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The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors

By Madison Flager

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.

American Tourister

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

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

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

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

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

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

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

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

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

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

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Monos

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

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

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

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

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

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

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

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

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

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

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

Shop all luggage at Bric's

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

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

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

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

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

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

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

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

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

Shop all luggage at Delsey

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

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

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

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

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

What size luggage should I buy?

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

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

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

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

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

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

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

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Bag for a Lifetime

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

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

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

Scott Gilbertson

Adrienne So

Christopher Null

Julian Chokkattu

Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

Matt Jancer

Martin Cizmar

Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

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The Best Suitcases for Checking

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.

For many travelers, the frequently discussed dream is to never check a bag. But life doesn’t always cooperate—sometimes you need a bigger suitcase.

After researching 30 pieces of checked luggage and testing eight finalists over many years, we can still say that the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who plan to check a bag. The bag easily holds two weeks’ worth of clothes, and it looks and feels fantastic. And it comes with a limited lifetime warranty against airline damage.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

This bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most travelers, without going over airline weight limits.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner

Same suitcase, but bigger.

If you need a checked bag that gives you the maximum allowable space, and you don’t mind paying an overweight-bag fee, the 29-inch model is the way to go.

Away The Medium

The best hard-sided checked suitcase.

This great-looking, relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage matches our hard-sided carry-on pic. It has the same top-of-the-line components—including wheels that roll as smoothly as any we’ve tested.

Away The Large

The best large hard-sided checked suitcase.

If you need to maximize your allowed space, and you aren’t worried about weight limits, this bag is, as the name implies, the largest one Away makes. Apart from its extra capacity, it’s identical to The Medium.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 26″ Spinner

Hefty luggage for a heftier price.

This bag provides the most satisfying packing experience money can buy. It can fit an additional week’s worth of clothing, when compressed, in the same amount of space as the Travelpro Platinum Elite bag offers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable 31″ Spinner

The same durable bag, but bigger.

This bag is for anyone who needs a somewhat ludicrous amount of space. Fully expanded, this bag is the biggest we’ve found. Fair warning: If you fill it full of clothes, you’re all but guaranteed to exceed airline weight limits.

Monos Hybrid Trunk

This type of luggage brings back the classic silhouette of upright steamer trunks. Due to their design, trunks are considered by some to be easier to pack and to maneuver.

Use promo code MOM

Testing takeaways

We’ve found that the stated dimensions and weights of checked suitcases tend to be more accurate than those of their carry-on counterparts.

Wheel quality can affect how well carry-ons roll, but this is less true for checked bags—their weight smooths out the ride.

Handle shape and size often dictate a carry-on’s usable space. In roomier, checked bags, however, they’re less of a factor.

We considered how well a suitcase handles when it’s fully packed, how durable its materials are, and whether it’s comfortable to use.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the larger, checked-luggage version of our Travelpro carry-on top pick , and everything we like about its diminutive sibling applies again here.

It’s made of a hard-wearing nylon that’s both sleek and durable. And it looks and feels like a bag that costs a lot more than it actually does.

For a checked bag, it’s also surprisingly nimble. That’s thanks to the height-adjustable handle and the magnetically locking MagnaTrac wheels, which make the bag noticeably easier to maneuver—especially when it’s loaded with 50 pounds of stuff. And this suitcase is protected by a lifetime warranty, with stated protections against airline damages.

Internally, the Platinum Elite is well organized, and it includes a built-in garment folder for formalwear, with a removable folding board (similar to the one in our upgrade pick ). If you need a little more space, consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner .

Note that with luggage this capacious, it’s easy to overpack and exceed the 50-pound (22-kilogram) weight limit imposed by most airlines. But if you’re willing to pay the fee, the Platinum Elite can easily withstand the extra weight.

For anyone who enjoys the look and simplicity of hard-sided luggage—as well as the comfort of knowing that this one is virtually impossible to overpack— The Medium suitcase from Away is an excellent choice with an excellent warranty.

Soft-sided luggage typically has a longer lifespan than hard-sided bags, typically made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate. And soft-sided luggage typically has features like exterior pockets, making organization easier. However, the differences in durability and utility between hard- and soft-sided luggage are increasingly marginal, and plenty of people prefer the aesthetic and additional color options of polycarbonate suitcases.

Away builds its luggage with high-quality components. We tested the Away bag for three years before first recommending it. This suitcase has been our pick for over six years now, and we are confident in its long-term durability and the reputation of Away’s limited lifetime warranty . Away also makes a bigger checked-luggage model, The Large . We’ve found, however, that it’s very easy to overpack suitcases of this size, even ones that are hard-sided.

If you identify as a frequent flier or a serious overpacker, or if you have a large family and are willing to invest in higher-quality luggage for traveling, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner .

Although the Travelpro Platinum Elite is great for the price, the Briggs & Riley Baseline bag is great, period. Every detail is made to the highest standards of any luggage maker—from the zippers to the wheels to a unique compression system (which lets you fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into the same volume as offered by the Travelpro bag).

You won’t get the unique styling that other luxury brands specialize in, but Briggs & Riley’s reputation for reliability and durability is unmatched. The bag also includes a garment folder, as the Travelpro bag does.

If things go awry, user-replaceable parts and a network of repair centers located around the world make quick fixes easy, and the reliable lifetime warranty covers repairs for any kind of damage. We’ve traveled with this durable bag for six years now on multiple national and international trips. And it’s still in great shape and a dream to pack. Also, its expanding capability has rescued us more than once when we wanted to bring something extra home.

Trunk luggage, including the Monos Hybrid Trunk , replaces the 50/50 split of a clamshell design with a deeper central compartment. It’s a small change, and it makes packing this type of case very pleasant.

However, this luggage seems best for destination travel, when you pack up once and unpack once. Living out of a trunk requires more layers of packing and unpacking. So using trunk luggage across multiple stops could seem potentially onerous, compared with using a bag that has a typical clamshell design.

Monos continues to impress us with its luggage lines and construction. But the Hybrid Trunk stands out for its reinforced aluminum frame and denser-feeling polycarbonate, and it has a lifetime warranty for any damage that renders the luggage unusable.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, the best checked luggage: travelpro platinum elite 25" expandable spinner, our pick for the best hard-sided luggage: away the medium suitcase, upgrade pick: briggs & riley baseline expandable spinner, the best trunk pick: monos hybrid trunk, other good suitcases for checking, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve been covering 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. Over the years, we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts : flight attendants for major airlines; product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies; and travel writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

We’ve spent more than 160 hours researching luggage, continually testing to understand what makes good luggage. In the nearly eight years we’ve covered this category, the products have evolved—and so has our thinking about what kind of luggage is best for most people. Based on what’s available and what different travelers prefer, we think the following travel bags are the best checked luggage you can currently find.

There may be thousands of different types of checked luggage available for sale. Even after we excluded models that didn’t meet our basic criteria—a reliable warranty, reputable luggage reviews, and quality materials—we found hundreds of bags worth testing. And we went on to evaluate the choices between nylon and polyester, the difference in wheel-bearing designs, why alloys in telescoping handles matter, and more.

Besides the suggestions from our experts, we researched editorial and user reviews of luggage, making sure to include popular brands, such as Samsonite and Tumi, as well as more-esoteric names, like Hideo Wakamatsu. In addition to our interviews with experts, we’ve spoken with assorted salespeople, brand engineers, and media-relations folks, to make sure we found the best models from each company.

If you want a general rundown of our testing process, check out the corresponding sections from our best carry-on luggage review , since our testing of the larger bags mirrored that process. But we did uncover some differences—mostly having to do with the larger size of checked luggage—that led us to modify our analysis.

The smaller the luggage, the more intricate the design must become to accommodate travelers’ needs. While testing carry-on luggage in the past, we found that company claims of luggage weight and measurements weren’t exactly precise, with capacities exaggerated and weights minimized. Oddly, for checked bags, we didn’t find so much fudging of the numbers. Our best guess is that with the looser size and weight restrictions for checked luggage, manufacturers aren’t as motivated to manipulate their figures when advertising their larger bags.

When we tested carry-ons, we noticed the varied and individual way that each bag handled rough surfaces, depending on their wheels and build quality. With checked bags, this wasn’t a problem. When any checked bag was fully packed, the weight carried it over the roughest of surfaces, without a strong discernable difference between models.

With bags this large, the subtler points of comparison aren’t as pronounced. For instance, the handle’s size and shape can significantly change a carry-on bag’s usable space and your overall packing experience. But when space limits aren’t an issue, this doesn’t really matter. As a result, we focused on the obvious design comparisons, including how these bags handled when full, how durable their materials were, and whether the bags were comfortable to use.

For the majority of families who fly less than 25,000 miles a year together, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best choice for checked luggage.

It’s the bag to compare others against. The Platinum Elite suitcase is a durable, attractively styled, well-organized bag for a reasonable price. It holds a full seven days’ worth of clothes for two people, and it’s protected by a warranty that covers carrier damage, as long as you register the bag within 120 days of purchase. (The registration is a very simple process, and it can be done in 5 minutes with a smartphone: Simply take a picture of the registration code, which comes with the luggage; send that picture to a number Travelpro provides; and fill out the form in the response link .)

During a trip to New Zealand, our tester was able to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes—without a laundry stop—and several pieces of camera equipment into the Platinum Magna (the previous, largely identical model of the Platinum Elite) without issue. Like every large piece of checked luggage we tested, the Platinum Elite comes only in a four-wheel (or “spinner”) configuration. More wheels mean more bits with the potential to break (as well as some reduction of interior space), but that’s a necessary compromise for bags this size, if you want any hope of managing them in a busy airport.

It shrugs off wear and tear. The Platinum Elite’s exterior is made of ballistic nylon, which can take more overall abuse than polycarbonate and will show less wear in the long run. As we’ve said with regard to carry-ons , we don’t think polycarbonate hard-shell bags are as versatile or durable as soft-sided nylon bags. (Travelpro tests its bags by filling them with 70-pound loads and passing each handle through 7,500 automated lift tests.)

Hard-shell bags usually weigh about 4 pounds less than soft-sided equivalents. However, their increased failure rate and affinity for displaying scratches and wear aren’t worth it, unless the bag’s contents really need the extra protection from sharp jabs.

The soft fabric design allows for extra flexibility and the inclusion of exterior pockets, for quick access to small items. The Platinum Elite has two pockets: a flat one (suitable for documents and boarding passes) and an accordion-style one (which provides extra storage for miscellaneous small items; this can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids and need quick access to extra-small toys, coloring books, clothes, or other supplies).

Organization makes the dream work. During her three-week trip in New Zealand, photographer Caleigh Waldman said of the earlier, nearly identical model in the Platinum line, “On this trip I never stayed in the same location for more than three days and was forced to constantly unpack, repack, and maneuver [the bag]. Usually living out of any suitcase makes me crazy, but the many zip compartments [of this bag], both inside and out, make it easy to compartmentalize your things. The pockets, zippers, and interior liner seemed sturdy, and the large pull-back cover allowed me to access everything I had in the bag with ease.”(Full disclosure: Years later we married, but I don’t think that influenced her review.)

Similar to its smaller Travelpro sibling, the Carry-On Rollaboard , this suitcase has a built-in garment folder (or “suiter”). Additionally, a 2-inch-wide expansion zipper runs along three sides of the Platinum Elite, allowing the bag to accordion-open a touch, if you need the extra space (though we found this more useful as a way to compress what you’ve already packed than as an additional-space-providing feature).

It moves through the world with ease. The Platinum Elite handles beautifully for its size. Its aluminum handle extends to three different heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42½ inches). Although every bag we tested for this guide had similar levels of maneuverability, the Premium Elite’s MagnaTrac wheels, which align in the same direction, rolled past the rest of the competition with ease. On smooth surfaces, like those found in airports, it felt as if the bag were almost directing itself across the floor.

During her trip, Caleigh appreciated this suitcase’s smooth rolling, even when the bag was overpacked, saying, “It was not always easy to maneuver on rough or gravelly surfaces. Overall, though, given the limitations of traveling with this much stuff, I thought [this bag] did a great job moving through a variety of environments.” And it has sealed wheel bearings; these extend the wheels’ life by preventing dirt and grime from entering and breaking down the components as quickly. That’s a feature not usually found on cheaper bags. And chances are good that if a bag isn’t clearly advertising sealed bearings, you should assume it doesn’t have them. If, for whatever reason, the wheels do break, you can easily swap them out yourself with Travelpro’s readily available replacements .

It’s light yet cavernous. The Platinum Elite weighs 9 pounds 8 ounces when empty, which is average to heavy among checked bags. That’s a workable weight, though, for the bag’s spacious, 6,982-cubic-inch interior—twice what its carry-on sibling can hold! But when you’re selecting luggage this large, weight shouldn’t be your primary concern because all of the bags we tested felt about equally heavy once fully packed. The important thing is that, in our testing, the Platinum Elite swallowed up a week’s worth of clothes for two people with no problem, with a good deal of room to spare.

Travelpro also sells a Platinum Elite model that’s 29 inches tall . It’s important to emphasize just how absurdly large this suitcase is for most people. Given its capacity of 7,710.6 cubic inches (143 liters), the challenge here is to pack without breaking airline weight limits. I suppose if you were on a (very) long cruise, a bag this size might make sense.

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After my wife’s world travels, a neighbor borrowed this bag for their children’s college travels (Hawaii to New York), making several trips over the past few years. The Platinum Elite is still going strong.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We should note that bags of this size can hold almost too much. The Platinum Elite bag already weighs over 9 pounds. So when you pack it to its limits, it may be hard to keep it below the 50-pound weight limit of most airlines—and that means extra fees. But this is true of all checked luggage.

During her New Zealand trip, Caleigh Waldman packed the Platinum Magna 2 (29-inch model) for two weeks, with enough clothes, toiletries, and different types of shoes and activewear for the terrain. Though she didn’t fill the bag completely, she still found that her luggage came in over the 50-pound limit. “Every flight I took, I had to cough up the overweight-baggage fee, and it was a monster to carry up stairs and toss into car trunks,” she said.

We still think most travelers would be better off with one of our soft-sided picks than with a hard-sided carry-on. That’s because soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But if you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage, or you want the security of knowing you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Medium is the one we recommend.

From wheels to warranty, it’s the best polycarbonate option. Its wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than its hard-sided competitors. And it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

It provides more than enough space. The Medium weighs 9.9 pounds and measures 26 by 18.5 by 11 inches—a fairly standard weight and size for checked luggage this size. (By comparison, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch bag weighs 9.8 pounds and measures 28 by 18.5 by 11.75 inches.) If you need extra room,  Away’s The Large offers the maximum allowed space in a piece of checked luggage. The Large weighs 11.6 pounds and measures 29 by 20.5 by 12.5 inches. But with bags this big, it’s easier to overpack and exceed airline weight limits, which is why we recommend the Away Medium for most people.

