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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

Opening up your favorite carry-on travel backpack—with all of your stuff in the right place and easy to reach—should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk.

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

What we considered

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

Clamshell designs open like a book and are easiest to pack, but bags that open traditionally tend to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides, especially the bottom, for pulling it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

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

We spent six months testing 22 bags and flying across the country with all of our picks.

In the end, we chose two as our top picks: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This is not a style of packing that’s for everyone, but once some people try it , they’re forever hooked. However, finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone.

That’s why we have picks that are great for people traveling for work , others designed to be carried over long distances , picks for maximizing your packing space , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

The research

Why you should trust us, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best bag for document organization: topo designs global travel bag 30l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack 40l, best affordable large backpack: ebags tls mother lode weekender, other good carry-on travel backpacks, who this is for, how we picked and tested, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. And as members of a remote organization, our editors and writers travel a lot and are continually testing the gear we recommend—our travel gear guide remains a perennial favorite among staff members. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that and another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

In addition to documenting our own experiences, I reached out to experts and writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag. Eytan Levy is the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website, which combines travel guides and tips with in-depth gear reviews. James Feess is the founder of The Savvy Backpacker and author of The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to Europe on a Budget . And Sharon Gourlay is the writer of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Get this if: You want an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag with a rainfly for downpours or you want to support a B-corp and its related social and sustainable missions .

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

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

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

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

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

The Allpa is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag or the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. The Allpa is the kind of bag you can toss as easily into an overhead compartment as you can into the back of a rusty pickup truck. Uniquely in this category, the Allpa also includes a rainfly.

Flaws but not dealbreakers The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.

Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but we’ve found after many years of travel with our bag that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots. We’d love to see the all-nylon option return at some point, for people who prefer the added robustness and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of rain coverage.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds, 5 ounces Main compartment access: Clamshell opening Style: Adventurous Colors: Assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

Get this if: You travel often with expensive camera gear and need easy access and many storage pockets, or you just prefer a backpack-based packing system with plenty of adaptability and customization.

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

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

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

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

Peak Design also makes a line of ultralight packing cubes . They’re good cubes, and they compare well to the ultralight Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube set, our pick for light packers . However, the Peak Design cubes are sized specifically for this bag and fit just so inside it, especially when combined with other Peak Design gear cubes and accessories, like the toiletry bag . (Chase Reeves has done an in-depth video review of these cubes; it’s a good resource for anyone who’s on the fence about buying them.) After testing the cubes (and this is not a mark against the Eagle Creek or the Peak Design ultralight cubes, both of which are excellent), I personally still prefer the more-rigid Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set, one of our longtime picks .

Flaws but not dealbreakers The Travel Backpack has few flaws. It is expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga instead.

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

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s open interior makes packing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate the Topo’s accessible front pockets and holders for organizing books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

Get this if: You travel often for work and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks. The front panel and assorted pockets are like a small traveling office space.

Of all the bags we recommend, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L comes closest to the style of an everyday carry backpack, due to its small size and minimal external features. This bag is perfect if you have to travel to a work event, get off the plane, and then use it as a daily backpack without drawing too much attention to yourself. Topo also includes built-in attachment clips, if you want to piggyback a smaller daily-carry backpack to your Travel Bag. I know people who love to do this. I personally do not. But it’s a good feature, especially if you’re committed to Topo gear in general. However, given its basic strap system and flat nylon back, the Topo is not built as well as our other picks for longer hikes.

The Travel Bag is one of the simplest bags we tested, with a main compartment and some basic document organization in the front pocket. This bag is a front-panel loader (which we find very easy to pack), organized around a main pocket that can fit two large packing cubes. Inside, the lid of the bag also has two mesh dividers, for a small amount of organization. Outside, the bag has two small zippered pockets for travel accessories (such as earbuds and a passport) and a larger organizer pocket for books, tickets, and snacks. The Topo is constructed with heavy YKK zippers and, similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa, has built-in zipper security loops (strong loops of fabric that secure your zippers when the bag is shut), if you want a touch more security.

Similar to our other picks, the Travel Bag is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty and repair program from Topo. However, Topo’s gear is made from 1000D nylon (a dense and very tough fabric) and built like a tank; it has rigid padding throughout, and there is an attention to detail (particularly in the stitching around the zippers and handles) that’s a mark of quality to any savvy bag enthusiast. The point is, you would really have to get into some trouble to need the repair program. But it’s there if you do need it.

If you want to carry as much as possible, the Travel Bag also comes in a 40L model . It’s a fine bag at that size, and it does include a small yet stowable waist belt to help carry the weight. But we prefer our larger picks, like the Tortuga (more carrying capacity) or the eBags TLS Mother Lode (less expensive).

The Travel Bag has a built-in laptop compartment that fits most 15-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body. The Topo is well padded on all sides, and it is stitched in a way that keeps the edge of your computer from the bottom of the bag and should protect your computer from all but the worst drops. This bag, like most of Topo’s gear, is designed to work with Topo dopp bags , accessory bags , and packing cubes . Fully packed, it can carry two large packing cubes, two medium accessory bags, and a dopp kit.

Flaws but not dealbreakers Despite its travel-document organization, the Topo bag lacks the large internal pockets of our other picks, and the bag’s main compartment isn’t quite as spacious as that of our other picks. People who like a deeper main compartment might prefer the Cotopaxi or Tortuga bags. The Topo bag’s compartment is a little tight for large laptops, so it isn’t the best when going through security. We’d love to see a little more attention paid to the back contouring and straps of this bag, to make longer walks more comfortable.

Capacity: 30 liters Weight: 2 pounds, 10 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: retro Colors: Navy, Black, Clay, Charcoal, Olive

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, the Farpoint is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world. And it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Osprey Fairview 40

For smaller torsos.

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

Get this if: You’re starting out with one-bag travel and aren’t sure which style of bag is best for you, but you want one that’s easy to carry over long distances.

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

If you’re just starting out with one-bag travel, or you aren’t sure what type of travel bag best suits your needs, the Farpoint is an excellent first choice.

The Farpoint is easy to pack. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, without your having to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike packing a bit of sturdy luggage, which is something we love about bags like this—especially when you pack with packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the available space in the Farpoint is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

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

As some reviewers have pointed out, smaller individuals may appreciate the lighter weight and more-compact design of the Farpoint or the Fairview (which basically have the same design, but the Fairview is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso). On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

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

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds, 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds, 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): Gopher Green, Tunnel Vision Grey, Muted Space Blue, Black Colors (Fairview): Winter Night Blue, Zircon Red, Night Jungle Blue, Black

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

Get this if: You want to maximize your packing space in a bag that’s durable, customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), and water-resistant, and that has organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

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

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

However, the Tortuga is the most adjustable bag we’ve tested five years in a row, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. This design (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best of those we’ve tested at distributing the weight of the bag (4.5 pounds when empty—roughly a pound and a half more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design.) The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

Flaws but not dealbreakers Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the Tortuga’s shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. Personally, it still makes me nervous to see the Tortuga traveling on the luggage belt toward mysterious machines and conveyors beneath the airport—all of which, in my imagination, are waiting to tear the hip belt from the bag or slice open the sailcloth exterior. But the Tortuga appears to shrug it all off with ease. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack .

We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4.5 pounds, the new Tortuga is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be —the difference is noticeable—and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design . But if you feel like you would struggle carrying this model, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4.5 pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

Affordable capacity and organization.

The Mother Lode offers the organizational features most travelers want, at an affordable price. However, it’s not as comfortable to carry as pricier options, and it can expand well past the limits of most overhead bins.

Get this if: You want an affordable bag with a traditional look, to carry as much as you can—potentially more than you’re allowed by airlines.

If you like the concept of the large Tortuga Travel Backpack but not its price, the eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender is a great option for infrequent travelers who are willing to give up some features, such as a decent hip belt. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve that holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders, and an easy-to-access main compartment. This bag also has the largest capacity of any of those we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s more-casual looks might not be to everyone’s taste.

The Mother Lode is a good suitcase built around a basic (if slightly underwhelming) backpack. That’s the tradeoff you make for its low price, which is less than half that of other models. Unlike our other picks, the Mother Lode is not for carrying over long distances, especially when it’s full. If you know you’re going to be walking long distances (say, over a mile or so) with your pack on, you might want to consider one of our other picks. That said, if you’re carrying your bag only from a taxi to the airport security line but you want to avoid checked-item fees, the Mother Lode might be the bag for you.

The best part of the Mother Lode is the interior layout: It is easy to pack, and it’s smartly organized but still adaptable enough to mold to your preferred style of packing (meaning you can find what you need when you need it). However, the intense design focus that’s evident in the interior of the bag seems to have slipped a bit when it came to the exterior. Compared with those of several other picks in this size, this bag’s slim straps and barely there hip belt are noticeably lacking, especially if you’ve maxed out the bag’s ludicrous capacity.

The clamshell opening of the Mother Lode is similar to the Tortuga’s or the Cotopaxi Allpa’s. This space is augmented by a separate front compartment and organization panel for quick access to mid-size items like a toiletry kit; a top compartment for keys, small books, or sunglasses; and a front pocket organizer for smaller flat items, like travel documents and wallets. The laptop pocket is large and well protected, and it has a strap to help secure and position your laptop’s weight higher up your back if you wish.

Flaws but not dealbreakers There are plenty of flaws with this bag, if you choose to see them as flaws instead of the necessary consequences of the Mother Lode’s inexpensive price. During testing, we packed as much into the Mother Lode as we did in the Tortuga (more, if we expanded the Mother Lode past strict carry-on dimensions). The problem with that much capacity? It becomes an absolute bear to carry. And the flimsy waist belt is almost useless at distributing weight across your hips. Several times during testing I considered just cutting it away. This is a shame, since the bag could go from “decent for the price” to “fantastic, especially at this price” with just a few upgrades.

Capacity: 45 liters (expandable to 65 liters) Weight: 4 pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: casual Colors: Eggplant, Garnet, Slate Blue, Heathered Graphite, Pine Green

If you want to travel like a backpacker but fit in at a board meeting (and have the budget to do so): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 —its reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers, and after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks, and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability, you need to buy the $33 internal frame , the $33 hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the $33 shoulder strap (all prices at the time of writing). This all adds up on a bag that already costs $330. Even though everything about the Tom Bihn (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

Anyone who wants to travel light and stay flexible should seriously consider using a carry-on travel backpack. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey. It’s easy to remain more mobile when you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage and easier still to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. And as airlines charge more and more for checking baggage, traveling with just a carry-on bag (frequently referred to as one-bag travel ) is becoming less of a lifestyle choice and more of a survival skill. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but about yourself and what you really need day to day.

If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags are not carry-on-friendly, though, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them. We also have a guide to wheeled carry-on bags , which are designed to hold a lot of stuff while remaining easy to maneuver around airports. However, wheels, retractable handles, and frames subtract from precious packing space and add weight, and can make a bag difficult to manage on busy city streets.

There’s no single backpack that is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it, but unobtrusive when you do not. The best bags are built to survive a lifetime of use and, if cared for properly, should be something you develop a bond with over time.

To compile our list of possible models, we scoured the world of travel blogs and product reviews (most driven by a similar affiliate revenue model to ours), including The Savvy Backpacker , Snarky Nomad , The Travel Hack , Nomadic Matt , The Travel Tester , Where’s Sharon? , Y Travel Blog , Lengthy Travel , and GearLab . Additionally, we lurked on Reddit’s r/onebag  and r/heronebag forums, and emailed and had phone interviews with the moderators of those subreddits, Addison Ryan and Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, respectively. Additionally, we spoke with the prolific travel bag reviewer Chase Reeves to get his thoughts on what most great bags have in common. We ended up with a list of 60 candidates and then narrowed this list down to 22 finalists using the following criteria: capacity, compartment design, aesthetics, reviews, and reported comfort.

There isn’t one perfect bag to please everyone, but there are tools you can use to find what’s best for you. We did a lot of our own research to compare models of travel bags, but r/onebag moderator /u/-Nepherim created one of the best product-comparison spreadsheets we’ve seen . If you want to keep researching your own pick, this spreadsheet is a great place to start.

Even if you aren’t convinced by our picks, we do think we can help you figure out what parameters are best for travel bags of any size. We’ve narrowed down our specifications to the following list of features, ordered from most to least relevant.

• Panel-loading or clamshell opening for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with these bags, you want to be able to open them and see everything you’ve packed. A panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional top-opening design—lets you pack and unpack these bags just as you would a suitcase.

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

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

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L has an updated design featuring a new hip belt, which brings it back into class with many of its competitors in this category. In the past, the MLC’s straps were too slim and unsupported for the bag’s 45-liter capacity. Also, its lack of any framing gave the bag a soft and unsettling feeling if it was anything but fully packed. We’re looking at the newest model to see if some of these problems have been corrected and if a former champion travel backpack can regain the spotlight.

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack : This mind-bendingly inexpensive bag (which includes three packing cubes, all for $45 at time of publication) is a remarkable testament to the cutthroat logic and efficiency of a globalized free market. Is it attractive? No. Is it comfortable to carry? Not particularly. Is it durable enough to withstand years of travel? Unlikely. Is it $45? Yes! If you want the absolute least expensive carry-on travel backpack we’ve ever seen, this is it. But you’ll get more with the TLS Motherlode , which, although double the price, is still very affordable.

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack 45L : A rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Admittedly made of excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

Cabin Max Metz (and the nearly identical AmazonBasics Carry-On ): This cheap, no-frills bag is enticing for the price. But after comparing these bags to the TLS Mother Lode, we think you’re better off paying twice the price for way more than twice the value. The Mother Lode is more reliable and built from stronger materials, and it will hold more stuff comfortably than either of these bags.

GeniusPack Travel Backpack: The GeniusPack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need this, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . (GeniusPack now has a version 2 of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.)

Goruck GR2 : I’m a big fan of Goruck bags, and I use the GR1 regularly as my daily work and travel bag. These bags will last a lifetime. However, the GR2 is too expensive and too large (its 40L size is a true 40L) for many people, especially since none of the three sizes (26L, 34L, and 40L) comes with a hip belt. We wish the GR2 had a removable hip belt, something similar to what’s on the GR3. That said, this bag is simple, sturdy, and stoic. There is a lot to love about it. And if you don’t mind the high cost, this bag will probably outlast your corporeal self.

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

Kelty Redwing 44 : When we got our hands on the Redwing, we realized that it was closer to a top-loading light camping backpack than to the panel-loading packs we tested. It didn’t quite fit the scope of this review because of its design.

Hynes Eagle 40L Flight Approved Carry-on : This pack is very similar pack to the eBags TLS Mother Lode and the Cabin Max Metz models. It might be useful as a weekend traveler, but we don’t think it would hold up for longer trips.

MEI Voyageur : There’s a lot to like about this bag, especially for the price. It features 1000D Cordura nylon and YKK zippers, and it has a spacious design and decent shoulder straps. But we’re still on the fence about recommending it. The lack of recent reputable reviews gives us pause, along with the sparse Shopify website, which, the last time we checked, in 2024, wasn’t operational. (The company now appears to be selling directly via PayPal.)

Minaal Carry-on 2.0: This bag was designed to be the absolute best travel backpack for business people. But if you’re a business person, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. Even so, if you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, you should know that many travel writers have spoken highly of this bag, despite its high price. This does look to be a well-thought-out pack, but we think our picks are more versatile for world travel. (Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version ; our thoughts about it remain the same.)

Osprey Porter 46: This was a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint 40 . It’s about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to gate-check your bag at the last minute, this would have been an excellent alternative to the Farpoint 40. (It has since been replaced by the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 ; we may take a look at it.)

Trakke Storr Carryon : Travel-bag enthusiast Chase Reeves used to list this bag as one of his top picks for a medium-size carry-on bag, and it looks very well built . But at $500, plus shipping from Scotland, it is simply too expensive for most people.

We also tested and dismissed The North Face Overhaul 40, which has since been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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

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

Going Somewhere? Shop the Best Luggage Brands On the Market

By Gaby Keiderling

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.

Moreso than any of the items you’ll pack for your holiday, your suitcase is here to stay. To travel smart is to select a case from one of the best luggage brands—because a well-made, thoughtfully designed case can last you for decades. I’ve seen Rimowa’s passed down several generations, and they seem to get even better with age—dings, stickers, and all.

Investing in quality luggage only makes getting there all the better. A lightweight steel case might mean you can pack a bit extra and avoid an overweight baggage fee. An eye-catching rollaboard from Calpak in a cheerful color will ensure no one else mistakes their luggage for yours. The nostalgic set, meanwhile, will delight in leather-trimmed cases from Steamline, Globe-Trotter, and T Anthony; you may be boarding a plane, but your case will transport you right to the Orient Express. If you’re traveling in some fashion that doesn’t require a TSA Agent to handle your luggage, why not opt for an extra-luxe option? Louis Vuitton and Gucci both make some lovely sets worthy of the private jet on which you may or may not be flying. Shop Vogue ’s edit of the best luggage brands below.

The Best Luggage Brands, According to Vogue : 

• The Sustainable Suitcase : Paravel the Aviator , $395
• The Customizable Carry-On : Away the Bigger Carry-On , $645
• The Designer Roller : Gucci Savoy large trolley , $3,980
• The Luxurious Luggage : Rimowa Essential check-in suitcase , $1150
• The Affordable and Aesthetic Option : Béis check-in roller , $328

Co-founded by Indré Rockefeller (a Vogue alumni) and Andy Krantz in 2016, Paravel is one of the few luggage brands that is as stylish as it is sustainable. Take, for example, its Aviator case—its shell is made of a recycled polycarbonate material, the lining is woven with fibers sourced from recycled plastic water bottles, the handle is composed of recycled aircraft-grade aluminum, and it all zips together with a recycled zipper. In addition to luggage, look to the brand for Dopp kits, packing cubes , and all variety of travel accessories inspired by Rockefeller and Krantz’s jet-set habits.

Aviator carry-on

Try your hand at sustainably-minded travel with the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on. It's chic facade doesn't hurt either.

Main Line duffel bag

NET-A-PORTER

Vegan leather trims contrast the water-resistant canvas in a lightweight duffel.

If you’re looking for heritage, quality, and craftsmanship, Rimowa is the brand for you. Founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany, the label, which was formally helmed by Alexandre Arnault, after joining LVMH in 2017. With cases crafted almost entirely of lightweight but sturdy aluminum and a patented multi-wheel system, Rimowa caters to the no-nonsense traveler looking for slick functionality. And as of late, the company is finding ways to infuse a bit of fashion into its heritage designs; recent collaborations include Off-White, Supreme, Daniel Arsham, and Dior, and most recently, Rimowa released a magnetic “ luggage harness ” that can be strapped over various suitcase sizes to streamline your hand-carry items.

Essential check-in suitcase

If you want to splurge, this iconic aluminum case is just as durable (you’ll it own for years!) as it is luxurious. A large mesh zip compartment and patented divider system allows for efficient packing.

Essential cabin suitcase

BLOOMINGDALES

Rimowa’s signature grooves make an appearance in a matte blue. The collapsible handle seamlessly adjusts to any height, while the lightweight polycarbonate shell is easy to lift up and out of an overhead bin. 

Though Away has only been around for seven years, the New York-based brand has left its mark on the world—just visit any airport to see for yourself. Though Away was initially founded on its luggage’s ability to recharge your iPhones, the brand has expanded into a full range of suitcases—batteries not always included! You really can’t go wrong with any of the products offered by this direct-to-consumer brand which names everything in the most helpful of ways: The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On, etc.

the Bigger carry-on: aluminum-edition

As shiny as it is practical, this carry-on is big enough to satisfy your inner over-packer.

the Bigger carry-on

If overt sheen isn’t for you, there's nothing wrong with this demure black option.

Even fans of the brand might not realize that Béis has a starry founder—actor Shay Mitchell launched the brand in 2018 with the goal of making travel products that hit the shopping sweet spot of ultra-chic and affordable. Beloved for the tan and beige offerings of neutral PolyCarbonate hard case rollaboards, Béis appeals to minimalists, but it also doesn't leave lovers of color behind–the main hardcase rollaboard is also offered in citron green, clementine orange hues, and more. Best of all, each piece comes with a lifetime warranty. 

carry-on roller

An aerodynamic design that prides itself on being “not béisic.” Punny, and aptly beige.

the Weekend travel bag

For the minimalist, this classic and water-repellent tote makes traveling a breeze. A bottom zip compartment and exterior zip pocket are simple touches that make an organizational difference.

Globe-Trotter

Globe-Trotter may look as though its riffing off of old-fashion luggage wares, but really, its dipping into its own archive for design inspiration. Founded in Germany in 1897, the company eventually moved to the U.K. in 1932, where its been producing leather-based luggage for almost a century. Everything is produced by hand, and famous Globe-Trotter owners include Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth.

Centenary cabin suitcase

Contemporary meets classic in this timeless suitcase. Impeccable design is at the forefront—just the leather corners take five days to craft and complete.

Alternatively, a marmalade-orange carry-on will turn heads in the TSA line.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1989, Calpak sets itself apart with stylish luggage at a great price point. Known for slick hard-case bags, Calpak’s designs have a playfulness to them. In 2016, the brand offered an assortment of faux-marble luggage and it’s also collaborated with hairstylist Jen Atkin on a lovely case in the perfect shade of red—great for spotting on the baggage carousel.

Ambeur rolling spinner carry-on

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

A glossy exterior offers a glamor that transcends the affordable price point.

Ambeur 3-piece metallic luggage set

Prefer your luggage to come in sets? No-brainer travel awaits with this metallic trio.

Louis Vuitton  

Before Nicolas Ghesquière, and way before Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton was a maker of travel trunks. In 1854, Mr. Louis Vuitton had the novel idea to make travel trunks flat and rectangular (previously, they featured rounded tops) so that they could be easily stacked—the rest is history. Anyone who has caught Vuitton’s roving exhibitions dedicated to travel, Volez, Voyagez, Voguez, knows the extent of the maison’s dedication to the art of travel. Today, the brand continues to craft some of the finest pieces of luggage. Most often, these bags are splashed in Vuitton’s monogrammed or Damier Ebene canvas textiles.

Louis Vuitton

keepall Bandouliére 55

LOUIS VUITTON

One of the most iconic duffels, in the house's signature monogram, stands the test of time.

A luxurious roller is the pinnacle of on-the-go elegance.

Steamline Luggage

Born in 2005, Steamline luggage was founded on nostalgia for the bygone heyday of travel. Think safari-ready leather travel trunks but with all the bells and whistles of a modern-day case. Its range of luggage includes vintage-esque rollaboards and a lovely collection of hat-box-shaped cross-bodies and cosmetics cases.

The Entrepreneur rolling carry-on

Travel back in time with a striking red suitcase that brings the past to the present.

The Entrepreneur hatbox

Complete the look with a rounded case to keep your essentials close to your body.

Named after Peru’s national symbol (a ceremonial, decorative knife), Tumi was founded in New Jersey in 1975. Since, the brand has prided itself on technology-first design, most notably their black ballistic nylon travel bags. Durability and functionality are at the core of their design principles, and the company caters to all your travel needs.

19 Degree Extended Trip spinner suitcase

The expandable design allows you to pack more, while the aluminum construction keeps your belongings extra secure.

19 Degree short trip packing case

Calling all over packers! This textured grey case expands for enhanced storage capabilities.

Little has changed about the way Bric’s crafts its signature leather collections since the company was founded in 1952 by Mario Briccola. Today, the leather goods are still produced at family-run factories in Como. Even the label’s hard polycarbonate cases feature leather trim details to honor Bric’s artisanal heritage.

Bellagio spinner luggage

NEIMAN MARCUS

A cream spinner with state-of-the-art finishes makes this an elevated choice. High-quality detailing produces a case that can hold its own.

Capri 2.0 spinner suitcase

Select a smaller style for a quick jaunt. From lightweight, shatterproof exterior to the zippered interior pockets, meticulous thought has been put into this piece.

Most all of July, an Australian-based brand, is customizable. Bubble leathers and bold-colored graphic monograms can help to set your case apart from your fellow passengers. Plus, this brand is perfect for those carry-on-only packers who want to get the most out of their single bag; July touts its latest release as being the lightest carry-on on the market.

checked luggage

Don't underestimate the capacity of this compact bag. Holding up to 80 liters, there's plenty of room for all your necessary (and unnecessary) belongings.

hanging toiletry bag

A toiletry bag is the travel accessory that you don't want to go without. This one is water-resistant and has a separate toothbrush tab.

Created by one of the founders of Tumi, Roam is a brand of luggage that cares about the personality of travelers. Most all of its products are customizable with the ability to mix and match colors—why pick just one? Plus, all of Roam’s luggage is made in the U.S.

large check-in

ROAM LUGGAGE

Create a case that's tailored to your preferences. This large check-in suitcase will only feature colors that you deem it to.

the Jaunt carry-on

It also comes in a carry-on size, for those who prefer to have their belongings at hand.

There’s a photo of Marilyn Monroe boarding an airplane and looking the picture of jet-set glamour. In her hand is a case by T Anthony, and it’s the brand’s heritage that keeps its loyal customers coming back. Since its founding in 1948, the iconic New York luggage maker has prided itself on its ethically and responsibly designed wares.

29-inch hardsided packing case

“Sturdy to a T” is the motto behind this case, and that it delivers. Hardwood frames accented with brass keep is structured and stylish.

large wheeled duffle

This duffle is endlessly classic, but the wheels are a smart addition to make for easy carrying.

For those travelers headed to destinations more rugged than a resort, L.L. Bean has got you covered. From ski-friendly bags to waterproof duffles, the label offers a range of function-first luggage.

Approach extra-large rolling gear bag

In a deep admiral blue, L.L. Bean crafts a rolling bag with unparalleled durability.  

