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The best checked luggage of 2024, tested by editors.

A checked bag is just as essential as a good carry-on.

The Best Checked Luggage

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Every traveler can use a solid piece of checked luggage that can fit enough clothing, accessories and shoes for a long trip. Durability, plenty of storage and wheels that can handle rolling a full bag easily are just a few things to look for in a reputable piece of luggage.

If it's time to purchase a checked bag that can accommodate your belongings and handle the rigor of being tossed around, read on to discover your best options. All of our recommendations have top ratings and have also been personally tested and reviewed.

Best Overall: DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hard-sided: Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

Best soft-sided: travelpro crew classic large check-in expandable spinner, best medium: away the medium, best large: lojel cubo large, best trunk: july checked trunk, best lightweight: lipault plume very long trip, best organization: solgaard check-in closet original – medium.

(Note: Prices and stock availability were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $209.99 or less

Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 8.25 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 117 liters | Colors: Black, green or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

The soft-sided DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner is our top overall pick for the Best Checked Luggage thanks to its durability and excellent handling. This piece of checked luggage features double-spinner wheels; a collapsible handle for use on two or four wheels; a TSA-approved lock; and cushioned top, bottom and side handles. The bag has one large interior compartment with tie-down straps to keep everything in place and a medium zippered side pocket, plus a large zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the top of the bag, perfect for holding toiletries (or dirty clothes as your trip unfolds).

There are two large front pockets on the exterior of the bag for stashing last-minute or smaller items. The exterior of this checked bag is constructed of a polyester fabric with a twill pattern, and the bag expands quite a bit to fit in any additional souvenirs you may want to bring home with you.

What our editors say:

I am obsessed with this soft-sided checked bag – it fits an absurd amount of stuff. You can easily pack enough clothes, shoes, accessories and gear for a two- to three-week trip, and even when it's filled to the brim, the wheels and handle make it easy to maneuver the suitcase across many types of terrain. Mine has been checked numerous times, and the darker-colored fabric with its subtle design means any scuffs are pretty impossible to see and it hasn't scratched or dented at all. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $279.99 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 20.9 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 9.6 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days | Colors: Navy, white, gray, black or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a traveler favorite for good reason. This hard-sided polypropylene suitcase is impressively lightweight for its size and made to last. A built-in TSA lock protects your luggage, and it expands by 1.5 inches when you need more room. There are two main packing compartments separated by a zippered panel on one side and compression straps on the other. The double wheels will allow you to navigate any airport or destination with ease. The Freeform also comes in medium and carry-on sizes, as well as a two-piece set.

I used to only use soft-sided luggage, but I've been won over by this suitcase. I love how easy it is to maneuver and lift such a large bag during my travels. You also can't go wrong with the Samsonite Outline Pro Large Spinner , which comes in a few other colors and has a slightly different compression system inside. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $349.99 or less

Dimensions: 30.75 x 18 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 130 liters | Colors: Black, gray or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

Like many Travelpro luggage pieces, the Travelpro Crew Classic Large Check-in Expandable Spinner comes with a plethora of handy features. A TSA-approved lock keeps your belongings safe, and the self-aligning wheels make for easy rolling across a range of surfaces. Inside, you'll find a removable fold-out suiter for protecting clothes against wrinkles – so you won't need to bring an extra garment bag for a formal affair. There are also interior pockets (including a water-resistant one) and hold-down straps for keeping your belongings organized and secure.

This Travelpro spinner can hold plenty at 130 liters, but if you need something even bigger, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner is a great alternative with many of the same features and 143.5 liters of space.

I was shocked at how lightweight this suitcase was for its size. The fold-out suiter is a game-changer for business travel or travel that requires formal attire, like a cruise or destination wedding . – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $365 or less

Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 7-14 days; 68 liters | Colors: Several options, including black, sea green, olive or white gloss Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Medium by Away is surprisingly large, with enough storage for about two weeks' worth of clothing. An interior compression panel and mesh pockets help maximize space, and an included laundry bag allows you to easily separate dirty and clean clothing in your suitcase. This checked bag also comes with a color-matched luggage tag. For the inevitable scratches, you can use a magic eraser to wipe the bag clean.

The Medium is so spacious that I can't imagine using a larger checked bag. I also appreciate all of the grab handles that make it easy to load on to the airport scale or pull off the baggage claim belt. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $430 or less

Dimensions: 30.5 x 21.7 x 13.4 (14.6 when extended) inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 120 liters (130 when extended) | Colors: 9 options, including burgundy, black, yellow or navy Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year

The flat-top opening on this large suitcase really makes it stand out from the crowd. Given its size, the top opening makes it easy to pack and close the suitcase when you have limited space. Constructed with 50% recycled polycarbonate, this style has a durable and sustainable design. The interior of the expandable suitcase has a lid with two spacious mesh compartments and a third with a privacy panel. For added organization, there's a zip pocket and a compression divider with four zip pockets, which keeps small items organized and helps you compartmentalize your belongings while in transit.

If you're looking for a large checked suitcase that is sturdy, easy to wheel and can hold a lot of contents, this is it. I really like the variety of zip pockets on the interior to keep smaller items easy to find, and the flat-top opening is a real game changer in small hotel rooms or tight spaces. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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Price: $545 or less

Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 13.2 pounds Packing capacity: 10-14 days; 95 liters | Colors: 11 gloss and matte options, including dark green, red or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime with 100-day trial

This trunk is constructed with a rivetless anodized aluminum frame and crush-proof German polycarbonate shell. The trunk design has an 80/20 lid opening, and it closes with twin integrated TSA latch locks. On the inside, the bag has stain- and water-resistant nylon lining, a hidden laundry bag and a Y-strap compression system to keep contents secure. For easy maneuvering, it has a multi-height adjustable soft handle, top and side carry handles, and dual-spinner wheels.

From its sleek exterior to its space-maximized interior, this trunk makes packing for a long trip a breeze. The handle is extremely comfortable to pull, and the silent wheels glide effortlessly on an array of surfaces. – Rachael Hood

Price: $329 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 18.1 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds Packing capacity: 10-21 days | Colors: Maroon, navy or khaki green Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

Weighing in at less than 9 pounds, this checked bag doesn't sacrifice quality or features. Its durable nylon construction wipes off easily, so you won't be too troubled by white winter salt marks or spilled coffee. The interior features two fold-down shelves, allowing you to pack it like a trunk or a traditional suitcase. There's also a mesh separation net to keep all of your belongings in place when you open the case, as well as two large interior zippered pockets.

On the front of the bag, you can make use of a spacious front zip pocket, a coordinating luggage tag and a zippered compartment that conceals and protects the telescoping handle when not in use. The spinner wheels glide easily on any surface, and if you want a coordinating carry-on, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner – U.S. News' top soft-sided luggage pick – can be stowed inside this bag when not in use.