Don’t sweat the flex. The Away bag’s modern and minimalist look comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately—according to every luggage designer we’ve ever interviewed—more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks is to tear. Still, the shell feels similar to those of higher-end (and significantly more expensive) suitcases, such as the $1,000-plus Rimowa Essential Check-In M ; it’s strong and flexible, and the Away bag itself feels good in your hands.

Away builds its luggage with impressive components. The wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we’ve tested. We’ve rolled these wheels across every conceivable surface, from cobblestone streets to the smoothest airport surfaces, and they were always a pleasure to use. When we first started testing The Away bag, in 2016, we found that flexibility to be a liability, especially on airport carpets. The first version of this bag that I tested tended to flex into itself and jam up its own wheels when I pushed it in front of me. But I haven’t had that issue with any of this suitcase’s latest models.

Its interior matches its minimal exterior. The Away bag’s interior is almost as bare-bones as its exterior. Unlike our other picks, this bag has no included suiter or suit folder, but you can buy one for $85 . The interior is split in half: One side closes with a zippered flap, and the other side has a built-in compression panel and straps, which work decently well.

It’s better to stick with the basics. We tested Away luggage for three years before making our recommendation. We traveled with it ourselves across the country, and we lent models of the bag to several testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using them. Away makes two similar models of checked suitcases with an expandable zipper: The Medium Flex and The Large Flex . For all intents and purposes, these are the same overall bags as the standard Medium and Large, except for the expanding center zipper and the price (they each cost $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers. They feel like potentially just one more thing to break. Also, they can increase the likelihood of exceeding the airline’s weight limit. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

Like our other picks, the Away pairs with its matching carry-on : The models are virtually identical, except for their sizes. Matching your luggage sets is visually appealing. But the real value in matching your carry-on to your checked luggage is that the smaller suitcase can, when you’re back home, nest within the larger one. (This holds true for every set of luggage we’ve ever tested. Here’s why: Nesting luggage is the most economical way for luggage manufacturers to ship their wares from their factories overseas.)

The lack of a suit panel for important items, like dresses and suits, may limit this suitcase’s appeal for some travelers. With a bag that has this much space, though, there are other ways to pack fancy clothes (video) without wrinkling them.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worth investing in luggage that goes beyond the minimums and somehow improves your travel experience. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner is that kind of bag. It costs more than twice as much as our top soft-sided pick, but after using all of these bags side by side, I’m sure there’s more than twice as much value hidden within this luggage: This is one of the best checked luggage systems we’ve found for international travel.

It has the best compression system. This suitcase’s most impressive feature is its compression system. Briggs & Riley’s proprietary compression system is superior to anything else we’ve seen—it allows you to fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into a bag with the same external dimensions as those of the Travelpro Platinum Elite suitcase. To manage it, you pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag; this extends its depth by a full 2½ inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed without putting stress on the zippers. Then you simply push on the bag to compress it back down again, and a latch mechanism keeps it securely in place. Unlike cheaper zippered expansion systems, which are either fully open or closed (like the Delsey bag’s ), this one can lock in at variable degrees of expansion or compression. This suitcase is unique and satisfying to use. (If you prefer a polycarbonate shell, Briggs & Riley has designed a similar compression system around a hard-shell case, for its Sympatico Spinner line. Still, we prefer the pliability of a soft-sided shell for any compression system.)

Measuring the extra capacity of the Baseline isn’t exact. The bag’s base (that is, where the wheels are) measures an inch deeper than the top of the bag (where the handle is); this design is, I believe, to make the base of the bag heavier when fully packed. At the base, the exterior of the Baseline Medium measures 25 by 18.5 by 10 inches; expanded, it measures 25 by 18.5 by 12 inches.

It takes hits like a brick. The Baseline Medium’s exterior is wrapped in 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which is durable and puncture resistant. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) But even more impressive is what’s underneath the nylon. The Baseline Medium’s frame is the strongest we’ve seen among any of the soft-sided luggage we tested. This bag can take considerable pressure from any angle. Like the Travelpro Platinum Elite, the Baseline Medium has two external pockets: a small one for tickets and passports and a larger one for small items or light outerwear. Briggs & Riley also makes a 31-inch Extra Large version of this bag, with nearly 10,000 cubic inches of interior space. It’s a good bag, but we can’t see the point of something this large. As it is, you can easily exceed most airlines’ weight limits packing the Medium to capacity.

Similar to its carry-on version, the Baseline Medium’s handrail tubes are on the outside of the bag; this makes the inside back wall almost completely flat, so packing is easier because there are no crevices to work around. We liked this feature for lighter carry-on luggage, since exterior plastic handrail tubes can protect the bag when it’s going over an edge, without risking too much damage. However, that all changes when you’re bouncing a 50-pound bag over a curb; in that case, an exposed handrail system seems like an unnecessary risk, especially since there’s so much room for an internal rail system.

Trunks are a welcome new addition (reimagined from a somewhat older tradition) to checked-luggage lines. Longer than they are wide, modern travel trunks—including our pick, the Monos Hybrid Trunk —stand out against the more-common squat, square luggage of the last few decades.

It has a pleasant shape, and it’s easy to maneuver. The Monos Hybrid measures 30 by 15.7 by 14.3 inches, with a capacity of 6,735.3 cubic inches, and it weighs 13.2 pounds. Imagine something like a small steamer trunk, except without the team of stevedores to move it.

In our early testing, we’ve found that the Monos Hybrid, with its taller, narrower shape, is easier to wheel around than other checked luggage. There’s something about the four wheels’ relative proximity to one another that gives the trunk a remarkable agility across most surfaces. Its wheels make it handle more like a carry-on bag than the other checked luggage we tested.

It’s a pleasure to pack. This element is harder to explain. Packing the trunk somehow just feels more pleasant than packing other types of luggage. Maybe it’s the main compartment’s higher walls, which give a comforting feeling of placing your clothes deep within the confines of a box. Or perhaps it’s the shape’s somewhat vintage appeal, bringing up nostalgia for a type of travel you’ve never experienced except in movies. Packing clothes into the Hybrid Trunk for a long journey is like stepping back in time just for a moment.

That said, unlike the steamer trunks of yore, the modern Monos Hybrid doesn’t have a ton of extra organization. One side has a fabric cover that completely zips in the contents; the other side has a compression panel with two zippered pockets. That said, for most modern travelers using (I hope) a good set of packing cubes , these simple dividers should be plenty to keep everything in the right place.

The Hybrid Trunk does away with the standard zipper closure, opting instead for an aluminum frame that runs along the seam of the luggage, where a zipper might have been. The case has two TSA locks, which close with a satisfying latch. We’ve reviewed a few bags with latches like this, and they’re great. Our only concern is that these locks have lots of small moving components, which could be a weak point over time.

It’s made for long, tough journeys. The only trunk models we’ve seen so far are made of polycarbonate. The Monos Hybrid immediately stands out with three details: an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, aluminum corner guards, and a reassuringly robust polycarbonate.

The Monos Hybrid Trunk, like our other picks, is protected by a lifetime warranty.

• The one potential flaw we’ve found so far (we’ve tested trunks for only a few months) is that a trunk design may require more packing and unpacking to find what you need if you’re making lots of stops while traveling. A suitcase with a clamshell design, on the other hand, has both sides more or less open to you for easier access.
• Like the Away, the Monos Hybrid Trunk doesn’t have a dedicated suit folder or suit compartment for dresses or formal wear. Again though with this much space to pack in, there are a number of ways to protect clothes like this.

If the Monos Hybrid Trunk is unavailable: Consider Away’s The Trunk , which has a similar design (apart from having a zipper, instead of latches) for a similar price. However, though we’re generally fans of Away’s luggage, The Trunk isn’t as satisfying to use as the Monos Hybrid . The Away Trunk’s shell is flexible and its body is light, so it lacks the robust feel of the Monos Hybrid.

The Delsey Helium Aero , our previous hard-sided pick, comes in a 25-inch and a 29-inch version, so you can choose how much capacity you need. Like the Away suitcase, this bag is made of 100% polycarbonate, so it should last longer than cheaper, less-durable ABS plastic suitcases. However, Delsey’s 10-year limited warranty doesn’t match Away’s limited lifetime warranty.

Briggs & Riley makes excellent luggage, but we don’t think you need to spend this much on a hard-sided case without any extra frills, like the Briggs & Riley Torq Medium Spinner .

The Delsey Peugeot Large Trunk Spinner has a similar zipperless design as the Monos Hybrid, but the Peugeot bag lacks the corner guards and, more importantly, the lifetime warranty. Instead, the Peugeot is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Rimowa defined hard-sided luggage in the 1940s and redefined it in 2000, when it introduced polycarbonate luggage. But paying just over $1,000 for “virgin German polycarbonate” is silly. These bags, including the Rimowa Essential Check-In M , are smart-looking, though.

If you’ve ever wondered how much people pay for those handsome aluminum pieces of luggage, we’ll tell you: at least four figures. The Rimowa Classic Check-In M is twice as expensive as a ticket to Europe, yet it’s little more than a status symbol.

We also tested and dismissed Pelican and Samsonite suitcases that have since been discontinued.

We’re taking a look at the Level8 Voyageur Check-In . Its standout feature is the unusually wide handle, which seems to help its handling. The Level8 bag is less expensive than other luggage of its size and apparent quality. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. To make a decision, however, we do need to study the handle and the build quality a bit longer.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

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Here are the top 100 picks that our readers loved in March, from luggage to hiking boots.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks of March 2024

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The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Coordinate your suitcases with matching picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong

Investing in a luggage set makes sense if you’re a frequent traveler using more than one suitcase (either at a time or for different kinds of trips). From an aesthetic point of view, a coordinated luggage set looks smart. It is usually more affordable than buying each piece separately, and your suitcases are guaranteed to nest inside one another for easy, space-saving storage. Luggage sets typically include two or three pieces. Some brands offer pre-selected sets, while others give you the freedom of building your own set, often with the option of customizing colors, sizes, and features. 

To help you find the best luggage set, we tested some of the most popular options currently on the market in the TripSavvy lab and the real world. Each was evaluated for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value, resulting in a total score that determined category winners from “Best Budget” to “Best for Business Travel.”

Final Verdict

How we tested, other luggage sets we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, samsonite hardside spinner.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Effortless movement

Ultra-modern aesthetic

Roomy without excess bulk

It could use more interior pockets

The Freeform Hardside Set from the tried-and-tested suitcase brand Samsonite includes a 21-inch carry-on spinner and a large 28-inch spinner. Both feature polypropylene, a durable hard plastic that stood up well to our testing process with barely any scuffs. It’s also incredibly lightweight, with the carry-on weighing just 6.5 pounds and the checked bag tipping the scales at 9.6 pounds. We loved the minimal, streamlined look of this luggage set and the bags’ deceptively large packing capacity. We could fit everything on our packing list without employing the handy expansion feature. 

Both suitcases feature a divider and enough pockets for efficient organization. We appreciated the cross-ribbon, which helps keep everything in place, but we would have liked a waterproof section for dirty laundry. The suitcases excelled in maneuverability, with four double spinner wheels and a sturdy, retractable pull handle offering the smoothest glide of any of the bags we tested. They were equally maneuverable over different surfaces and at different speeds, and we loved the easy transition between two and four wheels. Other highlights include an integrated ID tag and a TSA-approved combination lock. 

Pieces Included: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch, 28-inch | Materials: Polypropylene | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

Amazonbasics hardside three-piece set.

Burly, resilient construction

Impressive value

Top-notch maneuverability

No TSA-approved lock

This three-piece luggage set from AmazonBasics costs less than a single suitcase from many other brands on this list. It includes a 21-inch carry-on, a 26-inch checked bag that's perfect for short trips, and a larger 30-inch checked bag. All three suitcases feature extra-thick ABS plastic with a scratch-resistant finish that surpassed all expectations during our stringent durability tests. We loved these suitcases' simple yet sleek design and were impressed with how they moved on carpet and concrete. 

We especially liked that they could handle bumps and turns on all four wheels. The suitcases have double spinner wheels for 360-degree mobility and a well-made telescoping handle. You can also use the top handle for easy lifting on and off the luggage scale. Interiors feature 150-denier polyester, a divider, and three zippered pockets. We fit everything on our packing list before using the expansion feature but liked that we had that option if required. Choose your set in black, navy blue, blue, or orange. 

Pieces Included: 3 | Sizes: 21-inch, 26-inch, 30-inch | Materials: ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes

Best Hardside

Travelpro platinum elite medium check-in hardside set.

Solid handle with contoured grip

Easy to spin and move

Charging capabilities

One of the most expensive options

Those with room in the budget for high-end, branded hardside luggage will no doubt love the Platinum Elite set from Travelpro. It includes two pieces: a 21-inch carry-on and a 25-inch checked spinner. Both have 100 percent polycarbonate shells with a genuine leather trim and aluminum corner armor. The latter adds to the luggage’s sleek aesthetic and helps it to emerge undamaged from being beaten with a bat during testing. The carry-on has an external power bank pocket and fast-charge USB-A and USB-C ports. 

Both suitcases open clamshell-style, with two zippered divider panels and multiple accessory pockets. We liked that they offer a water-resistant pocket for damp laundry or toiletries and that the checked bag features adjustable compression straps. We could fit all of our belongings but did have to employ the expansion feature, which made the carry-on quite a squeeze to fit into our simulated overhead compartment. Nevertheless, we loved the set’s maneuverability with smooth-turning wheels and a comfortable textured handle. 

Pieces Included: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch, 25-inch | Materials: Polycarbonate | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Softside

Travelpro platinum elite expandable softside spinner set.

Plenty of storage solutions

Smart features

Scratch- and scuff-resistant fabric

Less spacious than some competitors

For softside fans, the fabric version of Travelpro’s Platinum Elite luggage set is an obvious choice. Featuring a 21-inch spinner, a 25-inch spinner, and a 29-inch spinner, it includes a suitcase for every occasion—all of them made from high-density nylon with a DuraGuard coating, leather accents, and chrome zippers. The set sustained zero marks or damage even after extensive drops and bat beatings. The carry-on boasts an integrated USB port and external battery pocket, while all three offer a drop-in, fold-out suiter to keep garments wrinkle-free. 

We were impressed with the organizational features, with multiple interior and exterior zippered pockets, a divider, and a compression system. One pocket is waterproof, making it handy for toiletries or other damp items. This set also utilizes the brand’s PrecisionGlide system, with self-aligning wheels and an airline-grade aluminum handle with four height settings and a contoured grip. We found the bags maneuvered well, although it took a little more effort on two wheels. Sets are available in a range of colors including black, blue, and Bordeaux. 

Pieces Included: 3 | Sizes: 21-inch, 25-inch, 29-inch | Materials: High-density nylon | Expandable:  Yes

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Best for Business Travel

Beis luggage bundle.

