top tourist bag brands

American Tourister

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

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

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

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

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

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

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

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

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

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

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Monos

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

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

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

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

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

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

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

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

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

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

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

Shop all luggage at Bric's

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

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

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

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

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

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

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

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

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

Shop all luggage at Delsey

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

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

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

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

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

What size luggage should I buy?

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

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

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

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Going Somewhere? Shop the Best Luggage Brands On the Market

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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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

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.

Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands

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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Peak Design

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

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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The best luggage brands, explained by GQ's globetrotting travel editors

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

From nervous, infrequent flyers to veteran businesspeople 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 features should I look out for when choosing high-quality luggage? | 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 shell 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 softside cases will certainly not be water-resistant, so keep that in your thoughts when planning a trip to rainier climes - or literally anywhere in the northwest 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 hardshell 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 and are the most durable to better protect against general wear and tear.

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, carry-on bags and rucksacks are a solid option for very short weekend trips or overnight stays, as they aren't particularly roomy for all your gear over longer hauls 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 thanks to side pouches or ballistic nylon separators that go a long way to organising your packing.

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 lifesaver 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 features should I look out for when choosing high-quality luggage?

If you value functionality over style, there are a few key features you'll want to focus on when choosing a new suitcase or travel bag to make your journey as smooth as possible.

First up, you'll want some durable, whisper-quiet 360-degree spinner wheels that are purpose-built to help you glide through every airport, train station and hotel lobby on your adventure. Pair this with a telescopic handle if you can to unlock the carefree, breezy dragging of your suitcase you've always dreamed of.

Security should also be a top priority, so ensure you get a bag that comes with a locking mechanism to protect your luggage from unwanted snoopers in transit. Many of the top picks below feature TSA-approved (Transportation Security Administration, an American Homeland Security agency) locks, which is the gold standard for protection as far as luggage is concerned. Some of these might be triple-digit combo locks or even a clasp with a key. Regardless of the locking method, just make sure you've got one, even if it's a simple padlock.

Finally, keep an eye out for which brands offer a lifetime guarantee to protect your purchase over the many future trips you've got planned. Suitcases get chucked around plane holds and carousels, and there's no guarantee yours will look pristine once you've arrived at your destination, so picking up at least a few years of warranty is advised. Most suitcase brands offer warranties as standard, but they will vary in length. From our research, five years appears to be the minimum so plan accordingly.

What size should my 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.

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 during international travel; 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 whether your handsome gear picks up a few knocks and scratches in transit, then these brands will do you proud.

• Best value luggage brands : Antler | Monos | Samsonite | Amazon Basics | Herschel
• Best carry-on luggage brands : Carl Friedrik | American Tourister | DB | Monos
• Best designer luggage brands : Louis Vuitton | Globe-Trotter | Gucci | Prada
• Best luggage brands for style : Harber | Rimowa | Tumi | Paravel | Away | 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

Core Carry-on

London Hackett check-in suitcase

Hackett London

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.

The most recent collab with London Hackett is perhaps our favourite partnership in the world of travel brands. Our pick is the check-in suitcase, a handsome navy number that features whisper-quite spinner wheels and oozes elegance for the luxurious traveller. Dual locks ensure your belongings are protected in transit, and the design guarantees heads will turn as you glide through security. If that isn't quite your speed, the new Core range is well worth investigating, with a new, secure zippered exterior and TSA-approved triple-digit lock that all but guarantees security in transit. Our pick is the sand and chocolate Carry-on for extra style points.

American Tourister

Pulsonic Check-in suitcase

American Tourister Bon Air DLX

Urban Track

Did you know that American Tourister is owned by Samsonite? The sister brand is best-known as a purveyor of affordable, lightweight travel equipment that ticks a lot of boxes in the style department. Bright, eccentric colourways are the name of the game here, with options to please kids thanks to Marvel and Disney looks that will look mighty fine through check-in.

The best bit of this brand is, of course, the cost, offering top-tier options for less than £200 in most cases (get it?), and they can be bought on Amazon if you're a Prime subscriber and in need of a luggage upgrade in a hurry. Our pick? The Bon Air DLX, is a capacious, ready-to-go suitcase with a hardside polycarbonate shell and mouse-quiet wheels.

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, whose 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

Roll top Backpack

Commuter Backpack

Harber Weekender

There's something about leather luggage that presents superior luxury. Our top choice for a high-quality range of beautifully crafted bags is Harber London, perhaps the most sophisticated top-end bags around. It's giving James Dean on the back of a Triumph motorbike, heading along the French Riviera, right? A reasonably new player in the international luggage game, Harber was created in 2012 to provide commuters with deluxe leather laptop sleeves, and after more than a decade, it now makes some of our favourite weekend bags, commuter rucksacks and accessories.

Each item on Harber's website is lovingly hand-crafted in Spain using 100 per cent full-grain leather, highlighting the dedication to the drip that the brand maintains. And while many products in the roster, like the gorgeous roll top backpack, are completely leather (aside from the military-grade buckles), others incorporate durable, water-resistant fabrics to make it significantly more robust. The brand gives you a year warranty as standard and ships worldwide.

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 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.

Aviator Grand Check-in Suitcase

Paravel Main Line Duffle

Aviator Carry-on suitcase

Sustainability should always factor in when travelling. While you can't help but contribute to greenhouse gases if you fly, getting around the world with some luggage that mitigates at least a little bit of the burden on Mother Earth is a good start, which is why we love Paravel's carbon-neutral range. Every piece of luggage from the brand is sustainably made, whether utilising recycled plastic bottles or ensuring the delivery of your product impacts the world as little as possible. Impressive, no doubt, but the bags themselves are actually pretty handsome in their own right, offering plenty of versatility for your travels. We love the Main Line Duffel, which is a smart, sophisticated shoulder bag complete with a wealth of internal pockets and a suitable level of stylish class for any jet-setter.

Everywhere Backpack

Away Bigger Carry-On

How could we collate a rundown of the best brands to wield as you swan through the airport without including Away? A brand close to our hearts, the New York travel company has an exceptional list of suitcases, carry-ons and backpacks to get you through your next journey in style. Why? Each bag is expertly crafted and comes in a range of beautiful pastel colours that are subtle, sophisticated and still enough to grab the attention of your check-in agent.

Our favourite is The Trunk, which is a bit beasty at first glance, but is capacious enough for a two-week trip to wherever you damn well please. We love the salmon pink number of the hard-side travel suitcase, which is lighter than it seems, making it a great pick-up for over-packers and those who despise having to weigh their luggage. An alternative for lighter travel is the Bigger Carry-On, which offers more room for packing than a standard carry-on while staying inside travel weight guidance.

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, as their options are among the best lightweight suitcases in the market. Defined by the range's bold colour scheme, the Stori might be easy on the eyes, but it's its ABS polycarbonate shell and multi-faceted storage features mean that it's just as kind on your travel essentials. Due to the lightweight, the hard side spinner wheels are about as smooth as you could hope for and are whisper-quiet to boot. Off you go!

The best suitcases for stylish storage on the go

The best holdalls and weekend bags for a stylish getaway

The best tote bags for men to stow your summer essentials in style

The Best High-Quality Luggage Brands Frequent Travelers Love

A bag that reflects your personal style and withstands the rigors of travel makes the journey all the more enjoyable. start your search with some of our favorite luggage brands..

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San Francisco–based luggage brand Aer launched its first roller suitcase in 2024.

Courtesy of Aer

A good suitcase is a travel essential , but whether you’re headed for a two-day business trip or a two-week road trip, it can be a challenge to find luggage that is both enjoyable to use and enjoyable to look at. We get it—things like high-quality locks, zippers, spinner wheels, pockets, charging ports, and weight are all important aspects to consider when selecting a new inanimate travel companion. But hey, so is how it will look in your travel photos.

The trick is finding the right piece of luggage for you when there are so many options. Do you want a wheeled carry-on suitcase ? A weekender ? A travel backpack ? And what size, shape, and color? Although they may be slightly more difficult to find, Holy Grail luggage brands—those that balance high quality, durability, and design—do exist. You just need to know where to find them.

To help you choose your next suitcase, whether it’s a duffel bag or a spinner, here are the best luggage brands worth investing your money in, whether your budget is $100 or $1,000.

The Aer Carry-On in safety orange

• Shop now: aersf.com
• Afar’s pick: The Aer Carry-On, $319, aersf.com
• Warranty policy: Aer’s lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship throughout the entire lifespan of the product.

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

The Frame Carry-On from Arlo Skye in champagne

Courtesy of Arlo Skye

• Shop now: arloskye.com
• Afar’s pick: Arlo Skye the Frame Carry-On, $428 (was $475), arloskye.com
• Warranty policy: Arlo Skye offers a five-year warranty on any manufacturing defects related to parts and workmanship on its rolling luggage. (Scratches, nicks, and dents due to normal wear and tear are not covered.)

Founded by Tumi and Louis Vuitton alums, Arlo Skye launched in 2016 with its aluminum carry-on that quickly racked up design awards for its sleek and stylishly industrial look. Since then, the brand has added check-in sizes, lightweight polycarbonate materials, and zippered and unzippered options to its line of rolling suitcases. We’re partial to the Frame collection, which is constructed from a hybrid polycarbonate shell reinforced with an aluminum frame and corners for maximum durability without the bulk of an all aluminum bag. Given that it also comes with whisper-quiet spinner wheels and an antimicrobial lining infused with natural silver fibers to prevent germ growth and odor-causing bacteria, this bag is a steal for under $500.

The Bigger Carry-On from Away in Coast Blue

Courtesy of Away

• Shop now: awaytravel.com
• Afar’s pick: Away the Bigger Carry-On, from $295, awaytravel.com
• Warranty policy: In addition to a generous trial period, in which you can return your bag for any reason within the first 100 days, Away’s limited lifetime warranty covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, and more.

Away is the picture of simplicity in design-minded luggage. Plus, its hard-shell luggage recently underwent a full redesign in 2023, based on customer feedback over the years. At its core, the new Away suitcase is still recognizable with its hard polycarbonate shell with horizontal lines, four Hinomoto spinner wheels, a removable laundry bag, and TSA-approved locks. But it also now comes with an underside grab handle that makes it easier to pull and lift from overhead bins or baggage carousels. Away also redesigned the trolley handles on its suitcases to be more comfortable and stable.

The brand has also expanded its offerings to include weekenders, soft-sided luggage, and packing cubes—all in an ever-changing rainbow of limited edition colors. Affordable yet incredibly functional and well made, Away’s products are ideal for the jet-setter who wants it all: the right price, the right features, and the right look.

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

The Go-Bag Small from Baboon in purple

Courtesy of Baboon to the Moon

Baboon to the Moon

• Shop now: baboontothemoon.com
• Afar’s pick: Baboon Go-Bag Small (40L), from $189, baboonthemoon.com
• Warranty policy: Baboon to the Moon’s limited lifetime warranty covers its bags from any material and manufacturing defects.

Any trip that involves one of Baboon to the Moon’s vibrant bags is sure to be a fun one. The company’s flagship Go-Bag, a duffel built for adventures, comes in three sizes and features plenty of pockets, adjustable straps that can turn the bag into a backpack, and a waterproof shell. Baboon also offers smaller items (fanny packs and dopp kits), all in its bright, bold colors and funky pop-art prints.