While I try to stick to carry-on luggage, this checked suitcase is extremely impressive and perfect for when I need more space. I absolutely love the shelves that can be folded down flat when I don't want them, but also the ability to pack so I can just use the suitcase like a rolling closet. It's really lightweight, and I love that it coordinates with one of my favorite personal item bags, the Lipault City Plume 24H 2.0 . – Rachael Hood

Sharael Kolberg

Price: $355 or less

Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.5 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 10.7 pounds Packing capacity: 10-15 days; 91 liters | Colors: 13 options, including black, red, purple or precious metals Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're the type of person that likes to transfer your clothes from your suitcase to the hotel dresser upon arrival to keep things organized, this Solgaard suitcase is for you. With its built-in shelving system, you don't have to unpack – just pack your clothes into the five shelves and, when you get to the hotel, hang the removable shelving system for easy access. The suitcase is made with a durable polycarbonate shell. It comes with a TSA-approved three-digit lock, and the frictionless wheels paired with its comfortable handle make this checked bag easy to maneuver.

What our contributors say:

Not only does this suitcase make it easier to travel, but I also love that it is designed with sustainability in mind. Each one is made from 100% recycled plastic that is collected in coastal communities, in order to prevent it from going into the ocean. The one downside is that the shelving does take up some room, so you might be trading convenience for maximum capacity. – Sharael Kolberg

How we tested

Taking into account durability, capacity and features, our team tested more than a dozen checked bags from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the maneuverability of the wheels and comfort of the handle on a range of surfaces from moving walkways to cobblestones. After taking these suitcases on a variety of journeys, we've selected these checked suitcases as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Luggage Brands
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Hard-sided Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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American Tourister

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

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

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

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

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

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

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

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

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

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

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

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

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

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

Shop all luggage at Monos

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

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

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

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

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

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

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

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

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

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

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

Shop all luggage at Bric's

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

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

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

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

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

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

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

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

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

Shop all luggage at Delsey

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

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

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

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

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

What size luggage should I buy?

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

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

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

• Main content

The Best Carry-On Luggage

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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

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

Further reading

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

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

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.

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.

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.

To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more

• The best suitcases we've tested in 2024

The best suitcases we’ve tested in 2024

• Martha Alexander
• Jane Hoskyn

Make packing for your next trip a breeze - we've tested dozens of the best suitcases in real-world scenarios and selected eight gems

Whether you’re going on a long-haul flight or a weekend getaway, picking the best suitcase for your trip will help take the stress out of travelling.

We’ve tested every suitcase on this roundup, packing them full and subjecting them to car boots, train stations and airports to sort the wheat from the chaff. Here you’ll find the suitcases that excelled in testing, including hard-shell and soft-sided cases, travel bags and kid-friendly options.

If you’re not sure where to start, then our buying guide at the bottom of the article will help paint a clearer picture. If you’re in a rush, you’ll find a quick list of our expert picks immediately below – or, simply skip to our detailed reviews .

Looking specifically for hand luggage? Read our Best hand luggage guide

Our expert picks

Best suitcase for most people.

Samsonite S'cure DLX Spinner

Price:  ~£160

“This four-wheeled Samsonite suitcase ticks all the important boxes and looks good doing it. It’s more secure than most suitcases, and it’s waterproof and built to survive a few knocks. It’s well worth the asking price.” | Read more

Check price

Best budget suitcase

Tripp Chic Suitcase

Price:  ~ From £60

“The Tripp Chic is proof that suitcases don’t need to cost the earth to be durable and practical. Aside from its price, we like its four sturdy wheels, integrated TSA-standard lock and low weight (from 2.8kg).” | Read more

Best lightweight suitcase

IT Luggage World's Lightest

Price:  ~ From £45

“We’re all familiar with the pain of lugging a heavy, unwieldy suitcase around, but if that’s not your idea of a good holiday, this is the suitcase you need. Despite starting at just 1.8kg, the IT Luggage World’s Lightest suitcase still has ample room for your belongings.” | Read more

How we test suitcases

We test all the suitcases we review in real-life situations, which always includes packing them and travelling with them – negotiating train stations, or airports, and loading them into a car boot.

We put the exterior through its paces to check how sturdy it is – all sorts can happen to luggage while in transit, so we need to see how well the case can withstand biffs and bumps.

We consider the overall quality of the suitcases’ construction , examining any zips, buckles, joins and seams to check they have been well crafted and neatly appointed.

We look for helpful compartments, pockets or features such as waterproof pouches, interior straps and flat dividers. We take into account what, if any, options there are to ‘expand’ the capacity and dimensions of the cases, should we need extra room, but we don’t overfill to the point that zips strain.

We test how easy it is to manoeuvre the full case. We consider the handles and, if the handle is extendable, is the action smooth, or glitchy? Does the case have wheels? If so, how many? And we assess how easy and light it feels to steer.

Finally, we confirm the weight, dimensions and capacity of the case.

READ NEXT: Best travel pillow

Want to learn more? Jump to the buying guide

1. The best suitcase for most people

Samsonite S’Cure Spinner | From £163

Check price at Amazon

Samsonite’s four-wheeled “spinner” suitcase strikes a good balance of portability, protection and good looks. A waterproof seal keeps the rain out and a triple-locking system keeps everything else in – even if I did find the numbers on the combination to be a little fiddly.

The S’Cure also comes with more pockets, compartments and dividers than most other suitcases, which I found pretty handy when it comes to staying organised. All four sizes of the case feel impressively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, thanks to the ‘Flowlite’ outer material and aluminium handle tubes.

It may be expensive, but Samsonite is a trusted brand name and this case is robust and versatile enough to travel with you for years to come.

2. The best suitcase for summer holidays

American Tourister Soundbox | From £104

Sunshine comes in luggage form with the Golden Yellow edition of this hard-shell suitcase from industry veteran American Tourister. I’m a big fan of the colourways, with its bright hues and bold design, it won’t be hard to spot this handsome piece of luggage as it comes around the baggage carousel. Of course, if you would rather not go for bright yellow, red, green or blue, then it’s also available in the more sombre and sober Midnight Navy and Bass Black.

Made from very durable polypropylene, this unit has a TSA-coded zip lock for extra security, and a handy four-wheel setup for hypermobility as you traverse airport terminals and concourses. The small size is dinky enough to qualify as carry-on luggage, while the large size is capacious enough to accommodate all the sundresses and swimwear you could possibly need, particularly since it’s also expandable.

3. The best suitcase with 10-year warranty

Antler Clifton | From £170

Check price at Antler

Having used both the Clifton and Camber hard-shell suitcases on a recent week-long getaway, I found it hard to find fault with either of them. Both suitcases were extremely spacious and very rugged, and they barely had any scratches or colour marks on their gorgeous pastels after their trip. Both the Camber and Clifton collections have multiple storage pockets and a handy expanded zip for extra room, and they also come with a secure TSA lock, which is ideal for peace of mind when you’re travelling.

For peace of mind, all of Antler’s suitcases are put through rigorous tests (alongside our own, of course) and come with a ten-year international warranty. In my mind, this definitely helps justify the premium price tag.

4. The best budget suitcase

Tripp chic suitcase | from £50.

