• Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Travel Products
  • Luggage + Bags
  • Suitcases + Duffel Bags

The 11 Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 30 bags to find the best rolling duffel for every trip.

travel luggage rolling bag

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks
  • Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying
  • Other Bags We've Written About
  • Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

New travel gear can quickly add up, so it’s important to invest in the right pieces that will last a long time, especially for luggage and other bags. To help you in this journey, we set out to find the best of the best when it comes to rolling duffels, combing the market before ultimately putting 30 products through a battery of tests.

We packed them to the brim to test their capacity. We went over them with a fine-tooth comb to consider design features big and small. We pushed them, pulled them, and steered them every which way to test their maneuverability. We then took a baseball bat to them to test durability (seriously). And, above all else, we considered all of these tests, and their respective price tags, to consider what total value these bags offer.

It was tough work, but somebody had to do it — and that’s how we landed on these final 11 rolling duffels. We found the perfect pick for anyone traveling light, a standout for camping trips and other outdoor adventures, and so forth.

Best Overall

Patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Maneuverability 4.5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5

It’s incredibly spacious and durable.

Because it’s so large, some may struggle with maneuvering it.

Get on board with the bag that travelers around the world swear by: Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel, which comes in a 40-liter, a 70-liter, and an unbelievably spacious 100-liter version. We tested the largest size which features a large main compartment that makes it a cinch to pack whatever gear you throw its way, as well as a zippered side pocket and mesh pockets for smaller items you want to keep separate. Packing quickly, we found that we had so much room to spare during tests. If we were to roll the clothes or even use packing cubes, we could fit double or triple the number of items.

The bag is also highly weather-resistant, crafted from a coated ripstop material made from 100 percent recycled fabric, lining, and webbing — exactly what you want to pack for a trip to Antarctica . The durable, oversized wheels performed well during our maneuverability tests, but we did dock half a point because this is a very, very large bag that smaller individuals may have difficulty moving around, especially in crowded spaces. We also noticed, after regularly using the bag for two months, that it sometimes falls over when fully packed because it is front-heavy.

The Details: 9.3 pounds | 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | 100 liters

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Best Weekender

Samsonite weekend wheeled duffel.

Samsonite 

  • Capacity 4.5 /5
  • Portability 5 /5

Easily carry this bag with its top handles or crossbody strap when it’s not possible to roll it along.

It’s a smaller bag that’s likely best for shorter trips.

Not every rolling duffel needs to be an enormous 100-liter behemoth for carrying the bulkiest, heaviest gear — sometimes it just needs to be big enough for a weekend getaway or a quick business trip. This reliable Samsonite falls solidly into the latter category. It has so many things that business travelers in particular will enjoy, including a front zippered pocket with an integrated USB charging port, a front pocket with a tech organization panel to keep your things in order on the fly, a padded tablet sleeve, and even a removable wristlet. After six months of regularly using this bag, we loved that you can carry it with the handles, shoulder straps, or by rolling it, so you can stay comfortable and mobile throughout the day. The bag is hassle-free due to a retractable push-button handle and sturdy wheels that moved easily over a variety of surfaces. When you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice, this weekender is, too.

The Details: 4.8 pounds | 21.8 x 12 x 12.5 inches

Best Checked

Ebags mother lode checked rolling duffel.

  • Design 4.5 /5
  • Portability 4.8 /5
  • Value 4.7 /5

It has two compartments that are both very deep.

The top compartment’s opening is slightly small relative to its size so you may need to stuff items in fully.

We were pleasantly surprised by just how spacious this 29-inch rolling duffel is, easily able to fit clothing for a weeklong trip with room left over. It’s complete with two large open compartments that are deep enough for packing large loads, two compression straps, and several internal and external pockets for stowing smaller goods including shoes. There is even an expansion zipper to add a few more inches of space. It may not have eye-catching style, but it’s all-in-all a simple, solid bag that (more than) gets the job done. We especially appreciated the large, substantial wheels, durable material, and sturdy handle which makes this duffel a solid choice for a checked bag that makes it to baggage claim and beyond.

The Details: 12 pounds | 29 x 17 x 15 inches

Best Organization

Ogio terminal travel bag.

  • Design 4 /5

There’s tons of room thanks to internal and external compartments.

It’s on the heavier side when empty.

If you love built-in organization, this bag has multiple compartments ideal for two weeks’ worth of clothing, shoes, accessories, toiletries, and more that can fit far more than needed. We also appreciated the variety of external handles which make loading this bag into a car or onto a luggage rack a cinch. After six months of use, we think it's the perfect size — large, but not bulky. It gives off major “campfire couture vibes” so we love the idea of taking this bag on an outdoor adventure or road trip, which could call for a wide range of gear, and a need to lug it beyond just using the smooth-rolling wheels.

The Details: 10.6 pounds | 16 x 13 x 29 inches | 95 liters

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

  • Portability 3.8 /5
  • Durability 4.7 /5

It has very sturdy handles, especially considering the affordable price tag.

It's too big to fit in the overhead bin.

When we packed this duffel with two weeks’ worth of winter gear, there was plenty of room left over. The main compartment was much more spacious than we originally thought, and we especially loved the variety of exterior pockets which made staying organized a breeze. The handle, while sturdy, is on the thinner side and the wheels are smaller than some others on this list, which made maneuvering this bag over carpet, cement, and through tight turns marginally more challenging. After traveling with this bag regularly for six months, we love like how it rolls, but found that it's too big to be used as a carry-on item and must be checked. But, for under $50, you’ll have a hard time finding a better rolling duffel, and it comes in a wide range of colors for an option that will stick out at baggage claim, too.

The Details: 8 pounds | 30 x 12 x 13 inches | 77 liter

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

  • Value 4.5 /5
  • Durability 4 /5

It maneuvers very well across different environments.

The exterior picks up dust easily.

They say that travel is about the journey, not (necessarily) the destination, and packing a Tumi bag is always an enjoyable part of any journey. In fact, after regularly using the bag for six months, we found that it can fit many weeks' worth of clothing while keeping gear and accessories organized in individual pockets. The fabric and the zippers are substantial and luxurious, and the bag easily held up for multiple bat whacks and drops from a high table. We were especially impressed by how easily it maneuvered over a variety of different surfaces, and noted how smoothly the oversized wheels worked on uneven carpeting, too. This rolling duffel also has enough compartments to satisfy any organization enthusiast, with two sides including one with added compression straps to hold clothing securely. The price tag may be steep, but this bag’s looks and performance make it a worthy investment.

The Details: 11 pounds | 16 x 30.3 x 14 inches | 98 liters

Best Water-resistant

Osprey transporter wheeled duffel 90.

  • Design 3.5 /5
  • Portability 4.5 /5

It’s an ideal bag for inclement weather and rough handling conditions.

There is no handle to carry the bag horizontally.

Torrential downpours and even the errant sidewalk puddle don’t stand a chance with this water-resistant rolling duffel that even has rainflaps for added protection against the elements. It’s made of extremely durable TPU fabric with a DWR coating to shed water, snow, and other moisture away. It has a large capacity with compression straps to easily fit more than a week’s worth of clothing as well. After using the bag regularly for six months, we found that it also rolls so easily, whether traveling over carpet, sidewalks, or any other surface and is a perfect simple bag for any trip.

The bag did lose points for its exterior handles — there are only short handles on the sides (along with the rolling handle) which would make it easy to pull a bag off the conveyer belt but awkward to lift it high when fully packed. Still, after taking a bat to it, there was zero visible damage to the wheels, frame, or fabric when finished. Overall, it’s an excellent, durable option for protecting your gear during the most intense of adventures.

The Details: 7.5 pounds | 31.5 x 17.3 x 13.8 inches | 90 liters

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

The bag is like a half-suitcase, half-duffel with a structured bottom and flexible top half.

The bag itself is on the stiffer side.

There’s a fine line between budget and value options — and we feel like this Gonex rolling duffel bag delivered quality at a very competitive price point, stacking up to many of the more expensive bags at a fraction of the cost. It’s a long, stiff bag but we had no issues going through our obstacle course and over rougher surfaces. Even after six months of frequent use, the wheels move with élan and the handle was easy to hold. We loved the design, too — it’s like a half-suitcase, half-duffel with a structured bottom half and a fabric upper flap, plus easy-to-adjust straps on the sides to secure the contents even more. We were also impressed with the sturdiness of this bag, including the structured bottom half, which makes the bag extra durable.

The Details: 10.5 pounds | 16 x 15 x 33.4 inches | 100 liters

Best for Gear

Thule chasm wheeled duffel.

  • Portability 4 /5

The main compartment is basically just one giant, super-deep pocket that's perfect for large items.

The bag is so large it can be difficult to roll.

For anyone who wants a large-capacity bag with a simple design, the Thule Chasm wheeled duffel is the perfect choice. If you're packing for a long trip or one that involves bringing a lot of bulky items, this is a great option thanks to its large compartment that is easy to pack. There's also an additional pocket on the top with a mesh opening between it and the main compartment, as well as two mesh zipper pockets on the lid to keep smaller items organized and secure.

The handle works well, but the bag is so bulky, the best way to transport this bag is by rolling. We found that the wheels glide quite smoothly, but the bag can be unwieldy due to its size, so it may not be best for those who know they're likely to move in a hurry. Throughout our tests, we found the bag to be extremely durable with no damage to the bag after we hit it with a bat. The outer seems exceptionally tear-resistant and thick, so great for anyone looking to get the most out of their luggage.

The Details: 10.2 pounds | 15.4 x 16.9 x 32 inches | 110 liters

Best Lightweight

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

  • Maneuverability 3 /5

It’s the lightest bag we tested and it even includes a packing cube and convertible backpack straps.

After using this bag for six months, we felt it can be cumbersome and isn't suitable for light packers.

This bag is proof that when it comes to luggage, bigger can, in fact, be better. It packs an astonishing 130 liters of volume (which is rare to find, even in bags two or three times its weight), yet manages to clock in at a positively featherweight four pounds, seven ounces—making it one of our favorite lightweight luggage options. But just because it’s big doesn’t mean it doesn’t pull its own weight — it’s constructed from an abrasion-resistant material that’s designed to last, and is water-repellant for anything from rain to sleet and snow.

Our favorite thing about this bag was that it also converts to a backpack, which can justify the fact that it won’t stand upright (as you wouldn’t want a hard frame pushing into your back if carrying that way). We can see this bag being an excellent choice for a safari bush plane with weight limits, or any instance when you wanted to start off with a featherweight bag before loading up your gear into the bag and the included packing cube.

The Details: 4.4 pounds | 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches | 130 liters

Best Carry-on

Vera bradley foldable rolling duffel bag.

 Amazon

  • Value 4.6 /5
  • Durability 4.6 /5

After six months of regularly using this bag, we're in love with the hefty bottom compartment that’s great for packing shoes.

We docked half a point for capacity because the bag is a little small.

The ideal carry-on is one that not only performs well, but looks good doing it, too. This bag manages to do both. It’s made from ReActive, a lightweight, durable, water-repellent material made from recycled water bottles, and folds down neatly for storage when not in use. There’s an interior curtain that can be zippered to separate the top and bottom compartments to keep you organized, and the main compartment also features one mesh slip pocket for smaller items. In fact, we packed enough items for a several-day trip in the top before realizing there was room at the bottom for at least four more pairs of shoes. Plus, this being Vera Bradley, the bag also comes in a few stunning patterns as well — so in a sea of black carry-on bags, you’ll be sure to stand out.

The Details: 10 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches | 5.6 pounds

Other Rolling Duffels We Liked

Some rolling duffels we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list, but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-wheel Duffel : This luxury rolling duffel definitely delivers on the style front. We especially liked that it had both a large duffel section and a flat packing section, but it is on the more expensive side and only had one exterior pocket.

Travelpro Bold by Travelpro Check-in Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel : This rolling duffel is made from a rugged, water-repellant and stain-resistant polyester fabric and comes with a reinforced telescoping handle, but it’s incredibly bulky and may be difficult to store.

In our quest to find the best-of-the-best wheeled bags, we combed the marketplace and narrowed our top selections down to 30 rolling duffels that then underwent a vigorous luggage testing process over a six-month period. We weighed them with luggage scales while empty before filling carry-on-sized duffels with a week’s worth of clothes and checked-size duffels with closer to two week’s worth of clothes (and used the same items for each sample bag, to compare how the exact clothes fit bag to bag). We considered organizational and storage features such as padded sleeves, compression straps, pockets, and external daisy chains. We obsessed over how every single zipper opened and closed, too.

The tests continued with how these bags might perform in the real world. We rolled the duffels back and forth across a range of surfaces to test them for maneuverability, on everything from smooth lab floors to high-pile carpets. We even set up an obstacle course to make sure these bags can turn on a dime. We examined how much the external handles helped us move the bag from car to curb and back again. And, perhaps most fun of all, we took a baseball bat to each bag to test them for durability. Ultimately, we rated each bag on a five-point scale in a number of categories and the top performers are the ones you see on this list.

Tips for Buying a Rolling Duffel Bag

Check your airline’s size requirements.

Even the perfect rolling duffel won’t be much use to you if it doesn’t meet your airline’s size requirements for carry-on or checked bags, so be sure to check online before committing to a new bag. This is especially important when it comes to carry-on duffel bags . It’s also worth mentioning that since duffel bags lend themselves to being stuffed to the brim, you may want to consider how much your bag weighs, especially if it’s on the larger side.

Consider pockets, compartments, and other organizational features

With a roomy duffel bag, you may be tempted to go with a “more-is-more” mentality when it comes to packing, especially with the higher-volume duffels that have truly enormous main compartments. But it’s worth considering the smaller stuff, too. Different models of bags come with different varieties of internal and external organizational features such as zippered compartments, padded laptop or tablet sleeves, or even included packing cubes. It all depends on how organized you’d like to be, and how much you’ll depend on your bag itself to keep you organized.

Look for multiple carrying options

A duffel, once packed, can vary widely in terms of bulk and weight, and a good bag will keep up with you in a variety of environments. You’ll want to make sure your bag can be carried in multiple ways, whether that’s by hand via a top handle, by its telescoping handle as it’s rolled down long airport hallways, or perhaps by convertible backpack or crossbody straps for other alternatives.