Adventure Pro rolling ski bag double

Before you can après, you need to make it to the mountain. This bag ensures you do so.

Need a place to store your laptop while you’re in the tundra? Consider a bag from Patagonia’s Black Hole collection, which bill itself as stubbornly tough and weatherproof. These and more nature-proof items can be found within Patagonia’s range of outdoorsy luggage.

Black Hole duffel bag

Made entirely in a recycled body fabric, eco-friendly composition is at the helm of Patagonia's design. This duffel also comes in an 100 liter version for longer trips and a 40 and 50 liter size for shorter ones.

Black Hole wheeled duffel bag

The brand's duffel is put onto wheels for easy transport. Available in three different sizes, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

The nostalgic set who don’t want to carry leather-strapped hatboxes might find what they’re looking for in Floyd, a brand dedicated to skateboarding and Venice Beach culture of the 1970s. Founded in 1996 by two Munich-based creatives, the brand aims to bring the groove back to flying, or so they say on their website. Retro-hued lightweight, impact-resistant Makrolon polycarbonate cases can be paired with interchangeable skate-board-inspired wheels. Inside, multiple interior compartments ensure there’s a place for everything and each piece of luggage comes with a nylon dust bag that doubles as a laundry bag.

check-in hardshell suitcase

Mustard yellow makes a comeback in this ’70s-inspired hardshell.

cabin suitcase

Electric blue is a bold and brilliant choice, and the contrasting red wheels are a Floyd trademark. It's entirely unique.

Having just launched a new campaign starring Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner, Gucci's signature monogramming meets its timeless silhouettes for an iconic luggage collection. For polished and poised travel, the Savoy line incorporates heritage-infused design elements to evoke a nostalgic elegance.

Savoy maxi duffle bag

Sophisticated in its entirety, you can't go wrong with a Savoy duffle. The classic green-and-red stripe is an emblem of luxury in its own.

Savoy large trolley

If you prefer to roll your baggage, there's a trolley style in the house's beloved monogrammed print.

Mark & Graham

Personalize your luggage with Mark & Graham, a brand practically synonymous with monogramming. Between the lightweight design and leather detailing, careful craftsmanship has gone into ensuring these bags stand the test of time. But in case they don't, they come with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can grow old with your luggage.

Terminal 1 carry-on

MARK AND GRAHAM

A strong polycarbonate in a grand navy rests at the intersection of modern and vintage design. The leather trims enhance the notion.

Terminal 1 checked luggage

In a white checked style, add a name or initial monogram to the shell.

This British brand has been around since 1914, but underwent a rebrand last year, focusing on functional, contemporary design that reflect the brand’s expert craftsmanship. Each suitcase also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Clifton carry-on suitcase

The best feature of this case is its front pocket. Offering quick access to your essentials, it’s a thoughtful design detail that you will appreciate greatly amid the chaos of travel.

Stamford 2.0 suitcase

A removable divider, expander zip, compression packing straps, and durable wheels are just a few reasons why we love this mid-sized case so much.

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15 of the Best Travel Bags You Need for Your Next Vacay

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

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent flyer, the right bags can mean all the difference. Is your carry-on too big? Is your dop kit leak-proof? Is there enough room in your purse for all-day adventure? To help you get ready to take off—and thereafter—we went ahead and compiled a list of 15 of the best travel bags around, from hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases to weekend duffles and toiletry bags . So get those passports ready and read on to find your next favorite travel bag. Bon voyage!

How To Choose The Best Travel Bag

Domestic vs. International Travel Carry-Ons

We know that you’ve probably gotten away with taking a suitcase that definitely was not regulation carry-on size. Typically, domestic flights are a bit more lenient with your luggage dimensions, but a good rule of thumb for domestic flights is to make sure your carry-on bag fits within 22-inches by 14-inches by 9-inches. This size ensures that your bag—along with everyone else’s—is going to fit in the bins overhead on your flight. If you’re flying internationally however, these airlines are more likely than not going to be stricter. We suggest finding a carry-on that is 20 inches or shorter to take on your international flights. And always check with your airlines.

Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Luggage

If you’re a no-fuss kind of traveler, a soft-shell suitcase is for you. They’re able to withstand a bit more wear and tear whether you’re taking it glamping or stuffing it in the overhead compartment. On the other hand, if you are packing items that need some added protection (think: a pair of heels you don’t want to break or a beloved designer bag), we suggest going with a hard-shell suitcase so that none of your valuables sustain any damage.

Two-Wheel Luggage vs. Four-Wheel Luggage

If you have ever been down-to-the-last-second late for a flight and almost missed it because you had to drag your heavy suitcase behind you, we suggest you get a spinner suitcase. A spinner has four wheels, which tend to be multidirectional, helping you not only have full control over your bag, but also allowing you to comfortably glide your luggage alongside of you as you maneuver through security to your gate. On the other hand, two-wheeled suitcases typically have wheels that are inside of the main compartment and required being tilted on their side to drag through the terminal.

Best Travel Bags At A Glance:

• Best Overall: Calpak Hue Luggage
• Best Checked Travel Bag: Béis Check-In Roller
• Best Carry-On Travel Bag: Away The Carry-On
• Best Backpack Travel Bag: Rains Waterproof Backpack
• Best Duffle Travel Bag: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag : Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote
• Best Purse Travel Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag
• Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag: Paravel Aviator
• Best Soft Shell Travel Bag: Yeti Crossroad Luggage
• Best Travel Bag Set: Samsonite 3-Piece Luggage Set
• Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag: Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase
• Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag: Rimowa Cabin Suitcase
• Best Toiletry Travel Bag: Everlane The ReNew Catch-All Case
• Best Weekend Travel Bag: Baboon to the Moon Small Go-Bag
• Best Customizable Travel Bag: Roam the Jaunt

9 Best Travel Pants (Tested by Our Comfort-Obsessed Staff)

1. Calpak Hue Luggage

Best Overall

She’s sleek, she’s stylish and she has a little bit of everything: A TSA-approved lock that keeps your valuables safe in transit, multi-directional wheels for back-ache-free transportation, interior compartments for peak organization, a large front pocket to stow any essentials you need in close reach and a price tag that won’t make too big a dent on your checking account.

2. Béis Check-in Roller

Best Checked Travel Bag

You get to the airport, lift your suitcase onto the scale, stare in horror as the red numbers flash “58 lbs” and proceed to spend the next five minutes on the floor, suitcase open, stuffing as much as you can into a spare bag. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. So while this bag has all of your usual perks, the red light that turns on to indicate it's over the 50-pound weight limit makes this guy unbeatable as a checked suitcase.

3. Away The Carry-on

Best Hard Shell Suitcase

This is one of our tried-and-tested favorites. We love how protective its sleek styled shell is and it earns extra points for having a security lock for extra safety. Plus, it has a USB charging port so no more desperately searching for an outlet that’s close to your gate.

4. Rains Waterproof Backpack

Best Travel Backpack

This is made of durable, waterproof neoprene and has enough room to fit all your gadgets and gizmos. Bonus points for its hidden back pocket to help keep your valuables safe and secure.

5. Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Best Duffle Travel Bag

Whether you’re taking this by bus, train or plane, this duffle’s expandable design offers ample room so you’ll have a spot for literally everything. Case in point: the pocket specifically made for holding your phone and interior compartments for storing water bottles, shoes and everything else in between.

6. Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote

Best Laptop Travel Bag

Cushioned padding protects the thing most precious to you: your laptop. Plus, the thoughtful pockets keep things organized while you're on the go—no more franticly digging through your bag for your AirPods for a Zoom you have to join in two minutes.

7. Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag

Best Purse Travel Bag

This cutie is going to keep you looking stylish whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks or jet-setting to Europe. It’s the ideal size if you’re searching for a style-savvy carry-on that can easily stow your laptop alongside other daily essentials and makes for a roomy tote even when you’re not using it for travel.

8. Paravel Aviator

Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag

Looking to get your hands on a sustainably sourced option? This fashion-forward carry-on may be easy on the eyes, but it's entirely made up of recycled material—from the interior lining and exterior polycarbonate shell to the zippers.

9. Yeti Crossroad Luggage

Best Soft Shell Travel Bag

Yes, Yeti delivers some of the best on-the-go travel mugs, but did you know Yeti produces some stellar luggage, too? This one in particular is especially worth the investment, thanks to its durable hard-shell exterior, 70/30 split dividers for keeping all your things secure, packing cubes for added organization and front pocket for stashing all the things you need to keep within close reach.

10. Samsonite 3-piece Luggage Set

Best Travel Bag Set

Durable hard shell? Check. Spinner wheels? Check. Three different sizes? Also check. This set comes in three different sizes, with one carry-on and two checked size suitcases.

11. Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase

Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag

Luggage is notoriously expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t budget-friendly options out there to help you glob trot and save some money. Case in point: Amazon Basics’ travel bag line. This one in particular caught our eye, thanks to the durable hard shell, multiple packing compartments, TSA-approved lock and array of pretty colors.

12. Rimowa Cabin Suitcase

Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag

Before luggage brands started producing aluminum suitcases by the dozen, there was this one. The first of its kind, the Rimowa Cabin Suitcase’s iconic silver exterior is made from anodized aluminum and built with ball-bearing mounted wheels. Translation: this durable workhorse is going to last you for years to come.

BUY IT ($1,200)

13. Everlane The Renew Catch-all Case

Best Toiletry Travel Bag

Don’t be fooled, this toiletry bag might not be massive, but it can fit way more than you think. It’s got interior pockets to keep products nice and tidy, low maintenance fabric that’s easily cleaned and an expandable design that can handle being packed to the max with your skincare and beauty goodies.

14. Baboon To The Moon Small Go-bag

Best Weekend Bag

We love this guy for more reasons than we can list. Not only is it TSA-approved for carry-on size, but its water-proof shell has backpack straps, different sized handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, a lockable zipper, comes with four different pockets and easily stashes three-to-five day’s worth of your gear.

15. Roam The Jaunt

Best Customizable Travel Bag

If your goal is to avoid mixing up your suitcase with someone else's, having a personalized travel bag is where it’s at. From the option to monogram the exterior shell down to custom colors you can select from, you can personalize this puppy in a myriad of ways for luggage that matches your vibe perfectly.

The 17 Best Luggage Brands For Your Long-Overdue Trip

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The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers

By Alyssa Lapid

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you have travel lined up or your friend’s recent travel posts are inspiring your next out-of-office getaway, it’s high time to shop for the best travel bags. The type of travel bag you decide to get will depend on your travel destination, your budget, and your personal style. But with so many choices, it's hard to know what to pick. We spoke with frequent fliers and travel experts on the best tips to pick the right travel bag for comfortable, secure, and easy travel. Below are the expert-recommended picks and tips to help you choose. And if you’re flying, remember to try to keep up with safety travel precautions as best as you can.

• Makeup and Toiletry Bag

How to choose a travel bag

When it comes to shopping for luggage , experts agree that you should never sacrifice quality. “If you plan to travel often or take longer trips, it’s worth investing in higher-quality luggage,” Ciara Johnson , full-time travel blogger at Hey Ciara , tells SELF. Big-ticket items like suitcases should be long-lasting and durable. Otherwise, you’d be shelling out way more to keep replacing damaged bags. 

We know that wear and tear can’t be avoided, especially with luggage taking a beating on planes and buses. Megan Homme , a travel blogger who also works in the airline industry, has a tip for that. She says to opt for a dark-colored suitcase to hide scuffs better. “Lighter colors will show wear and age much more quickly,” she says. Pro tip: Add a unique luggage tag to make your bag stand out from the others at the conveyor belt seat.

If possible, try to opt for carry-ons to save time at check-in lines and speed through baggage claim—just make sure it passes the size requirement. “These days, it’s more important than ever to use carry-on because of the chaotic systems at understaffed airports,” says Caroline Eubanks, writer and author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States . “You should ideally be able to manage your own bags and not rely on flight attendants.” Her pro tip: Always look up what type of plane you’ll be on. She notes, “for small, regional routes, the standard carry-on bag won't fit in the overhead bin.”

Shopping tips

When it comes to the actual shopping part, Johnson recommends shopping by need and tendencies. Will you be staying in hotels or hostels? Will you be taking shorter or longer trips? Will you be traveling in places with an established or developed infrastructure? Spinner wheels are easier to haul through airports, but if you’re backpacking in Europe, ditch the spinners for a backpack to avoid the cobblestone streets that will surely wreck the wheels.

Johnson also adds, “If possible, you should examine the product in-store. However, the most innovative luggage brands typically only exist online." She recommends doing research and comparing various luggage brands before you make a purchase. She adds that some brands even offer a “try-before-you-buy policy, along with a lifetime warranty.” Generally speaking, travel bags are not the place to save some money on your travels, but there are ways to find deals, especially during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And if you enjoy the thrill of secondhand shopping, Eubanks says she’s gotten a deal or two shopping thrift. “Secondhand can be a good way to save money.” 

You also don’t need to be a pro packer or inherently organized to pack well. All you need are pockets. Johnson says a good rule of thumb when shopping for any travel bag is “the more pockets [and] organizers, the better.” Use them for separating clean clothes from sullied ones. You can even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after your vacation. According to Johnson, you can’t go wrong with the following features for luggage options: 360 spinner wheels, expandability, compression straps, endless pockets, a side handle, built-in TSA locks, and polycarbonate material.

Best travel bags

Here are 21 expert-recommended travel bags for every kind of traveler to help you narrow down your options and focus all that logistical planning on your itinerary. We broke it down by luggage and suitcases, carry-on bags, backpacks, fanny packs , crossbody bags, tote bags, and makeup and toiletry bags.

Béis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

As far as check-in bags go, Johnson says the Beis 29-Inch Large Check-in Roller is “one of the most functional suitcases on the market.” Beis is owned by Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell and has been a hit since its launch. Its many features include everything you’d need in a check-in suitcase: multiple pockets and organizers, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry and shoe bag, and an ergonomic handle for easy lugging. Her favorite feature? “There's a built-in weight indicator that tells you if your bag is overweight.”

Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner

For soft-side suitcases, the technologically-advanced Hartmann Carry-on comes highly recommended. Eubanks loves the bag’s “flexibility,” including the pockets for reading materials and documents that are often lacking in hard-shell cases. The best features are the padded, trifold garment suiters it comes with for keeping formalwear or business outfits tidy and pressed, and the bag has built-in USB ports, so you can charge your gadgets while in transit.

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away Travel

Frequent fliers love Away’s suitcases. Homme, who always travels carry-on only, prefers Away’s The Carry-on Flex because its expandable feature ensures extra storage allowance for shopping. Plus, she points out, “I recommend hard-shell luggage because you never know what could leak out of someone else’s bag in the bins.”

Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket

“The quality of Away luggage is incredible across the board,” says Johnson, who is a fan of the brand and prefers The Bigger Carry-on with Pocket. Most hard-shell suitcases in the market don’t have external pockets, but this one features a water-resistant front pocket—perfect for keeping your travel documents and boarding passes available for easy access. It can even hold a 15-inch laptop. It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag.

LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag

Luggageworks

Cierra Mistt, a flight attendant and TikTok travel influencer , only has one carry-on go-to: LuggageWorks’s Stealth Premier 22-Inch 737 Rolling Bag. Apparently, her crew feels the same way. “I know pilots and flight attendants who have had the same roll-aboards for 10 years and never had to get another,” she says, adding, “Durable is an understatement.”

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Another expert favorite brand is Tumi for “extremely resistant and durable” bags. Though just in case it breaks when you’re on the go, Tumi offers worldwide support anytime, anywhere. Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers and Solo Female Travelers Tours, says the Tumi Carry-on in particular is a popular choice for vacationers for a reason. “You will recognize this bag because they have been making it for well over 20 years with minimal improvements.” She particularly enjoys the “nifty details” like “outside hooks to hang your laptop bag” and “double bar handles so you can slide your laptop bag.”

Béis The Backpack

Another Béis favorite is The Backpack. “It is really, really spacious,” Kristina Rodulfo , beauty content creator and former Elle editor, tells SELF. Rodulfo notes that the bag “opens really wide which makes for easy packing” while still looking sleek as a solo bag for short getaways. It's designed to carry everything from your laptop to your gym stuff. If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack

This Pacsafe Citysafe backpack is a great hands-free, anti-theft option thanks to its slash guards, smart-zipper security, and an RFID-safe pocket. “The zippers can be attached with a clip, and one shoulder strap has a locking mechanism if you want to secure it around a table leg,” adds Eubanks. There are also a ton of pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and two side pockets for holding water bottles or umbrellas.

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

If you're looking for an outdoor backpack , check out the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. Kristen Bor, founder of Bearfoot Theory Outdoor , recommends it if you're going on an adventure or outdoor trip and need a bag that can double as a daypack. “The U-zip compartment allows for easy packing and access to your gear, while the stowaway shoulder harness and hip belt give you options on how you want to carry your luggage: backpack style or over the shoulder like a duffel.” Osprey has been continuously perfecting the bag with slight improvements yearly, and it’s built with recycled fabrics making it an eco-friendly option.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Think a short hike will be on your itinerary? According to Bor, Osprey’s smaller Daylite Pack is a great find for light outdoor adventures. The lightweight backpack has compartments for a laptop and two water bottles for an itinerary that’s incredibly versatile. Take it to a coffee shop, a festival, or to a mountain summit.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

Bor dubs the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Del Día Travel Pack an “all-around functional, rugged carry-on bag” that can weather rougher terrain. “The exterior polyester and nylon shell resists moisture and defends your belongings against rough scrapes or tears during transit,” says Bor. It even comes with a rain cover.

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Fanny packs are a great option for hands-free travel, and this versatile Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack Fanny comes highly recommended by Eubanks, who wears it on her hip and as a crossbody. Plus, she loves that there are some 25 colors to choose from. You could even wear it with a backpack like she does to have easy access to essentials like documents or a camera. 

Lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag

This Lululemon bag is another great, stylish option with several pockets that make grabbing smaller items like lip balm, credit cards, and headphones easy. “I always recommend a belt bag for the airport to breeze through security and keep your ID and ticket easily accessible,” says Homme. Keep it on your hip during your flight if you’d rather not dig through the bag under the seat. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody

Many frequent fliers prefer anti-theft bags for venturing out during travels—especially when traveling alone. Pages recommends using the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody for places where pickpocketing might be a concern. “These bags are specifically designed with these types of thefts in mind and have added security features such as anti-slash straps to avoid the common motorbike run theft.” The bag also features other security features like secure zip locks and anti-RFID mesh compartments to keep credit card information safe.

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

Here's another great crossbody bag option. “I normally keep my passport, cards, and phone in there when I’m walking through the airport and can easily access that when I get off the plane. In fact, it’s so easy that when we’re boarding, I can easily just slip it into my personal item and stow it under my seat with no worries," says Mistt.

The Daily Edited Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag

“Everyone needs a crossbody purse for travel,” Rodulfo insists, and her choice is TDE’s mini leather bag. It fits daily essentials including documents, a camera, and even sunscreen . The bag’s minimalist style also allows for outfit versatility. "It works for evenings out as well as during the day,” says Rodulfo. It helps not to look like a tourist all the time. Another cool feature? TDE items can be monogrammed, making it a great travel gift .

Tumi Everyday Tote

Lord & Taylor

If roomy tote bags are more your style, check out Tumi’s Everyday Tote. The lightweight nylon material makes it easy to lug around without hurting your back. The small details are what make it stand out, such as its pen loop, key ring, and magnetic snap phone pocket to ensure you don’t spend time rummaging through your belongings each time you need to get something. Pages likes to slide her tote on top of her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote Bag

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a great hybrid tote with several organizational compartments. "It’s roomy enough to fit all of my actual personal items including electronics, chargers, and even snacks,” says Mistt. And it’s compact enough to fit comfortably under the plane seat or in the overhead bin. 

Kusshi Makeup Bag Plum Collection

You don't have to strip down your beauty or skin-care routine on vacation—at least, not with Kusshi’s Vacation Makeup Bag, which can hold 20 to 25 products. “Kusshi [bags] are by far my favorite because they are washable, fit a ton (including full-sized products), and have plenty of pockets for easy organization,” says Rodulfo. If you have a bigger beauty arsenal that includes makeup brushes and other skin-care tools , just add the attachments. “You could even include attachments like the makeup brush organizer for less fuss and digging while getting ready.”

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for toiletries big and small is the Herschel Travel Kit. Johnson laments that it’s surprisingly difficult to find the perfect toiletry bag. She recommends this bag because it is extremely spacious with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization. It also comes in multiple colors, proving that toiletry kits don’t need to be boring.

• The Best Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaways
• 19 Packing Tips Frequent Flyers Swear By
• What to Bring on a Road Trip to Make Your Time So Much Better

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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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.

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Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

Medea Giordano

Scott Gilbertson

Mark Andrews

Nena Farrell

Christopher Null

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

31 Best Travel Bags: Duffels, Backpacks or Suitcases?

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

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

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

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• Price: > $$$
• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• > Book-style opening
• > Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

• > Excellent all-round duffel bag
• > Protected pocket for tech

AER Commuter Brief 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you traveling with Tech?

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

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

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

Are you Hiking?

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

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

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Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

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

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

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

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

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

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

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

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

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

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

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

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

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

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

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

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

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

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

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

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

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

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

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

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

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

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

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

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

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

#2 Outlander Packable

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

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

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

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

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

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

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

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

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

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

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

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

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

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

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Packability

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

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

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

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

Functionality

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

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

Durability and Weatherproofing

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

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

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

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

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

What kind of travel bag should I get?

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

What are the best overall travel bags?

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

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

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

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

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

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

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

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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The 15 Best Luggage Brands for Any Traveler [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

764 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3079 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

AmazonBasics

American tourister.

• Briggs & Riley

Eagle Creek

Kenneth cole, final thoughts.

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

Whether you are the kind of traveler who lives their life out of a carry-on , or an over-packer who delights in squeezing your entire wardrobe into a super-size suitcase , there are tons of great luggage brands out there to help you find your perfect pieces.

From budget options that will see you right on your annual vacation to investment pieces that scream style and sophistication, here are some of the best luggage brands you can buy today.

The Best Luggage Brands

If you love luggage as much as we do, you may already know which brands are best to buy, but here is our rundown of the 15 best luggage brands in the world.

Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, providing customers with a huge array of products and services that are all delivered quickly to their front door or downloaded to their tablet, phone, or laptop. As you can buy pretty much anything on Amazon, it should come as no surprise that it offers its very own private label brand selling brilliant luggage basics — AmazonBasics.

As a label that focuses on offering “everyday items at affordable prices,” AmazonBasics can sell you pretty much most of the practical travel items you will need for your next trip , with its suitcases, bags, and other travel accessories proving to be a big hit with savvy travelers.

While its luggage range may be somewhat limited in terms of collections, buyers can choose chooser from a variety of standard sizes in a choice of textured hardside spinner, shiny hardside spinner, or soft-sided suitcases, or you can add 2 or 3 pieces to make a useful matching set. There is also a cute under-seat carrier for easy access on the plane.

Available in a selection of colors, and with most pieces offering spinner wheels, telescopic handles, expansion zippers, and 2 good size packing compartments, the AmazonBasics brand really does offer a lot of baggage for your buck.

With a 3-year warranty on all suitcases and a 1-year warranty on the under-seat storage bag, AmazonBasics perfectly bridges the gap between expensive high-end luggage that will make a sharp dent in your wallet and bargain-basement cases that may not last the return journey .

Bottom Line: AmazonBasics offers brilliant basic luggage at an affordable price that will take you where you want to go.

Owned by global luggage giant Samsonite, American Tourister offers a wide range of luggage that is designed to attract a younger, funkier global traveler. Offering suitcases, backpacks, and other luggage solutions in a selection of sizes, fashionable colors, and designs, American Tourister is a highly desirable brand that offers upscale features at affordable prices .

With very distinctive designs that include textured ABS hard-sided suitcases and the occasional celebrity collaboration, their unique looks and Instagrammable qualities make them a hit with modern-day globe trotters.

Cases are cleverly crafted to not only look awesome but also offer the same levels of practicality you would expect from a more traditional and expensive brand. They are also incredibly lightweight with innovative touches.

From brightly colored backpacks to retro-flavored rolling cases, there is a lot of luggage to choose from. Telescopic handles, spinner wheels, and TSA-approved locks add value, comfort, and convenience, while Disney designs and bold colors make it easy to identify your case on the carousel.

Thoroughly tested for strength and durability, American Tourister cases are much more than just great looking luggage. Most products come with a 10-year global limited warranty, and an American Tourister suitcase should see you through many years of adventures.

Bottom Line: This fun diffusion range offers funky textures, bold designs, and bright colors, all with affordable price tags for every kind of traveler.

Sleek, stylish, and perfect for modern travelers, the Away brand brings you luggage collections that offer far more than just bags and cases. Carefully-crafted designs promise to provide your belongings with a home between homes, with the strength and durability to always last the journey and the innovation to keep you connected, even on the go.

By using celebrity collaborations to capture the attention of the Instagram generation, the Away brand has become lusted after by many a jet-setting millennial.

Its online cachet extends way beyond the hype, too, with every piece in its collection offering handsome looks, impressive durability, and thoughtful designs , all available for a moderate cost.

The brainchild of 2 former Warby Parker execs, Away has been supplying the cool and trendy with cases since 2015. Hardsided suitcases, rolling duffels, and occasional special celebrity editions add kudos and desirability, but it is its sought-after Smart Luggage that really sets Away apart from the competition.

Carry-on cases come with built-in batteries that can be used to charge your phone or other devices . Imagine the thrill of power on the go, simply by charging your suitcase overnight!

Better still, all batteries are TSA-compliant and can easily be removed upon request. With a lifetime guarantee on most pieces and a range of gorgeous colors to choose from, it’s not hard to see why Away is one of the coolest brands out there.