Suitcases can often cost up to £200, but if you want something sturdy for an affordable price, look no further than the Tripp Chic suitcase.

In terms of features, it’s got four wheels for easy manoeuvring, an integrated TSA lock and it’s expandable – which I always find handy on my travels. The polypropylene case is durable but also lightweight, so it won’t eat into that precious luggage weight limit. It comes in four colours (black, navy blue, sky blue and rose) and it’s available in three sizes (cabin, medium and large), all of which are absolute bargains.

Just be aware that the large isn’t especially roomy – its 102-litre capacity doesn’t really match up to other brands’ large suitcases.

5. The best lightweight suitcase

It luggage world’s lightest | from £45.

Check price at Argos

If you’re worried about your weight allowance – or just dislike humping heavy luggage around – this is the suitcase for you. You get a decent amount of room for all your belongings, and it has one of the most comfortable and practical handles thanks to its full-width cushioned design, so you won’t mind pulling it around for any length of time.

As you would expect, being a soft-shell, it isn’t quite as sturdy as weightier hard-shell cases, and you might wonder whether such a lightweight suitcase is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of travelling. However, you needn’t worry too much as it comes with a very reassuring 10-year warranty.

I tested the 4-wheel version, which came in a lovely blue, but it Luggage offers many more options, combining different sizes, different numbers of wheels and various colours and finishes – even a 3D unicorn pink shell for kids. Given all these potential combinations, it’s a shame Argos doesn’t let you filter the options from the same page, but you can click the Find Similar widget next to the product photo, as a shortcut.

6. The best rugged suitcase

Osprey Rolling Transporter | From £220

Check price at Osprey

Designed as essentially a duffel bag on wheels, Osprey’s Rolling Transporter is one of the most versatile travel bags you can buy and ideal for those who don’t have room to stash a full-sized suitcase when they’re not travelling.

Available in 40, 60, 90 and 120-litre sizes, the Rolling Transporter is all about maximising the amount you can carry. You can still access all your stuff quickly and easily thanks to the large flap that unzips around the top of the whole single-compartment bag, and, with stash pockets at the top and under the flap, it’s surprisingly flexible.

It’s also constructed out of a tough, water-resistant fabric made from recycled materials, but the best bit about the Rolling Transporter is how easy the extending handle and wheels make it to get your stuff from A to B. The rigid base means it will stand up without falling over, and the wide grab handles on the sides and top will give you plenty of purchase when getting it off the luggage belt, as well as in and out of taxis. Overall, it’s a five-star, lightweight bag for any kind of traveller.

Osprey Rolling Transporter 40 Unisex Duffel Bag Black - O/S

7. the best travel bag, the north face base camp duffel | from £130.

Check price at The North Face

For anyone who prefers to tote their load, rather than wheel it, this stylish duffel is the answer. It can be carried via two padded side handles, it can also be used as a backpack, thanks to detachable, ergonomic shoulder straps.

The Base Camp Duffel is ideal for adventurous types – those who are likely to be exploring far-flung places on foot. It’s made from recycled materials but is still water-resistant, tough and hardy – as you’d want in a case that will be going long haul. We particularly noted the durability of the double stitching.

I love how it opens: the main flap folds right back so you can pack clothes flat, as you would in a traditional suitcase. The bag isn’t huge, but it’s comparable to most medium-sized suitcases and will easily hold a week’s worth of clothes, no problem.

8. The best suitcase for kids

Trunki Children’s Ride-On Suitcase | From £37

Navigating airports and train stations with tots in tow can be a stressful experience. However, this ride-on suitcase from child-friendly brand Trunki offers kids plenty of entertainment and can be pulled along on its wheels by parents – perfect for traversing the bigger terminals not designed with little legs in mind. The bags are compact enough to fit in most cabins – though always check your airline’s policy – and boast four wheels and one surprisingly roomy internal compartment.

Given that it doubles as a vehicular toy, the Trunki Ride-On is surprisingly light, weighing in at just 1.6kg, and I like that it features a detachable shoulder strap so it can be slung across your back if required.

The wide range of designs to choose from can give your little ones a chance to express their own budding identities: Frank the Fire Truck makes a good pick for plucky youngsters, and Dudley the Dinosaur is a great shout – what kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? – while the classic Terrence is a distinctive bold blue, and you’ll never lose sight of your child riding on Trixie’s bright pink chassis.

Finished reading? Jump back to the top

How to choose the best suitcase for you

What size suitcase do i need.

Try to buy a suitcase which is just a little bigger than you need, so you have room for any souvenirs or purchases. Don’t be tempted to buy the biggest you can afford, though, as it can make travelling with it a little more awkward.

• If you want to cut down on luggage charges, then double-check the carry-on size restrictions for your preferred airline.

Which is better: Hard- or soft-shelled?

For most people, we would recommend a hard-shell suitcase. They’re the most durable choice, so should last longer. They offer more protection for your belongings than their soft-shell rivals. If minimal weight is crucial, then modern soft-sided cases remain a good option.

• Hard-shell cases are heavier – but the best modern designs don’t eat up as much of your baggage weight allowance.

Two- or four-wheel suitcase: Which is best?

Four-wheeled suitcases are the easiest type to manoeuvre, but two-wheeled suitcases can be cheaper and tend to be a little lighter and less bulky.

• Four-wheelers stand up more reliably – they are easier to manoeuvre in tight aisles and other tricky spaces.
• Two-wheeled suitcases can be hard to manoeuvre when they’re heavily loaded.

Is a suitcase better than a rucksack?

For most travellers, we would say that a suitcase is the best all-round option for travel, especially with heavier loads. Rucksacks are great for more active travel, but you’ll need to be fit and strong to carry 20kg+ in a backpack, whereas anyone can push a four-wheeled suitcase.

• A wheeled suitcase is far easier to move around than a rucksack.
• Suitcases make it easier to access and organise your belongings
• A rucksack makes more sense if you’re travelling long-term or venturing off-road – If that’s what you need, check out our roundup of the best backpacks .

Does the interior of the suitcase matter?

Interiors can vary greatly from one case to another, so it’s essential to check that your new suitcase has the storage you need.

• Some come with lots of inside pockets, while others can be separated into two or three sections.
• If you want to maximise space but still stay organised, consider a set of packing cubes (such as these affordable ones from Amazon ).

Hand luggage allowances

Reminder: It is strongly advised to check your airline for the most up-to-date baggage allowance and guidelines before flying.

↑ Return to top

Away The Large Review

There’s a lot to love about Instagram’s favorite suitcase

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

Away The Large

TripSavvy / Charlene Petitjean-Barkulis

 Lightweight

360-degree spinning wheels

Smart clamshell design

Hard to maneuver on uneven surfaces

Lighter colors may not be easy to clean

From its smart clamshell design to its mobility, Away’s The Large suitcase has everything you want in a luxury suitcase, but for half the price.

• Portability
• Maneuverability
• Return Policy and Warranty
• Competition
• Final Verdict

We purchased the Away The Large suitcase so our reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it while traveling with her family. Keep reading for our full product review.