The Astyll three-piece luggage set in milk marble from Calpak

Courtesy of Calpak

• Shop now: calpaktravel.com
• Afar’s pick: Calpak Astyll three-piece luggage set, $429 (was $715), calpaktravel.com
• Warranty policy: Calpak bags come with either a one-, twp-, or five-year limited warranty that covers material and manufacturing defects.

Edward and Judy Kwon founded Calpak in 1989 in Los Angeles with a collection of wallets and handbags. In 2013, their children Jennifer and Roy joined the company and rebranded the family business as a line of modern luggage ideal for the savvy 21st-century traveler and suited for weight restrictions and notorious TSA wear and tear. The brand’s signature products are its lines of hardside spinner sets, many in fun colors and patterns. (How gorgeous is this marble design?!) And each suitcase is remarkably lightweight yet impressively tough—the perfect combination for those who travel frequently.

The Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On Plus Spinner in angora

Courtesy of Delsey Paris

• Shop now: delsey.com
• Afar’s pick: Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On Plus Spinner, $330, delsey.com
• Warranty policy: Depending on the bag, Delsey offers a 2-, 5-, or 10-year warranty , or a lifetime warranty against material or manufacturing defects.

French luggage and travel accessory brand Delsey truly does it all—carry-ons, garment bags, sets, duffel bags, and much, much more. It offers a number of separate collections categorized by style and material, ranging from hard polycarbonate to expandable cloth, and from subdued neutrals to shiny pinks and blues.

The Fjällräven Splitpack in navy

Courtesy of Fjällräven

• Shop now: fjallraven.com
• Afar’s pick: Fjällräven Splitpack backpack, $175, fjallraven.com
• Warranty policy: Fjällräven offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects, including split seams, broken snaps, buttons, zippers, or buckles.

Swedish company Fjällräven embodies the spirit that makes the Scandinavian country one of the happiest on Earth. Seriously, look at these products with their cute little fox logo and try not to smile. But the brand’s merit doesn’t end with its whimsical colors and lightweight material—each bag is also designed for outdoor and active use, with strong fabric made from recycled materials, hefty straps and carry handles, and a variety of clever pockets.

The July Carry On in clay

Courtesy of July

• Shop now: july.com
• Afar’s pick: July Original Carry On, $266 (was $295), july.com
• Warranty policy: In addition to a 100-day trial with free returns, July luggage is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that covers any defect on wheels, zippers, handles, nylon compression straps, and specific cracks or breaks in the polycarbonate shell or aluminum bumpers.

July is essentially Australia’s version of Away. The Melbourne-based brand started selling its bags online in the United States in 2021. Made with a crush-proof German polycarbonate shell, the standard July Original Carry On offers lots of space for your belongings (42 liters) while only weighing 7.4 pounds and still meeting domestic carrier size requirements. Available in nearly a dozen matte colors, these bags are made with a multilevel telescoping handle for people of various heights, proprietary SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, and aluminum bumpers to prevent the corners from being crushed. In addition to its rolling luggage, July also sells a full line of travel bags and accessories, including weekenders, backpacks, packing cubes, and more.

The Catalina Deluxe small weekender in dove gray by Lo & Sons

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons

• Shop now: loandsons.com
• Afar’s pick: Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe small organic canvas weekender, from $125 (was $178), loandsons.com
• Warranty policy: Lo & Sons products come with a one-year warranty that covers product damages and defects.

After struggling to find a travel bag that wasn’t too frumpy, overpriced, or tech-y, Helen Lo founded her own luggage brand in her mid-60s with the help of her two sons. The result is a line of lightweight, yet durable weekend bags, laptop totes, and cross-body purses—like the new Aoyama Bag . Each one comes with pockets in all the right places to keep your belongings organized so you’re never digging for your Kindle in the same compartment as your passport. Plus, the brand is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to manufacturing its products. In 2023, Lo & Sons made 79 percent of its products with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton canvas, plant-based vegan leather, and recycled polyester and nylon.

The Monos Hybrid Check-In Medium in obsidian

Courtesy of Monos

• Shop now: monos.com
• Afar’s pick: Monos Hybrid check-in medium, $405, monos.com
• Warranty policy: In addition to a lifetime limited warranty that covers cracks, broken zippers, wheels, handles, and more, all Monos bags include a 100-day trial period in which you can make returns, no questions asked.

Based in Canada, Monos is an eco-conscious company that uses vegan materials and recyclable and reusable packaging; 1 percent of revenues go to nonprofits dedicated to “preserving and restoring the natural world.” Michelle Baran, Afar’s deputy travel news editor, carries the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus in the limited edition Terrazzo colorway that looks just like the beloved tile of the same name. She loves that this super lightweight spinner features an exterior pocket that fits a 15-inch laptop as well as numerous interior compartments (some are removable to make it as segmented or more open as needed). “I was so impressed with the carry-on version, I opted to get the heftier, medium-sized Hybrid checked luggage for when I’m traveling with my kids and have zero chance at being able to do carry-on only,” Baran said.

The Aviator Grand checked suitcase in safari green by Paravel

Courtesy of Paravel

• Shop now: tourparavel.com
• Afar’s pick: Paravel Aviator Grand checked luggage, $475, tourparavel.com
• Warranty policy: Paravel’s line of Aviator wheeled suitcases comes with a 10-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

Paravel launched in 2016 with the goal of creating stylish bags that were timeless, long-lasting, affordable, and above all, gentle on the Earth. Since then, the sustainable luggage brand has upcycled more than 7.5 million plastic bottles into materials for everything from its Negative Nylon foldable bags to its Ecocraft Canvas duffels and weekenders. Its line of Aviator hard-shell spinner suitcases comes in three different sizes and about half a dozen colors. Plus, Paravel offsets all of the carbon emissions generated from manufacturing and shipping these suitcases.

The Black Hole 55L duffel in classic navy by Patagonia

Courtesy of Patagonia

• Shop now: patagonia.com
• Afar’s pick: Patagonia Black Hole 55L duffel bag, $169, patagonia.com
• Warranty policy: Patagonia guarantees everything it makes under its Ironclad Guarantee , which includes replacements and refunds at no charge. Damage due to wear and tear can be repaired at a reasonable price.

Patagonia is so much more than a luggage brand. This environmentally conscious outdoor gear company makes everything from fleece vests to snow pants and wet suits. But its collection of Black Hole duffel bags are iconic for a reason. A durable water-repellent finish protects your equipment, padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and plenty of pockets keeps everything organized no matter how much you stuff in there. Available in a carry-on friendly 30-liter size up to a massive 100-liter version with wheels, each Black Hole bag is now made with 100 percent recycled polyester body fabric and nylon webbing crafted from repurposed water bottles.

The Rimowa Original Cabin suitcase in silver

Courtesy of Rimowa

• Shop now: rimowa.com
• Afar’s pick: Rimowa Original Cabin suitcase, $1,430, rimowa.com
• Warranty policy: All new Rimowa suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022, now come with a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee that covers all functional aspects of the suitcase. It does not apply to cosmetic wear and tear, misuse or abuse, damages caused by negligence or accident by any third party, particularly flight or transport damages.

With the motto “handmade meets high tech” leading the way, Rimowa has effectively helped to revolutionize the way high-quality luggage is designed since the company was founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany. Suitcases come in aluminum or polycarbonate hard shells; aluminum lines are reminiscent of futuristic flights, while the polycarbonate models have an additional flair of color and style. In 2018, the brand updated the engineering of its classic cases, making them even more durable and resilient than before.

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

The Architect Cream Stowaway from Steamline

Courtesy of Steamline

• Shop now: steamlineluggage.com
• Afar’s pick: Steamline “The Architect” cream stowaway suitcase, $752 (was $940), steamlineluggage.com
• Warranty policy: Steamline offers a two-year warranty for any manufacturing defects.

Reminiscent of vintage trunks, Steamline Luggage products make us want to wear a fancy hat and jump on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express . The brand offers more than a dozen different sets, ranging from two pieces to nine pieces each, available together or individually. Products include hat boxes, stowaways, carry-ons, vanity cases, and spinners in a variety of styles and classic colors.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L comes in one color—black.

Courtesy of Tortuga

• Shop now: tortugabackpacks.com
• Afar’s pick: Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L, $350, tortugabackpacks.com
• Warranty policy: The Tortuga warranty guarantees against defects in materials and craftsmanship. If your product fails due to a defect, the company will repair it, replace it, or refund your money, depending on product availability.

For travelers who eschew wheels but don’t want to look like they’re about to hike the Inca trail, Tortuga Backpacks combine the portability of a backpack with the practicality of a suitcase. Unlike traditional top-loaders, Tortuga’s travel backpacks—available in 30L and 40L sizes—unzip on three sides to allow for easy access and come with lots (and lots) of pockets. Inside, you’ll find three separate storage areas: a central compartment for clothes, an outer section for electronics and miscellaneous essentials, and a laptop compartment located closest to the shoulder straps. Even the hip belt offers organization in addition to load support. Its two zippered pockets are perfect for stashing a passport, phone, and wallet—things travelers typically want within immediate reach. Instead of standard nylon, the Outbreaker uses a waterproof sailcloth that is extremely durable and flexible, keeping the bag as supple as a grocery tote.

The Platinum Elite carry-on spinner by Travelpro in black

Courtesy of Travelpro

• Shop now: travelpro.com
• Afar’s pick: Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on spinner, $365 (was $430), travelpro.com
• Warranty policy: In addition to a 100-day trial period in which you can make returns, no questions asked, all Travelpro bags come with a limited warranty that covers things like broken zippers, wheels, handles, and more.

Travelpro excels in the realm of usability and is clearly designed for travelers, by travelers. It’s no wonder you see these bags rolling alongside flight attendants and pilots at airports around the world. The suitcases feature expandable zippers, removable dividers, and resilient soft-shell fabric. The brand offers a huge selection of products and product lines, and its bags range in weight, wheels, color, and size, so it’s easy to find the perfect bag for your next trip.

The Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On in black

Courtesy of Tumi

• Shop now: tumi.com
• Afar’s pick: Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On, $750, tumi.com
• Warranty policy: Tumi’s limited warranty covers all repairs and replacements due to manufacturing and material defects like broken handles and zippers for five years, plus any damage sustained from airline handling in the first 12 months you own your bag.

The words “reliable,” “universal,” and “beloved” sum up Tumi, a company that offers a wide range of luggage, backpacks, and bags in a variety of designs and durable materials like polycarbonate and ballistic nylon. While it is always releasing new colors, patterns, and materials, Tumi really sets itself apart with the classics—the soft duffel, garment bag, and wheeled carry-on. Ideal for business travelers, Tumi bags are made with both convenience and longevity in mind.

“Whether alone or together, Tumi’s 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On and 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case are currently my go-to suitcases,” says Paul Rubio, Afar’s points and loyalty contributor. “They’re stylish and lightweight, but more importantly, they’re highly functional and bring an element of familiarity and excitement (versus anxiety) to packing for my next trip.”

>> Read the full review: Tumi’s 19 Degree Expandable 4-Wheeled Suitcases Are My Go-To Luggage—Here’s Why

Jessie Beck and Kelly Bastone contributed reporting to this article. This article originally appeared online in 2016; it was most recently updated on June 12, 2024, to include current information.