Look for durable materials

The right duffel bag can last a lifetime, especially if you buy one made from the right materials. This is the kind of bag you’ll probably be checking at airports, throwing under buses, and really putting through the ringer in terms of durability, so look for materials that are up for the challenge. Ripstop fabrics in particular are extremely durable but also lightweight, and products coated with DWR or other weather-resistant coatings are an added bonus.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. But for shorter business trips or weekend getaways, something carry-on sized with a maximum of 40 liters in volume, such as a weekender bag , is probably enough. If you’re packing for a week or more, or looking to pack bulky camera equipment or the like, look at bags upwards of 100 liters in size.

Duffel bags are spacious, flexible, lightweight, and easy to carry. They don’t always have the same structural support or protective elements of a suitcase, making them best for things that can’t necessarily break in transit. So, if you’re just traveling with clothes and soft goods, a duffel bag is a good choice for you.

The first step is always to read the manufacturer’s instructions — but most duffel bags can be cleaned with a damp rag, perhaps with a little soap or white vinegar, and then allowed to air dry fully before being packed again or stowed away.

Other Bags We've Written About

We've given plenty of other impressive rolling duffel bags a whirl — some of which we've covered in the past . These picks stood out because of their durability, quality materials, and impressive capacity, and we think they're worth considering,

Ektronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag : Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it fits under most airplane seats yet offers ample space for a one-to-three-day trip.

Rains' Texel Check-in Bag : Those who frequent destinations with plenty of precipitation (whether that’s ski resort snow or tropical rain) would do well to invest in a fully waterproof duffel. The Texel Check-in Bag from Rains is a great option.

Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL : When size matters, choose the Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel Bag XL. With a massive capacity of 130 liters, it pushes the boundaries for the maximum size allowable by most airlines but should offer enough room for just about anything you want to pack.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, contributor Todd Plummer used the T+L team’s testing insights as well as his own research to compile a list of the best rolling duffel bags for travel.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter , and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

travel luggage rolling bag

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

Best in Class

  • The 8 Very Best Adjustable Bed Bases The 8 Very Best Adjustable Bed Bases
  • The 9 Very Best Safety Razors (and Blades) The 9 Very Best Safety Razors (and Blade…
  • The 15 Best Women’s Hiking Boots and Shoes The 15 Best Women’s Hiking Boots and Sho…
  • The 8 Very Best Blow-dryer Brushes The 8 Very Best Blow-dryer Brushes
  • The 9 Very Best Black Work Pants for Women The 9 Very Best Black Work Pants for Wom…
  • The 10 Very Best Electric Razors The 10 Very Best Electric Razors
  • The 17 Very Best Protein Powders The 17 Very Best Protein Powders
  • The 16 Very Best Bras The 16 Very Best Bras
  • The 12 Very Best Yoga Pants for Women The 12 Very Best Yoga Pants for Women
  • The 6 Very Best Toaster Ovens The 6 Very Best Toaster Ovens
  • The 11 Very Best Comforters The 11 Very Best Comforters
  • The 8 Very Best Milk Frothers The 8 Very Best Milk Frothers
  • The 11 Very Best Wrinkle Creams The 11 Very Best Wrinkle Creams
  • The Very Best Men’s Razors The Very Best Men’s Razors
  • The 13 Very Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin The 13 Very Best Moisturizers for Mature…
  • The 20 Very Best Bathrobes for Women The 20 Very Best Bathrobes for Women
  • 33 of the Very Best Vibrators 33 of the Very Best Vibrators
  • The 12 Very Best Mattress Toppers The 12 Very Best Mattress Toppers
  • 28 of the Very Best Sex Toys for Men 28 of the Very Best Sex Toys for Men
  • The 10 Very Best Hard-Side Suitcases The 10 Very Best Hard-Side Suitcases
  • The 5 Very Best Egyptian-Cotton Sheets The 5 Very Best Egyptian-Cotton Sheets
  • The 13 Very Best Clothes-Drying Racks The 13 Very Best Clothes-Drying Racks
  • The 11 Very Best Vitamin-C Serums The 11 Very Best Vitamin-C Serums
  • The 10 Very Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair The 10 Very Best Shampoos for Color-Trea…
  • The 11 Very Best Manscaping Tools The 11 Very Best Manscaping Tools
  • The 9 Very Best Hand Creams The 9 Very Best Hand Creams
  • The 12 Very Best White T-shirts for Women The 12 Very Best White T-shirts for Wome…
  • The 6 Very Best Standing Desks The 6 Very Best Standing Desks
  • The 10 Very Best Weekend Bags The 10 Very Best Weekend Bags
  • 16 of the Very Best Water Bottles 16 of the Very Best Water Bottles
  • The 18 Very Best Bath Towels The 18 Very Best Bath Towels
  • The 11 Very Best Shampoos The 11 Very Best Shampoos
  • The 7 Very Best Baby Bottles The 7 Very Best Baby Bottles
  • The 17 Very Best Work Bags for Women The 17 Very Best Work Bags for Women
  • The Very Best Men’s Underwear The Very Best Men’s Underwear
  • The 10 Very Best Silk Pajamas for Women The 10 Very Best Silk Pajamas for Women
  • The 8 Very Best Panini Presses The 8 Very Best Panini Presses
  • The Best Kitchen Shears and Scissors The Best Kitchen Shears and Scissors
  • The 10 Very Best Cooling Pillows The 10 Very Best Cooling Pillows
  • The 15 Best Women’s Raincoats The 15 Best Women’s Raincoats
  • The 10 Very Best Electric Toothbrushes The 10 Very Best Electric Toothbrushes
  • The 7 Very Best Silk Pillowcases The 7 Very Best Silk Pillowcases
  • The 9 Very Best Plush Mattress Toppers The 9 Very Best Plush Mattress Toppers
  • The 12 Very Best Knife Sets The 12 Very Best Knife Sets
  • The 16 Very Best Desk Lamps The 16 Very Best Desk Lamps
  • The 10 Very Best Conditioners The 10 Very Best Conditioners
  • The 16 Very Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin The 16 Very Best Body Lotions for Dry Sk…
  • The 30 Very Best Mascaras The 30 Very Best Mascaras
  • The 9 Very Best Digital Picture Frames The 9 Very Best Digital Picture Frames
  • The 18 Very Best Quilts The 18 Very Best Quilts

The 11 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Luggage

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

Portrait of Katherine Gillespie

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.

Away the Carry-on

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.

travel luggage rolling bag

Best less expensive polycarbonate rolling luggage

Open Story Hardside Carry On

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.

Quince Carry-on Hard Shell Suitcase 20 Inches

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

Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-on Spinner Suitcase

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

Rimowa Essential Cabin Case

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

Take Off Luggage 18-Inch Removable-Wheels Suitcase

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

July Carry-On Pro

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

Away Carry-On Aluminum Edition

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

 Béis The Carry-On Roller

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.

Antler Clifton Set

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

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Expandable Upright 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

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage

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

The Strategist  is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best  acne treatments ,  pillows for side sleepers ,  natural anxiety remedies , and  bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

  • the strategist
  • best in class
  • holiday travel guide

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

Micro Sales

Greatest hits, most viewed stories.

  • All of the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
  • What Steve Madden Can’t Live Without
  • The 17 Very Best Protein Powders
  • All the Best Walking Shoes We’ve Ever Written About
  • 11 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Levi’s to Skechers
  • The 11 Very Best Shampoos

Today’s Top Clicked

Arcopedico Sec V

The Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage of 2024

2-wheel rolling luggage is simpler, stronger, and more reliable than fancy spinner luggage. The bags that scored highest in our testing capitalized on those strengths.

The Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage of 2024

Your carry-on luggage may be your most important piece of travel gear, so it’s important to get a good one. Roller suitcases are the most durable and convenient option for many people, but it’s hard to sift through all the options to find the best carry-on bag for you.

After traveling around the world (and destroying a few suitcases along the way), I’ve learned a thing or two about rolling luggage. I personally will always choose rolling luggage over spinner wheel luggage for travel, and I’ve found the absolute best options on the market to help you choose.

Before we dive in, it’s important to understand what we mean by rolling carry-on luggage. Rolling luggage specifically refers to two-wheeled bags that you pull behind you (as opposed to four-wheeled spinner luggage ).

On the market today, 2-wheel rollers are only available as softside luggage pieces. Roller wheels are typically more durable than spinner wheels, especially over cobblestone and other rough surfaces.

Read on to see my top choices for rolling carry-on luggage. Different cases will suit different people, so I’ll help you find the best one for you.

  • Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 22" Carry-On
  • Most Affordable Rolling Carry-On Luggage: US Traveler Rio Carry-On
  • Best Rolling Underseat Carry-On Luggage: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Bag
  • Best Rolling Duffel Carry-On Luggage: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT
  • Best Lightweight Rolling Carry-On Luggage: Bric's X-Bag Rolling Carry-On Duffel
  • Best Rolling Backpack Carry-On Luggage: Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Backpack
  • Best Target Rolling Carry-On Luggage: Skyline Rolling 35L Duffel Bag
  • Best Rolling Carry-on Luggage for Suits: Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag
  • Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage for Women: Bric’s X-Bag 21" Rolling Duffel
  • Best Rolling Soft-Sided Luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Rollaboard
  • Best Rolling Hard Side Luggage: Briggs & Riley Torq 22"
  • Best 2-Wheel Rolling Carry-On Luggage: Samsonite Armage II

Travelpro Maxlite 22" Carry-On : Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage Overall

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Rollaboard

It’s no surprise that Travelpro is at the top of the list for rolling carry-on luggage. Their founder invented the two-wheeled rolling luggage in 1987, and they’ve been a top manufacturer ever since.

Travelpro started by building suitcases specifically for flight crews who need the most durable and functional carry-on suitcases possible. Today they have a range of products for every traveler, and they’ve kept the same dedication to quality construction and functional design.

In my mind, since roller suitcases are more durable than spinners, the best rolling carry-on suitcase needs to maximize this advantage with a high-quality, durable design that will last for decades of travel. It should also have an intelligent design that makes it easy to use and versatile enough for any trip.

The Travelpro Maxlite 22” Carry-On is a straightforward, no-nonsense carry-on suitcase that is well-built and does its job well. There’s nothing too fancy going on here, it just works and is a carry-on you can count on.

The build starts with the two wheels that have sturdy ball-bearing construction. Travelpro has put these through extensive testing, so you can rely on them to stand up to abuse.

You get a large exterior zippered pocket, plenty of packing space in the main compartment, two interior mesh pockets, and a compression system. The organization is pretty simple, and while it works well, I wish there were more pockets and compartments to keep things organized.

This softside luggage is made with a durable water-repellant polyester fabric that has a water- and stain-resistant treatment. This fabric is durable and does a great job at keeping your stuff dry when you have to hurry through a downpour.

While there is corner reinforcement, it isn’t as burly as some other carry-on bags, so you’ll want to be conscious of that when packing fragile items.

The Maxlite Carry-On is also surprisingly affordable. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this carry-on bag.

  • Technical Specs

US Traveler Rio Carry-On : Most Affordable Rolling Carry-On Luggage

US Traveler Rio Carry-on

US Traveler is not a well-known luggage name brand. They sell primarily on Amazon and focus on cheaper luggage for those of us on a tight budget. They manage to hit some amazingly low price points while delivering products that still work reasonably well.

Don’t expect the same high-quality materials and thoughtful features from a US Traveler suitcase. These are definitely budget products. That said, they have some of the best affordable carry-on luggage for anyone on a tight budget.

In my opinion, two-wheeled rolling luggage is perfect for a budget carry-on. This is because it is simpler and more durable than luggage with four wheels. When you’re trying to save money, you want something that is simple and well-built. You don’t need the fanciest features, but you definitely want something that will last more than a few trips.

The US Traveler Rio Carry-On is a simple carry-on suitcase that delivers good functionality and decent quality for a great price. You don’t get high-end components or features, but it is well-built for the price and should serve you well while traveling.

The overall design is pretty standard. You get one external pocket, three on the inside, a wide-opening main zipper, and elastic compression straps to secure the contents. There are no fancy features like a built-in USB port or TSA-approved lock.

I really appreciate that there are handles on the top, sides, and bottom of this carry-on. That makes it a lot easier to lift into overhead bins on crowded flights.

As an extra bonus, you get an included personal-item-sized tote when you purchase this bag. For anyone really wanting to save pennies, this is a great way to get two bags at one low price.

Overall, this is a perfect carry-on bag for anyone looking to save money on travel gear. Looking for a full set? Check out our article on the best cheap luggage sets .

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Bag : Best Rolling Underseat Carry-On Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Bag

Yep, this is the second Travelpro Maxlite product on this list—Travelpro just really knows what they’re doing when it comes to two-wheeled luggage.

Underseat bags are smaller than a standard carry-on and are designed to fit within airline “personal item” size restrictions. If you’re flying on an airline that charges for overhead bin carry-ons, an underseat bag is a great way to get around paying extra (as long as you’re a light packer).

Alternatively, if you just need a bit more space than your main carry-on, an underseat bag is a great way to get it without checking a suitcase.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Carry-On is a compact rolling bag that’s loaded with features to keep all your stuff organized and accessible.

This little bag has three zippered exterior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and even a removable plastic holder for toiletries. Since your underseat bag will be with you constantly during travel, it’s nice to have all the easy-access pockets to store passports, keys, electronics, and more.

A great benefit of the two-wheel rolling design is that it takes up a lot less space than 360-degree spinner wheels. Even though this bag is small, it has a surprising amount of room. The 26L is enough for this to serve as your only bag for short trips (as long as you pack light).

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT : Best Rolling Duffel Carry-On Luggage

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT

For over 40 years, Eagle Creek has been building packs, luggage, and accessories for travelers. They are dedicated to helping people get out and explore the world, while preserving the places we explore by using recycled materials and sustainable business practice.

Eagle Creek builds luggage that is durable and designed to last. They use burly materials and quality manufacturing. They also have an impressive “No Matter What” warranty that covers repairs or replacements of their gear. I really respect companies that stand behind their products, and it’s great to see such a solid warranty.

Duffel bags are fantastic for their versatility, durability, and ease of packing. A rolling duffel combines these advantages with the convenience of wheeled luggage . The best rolling duffel needs to be durable (yet lightweight) and adaptable to any trip.

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT is a phenomenal duffel that combines great durability with a function-first design.

The design is very versatile. You can roll it around on its oversized wheels, lift it from multiple grab handles, or even carry it like a backpack with the removable shoulder strap system that stows away when you aren’t using them.