Plenty of opportunity to customize

Cushioned tech compartment

Overweight alert

Can feel a little unwieldy

The Béis Luggage Bundle is completely customizable, with the ability to choose two or three pieces from a range of options, including hard- and softsided carry-ons, 26-inch spinners, and 29-inch spinners. You can match materials or choose some of each, while colors (ranging from professional black or navy to eye-catching maple) are also selected individually. Common features include water-resistant zippers (ideal for business trips in inclement weather), an integrated TSA-approved lock, and a weight indicator built into the side carry handle. 

We love the amazing storage capacity offered by each suitcase, with compartments on both sides and useful drawstring bags included for your shoes or dirty laundry. We especially like this luggage for business travelers because of the padded divider for storing your laptop securely. Other highlights include the 360-degree Hinomoto wheels and the cushioned pillow handle—both of which make travel a breeze no matter how often you’re on the road. We found the suitcases easy to turn around tight corners and over bumps, even on carpet. 

Pieces Included: 2 or 3 | Sizes: 21-inch, 26-inch, 29-inch | Materials: Polycarbonate or polyester | Expandable: Optional

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Organization

Away suitcase sets.

Thoughtful and functional extras

Option for adjustable capacity

Choice of materials

Not all colors available in every size

If you're looking for a top luggage brand with great customer service, Away gives you options to build your luggage set from scratch. Start by choosing your carry-on (the brand offers a standard and a plus-size option), then add The Medium and/or The Large, with the biggest savings reserved for three-piece sets. Opt for polycarbonate or aluminum—we tested the polycarbonate, which stood up well with no dents and only a few superficial scratches. We liked that the suitcase came with a special sponge for removing these. Then, choose the Classic or the Flex version (the latter is expandable). 

You can choose the same color for each piece or go for different ones with shades such as black, green, asphalt, and blush. We loved the look of this luggage and how organized it is. Each piece opens into two halves separated by a zippered divider. An interior compression system keeps everything in place, while a hidden laundry bag provides space for your dirty items. Finally, the 360-degree spinning wheels guarantee smooth-gliding, quick-turning mobility. Top, side, and underside grab handles make lifting easy. 

Pieces Included: 2 or 3 | Sizes: 20-inch, 21-inch, 24-inch, 27-inch | Materials: Polycarbonate or aluminum | Expandable: Optional

Best Checked

Samsonite winfield 2 hardside luggage set.

Good interior layout

Handles well over most terrains

Cleverly patterned shell disguises any cosmetic damage

Limited colors on the official site

If you frequently take extended trips and need a dependable choice of checked bags, the three-piece Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion Set includes both a 24-inch and a 28-inch suitcase and a handy carry-on. All three feature lightweight polycarbonate, which flexes under stress and then pops back into place—a phenomenon we saw for ourselves during our testing process. We liked that the brushstroke coloration effectively hid any scuffs or scratches, keeping your suitcases looking smart for longer. 

Each one is split into two halves by the zippered divider, which includes integrated pockets for maximum organization. We appreciated the bags’ ample space, the compression feature for keeping everything in place, and how they can expand to accommodate the results of a vacation shopping spree. With four multidirectional spinner wheels and a retractable handle, the set maneuvered smoothly over various surfaces, including concrete, carpet, and gravel. Extra features include a TSA lock and sturdy hoist handles. 

Pieces Included: 3 | Sizes: 20-inch, 24-inch, 28-inch | Materials: Polycarbonate | Expandable: Yes

Best Large Capacity

Delsey paris helium aero hardside luggage set.

Beautiful, distinctive colorways

Carry-on includes a cushioned tech sleeve

Not many interior pockets

If capacity is your top priority, you’ll love the three-piece Helium Aero luggage set from Delsey Paris. Made from polycarbonate, the suitcases survived our durability tests with a few barely noticeable surface scratches. We love the metallic jewel tones on offer and feel that they are both chic and easy to pick out at the luggage carousel. Including a carry-on, a small checked bag, and a large checked bag, the set opens clamshell-style to reveal two deep halves with plenty of space to spare. 

We could fit everything on our list with room left over, even before using the expansion feature. We did wish there were a few more pockets (interior organization consists of just two pockets, a zippered divider, and compression straps), but a set of packing cubes would provide an easy solution for those who prefer more structure. The carry-on has a separate front pocket with a padded laptop compartment. We found the suitcases easy to push or pull on hard floors and carpet and easy enough to pull on gravel. All suitcases have a TSA lock. 

Pieces Included: 3 | Sizes: 21-inch, 27.5-inch, 31.75-inch | Materials: Polycarbonate | Expandable: Yes

The Samsonite Freeform series is constantly topping our lists with its stellar performance and chic aesthetic. Maxing out every test, these cases particularly shine in maneuverability and generous capacity. If you are looking for a luggage set that gets the job done while leaving you enough money for the trip, we recommend the Amazon Basics Hardside Set .

First, we tested suitcase capacity by packing each one with a prescribed list of items meant to replicate a seven-day fall sightseeing trip (for checked bags) or a four-day trip (for carry-on bags). During the packing process, we evaluated the luggage’s storage and expansion features, noting how smooth the zippers were and how durable the overall construction was. 

Next, we tested maneuverability by pushing and pulling the suitcase over concrete, carpet, and gravel. We took each one through an obstacle course meant to simulate a busy airport or station, noting how easily the suitcase turned, how well it handled bumps, and how smooth the transition was from two wheels to four (and vice versa). 

Finally, we tested for durability by placing it on a counter and pushing it off multiple times. We also repeatedly beat it with a baseball bat, targeting potential weak areas, including the corners and wheel housings. We scored all suitcases from 1 to 5 for capacity, organization, maneuverability, durability, and value. Total scores informed our choice of category winners.

We tested individual pieces of luggage to make our evaluations. The following insights were gleaned from specific bags within the set as mentioned.

COOLIFE 2-Piece Set :  Although we only tested the carry-on in this set, we couldn't fault its long-lasting build or value. Though generally a solid option, we noticed the maneuverability was lacking (performing some tasks better on two wheels and some on four), and the internal compartment of the carry-on made packing bulky items a bit more complicated.

July Carry On & Checked Set : Stylish and well-designed with thoughtful touches such as internal compression pads and cloth bags for protection during delivery, this eye-catching set has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, our bat test left numerous scuffs on the light pink checked bag we tested, which also had difficulty rolling on uneven terrain.

Paravel Aviator Set Plus : The design, capacity, and maneuverability of the Aviator were all top-notch, and our tester loved that everything on our list fit into the Carry-on Plus with room to spare. It did show some scuff marks and blemishes, and though we think this is a great value, it isn't the cheapest set on the market.

What to Look For in Luggage Sets

While larger sets include an option for every travel scenario, smaller sets require you to decide between the suitcase sizes that best meet your needs. Usually, two-piece sets include a carry-on and either a medium or a large checked bag. The right choice depends on how long you typically travel, how many people you pack for, and where you usually go (cold destinations require bulkier layers than warm ones). Carry-on sizes vary from brand to brand. If you prefer a particular airline, check that the carry-on size of your chosen set is compatible with their size restrictions. As a general rule, expect international flights to have smaller weight allowances for carry-ons compared to domestic trips.

Suitcase materials come in two main categories: hardside and softside. Hardside luggage usually features polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or aluminum. The most popular materials for softside luggage are high-density nylon and polyester. Both options have their pros and cons. Many people like the modern look of hardside luggage, the fact that it provides rigid protection for their belongings (from both rough handling and thieves) and that it’s easy to clean. Others prefer softside luggage because it’s less prone to scratches, scuffs, and dents, while flexible sides are more forgiving for over-packers and oddly shaped items. 

Luggage sets on this list vary considerably, from just over $200 to just under $1,300—proving that there’s an option for almost any budget. While brand name and reputation determine much of the price, there are ways to minimize cost. Namely, sets with fewer pieces are obviously cheaper, while softside luggage is often more economical than hardside. Remember that it’s often worth investing a little bit more in a quality set that will stand the test of time, saving you from having to fork out more for a replacement in a few years. 

Purchasing a luggage set means always having the best-sized bag for your travels, whether you need a carry-on for an overnight business trip or a large checked bag for your annual family vacation . Usually, investing in a set is more economical than buying each piece separately. Coordinated luggage adds an element of seamless style to your travel look, especially since many brands design their pieces to fit together with connecting straps or sleeves. Finally, suitcase sets nest inside each other neatly, saving storage space at home and on the road. 

Most often, luggage sets have two or three pieces—typically, a carry-on and a medium or large checked bag. It’s also possible to find four- or five-piece sets, which add a matching duffel or under-seater. You should choose the set that best reflects your travel habits. For example, if you mostly travel solo on trips of a similar length, a two-piece set is likely sufficient. But, if your trips are less predictable, having a greater variety of suitcase sizes to choose from can be handy, while couples and families can share larger sets between them.

Some brands let you create your luggage set from scratch. You can choose how many pieces you want, which suitcase styles meet your needs best, the features you want, and your preferred colors. Often, pieces don’t have to match in color or style. This is a game-changer for those wanting different pieces for different family members at a single, discounted price or for those who plan on using each piece for a different occasion (a sober black carry-on for business, perhaps, and a pink checked bag for trips with friends).

Care guidelines differ from brand to brand and depend on the suitcase material. We always recommend checking individual manufacturer instructions before attempting to clean your luggage. However, as a general rule, hardside luggage made from polycarbonate or ABS is easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. You can remove dirt from softside luggage with a soft-bristled brush, while other stains may be successfully spot-cleaned. Either way, luggage should be fully dry when put away and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

All TSA-approved locks serve the same purpose—they allow your suitcase to be opened by a TSA agent with a master key rather than that agent having to damage your suitcase to see what’s inside. However, not all of them operate in exactly the same way, so the process for setting the code differs. Most come with easy instructions; if yours doesn’t, a quick search of the brand website should give you the answer you’re looking for. Otherwise, this website gives a good overview of different lock types. All TSA locks come with a factory code of 000.

Jessica Macdonald is the Africa travel expert for TripSavvy and a regular contributor to commerce round-ups relating to family and adventure travel. She is a frequent traveler with a firsthand understanding of the importance of a good luggage set, having visited more than 50 countries for everything from backpacking adventures to family vacations and research trips.

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The 9 Best Carry-on Luggage for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 11 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Luggage

“it has survived being dragged across sand, dirt, and cobblestones.”.

In this article

Best rolling luggage overall.

• Best less expensive
• Best for frequent fliers
• Best mixed material
• Best aluminum
• Best for overpackers

Best rolling-luggage set

• Best soft-side

Whether I’m running frantically toward the gate or strolling through security at a more leisurely pace, my trusty spinner suitcase makes travel so much easier. It’s helpful for keeping me organized once I arrive at my destination, too. Unlike most backpacks or duffels, the best rolling luggage has storage compartments, sturdy handles, and plenty of space. There’s something so pleasing about packing your items neatly before a trip, especially if your suit case has built-in compression storage.

To find rolling luggage for every kind of traveler, fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths and I tested a dozen or so different pieces, from stretchy nylon cases with warranties that last a lifetime to bash-resistant plastic luggage. We tended to prefer hard-side cases over a soft-side, and especially those with the aforementioned compression dividers, which allow for a bit of overpacking. While some pieces may cost more than others, we’ve also learned that if you’re not fussy about the type of plastics used (ABS costs less than polycarbonate but can withstand some real rattling in transit), there are bargains to be found. While you’re here, you may want to check out my guides to the best  Dopp kits  and the best  refillable toiletry bottles .

What we’re looking for

Hard-shell vs. soft-side.

Most experts I spoke to prefer hard-shell luggage, and I agree. It’s durable and easy to clean, it protects your clothes if it rains, and it’s harder for bedbugs to penetrate if you encounter any on your trip. The hard-shells on this list are made from either ABS, an inexpensive but less durable plastic; polycarbonate, a more durable but also lightweight material; or aluminum, which is slightly heavier, but the most durable. Most on this list are polycarbonate, but there are a few soft-sided pieces too, for those who haven’t made the switch yet. While they aren’t as durable, “from a repair standpoint, we always feel that the canvas soft-sided luggage is better than the hard-side luggage because you can repair canvas,” Tony Pecorella, president and CEO of Modern Leather Goods, a repair shop in Manhattan, says. He’s an authorized repairman for many of the luggage brands below and says someone comes in with a cracked hard-shell every day and “there’s no repairing them at all.” So in addition to soft-side suitcases being fixable, they’re also overpacking-friendly because you can stuff more in them than a rigid polycarbonate case (and finesse a larger carry-on to fit in an overhead bin, too.)

Our experts continuously raved about the wheels on their favorite suitcases, describing them as smooth and sturdy. Most were talking about their four spinner wheels, which make the suitcase much easier to push along as it can glide in all directions. For comfort and ease of use, four wheels is definitely the way to go and is our recommendation, but again, Pecorella says it’s not the best choice from a repair standpoint. “It is always stronger to have the case that has the two wheels on it,” he says. “Those wheels are encased, so the only thing that can really happen on those wheels is that they wear out eventually like tires on your car.” With the four spinners — which Pecorella fully admits to using personally — he says because they aren’t encased and just are attached to the bottom of the suitcase, you run the risk of them being banged off. “If you’re rolling off a curb or if you hit the escalator too hard, it’ll just snap the wheel right off,” he says. “That’s one of the biggest repairs we do here all day.” However, a good warranty should cover this (more on that below.)

Almost none of the suitcases on this list go the easy-repair route of being soft-side and having two wheels, and that’s because most have pretty good warranties. The biggest phrase you want to avoid is “limited to manufacturer’s defects,” which Pecorella says means they basically cover nothing and will attribute damage to wear and tear, or say it’s your fault or the airline’s fault. “Lifetime warranty” is ideal.

If you’ve checked an overweight bag before, you’ll know how much those extra charges can sting. Lightweight suitcases are ideal for overpackers — including myself — so I’ve included each case’s weight when empty.

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Weight: From 7.4 pounds  

If you’re after a relatively affordable suitcase that doesn’t have to be babied on cobbled streets and will survive being dragged up several flights of stairs, I’m not sure you can do much better than Away. The brand’s sturdy spinner wheels can truly take a battering, and they’ll also glide joyfully across flat surfaces when given the opportunity. 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. Griffiths, who lives in Europe (where airline luggage requirements are much stingier), tested the original, smaller size and was surprised by how much she could fit into it. All of the brand’s rolling-luggage pieces feature the same qualities essential to a modern suitcase and come highly praised by travel experts. Stephanie Be from travelbreak.net and Buena calls out the “TSA-approved lock, 360-degree wheels, tough hardware, and sleek design.” Kelly Farber , founder of KF Literary Scouting, took only the larger size on a three-week, seven-city business trip, and says, “That thing just would not quit.” Strategist editor Maxine Builder also has experience with the Away warranty after her internal zipper broke in 2019: “There was a fair bit of back-and-forth over the next four months, but I ended up with a replacement suitcase in exactly the same limited-edition colorway with the same hand-painted monogram, all for free.” Five years later, she’s still traveling with it.

