner wheels, provide security and ease of movement, essential for the fast-paced business traveler.

Inside, the M5 Smart reveals its true genius. The interior, crafted from the finest recycled materials, offers an ideal layout with dual zippered mesh compartments and a compression pad. This design not only maximizes space but also keeps your business attire and essentials impeccably organized and wrinkle-free. The addition of a premium laundry bag adds a thoughtful touch, enhancing the overall packing experience.

July Carry-On Pro

If you hate the struggle to free your laptop from your carry-on to pass through security, you’ll want to consider July’s Carry-On Pro seriously. Designed so that the included laptop sleeve – which has room for your passport, documents, keys, and other essentials in addition to a 16″ laptop – attaches directly to the front of the case, it’s easy to snap off quickly to place through the scanner.

Like many contemporary suitcases, this one comes with an integrated power bank. However, the Carry-On Pro has a mechanism that quickly ejects the device whenever you’d like to tote it with you separately. Combined with its premium organization features, the Carry-On Pro is a strong candidate to become your new favorite travel companion.

Béis Soft-Sided Collapsible Carry-On Roller

Perfect for corporate urbanites living in small spaces, the Soft-Sided Collapsible Carry-On Roller from Béis folds into a slim profile to store it away. When you’re ready to travel, the integrated wall panels in the interior snap right into place, ready to pack.

The easy-access front pocket can carry your laptop and essentials you need to keep at hand and includes a cord pass-through you can use with a battery bank to charge your phone on the fly. Though it’s packed with functionality, the design is far more distinguished and streamlined than your average soft-side trolly, so it’s as impressive to look at as it is to use.

Briggs & Riley International 21″ Carry-On Spinner

A lightweight, hard-shell suitcase that’s perfect for those who travel with tech, the Briggs & Riley International 21″ Spinner has a dedicated hard-shell space for your essentials aside from the main compartment. Opening the hinged front pocket reveals several organizational dividers, with room for your laptop, hard drives, cables, and even a small drone. And its double-spinner wheels are designed to keep the bag upright even when the front panel is open.

The main compartment boasts all the amenities business travelers require: built-in mesh suiting straps, cinch-down garment dividers, and midline panels to keep your belongings organized.

Samsonite Stryde 111 Carry-On Spinner

Although they’re already a legacy brand, Samsonite’s Stryde 111 Carry-On Spinner proves they’re never done innovating. While its exterior appears deceptively simple – although beautifully designed – the back has a retractable luggage pass-through, allowing it to rest on top of a check-in bag, and the handle telescopes out to reveal LEDs that ensure you’re visible, even on dark streets.

Business travelers especially will appreciate the included amenities: pocketed dividers split the bag at the midline; the matching toiletry bag and packing cube keep your essentials mobile, and dual USB charging ports power up your devices in transit.

MVST Select Space Aluminum Suitcase

MVST makes some of the coolest aluminum luggage out there , and this stunning cabin case marries retro sensibilities with updated functionality to prove it. Though it bears the ultra-secure latch closure that makes checking a bag worry-free, its TSA-approved size ensures you may never have to. Pocketed panels split the Space Aluminum Suitcase at the midline to keep your things organized, whether laying it flat to rifle through your belongings or hefting it into the overhead bin.

Tumi Oxford 16-Inch Compact Wheeled Carry-On

The Tumi Oxford 16-Inch Compact Wheeled Carry-On is a quintessential choice for business travelers seeking both luxury and practicality. Designed to snugly fit under an airplane seat, this small carry-on is ideal for short trips where efficiency and accessibility are key. Its sophisticated design features a two-way, top-zip closure and a sleek, top carry handle, complemented by a five-stage telescoping handle. The exterior boasts a front straight-zip pocket, four recessed wheels for smooth mobility, and the unique TUMI Tracer luggage tag for added security.

Internally, the Tumi Oxford is a marvel of organization. It offers two spacious main compartments, seamlessly connected by a U-zip pocket, allowing for versatile packing options. The carry-on is equipped with a dedicated, lockable laptop compartment, fitting most 14″ laptops, and includes a built-in USB cable for on-the-go charging (power bank sold separately). Additional features like two media pockets, a card pocket, and a pen pocket cater to all your tech needs, making this carry-on not just a luggage piece, but a mobile office companion.

Hook & Albert Garment Luggage Carry-On

Already featured in our men’s carry-on luggage piece, we truly believe this cabin-sized garment suitcase from Hook & Albert will make business travelers’ life a lot easier. Made of lightweight Ballistic nylon, with elegant top-grain leather details and a pair of smooth-gliding wheels, the bag is both stylish and easy to maneuver. It also comes with durable YKK zippers, a TSA-approved lock, and a front zip pocket for quick access to essentials.

Where the Garment Luggage Carry-On really stands out is in its brilliant design – a garment section designed to keep up to two suits wrinkle-free folds out into a suitcase shape, creating room for more clothes and accessories inside. Here, an adjustable compression system keeps everything neat and compact, helping you pack more into the available space.

Level 8 Pro Carry-On with Laptop Pocket 20”

With a beautiful, minimalist profile, the 20″ Pro Carry-On With Laptop Pocket from Level 8 perfectly marries functionality with design. Inside you’ll find panels and straps typical of a rolling carry-on, though it’s maximized internally by the innovative placement of the handle and wheels.

The real boon is the hard-shell front pocket: though it looks incredibly slim from the exterior, opening it reveals a finely crafted organizational dock for your laptop, phone, passport, and other small essentials. While the main compartment has a three-side zipper, the front pocket is equipped with a quick-open latch to help you breeze through security even faster.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Spinner

Dynamic, ultra-lightweight, and affordable, the Maxlite 5 Softside Spinner from Travelpro is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travel. It has several smart features for the business traveler, such as organizational dividers in its front pocket. But if you occasionally jet off on vacation, it can expand 2 inches to give you extra room to tote home souvenirs. Bonus: it’s crafted from durable polyester canvas fabric that’s been weatherproofed to repel the elements.

Halfday Garment Duffel

For business travelers who make frequent short trips, the Halfday Garment Duffel can be a game changer if you’ve struggled to keep your jackets, pants, and gowns wrinkle-free in transit. It has an ingenious design wherein the walls of the integrated garment bag zip securely around end caps to create the main compartment of the duffel, giving you room for a Dopp kit, shoes, pajamas, and more. Bonus: it fits under most airline seats, so you’ll never have to worry about your suit getting crushed in the overhead bin or your dress getting wrinkled by baggage handlers.

Bric’s Bellagio Business 21″ Carry-On Spinner

A fully functional rolling trolley for business professionals that still looks effortlessly elegant, the Bellagio Business 21″ Carry-On Spinner from Bric’s hits the mark with the well-heeled. Though it has a fracture-resistant polycarbonate shell, it’s trimmed in contrasting vegetable-tanned leather, adding a refined quality. Its hard-sided front pocket holds your laptop and other small tech, and zips closed with the same water-repellent, self-sealing zipper as the main compartment for added protection.

RIMOWA Cabin Twist

An updated version of their legacy flagship case, RIMOWA’s Cabin Twist has become a clear favorite from the already iconic line. Just like their original luggage, the shell is made from corrugated anodized aluminum. But this model has been updated for the 21st century with proprietary cushioned-axel wheels and the Flex Divider system that adjusts to your needs. The twist comes in the styling: the handles, locks, and seal are all wrapped in contrast premium leather, and it comes with a matching luggage tag.

Samsonite Spinner Underseater with USB Port

Compact, durable, and efficient, the Spinner Underseater with USB Port is the perfect choice for travelers craving comfort and convenience during their flight. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of you and is brimming with practical details that place it at the top of its category.

Its four multi-directional spinner wheels glide effortlessly across all surfaces, ensuring smooth transitions from the airport to the boardroom. The integrated USB port is a standout feature, providing convenient access to personal portable chargers (not included), keeping your devices powered up and business-ready.

Inside the Spinner Underseater, there’s an impressive level of organization. It features interior mesh pockets and dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, ensuring your tech essentials are secure and easily accessible. The bag’s exterior is just as thoughtfully designed, with a zippered pocket featuring an organizational panel for smaller items, and an additional pocket for quick access needs. The SmartSleeve on the back allows for seamless stacking on larger luggage pieces, making it an ideal companion for the savvy, tech-oriented traveler.

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Best Carry On Luggage For Business Travel

If you often travel for business, then you need a really good carry-on. Something that is durable, reliable and that can fit everything you need.

Our Top Picks

Delsey paris helium aero small carry on.

Samsonite Leverage LTE Expandable Softside

Travelpro Crew 11 16" Rolling Tote

You can go for a small suitcase – there are plenty of bags that have excellent organizational features, as well as a sleek and professional exterior. Or you can go for an under-seat tote bag, which will hold your laptop, accessories, and all your files.

Which sounds better? In fact, it’s not really important – you will find several options in each category in this detailed review of the best carry-on luggage for business travelers!

Top Product Overview

Best carry on suitcases for business.

Helium Aero is one of the best-selling collections by Delsey Paris. Their suitcases are premium but have affordable price tags. They are not exactly cheap, but definitely not as expensive as Tumi or Rimowa.

The suitcase I’m showing you here is  the small carry-on – be sure to get that size if you opt for this luggage since it is the only one that has all the features I’m talking about here.

One of the things that makes this an amazing suitcase for business travelers is the  large front compartment . That’s something you rarely get on hard side luggage, so it is really worth a shout-out. The packing space is large enough to fit your laptop and its accessories ,  and any files you would want to keep safe.

It does take away from the capacity of the packing compartments, but you can still fit enough clothes for a short business trip. Especially since  the capacity of the packing space is expandable.  The only downside to this suitcase is that it  doesn’t have a suiter section inside , so you would need to get a separate one.

The  exterior of the Helium Aero carry-on suitcase is made from polycarbonate , which is an incredibly  durable and lightweight material. This hardside spinner suitcase also features  four double wheels and a telescoping handle for easy maneuvering around the airport.

And there is  the TSA lock , which will keep most of your belongings safe. However, the front compartment cannot be locked, so not all of your belongings will be entirely safe.

• External front compartment
• TSA friendly lock
• Expandable capacity
• No suiter section
• Front compartment can’t be locked

Product Information

• Overall Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 10"
• Weight: 8 lbs
• Capacity: No information

Travelpro Luggage Crew 11 21" Carry-on

The Crew 11 carry-on suitcase is another really popular option. It is a very solid suitcase, with some amazing features. Its  exterior is made from ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating, which protects the suitcase from any scuffs, scratches, and damage.

This suitcase features  four double wheels  that roll smoothly, as well as a  multi-stage telescoping handle.  That means that the handle is height adjustable, which is a very convenient feature.

The  packing compartment is rather spacious, and it has expandable capacity . It has several pockets inside, as well as  tie-down straps that will keep your clothes in place . And it comes with a  removable suiter section, which is perfect for business.

There are also  several external compartments on this suitcase , including  one with a USB port  for charging your phone. And the Crew 11 has  two larger front compartments, which can fit your laptop, files, and any other items you want to have handy.

One downside is that the suitcase is quite big, so it might not be accepted as a carry-on every time. You should definitely check with the airline beforehand. Also, the Crew 11 does not have a lock. It does have lockable Supra zippers , but you would need to purchase a padlock separately.

In general, I think this is a really good option not just because of the quality, but also because of the design. The suitcase  looks very professional, and the leather accents add some elegance to it.

• Suiter section included
• Pretty large - might not be accepted as a carry on every time
• Overall Dimensions: 23.5” x 14.5” x 9.5”
• Weight: 7.2 lbs
• Capacity: 50.6 liters

Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX

The Winfield 3 by Samsonite is a lightweight carry-on suitcase . It is  made from pure polycarbonate, so it is going to be very durable.  The outer shell is prone to scratches and scuffs, but it has excellent impact resistance. Plus, even if you do get a nasty scratch on the Winfield 3, it’s not going to be too visible, thanks to the patterned exterior of the luggage.

The suitcase features four single-spinner wheels that roll smoothly.  It also has an  aluminum wheel handle that is height adjustable . You can lock the handle to the height that suits you best – all you need to do is push the button.

The interior of this suitcase is divided into  two packing compartments . Both are fully lined and have an expandable capacity. And both compartments feature elastic cross straps.

There is also  a floating divider inside, with two zipper pockets on it , and you can choose which compartment you want it to be in.

Unfortunately, the suitcase doesn’t come with a suiter section. It also lacks any external compartments, so it might not be the best option if you like being organized. But, it is  remarkably durable, lightweight, and pretty affordable, so it is a good option if you just want a sturdy carry-on bag.

It also  comes with a TSA-friendly lock, which ensures the safety of all your belongings. In addition to that, the Winfield 3 has  two soft and sturdy grab handles – one on the top and one on the side.

• Very durable exterior
• Not the best organizational features
• Overall Dimensions: 22.5” x 14.5” x 9.5”
• Weight: 6.97 lbs
• Capacity: Not specified

Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 20" Carry On

The Renegade suitcase by Kenneth Cole Reaction is a good affordable option. It is under $100, so it is one of the cheaper suitcases in this review. It features  an ABS shell, which has excellent scratch resistance,  but is not the best impact resistance.

This is why it is important to mention that  this suitcase has reinforced corners. They significantly increase the impact resistance of the luggage and help prolong its life. You can get the Renegade suitcase in  a variety of different colors  – great if you want to stand out a bit at the airport.

This suitcase features  four double spinner wheels and a telescopic wheel handle,  for easy maneuvering. The wheel handle is not height adjustable, and that’s one downside. Another downside to this suitcase is that it does not have a lock.

But it does have an expandable capacity . The  interior is divided into two packing compartments, both of which feature some sort of divider.  The top compartment has a full panel divider with slip and zippered pockets, and the bottom one has a detachable divider with one large zippered pocket.

The divider in the bottom compartment can’t be entirely removed, since it is sewn into the lining on one side. But it will do an excellent job at keeping all your clothes in place, and you shouldn’t remove them anyway.

The Renegade suitcase is not the most durable or high-quality luggage you can buy. But, it is excellent for organizations, small enough to be accepted as an international carry-on bag always, and it has a very attractive price tag . So, you should definitely consider it if you are on a tight budget.

• Very affordable
• Great for organization
• No lock on luggage
• Wheel handle not height adjustable
• Overall Dimensions: 22” x 17” x 10”
• Weight: 7.65 lbs

Thule Crossover 22 Inch Rolling Upright

The Thule suitcase is  a remarkably durable softside.  Its exterior is  made from nylon , which has pretty good water resistance without any additional coating. This luggage also features  crushproof SafeZone compartments  that are great for all of your smaller fragile items.

The interior of this suitcase has an expandable capacity  and it is divided into  two packing compartments , which is a bit unusual for a softshell. The  top compartment has a full panel divider with two big zippered pockets , while the  bottom compartment features tie-down straps  that keep your clothes in place. And the suitcase  comes with a suiter section , which is removable.

I am disappointed that this is  an upright suitcas e , especially considering the high price tag. However, there is an advantage to those  in-line skate wheels  – they make the suitcase shorter overall, and it’s more likely that it will be accepted as an international carry-on. But, they do mean you need to tilt the suitcase to get the wheels rolling, which is not my favorite thing.