If you have an Instagram account, chances are that your feed is filled with images of Away suitcases. The company originally gained momentum with its Carry-On suitcase , which boasts an ejectable battery to charge your phone, but has since launched other, bigger suitcases. My family traveled with one of the brand’s latest additions, The Large, to find out if it was worth the hype. Read on for our insights.

Design: A smart clamshell design for easy organizing

Made of a hard polycarbonate shell, The Large suitcase is sleek, durable, and thoughtfully made. With a capacity of 99.2 liters, the design allows users to pack a surprising amount of stuff.

More specifically, the clamshell design helps optimize its packing capacity . It has two big compartments: one to store clothes and one for items like shoes and toiletries. For example, using packing cubes on one side, I was able to pack 10 days’ worth of clothes for my kids and myself. On the other side, I brought four pairs of adult shoes, five pairs of toddler shoes, my toiletries, and two curling irons. 

Using packing cubes on one side, I was able to pack 10 days’ worth of clothes for my kids and myself.

Away also includes a compression pad that sits on top of the clothes compartment. Once I was done packing my clothes, I buckled it down to compress them, which freed up some space. This was particularly helpful on our way back home when we had to pack dirty clothes in the laundry bag, which is included in the suitcase and tucked away to the side of the clothes compartment. The dirty clothes took up a lot of room, but I was able to flatten the laundry bag with the compression pad, which allowed me to add a few items (kids’ books and toys) that I’d purchased during my trip. Overall, I loved how sturdy this suitcase feels, and though it doesn’t actually have an extension zipper, it has enough flexibility to allow for even more packing.

Color-wise, the suitcase comes in nine different hues: black, navy, green, asphalt, coast, white, sand, blush, and brick. All the color options are neutral, muted, and timeless. Away also offers special-edition varieties, like black trimmed with leather.  

I’d recommend choosing a darker color, especially if you like to keep things looking new.

I’d recommend choosing a darker color, especially if you like to keep things looking new. For my testing, I chose sand, which is a gorgeous lighter color but got scuffs and nicks after the first flight. Overall, though, the suitcase withstood the ins and outs of airport travel, and I was able to wipe it clean with the included scuff eraser—a magic eraser of sorts. 

Portability: Very lightweight, especially for a hard-case luggage 

The Large Away measures 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches. Although it’s a big, hard-case piece of luggage , it’s also lightweight, weighing just 11.2 pounds. Even when filled, it was pretty easy to carry around.

Although it’s a big, hard-case piece of luggage, it’s also lightweight.

In addition to the telescopic retractable handle, the Large features two other handles: one at the top, and one on the side. This is pretty standard, but it allowed me to transfer the suitcase from the baggage carousel to the airport cart with ease. When maneuvering it up and down the stairs, my husband had to flip it 90 degrees. 

Maneuverability: A smooth ride but hard to maneuver on uneven surfaces

The Large, like other Away suitcases, comes with four 360-degree spinning wheels. All four of them rotate without snagging for a smooth ride on almost all surfaces. The wheels, along with how light the suitcase actually is, made it a breeze to steer it from my New York City apartment to my parents’ place in Paris. 

That said, the suitcase was a bit more challenging to steer on uneven surfaces, like cobblestones or cracked streets, because you don’t have the option to lock the wheels. It also would be convenient to have lockable wheels so that the suitcase doesn’t roll down a slanted street or the floor of a moving subway.

Features: Easy-to-use TSA-approved combination lock

Away thought of everything—even a TSA-approved lock to secure your belongings while also giving access to security personnel, as needed. Once you get your suitcase, you’ll want to set up your lock, which is a cinch; simply come up with your own combination code. After you finish packing, you can slide the two zippers into the combination lock, and voilà—your suitcase is locked and ready to go. Once you get to your destination and are ready to unpack, all you have to do to release the zippers open is enter your combination. 

Return Policy and Warranty: If you don’t like it, you can return it

If you decide that The Large suitcase isn’t for you, you can return it up to 100 days after your purchase. All Away suitcases also come with a limited lifetime warranty (aside from the Mini, which, according to the brand, isn’t subject to the same wear and tear as its full-size suitcases). This warranty covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that functionally impairs your luggage. This doesn’t concern The Large, but the electronic components (found in models like The Carry-On) all have a two-year warranty. 

Price: Luxury luggage at a bargain price 

Sure, $295 seems like a lot of money for a suitcase. After all, there are many options out there for a lot less. But the Large suitcase feels and performs like a piece of luxury luggage—so, given that high-quality luggage can sell for more than $600 and up, we vote it’s absolutely worth the price. 

Away The Large vs. Tumi Worldwide Trip Packing Case

The Away and Tumi’s Worldwide Trip Packing Case have a lot in common. They both feature four 360-degree rotating wheels for effortless maneuverability, a clamshell design for easy and optimized packing, and a TSA-approved lock. Overall, they’re both big, hardshell suitcases, though the Tumi is slightly bigger and can thus hold more than the Away (130 liters instead of 99.2 liters). For their size, both suitcases are remarkably light, though the Away is lighter than the Tumi (11.2 pounds versus 12 pounds). 

The Tumi features a hanger bracket in one of the clamshell compartments, which is a nice touch for those who are traveling for business or a special occasion. On the other side, the Tumi boasts a tie-down strap, which is more conventional and less useful and practical than the Away’s compression pad. Overall, the Away comes complete with smarter features to keep travelers organized, and considering that it’s much cheaper than the Tumi packing case, it is a better investment in the long run. 

Interested in reading more reviews? Check out our list of the best checked luggage .

Away has developed a cult following, and with good reason. From its smart design to its good looks, Away’s The Large has all the attributes that you’d want in a luxury suitcase, but for half the price (at least). Overall, it’s an excellent and stylish investment.

• Product Name The Large
• Product Brand 11.6
• Price $295.00
• Weight 11.6 lbs.
• Product Dimensions 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 in.
• Color Black, navy, green, asphalt, coast, white, sand, blush, brick
• Material Polycarbonate shell
• What’s Included Suitcase, black leather luggage tag, laundry bag, address tag, TSA-approved combination lock
• Warranty Limited lifetime
• Capacity 99.2 L

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

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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

What we considered:

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

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler' s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

What size can a carry-on bag be?

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

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

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

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

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

Are carry-on bags free?

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

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

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

• United Airlines

Top recommendations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 10 Very Best Hard-Side Suitcases

Not all hard-shells are created equal..

In this article

Best hard-side suitcase overall.

• Best less-expensive
• Best lightweight
• Best aluminum
• Best for overpackers
• Best for families

As someone who has never managed to take a vacation without purchasing something bulky and delicate to take home with me (vinyl records, ceramics, bottles of wine — you name it, I’ve packed it), I much prefer hard-shell suitcases over soft-sided options. A hard-side suitcase will shield what’s inside of it from sudden drops or bangs, where a soft-side offers far less protection. Most of the experts I’ve spoken to agree: They say that as well as being more durable, hard-side suitcases are easier to wipe clean, slide from luggage racks, and rely on. They’re harder to repair than soft-side suitcases; a crack will be fatal — but that’s what warranties are for.