The build quality and durability are also impressive. The main fabrics are 1000-denier and 600-denier polyester, which are tough and water-resistant. Everything about this bag feels bomber and will survive everything from cobblestone streets to murderous luggage carousel conveyors..

There are a few downsides to keep in mind though. First, there are a lot of straps and buckles on the outside; I would avoid checking this bag so it doesn’t get tangled and damaged in the airport conveyor system. Second, it isn’t as structured as other luggage, so it doesn’t offer the best protection for fragile items.

While duffels aren’t for everyone, this is definitely the best carry-on luggage for anyone who prefers a duffel bag design.

Bric's X-Bag Rolling Carry-On Duffel : Best Lightweight Rolling Carry-On Luggage

Bric’s is an Italian company that started making high-quality travel cases and leather bags in 1952. They are known for their high-quality materials and timeless designs.

Having lightweight luggage can really make travel easier. Whether you’re lifting your carry-on into the overhead bin or dragging it across town, less weight makes everything easier. Lightweight construction is a key feature for the best carry-on luggage.

That said, you still want it to be well-built and durable. A suitcase that breaks is way more frustrating than one that weighs too much.

The X-Bag Rolling Duffel weighs in at just 5.5 lbs, meaning it won’t weigh you down on your travels. It doesn’t compromise on quality and features though.

This lightweight rolling carry-on has a stylish design that manages to be both sophisticated and adventurous. Paired with high-quality materials and genuine leather trim pieces, this makes for a bag that feels premium.

There is an external zippered pocket to provide easy access to essentials; the interior organization and compression system work great to keep all your packed clothes in place.

I like that the cinch straps on the side and expandable design let you shrink or expand the capacity of this lightweight carry-on luggage for different trips.

There are definitely some less expensive carry-on suitcases that offer similar performance and functionality, but the lightweight construction and stylish design make the X-Bag Rolling Duffel worth considering.

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Backpack : Best Rolling Backpack Carry-On Luggage

Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Backpack

If your travels involve a lot of walking once you arrive at your destination, you don’t always want to be stuck dragging a wheeled suitcase behind you. Especially if you find yourself leaving smooth concrete behind and walking across cobblestones or dirt, a backpack is a much better way to carry your gear.

The Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Backpack combines the best of both worlds with a hybrid design that works both as a backpack and a rolling carry-on with two oversized wheels.

This carry-on has comfy padded shoulder straps and a supportive hip belt that let you carry it on your back. When you get to the airport, the straps can stow away behind a zippered panel leaving you with a neat rolling carry-on that you can pull behind you with the telescoping handle.

It’s definitely built for adventurous travelers, and even the wheels show that. They are oversized with grippy rubber tires. These wheels feel like they can handle cobblestones and dirt paths without being worn to shreds.

Another perk is that this bag comes with an integrated daypack that can be attached to the front or removed for day trips. It’s awesome to have a full-sized carry-on and a personal-item-sized bag included together.

Keeping with Eagle Creek’s reputation for quality and durability, this carry-on bag uses tough materials and burly construction

To be clear, as a hybrid between a travel backpack and a rolling carry-on, this bag isn’t perfect in either situation. It’s not quite as comfortable as a dedicated backpack, and it isn’t as smooth rolling and easy to pack as a dedicated suitcase. If you don’t really need the hybrid capability, it makes more sense to look at carry-on bags that are more single-purpose.

For a lot of travelers, though, the ability to switch between a travel backpack and a rolling carry-on really makes sense. And this is definitely the best carry-on backpack with wheels for adventurous travelers.

Skyline Rolling 35L Duffel Bag : Best Target Rolling Carry-On Luggage

Skyline Rolling 35L Duffel Bag

If you’re specifically looking for luggage you can buy at your local Target store, Skyline is Target’s in-house luggage brand that offers decent bags at incredibly low prices.

The Skyline Rolling 35L Duffel Bag is a straightforward carry-on duffel that offers plenty of packing space, a decent array of organizational compartments, and a budget-friendly price.

The main packing area is spacious and is accessed through a wide-opening zippered flap, so it’s super easy to pack and unpack.

There are three additional pockets that are easily accessed from the outside of the bag. These are great for keeping electronics, passports, and other essentials within easy reach while traveling.

I love the fact that there are multiple handles on the top, side, and bottom of this duffel bag. It’s great to have different options to lift and carry it.

Don’t expect high-end materials or top-notch construction here. It’s definitely not the same as the best carry-on luggage from top brands, but if you need a basic rolling carry-on duffel bag, this is a good choice.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag : Best Rolling Carry-on Luggage for Suits

Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag

Briggs & Riley is one of the world’s most respected luggage brands. They build some of the most functional luggage on the planet, and their products are trusted by flight crews and globetrotters alike.

Their products are more expensive than other bags, and the prices can be a bit shocking when you’re buying carry-on luggage, but you are paying for both a high-quality suitcase and the best lifetime warranty in the business.

If you ever damage your Briggs and Riley suitcase, they will repair or replace it, no questions asked. You don’t need proof of purchase, you don’t have to be the original buyer, and the warranty never expires.

If you’re looking for the best luggage for men and often need to travel with a suit, it makes sense to get a purpose-built garment bag . A garment bag is designed to carry suits and other formal clothing while keeping them wrinkle-free

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag is an exceptionally well-designed and well-built carry-on that is ideal for carrying hanging clothing.

This bag is divided into two sections. One half is just a normal packing compartment with plenty of space for shorter trips. The other side features hanging storage for suits, shirts, dress pants, or other formal clothing.

The garment bag section features a clever fold-out design that keeps your suit securely in place and adds a bit of compression to prevent shifting. It’s super easy to hang your suit and fold it up, and it’s great to know you won’t have to worry about finding it crumpled when you get to your destination.

The garment bag section also has two corner pouches that work great for holding accessories like ties, socks, and more. It’s great to have the extra organization, and they also

It’s worth noting that this bigger carry-on does lack some versatility. It wouldn’t be very efficient for trips where you aren’t bringing formal hanging clothing.

Not everyone needs a garment bag, but if you frequently need to travel with a suit, this is the best carry-on luggage for the job.

Bric’s X-Bag 21" Rolling Duffel : Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage for Women

Bric's X-Bag Carry-On Rolling Duffel Bag

Duffel bags aren’t really known for being sleek and stylish, but this one breaks the mold with Bric’s characteristic elegant design.

The X-Bag 21” Rolling Duffel is chic, streamlined, lightweight, and very versatile, making it perfect for any woman who travels frequently.

This bag uses high-end materials, with a fully waterproof polyamide exterior fabric and full-grain leather trim detailing. It looks and feels premium.

While it doesn’t look as bulky as your typical duffel, this lightweight carry-on luggage delivers a massive main compartment that opens wide. It can fit everything you need for many trips, and it’s super easy to throw everything you need into the big main compartment.

You get some decent organization, too, with a large exterior zip pocket and two internal pockets. If you like to have tons of pockets and dividers, this probably isn’t the best carry-on luggage, but it offers enough for most people.

For women looking for a stylish, versatile carry-on, this rolling duffel is a great choice.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Rollaboard : Best Rolling Soft-Sided Luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22

One last Travelpro product to put on the list. The Travelpro Platinum Elite range is their lineup of higher-end luggage designed for frequent travelers and flight crews.

Travelpro is known for making some of the best soft luggage on the market, and the Platinum Elite Range really shows their expertise in this niche.

The Platinum Elite 22” Rollaboard is an elegant, durable, and highly functional softside carry-on that is packed with features.

This bigger carry-on has tons of organization and accessibility. You get two big external zippered pockets and an external power bank pocket with a USB port. It makes it easy to keep electronics, passports, and other important items within easy reach while traveling.

As with all Travelpro products, you get a solid limited lifetime warranty with this bag. The Travelpro Platinum Elite line also has an upgraded warranty that covers repair costs for damages caused by airlines and shipping costs for warranty returns and repairs. It’s great to have the peace of mind that they stand behind their product.

The Platinum Elite is definitely more expensive than many of the others on this list, so if you’re on a budget, it’s worth looking at Travelpro’s less expensive Maxlite 5 suitcase, which is one of the best carry-on luggage options while coming in at a lower price.

Briggs & Riley Torq 22" : Best Rolling Hard Side Luggage

Briggs & Riley Torq Domestic Hardside Carry-On Spinner

Technically, there isn’t any good hard shell luggage on the market right now with two wheels(if you know of one, let us know!), but even though this suitcase has four spinner wheels, it’s worth including on this list for anyone who specifically wants a hardside suitcase.

Briggs & Riley builds some of the best luggage out there, and their hardside luggage is especially impressive and well-built.

The Briggs & Riley Torque 22” is a tough hard shell suitcase that offers great protection for all your belongings.

While 360-degree spinner wheels are typically less durable than fixed roller wheels, Briggs & Riley has done everything they can to make their self-aligning spinner wheels the smoothest and most durable you can find. Plus, if you ever do break them, repairs are covered by their awesome lifetime warranty.

One place where this suitcase outshines other hardside carry-on suitcases is the fact that it has an external hinged pocket. It has a padded sleeve for a laptop and pockets for other essentials you want to get to without opening your whole suitcase.

Briggs & Riley products are very expensive, so it definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you want the most well-built hardside carry-on out there, this one is hard to beat.

Samsonite Armage II : Best 2-Wheel Rolling Carry-On Luggage

Samsonite Armage 2 Upright Wheeled Carry-On

Samsonite is one of the most popular and well-known luggage brands in the world. They’ve been building luggage for over 100 years, so they’ve learned a thing or two, and they offer solid choices at a wide range of price points.

If you are looking for a sturdy, no-nonsense rolling carry-on that is also packed with features, the Samsonite Armage II is a great choice.

This softside suitcase has great build quality and durability. The oversized wheels can handle rougher surfaces, and the YKK Fuzion zippers are some of the best in the business.

Where this bag really shines is in organization and features. You get plenty of external and internal pockets to keep all your belongings neat and accessible.

This case also comes with a removable folding compartment for suits and other hanging clothes, a waterproof bag for toiletries, and a small “TechKit” for keeping your electronics organized. Most other carry-ons don’t come with accessories like this, so it’s awesome to have them included.

It doesn’t have the same elegance and style as some of the other bags on this list, but the Samsonite Armage II has features galore for the most organized packers.

How to Choose the Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage

There is a lot to consider when shopping for a new carry-on. It’s essential to get luggage that fits your personal needs and is well-built so you can avoid frustrations while traveling.

Here are some of the top things to keep in mind while you shop:

Not all carry-ons are the same size, and it’s essential to get one that is right for your travels. In general, I’d recommend getting one that is as large as possible while still fitting within the airline size restrictions for where you’re flying. It’s always better to have a little extra room rather than stuffing your suitcase to the max.

Domestic airlines within the US typically restrict carry-ons to 22” max height, while international carry-ons are limited to 21.5”. If you are looking for a carry-on that can fit underseat size restrictions, you’ll want one that’s smaller than 18” x 8” x 14”.

Once you know the restrictions, it’s also a good idea to know how to measure luggage so you can be sure it will fit.

Two or Four Wheels

This article has focused on two-wheeled rolling luggage, but you should consider whether roller or spinner luggage is best for you.

Many people prefer suitcases with 360-degree spinner wheels because they glide smoothly and can roll in any direction. They are great for maneuvering through crowded airports.

Two-wheeled bags on the other hand are more durable and work much better when you leave the perfectly smooth airport tile behind. I am a huge fan of two-wheel luggage in general after having two spinner suitcases fall apart on the cobblestones in Germany.

While we all are trying to save money, it is never worth buying the cheapest suitcase you can find if it means you’ll have to replace it after a few trips. The best carry-on luggage should be built to last.

At TravelFreak, we always recommend finding durable, high-quality products that will last years or decades. Fortunately, you can find affordable luggage that is still durable and high quality.

Here are some of the top elements to look for in a durable suitcase:

  • Sturdy wheels: Wheels take a ton of abuse, so you want ones that are well-built and strong. Wheels with stainless steel ball bearings will roll smoother and last longer than cheaper designs.
  • High quality zippers: I’ve had enough zippers fail in my life to know to always look for high-quality zippers. YKK is one of the best brands in the business, so when in doubt, I’d look for luggage with YKK-branded zippers.
  • Burly materials: Look for suitcases that are built with thick, water-resistant fabrics that can stand up to wear and tear.

Organization

Having a neat, organized suitcase can make a huge difference in minimizing the annoying parts of travel. The best suitcases offer features that help keep you more organized and tame the chaos on your trip.

Here are a few things you may want to look for:

  • External pockets: I think external pockets are a must-have on carry-ons so you can keep electronics, passports, and anything you may need while traveling within easy access.
  • Internal pockets: It’s also great to have multiple compartments on the inside for keeping small items organized.
  • Laptop sleeve: If you’re traveling with a laptop, it’s worth looking for a suitcase with a padded sleeve.
  • Compression straps: Elastic tie-down straps inside your suitcase can help compress clothes and keep them from shifting around during travel.
  • Removable laundry bag: Some suitcases come with a hidden laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate from everything else.

Since luggage is a pretty significant investment, I’d recommend buying something that comes with a decent warranty so you’re covered if there are any problems.

Most good manufacturers offer at least a limited lifetime warranty that will cover most problems with zippers, wheels, and handles. Some high-end companies like Briggs & Riley have a more comprehensive, no-questions-asked warranty that essentially guarantees you repairs or replacements for the rest of your life.

Buying from brands with a better warranty is typically more expensive, so it’s up to you to determine how much coverage you need and what you’re willing to pay for it.

Rolling Carry-On Luggage Accessories

Travelpro essentials packing cubes.

Travelpro Essentials 3 Piece Packing Cube Set

Organization can make a huge difference for your experience of packing for travel. Most luggage just offers a large main compartment with some side pockets, so extra organization is hugely helpful.

These Travelpro Packing Cubes are simple zippered pouches that come in different sizes and stack perfectly inside your luggage. These are a great way to make sure you have a place for everything while you travel. The medium size can even be used as a shoe bag to keep your shoes separate from your clothes.

Monos Metro Toiletry Case

Monos Metro Toiletry Case

Everyone needs a toiletry bag while traveling, and this streamlined zippered case from Monos is perfect for keeping all your toiletries neat and organized.