There is also the  telescopic wheel handle,  which makes it pretty easy to wheel this bag around. And the handle is actually  on the outside of the suitcase, which is pretty great – it makes it a lot easier to repair if anything goes wrong, and it doesn’t take as much from the internal capacity of the luggage.

• Crushproof SafeZone compartments
• Very expensive
• No spinner wheels
• Quite heavy
• Overall Dimensions: 5.4” x 9.1” x 22.8”
• Weight: 10.2 lbs
• Capacity: 45 liters

The Leverage LTE soft side suitcase is another excellent option for business travel. And not just because of its sleek and professional exterior – the shell of this bag is actually made from very durable nylon with a water-resistant coating.

In addition to that, this suitcase also  features corner guards, for superb impact resistance.  And it comes with  four double spinner wheels and a retractable wheel handle , for the effortless maneuvering of your luggage.

The best thing about this suitcase is that it is currently on sale, and you can get it for under $100, which is about half its regular price. That is  amazing value for money , especially considering all of the accessories you are getting with this suitcase.

These include  a removable suiter section, as well as a WetPak – a waterproof zippered compartment designed for toiletries or wet clothes.

There is  one spacious packing compartment inside this suitcase, and it has a pocket and elastic compression straps. It also has an expandable capacity,  so you should never run out of space with this bag. But that’s not what makes it excellent for business travel – that would be the smaller compartment on the cover of the bag.

The suiter section (or your laptop) fits perfectly inside that compartment, which is covered with a full panel zippered divider. And that divider features several slip pockets and a large zippered one.

Then there are also the  two external compartments  on this Samsonite, which will fit all your other gear. If you want something affordable, professional, and highly functional, I think this is the best carry-on for you.

• Excellent organizational features
• Double spinner wheels
• No lock on suitcase
• Kind of heavy

Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinner Luggage

The Briggs & Riley Domestic carry-on is another great option. This is actually one of the few high-end suitcases I’ve shown you, so it’s not going to be for everyone’s budget. In fact, the price is pretty much the only downside to this amazing bag – if you can afford it, then there’s no need to look for anything else.

The  wheel handle is attached to the exterior of the suitcase, and it doesn’t protrude into the packing compartment at all . This is pretty amazing, and a feature that you will see on very few suitcases. The  internal packing case is entirely flat  and can fit quite a lot of items thanks to expandable capacity.

In fact, you can see both the normal and the expanded capacity in the box below. And that is due to their  patented CX compression system,  which works wonders. Here’s a video so you can see exactly how the compression system works, and just how much space you can gain with it:

The packing compartment features  a floating divider, which has several pockets on it for easy organization.  And the top cover of the suitcase is actually a fixed suiter section, with an external pocket.  You can remove one panel of the suiter section  (the one with padded roll bars), and use this compartment for your other gear.

In addition to all that, you also have  four double spinner wheels  on this suitcase. They roll smoothly and are very durable. Plus, there are two external compartments on this bag,  which are perfect for your laptop, tablet, files, folders, and anything else you would like to have easily accessible.

• Innovative and patented compression system
• Overall Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
• Weight: 9 lbs
• Capacity: 35.4 - 46.4 liters

TUMI - Tegra Lite Max Continental Expandable Carry-On

The Tegra Lite is  a high-end suitcase with some truly innovative features . It is entirely  made from Tegris   – a polypropylene thermoplastic composite material that is frequently used in sports gear and NASCAR car components.  Tumi is the only luggage brand with exclusive rights to use this material in their products.

The  durability of Tegris is remarkable,  and it helps that the suitcase also features  corner guards , for even better impact resistance. There are also the  four spinner wheels  that glide very smoothly, and the retractable wheel handle, made from aircraft-grade aluminum. 

This suitcase also features  an external compartment, which is a huge plus on the hard side. It is large enough to fit your laptop and files, and keep them all safe.

The interior of the Tumi Tegra is divided into two packing compartments with expandable capacity . The bottom compartment is equipped with mesh compression straps and a small zippered pocket.

And the  top compartment is separated with a full panel zippered divider,  which also features a pretty bug mesh pocket on it. This compartment also  has a suiter section inside.

The Tegra suitcase is really expensive, there’s no point in denying that. But, it has some seriously unique features, which are almost worth all that money. The  Tumi Tracer  is one of those –  each suitcase has a unique 20-digit code . You need to register your suitcase on their website, and in case your luggage is ever lost, it will be much easier to find.

There is also  the Omega closure system – the pullers are designed to break away from the zipper if it ever gets stuck . This means that you only need to replace the pullers, instead of replacing the entire zipper.

• Very durable shell
• External compartment
• Pretty heavy
• Overall Dimensions: 22” x 16” x 9”
• Weight: 11.06 lbs
• Capacity: 37 liters

Best Carry On Underseat Bags

If your trips are usually just a day or two long, then a rolling tote might just be the perfect option for you. The Crew 11 tote is a really good carry-on bag, which fits in overhead bins everywhere and under most seats.  It might not fit under your seat on a really small plane, but it will definitely fit in the overhead bin.

The exterior of this bag is  made from ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating , for excellent stain and abrasion resistance. And  it has corner guards , which improve the impact resistance of this bag.

It is a rolling tote, so it comes with  two wheels and a retractable wheel handle. The wheels are not a spinner and that’s just one downside – since the bag is pretty wide, you might not be able to roll it through the aisle in all airplanes. The lack of spinner wheels means you will have to pick it up and carry it in your hands.

This bag features  a luggage strap in the back , so you can mount it on a larger suitcase if you’re traveling with several pieces of luggage. Which makes it a good option for leisure travel, and not just business.

The interior of the Crew 11 tote is spacious enough to fit a change of clothes, and it features  a padded laptop sleeve.  However, it’s not going to fit all laptops – I doubt it will fit anything larger than 15” laptops, so be sure to check the actual dimensions of your laptop vs the dimensions of this bag.

The bag also has  a front compartment with an organizer panel,   which includes a padded tablet sleeve.  And is large enough to fit most folders and files, in addition to pens, chargers, phone, keys, etc.

• Durable exterior
• Excellent for organization
• Luggage strap in the back
• Will not fit 15.6” laptops
• Might not fit under seats of smaller planes
• Overall Dimensions: 15.5” x 16.5” x 8.5”
• Weight: 6.6 lbs
• Capacity: 32 liters

Kenneth Cole Chelsea Carry on 20"

Kenneth Cole Chelsea Carry on is a great option for short business trips. It has high quality spinner wheels and a retractable handle,  so it is pretty easy to move around the airport with this bag. Plus,  the wheel handle stores into a zippered compartment,  so it does not get in the way when you want to put this under your seat.

This bag has a pretty spacious interior, with handy organization pockets and garment restraints to keep your most important clothes in place. There is also a wet bag which is great for travel when things don’t get washed.

In addition to that, there are multiple pockets on the outside for phones, keys, a tablet or notebook and your passport.

The quality interior and exterior are also quite unique and will stand out from the usual suspects when you travel.

• Qualtiy Spinner wheels
• Great internal organisation
• Several front pockets for easy access
• No specific laptop access
• Style may not be for everyone
• Overall Dimensions: 22.0" x 14.0" x 9.0"-11.0"
• 2 inches expandable
• Weight: 6.35 lbs

Samsonite Business One Mobile Office

The Samsonite tote is a  very versatile bag.  It has several different compartments, which you can use however you like. Its exterior is made from 1680D Ballistic nylon , which is very durable and water-resistant.

The bag has  two polyurethane in-line skate wheels , and you need to tilt it to get them rolling. But, even though they are not spinner wheels, they do roll very smoothly. And are pretty durable. There’s also  the retractable wheel handle, which stores in its own zippered compartment.

The bag has  two very spacious compartments that you can use for clothes . One of those compartments has  elastic compression straps,  while the other one features a padded laptop sleeve.

The laptop sleeve is actually removable and TSA-friendly.  It can fit most 17” laptops, which is pretty amazing – if that’s what you were looking for, then this is probably the best bag for you.

In addition to that, the Samsonite Mobile Office also has  a compartment with an organizer panel.  There is a  slip pocket for your tablet here, as well as smaller ones for your phone, business cards, pens, etc. And since this compartment opens up accordion-style, there will be plenty of space for files and folders inside.

The only downside to this bag is that it is pretty large, and it  will not fit under all seats,  especially in smaller aircraft. But, it  will definitely fit in the overhead bins.

• Versatile bag
• Great organizational features
• TSA friendly laptop sleeve
• Wheel handle is flimsy
• Overall Dimensions: 17.5" x 14" x 9”

What To Look For

Type of bag.

The two main luggage types I’ve shown you here are under-seat totes and carry-on suitcases .  Suitcases are the better option if you don’t plan to bring a checked bag and need something that can fit all of your belongings . Most suitcases features in this review have a suiter attachment, which helps prevent any wrinkles in your suits.

But,  if you are mostly looking for a carry-on that will hold your tech, files, and maybe a change of clothes, then get an under-seat bag. They are small, lightweight, and perfect for people that go on really short business trips.

Improve Your Existing Carry On

If you need a carry-on suitcase in which you can pack your suits without them getting wrinkled, you don’t actually need to buy an entire suitcase. What you need is  a suiter organizer , and you can get that for a lot less money than an entire suitcase.

Travelpro actually has a variety of these organizers – just get one that is the right size for your existing carry-on.  Even though they are designed to be compatible with Travelpro luggage specifically, they should fit most other suitcases.

The one I’m showing you here fits in suitcases that have a packing compartment of at least 18”, so it should fit most carry-ons. Its dimensions are 1.75” x 17.5” x 14”.

Suitcases: Softshell Or Hardshell?

This is always a tough decision. I generally recommend hard-side suitcases for air travel, but that rule mostly applies to checked bags. Since we are only looking at carry-ons here, we don’t have to take into consideration if the suitcase will be thrown around.

Softside suitcases are usually better for the organization.  They have  external compartments,  which is very rare for hard shells. And they have an expandable capacity ,  a single packing compartment, and lots of pockets both inside and out. But, they are not as durable as hard sides.

Hardshell luggage is more durable than softshell.  Especially if you go for a suitcase that has a  shell made from Polycarbonate – that material bends upon impact, and it is insanely sturdy and lightweight. However, hard sides are usually not the best option for people who like traveling organized.

An external compartment is a feature you will almost never see on hard shells, and you will rarely have more than 2-3 pockets inside. Therefore, if you like having certain items handy while you travel, a hard side suitcase is probably not the best option for you. But, if you prioritize durability and sturdiness, then it’s definitely the top choice.

Price Range

Some of the suitcases I’ve shown you here are really expensive. But you are paying for premium quality and amazing features – in the long run, it will be worth it. And other suitcases I’ve shown you are pretty cheap – there is definitely something for everyone’s budget in this review.

The usual price range for carry-on suitcases is some $100-250. Whenever a suitcase is cheaper than this, I’m going to list that it is affordable in the pro box. And if it costs more than $250, I will tell you that it’s pricey in the con boxes.

If you’re really on a tight budget, then an under-seat tote might be the best option for you, since they are a lot cheaper than traditional suitcases.

Oh, and if you really want to have a wrinkle-free trip when you travel for business, you might also want to consider buying a travel steamer .

Best Carry-Ons For Business Travel: Our Top Choices

All of the bags you’ve seen in this review are rated very highly by hundreds and thousands of happy customers. But, there were a few bags that stood out, because they were just the best overall – best organization, value for money, and durability. So, let’s talk about those.

The best softshell suitcase is definitely the Samsonite Leverage LTE .  It is under $100, which is  excellent value for money. The suitcase has an expandable capacity, double spinner wheels, and multiple external compartments .

It also comes with a suiter section inside,  as well as a  waterproof ziplock bag  for your toiletries or wet clothes. And, not to mention that this suitcase  looks quite professional,  and would be perfect for business trips.

• 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
• PACKING Dimensions: 20”x 14.5” x 8”, OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 8.0", Weight: 8 lbs.

The Delsey Paris Helium Aero would have to be my favorite hardshell carry-on. It is one of the few hardside suitcases that has  an external compartment,  and I love that. It can fit your laptop, files, folders, and any items you would like to have easily accessible.

And it also has two packing compartments with expandable capacity, double spinner wheels, a telescoping wheel handle, and a TSA lock.  It doesn’t have a suiter section, but that’s something you can always buy separately.

• Large easy access front compartment with an integrated padded sleeve for up to a 15.6 inch laptop and 2 zippered mesh pockets for computer accessories, toiletries, or any last minute items such as tickets, passport or books. The overall dimensions are 21 x 14 x 10 inches
• Superior Maneuverability: The double spinner wheels assure exceptional maneuverability and keep ZERO weight on your arm.

If you want a good under-seat bag, then I recommend the Travelpro Crew 11 . It has a  spacious internal compartment that can fit enough clothes for a short trip, as well as a laptop (up to 15”) in the padded sleeve. The bag also features  an organizer panel in the front compartment, with pockets for your tablet, smartphone, business cards, and enough space for important documents.

• Carry-on size fits in most airplane overhead bins. Dimensions: H 13.00" x L 16.50" x W 8.50"
• High quality ballistic nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating features stain and abrasion resistance. Sealed, ball bearing in-line skate wheels that have been tested to the highest standards to ensure the smoothest of rolls

Those are my top three carry-ons for business travel. You can see their prices and color options on Amazon, so head over there.

And check out our related posts, for more great carry-on bags!

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Best Business Suitcases and Luggage That’s Efficient and Easy to Use

Best Suitcases , Business

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If you travel for business, you have different packing strategies than if you’re on vacation. It starts with the right suitcase. These picks for the best luggage for business travelers will keep you organized and streamlined!

Best Business Suitcase and Luggage for Frequent Flyers

Table of contents.

When traveling for business, choosing the right piece of luggage comes down to efficiency. You need space for all of your items at close reach. You need to easily navigate to, from, and through airports and hotels. Of course, you need to keep your clothing wrinkle-free for your meetings.

We’ve rounded up the best business travel luggage, that includes suitcases, bags, backpacks, and more, all with efficiency in mind. Take a look at these top picks!

Best Carry On Luggage for Business Travel

Shop: Amazon

Best Travel Luggage for Business Travel: Delsey Helium Aero 19”

The Aero business travel bag with wheels offers a large capacity with maximum comfort. The large easy access front compartment with an integrated padded sleeve fits up to a 15-inch laptop, while two zippered mesh pockets are perfect for accessories, toiletries, or any last-minute items such as tickets, a passport, or books.

Most Popular Business Traveller Luggage : Travelpro Platinum Elite 20”

Travelpro’s business travel luggage carry on is full of functionality, with USB ports to charge on the go and a padded laptop sleeve on the front that fits laptops up to 15.6”. Users love the easy maneuverability and ultra-strong hard shell to protect their items inside.

Best Luggage for Business Travel on a Budget: Coolife

This sleek business suitcase with laptop compartment from Coolife will keep you super organized. The front pocket will safely store your laptop (up to 13.3”) and has plenty of pockets for storing documents, boarding passes, and other essentials. The spacious interior allows for efficient packing, too!

Shop: Amazon | Travelpro

Best Softside Carry-On Suitcase for Business : Travelpro Maxlite 5

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 business travel luggage carry on is a major favorite with readers, and business travelers love it for its quality, lightweight, excellent packing capacity, and polished look. The many pockets and compartments make it easy to store your electronics, chargers, and other business travel necessities.

