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As someone who hasn’t checked a bag in more than five years of travel across the U.S. and abroad, I’ve thought a lot about what makes a good piece of carry-on luggage. A summertime European vacation calls for a sturdy wheeled suitcase, whereas backpacks will suit more rugged trips. Either way, the best carry-ons should be both capacious and easy to keep organized, with handy pockets and compartments. I prefer a carry-on that looks good, too, as I often take it out and about with me on the last day of my trip.
When it comes to shopping for luggage — especially online — it’s tough to know where to look and whether a suitcase will fit everything that you need inside. Luckily, my colleagues and I have tested all of these suitcases and bags ourselves, while also seeking advice from travel experts and frequent fliers about what they recommend. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best personal item bags, the best toiletry bottles, and the best Dopp kits for men. And here’s a guide to what counts as a personal item.
Update on November 14, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Weight and capacity
Most major U.S. airlines agree on the limits of a carry-on’s size (22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high, to be exact). All the luggage on our list meets those requirements, so I’ve instead specified liter capacity, as well as the weight of each piece when completely empty.
Hard-sided or soft-sided
All the cases featured here have spinner wheels, making them easier to maneuver, and most of them are hard-sided. With bags (which on this list, are all soft-sided), I’ve specified which kinds of straps and padding they have, as you’ll need to think about how they distribute the weight of your stuff.
Compartments
Again, this comes down to personal preference, and you may have your own system to keep your essentials organized. But if you’re anything like me and you need to frantically check for your passport every five minutes, various pockets are really handy. They’ll also help you easily grab your laptop and liquids when heading through security.
Warranty
I’ve highlighted the warranty on each carry-on and the kinds of damage it covers. Most companies I’ve listed will fix faults that are due to manufacturing defects, but general wear and tear isn’t covered.
Best carry-on overall
Weight and capacity: 7.5lbs, 7.9 lbs, 39.8 liter, 47.9 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Organizational compartments, laundry bag | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
The Away carry-on has been recommended to us by travel experts time and time (and time) again, and several Strategist staffers are proud owners. I’ve been testing the Bigger Carry-on, which has a 50-liter capacity yet still fits in most overhead bins, over the past couple of months. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths, who lives in Europe (where airline luggage requirements are much stingier), has been testing the original, smaller size and is surprised by how much she can fit into it. Both sizes are lightweight and minimalist, helping you avoid nasty extra fees at the check-in counter.
I think the Away carry-on’s spinner wheels are its most underrated design feature. Griffiths’s street in London is cobblestoned, so she previously dreaded lugging suitcases along it. “But the sturdy wheels meant the Away didn’t rattle as much as I’d anticipated,” she says. And on flat surfaces, just a flick from my finger sends the case gliding.
The brand’s warranty is also worth noting. Strategist editor Maxine Builder’s internal zipper broke in March 2019, and she emailed Away to ask if this damage was covered. “There was a fair bit of back-and-forth over the next four months,” she says. “But I ended up with a replacement suitcase in exactly the same limited-edition colorway with the same hand-painted monogram, all for free.”
Best less-expensive carry-on
Weight and capacity: 6.2lbs, 6.7 lbs, 40 liter, 48 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Organizational compartments, laundry bag | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Quince, the five-year-old start-up that seems to make a little bit of everything, recently added rolling luggage to its growing inventory (which also happens to include my favorite set of linen sheets). In terms of weight and feel, Quince’s affordable cabin suitcases are surprisingly similar to Away’s. They come in two sizes, both a smidge larger yet more lightweight than their more expensive competitors. Both are made from polycarbonate, which is the most durable form of suitcase plastic. When I nudged an Away Bigger Carry-on and Quince Carry-on across my apartment floor side by side, their wheels carried them about the same distance, and their retractable handles are almost identical in form and function. Both brands use YKK zippers and TSA-approved combination locks. Inside, the compression compartments and removable laundry bag are also essentially the same. And Quince recently introduced a limited lifetime warranty on its suitcases that offers protection against defects like broken handles and zippers — mimicking Away’s famous replacement guarantee.
Best ABS carry-on
Weight and capacity: 7.3 lbs, 37 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Compressed compartments | Warranty: Three-year warranty
This budget-friendly case is a favorite of writer Robin Reetz. It’s cheaper than the options above because it’s made from ABS, which is a less durable plastic than polycarbonate. But when Griffiths tested it, she was struck by how durable the shell felt (and even punched it a few times for good measure, to a satisfying thud sound).
Although the case is made of cheaper materials, both Reetz and Griffiths found that its compartments and 360-degree spinner wheels perform very well. “It’s really perfect for a weekend or a four-to-five-day trip,” Reetz says. “I’ve traveled recently with friends who have Away and Delsey luggage, and all of them are now thinking about getting this bag.” It feels noticeably smaller, though, and as Griffiths was attempting to squeeze her boots inside, she did find herself longing for the extra few liters of her Away case.