Best less expensive polycarbonate rolling luggage

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited ten year | Weight: 7.9 pounds

Usually, cheaper hardside suitcases are made from ABS, a less durable plastic than the polycarbonate more expensive brands use. That’s why this case is such a rarity: It costs less than $200 (and is often on sale), and it’s made from the more durable polycarbonate. It also includes all of the features I’d expect from more expensive brands, like four 365-degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and a built-in USB port to use with a power bank. Travel blogger Courtney Vondran says that “it’s a great option for budget travelers or first-timer carry-on travelers who want nice pieces for more affordable prices.” So far, Vondran has taken her case with her on “road trips throughout the Midwest, a work trip to Egypt, vacation to L.A. , travel conference in Memphis, romantic getaway to Maine,” — and it’s all been protected by the case’s limited ten-year warranty, which covers any major damages beyond reasonable wear and tear.

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: None | Weight: From 6.2 pounds

Quince , the five-year-old start-up that seems to make a little bit of everything, recently added rolling luggage to its growing inventory . I’ve been testing out the brand’s carry-on-size suitcase as well as its larger, checked one, both made from the same durable polycarbonate that Away and Open Story use. In terms of weight and feel, Quince’s affordable suitcases are surprisingly similar to Away’s in particular. 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. One key difference: Quince does not offer a warranty on its products. If you’re a very frequent traveler and know you’ll be putting your luggage through its paces, that’s definitely something to consider. If you’re vacationing for only a couple of weeks each year, though, it’s potentially less of a deal-breaker.

Best less-expensive ABS rolling luggage

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: ABS hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited warranty | Weight: 7.3 pounds

This Amazon Basics case is made from the less durable plastic ABS, but it’s still one of Griffiths’s favorites. “In my experience, it’s rare to find a case that costs under $100 that can compete with more expensive brands,” she says. “As it is made from a cheaper plastic, I was surprised by how thick and sturdy the suitcase feels — it has a nice thud when you knock against the exterior.” As well as being thick, the exterior is also scratch resistant , and the case also has a well-designed handle, smoothly rolling wheels, handles for comfort, and a built-in lock. The warranty is where this bag falls slightly short, though (and may explain the cheaper price tag): it’s only a three-year limited warranty that protects against defects in materials and workmanship — which Pecorella says is the type to avoid.

Best rolling luggage for frequent fliers

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Five -year manufacturer’s guarantee | Weight: 7.1 pounds

The Rimowa Essential line of suitcases is excellent; more than ten experts we spoke with recommended the brand, but its extravagant price prevents it from taking the top spot on this list. If you do have the money to spare, it comes in 11 colors and two finishes and works like a dream. Owners especially praise the wheels. “I won’t pretend to understand all the physics behind the bearings and axles on Rimowa’s bags, but I do know they spin amazingly well through the airport,” Summer Hull, director of travel content at the Points Guy , says. Fellow travel writer Hillary Eaton also told me she had no problem lugging the case on a 48-hour journey from Vancouver to Machu Picchu by “tiny floatplane, three long-haul flights, a five-hour bus, and a two-hour train ride.” Several owners also pointed out how easy it is to get this suitcase repaired if anything goes wrong. However, while there’s a manufacturer’s guarantee of five years, it only applies if you remember to register your product when you purchase it. Otherwise, it lasts for only two.

Best rolling luggage for budget airlines

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: ABS hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: One-year limited | Weight: 6 pounds

I first learned about this teeny-tiny rolling case when researching the best personal-item-size luggage . It came recommended by Jasmine Anderson and Natasha Wilson , travel agents and co-hosts of the podcast  Travel Fly Sexy , as well as packing expert  Lauren Kelly . They all praise its snap-off spinner wheels that can slide miraculously into the cruelest of budget-airline baggage-sizers. (“Frontier lately is charging people for wheels and handles sticking out of the sizers,” says Kelly. “That means $100 extra for each leg of the trip.”) Measuring 18 by 14 by eight inches, the suitcase’s rectangular shape maximizes space and allows you to use packing cubes: “I have put a laptop and a week’s worth of clothes in the Take Off,” says Anderson. Kelly agrees that “it will give you the most packing space if your goal is a weeklong trip where you pack a personal item only.” The suitcase comes with a small bag to put its wheels in while your bag is being sized by airline staff; you can also just stash them in your pockets.

Best customizable rolling luggage

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Weight: 7.9 pounds

Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell calls July the “the Away of the Down Under.” And while the July Carry-on offers a lot of the same features as the Away, it has the added perk of a USB-C port so you can charge your iPhone or your laptop straight from the bag. July’s smallest carry-on weighs about half as much as Away’s, even though they both have similar liter capacities, and you can personalize it. This particular case sets itself apart with a removable fabric front pocket, which came in handy for Christine Wang, founder of TheSkiGirl who is generally a fan of soft-side luggage. If you’re traveling for work, everything you need is easily accessible, and instead of digging through your bag to remove your laptop at TSA, you can easily just snap this pouch off instead.

Best aluminum rolling luggage

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Aluminum hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Weight: 10.1 pounds

Aluminum cases are as tough as they come: unlike with plastic cases, you don’t need to worry about them cracking and spilling all your belongings. They often have the added security of a clamp rather than a zip, which again is less likely to burst. This case comes from Away and has all the same specs as my favorite case overall, though it’s slightly heavier, so you may have to pack a bit lighter if you’re checking it in. Despite this, travel writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon says there’s plenty of space for all the essentials she’d need for a three- or four-day trip. Swede White, who works for Amazon and has to travel monthly for his job, told me the only downside to this case is that he finds it scuffs easily. Away acknowledges that this will happen, alluding to it as developing a patina over time — if you prefer a pristine case, it all boils down to personal taste.

Best rolling luggage for overpackers

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Weight: 8.36 pounds

If, like me, you can’t travel without taking your entire closet, Béis’s luggage is for you. By unzipping an internal section, the bag expands by up to three inches — meaning you can shove that extra sweater inside. More stuff means a heavier bag, but Béis’s built-in weight-limit indicator ensures you don’t teeter over the 50-pound weight restriction for many checked bags. A red mark will appear if the luggage is over, which should save you some stress and money at the check-in counter. As well as a water-resistant zipper, travel blogger HeyCiara told me she appreciates how the case also has a TSA lock, a handle with ergonomic support, and a built-in laundry and shoe bag to prevent your clothes from getting soiled.

Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Lifetime | Weight: Various

If you’re traveling as a family, a set of luggage can be the most efficient and economic way to go. This suitcase set has accompanied Strategist senior editor Ailbhe Malone’s family on trips for two years. Aside from having everything you would expect from a great quality suitcase — “smooth wheels, extremely comfortable handle, more than enough space,” Malone says — these cases are eminently easy to store. That’s because they slot inside one another, meaning you can stash a whole family’s worth of luggage in the space of a single suitcase. The polycarbonate cases come in a range of 11 pleasing colors, and thanks to their construction, any scratches or scuffs will appear as the same shade as the case, no matter how deep. For bigger concerns, the set comes with a lifetime warranty, which covers the wheels, handles, and shells.

Best soft-side rolling luggage

Hard-shell vs. soft-side: Nylon soft-side | Compression strap | Wheels: Encased wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty | Weight: 5.4 pounds

From a repair standpoint, this suitcase is a dream. It’s made from easy-to-repair nylon and has just two encased wheels that won’t snap off. It expands up to two inches and has multiple compartments. None of this is groundbreaking, but that’s why I like this bag: It’s simple, effective, and on the less expensive side at under $200. TripSavvy ’s former general manager Molly Fergus told me she’s traveled with the bag across Miami, Cancun, and all over Europe: “It’s survived being dragged across sand, dirt, and cobblestones,” she says. Travelpro’s limited lifetime guarantee covers defects to the wheels, zippers, extension handles, and carrying handles, and this lasts for however long you own it. On top of that, for the first year, your product is backed by its Trusted Companion Promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage caused by an airline and covers the shipping cost for any product that needs to be shipped to one of its repair facilities.

Additional reporting by Rachael Griffiths

Some more rolling luggage we’ve written about

Our experts

•  Jasmine Anderson , co-host,  Travel Fly Sexy • Alexandra Baackes, travel blogger and founder of Wander Woman Retreats • Stephanie Be, founder of BUENA and blog Travel Break • Gabby Beckford , travel blogger • Kiana Brooks , luxury fashion buyer • Maxine Builder , Strategist editor • Hillary Eaton , food and travel writer • Kelly Farber, founder of KF Literary Scouting • Molly Fergus, former general manager of TripSavvy • Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief • Nicholas Gill , writer and photographer • Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon , travel writer • Summer Hull, director of travel content at The Points Guy • Jessie Hyman , co-founder of Pruzan Running • Ciara Johnson, travel blogger HeyCiara • Brian Kelly, The Points Guy • Lauren Kelly , packing expert • Ailbhe Malone , Strategist senior editor • Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel and lifestyle brand Black Tomato • Tony Pecorella, president and CEO of Modern Leather Goods • Laura Ratliff , travel writer • Robin Reetz, writer and VP of marketing at Rag & Bone • Lauren Ro, Strategist writer • Alex Sanchez , consumer marketing manager at G Adventures • Chris Schalkx, co-founder of Rice/Potato • Jane Stoller , author of Decluttering for Dummies • Courtney Vondran , travel writer • Christine Wang, founder of TheSkiGirl • Swede White, principal content strategist at Amazon Web Services •  Natasha Wilson , co-host,  Travel Fly Sexy

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Best carry-on luggage for your next trip

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The best carry-on luggage can easily fit in an airplane's overhead compartment and hold all your travel essentials without giving way. I spoke to Briggs & Reiley CEO Richard Krulik about what makes a good carry-on and listed the best carry-on luggage to buy now. Krulik only provided general shopping guidance, he did not make any product recommendations.

Carry-on luggage buying guide

Spinner wheels: "You want smooth wheels since that makes a huge difference when you're rolling the bag through a very long terminal," says Krulik. 360-degree spinner wheels are the best as they can rotate in any direction and will glide smoothly at the airport or train station.

Additional pockets: "A front pocket is always a real plus on a carry-on because you may want quick access to a magazine or a light jacket," says Krulik. Some carry-ons also have extra back pockets.

Telescopic handle: "You also want a firm solid handle that's not flimsy or wobbly," says Krulik. An adjustable handle is also important as we're all different heights, he adds.

Locks: You must buy a carry-on with built-in locks or lockable ones. TSA-approved locks can help keep your bag safe on the off chance that you need to check it in at the gate. You can also use your carry-on to hold travel documents instead of using the safe in your hotel room.

Durability: Ballistic nylon is the strongest and most long-lasting durable material, according to Krulik. That said, reinforced polyester is also a great option if you're looking for hard-sided luggage says Krulik. Before you shop, also make sure to look at a brand's testing requirements. Brands will usually test the bag's wheels on uneven surfaces to see how they hold up, and check how strong the outer shell is by subjecting the bags to drop tests.

Style: This depends on personal preference. Maybe you want a monogrammed travel suitcase or a bag that stands out from the rest - maybe in a pastel color? You'll want to think of your bag as an accessory, says Krulik. Keep your personal style in mind when you shop.

Size: Every airplane has different carry-on requirements, that said most domestic airlines require that your carry-on be 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches in size. International airlines are a bit different, while many follow the same domestic rules, some airlines prefer carry-ons only to be under 22 inches tall. Either way, check your chosen airline's baggage size requirements before purchasing any of the below.

Best carry-ons

Best carry-on bag.

Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner

Samsonite is a brand I swear by, having owned their luggage pretty much my entire adult life. The Proxis is one of their newer collections and a great option if you prefer hard-sided luggage. It has dual spinner wheels for maneuverability, an adjustable aluminum handle and a rugged exterior that won't get bumped or bruised during your travels. It also has a USB port, in case you want to charge any devices and a TSA-approved lock for safety. The interior has mesh pockets for additional storage and cross straps to hold your garments. Since this is a smart suitcase, you may have to remove the installed battery during security check, so keep that extra step in mind.

Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Best splurge

Briggs & Riley Essential Expandable Carry-On

Briggs & Riley makes some of my favorite carry-ons and I love them for their lifetime warranty - if you break a zip or see a dent in your suitcase, you can send the suitcase to the brand to have it repaired for free. This particular option is available in three colors and can also be monogrammed, making it easy to identify in a sea of similar-looking luggage. It has a TSA-approved lock and features the brand's flagship expandable and compression technology which allows your suitcase to hold more, without increasing its dimensions. The handle is adjustable too, and there is a carry handle on top, on the bottom and on its sides. There is also a built-in garment folder to make packing easier and zipped pockets on the interior for any essentials.

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 - 11.5 in (includes wheels and handles)

Largest carry-on bag

The Carry-On Roller In Text Me Red

This aesthetic carry-on is one of my favorites as it stands out from the other options on this list. It has a durable polycarbonate hard shell build and is available in multiple colors. It has spinner wheels like our other options and also has top and side carry handles. It also has TSA locks and is expandable just in case you need to fit more in. The interior has compression straps to hold your clothes, and also a separate pocket where you can store dirty clothes or undergarments. While it doesn't have an exterior pocket, it does come with an additional small pocket on the interior that is designed to hold any small valuables.

Dimensions: 22.85" x 15.75" x 9.85" (including wheel & handle)

Best water resistant

Terra 45L Carry-On Luggage

This is the best combination of both soft-side and hard-side luggage. It's made from polyester and polycarbonate. It has 360-degree spinner wheels like the other options and also has multiple exterior pockets for any travel documents or essentials. It has a designated laptop compartment, is expandable and also has a water-resistant exterior - perfect for unpredictable weather. The inside has compression straps and mesh pockets for storage. Plus, the product is made from recycled bottles, making this one of the most sustainable items on this list.

Best budget

Wrangler Smart Luggage

This budget-friendly carry-on sets itself apart thanks to its convenient cup holder attached to the bag. It also has multidirectional spinner wheels, top and side handles and is expandable, if needed. It even features a phone holder and also has a USB port option for your devices. The interior has one large zipped pocket and a side with compression straps. It's the most basic interior layout compared to the other options, but at its price, it's still one of the best carry-ons you can buy.

Best carry-on duffel bag

Away The Weekender

Away is another great luggage brand and they make both carry-on suitcases and duffel bags. The Weekender is a great pick for short trips and can hold a 15-inch laptop plus multiple changes of clothes. It has a detachable shoulder strap for comfort and a water-resistant design that's built to last. The interior has mesh pockets and a detachable key clip to help keep your everyday essentials organized. Right now, you can shop it in four colors.

Dimensions: 20.9" x 11.8" x 9.4"

Is hard-side or soft-side luggage better?

Soft-side luggage is less susceptible to getting scratched up, according to Krulik. That said, one isn't really better than the other, it's more a matter of personal preference. Soft-side luggage also has tons of additional front and back pockets for storage, which is not common on hard-side luggage. If you're packing items that are fragile, a hard-side option is better, according to Krulik.