Find out why readers love the Travelpro Maxlite 5 expandable spinner suitcase so much!

Shop: Amazon | Samsonite

Best Hardside Carry On for Business Travel : Samsonite Freeform

The Freeform business suitcase with wheels has a lightweight yet durable shell and TSA locks to keep your belongings as safe as can be. A firm handle and double-spinner wheels make for a smooth and easy ride. The interior is roomy, and the compression straps will keep your business attire neatly pressed! 

Most Versatile Business Travel Luggage : Level8 Grace

There’s a place for everything in this Level8 Grace business suitcase on wheels ! This carry on is solidly built, and its anti-scratch surface will keep it looking nice. It comes equipped with a front laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.5”, while cross straps, dividers, and an overall spacious interior make for seamless packing!

Travelpro Platinum Elite 20″ Expandable Business Plus Carry On Spinner

Most Popular Luggage for Business: Travelpro Platinum Elite

Travelpro is one of the most popular luggage brands among TFG readers, and the Platinum Elite collection is by far the most recommended, specifically this classy  20” Business Plus carry on . It’s made from high-density materials that resist water, stains, and abrasions, so it’ll hold up beautifully to the wear and tear of travel. Looks aside, this suitcase features tons of interior and exterior organization, ultra-smooth and sturdy wheels, and chic leather trim.

It weighs 8.2 lbs and its dimensions are 20″ x 14″ x 9”, making it a great companion for both domestic and internal travel.

Best Under Seat Business Suitcase With Wheels

Best Wheeled Under Seat Bag for Business Travelers: Delsey Paris Chatelet

This chic Delsey overnight business travel bag will store all you need for a quick trip, including your laptop or tablet in the protective inner sleeve. Not only is the construction elegant, but it’s super durable and built to last. As a bonus, it comes with a removable pouch for accessories.

Best Business Travel Luggage for  Under Seat Bag : Samsonite

The aptly named Samsonite Mobile Office under seat bag is truly a business traveler’s dream! It features a compartment for clothing with sections to keep everything organized, a laptop compartment that fits laptops up to 15.6” as well as chargers, portfolios, or other work essentials, and an outer compartment for easy-to-reach essentials. It even has USB ports!

Here are the suitcase recommendations from top travel experts and why they love them!

Shop: Amazon | Walmart | Target

Best Two Wheel Suitcase for Business Travelers: Baggalini 

Super cute and full of function, this Baggallini smart business suitcase offers plenty of packing space and handy pockets to keep things organized. It’s made of strong, water-resistant nylon, has a laptop sleeve for 13” laptops, and has on-the-go charging capabilities, too!

Best Carry-on Luggage with Laptop Compartment

Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Tumi

Best Laptop Backpack for Business Travelers: Tumi Voyageur

We love Tumi luggage, so it’s not surprising that they also make an amazing laptop backpack that’s perfect for business travel. Spacious enough for your daily essentials, plus your laptop and a change of clothes, the Tumi Voyageur Carson laptop bag offers the perfect combination of practicality and chic. 

It’s lightweight and features a water-resistant water bottle pocket, as well as a quick-access phone pocket, making this the best carry-on business luggage when you’re on the go.

Best Laptop Tote for Business Travelers: Delsey Chatelet 

If you find backpacks too casual or prefer a handbag style, we love the Delsey Chatelet Soft Air shoulder bag . This tote is spacious enough to carry your laptop among your other essentials, thanks to the zippered exterior pocket, two interior pockets, a removable pouch for small accessories, and two padded sleeves for a laptop and tablet.

Shop: Nomad Lane

Best Overnight Business Travel Bag : Nomad Lane Bento 

The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is both stylish, practical and manages to hold a ton of stuff while being lightweight and easy to carry . It opens like a suitcase for easy packing, and inside you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve for 16” laptops.  The trolley sleeve, make its’ an ideal personal item for plane travel, too!

Is the Nomad Lane Bento Bag the Best Travel Companion? Checkout our review!

Best Luggage for Business Travel Suits and Clothing

Best Garment Suitcase for Business Travelers: Travelpro Maxlite 5

Keep your business clothes wrinkle-free with Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 garment suitcase , which is some of the best carry on luggage for business travel suits . Users say their clothes come out of this bag looking perfect every time and love the comfortable handle, smooth wheels, and durable design. The fabric is water repellant and stain resistant, so everything inside will be safe and sound!

Best Four Wheel Garment Bag: Samsonite Underseater

This Samsonite underseat suitcase makes the perfect business trip companion, with space to keep your clothes fresh and free of wrinkles, as well as a padded laptop compartment for 13.3” laptops. Not only that, but it has a USB port, large side pockets, and a front pocket with pen holders and card slots. 

Best Luggage for Business Travel Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”425″ class=”center-table-align”]

Top Business Luggage Features

When choosing the best luggage for business travel, we recommend focusing on these features:

Flexibility

When traveling for business — depending on how heavy or light of a packer you are — you may want the flexibility of a bag that can be easily wheeled around or carried by a shoulder strap. Which is your preference?

Price and Quality

Purchasing luggage under any circumstance should be considered an investment. You want something durable and well-made. Business luggage is no different. In fact, you’ll want to invest in something stylish that presents a great image while traveling.

Sleek Style

As much as we may love fun patterns or bright colors, keep business suitcases and bags in more subtle tones and minimal patterns. Grey, black, and navy are always winners that will never go out of style.

Easy Organization

When traveling for business, it’s important to be able to easily access your essentials, such as your laptop, tablet, toiletries , or documents. When choosing business travel bags, look for ones with a laptop compartment and multiple pockets so you can keep your necessities easily accessible.

Business Travel Essentials

Along with suitcases and travel bags, you’ll want a few travel essentials to help you stay organized, your electronics charged, and your business clothing wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

NEWVANGA Universal All in One Travel Adapter

International Travel Adapter

A travel adapter is essential for business travel, as you’ll likely have multiple devices to charge. If you’re looking for the best international travel adapter, the NEWVANGA International Travel Adapter is voted by readers as the best. you can use it in over 150+ countries. 

Not sure if you need a travel adapter or voltage converter? Read our guide !

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes

When you’re ready to travel with your newly purchased items, start with packing cubes; they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes , with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.

Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in this video !

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!

PurSteam 1300-Watt Steamer

Garment Steamer

While most hotels have irons, delicate fabrics are best ironed using a garment steamer. Our favorite garment steamer is this one. You can iron about one shirt per use. As a bonus, if you only steam the occasional clothing item, you can use this at home, too. It’s cheaper and more convenient than a full-size steamer!

We round up the best travel irons !

Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Wrinkle Release Spray

A wrinkle release spray is extremely convenient to carry with you to keep your clothes wrinkle-free when traveling and looking fresh. If you don’t want to fuss with an iron, keep a travel-sized version of the Downy Wrinkle Releaser in your purse or carry-on luggage for ease of use.

What do you suggest is the best luggage for business travel? Share in the comments below?

For more information on packing for business travel, please read:

• Best Hardside Suitcases
• Best Softside Suitcases 
• Best Laptop Bags for Women Travelers On the Go
• Best Under Seat Luggage and How to Pack with Minimal Space

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Having choices is always important. With TFG’s guidance, we selected Away hard shell luggage for our international travel. Thanks Alex and team for all the recommendations.

I love my Tumi backpack!

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13 best carry-on luggage pieces 2024 - we tested them all.

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

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

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

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

Best Overall: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

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

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

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

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

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

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

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

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

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

Price:  $315 or less

Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds; 8.85 pounds with closet insert Packing capacity: 4-7 days |  Color options:  Red, purple, navy or 6 others, plus precious metals options Hard- or soft-sided:  Hard-sided   | Warranty: Lifetime

Sturdy and attractive, this suitcase is set apart from the rest by its patented and removable shelving system. This unique design feature makes packing easier, keeps items in place and removes the need for unpacking at your destination. Rather than a zippered clamshell design, the Solgaard Carry-on Closet has two latches that open with just the squeeze of two levers together; it secures with a TSA-approved lock.

The waterproof polycarbonate exterior has an aluminum frame and corner guards so this suitcase can withstand all the rigors of travel. There's also an ergonomic handle and frictionless wheels, which make it easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. What's more, this sustainable suitcase helps to repurpose 6 pounds of plastics that may have ended up in the ocean.

What our editors say:

This carry-on suitcase has it all! From the power bank (sold separately) to the super sturdy and comfortable handle to the removable closet feature – not to mention the attractive yet functional appearance – this suitcase packs a punch. I really like how easy it is to pull on a variety of surfaces, including carpet and brick. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

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

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

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

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

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

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

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

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

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

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

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

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

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

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

Price: $245 or less

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

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

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

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

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

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

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

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Price: $80 or less

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

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

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

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

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

Price: $699 or less

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price: $165 or less

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

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

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

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

Price: $83 or less

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

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

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

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

Price: $565 or less

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

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

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

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

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

Price: $270 or less

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

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

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

Price: $200 or less

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

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

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

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

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

Also Recommended

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How We Tested

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024

Watch out, wobbly handles. back off, boring colors. these compact carry-ons are making their way to an overhead compartment near you..

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Lojel’s Cubo Small carry-on offers a rare top-loading opening for a hard-shell suitcase.

Courtesy of Lojel

Where in-line fixed wheels and rickety handles were once the standard, sleek and sturdy luggage options have rolled in to steal the show when it comes to the best bags for short trips . These rolling carry-ons—and backpacks and duffels for the wheel-averse—are compact and colorful but spacious enough to pack what you need for a few days of adventure.

Before you purchase a new carry-on, you’ll want to consider the kind of traveler you are and the features you’ll want in your next piece of luggage: Do you prefer hard shell or soft shell luggage ? Two wheels or four? Or are you heading to a city or going somewhere off the grid where wheeling a suitcase along dirt paths will be a hassle? If you’re traveling for work, will you need a bag with a laptop compartment? Most importantly: Will it fit into the overhead bin on an airplane? ( Carry-on size restrictions vary from airline to airline, but most domestic carriers allow bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches to be placed in overhead bins.)

With all the bells and whistles, though, one question remains: Which one is actually right for you? We reviewed 13 of our favorite carry-on bags to make your decision easier.

In 2023, Away gave its hard-shell luggage a full redesign based on customer feedback over the years.

Courtesy of Away

The Bigger Carry-On by Away

Best overall

• Buy now: from $295, awaytravel.com
• Style: Hard-shell spinner luggage
• Capacity: 47.9 liters
• Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches
• Weight: 7.4 lbs.

The 7.4-pound Bigger Carry-On by Away recently underwent a full redesign in 2023, based on customer feedback over the years. At its core, the new Away suitcase is still recognizable with its hard polycarbonate shell that is separated into two larger clamshell compartments that offer a whopping 47.9 liters of space. It includes TSA-approved locks, a hidden laundry bag, and an interior mesh compression system that packs down bulky items. But it also now comes with an underside grab handle that makes it easier to pull and lift from overhead bins or baggage carousels. Away also redesigned the trolley handles on its suitcases to be more comfortable and stable.

Plus, this bag has one of the most value-minded prices of all the luggage on the list. Despite its reasonable price, the bag looks really sleek and has Hinomoto wheels—arguably the highest quality wheels in the luggage industry and made with ball bearings to ensure an ultra-smooth ride. Plus, Away’s limited lifetime warranty covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, and more. The polycarbonate exterior is available in a number of matte- and gloss-finished colors, including clay pink, black, orange, and several shades of green.

>> Read the honest review: Is the Away Bigger Carry-On Worth the Hype?

Worried about the corners of your suitcase getting crushed? July makes its carry-ons with aluminum bumpers.

Courtesy of July

Carry On by July

• Buy now: $295, july.com
• Capacity: 42 liters
• Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches

Essentially Australia’s version of Away, July started selling its bags online in the United States in 2021. Made with a crush-proof German polycarbonate shell, the standard July Carry On offers lots of space for your belongings (42 liters) while only weighing 7.4 pounds and still meeting domestic carrier size requirements. Available in nearly a dozen matte colors from a sleek forest green to a trendy pink clay hue, these bags are made with a multilevel telescoping handle for people of various heights, proprietary SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, and aluminum bumpers to prevent the corners from being crushed.

The bags also include an ejectable USB-C battery, integrated TSA locks, a hidden laundry bag, and a Y-strap compression system to help pack it all in. Want to personalize your bag? For an extra $50 you can add your name or initials in a variety of fonts and alphabets. July luggage is backed by a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defaults and includes a 100-day trial in case you change your mind for whatever reason.

The Rimowa Original Cabin carry-on comes in silver, seen here, plus black and subtle champagne gold called Titanium.

Courtesy of Rimowa

Original Cabin carry-on by Rimowa

Best aluminum carry-on luggage

• Buy now: $1,430, rimowa.com
• Style: Aluminum zipperless luggage
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
• Weight: 9.5 lbs.

German heritage brand Rimowa is known for its aluminum-shell luggage that is built to withstand wear and tear but also bend, depending on its environment. The 9.5-pound, 35-liter Original Cabin carry-on is only separated into two clamshell sections on the inside, but what it lacks in interior compartmentalization, it makes up for in exterior flash and durability. Its sturdy handle slides up and down with ease and adjusts perfectly to travelers of all heights, and its zipperless construction and TSA-compliant locks mean you can worry less about people breaking into it.

But the wheels are its best feature: Rimowa’s proprietary Multiwheel system is made with ball-bearing-mounted wheels with cushioned axles. To the layperson, that means they offer the smoothest roll of any suitcase we’ve ever used—and not just on airport linoleum. They’ve also glided across bumpy pavement, rough carpeting, and even dirt roads. Plus, all new Rimowa suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022, now come with a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee that covers all functional aspects of the suitcase.

>> Read the honest review: Is Rimowa Aluminum Luggage Actually Worth the Price?

Instead of carrying your laptop’s weight on your shoulders, pop it into the exterior pocket on this stylish Monos suitcase.

Courtesy of Monos

Carry-On Pro Plus by Monos

Best carry-on with laptop pocket

• Buy now: from $284 (was $315–$345), monos.com
• Capacity: 46 liters
• Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 8.38 lbs.

The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is the bag that finally convinced Michelle Baran, Afar’s senior travel news editor, to hang up her Team Checked Luggage hat and finally join Team Carry-On. “What I love about this super lightweight spinner is that it features an exterior pocket that fits a 15-inch laptop,” Baran said. It comes in eight standard colors, as well as a few limited-edition ones including the highly recommended Terrazzo pattern that looks just like the beloved tile of the same name. Major added bonus: Monos is an eco-conscious company that uses vegan materials and recyclable and reusable packaging, plus 1 percent of revenues go to nonprofits dedicated to “preserving and restoring the natural world.”

Aer’s first rolling luggage comes with brakes built into its wheels.

Courtesy of Aer

Carry-On by Aer

Best wheeled carry-on with brakes

• Buy now: $319, aersf.com
• Capacity: 48 liters
• Dimensions: 22.7 x 15 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 8.4 lbs.

Founded in San Francisco in 2014, Aer built its brand on making simple travel backpacks made from durable Cordura ballistic nylon. These sleek, minimalistic bags come with pockets for all the essentials (passport, laptop, etc.) and can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase. In 2024, it launched its first wheeled suitcase made with the same dedication to ultra-durable materials and smart design. Available in five colors, the 48-liter Aer Carry-On has an integrated pocket inside for an AirTag , a trolley handle with four height settings, Cordura recycled ripstop interiors, and most importantly—a Hinomoto wheel brake system to prevent the suitcase from rolling away.