Best statusy carry-on
Weight and capacity: 7.1 lbs, 37 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Flexible compartments | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
A Rimowa case is like the Frette sheets of luggage: luxurious but expensive. Part of the luxury is how it streamlines common annoyances. It slots seamlessly into overhead bins and glides through the airport on its resilient spinner wheels. Taymoor Atighetchi, the founder and CEO of Papier, put it simply: “Nothing beats Rimowa’s smooth wheels.”
You also get the brand’s Multiwheel system, adjustable dividers, a sturdy telescopic handle, and TSA-approved locks. The Essential Cabin’s polycarbonate shell makes it much lighter than a classic aluminum Rimowa. This means you can almost treat it like a checked bag, without the weight, according to fashion content creator Isabel Tan, who recently squeezed 15 outfits into hers for a trip to Bali. Stylist Tina Leung, who fills her case to the brim, agrees. Like Away, Rimowa offers a lifetime guarantee on its cases, and Leung told us that almost every destination she has traveled to has a place to pop in for repairs. “If the wheels break off or something, it’s so easy to just go and get it fixed,” she says. “There’s pretty much one in every major city.”
Best carry-on for longer trips
Weight and capacity: 8.25 lbs, 39-liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Compression shelving | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Solgaard’s polycarbonate closet case is an absolute revelation. I first heard about it from Kiki Reginato, New York Magazine’s senior director of e-commerce operations. “This case has space — and then some. I have the smallest one, and I’ve taken it on many ten-day trips,” she says. The case has a set of compression compartments that unfold to create a makeshift closet — eliminating the need to unpack into a real closet. The Solgaard had space for the weekend essentials that Griffiths packed in the July and the Away (to recap: three tops, jeans, a skirt, a dress, two bikinis, underwear, socks, pajamas, a bulkier jumper, toiletries, trainers, and a hair dryer).
But it had an added bonus: When she tested it, she could clearly see where everything was. And compressing the clothes is satisfying, too. “Once you pack everything, you can pull the straps on the side and it presses everything into this compact mass of clothing,” says Reginato. “It’s kind of like a vacuum seal.” Most airlines worldwide accept her medium 39-liter bag, and you can take the large-size case on most U.S. airlines.
Best aluminum carry-on
Weight and capacity: 10.1 lbs, 35 liter | CaseHard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Laundry bag and compression bands | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Aluminum cases have plenty of attractive qualities. They’re far more durable than both polycarbonate and soft-side cases, there’s less chance they’ll crack, and they often use clamps instead of zips, making them even more secure. Less attractive, though, is their price point — the classic Rimowa aluminum case is an eye-watering $1,500.
But just like its polycarbonate case, the Away aluminum version is worth the money: It actually has the same features as the more expensive Rimowa for a fraction of the price. That includes the sturdy shell and clamp closing — which travel writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon says are ultra-secure — as well as the spinner wheels, telescopic handle, and built-in lock that I like so much about the original Away case. All in all, it’s a great more affordable option for any travelers who have their heart set on aluminum. Just remember that metal suitcases are a few pounds heavier than their plastic counterparts.
Best soft-side carry-on
Weight and capacity: 7.7 lbs, 47 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft sided | Compartments: Laundry bag, shoe bags, compression pockets, waterproof pocket, exterior pockets | Warranty: Limited lifetime
I’ve recently been testing Travelpro’s new VersaPack+ suitcase, which is more aesthetically pleasing than some of the brand’s other durable but rather utilitarian-looking luggage pieces. It has additional design features too: Each suitcase comes equipped with an internal compression packing cube system, two shoe bags, and a laundry bag. There’s also a completely waterproof compartment for toiletries. I like that this suitcase is fully equipped for adventure and that you don’t need to purchase additional packing cubes to complete your system. I’m also very impressed by the sturdy metal telescoping handle and smooth spinner wheels, which also happen to match the exterior fabric color. This is a nice touch that makes the suitcase look much more elevated. Travelpro is a brand that’s used and recommended by flight crews around the world because its products last a long time and can also be easily repaired. I feel really confident that mine will last me for many years.
Best less-expensive soft-side carry-on
Weight and capacity: 5.4 lbs, 46 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft sided | Compartments: Two exterior compartments, lid pocket, and device pocket | Warranty: Five years
Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 has the same build quality and limited-lifetime warranty as the VersaPack+ above — it just lacks the interior packing compartments and cute colored wheels. Still, TripSavvy’s former general manager Molly Fergus is a big fan of this “basic but effective” suitcase, and Strategist readers are too. It’s one of the best-selling picks in our story on the best rolling luggage, while also being a best seller from our Travel 100 (a list of all the best travel items we’ve ever written about.) Fergus is easily able to squeeze her clothes and essentials inside, and she says that the wheels are tough enough to be “dragged across sand, dirt, and cobblestones.” As the name implies, this suitcase is also very lightweight, which is helpful for overpackers or people with back issues.