Bottom Line: Uber-cool cases for the Instagram generation, Away’s built-in batteries make them as practical as they are beautiful.

Founded in New York in 1993, Briggs & Riley claims that its luggage collections are “engineered for reality,” and that it listens to the requirements of its loyal fanbase to truly understand exactly what the modern-day traveler needs when it comes to luggage.

By addressing the real-world wants and needs of its target market, it has created a range of luggage that offers more room and practical storage space, making Briggs & Riley an easy choice for frequent flyers .

Its expansion system adds even more extra inches of space when you need it the most, and the compression system holds your belongings firmly in place. Brigg & Riley also claim to have revolutionized the travel industry by being the first to offer a no questions asked, “Simple as That” lifetime warranty that even covers damage caused by the airline during transit.

Offering everything from backpacks to expandable travel trunks, each collection is available in a wide range of colors and sizes, with all pieces being manufactured using only the best, high-quality materials.

Featuring innovations such as trolley handles that don’t take up any room inside the suitcase and check-point friendly laptop bags, its clever real-world designs and extensive testing results in practical pieces that are built to last.

With great looking bags and cases with lots of well thought out storage solutions, the price tags may initially make you balk, but with a lifetime warranty, incredible build quality, and sharp, upscale looks , you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Bottom Line: Briggs & Riley offers practical statement pieces that have been engineered for the reality of air travel, attracting discerning travelers the world over.

This French luggage brand offers premium collections designed with plenty of European flair for travelers who like their luggage to be as well dressed as they are.

From small beginnings as a company that specializes in leather camera cases and typewriter boxes, the brand is now one of the most instantly recognizable in the world, offering an array of suitcases, travel bags, and other accessories.

As one of the first companies to offer hard-shelled suitcases that could be pulled around on their own wheels, Delsey has always been at the forefront of innovation and design . With unmistakably French good looks and a certain je ne sais quoi , Delsey is also dedicated to offering innovative solutions using state-of-the-art technology to enhance the overall travel experience.

With many design awards under its belt, Delsey continues to push the boundaries of both form and function by offering such innovations as an easily removable wheel system, a fiberglass structure with shape memory, cases and bags that can charge your phone on the go, and security zippers that are 3 times more resistant to intrusion than regular ones.

Travelers can choose from wet bags and backpacks right up to extra large suitcases and everything in between, all available in a wide range of colors, materials, and designs. All pieces benefit from a warranty of 2, 3, 5, or 10 years depending on the individual components.

Bottom Line: Delsey is a premium French luggage brand offering European style and sophistication in every piece.

Eagle Creek began life as a small retail store in the San Jacinto Mountains, where Steve and Nona Barker sold custom mountain packs for trail trekking adventurers. In 1975 the couple opened a 1,500 square foot warehouse in Solana Beach, California, and Eagle Creek was born.

With innovation, durability, and craftsmanship at the forefront of the brands’ identity since the beginning, it is no wonder that Eagle Creek is one of the most popular brands for outdoor adventurers in the U.S. today .

Offering a full spectrum of travel and luggage solutions, Eagle Creek can supply you with everything from a tiny money belt through to a giant wheeled duffel, ensuring that this brand absolutely has you covered on the go.

Ultralight daypacks will rest easy on your back as you take to 2 wheels, while compression sacks, packing cubes, and water-resistant wallets will keep your gear safe and organized on the go.

As you would expect from a brand that is all about the great outdoors, Eagle Creek luggage is made with environmental conditions in mind. The water-repellent RPVB coating on its premium Migrate and Wayfinder collections, for example, has been developed using windshield plastic from landfills in Asia .

Eagle Creek also promises that every item it produces is manufactured without toxic PVC plastics that contaminate the environment.

As one of the most ecologically thoughtful brands on the market, Eagle Creek is also ardently against increasing landfill. This is why its “No Matter What” warranty allows for the replacement or repair of its products in most situations. From wheeled duffels to gear bags, Eagle Creek has everything the outdoor adventurer could need.

Bottom Line: With superior organization and featherweight designs, bags from Eagle Creek are designed for you to grab your gear and get out there.

Famous for its distinctive looks and impressive durability, Hartmann has traditional All-American retro styling and offers exquisitely-crafted collections for affluent travelers.

Designing and manufacturing high-quality luggage for over 140 years , the Hartmann brand is synonymous with only offering the very highest levels of craftsmanship and bags and cases that really are designed to last a lifetime.

Initially specializing in sturdy trunks for upper-class travelers, the brand has managed to keep its authentic style while still being able to keep up with every kind of modern innovation.

With hard-sided suitcases made from ultra-light and protective titanium with metallic colorings and soft-sided travel bags woven in the finest tweed, there is an air of luxury and sophistication that permeates every piece in its collections .

With sumptuous leather handles and accents set against state of the art and intelligent functions such as the smooth-spinning wheel, retractable handles, and TSA-approved locks, Hartmann offers the perfect blend of classic good looks and modern practicality.

Not cheap to buy, but incredibly pleasing to own, Hartmann bags and cases are all rigorously tested to ensure that all of its travel products meet stringent standards. That said, should something happen to your beloved Hartmann pieces, they do also come with a 10-year limited warranty.

Bottom Line: Hartmann offers All-American style and quality for the affluent and the enlightened.

Kenneth Cole is a fashion designer from New York who began his career designing and making women’s shoes. As his success grew, he turned his talents to creating bags, clothing, and accessories, and then the Kenneth Cole Reaction Line dedicated to creating fashion-conscious luggage and travel accessories.

Designed to capture the fast-paced spirit of modern city living, his luggage range has a playful urban aesthetic and a designer price tag to match .

Available in a range of practical sizes, beautiful colors, and uber-stylish exteriors, all Kenneth Cole cases and bags have been designed to feature practical and well-organized storage compartments, with every little detail considered in the final design.

The Reaction range is very well thought of by discerning travelers, and cases offer luxury styling and innovative touches, including 8-wheel construction and a molded, reinforced ABS hardside construction.

Designer looks aren’t all that’s on offer here either, as on the inside the fully lined interiors complete with garment restraints and hanger attachments add to the high-end feel, while the additional laptop or tablet holders in the sealed lid compartment make these cases as practical for business trips as they are on vacation .

With sleek designs, a trendy designer label, and lots of clever interior features, Kenneth Cole cases make a real statement at the airport terminal. Customers can also be reassured that their cases will last the journey with most pieces coming complete with a lifetime limited warranty.

Bottom Line: With designer looks and urban chic at every turn, cool people can’t get enough of Kenneth Cole.

Osprey is dedicated to designing high-quality backpacks and gear haulers for adventurers who love to experience life in the great outdoors . The Californian brand has been creating innovative backpacks and rucksacks since 1974, and the cornerstone of the brand is that its high-quality products are built to last for a really long time.

From child carriers to wet bags, daypacks to hiking packs , Osprey offers everything you could need to carry your gear (and your infant too!). Available in a huge variety of sizes, styles, colors, and designs, every piece of Osprey luggage has been designed with practicality in mind.

Osprey also firmly believes in maintaining the lowest environmental impact in its products. Designed to last for many years, it uses high-quality materials in order to reduce wastage. It is solely driven by practicality and not the whims of disposable fashion.

Each Osprey bag, backpack, or rucksack comes with its impressive “All Mighty Guarantee” that promises to repair any defects in the materials or craftsmanship . As a brand, its mantra is very much to repair, not replace, in order to reduce waste. While Osprey is by no means the cheapest purveyor of outdoor gear on the market, it is most definitely one of the very best.

Bottom Line: Famous for super tough rucksacks and backpacks that will carry you across many miles of country terrain, Osprey continues to be the outdoor enthusiast’s favorite.

You can spot a Rimowa suitcase from a mile away with its distinctive parallel aluminum grooves that are inspired by the golden age of aviation . Upscale looks come with high-end price tags, though, but its loyal fanbase seems to think that they are worth every cent.

The German-born company has been making its signature aluminum cases for over 70 years now, but has kept up to date with all the latest innovations that modern-day travelers need.

Its most recent hybrid collection, for example, unites the resilience of its aluminum-magnesium alloy with the supremely lightweight quality of polycarbonate, creating German-engineered quality that is light to the touch.

Super-smooth spinner wheels, single grab handles, and integrated TSA-approved locks add practicality and sharp looks to its design format, and on the inside, lined pockets and deep storage spaces offer all the space you need to house your designer outfits.

Designed with the demands of the most discerning travelers in mind, Rimowa offers customized services, including hotel repairs should your suitcase suffer a mishap on the go — every piece also comes with a 5-year guarantee .

You may need deep pockets to travel the Rimowa way, but every admiring glance at the airport and the sheer joy of owning one will make it feel well worth the money.

Bottom Line: Rimowa’s distinctive looks and German design attract first-class travelers who really like to travel in style.

Originally founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1910, Samsonite International S.A. is now one of the biggest luggage manufacturers in the world. Offering a huge selection of leisure luggage, business cases, handbags, travel accessories, and casual and outdoor bags, you would be hard pushed to find any luggage and leisure retailer that doesn’t feature pieces from this leading brand.

With upmarket branding and superior quality ranges, Samsonite is best known for offering high-end luggage for business travelers and sophisticated adventurers , all of which come with a price tag to match. At the forefront of innovation, Samsonite continues to manufacture great-looking luggage that combines the very best quality materials with cleverly created design concepts.

The company is also known to invest extraordinary amounts of money into researching the materials it uses, meaning that everything from the exterior of the suitcase through to the handles, zippers, and even the wheels are able to outperform the competition for extended periods of time.

It was its vulcanized fiber cases of the 1940s that gained the attention of a small but upwardly mobile market of travelers, and to this day, it is both its hard and soft-sided suitcases that are the brand’s most popular products. Trusted for its incredible durability and sleek designs , the cases are also incredibly lightweight and available in a range of standard sizes.

Samsonite is also keen to recognize its responsibility to operate efficiently as possible in order to produce products with a lower environmental impact. Low-impact designs feature highly in its most recent collections, and as you would expect from such an upscale brand, lifetime warranties come as standard across many of its ranges.

Bottom Line: The biggest and still the best, Samsonite continues to outsell the competition with clever designs and highly capable cases.

As another brand that is famous for creating high-quality army knives, you can be sure that SWISSGEAR luggage  will always be finely-crafted and honed to perfection . Offering European good looks and incredible versatility, this Swiss brand offers a range of affordable suitcases, bags , and other travel accessories .

Travelers can choose from its budget-friendly entry-level collections for occasional travel or splash a bit more cash for its premium collections.

SWISSGEAR luggage products offer a range of innovative features, including integrated USB ports to keep your tech charged on the go, as well as ScanSmart technology that allows you to speed through security — your laptop will be protected from X-ray belts while still allowing transparency for TSA agents.

With sleek looks and sophisticated styling, every collection comes complete with cleverly thought-out storage spaces that include additional pockets, retractable or adjustable handles, and suitcases with smooth-rolling spinner wheels.

There is a wide range of colors and sizes to choose from, and some cases offer extra inches of space using its straightforward expansion system. Hardside cases are rugged and capable, while their soft-sided counterparts are made from hard-wearing and durable materials .

Most SWISSGEAR cases, bags, and travel accessories come with a 5-year limited warranty.

Bottom Line: Swiss charm and ScanSmart technology make SWISSGEAR’s style and innovation within the reach of everyone.

Founded in 1987 by a Northwest Airlines 747 pilot, Travelpro is the preferred brand for airline crew and frequent flyers who really want to maximize storage space on the go.

Offering a wide range of stylish wheeled luggage, Travelpro aficionados can invest in entire sets that work together seamlessly to adapt to your ever-changing travel needs. From business trips to family vacations, Travelpro offers everything from backpacks and garment carriers to super-sized rolling duffel bags and suitcases.

Because the range has been designed by people who truly understand the rigors of frequent flying, all of its collections are subjected to rigorous testing before they hit the market.

Suitcases are tested above the maximum weight for checked baggage, and every element of the case, including the fabrics, wheels, zippers, and handles, is put through its paces to ensure almost a lifetime of use.

Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles, the Travelpro ranges are affordable enough to be attractive to vacationers and leisure travelers , while still offering the type of quality demanded by airline professionals. Well made, good looking, and incredibly durable, all Travelpro luggage also comes with either a 5- or 10-year warranty.

Bottom Line: The professional’s choice finds its way into the mainstream, delighting frequent flyers and vacationers alike.

Founded in 1975, Tumi prides itself on offering upscale and innovative luggage to discerning travelers the world over. With a name taken from a Peruvian Peace Corp icon, it is no wonder that Tumi collections offer incredible versatility and extensive levels of durability.

Known in the 1980s for its signature black-on-black ballistic nylon styling, the brand has evolved to now offer an array of cases, bags, and travel accessories.

Claiming to be “obsessed” with offering superior quality and exquisite designs , the Tumi team believes in testing all of its pieces to the extreme. Each product is put through an impressive series of 30 individual tests before being released into the real world for performance testing.

This rigorous approach to testing, compared with unrivaled attention to detail, makes Tumi luggage well worth its high-end price tag.

Technical innovation is also one of the cornerstones of the brand, with most pieces being fitted with a world-beating tracking system, meaning you will know where your luggage is at even if you are unlucky enough to get separated from it.

Using state-of-the-art components, some Tumi collections also offer on-the-go charging and clever storage options for laptops, tablets, and other high-value tech.

Each piece it manufactures offers the brand’s signature good looks and clever design features . Pushing standard-size storage space to the max, travel solutions from Tumi are built to last. But just in case something goes wrong, it also offers between 2- to 5-year warranties on most of its collections.

Bottom Line: Collections by Tumi feature design excellence and technical innovation wrapped up in stunning suitcases that are kept close by your side using in-built tracking devices.

Best known as a Swiss knife manufacturer and luxury watchmaker, Victorinox brings its European class and style to the luggage business with a range of upscale bags and cases. With just a few select options to choose from, travelers who like sleek lines and practical design will love the simple yet finely crafted range on offer from Victorinox.

Using decades of engineering expertise, Victorinox combines cutting-edge, high-tech materials with forward-thinking designs to produce lightweight suitcases that are able to effortlessly maximize the storage space available. Only available in sleek black, travelers can choose from ultra-light shockproof polycarbonate hard-sided cases, or nylon soft-sided options.

With a simple choice of small, medium, large, or extra-large suitcases, you can easily accommodate everything you need for your next trip. Victorinox focuses on keeping its cases as light as possible in order to ensure that travelers can use those all-important extra ounces for their own belongings.

All Victorinox luggage comes with a lifetime warranty, and as a well-renowned brand famous for quality and style , its luggage should be just as popular as its world-famous army knives.

Bottom Line: Driven by design, Swiss brand Victorinox builds precision-engineered upscale suitcases , perfect for the minimalist in all of us.

From daypacks for bike rides to statement suitcases for the summer season, the luggage you choose needs to look not only good but also be practical enough to meet all your needs.

Smart technology, tracking devices, and TSA-approved additions make modern-day suitcases even more practical and desirable forever. Invest well, and you and your suitcase can spend many happy years traveling the world together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best quality luggage brand.

Anyone looking for high-quality luggage has a range of great brands to choose from. For the best quality luggage you can consider:

What brand of luggage do pilots use?

While pilots are free to choose from a range of luggage types, Travelpro is one of the more popular types of luggage used by airline pilots. In fact, the brand was founded in 1987 by a Northwest Airlines 747 pilot.

Who is the largest luggage brand in the world?

Samsonite is arguably the biggest luggage brand in the world, or more specifically, its parent company, Samsonite International S.A. The company owns several brands, including Samsonite, Tumi, American Tourister, Hartmann, Gregory, and High Sierra.

What is the best lightweight luggage for international travel?

The likes of American Tourister, Rimowa, Samsonite, and Victorinox produce lightweight carry-on and checked luggage. Carry-on bags such as the Travelpro Maxlite 5 and Osprey Ozone come in at less than 5 pounds. 

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About Amar Hussain

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

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The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Brands for International Travel, According to Pros

Don’t splurge on a suitcase until you’ve read this expert shopping advice.

"Sturdiness is the most important quality for long, international travel because a dense suitcase will ensure that it comes off the scanning belt without major damage," Marchant says. "Durability and a lifetime warranty are also important because you never know what can happen while traveling, who is handling your bag, or what kind of weather it has to wheel through. In the unpredictable realm of international travel, a sturdy and resilient suitcase is a traveler’s best friend."

Here, the best pieces of luggage for international travel, straight from the pros.

Paravel Weekender

Paravel is one of Schroeder’s go-to brands for personal luggage due to its quality craftsmanship, stylish aesthetic, and still-attainable price point. The Weekender is a favorite piece (Schroder calls it her “ Mary Poppins bag”), as it easily slides over the handle of any suitcase for streamlining speedy layovers.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag

"Large, heavy suitcases are popular because they offer more packing space, but they are cumbersome to bring around the airport and may result in additional fees when checking in," Marchant says. "I recommend travelers prioritize finding a balance between capacity and portability and ensure that their luggage is both functional and practical."

A favorite of Marchant’s (and many seasoned travel pros, for that matter), Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are all about longevity, while boasting one of the most iconic luggage designs of the modern day. “The best quality luggage is Rimowa, without hesitation, because of its durability, capacity, design, and style,” she says. “The suitcases are an investment, but a guaranteed piece for life,” he says.

Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk

This heritage British luggage brand was founded in 1897 and truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re a watch collector or particular enough to seek out fully customizable luggage (or both!). Globe Trotter boasts a host of unique collections, from the eternally chic safari line to collabs with luxury accessories brand Casablanca and James Bond.

The brand’s items are made from vulcanized fiberboard, which boasts being as strong as leather yet light as aluminum for seamless travel. Plus, old-school jet-setters will love Globe Trotter’s chic trunks that are suited for your next Grand Tour.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend

If you’re looking for a bag that can go from office to plane to drinks and back again, look no further than Carl Friedrik's weekender bag. This heritage luggage brand focuses on premium materials, thoughtful design to improve functionality and reduce waste, and innovation that will have you hooked for life. The brand is also a go-to destination for travel accessories made from vegetable-tanned vachetta leather that will patina beautifully over the years.

AWAY The Bigger Carry-On

This Instagram-adored brand is also a personal favorite of Schroder’s, as the brand’s Bigger Carry On is her-go to when jet-setting for a variety of trips. This top-rated luggage retailer is beloved for cleverly designed products with unique features such as laundry bags, underside grab handles, lightweight yet durable shells, and array of color options for every type of aesthete.

“In my opinion, the products are well-made and available at a price point that balances both luxury and accessibility,” says Schroeder. “Most of my clients appreciate this, as they are looking for both functionality and a level of style in their luggage.”

Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk

The celeb-adored Italian luggage brand features a range of leather goods that appeal to a variety of styles, whether you prefer vintage-inspired designs, sleek lines, or punchy colorways. Bric’s is all about showcasing Italian craftsmanship and design innovation, from the Tuscan leather trim on the Firenze bags to the steamer trunk-inspired design of the Bellagio collection and seaside hues of the Positano collection.

Bric’s offers a five-year warranty on all wheeled products and a two-year warranty on other bags and accessories. Warning: You'll be scheming up your next trip to Italy as soon as your purchase arrives.

Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey

Iconic luggage brand Hartmann first gained notoriety in 1908 with its namesake trunk winning first prize at the California exposition. It’s been serving discerning travelers ever since (think: James Bond in Ian Flemming’s novels, as well as IRL with Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt).

Schroeder is fan of both their carry-on and checked luggage options that feature American-made vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed, and other high-performance materials to travel as far and wide as you do for decades to come. It’s a top pick for those who love soft luggage without having to sacrifice on durability or style.

Monos Check-In Large

Monos has quickly become a must-have brand for the jet-set needing Instagram-worthy luggage. But the brand is much more than a pretty face (though we do love the number of colorways offered): Monos luggage has received more than 10,000 five-star reviews and is centered around creating timeless modern heirlooms you'll treasure for years to come.

They back that up with lifetime warranties on all luggage, even if purchased from an authorized third-party retailer, along with two-year warranties for the Metro collection and packing cubes. Plus, adults and kids alike will love the stylish alphabet stickers for personalizing suitcases and more.

TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case

“My husband has all things TUMI, which is a brand we often recommend to our clients,” Schroder says.

The comprehensive travel brand is a great pick for enthusiasts of all kinds, as the brand’s portfolio ranges from suitcases in six different sizes, active backpacks, and even a host of golf accessories (the brand just became the official luggage of the PGA Tour and LPGA). This also makes TUMI an excellent option for those who are seeking a full matching set of travel goodies, as Marchant says he swears by matching family sets of luggage to help keep track of everyone’s belongings as best as possible.

The brand features a slew of valuable amenities, from the TUMI Tracer product recovery program to repair and personalization services, as well a five-year-luggage warranty (two for wallets and accessories). Plus, there are more than 300 TUMI stores around the world to test out their suite of products in person with ease.

Royce & Rocket

The youngest brand on our list, Royce & Rocket was created by two well-traveled friends in 2022 who were looking to make packing (and unpacking upon arrival) as smooth as possible, allowing people to make the most of their vacations. Their suitcases, offered in three sizes feature built-in shelving systems (in chic colors, might we add) to help you stay organized with ease, no matter how much city-hopping is on your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the brand’s catchall travel pouches for keeping your suitcase mess-free and your beauty routine a breeze while abroad.

Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner

Since 1946, Delsey has been bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility in the luggage market. No matter what kind of traveler you are or style of luggage you prefer, the brand has something well-designed, eco-friendly, and innovative to offer. The brand created the first luggage on wheels, after all! Delsey features an authorized repair center to ensure proper upkeep for those who travel hard. The brand is available for purchase through many major retailers around the world, so it’s a great pick if you prefer to shop IRL.

BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender

Schroder loves BÉIS for its lightweight carryon options that can keep you organized, no matter the itinerary. This is a great brand to know for families looking for chic, kid-friendly travel gear, hard-working totes, and clever carry ons in a slew of appealing colors.

“I own the Weekender and the Backpack, and I use both on different trips, depending on the type,” she says. “For example, when traveling to Africa, the Backpack helps to keep me most organized. When traveling to Europe and I need something to hold what doesn’t fit in my carry on, the Weekender is my go-to!"

Meet the Experts

Emma Schroder is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler .

Tom Marchant is the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato .

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For more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best. (edited)

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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We reviewed almost all Lo & Sons bags and these are our 8 favorites

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When it comes to finding an amazing travel tote or the best work bag for women, functionality is key. For those of you unfamiliar with the brand, Lo & Sons makes stylish, travel-friendly bags that are optimized for space and organization. Founder and CEO Helen Lo originally launched Lo & Sons with the mission of creating a travel bag that alleviated the back pain she developed in her mid-60s. This sparked the idea that birthed the brand's debut product: The O.G. Overnight Bag , a smartly designed shoulder bag with a suitcase-handle sleeve for easy transportation.

Whether you're preparing for a trip overseas or looking for something that can hold a weekend's worth of outfits, we can help you choose which bag to buy.

Edgemont Convertible Backpack Tote

With its structured form, multiple well-designed compartments, and ability to convert between two different styles in just a few steps, this backpack tote boasts value that far outweighs its $128 price tag. It works great as a work-to-gym bag and fits all the essentials for both purposes. All the while it still feels fairly light and very comfortable on my back or shoulder.

Its stash pockets, perfectly placed under the arm, make it easy to access IDs, keys, and MetroCards, and are one of my favorite features of the bag. I also love that the material is eco-friendly and water-resistant, and specifically the Navy Camo pattern is subtle but stylish.  — Connie Chen, former Insider Reviews senior reporter

Read our full Lo & Sons Edgemont review .

The O.G. Overnight Bag

Editor's note: This review was of the first O.G. Overnight Bag. You can now purchase the updated O.G. 2, which features similar specs.

The O.G. Overnight Bag quickly became my go-to personal item on flights back. Its suitcase-handle sleeve is a game-changer; I could rest assured that when I placed my personal item atop my carry-on it wouldn't fall off. Inside the bag are some even cooler features, like a padded laptop sleeve, a separate shoe compartment, and tons of pockets for organizing everything from my pens to my earbuds. The O.G. also comes with a messenger strap for easy and comfortable carrying across your body or over your shoulder, and it's made of durable and water-resistant nylon, so there's no need to worry about it being ruined by coffee spills or bad weather. — Ellen Hoffman, former Insider Reviews executive editor

With all of all the smart features, I've found I'm able to fit just about everything I need for a weekend away in this one bag, unless it's winter (sweaters and coats are just too bulky). Even though the bag is so structured, it's really lightweight, making it really easy to carry, even when loaded with clothing and toiletries. While pricey, I think it's worth the $295 investment. — Remi Rosmarin, former Insider Reviews reporter

Read our full Lo & Sons O.G. review .

Catalina Deluxe Large Weekender Travel Bag

I took the Catalina Deluxe Weekender Large Travel Bag on a couple of short road trips a while ago. Packing a bag is easier than lugging a suitcase around, but I usually travel with the weekender version of this blue and white striped nylon Baggu tote . It's weightless and holds a lot, but it lacks structure and organization.

By comparison, Lo & Son's weekender is made out of thick canvas — it's heavy duty, but can be folded when not in use. I have yet to max out the large bag on a weekend trip, even with packing sweaters and bulkier items. If I were traveling to a warm-weather destination, the bag could easily fit a week's worth of clothes. The bottom compartment comes in handy for separating out shoes and heavier pieces of clothing, but I did find the zipper hard to maneuver when the bag was empty, since the weight of the canvas bag weighs it down. Overall, this is a well-made travel bag and one that I will definitely continue to use. — Lauren Lyons Cole, former director of personal finance 

Waverley 2 Convertible Leather Crossbody

Small but functional, this bag is perfect for taking on the go while running errands, exploring new cities, or toting around during the day. It's big enough to fit a phone, wallet, and other small essentials, plus the interior has three small card pockets that can help save some space if your wallet takes up too much room.