Worried about getting gate checked? This Samsara carry-on comes with a designated exterior socket for an Apple AirTag.

Courtesy of Samsara

Grand Carry-On by Samsara

Best smart carry-on suitcase

• Buy now: $440, samsaraluggage.com
• Style: Hard-shell zipperless luggage
• Capacity: 43.5 liters
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 15 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 10.8 lbs.

Samsara luggage has all the features you’d expect from a premium suitcase—smooth 360° spinning wheels, a telescopic handle, TSA-compliant combination locks—and some that might surprise you like the clever built-in compartment for securing an Apple AirTag (not included). This zipperless luggage also features a flat top that doubles as a work space and a compression system to help keep your clothes in place. It comes in black, yellow, or white.

This hybrid carry-on is also made with a combination of polycarbonate and recycled (and recyclable) aviation-grade aluminum for extra durability. And if there are problems, Samsara backs up its products with a five-year warranty on the body and a one-year warranty on parts (including the handle, wheels, and locks).

You don’t need to battle with zippers to open Arlo Skye’s Frame Carry-On.

Courtesy of Arlo Skye

The Frame Carry-On by Arlo Skye

Best hybrid carry-on luggage

• Buy now: $428 (was $475), arloskye.com
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Weight: 8.1 lbs.

At 8.1 pounds, Arlo Skye’s Frame Carry-On is a bit bulkier than most hard-shell suitcases, but its hybrid polycarbonate shell is reinforced with an aluminum frame, making the bulk more bearable. The zipperless, 40-liter bag latches with two TSA-approved combination locks and is decked out with a compact charging station, portable charger, charging cable and adapter, two shoe bags, and a laundry bag. It rolls nicely and features an antimicrobial lining infused with natural silver fibers to prevent germ growth and odor-causing bacteria. Structurally, the bag looks a bit industrial, but the sleek color combinations—black, navy, and champagne with silver accents—ensure you’ll be rolling around the airport in style.

This soft-sided suitcase comes in classic black, as well as pink, purple, blue, and green.

Courtesy of Travelpro

Maxlite 5 22” Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard by Travelpro

Best soft-side carry-on luggage

• Buy now: $136 (was $170), travelpro.com
• Style: Soft-side two-wheel luggage
• Capacity: 52 liters
• Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches (23 x 14.5 x 11 inches expanded)
• Weight: 5.4 lbs.

There’s a reason Travelpro is a go-to brand for flight attendants. Its durable black nylon suitcases are virtually indestructible, have a timeless appeal, and are a fan-favorite of two-wheeled and soft-side luggage devotees . The ultra-lightweight (only 5.4 pounds!) Maxlite 5 carry-on suitcase is sized to meet most domestic airline carry-on size restrictions. In addition to one extra roomy interior compartment, this soft-shell bag also has two exterior front pockets for easy access stashing. When you need some wiggle room, the suitcase can also expand up to two extra inches to maximize its packing potential. (Thankfully, Travelpro tapered the design of this expansion zipper so that the bag’s center stays low in order to prevent toppling that some two-wheelers are prone to.) If anything does happen to your Travelpro suitcase, it’s backed by the company’s limited warranty that covers things like broken zippers, wheels, handles, and more.

Lojel’s Cubo Small offers a rare top-loading opening for a hard-shell carry-on.

Cubo Small by Lojel

Best top-loading hard-shell carry-on

• Buy now: $330, us.lojel.com
• Capacity: 37 liters (42 liters expanded)
• Dimensions: 20.9 x 14 x 9.8 inches (20.9 x 14 x 11 inches expanded)
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.

Typically, hard-shell suitcases feature a (somewhat divisive) clamshell style of packing. The best feature of this carry-on from Lojel is that it has a top-loading opening for those who prefer that. Its other features make it a solid choice, too. Made with durable polycarbonate from 50 percent recycled materials, the Cubo Small also has 360° spinning wheels, the ability to expand two inches if needed, TSA-approved locks, and a front compartment where you can easily access items like laptops and wallets. It comes in nine colors: burgundy, rose, off-white, mustard, navy blue, warm gray, black, stone blue, and cactus. Each suitcase has a 10-year warranty .

The new Delsey Turenne carry-on comes with business-trip ready features like a laptop pocket and an AirTag holder.

Courtesy of Delsey Paris

The Turenne 2.0 Carry-On by Delsey Paris

Best business carry-on

• Buy now: $330, delsey.com
• Capacity: 37 liters
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 7.2 lbs.

This French luggage brand has been finding new ways to upgrade luggage for travelers since 1946. Made with a 100 percent polycarbonate hard shell, the Turenne 2.0 Carry-On is an upgrade of the brand’s hit Turenne Carry-On with even more tech-friendly features. Like the original Turenne, each suitcase includes a USB port (power bank not included), integrated TSA locks, and antibacterial laundry and shoe bags. This redesigned model also offers an interior AirTag holder (device not included), an easy-access front pocket for your electronic devices, and a removable lining that can be washed in-between trips.

The carry-ons are available in four matte colors: navy blue, light blue, red, and black. These scratch-resistant bags are durable enough to withstand being dropped without any marks. They are also made with Delsey Paris’s Securitech zippers , which are three times more resistant to intrusion than a standard zip, according to the brand.

The real draw of this bag is its shock-absorbent 360-degree spinner wheels that make traveling across different surfaces totally seamless. Gravel, carpet, tile, or anything in-between, this bag will keep your belongings moving with ease. This model of Delsey Paris luggage is backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

The Timbuk2 Wingman backpack has dual laptop pockets, a large main space for clothing, and a separate zippered compartment for shoes at its bottom.

Courtesy of Timbuk2

Wingman Travel Backpack Duffel by Timbuk2

Best carry-on backpack

• Buy now: $179, timbuk2.com
• Style: Backpack
• Capacity: 38.3 liters
• Dimensions: 22 x 12.6 x 7.87 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs.

The Timbuk2 Wingman is a versatile piece that can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag, or duffel, thanks to hideaway compartments that conceal straps and keep your bag looking sleek and professional. Its main compartment has a wide zippered opening that goes around three sides of the bag. The bottom cargo pocket is great for keeping shoes or wet objects separate from your clothes. As for keeping the rest of your travel essentials (passport, laptop, cords, water bottles, and such) organized and at the ready, there are four smaller pockets located around the sides and top of the bag. Only available in black, the bag is made from a mix of durable Cordura canvas and rubberized nylon, making it easy to wipe off and clean after each trip.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffels are lightweight but fit a ton of stuff.

Courtesy of Patagonia

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 40L

Best carry-on duffel bag

• Buy now: $159, patagonia.com
• Style: Duffel bag
• Dimensions: 19.7 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches
• Weight: 2.3 lbs.

Patagonia’s Black Hole duffels are hugely popular among outdoor enthusiasts—and for good reason. The ecofriendly brand’s durable and lightweight duffels are made with 100 percent recycled polyester fabric, lining, and webbing that is also water repellent. Available in four different sizes, the small 40L bag is the only one sized to fit in an overhead compartment though you might be able to get away with the larger 55L bag on domestic airlines.

The large main compartment comes with a full-length zippered opening that lets you access all your belongings at once. The large mesh pocket on the lid’s interior helps organize small items such as toiletry bottles, charging chords, or socks, while a zippered exterior side pocket lets you stash items quickly on the go. Padded backpack straps keep your shoulders from getting too sore and can be removed if you prefer to carry it with the traditional duffel straps. When you’re home, the entire bag can stuff into its own pocket for easy storage.

If you struggle to stay organized, this carry-on’s shelves are helpful.

Courtesy of Royce & Rocket

The Castle Carry-on Expandable by Royce & Rocket

Best carry-on with shelves

• Buy now: $430, royceandrocket.com
• Capacity: 37.85 liters (46.25 liters expanded)
• Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches (21 x 14 x 11 expanded)
• Weight: 8.5 lbs.

Featuring two fold-down shelves (which lay flat when not in use to ensure you’re not losing valuable space), the Castle Carry-on is excellent for those who struggle with staying organized—they’re perfect for arranging packing cubes and toiletry bags on once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Both the carry-on and the check-in-size Classic Bag are designed to be highly efficient and functional—beyond the dual shelves, they include a compression system and a slew of pockets (our favorite being the hidden pocket for additional privacy). It also has a TSA-approved lock, the ability to expand up to two inches, and Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° Wheels. It comes in black, burgundy, and silver; customers can choose a tobacco or pink interior color.

From a sustainability standpoint, all of Royce & Rocket’s products have packing that is 100 percent recyclable. The suitcases also have a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects related to the wheels, zippers, handles, compression straps, shelves, and cracks in the polycarbonate shell, so it’ll be a suitcase you’ll have for a while.

Bailey Berg, Michelle Baran, and Cat Sposato contributed additional reporting to this story. This article originally appeared online in 2019; it was updated most recently on June 18, 2024, to include current information.

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Top 10 Work Travel Suitcases for the Modern Professional

Uncover the ultimate work travel suitcases that blend functionality and style, making your business trips more organized and enjoyable.

In the fast-paced world of business travel, having the best work travel suitcase can make all the difference. A reliable and stylish suitcase is essential for keeping your belongings organized, protected, and easily accessible throughout your journey. In this article, we will explore the top work travel suitcases that combine practicality and elegance, ensuring that you make a lasting impression on your business trips.

From durable materials and smart compartments to sleek designs and advanced security features, the ideal work travel suitcase should cater to the unique demands of today's professionals. Whether you're a seasoned business traveler or just embarking on your first work trip, our top picks will help you find the perfect luggage to complement your style and meet your needs. So, let's dive into the world of work travel suitcases and discover which one is the best fit for you.

Comparison Table

TUMI Voyageur Cleary Weekender Duffel Bag - For Work, Weekend,

TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com.  TLR Rank  has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites.  Learn more

• Roomy Duffel: Has many features that make organization easy, including a bottom zip pocket for shoes
• Voyageur Collection: Purposeful, practical design that doesn't compromise on style    more

Vera Bradley Women's Softside Rolling Work Bag, Abstract Blocks, One

• Brand Vera Bradley
• STYLISH; LIGHTWEIGHT & SIZED RIGHT -- The Rolling Work Bag measures 14 inches high; 18 inches wide; & 9 inches deep - the perfect combination of business & pleasure to take you from the commute to the office to drinks downtown
• MAKE EVERY DAY EASY -- The main compartment features 1 mesh zip pocket, 2 compression straps, a padded laptop compartment, & 2 elastic mesh pockets - plenty of room for files, paperwork, laptop & charger    more

Briggs & Riley @ Work Rolling Briefcase, Black, Large

• Brand Briggs & Riley
• Lifetime Guarantee: We're the only luggage company that offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If your bag is ever broken or damaged, we'll repair it free of charge, no proof of purchase needed, no questions asked
• Large Spinner Brief: This swivel wheeled brief features multiple compartments for files, tech support, business needs, laptop peripherals, and even a change of clothing. Fits most laptops up to 17"    more

Steve Madden Designer 15 Inch Carry on Suitcase- Small Weekender

• Brand Steve Madden
• ✈️ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED; Limited 5 year manufacturer warranty plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage for any manufacturer defect or replace the defective baggage carry on; CASE DIMENSIONS : 15 X 9 X 14 inch; BAG WEIGHT 5 lbs
• ✈️ AIRPLANE FRIENDLY MULTI-PURPOSE DESIGN: The perfect carry-on bag for airline travel and small enough to be your underseat personal item on major airlines; The lightweight construction of this rolling bag makes airport travel a breeze. Your ideal overnight weekend boarding bag for business or personal travel    more

TUMI - Alpha 3 Deluxe 4 Wheeled Laptop Case Briefcase

• Add-A-Bag Sleeve: Effortlessly carry items at the same time with one hand
• Integrated USB Power Port: Power when you need it. Built-in USB port to keep you connected on the go. Power bank sold separately.    more

Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Business Laptop Briefcase, Fits up to

• Brand Travelpro
• Case Dimensions: 12x 16x 6; Overall Dimensions: 13x16x8.25; Weight: 3.1 lbs
• Padded laptop (up to 15.6") and tablet sleeves protect electronics. Rfid-blocking pocket keeps credit cards and passports protected against loss and identity theft. Organizational pockets store power cords, powerbanks and other essentials for daily use.    more

Vera Bradley womens Softside Underseat Rolling Work Bag Luggage, Black,

• MOBILE WITH MULTIPLE BAGS -- Either grab the easy access quick stash handle or fasten over luggage with the trolley sleeve – either way you can keep your most important items securely protected so you can focus on conquering the day
• PACK IN STYLE -- Made from a durable & water repellent fabrication, these bags are perfect for business or leisure travel with soft sides that allow some flexibility in packing – with TSA lock included for enhanced security    more

Travelpro Platinum Elite Slim Business Laptop Briefcase, Fits up to

• Genuine leather carry handles provide comfortable handholds and ultimate durability. High-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating resists stains and abrasions.
• Unobtrusive rear strap fits around the extension handle of a Rollaboard or spinner suitcase for secure stacking and hands-free mobility. Backed by our built for a lifetime limited worry free warranty that covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for the life of the bag after registration under the trusted companion promise.    more

Steve Madden Luggage Set 4 Piece- Softside Expandable Lightweight Suitcase

• ✈️ DELICATE DESIGN; The stylish unique style, noble and elegant design, catering to the new trend of fashion. No matter travelling on the weekends or go abroad, you will be the distinctive one. Suitcase lining made of high quality and safe polyester fabric; PERFECT GIFTS; Beloved, friends, parents, daughter, girlfriend, Christmas, saint valentine, birthday, anniversary, mother's day, new year, Thanksgiving etc
• ✈️ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED; Limited 5 year manufacturer warranty plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage for any manufacturer defect or replace the defective bag    more

• ✈️ Steve Madden UNDERSEAT CARRY-ON is constructed of a fashionable and durable material that will withstand the rigors of travel. Fully lined interior and multiple interior and exterior packing compartments make this an ideal bag for a variety of your travel needs. Whether a quick getaway or an extended trip, the under seat carry-on fits your needs    more

Last update on 2023-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What features should I look for in the best work travel suitcase?

When searching for the best work travel suitcase , consider features such as organizational compartments, laptop and tablet sleeves, durable materials, TSA-approved locks, and wheels with smooth maneuverability.

Other desirable characteristics include lightweight construction, expandable design, and professional appearance. Ultimately, the best suitcase will depend on your personal preferences and travel needs.

Are hardshell or softshell suitcases better for work travel?

The choice between hardshell and softshell suitcases for work travel comes down to your priorities. Hardshell cases generally offer better protection for your belongings, are more resistant to water, and can handle rough handling during transit.

However, softshell cases tend to be more lightweight, expandable, and often have exterior pockets for easier access to essential items. Both types can be suitable for work travel, so weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which is best for you.

How can I ensure the security of my belongings in a work travel suitcase?

To ensure the security of your belongings in a work travel suitcase, consider choosing a model with built-in TSA-approved locks or purchasing an external lock. This allows TSA agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock.