How can I efficiently pack my carry-on?

"One of the things that I think people don't realize is every time you make a fold in your clothes, it's adding bulk to what you're packing," says Krulik. Fold your shirts in half instead of threes, he adds. "Secondly, there's dead space inside those shoes that you're packing." Stuff them with travel shampoo bottles or anything else that fits says Krulik. Finally, if you have an expandable suitcase, make sure you avoid expanding it till the end of your trip. "If I go with a maximum bag that's stuffed to the limits, I have no place to put anything that I might want to buy on the trip."

Meet our expert:

Richard Krulik: Krulik is the CEO of the travel luggage brand Briggs & Riley. Krulik only provided guidance on how to shop for a carry-on, he did not make product recommendations. Products were individually selected by our editor.

* By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave Localish.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these products with you, Localish is not endorsing these products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

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The Best Checked Luggage of 2024, Tested by Experts

Smooth and durable spinners, hard-shell bags and softside suitcases for epic trips.

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.

With so many luggage brands to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which suitcases are worth it, especially since bigger bags can cost bigger bucks. That's why, at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test luggage for all types of travel. In recent years, we've evaluated more than 100 suitcases, testing them in our Lab and sending them to consumer testers who take them on real trips to test for durability, appearance and performance properties.

Our top picks:

• Best Overall: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner
• Best Value: Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner
• Most Popular: Away The Large
• Best for Minimalists: Monos Check-In Large
• Best for Business Travel: Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Spinner

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner

After more than fifteen years of evaluating Samsonite luggage, its bags continue to stand out in our Textiles Lab tests. This style in particular is one of our favorite models, thanks to its l ightweight design and easy-to-use features . At 9.6 pounds, it's one of the lightest suitcases we tested, but it's still durable. In our drop tests, the hardside polypropylene material performed well without major dents or damages.

It's a favorite of our consumer testers who say the suitcase has smooth rolling wheels that make it easy to maneuver around corners and turns. When I evaluated the suitcase in the Lab, I was impressed by the sturdy telescopic handle that locks into place at different heights for comfortable pushing and pulling. Our testers said the carrying handles felt a little tight, but they still thought the bag was easy to pick up.

The suitcase has a butterfly opening and unzips into two primary packing compartments: one with a stretch compression strap for flexible security and one with a zippered panel to keep all of your belongings in place. You'll also find a smaller zippered pocket for additional storage. We were able to fit our entire packing load in the suitcase with room to spare. For even more room to bring home souvenirs on your vacation, the checked bag can be expanded by almost another inch.

Weight: 9.6 lbs | Listed dimensions: 13.78" x 20.95" x 31.1" | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner

With more than 46 ,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.5 stars , this hardside spinner suitcase from Amazon Basics is solid evidence that you don't need to break the bank to buy a quality piece of luggage.

In addition to impressing tens of thousands of online reviewers, this collection of bags also wowed us and our consumer testers. The suitcase is made with ABS plastic, which isn't as durable as polycarbonate material, but it helps keep the cost low (and it's usually on sale). Plus, it performed well in our durability assessments, showing some marks in our scratch test but resisting major dents and damage in our drop test.

When our testers rolled the carry-on model through our obstacle course setup, they loved the smooth-rolling wheels, and one tester said the bag was "very easy to move." However, they shared that the telescopic handle felt notably less sturdy than other suitcases they tested. Packing it was a breeze, thanks to its spacious interior with a large zippered compartment, smaller pockets to help with organization and a compression strap to secure your things. You can even expand the bag for extra packing space.

Weight: 12.2 lbs | Listed dimensions: 30.7" x 12" x 20.47" | Material: Hardside ABS | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Away The Large

After conducting tests for our Away luggage review , we have to say that the trendy bags are worth investing in.

Its hard-shell polycarbonate material proved to be durable in our tests, but it's still lighter than even some of the soft fabric suitcases we reviewed . When we repeatedly dropped the carry-on model from our drop tester, there was no noticeable damage. It even aced our scratch tests with minimal scuffs. The bag unzips into two roomy compartments. One side closes with a zipper, and the other features compression straps that made the packing process simple in our evaluations. Our consumer testers said the telescopic handles could feel sturdier, but they gave the handle high scores for comfort, and they loved the smooth wheels.

The bag comes with a genuine leather luggage tag to help you identify your suitcase and a removable laundry bag to stash your dirty clothes. It's currently available in six on-trend colors including the featured red, navy, cloud gray and sea green. There's even an option to customize your bag with your initials for an added fee. Away offers a generous 100-day trial period, so you can gently test it out at home and return or exchange it if you decide it's not for you.

Weight: 12.1 lbs | Listed dimensions: 29" x 20.5" x 12.5" | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Monos Check-In Large

Ideal for someone who prefers a sleeker, more minimalist aesthetic, this checked bag from popular luggage brand Monos wowed both GH analysts and our consumer testers during our evaluations.

The durable polycarbonate luggage follows the brand's "less is more" design philosophy, but it isn't lacking in space or organization . We rated it highly for being easy to pack, with a roomy interior that's divided into two compartments: One is zipper-enclosed and the other has an adjustable compression panel to keep contents secure. Plus, there are three spacious mesh zippered pockets for additional organization, and you'll also receive a laundry bag and two shoe bags.

When testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how easy it was to maneuver and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled. "I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this bag was to travel with," shared one tester who took the bag on a trip. "I didn't have to roll it behind me; I could roll it next to me." In our durability assessments, the suitcase managed to hold up to repeated drops without suffering major dents, but the shell did show some marks and scuffs in our scratch test. The brand sends an "eco-friendly eraser sponge" to clean more stubborn marks.

Monos also offers a 100-day trial period, which means you can test the bag at home for up to 100 days before committing.

Weight: 10.6 lbs | Listed dimensions: 30" x 21" x 11" | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro was founded by a pilot who wanted to create luggage for frequent fliers who are rough on their bags, so the brand's suitcases are perfect for regular business travel.

This luxe softside bag comes in six traditional colors like rich espresso brown and Bordeaux red, and although some of our testers said the style was a bit old-fashioned, I appreciate the bag's sophisticated design elements, like chrome zippers and genuine leather carrying handles and trim . Other impressive features include a removable garment bag that's ideal for storing a work suit or dress, a TSA-compliant toiletry bag and plenty of internal and external pockets for organization, as well as a 2-inch zippered expansion that's tapered to help prevent your bag from becoming top-heavy and tipping over.

When we evaluated the carry-on model, the nylon fabric proved durable in our abrasion tests, resisting wear. In other tests, it showed no major signs of damage after being dropped repeatedly, and the zippers were water-resistant, keeping the contents inside the bag nice and dry. During our packing test, we could fit our standard load and had plenty of room to spare. Our testers said the cushioned telescopic handle had great grip. Even better, the bag's double spinner wheels are self-aligning to help you roll smoothly through the airport.

Weight: 11.5 lbs | Listed dimensions: 32.5" x 21" x 13.25" | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Delsey Paris Helium DLX Softside Expandable Checked Large

Weighing in at just 10.2 pounds, this checked bag from Delsey is one of our lightest picks, but just because the bag is light doesn't mean it isn't durable or spacious.

In our durability tests, the carry-on model held up well to repeated dropping without major dents or damages, and the polyester-and-nylon-blend material withstood rubbing from our abrasion machine. During consumer evaluations, our testers said the bag wasn't as easy to maneuver as others they tried, but they gave it good scores overall during use and rated the handle highly for feeling comfortable and sturdy.

The suitcase we evaluated aced our packing tests, receiving perfect scores for being easy to fill and for holding our standard load of belongings for a long trip. We did have some difficulty opening and closing the zippers while packing the carry-on-size bag, and I personally find Delsey's zippers to be stubborn, but our testers appreciated all of the zippered compartments for organization, with one sharing, "I love the pockets." The suitcase unzips into one large opening, complete with compression straps to secure your belongings, a large mesh zippered pocket and a removable bifold toiletry bag.

Plus, there are two outer pockets, and the suitcase can be expanded by up to 2 inches for more room. The inner lining is fully removable, which makes it simple to clean, since you can just take it out and throw it in the washing machine.

Weight: 10.2 lbs | Listed dimensions: 32.75" x 20" x 13.5" | Material: Softside polyester-and-nylon blend | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

What sets this bag from Briggs & Riley apart is its innovative design that simplifies packing for longer trips .

When you unzip the bag, it exposes one large, lined compartment to store your belongings and two mesh zippered pockets for smaller items and accessories. Hidden inside the lid of the suitcase is a built-in trifold garment folder with a hook for hangers that's perfect for storing formal attire. Our testers who tried a smaller model of this bag were impressed by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more space than they expected. Plus, a unique push-button expansion system allows you to easily expand the bag for extra packing space and then compress it down to its standard size once it's been filled.

For a softside bag, it's on the heavier side, weighing 15.6 pounds, but it's made with high-quality materials and is reinforced at the corners to protect your valuables. When I put the nylon material to the test with our abrasion machine, I was impressed that it showed no major signs of wear or scratches. It was the top performer in our most recent round of drop testing; I found no major dents or damage after loading it into our drop tester and releasing it repeatedly. Our testers said the bag was easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and rated the telescopic handle as sturdy too.

Weight: 15.6 lbs | Listed dimensions: 31" x 22" x 13.8" | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage

A favorite of our testers, Calpak's Ambeur collection of luggage is the ideal combination of fashion and function . It's available in four trendy metallics: silver, gold, black and rose gold, along with a limited copper color. This high-quality checked bag is made of polycarbonate and ABS composite material that's lightweight and held up well to repeated drops in our tests. It did show some signs of wear in our scratch test, but that's common with ABS composites.

When our testers rolled the carry-on model through our obstacle course, they were happy with its easy-to-use telescopic handle, with one describing it as "the smoothest handle by far," compared to other luggage being tested. Other testers said the padded handles were comfy to hold and easy to steer and lift with.

The interior of the bag is also impressive, and I find it easy to pack full of everything I need for a two-week trip. Inside, there are two large areas for storing larger belongings, complete with a compression strap and a zippered panel, as well as two additional zippered pockets and a handy removable toiletries bag. You can even expand the spacious bag by 2 inches to bring souvenirs back with you on your trip home, but there's so much packing space already that you may not even need the extra room.

Weight: 11.75 lbs | Listed dimensions: 30" x 19" x 12" | Material: Hardside polycarbonate and ABS composite | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

How we test checked luggage

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly test all kinds of luggage — including larger checked luggage — with our specialized Lab equipment and by setting up obstacle courses for testers to navigate . We also share our luggage with consumer testers who try the bags on their own trips. Here's how we evaluate checked bags and other luggage:

✔️ Size and weight : We've found that listed specs for luggage aren't always accurate, so we weigh each piece of luggage while it's empty. Then we measure the luggage to see if it complies with dimension restrictions put in place by most U.S. airlines.

✔️ Ease of use : We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip (pictured) and consider the accessibility of the packing compartments.

We also evaluate important features like the telescopic handle and the wheels. After packing the bag, we practice rolling it over different surfaces, such as tile, carpet and hardwood, and lift it onto countertops to try out the handles.

✔️ Packing capabilities : We pack each suitcase with a standard load of items for a week-long trip, including shoes, clothes and toiletries (pictured). We score the suitcase based on how much it can hold and how easily we can fill it.

✔️ Abrasion resistance: We cut swatches of fabric from softside luggage and load them into our abrasion machine (pictured) which rubs the material against an abrasive surface 15,000 times to simulate extended use. We then assess the material and grade it for signs of wear.

✔️ Scratch resistance : To determine scratch resistance, we drag a wire over hardside luggage material and then visually assess any scratches, ridges, scuffs or markings left behind.

✔️ Drop durability : We fill each suitcase with a standard weight and load it into our drop tester (pictured). The drop tester releases each piece of luggage from a set height of three feet. We repeat the test in various directions, noting and scoring any damages, dents or imperfections that result.

✔️ Consumer tests: To simulate actual use, we set up a standard course that features a variety of surfaces and obstacles that testers must navigate, such as pulling the suitcase through sharp turns, lifting the bag over curbs, transitioning to different types of flooring (pictured) and more. To mimic a real travel load, each suitcase is filled with weight before being put to the test. Testers also rate factors like ease of use, comfort and sturdiness of the handles, as well as the performance and smoothness of the wheels and overall maneuverability.

We also share suitcases with testers, editors and analysts who take them on their own trips and provide us with real-user feedback about their experiences. Plus, we take the luggage on our own trips, and I have personally used several of the bags featured on my vacations and trips abroad.

What to look for when shopping for the best checked luggage

Here are some things to keep in mind while searching for the best checked luggage for your needs:

✔️ Wheels : In our evaluations, 360-degree wheels — called spinner wheels — have consistently received the best scores for maneuverability. Larger checked luggage should have four wheels, making it easier to roll, push and pull in all directions.

✔️ Telescopic handle : It may not seem like a huge deal, but a solid, sturdy handle can have a big impact on the performance of your luggage, especially when you're lugging around a heavy checked bag. If you get to examine the luggage in person, we recommend testing how easy it is to raise and lower the handle and checking to see if it can be adjusted to different heights for comfortable toting. Consider the feel of the handle as well, and note if it has a good grip or extra padding. Be sure to use the handle with care because jerking or rough use can lead to damage over time.

✔️ Top and side handles : Look for luggage that has easy-to-grip top and side handles, which can be helpful when lifting and lowering bags from higher surfaces. You may not be placing your checked bag into an overhead bin, but you'll still need to carry it down stairs, lift it into trunks or place it on a scale at the airport.

✔️ Compartments: Most larger hardside checked bags unzip and open into two sections, but softside bags tend to have one large open space for packing your belongings. For more organization, opt for a bag with plenty of compartments, whether they're larger mesh storage spaces, small zippered pockets or exterior pockets for easy access while traveling. Many checked bags will also include a built-in garment bag, toiletry bag and/or laundry bag for even more organization.

✔️ Zippers: Try out the zipper by opening and closing the bag a few times to determine if it's easy to use or if you find it to be finicky and difficult to grip. If possible, also try assessing water resistance by placing a small drop of water on the zipper to see if the water seeps through or beads on the surface.

✔️ Weight: Checked luggage can be pretty heavy, even when empty. Most checked bags, hard and soft, weigh between 10 and 13 pounds, but some weigh upwards of 15 pounds. Most airlines have a 50-pound weight limit for checked luggage with belongings inside, so a heavier suitcase can eat up valuable weight you'd normally use for your packing load.

✔️ Returns and warranties: Warranties tend to only cover manufacturer defects, which can be difficult to prove. If you're worried about committing to a piece of luggage, instead of focusing on the warranty, check to see if the brand offers an extended trial period and/or an any-reason return policy. This can be especially helpful if you're buying your suitcase online and can't try it out in person first.