The best part of this bag, though, is the exterior — it can be worn four different ways! Adjust the straps to wear it as a crossbody, a belt bag, a shoulder bag, or a wristlet. I've worn this bag on days when I'm just walking around the city. The size is small enough to bear holding for long walks, but big enough to hold all the essentials for a casual weekend day. The light grey color is unlike any bag I've owned before, but it has a minimalist chic look that I'm excited to incorporate more for spring. — Remi Rosmarin, former Insider Reviews reporter

Claremont Leather Camera Bag

I've had a DSLR camera for six years. During that time, I've probably taken it on vacation with me once or twice — and at least one of those times, it didn't make it out of my suitcase. The problem is that it's clunky, no lightweight or attractive travel purse fits it, and wearing it around my neck is not appealing. It also becomes a risk in museums, when I worry every time I lean over if it will swing into a neoclassical treasure like a cannonball.

Lo & Son's Claremont camera bag is a game-changer. It's attractive, lightweight, and built specifically to house and protect my DSLR as well as the other tourist essentials, like my passport and money in the easily accessed back pocket. Its organization is helpful but not overwhelming — meaning that I can convert it to a crossbody bag, or make full use of the SD memory card pockets and the soft and protective divider. — Mara Leighton, senior digital culture reporter

Hanover Deluxe Backpack

Editor's note: Our review was of the original Hanover Deluxe backpack, you can now purchase the redesigned Hanover Deluxe 2, which features similar specs.

I was honestly shocked how much I was able to fit inside this backpack. There two side pockets and one exterior pocket, plus the main compartment has a removable insert designed to organize all your stuff. I was able to fit well over 20 items, including multiple outfits, a pair of shoes, laptop, Kindle, and random electronics and toiletries, with ease. On top of that, the memory-foam shoulder straps are very comfortable, so much so that I almost forgot I was carrying 15-20 pounds on my back. I'm not sure I'll ever use another travel backpack if I'm being honest. — Francesca Rea, Insider Reviews senior story producer

Read our full review of the Lo & Sons Hanover Deluxe .

Rowledge Convertible Nylon Backpack Tote

The Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack marries style and function for one of the company's most in-demand bags to date (at its debut there was a waitlist). It does have a hefty price tag, but it has a lot going for it to justify the cost: It converts three ways so it can serve you whether you're in work mode, travel mode, or weekend mode. It has a laptop sleeve, key leash, and many other useful compartments, like exterior side pockets that can be unzipped to store your water bottle, or zipped up for a sleek, virtually invisible, look. I use it to commute to work so that I could ditch my gym bag. — Francesca Rea, former Insider Reviews senior story producer

Check out our full Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack review .

Pearl Crossbody Bag and Clutch

This leather crossbody looks small but holds everything I need to go out during the day. The main compartment located in the middle of the bag is perfect for items I need to access quickly, like my phone and wallet. Its smaller zippered pockets on the outside are optimal places for loose cash. It also includes this neat little leash to hook onto my keys. I hate digging for my house key in the bottom of my purse (especially when it's raining!), so this was perfect. The leather feels high-quality and I can tell it won't scratch easily. — Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern

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] .

• Main content

The Perfect Luggage for Avoiding Airport Chaos Is Here

Because stress-free travel starts with having the right gear.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

But choosing the best luggage is not always as easy as it seems. The variety of options on the market can make shopping for a new large suitcase or carry-on feel like driving through a dark tunnel without a navigation system. This guide here on the best luggage brands will help shine a little light on your trek, aiding you in choosing the right luggage for your budget.

Best Overall Luggage Brand

The Close Second

The Frequent Favorite

Best Investment Luggage Brand

Best Softside Luggage Brand

Best Luggage Sets

Best Luggage for Hauling Gear

Peak design.

Best Luggage for Apple AirTag Users

Best Adventure Luggage Brand

Eagle creek.

Best Luggage for Minimalist Travelers

Which brand of suitcase i s best.

The editors and writers at Men's Health are constantly on the go. From working assignments in LA to taking tropical vacations in Madeira, we make it a point to test all the best luggage brands in our adventures. Over the past four years alone, we've tested well over 40 different luggage brands to find the perfect piece. Here, we bring you the 17 best luggage brands of 2024 in one clean list, with Samsonite commanding our top spot of the best luggage brand overall due to the brand's outstanding durability, clean design, and wallet-friendly price.

No matter if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all bag or an entire luggage set, these are the best luggage brands on the market that will get you cruising without the stress of schlepping some raggedy old case. Ready to see the list?

Travel Awards | Best Travel Gadgets | Best Travel Shoes | Best Travel Pillows | Best Travel Pants | Best AirTag Wallets

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 10 years

Samsonite makes the best affordable suitcases and luggage sets in our eyes. While the brand is in just about every major department store, the best place to buy Samsonite luggage is on Amazon. The retailer carries some of Samsonite's highest-rated products that won't burn a hole in your wallet. You can score an entire hard-sided set for under $300 or shop the brand's durable nylon singles . The items might not be as feature-loaded and reinforced as some of the other brands, but you will be surprised at how far your luggage will go before you need replacing.

When asking Justin Crabbe , the CEO of Jettly, a private jet charter service, about his go-to luggage brand, he mentioned Samsonite as one of the most well-priced and reliable brands that come to mind. "With lightweight yet durable material, superior design, and multiple compartments for packing with ease, it is a traveler’s dream come true," says Crabbe.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, always seems to find himself traveling with Samsonite too. " Time and time again I think I need to upgrade my luggage, and then I come back to my softside Samsonite carry-on I've held onto for over 5+ years," he says. " It [my carry-on] has been my companion with me through many adventures, from high altitude camping trips in Colorado to overseas adventures in countries like China and Germany." Thompson also notes his Samsonite's all-black fabric body has resisted scratches and marks over time, which makes it suitable for business trips as a clean piece that will blend in among the other bags—and not stand out for being all mangled and disheveled.

Read more: Viral TikTok Travel Essentials

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: Lifetime

You must be living under a rock if this is your first time hearing about the magic that is Away luggage. The simple-yet-modern design makes you actually love to carry the brand's bags. Away's claim to fame comes from the brand's built-in battery packs that can power up your devices. Our Fashion Director, Ted Stafford, is a huge fan of Away due to the brand's attention to detail in the design process. " The interior of the suitcase has a streamlined design, which offers ample space to fit all your necessary items in an uncluttered and organized way ," says Stafford. " Plus, Away’s suitcases are extremely lightweight, so you can easily maneuver to and from your destination without pulling your muscles or overexerting unnecessary energy—to me, that kind of ease is invaluable at a price that’s very fair.”

The carry-on sizes come in a traditional option and a bigger carry-on for certain airlines that allow it. The brand also innovated on its hard-sided luggage collection, and now makes a full line of soft-sided durable ballistic nylon and outer pocket additions.

Read more: Long Flight Essentials

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 10 years

What would the best luggage guide be without TravelPro? The legacy brand has been a longtime favorite of frequent travelers, soft luggage fans, and, yes, even pilots and flight attendants. TravelPro sets are wallet-friendly and its bags are constructed with function in mind (we especially love how durable the 360-wheels and handles are on its pieces).

Nadia Podrabinek , a travel writer and founder of Why This Place, is a huge fan of her expandable soft side Travelpro carry-on due to the high quality of design for an affordable price. "The lightweight construction that does not sacrifice on quality, allowing you to travel with peace of mind; and the four-wheel spinner design makes maneuvering through airports easy, while numerous pockets help keep your items organized," Podrabinek says.

Travelpro might not be the most flashy brand, but there's a reason so many travel writers (and flight attendants) love the brand.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 5 years

Tumi is for the slick traveler on the move that appreciates design as much as they do function. The longtime brand founded back in 1975 makes sure every new piece of luggage helps aim to solve common travel qualms. Tumi's carry-on bags and backpacks are made with several easy-access zippered compartments to help breeze through TSA lines, and the brand's add-a-bag sets are designed to lug around two to three bags at one time with one hand.

Adam Mansuroglu, a former Style & Commerce Editor at Men's Health is a Tumi fan. "I've had my Tumi 19 Degree carry-on case for a few years now ; and whenever I want to feel a bit fancier and pretend like I live that jet-set life, I make sure to carry that silver stunner," Mansuroglu says. " I t not only looks sleek and stylish—it can hold a surprising amount of shoes for a fashion editor who can't seem to ever travel light."

It's no secret Tumi is one of the more expensive luggage brands around, but if can pony up the investment you'll be happy knowing you'll have a sleek bag that's going to last you for many years to come.

Read more: Best Dopp Kits

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 3 years

Calling all gearheads. If you're an adventure traveler, Yeti has your back (literally, with the brand's first Crossroads backpack series). In this line of luggage, you'll find dry bags for white water rafting, carryalls, and classic rolling luggage and duffels that can withstand just about anything without showing much wear and tear. These bags are made for utility and function with a willingness to get tossed around and dirty with an easy clean.

Due to the tough construction of Yeti luggage, it's no wonder the bags have become a favorite for adventure tourists in the past few years. Geordie Mackay-Lewis , co-founder of Pelorus , a bespoke agency that plans exotic travel and yacht experiences, loves to pack Yeti bags for client excursions. " For our more adventurous trips, we pack our soft and fully waterproof Yeti bags, which can easily be thrown into a RIB or helicopter ," Mackay-Lewis says. " They also have great camera bags, which we’ve been using on client trips and reconnaissance missions for years."

It's worth mentioning only some of the Yeti bags are completely waterproof, but most are water-resistant.

Read more: Best Backpacks for Men

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: 5 years

Calpak’s popularity is right up there with AWAY, but a major difference is the organizational approach of each brand. Almost all of Calpak's luggage has separate sleeves for shoes, zip pockets for smaller items, compartments for magazines, and straps to hold it all in place. Plus, they make some of the best matching luggage sets around, including a full line of accessories that make packing easier.

Christen Nicole , a FORA Travel Advisor and travel blogger, told us the Astyll 3-Piece Set has been her current go-to for travels for the past two years. " I've loved how the polycarbonate shell has kept my belongings secure, and how the spacious interior pocket dividers have kept everything in its place," Nicole says. When it comes to naming her favorite bag in the set, she finds the carry-on to be the best piece overall due to its combination of generous space (up to 45 liters) with a light build (6 pounds in weight).

If you're someone who has to frequently sit on your suitcase to close it, then opting for Calpak will help turn you into an efficient packing pro. The brand's packing cubes and organizers are excellent at categorizing items, and the suitcases are deep and roomy.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetime

Smart, sexy, and functional as heck, are three words we'd describe Peak Design luggage. The West Coast-based brand originally started in making camera equipment—like carbon fiber tripods—but over time started venturing into camera bags, then everyday bags, then actual travel bags. Products like the Travel Backpack and Travel Duffel offer durable, water-resistant protection for everything from clothes to electronics.

We love how Peak Designs keeps things simple for the look of each bag, making sure to omit tacky logo placements and over-the-top colors, and instead go with a classic all-black look, plus a few natural color combinations on some specific bags.

Samara's luggage pieces are as sleek and stylish as they come. And while they look beautiful from a design standpoint, the one area that deserves recognition is their high level of functionality. We're talking about a strong aluminum frame, 360-degree spinner wheels, and telescopic handles. Plus, all Samsara luggage comes with Tag Smart, which is a unique design configuration made in the luggage to allow for easy placement of your Apple AirTag.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, likes to use his Samsara carry-on whenever he wants to switch over to a hardshell suitcase. "Right now, there's no other brand making such a well design AirTag holder for keeping tabs on its suitcase," Thompson says.

We also found the built-in portable charger is easy to pop out and use, and it works great when powering bigger electronics like laptops and over-ear headphones .

Read more: Best AirTag Wallets

Eagle Creek is known for its no-nonsense and affordable gear that caters to outdoor adventurers. The brand makes some of the best dang packing cubes one could buy, and if you follow up the product ladder you'll land on the different luggage pieces those very cubes can be stored inside. Eagle Creek makes only soft luggage, but the materials are often super tear resistant and the designs offer lots of utility and opportunity for smarter configurations of how to store everything from clothes and hiking essentials to camera gear.

Jackson Groves , travel photographer, adventurer, and founder of the travel blog journeyera.com, told us his personal favorite Eagle Creek bag is his Gear Warrior roller suitcase. " The Gear Warrior's rugged construction and water-resistant materials ensure that my belongings stay safe and protected even in challenging environments; and its spacious main compartment and multiple interior and exterior pockets offer ample storage space for all my essentials, allowing me to stay organized on the go," Groves says. " The durable wheels and retractable handle make maneuvering through airports, trails, and uneven terrain a breeze."

What we love the most about Eagle Creek is they have a no questions asked warranty policy, so if something were to get damaged on your travels, the brand will make sure either repair or replace your bag.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetiime

Osprey makes a number of trusted duffle bags and backpacks that are suitable for minimalist travelers and adventure junkies. The brand shines brightest in its travel backpack offerings. Yes, the packs work amazing for actually backpacking, but due to Osprey's commitment to loading its products with tough materials and premium features—like carrying belts and smart pocket configurations—we've found the backpacks work seriously good for fast weekend getaway trips, no serious outdoor adventuring required.

Scott Cundy, Founder of Wildland Trekking and Intrepid Travel Director of Marketing, The Americas, swears by his Osprey Aether Plus 100 for everything from wilderness backpacking to conventional travel. " It has fantastic capacity at about 6,000 cubic inches, is durable, has an extremely robust hip belt which keeps the weight off my shoulders, and any great pockets," says Cundy. "M y favorite feature of this pack though is how the top loader is removable and becomes a very useable day pack."

The best part about traveling with an Osprey backpack is you can fit your laptop inside with two to three days of clothes and never have to worry about hauling a carry-on or duffel bag to your destination.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 2 years

OGIO can transport a wardrobe quite well, but what the brand is truly exceptional at is transporting gear. Whatever equipment you might want to take with you on your next big trip, an OGIO bag will work as a checked luggage option to get your prized possessions from point A to point B.

This prior notion is especially true when it comes to traveling with golf clubs, as pieces like their ALPHA Travel Cover help you roll your clubs through a terminal without any snagging or other inconveniences. "G reat product to carry clubs. Kept everything safe and has lockable zippers," said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best Golf Bags

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: 2 years

Coolife prides itself on constant innovation. The company was started in the '80s and has evolved to be as modern and relevant as today's big players, like AWAY and Calpak. The aesthetic is quite similar to such brands, with minimally-hued hardshell cases that protect your precious goods and spin nicely. While you don't get the popular brand name, you will get a far better price point, (we're talking under $200 for a two-piece set), making Coolife luggage a major bang for the buck you're spending.

Plus, the Amazon reviews on Coolife luggage are exceptional. " It [the set] cost less than a single suitcase in other stores and includes perfect sizes with the largest being expandable; don’t hesitate to buy these when you need luggage," said one Amazon reviewer. The three-piece set has over 1,000 five-star reviews alone.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: Lifetime

For over 120 years, Rimowa has been making hard-sided luggage, first starting with wooden suitcases and then moving to sturdy aluminum bags. Now, RIMOWA uses ultra-lightweight polycarbonate in its bags. The brand is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Though they come in at a luxury price point, these bags will last for well over a decade. Just take a look at this review a Rimowa buyer left at Nordstrom.com: " On our first trip using this suitcase, my entire family fought over who got to roll the Rimowa because it was just SO MUCH LIGHTER and maneuverable than our other suitcases. It’s sleek, sturdy, light and has great details and added features." The hard-sided shell might look intimidating at first, but once you feel how lightweight and easy this is to the wheel, you'll wonder why you haven't invested in it sooner.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're looking for unique luggage that will stand out in baggage claim, look no further. Not only are Roam 's designs multi-colored, the brand even offers the option to make it uniquely yours in their own design studio. Roam makes the best-checked luggage for that reason along with being light in weight, easy to wheel around, and extra secure with a locking system. "I was an early adopter of the Roam Journey. I traveled all over the world with it. It is lightweight and the customization options really make it pop on the conveyor belt. No more episodes of other people accidentally grabbing my mundane black bag," said one Roam reviewer.

We had thoughts about the carry-on looking small when we first got our hands on one, but the bag can surprisingly fit many days' worth of outfits. The only con about the carry-on thought is it comes without outer organizational pockets, so you'll have to store smaller belongings and electronics inside the bag.

You're probably going to be most impressed by Monos on this list. The Canadian brand makes luggage with a cool minimalist aesthetic that is efficient in packing space thanks to organized internal compartments and packing cubs. It seems as if the brand has thoroughly thought of every travel hiccup and created its products to solve those common issues. The Monos carry-on features a fold-out tech pocket that doesn't compromise the unbreakable aluminum and polycarbonate hybrid shell. The result of all of this: durable aluminum, lightweight polycarbonate, and soft-sided organization features. The wheels are virtually noiseless, and the brand's accessories snap perfectly into place among the entire line of luggage. It all looks and feels expensive, probably because it isn't cheap—but it will make your travel dreams so much better.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetime

Filson has captured the hearts of travelers who love timeless rugged design. While the Seattle brand doesn't carry any hard luggage, Filson does make some grade-A soft luggage. Everything from their duffle bags to messenger bags is perfect for short trips and for carry-on duties. One Filson review mentioned how well his duffel bag performed on a trip abroad. " Used it on a 10-day trip to Europe in winter; paired it up with a carry-on and this was perfect to fit bulkier items like boots, sweaters, and jackets," said the Filson.com reviewer.

The initial investment on any Filson bag is a pretty penny, but the quality materials like USA-sourced leather and tear-resistant canvas point to your bag lasting a long long time—and look better with every new sign of wear and tear, no less.

July is another luggage brand that's made a splash in recent years. The attention to detail in design, combined with stylish silhouettes, has brought forth a line of pieces that look great standalone and even better together. "The suitcase packed a lot of clothes very nicely as I traveled all through the Middle East, France, and Amsterdam. It rolls so easily it made the whole trip quite enjoyable. It seems very sturdy, and it is great looking," said one July reviewer.

July luggage comes in a ton of colors and—best of all—the brand offers small personalization services like monogramming and images of your pets. Yes, you heard that right pet parents.

Read more: Best Sling Bags

Why Trust Us

• In order to keep up with new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing the latest travel gear. Aside from covering travel gear in our evergreen roundups, we also highlight the best new travel gear in our gift guides and annual Travel Awards .
• When it comes to luggage, we make sure to line up real-world testing opportunities anytime we're on assignment or traveling for pleasure. Then, we bring the luggage back to our office to thoroughly inspect each bag to determine what design notes surprised us, and what could use more work.
• We consider how luggage brands appeals to specific types of traveler, as opposed to making generic assumptions that every traveler's needs are the same. We take into account everything from checked bags to carry-ons, to duffel bags and travel backpacks. Travelers who come to us will gain a full understanding of the luggage landscape and how it fits their lifestyle.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

How to Find the Right Luggage

Like your favorite pair of jeans , your favorite piece of luggage is going to come from a brand that fits your lifestyle. When looking for the best suitcase brand, you're going to want to write down what quantities you desire in your luggage. Here's what you should look for.

Frequency of Travel

The right luggage is going to fit with how you travel. If you're only going out of town a handful times a year, then you don't necessarily need to splurge on a super expensive suitcase or suitcase set. In fact, we'd recommend going for a wallet-friendly suitcase or set from brands like Samsonite or Coolife if you're not traveling that often, as these brands will hold up for years with light to medium use and not cost you very much upfront. If you're traveling a lot (for pleasure, business, or both) then you're going to probably want to lean towards making an investment in a piece of luggage that's made to handle continuous wear and tear. "When it comes to buying the right piece for your travel needs, my advice is always to opt for something that fits your lifestyle and budget," says Justin Crabbe.

How You Travel

After estimating how much you will be traveling throughout the year, you can start to write down your travel habits, or how you travel. Do you pack heavy or pack light? What features do you want or need? This is where features like TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, special laptop compartments, built-in portable chargers, and more are to be considered. "Look for ways to elevate your internal organization, like dividers, pockets, and sections that will help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible during your travels," says Sean Oblizalo. Another note: if you're into adventure traveling, look for a bag that's more flexible, lightweight, and made with weather-resistant materials is your best option. "Look for sturdy fabrics such as nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and strong zippers to ensure your luggage can handle the demands of outdoor adventures," says Jackson Groves.

You also want to consider how much you are willing to pay for your suitcase. Some suitcase brands are expensive because they get grouped into high fashion, but suitcases can also be expensive because they're known to last a long time (it's worth mentioning the best luggage brands have a kind of timeless style attributed to them). A few of the best suitcase brands that require a significant investment include RIMOWA, Tumi, and Filson. If you're looking for suitcase brands that provide the best overall value (for the price you pay), consider makers like Samsonite, TravelPro, and CooLife.

Lastly, take note of each luggage brand's warranty. A warranty will help get your suitcase replaced or fixed should it have any issues (like a broken off wheel or damaged handle). Most luggage brands have pretty good warranties these days (usually 5-10 years) but the best warranty you can get on a suitcase is a lifetime warranty. Warranties can be huge for frequent travelers, as your suitcase will wear down with high usage. If you are a frequent traveler, or if you're someone who simply wants the best warranty you can get, go with a suitcase that has a lifetime policy. Premium luggage brands are more likely to have lifetime warranties, so this can be another benefit to going up and investing in an expensive suitcase.

Is Hardside or Softside Luggage Better?

The most popular luggage comes in either a hard-sided or soft-sided structured bag. Like mentioned earlier, the pros and cons of both depend on what you prioritize when you pack. Soft-sided luggage typically has more room for movement, more organizational pockets, and can compress to fit into tight spaces (like the overhead of an airplane). They open with a top flap zip, placing the bulk of storage at the bottom. Softside luggage offers more packing room, but it can throw off the balance of your goods when it’s tossed around and stowed away by airline employees. Basically, soft-sided luggage does not provide as much protection as hard-sided bags—but they are roomier.

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Due to advances in making polycarbonate more durable and lighter, hard-sided bags started gaining popularity in the past few years Hardside luggage features a 50/50 split opening (also called a book opening), making each side an equal stabilizer with an outer shell of hard protection. Polycarbonate shells are typically better for business travel. They stack easily but are usually rigid with zero room to expand like a soft-sided bag. The latest hard-sided bags look sleeker and are easier to clean and move—but they require you to be more strategic in your packing.

Other features that you’ll want to consider are weight and wheelability. Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with four spinner wheels that can swivel 360 degrees to make rolling around the airport, pavement, or hotel floor a breeze.

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20 Best Luggage Brands of 2024

Ah, luggage. Unless you’re a very seasoned traveler, the sheer number of luggage brands, each having their own extensive and seemingly never-ending catalog, can be extremely overwhelming. Even the most well-traveled amongst us can’t keep track of them all.

So how do you pick the best luggage from all these brands? You rely on advice from those who’ve been there!

After 12 years of travel, I’ve learned the best luggage brands for every type traveler. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, I’m confident you’ll find the right luggage in this list.

• Best Luggage Brand Overall: Monos
• Best Affordable Luggage Brand: Amazon Basics
• Luggage Brand with the Best Warranty: Away
• Most Durable Luggage Brand: Osprey
• Best Lightweight Luggage Brand: July Luggage
• Best Hardside Luggage Brand: Briggs & Riley
• Best Soft Sided Luggage Brand: Travelpro
• Best Carry On Luggage Brand: LEVEL8
• Best Luggage with Spinner Wheels: American Tourister
• Best Luxury Luggage Brand: RIMOWA
• Best Luggage Brand for Adventure Travel: Db
• Best Checked Luggage Brand: Samsonite
• Most Aesthetic Luggage Brand: Delsey Luggage
• Most Functional Luggage Brand: Béis Luggage
• Luggage Brand with the Best Value: Calpak Luggage
• Luggage Brand with the Best Customer Service: TUMI
• Best Luggage Brand with Storage Capacity: Victorinox Luggage
• Best Luggage Brand for the Outdoors: Eagle Creek
• Most Sophisticated Luggage Brand: Bric’s Luggage
• Most Sustainable Luggage Brand: Paravel Luggage

Monos : Best Luggage Brand Overall

A relatively new brand, Monos is an up-and-coming luggage maker that burst onto the scene in 2018. It has a unique focus on designing and producing premium and minimalistic bags without the premium price tag and is one of the best luggage brands overall.

Though their luggage may not be the cheapest, the value they provide punches well above the price point. Monos is in both in the check-in and carry on segments and is one of the best luggage brands overall.

All hard shell luggage from Monos are constructed with German Makrolon polycarbonate. Not only does this give the luggage a lightweight feel, but it is also water-resistant and protects your valuables from hard impacts.

Let’s face it, our luggage is bound to be shoved, thrown, and tossed around during our flight and on the way to the hotel.

Monos has superb build quality and comes in many different sizes with a multitude of add ons (like a removable laundry bag).

The Carry On Pro even offers an external outside pocket which makes it extremely easy to store essentials such as passports, phones, and portable chargers—all things that travelers need easy access to.

Monos Luggage bags all come with Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels, which make pulling your Monos bags an effortless and seamless experience, be it on sidewalks or in the airport.

For those who are environmentally conscious, Monos is the first luggage brand to ensure they have net-zero carbon emissions. Did you know that the Makrolon polycarbonate used in their hard side offerings is made from vegan materials?

Additionally, Monos gives one percent of its revenue to reputable non-profit organizations that aim to combat climate change.

All of Monos’ products are durable and come with a lifetime warranty , which means that you don’t have to continuously buy new luggage bags for every trip. Neat!

For a closer look, check out our full Monos luggage review .

Amazon Basics : Best Affordable Luggage Brand

Looking for luggage on a budget? I don’t blame you—suitcases can be expensive. Though Amazon Basics makes a lot of products in a lot of industries, they also happen to be one of the best luggage brands if price is a deciding factor.