Additionally, avoid packing valuables in easily accessible exterior pockets, and consider using luggage tags with concealed contact information to minimize the risk of theft.

What is the ideal size for a work travel suitcase?

The ideal size for a work travel suitcase depends on the duration of your trip and your packing habits. For short trips, a carry-on size suitcase (22" x 14" x 9") should suffice.

However, for extended business trips, you might need a larger checked suitcase. Remember to consider airline size and weight restrictions, as well as your ability to maneuver the suitcase through crowded airports and urban environments.

Are there any suitcase brands known for making the best work travel luggage?

Several reputable brands are known for making high-quality work travel luggage, including Samsonite, Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Travelpro. These brands offer various suitcase styles and features to cater to different preferences and budgets.

To find the best work travel suitcase for you, research and compare products from these brands based on your specific needs.

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Chariot regal, palm tree 2-pc carry-on set.

The World Traveler Palm Tree 2-Piece Carry-On Luggage Set combines practicality with tropical flair, making it an ideal choice for stylish travelers. With its eye-catching palm tree design and convenient carry-on size, it's the perfect companion for your journeys.

Regal 2-Pc Carry-On Set

The World Traveler Chariot Regal 2-Piece Carry-On Luggage Set blends sophistication with functionality, offering a stylish travel solution. Featuring a regal design and practical carry-on dimensions, this set is crafted for those who seek both elegance and convenience on their journeys.

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We Tested the 7 Best Underseat Luggage Picks for Convenient Travel in 2024

Posted: May 20, 2024 | Last updated: May 20, 2024

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry On Rolling Underseat Bag Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3776 Scale Weight V1

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Best overall underseat luggage

Travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on rolling underseat bag.

• High quality for the price
• Lots of organizational pockets
• Stain-resistant and water-repellant coating
• Lifetime warranty
• Available in multiple colors
• Clunky straps aren't ideal at busy security lines

Colors: Slate green, black, ensign blue, orchid, champagne | Material: Polyester fabric with DuraGuard coating | Weight: 5.7 pounds | Dimensions: 17 by 13 by 10 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 42 inches

Frequent fliers consistently choose Travelpro as a dependable luggage brand. This soft-sided compact carry-on meets all the criteria for the best underseat luggage. For starters, inline skate wheels and a telescopic handle make it easy to maneuver around the airport. We love all the convenient interior and exterior storage options, including a padded laptop sleeve and removable wet pocket.

We tested the Travelpro Maxlite and found that it fits conveniently under the seat of most major airlines including American, Spirit, Frontier, Southwest and JetBlue. With some effort, our testers packed a weekend's worth of accessories and clothing into the suitcase. The underseat luggage is equipped with specially-designed compartments and quick-access pockets with dividers and Velcro closures. One value-added feature is the snap-in toiletry bag that is beneficial for a weekend trip. Additionally, the front inside pocket has a keychain hook and the back has a slot for the included luggage tag.

As far as maneuverability, the telescopic handle is sturdy once locked in place and features a curved handle that rests at a nice height. The two ball-bearing wheels are high-quality and roll well when tested over different floor types, cords and sharp turns. Although we weren't particularly impressed with the clunky Velcro straps, we felt the zippers and wheels were durable and the two legs that hold the luggage upright were a nice touch.

Available in five colors, this underseat bag also coordinates with other luggage in the Maxlite line and includes a 100-day trial and a lifetime warranty for a lifetime of travel. Did you know that pilots only travel with soft-sided luggage , too?

Travelers Club Smart Under Seat Carry On Luggage Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3809

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Best value underseat luggage

Travelers club smart underseat carry-on luggage.

• Features an exterior USB port
• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Has lots of pockets
• Power bank and USB cord sold separately

Colors: Purple, navy blue, black | Material: Polyester fabric | Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 by 14.38 by 10.25 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.125 inches

If you're flying a budget airline, including Frontier or Spirit, and want to get away without paying for a carry-on or checked bag, invest in this incredibly frugal smart suitcase instead. This budget-friendly underseater is a favorite with Amazon reviewers, boasting a built-in USB charging port for keeping gadgets powered on the go. It also has a telescopic handle, smooth inline skate wheels, multiple exterior pockets for easy access to accessories and ample interior storage space.

A weekend's worth of clothing easily fits inside this bag. We found even more space for our separate toiletry bag with room in the external pockets. The best part of this bag is the elastic-topped open pouch below the USB port that holds the power bank. However, we also liked how well this luggage rolled around with only two wheels. It felt so lightweight that we had to double-check that it was packed. And even without adjustable height options, the push-button telescopic handle made it pleasant to lug this bag around.

Coming in as the least expensive option on our best underseat luggage list, this smart carry-on fits comfortably under the seat of American, Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue. It might be a stretch to fit it under the seat of a Southwest flight, so we recommend checking the airline's website for specific size requirements. Beware before flying, though, not all carry-ons are free . It's available in different colors and only weighs 5 pounds, so it won't weigh you down as you rush to your terminal.

The 7 Best Underseat Luggage Of 2024, According To Travel Experts Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3806

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Best underseat luggage for business travel

Hartmann herringbone deluxe underseater.

• Timeless herringbone design
• 100% durable polyester fabric
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Four dual-spinner wheels
• 10-year warranty
• Suitcase gets rigid once full
• On the pricier side

Colors: Black herringbone, terracotta herringbone | Material: Polyester | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 by 14.5 by 9.25 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 41.5 inches

Business travelers or other frequent fliers should invest in durable, multifunctional pieces of underseat luggage with all the bells and whistles. That's why the Herringbone Deluxe Underseater by Hartmann is our pick for the best underseat luggage for business travel or international travel .

Constructed of durable polyester fabric, this underseat bag withstands dirt and sits on ball-bearing dual-spinner wheels for convenient and comfortable rolling. Alongside the Calpak, this was our favorite set of wheels. It performed swimmingly during our makeshift obstacle course and maneuvered well around tight corners.

Sleek pull handles made of lightweight yet strong virgin aluminum allow for a comfortable grip and two variable heights on the telescopic handle. The exterior features a USB port, TSA padlock and a SmartSleeve for sliding over an upright suitcase. As for interior features, it includes a padded laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, multiple pockets for organization and a monogrammed lining. Don't forget to pack a travel pillow while you're at it!

In our testing, we concluded that you could certainly stuff this suitcase to the brim but wouldn't be able to utilize the front pocket. However, the overall design was high quality with a signature herringbone pattern for a timeless look. This underseat luggage is on the pricier side, but it includes a 10-year warranty, two color options, a list of noteworthy features and fits under the seat of American, Spirit and Frontier Airlines.

Vera Bradley Underseat Rolling Work Bag Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3802

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Best underseat luggage with storage

Vera bradley underseat rolling work bag.

• Features tons of pockets and storage compartments
• Includes a USB port and mounting lock
• Fabric compatible with other luggage collections
• Trolley sleeve
• Only 2 non-swivel wheels
• USB battery pack sold separately

Colors: Black, botanical paisley, enchanted mandala blue | Material: Polyester | Weight: 6.15 pounds | Dimensions: 16 by 13.25 by 11 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 41.5 inches

Looking for luggage with smart features that's sure to stand out? This Vera Bradley work bag is a top pick because it fits underneath the seat in front of you on most flights, features a handy USB port and is available in two stylish prints. Quick-stash exterior pockets and compartments offer easy access and room for all your travel essentials , so you won't misplace your passport at the last second. The main compartment also features a laptop sleeve and two elastic mesh pockets.

During our testing, we found the biggest benefit of this underseater was its storage ability. It was one of the roomiest suitcases we tested, making packing a breeze. We could readily fit clothing and then some in this highly expandable underseat luggage. Avoid packing mistakes by opening it from the side and unfolding it completely for easy packing. The included lock and USB port are a plus and the trolley sleeve adds convenience.

Furthermore, it performed well on U-turns with its purse-like top straps and low-profile handle. Unfortunately, the rolling work bag only comes with two non-spinning wheels and only one locking height on the telescopic handle.

If you're in the market for a fun bag with a signature look and room to fit enough clothing and accessories for personal travel like a weekend getaway, then this is the pick for you. It fits under the seat of American, Spirit, Frontier, Southwest and JetBlue Airlines and includes a five-year warranty.

Kenneth Cole Chelsea Carry On Chevron Quilted Underseater Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3825

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Most stylish underseat luggage

Kenneth cole chelsea carry-on chevron quilted underseater.

• Chic chevron quilted exterior
• Durable polyester twill material
• Multi-directional four-wheel spinners
• Coordinates with other luggage in collection
• Concerns about the longevity of the straps
• Not the most maneuverable

Colors: Black | Material: Polyester twill | Weight: 5.05 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 by 12.75 by 10 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 42 inches

If you're ready to travel in style , look no further than the Chelsea underseater from Kenneth Cole. This attractive carry-on has a chevron quilted exterior made of durable polyester twill with gold-plated zippers. Smart compartments include inside slip pockets, a laptop sleeve and dual exterior side pockets for shoes, water bottles and quick-access toiletries. Everything we packed readily fit inside this suitcase. The front zipper opens all the way for easy access, and the trolley sleeve in the back allows for convenient hands-free carrying. We also love the high-quality gold zippers, trim and beautiful tear-resistant lining.

Additionally, the telescopic handle has two adjustable height options with a fully extended height that we think the tallest travelers will love. Plus, the four 360-degree spinner wheels add to the bag's mobility but aren't as maneuverable as other four-wheel options on this list. We have concerns about the longevity of the pleather material of the purse-like straps and feel they might be susceptible to rips over time. However, the straps were still comfortable to hoist during our testing.

Pair this best underseat luggage with other bags in the Chelsea collection like a tote, backpack, 20-inch carry-on or larger suitcase set. According to its specs, the Chelsea underseater will comfortably fit under the seat of American, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines.

Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry On Luggage Rda Luggage Ef 022124 0250 Carpet V1

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Best hardshell underseat luggage

Calpak ambeur mini carry-on luggage.

• Durable hardshell exterior with a luxurious sheen
• Includes interior divider and various pockets
• Available in four colors and part of a larger collection
• Equipped with 360-degree spinner wheels
• Might be too large to fit under the seat of most airlines
• Hardsided nature contributes to more dings and dents

Colors: Rose gold, black, silver, gold and limited-edition copper | Material: Polycarbonate exterior and polyester interior | Weight: 5.95 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 by 14.25 by 8.5 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.375 inches

Powers' pick for the best underseat luggage is Calpak's Ambeur Mini Carry-On . "It has a durable hard shell exterior to protect items," she explains. "It has 360-degree spinner wheels, making it super easy to roll, has cushioned top and side handles and has an interior divider with multiple pockets for easier packing. Its sophisticated design and smaller size for shorter trips is a winning combination." A carry-on like this will help you pack lighter and smarter for the next trip!

The Calpak ranked well in our testing, from packing to price. First, it arrived with a branded, protective drawstring bag. Secondly, the high-quality zippers click into adjacent locks and pop out when the locks are released. Additionally, a TSA-approved padlock and interior straps that keep the suitcase at an upright 90-degree angle make packing and traveling a whole lot easier.

Since this is a hardshell suitcase, it does not offer any exterior pockets. However, the durable exterior has a luxurious sheen and an incredibly attractive low-profile design. Our testers also loved the sturdy telescopic handles with two locking positions to adjust the height and the corner protectors around the four double wheels that roll like a dream.

Packing the top portion of this suitcase is a little tricky as it doesn't lay perfectly flat nor is it big enough for a MacBook Pro. We think the hardshell nature might not make this the best option for underseat storage as it would be difficult to access contents mid-flight and technically measures too big to stow under a seat on most major airlines. Nonetheless, it is well-designed with a two-year warranty and solid construction. Part of Calpak's Ambeur collection, you can still coordinate this piece with other luggage options like a vanity case.

What to look for when buying underseat luggage

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Best splurge underseat luggage

Briggs & riley baseline cabin spinner.

• Made of durable, ballistic nylon material
• Has lots of interior and exterior pockets
• Interlocking handle system for secure stacking
• Premium leather top-carry handle

Colors: Black, navy, olive | Material: Ballistic nylon | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 by 15.5 by 8.75 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.5 inches

A suitcase is considered an investment piece that should stand the test of time. That's exactly what you'll get when you splurge on this Briggs & Riley Baseline Cabin Spinner . Constructed of durable ballistic nylon fabric, this best underseat luggage withstands wear and tear, moisture, dirt and abrasions and sits on 360-degree shock-absorbing spinner wheels. It features a lifetime warranty where the brand will repair a broken or damaged bag free of charge, no questions asked.

This bag arrived in excellent condition with an attached hideaway luggage tag. Its ultra-compact design made it a bit difficult for us to pack everything inside without rolling the clothing or rearranging some items to create more space. Nonetheless, the bag does offer a front padded slip pocket, easily accessible side pockets and multiple roomy pockets on the inside. Although this bag doesn't technically fit within airline specifications for underseat luggage, we recommend using Briggs & Riley's airline carry-on guide for confirmation.

But our favorite feature was the smartly designed and incredibly strong interlocking handle system. Outfitted with a trolley strap on the back, this luggage stacks on top of other Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcases effortlessly. Elastic bands counterbalance the load to keep everything upright meaning your luggage is less likely to topple over while you run to your gate. It even worked when we stacked it on top of the Calpak mini carry-on.

The telescopic handle adjusts to a variety of heights and the four swivel wheels provide optimal turn radius. Another feature we loved during testing was the leather magnetic handle. This premium addition feels good to the touch and adds a luxurious feel that snaps and Velcro can't achieve. The self-repairing YKK zippers are on a thick, durable track that complements the bag's utilitarian design. However, you can add a free leather monogrammed nameplate to the cabin spinner for personalization.

When searching for the best underseat luggage, consider how often and how far you fly. If you stack up frequent flyer miles easily, then look for luggage that's durable enough to accompany you on your constant travel adventures. You might also want a hardshell suitcase or one with a stain-resistant exterior fabric to withstand wear and tear. A business traveler might prefer underseat luggage with many compartments and easy laptop access.

On the other hand, if you tend to only travel a couple of times a year for weekend getaways, then you can probably buy luggage that's more form than function. No matter the type of travel, we recommend underseat luggage that will, first and foremost, fit under the seat of the airline you fly. Otherwise, you'll have to utilize it as an overhead carry-on.

Furthermore, it's good to get luggage with ample storage to accommodate your length of stay, easy maneuverability to get from the security line to the boarding gate and telescopic handles for added comfort. TSA-approved padlocks and charging ports aren't necessary but are bonus features that we love.

Why you should trust us

Our editors aren't just product testers—they're flyers, cruisers and road trippers, too! And when we hear about the latest trends and innovations in luggage, we want to make sure the best travel products live up to the hype. We’ve put the top luggage brands to the test, including Monos, Beis, Away , Roam and Briggs and Riley, and regularly consult with industry experts for their expert opinions.

We’ve ranked the best carry-ons, weekenders, luggage sets and affordable suitcases , and also regularly try out travel accessories like neck pillows, toiletry bags, packing cubes and luggage racks. Whenever we find something we love, we make sure to tell you about it! Our Product Testing Team ordered, unboxed and experienced these luggage options for themselves. Of the 10 brands the team tested, only seven made the list. 