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The 15 Best Luggage Brands for Any Traveler [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

817 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

38 Published Articles 3343 Edited Articles

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Table of Contents

The best luggage brands, 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.

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.

AmazonBasics

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.

American Tourister

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.

• Briggs & Riley

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

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

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 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

What we considered

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

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

Buying Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

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

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

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

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

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

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

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

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

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

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

Aer Travel Pack 3

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

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

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

WANRD Veer 18L

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

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

Aer Commuter Brief 2

• Price: > $145

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you traveling with Tech?

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

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

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

Are you Hiking?

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

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

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

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.

Looking to Find Your Tribe?

Introducing Tribal , Bali’s first purpose designed co-working hostel!

A unique coworking and co-living hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee.

Network with other like-minded travellers all day and if you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or go grab a drink at the bar.

#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

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

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

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

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

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

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

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

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

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

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

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

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

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

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

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

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

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

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

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

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

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

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

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

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

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

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

#2 Outlander Packable

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

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

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

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

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

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

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

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

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

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

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

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

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Aer Commuter Brief 2

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

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

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Packability

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

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

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

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

Functionality

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

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

Durability and Weatherproofing

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

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

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

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

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

What kind of travel bag should I get?

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

What are the best overall travel bags?

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

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

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

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

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

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

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

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

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i liked the review but was looking for comments on mens cross schoulder bags

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20 Best Luggage Brands of 2024

Monos is consistently our most-recommended luggage brand, but there are plenty of other awesome brands that we love, ranging from budget picks to ultra-luxury fashion brands.

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.

• Our Top Picks
• 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 Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed 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.

Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often, whether it's the only bag coming on a weekend trip or used in tandem with a checked suitcase. It also spends the most time with us in transit, which means the functionality is even more important: Are your belongings easy to get to if you need to retrieve something while waiting at your gate? Is there a space to stash whatever item you remember on your way out the door? These are a few of the things Traveler editors considered when sifting through the seemingly endless options on the market. We set out to find the best of the best—bags that are lightweight but still sturdy, have enough space to house clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and will hold up for many trips to come. After months of testing, these are the pieces we've deemed the best carry-on luggage of 2023.

What we considered:

When testing out carry-on luggage, we asked editors and contributors to consider several factors: How light a bag was on its own, how much it could fit, whether the design and organizational factors were helpful (and aesthetically pleasing), how well it held up in transit, how easy or difficult it is to roll and pick up, whether it's worth the price point, and if there are any unique features that set it apart from other carry-on suitcases or bags they've used.

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.

What size can a carry-on bag be?

It depends on which airline you're flying with, but typically, dimensions are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high for domestic airlines (Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines adhere to these figures; American Airlines allows for an extra inch of height, while and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines's max is 24" x 16" x 10" and Spirit Airlines's allotment is 22" x 18" x 10"). Some airlines provide a single number; dimensions must add up to that number or below to be considered compliant.

International airlines tend to have slightly different size requirements; 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" is typical, but here are some exact specifications by airline:

• Air Canada: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9"
• Air France: 21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8"
• British Airways: 22" x 18" x 10"
• Emirates: 21.6" x 15" x 8.6"
• Lufthansa: 21.6" x 15.7" x 9"
• Qatar Airways: 20" x 15" x 10"
• Singapore Airlines: 45 total inches

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are not allowed in your carry-on. Additionally, firearms and other potentially hazardous items are prohibited. Check TSA's website for specific items you may have questions about.

Are carry-on bags free?

Again, it depends on which you're flying with and what kind of ticket you purchase. These airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item), regardless of what level ticket you bought:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

While these airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) to all travelers except those who purchased a base fare:

• United Airlines

Top recommendations:

• Best overall carry-on: Paravel The Aviator Carry-On
• Best lightweight carry-on: July Carry-On Light
• Best budget carry-on: Béis The Carry-On Roller
• Best expandable carry-on: Away Carry-On Flex
• Best softside carry-on: Travelpro Platinum Elite softside spinner

Weight: 8.2 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Glides smoothly even when fully packed, unique look and feel Cons: No external phone charger included, could use an interior pocket along the length of the bag

Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like scout tan, safari green, and scuba navy, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. It's a favorite of senior editor Megan Spurrell : “This is one of two carry-on roller bags I have used regularly for nearly three years—we’ve traveled everywhere from Lisbon to Mexico City to Los Angeles together.” Spurrell has used it for weeklong trips, and notes that it's still in good shape after years of use: “It has definitely gotten scratched up from being thrown into the hull of planes (I have checked it before, even though it’s carry-on), but it has held up well otherwise—there are no cracks in the shell, zipper issues despite how much I have stuffed it, nor sticky wheels.” The one minor flaw: The top handle placement is a bit counterintuitive, placed on the side of the suitcase further from your body.

Weight: 8.36 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn't guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It's been tested by commerce producer Paris Wilson , who used it to pack for her and her boyfriend on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads—“We live in downtown Manhattan where cobblestone streets are a staple and we still managed to make it to the subway without any hangups”—and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. “I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Away recently upgraded a few of its core suitcases, including The Bigger Carry-On. Updates include an additional zipper compartment, a color-matched interior made of recycled polyester, and an underside grab handle for easy overhead bin lifting. Tested by editorial assistant Jessica Chapel , who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York, it's one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it's way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.”

Weight: 3.9 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 14" × 7.5"

Pros: I enjoy the ease with which you can move this piece of luggage around; it feels very zippy Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks

July calls this the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world, and it is the lightest we've tested here at Traveler at just under four pounds when empty. Research director Alexandra Sanidad has brought it on planes to Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and on an Amtrak to Woodstock, New York; she says “it's very cute and fits nicely in tight spaces,” and is a “good price for a sturdy, colorful, functional suitcase.” As for what it fits, light packers can fit a week’s worth of clothing in here; if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits, plan for a weekend’s worth.

Weight: 11.1 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9"

Pros: Extremely functional and stylish, glides smoothly even when full Cons : It’s a little large for a carry-on; I've had to check it twice so far

Tumi bags are an investment—at over $1,000, this is one of the priciest bags on our list of the best carry-on luggage—but for frequent business travelers or those looking for a lifelong investment piece, it might be the bag for you. It's gone with former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian on trips to Mexico, Italy and France, a bachelorette party at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, and Boston. She calls it “the most beautiful suitcase I’ve owned,” and appreciates the “zipper expansion that drastically increases the depth of the suitcase,” as well as the “sneaky zipper around the front that allows you to pull out clothes quickly.” It is one of the heavier bags on the list, though, and Erdekian says she's had difficulty lifting it overhead when full. Also of note: It comes with a five-year warranty, and can be customized with a monogram or set of “pop of color” accessories.

Weight: 6.53 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

This hardside carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family.” Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny agrees, calling it an overpacker's dream bag. The hardside spinner comes in black, navy, bright blue, and orange.

Weight: 8.1 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10.3"

Pros: The front zipper is such a plus, with lots of sections for organizing Cons: The color range isn’t huge—I wish they alternated in more shades

This Arlo Skye zipper-front suitcase has gone on many trips with Spurrell —she alternates between this and a Paravel carry-on, and this one has been to Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk: “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” Sleek yet durable, it comes with a removable charger (boasting both USB C and USB A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. The aesthetics are a plus, too: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.”

Weight: 7.8 lbs. Dimensions: 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"

Pros: Expandable design, multiple exterior pockets Cons: Some travelers may prefer a clamshell opening; may be too large for some international flights

Every inch counts—especially if you're traveling with just a carry-on—and softside luggage offers a little more give than hard-shell bags. This expandable pick has a telescopic handle, spinner wheels for easy gliding, and an external USB port for charging your devices. It's earned an “Amazon's Choice” distinction thanks to its consistently high reviews and competitive pricing (its larger size, which has many similar internal features, is a favorite of former Traveler editor Louis Cheslaw). The suitcase is available in several shades (including black, Bordeaux, and true navy) and three carry-on sizes (19-, 20-, and 21-inches).

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"

Pros: Expandable, easy to roll Cons: Scuffs easily, no exterior pockets

Go one step further, space-wise, with this expandable suitcase, which gives you an additional 2.25" of packing space when needed. Traveler 's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer has used this bag for trips as long as a week (including a trip to London ), and noted how smoothly it rolled across almost any surface, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels. “The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” she says. “It's a pretty straightforward design, but what it does, it does very well: glide smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels and provide the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed. Between my husband and I, one of us is always snagging it as our main carry-on.” Kramer recommends choosing a unique color for your bag, or adding your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help it stand out, and notes the inevitable scuffs can look pretty jarring against the black colorway.

Weight: 12.5 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Very easy to store, even in small places; soft handle grip Cons: Expandable mechanism can be tricky to lock into place

The designers at Béis knew what they were doing when they built this soft-sided expandable carry-on , a favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager . It's a big space saver for people with minimal closet or storage space, and yet still fits plenty when expanded—enough for a long weekend to five-day trips. An exterior front pocket holds a laptop sleeve, pocket to place a portable charger (and a small hole to slip the charging cord through), plus a key clip. Smooth-rolling wheels and a soft hand cushion on the underside of the handle are great touches, too.

Weight: 7.16 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Responsive handle, very lightweight Cons: No exterior pockets for added storage

Lightweight with a rugged exterior, frequent traveler Patrick Thompson noted that this bag “seems like it would hold up to the hustle and bustle of an airport, getting jammed into an overhead compartment, and any excessive packing into the trunk of a car.” He's been using it regularly for over a year, bringing it on trips as long as two weeks (Argentina and Italy), as well as long weekend trips to Utah, Georgia, and Florida, and while it has gotten scuffed, it's still in good shape, and is a bag he'd recommend to other travelers. “I love the color and that it's very lightweight. I find it to be easily rollable when traveling.” While there is “a stealth pocket on the top corner that holds smaller items, which can be very useful and convenient while trudging through the airport,” he hasn't often utilized the front exterior zipper, which is meant for easy access to the main compartment, and would prefer another exterior pocket in place of it.

Weight: 10 lbs. Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 7.9"

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets Cons: Doesn't roll as easily when full

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional travelers’ dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” Briggs & Riley's signature expansion system allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.” Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Weight: 9.9 lbs. Dimensions: 14" x 22" x 9.5" Pros: Keeps dress clothes wrinkle-free, exterior pocket to hold documents or other small items Cons: May not be large enough to be your only suitcase on a trip

Heading to a wedding or business trip ? Kramer vouches for this compact Travelpro garment bag. “The lay-flat garment bag design is the real gem of this carry-on. It holds way more than you think—and arriving with all of your dresses and shirts wrinkle-free is a huge game changer.” The durable nylon fabric, made with a Duraguard coating, is a bonus, too.