Hard-side suitcases are usually made from either polycarbonate plastic or a plastic called ABS (but there are also some made from old-fashioned aluminum). Polycarbonate plastic is more durable than ABS, so it tends to cost a little more, but alongside my fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths I’ve tracked down and tested cases made from both types of plastic that are affordable and reliable . We also asked more than 20 travel professionals about the brands and styles they recommend. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best weekend bags and the best travel pillows .

What we’re looking for

The material best for you will largely depend on the kind of trips you plan on taking. If your vacation involves long weekends at a friend’s beach house, you can get away with a lighter case made of less durable ABS. But if you’re plane- and train-hopping through Europe for the summer or spending several weeks trekking across Southeast Asia, you might want to invest in a sturdier case (like one made of polycarbonate) that can take a knock or two.

Longer trips need bigger suitcases. For ease of comparison, I’ve focused on carry-on options here, but most companies make these suitcases in larger sizes too. Size and weight allowances for carry-on cases will vary by airline, and most companies I looked into (including Alaska and Delta) measure the dimensions or weight of cases. You can read here to learn more about carry-on regulations.

Four spinner wheels glide in all directions and are my favorite. You can also buy suitcases with two wheels, but I find that the four spinner wheels glide so much easier — which is valuable when trying to reach an Airbnb on a cobbled street. So all the picks here have four wheels.

Pecorella says it’s important to do your homework when it comes to warranty because, once a hard-side case cracks, it’s pretty tough to repair. “This is what we tell our customers all the time: If you are a regular traveler, really look into the luggage brand’s warranty and see what they are covering and what they are not covering,” he says. All of the cases on this list have a lifetime warranty, which covers your case for life, or a limited lifetime warranty, which means your case is covered for a certain number of years.

Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 47.9 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Made from thick polycarbonate, I’m impressed with how sturdy yet lightweight Away’s ubiquitous suitcases are. I’m more than comfortable with packing breakables inside of one and am always confident that its handles and wheels will survive the perilous trip from the cargo hold to the luggage carousel. Cute as well as functional, Away suitcases are available in bright colors as well as neutral ones, and any scratches can be touched up with the brand’s eraser, which is included with each purchase. Away’s hard-side luggage is available in a few sizes; I’ve been testing the Bigger Carry-on, which is the most popular. That’s because it has a huge 50-liter capacity, but it still fits inside most overhead bins . (Though on some budget and most European airlines, it’s too big to class as a carry-on — you’d have to opt for the smaller size.)

Design-wise, Away’s definitely not trying to reinvent the wheel. Its luggage has all the features that you’d expect, but each feature has been executed perfectly. The 360-degree spinner wheels, for example, “make light work of the cobbled London street I regularly drag it along,” says Griffiths. And the telescopic handle is remarkably sturdy, which means you can use it to occasionally give up and drag your suitcase up and down stairs.

Numerous Strategist staffers have owned and used Away suitcases for years and years, including our editor Maxine Builder, who successfully took advantage of Away’s lifetime warranty and claimed a brand-new suitcase after the zipper on hers eventually broke. You can also just look around the airport for proof of durability: The brand switches up its colorways seasonally, but I frequently see long-discontinued shades on the baggage carousel or nestled overhead on flights.

Best (less-expensive) hard-side suitcase

Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 43 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited ten-year warranty

Usually, cheaper hard-side 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 360-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, a vacation to L.A. , a travel conference in Memphis, and a romantic getaway to Maine,” — and it’s been protected by the case’s limited ten-year warranty, which covers any major damages beyond reasonable wear and tear.

Best ABS hard-side suitcase

Material: ABS hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Capacity : 34 liters | Warranty: Limited warranty

A hard-side suitcase made from ABS rather than polycarbonate will always be the most affordable option. This Amazon Basics case is ideal for budget travelers, Griffiths says: “In my experience, it’s rare to find a case that costs under $100 that can compete with more expensive brands. 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.

Best lightweight hard-side suitcase

Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 36 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Five-year manufacturer’s guarantee

The Rimowa Essential line of suitcases was a very close second to Away — more than ten people mentioned the brand in our survey of the best rolling luggage — but it lost out on the top spot due to its price. This suitcase is less durable than the classic aluminum version, but it shares a long history: Rimowa was the first brand to release a polycarbonate suitcase in 2000, so it has had more than 20 years to perfect its design. And it’s a great mix of durability and weight: This carry-on is more than a pound lighter than Away’s Bigger Carry-On.

Owners we spoke with say the wheels glide through the airport like a dream. There’s a manufacturer’s guarantee of five years if you remember to register your product when purchasing it (otherwise, it only lasts for two). Even in those five years, the warranty only applies “if the usability of the product is considerably adversely affected by a material or manufacturing fault already present at the time of hand-over (defect),” the brand says. Breaks caused by “abrasion, improper use, faulty operation, or externally occurring forces” like cracks, breaks, and scratches caused in flight are not covered. There’s a lot of fine print with Rimowa, so I suggest looking into it before you purchase.

Best aluminium hard-side suitcase

Material: Aluminum hard-shell | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Capacity: 35 liters | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Aluminum cases are as durable as a hard-side case gets — they’re less likely to crack and usually use clamps instead of a zip (which can fall apart at the seams, burst, or even be slashed open). Several travelers I chatted with recommended the Rimowa case in aluminum for this reason. However, it costs well over $1,000 and doesn’t really do much beyond what this Away — which is half the price — does. The aluminum Away carry-on is similar to the polycarbonate one in many respects, from its great-quality handles and wheels to its ample storage space. One major difference is the lock, though: It’s still TSA-approved, but has the lock code on more secure clamps rather than a zipper. Travel writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon , who travels every single week for work, calls it her “work horse.”

Best hard-side suitcase for overpackers

Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: 49 - 61 L | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

I’ve included this case for its simply ingenious weight indicator. If you’re an overpacker, it takes a lot of the stress out of checking a bag. The indicator is activated when you lift the case, and a red mark will appear if the luggage weighs over 50 pounds — saving you from an unexpected fee at the airport. (This is especially important as the bag has an additional zipper that allows it to expand a couple of inches for squeezing an extra potentially heavy few bits inside.) Other great features include a built-in laundry and shoe bag, as well as several other pockets that help keep things organized and a TSA-approved lock. “They’ve really thought of everything,” says travel blogger Ciara Johnson.

Best hard-side suitcase for underpackers

Material:  ABS hard-shell  | Capacity:  31 L  | Wheels: 360-degree spinner, removable | Warranty:  One-year limited

I first learned about this teeny-tiny hard-side case while 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. And yes, it will slide right under the plane seat in front of you, which means no competing for overhead bin space.