It’s simple, has internal dividers to keep everything neat, and comes in two different sizes so you can get the one that fits everything you need.

REI Co-Op Laundry Bag

REI Co-op Laundry Bag

When you are living out of a suitcase, you want a way to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your items. This REI laundry bag is a simple, functional solution for managing dirty laundry on the go.

I love that it comes with backpack-like shoulder straps to make it easy to carry for trips to the Laundromat.

Why Trust TravelFreak?

At TravelFreak, our reputation for giving you solid product recommendations is a foundation piece of our business, so we take it seriously. We pick recommendations because we truly think they are the best at a specific job.

We are avid travelers ourselves, and we’ve learned a thing or two on our trips around the world. From broken wheels to ripped zippers, we’ve had our share of luggage fiascos. We’ve also tested some of the best luggage in the business, so we know what works and what doesn’t.

For this article, I drew on my own real-world testing and the collective experience of the TravelFreak team to make this curated list of the best carry-on bags that will absolutely serve you well.

All the bags on this list is something we personally recommend and would be happy using ourselves. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage FAQs

Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage.

Airlines prefer hardside luggage for checked bags because it is less likely to snag or rip.

Can a rolling suitcase be a carry-on?

Yes, a rolling suitcase can be a carry-on as long as it fits the size restrictions.

Which suitcases have the best wheels?

Monos suitcases have durable wheels and are tested to ensure they’ll stand up to abuse.

What is the difference between rolling and spinner luggage?

Spinner luggage has four wheels that can swivel in any direction. Roller luggage has two fixed wheels.

Which type of luggage wheels are best?

The best luggage has durable polyurethane wheels with stainless steel ball bearings.

' src=

Jakob Thygerson

I’ve been researching carry-on suitcases and really enjoyed your reviews – the depth and details that you cover are super helpful. I’m curious – out of all the carry-ons, which would you recommend for expandable option? Monos is my favourite and I have 2 checked ones already, but their carry on doesn’t expand unfortunately.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search our latest articles, reviews and gear guides

  • TravelFreak on Instagram
  • TravelFreak on Facebook
  • TravelFreak on Twitter
  • TravelFreak on Pinterest

Sign up now and get the best gear, travel tips, deals and destinations, straight to your inbox.

Thank you for signing up!

The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bring all the gear you need in these sizeable luggage pieces

travel luggage rolling bag

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

TripSavvy / Jessica Juliao

Rolling duffels are the luggage style of choice for adventure travelers, outdoorsy folks, and chronic over-packers—essentially, anyone who requires plenty of flexible space and the added versatility of a bag that can be carried or slung over a shoulder as easily as wheeling it from A to B. These days, many brands also make duffels that are as fashionable as they are functional, also making them a viable option for business trips and weekend getaways. Things to look out for include sturdy carry handles or straps, a reliable wheel and trolley system, and a generous, durable interior with some organization features.

To help you narrow down your search for the perfect rolling duffel, we tested 30 of the most popular brands in the TripSavvy lab. Using a series of tests designed to simulate the rigors of airline travel, we scored each duffel on its capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

  • Others We Tested

How We Tested

  • What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Maneuverability 4.5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5

Tough, long-lasting material

Burly, smooth-rolling wheels

Won't turn on a dime

The 100L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel from Patagonia impressed us from the outset with its impressive capacity. With some strategic packing, we could fit double or even triple the amount of clothing on our prescribed packing list. We liked its structured bottom for support and its flexible upper, allowing for maximum packing potential. The duffel features ripstop polyester with a highly weather-resistant TPU-laminate coating. We found it sleek, functional, and sturdy enough to potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. After our stringent durability tests, the duffel showed zero signs of wear and tear.

It’s also great for the planet, with 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. The main compartment features a large opening and internal compression straps, with mesh pockets in the lid for smaller items. There’s also a zippered side pocket to separate shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked that there are multiple ways to transport this bag. You can use the reinforced haul handles to lift it onto the luggage scale; or weave through the airport using the sturdy, oversized wheels and telescoping handle. Although somewhat tricky to maneuver around tight turns, we found that the wheels rolled perfectly on rough and smooth surfaces.

Dimensions: 32.6 x 16 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 9.49 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: Ripstop polyester with a TPU-film laminate | Sustainability: 100-percent recycled ripstop polyester

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Budget

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

  • Design 4.5 /5
  • Portability 3.8 /5
  • Durability 4.7 /5

Plenty of external storage

Handles rough treatment well

Folds away when not in use

We'd like a more functional handle

Made from surprisingly sturdy 600-denier polyester, the Travelers Club Xpedition duffel bag retails for just over a tenth of the price of our overall winner. Despite its low cost, it held up well to our durability tests with no obvious dents, tears, or broken elements. The main compartment is spacious (so much so that we had room left after packing for a 10 to 14-day winter trip) but lacks organization features. This was more than made up for by the bag's exterior, however, which features no fewer than six extra-large zippered accessory pockets.

The duffel features sturdy top and rear carry handles for manual lifting. Alternatively, it has two wheels and a retractable handle—although we felt the latter's design was lacking since it wasn't height adjustable and could have been smoother to extend. Most importantly, though, it was strong enough to maneuver the bag around our simulated airport obstacles while the wheels rolled smoothly over hard surfaces. Finally, the duffel features a tri-fold bottom for convenient storage.

Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: 77 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels

  • Capacity 4.5 /5
  • Portability 4.5 /5

Hybrid design adds sturdiness

Maneuvers well

Generous capacity

Adjustable height handle would be nice

The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag features 1,200-denier PVC—making it waterproof, lightweight, and (as our tests proved) exceptionally durable. Coming in at roughly a quarter of the price of our overall winner, we felt it offered incredible value for money, especially given its innovative design. The large main compartment features a U-shaped opening for easy access and easily fits everything on our packing list. We loved the half suitcase/half duffel concept, with a structured bottom that gives contents an extra layer of protection.

Organization features include an interior zippered mesh pocket, two exterior pockets, and clever compression straps that fasten outside the duffel to keep everything in place. The duffel comes with high-quality YKK zippers and balanced bottom feet that allow it to stand upright on its own. We found the telescoping handle comfortable but wished it had more than one height setting. Finally, the oversized trolley wheels operated smoothly through turns and over a variety of terrains, including gravel.

Dimensions: 33 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 11.35 pounds | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: PVC | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Carry-on

Vera bradley foldable rolling duffel bag.

 Amazon

  • Portability 5 /5
  • Value 4.6 /5
  • Durability 4.6 /5

Made from recycled plastic bottles

Good level of organization

Easy to store

Not as durable as some outdoor brands

Made from Vera Bradley’s lightweight, recycled ReActive fabric, the Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag wins points for sustainability by saving 24 plastic bottles from landfill. It’s also water-repellent and survived our durability tests without sustaining any damage. The main compartment features a mesh slip pocket and a concealed bottom compartment perfect for separating shoes or dirty laundry. We fit everything on our packing list before realizing this bottom compartment existed. There are also two zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel.

We found that the wheels turned smoothly around tight corners and handled all terrains well. The bag is also small enough to carry comfortably using the dual top carry handles. It stands upright on its own and folds flat for convenient storage in the back of your closet. Other thoughtful design features include a travel lock, luggage tag, and a zippered pocket for storing the handle when not in use. The duffel is available in Reactive Black, Rose Foliage, or Sunflower Sky and has a five-year warranty.

Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: ReActive fabric | Sustainability: Saves 24 plastic bottles from landfill

Best Checked

Ebags mother lode checked rolling duffel.

  • Portability 4.8 /5
  • Value 4.7 /5

Spacious and easy to pack

Tough construction

No side handle for easy lifting

With a durable, molded bottom and flexible polyester top, this rolling duffel from Mother Lode divides into two sections. The zippered top compartment features a mesh storage pocket and compression straps, while the bottom compartment is unstructured except for two large pockets perfect for shoes or toiletries. Both sides of the bag are deep, allowing space to configure your belongings. We packed for a week and still had room to spare without using the three exterior pockets or the zippered expansion feature.

We found the overall quality good, with zippers that opened easily, smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy telescoping handle. The latter offers three height settings for maximum stability and comfort. It was easy to maneuver over and around obstacles and survived our durability tests with no signs of damage. In fact, the only downside was the absence of a side haul handle, which made lifting it a little awkward. The bag comes in one color, Heathered Graphite, and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Dimensions: 29 × 17 × 15 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for International Travel

Ogio terminal travel bag.

  • Design 4 /5

All the room you could need

Great manueuverability

Easy to lift

Limited plain colors

If you're planning a round-the-world adventure and need a bag that can fit weeks' worth of belongings while also withstanding the rigors of international travel, you'll love the Ogio Terminal Travel Bag. It's constructed of durable 420-denier nylon, with protective, reinforced skid bars on the back panel. We found it lightweight yet so strong it didn't show any signs of our repeated bat and drop tests. In terms of capacity, we'd have scored it a 10 if we could, with enough space to fit clothes, shoes, and accessories for 14 days.

The interior features a neoprene lining, a mesh divider, and compression straps—while two large external pockets provide space for keeping toiletries or dirty laundry separate. The skate wheels and retractable handle helped the duffel to move smoothly and quietly through our obstacle course, while multiple grab handles came in handy for loading it into cars and buses. Colors, except for sober Black Pindot, are eye-catching with names like Double Camo, Acid Waves, and Nebula.

Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 13 inches | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Capacity: 95 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best Splurge

Tumi large split 2-wheeled duffel.

  • Value 4.5 /5
  • Durability 4 /5

Easy to pack and organize

Customization options

Smooth roll

The Tumi Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel will set you back the better part of $1,000, but for those who can afford it, we feel the quality is commensurate with the price. The bag is made from virtually indestructible ballistic nylon, with a molded, impact-resistant bottom and protective bumper rails. It sailed through our durability tests unscathed. We loved its clamshell-style opening and the divided interior with a large mesh zippered pocket and compression straps.

We were able to fit everything on our list with space to spare. With so many compartments on the inside and outside, we actually enjoyed the packing experience! One of the exterior pockets has a water-resistant lining. The duffel maneuvered skillfully across all terrains thanks to its large, high-quality wheels and two-stage telescoping handle. It also has leather-accented top and side carry handles and a bottom grab handle. Other benefits include molded feet for standing upright and the brand’s proprietary Tumi Tracer.

Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 14 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Capacity: Not published | Materials: Ballistic nylon | Sustainability: Not listed

Best for Hauling Gear

Rei co-op big haul recycled rolling duffel.

Sleek design

Sturdy, eco-friendly material

Adventure-specific extras

Not particularly fashionable

Need an outdoors-approved duffel big enough to fit the whole family’s gear that's hardy enough to travel where few other suitcases can go? The REI Co-op Big Haul duffel is for you. We packed everything on our list with plenty of space left over. We loved the weather-resistant finish on the recycled ripstop nylon exterior; and the heavy-duty, oversized wheels that easily handled all of our testing terrains and challenges. The telescoping handle felt sturdy, and the side, front, and end handles made the duffel simple to lift as needed.

The main compartment features several practical mesh pockets and a set of compression straps. We also liked that the duffel has exterior compression straps that allow it to be cinched in, depending on how full it is. Other features that reinforce the impression that this duffel is meant for the great outdoors include daisy chain lash points for attaching extra gear and piggyback clips for connecting your daypack or other luggage.

Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 15 inches | Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces | Capacity: 109 liters | Materials: Nylon | Sustainability: Contains recycled, bluesign-certified materials

Best for Business Travel

Ted baker albany rolling duffel bag.

Chic design details

Solid internal organization

Deceptively capacious interior

High price tag

Despite its carry-on-approved dimensions, we found the Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag much more spacious than it initially looked and were highly impressed with how much we could fit in. We loved its elegant, tapered design, envelope-style front pocket, and stylish faux leather accents. It’s an excellent choice for business travelers , with its rose gold detailing, including on the zippers, embossed Ted Baker logo plate, and aluminum trolley system.

While the exterior is smart, professional black, the interior features a vibrant, butterfly-patterned lining. It has multiple compartments, including a padded sleeve for your tablet or laptop; and TSA-approved locks to keep everything secure in transit. We found that the wheels performed impeccably over gravel, carpet, and through our obstacle course, while the duffel itself was so lightweight that carrying it using the top handles was just as easy. The only drawback was the price tag, although we felt it was a fair reflection of the bag’s quality.

Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Capacity: 33 liters | Materials: Polyester | Sustainability: Not listed

In the end, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L stood out as our overall winner for its impressive capacity and rugged, all-weather construction. We also like the Travelers Club Xpedition Rolling Duffel thanks to its multiple exterior pockets and affordable price.

Other Rolling Duffels We Tested

Briggs & Riley ZDX 27-Inch Medium Upright Duffel : We appreciated the roomy capacity of this medium-sized duffel as well as the thoughtful layout of its compartments (including an expandable one on the front). It was well-made and moved beautifully, but it sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 31-Inch : We could fit all of our items in this duffel with space to spare and liked its compression straps and storage pocket. We found it incredibly easy to maneuver; however, we would have liked to see another height setting for the telescoping handle and larger top carry handles.

Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag 32-Inch : This rolling duffel impressed us with its durability, standing up well to our drop and bat tests. It’s also an attractive option with plenty of packing space despite its relatively small size; however, we found that it listed significantly when packed full and stood upright.

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 32-Inch : With its massive main compartment and extra-rugged construction, we love this duffel for those who need to carry a lot of gear. It rolled easily on multiple surfaces, albeit being a little unwieldy around tight turns. It lost points for lack of organization features and usable carry handles.

High Sierra Fairlead 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag : This duffel scored highly for its many organization options and highly accessible main compartment. The carry handle and strap were comfortable; however, it was tricky to maneuver around turns and was unstable when upright.

Eagle Creek 130L Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel : We really appreciated that this duffel’s huge interior is made manageable by an included packing cube. It also converts into a backpack and is super lightweight, although the lack of structure that makes this lightness possible also means it can’t stand upright on its own.

DELSEY Paris Raspail 28-Inch Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag : We were pleasantly surprised by this duffel’s capacity and liked that it has separate pockets for laundry and other essentials. It had multiple handles and rolled well, but it felt a little flimsy overall.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Two-Wheel Duffel 29-Inch : This duffel accommodated all our belongings with plenty of space to spare. We liked the separate bottom compartment and multiple handle heights but ultimately felt it was overpriced.

Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel : If capacity is your priority, this enormous duffel could be a good choice. It also maneuvered beautifully despite its size; however, we found the unstructured interior a bit disorganized.

Samsonite Detour 29-Inch Wheeled Duffel : We liked this duffel’s tactical style and easy roll but ultimately found the interior disappointingly organization-free. We also struggled to fit everything on our list inside.

Samsonite Ripstop 30-Inch Rolling Duffel : This duffel withstood our durability tests well and scored top marks for its versatile pockets. But, it lost points for its awkward carry handles and the fact that the trolley system wasn’t adjustable.

Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : This duffel maneuvered fine and survived our durability tests; however, we felt the material was flimsy and couldn’t see it lasting more than a few trips. It also didn’t have any interior pockets.

Wrangler Wesley Rolling Duffel Bag 30-Inch : We felt this duffel was intended for carrying sports gear and would only consider it for that purpose. Otherwise, it was poorly designed and broke during our durability tests.

Eddie Bauer Expedition 30 Duffel 2.0 : We liked this duffel’s sturdy frame and felt it was well-balanced. It maneuvered easily through obstacles but lost points for thin fabric, loose stitching, and confusing organization features.

Travelpro Bold 30-Inch Check-In Drop-Bottom Expandable Rolling Duffel : This is a huge duffel with a main compartment that is accessible in two ways. We liked its sturdy handle and surprising maneuverability but felt it was too bulky for most travelers.

L.L.Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag, Large 30-Inch : With just one exterior pocket and no interior organization, we found this duffel challenging to pack. We also felt the quality was lackluster, although it did maneuver well.

Dakine Split Roller 110L Bag : We liked that this bag split clamshell-style into a structured bottom half and a more flexible top half with compartments. However, it scuffed easily during tests, making us question its durability.

Oiwas Small Rolling Duffel Bag : We gave this duffel top marks for maneuverability. Unfortunately, it failed to impress in terms of quality, with a flimsy handle, poor stitching, and zippers that broke during testing.

First, we weighed each duffel to check the accuracy of the manufacturer’s description. Then we packed it according to a packing list meant to replicate a four-day trip for carry-on duffels and a seven-day trip for checked duffels. While doing so, we took note of the bag’s capacity and how well-thought-out its organizational features were. Next, we rolled it back and forth on smooth concrete, pushing and pulling it to check how easily it moved. Then, we tested maneuverability by rolling the duffel through an obstacle course to simulate a busy airport.

Then we repeated these tests on a carpeted floor. We also tested how easy it was to drag the duffel onto the sidewalk and over gaps between cement pavers. We checked how comfortable it was to carry it using its handles and/or straps and then tested durability by repeatedly pushing it off a countertop and beating it with a baseball bat. These tests specifically targeted potential weak spots. Finally, scores were given from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, and value, resulting in an overall score used to select category winners.

Testing Rolling Duffels for Durability and Portability

What to look for in a rolling duffel, weight and dimensions.

The optimum duffel size depends on how much you want to pack and for how long. Bear in mind that for carry-on duffels, though, the IATA recommends that bags have a maximum length of 22 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a depth of 10 inches. Exact requirements may differ from airline to airline. Checked bags must not exceed a linear dimension (length + width + depth) of 62 inches. In terms of weight, it’s important to find a good balance between quality construction and lightness. However, the lighter your duffel is, the more you can pack before exceeding airline weight restrictions.

Rolling duffels vary significantly in price, with our category winners ranging from just over $40 to just under $1,000. The key is to determine the value of a potential purchase—if the bag is a splurge, is it worth it? A duffel with premium materials could last you a lifetime, in which case, the answer is probably yes. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can comfortably afford. Be sure to check user reviews, however, to help establish how much of the cost reflects performance and how much you’re paying for brand name only.

Other Features

Other features to look out for beyond the duffel itself include organization features—how many pockets or compartments does the bag have, and how easy are they to access? How many carrying options does it offer (can it be comfortably carried using the haul handles, or does it convert to a backpack?)? Some have padded pockets for your laptop or tablet, while tech-savvy carry-on duffels may even have USB or wireless charging facilities. The most important features for a rolling duffel to fulfill its purpose are easily maneuverable wheels and a sturdy, telescoping handle.

Every rolling duffel will have its own specific manufacturer’s instructions regarding the best way to clean it. As a general rule, however, most can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and should be left to dry naturally. Like all luggage, duffels should be completely dry before being put away and kept away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

Duffels are softsided by nature, and the best use sturdy, lightweight materials—most usually, ripstop polyester or nylon. For added weatherproofing, consider a PVC duffel or one coated with TPU laminate; while eco-conscious travelers should look out for bags made using recycled versions of these materials. The best-quality telescoping handles feature aerospace-grade aluminum.

Rolling duffels offer more flexible packing space than hardsided suitcases and are easier to stuff into irregular spaces (e.g., a safari truck’s roof racks or the cargo hold of a bus). Many argue that they’re more durable—all attributes that make them ideal for adventure travel or sports trips. They can usually be carried in more than one way, making them a good fit for journeys that will take you to areas a wheeled suitcase can’t go.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of adventure and family travel articles. She’s packed many a rolling duffel in her time, whether for scuba diving trips across Southeast Asia, research trips to the Peruvian Amazon, or camping adventures around the national parks of South Africa.

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Camp Trunks of 2024

The 8 Best Lightweight Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 6 Best Small Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Underseat Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Travelpro Luggage Items of 2024

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Carry-On Luggage

Alt Text: Three of our top picks for carry-on luggage, shown side by side, an Away The Carry-On, a Travelpro Platinum Elite, and a Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential.

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything we recommend

travel luggage rolling bag

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

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

Buying Options

travel luggage rolling bag

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

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

travel luggage rolling bag

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

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

travel luggage rolling bag

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

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

Budget pick

travel luggage rolling bag

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

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

Upgrade pick

travel luggage rolling bag

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

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

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

travel luggage rolling bag

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

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

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

travel luggage rolling bag

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

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

travel luggage rolling bag

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

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

What to consider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

Six of the carry-on suitcases we tested, shown lined up.

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

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

A person pouring white plastic balls into the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner.

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

Women's clothes, shoes, and accessories packed for a five-day trip and a fancy gathering.

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

An obstacle course and mock fuselage in Virgin America’s old training facility.

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

The twenty carry-on suitcases we tested lined up against a fence.

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

Our top picks for the best carry-on luggage, The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner and the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22-inch Carry-On Rollaboard.

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

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

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

Our pick for best carry-on luggage sitting in front of an American Airlines carry-on size diagram to show that it will fit in the overhead bin.

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

An opened Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner next to its removable garment bag.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How the Platinum Elite has held up

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The back of a Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on suitcase.

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

Close-up of the battery pocket on the side of the Travelpro Platinum Elite.

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

Our picks for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage, an Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On.

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

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

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

An opened Away The Carry-On suitcase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our budget pick for best carry-on luggage, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On Spinner.

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

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

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

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

Top view of an opened Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On Spinner.

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

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

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

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

Two Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinners, the four- and two-wheeled versions, shown side by side.

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

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

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

Close-up of the plastic handle of the Briggs & Riley’s CX expansion and compression system.

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

The inside of a Briggs & Riley and a Travelpro Platinum Elite spinners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Carl Friedrik The Carry-On, our upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on.

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

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

An opened Carl Friedrik The Carry-On suitcase showing its removable compression pad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Yeti Crossroads 22-inch/35-liter Wheeled Luggage.

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

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

View of the inside of a Yeti Crossroads 22-inch/35-liter Wheeled Luggage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

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

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

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

His five-day travel kit included the following:

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

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

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

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

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

Meet your guide

travel luggage rolling bag

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

An illustration reading "our 100 most popular September picks."

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

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

Our six choices for best luggage tags displayed on a wooden surface

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

A person standing outside in a light blue short sleeve shirt wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, in black with a gray llama-head logo and aqua accents.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

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

A Travelpro rolling suitcase, next to clothes and a purse.

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

Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion.

The 8 Best Rolling Duffel Bags for Your Next Trip

Gain the portability of a duffel with the convenience of a rolling suitcase.

best rolling duffel bags

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Duffel bags are great for throwing over your shoulder and stuffing into overhead bins on planes, but it doesn’t take long for your shoulder to hurt if you’re lugging a full bag. That’s why we love rolling duffels—bags that give you all the portability of a duffel bag with the option of rolling it across smooth surfaces.

We’ve tested and vetted all of the best rolling duffle bags on the market to help you find your next travel companion.

What to Consider

The most obvious decision regarding which rolling duffel bag to get is its size, particularly whether or not you want checked luggage or a carry-on bag (which is typically up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches). Aside from that, consider how much clothing and gear you usually travel with.

For some duffels with a more fixed shape, how full the bag is doesn’t really matter. But for duffels with more flexible designs and those without telescoping handles, the bag’s maneuverability might change if it’s overpacked.

To fit the most clothes in your rolling duffle bag, think strategically. Start with the big items first ( snowboard jackets , pants, etc.). Roll these up and put them on one side of the bag. Then, work your way through the rest of the bag in sections with socks, underwear, shirts, pajamas, and any other gear you need. If you have some spare room left, you may fit a few toiletries in there, too.

Most rolling duffels have a similar shape akin to an average carry-on bag. However, rolling duffel bags with more of a square shape are usually easier to fit in overhead bins and, often, easier to wear as a backpack , for those that come with double straps. Bags with a rounded, circular shape—the traditional shape for a duffel bag—have more of a vintage look but can be harder to pack or find small items in in a pinch.

thule wheeled duffel

Most buyers probably don’t pay too much attention to materials, but you should if you’re an active traveler. Look for outer materials that are made with tear-proof and water-resistant details like ripstop, reinforced nylon, and watertight zippers. Last but not least, if you regularly overpack, zoom in on online photos to make sure the zippers look strong and durable before you purchase.

Portability

While there’s something to be said for simplicity, holding all the weight of a packed duffle on one shoulder will probably result in a sore neck after about 20 minutes and some unwanted aggravation. That’s why we love modern-day rolling duffel bags, which have wheels in addition to handles and straps, so you can roll through airports but sling it on your back to go up stairs.

Most of the options we recommend have pull-up handles. A few even have backpack straps to free your hands for extended travel over uneven surfaces. Just remember that a pull-up handle and built-in backpack straps may eat into your storage space inside the duffel.

How We Selected

As a freelance adventure travel writer, Suzie Dundas, who originally authored this piece, has used various rolling duffels for years. She’s broken duffel bag straps in the Japanese Alps and dropped her carry-on in the Indian Ocean during ferry transfers, so she’s real-world tested plenty of duffel bag features. She has tested travel and outdoor gear for brands like TripSavvy , Insider , Backpackers , and Forbes . Dundas tested many of these bags while traveling, and if she hasn’t used it, she’s tried other luggage from the same brand.

To narrow down the list, we relied on our knowledge of useful features gained through years of frequent travel through various airports and countries. We looked at materials and projected durability, whether bags had clever features (like hide-away straps), and whether reviews mentioned any ongoing problems or issues. We also took into consideration things like sustainability, price, guarantees, warranties, and whether a brand’s other products are generally reliable and well-received.

REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag

Big Haul Recycled 34-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag

If you’re hitting the road for a multi-week trip and need one bag capable of holding it all, pick up the REI Co-op Big Haul roller duffel. The 34-inch version has one huge main compartment with built-in straps to keep your gear in place (though packing cubes wouldn’t hurt).

Small, secure external pockets and mesh inside pockets provide enough space for smaller items, and two small pegs on the front allow the bag to stand upright on its own, rather than slowly tipping forward like many flexible roller bags.

Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffle Bag

Andante 2 Wheeled Duffle Bag

This is a larger rolling duffle bag that airlines will consider a checked bag because of its size. With that said, you can fit a lot in this bag with its drop-bottom compartment that allows you to keep your belongings organized and separate when packing. And since you’re spending a pretty penny to travel, you’ll want to make sure your belongings (and bag) stay in pristine condition.

This duffle has corner protectors to prevent the unwanted wear and tear that typically accompanies travel—extra bonus points right there. Lastly, there are multiple grab handles so in the case you don’t want to or can’t roll the bag, you can easily grab and carry it without hassle.

Briggs & Riley Medium Upright Rolling Duffel Bag

Medium Upright Rolling Duffel Bag

At close to $500 with tax, the Medium Upright duffel from Briggs & Riley certainly isn’t cheap. But over a lifetime, spending just $500 on a bag may be a net savings. The Medium Upright Duffel comes with an ironclad guarantee: The brand will replace or repair the bag for basically any reason, including “airline damage” or “ any reason whatsoever .” And this particular duffel is quite useful, too.

One of our travel pet peeves is a roller bag whose pull-up handle takes up storage space—but this one doesn’t, helping you make full use of the bag’s ample space. We also think the complimentary monogramming is a nice touch.

Thule Crossover Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag

Crossover Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag

Thule may be relatively new to the luggage game, but it’s not surprising that one of its first introductions is already a top contender. After all, you may trust Thule cases with your expensive ski, bike, and outdoor sport gear, so why not trust them with your clothing and dirty shoes, too?

The Crossover wheeled duffel has useful features like exterior compression straps and a clamshell-style design, plus a huge top zipper so you can get to your gear without fully unpacking. While it is a bit pricey, it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re in need of a good, durable duffel back that will last a long time.

RedCamp RedCamp Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

RedCamp Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

The Deuter Aviant duffel has a lot of competition, but it scores high marks on all the categories that matter for a carry-on rolling duffel bag. With just under 40 liters of space, it’s as large as it can be while still meeting official carry-on requirements.

The short-and-squat shape, combined with a generous amount of compression straps, makes it easy to shove into overhead bins. And like the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior, it also has tuck-away backpack straps, though the lack of a hip belt may make it slightly less comfortable for long-distance wear.

VERAGE Spinner Carry On Underseat Luggage with USB Port

Spinner Carry On Underseat Luggage with USB Port

If you need a rolling duffel but live in a studio apartment, you may not be willing to give up the limited real estate in your closet to accommodate a new bag. Fortunately, the Verage duffel rolls into a relatively small 17-inch package and comes with a useful storage sack—and a USB port to charge your phone.