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 22.8" x 9.4" x 15"

Pros: Smooth-rolling wheels, built-in phone charger, antimicrobial lining Cons: Scratched easily on first use

Tested by destinations editor Shannon McMahon , who prefers to travel with expandable hard-side spinners, this one stands out for “its super roomy packing capacity and its smooth-rolling wheels.” It's become her go-to carry-on after first using it for a four-day getaway last year with room to spare ( even after buying souvenirs ). Smart features of the utilitarian bag include a built-in phone charger, zippered laundry compartment, oversized mesh organizational pockets, and antimicrobial lining. The exterior scratched surprisingly easily on that first trip, but beyond that it hasn't seen much damage: “It's not a fight against scratches on the outside like I thought it would be, it seems like it was just a first-use thing.” The bag's biggest pros: Its packing power and its ultra-lightweight—“it's light as a feather when empty,” McMahon says.

Weight: 6.06 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" Pros: Wheels smoothly, easy to carry around Cons: Laptop sleeve doesn't fit much else, so if not using it, feels like an unnecessary use of space

Frequent traveler Katie Thompson has been using this suitcase for over a year, bringing it to Italy, Argentina, Florida, upstate New York, and Savannah, and calls it “an organizer's dream.” The Samsonite carry-on is loaded with zip pockets and mesh nets to give every item its own place. Thompson says it “can comfortably fit a week's worth of clothing if you are a light packer, but is probably best for a weekend trip,” and notes it rolls easily and in all directions. Another perk: The hardshell exterior has built in patterns that help to hide any scratches, though it has gotten some scuffs with time. Overall, it is “sleek, unique, and compact,” though overall storage is on the smaller side: “The additional pockets on the top side make the inside smaller,” Thompson says. “It fits less than my previous carry-on, but I still managed 10 days in Italy with it.”

Weight: 8.25 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 13.5" x 9.5" Pros: Front pocket for last-minute items, plenty of interior compartments Cons: Limited color options, no expansion

Hard-shell bags with a front pocket are few and far between, but this Calpak bag makes a strong case for it. Executive editor Erin Florio says she “actually [looks] forward to packing this thing;” while she was worried about its size at first glance, after traveling with it, she says smart packers could pack for up to 10 days with it. “The inner compartments make it really easy to organize all your items, from shoes to laundry to toiletries, which helps you fit in more,” she says. As for that exterior pocket, it can fit a laptop, hardcover book, and magazines.

Weight: 6.3 lbs. Dimensions: 23" H x 14.5" W x 9.5" D Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing including shoes Cons: Hard to lift when heavy. Also hard to clean/get scuffs out

Recommended by associate social media manager Kayla Brock , this expandable carry-on has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though in winter time, it's better suited for weekend trips). “Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the year-plus that she's been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers

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

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The Best Luggage for Wherever You’re Headed

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The Best Carry-On for Most People Away Carry-On Read more

An Upgraded Carry-On Aer Carry-On Read more

Best Budget Carry-On Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Aluminum Bag Rimowa Original Cabin Read more

When you're going on a trip, packing your bags scratches a very specific mental itch. Do you like breezing to your gate with only minutes to spare, bypassing the checked-baggage line and sweeping through the Global Entry prescreened traveler security lane? Are you on a business trip and bringing makeup and camera-ready clothes? Or are you traveling with small children and struggling to keep track of all their stuffies, snacks, grandparent gifts, and innumerable electronics cords for tiny headphones and remote-controlled sharks?

In the past year, I've flown and driven thousands of miles. I've hopped on quick flights for work, struggled through cross-country travel with my spouse and kids, and cinched duffel bags on the rooftop rack of my car for weekend trips. The WIRED Gear team and I have taken all these bags on at least two flights minimum, overstuffed them, checked them, shoved them into overhead bins, hastily unpacked and repacked them in car trunks and on airport floors, and most importantly, let our children ride on them from baggage claim to the Uber. 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 , Best Laptop Totes , and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated July 2024: We added the Rimowa carry on, the Beis carry on, the Tumi Velocity backpack, the Lojel Cubo Large, the Aer carry on, the State Logan carry on, and the Calpak medium checked luggage. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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The Best Carry-On for Most People

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.

The classic Away carry-on has a light, polycarbonate shell, so there's not as much give in the case. However, hardshell suitcases 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: We've tried similar suitcases by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . July's aluminum bumpers protect fragile belongings, 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. I have checked both of these suitcases multiple times on multiple cross-country trips, and both have also been ridden by two small children with no damage.

An Upgraded Carry-On

As the Away's ubiquity shows, it works perfectly well for the vast majority of people. But if you find flying to be as unpleasant an experience as I do, a few upgrades might be worth the expense to make it more endurable. We think two recent luggage launches are worth your attention. Reviewer Nena Farrell loves the viral Beis carry-on , which, in addition to coming in a variety of cute, distinctive colors, has extras like a cushy handle, a built-in weight gauge, and a retractable strap that lets you clip a backpack or duffel to the front, in case your personal item doesn't have a pass-through.

I also recently tested Aer’s latest luggage launch. I like Aer’s better than Beis' for a few reasons. The design is sleeker, without ridges to attract scratches and dirt. Although I rolled and spun it side by side with Calpak, July, and Monos luggage, I did not find that Aer's Hinamoto ball bearing system rolled more quietly or smoothly. However, Aer's carry-on has wheel locks. This was crucial when I found myself in the luggage section of a rental shuttle, trying to manage four four-wheeled suitcases on an overcrowded ride from the airport to the rental car outpost while my spouse and children relaxed in the last three remaining seats. As someone who tends to just toss an AirTag into the shoe pocket of their luggage, where it accidentally falls out halfway across the world, I also like the tiny dedicated AirTag pocket.

★ Alternative: If sustainability is your bag (haha), Paravel offers an Aviator carry-on ($425) 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. Reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Budget Carry-On

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 Aluminum Bag

The publicist who sent me the iconic Rimowa carry-on for testing warned me that it had been used for promotional photos and might have "some minor patina." This comment was offered with mild apology which I assured her was unnecessary; getting a Rimowa with a few scratches and dings is like buying a preseasoned cast iron pan. Rimowa cases have a cult following among travelers precisely because of how elegantly they wear their miles. The whole point of these nearly indestructible anodized aluminum boxes is to batter them in Bali, scrape them up in Sicily, then cover the wounds in stickers. In fact, a vintage Rimowa with dings and vintage stickers will probably cost you more on eBay than new, though it's more fun to make every dent yourself. I tested the bag on a trip to New York and appreciated the fine-tuned details in construction (the seal is tight enough I had no qualms about it sitting on a rainy tarmac) and, especially, the uncommon confidence and balance of the roller wheels. The Rimowa feels indestructible, and every attempt to break it only improves that patina, which makes it an ideal travel companion. —Martin Cizmar

Best Checked Bag

For a large checked bag, Lojel's Cubo Large has one feature that was invaluable. It has a flat-top opening, which means you can open it like a box, instead of swinging out both sides like a clamshell. I could not believe how much easier this made it to access all of our stuff. On a recent family vacation, I checked the Cubo Large, put it in the trunk of a Chrysler Pacifica, drove to my brother's house, drove to the beach, and kept four peoples' items organized in one hotel room for a week. I could open the suitcase and grab my kid's sandals without pulling the whole suitcase out of the trunk. Once we got to our destination, it took up half as much floor space as any other suitcase. When it weighed about a pound over the checked bag weight limits, I could discreetly unzip it and take out my Chacos without opening a clamshell and displaying all my belongings for all of United's employees to see.

Granted, the stitching on the interior organizational pockets is not so solid for the price. My kids almost instantly busted the button that holds the lid up. Also, a 10-year warranty sounds good, but almost every other manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers common problems, like broken zippers. However, this flat-top opening is a great feature that's worth recommending, especially if you have large, awkward items that wouldn't fit in one side of a clamshell suitcase.

★ Alternative: On this trip, I also checked the Calpak Evry Medium Luggage ($245) , and it did the job for half the price. It has a polycarbonate shell, interior organizational pockets, and a TSA-approved lock.

Best Backpack

Tumi’s iconic, expensive backpacks are the platonic ideal for airplane travel. The latest one is the Velocity, which is a collaboration with McLaren Automotive, and the sleek design is meant to evoke the aerodynamic lines of McLaren's racing cars. The shell is made from CX6, a type of woven carbon fiber that is engineered to be both super strong and incredibly light. This means that the bag has a firm structure that doesn't look saggy when it's empty, or stuffed like a turkey when it's full. It can fit a surprising amount of stuff—just unzip the front panel and it swings open like a glove compartment.

Like a lot of Tumi's backpacks, it comes with a bunch of travel-related extras, like a luggage tag, an add-a-bag sleeve, and a luggage-inspired leather grip handle. The padded laptop compartment fits laptops up to 15 inches (although surprisingly, the compartment is not suspended, so be careful putting it down). I filled it full of books and dragged it on our concrete walk, and I still couldn't scratch the surface. In keeping with the bag's slim profile, however, the water bottle pockets are extremely tight. It's also a little embarrassing flying with a $1,600 backpack in economy. Tumi has a wide array of equally attractive and useful laptop backpacks for less than half the price.

Best Kids Suitcase

For the past two years, I've found myself being the lone parent while flying with my two children, now 7 and 9. Unfortunately, trying to cheap out on my kids' suitcases has resulted in a garage full of dead luggage. My children busted the zippers on this generic rolling backpack off Amazon (which was much cheaper than when I bought it) almost instantly. The Target version is only 6 pounds and very cute, but the plastic shell and hardware is as fragile as a bird egg.

I would've saved so much time, aggravation, and money if I'd just bought them both State bags at the start. The Logan comes in a mini, carry-on, and checked size, and the carry-on has more or less the same dimensions as my carry-on. However, it has a number of child-friendly features. The prints are amazing; my kids love theirs. The front pocket is big enough for a snack box and their iPads, which means I can quickly usher them to their seats and unpack everything into the front pocket. There are two straps on the side that are ideal for tucking in Yellow Blanky and Truck Blanky when we have to move quickly at the gate. And it still weighs less than my own carry-on.

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Lifetime Bag

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright. The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

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

Best 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 Work Bag

The bag that I prefer for my personal item on work trips 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 . L.L. Bean's boat tote ($35) is the iconic affordable, durable pick, but gear director Michael Calore's pick is the roomy zip hunter's tote ($55) .

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.

Duffels are a huge and ever-expanding category. We also like durable Red Oxx duffels ($300) , and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 $107 : 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 $80 : 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 $275 : 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.

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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.

How to Pick a Bag

Nowadays, there are so many baggage options that narrowing down which bag you need can be difficult. Here are a few factors that might make a difference:

• Two or four wheels? Very few people who try the maneuverability of a four-wheeled spinner suitcase want to go back. Four-wheeled spinners are so much easier to maneuver in crowded airports or down airplane aisles. However, two wheels are easier if you're pulling it over rough terrain. Also, they don't roll away.
• Hard-shell or soft-sided? Fabric bags tend to be lighter. They're also more flexible, so they can squish down to fit tighter overhead bins or stretch to accommodate that souvenir sweatshirt that you couldn't resist. A hard-shell suitcase provides more protection, but has no give. If you travel with a lot of fragile items, consider an aluminum suitcase, which offers the most protection of all.
• Use a tape measure and a scale. Whether your bag fits in the overhead bin increasingly depends on both where you're flying (domestic or international) and what airline you choose. Always check the airline's weight and dimension requirements before packing your bag.

A Few Travel Accessories

If you're packing a bag, a few of these items are helpful.