Best hard-side suitcase set for families

Material: Polycarbonate hard-shell | Capacity: Three sizes | Wheels: 360-degree spinner wheels | Warranty: Lifetime

For families, a suitcase set is the most economical way to go. Antler makes one of Strategist senior editor Ailbhe Malone’s favorites: She’s been traveling with them for two years. “The wheels are so smooth that I can pull the suitcase with just a finger if I need to (helpful when trying to carry a folded-up stroller and a baby in a sling through an airport),” says Malone. “The grip on the handle is extremely comfortable, and it pops up easily.” As for storage, the Clifton set is designed to slot inside each other (Russian doll style), meaning “it’s easy to store three suitcases in a small house.” Malone also appreciates the various interior pockets, and mesh compartment for dirty laundry. “I recently took the medium suitcase and the cabin suitcase on a trip from London to Hungary to Romania,” says Malone. “There was enough space for everything my family needed for a week (including the baby bed linens that our Airbnb didn’t provide).”

Other hard-side suitcases we’ve written about

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The Best Carry-On Luggage 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Travel Editors

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to fit everything you need into a carry-on bag. With increasingly strict airline baggage allowances and common occurrences of lost/mishandled checked bags, finding the right carry-on suitcase is key to avoiding expensive checked baggage fees and ensuring your stuff makes it to your destination. 

No one understands this struggle more than the SmarterTravel team. As travel editors, we travel a lot (and are firm carry-on only flyers.) We tested and reviewed the top carry-on luggage over hundreds of trips to help you find one perfectly suited for all your travels.

The carry-on bags we reviewed underwent rigorous testing to see how they held up to the realities of travel. We evaluated important factors like size and weight, wheeled performance, ease of packing, durability, and special features. Our testing process included packing each bag to capacity, carrying it through airports, stowing it in overhead bins, and taking it on planes, trains, and automobiles during real-world trips.

Ranging in price from affordable to splurge-worthy, the best carry-on suitcases earned top marks across all our tests for their optimal size, seamless maneuverability, handy organization, stylish looks, and resilience.

From a lightweight hard-sided spinner that fits easily in tiny overheads to a large carry-on that expands for over-packers, these are our travel editors’ picks for the best carry-on suitcases of 2024. 

Best Carry-On Suitcase Overall: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Suitcase

The Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Suitcase was our favorite of all the carry-on suitcases we tested. This smart and sleek suitcase is made from a durable polypropylene shell that helps contribute to its light weight of 6.4 lbs. Smooth spinner wheels and an adjustable handle make this bag easy to wheel even when fully packed.

The interior is just as nice, lined with a fabric made from 100 percent plastic bottles. There’s also a multi-functional panel divider that can compress clothes to create more space while providing pockets for organization. One of the pockets is water-resistant, so you can use it to separate swimsuits or wet clothing on the journey home.

Our favorite feature of the Samsonite Outline Pro is the antimicrobial handle technology used on the trolley grip and side handles, which helps keep us healthy while traveling. 

Dimensions: 15” x 10” x 23”

Weight: 6.4 lbs

Best Large Carry-On Suitcase: Roam Large Carry-On Suitcase

If you want to test the limits of an airline’s carry-on policy, we recommend the Roam Large Carry-On Suitcase as the best large carry-on suitcase. We’ve taken this suitcase on hundreds of flights and have only ever had to check it on very small puddle-jumper planes. This roomy carry-on can hold up to 42 liters, making it a great suitcase for chronic overpackers. 

This suitcase comes with two compression boards, which can be used to divide the two halves of the suitcase and help you fit even more in. The boards have large pockets perfect for packing cords and other small items. 

We also love that all Roam luggage can be customized to suit your style—you can choose the color of every part of this suitcase, right down to the wheels, to create a unique bag that definitely won’t get mixed up at baggage claim.

Dimensions:  9” x 16.25” x 22”

Weight: 7.7 lbs

Best Expandable Carry-On Suitcase: Delsey Rempart Carry-On Suitcase

An expandable suitcase is like having two bags in one—keep it small and compact for a short trip or open it up for a longer journey (or for the return trip when you buy lots of souvenirs to bring home). Delsey’s Rempart Carry-On Suitcase is our favorite expandable bag due to its patented Securitech Zipper that’s three times more resistant than a standard zipper (so you don’t have to worry about it ripping open, even when it’s expanded to its maximum capacity).

Other thoughtful features include an integrated TSA-combination lock, two packing compartments with compression straps, zippered pockets, and a lined divider. We also love that the interior lining can be removed and washed—an innovation you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever come home with a sandy suitcase after a beach trip.

Three carrying handles allow this bag to be carried in various ways. If you have other Delsey suitcases, the Rempart’s modular design allows it to stack on top for easy carrying and storage. 

Dimensions: 13.75” x 10.25” x 21.75”

Weight: 6.7 lbs

Best Soft-Sided Carry-On Suitcase: Travelpro Maxlite 5

The best soft-sided carry-on suitcase is also one of the lightest weight options on our list. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 lives up to its name, weighing just 5.4 lbs. This model is the brand’s latest and is a full half-pound lighter than the previous iteration, the Travelpro Maxlite 5. 

The suitcase has a unique tapered design that helps prevent it from tipping over when upright (a common problem with soft-sided suitcases). It also has a solid bottom tray design that helps increase the bag’s durability. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 can expand to 2 inches to provide extra space when needed. The interior is lined with a waterproof protectant that helps keep the bag dry. 

This suitcase comes with Travelpro’s limited lifetime warranty, which will cover the cost of repairs if it’s damaged for one year after purchase. 

Dimensions: 23” x 14.5” x 9” 

Weight: 5.4 lbs

Best Luggage Trackers

Best Small Carry-On Suitcase: Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel Carry-On Luggage

We love the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 4-Wheel Carry-On because it’s deceptively spacious for its small size and light weight. It even expands slightly to give you a little bit of extra space when you need it. We’ve packed for week-long trips with just this bag and had no issues fitting everything in. Despite the diminutive size, this suitcase is packed with organizational features, like an exterior laptop sleeve and interior zippered pockets. 

Made from 100 percent recycled, water-resistant fabric, this carry-on-sized spinner bag is easy to wipe clean and great for rainy destinations. 

The Warrior is equipped with heavy-duty wheels that allow you to roll this bag over rough terrain—a perfect pick for navigating the cobblestone streets of Europe.

Dimensions: 21.65” x 14” x 10”

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

The Best Hardsided Carry-On Suitcase: Away The Carry-On

Away’s The Carry-On Suitcase has won many awards and is beloved by travelers, and for good reason—it’s smartly designed. The Carry-On is Away’s smallest suitcase and will fit in most overhead compartments and pass all but the strictest baggage sizers at the gate.

This durable carry-on suitcase is crafted from 100 percent polycarbonate for maximum impact resistance. It glides smoothly on premium 360-degree spinner wheels and features a telescoping trolley handle with two height settings for ergonomic maneuvering. The water-resistant shell safeguards your belongings, while convenient features like the TSA-approved lock, laundry bag, and color-matched luggage tag help streamline your packing routine. 