How we found the best underseat luggage to fuel your wanderlust

Before you cash in those miles and jet set to that tropical vacation hideaway, we want to make sure you have the top pick when it comes to the best underseat luggage. Our Product Testing Team tested 10 luggage brands in our studio from high-end retailers to everyday brands. With in-depth research and a rubric that tested size, durability, maneuverability, capacity and functionality, we narrowed that list from 10 to seven.

Our testers considered how well each underseat luggage best fit the designated size specifications on the top airlines. Additionally, our team rated the luggage on packaging and delivery, functionality and features, the comfort and ergonomic design of the handles, appearance and style and overall value. Each piece of luggage was rated and ranked out of a total score of 25. With thorough testing and recognition of notable differences, we’re confident in these seven best underseat luggage picks.

What is the best size for underseat luggage?

Here are the guidelines for underseat luggage on major airlines. Just keep in mind that size requirements may vary by the type of aircraft and some airlines have different size limits for carry-on bags versus underseat luggage.

• Alaska Airlines : Alaska's carry-on size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including the wheels and handles. It also defines a personal item as, "a purse, briefcase or laptop bag ."
• American Airlines: Bags stored underneath the seat in front of you should not exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches.
• Delta: Delta defines a personal item as, "a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you," and their maximum carry-on size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, with no bag exceeding 45 linear inches combined. (Did you know Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines ?)
• Hawaiian Airlines: Carry-on bags should not exceed 9 by 14 by 22 inches or 45 linear inches, or weigh over 25 pounds. "The allotted personal item must be small enough to fit safely under the seat in front of you. Personal items are generally such things as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack or similar piece. In each case, it must fit safely under the seat in front of you," they explain.
• JetBlue: Carry-on bags should not exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but underseat personal items can't be bigger than 17 by 13 by 8 inches.
• United Airlines: United limits underseat luggage to 9 by 10 by 17 inches.
• Southwest Airlines: Personal items must fit in the 16.25- by 13.5- by 8-inch space underneath the seat in front of you.
• Spirit Airlines: Spirit allows personal items up to 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including handles and wheels.

Can you have overhead and underseat luggage?

"Typically, you can have overhead and underseat luggage," says Bodge. However, it depends on the size of the bag, the restrictions of the specific airline you are flying and whether you can have both overhead and underseat luggage. In many cases, a carry-on bag is overhead luggage and an underseat bag is a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

How heavy can underseat luggage or bag be?

Weight restrictions for carry-on luggage vary. Some airlines, including American and Delta, don't even have any for domestic and even most international travel. However, some budget airlines, including Frontier, require carry-ons to weigh 35 pounds or less.

Does underseat luggage count as a personal item?

"An underseat bag is considered to be a personal item," says Bodge. However, it will ultimately depend on the carrier and size of the bags.

• Amber Rose Powers , a travel advisor at Fora , a travel agency
• Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae

Additional reporting by Leah Groth .

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

Let these help you go the distance in style.

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

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

Away The Large Flex

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

Material: Polycarbonate

Colors: 11 options

Weight: 12.25 lbs

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

Solgaard Check-In Closet Original

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

Colors: 9 options

Weight: 12.3lbs

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

Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag Duffle Big

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

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

Material: Phthalate-free PVC fabric

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

Weight: 3.5 lbs

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

Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set

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

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

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

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

Beis The Large Check-In Roller in Honey

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

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

Colors: 13 options

Weight: 11.84 lbs

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

Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner

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

Material: Nylon

Colors: Titanium Grey, Patriot Blue, Jet Black

Weight: 8 lbs

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

July Trunk Luggage Set

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

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

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

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

Monos For the Frequent Flyer

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

Material: Polycarbonate, nylon

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

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

Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinners

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

Colors: Olive, Navy, Plum, Black

Weight: 13.6 pounds

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

Halfday Travel The Garment Duffel 45L

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

Material: Polyester

Weight: 2.3 pounds

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

Rimowa Essential Cabin Plus

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

Weight: 7.5 pounds

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

Carl Friedrik The Luggage Set

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

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

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

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

Steamline Luggage The Entrepreneur Check-In Spinner

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

Material: Vegan leather

Colors: Navy, Red, Black, Pink

Weight: 11 pounds

Tumi International Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On

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

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

Weight: 11.1 pounds

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

Meet the Experts

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

Why Trust ELLE?

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

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14 Best Laptop Bags of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Protect your laptop in one of these chic bags.

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

Best Overall Laptop Tote

Calpak luka expandable laptop tote.

Best Value Laptop Bag

Nubily laptop messenger bag.

Best Versatile Laptop Bag

Dagne dover signature tote.

The Luka tote impressed GH analysts immediately. We love that it's available in a range of shades from bright hues to classic neutrals so all of our testers were able to find a look they loved . This bag has convenient zippered pockets on the top and side so you can easily access your phone, keys or wallet on the go, and you can even unzip the bottom of the bag to make it up to 4 inches larger for storing more accessories, like chargers, notepads or jackets.

In Lab tests, the laptop sleeve was suitable for devices anywhere between 13 to 17 inches. Our pros also love the bag's lightweight design and soft material, which makes it convenient to carry around whether you're traveling or commuting to the office. Plus, there's a luggage sleeve so you can slip it onto your carry-on for even easier transportation.

Laptop size: 15"

This sleek and simple laptop bag can be carried as a messenger bag or tote making it particularly versatile. It features a padded, built-in laptop sleeve as well as separate compartments and pockets to keep all your essentials organized. It’s also lightweight, weighing only 1.9 pounds. We love that this pick is available in 10 different colors and it's affordable enough to grab in multiple colors to match your whole wardrobe.

With over 11,000 reviews on Amazon, shoppers love that it’s sturdy — but not bulky — and fits everything they need. It also has a top zipper closure and a water-resistant outer fabric for extra protection.

Laptop size: 15.6"

Perfect for work, travel, running errands and more, we can't get enough of this super versatile laptop bag that fits everything you need all while looking both chic and professional . Our analysts loves that it features rounded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying, as well as a zippered top, small storage compartment and a hook for your keys. Bonus: There's a water bottle holder inside so you stay hydrated!

In Lab tests we were able to fit a 13" laptop inside easily, though larger laptops still fit inside the bag (just not inside the dedicated sleeve). And although we wish it was available in more than three colors, the bag's professional, timeless design more than makes up for it.

Laptop size: 13"

Baggallini Essential Laptop Tote

For under $100, you can wear this simple laptop tote as a crossbody or shoulder bag depending on what's more comfortable for you. But what we love most is that it comes with tons of organizational features, including credit card holders, zippered compartments and a laptop sleeve that's suitable for larger devices (though in Lab tests we noted that the Velcro wasn’t fully secure with 17” computers). It also has two easy grab pockets on the front, one zippered and one opened, as well as a luggage sleeve on the back that can be zippered shut as a pocket.

Made of synthetic materials, the bag is easy to wipe clean when needed, and unlike other laptop bags, it comes with two water bottle holders on the sides. It's both functional and practical, weighing in at just over one pound, and the perfect bag to bring along on hectic days.

Laptop size: Not listed (up to 17" according to tests)

EaseGave Multi-Pocket Work Tote

Finally! A stylish laptop bag that doesn't cost a fortune. This popular pick on Amazon has adjustable straps and comes in four colors (including black and a pretty soft pink), and it fits laptops up to 15.6 inches in its padded laptop sleeve. We love the chic stitching and buckle details.

One GH Textiles Lab analyst used this laptop bag throughout college. She says the structured, professional look makes it perfect for interviews, and over 1,500 Amazon reviewers agree that it's worth the buy. Just note that it's a bit heavy at 2.56 pounds, so this pick might feel heavy for some, especially once you add a laptop.

Calpak Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack

If you'd rather carry everything on your back but hate the traditional look of backpacks, then try this fashionable laptop bag made of faux leather. Not only is it one of Calpak’s most popular styles, but it's a favorite among GH Lab analysts.

The laptop sleeve is located in a totally separate compartment in the back, so you don't have to worry about anything scratching it when you're digging for other items. It also has a trolley sleeve so you can secure it on the handle of your suitcase for easy traveling. In testing, we loved its appearance and appreciated the roomy interior that holds an impressive amount without looking like a traditional travel backpack. Note that the backpack straps aren't padded, so it's not ideal to wear it for long periods of time.

Cuyana System Tote

Known as a sustainable fashion brand , Cuyana is popular for its versatile totes, designed to be classic and long-lasting . The System Tote uses Italian leather and features a "timeless design" that our testers loved.

For ultimate organization, you can pair this bag with the brand's tote organizational system or sleek laptop sleeve , but note that these items cost extra. One tester shared, "I love the functional design of this bag! It always surprises me how protected my laptop feels once I place it in Cuyana's laptop sleeve, which actually snaps into the bag for a secure fit." While it is on the pricier side compared to other totes, its classic design and elegant colors ensure that it will never go out of style. But if you do have some extra wiggle room in your budget, our pros also love the brand's Double Loop Satchel bag, which features a built-in laptop sleeve and elevated design.

Laptop size: 13" or 16" options

Beis The Work Tote

Beis Travel is popular for offering smart solutions with trendy designs, and multiple GH staffers swear by this tote for work thanks to its stylish appearance and functional design. One said they "especially love the zipped top and metal feet on the bottom" that protect the bottom of the bag from touching the floor. This pick maintains its shape even when empty and has a luggage sleeve to fit nicely on top of a suitcase.

Testers loved its "classy and sleek" design and said, "The design of this tote works really well," and it's "surprisingly lightweight for such a spacious bag." Note that testers did find the straps quite thin, making it less comfortable to carry heavy loads.

Laptop size: 13" ( larger option is available for 16" laptops)

Lo & Sons O.G. 2

It's a challenge to keep your laptop safe while traveling, so we love that this pick from Lo & Sons has a built-in padded laptop sleeve to keep your tech secure when on the go. It's nearly the size of a weekender bag, so this pick has a roomy interior to fit everything you need when jetting off on a work trip or vacation.

One Textiles Analyst swears that this is the ultimate overnight bag. It features a separate shoe compartment, convenient zippered pockets and a sleek nylon exterior that's easy to keep clean. "I especially love the built-in water bottle holder and luggage sleeve to fit on top of my suitcase," she says.

Laptop size: 13" in medium and large sizes

Quince Classic Italian Leather Tote

For a 100% leather bag, this tote is a total steal at just $100. The Quince laptop bag features a laptop sleeve, open compartments and zippered pockets. The top of the bag doesn't zip closed, but testers appreciated its structured shape.

"I like the look of the tote bag and how easy it is to pack: roomy in the center with a separate section for my laptop," says one tester. "Also, the roomy pockets inside are convenient and make sorting and separating contents easy so they are easier to find." Although this bag stands up on its own, testers wish the bottom had little feet to keep the base from touching the floor.

Laptop size : 13"

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

A backpack is often a more comfortable option than a tote, especially if you tend to carry a heavy load because it balances the weight on two shoulders instead of one. There are many laptop backpacks out there but we find this one extra comfortable thanks to the padded straps and smooth neoprene fabric. We love that this Dagne Dover bag is available in a range of colors . When we tested this at home, the straps felt soft and squishy, unlike some other backpack straps that can feel stiff or rough, making it feel luxurious to tote around.

It also has a laptop sleeve and an interior organization pocket. It comes with a pouch that can be attached to a leash to hold smaller items like lip balm or keys as well as a dust bag to keep shoes separate. One thing to note: GH Executive Director, Lexie Sachs , found her Dagne Dover neoprene bag tends to pill but she says she’s also very rough with her bags. Pro tip: To easily remove pills you can use a fabric shaver .

Laptop size: 13" (Medium), 16" (Large)

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

This roomy tote bag from Longchamp has been a favorite among students for years, thanks to its simple design that holds everything they need while looking stylish. Its classic look makes it versatile with many online reviewers saying they have used this bag through college and beyond.

"I LOVE how spacious this bag is and how many items I can fit in the bag without it feeling bulky or overfilled," says one GH Analyst. "I can comfortably fit my laptop, toiletries bag, lunch Tupperware and so much more in this bag daily." She notes that the bag easily packs up when not in use for simple storage. The only thing she wishes is that the bag offered more organizational features like pockets or compartments. "I cannot boast enough about this bag, and absolutely will be using it for many years to come and convincing all of my friends to get one for themselves!"

Leatherology Aleena Soft Zippered Tote

When traveling on public transit or storing your bag in an overhead compartment, a zippered closure top is a must to keep your belongings safe. Leatherology is a favorite brand among GH staffers for creating high-quality pieces with a range of customization options like hand painting and debossing, which cost extra. This pick is available in seven shades of supple, full-grain leather with a non-structured shape . Although there is no specific laptop compartment, we appreciate that this bag is over 20" wide to accommodate larger computers.

Laptop size: 16"

Madewell The Transport Tote

With many of us working from coffee shops and coworking spaces, a laptop bag no longer needs to be professional enough for office wear. The Transport Tote line from Madewell has a more casual, lived-in look while still using durable leather materials. This tote was a tester favorite for being ideal to use whether heading to work, running errands or traveling. Madewell also offers this bag in different sizes and materials too.

One tester said, "I have other leather totes that are more saggy and flexible, but I like how this one kept its shape. It really has been so versatile for me — I've used it for work, with my kids and going to events, and it always fits everything I've needed." Some GH staffers have even noted that their Transport Totes have stayed in great shape even after years of use.

How we test laptop bags for women

Lab analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested hundreds of bags, from all types of luggage to backpacks for college students to tote bags and more. When we test laptop bags, we first evaluate them in our Textiles Lab, rating how well they fit a laptop, the number of pockets present and if there's a padded laptop sleeve included or built-in. Next, we ask testers to try out laptop bags during their everyday routines, commuting to the office, traveling and more. These picks are based on a recent test where we evaluated more than 20 styles as well as expertise from previous backpack and luggage testing.

Senior Textiles Lab Analyst, Emma Seymour , loading samples into an abrasion tester to evaluate fabric durability.

Amanda Constantine , Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, evaluates a backpack's shape, organizational components and laptop compartment to score the bag's overall design features.

What to look for when shopping for the best laptop bags:

✔️ Pockets: To conveniently grab items on the go, look for bags with a sufficient amount of pockets. We like styles that have a mix of open compartments and zippered pockets to keep items accessible and safe.

✔️ Laptop size: Before buying a laptop bag, consider the size of your laptop. Most bags will list what size computers they can accommodate, but if it's not listed, look at the bag's dimensions to ensure a good fit. While many laptop bags have a built-in or included laptop sleeve, not all do, so you may need to purchase a laptop sleeve separately in some cases.

✔️ Materials: Leather, faux leather and nylon are popular materials for laptop bags. While leather is more durable, faux leather is a more affordable option. Synthetic materials like nylon are easier to clean compared to leather styles.

✔️ Straps and handles: Tote bags feature shorter shoulder straps, but some also have a longer crossbody strap. If you plan to carry a heavier load, a padded crossbody strap can make it more comfortable to wear.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where has been testing all types of bags, luggage and backpacks for over four years. She recently tested nearly 20 different tote bags for this story. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality assessment expertise.

This story was most recently updated by GH Institute writer and analyst, Olivia Lipski , who covers everything from tech to travel, home, fitness and more. She frequently collaborates with the Textiles Lab and updated the picks above based on the Lab's most recent evaluations and feedback.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Summer Travel: Shop Away, Samsonite, Monos and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag can help make summer travel as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your summer travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming July 4th weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry-on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your summer trip .