Which is better: Hardside or softside luggage?

Choosing either hardside or softside luggage is really up to your personal preference. Both types of checked luggage have advantages and disadvantages, so keep these things in mind while you're making a decision: ✔️ Hardside luggage: Hardside suitcases tend to be durable, stylish and lightweight. Not all hard suitcases are the same, though. These are the most popular types of hard material:

• Polycarbonate : This is the most common material for hardside luggage because it's typically lighter than aluminum but also more durable than ABS plastic. It's able to resist high-impact drops but is more susceptible to scratches and scuffs, so manufacturers will sometimes add a special coating to prevent scratching.
• ABS plastic: It's a more affordable material to use, so most lower-cost hardside luggage is made with ABS. The material is super lightweight but not as durable as polycarbonate or metals.
• Polycarbonate/ABS composites : Some suitcases combine polycarbonate and ABS, so you can reap the benefits of both. Typically with composites, there will be a layer of ABS plastic under a coating of polycarbonate. It's not quite as strong as a suitcase made of only polycarbonate, but it's typically more affordable than solid polycarbonate.
• Aluminum: Metal suitcases made of aluminum are more durable than other materials, but they're heavy and can be pretty pricey, so it's not as commonly used.

✔️ Softside luggage: Fabric-based suitcases are more malleable than hardside bags, so they can be easier to store in tight spaces or stuff completely full while you're packing. The material is also less susceptible to scratches and dents, but it's subject to abrasion over time. These materials are often used for softside luggage:

• Nylon : Most softside suitcases are made of nylon, which is a synthetic fiber that's durable and resists wear, and it's fairly water-resistant. It's a great option for frequent fliers who might be rough on their luggage.
• Polyester : Another synthetic fiber, polyester tends to be less expensive than nylon and more lightweight. It's not usually as durable, but we have tested many polyester bags that are abrasion-resistant.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Since joining the GH Institute in 2022 as an analyst, Amanda Constantine has tested and written about luggage of all kinds including carry-ons, duffels, travel backpacks and hardside luggage . Amanda also conducted some of the luggage testing for Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards program. For this article, she reviewed former testing data and used her related expertise and personal experience to make recommendations for the best checked luggage.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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The Best Away Luggage Pieces, According to Esquire

We've tried the whole lineup—here's what's worth it.

That said, are Away suitcases worth it? We say yes. With the popularity, you might get a slightly inflated price, but you can't deny these are the best of the affordable polycarbonate suitcases. Even if our travel experts might steer you towards top-of-the-line Rimowa carry-ons , lightweight duffel bags , or travel-hack garment duffels , you can't deny the affordable function of Away.

The One You Should Buy

Away carry-on flex.

The Largest Suitcase in the Lineup

Away the trunk.

The Most Versatile Away Suitcase

Away the medium flex.

The Other Large Checked Option

Away the large flex.

A Great Packable Tote

Away packable carryall.

Away's Standout Travel Backpack

Away everywhere zip backpack.

Within the lineup, what Away suitcase should you buy? There's now a handful of offerings—some big checked luggage pieces , expandable carry-ons , packable tote bags , and travel backpacks . We've tried pretty much all of it, so we felt primed to give you a little rundown. This is our handy shopping guide to the lineup. These are the six best Away suitcases, the ones we'd tell you to buy.

If there were ever an Away suitcase we'd say everyone should buy, it'd be this one. The Carry-On Flex is the perfect middle ground within the Away lineup. It's the best thing the brand makes.

It's light, fits in an overhead bin, and can pack a weekend's worth of clothes. Then, if you're bringing home extra stuff, a second zipper expands the bag to about the same size as the Bigger Carry On . Away says unzipping the expanding zipper gives you an extra 2.25" of space, but I don't know what the fuck that means. In practice, it's given me space for an extra outfit or two, a handful of t-shirts, or a bunch of underwear. Think of it as getting an extra day or two into a suitcase.

I do have to address one thing, though. When that second zipper is expanded, there is the chance that your plane might not have enough overhead space. Personally, it's never happened to me, even on tiny regional flights. But just know it's a possibility.

For checked luggage, I say go for the Trunk. Some people claim it's too big, but with checked luggage that's not really your problem. Sure, if you've got a lot of walking to do in a city, it a smaller bag would be nice. But, if you're doing a long stay anywhere, you need space. This has a ton of it.

The main design benefit of the Trunk is the deeper main compartment. It's a gem when you're traveling with a lot of footwear, especially if you've got boots and don't want to wear them on the flight.

Among the checked sizes that Away sells, the Medium Flex is the most versatile. Away says it's big enough for one to two weeks' worth of clothing, but it can extend into the two-and-a-half or three weeks range if you're economical.

It's not a massive bag, though. Cutting a few inches off in all directions has a real impact. It doesn't get heavy on the wheels, and you can maneuver it through a city center somewhat comfortably. Add the ability to flex up in size, and you've just got a great do-it-all checked bag.

If you like all the space of the trunk but prefer the shape of a case, we'd recommend the Large Flex. It's got slightly less space than the trunk, but you're still able to pack multiple weeks' worth of clothes.

As I've already said (and will continue to say) we love the ability to expand and compress the flex options. The Large Flex gives you just under two inches of expanded space, which equals another couple of days worth of clothing.

The only downside to this suitcase is how wide the square shape makes it. The trunk is tall and slim, which makes it a bit easier to move around. The Large Flex is incredibly square, which makes it a bit more cumbersome in crowded areas.

Away's packable tote bag takes the flex concept in a different direction. On the way to your destination, it's not even big enough to factor into how you pack. It stuffs down into a sack that you can toss away in the bottom of a different bag. On the way home, expand it into a 44L tote to use as a personal item.

This one is a great option for the traveler that brings a lot of souvenirs home, or it's an option if you find yourself getting lazy with return flight packing. And beyond all that, it's just nice to know you've got extra packing space stored away.

If we're talking Away travel gear, we are of course going to call out the brand's cult favorite backpack. In New York City, I'll see five finance guys a day with this backpack. It's not a great look for a formal job, but it's the perfect backpack for travel.

The Everywehere Zip is sleek, especially if you opt for the monochrome black version. It's practical, with plenty of compartments and a trolley sleeve. The long zipper and elasticized opening allows it to open quite wide, so you can really take advantage of every bit of space. It's the perfect personal item, especially for a work trip.

Things to Consider When Buying Away Luggage

What Away Does Best

• The brand is amazing with price v.s. quality. It's where Away really shines. Among the mid-tier luggage brands, no other makes suitcases as durable as Away.
• It makes incredible expanding options. Away's Flex series is one of our favorite travel lines. Plenty of brands make expandable suitcases, but the nylon Away uses is just a cut above.

What to Look Out For With Away

• The suitcases scuff really easily. If you lean into the world traveller look, it's fine. If you want to keep it spotless, you'll have to do some scrubbing.

Why Trust Esquire?

Because we travel more than anyone ever should. Every week out of the year, one of our editors or writers is wheels up to somewhere. We get a lot of miles in, and with that comes an immense amount of travel product knowledge . Plus, we test a lot of suitcases—from top-of-the-line Rimowas to cheap plastic suitcases . If there's a suitcase you're looking at, we've already put it through its paces. Trust our experience.

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The best carry-on luggage to buy for all your trips in 2024, according to reviews

• Published: Apr. 19, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

These are some of the best carry-on luggage you can buy today, including these popular styles from Samsonite and CALPAK. Amazon, CALPAK

• Dawn Magyar | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If you have a vacation planned this year, you’ll definitely want carry-on luggage to keep your most important essentials by your side.

These all-important carry-on bags can hold everything you need while on the plane but don’t trust to pack in your checked luggage. This may include your laptop, medications, a change of clothes and other valuables you want to keep an eye on.

Making carry-on luggage even more crucial to your trip is the ability to skip the dreaded wait at the baggage claim with all space to pack your belongings inside. Plus, there’s often plenty of pockets and storage features to keep your necessities organized and in place.

But with so many different carry-on luggage options on the market today, it can be a real challenge to decide which one to buy.

To help, here are some of the most recommended carry-on luggage available, including styles from Beis and CALPAK .

• Beis The Carry-On Roller: “This brand from actress Shay Mitchell has gone viral on TikTok thanks to its stunning monochromatic designs and its unique features, including a built-in weight indicator that lets you know if your luggage is over 50 pounds. It also has an extendable strap in the front that lets you attach a smaller bag, helping to free up your hands while traveling,” Good Housekeeping says.
• CALPAK Ambeur Mini Carry-On: “They’re slim, sleek, sport a rock-solid polycarbonate shell, feature an assortment of pockets and plenty of storage space, but its low price point makes it an especially attractive option for thrifty travelers,” Time says.
• Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: “Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and any scuffs it has accumulated have been easily buffed out. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it’s a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on,” Travel + Leisure says.
• Away The Carry-On: “The lightweight polycarbonate-shell suitcases come in a spectrum of Instagram-worthy colors at a reasonable price. You can pick and choose upgrades like suitcase or luggage tag monogramming or an ejectable USB charger that keeps tech juiced up,” Forbes says.
• Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Carry-On Spinner: “This bag is designed to disappear by your side. It earned top marks in both ease of transport and for design and functionality. Well-placed grab handles and adequate adjustment stops on the telescoping handle make it easy to carry, load, or roll the bag, depending on the situation. There is even a grab handle on the bottom side of the case, so you won’t find yourself patting around to find an extra handhold when you need it,” GearLab says.

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Watch CBS News

The best Rimowa luggage in 2024

By Leah Groth , Kaylyn McKenna

Updated on: April 24, 2024 / 3:28 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

If your plans for the spring and summer include traveling, it might be time to upgrade your luggage. If you can afford it, we think you should consider buying Rimowa.

Rimowa luggage isn't cheap, but the brand does make beautiful and durable  luggage . Consider upgrading your 2024 travels by splurging on one of their luxury suitcases -- like one of these top picks. It's an investment in your future travels backed by a lifetime warranty . 

But choosing the right Rimowa luggage can be tricky. The brand has spawned several popular luggage collections and options, and deciding which one to purchase can be a bit overwhelming. To help, the CBS Essentials luggage experts have broken down the best options for different uses, budgets and design preferences. Here's what you need to know about Rimowa and its most popular lines of polycarbonate and  aluminum luggage .

We rounded up the top Rimowa aluminum, polycarbonate and hybrid suitcases of 2024, some of which we included in our best luggage of 2024 roundup. 

• The luggage that put Rimowa on the map : Rimowa Original
• The most premium Rimowa luggage : Rimowa Classic  
• The best partial-aluminum Rimowa luggage : Rimowa Hybrid

The best polycarbonate Rimowa luggage: Rimowa Essential

• The most affordable Rimowa luggage : Rimowa Essential Lite
• The most versatile Rimowa carry-on : Rimowa Essential Sleeve

Keep reading to learn more about our top picks. Or, shop all of Rimowa's luggage options with the button below.

The luggage that put Rimowa on the map: Rimowa Original

The Rimowa Original is one of the most iconic suitcases of all time. Engineered in Germany out of top-of-the-line aluminum, the grooved suitcase is equipped with everything you need for travel. 

Features include TSA-approved locks, a flex divider for organized packing, a telescopic handle and a smooth, multi-wheel system. While the surprisingly lightweight suitcase (the smallest carry-on weighs 9.3 pounds) might be a splurge, consider it an investment in a long-term travel buddy. 

Available in three carry-on sizes, two check-ins and a large trunk version in titanium, silver and black.

Why we like the Rimowa Original:

• Its aluminum construction protects your belongings much better than soft-sided or polycarbonate luggage.
• Its sleek metallic material gives these luggage pieces a trendy, high-end look.
• Available in four colors.

The most premium Rimowa luggage: Rimowa Classic

The Rimowa classic looks very similar to the Original but with a few tweaks. The primary difference is that the handles are wrapped in premium leather. Other features, including the TSA-approved locks and spinner wheels, skew a little more retro. 

The Rimowa Classic comes in silver and black and in three carry-on sizes, two check-ins and a trunk size as well. 

Why we like the Rimowa Classic:

• It features a flex divider to keep items separated and organized during travel.
• The Rimowa Classic's high-end multi-wheel system offers easy maneuverability.
• It features a premium leather handle with an ergonomic grip and easy handle height adjustment.

The best hybrid partial-aluminum Rimowa luggage: Rimowa Hybrid

Engineered of both aluminum-magnesium alloy and lightweight polycarbonate, this cleverly crafted suitcase offers the trademark grooved aluminum look, minus a pound and a few hundred dollars. 

The smallest Rimowa Hybrid carry-on weighs 8.2 pounds and comes in a few color options (matte blue, matte black and a glossy white) and two carry-on and check-in sizes. 

Why we like the Rimowa Hybrid:

• It's a great compromise between RImowa's luxurious aluminum luggage options and the brand's more lightweight polycarbonate luggage.
• The Hybrid line is more affordable than Rimowa's fully aluminum luggage.
• Rimowa Hybrid luggage features telescopic handles and TSA-approved locks .

The first polycarbonate suitcase to hit the market in 2000, the Rimowa Essential remains one of the brand's best-selling collections. 

Available in a bunch of glossy and matte color options in a carry-on, check-in and trunk version, the sleek suitcase comes equipped with a TSA-approved lock, telescopic handle and smooth and multi-wheel system. It weighs just 7.1 pounds. 

Why we like the Rimowa Essential:

• It's more lightweight than Rimowa's aluminum and hybrid luggage options.
• It's available in a wider range of colors than many of the aluminum pieces.
• Rimowa Essential luggage has an excellent interior organization system.

The most affordable Rimowa luggage: Rimowa Essential Lite

If the Rimowa Essential isn't light enough, consider getting the lightest Rimowa suitcase, the Essential Lite. It weighs 30% less and costs a few hundred dollars less as well.

It comes in glossy black or green and in three carry-on and one checked size. The smallest weighs just 4.6 pounds.

Why we like the Rimowa Essential Lite:

• It's the most lightweight, full-size luggage option from Rimowa.
• Rimowa Essential Lite luggage features a specially engineered T-bar handle with three-stage adjustment for maximum comfort and maneuverability.
• It has a mesh interior divider and a zippered pocket for storage.

The most versatile Rimowa carry-on: Rimowa Essential Sleeve

The Essential Sleeve is a carry-on collection designed for the tech-savvy traveler. Think of the smallest option, the Compact, as a wheeled briefcase that transforms into an overnight bag, perfect for daily commuters and short trips. 

Stash your computer and electronics in the external and interior laptop compartments. Remove the interior accordion to transform the briefcase into a carry-on for personal items and clothing. Larger sizes offer more interior space and are equipped with laptop compartments, making them a better option for traveling for more than a night or two. 

Why we like the Rimowa Essential Sleeve:

• It's an ideal option for those who tend to go on shorter trips.
• These suitcases will protect your laptop during travel.
• The suitcases feature compression straps, a removable accordion organizer and a convenient front pocket.