Their Hardside Carry On Spinner Suitcase is a fan favorite. This twenty-one inch bag is made of ABS hardshell and comes with 360-degree spinner wheels, making it a solid spinner carry on. It can even expand an additional fifteen percent to cram more stuff inside for all the souvenirs you’ll be picking up on your trip.

Do note that Amazon Basics luggage offerings do not stop at this suitcase alone! They have a great variety of other offerings that are all highly reviewed yet inexpensive—including a plethora of two-piece and three-piece luggage sets . Though they may not be the most high-end luxury brand by any means, there are very few suitcases on the market for under a hundred dollars.

Away : Luggage Brand with the Best Warranty

Away is a luggage company that has built a cult following over the past couple of years, with its focus on direct-to-consumer marketing, making shopping less of a hassle while simultaneously providing lower prices. Even though they’re not the cheapest, they have a comprehensive warranty which makes Away one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a suitcase that will last you a lifetime.

For both checked bags and carry ons, Away luggage comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Away offers hard sided luggage only, made out of 100% polycarbonate materials, making them tough and resistant to hard knocks while maintaining an almost weightless feel.

One of the most popular Away models is the Bigger Carry On suitcase, which is a favorite for those who fly frequently. Designed with space efficiency in mind, Away’s hard sided luggage has a large interior space which makes packing significantly less of a hassle.

Some models even comes with a rechargeable, removable power bank, saving you the trouble of constantly searching for a power plug to sit next to at the airport. The good part? This battery is compliant with airline regulations, so there is no need to worry about it getting flagged by those pesky TSA agents.

While Away luggage does make a great product, what you’re really paying for is the lifetime warranty. When you buy a suitcase from Away, you’re buying luggage for life. They also provide a 100-day, no-questions-asked return policy (that’s still applicable even after you’ve used it), showing just how confident they are in both their products and customer satisfaction!

Indeed, it’s Away’s lifetime guarantee that makes them one of the best luggage brands. For more information, check our full Away luggage review .

Osprey : Most Durable Luggage Brand

Planning an adventure to the lesser-traveled parts of the world? Need your luggage to not only look the part but also be able to withstand it? Osprey makes durable suitcases that are practical and tailor-made for the more adventurous among us. They’re one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for suitcases, bags or backpacks for more rugged adventures.

Mostly known for their hiking backpacks , Osprey has been a leader in the bag industry for decades. That’s all to say, they know what they’re doing. Osprey cuts no corners when it comes to manufacturing their products, which means you can travel with peace of mind no matter how far you intend to go off the beaten track.

Don’t be tricked into thinking that hard sided luggage is the only type of durable luggage! Osprey offers a wide range of soft sided luggage such as the 30″ Osprey Shuttle wheeled suitcase (which is made with bomb-proof ballistic nylon fabric and an ABS plastic base infused with aluminum).

Yes, bomb-proof.

Osprey also focuses on quality-of-life features like ergonomics and organization. Spacious interiors are complemented by compression straps to keep the bulk down, and plenty of external and internal storage compartments to make sorting easy and access to your important items a hassle-free experience.

Osprey is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a wild adventure and want to see sights that are not readily accessible. You’re guaranteed a seamless experience!

July Luggage : Best Lightweight Luggage Brand

A pretty popular brand from the Land Down Under, July luggage is an Australian brand that built off its initial success and has now expanded into the US. They offer primarily hard sided luggage in a few different tiers, each offering slight upgrades and features from the former, but all of them meeting specific needs. July is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a lightweight piece of luggage, since the Carry On Light is the most lightweight suitcase on the market.

The original July Carry On is the base model, while the Carry On Light variant weighs in at a surprising four pounds, which is the lightest double-wheel suitcase available across the industry, making this the best lightweight luggage in all categories.

The Carry On Pro variant has a few extra features—a detachable external laptop sleeve on the suitcase, an ejectable battery with both the standard USB and the USB-C Fast-charge, a highly adjustable telescopic handle, and lastly, quality YKK zippers.

In particular, the detachable laptop sleeve is the July Carry On Pro ’s best-known feature, and for good reason! It can be extremely useful for frequent fliers as it saves you the hassle of packing and unpacking your luggage to remove your computer during customs. The inside of the Pro is made of water-resistant nylon lining, and the SilentMove, 360-degree spinner wheels are silent and smooth and make using it an easy and fuss-free experience.

All July models are tastefully designed and follow the industry trend for a more modern, sleek, and streamlined design that exudes minimalist luxury. A great part about July Luggage is that they provide a lifetime warranty and 100-day trial with free returns and free shipping in the US and Canada, meaning it’s easy to get a replacement or a refund if you decide you don’t need it.

All in all, in this list of the best luggage brands, July wins the lightweight luggage category due to its Carry On Light suitcase . It’s literally the lightest suitcase on the market.

Briggs & Riley : Best Hardside Luggage Brand

A well-known American travel ware brand, Briggs & Riley is constantly recognized for its continuous innovation, performance, and dedication to travel. Though they carry soft sided bags, where I believe they shine is in their hard sided luggage. This makes Briggs & Riley one of the best luggage brands for hard shell suitcases.

One of the best hardside luggage products around is the Torq Luggage , which is available in six different sizes—two carry ons (21″ and 22″) and four checked bags (27″, 28″, 30″, and 32″).

The Torq Bag is known to be one of the best hard sided luggage offerings with a scratch-resistant outer case, a classic handle system made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and the iconic Outside handle design.

In particular, Briggs & Riley’s handle is specially designed to not be bumpy and allow the user to have a wrinkle-free interior to work with. Though luggage of this heft can often be heavy, the Torq Bag is incredibly lightweight, due to its three-layered Makrolon polycarbonate material.

Alternatively, their Baseline Collection carries a special expansion-compression technology that allows the luggage to expand to provide 25% more packing space when open, yet compress back into its original size when closed.

Briggs & Riley also builds some of the best garment bags on the market. If you’re looking for men’s luggage for traveling with a suit, they have some great options.

Within the luggage lid, it carries a zippered compartment and garment bags, whilst its exterior has several pockets for easy storage. It also has double self-aligning spinner wheels which makes the long inter-terminal walks way less painful.

Almost every manufacturer on this 2024 list of the best luggage brands makes hard shell luggage, but if it’s the cream of the crop that you’re looking for, Briggs & Riley has it.

Travelpro : Best Soft Sided Luggage Brand

If you’re flying frequently, you’d want luggage that is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also durable, practical, and flexible in use. Travelpro designs its luggage with these philosophies in mind, as it aims to target utilitarian, mile-chugging fliers who need something to make their around-the-world appointments easy. Travelpro is one of the best luggage brands for soft sided suitcases and frequent flyers.

Expandable storage? Storage is plentiful in the Travelpro luggage platinum elite spinner. External compartments? Big enough for you to put in a parka, scarf, passport, and any number of things you want for quick access. Durability? Travelpro makes its soft sided luggage offerings in abrasion-resistant nylon to make sure that your bag will last through the many flight hours and more.  The durability and attention to detail make Travelpro suitcases some of the best soft side luggage on the market.

Travelpro luggage is a cult favorite among flight crews for a reason. Their practical and sturdy travel luggage resonates well with frequent fliers who need a reliable companion that’ll ease their traveling process. Travelpro luggage comes with solid and durable wheels that even auto-align to ensure easy mobility and is decorated with cushioned handles to give comfort no matter how heavy it is.

Travelpro offers plenty of hard and soft sided luggage that comes in a range of colors, thus helping you maintain that ‘business’ look while also maintaining some flair. Travelpro also gives a ‘Worry-Free’ lifetime warranty on its luggage offerings, giving frequent fliers the exact peace of mind they need to keep using their favorite luggage. Travelpro was started by an airline pilot, and the design, durability, and utility speak for this heritage.

LEVEL8 : Best Carry On Luggage Brand

LEVEL8 takes your carry on luggage game to the next level by introducing a range of hard-side luggage options. The most popular of its carry on luggage offerings are hard shell carry ons, which come in both Makrolon polycarbonate and aluminum exteriors. LEVEL8 is one of the best luggage brands for carry on size suitcases.

The advantages of using luggage made from polycarbonate are its durability and resilience to scratches, which can be useful when carrying electronic valuables and fragile items. However, it can be slightly more rigid and inflexible compared to softside luggage.

Focusing on higher-end simplicity, LEVEL8 aims to make your experience sleek and easy—offering no-frills and only the things you need. LEVEL8 luggage comes with options for batteries installed for those airplane boarding waits. Within this luggage are dividers to make it easy to keep things intact and neat, as well as custom packing cubes.

You label the packing cubes by choosing which velcro label you want to attach to it, making it easy to identify what’s inside. It’s also really easy to move around the airport, as the self-aligning spinner wheels glide effortlessly across surfaces, and are built to last. These spinner wheels are rimmed with a rubber material to ensure any floor surfaces remain unscratched, and the rigidity of the entire case will keep your belongings safe, even in the overhead bin or the luggage carousel.

American Tourister : Best Luggage with Spinner Wheels

A fan-favorite among the practical traveler, American Tourister is perfect for a casual getaway when you don’t need an overly luxurious or bulky bag. American Tourister offers a plethora of colors, shapes, and sizes and is easily available at most large retail stores like Target and Walmart. American Tourister is one of the best wheeled luggage brands.

The best part about American Tourister luggage is their spinner wheels! It is not easy to find quality spinner luggage with four full spinner wheels at the price point that American Tourister competes in. Having durable wheels allow the luggage to move smoothly and seamlessly, while being scratch-resistant and long-lasting. Families take note! They are durable enough to withstand long trips with children, yet affordable enough that you won’t break the bank.

Though you may not get the bulky, hard-side build as some of the other options on here, the price allows the American Tourister to punch above its weight and be a decent companion for your trip. Should you need to replace anything on your luggage, American Tourister has a surprisingly robust and solid warranty offering that is very rarely seen by other competitors in this price bracket, making it a great cost-saving option.

RIMOWA : Best Luxury Luggage Brand

The darling of the luxury luggage world, RIMOWA offers stunning pieces of luggage that exude a sense of minimalist grandeur and opulence. Although RIMOWA only specializes in hard side luggage, they do it supremely well. They’re one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a luxury suitcase and you have the budget to match.

RIMOWA luggage range from polycarbonate bodies to full aluminum, which gives it a sense of durability coupled with an exclusive premium feel. Though you may be paying slightly more for one of these bags (with the cheapest offering being over $500), you do certainly get what you pay for. The German precision of its manufacturers is evident in every facet of their lineup, from their distinctive parallel lines to the quality zippers and wheels.

RIMOWA also offers a variety of different sizes and colors to get that perfect fit for your style and your traveling needs. It’s not all about the aesthetics either, as RIMOWA builds their luggage well and will protect your belongings without you having to break a sweat. It is waterproof as well, which means that you’re able to strap it to the outside of a car and drive through a storm!

The wheels are also extremely well-designed and built to last for a long time. For frequent and practical travelers, RIMOWA is a luxury godsend as they will last as long and go wherever you go with no issue. The telescopic handle is both sturdy and easily adjustable which will ensure comfort and ease of use as you glide through the airport check-ins.

Because RIMOWA is made out of lightweight aluminum or polycarbonate, the bags are extremely light for their durability. In the unlikely event that something does break, RIMOWA offers a five-year guarantee and repair service at their stores as well as several hotel partners. From its riveted aluminum corners to its distinctive aluminum body, you’re bound to turn heads with RIMOWA’s sleek and minimalistic look. Do remember, though, that RIMOWA is considered a luxury brand and can be on the pricier side. Although they are amazingly designed luggage bags, if you’re on a budget, you certainly can get similar options performance-wise for less money.

Db : Best Luggage Brand for Adventure Travel

An award-winning Scandinavian luggage brand, Db uses aggressive innovation and intricate design to create new and improved luggage bags. Db has a stunning collection of durable luggage that is best suited for adventurers who want to venture off the beaten track. They are one of the best luggage brands for adventure travel.

Db has been the choice for athletes and design experts for its game-changing hemispheric design that provides easy access for gear as well as organization. Designed for the rough and tough rather than airports and hotels, the Db duffels are designed with reinforced and sturdy shoulder straps to allow travelers to trek these bags up steep inclines.

Plus, you need not worry about the bag ripping or tearing on you, as Db makes many of their bags out of heavy-duty fabric and has handles for whatever holding style you need it for. You could even put additional luggage on top of it thanks to Db’s renowned ‘Hook-Up’ system so you can lug even more things without having to jerry-rig a solution.

Db offers a range of their gear in different sizings based on your needs, but all options give a spacious interior for their respective sizings and offer a ton of options to sort your items as needed, sporting external pockets, organized compartments, and a split feature to easily put your items exactly where you want them.

Db sent adventurers with the likes of Michelle Parker and Nikolai Schirmer up the Alps and to Alaska, and even to navigate the mountains and water bodies of Northern Norway; all to find out what works best for them. Needless to say, if they put in that much effort, you will find it an almost perfect fit for your next adventure.

Samsonite : Best Checked Luggage Brand

Unsurprisingly, Samsonite is one of the most well-known luggage brands and almost anyone who travels knows their name. Samsonite’s catalog is extensive and spans many different styles of luggage, be it wheeled luggage or duffels, or even backpacks. There’s something for everyone! However, it may make shopping for the best Samsonite luggage a pretty daunting task for some as the number of choices can seem nearly endless.

Regardless of whether you’re budget conscious or not, there is no denying that Samsonite offers great value for money, no matter the price point. Their hundred-year experience in the industry has given them the upper hand in providing high-quality, well-built luggage that is durable and functional to provide ease of use to travelers.

Be it the hard side or soft sided luggage, most of the offerings have been met with generally good reviews, with many praising the quality of Samsonite’s luggage wheels as the de-facto industry standard.

There are a variety of collections that have additional features like battery packs, Bluetooth trackers as well as integrated weighing scales. There are a ton of features that Samsonite provides within their lineup that other manufacturers are unable to compete with, thanks to Samsonite’s large market share and volume.

The Samsonite Freeform 28-inch Spinner is a popular pick for checked luggage in particular, as it sports a very durable polypropylene hard side that is durable and premium-looking. It is also thoughtfully designed in the interior, as there are dividers and multi-pockets along with a compression strap to keep your clothes and belongings nice and organized. It also comes with a built-in ID tag, which is useful if you have lost your luggage and are trying to track the location down and recover your belongings.

Samsonite, being a large and reputable brand, has pretty extensive warranty and return policy plans, and their various partnerships with big-brand retailers like Macy’s and Amazon mean that they are easy and convenient to get.

Delsey Luggage : Most Aesthetic Luggage Brand

Delsey is an incredibly popular luggage brand. They get their popularity from producing aesthetically pleasing and solid travel gear and luggage. With a French heritage, Delsey gets much of its design cues from France and is regarded by many to be a stylish option with reputable French quality. Delsey is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a suitcase with style.

Delsey makes many of their hard side luggage with polycarbonate, which is stronger and more resilient than ABS or polypropylene –– so travelers looking for sturdier luggage, take note! Do take note, however, that there are some lines in the Delsey luggage catalog, like the Delsey Lagos collection, that are made with ABS.

However, Delsey tends to employ polyester rather than nylon for their soft sided luggage, which results in a less durable bag that may not endure long-term or continuous use. We do recommend travelers to opt for Delsey’s hard side offerings in general.

Many of Delsey’s mid-price range comes with several features that add convenience for travelers. For example, Delsey luggage comes with organizers that make packing and finding items easy as well as padded laptop compartments to ensure the safety of your electronics. Delsey also prioritizes the safety of your valuables with their proprietary ‘SECURITECH 2’ zipper system, which makes it two times more difficult to break into your bag via your zippers, keeping your items secure from thieves trying to go for a quick grab.

If you’re looking for storage capabilities, Delsey offers good sorting systems in their mid-tier price range. This is because their lower-end offerings only sport a few pockets and compression straps that are usable but certainly not as feature-laden as other competitors. In general, we believe that competitors such as Travelpro and Samsonite cannot beat Delsey’s luggage offerings, as the best Delsey luggage is known to be especially aesthetically pleasing.

Béis Luggage : Most Functional Luggage Brand

Béis is a luggage brand with a focus on function and utility whilst presenting it in a suave and attractive package. Being featured in many notable editorials such as Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and People Magazine, Béis also has a very strong social media following, which shows the attractiveness and appeal of their luggage lineup.

Unsurprisingly, Beis is such a hit with many, as it was founded by actress Shay Mitchell, who many may know as Emily on the show Pretty Little Liars. Béis is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for that perfect balance of function and style.

Most of Béis’s catalog is made out of polyester fabric and water-resistant lining, which not only makes them lightweight and durable but also functional to keep your belongings safe and sound. Their catalog is also pretty extensive, spanning from luggage to totes, backpacks, and diaper bags, making Béis a huge hit with women and mothers.

Béis’ check-in offerings sport quite a host of utilitarian features that scream practicality and functionality but still retain a chic and minimalist look. For example, the water-resistant Nylon zipper tape helps to keep your items dry, and their hard-side construction with the Hinomoto 360 wheels ensures your bag is long-lasting and easy to use when moving about.

Furthermore, Béis has special additions that aim to make your travel extra comfortable, with cushioned handles, a retractable attach strap, and a side-carry handle fitted with a weight indicator so you know exactly how heavy your luggage is. Let’s face it, it’s a nightmare having to repack stuff at the airport check-in, and being able to do this seamlessly at home makes life so much easier.

For more information, check our full Béis luggage review .

Calpak Luggage : Luggage Brand with the Best Value

Calpak is a California brand that is focused on producing luggage for the mid-tier price range without sacrificing build quality. Aimed at the average traveler, Calpak has a host of luggage options ranging from duffels to luggage in both hard-side and soft-side. With its wide range of offerings in both sizes, styles, and colors, there is a ton to pick from to get something that fits you. Calpak is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for the best value.

Their most stylish luggage option, the Calpak Ambeur, is offered in various sizes such as a carry on as well as medium and large sizes, along with a two or three-piece set. Made with an ABS and polycarbonate mix, the Ambeur is made durable enough to withstand a battering or two during loading and unloading. However, you might want to note that its shiny exterior is easily scratchable, so take extra care when lugging it around.

It comes in a standard style of luggage with the main zipper that opens the luggage, but what’s neat about the CalPak Ambeur is that it can also be expanded via zipper to give an additional two inches height of storage to cram even more things inside it.

The Calpak Trnk line is another offering that features a retro styling that makes it stand out from the crowd, and has much of the utility of the Ambeur but in a different look. It carries either two or three pieces of luggage, with standard sizes available –– a 20-inch carry on, and larger 25 and 29-inch suitcases. Similar to most of the other lines, these Trnk suitcases have double spinner wheels, which allows for a smoother and seamless traveling experience. They also have telescopic wheel handles, corner protection, and side and top carry handles. Furthermore, this hard-side luggage is opened in a clamshell manner and has two compartments for packing –– one with elastic straps and the other with a fully zippered panel. It comes in gray, black, and nude colors, but you might want to check on their availability first before purchasing.

TUMI : Luggage Brand with the Best Customer Service

TUMI is a renowned luxury travel and lifestyle brand that aims to provide high-end luxury offerings to the travel market and is often seen as a pseudo status symbol among travelers. Though they were taken over by Samsonite in 2016, it has not lost its company focus on providing quality items and excellent customer service. TUMI is another one of the best luggage brands offering luxury suitcases.

TUMI has an extensive catalog that ranges from traditional luggage to backpacks and duffels in a myriad of materials, colors, and finishes—be it abrasion-proof ballistic nylon, hard sided bags of various types, and even fine leather. TUMI luggage is known for its durability and longevity, with its bags well-loved for their long-lasting effect.

Not to mention, TUMI luggage is designed thoughtfully and meticulously, with some of their bags offering exceptional external storage and internal organization to keep things tidy and easily accessible.

Additionally, TUMI’s lineup features the ‘Add-a-bag’ system that makes it easy to add on additional bags to the luggage, making it convenient to carry all your items on one larger roller.

The standout feature of TUMI luggage that defines its luxury experience is its impeccable customer service support. TUMI offers on-site repairs and luggage registration and tracking for your lost luggage, so anything that occurs to your luggage is covered and supported by their lifetime warranty.

Victorinox Luggage : Best Luggage Brand with Storage Capacity

As versatile and multifunctional as their household collection, Victorinox luggage bags offer a ton of handy additions that prove to be useful for all travelers. Victorinox bags often fly under the radar of most travelers, but those who know of them recognize the quality in the build and features that each of their products holds.

The entire catalog is extensive, which makes it easy for travelers to mix and match their bags and luggage to get the perfect travel fit –– be it for vacation or the business flight commuter. Victorinox also puts extensive testing into the durability of their offerings, putting each item through stress tests to ensure that they live up to the ruggedness they are known for.

Peace of mind is also a huge benefit of Victorinox. They offer 11-year warranties on their travel gear and the ‘Swiss Tracker Bag Tracking Program’ which helps you locate your luggage if it happens to go missing during your travels.

The Spectra 2.0 is a great all-rounder that is popular for many who are looking for a hard-side luggage option. Extremely durable while being incredibly lightweight thanks to its one hundred percent polycarbonate construction, the Spectra 2.0 comes in a variety of sizes –– which means you can choose between using it as a carry on or as checked luggage.

The Lexicon 2.0 soft-side is a great option for those in the market for soft-side luggage. It’s constructed using ballistic nylon, ensuring that it not only holds up well but also remains water-resistant for those short jaunts when it rains. The Lexicon 2.0 soft-side comes in a variety of sizes and includes both carry on as well as several checked luggage sizes.

For the more business-oriented traveler, the Werks Traveler 6.0 Softside is a quiet and professional-looking soft-side luggage option. Built with resilient nylon that offers abrasion resistance, this is a sturdy luggage option that will faithfully zip across the world with you and look right at home doing it. The Werks Traveler 6.0 soft-side features Victorinox’s ‘Pack More’ system which allows travelers to compress and maximize their luggage space efficiently.

The biggest seller to the business-oriented traveler is the removable garment suiter, giving easy access to change from your comfy travel wear to formal wear without much hassle. It can even expand an additional 1.5 inches should you need that slight bump in storage capacity. We can’t have your important business laptop and tech devices getting damaged while on your way to your next international meeting, can we? Just all the business stuff you need!

Eagle Creek : Best Luggage Brand for the Outdoors

Planning a trip to the more unexplored side of the world, going from mountain to mountain or desert to desert? Eagle Creek designs and offers luggage that is steeped firmly in adventure and exploration, giving their lineup a uniquely ‘intrepid outdoors’ feel. They are designed to be rugged and durable, and not skimp on any of the functionality outdoor travelers need. Eagle Creek is one of the best luggage brands for outdoor adventures.

Eagle Creek luggage boasts resilient and weather-resistant coated polyester fabric, allowing their luggage to perform where their more sleek and luxury-oriented counterparts will fail. Their rolling luggage comes with heavy-duty wheels as well as zippers that are designed to be tamper-proof, for when you’re traveling to the rougher parts of the world.

Their duffels and luggage boast a host of external pockets as well as various internal compartments to carry all your adventure gear and clothing to keep things organized. This especially applies to those going exploring, as separate compartments will help keep your clean and dirty clothes separate! Eagle Creek has thought about everything for the adventure traveler and is coming fully equipped to help them get to where they need to go.

A popular option from Eagle Creek luggage is the Cargo Hauler Duffel. It is affordable, lightweight, and comes with an array of storage selections that make it convenient to keep all your stuff and find them after. It also comes with backpack straps to make it easy to carry when it’s all loaded up, rather than the traditional shoulder strap seen on other duffels. The best part for the adventurous traveler? It can roll up into a rather small pouch to keep, meaning that it can be kept and then used for instantaneous ad-hoc storage whenever it is needed.

Eagle Creek is confident in its ability to provide luggage that can function like brand new even in the roughest landscapes. Eagle Creek walks its talk with a ‘No Matter What’ lifetime warranty on their luggage!

Bric’s Luggage : Most Sophisticated Luggage Brand

Another luxury luggage offering, Bric’s luggage provides a more sophisticated and dapper addition to the luggage world. On Bric’s luggage, leather is a mainstay, where they offer luggage fully wrapped in Italian leather and metal fittings. Did you know that they use leather as decorative trim on non-leather luggage, and even color coordinate the color of the roller wheels to the luggage? Bric’s is one of the best luggage brands if you’re looking for a suitcase with a more sophisticated, elegant flair.

Bric’s attention to detail in their fit and finish is superb and is bound to be a head-turner no matter where you go. However, Bric’s luggage value is not solely determined by its aesthetics. The inside of their luggage is both spacious and thoughtfully designed, with straps and buckles to keep everything secure, even without the use of the zipper dividers. Their luggage is not only lightweight but also durable, allowing it to last for a long time whilst giving you the ease of carrying and transporting it around.

No matter the ground you put it on, the wheels of Bric’s luggage are not only durable but also roll effortlessly, even if your luggage is full to the brim. Bric’s zippers are finished extremely well and are not prone to getting stuck or breaking. Plus, they are known to provide a front-accessible compartment that protects your valuables whilst granting you easy access to them.

Bric’s is the option you want to get if you want to feel good about yourself and have people notice how stylish you are. It’s a great option to stand out from everyone else in North America as they are not a common sight! Bric’s makes it easy to match your other bags and accessories since they are designed to look well.

Paravel Luggage : Most Sustainable Luggage Brand

Paravel is swinging into the luggage market by providing vintage-inspired luggage with all the 2022’s expected modern comforts that we all love. Starting in 2016, Paravel focuses on bringing sustainable, convenient, and stylish options into the market. Paravel is one of the best luggage brands if your carbon footprint is an important factor when making buying decisions.