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $140

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $127

With Coupon

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024

Béis travel tote.

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Samsonite Detour Travel Backpack

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $112

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

This sleek tote is made of Italian leather and comes in a bunch of color options. You can choose from three sizes and whether to include a top zipper.

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

lululemon Go Getter Bag 2.0

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

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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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Parent item expand the sub menu, designers pay tribute to ‘master’ dries van noten at his farewell show, street style at paris fashion week men’s, sacai men’s spring and women’s resort 2025: rebel, rebel, the 12 best designer tote bags that carry it all.

Including lightweight canvas and luxurious leather handbags.

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Updated June 18, 2024: This article on the best designer tote bags was updated with fresh product picks for summer and top editor’s choice recommendations, along with tote bag outfit inspiration and trend insights for 2024.

Call them the white T-shirt of accessories — the best designer tote bags are a practical piece of arm candy that you can rely on for everyday function and polish. A winning selection can play as a chic work bag , a durable beach bag , an overnight bag , or a stellar carry-on for jet-setting in one fell swoop, making for a versatile closet staple that’s well worth the investment.

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Tiffany Hsu , Vice President of Womenswear & Kidswear  Fashion  Buying at Mytheresa, recommends focusing your selection on all-occasion versatility to get the best use of your splurge. “Investing in a luxury fashion item with function is important so that it can transition to other aspects of your life,” she adds, noting that a well-worthy tote should seamlessly serve from work days to the weekends.

Designer tote bags that front “quiet luxury” simplicity and whisper the utmost quality are seamless to weave into your wardrobe, while trending silhouettes like East-West bags and oversized styles double-down on the tote bag’s core function with stylish appeal. You can pair your tote with oversized tailored pants and a simple tee as Jennifer Lopez often does for a stylish shopping trip, or take cues from Kaia Gerber and tote along a luxe leather carryall from a workout class to brunch.

Scroll on to see our guide to the best designer tote bags for work, weekend escapes, and more, from durable luxury leather styles to lightweight woven raffia options. Plus, fashion experts share the top designer tote bag trends for 2024, along with helpful tips of what to consider when buying a designer tote.

Top Designer Tote Bags of 2024

• Editor’s Choice : Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
• Editor’s Choice : Altuzarra Large Watermill East-West Straw Tote
• Editor’s Choice : Chanel Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote

• Béis The The East to West Tote

Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag

Tory burch mesh tote, naghedi st. barths large tote, cuyana classic easy tote bag, coach rogue bag, freja lafayette tote, khaite the medium lotus tote.

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Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Designer Tote Bags of 2024

• Longchamp Le Pliage Tote : This durable nylon tote bag has become a gold standard among the wealth designer tote bags. Affordably priced and exceptionally versatile, this practically bottomless tote is lightweight and sturdy, with a stain-resistant construction you can rely on while traveling or commuting on the train to work. Plus, it comes in a rainbow of colorway options that lean into prominent color trends or seamlessly suit your own aesthetic.
• Altuzzara Large Watermill East-West Straw Tote: In the market for a straw tote you can wear beyond the beach? This on-trend East-West tote from Altuzzara fronts the classic style with modern appeal, from black leather caging to luxe braided straps. Refined and minimal, this designer tote bag looks chic in the summer, especially when teamed with a flowing summer dress or linen outfit set.
• Chanel Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote: An all-occasion tote bag is worth investing in, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a style that’s quite as luxe and versatile as this stunner from Chanel. Its timeless design dons modern trends like chain straps and plush leather quilting (of which have come back around thanks to Chanel’s heritage influence) and features special details like shoulder pad straps and interior organization. Wear it for an errand run or to a fancy dinner date — this precious piece will carry you through it all.

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

If you’re searching for an everyday bag that covers every base from work, travel, and day-to-day hauling, you’ll want choose a classic and durable style that can withstand regular wear and tear, like the cult-favorite Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. Its durable nylon construction, lightweight feel, and timeless appeal is versatile and functional — and it holds more weight than you’d think. It comes in a slew of on-trend colorways, from burgundy to gray-blue and this fresh green, and rings it at an affordable price point that won’t break the bank (or eat into your vacay budget). What testers say: I love this classic so much I’ve gotten six of them over the last few years! Don’t let the thin nylon fabric fool you, these bags are sturdy. Ideal for carry on travel! I knew I was on to something when I counted the number of Longchamp bags on a trip to London in first class, and even more at baggage claim some years ago. I can’t go anywhere in NYC subways, streets, or gym without spotting one or more of the large totes. Some things are universal and this tote is definitely one of the best!” Price upon publication of this article: $145

Altuzarra Large Watermill East/West Straw Tote

What’s summer without a straw bag? Whether you wear it as a beach bag or daytime tote bag to add textural intrigue to your summer outfit , the Altuzarra Large Watermill East/West Straw Tote is chic and sturdy for the long haul. Tightly woven with natural straw and bound by leather caging and straps, it features a wide, open top that allows you to see all its contents in one glance, and secures with a minimal tie closure. It’s large enough to fit a laptop, spare sweater , Stanley Quencher , and then some, with two sturdy braided top handles that add a polishing touch and fit comfortably over the shoulder. Price upon publication of this article: $495

Chanel Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote

A designer tote bag that can do it all is a worthy investment, so you might as well take the plunge on a classic from Chanel that you’ll cherish for decades. The Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote is as luxurious as they come, featuring timeless quilted caviar leather and polished chain-link shoulder straps that come cushioned with shoulder pads for carrying comfort. Lined with satin, its interior splits into two large sections that are large enough for a laptop and spare sandals , and is separated by a central zip pocket for storing more precious goods like your wallet or passport. High-fashion meets high-function with this collector’s piece. Price upon publication of this article: $3,060

The Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote grants you beautiful bang for your buck. Its exceptional quality makes it a great value for under $800, with supple, lightweight Italian leather to its flexible carryall silhouette. Its buttery finish plays as a minimalist mainstay in the celebrity street style of city slickers like Julianne Moore and Katie Holmes, while remaining just as functional as it is stylish. Consider this a modern Mary Poppins tote: It can fit everything from a work day’s worth of essentials, to workout gear, and flight must-haves like a pillow and blanket. Plus, it comes with an interior pouch for smaller goods like your signature lipstick or a phone charger. Editor testing and review notes : “This leather tote bag has a super minimalist design that lets the high-quality craftsmanship shine through — the construction is gorgeous and although understated, reads luxurious. It has a relaxed silhouette that slouches just a bit when it’s on my shoulder, giving a chic lived-in, heirloom look to it. It’s so spacious that in a pinch, I’ve used this as an overnight bag. ” Price upon publication of this article: $795

Béis The East to West Tote

Great for a getaway or the daily haul, the Béis East to West Tote shines for its versatility and organization. The durable bestseller features all the fixings: One large compartment to fit a laptop, several interior and exterior pockets for small items, spill-resistant lining, and a secure zip closure. It also has a trolley pass-through slot for travel, as well as a convenient key leash and slot for your water bottle. You can wear it three ways as a top handle bag, crossbody bag , or shoulder bag , thanks to its removable and adjustable shoulder strap. What testers say : “I love this bag! It’s very big and holds a lot of stuff when traveling. It’s also great as a toddler mom who has a lot of items to carry — I love the three different carrying options. Fits perfectly even when packed full under the seat in the airplane. 100% would recommend. It’s also obviously adorable..” Price upon publication of this article: $108

Large-and-in-charge red totes have been all over the runway, and this cult-favorite iteration from Marc Jacobs happens to come in a bold cherry red for summer. The traditional leather style is spacious and structured for work or travel, with a removable and adjustable crossbody strap and a zipper closure that opens to one main compartment with a separate zippered back. If you have yet to jump on this bags hype — which amounts to over 50 million views and searches on TikTok — consider this your cue. What testers say: “Love this bag! It is cute and easy to carry. Love the shine, and it goes from every day to out to dinner in a blink! Fashionable and versatility make this bag a win.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $425

In the hotter months, mesh makes for an excellent tote bag material because it’s durable, lightweight, and incredibly easy to clean — especially as a beach tote when sand inevitably creeps its way in. This minimalist tote from Tory Burch comes right off the runway and is available in prominent colors trends for 2024, like pale yellow and rich green hues. It serves as a compact, featherweight carrier with refined touches like leather trimmed-tulle to hold a healthy haul. What testers say : “This bag immediately caught my eye due to the extremely sleek silhouette and minimalistic branding details. Not only is the quality amazing but it is so chic!!! I have worn this every day since I have received and is the perfect beach or pool bag. The tote comfortably fits my book, cosmetics, sunglasses, wallet, etc. This is definitely a product I will use for years and just purchased another to gift my roommate for her birthday. A must buy!!!” Price upon publication of this article: $248

The Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote turns the trendy woven, basket bag design on its head with handwoven construction of strong and sturdy neoprene. It forwards the same relaxed attitude for summer as you’d find in a straw tote but is far more forgivable, with stain and spill resistant fabrication, a lightweight feel, and stretchy top handles that fit snug upon the shoulder. Its large and open design spreads wide from the top, allowing you to quickly fish out your goods, while a removable crossbody strap gives you the option of hauling it hands-free. Editor testing and review notes:  “I’m always amazed by how much this tote bag can carry — I’ll fill it to the brim with heavy items like a full water bottle, an extra pair of shoes, and my overstuffed makeup bag when I’m traveling. The strap stretches slightly when the bag is full; this makes it easy to slip on the shoulder and also creates a bouncy, buoyant feeling that makes what you’re carrying feel lighter than it would in a standard canvas tote.” Price upon publication of this article: $340

Cuyana’s leather goods have captured the hearts of minimalist dressers worldwide. Not only are its designs crafted from the finest Italian leather that wears well over time and gets better with age, but they’re also timeless, allowing you to wear them over and over again without hesitation. This minimalist-friendly design is sleek and classic. It has a double handle for easy carrying and a spacious interior to store all of your essentials for work or the weekend — it can house all your tech, making it a top laptop bag . The bag is offered in five core colors ranging from black to grey and four seasonal hues like butter yellow and burnt orange, so there’s an array of options to suit anyone’s taste. What testers say : “This is my fourth Easy Tote! I love it so much. I get different colors for the seasons. I like this tote because it wears really well and always looks great. It holds a ton and its minimalist design compliments anything.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $268

Among Freja’s bestselling tote selection is the large Lafayette East-to-West style tote. Its softly structured silhouette spans wide for fitting large items (including 16-inch laptops), with a sturdy base for secure storage and pinched top handles that comfortably rest atop the shoulders. It also comes chock-full with thoughtful details, like four roomy pockets, a key leash, and soft vegan microsuede lining. Its chic design aptly doubles as a purse you can wear out on the town — take your pick from five rich and versatile neutral colorways in luxe vegan leather that flash shiny gold hardware. Price upon publication of this article: $309

Coach has been trailblazing sustainable leather bag construction over the past several seasons, and the Rogue tote is a shining example of the brand’s eco-conscious, fashionable designs. Made of regenerative pebble leather that’s durable enough for decades-worth of wear, it features accordion-style compartments inside that’ll have any organization lover jumping for joy. One large zip compartment comes flanked by two expandable side wells, containing credit card slots and small magnetic snap pockets to hold items like your headphones and keys. The transitional crossbody bag also dons a zip top closure that keeps everything secure, while it stands safe and stable upon four protective metal feet. What testers say : “The Rogue bags are my favorite. All of sizes too. The three compartments are perfect for keeping your items organized, the handles plus the straps make it a breeze to carry, and there’s a size for all occasions. It’s a gorgeous style of bag.” Price upon publication of this article: $850

Khaite’s scarf-inspired Lotus Tote has swiftly become a modern classic in fashion circles. “The textured, buttery suede on this bag makes for the lushest, everyday tote,” says Hsu. Its sculptural silhouette and expandable capabilities make this a stellar choice for those looking to stray from the ordinary tote bag, without skimping on essential function. It leans into this season’s boho-chic resurgence with this warm Caramel Suede colorway that omits fringe for more clean lines, with a structured round base and a bonus pouch for storing small items. “[It’s a] chic alternative to everyday black that can elevate any outfit,” adds Hsu. Price upon publication of this article: $1,980

Designer Tote Bag Trends for 2024

For summer 2024, “micro mini bags are being traded in for more practical oversized styles,” says Noelle Sciacca , Senior Fashion Lead at The Real Real. “They need large tote bags that can carry their day-to-day necessities.” Fashion-forward brands have taken note of the shifting landscape and are now offering bags that rethink proportions for a more elevated and practical look and feel. Sciacca cites Louis Vuitton’s Onthego carryall and Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato tote as recent designer handbag examples.

Today’s totes feature unexpected details, whether it’s an abstract shape, sustainable materials, or colorful finishes. “Quiet luxury” trends are bypassing logo-heavy prints for solid colorways done in high-quality materials, while we’re seeing architectural silhouettes and bold proportions at The Row , Loewe , and Victoria Beckham . Oversized and overstuffed totes lean into more personalized sentiments, too, à la Jane Birkin’s enduring signature , as seen in dangling charms and overflowing contents on the 2024 runways at Coach , Bottega Veneta , Balenciaga , and Miu Miu . As for color trends , muted tones and pastels are replacing neutrals, from rich reds to mossy greens, and pastels like nearly nude peach fuzz, butter yellow, and cornflower blue.

Vintage tote bags are also gaining traction. “Shoppers are looking to pre-owned vintage tote bags to make smart investments.” Sciacca says. “Classic styles,” — like the Chanel Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote — “have the highest resale values of any bags on the secondhand market; both are great examples of luxury handbags that regularly sell for or above current retail prices. Adding, “Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull tote continues to be a bestselling, volume-driving style from the brand, reselling for over 80% of its original retail price, on average.”

Designer Tote Bag Outfit Ideas

For the office.

Shown with : J.Crew Elena Shirtdress ($168), Larroudé Ines Pump In Black Leather ($330), Shashi Grace Earrings ($79), Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Ultime ($45)

For Weekend Errands

Shown with: Ganni Poplin Front-Tie Peplum Blouse with Puffed-Sleeves ($185), Toteme High-Rise Tapered Organic Jeans ($360), Dolce Vita Hardi Slingback Penny Loafers ($130)

Shown with : Gap 100% Linen Boyfriend Shirt (69.96), Aritzia The Effortless Pant in Linen (148), Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses ($65), adidas SL 72 OG Shoes ($100)

What to Look for In the Best Designer Tote Bags

• Size: “When searching for your ideal designer tote, first identify what you will use it for,” Sciacca says. “Are you hoping this will carry your laptop back and forth between the office and home? If so, check the listed dimensions to ensure they will fit your devices. Will this tote double as a luxe gym bag? If the answer is yes, look for a style with extra pockets to separate pre-workout and post- workout clothes , sneakers , socks, etc.,” Sciacca adds. If you’re traveling, an oversized tote will be necessary to pack in-flight essentials and maybe even clothes for the weekend getaway.
• Material: When it comes to handbags, material is fundamental to consider. Even the most beautiful totes will fall short if crafted with the wrong textures like polyester. Instead, look for sturdy, durable, and easy-to-style materials like leather, Gramaccioni tells WWD. Leather stands the test of time and “holds up to everyday wear and tear,” she adds. Canvas is also a long-lasting and flexible fabric that can be the right choice for those who see heavy daily use.
• Color: Have you ever made an impulsive purchase because the bag you were interested in came in a color you loved, only to get home and realize it doesn’t go with your clothes? That’s why considering the color of your tote bag — especially if it’s an investment — is essential. First, take the time to go through your wardrobe and identify the colors you wear the most. “If you want this closet staple to blend in with your existing wardrobe seamlessly, opt for a neutral color that will pair well with everything like a black patent Bottega tote,” Sciacca says. “If you’re planning for your carryall to be your go-to statement piece, search for bolder colors and prints like a bright blue Balenciaga A4 tote or the Fendi Vertigo bag.”