What's special about Rimowa luggage?

Rimowa pioneered the aluminum luggage trend, introducing them to the market in the 1930s. The company unveiled the very first polycarbonate suitcase in 2000, eventually adding a hybrid of the two materials to its collection. All of Rimowa's designs feature its trademark grooves, inspired by the first all-metal airplane. 

Aside from its quality materials and construction, one of the greatest benefits of buying a piece of Rimowa luggage is peace of mind. The brand recently added a lifetime guarantee on all new suitcases, covering all functional aspects (but excluding wear and tear). Rimowa also offers in-store repairs and even in-hotel repairs at participating international locations. 

Rimowa suitcases come in a lot of shapes and sizes, materials and colors. Size and color combinations vary per collection, but most come in a few cabin (carry-on) and  checked luggage options . There is also a trunk, an extra large piece of luggage designed for trips lasting two weeks or more. 

Why is Rimowa luggage expensive?

Why do Rimowa suitcases cost so much more than the competition? Engineered in Germany and primarily manufactured in a factory outside of Toronto, the brand prides itself on using only the finest materials. 

Rimowa recently opened up their Toronto, Canada factory, giving CBS Essentials an inside look into how each piece of their luxury luggage collection is assembled. Each piece takes over two hours to make from start to finish. While most of the components are machine-made, the bags require human hands to carefully assemble them. After assembly, each Rimowa individually tests every piece of luggage to ensure quality control.

For aluminum suitcases, Rimowa uses a high-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy metal. This material is so durable that pieces of Rimowa luggage have survived everything from plane crashes to tornados with barely a dent.

Rimowa polycarbonate luggage, meanwhile, uses the highest grade, high-grade pure poly. If you bend a piece of Rimowa polycarbonate, it immediately bounces back and holds its form without cracking or denting. 

Rimowa's bags also come equipped with finely tuned components, including patented multi-wheel spinners, which make rolling through the airport or cobblestone streets a breeze. Handles are engineered to work in unison with the wheels.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of receiving the merchandise for full reimbursement or exchange, provided the returned item is complete, unused and undamaged (except where indicated for certain special promotions).

What are the best Rimowa alternatives?

Rimowa is one of the most expensive luggage brands, with prices that will bust many people's budgets. The good news is that there are plenty of Rimowa alternatives available from other brands with a similar look and construction -- and a much lower price point. Check out our past coverage of the best Rimowa alternatives to see if a look-alike is right for you.

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The Best Lightweight Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your luggage under the weight limit with these lightweight options.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips For Buying
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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

It's easier said than done to "pack light," but it is a wise sentiment. When you want to bring plenty of outfit options (plus shoes and accessories to match), your full skincare routine, workout gear, and must-haves for working remotely, lightweight luggage can help balance out your load.

But the best suitcases, weekenders, backpacks, underseat bags, and duffels aren't just lightweight. They're also durable, easy to maneuver, and spacious, with lots of compartments and standout features like expanders, compression panels, laptop sleeves, TSA-approved locks, and USB charging ports.

To help you narrow down your options, we've tested over 450 pieces of luggage and sorted through our insights to choose the best lightweight options. Our Travel + Leisure editors packed the bags full, rolled them over different flooring materials, carried them for extended periods of time, threw them off tables, hit them with baseball bats and even built an airplane set where we could lift the bags into overhead bins. We then put together this list of notably lightweight carry-ons, checked bags, personal items, and other types of bags with high scores and low weights.

Best Overall

Delsey paris hardside expandable luggage with spinner wheels.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4 /5
• Durability 4.7 /5

At 5.3 pounds, this hardside suitcase is perfectly lightweight and compact while fitting a surprising amount of clothes — no expander needed.

The handle is somewhat short, and it sustained a minor dent from our bat swings.

Weighing 5.3 pounds, the Delsey Paris Clavel was one of the lightest suitcases we tried. At 22 by 14 by 10 inches, it's nice and compact, too. But while this carry-on looks small , we were pleasantly surprised by how many clothes we could fit inside. We didn't even need to use the expander, which adds another three-quarters of an inch to the depth. We also like that there are two main compartments separated by a zippered divider, plus tie-down straps and shoe pockets. Lifting it overhead was a piece of cake compared to heavier models, and it should easily fit into any overhead bin.

This hardside suitcase has a polypropylene (thermoplastic) exterior that stood up well to our baseball bat tests, although it sustained a minor dent from one particularly enthusiastic swing. The rigid shell gives it a modern, high-end appearance. Beyond the basic luggage colors, the brand offers the option for a statement hue or something a little easier to spot at baggage claim, like blush, teal, or stark white.

Thanks to the four-wheel spinner design, the Clavel has good maneuverability and rolls smoothly over bumps, cracks, and carpet. One drawback is that we felt the handle was a little short and slightly loose. Still, we were thoroughly impressed with this suitcase and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to pretty much anyone looking for a piece of lightweight carry-on luggage . The price is right on point, too, and Delsey backs it with a five-year warranty.

The Details: 5.3 pounds | 22 x 14 x 10 inches | 43-liter capacity | Carry-on | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Carry-on

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Boasting a spacious capacity, smooth-rolling wheels, and an exceptionally durable shell, this 6.5-pound spinner earned perfect scores in all our tests.

It doesn't come with a laundry bag or have a zippered section for dirty clothes.

Samsonite's Freeform Carry-on clocked perfect scores in all testing categories. While this 6.5-pounder is conveniently compact, we could fit enough clothes to get through a four-day trip without having to expand it. There's no removable satchel for dirty clothes, but it does have a zippered separator for shoes, plus a few pockets and cross straps.

We found the Freeform easy to maneuver on both hard flooring and carpet. We were also fans of the adjustable aluminum handle, which locks in place with the press of a button. After whacking it with a bat, the exterior sustained zero dents, scuffs, or scratches. Considering the durable construction, minimalist-modern design, spacious capacity, and reasonable price tag, we think this carry-on is a prime choice for frequent fliers and short getaways.

The Details: 6.5 pounds | 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 34-liter capacity | Carry-on | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Checked

July checked plus light.

This 105-liter hardside bag is incredibly spacious while still weighing under 10 pounds.

Although it does have some pockets inside, we’d add more organizational features.

Checked bags can get heavy quickly, especially hardside ones, but this 105-liter suitcase from July is noticeably lightweight for its large size, weighing in at around nine pounds. The first thing we noticed during our tests was how spacious it was, with two large compartments inside (one on each side) and several zippered pockets for stashing smaller items. We also found its curved eggshell design to be slimmer and less bulky than similar checked bags from other brands, making it super easy to maneuver through our obstacle course — which should translate well when you’re trying to navigate through crowded airports or hotel lobbies. Even though it’s lightweight like many July luggage pieces , the outer shell still feels extremely durable, surviving our baseball bat and drop tests with no dents or scratches. Though its by no means the lightest option on this list, we think this is your best bet if you’re looking for a large-capacity checked bag that won’t weigh you down.

The Details: 9.2 pounds | 30.32 x 20.87 x 11.22 inches | 105-liter capacity | Checked

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Softside

It luggage softside carry-on spinner.

• Durability 4 /5

This monochromatic carry-on is exceptionally easy to lift by its thick carrying handles, and it has a two-inch expander zipper.

The bag scratches more easily than we’d like.

It’s hard to find attractive softside suitcases these days, but we love this stylish carry-on that comes in monochromatic colors like harbour blue, lavender, or charcoal — including colored wheels, zippers, and handles. This felt spacious for a carry-on, and if you do a little more shopping than expected on your trip or just want to squeeze in a few extra outfits, it has an expandable zipper for an extra two inches and a large, padded pocket on the front. 

The handle has three different heights and felt strong enough that we could lift the fully packed bag easily by the handle without it feeling loose. We also took notice of how large and padded the top and side carry handles are, which made it easy to lift the bag into the overhead bins on our airplane set; this will make it easy if you have to carry this bag up or down the stairs at any point during your travels. After we threw the bag off a table several times in our lab, it did get a few light scratches, but the softside material stood up well. We also thought there were some thoughtful touches, like waterproof material inside to safeguard against spills and a loop on the front of the bag to attach a luggage tag.

The Details: 5.95 pounds | 21.7 × 14.2 × 7.9 inches | Carry-on | Expandable

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

This budget-friendly spinner weighs just over seven pounds and has an unexpectedly spacious interior.

There are only a few colors, and it doesn't have a TSA lock.

On a budget? Amazon has you covered. After trying it out first-hand, we can confirm that the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner has excellent maneuverability, even when we rolled it over bumps and carpeted floors. It also turns and spins like a champ. What's more: the thermoplastic shell lives up to its scratch-resistant claims, with no signs of damage from our drop tests and bat swings.

We were able to fit all items on our packing list, including clothes, coats, shoes, and toiletries. Expanding it wasn't necessary, but it's nice to know there's room to spare. While this wallet-friendly suitcase doesn't have a TSA lock or any smart features, its functionality blew our expectations out of the water. And although there are only a few colors available, we like the sleek, pared-down design.

The Details: 7.3 pounds | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | Carry-on | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Spinner

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 3.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

With a shiny textured shell that conceals scratches and resists cracks, this suitcase is the perfect balance of stylish and durable.

The capacity is somewhat small without the expander, and it can be slightly unstable on all four wheels.

The 6.3-pound Travelpro Maxlite Air really stood out in terms of aesthetics. It has a crack-resistant polycarbonate shell and a shiny ribbed exterior with a denim-like texture that's supposed to help conceal scratches and scuffs. Sure enough, we saw no damage whatsoever after shoving it off a table and whacking it with a bat.

We were able to fit everything into the dual interior compartments but had to expand it, which could make it too big to pass as a carry-on. With that said, a compression pad or cross straps would have been nice. This suitcase boasts eight wheels, but it's actually four sets of dual casters. It rolled nicely on two casters, even over bumps and around sharp turns, though it was less stable on all four. All things considered, we think the price is fair and would recommend this to someone looking for stylish, durable luggage.

The Details: 6.3 pounds | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 46-liter capacity | Carry-on | Expandable

Most Durable

Coolife abs+pc spinner trolley.

The exceptionally sturdy yet flexible shell can be knocked around without damage while making it easy to pack all the essentials for a getaway.

This carry-on isn't expandable, and it doesn't take corners as well on two wheels.

At 6.7 pounds, the Coolife Spinner Trolley isn't the lightest of the lightweight luggage we tested, but it's undoubtedly the most durable. The ABS+PC (acrylonitrile butadiene and polycarbonate) shell is an exceptionally sturdy thermoplastic blend. After shoving it off multiple surfaces and giving it a few good hits with a bat, there was no visible damage.

This carry-on isn't expandable, but thanks to the strong yet slightly flexible exterior, stretchy cross bands, and smooth zippers, we were able to stuff in all the essentials for a four-day trip. It also has a double TSA lock for extra protection. Maneuvering the Spinner Trolley was a breeze, though it doesn't take corners as tightly on two wheels. We'd expect it to last several years and think it's a stellar option for such an affordable price.

The Details: 6.7 pounds | 21 x 14 x 9.5 inches | 38-liter capacity | Carry-on

Best Carry-on Duffel

Bellroy classic weekender 45l.

• Organization 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

This 45-liter, barrel-shaped bag is water-resistant and has a slip pocket for an Apple AirTag.

The clips that attach the crossbody strap to the bag are plastic rather than metal.

This spacious duffel bag easily fit our full packing list during testing, including four shirts, a jacket, pants, a toiletry kit, a makeup kit, a laptop, chargers, two pairs of shoes, and more, with plenty of room to spare. The bag has two top handles; a detachable, padded shoulder strap; a luggage pass-through, internal slip pockets for smaller items; an external pocket with a key clip; and an internal Apple AirTag slip pocket. Some large bags can't help but feel bulky when you're wearing them as a crossbody, but this 45-liter bag has a barrel shape that makes it slim and easy to carry, and we noticed that it managed to feel more lightweight and portable than some other bags we tested that had the same exact packing list. You can also feel safe if you have to carry this bag in the rain thanks to the water-resistant polyester material (made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic bottles) and storm flaps that protect the main zipper. 

The Details: 2.2 pounds | 15 x 25.6 x 15.75 inches | 45-liter capacity | Carry-on

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Checked Duffel

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

• Maneuverability 3 /5

This extra-large and incredibly durable wheeled duffel is under five pounds, with a generous capacity and comfortable shoulder straps.

There's no proper handle, and it would be nice if there were a couple more pockets.

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler is an excellent checked luggage option, and at 4.7 pounds, it weighs less than most carry-ons. We could easily fit all items on the packing list, though a couple more pockets or separators would have helped keep things organized. This extra-large duffel has two wheels and glides pretty well, but since it doesn't have an extendable handle, rolling it around isn't very comfortable. However, the shoulder straps allow you to carry it like a backpack.

This durable duffel bag showed no signs of damage during our whacking and shoving tests. The bold monochrome colors add a tasteful touch to the rugged design while helping you quickly recognize it at baggage claim . While it's a bit pricey for this type of luggage, the Cargo Hauler seems like it'll last a long time. We think it's a solid choice for camping, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor excursions.

The Details: 4.7 pounds | 34 x 15 x 14 inches | 130-liter capacity | Checked

Best Underseat

Travelpro carry-on travel tote bag.

• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Functionality 3.5 /5

This 1.6-pound tote is conveniently compact yet spacious, with comfortable straps and a trolley sleeve.

It may only fit under the seat of larger planes and might not be big enough to replace a suitcase.

If you need luggage you can stow beneath the seat in front of you, the Maxlite 5 Tote is a solid choice. Measuring 18 x 11 x 8 inches, it's conveniently compact — and under two pounds when empty! This softside bag fit all the necessities for a two-day trip, including clothes, toiletries, and a laptop, with room to spare. One thing to note is that it was too big to fit into the underseat compartment we tested it with, but it should work on a larger plane. And you can always stash it overhead if needed.

The wheel-free design has a padded shoulder strap and comfortable handles so it's not awkward to carry around. There's also a trolley sleeve that slides over the handle of a larger suitcase. The price is a little high for the size, but if you can swing it, we think it's a great travel companion. It's also good as supplemental luggage to checked baggage.

The Details: 1.6 pounds | 18 x 11 x 8 inches | 28-liter capacity | Underseat bag

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Weekender

Mz wallace nik.

This versatile bag has so many organizational features, including seven exterior pockets, nine interior pockets, and a laptop sleeve.

Although the bag is comfortable to carry, we would add padding to the straps.

The most lightweight option on this list, the MZ Wallace Nik Duffel Bag is so resourceful for travel: it’s compact enough to use as an overnight bag or even a daily commuter bag, but you can also use it for a longer four or five day trip if you maximize packing space with all the pockets and compartments. This weekender shines when it comes to organization since there are tons of pockets and storage space, including seven pockets on the outside, nine pockets on the inside, a 16-inch laptop sleeve, a detachable pouch, and a key ring strap. Even when we packed this bag full, it still felt comfortable to carry because of the quilted material that has a natural padding, although the crossbody strap doesn’t have any padding on it. It has long top handles; a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap; and a trolley sleeve, giving you the option to carry it in so many different ways. All in all, we think the high price tag is well worth it for this versatile weekender.