Paravel makes their luggage’s hardshell bodies out of flexible recycled polycarbonate and constructs their lining from recycled plastic water bottles. They put these materials to good use, too, as their luggage is designed to be both extremely durable as well as space-efficient. The interior prioritizes organization, fitted with both a compression board, straps, and a large zipper compartment to reduce the bulk of your items.

The telescopic handle is made out of aluminum and is comfortable to use, coupled with buttery smooth double spinner wheels that make it easy to push and pull along your travels. They also offer two different sizes for their Aviator carry on luggage, with the standard model being able to fit in most international overhead cabins while the Plus variant fits in a majority of US airlines.

Paravel also ensures that its shipping program is carbon neutral, as it continually works to offset its carbon emissions at all levels of its manufacturing and shipping chain. Recently, Paravel has also committed to donating ten percent of its discount sales to the Cabana Stripes Collection which aims to provide support to COVID-19 relief efforts. Not only are their luggage offerings both thoughtfully designed and competitively priced, but they also go to great lengths to provide social good through aiding causes as well as reducing their impact on the environment. It makes it easy to support this newcomer to the luggage market, right?

Paravel sells more than just rollable luggage, as they have a ton of offerings from packing cubes to weekend bags. This makes it ideal to get all your needs in one place, which saves on shipping as well as provides a cohesive matching design for your travel accessories.

What to Consider Before Buying Luggage

For luggage, we need to consider not only how much it costs, but also the design and features that they provide for the price. There are a ton of features that luggage brands have implemented into their luggage, from organization to offering battery packs and charging your devices while on the go.

Depending on your purpose for traveling, take note of luggage features that best suit your needs. For example, if you travel frequently for leisure purposes, you might consider getting luggage with ample storage space or expandable luggages to fit your souvenirs.

The weight limit for luggages varies across airlines. If you’re a frequent business traveler, you can afford to purchase heavier but more stylish luggage.

On the other hand, if you’re an adventure traveler, function might be your priority. In this case, a lightweight luggage with good storage capacity might suit you best.

Take note of the weight restrictions for different airlines and pick a luggage brand that suits the airline you frequent most.

Functionality

Versatility and practicality are two features to look out for when purchasing luggage. If you prefer handheld luggages, take note of where the suitcase handles are placed. Those on the top and side of the luggage will make lifting your luggage easier. For travelers who like wheeling their luggage, we’d recommend getting spinners so that you can wheel your luggage beside you with ease.

The durability of the luggage that brands provide is important to consider. We want our luggage to be able to last us as long as possible, be it in storage or out on the go. Realizing your luggage is broken while packing or when your clothes are strewn across the road is never a fun time when you’re traveling!

Best Luggage Brands Conclusion

I hope that this extensive luggage guide has given you some understanding of this large, diverse market. Luggage brands cater to different sectors of the market, and what luggage best fits you is largely dependent on your travel needs and frequency, as well as your individual preferences.

Be it your desire to explore the further reaches of the world or explore the lesser-seen, flying frequently across the world to conduct business meetings, or just going for a simple vacation, there are luggage and bag options that will perfectly suit your needs.

Though it is important to stick to your use case and budget, I do recommend that you consider getting something higher-quality (and thus higher-priced) the first time around. Not only will you enjoy the conveniences that higher-end luggage provides, but it also means that you LIKELY won’t have to replace it down the road. I believe in investing in quality gear—it’s better to buy something once than many times throughout your life.

Which suitcase brand is best?

Monos is our top pick for the best luggage brand overall. Their luggage is stylish, durable, and easy to use.

Which brand of luggage is the most durable?

Osprey makes some of the most durable luggage in the world, and they back it up with an amazing lifetime guarranty.

Is Samsonite or American tourister better?

Samsonite luggage is better overall, while American Tourister offers good budget options.

Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?

Airlines don’t really care what type of luggage you have as long as it fits the size and weight restrictions.

What luggage brand do pilots use?

Briggs & Riley is one of the most popular luggage brand among pilots and flight crews.

Jeremy Scott Foster

I am thinking to buy US Traveller soft side 3 piece luggage set from Amazon for $130 What is your opinion about this brand please let me know

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The Best Luggage Sets, Tested by Experts

Coordinating carry-ons and checked bags that are worth the investment.

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

Samsonite freeform hardside expandable luggage.

American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT Softside Upright Luggage

Best for Frequent Flyers

Travelpro platinum elite first class luggage set.

Most Fashionable

Calpak ambeur 2-piece luggage set.

Best on Amazon

Amazon basics 2-piece set hardside spinner.

Best Lightweight

Delsey paris helium dlx softside expandable luggage.

Best Maneuverability

Monos for your special someone luggage set.

Most Popular

Away set of 2 classic.

Béis Luggage Set of Two

Best Sustainable

Eagle creek migrate 110l wheeled duffel bag.

If you're headed on a long trip or might just consider yourself to be an overpacker, it's likely that you'll need more than one bag to stuff full of all of your belongings (and overfill with souvenirs for the way home). Instead of lugging around a hodgepodge of pieces, consider a luggage set. There's nothing more chic and put together than carrying a coordinating set of luggage complete with carry-on and checked bags. Plus, if you're vacationing with kids or family, traveling with a matching set is a great way to keep track of all of your bags. But with so many options to choose from, including different types of materials and all kinds of organizational features, it can be difficult to decide which luggage sets will look great, hold up to frequent use and really be worth the splurge.

Samsonite continues to stand out in our Lab evaluations and has wowed our consumer testers , earning the title of best overall luggage brand . This luggage set includes two of our top-tested suitcases from the brand's Freeform collection — the smaller 21-inch carry-on model and the larger 28-inch checked bag. These suitcases are made of a durable hardside material that performed well in our drop tests, resisting major damage after being released repeatedly at different angles from a set 3-foot height.

When we packed the suitcases with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes and accessories, we were impressed by how well everything fit inside with room to spare — even without having to use the 2-inch expansion system. One caveat: Some of our testers noted that the carrying handles on suitcases in this collection felt a bit tight, which made it more difficult to lift or lower the bags. However, the telescopic handles to push and pull the suitcase around received higher scores for feeling sturdy and comfortable to use. Testers also appreciated how easily the suitcases navigated around twists and turns and said the 360-degree spinner wheels were smooth.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch and 28-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Priced at less than $100 for three pieces including softsided carry-on luggage, a checked bag and a personal item, this basic American Tourister trio is an absolute steal and one of the best affordable luggage sets out there. While the bags may be simple, they're still full of practical features that make traveling easier like plenty of external pockets for quick access to your travel essentials as well as interior mesh pockets and compression straps to secure your belongings.

The brand's bags aren't as durable as others we've tested in the Lab, so I recommend this set for someone who isn't planning to fly frequently. According to one GH analyst who has used this set for nearly a decade, the bags have held up well to repeated use. She added that the softside polyester material is slightly worn with some fraying and scuffs, but the bags are still useable, and the important features, like the telescopic handles and zippers, are in working condition. When we evaluated other suitcases from American Tourister, testers highlighted the smooth and stable wheels, and online reviewers say they roll nicely, despite only moving forward and backward.

Pieces: 3 | Sizes: 21-inch and 25-inch suitcases, 10-inch personal item | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Originally designed by a pilot for other pilots who are always on the go, Travelpro's luggage is the perfect pick for the frequent flyer, and I'm particularly impressed by the brand's Platinum Elite collection. The softside suitcases were some of the top performers in our durability tests , withstanding repeated dropping without dents or damage, and the nylon material resisted signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth with our abrasion tester. They are heavier than many of the other bags we tested, but they are durable bags built to last.

The suitcases are thoughtfully designed with a tapered expansion system that prevents the bags from tipping over when they're full of all of your belongings, self-aligning spinner wheels that you can push and pull in all directions and cushioned handles with contoured grips for a comfortable feel. Plus, they're packed full of extras inside like expandable garment bags, toiletries bags and hidden USB ports to charge electronic devices (power bank not included). Our testers gave luggage in this collection high scores for ease of use and highlighted the sturdiness of the telescopic handle. If you're nervous about committing to the high price tag, know that the brand offers a 100-day return policy, even for used suitcases.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch and 25-inch suitcases | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 100 days, any reason

If you want luggage that looks as great as it performs, I recommend Calpak's Ambeur two-piece luggage set, which offers the best of fashion and function. Available in five fun metallic shades that are sure to stand out at baggage claim, the bags are made of a composite of polycarbonate and ABS plastic that aced our Lab tests for durability. They also proved water-resistant in our evaluations, but did show noticeable markings after we dragged a wire across the surface during our scratch-resistance tests.

The bags are GH-tester favorites and earned top marks for their performance in our luggage obstacle course after testers pulled the suitcases over different surfaces and around sharp turns. Testers especially loved the sturdy and easy-to-use telescopic handle. When we assessed the suitcases in the Lab, we were impressed by the zippers that opened and closed with ease and by the spacious interior compartments, which were able to hold our entire packing load of items including clothing, shoes and toiletries. Both the carry-on and checked bag are expandable and equipped with zippered organizational pockets, compression straps and a removable toiletries bag. For even more organization, you can try Calpak's top-tested packing cubes , too.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch and 29.5-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate and ABS composite | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Not only does this two-piece luggage set from Amazon Basics have more than 33,000 five-star reviews, it also earned high scores in our Lab evaluations and was loved by consumer testers. The carry-on and checked suitcase unfold into two main packing compartments, one with compression straps to keep your belongings in place and another with a full zippered panel for even more security. When we packed the carry-on bag in the Lab, we were able to fill it with an entire weekend's worth of gear including clothing, shoes and toiletries — with room to spare. Plus, both of the suitcases expand for even more space.

The hardside suitcases are made of an ABS plastic that's lightweight and keeps the price low, but it wasn't as scratch-resistant as some other suitcases we tested. It did hold up well in our drop tests though, with no serious denting or breakage after being released repeatedly from a set 3 foot height. When testers rolled the suitcases through our luggage obstacle course around turns and over different surfaces from wood to carpeting, they were impressed by the maneuverability and wheel performance.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 20-inch and 28-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

As the name implies, these Delsey Helium DLX suitcases are some of the lightest we've evaluated in the Lab. With this luggage set, you won't have to struggle lugging around a bulky bag or lifting your carry-on into the overhead bin on a plane. Despite being so lightweight, these bags are tough. In our tests for durability, the luggage held up well after being released repeatedly in our drop tests, and the softside nylon material showed no signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth 15,000 times by our abrasion tester.

In our evaluations, we found the exterior zippers a bit tricky to use, and the bags received lower scores for maneuverability than other suitcases we tried, but they did earn high scores for their comfortable gripped telescopic handles and for being easy to pack. All three of the suitcases open into one primary packing compartment with compression straps, but the lids of each bag are equipped with zippered pockets and elastic sleeves for additional storage, and there are removable bi-fold organizers inside as well. I particularly love that the linings can be unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

Pieces: 3 | Sizes: 20-inch, 25-inch and 29-inch suitcases | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Designed with simplicity in mind, this two-piece set from luggage brand Monos has a sleek, modern look that our testers love. Both of the bags open to reveal two spacious compartments that were able to fit our entire load of items in our packing tests. The carry-on bag features an adjustable compression panel that can be tightened to better secure your belongings, while the larger checked bag is equipped with compression straps and a larger fabric panel to keep everything in place. What's more, there are plenty of organizational mesh pockets inside the bags to neatly stow away everything you'll need for your travels, along with additional shoe bags and a laundry bag to separate your dirty clothes.

During Lab evaluations, the durable carry-on and checked suitcase resisted major denting and damage in our drop tests. Although it is important to note that both we and our consumer testers noticed prominent scuffing on the suitcases after use, the brand provides a sponge for cleaning that one GH analyst said removed most of the marks on her bag. In our luggage obstacle course, testers appreciated the smooth gliding wheels and loved how effortless it was to maneuver the bags around twists and turns. They also noticed how well the telescopic handles locked into place at four different heights for easy toting.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 22-inch and 26.5-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Popular luggage brand Away carries sets of their best-selling carry-on and large checked bag for a better value — $50 off the full retail price. The hardside suitcases are loved by testers who highlighted the streamlined look and the spacious, well-organized interior. The bags open into two separate packing compartments with zippered mesh panels and pockets for additional space to store your favorite vacation clothes. There's also an adjustable compression panel inside each bag so you can really stuff it full if you're an over-packer like me. When we packed the bags in the Lab, we appreciated how smoothly the zippers opened and closed and by how much we could fit inside.

The polycarbonate material is super lightweight — even lighter than some of our favorite softside luggage — but ultra durable and performed well in our drop tests, remaining in great condition after being released multiple times from a set 3-foot height. And in our scratch tests, the bags only showed minimal scuffs and markings. One caveat: Our consumer testers gave the telescopic handle lower ratings for feeling a bit wobbly when fully extended. The bags received high scores for their maneuverability and smooth wheels, though. If you want to add a personal touch to your luggage set, Away offers monograms of up to three letters for an added fee.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21.7-inch and 29-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

If you're on Instagram or Tiktok, chances are that you've come across viral luggage brand Béis . Actress Shay Mitchell's trendsetting travel brand offers carry-ons, checked bags, weekender bags and more — all thoughtfully designed. The suitcases feature details like cushy padded telescopic handles for comfort, a retractable strap to hold a small bag or your travel blanket and a built-in weight indicator to let you know if your bag exceeds 50 pounds. I'm especially a fan of the chic monochromatic color options — even the metal of the telescopic handle matches.

When we tested the brand's suitcases in the Textiles Lab, my fellow GH analysts and I were impressed by how well the luggage withstood dents and damage after being released repeatedly from our drop tester, but we did note that the material was more prone to scratches and scuffs than other luggage we tested. The suitcases open butterfly style, exposing a spacious zippered compartment and a compartment with a secure compression strap, along with smaller pockets to keep your things organized. You're able to choose which pieces to include in your luggage set, so the price and number of pieces varies depending on your selections.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: and 28.3 inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No

Whether you prefer traveling with a duffel, want something that will hold up to your outdoor adventures or are looking for a more sustainable luggage option, Eagle Creek has you covered. The brand's Migrate collection includes convertible bags like the featured wheeled duffel. You can opt to carry it with the attached handles, wear it on your shoulders like a backpack or tilt it back to roll it on the ground with the built-in wheels. The smaller duffels like the brand's 40L duffel also convert to a backpack for easy carrying.

All of the bags are made with 100% recycled polyester with a TPU coating that's water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Plus, it's super durable, and one GH analyst who regularly travels with Eagle Creek duffels says the material holds up well to rough use. The duffels have a wide mouth opening to make packing it full of everything you need on your trip a breeze, and the large zipper tabs are convenient and easy to pull. Once your bag is packed, you can buckle the outer compression straps to secure your belongings in place.

Pieces: 1 | Size: 30-inch duffel bag | Material: Recycled polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

How we test the best luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we test all kinds of luggage to determine which pieces are worth buying. We evaluate luggage in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab and share it with consumer testers who are able to bring the luggage on their own trips and then provide us with valuable feedback. Here's what we look for when we test suitcases:

• Size and weight: To ensure that the brands' listed dimensions for the suitcases are accurate, we measure each bag in the Lab. We weigh the bags and place carry-ons in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to make sure the suitcases meet most airline restrictions.

• Ease of use: We use the luggage to determine how easy it is to open and close zippers and any built-in locks, raise and lower the telescopic handles, roll the wheels, grab the carrying handles and more. We then rate and score the luggage for overall ease of use.

• Packing: It's important that all of your belongings fit inside your suitcase, so we fill each piece of luggage with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes, other accessories and toiletries (pictured here) to test the capacity. For larger checked bags, we pack them with a week's worth of items and for carry-on bags, we add a weekend trip's worth of items. We then score each suitcase on how much it's able to hold.

• Drop testing: We fill the suitcases with a standard amount of weight and then load them into our drop tester (pictured here) . We then release the luggage from a set 3-foot height and repeatedly drop the luggage from different angles, evaluating each piece for any dents, damages or scuffs.

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

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The 14 best luggage brands, explained by GQ's globetrotting travel editors

By Owen Gough and Heidi Quill

From nervous, infrequent flyers to veteran business people hardened by dozens of hops on the red-eye, there’s one constant that remains the same with holidaymakers and travellers: the need to invest in a quality suitcase . The sight of passengers hoisting barely held-together tote bags over their shoulders for a long-haul journey gives us the sweats, so we’ve made it our duty to ensure that anyone taking a trip in the next few months is equipped with the best luggage brands that guarantee a smooth experience – at least when it comes to packing and lugging the thing around the airport.

And look, it’s not like you’re unaware of what's available right now. Trip-friendly bags from the likes of Antler , Carl Friedrik , Globe Trotter and Samsonite are as ubiquitous in any airport as an ill-advised early-morning pint before boarding, but sometimes you just need a nudge in the right direction to find the truly elite options. Our editors have put in the groundwork so you don’t have to, arriving at the absolute best luggage brands that will deck out your travels with the best suitcases, carry-on , luggage tags , passport holders and accessories. Whether you're travelling to New York or New Delhi, read on to check out our top picks.

Skip to: Which suitcase is better, hard or soft? | How do I choose a suitcase? | What size should by carry-on luggage be? | How much should I spend on my luggage?

Which suitcase is better, hard or soft?

The choice between hard-side luggage or soft-sided suitcases will largely hinge on whether you’re checking it in on the plane or carrying it on with you. Hard-sided suitcases offer greater durability to cope with dings, scrapes and knocks that will inevitably happen in transit, keeping your neatly-packed clothes secure and protected throughout the journey. The problem is these checked bags are typically heavier which can cause a few headaches when you go to check it in or place it in the overhead bin, so keep that in mind.

Soft cases are easier to lug around and are lighter, but miss out on the protective functionality of hard-shell options. In this regard, they're a greater prospect for hold-all luggage or if you’re hopping on trains and buses, as you can squash them down if space is tight over long trips. The carry-on variety of luggage is easier and often cheaper, but worth only worth considering for shorter journeys. it's also worth considering these will certainly not be water-resistant, so keep that in your thoughts when planning a trip to rainier climes - or literally anywhere in the north-west of Europe.

Regardless of the solidity of your case, we’ll always recommend grabbing a wheeled suitcase, because no one wants to arrive at the gate for their summer holidays drenched in sweat and nursing a dead arm. Wheeled luggage has got significantly better in recent years, with telescopic handles and whisper-quiet, 360-degree spinner wheels for supreme manoeuvrability from check-in to your plane seat.

There are standout backpacks or shoulder bags that bring the sartorial chops you're likely hunting for while also offering additional storage space for your travels. These are typically best used on short trips or as carry-on luggage to save your muscles during a long journey, but most can be bought and used in tandem with your chosen suitcase to house an in-flight book, snacks, a work laptop and one of our favourite travel pillows to save yourself a crook neck upon arrival.

How do I choose a suitcase?

Selecting which checked luggage to go for can be as tricky as deciding where you're planning to holiday in the first place, so it's worth brushing up on the best options to help inform your choice. There's a fair amount of complication that makes this difficult, with different airlines imposing a variety of weight and size limitations, as well as the obvious sartorial and space aspects that make up a solid set of luggage.

Therefore, we'll give you the boring answer and say that it largely depends on what kind of travel you're doing in the immediate future. Larger trunks and suitcases will inevitably be your best bet for getting around the world on longer, more luxurious trips, with enough space to hold all the clothes and items you might need for a week or longer.

Short city trips or weekend getaways will be the domain of smaller carry-on luggage , with wheels and handles to help you glide around train stations and airports stress-free. These might not have the capacious skills to keep you dressed for longer periods of time, but they often have enough to stretch to a week maximum should you need it.

Travel backpacks , soft-sided luggage and rucksacks are a solid option for very short weekend trips or overnight stays, as they aren't particularly roomy for all your gear but are easier to carry over shorter distances. They can also be a good accoutrement to carry-on luggage, as you can split your load between the two bags and get more in your trip.

To make your packing stresses a little less intense, we also recommend picking up some packing cubes to use as a divider for your clothes. These little bags are a life saver for organising your suitcase into easily manageable chunks, using a compression system to squash all your items down for more space inside your suitcase. For example, pack all T-shirts in one bag, underwear in another, and maybe a smaller one for toiletries, and then once you're at the end of your trip, keep the used clothes separate from the clean clothes so you know what to chuck into the washing machine when you get back.

What size should by carry-on luggage be?

Frustratingly, not all airlines can agree on a set size and weight for your carry-on luggage, which can provoke headaches if you're prone to travelling with multiple companies or taking on a few flights in one trip with several layovers. However, there are some hard and fast truths to your carry-on limits. As a general rule of thumb, suitcases should not be taller than 24 inches, wider than 16 inches or deeper than 10 inches. This is your standard ballpark figure, and you won't find a single airline that allows beyond this limit.

By Murray Clark

By Oren Hartov

By Zak Maoui

It's worth noting this if your carry-on luggage is expandable – which many are – allowing you to extend your internal space to fit in those last-minute flip-flop additions. Using this feature may push your carry-on luggage over the edge, which will incur fees for additional space, you've been warned. As always, you should do your due diligence and check with the airline before you fly and then measure your own luggage to ensure it's within size and weight limits for the smoothest possible journey through check-in.

How much should I spend on my luggage?

Holidays don't come cheap, so you're probably not wanting to spend a small fortune on luggage, too. However, there are some common truths about picking up your travel gear and how much you should spend; namely, “don't scrimp and save if you don't want future headaches with faulty gear”. Going cheap will inevitably mean materials won't be up to scratch, and you may risk getting it through your journey in one piece, which tends to lead you to buying replacement bags anyway – so why not think of it as an investment piece?

£80 is usually the entry point to decent luggage, and it's worth being mindful about that cost usually being per bag or suitcase. Great options from Amazon Basics or Samsonite can land you in this price point and afford you a decent build quality to get you through a few years of travel.

Stepping up between £200 and £500 is the next price point, where you'll find proven quality and luxurious materials. Brands like Antler, DB and Carl Friedrik are lurking around this cost, and such suitcases should easily see you through several years of jet-setting if you're kind to them.

Anything beyond £800 is a real statement piece in the airport lounge; think Gucci, Louis Vuitton and the like. If you genuinely care about your aesthetics, over caring about wether your handsome gear picks up a few knocks and scratches in transit, then these brands will do you proud.

• Best value luggage brands: Antler | Samsonite | Amazon Basics | Herschel
• Best carry-on luggage brands: Carl Friedrik | DB | Monos
• Best designer luggage brands: Louis Vuitton | Globe Trotter | Gucci | Prada
• Best luggage brands for style: Rimowa | Tumi | Crash Baggage

Best value luggage brands

Antler 3-piece Clifton set

Antler Stamford cabin suitcase

Antler Bamburgh duffel bag

British-made Antler holds a loving place in our hearts simply because its collection is capacious, hardy and worthy of a spot on our Instagram grid as we jet away for the summer. The Clifton set is one of the best-selling luggage options for a good reason: they are luxurious, durable and spacious enough for two weeks of travelling, all for a mid-tier price. If you can, we’d highly recommend picking up the packing cubes. We swear by these useful mini bags to keep underwear, T-shirts and socks stored neatly and crease-free on long-haulers or they can be used as a handy laundry bag to be kept separate from your clean clothes.

For shorter trips, we’ll point you in the direction of the Bamburgh duffel, a rugged, multipurpose shoulder bag that sports a shower-proof design, padlock-compatible zips and plenty of internal pockets to store passports, wallets and other essentials for easy access.

Monos Carry-on Pro Plus

Monos Check-in Large

Monos Metro Duffel

Sometimes premium products don't need to come at premium price tags, which is just fine by us – more cocktails at the pool bar, please. Monos scratches that exact itch with high-end luggage for jet-setting luxury without breaking the bank. And don't they just look gorgeous.

For short-haul trips, we'd recommend the Carry-On Pro Plus, a suitcase wrought from a polycarbonate shell that's nigh-on indestructible, with TSA-approved locks to keep your clothes safe and secure in transit , as well as a front pocket large enough to fit a laptop. The same thoughtful design carries on through the range with the Metro Duffel, housing enough space for weekend getaways to the coast in style.

Samsonite Base Boost suitcase

Samsonite Airea suitcase

Samsonite Lite-Shock - Spinner XL 81cm suitcase

Easily one of the most well-established luggage brands in the world, Samsonite is well-known for producing high-quality luggage options for frequent travellers. Offering TSA-approved locks and expandable storage at an affordable price point, it has become synonymous with aspirational jet-setting since the early 20th century.

Samsonite has a huge catalogue of top-spec luggage for you to peruse, but one of our favourites is the Lite-Shock Spinner. The polycarbonate chassis is expandable but tough against scuffs and marks, making it a veteran of the airport carousel. The lightweight design makes it a great choice for frequent flyers who regularly make short one-week getaways or business trips.

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Large Luggage

Herschel Supply

Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carry On Luggage

Herschel Outfitter Wheelie

You know Herschel Supply for its bags already, just perhaps not its luggage. You’ve no doubt seen its logo on duffle bags and backpacks a million times over, but it’s exceptional suitcases that this Canadian brand should also be known for. Exceedingly tough, scratch resistant (even on non-black shades) and light, its hardshell models are handsome holiday buddies that come in at a more affordable price than many competitors, but with just the same reliability.

Carefully sectioned split zipped interiors, in-built locks and silent 360 degree wheels, we reckon Herschel’s suitcases have everything you’re looking for — and they have a lifetime warranty to boot.

Best carry-on luggage brands

Carl Friedrik

Large Check-in All Black

Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender bag

If there’s anything Dickie Greenleaf taught us, it’s that luxury luggage set made of plush Italian leather goes a long way to elevating the overall style points of your holidaymaking. Sitting at the high-end of fashionable travel bags, London-based Carl Friedrik delivers sophistication to your luggage that simply cannot be ignored. In case you’re curious about CF’s sartorial credentials, its suitcases and briefcases have been featured in TV shows like White Lotus and HBO’s Succession, and those guys definitely know how to basque in the elegance of luxury travel.