Best carry-on case with a laptop pocket
Weight and capacity: 8.25 lbs, 45 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided shell with soft-sided pockets | Compartments: Dedicated laptop pocket | Warranty: Two-year warranty for manufacturing faults
This case’s shell and wheels are hardy, and the pocket is “great to quickly tuck in your laptop and get it out fast through security,” says Brittany Allyn, founder of Thirty Waves. It also rolls along quickly and smoothly. As Allyn puts it, “having a bag that can fit as much as possible (because I’m an overpacker and not afraid to say so) and can get me to my gate ASAP is most important.” The bag is also a tried and tested favorite of Strategist deals editor Sam Daly, who’s been traveling with it since 2019. Daly appreciates the steadfast lock and a small but mighty selection of colorways (the sage green looks similar to Rimowa’s Bamboo).
Best carry-on duffel bag
Weight and capacity: 2.7 lbs, 40 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided with handles and shoulder straps | Compartments: Various handy pockets | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
We recently named the Black Hole by Patagonia the best overall weekend bag as praised by Strategist editors and frequent travelers. To give you an idea of how much you can fit inside, Pruzan co-founder Lexy Copithorne told us she packed “everything for a two-week trip, including city and surfwear” inside her Black Hole. “That included two sweaters, several fitted tanks and running sets, two pairs of sneakers, boots, a few swimsuits, and my toiletry bag,” she says. While the bag is lightweight (at less than three pounds) and water resistant thanks to a waxy coating, the strap design is what makes it a thoughtful travel companion. If you’ll be trekking far, the over-the-shoulder strap can be switched out for backpack straps to give your shoulders a respite.
Best carry-on backpack for short trips
Weight and capacity: 3.7 lbs, 35 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided with shoulder straps | Case vs. bag: Bag with shoulder straps | Compartments: Mesh packing cubes | Warranty: One-year return period
The Cotopaxi Allpa is one of those rare products that’s as good as the people on TikTok say. Essentially a soft suitcase with backpack straps, it’s easy to organize as it has built-in packing cubes made from colorful see-through mesh and, unlike most backpacks that just unzip at the top, a butterfly opening allows you to see and rummage around those cubes easily. I took mine on a train trip through Morocco last summer, and it earned many admirers on the journey. Writer Margaret Eby used it to take a change of clothes, a laptop, snacks, a sun hat, a jewelry case, a day purse, and even a crochet project on a ten-day trip to Italy. And she says it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you — no squishing required.
Best carry-on backpack for long trips
Weight and capacity: 4.5 lbs, 40 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided with shoulder straps | Case vs. bag: Bag with shoulder straps | Compartments: Large main compartment, adjacent zipped mesh compartment, laptop sleeve | Warranty: Lifetime
Tortuga is another brand that makes excellent suitcase-style backpacks that are ideal for using as carry-on luggage. I’ve recently been testing out this bag, which lacks the Allpa’s built-in packing cubes but does include a more built-out laptop sleeve with a few zips and compartments for small items. It is also larger in capacity without being too heavy or unwieldy. The sternum straps are comfortable and can be tucked away when not in use, the bag’s rectangular shape means it slots easily into overhead lockers, and I like that the exterior fabric is waterproof and easy to wipe down.
Some other carry-on luggage we’ve written about
Our experts
• Brittany Allyn, digital creator behind Thirty Waves
• Taymoor Atighetchi, the CEO and founder of Papier
• Gabby Beckford, travel blogger
• Lauren Chan, the CEO and founder of Henning
• Lexy Copithorne, co-founder of Pruzan Running
• Margaret Eby, writer
• Molly Fergus, TripSavvy’s former general manager
• Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, travel writer also known as Jet Set Sarah
• Summer Hull, Points Guy travel content director
• Jessie Hyman, co-founder of Pruzan Running
• Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor
• Briona Lamback, Buoyant Travel founder
• Tina Leung, stylist
• Heather Morris, actress, producer, and host of podcaster The Bystanders
• Robin Reetz, Strategist contributor
• Kiki Reginato, New York Magazine senior director of e-commerce operations and strategy
• Isabel Tan, fashion content creator
• Jenna Milliner Waddell, Strategist associate editor
• Andres Zuleta, travel expert and founder of Boutique Japan
Additional reporting by Rachael Griffiths.
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