The Details: 2.1 pounds | 16.93 x 7.09 x 12.2 inches | Underseat bag

Best Expandable

Samsonite virtuosa expandable carry-on.

• Design 3.5 /5

This felt spacious for a carry-on, and you can expand it even more if needed.

It took some effort to adjust the handle when the bag was packed full.

One of Samsonite’s newest launches from the Virtuosa collection, this stylish carry-on felt pleasantly portable and spacious, with wheels that spun around seamlessly over different terrains and through our obstacle course. This is one of the largest carry-ons on this list, and you can make it even larger if you use the expandable zipper, but keep in mind that it may not fit in the overhead bin on every airline if you fill it to capacity.

We found the organizational features to be extremely helpful when packing the bag: one side has adjustable compression straps and the other has a waterproof plastic divider with two pockets that would be ideal for toiletries. The handle has the ability to raise up or down in one-inch height adjustments for a customizable fit, though we found it required some effort to adjust when you fully pack the bag.

The Details: 6.4 pounds | 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Carry-on | Expandable

Best Colors

Samsonite omni pc carry-on.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

This expandable carry-on makes it easy to pack and organize your stuff, and its rigid shell seems almost impossible to damage.

The small wheels sometimes get caught, and it seems to work a little better on two wheels than on four.

The 6.8-pound Samsonite Omni PC is one of our favorite hardside suitcase. It's not only lightweight, but also compact, fitting snugly into an overhead bin — and it has an expander if you need some wiggle room. With zippered compartments, pockets, and cross straps, we found it easy to fit and organize everything on our packing list. Stuffing it to the brim doesn't affect maneuverability — it rolls well on carpeted floors and turns easily.

However, the small-ish wheels sometimes get caught in ruts, and the suitcase is not quite up to par with how a spinner should move. This carry-on held up well to our bat swings, with no scratches or dents in sight. The price is sharp, too. We'd recommend it to anyone looking for affordable luggage, as well as overpackers and those who don't want to worry about damage. We especially love it for all the fun colorways that will make you stand out at any airport, including Caribbean blue, army green, red, pink, purple, and more (including some neutral options, too).

The Details: 6.8 pounds | 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Carry-on | Expandable

Best Backpack

Osprey farpoint 40 backpack.

• Comfort 5 /5

This exceptionally durable backpack weighs barely more than three pounds and is large enough to fit everything for a three-day trip.

This popular pack sells out often.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 weighs barely more than three pounds when empty, and it's nearly as spacious as a carry-on suitcase. With a generously sized main compartment and ample pockets, there's plenty of room to pack for a three-day trip — maybe longer. Not only that, but this backpack is extremely durable. The rip-stop nylon held up to our whacks and shoves like it was nothing. Even after packing it full, it zipped closed without a fuss, and the seams showed no signs of stress. Carrying it around was a cakewalk, too. If you're heading on a backpacking trip or just like traveling light with the freedom to speed-walk hands-free through the airport , the Farpoint 40 is for you.

The Details: 3.1 pounds | 19.5 x 14 x 8 inches | 40-liter capacity | Backpack

Our T+L team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage in our New York City lab, choosing the most lightweight options that performed well for this particular article. During our tests, we weigh the bags, then assess the maneuverability, portability, capacity, durability, and value. We pack each bag with a predetermined packing to see what the capacity looks like and to assess organizational features like pockets and compression straps.

To see how the bags would perform in a real-life setting, we rolled them around on different types of flooring, raced them through obstacle courses, slung them over our shoulders to carry them around, and hoisted them over our heads into overhead bins on our airplane set. Next, we hit each piece a few times with a baseball bat and shoved it off a table to evaluate durability and potential wear and tear, taking notes of any scuff marks or dents.

We also test each bag on our real-world travels for an additional six months after our lab tests to make sure they perform just as well on real flights, car rides, train rides, and more. With size, price, and weight in mind, the luggage options with the highest ratings and the lightest weights were selected for this roundup, and we will continue to update this article as we test new bags.

Other Lightweight Luggage We Liked

Three pieces of lightweight luggage we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Hartmann Luxe II Carry-on Spinner : This 6.8-pound suitcase has a spacious main compartment and a retro yet high-end appearance. It works well on two wheels but not so much on four, and it's a bit too bulky for an overhead bin.

Kipling Darcey Small Carry-on Rolling Luggage : Weighing just over five pounds, this carry-on is lightweight, spacious enough for a four-day trip, and compact enough to fit in an overhead compartment. That said, the maneuverability is clunky compared to others we tried.

People / Tamara Staples

Lipault Plume Cabin Spinner : This duffel-suitcase hybrid weighs only 4.8 pounds and comes in stylish color options, but we found it difficult to access the exterior pocket when the suitcase is packed full, and the handle felt a little wobbly.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-on Spinner : This 5.4-pound spinner rolls smoothly for the most part and didn't sustain any scuffs from our bat test. However, it has a somewhat outdated appearance, and in the end, we liked the hardside carry-on and tote from the Maxlite line better.

Tips for Buying Lightweight Luggage

Remember that durability still matters.

Prioritizing a lightweight design doesn't mean you have to sacrifice durability. Hardside luggage tends to be better for safeguarding electronics and preventing your stuff from getting crushed. And while they’re usually easy to wipe clean, some rigid suitcases are prone to scuffing. Believe it or not, softside carriers are often just as sturdy. Although textile exteriors can be trickier to keep clean, they also usually don't scuff as easily or show dirt.

Look for comfort features

Besides staying within any potential weight limits for plane travel, one of the main points of lightweight luggage is to make your trip easier and more efficient . With this in mind, you'll want to look for models with various comfort features. These may include easy-to-push spinner wheels, a telescoping handle, padded grab handles, an adjustable strap, or even a trolley sleeve.

The lightest-weight carry-ons are usually anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. For checked suitcases, you're looking at closer to eight to 10 pounds. However, alternative luggage options, such as duffels, weekenders, and carry-on backpacks , can be as light as two or three pounds when empty.

Hardside luggage made from polycarbonate, ABS, and polypropylene tend to be the most durable bags, but softside luggage can be just as protective when it comes to storing your items for takeoff.

Our tests proved that lightweight luggage can be just as durable as other bags. In our lab, we hit the luggage pieces with a baseball bat and pushed them off a table to evaluate potential wear and tear. We found that most of these bags easily stood up to our tests with no visible damage.

It depends on the airline. Some set the weight limit for carry-on luggage at about 35 pounds, though international flights may be more restrictive. But unlike checked baggage that's weighed in at the counter, weight limits are often not enforced very strictly. And some domestic airlines don't have any restrictions.

This also varies among airlines. Many set the weight limit for checked baggage at 50 pounds. But in many cases, you can go up to 70 pounds for an extra fee . At any rate, it's a good idea to check the airline's website before packing, as rules and guidelines are subject to change .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, commerce writer Theresa Holland combed through in-house testing insights, then referenced product descriptions and luggage manuals to create a comprehensive roundup of the best lightweight luggage available today. She has tried a handful of the above brands herself, including July, Amazon Basics, Samsonite, and Osprey. T+L editors will continue to update this article as we test more bags.

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Best Luggage in 2024: Shop $375 Off a 3-Piece Luggage Set

You're going to look like a travel pro with these luggage options from calpak, royce & rocket, and paravel..

The products featured in this article are from brands that are available in the NBCUniversal Checkout Marketplace. If you purchase something through our links, we get a commission.

Your spring and summer travel plans deserve the best luggage . No matter if you're gearing up for business travel, international travel, or just a quick weekend trip across state lines, you need carry-on luggage and checked luggage that can stand the test of time and trends.

Travel with the best luggage in 2024! Our shopping experts have rounded up the best luggage, including the best luggage brands, to help you create the best luggage set for you and your journey.

These suitcases, rolling luggage, and travel bag options will help keep your things organized and safe while helping you look put together at the airport or on the road.

Below, you'll find customer-loved rolling luggage, carry-on bags, hard-side luggage, soft-side luggage, bags with a TSA lock, packing cube options to maximize organization, and so much more .

These travel must-haves from bestselling luggage brand options offer more than just wheels. We chose rolling luggage and travel bag carry-ons that include tons of pockets and pouches for toiletries, electronics, pet supplies , and wet items like swimsuits.

Many of our selected suitcase options offer expandable capacity, which is a great option for travelers who tend to bring a souvenir (or 10) home for friends and family.

Shop a must-see luggage set from Badgley Mischka, a fun patterned luggage set from CalPak, as well as editor-loved soft-side luggage options, including bags that are pink!

Discover an on-sale suitcase from the luxury travel brand Royce & Rocket, plus the best travel backpack option, with a peak design that features space for a laptop, and a duffel bag option that's actually easy on your shoulders.

It's time to ditch your old, broken suitcase. Upgrade to the best carry-on luggage and checked luggage with the options below.

The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.  

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind:   These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)  

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set  

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.  

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material:   Ripstop polyester | Weight:   4.2 ounces (set)  

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind:   REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)  

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it:   The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind:   Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material:   100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind:   The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size:   5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)  

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it:   The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.  

Keep in mind:   While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material:   Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight:   15.5 ounces (set)  

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.  

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material:   Polyester | Weight:   10.4 ounces (set)  

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews:   We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.  

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material:   We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.  

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation  

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.  

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

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The 5 best hard-sided luggage picks of 2024.

These are the top options tested and chosen by our editors.

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

In the world of luggage there are many factors to consider: the price, the size(s) you'll want for your journeys and the key features. One of the first decisions to make is if you prefer hard-sided or soft-sided luggage . If you like a sturdy, sleek and water-resistant exterior that you can easily wipe off, a hard-sided suitcase may be your perfect match.

From carry-ons to checked bags, there are countless hard-sided luggage options. To help narrow the choices, our editors tested dozens of bags on a variety of trips and surfaces. Read on to find the best hard-sided luggage options, tested and reviewed by our team of travel experts.

Best Carry-on: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Checked: Away The Medium

Best budget: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best expandable: travelpro platinum elite carry-on hardside spinner.

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

Polycarbonate vs. polypropylene vs. ABS

• Good – ABS: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a durable, cost-effective material; however, it doesn't handle high temperatures or general misuse as well as its counterparts. ABS luggage works for those who travel infrequently.
• Better – Polypropylene: Polypropylene is lightweight and durable but has a lower impact resistance than polycarbonate. It's also a more cost-effective option.
• Best – Polycarbonate: Widely considered the best material for hard-sided luggage, polycarbonate is a hardy form of plastic. It's so durable that it's actually used in bullet-resistant glass. Polycarbonate luggage is essentially damage-proof.

Price:  $315 or less

With a built-in (yet removable) closet system, this suitcase was selected by U.S. News as the overall best piece of carry-on luggage . Constructed with a durable polycarbonate shell, an aluminum frame, reinforced corners and an ergonomic handle, this suitcase is designed for the demands of travel. Whether it's rolling along cobblestone streets in Europe or getting checked on a small regional jet, this carry-on bag will hold up well and lessen the need to constantly pack and unpack. It also opens with just a quick pinch of the latch (goodbye zipper struggles) and has durable spinner wheels to whisk through airports and train stations.

What our editors say:

The built-in closet is a complete game changer. I love that I can pack the suitcase at home, and when I reach my destination I just pull up the closet and I can find everything with ease. The handle is also super comfortable, which is great for long travel days with multiple connections. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $345 or less

Away has mastered the recipe for hard-sided luggage that lasts: A 100% polycarbonate shell and sleek design combine to create ultra-lightweight bags that are virtually indestructible – and just plain pretty. Away's checked luggage encompasses The Large , The Large Flex (with expandability), The Trunk , The Medium Flex and finally The Medium – our personal favorite.

The Medium can accommodate at least a week's worth of clothing or more, depending on how you pack. Inside you'll find interior compression and plenty of compartments for organization. Other features include an underside grab handle (especially useful when pulling your bag off the belt at baggage claim), 360-degree wheels and a TSA combination lock.

I like that this checked bag is just big enough, and that I never have to worry about it getting damaged by baggage handlers at the airport. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

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Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $80 or less

This affordable Amazon hard-sided carry-on piece is made of ABS, which means it's versatile and lasts even if exposed to inclement weather like rain and snow. The hard-sided textured design of this carry-on also means scuffs, scratches and dents are less likely to show on the exterior. Additional standout features on this bag include smooth double-spinner wheels, an additional zipper for expandability, interior pockets for organization and compression straps to allow you to fit as much as you need into it.

This is an excellent budget-friendly piece of carry-on luggage. I appreciate how well it's made, and the textured exterior has a cool look but is also functional in combating dings and scratches. The carry-on can squeeze in a respectable amount of clothes, shoes and accessories as well. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Price: $245 or less

Combining durability with lightweight construction, the July Carry On Light is one of the lightest hard-sided suitcases on the market. The exterior shell is made of aerospace-grade German polycarbonate. The bag also features a twin bar three-stop telescopic handle and double spinner wheels for balance and durability. The interior is divided into two compartments, separated by lightweight zippered mesh panels, and completed with a water-resistant nylon lining.

I've tried a lot of lightweight luggage, and this suitcase surpasses all the other competition. It's extremely light, durable and holds a lot. Unlike other lightweight styles, the July Carry On Light doesn't tip over easily, and the quality of the construction is not sacrificed to make it lighter. – Rachael Hood

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a high-quality suitcase that packs a punch. Made with a 100% polycarbonate, ultra-strong shell, the bag also sports aluminum corner guards for extra protection. The expansion zipper grants an extra 2 inches of packing room and includes a pocket for holding a power bank (not included) to connect to charging ports on the side of the bag.

This Travelpro luggage is equipped with a range of other helpful features as well, like self-aligning magnetic wheels, a TSA zipper lock and more. Inside the bag you'll find two large compartments and three pockets, so you'll have plenty of room to fit all your belongings even before using the expansion zipper.

As someone who likes to be prepared (and thus tends to over-pack), I love how spacious this carry-on is. On a recent trip to Mexico, I was easily able to fit four pairs of sandals along with a week's worth of outfits – a couple of which were large, bulky dresses – on top of all my accessories and toiletries. – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Our team of travel experts tested an array of hard-sided luggage across a variety of price points. We packed and took them on a variety of adventures, including weekend getaways and trips abroad. In addition to packability, the wheels and maneuverability were checked on multiple surfaces including asphalt, cobblestones, escalators, carpet and tile. We utilized our findings along with comparing unique features and our travel expertise to curate this list.

You might also be interested in:

• Hard vs. Soft Luggage: Which Type Is Right for You?
• The Best Luggage Sets

The Best Luggage Brands

• The Best Checked Luggage
• Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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