It’s also ultralight, which makes it a good bag to throw into your luggage if you plan on bringing home more than you packed. It has the feel of a hardside bag without the limitations.

Skyway Luggage Co. Sigma 6.0 Medium Rolling Duffel Bag

Sigma 6.0 Medium Rolling Duffel Bag

While you probably want to keep your valuables on you while you travel as a personal item, in the case that you need to put them in your carry-on or checked bag, you’ll want to make sure they are as secure as possible. This rolling duffle bag has lockable zippers so you can rest assured your items aren’t going anywhere.

Aside from having a spacious interior, there’s roomy side pockets, protective skid rails, and a hideaway telescoping handle for easy navigation. It’s only available in one color so if you’re looking for one that isn’t black, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Calpak Travel Stevyn Rolling Duffel Bag

Stevyn Rolling Duffel Bag

This lightweight rolling duffel bag is ideal for those shorter trips where you don’t need to pack as much, but still need a bag large enough to carry your belongings.

It’s a great bag to bring in addition to a checked bag with its luggage trolley sleeve, bottom shoe compartment, and rolling wheels. It’s available in a few neutral colors from pink to black making it easy to spot whether up above on the plane or at the baggage claim.

Duffel Bag Packing Tips and Must-Have Features, According to Our Expert Suzie Dundas

thule subterra wheeled duffel

What makes a bag a duffel?

If you give it a quick online search, you’ll see that the word duffel comes from the town of Duffle, Belgium, where a factory started making burlap-type bags in the 1800s. But they didn’t catch on in the United States in a big way until World War I, when the rugged, over-the-shoulder bags were standard issue for soldiers.

Today, duffel is a pretty broad term, but it generally means any durable, soft-sided bag with a shoulder strap and carry handles. They’re popular for situations where bags may get scratched or tossed around, like on safaris or on trips with lots of train or bus travel.

What features are most useful in a rolling duffel?

Aside from the obvious—wheels—I strongly recommend choosing a rolling duffel with a pull-up handle. It makes the bag slightly heavier and more rigid, and the frame may eat a bit into the interior storage space.

But without a handle, you’ll have to pull your roller duffel by one of the bag’s handles. It may work if your bag is packed enough to maintain its shape, but if it’s not full, your items will shift to the bottom and cause the bag to slouch over. It’s fine for car trips but rather annoying if you’re traveling through airports.

I’m a big fan of packing cubes , so I don’t care too much about pockets or interior organization. But if you don’t use packing cubes, you may want to choose a bag with some smaller pockets to make it easier to stay organized while traveling.

Any packing tips when using soft-sided suitcases?

While soft-sided suitcases offer plenty of protection for the vast majority of buyers, you may want to pay extra attention to how you pack if you have fragile items, like any coffee mugs or art you picked up while traveling.

I usually use a few pieces of clothing as a buffer, wrapping them around the delicate items. If your bag is full, your items should stay secure and not bounce around. I brought home a ceramic sake set and a tea set from Japan, with two international connections, and nothing was damaged.

Headshot of Casey Clark

Casey Clark is a freelance journalist who specializes in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health , Forbes , Better Homes & Gardens , and more.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

preview for Popular Mechanics All Sections

.css-cuqpxl:before{padding-right:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;} Best Product Reviews, According to Experts and Consumers .css-xtujxj:before{padding-left:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;}

a person holding a metal detector

The 7 Best Portable Power Banks of 2024

showerhead

The Best Showerheads for Bathrooms

best touchscreen laptops

The Best Touch-Screen Laptops of 2024

christmas tree stands

The Best Christmas Tree Stands For the Season

a metal object with a handle

The Best Water Filters for a Great Tasting Glass

black and decker microwave

The Best Cheap Microwaves Under $150

best remote starters

The Best Remote Car Starters

best tower speakers

The 8 Best Tower Speakers

bissell 2252 cleanview swivel upright bagless vacuum with swivel steering, powerful pet hair pick up, specialized pet tools, large capacity dirt tank, easy empty, green

The 9 Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

pro breeze dehumidifier

The Best Dehumidifiers for Bathrooms and Basements

best packing cubes

The Best Packing Cubes for a Tidy Suitcase

Protect Your Trip »

9 Top Rolling Duffel Bags

Find the perfect travel companion for adventures near and far.

Patagonia duffel bags stacked on top of a car with a dog looking out the passenger seat window

Matthew Tufts | Courtesy of Patagonia

Consider a rolling duffel bag for your next road trip or adventure getaway.

Rolling duffel bags combine the pliability of a duffel bag with the wheeled functionality of a piece of carry-on luggage or a checked suitcase . The combination provides a durable travel style that can easily be packed with travel essentials and adventure gear, then checked or put into an overhead bin (depending on airline size requirements ) before you wheel it around a city, airport or train station. The flexibility of the design also makes rolling duffel bags easy to shove into the trunk of a safari vehicle or push into a cargo area.

Based on consumer reviews and travel expert insights, U.S. News compiled this list of the best wheeled duffel bags for everything from weekend getaways to safari vacations to family trips and more.

The Best Rolling Duffel Bags

  • Best Rolling Duffel Bag Overall: The North Face Rolling Thunder - 22"
  • Best Carry-on Rolling Duffel Bag: Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag
  • Best Checked Rolling Duffel Bag: FŪL Workhorse 30-inch Rolling Duffle Bag
  • Best Adventure Gear Rolling Duffel Bag: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel Bag 130L
  • Best Weekender Rolling Duffel Bag: CALPAK Stevyn Rolling Duffel
  • Best Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag: Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel
  • Best for Business Rolling Duffel Bag: Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag
  • Best Lightweight Rolling Duffel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 40L
  • Best Value Rolling Duffel Bag: Samsonite Andante 2 32-inch Wheeled Duffel

Note: All dimensions are listed in order of height by width by depth. Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and supply chain issues.

Best Overall: The North Face Rolling Thunder - 22"

Weight: 7.3 pounds Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 8.5 inches

What sets this bag apart: Designed for durability, this bag is made of heavy-duty, water-resistant nylon and a ready-for-adventure Base Camp body for added strength. Plus, its high-traction wheels and extendable luggage handle make it easy to navigate on every adventure. It's available in the 22-inch carry-on size, along with 30- and 36-inch sizes.

Travelers appreciate: How roomy the interior is, as well as the bag's sleek design and sturdy construction for a variety of travel conditions.

Price: $270 or less Shop now: The North Face

Best Carry-on: Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag with sunflower design

Courtesy of Vera Bradley

Weight: 7.05 pounds Dimensions: 12.5 x 20.5 x 10 inches

What sets this bag apart: This bag's interior has two separate compartments and a mesh slip pocket, along with two exterior zippered pockets for organization on the go. It's also constructed with lightweight ReActive material, which is made with recycled water bottles (each bag repurposes 24 bottles). What's more, it stands upright on its own and stores flat when you're not traveling.

Travelers appreciate: The spacious main storage area with two separate compartments, with many owners of the bag saying it's a perfect weekender bag.

Price: $180 or less Shop now: Vera Bradley | Amazon

Best Checked: FŪL Workhorse 30-inch Rolling Duffle Bag

FŪL Workhorse 30-inch Rolling Duffle Bag in gray

Courtesy of FŪL

Weight: 8.3 pounds Dimensions: 17 x 30 x 14 inches

What sets this bag apart: This luggage has a retractable handle, front and rear grab handles, and corner-mounted wheels for easy use in and out of airports. It has a split-level design for organizing travel essentials and a hard-shell bottom for moisture protection and durability.

Travelers appreciate: The sturdy build of the bag and its multiple compartments, which users say make it easy to separate hiking or work gear from clean clothes and personal items.

Price: $199.99 or less Shop now: FŪL | Amazon

Best Adventure Gear: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel Bag 130L

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel Bag 130L in arctic green

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Weight: 4.4 pounds Dimensions: 15 x 34 x 13.75 inches

What sets this bag apart: Designed for adventure, this bag has a U-shaped top lid with loop zipper pulls to make the main packing area accessible even when you're wearing gloves. The bag also features zippered end compartments for equipment, compression straps and storm flaps to shield zippers from rain. What's more, this versatile rolling duffel bag has zip-away backpack straps, along with top and side grab handles.

Travelers appreciate: The bag's water-resistant features and durability, with many noting it's the perfect adventure bag since it holds plenty of clothing and gear for big trips to Alaska, diving and more.

Price: $199 or less Shop now: Eagle Creek | Amazon

Best Weekender: CALPAK Stevyn Rolling Duffel

CALPAK Stevyn Rolling Duffel in cheetah print.

Courtesy of CALPAK

Weight: 5.75 pounds Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 10.5 inches

What sets this bag apart: This carry-on-sized rolling duffel has a trolley sleeve to attach to a carry-on suitcase for extra space, two separate packing compartments (so you can keep your shoes , coats or other necessities organized), dual carrying handles and an extendable handle. All these features make it a great option for a weekender bag .

Travelers appreciate: The bag's ability to fit in the overhead compartment on planes, the separate shoe space and the material – with the option to choose a solid or cheetah print.

Price: $165 or less Shop now: CALPAK

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best Foldable: Lipault Foldable Plume Wheeled Duffel

Weight: 8.49 pounds Dimensions: 12.9 x 29.1 x 11 inches

What sets this bag apart: This rolling nylon duffel has a foldable system, making it easy to store in a closet or narrow space when you're not traveling. It also has two top handles, and an internal compartment with a zippered pocket.

Travelers appreciate: The lightweight soft-sided construction, foldability for storage and spacious packing area within the duffel.

Price: $295 or less Shop now: Lipault

Best for Business: Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag

Weight: 6.3 pounds Dimensions: 15 x 24 x 13 inches

What sets this bag apart: This sleek style has a rose gold trolley system and details, four wheels, and an internal butterfly lining for a laptop. What's more, the elegant design has a saffiano-style front envelope pocket.

Travelers appreciate: The professional appearance and smooth gliding wheels, although some note it is larger than they expected and may need to be checked.

Price: $395 or less Shop now: Amazon

Best Lightweight: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 40L

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 40L in black

Courtesy of Patagonia

Weight: 7 pounds Dimensions: 14 x 21.6 x 9.5 inches

What sets this bag apart: This weather-resistant duffel is made from 100% recycled fabric and has a spacious main compartment with a large lid and mesh pockets. It also has internal compression straps to maximize packing space and reinforced exterior handles for getting the bag into the overhead bin or taxi.

Travelers appreciate: Its smooth wheels, stylish appearance and the amount of clothing this carry-on-sized duffel can hold.

Price: $359 or less Shop now: Patagonia

Best Value: Samsonite Andante 2 32-inch Wheeled Duffel

Weight: 7.9 pounds Dimensions: 15 x 32.4 x 14.8 inches

What sets this bag apart: This large checked duffel has multiple exterior grab handles for picking up your bag from baggage claim, as well as a locking pull handle for whisking it in and out of the airport, train station or hotel. A large U-shaped opening on the bag allows access to the main compartment.

Travelers appreciate: The drop-bottom compartments for organizing items like ski or scuba gear, plus the lock holes on the zippers and the amount of packing space the bag offers.

Price: $124.99 or less Shop now: Samsonite | Amazon

Rolling Duffel Bag FAQs

Which bag is right for you depends on the type of travel you're planning and what items you'll be packing. Rolling duffel bags are more pliable and versatile than hard-sided or soft-sided luggage, and many are constructed out of durable or waterproof materials for a variety of weather and climate conditions. Depending on the style, rolling duffel bags have two or four wheels, along with additional carrying options such as concealable backpack straps, dual handles or crossbody straps – ideal features for adventure trips like safari, climbing, hiking and skiing vacations.

The interior packing space is typically larger for a wheeled duffel than a suitcase option, and if there's built-in compression straps you'll be able to fit in a lot of travel gear. When you're packing mainly clothing and toiletries, either one will work. With ski boots or items with an unusual shape or size, a wheeled duffel bag will likely better suit your needs.

One thing to consider is that items tend to shift during transit in a wheeled duffel. Packing cubes can help keep clothing folded and smaller items organized. You may also want to pack the heaviest items on the end where the wheels are, and your lightest belongings on the end with the retractable handle – this way, the items will shift heaviest to lightest when you are rolling the bag through the airport, train station or hotel.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a love of finding the perfect bag for every kind of trip. She has a lifetime of experience testing out a variety of bags from the fashionable to the functional. To curate this list of wheeled duffel bags, she used her own experience with brands like CALPAK, Lipault and Vera Bradley, as well as her research expertise and retail merchandising background.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Carry-on Backpacks
  • The Top Travel Toiletry Bags
  • The Top Passport Wallets
  • How to Renew Your U.S. Passport
  • TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which Is Right for You?

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 10 best harry potter tours in london.

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

travel luggage rolling bag

Travelpro Luggage Review: We Tested the Platinum Elite Collection

Here's why these popular softside suitcases are worth the investment.

travelpro luggage

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.

Travlepro Luggage Performance

The bottom line: should you buy travelpro luggage, more travelpro luggage we love, why trust good housekeeping.

Founded in the 1980s by a pilot who was always on the go, Travelpro is an innovative luggage brand that has set the standard for the rolling luggage we all travel with today. The brand's bags, initially designed for airline personnel, were the first to roll upright and use a telescopic handle, and they were quickly adopted by the public who appreciated that the bags were easy to use and made frequent flying a breeze.

a blue suitcase from travelpro in a hallway

Keep reading to learn more about Travelpro's luggage and about how I and my fellow GH staffers put them to the test.

Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry On

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry On

Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Platinum Elite Regional Underseat Duffel Bag

Travelpro Platinum Elite Regional Underseat Duffel Bag

Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Carry on Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Carry on Luggage

Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag

Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Travelpro luggage overview.

Travelpro offers a variety of soft and hardside suitcases , along with other bags and travel accessories like backpacks, packing cubes and duffels. The brand's best-selling Platinum Elite collection is one of our favorite luggage lines for business trips and for those who travel regularly because of their top-of-the-line construction and functional features like easy-to-access external pockets, self-aligning wheels and durable nylon material.

Travelpro is best known for its softside suitcases. The Platinum Elite carry-on and checked bags use a heavyweight nylon fabric that performed well in our abrasion assessments , resisting wear and tear after being rubbed back and forth 15,000 times by our Wyzenbeek abrasion tester, which simulates extended use. Plus, the material is covered in DuraGuard, a water and stain-resistant coating that helps keep your luggage in tip-top shape even with lots of use. We gave the zippers perfect scores for water resistance during our tests.