Craftsman Measuring Tape for $14 : Always measure the dimensions of your bag! There's nothing worse than trying to walk on a plane and having to get out line because the gate attendant decided your bag was too big.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 : Weigh your bag before you leave the house, too. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

Apple AirTag for $24 : 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 separating it into different cubes. You shouldn't have to hunt through a pile of socks to find your bathing suit.

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.

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.

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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

Commerce Editor

Best 5 Lightweight Check-in Luggage Brands

Take some of the hassle out of travelling with a good quality, lightweight check-in bag – here are five of the best brands out there.

(Photo: horizn-studios.com)

Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures – but getting through an airport can be a nightmare at times. Hauling bulky, heavy check-in luggage that isn’t fit for purpose just makes matters worse. It’s easy to just use that old suitcase that’s stashed in the attic but investing in some quality luggage makes an oversees trip immeasurably easier. There are added bonuses too, with some brands now pioneering plant-based shells and recycled materials in the latest luggage. So before you start shopping for some new flip-flops for your next adventure, consider one of these five best lightweight check-in luggage brands.

(Photo: Facebook.com)

Samsonite is one of the biggest brands in luggage, with a good reputation for quality and an extensive range of checked bags ranging from hardshell to wheeled duffle bags to softside. All options are fairly affordable and make a good investment – Samsonite luggage should see you through many years of travelling. For something featherweight, the Cosmolite 3.0 Large Spinner takes some beating, coming in at around $299. The Cosmolite was launched in 2008 and is the best selling product line in Europe – the new Cosmolite keeps the iconic silhouette but is now lighter thanks to new tech, weighing an incredibly featherlight 2.6kg in large size.

samsonite.com

Horizn Studios 

Horizn Studios is a relatively new luggage brand, founded in 2015 and based in Berlin, but has already made a big name for itself for all the right reasons. The concept is to create design and innovation-driven high-end luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories, all with a big commitment to sustainability. This means luggage that features forward-thinking 100 per cent plant-based hard shells, making it the world’s most sustainable luxury luggage, as well as the use of recycled materials. The luggage looks great too and is the ideal travel companion. The New Air Series – 88L and weighing just 3.8kg – is ultra-light and durable and comes with a lifetime warranty.

horizn-studios.com

Founded in Cologne in 1898, Rimowa is high-end luggage at its best. These bags may be fairly simple in their design, but there is an elegant sophistication and quality you can see a mile off – no wonder the company has such a dedicated fanbase. There are plenty of options to choose from, mostly bags and luggage, but also interesting collabs and some €150 iPhone cases. When it comes to lightweight check-in luggage, there is one really good choice. The Check-In L is the company’s lightest suitcase ever, weighing 30 per cent less than the RIMOWA Essential suitcase, but with room for 10 days of travel. The fact that it weighs just 3.7kg is extremely impressive – that’s less than a lot of lightweight cabin bags.

iFLY luggage

iFLY is a brand that has useable, lightweight luggage solutions that look so good you’ll want them in your holiday pics. The Instagram-friendly bags come in fabulous colours, such as Cotton Candy, Pastel Sky and rainbow ombre patterns. But they aren’t just good looking, they are pretty light too. The Fibertech, with polycarbonate shell and 360 rotating wheels, weigh just 4.9kg in large check-in version. Other features include five centimetre expansion zipper that adds 20 per cent more space and electroplated reflex rubber carry handles. If something happens, there is also the peace of mind of a 20-year warranty. If you think all these fancy colours and tech comes with a big price tag, think again – the large Fibertech comes in at less than $129.

iflyluggage.com

Monos is another brand that excels in simple yet beautiful aesthetics for its luggage. The pieces are designed as timeless classics rather than something you throw away after a couple of years, with an understated style that stands the test of time. That said, the prices are very competitive – Monos claims to use the same materials and factories as top brands, but because they sell directly to the consumer, the luggage is a fraction of the price. The pick for something lightweight, good-looking and spacious is the Carry-On, a generous, dent-resistant case made with a high-quality polycarbonate shell. It weighs 4.7kg and has a volume of 99.2 L – enough for up to three weeks travelling, says Monos. 

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Monos vs. away: we compared both brands in these charts.

An Away expert and a Monos fan compare these two well-known luggage brands.

Monos vs. Away Comparison Charts

Courtesy of Away and Monos

When it comes to purchasing new luggage, the final decision for many buyers often comes down to two brands: Monos and Away. Both luggage brands offer similarly designed hard-sided luggage in the same price range. They've both been around for about the same amount of time as well – Away launched in 2015, and Monos made its debut in 2018.

With so much in common between these brands, you may have difficulty deciding which luggage brand makes the most sense for your travel needs. That's why we've taken Away and Monos head to head in a series of comparisons below.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. Because of the popularity of these brands, certain pieces or color choices may be sold out.)

Monos vs. Away: The Basics

Key differences: Monos luggage is slightly more affordable and lightweight than Away. It's also available in a wider variety of colors, including limited edition options.

Monos vs. Away: Top Features

Key differences

• Away's expandability: Most of Away's carry-on and checked bags are available in Flex form (for example, The Medium Flex ); these suitcases offer all the same features as their Classic counterparts, but with additional expandability. While you won't find this option with Monos luggage, Monos does offer an external pocket on its Carry-On Pro and Carry-On Pro Plus .
• Monos' sustainability: Monos luggage is crafted from partially recycled materials and features vegan leather.

Pros and Cons

Away Luggage Pros & Cons

Lightweight

No external pocket on carry-on bags

Can roll away on uneven surfaces

Can be easily scratched

Monos Luggage Pros & Cons

Removable interior compression panel

Release button telescoping handle

Lighter colors show wear and tear easily

Vegan leather details have a slight odor

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Monos vs. Away: Luggage Comparisons

Carry-on luggage.

Key differences: In addition to The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On, Away offers The Carry-On Flex and The Bigger Carry-On Flex , which feature additional expandability. Monos has the Carry-On Pro and the Carry-On Pro Plus , which offer a large exterior pocket instead of expandability.

Medium Checked Luggage

Large Checked Luggage

Key differences: The Trunk by Away is made of polycarbonate, while the Monos Hybrid Trunk features a polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame and corner guards. Additionally, the Trunk by Away is slightly larger than the one offered by Monos.

Monos vs. Away: Aluminum Luggage Comparisons

Key differences: Away's aluminum luggage features a fully aluminum shell. Monos' hybrid line combines a polycarbonate shell with two aluminum features: an aluminum frame and aluminum corner guards. Also, Monos offers a Hybrid Trunk while Away does not.

The Verdict

Both Monos and Away offer lightweight yet sturdy hard-sided luggage with key features including smooth 360-degree spinner wheels, strong handles, sturdy zippers, and interior compression and organization.

If expandability and durability are essential to you, Away is your best option. In our testing, we found Away's luggage to be more scratch-resistant than Monos' suitcases. Away also has an overall more attractive aesthetic. For almost everything else – a slightly lower price point and weight, more color choices, the option to have an external pocket and a focus on sustainability – Monos comes out on top.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For these comparisons, Rachael Hood and Amanda Norcross drew from their personal experiences with Away and Monos luggage. Norcross has been traveling with Away luggage for more than five years, while Hood has been traveling with Monos luggage for about a year and testing a variety of luggage for as long as she can remember.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Checked Luggage
• The Best Luggage Sets

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10 Best Backpacks of 2024 for Travel, Work and Everything Else

We tested over 50 backpacks to find the best buys for every occasion.

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

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack

Best for School

The north face borealis commuter laptop backpack.

Your backpack must hold everything you need, whether you're jetting off on a trip or heading into the office. With laptop sleeves, water bottle holders and all sorts of zippered compartments, a backpack needs to fit your necessities without feeling too heavy or bulky.

Fitting more than some carry-on suitcases in our tests, this Cotopaxi travel backpack had a spacious interior that holds everything from our standard packing test and more. The clamshell opening (similar to how a hard-side suitcase opens) makes for easy packing. The mesh compartments separate your clothes while it's still easy to see everything you have packed.

It includes thoughtful comfort features like padding in the shoulder straps, chest and hip straps and a breathable mesh back. The shoulder straps tuck away, so you can check this carry-on backpack in a pinch. Our testers appreciated the included raincover if you ever got caught in bad weather, but the bag itself also has a water-resistant coating for extra protection.

This pack is also available in 28L (which makes a great personal item!) and 42L. We think the 35L pack is ideal for most travelers as it fits the same as some carry-on suitcases without getting too heavy or bulky, which can be uncomfortable to carry. When evaluating this bag, we appreciated that the laptop sleeve could easily accommodate a 15-inch laptop. Note that this pack lacks a luggage trolley sleeve, so it doesn't stack easily on rolling luggage.

RELATED: 13 Best Travel Backpacks, Tested by Experts

At just $22, no other pack can beat the value of this MATEIN backpack. It's affordable without sacrificing features like two mesh water bottle holders, padded straps, ample zippered compartments, a padded laptop sleeve and a USB charging port to charge your phone on the go (power bank not included). This bag has over 97,000 reviews on Amazon with 23 different color options. It's sold in two sizes to accommodate either a 15.6-inch or 17-inch laptop.

When evaluating this bag, we were especially impressed with the amount of storage compartments. This pack has a hidden zippered compartment in the back to hold valuables like a passport when traveling. It has two front pockets to hold keys, wallet, phone, pens and more. Plus, it has a luggage trolley on the back to sit conveniently on top of rolling luggage. This pick makes a great personal item when traveling or as an everyday commuter bag!

RELATED: 20 Best Backpacks You Can Shop on Amazon

Head back to campus with a backpack that'll go with you from classes, to the gym, to extracurriculars and back to your dorm. Enter the Borealis backpack from The North Face. We have been recommending this backpack for years because it has a great design for students. Whether you're in high school or college, this pack can hold a laptop (in a separate padded compartment), textbooks, water bottles, notebooks, a sweatshirt and more while still feeling comfortable to carry.

In our Lab evaluation, the exterior fabric held up to abrasion and water-resistance tests. Our testers reported that this pack is comfortable to carry (even when packed to the brim), thanks to the padded straps and the waist and chest straps. We especially liked the thoughtful features, like a fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and a front bungee system to hold a jacket. Shop this pick in 18 colors.

RELATED : Best Backpacks for High School and College Students in 2024

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

Nothing ruins a trip quicker than a damaged laptop. Keep your technology safe with this laptop backpack from Timbuk2. It features a separate padded laptop compartment that can even fit larger computers up to 17 inches. There are internal sleeves to hold e-readers and iPads as well. There's generous padding on the back, padded shoulder straps and an optional chest strap to better distribute the pack's weight.

One GH analyst uses this backpack regularly when bringing his laptop to and from work. He even brought this backpack on a recent trip to China and appreciated the built-in luggage trolley sleeve. He said, "It's comfortable to wear and the pockets keep everything I need well organized."

RELATED: Best Laptop Backpacks, Tested & Reviewed

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Ditch your suitcase for a quick weekend trip away with this Calpak weekender backpack. It's designed to hold everything you need for a few days away: clothes, footwear, toiletries, a water bottle, books, a laptop and more. The backpack straps can be tucked away and the pack includes a crossbody strap, so you can wear it like a traditional weekender bag — two bags in one!