Thoughtfully designed, the suitcase maximizes storage with a double-buckle compression pad and extensive interior organization like three mesh pockets and a handy hanging pocket. Reverse coil zippers grant easy access to the wide opening, and an underside grab handle aids lifting. 

As a bonus, Away’s carry-on suitcase comes in a variety of beautiful colors, including glossy and matte options. 

Dimensions: 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″

Weight: 7.5 lbs

The Best Luxury Carry-On Suitcase: Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On

The Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On is an organized packer’s dream. The design of this suitcase keeps suits, shoes, clothes, and toiletries neatly separated and wrinkle-free. Convenient amenities like the built-in USB port and built-in TSA lock maximize functionality. 

This is a great suitcase choice for business travelers, as the interior features a removable garment sleeve and fiberglass rod that allows you to hang a suit or dress inside the case without getting crushed or wrinkled. 

The Continental Dual Access features Tumi’s signature smooth-rolling wheels and a 3-stage telescoping handle for easy maneuverability. Protective features like molded bumpers and side panels guard against impacts, while built-in tracers and TSA-approved locks keep valuables secured. With options for top, side, or bottom access via well-designed zippers, this suitcase optimizes packing efficiency for several days of travel. 

Dimensions: 22.0″ X 16.0″ X 9.0″

Weight: 11.1 lbs

The Best Carry-On Backpack: L.L. Bean Approach Travel Pack

A carry-on doesn’t have to be limited to a suitcase. For the ultimate in mobility, opt for a backpack as your carry-on. You won’t have to worry about climbing stairs or pulling a bag over rough sidewalks, and a backpack can fit under your seat on a full plane when necessary, avoiding the dreaded gate-check. 

Our favorite carry-on backpack is the L.L. Bean Approach Travel Pack . Use it on its own for a short trip, or combine it with a checked bag (put all the essentials in the backpack and carry it on the plane) for longer journeys.  

The Approach Travel Pack opens flat and can be packed like a suitcase, unlike a traditional backpack where you’ll have to shove everything in through the top and dig through the entire bag to find something buried at the bottom.

Dimensions: 20” x 12.5” x 10”

Weight: 3.3 lbs

5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024

How We Tested These Carry-Ons

These are the carry-on suitcases that the SmarterTravel team uses on their own trips. We’ve taken them on countless flights, train trips, road trips, and cruises to find out the pros and cons of each bag. 

When testing a carry-on, we consider the following factors:

• Size and weight
• Ease of transportation
• Organizational features

We’ve tested out numerous suitcases that didn’t make the cut, which helped us narrow the list to the best carry-ons worth investing in. 

What Size is a Carry-On Suitcase

The dimensions for a carry-on suitcase vary by airline and generally change depending on if it’s an international or domestic flight. For flights within the United States, the most common size limit for a carry-on suitcase is 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high. 

The international carry-on suitcase size limit is usually 21.7 inches by 15.7 inches wide by 9 inches high, but this will vary by airline.

Note that airline carry-on size limits include all aspects of the suitcase, including the handles and the wheels, so be sure to check the total dimensions of your bag and not just the interior measurements. If your suitcase meets the size limit but the wheels don’t, it will not pass the carry-on sizer test.

Always check with your airline for the correct carry-on size for your trip, as it can change by destination. 

Is There a Weight Limit for Carry-Ons?

There usually isn’t a weight limit for carry-ons on domestic flights within the United States (unless you’re flying on a very small plane). However, you must be able to lift the suitcase into the overhead bin without assistance.

International flights are generally stricter with weight limits and will weigh your carry-on bag when you check-in. These weight restrictions vary quite a bit by airline but generally range from 15 to 35 lbs. 

What Can’t You Pack in a Carry-On Suitcase?

Remember, carry-on suitcases are subject to stricter security restrictions than checked bags. You can’t pack these items in carry-on suitcases, but you can pack them in your checked luggage:

• Liquids or gels bigger than 3.4 ounces
• Sharp objects (including knives, hiking poles, and large scissors) 
• Certain sporting goods (such as baseball bats and hockey sticks)
• Self-defense items (including pepper spray and brass knuckles)
• Weapons (including firearms) 

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The best check-in suitcases for your next getaway, tried and tested

Lighten the load with these tried-and-tested travel heroes from antler, samsonite and more, article bookmarked.

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Need some new luggage for your travels ? We’ve rounded up the best suitcases with clever features that will enable you to pack pretty much everything except the kitchen sink.

With a growing number of airlines imposing increasingly strict regulations when it comes to luggage , the good news is suitcase brands are here to help, with some ingenious designs and features.

For every traveller who wants to test the limits of their luggage allowance, there are others who have mastered the art of packing light and simply want a practical suitcase without any bells and whistles, so, we’ve included a range of different options in our line-up. If you’re a fan of the aforementioned bells and whistles, you won’t be disappointed, either.

There are (slightly) fewer restrictions relating to checked baggage than there are to cabin bags , but bear in mind budget airlines in the UK will almost always charge to check in your suitcase. Easyjet, for example, charges a minimum of £6.99 for a suitcase weighing up to 15kg (the price depends on the flight booked), while Ryanair charges between £11.99 and £29.99 for a checked bag weighing up to 10kg.

Larger airlines are generally less restrictive. The allowance for economy passengers flying with British Airways is one item with a maximum weight of 23kg, while Singapore Airlines’ allowances are famously generous – even if you’re travelling on lite (the cheapest category) you’ll be allowed a suitcase with a weight of up to 25kg.

Whichever airline you’re travelling with, keep reading to discover the best suitcases for your trip.

Related stories

How we tested the best suitcases.

Our tester is a travel writer, so, they had plenty of opportunities to put a wide range of suitcases through their paces, paying particular attention to the elements that are often the first to fail. Extra points were awarded to suitcases with additional reinforcement around the wheels, as this can be the first area to suffer damage as bags are chucked from trolleys to carousels.

As well as taking the suitcases on various trips, our tester spent hours playing around with different features, road-testing everything from compression panels to expansion zips. Long story short, you can rest assured these suitcases are the very best – which means all you need to worry about is enjoying your holiday.

The best suitcases for 2024 are:

• Best suitcase overall – Antler soft stripe cabin suitcase: £170, Antler.co.uk
• Best budget suitcase – Tripp new world ice blue cabin suitcase: £39.50, Amazon.co.uk
• Best lightweight suitcase – Samsonite C-LITE spinner: £389, Samsonite.co.uk
• Best check-in suitcase – Carl Friedrik the check in: £495, Carlfriedrik.com
• Best suitcase for kids – Micro Scooter suitcase and light-up wheels: £109.95, Micro-scooters.co.uk

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Antler soft stripe cabin suitcase

• Best : Suitcase overall
• Size : 55cm x 35cm x 20cm
• Weight : 1.9kg
• Plenty of room
• Great internal design

This suitcase does it all – it’s got a low weight but still has the added extras that are often skipped by brands trying to create feather-light luggage. There’s a large padded pocket on the front, surprisingly sturdy wheels and thick fabric (bonus points for the use of recycled polyester), which feels as though it can easily survive its fair share of knocks and scrapes.