Image no longer available

When we released the carry-on and checked bags repeatedly at different angles from our drop tester (pictured), we were impressed by how well the luggage held up, without major damage to the bags or breakage of the wheels or handles. After one roundtrip journey on an airline, I did notice some small marks and scratches on the plastic components surrounding the telescopic handle on the checked bag.

Your carry-on bag should hold everything you need for a short getaway, and Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on has a spacious interior with a capacity of 46L — 5 to 10L more packing space than some other carry-ons from popular brands we've tested. The bag unzips to reveal one large compartment to store all of your belongings (pictured), and it's full of helpful features to simplify packing.

One tester shared, "This had better organization than any other suitcase I’ve tried." When I packed the suitcase in the Textiles Lab, I was able to fit my standard packing load for a weekend trip's worth of clothing, shoes and accessories with ease, and there was room to spare. The softside material is flexible, so you can really fill it to the brim.

a suitcase from travelpro lying open on the floor

There's a removable garment bag, a wet bag for toiletries, several built-in mesh accessory pockets and four external pockets, including one that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop and another to store a portable power bank for convenient recharging on the go. To secure your things in place, there's an adjustable compression panel, and if you tend to overpack your bags like me, you'll love the 2-inch expansion system that's tapered to prevent the suitcase from getting top-heavy and tipping over.

the removable wet bag inside of the travelpro carry on suitcase

The medium checked bag has 97L of packing space (more than double the space of the carry-on) , making it the perfect pick for a long trip or a family vacation. At 10 lbs, it weighs more than some other medium checked bags we've tested, which eats into the 50 lb weight restriction set by most airlines.

a checked suitcase from travelpro lying open on the floor

Like the carry-on, it unzips to one large packing space (pictured) and is equipped with lots of compartments for organized storage like a larger removable wet bag, mesh pockets and a built-in suiter. One tester shared, "It helped keep me organized and made it much easier to find what I needed." There are two roomy external pockets to stash travel essentials, as well. This bag also has adjustable compression panels for security, and it offers 2 inches of zippered expansion for additional room.

Ease of Use

The telescopic handles on the Platinum Elite bags are contoured for a better grip (pictured). I was impressed by how easy it was to raise and lower the carry-on's telescopic handle without it jamming on the way up or down. The handle on the checked bag doesn't lift quite as smoothly, but it was incredibly sturdy and didn't wobble when fully extended. The carrying handles on both bags are made of genuine leather and aren't too tight, so it's simple to lift the bags into an overhead bin or from the luggage carousel.

a person holding the handle of a travelpro suitcase

A common tester complaint about Travelpro's Platinum Elite suitcases is they're a little more difficult to steer than other suitcases we've tested. The bags have magnetic, self-aligning spinner wheels that roll smoothly and glide over different surfaces like tile, wood and carpeting, but when I pulled the suitcases, they always drifted towards me instead of rolling alongside me, so I regularly had to redirect them.

The zippers are heavyweight and easy to pull, thanks to their contoured design, and they moved effortlessly along the track without sticking at the corners of the bag or getting caught on the material.

Yes! If you consider yourself a frequent flyer, travel for business often or are just looking for something sturdy and reliable, I highly recommend investing in Travelpro luggage , especially from the brand's Platinum Elite collection.

The bags have a more traditional look and aren't going viral online like some other styles we recommend at GH, but they're classic, and they'll never go out of style. Priced at more than $300 for a carry-on suitcase, the luggage isn't cheap, but it's built to last. These bags have stood out for years in our Textiles Lab tests, always performing well in durability and performance categories.

If you purchase the luggage on Travelpro's website , the brand has a generous 100-day trial period , so you can test it out and return it for any reason if it doesn't suit your travel needs. Travelpro also offers a limited lifetime warranty for its Platinum Elite collection, covering defects on wheels, handles, zippers and more — and it even covers damages caused by airlines.

two travelpro suitcases in a hallway

In addition to its standout softside suitcases, Travelpro carries other types of luggage. To match your Platinum Elite luggage set , opt for the Platinum Elite Underseat Duffel as your personal item. It's made with the same durable nylon material and classic style and has a built-in luggage sleeve to slide over your rolling suitcase.

If you prefer hardside luggage, Travelpro's Maxlite Air hardside suitcases are made with a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate material that performed well in our drop tests. The bag has a butterfly-style opening with two fully zippered compartments for maximum security, and there's an expandable panel for 2 inches of extra packing space.

The Maxlite line also includes softside bags like its Rolling Underseat Bag ] that's designed to fit under your airplane seat. It features a telescopic handle and smooth rolling wheels for easy transport at the airport. We also love the bigger Maxlite luggage including the large checked bag, which is lighter-weight and more affordable than the brand's other softside suitcases, but it's not quite as luxe.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has tested and written about different types of luggage and travel accessories including softside luggage, hardside luggage, checked and carry-on luggage, duffels and travel blankets. Amanda has also conducted luggage testing for our Family Travel Awards programs and is a frequent flyer herself, venturing on more than 50 flights and cross-country train rides over the past two years. She used her relative expertise and personal experience, along with Textiles Lab testing data when reviewing Travelpro's luggage.

Headshot of Amanda Constantine

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.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

the crayola light up tracing pad and 3doodler pen are two good housekeeping picks for best toys and gifts for 6 year olds

Electric vs. Gas Dryers

electrolyte powders

The Best Electrolyte Powders

10 best pillows for side sleepers, according to bedding experts

The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers

lego sets and stomp rockets are great toys for 5 year old boys

The Best Toys and Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys

best walking shoes for men

The Best Men's Walking Shoes

Best Sous Vide Machines 

The Best Sous Vide Machines

photobook services

The Best Photo Book Services

daughter resting by mother at backyard during garden party

The Best Patio Furniture

a group of camping chairs outside in backyard from brands kelty, yeti, helinox and gci

The Best Camping Chairs

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

The 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2024

hot off grill

The 6 Best Portable Charcoal Grills

The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

travel tote bags

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

Medium Metro Tote Deluxe

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Catalina Deluxe Tote

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Easy Travel Tote

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Packable Tote Bag

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Large Le Pliage Tote

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Travel Duffel Bag with USB Charging Port

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

The ReNew Transit Weekender

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Travel Tote Bag

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

The Shopper Tote

Madewell The Shopper Tote

Boat and Tote

Heavy Lifter

Boat and tote.

Whatever your travel needs for the season ahead, odds are that a good tote can make your packing life more organized, and less stressful—honestly, what more could you hope for? With that in mind, we've scoured the internet for the more durable, functional travel totes for every type of traveler, from the serial overpacker to the organization fiend. Here, our favorite finds for all of your journeys.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

For the "a place for everything and everything in its place" traveler, this tote has you covered with a zippered bottom pocket that's perfect for separating out toiletries or dirty shoes from the rest of your haul (an interior panel also allows you to open the bottom compartment fully, if you're craving a deeper bag.)

Available in recycled poly or sturdy canvas, at 15" x 14" x 7", it qualifies as a personal item for most airlines and has a handy luggage sleeve to pair with your suitcase. For those looking for larger options, it comes in four additional sizes as well.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike ( Meghan Markle is a big fan ) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch .

If you're more of a "shop when you get there" traveler, this bag brings the souvenir space without taking up lots of room in your primary bag. Water-repellant and roomy (it holds 32L by volume) it features rugged shoulder straps, plus an extra strap that lets it slip over the handle of roller luggage, and can fold into its own exterior pouch when not in use to make a tidy, handheld bundle.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C 's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade . Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Looking for a tote that's as useful in your day-to-day as it is when you're far away? This multi-use tote has racked up thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its versatility. A separate, vented shoe compartment makes it as friendly to gym sessions as beach trips, while its multiple pockets keep essentials organized. It also includes a luggage strap and a USB charging port so you can plug in your tech without rummaging through your bag for your battery pack, and comes in two sizes and almost 30 shades so it will match your travel style.

One reviewer writes: "I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way! This bag is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a must-have for any woman on the go."

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Available in 20 colorways and textures, this canvas tote features a luggage sleeve that also doubles as a tech pouch so your gadgets will always be at the ready. The sturdy construction and bargain price tag have made it a hit with reviewers, who site its roomy 16.5" x 9" x 14" size and comfort.

One reviewer writes: "I am so happy with this purchase! Reasonable price, large main compartment, and a few zip compartments to organize smaller items. Bag fits perfectly under airline seat, even when stuffed FULL. It stayed in place when I had it on top of my roller bag, and I noticed the shape of it kept it from making everything tip forward (which happened with my previous bag)."

For a travel bag that you can use as a purse all trip, this simple Madewell leather tote brings a perfect mix of style and space (12.75" x 12.75" x 7.5".) It even comes with an interior strap that allows you to change the shape, and doubles as a keyring.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Caraa Studio Tote

Studio Tote

Whether you prefer a classic tote style or a backpack, this Italian leather bag gives you the best of both worlds. Along with the usual amenities (a slew of pockets, adjustable straps) it also has a collapsible waterproof shoe pocket for those days your travel plans call for a quick change.

More: The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

Béis The Convertible Weekend Bag

The Convertible Weekend Bag

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Built to work hard, this water-repelling polyester Carhartt bag is tough enough to handle all of your travel adventures. It includes two exterior pockets as well as an interior divider and pockets, so it's and functional on the inside as it is on the outside.

One reviewer writes: "Even better than expected! I used it as my personal item for a trip to Mexico…placed my purse, tablet, magazines, etc inside…lots of pockets! Hides dirt, wipes off easily, very well made."

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Available in five-shades, this nylon tote (made with fabric crafted from 27 recycled water bottles with recycled leather trim) has jumbo exterior slip pockets (plus three interior pockets and a keyring) and a built-in padded laptop sleeve to match its roomy interior with organization.

One reviewer writes: "Great color, roomy, lots of pockets to keep things organized and easy to locate. Perfect for work and travel. Very happy with it."

Dagne Dover Jemi Tote

Jemi Tote

Want a travel tote that makes a style statement? Bring your puffer coat style to your bag with this versatile, vegan tote made from recycled plastic water bottles. At less than a pound and half (it holds 16.2 L volume), it's super lightweight, and has two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus a luggage sleeve, so it's great no matter your travel style.

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Scout Travel Bag Large

Travel Bag Large

You want all of the weight in your travel bag to be from your must-haves, not from the bag itself. This colorful version from Scout (it comes in half a dozen colors and patterns) is a featherlight 1 pound, yet can hold up to 65 pounds of your gear, and can fold flat when not in use. It also comes with a zipper pocket and reinforced bottom so everything you pack stays comfortable where you want it.

Barbour Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

The biggest name in waxed cotton jackets brings their British heritage sensibility to travel with this luxe 100% leather tote. Measuring 17.72'' x 14.96'', it comes with sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

More: The 13 Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

WONHOX Large Travel Tote Bag

Large Travel Tote Bag

This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external pockets, as well as a zip-open expansion on the bottom so your bag can be as big, or small, as you need.

One reviewer writes : "Schlepped this bag all over Europe and it holds a surprising amount of stuff! The little expander area on the bottom really helped me squeeze in a few extra souvenirs. The trolley sleeve is a MUST from now on. It hooks on to your roller suitcase so easily and is sturdy! I was throwing my baggage up on the train, in and out of taxis and through many airports easy peasy."

Headshot of Lauren Hubbard

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

preview for Leisure Section Curated

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Travel @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

travel backpacks

The Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

a plate of food

Where to Dine in Myrtle Beach, According to Locals

rosewood hong kong hotel review

Best Room At… Rosewood Hong Kong

a building with a sign and plants in front of it

The Best Room at... Westin Palace Milan

a building with a dome on top surrounded by trees and hills

An Omni Homestead Resort Itinerary for Everyone

energy observer

Step Inside an Experimental Hydrogen Boat

hotel chelsea nyc review

Best Room At... Hotel Chelsea

principe di savoia living room with a rug and a couch

Best Room at Principe di Savoia

premiere irish golf resort in adare, county limerick, ireland

The Best Golf Course in Ireland Is at Adare Manor

hotel la compania panama city

Best Room At... Hotel La Compañia

rosewood london

The Best Room At: ... Rosewood London

  • Moscow Tourism
  • Moscow Hotels
  • Moscow Bed and Breakfast
  • Moscow Vacation Rentals
  • Flights to Moscow
  • Moscow Restaurants
  • Things to Do in Moscow
  • Moscow Travel Forum
  • Moscow Photos
  • All Moscow Hotels
  • Moscow Hotel Deals
  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

Moscow Underground with luggage - Moscow Forum

  • Europe    
  • Russia    
  • Central Russia    
  • Moscow    

Moscow Underground with luggage

  • United States Forums
  • Europe Forums
  • Canada Forums
  • Asia Forums
  • Central America Forums
  • Africa Forums
  • Caribbean Forums
  • Mexico Forums
  • South Pacific Forums
  • South America Forums
  • Middle East Forums
  • Honeymoons and Romance
  • Business Travel
  • Train Travel
  • Traveling With Disabilities
  • Tripadvisor Support
  • Solo Travel
  • Bargain Travel
  • Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
  • Central Russia forums
  • Moscow forum

' class=

Good lead in to my question

Have a new hard case with four wheels OR my old but still good hybrid pack (carry ,wheel or use as back pack)

The hybrid (its telescoping handled only raise,s half way) but carry,s or rolls ok

Escalator yes

Elevator yes

I got a PM on this but error opening it (not senders error but my end)

When you move from one airport to another...is this for WC? If not, do you have appropriate visas to leave one airport to travel to the other? Also, be careful with time...saying you will use the Metro means you plan to use the Aeroexpress - DME runs every 30 minutes, BUT the one to VKO runs only every hour. The Aero itself takes about 35-40 minutes. Allowing for maybe just missing one train means 30 more minutes for DME and an HOUR for VKO, which means you should plan for total travel time of 2.5 + hours (worst case). This does not include your Metro ride, which is maybe another 10 + minutes. Given also the cost of having to get 2 Aero tickets, time, price, and hassle wise it may make more sense to grab a taxi.

travel luggage rolling bag

If your question is whether you can negotiate the metro with luggage, the answer is yes. We arrived yesterday and took the metro in with a large backpack, rollie and two day packs for two people. It was about 4:30 pm. No problems.