The pack unzips around the side like a suitcase for easy packing. It includes compression straps that help keep everything in place. There are two spacious front pockets to hold must-have items and a separate padded laptop sleeve for easy access. The sleek exterior is water-resistant and available in 11 shades including classic neutrals and bold hues.

"I regularly use this pack on trips because it can fit an impressive amount without becoming uncomfortable to carry," reported one tester. "I use it as a personal item with no carry-on, so I can save a few bucks by avoiding bag fees." One tester did note that the water bottle holder was too small to fit her bottle.

RELATED: 11 Best Weekender Bags, Tested by Travel Experts

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40 L

This Patagonia bag's rugged, water-resistant exterior helps protect your items, even in inclement weather. It's made with recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate to prevent water from seeping in.

The backpack straps tuck away, so you can wear it either as a backpack or as a traditional duffel bag with an included crossbody strap. When not in use, this backpack stuffs into the small side pocket for convenient, built-in storage . It can be tough to get the duffel in and out of the pocket as it is a tight fit. The Black Hole duffel is avaialble in 40L, 55L , 70L and 100L sizes. We recommend the 40L size as it's spacious enough to fit a week's worth of clothes without feeling too heavy to carry for most people.

If you're looking for a smaller backpack, we recommend the Patagonia Refugio pack ; it's great for everyday wear when traveling as it's made with water-resistant materials and includes a well-organized interior.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Designed for both longer and shorter trips, this innovative Peak Design bag has a 35L capacity but you have the option to compress it to create a 30L day bag or expand it to 45L.

This bag also converts to a duffel bag by conveniently tucking the backpack straps away, which is helpful if you ever want to check the bag when flying. You can access the bag's contents from the front, side and back, so it's easy to grab everything you need when on the go. Online reviewers especially liked this feature for easy access to camera equipment when traveling.

The main compartment only has one divider (which can roll down, but isn't removable), so we found it helpful to use packing cubes to keep everything organized. There are small zippered pockets in the front to stash must-have items like a phone, keys, wallet and lip balm.

Osprey Daylite Plus

Because you can't go hiking empty handed, bring a lightweight daypack like this top-tested Osprey backpack. This backpack features two stretchy water bottle holders on the side that fit larger bottles. It has padded straps with a chest strap and a removable hip belt for ergonomic support, important on longer hikes. The chest strap includes a built-in whistle to alert other hikers on the trail.

The front compression straps can hold wet or dirty clothes to keep them separate from the main storage compartment. Many online reviewers liked to put a rain jacket there in case they encountered bad weather. It has a separate back compartment that can either hold a hydration pouch or a 14-inch laptop — it's the perfect bag to bring from the trails to the street. Note that this backpack is hand wash only.

RELATED: Best Daypacks for Hiking, According to Pros

TUMI Alpha Bravo Search Backpack

TUMI is known as a status symbol for its luxurious travel products; they offer long-lasting, high-quality products and exemplary customer service. This nylon backpack with leather detailing is a staple among frequent business travelers. It has a sleek, professional look while still being comfortable to carry with padded straps . You have the option to add a customized monogram to the front of the backpack.

Grace Wu , Good Housekeeping Institute textiles product analyst, has tested dozens of backpacks, but she continues to use her 10-year-old TUMI backpack. She reports that it is "surprisingly spacious" and feels "high quality." The brand offers a limited warranty on many of its products with low-cost repairs.

Beis The Backpack

If you want a backpack that'll maximize your packing space without sacrificing style, The Backpack from Beis is ideal.

We were immediately impressed with the spacious interior that can fit multiple packing cubes. The top unzips all the way around for easy packing. It features two water bottle holders on the side — testers liked to use one for a water bottle and the other for an umbrella. Some testers wish the holders were stretchy or adjustable to accommodate larger bottles.

The separate padded laptop sleeve makes it easy to grab your computer without unpacking your whole bag. Featuring a luggage trolley sleeve, this bag pairs perfectly with the brand's matching carry-on suitcases . Plus, it's available in eight stylish shades with over 3,000 online reviews (an average 4.8 rating!). This bag is the ultimate travel companion.

RELATED: Beis Luggage Review: Does it Live up to the Hype?

Other backpacks to consider

While these packs didn't make the shortlist, they're high quality backpacks that performed well in our testing that you should consider:

JanSport Right Pack Backpack

A favorite for students from elementary school to college, this popular backpack from JanSport is made with durable, long-lasting materials, including a reinforced suede bottom. It has a simple design with two front pockets and a large interior with a laptop sleeve. It lacks organizational features that can be helpful when traveling, but is a great option for students.

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Another great professional option, this faux leather backpack from Calpak has a sleek look that's great for commuters with a separate laptop sleeve and a surprisingly roomy interior. It's also available in 25 colors — multiple GH editors have this bag in bold hues, including pink and purple! While it has an attractive look, this backpack couldn't accommodate bulkier items like shoes or a sweatshirt because of its shape.

Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L

Away offers a variety of smart travel products to make your trip easier, including this extra-large 45L convertible backpack. The backpack straps tuck away, so you can use it as a duffel bag. Testers liked the comfortable straps and well-organized interior. Our main concern with this bag is that the zippers sometimes came loose in our testing.

RELATED: Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

How we test backpacks

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel experts who have tested over 50 backpacks in recent tests. Testing styles designed for travel, school, hiking and more, both GH pros and our consumer testers used the backpacks before giving feedback on comfort when wearing a full pack, ease of use, convenience of pockets, appearance and more.

✔️ Backpack strap comfort and fit: We look at each backpack's straps to ensure they have padding and other comfort features like mesh for airflow. We also look for chest and hip straps, especially for hiking backpacks.

✔️ Material durability: Using a specialized abrasion tester, we evaluate the fabric's durability to ensure it will hold up against wear and tear.

✔️ Compartments including a laptop sleeve: We rate each pack's compartments and pockets to ensure there is ample storage space that's easily accessible. We put a laptop in the laptop sleeve to rate how well it fits and is protected.

✔️ How the backpack opens: Backpacks usually have one of two opening types: top opening or front opening.

• Top-loading backpacks have a zipper around the top of the bag, so it opens to one large compartment that you can fill. These are great to hold must-have items as everything is easily accessible, but they aren't designed to fit clothes and shoes.
• Front-loading backpacks (also known as clamshell-style packs) unzip around the side so they open up like a book for easy packing. These bags are better suited for packing clothes and toiletries as they will fit more, but items aren't as easily accessible when on the go.

✔️ Packing space: We pack each backpack with a standard load to rate how much each backpack can fit. We also rate the ease of opening and closing the pack when full.

How to choose the best backpack

Consider where you'll use the backpack before purchasing.

• Travel: Some travel backpacks are designed to hold what you'll need each day on vacation while larger ones are designed to hold a few days worth of clothes. Clamshell-style packs are best suited for carrying outfits — they can even be used as a personal item if your airline charges for carry-on bags.
• Hiking: A lightweight pack is a must when heading on a hike. Look for styles with chest and hip straps to better distribute the weight for a more comfortable feel mile after mile. Some hiking backpacks also include a pouch for a hydration pack.
• Business: Backpacks for business travel must include a padded laptop sleeve and ample space to hold what you need when attending meetings or conferences. Look for sleek materials like leather in neutral shades for a professional look.

Check the pack's total volume and packing space. If you plan to bring your backpack on a plane, compare the bag's dimensions to your airline's allowed personal item or carry-on dimensions to ensure you can bring it onboard.

Look at the backpack's weight. Avoid heavy styles that will weigh you down. Leather tends to be heavy compared to nylon and other synthetics, which are lighter in weight.

Ensure the backpack has the compartments you need. If you plan to bring your laptop with you when traveling, make sure the laptop sleeve can accommodate your laptop's size. In our tests, testers appreciated backpacks with water bottle holders — especially adjustable or stretchy holders to fit larger bottles. Other helpful compartments to look for include sleeves for iPads or e-readers, key holders, hidden zippered compartments for valuables and easily accessible front pockets.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour has been testing backpacks and other travel products for the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab since 2018. She has tested over 100 backpacks, bags, suitcases and packing cubes! She has a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University. She loves to travel and regularly brings her Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack along on her travels, including trips to Japan, Copenhagen, Mexico, Utah and more.

More on our top-tested backpacks:

• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Laptop Backpacks
• Best Backpacks for High School and College
• Best Backpacks on Amazon
• Best Daypacks for Hiking
• Best Kids Backpacks
• Best Toddler Backpacks

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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The tried and true essentials T&C 's jetsetting editors never travel without.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

In order to properly fulfill this mission of ours, we need to travel— a lot . And inevitably, over the course of so much globetrotting, T&C 's e ditors have amassed an arsenal of travel essentials they will never take off without. Editor in chief Stellene Volandes, for instance, swears by only this brand of blazers to keep her looking sharp wherever she is in the world. Executive travel editor Klara Glowczewska knows how to turn a toiletry bag into a clutch and fashion and accessories director Dania Ortiz trusts one summer carry-all to take her from the beaches of Miami to the high jewelry presentations in Europe.

In other words, we've got tips. So whether you're looking for a sleek passport cover that will last forever, or a portable steamer that actually works (not to mention fits into your carry-on), or a pretty jewelry case to keep your valuables organized, see below for 20 of the best travel accessories and essentials that have been tested and approved by T&C .

Tumi Raina Backpack

Executive travel editor Klara Glowczewska relies on her Tumi backpack to take her around the world, from South Africa to Bhutan, French Polynesia to Anguilla. “ It holds everything I might want easy access to—laptop and other devices, book, magazines, toiletries and make-up, travel documents, hair brush, water bottle, shawl, scrunched up hat, socks, sunglasses, you name it. It has many logically organized compartments and dividers, inner and outer, which means that once you decide where things go, you never have to rummage for anything.” And here's a pro-tip: “Get one of the larger, top-of-the-line ones.”

Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.0" x 6.3" Weight: 2.4 lbs.

Smythson Passport Cover

For frequent fliers, an elegant passport cover that is not only chic but will also survive constant use is key. Yours truly has had the same Smythson cover for 14 years—and it still looks brand new.

July Hanging Toiletry Bag

A good hanging toiletry case solves several problems. Limited hotel bathroom counter space, for one. And if it's designed well with spacious interiors, multiple pockets to keep everything organized, and clear and leak-resistant PVC lining for good visibility, it does away with the inconvenience of having to unload everything just to re-pack it all in just a few days.

Dimensions: 10.24" x 7.09" x 3.54" Capacity: 4.2L

Mark & Graham Fillmore Vegan Leather Luggage Tag

You're not seeing things. Everyone has the same suitcase. Never risk someone mistakenly carting off with yours with a colorful luggage tag. Mark & Graham offers so many options—and personalization styles—that it will be hard to settle on one.

Paravel Packing Cube Quad

Anyone who has discovered the magic of packing cubes will tell you it has changed their lives. It has certainly changed mine—so much so that I have gifted monogrammed Paravel sets to every member of my family and all of my closest friends.