Our hand to pick of these elegant bags? It has to be the Scuderia AlphaTauri carry-on suitcase, a set destined for the Monaco F1 grid. Its svelt design belies the sturdy hard-shell chassis, enhanced with a strip of premium Italian leather detailing. This case has the quiet confidence of a championship winner.

DB Hugger bundle 90L + 30L suitcases

DB Essential weekend bag 40L

DB Ramverk tech organiser bag

There really isn’t much the Scandis can’t succeed in when they put their mind to it. DB is a hypey new brand hailing from the snowy climbs of Norway, innovating to make travelling heavy a lot more manageable. The noteworthy aspect here is that DB's collection is sustainably sourced and made to last, with durable designs that proffer a rugged chic coveted by backpackers and gap-year travellers.

We love that the Hugger bundle utilises a hook system where the larger pack piggybacks the smaller pack for an ergonomic lift that will make the long walk through the airport as slippery as a freshly-brushed piste in winter. Elsewhere, the Hugger Backpack on its own is a mighty travelling bag, with a huge cavern for your gear that’s well-protected thanks to the hybrid soft/hard-shell chassis and ribcage system that manages to look striking and deliver the sturdy goods where you need them. Packing space comes at a premium, so we'd also recommend grabbing the tech organiser bag to store cameras, phone chargers or other paraphernalia for a smooth trip.

Best designer luggage brands

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 suitcase

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Monogram rolling trunk

Is there any more clear-cut statement of luxury than Louis Vuitton travel gear? We think not. Providing that first-class feel regardless of whether you're in economy or business, Louis Vuitton's selection of logomaniac luggage never fails to look every bit the main character as you ought to feel pre- and post-vacation.

Choosing a particular LV bag is like deciding between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini – without dissimilar price tags –, but we came down on the side of the ultra-luxe Horizon 55 suitcase. Dappled in your choice of either the iconic ‘Damier checkerboard design or the Vuitton Monogram, this particular number is the only true sartorial choice you need to make to turn heads at the departure gate. Perfect to take in the cabin, the 37-litre capacity is more than enough to house your must-have travel essentials, and it also comes with a removable leather name tag for the ultimate travel flex.

Globe-Trotter Centenary suitase

Globe-Trotter x Golf le Fleur Centenary 20” suitcase

Globe-Trotter Centenary 20" cabin suitcase

If it's good enough for the likes of Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and almost every fancy fictional detective ever written since the late 1800s, it's more than good enough for us. The classic trunk has never looked as good as it does from Globe Trotter, an iconic British brand well-versed in crafting the perfect suitcase to accompany you across the planet in style.

Spend any time perusing Globe Trotter's website and you'll instantly fall in love with the fun, pastel-coloured take on the world's most famous luggage, courtesy of the Golf le Fleur collaboration. Seen here with a playful multi-coloured array of leather straps and buckles doubled up with an abstract leopard-print lining and ivory casing, it screams Wes Anderson's summer getaway must-have item.

Gucci Porter cabin suitcases

Gucci Savoy suitcases

Gucci Interlocking G cabin suitcase

If ever there was a master of the anachronistic, it would be Alessandro Michelle's era for Gucci, a theme that is deeply felt within the brand's luggage offerings. Where heritage prints and old-school silhouettes combine with innovative materials and modern durability, Gucci luggage simply cannot go wrong.

For the frequent flyer, we'd suggest the extra-hardy Porter cabin trolley suitcase, where its dense aluminium construction is accented with delicate panels of the ever-infamous ‘Double G’ logo print. For a more retro, aesthetic-focused take, however, the Savoy Ophidia-inspired trolley bag and Interlocking G patterned travel bag make stylish travel partners indeed.

Saffiano leather trolley suitcase

Prada Symbole trolley suitcase

Saffiano leather carry-on suitcase

Minimalist design with maximum aesthetic appeal – that's Prada's effortless mode summarised. A subtle style flex, toting a Prada suitcase is a discreet nod between fashion aficionados, where the simple yet iconic enamelled triangle logo sends a low-key signal of luxury to your fellow travellers.

From the plain jet black pick to the logomaniac Symbole patterned number, the handful of suitcases we've selected from Prada's online shelves cater to the needs of departure lounge wallflowers to Insta-focused travellers alike. Whatever your airport aesthetic, we've got you covered.

Best luggage brands for style

Rimowa Essential Cabin

Rimowa Original Check-In L

Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin Plus

One of the most imperious luggage makers in the game, Rimowa has been cruising to sunnier climes since 1898, and really hit its stride a century ago by creating the world's first aluminium suitcase way back in 1930. Although it's also moved into polycarbonate wares of late, the Cologne-based brand has seen its status elevated via several hypey collaborations with the likes of Supreme, Off-White and Anti Social Social Club. In other words, it's followed exactly the new luxury same playbook as its LMVH stablemates in Fendi, Givenchy and, of course, Louis Vuitton.

There's no better place to start with Rimowa than its Original Check-In suitcase, if only because it's one of the most desirable pieces of luggage in existence. For those in need of something a little more understated, its Essential Cabin and Essential Sleeve Cabin Plus (with an external laptop sleeve, naturally) are both as sturdy as they are suave.

Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum suitcase 66cm

Tumi 'International' carry-on suitcase

In what might be the most bizarre origin story for a company name, Tumi's moniker comes from a type of Peruvian ceremonial knife used in the sacrifices of ancient South American rituals. Every day's a school day, right? In modern times, it's become a world-class luxe luggage brand beloved by pan-European flight hoppers and high-end holidaymakers alike.

Tumi's 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on suitcase is the style-centric luggage pick that ensures turned heads at baggage claim. Famous hands that have grasped the handle include Renee Rapp and Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min. The immediate appeal is obvious: a vibrant, silver-hued, smart case that's set apart from its competition by its sturdy, streamlined silhouette and rippled outer shell.

Crash Baggage 79cm suitcase

Crash Baggage Share 55cm cabin suitcase

So-called because, well, its suitcases look like they've had a crash, a bang, and a wallop, Crash Baggage is founded on the belief that your luggage should be as durable as possible. Subverting shoppers' expectations of what brand-new luggage should look like, Crash's line-up comes pre-worn and dented in a tongue-in-cheek expression of just how resilient its cases are.

For your consideration, dear reader, we've picked out the Stripe 79cm, the Share 55cm and the Icon 79cm. Each decked out in dents and scratches, these cases are bold enough in both colourway and battle scars to be spotted whirling around baggage claim in no time. Plus, with all those aesthetic injuries, you're surely not to be messed with in the oft-competitive dash through arrivals.

Stori suitcase 55cm

The fashion-forward travel brand from Down Under, Nere's luggage will match any mood on your mind or adventure on your calendar.

Nere's most iconic suitcase, the Stori, makes the perfect travel companion for quick flights and long car rides alike. Defined by the range's bold colour scheme, the Stori might be easy on the eyes, but it's its ABS hard shell and multi-faceted storage features mean that it's just as kind on your travel essentials. Off you go!

The best suitcases for stylish storage on the go

The best holdalls and weekend bags for a stylish getaway

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By Heidi Quill

By Adrian Clark

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19 Best Weekender Bags for Your Next Getaway, According to Our Editors

By Madison Flager and Meaghan Kenny

Whether you're planning a quick road trip to the nearest beach or a much-needed couple's getaway , spending a few days away calls for a sturdy, stylish, and functional travel bag. We often turn to our favorite weekenders to hold everything we need for short trips and overnight stays. The best weekender bags are roomy enough to carry your clothes, toiletries, and a pair of shoes or two , but not so bulky as to slow you down while dashing to catch a train, or take up an exorbitant amount of space in your trunk. A separate compartment for dirty clothes or shoes is always welcome, too. To narrow down the styles that are worth your dollars (and storage space), our editors put dozens of duffels and expandable totes to the test from top travel brands like Away, Béis, Calpak, Monos, and more.

How we tested:

Condé Nast Traveler editors spent months testing out these weekenders, bringing them on two-day getaways, overnights, and camping trips, and using them as our personal items on flights. We considered each bag's weight, capacity, design, and how well it held up after several trips. We also paid close attention to unique features that make a bag stand out against other options on the market, like having ample pockets or a separate shoe compartment. Below, the 19 best weekenders of 2023, from budget-friendly options to splurge-worthy designer bags.

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

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

MZ Wallace Nik Duffel

Weight: 2.1 lbs. Dimensions: 17"L × 7"W × 12"H Features: Detachable crossbody strap, black leather protective feet, trolley sleeve, water-resistant exterior

MZ Wallace's Nik duffel bag is a new favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager —she's used it as an overnight bag when dog-sitting, as a personal item when flying to Florida for a cruise, and for a weekend trip to Boston. Thanks to its quilted fabric, it's incredibly lightweight at just over two pounds. On the bag's exterior, there are two deep zippered pockets for small items you'll want to grab easily during transit, like your wallet or passport. Inside, there's a laptop sleeve, a detachable lightweight pouch, and two more slip pockets that Flager uses to store things like sunglasses and glasses. “As a personal item, it’s super roomy—when I took it on a cruise, it was a good size to hold all the things I wanted to keep with me when boarding, including my toiletry bag , a pouch with medicine, another with makeup, and a bathing suit and pool coverup ,” she says. What we love most about this duffel: its many pockets, water-resistant material, and polished look.

Calpak Luka duffel

Weight: 1.95 lbs. Dimensions: 16" x 7" x 12" Capacity: 22L Features: Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket

Calpak's Luka duffel is one of its most popular pieces of luggage, previously racking up a 44,000-deep waiting list. Now restocked and available in most colors, it's got rave reviews from associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny : “I've used my fair share of duffel bags, but this one is by far my favorite. Made of water-resistant material, the Luka duffel bag is so soft and lightweight. No matter how much I stuff in this thing, it's not a pain to carry—the ultra-soft, long carry handles don't hurt my shoulders, and the adjustable longer strap is comfortable, too. This duffel has nine pockets, with a shoe compartment at the bottom where I keep a pair of sneakers or slippers, a mesh pocket, a side pocket for my water bottle, and plenty of smaller side pockets inside where I store small items like socks and toiletries. It fits everything I need for an overnight stay or a quick weekend trip if I'm packing on the lighter side. There's also a trolley sleeve that fits nicely on my carry-on , which is a real lifesaver while walking through the airport.” If you love this bag's features but want something a little more spacious (think three- or four-day trips), the Luka duffel is available in a large version , too.

Read a full review of this bag here .

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Weight: 4.2 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 9" x 12.5" Capacity: 50L Features: Clamshell opening, trolley sleeve, gunmetal feet on base

The best part of this weekender: the clamshell opening, which allows the bag to lie completely flat for easy packing. With a roomy 50-liter capacity and an internal padded pocket that fits a 16" laptop, you've got a good amount of space in here for an overnight stay or a two-night trip. Contributor Juliet Izon tested out this bag when we were on the hunt for the best weekenders in 2021, and was able to pack “everything I needed for a four-day trip to Asheville , North Carolina, including all the outfit changes I wanted for a weekend in the unpredictable weather of the mountains.” Its smart design, sleek look, and spacious compartments make it deserving of a spot on our list this year, too.

Monos Metro Duffel

Weight: 3 lbs. (nylon); 3.6 lbs. (vegan leather) Dimensions: 16" × 7" × 11" Capacity: 22L Features: Removable exterior pouch, laptop compartment, trolley sleeve

Monos’s Metro line features polished bags made of only vegan materials, including the equivalent of 16 repurposed plastic water bottles per bag. “This is not just a beautiful bag (get used to the compliments!), it’s also the most organized duffel I’ve ever owned, with a spot for everything,” says global digital director Arati Menon . “The interiors are incredibly roomy, and come with pockets that fit everything from your laptop to water bottle. And when you run out of space inside, just snap on one of Monos’ interchangeable kits to the front to put all your necessities (phone, wallet, passport) within easy reach. You could even snap off a kit to double up as a clutch in a pinch.”

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Rachel Chang

Béis The Weekender Bag

Weight: 3.86 lbs. Dimensions: 19.5" x 10" x 16" Capacity: 49L Features: Removable shoulder strap, trolley sleeve, separate shoe compartment, padded laptop sleeve

With a water-resistant and pocket-filled interior, plus an extra roomy bottom compartment that fits several pairs of shoes or those souvenirs you can’t bear to leave behind, this understatedly chic travel tote has enough nooks and crannies to keep even the worst overpacker in line. And the structured frame opening on top keeps the bag wide open—or securely shut—when you need it to be. In addition to gaining a ton of buzz on social media for its “cool girl” aesthetic, the Béis Weekender is also a favorite among Traveler editors, including Flager. It's her go-to tote for true weekend trips—“I use the outer pocket for my phone and ID, and I love the key leash—it’s nice to have a dedicated spot for my house keys so I’m not digging around upon return,” she says. The Béis Weekender is available in a mini size , too, which is better suited as a personal item or a one-night bag.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 70L

Weight: 3.28 lbs. Dimensions: 28" × 13" × 17.5" Capacity: 70L Features: Ergonomic shoulder straps, weather-resistant material, padded base

Made from 100 percent recycled fabric, Patagonia's weather- and abrasion-resistant duffel is one of the most durable on our list. It's also is one of our largest options, holding 70 liters of gear. The padded and removable ergonomic shoulder straps let you carry this duffel like a backpack and detach them when not in use. Senior features editor Rebecca Misner easily packed enough clothes for a two-week road trip from San Fransisco and says it held up beautifully—even after constantly throwing it around the back of her car. And it wicks water, so the unexpected shower that came when she was unpacking the car in Portland, Oregon, was no big deal. Its U-shaped top zipper allows the bag to open wide for easy access to everything in the main compartment, which makes packing it and finding belongings a breeze. “It’s a fantastic piece of luggage for a road trip or any adventure travel, but I wouldn't take it on a plane unless I was going on a trip where very minimal lifting would be required. If you keep the weight down, most people should be able to carry it comfortably by its straps,” says Misner. She's looking forward to using it as a ski trip bag this winter: “I won’t worry about throwing it in the back of the car with my skis—scratching or tearing won’t be an issue. Plus, if it gets wet from my ski boots or if I’m loading it in snow, it will wick away any moisture.”

Paravel Weekender

Weight: 2.4 lbs. Dimensions: 15" x 8" x 15" Capacity: 55L Features: Trolley sleeve, removable and adjustable shoulder strap, hand-painted or embroidered initials available

Paravel's timeless Weekender, made from 12 upcycled plastic water bottles, is at the top of our list when it comes to investment bags. The thick cotton canvas exterior is beautifully stitched and elevated by leather accents, while the easy-to-clean nylon interior can withstand a shampoo or water bottle spill. It's a tried-and-true travel essential for Flager, who says it's one of her most aesthetically pleasing bags and most functional, too. It's roomier than it looks, fitting a weekend's worth of clothes, with space for a pair of shoes, Dopp kit , and laptop. Inside, there are two deep zippered pockets for sliding in a pair of flats or sandals, chargers, or any other odds and ends you want with you. “It’s a great bag to use as a personal item—I’ve used it for overnight trips, but more often I use it to carry things I want with me in-flight (Kindle, charger, snacks, etc), plus any overflow that didn’t make it into my carry-on, like a toiletry or makeup bag ,” says Flager. It comes with an adjustable, removable strap to wear as a crossbody or on your shoulder, and has sturdy leather top handles and a trolley sleeve to secure to a suitcase on longer trips.

Paravel Fold-Up Bag

Weight: 1 lb. Dimensions: 18" × 11" × 11.5" Features: Trolley sleeve, interior zip pocket, folds completely flat

Another Paravel favorite: This lightweight fold-up duffel, which packs down to next to nothing. Senior editor Megan Spurrell is a fan, and has used it for overnighters—she says it fits as much as her other duffels, and has held up over the years—and regularly brings it along as a just-in-case bag to carry home souvenirs on longer trips. “I've used it for a couple staycations where I just need to throw things in a bag for a night or two,” she says. “It's nice that it doesn't have a solid structure and is only as big as what you've put inside.” If you’re gifting this bag, include a personal touch with a monogram, which can be added on for $15.

Herschel Supply Co. Tech Novel duffel

Weight: 3 lbs. (nylon); 3.6 lbs. (vegan leather) Dimensions: 20.5" × 11" × 12.75" Capacity: 45L Features: 16" laptop compartment, removable padded shoulder strap, trolley sleeve, shoe compartment

Available in classic colors like black, navy, green, and light and dark gray, this sleek weekender from Herschel was recently redesigned to be made with 100 percent recycled materials. It features a long, padded adjustable strap, a shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve, and a slew of organizers to help keep devices from getting jumbled. This spacious duffel was tested by Kenny, who says this: “It's versatile enough to take you from the gym to a camping trip to a weekend stay down the shore. The bag’s design is simple yet elevated enough to work for any type of traveler at any age.” She noted the ultra-soft laptop compartment is separate from the bag's main section, so your laptop is well-protected during transit. Travelers can easily fit three days of clothing in this duffel, making it a great option for extended weekend trips away. And at $160, it's well priced and will be a great travel companion for years to come.

Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe

Weight: 2.6 lbs. (canvas), 2.26 lbs. (recycled poly) Dimensions: 18" x 8.5" x 6" Features: Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, padded removable strap

This travel-friendly tote is a bestseller for accessories brand Lo & Sons, and it’s not hard to see why. The overnight bag features several interior and exterior pockets sized for everything from iPads to sanitizing wipes to sunglasses , a long removable strap with memory foam padding, and a trolley sleeve that converts into a zipper pocket. It was tested by Traveler 's global director of audience development Lara Kramer ; she brought it on an overnight staycation in Brooklyn and a four-night stay at the hospital for the birth of her baby. “You can easily fit a long weekend’s worth of clothes (and shoes!) in this bag. And, in our case, an abundance of pajamas, towels, and home comforts—think portable fan, slippers, a sound machine, and framed photos of family and our pet cat—for a long hospital stay,” she says. There's a handy bottom compartment that can hold two to three pairs of shoes (or your dirty clothes) that also features a removable padded tray that can be washed as needed. Kramer did note that because of its generous size and ample storage, this bag can hold a lot of weight. However, the padded messenger strap made of memory foam does take the comfort level up a notch.

Lululemon City Adventurer large duffel bag

Dimensions: 18" x 9" x 12" Capacity: 29L Features: Trolley sleeve, detachable strap, padded laptop pocket

If you're a fan of Lululemon's ultra-popular fanny pack , you'll likely fall in love with this weekender, too. Made of a similar smooth, water-repellant fabric, the sporty bag comes in silver or black. This is another favorite of Kenny's: “It’s the perfect size for a weekender bag—not too big or too small. It gives you just enough room for two to three outfits without becoming too heavy or bulky to carry around. Plus, it fits under the seat on an airplane, making it a great personal item.” This lightweight duffel opens wide to fit plenty of clothes, and has two mesh pockets and a zippered compartment for keeping important items extra secure. Carry it by the top handles or across your body, and use the trolley sleeve to secure it to luggage when needed. Another plus: It can be folded up nearly flat to store away when not in use.

Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Small (40L)

Weight: 3.5 lbs. Dimensions: 20.5" x 12.5" x 10.5" Capacity: 40L Features: Backpack straps and removable shoulder strap, waterproof shell

We're big fans of Baboon's indestructible bags—they will stand up to any cargo bin, overhead compartment, or car trunk they're tossed in. Flager has taken this on several adventure-type trips and says, “it’s exactly what you want when you don’t want to be concerned about the elements damaging your bag.” And with a selection of bold, bright colors, they'll be easy to spot on a luggage carousel and put a smile on your face when packing. The detachable, adjustable shoulder straps are a nice touch, too. While it's a great option for two to four days away, we wouldn't recommend this as a true backpacking bag because of its fabric, which can feel a little stiff.

Everlane The ReNew Transit weekender

Dimensions: 19.5" x 7" x 14" Features: Made of 100 percent recycled polyester, laptop compartment, trolley sleeve

Crafted by the popular direct-to-consumer line that turns out wardrobe staples , this go-with-everything oversized tote is a minimalist’s dream. Everlane's ReNew Transit weekender has become a go-to for Spurrell, ever since she first brought it on a weeklong trip to Egypt . “This makes a fantastic, roomy personal item to top your carry-on for a trip when you probably should check a bag but refuse to. It’s also perfect for a casual one-nighter when you just want to throw pajamas, an outfit or two, and some other essentials inside,” she says. The bag features a wider bottom than top, which is great for filling it to the brim without dealing with items spilling out in the back seat. “It’s quite comfy on the shoulders, even in sleeveless clothes with which other straps might dig in, though the padded section of the strap doesn’t sit on your shoulders unless you extend the length quite a bit (I prefer to keep the straps short so the bag sits right under my arm),” says Spurrell. We also love that it's constructed out of recycled polyester (made from 36.6 renewed plastic bottles) that’s also water-resistant. Plus, it fits just as effortlessly in the overhead compartment as it does in the luggage Tetris of a trunk.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

Weight: 2 lbs. Dimensions: 16.5" x 9" x 11" Capacity: 29L Features: 16" laptop sleeve, Recycled Repreve lining, trolley sleeve, shoe bag

Don’t be fooled by the streamlined look of this neoprene number. The washable carryall houses a dust bag for shoes, detachable key leash, removable zip-top pouch for essentials, and plenty of air mesh interior pockets, including one for your water (or wine) bottle. The genius exterior phone slot is just the cherry on top. Former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian calls it a “beautiful, keep-forever bag." Dagne Dover's Landon carryall comes in a few different sizes, but the large and extra-large sizes are your best bet for weekend's away. “Because the bag itself is so lightweight, it’s really easy to throw over your head into a bin even if you’ve packed it with a carry-on level amount of stuff,” says Erdekian. She's been able to fit four to five days' worth of clothes inside. And as far as aesthetics, “I adore the look of this bag. It honestly improves any outfit I’m wearing and makes for a chic, classic summer vacation look—we all know that effortlessly glam duffel-bag-slung-over-your-shoulder pose as you’re walking up the driveway of your friend’s lake house.”

Arlo Skye The Weekender

Dimensions: 20.5" × 9" × 11" Capacity: 31L Features: Trolley sleeve, anti-microbial lining, separate shoe compartment

Arlo Skye's sleek weekender is lightweight and made of a scratch-resistant nylon with full-grain Italian leather trim, with an antimicrobial lining. It was tested by Flager, who says you can squeeze a lot in here—use it for long weekends, or as a carry-on to fill with odds and ends when heading out on longer trips. “It's a little too big for an under-the-seat item, but has tons of pockets and separate compartments to keep you organized,” Flager says. “If you pack lightly, it could be your main carry-on on short trips.” There's a separate shoe or dirty clothes compartment, a trolley sleeve if you're rolling it on top of a checked bag , and an exterior slip pocket that's the right size for your phone, passport, and keys.

Rothy’s The Weekender

Weight: 4.4 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" × 9" × 14" Features: Zipper exterior laptop pocket, machine washable, adjustable and removable shoulder strap

Made from the brand’s signature 100 percent recycled materials (like marine bound plastic) and available in colorblock prints and understated patterns like midnight camo, this roomy tote has all the makings of a go-to weekender. The main compartment is flanked by easy-access compartments with a magnetic closure on one side and zippered one on the other—perfect for storing keys, travel documents, a Kindle, and anything else you might reach for during the journey. Destinations editor Shannon McMahon recommends it for an extended weekend trip: “I found it most useful for beach weekends away where I needed a lot of big accessories, like floppy hats, multiple jackets, and cozy sweatshirts. It’s less plane-friendly because of its sheer size, but I got away with it as a personal item on a recent trip.” At an eye-popping $549, it is one of the most expensive weekenders we tested. And while you can definitely opt for an equally functional bag with a less hefty price tag, you do get plenty of packing space with Rothy's weekender and are supporting a sustainability initiative. McMahon says it's indestructible and incredibly durable, too. And since travel can get messy, we love how, like everything else in Rothy’s collection, the bag is fully machine washable—just remove the base insert and throw it and the bag into the accompanying wash bag and right into your laundry.

Away The Large Everywhere Bag

Weight: 3.8 lbs. (with shoulder strap); 3.3 lbs. (without strap) Dimensions: 21" × 9" × 12" Capacity: 38L Features: Trolley sleeve, 15" laptop pocket, detachable padded shoulder strap

Away is a trusted brand among Traveler editors for quality and functionality. Made of a water-resistant nylon and leather trim, the Large Everywhere bag is the biggest of the brand's best-selling style, with enough room to fit three or four days worth of clothing. It features a clamshell opening, which makes it easy to pack and find everything you're looking for once you arrive. Store clothes in the roomy main compartment and put smaller items like chargers, beauty products, or toiletries in the zippered mesh pockets. It fits nicely on top of your Away carry-on, thanks to the convenient trolley sleeve. And if you're heading on a business trip, there's an exterior padded laptop pocket that fits computers up to 15 inches. Carry it by the top handle or the padded detachable strap.

Louis Vuitton Keepall 55

Weight: 5 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 9" x 12" Features: Padlock luggage tag, double zip closure, detachable shoulder strap

If you're looking to elevate your luggage collection, the Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 is about as classic as it gets. This roomy duffel, tested by Kenny, features the iconic logo emblazoned on the outside of the bag, offering a chic and timeless style. Inside, there's one main spacious compartment that fits two days' worth of clothes and a toiletry bag, and a side zippered pocket for smaller essentials like a phone charger or a pair of sunglasses. Travelers can carry it by its top handle or with the detachable shoulder strap. And the best part: Its leather exterior gets better with age.

REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel

Weight: 2.9 lbs.  Dimensions: 26" × 11" × 14" Capacity: 60L Features: Stowable backpack straps, daisy-chain lash points, recycled nylon materials, storage sack

This 60-liter duffel is the ideal bag for a multi-day trip—its durable, holds plenty of gear, and can be carried as a backpack, too. Made of recycled ripstop nylon, the Big Haul duffel is designed to survive wear and tear, making it a great companion for hiking, camping, or other outdoor adventures. It's a go-to for articles director Lale Arikoglu when it comes to adventure travel—she's had it for years and it's still holding up well. There's plenty of room inside its main compartment, as well as internal mesh pockets to keep small essentials organized. It features a compression strap system to keep your gear compact and secure, and a storage sack.

Protect Your Trip »

The 10 best toiletry bags of 2024, according to travel experts.

Tote everything from toothpaste to aftershave in one of these bags.

The Best Travel Toiletry Bags

Getty Images

Of all the travel accessories you can own, a toiletry bag may be the most essential – especially if you want to avoid leaks and spills in your luggage. Toiletry bags are necessary for keeping shampoo, toothpaste and other personal care items contained and organized when traveling.

Based on our personal experiences as well as consumer reviews, we've chosen the best toiletry bags in a number of categories, from the top option for men to the best hanging toiletry bag (especially useful in tight spaces like cruise ship cabins).

Best Overall: Peak Design Small Wash Pouch

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Dopp Kit: Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag – Cada Día

Best for men: topo designs dopp kit, best for women: lug trolley mini cosmetic case, best kids: wildkin toiletry bag, best large: l.l. bean personal organizer toiletry bag, large, best small: away the small toiletry bag, best hanging: open story small hanging toiletry bag, best clear: fawn the toiletry case large.

• Best Leather: Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer – Large

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. All toiletry bag dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.)

Courtesy of Peak Design

Dimensions: 6 x 10.2 x 4.4 inches

This toiletry bag earns rave reviews for its compact design and variety of internal compartments, which include four mesh pockets, a zip pocket and a magnetic pocket designed for your toothbrush. The bag is also versatile – its structured build means it won't flop over when you set it on the bathroom counter, while an attached hook allows you to use it as a hanging toiletry bag as well. Available in black and sage (as well as a larger size ), the Peak Design Small Wash Pouch is weatherproof and easy to clean.

What our editors say:

This toiletry bag perfectly fits all of my travel-sized essentials for a trip and I love the separated compartment pockets. It's pretty small and its soft exterior makes it easy to shove into a carry-on or a personal item without taking up too much room. It also sits upright on its own, which is a nice touch. – Erin Evans , Managing Editor

Price: $49.95 or less

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 5 inches

If you're looking for a Dopp kit (a style of toiletry bag, typically with a side handle), the Nido Accessory Bag – Cada Día is a solid choice. The toiletry bag offers three compartments as well as an interior zippered pocket. Plus, it's available in Cotopaxi's vibrant color combinations.

The Nido Accessory Bag can fit a lot – much more than I expected, in fact. I can pack my electric toothbrush (with its case!), a full-sized toothpaste, a hairbrush, makeup and more. Even with how much it can fit, I don't find that the bag takes up a lot of space in my carry-on. I especially love the Nido's three different compartments (plus a zippered pocket) to organize my toiletries and accessories. – Leilani Osmundson , Senior Digital Producer

Price: $45 or less

Courtesy of Topo Designs

Dimensions: 5.5 x 11 x 5.5 inches

Not only does the triangular shape of this toiletry bag make it unique, but it also allows the bag to stand upright on its own. The Topo Designs Dopp Kit is bigger than it looks, and its main compartment offers plenty of space for all the necessities including a razor. The bag is available in a variety of bright two-toned styles and solid colors.

The Topo Designs Dopp Kit's bright colors and unique triangular shape inspired my initial purchase, but its versatility and durability quickly made it my go-to toiletry kit for every type of travel. The spacious bag works just as well in my carry-on as on a camping trip and has stood up to countless spilled shampoos and exploded toothpaste tubes. The Dopp kit stays upright on counters, while the attached hook makes it easy to hang and dry. – Zach Watson , Senior Editor

Price: $34 or less

Courtesy of Lug

Dimensions: 4 x 8.75 x 3.75 inches

Lug's Trolley Mini Cosmetic Case is perfect for both toiletries and makeup. Inside, the main compartment features a patterned lining and two zippered pockets: one on the back wall and another on the lid. On the outside, there are two side pockets plus a front pocket with a divider for even more organization.

I've had this toiletry bag for four years, and it is the first thing I pack for every trip! I absolutely adore its compact design, multiple zippered compartments that make it easy to reach your essentials without having to sort through an entire toiletry bag, and the wipeable interior (for when that foundation or shampoo leaks in transit). For longer trips, I have the Lug Trolley , which can even fit a curling iron. – Rachael Hood , Senior Editor

Price: $49 or less

Courtesy of Wildkin

Dimensions: 5 x 9.5 x 5 inches

Available in a wide variety of playful colors and patterns (think: trucks and mermaid scales ), the Wildkin Toiletry Bag is perfect for kids. The bag offers a spacious main compartment plus an internal zippered mesh pocket and an external zippered pocket.

I bought this bag to coordinate with my son's Wildkin Overnighter Duffel . The quality of both bags is top-notch, and I know we'll be able to use them for a long time. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist 

Price: $24.99 or less

Courtesy of L.L. Bean

Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches

The L.L. Bean Personal Toiletry Bag is a classic, and the largest size is perfect for weeklong trips and even multiple family members. In addition to having a variety of internal and external pockets, this hanging toiletry bag can hold up to 25 pounds. Available in a variety of colors, it also features a carry strap and tote handle as well as a small mirror.

While this kit comes in a few sizes, the large is my favorite. It fits everything I need for a trip, from shower essentials to makeup to medicine. The plastic front on the upper two compartments is beginning to wear away, but I can deal with that considering I've had mine for more than 10 years (if not longer). – Marisa Méndez , Senior Editor

Price: $44.95 or less

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

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

Courtesy of Away

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.3 x 3.15 inches

If you're looking for a small toiletry bag that can be used for short trips, this is the one. But don't let the small size (and name) of this toiletry bag fool you. Two interior zippered compartments – one clear, one mesh – are big enough to hold all of your travel-size toiletries plus medications for even longer trips, and the zippered exterior pocket is perfect for makeup wipes. When you inevitably get the bag wet, its water-resistant nylon material makes it easy to wipe dry. The Small Toiletry Bag is available in black, navy, blue gray and white.

This is the toiletry bag equivalent of Mary Poppins' bag. It holds way more than it looks like it can. – Amanda Norcross

Price: $55 or less

Dimensions: 8 x 8.31 x 3.5 inches

Not only is this hanging toiletry bag well organized, but it also costs less than $15 at Target. The toiletry bag has a built-in hanger, four mesh pockets (two of which have zippers) and an additional compartment that can hold travel-size (or even full-size) toiletries and makeup. It also has an external tote handle. The Open Story Small Hanging Toiletry bag is currently available in light blue.

I've used this toiletry bag for a couple years now, and it's great for my travel needs. The hanging hook saves me a lot of space, and there's plenty of organization inside – all for an incredibly affordable price. – Catriona Kendall , Editor

Price: $12.99 or less

Courtesy of Fawn

Dimensions: 6.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches

For a clear toiletry bag that makes it easy to see all of your essentials – plus a faux leather trim and matte gold zippers that make it just plain pretty – frequent travelers recommend this option by Fawn. Two interior compartments are large enough to hold both toiletries and makeup, and top grab handles make it easy to pull out of your luggage and transport wherever you go.

I was initially drawn to this bag for its clear vinyl compartments, but after using it for about a year I've been pleasantly surprised by how many items it can hold. I'm able to fit all my travel-size skin care and hair care products, and it doesn't take up too much space in my carry-on. It's also very easy to clean. – Ann Henson , Assistant Managing Editor

Price: $59.99 or less

Best Leather: Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer – Large

Courtesy of Mark & Graham

Dimensions: 6 x 9.5 x 2.25 inches

This toiletry bag is both elegant and efficient. Crafted with vegan leather, it's available in eight colors, including red, blush, camel, white and navy, all of which are accented by gold zippers. The toiletry bag has two spacious compartments and conveniently sits upright on flat surfaces.

I really like my large Dual Travel Organizer from Mark and Graham. The main compartment can hold your basic makeup essentials and a travel-sized toothbrush, and the bottom zippered section is ideal for jewelry, a contact lens case or hair ties. The vegan leather material is both soft and environmentally friendly, and you can also get the bag monogrammed for a personal touch. – Nicola Wood , Senior Editor

Price: $99 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

Per the Transportation Security Administration's liquids rule , a quart-sized bag is recommended for any toiletries packed in carry-on luggage ; however, a clear bag is not specified. What's most important is that any liquids (including creams, gels and aerosols) are placed in a small bag and do not exceed 3.4 ounces. For checked luggage , there are no limitations on toiletry bag and liquid sizes.

Anything you use for your personal hygiene at home should be packed in your toiletry bag. This can include:

• Conditioner
• Shaving cream
• Moisturizer
• Contact solution
• Contact lenses
• Feminine hygiene products

Depending on space, you may also want to pack the following items in your toiletry bag:

• Medications

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross regularly reviews and writes about travel gear. She consulted her team at U.S. News as well as recent consumer reviews to determine the best toiletry bags for men, women and kids.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Packing Cubes
• The Most Useful Travel Accessories
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The 14 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking in a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We tested dozens of carry-on backpacks and evaluated them based on traits like capacity, comfort, durability, and design. First, we tested the backpacks in our New York City lab and utilized our airplane set complete with row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins. We then took them out into the world for six months to further test each bag on a variety of trips. From rugged to sleek styles, we tested plenty of carry-on backpacks ranging in design and size that impressed us.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

The backpack has an unstructured style that makes it easy to pack clothing and accessories, plus a plethora of thoughtful features catered to frequent travelers.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

Salt Lake City-based outdoor gear brand Cotopaxi builds brightly colored clothing and accessories to last. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

We think this durable Cotopaxi bag will remain in excellent condition no matter how many times it hits the road, as it was not damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed it onto the ground. The rubber texture also seemed easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. After six months of regularly using the bag, we found that it's the perfect size for long weekend trips and helps keep all of our items organized and easy to access. Both stylish and functional, this backpack can even be made one-of-a-kind by choosing the surprise colors option when purchased through Cotopaxi’s website.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Away f.a.r. convertible backpack 45l.

• Design 4.5 /5

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Budget

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Traditional

Samsonite silhouette 17 backpack.

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Thanks to its clamshell design, it’s like a suitcase without wheels.

Some of the straps weren’t intuitive to use.

The Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack is ideal for travelers who like the structure and sleek, minimalist style of a traditional suitcase but want the portability of a backpack. We love that this bag opens like a suitcase, making it easy to access everything inside. There was plenty of space leftover after packing the backpack, and the classic clamshell opening allowed for easy access to items in the compression-strapped main compartment and the zippered pockets on the inside of the front flap. All of the interior and exterior pockets, including the water bottle holder and padded laptop sleeve, are useful for traveling. You can convert the backpack to wear as a duffel bag or a briefcase, and it has a rear strap to place on a rolling suitcase if desired. The straps were easy to adjust, and it felt like the weight was nicely distributed thanks to the structured style of the backpack. There was a small scuff on the bag after we tossed it on the floor during our durability tests, but the contents of the backpack remained unharmed. When flying with the bag during our six-month testing period, we found that it easily fits in airplane overhead bins and under the seat. Overall, it’s a backpack with the features of a well-compartmentalized suitcase and much more.

The Details: 13 x 20.5 x 10.5 inches | 3.31 pounds | Polyester, recyclex | Padded laptop pocket | Convertible straps

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpack on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

• Comfort 4 /5

It can be converted from 40 liters for traveling to 22 liters to use as a daypack. 

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use. After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long. We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. 

The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpack, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. 

The Details: 20-42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

Topo Designs

• Capacity 4 /5

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Customizable

Roam the continental.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Comfort 4.8 /5

You can choose from four colors to customize the shade of the front, back, sides, and straps of the backpack. 

The laptop sleeve isn’t padded.

Customized luggage can be hard to come by, but Roam’s The Continental backpack makes it easier than ever to build the carry-on backpack of your dreams. The front, back, sides, and straps of the bag can be red, green, black, or blue, or you can keep the backpack all one color for a monochromatic look. We were a bit worried about the light colors when we first got our hands on this bag, but after four months of traveling, is has no signs of wear and tear, there are no stains or loose threads, and everything is still in good shape. We were also impressed by the exterior pockets to stash headphones, snacks, chargers, water bottles, or anything else you could need whether lounging in the airport or mid-flight. The bag is made with a lightweight, water-repellent fabric and YKK zippers so it easily handles temperamental weather while traveling. Spacious and easy to access, the front flap opens wide so packing the bag with clothes and shoes was a breeze, too. The laptop pocket in the back could easily fit a 17-inch device, but it isn’t padded, so you may want to store your computer in a case to be on the safe side. 

The Details: 26 liters | 17.75 x 14 x 8 inches | 2.4 pounds | Water-repellent fabric | Laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

• Capacity 4.8 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

• Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

• Durability 4.3 /5

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best for Hiking

Kühl eskape 25.

The 25-liter capacity makes this backpack versatile for an airplane or the great outdoors.

It takes some adjustments to get it to fit comfortably on the back.

This rugged carry-on backpack from Kühl is the perfect option for travelers embarking on an outdoor adventure. The smaller size of this bag is its greatest strength since it can easily fit enough clothes for a weekend trip, or you can use it as an adventure pack for day hikes or camping trips. There are a variety of thoughtful features for hikers including a stowaway hip belt for extra support while trekking, load-lifting shoulder straps, and the bag is made with durable TPU-laminated nylon. Plus, the chest strap slides up and down the shoulder straps so travelers can get the most comfortable fit for their upper body. We found that it takes some extra effort to adjust all of the straps for the right fit, but once you do, the bag is comfortable to carry for long periods of time. For even more versatility, the bag has a padded laptop pocket and a variety of other small and large zippered pockets to stay organized if you’re commuting or traveling for work. 

The Details: 25 liters | 20.5 x 9.5 x 12.5 inches | Waterproof nylon | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is basically a suitcase without wheels thanks to its large capacity and clamshell-style opening.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

This lightweight backpack has a sleek and contemporary design that comes in several earthy colors.  

It has a smaller capacity than many backpacks and can only fit a day or two of clothes.

If you’re looking to travel in style, Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack is the perfect fit. Functional and contemporary, we found it to be best suited for weekend trips because of its smaller capacity. The bag fit all of the packing items during testing, but it would be difficult to fit much more in the main compartment. The ReNew Transit was comfortable to wear thanks to its lightweight polyester material and compact build. The front flap of the backpack has an external pocket for smaller items, and it folds over to attach magnetically to the front of the backpack. During our durability tests, the front magnets stayed securely together, and the body of the backpack didn’t get crushed or damaged. We liked how it can fit under an airplane seat, making it a versatile backpack for traveling with or without other pieces of luggage. There is a laptop sleeve in the back of the bag as well as a water bottle holder on the side and a front zippered pocket below the folding magnetic lock. With four earthy tones to choose from, this is a bag to fit all travel style preferences. 

The Details: 27 liters | 12 x 17.5 x 7.25 inches

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

The compartments and various straps made packing effortless. 

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On two separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 34 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight on how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was leftover as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space.

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at T+L, where she reviews travel products and writes the majority of the team's "Travel + Leisure Trusted" articles. Anna owns several carry-on backpacks, including the top pick from Cotopaxi, so she combined knowledge of traveling with just a backpack and the thorough lab testing and real-world insights to put together this list of the best carry-on backpacks.

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April Fools' Day pranks: Apps to translate baby stoner sayings, a ghostbuster at Tinder

Every april 1, brands and companies want to get some laughs – and attention – with goofy new 'product' launches. here are some ideas from companies such as sweetgreen, welch's and omaha steaks..

If you don't like Mondays, this one may especially be grating. It's April Fool's Day , when you should trust no one and question everything.

The roots of April Fools' Day may date back before to before the 15th century. But the modern-day April Fools' Day has become a day to prank a friend, family member, co-worker − or your customers.

Even though some companies have had April Fools' pranks backfire , marketers continue to issue spoof products in attempts to get some laughs and attention.

Already ahead of April Fools' Day, 7-Eleven has hinted at a possible prank product: In addition to new Lemon Lime, Green Apple and Sweet Orange flavored 7-Select sparkling waters, out now with partner Miracle Seltzer, there's a fourth flavor coming April 1: Big Bite Hot Dog.

The hot dog-flavored water "combines the mouthwatering experience of 7-Eleven’s iconic Big Bite Hot Dog into one refreshing beverage – ketchup and mustard included," the convenience chain says in a press release . "Say goodbye to the days of alternating bites of a hot dog with sips of a beverage, now those on the go can swap the bun for bubbles."

Krispy Kreme: A special doughnut deal for April Fools' Day

Will Big Bite Hot Dog sparkling water be sold? Its availability will be announced April 1. However, some reporters were sent a can of the drink. USA TODAY can confirm that it definitely smells like hot dog water and has a smoky aftertaste.

If you are interested in trying it, both 7-Eleven and Miracle Seltzer have hinted at having some to give away on their Instagram pages. (If you get a can, share with a friend as it's 16 ounces.)

Here's a roundup of many of the brand-related April Fools’ gag announcements. You've been warned.

Sour cream & onion flavored soda

Despite the proliferation of crazy-flavored products including Peeps-flavored Pepsi , Frank's RedHot sauce-flavored Vlasic pickles and Doritos Nacho Cheese-flavored liquor , healthy soda brand OLIPOP and Pringles are not really teaming up to bring to market a Sour Cream & Onion soda.

The product would have been "a match made in heaven … to bring the delicious, tangy flavor of Pringles’ Sour Cream & Onion flavor to life in liquid form with prebiotic benefits," the companies said.

Stoner lingo translation app

Another dream team prank product: Rosetta Stoned, a mobile app from Rosetta Stone and medical marijuana company Fluent , that "bridges the conversational gap between novice users and seasoned stoners in any social setting."

Da da decoder

Infant equipment site BabyQuip has its own language-bridging lark: the “Baby Translator” app, to decode your baby's secret language.

"Say 'goodbye' to restless nights as you decode your baby's coos and cries instantly, providing you with the understanding you need as a parent, all in one convenient app," it promises.

An AI-powered plush doll

Custom stuffed animal maker Budsies already makes selfie plush dolls with a built-in voice recorder. Its April Fools' spoof: Artificial intelligence-enabled dolls that "come programmed to learn everything about you and to become your new best friend."

A 50-pound Bearabuddy

Sorry to the 3,500 or so who have already signed up to buy Bearaby's Jumbo Benji plush toy, which is four times the size of its regular weighted plush toys and twice as heavy as its heaviest weighted blanket . This isn't actually going to be sold. But it is real and will be making its home in the lobby at The Child Mind Institute in Harlem to welcome children and their families. More weighted plushies are due the day after April Fools' Day, the company says.

A sleeping bag to go bananas over

The Dole Banana Peel Sleeping Bag, conveniently promoted as being available on April Fools' Day only, is made from actual banana fiber and "allows parents to escape into their own cocoon of sensory deprivation."

A full-body cleaning suit

Outrageous clothing company Tipsy Elves has a special product for April Fools' Day: The Mopsie. You don't need paper towels anymore, you can use your body to clean up those messes, with this "innovative, wearable microfiber towel jumpsuit" for "effortlessly soaking up spills and messes with ease." There's also a Baby Mopsie for "hard to reach places."

Korean BBQ deodorant

Kevin's Natural Foods , which has paleo- and keto-certified ready-to-cook and easy-prep entrées, is touting a new line of personal care products inspired by its food dishes including Korean BBQ Deodorant, Cilantro Lime Toothpaste, Lemongrass Basil Shampoo and Tikka Masala Sunscreen.

"These new face, body and hair care essentials will help fans prioritize self-care inside and out," the company says. 

Omaha Steaks' meaty sprays

Omaha Steaks has its own personal care prank product: Meaty Spritz sprays with flavors such as Omaha Fog, Hog Haze, and Cock-a-Doodle-Dew.

"The world’s first protein-infused, flavor-packed, portable pump spray … (to) enjoy all the mouthwatering flavors of your Omaha Steaks gourmet favorites no matter how far away from the kitchen you are!" the company says.

Sriracha toothpaste

Asian sauce maker Lee Kum Kee , which makes Sriracha Chili Sauce and Sriracha Mayo Dressing, is introducing – not – its Siracha Mayo Toothpaste. It's "fiery and creamy goodness … is sure to spice up your morning dental routine."

Post-salad dental kit

Need some less powerful toothpaste? Sweetgreen offered these fanciful personal hygiene products as part of its Sweetgreen After Salad Kit, which is "designed with your pearly whites in mind … offering everything you need to freshen up post-meal."

Choose from Miso Ginger Toothpaste, Spicy Cashew Mints, Lime Cilantro Dental Floss, and Sweetgreen Toothbrush and Floss Picks.

Fruit juice lip gloss

More personal care prank products: Welch’s Juicyfuls Juicy Fruit Lip Gloss – now available in five flavors: grape, orange, peach, strawberry and raspberry – made with real juice from Juicefuls fruit snacks so "you get that irresistible sweet flavor you love, all in a lip gloss that's as fun as it is nourishing."

Protein-powered seasonings

Quest Nutrition , maker of protein powder, snacks and other products, has a prank product line of seasonings including All Purpose, Lemon Pepper, and Garlic Herb, each of which deliver "21g of protein, 2g of net carbs and less than 1g of sugar."

If you want to try Quest's real products, you can use code NOJOKE for free shipping on online orders over $49 April 1-3.

Superpowered Superfeet?

These would certainly come in hand on a run, but – sorry – it's a jogging joke. Superfeet SuperBoost Power E-Soles gives you 8 hours of continuous battery-powered boost, for almost Iron Man-like propulsion. "All the comfort and support of Superfeet , now with electrifying performance," the company says in a video about the prank product. "It's like having a powerful electric motor in your shoes."

Scotch tape-branded Scotch?

This shenanigan seems like a blend that could stick: Scotch Whisky by Scotch Brand. The whisky "features a nose of cherry wood and a delightfully smooth finish that hits like a well-wrapped gift."

Who you gonna call when ghosted? This new title at Tinder

Dating app Tinder announced a new April Fools' Day hiring quest for a Vice President of Ghost Hunting to help combat "one of dating culture’s most prevalent vices – ghosting," a practice inflicted on 78% of singles already in 2024 (an untrue fact from Tinder).

Patrón's bringing back a beloved liqueur. No kidding.

Patrón patrons get some good news today. The premium tequila maker chose April Fools' Day to announce the return of its Patrón XO Cafe tequila-based coffee liqueur, which was discontinued in 2021. Since production ceased, devotees took to social media and signed a petition asking parent company Bacardi to bring it back.

Made with Patrón Silver tequila and Arabica bean coffee – the dry liqueur can be sipped straight, in cocktails and as dessert topping – Patrón XO Cafe will begin arriving in stores again later this month.

Say it with dead flowers

Don't forget to put roses on your April Fools' Day list. UrbanStems has this "special" delivery, The Dead Inside Collection, "an assortment of dead flower bouquets, dead plants, half empty vases, and more for the pessimist in your life." But, for real, check UrbanStems' social media accounts including Instagram for how to get 20% off an order of real flowers.

Cheesecake Factory's real deals

The Cheesecake Factory  also has a deal that's no joke: Sign up for the chain's Cheesecake Rewards loyalty program on April 1 to get an Any Slice, Half Price reward, redeemable for 50% off any slice of cheesecake or layer cake, with any food or beverage purchase (no gift cards).

Those who were members before April 1 will find something special in their account on Monday, too: either a free slice of cheesecake each month for a year, a free whole cheesecake, a free slice of cheesecake, $5 off $25 purchases, or $10 off $40 purchases. (All rewards redeemable by April 16; can be redeemed for dine-in, to-go and DoorDash.)

New merch from Dunkin', bonus points in app

Dunkin' announced it is going back to its roots and rebranding to just "Donuts'" on Monday, April 1. To celebrate the rebrand, the company is selling "Donuts'" merch, including sweatshirts that read "DONUTS," on ShopDunkin.com .

Additionally, Dunkin' Rewards members will receive 3x bonus points on any donut order through the mobile app on April 1.

Urban Outfitters launches 'Name Three Shirts' movement

Urban Outfitters said it is launching a global movement to "stand in solidarity against band-tee-shaming" by launching a new collection called "Name Three Shirts."

The t-shirt line "playfully mocks the gatekeeping attitudes of older generations who insist that band-shirt wearers should be required to name songs by those artists," the company said in a news release.

The line, which features revamped logos from bands such as The Grateful Dead, Joy Division and Led Zeppelin, is a "playful jab at the attitudes of older generations, and fights back against the misogynistic undertones of the infamous ‘name three songs’ line of questioning," Urban Outfitters said in the news release.

The collection of shirts is available online and in select Urban Outfitters stores starting April 1. You can shop the collection online here .

Auntie Anne's, Frontier Airlines collaborate on Pretzel Plane

Auntie Anne's pretzels and Frontier Airlines announced they have collaborated on the newest addition to Frontier's fleet: the Pretzel Plane.

According to a news release, the plane includes new in-flight entertainment featuring Auntie Anne's pretzels rolled seat-side, the "luxurious" smell of hot, fresh pretzels throughout the cabin and airplane-shaped pretzels if you're feeling hungry.

Moe's Southwest Grill, Sonic team up to introduce a Queso Slush

Two popular fast food chains announced a collaboration that is sure to be polarizing.

Moe's and Sonic announced a new beverage, the Queso Slush, a queso-flavored slushie. "The frozen goodness of a Sonic Slush meets the delicious flavor of Moe's queso."

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].

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