How to Clean a Designer Tote Bag

Before cleaning any type of tote bag, empty the bag of all items and double-check the tag for washing instructions. Once you’re ready to wash, you can take a few different methods depending on what fabric your bag is made from.

• Leather tote bags: Leather handbags are fairly easy to clean if you use a mild leather soap and a barely damp cloth. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to help the bag remain flexible and resistant to stains. Often, at-home treatments work for leather bags; however, if you own a very expensive, delicate leather tote, we recommend taking it to a leather specialist for professional treatment.
• Suede tote bags: Suede tote bags can be the hardest to clean because often, suede can get discolored with water. So, if you want to remove any markings, use a white dry cloth and gently rub your bag to remove surface marks. If there is a stain, use a pencil eraser or cleaning eraser. 
• Canvas tote bags: When it comes to canvas, you want to start on a small area of the bag to ensure the whole thing won’t get damaged. Start with a soft washcloth and warm water: If the stain still isn’t coming out, then you can use a toothbrush and mild soap, but make sure not to scrub too hard. You can also wash it by hand with a mild detergent or another cleaning solution like talcum powder or cornstarch.
• Nylon tote bags: If your bag is nylon, you’ll clean it differently than leather or suede. Since nylon is water-resistant, gently hand-wash it with mild soap, rinse it with water, and let it air dry.

How We Selected the Best Designer Tote Bags

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To find the best designer tote bags on the market, we assessed several different factors and design elements of every tote bag on this list, including the style, straps, interior features, and materials used, plus personal testing and market research. To narrow our selections of tote bags for women, we looked to online consumer reviews and three interviewed designer bag experts. Additionally, we looked for tote bags that cater to all occasions — for travel, everyday wear, and nights out. For the third update to the best designer tote bags for summer 2024, we performed another round of research and testing to ensure our readers are up to date on the latest and greatest finds in the women’s handbag market. You’ll find a price range that stems from affordable, budget-friendly finds from brands like Longchamp to high-end purse brands like Chanel that have become tried-and-true favorites in the space.  Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Marta Gramaccioni is Head of Buying at Luisaviaroma. She has extensive knowledge in the luxury fashion space and is always keeping up with what well-established, and emerging designers are creating for the seasons ahead so that she can offer timeless and fashion-forward pieces, including outwear, bottoms, footwear, and more, to all types of Luisaviaroma shoppers.

Noelle Sciacca is the Senior Fashion Lead at The Real Real. Previously she’s held positions at Mashable and Hearst, reporting on fashion and its latest accessories, including jewelry and designer handbags, and contributing to celebrity editorial photoshoots.

Meet the Author

Olivia Cigliano  is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. She updated this story in June, 2024 with new editor-recommended products and additional insight on tote bag trends for summer 2024.

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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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Watch CBS News

The best luggage deals for summer 2024

By Brittany Vincent , Meredith Gordon

Edited By Fox Van Allen

Updated on: June 13, 2024 / 5:39 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

School's out and work has been put on notice: Vacation season is here. That means it's time to get in gear for that summer trip you've been looking forward to all year by stocking up on the right gear. 

First things first, you need to do a bag check. Taking a trip with the wrong luggage can be a serious vacation buzzkill. See, quality luggage (which doesn't have to be expensive, btw) can make your summer travel so much smoother, from the family trip to the Grand Canyon to that couple's trip to Venice (Italy or California, your choice).

So before you pack it in and hit the road, check out these luggage deals. You'll be so happy you did. 

Save up to 40% at Samsonite now

If you're looking to save money on time-tested Samsonite luggage, now is a great opportunity -- the brand has marked down a number of its most popular spinner suitcases, backpacks, duffels and more ahead of summer. You'll save up to 40%, plus get free shipping.

One of the best deals available right now is on the Silhouette 17 carry-on spinner. The 4.8-star-rated polycarbonate carry-on features a retractable handle with incremental height adjustments, an included packing cube, tie-down straps, a removable laundry bag and an interior battery pocket that supports the included USB charging port.

Regularly $290, you can get the Silhouette 17 spinner at Samsonite for just $174.

Monos summer sale: Save up to 20%

Monos manufactures high-quality, affordable polycarbonate suitcases for the discerning frequent flyer, plus a line of hybrid suitcases that incorporate aluminum into their construction. Right now, you can save up to 20% on top-quality Monos luggage for summer.

Monos offers a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty.  We've tested the Monos carry-on  and found it durable and easy to maneuver.

Monos suitcases come in an array of great colors with handy features, like an effortless telescopic handle, ample pockets and compartments with zippers, and an easy-to-use lock. The Monos Carry-On Plus and the Monos Carry-On Pro are currently on sale. 

• Monos Carry-On Pro, $251 (reduced from $295)
• Monos Carry-On Plus, $259 (reduced from $305)

Away luggage: Save at least $50 on a suitcase and carry-on set

If you're searching for an Away luggage summer sale, this is a great chance to save. Away, one of our favorite luggage brands, is offering a bundle deal. You can get $50 off any carry-on when you purchase it with a checked bag for a limited time, add another checked suitcase to save $100.

CBS Essentials' own Fox Van Allen owns a piece of  Away luggage . "This single piece of luggage has been such a travel game changer," he says. "No matter how much I stuff into this suitcase, it always rolls around the airport as if it was light as a feather. It's almost magical how easy it is to move Away luggage."

Away offers a limited lifetime warranty on its polycarbonate, aluminum and nylon luggage. The warranty covers cracks or breaks in the luggage shell, wheels or handles that break or become unusable, broken zippers and fabric tears that make the front pocket unusable.

Travelpro Platinum Elite expandable softside luggage: $450 ($80 off)

Taking the whole family on a summer vacation? Grab one of the largest suitcases in Travelpro's luxury Platinum Elite series. The 29-inch size provides an expansive 143.5 liters to comfortably fit everyone's belongings. 

This softside luggage is crafted with stain-resistant textiles and stylish leather touches for good looks and durability. The interior organization system helps keep contents neatly packed, with built-in accessories, a foldable garment section and a removable, TSA-compliant toiletries pouch.

For extra packing room, the bag can expand an additional 2 inches. This spacious suitcase comes in multiple color options, so you can assign one particular color to everyone in your family. Or you can accessorize. 

Normally $530, right now you can get this suitcase for just $450 at Amazon.

Rockland Journey softside upright luggage set: $108 (50% off)

Looking for an affordable luggage set that can hold up trip after trip? The Rockland 4-piece set is your best bet. 

The bundle includes a 28-inch rolling bag, a 24-inch rolling bag, a 19-inch rolling bag and a 14-inch tote. With seven color options, there's a color for everyone in the family. 

While these softside bags aren't nearly as durable as hardside models, they're still great for the price. They come with a lined interior, detachable shoulder straps, roomy main compartments and zippered security pockets. 

If you need an affordable luggage set that covers all your packing needs, this versatile 4-piece Rockland collection is built to last trip after trip. 

You can get this four-piece set for just $93 at Amazon right now, which is 50% off its normal price. 

Samsonite Omni PC hardside expandable luggage: $129 ($20 off)

This durable and lightweight carry-on suitcase is a great and affordable choice if you want to make sure your belongings don't get crushed. The polycarbonate shell will take care of that. 

This spinner luggage's size meets most airlines' carry-on requirements and its four oversized wheels mean it's super simple to roll around wherever you need it. You can even carry it instead thanks to the lightweight design.

Security is also ensured through side-mounted TSA locks to deter theft attempts. For added peace of mind, Samsonite offers a 10-year limited warranty against defects.

This piece is on sale for just $140 at Amazon right now, which is $20 off its retail price. 

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air hardside luggage: $270 ($51 off)

This polycarbonate hardside luggage looks like the most luxurious piece you'll see this side of Louis Vuitton, but it's much more affordable. It's lightweight and rugged with a high fashion touch that calls to mind high-profile designers. With leather accents, refined stitching, and all the hallmarks of expensive taste, it's everything you need for a fun overnight trip or a few days away. 

It has double spinner wheels for a smooth roll and a TSA-approved combination lock to make sure your belongings on the inside stay there. Plus, it has an ergonomic handle and soft-grip side if you want to carry it like a suitcase. 

Snag this carry-on at Amazon right now for $220 with Amazon Prime , or shop the full set on sale at Delsey Paris where you can get 25% off your order of $200 or more.

U.S. Traveler Aviron Bay expandable softside luggage: $120 ($60 off)

This budget duo of large and medium softside luggage is made from durable polyester and has plenty of pockets for easy organization and access on the outside.

Each bag has a special gusset with a 2-inch expansion so you can pack just a few more items in, for that little bit of extra space. In addition, there are compression straps to keep your items from moving everywhere in transit.

Each bag has a push-button multi-stage handle that you can extend to different heights as well as four 360-degree spinner wheels to help you get from one place to the next.  

This terrific luggage set is currently $120 at Amazon, regularly priced at $180.

Wrangler Quest luggage set: $110

Wrangler makes much more than pants, as you'll see with this 2-piece hardside luggage set with a check-in suitcase and a 20-inch carry-on.

Each piece of luggage comes with a durable outer shell available in four different colors and a contrasting black zipper, both with the Wrangler logo on one side.

These bags expand to give you additional room, and they have an expandable push-button handle system so you can glide through the airport (or wherever you're traveling from) with ease on your way home and back. 

If you're looking to spend as little as you can on quality luggage that'll get you from point A to point B without bursting open, this is a great price. Technically not on sale, this set is so well priced, we couldn't help but pass it on.

What kind of luggage should you buy?

For plane travel, one large checked suitcase may be enough for a family of three or four depending on how long you'll be gone. You might even want to add a  carry-on  for each person if your airline lets you have a free carry-on bag per passenger. You could also do a combination of checked bags and carry-ons. Whatever you choose, don't forget to add an  AirTag  or other  smart tracker  to make finding your luggage easier when the plane lands. Opting for bags with  built-in locks  is a good idea too, just so you can keep prying eyes away from what you're taking with you. 

Brittany Vincent has been covering gaming, tech, and all things entertainment for 16 years for a variety of online and print publications. She's been covering the commerce space for nearly a decade. Follow her on Twitter at @MolotovCupcake.

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From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.

NASA again pushes back return of Boeing Starliner

The return of Boeing Starliner's first crewed mission to the International Space Station has been delayed yet again, NASA announced Friday, so it can investigate several glitches with the space capsule, including multiple helium leaks and the loss of several small maneuvering engines. The re-entry had been scheduled for June 26, but likely won't take place until before July. Mark Strassmann has details.

Study: Polar bears threatened by thinning ice

New research paints a worrying picture about the state of polar bears in Canada's Hudson Bay. The big furry bears could go extinct in the region as early as the 2030s due to thinning ice, longer ice-free seasons and human activity leading to climate change. Geoffrey York, one of the study's co-authors, joins CBS News to break down the findings.

Chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat ailments, study finds

Scientists monitoring 51 chimpanzees saw sick or injured animals eating certain plant items that were not part of their normal diet.

How dangerous are microplastics?

A large amount of human-produced plastic waste degrades into microplastics: small particles that linger in the environment and can be consumed by animals and people. Microplastics spread through water, air, and even the human bloodstream. Matthew Campen, director of the University of New Mexico's Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine, joins CBS News to explain the possible health risks from microplastic exposure.

European lynx species rebounds from brink of extinction

In 2001, there were only 62 mature Iberian lynx on the Iberian Peninsula.

What to know about Tropical Storm Alberto

Tropical Storm Alberto is expected to make landfall in Mexico by Thursday, but parts of Texas are already experiencing heavy flooding. Meanwhile, extreme heat continues to bear down on millions of Americans. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has details.

Shooting in downtown St. Louis kills 1, injures at least 5, police say

An initial investigation found that a fight purportedly broke out between women. At some point, men became involved and firearms were pulled, police said.

Man tried to drown his children at Connecticut beach, police say

Connecticut police stopped a Queens man who was trying to drown two small children at a beach in West Haven, authorities said.

Murder plot revealed in California woman's text messages

A woman discovers explicit photos of herself on her stepfather's computer.  Soon after, he's found dead. Evidence points to an overdose, but was it murder?

NASA again delays Boeing Starliner capsule's return to Earth

NASA plans to hold a formal re-entry readiness review before setting a new landing target date.

Boeing Starliner slated to return on June 26

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is expected to return back to Earth on June 26 after its trip to the International Space Station. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood is following the unprecedented mission.

June's full Strawberry Moon arrives with summer solstice

June's Strawberry Moon is arriving along with the start of summer.

NASA extends Starliner's stay at space station

The Starliner and its two-person crew are now expected to land at White Sands, New Mexico, on June 26.

Latest Galleries

Notable Deaths in 2024

A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

Clues and evidence in the John McCabe case

A teenager's murder in Lowell, Massachusetts, goes unsolved for more than 40 years -- were the clues there all along?

Donald Sutherland

The actor, recipient of a lifetime achievement Academy Award, was renowned for such films as "MASH," "Klute," "Don't Look Now," "Ordinary People," and "The Hunger Games."

Summer music heats up 2024

Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographer Ed Spinelli.

Becky Bliefnick texted about fear of her estranged husband

The Illinois mom wrote, "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim." Take a look at the evidence that led to Tim Bliefnick's arrest.

Latest CBS News Videos

O'Brien: More Marines should be moved to East Asia

Robert O'Brien, who served as national security adviser in the Trump administration, tells "Face the Nation" that while there is already a large contingent of Marines in East Asia, he believes the "fighting force" should be sent while some Marines would still be stationed at bases like Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune. The recommendation comes despite former President Donald Trump's public calls for removing the 28,000 Marines from East Asia during his term.

CBS News poll on young voters

CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto tells "Face the Nation" that many voters under the age of 30 believe the older generation is leaving them a more dangerous world, with a worse environment and less opportunity. But fewer young voters say they'll vote in this election than voters over 65.

Voter: 2024 election is "political theater"

"Face the Nation" asked a focus group of 2024 voters in battleground states if they could be persuaded to vote for a presidential candidate other than the one they had already chosen. "I don't think you can take any of their words literally anymore. It's mostly political theater and comedy," one voter said.

Morell says "lack" of urgency about terrorist threats

Former CIA deputy director Michael Morell, a CBS News national security administrator, has warned that the threat environment right now echoes the period before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But he tells "Face the Nation" that there is a "lack of a sense of urgency" from the White House and Congress.

New Mexico governor on abortion two years after Dobbs

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, whose state has no abortion restrictions, tells "Face the Nation" that two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade that there are more abortions because "more women are at risk."