Dimensions: 18" x 3.75" x 12" (large); 12.75" x 3.75" x 10" (medium); 8.2" x. 3.75" x 6.25" (small)

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

There is no greater airport faux pas than to be caught walking around a terminal with a cheap neck pillow around your shoulders. Or strapped to your bag strap. Or really, anywhere that is visible to the human eye. Ostrichpillow solves this problem. Its version is made of a memory foam core that offers much better in-flight comfort and, best of all, coils into a compact shape so you can keep it out of sight until you're on the plane.

Dimensions: 9.8" x 6.7" x 2.7" Weight: 12 oz.

Prada Re-Nylon pouch

“I don’t know what I’ll do if Prada ever stops making these, although so far, mine has survived seven years of constant use admirably well—that Prada nylon is almost indestructible,” Glowczewska says. “In addition to my phone, it holds all my small travel essentials—lip gloss, hand-cream, toothbrush and toothpaste, pens, sunglasses, so on. And it doubles as an evening clutch, which you can elegantly slip over your wrist and be hands-free.”

Dimensions: 11.5cm x 20cm x 9cm

Kiehl's Since 1851 Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer

Spending so much time in an airplane cabin will wreak havoc on your skin. And not all moisturizers are created equal—some will even make you drier. Kiehl's is ubiquitous for a reason. “It’s the longest-acting moisturizer I know, with a lovely scent and rich, creamy texture,” Glowczewska says.

Anker Power Bank

For such a slim size and low price point, this Anker is supremely popular on Amazon, where it is highly rated for its 10,000mAH battery power and fast charging time.

Dimensions: 5.87" x 2.68" x 0.55" Weight: 7.5 oz.

Longchamp Le Pliage 18" Large Travel Bag

Even for those who vow to be carry-on only, sometimes it's just impossible. A lightweight Longchamp will give you room for error—say, if you did too much shopping abroad and need a convenient surplus bag—without taking up a lot of space thanks to the way it ingeniously folds up like origami into something so compact you can take it with you anywhere.

Dimensions: 17.75" x 13.75" x 9" Weight: 0.9 lb.

Away The Laptop Sleeve

There is a reason so many frequent fliers swear by Away. Functional, thoughtful design is the brand's MO, and this exemplifies that perfectly. Made from a water-resistant nylon, it can fit up to a 13" laptop, and is layered with several pockets for keeping chargers, cords, keyboards, pens, and notebooks neatly organized.

Dimensions: 13" x 1.6" x 9.6" Weight: 14 oz.

Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

It goes without saying that jewelry should never go into a checked suitcase. Keep your valuables close—and well-organized—in a case that is compact enough to fit into a tote or carry-on but with still has plenty of compartments to store your rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Dimensions: 4.5" x 4.5" x 2.25"

Apple AirTag

Other brands might be getting into the Bluetooth tracker game but the first-to-market AirTag still reigns supreme. We have all heard plenty of horror stories about lost luggage, and while there is no way to prevent it from happening to you, consider this an inexpensive way to buy a little peace of mind .

BlueHills Travel Blanket

If the thought of using those blankets they give you on the plane gives you chills (who knows where they have been?), consider a BYO approach. Don't be fooled by the low price of this Amazon option: it's super soft, folds neatly into a pouch that doubles as a pillow, and comes in 13 different colors. Plus, you won't feel so bad if you accidentally leave it behind.

Dimensions: 60" x 43" (case: 11.5" x 10") Weight: 1 lb.

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

“A miracle accessory,” Glowczewska raves . “The wrap is huge—really, it's an almost seven-foot-long blanket of seven-gauge, two-ply knit cashmere. I sleep under it on airplanes and its softness and warmth transform even an economy-class flight into a nearly pleasurable experience. But it’s so light, you can easily stuff it into it a travel backpack or an average-sized handbag. You can wind it several times around your neck or shoulders and it never feels bulky. Start with black, then get more; the colors are delicious.”

Dimensions: 81" x 36"

Paravel Cabana See-All Vanity Case

Just as everyone has a specific packing method she swears by, those who spend enough time on the road will also have their own best practices when it comes to organizing their toiletries. Paravel's structured case protects things from getting smushed, it holds a lot , and its clear sides and all-around zip means no annoying rummaging required.

Dimensions: 8.5" x 5.5" x 3.75" Weight: 0.38 lb.

Precious Tails Cat & Dog Bed

“If our dog had its way, he’d ride in the driver’s lap,” says Norman Vanamee, T&C 's articles director—and our resident expert on family roadtrips . “This dog bed with a seatbelt keeps him in one place and relatively happy."

Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 11" (small); 26" x 24" x 13" (medium); 30" x 22" x 14" (large)

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

No more overpaying at the airport for emergency adapters because you forgot (again!) that your EU plug won't work in the UK. This one has 4 plugs that cover 150+ countries, plus 5 USB ports for charging multiple devices simultaneously.

Dimensions: ‎2.8" x 1.97" x 2.04" Weight: 5.4 oz.

Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Screaming toddlers. Zillennials watching TikTok videos on full volume. Bickering couples. Leave the world behind with these Bose headphones, which are wireless (but also come with a cable), have an impressive 24 hours of battery life, and are built with various custom modes to suit whatever you're listening to (or tuning out). Another perk: they come in a range of fun colors, like dark green, lilac, and light blue.

Nori The Nori Press

T&C 's deputy digital lifestyle director Roxanne Adamiyatt calls this steam iron a “a genius invention.” Its list of standout features is long: dual iron plates to simultaneously press both sides of a garment, a pointed tip for hard-to-reach places, six heat settings plus even a steam function, and it all weighs less than 1.5 lbs.

Dimensions : 14" in length

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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The 22 Best Designer Beach Bags for Bold Yet Breezy Style

Cue the seaside escape

Choosing the right beach bag is about balancing practical needs with personal style. Look for durable materials that withstand sand and sun while complementing your coastal attire (think: nylon , neoprene, raffia , and straw ), and for features like waterproof compartments and versatile straps that offer comfort and carrying options. Whether you’re lounging by the Mediterranean or strolling along a local boardwalk, our edit of the top designer beach bags ahead ensures you’ll find the perfect companion for every sun-soaked adventure. Bring on the sun.

Our Favorite Designer Beach Bags of 2024

Best Woven Designer Beach Bag

Bottega veneta cassette tote bag.

Best Neoprene Designer Beach Bag

Naghedi tulum large tote bag.

Best Wooden-Handle Designer Beach Bag

Eugenia kim carlotta ombré straw beach tote bag.

What could be chicer for the beach than Bottega Veneta’s signature woven intrecciato technique in raffia form?

Materials: 100% viscose and leather

Dimensions: 13.8" H x 17.3" W x 8.9" D

Naghedi’s signature neoprene designs are more than durable, but waterproof for peak functionality. This tassel-adorned version is a playful option if you already own the brand’s best-selling oversize St. Barth’s tote.

Materials: Neoprene

Dimensions: 22.0" H x 12.5" W x 8.0" D

We adore the retro feel of wooden handles for a day at the beach. Ombré straw channels the shoreline palette perfectly.

Materials: Straw, wooden handles, cotton lining

Dimensions: 11" H x 22" W x 4.5" D

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This Gorgeous Lake Was Just Named the Best Hidden Gem in the U.S.

Here's something (and somewhere) fresh.

Jesse/500px/Getty Images

Everyone's on the hunt for the next hidden gem. And according to Tripadvisor reviewers, the next big thing is hiding in the Pacific Northwest. 

In July, Places to Travel dropped its new study that aimed to uncover all the coolest hidden gems that are gaining traction around the United States. To find them, the team analyzed TripAdvisor's "hidden gems" lists in every state to compile more than 2,700 U.S. destinations. Then, it narrowed destinations to those with 100 to 1,000 reviews and a rating of at least four stars. It cross-referenced this list with search volume data using the Google Keyword Planner to uncover which places had the highest number of average Google searches per month. The team added the caveat that while "some locations may be known, especially to locals, the hidden gems on this list relate more to less-visited tourist spots." 

After looking at all the information, the team named Crater Lake in Oregon the most popular hidden gem destination of the summer, with an average of over 182,100 monthly searches on Google. It added that Crater Lake also has more than 500 Tripadvisor reviews and a 5-star rating. 

"The scenic blue lake is in the state's southwestern region and was formed approximately 7,700 years ago," the findings noted. "Globally, the lake is the tenth deepest in the world and claims the top for depth in the U.S. There is plenty to do around the lake, including hikes, fishing, and even skiing." 

Following closely behind Crater Lake is another water-centric stop, Havasu Falls in Arizona, which took second place thanks to its more than 147,800 monthly searches and 4.5 average star rating on Tripadvisor. As the team added, 429 out of 539 reviews rate the destination as "excellent." 

Joining these spots at the top of the list is Roosevelt Island in New York City in third with 199,500 monthly searches, followed by California's Pinnacles National Park in fourth with 92,200 average monthly searches, and Morton Arboretum in Illinois rounding out the top five with 88,000 monthly searches. Detroit's Eastern Market comes in sixth, followed by Discovery Park in Seattle, Descanso Gardens in California, Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio at the No. 10 spot, proving there are hidden gems sprinkled all over the nation just waiting for to explore. 

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The Best Sling Bag for Men Is a Smarter Way to Store Your Stuff

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

Scant few fellas land on the best sling bag for men by actively looking for it. Who, pray tell, doesn’t know a guy who crams all his knick-knacks, doohickeys, and thingamajigs into the overstuffed pockets of his pants, refusing, on principle, to port them around in a bag? Don’t be that guy . Instead, allow us to introduce the far more stylish way to haul your gear right now , an ergonomic alternative to the standard messenger that eschews the bulkiness of a backpack—and the flimsy-as-hell straps of a tote—in favor of sheer, unadulterated utility. We’re talking, of course, about the sling bag—and if you lend us your ear (and a spare shoulder), you will be, too.

For anyone old enough to remember the '90s (or young enough to inherit its trauma), sling bags, you might recall, were not always cool. In 2024, though, there’s a whole gamut of them to explore: designer slings, budget slings, teched-out slings, outdoorsy slings, slings so secure they could (probably, we didn’t test this) survive the Oklahoma Drill without budging an inch. So to free your pockets, we strapped in, got to trekking, and landed on the most excellent sling bag for men—plus 14 other superlative options.

The Best Sling Bags for Men, According to GQ

• The Best Sling Bag Overall : Carhartt Mono Sling Backpack , $45
• The Best Trail-Ready Sling Bag : Patagonia Atom 8L Sling Bag , $65
• The Best Commuter Sling Bag : Gramicci Cordura Sling Bag , $105
• The Best Designer Sling Bag : Loewe Puzzle Edge Small Leather Belt Bag , $1,980
• The Best Pared-Down Sling Bag : Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag , $52
• The Best Heirloom-Grade Sling Bag : Kapital Heavy Canvas Transit Snufkin Bag , $457

Best Sling Bag Overall: Carhartt Mono Sling Backpack

Mono Sling Backpack

• Adjustable padded strap
• Water-resistant
• Laptop-friendly
• Large and in charge
• Slightly less packable than our other picks

If you’re looking for an affordable sling bag that does a bit of everything—and comes equipped with enough storage to haul bulkier personal items—Carhartt’s is nigh-impossible to beat. For starters, it boasts a padded laptop pocket, which is always a nice perk, and the main compartment is spacious enough to hold a camera, a 6-pack, or a bunch of other potentially necessary items that wouldn’t fit in a more compact counterpart. It helps, of course, that its exterior is made from the type of tough, water-repellent textile the first name in workwear is famous for , and that said exterior features multiple easy-to-reach storage pockets to keep your gear at the ready. Oh, and the padded strap has a nifty quick-release function and a lil’ pocket for anything you need direct access to. Like we said: nigh-impossible to beat.