51barryc here —that might be original poster needs

I have hostel sending transport in St Petersburg to airport to pick me up

PS: I've never seen anybody paying for their huge suitcases or wheeled bags. They just enter through the wide gates.

Thanks for precise specs

' class=

Change on Teatralnaya for Revolution square st., but no chance to avoid stairs

Re #8...answer makes no sense to me...see my comment earlier...PRESUMABLY the OP has in mind using Aeroexpress to get from DME to VKO...as such, why on earth would they go into downtown and hassle with transfers, steps, etc, They simply get on the Ring line at Paveletski and go 4 stops to Kievskaya, where they catch the Aero out to VKO...

it depends on the strength of your arms, not on the metro

  • travel to moscow 6:41 pm
  • Planning trip to Russia Apr 28, 2024
  • Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter Apr 24, 2024
  • SIM card. Russian SIM cards, do they still work in the UK? Apr 09, 2024
  • Union Pay debit card Mar 27, 2024
  • Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
  • Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia Mar 12, 2024
  • about clothes Feb 27, 2024
  • NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
  • Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
  • Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter Feb 02, 2024
  • Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? Jan 27, 2024
  • Booking accommodation Jan 11, 2024
  • Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) Jan 05, 2024
  • Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
  • New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
  • New year's in moscow 8 replies
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
  • How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
  • Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
  • Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
  • Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
  • ATM Access 12 replies
  • Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies

Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

  • Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

US mandates new airline refund rules, fee disclosures

  • Medium Text

Passengers line up before their flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Sign up here.

Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Miral Fahmy and Aurora Ellis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

54th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris

Business Chevron

A view of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.

US Senate approves bill to ban Russian uranium imports

The U.S. Senate approved on Tuesday legislation to bar imports of Russian uranium, as the United States continues to seek to disrupt Russia's efforts in its war against Ukraine.

Illustration shows words

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

travel luggage rolling bag

  • Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
  • Luggage & Travel Gear
  • Travel Duffels

Add to your order

travel luggage rolling bag

  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plans starts on the date of purchase. Stains, rips or tears and seam separation covered from day one. Defects in materials or workmanship covered after the manufacturer warranty expires.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. We will send you an e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product. In some instances, we will replace or repair it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
  • Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like laptops, game consoles, and TVs, to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, mattresses, personal care, furniture, and more.
  • Accidents happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
  • Past and future purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
  • Fast, easy claims. Frustration-free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
  • No hidden fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

Amazon prime logo

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

  • Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
  • Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
  • Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
  • A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
  • Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
  • Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

  • Go to your orders and start the return
  • Select the return method

3 Year Luggage Protection Plan

4 year luggage protection plan, asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.

travel luggage rolling bag

Image Unavailable

SOBIY Expandable Collapsible Luggage Foldable Suitcase with Wheels Large Capacity Luggage Rolling Travel Bag Duffel Bag Lightweight Duffel Bags for Men Women

  • To view this video download Flash Player

SOBIY Expandable Collapsible Luggage Foldable Suitcase with Wheels Large Capacity Luggage Rolling Travel Bag Duffel Bag Lightweight Duffel Bags for Men Women

Purchase options and add-ons.

  • DESIGN:The foldable luggage has only one opening at the top and a half-lined interior to prevent the bottom from rubbing against your clothes. The the expandable duffle bag with wheels has 1 zippered pocket on the front for cell phones and other small items, and a clear label pocket for boarding passes or other tags, as well as a double back design with 5 upgraded gimbals on the bottom for better control of checked bags on wheels.
  • MATERIAL:The material of the travel luggage body itself of the carry on suitcase with spinner wheels is high-quality nylon oxford cloth, waterproof and wear-resistant, the zipper and puller are made of upgraded metal, the puller is smoother, and the wheels are 360-degree universal wheels, which are convenient for pulling and traveling, and bring you a new experience.
  • SIZE:This travel bags on wheels folds down to a compact 18.8 in x 10.2 in x 4.7 in easy-to-store pouch when not in use.There are three layers of the foldable suitcase with wheels,the basic size of the duffle bag with wheels and handle is:19.2 in (H) x 18.8 in (L) x 10.2 in (W); First zipper opened: 24.4 in (H) x 18.8 in (L) x 10.2 in (W);Second zipper opened: 28.7in (H) x 18.8in (L) x 10.2 in (W); All zippers opened:33 in (H) x 18.8 in (L) x 10.2 in (W).
  • WEIGHT:The weight of the rolling wheeled suitcase is 3 kg/4.93 lb.
  • SPACIOUS: The collapsible suitcase has 3 layers of unfolding space to meet your needs, zipper design for easy folding. This duffle bag for travel with wheels can be used as checked baggage, suitable for family travel, international travel, business trips, moving, etc.

Similar item to consider

travel luggage rolling bag

Buy it with

SOBIY Expandable Collapsible Luggage Foldable Suitcase with Wheels Large Capacity Luggage Rolling Travel Bag Duffel Bag Light

Similar styles with 4+ Stars

Duffle Leather Travel Bag for Women Men Overnight Gym Sports Garment Weekend Luggage Carry On Flight Cabin Bag Travel Tote Ba

Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

the rolling expandable duffel bag

Please note: When packing your luggage, please be sure to follow the principle of putting heavy pieces on the bottom and light pieces on the top, and please don't put fragile items such as glass into the bag!

Please note the size and weight, thank you!

the luggage

Please note: The measurement size does not include the wheel and carrying handle part, there is about three centimetres error is within the normal range.

Please note: This duffel bag has only one opening at the top, thank you!

Suitcases with Wheels

Videos for this product

Video Widget Card

Click to play video

Video Widget Video Title Section

SOBIY Expandable Foldable Suitcase

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

  • Amazon Newsletter
  • About Amazon
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainability
  • Press Center
  • Investor Relations
  • Amazon Devices
  • Amazon Science
  • Sell on Amazon
  • Sell apps on Amazon
  • Supply to Amazon
  • Protect & Build Your Brand
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Delivery Driver
  • Start a Package Delivery Business
  • Advertise Your Products
  • Self-Publish with Us
  • Become an Amazon Hub Partner
  • › See More Ways to Make Money
  • Amazon Visa
  • Amazon Store Card
  • Amazon Secured Card
  • Amazon Business Card
  • Shop with Points
  • Credit Card Marketplace
  • Reload Your Balance
  • Amazon Currency Converter
  • Your Account
  • Your Orders
  • Shipping Rates & Policies
  • Amazon Prime
  • Returns & Replacements
  • Manage Your Content and Devices
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
  • Your Ads Privacy Choices

IMAGES

  1. 36" Polyester Rolling Duffle Bag Wheeled Travel Luggage Suitcase

    travel luggage rolling bag

  2. 36" Polyester Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag Travel Duffel Bag on Wheel (Brrgundy)

    travel luggage rolling bag

  3. Luggage Set Expandable Carry On Trolley Suitcase Tote Bag 2 Piece Set Purple

    travel luggage rolling bag

  4. Amazon.com

    travel luggage rolling bag

  5. wuudi

    travel luggage rolling bag

  6. Skyway Luggage Whidbey 28" Large Rolling Duffel Bag Luggage

    travel luggage rolling bag

VIDEO

  1. Is RICKRAK the best luggage for your Harley Davidson motorcycle?

  2. #TravelEssentials

COMMENTS

  1. The Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    Best Water-resistant: Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90 at Amazon ($340) Jump to Review. Best Value: Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag With Wheels at Amazon ($157) Jump to Review. Best for Gear: Thule ...

  2. Amazon.com: Rolling Luggage Bags

    Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels, 45L Carry-on Luggage Large Travel Bag with Shoes Compartment, Weekender Overnight Bag for Travel, Business Trips(Black) 4.4 out of 5 stars 14. ... Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag, 14 Inches, Navy Blue. 4.5 out of 5 stars 8,596. 200+ bought in past month. $48.90 $ 48. 90. Typical: $89.84 $89.84.

  3. The Very Best Rolling Luggage 2024

    Best less-expensive ABS rolling luggage. Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-on Spinner Suitcase. From $72. $83 now 13% off. Hard-shell vs. soft-side: ABS hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels ...

  4. The BEST Rolling Luggage of 2024

    Best Rolling Luggage Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Rollaboard. Most Affordable Rolling: US Traveler Rio Carry-On. Best Lightweight Rolling Luggage: Bric's X-Bag Carry-On Rolling Duffel. Best Carry-On Rolling Luggage: Briggs & Riley Baseline 22". Best Checked Rolling Luggage: Db Hugger 90L Rollerbag.

  5. The BEST Rolling Carry-On Luggage of 2024

    Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage for Women: Bric's X-Bag 21" Rolling Duffel. Best Rolling Soft-Sided Luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Rollaboard. Best Rolling Hard Side Luggage: Briggs & Riley Torq 22". Best 2-Wheel Rolling Carry-On Luggage: Samsonite Armage II.

  6. The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024

    Best Splurge: Tumi Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel at Amazon ($1,095) Jump to Review. Best for Hauling Gear: REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel at REI ($299) Jump to Review. Best for Business Travel: Ted Baker Albany Rolling Duffel Bag at Amazon ($425) Jump to Review.

  7. Verage Expandable Foldable Luggage Bag Collapsible Suitcases Rolling

    Buy Verage Expandable Foldable Luggage Bag Collapsible Suitcases Rolling Travel Duffel Bag Lightweight Larger Suit Case with Detachable Spinner Wheels(Black,24 Inch Expands into 28 Inch) and other Suitcases at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns. ... Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel ...

  8. Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag, 14 Inches

    Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag, 14 Inches, Navy Blue . Visit the Amazon Basics Store. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 8,595 ratings | Search this page . 200+ bought in past month. $48.90 with 41 percent savings -41% $ 48. 90. Typical price: $83.55 Typical price: $83.55 $83.55.

  9. Wheeled Luggage & Travel Bags

    Find a great selection of Wheeled Luggage & Travel Bags at Nordstrom.com. Shop a great selection of suitcases, carry-on bags, duffle bags & more. ... Alpha 3 Collection 22-Inch International Expandable Wheeled Carry-On Bag. $1,025.00 Current Price $1,025.00 (2) Briggs & Riley. ZDX 26-Inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase. $579.00 Current Price $579. ...

  10. The 7 Best Rolling Suitcases of 2023

    Best Overall: Away The Carry-On. Best Value: Monos Carry-On Pro. Best Budget: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage. Best Customizable: Roam Carry-On Front Pocket. Best Sustainably Made: Paravel The ...

  11. The 6 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024

    Our pick for the best carry-on luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite. Our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: Away The Carry-On. Budget pick: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner. Upgrade ...

  12. 8 Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2023

    Most rolling duffels have a similar shape akin to an average carry-on bag. However, rolling duffel bags with more of a square shape are ... Calpak Travel Stevyn Rolling Duffel Bag. Now 36% Off ...

  13. 9 Top Rolling Duffel Bags

    Best Checked Rolling Duffel Bag: FŪL Workhorse 30-inch Rolling Duffle Bag. Best Adventure Gear Rolling Duffel Bag: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel Bag 130L. Best Weekender Rolling Duffel ...

  14. Rolling Luggage

    Travel Bags; About Rick; Explore Europe; Our Tours; Travel Tips; Watch, Read, Listen; Travel Forum; ... Rick Steves rolling luggage is lightweight, durable, and designed to carry on the plane. ... hybrid hard case to flexible soft shell, you'll find the right wheeled bag in our selection personally designed by Rick Steves. Spinner Carry-On ...

  15. Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag with Wheels

    This item: Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag with Wheels, 14 Inches, Black . $63.77 $ 63. 77. Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1. In Stock. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. + Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage, 20-Inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Black.

  16. Travelpro Luggage Review: Testing the Platinum Elite Collection

    Travlepro Luggage Performance Durability. Travelpro is best known for its softside suitcases. The Platinum Elite carry-on and checked bags use a heavyweight nylon fabric that performed well in our ...

  17. The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

    This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external ...

  18. Moscow Underground with luggage

    Answer 11 of 18: Can I board Moscow underground with my luggage when I move from Domodedovo airport to Vnukovo airport ? 1 back bag and one trolley bag about 80*60 cm

  19. Moscow Underground with luggage

    Answer 1 of 18: Can I board Moscow underground with my luggage when I move from Domodedovo airport to Vnukovo airport ? 1 back bag and one trolley bag about 80*60 cm

  20. Amazon.com: Rolling Travel Bags For Women

    Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels, Expandable Foldable Duffel Bag with Wheels for Travel, Rolling Luggage Carry on Duffel Bag, Wheeled Travel Duffle Bag, Large Weekend Bag for Women & Men (Pink) 45. 50+ bought in past month. $2795. Typical: $29.95. Save 5% with coupon. FREE delivery Wed, Apr 24 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  21. US mandates new airline refund rules, fee disclosures

    Item 1 of 2 Passengers line up to check bags before their flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. June 28, 2022.

  22. 21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

    1: Off-kilter genius at Delicatessen: Brain pâté with kefir butter and young radishes served mezze-style, and the caviar and tartare pizza. Head for Food City. You might think that calling Food City (Фуд Сити), an agriculture depot on the outskirts of Moscow, a "city" would be some kind of hyperbole. It is not.

  23. Amazon.com: Roll Travel Bag

    Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels, Expandable Foldable Duffel Bag with Wheels for Travel, Rolling Luggage Carry on Duffel Bag, Wheeled Travel Duffle Bag, Large Weekend Bag for Women & Men (Pink) 4.2 out of 5 stars 35. 50+ bought in past month. $29.95 $ 29. 95. FREE delivery Fri, Mar 22 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  24. Moscow Travel Books at Travel Universe

    Moscow Travel Books by Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness. In stock & fast Australia-wide free ship deal. 🔥 17th Birthday Sale! Extra $17 off Orders $250+ 🔥 Use Code : 17BDAY (1 per customer) 🚚💨 Enjoy Free & Fast Delivery $69+ (Delivery Times) ... Luggage . All Luggage ;

  25. Amazon.com

    This item: SOBIY Expandable Collapsible Luggage Foldable Suitcase with Wheels Large Capacity Luggage Rolling Travel Bag Duffel Bag Lightweight Duffel Bags for Men Women . $64.99 $ 64. 99. Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 30. In Stock. Sold by SOBIY-US and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. +