Best Trail-Ready Sling Bag: Patagonia Atom 8L Sling Bag

Atom 8L Sling Bag

• Padded straps and back
• Pocket space aplenty
• DWR water-resistant coating
• Smaller than some of our other picks
• Water- resistant doesn't mean water proof

When you’re on the trail, “rummaging” shouldn’t be high on your list of designated activities—you want whatever you’ve lugging in to be easily accessible, reasonably protected, and, above all else, easy to carry. Patagonia’s Atom sling checks all those boxes with aplomb. It’s made from a tough, 100% recycled polyester that’s been treated with a water-repellent finish, comes outfitted with an ergonomic strap that distributes weight across the entire torso, and boasts pockets pretty much everywhere you could imagine putting a pocket—even on the exterior of said ergonomic strap. If you’re looking for a sling bag that likes to touch grass—or, heck, limestone —as much as you do, look no further.

Best Commuter Sling Bag: Gramicci Cordura Sling Bag

Cordura Sling Bag

• Padded straps
• Press-release sternum strap
• Not waterproof
• Limited outside pocket space

One of the sling bag’s primary selling points is how secure it’ll stay when you’re on the move—with a single strap, the right version can mimic the locked-in support of a backpack with double its carrying capacity . If you’ve got places to be, that’s huge—especially if you’re trying to maintain a low-profile. Of all the sling bags with that particular benefit, Gramicci’s option was our favorite: it comes equipped with enough space to haul a laptop and the padding to protect it, but its profile is slim enough to squeeze onto a crowded train or hide under an umbrella during a surprise drizzle. The pockets are easily accessible, and when things get especially chaotic, the press-release sternum strap locks the whole shebang in for good.

Best Designer Sling Bag: Loewe Puzzle Edge Small Leather Belt Bag

Puzzle Edge Small Leather Belt Bag

• Unimpeachable pedigree
• Handy outside pocket
• Immediate cool-guy cred
• We double-checked the price—it's still $2,000

Sometimes, you want your bag to be more than practical—you want it to be a flex in its own right. When that’s the case, you have two options: big logos or venerable designs, the type that don’t require a splashy luxury emblem to ID in a flash. The Loewe Puzzle Edge bag is the latter. Its distinct geometric shape is achieved using multiple monochromatic patches, providing both structure and pattern, without stealing the spotlight entirely from the rest of your outfit. (Which means you can wear it with pretty much everything, despite its eye-watering price tag.) Better yet, if you’re traveling, that unique construction is designed to collapse into itself, packing into a suitcase with plenty of room for the really important stuff: said outfits, obviously.

Best Pared-Down Sling Bag: Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Urban Outfitters

• Super lightweight
• Adjustable strap
• Zip closure
• Lots of colors
• Only one compartment
• Nothing in the way of padding
• No structure

Sometimes, of course, you just need a bag that carries a bunch of stuff and looks halfway decent doing it—nothing more, nothing less. That’s where Baggu’s perfectly streamlined sling comes in. It’s crafted from a hardy recycled nylon, boasts an endlessly-useful adjustable crossbody strap, and zips all the way closed, making it a pretty unimpeachable tote alternative for lazy packers. What more, really, can you ask for?

Best Heirloom-Grade Sling Bag: Kapital Heavy Canvas Transit Snufkin Bag

Heavy Canvas Transit Snufkin Bag

Blue in Green

• Adjustable straps
• Easy, breezy styling
• Linen is prone to stain
• Little-to-no padding

If you’re wondering why you’d buy a linen sling bag, well, uh, fair enough—linen doesn’t exactly scream ‘BAG’, and your gear isn’t susceptible to heat stroke the same way your body is. Underestimate our favorite flaxy fabric at your own peril, though: you already know it’s ludicrously breezy, but it’s crazy strong and dries quickly, too. Which is why we were especially amped to see Kapital’s Snufkin bag—already an all-time riff on the silhouette—hit the shelves in a new-and-improved linen form, just in time for August. Aesthetics alone would warrant its inclusion on this list: the dye is subtly uneven, which lends it the look of a vintage grail fresh out of the box. The adjustable strap is nice, too, but the real star of the show is the massive storage capacity, which can be zipped, rolled, and/or affixed with leather straps depending on the context. Don’t let its rarified Japanese origin fool you, either: a piece like this only gets better with serious wear.

More Sling Bags We Love

Klättermusen

Algir Organizer Bag

For those looking to keep things extra-lightweight without sacrificing Cool Features™, the Algir delivers. In regards to features, it’s loaded up with pockets, has an adjustable strap that combines both cords and webbing, a hidden passport pocket and a sneaky 5 liters of storage space, making this one of the more tastefully tactical options on the market. But there’s also zero bulk, which means it works great on its own or clipped to a larger bag when you’re traveling.

Daylite Water-Repellent Sling Backpack

Sling bags are kind of comfortable by default, but the Osprey Daylite is on another level, kind of like if a pool slide was a bag with a surprising amount of storage and a convenient external pocket. And as a little bonus, this one comes with a water-repellent DWR coating, allowing you to worry even less about whatever’s inside.

Master-Piece

Circus Sling Bag

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sling bag more fully-loaded than the Circus. To kick things off, it’s got more pockets than a pool hall, and some are so undercover that you’ll even forget they exist. The sleek shape hugs your body for ultra-smooth crowd navigation and the padded back face makes sure that it stays comfortable the whole time. In other words, you’ll have to keep up with it, not the other way around.

Remix Rope Bag

Backcountry

While some things should (probably) be left at the crag, others look awesome away from it—and it turns out that climbing rope is the latter. This sling bag from Kavu uses actual climbing rope for the strap, lashing four of them together to punctuate a highly-functional, super durable, utterly unique design, which also has a bevy of pockets and a sick side-release buckle.

Dries Van Noten

Bombe Leather Sling Bag

A somewhat subtle, understated design, punctuated by some cheeky flourishes—see: knotted zipper pull to match the knotted ends of the strap—the Bombe Bag looks absolutely stunning on day one and even better years down the road, once it’s logged some serious miles. The secret is in its simplicity: the leather is the star of the show, down to the straps and the pulls, with the only variance coming in the form of a handsome silvertone loop where the strap attaches.

Arc'teryx

Granville Crossbody Bag

The Granville Bag might look fairly straightforward, but like all things Arc’, it’s anything but. The shell is made from a waterproof nylon ripstop and it also has taped seams and a water-repellent finish, just to really hammer home the point. The back panel has a super-cushy, super-breathable pad for two separate orders of comfort, the internal pocket has a key clip and the detachable strap allows for three different ways to wear it, if you feel so inclined.

Porter-Yoshida & Co.

POTR Ride Webbing-Trimmed Shell Belt Bag

For those unfamiliar, Porter-Yoshida makes some mf bags. Some of the most luxurious, most functional, most tricked out bags anywhere—if a detail might be useful, it’s included; if there’s a fabric upgrade available, they hit that button. Their line is deeper than a 40L tote, but the POTR Belt Bag just might be the best. It’s made with a waterproof shell, some CORDURA® Ballistic nylon to reinforce the bottom, all sorts of pockets and D-rings on the outside to clip things to, if that’s your thing. If you felt like it, you could use this one heavily for a decade.

Medium Soft Croissant Bag

If you’ve ever looked at a croissant and thought, “If you added a strap and hollowed out the middle, this would make a great bag…” 1) interesting thought, and 2) you were right. In fact, it’s one of the most recognizable bags in a Lemaire line full of them, and also one of the best. The croissant-mimicking construction allows for pliability while also providing a touch of structure to the supple leather, the canvas lining protects that leather, there’s a pocket because everyone loves a pocket and the knotted detail at the strap is almost as iconic as the bag itself. It’s very expensive, but it’s also very nice.

Engineered Garments

x DSPTCH Unit Vertical Pouch

Nepenthes NY

Ok, we’ll level with you: we have no idea if this qualifies as a sling bag, but we’re also not super concerned about its qualifications considering the utility it provides. Designed to fit underneath your jacket without making you look like the Michelin Man, this thing is made with apocalypse-proof Dynema and has a three-point strap-system that’s locked down with a Fidlock V-Buckle. TLDR; a very sneaky bag.

Sling bags come in a whole bunch of shapes, sizes, materials, and capabilities, so we set out to find bags across that spectrum. While it makes little sense to compare a sling bag designed for the outdoors to one made from supple leather—different strokes for different folks—bags are also bags, so we wanted to ensure that transitive standards were established, focusing primarily quality of materials and construction, carrying capabilities, and how good it performs the job it was made to do. With that in mind, here are a few important things to look out for:

Intended function. What are you primarily going to be using the bag for? Materials, design features and hardware choices all dictate what the bag was made to do, aside from carry stuff, which many can do. Because bags are made to do different things, we didn’t make it about the range of function, but rather how well they do what they promise to do. In other words, we didn’t go to the crag with a fancy leather bag to test out its dexterity in the wilderness, because that’s not what a fancy leather bag is meant to do. Instead we graded it on how well it did fancy leather bag things, and the same goes for those on the other end of the spectrum—if using it on a hike or a commute and need it to be tough, a synthetic would be best suited for the task.

Size. That “L” you see stands for liters, which is the standard metric for carrying capacity. The more liters that could theoretically fit in your bag—don’t dump liquid inside, there’s no need to check math—the more you can haul. Size denotations like Small/Medium/Large will give you an idea of what the model looks like relative to other models, but it won’t give you a great understanding of how much you could actually fit in your new bag. For the sake of versatility, we leaned a bit more on those in the middle—bags need to carry stuff, as we noted earlier.

Quality of Construction/Materials. Anyone who’s had a bag of any kind break on them can attest to the special brand of betrayal you feel, a feeling that’s multiplied when it’s a bag of the non-disposable variety. In other words, bags need to hold up and the way they do is with top-tier materials and rock-solid construction. Again, the rubric isn’t going to look the same for bags across the use-case spectrum, but the standards are for every bag we reviewed. Things like taped seams, reinforced stress-points, caliber of hardware and fabric selection are all things to consider, and were during our process.

There are a few. Technically, messenger bags and sling bags are both shoulder bags, but shoulder bags aren’t necessarily either. If this is confusing, we sympathize with the sentiment, but know that the primary difference between a sling bag and a messenger bag is that the strap of a sling bag is engineered to lay diagonally across the shoulders and chest, where as a messenger bag is more of a dealer’s choice. (A shoulder bag is a larger category, and a crossbody bag is a daintier proposition, generally.)

Due to the strap position and the prevalent oblong shape, you get the weight distribution of a backpack with one less strap, which is nice, and that same design makes it easy to lock into place and also swing around when on the move. They also can be worn over a single shoulder, which offers some versatility, and because there tends to be a lot of surface area, it’s a pocket-amenable design.