Inside, there’s just one main compartment, which has cross straps to keep contents in place. Although, a much thinner pocket has been built in to the suitcase’s lid – a zippered mesh cover makes this ideal for documents. We loved how this pocket was accessible from the exterior, too. Meanwhile, the small flap-style pocket on the inside of the main compartment was perfect for smaller items such as keys.

Tripp new world ice blue cabin suitcase

• Best : Budget suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 37cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Gets the basics right

Tripp’s cheap and cheerful suitcases do what they say on the tin – they come in a range of sizes, have a simple design that makes access easy, and (most importantly) they cost next to nothing. This isn’t the most hi-tech suitcase (although, we were grateful to see the Transportation Security Administration-approved locks) but the lack of bells and whistles – there’s just one handle, for example – is partly what helps keep the weight down, and this is a brand that gets the basics spot-on. The telescopic handle, for example, slides out incredibly smoothly. This particular case has a clamshell opening with a mesh zippered cover on one side and X-shaped compression straps on the other – more than enough to keep all our essentials in order.

Victorinox spectra 3.0 expandable global carry on

• Best : Hard-sided suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 20cm x 40cm
• Weight : 3.5kg
• Lightweight

We’re constantly flabbergasted by brands that churn out cases that come with sky-high price tags but are basic at best. Victorinox’s offering might be one of the pricier cabin cases (although, trust us, it’s by no means the most expensive) but it’s worth every single penny.

There’s nothing we don’t love about this suitcase’s wonderfully innovative design, whether it’s the lightweight material (something known as sorplas – a recycled polycarbonate), the extendable luggage tag with a built-in pen and SIM card tool, or the way in which the expansion zips are clearly marked as such, which meant no more fumbling around with the wrong zip.

Like a growing number of suitcases, it’s expandable (in this case, by a supersized 20 per cent) but what sets this one apart is the side straps, which help maintain the case’s rigidity when expanded. Oh, and did we mention the raised Victorinox logo on the side contains a hidden pair of tweezers?

Aerolite large lightweight hard shell luggage suitcase

• Best : Supersized suitcase
• Size : 79 x 58 x 31cm
• Weight : 4.85kg
• It’s supersized

Aerolite is an appropriate name for this brand – its suitcases are surprisingly light and incredibly manoeuvrable. The ease with which the handle slides in and out makes wrestling it onto luggage belts a breeze, and the top handle’s slimline profile means it’s easy to hook backpacks over it, minimising the risk of back ache.

There’s no TSA-approved lock although we’re perfectly happy with the alternative – a three-digital combination lock which secures the zips together (at this point we’ll flag that we’ve never had our luggage searched by the TSA, which is why we’re firm believers that TSA-approved locks aren’t the be all and end all).

Samsonite C-LITE spinner

• Best : Lightweight suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
• Weight : 2.1kg
• Tough and flexible material

This four-wheeled spinner suitcase is incredibly light, thanks to the use of woven polypropylene, which is tough but flexible – as we’re prone to cramming more than we should into our suitcases, we appreciated the extra give. Plus, when expanded, there’s an additional 3cm of space. We also loved the design of the interior – one side has a zippered opaque cover, while the other has elasticated straps. These (like many similar straps) form the shape of a cross, but we loved the buckle-free catch – the straps simply hook around a central plastic disc.

We made full use of the internal power bank pocket, too. All too often, the lightest suitcases are the sparsest, but Samsonite has proved that reducing weight doesn’t have to mean skimping on essentials.

Kipling spontaneous S

• Best : Suitcase for easy storage
• Size : 33cm x 53cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.8kg
• Plenty of pockets

This might not be the lightest of cabin suitcases but it feels reassuringly sturdy (the main materials are recycled polyamide and polyester) and it has plenty of pockets – we found the large padded one on the interior of the case’s lid particularly suitable for electronics and documents.

On the inside, there are two similarly sized compartments – one covered by compression straps while the other is open-access. The smaller cases in the range are designed to fit inside the largest ones, minimising the amount of space they take up when not in use.

Katie Loxton Oxford cabin case

• Best : For seriously sophisticated travellers
• Size : 53cm x 39cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.23kg
• Sophisticated design

There’s a reassuring sturdiness to this vegan-leather suitcase (particularly its sidewalls), which can be personalised – either with a personalised luggage tag or with embroidered initials on the exterior. There’s not an abundance of features but everything feels top quality – even the extendable handle, which has plenty of cushioning, making it a joy to grip.

The suitcase, which is made with animal-friendly PU (polyurethane leather) comprises one main compartment, while the brand’s top-quality approach extends to the X-shaped compression straps – the ones on this particular suitcase have a wonderful stretchiness, which kept our items in place while making the most of the space available.

Carl Friedrik the check in

• Best : Check-in suitcase
• Size : 65cm x 44.5cm x 27cm
• Weight : 4.5kg
• Ultra-smooth spinner wheels
• Two TSA-approved locks

For a check-in suitcase, we found this surprisingly portable, thanks to smooth-rolling wheels paired with top and side handles, which made it easy to heave on and off luggage belts. Everything about this case feels top-quality, whether it’s the ultra-soft leather handles or the presence of not one but two TSA-approved locks.

The killer combo of lightweight aluminium and polycarbonate made this a breeze to roll across a particularly crowded Heathrow airport (with minimum noise, thanks to the ultra-silent wheels designed by Japanese brand Hinomoto). On the inside, both sides of the case have compression straps – one side has a zippered cover, too. One aspect that sets this case apart is the lack of zips – it seals shut using two lockable clamps, which feel incredibly secure.

HB personalised suitcase

• Best : Personalised suitcase
• Size : 56cm x 36cm x 23cm
• Weight : 3.4kg
• Great range of designs

There’s a reason the UK’s most popular influencers are regularly spotted wheeling this suitcase through airports. This is thanks to the personalisation options and the range of designs – there are dozens to choose from, spanning everything from on-trend marbleised styles to images of hearts, rainbows and florals. We opted for a small cabin bag with a blue camouflage design bearing our initials in black, and we loved the result.

The range of sizes is also impressive – choose from business (the smallest), kids’ size (slightly larger), small, medium or large. The bag came with all the essentials, including a TSA-approved lock, a two-stage extendable handle and an easily accessible side handle. Studs on the side allowed us to rest it on the ground without worrying about unintentional damage, and there’s extra reinforcement around the wheels, too.

Marks and Spencer Oslo 4 wheel hard shell large suitcase

• Best : Large suitcase
• Size : 77cm x 50cm x 27.5cm
• Weight : 3.8kg
• Reinforced zip
• Plenty of pockets on interior dividers

Trust Marks and Spencer to come through with a sturdy, lightweight suitcase that doesn’t disappoint. This suitcase isn’t about extra bells and whistles, it’s about simply doing everything well, whether it’s the tactile top and side handles, the ultra-smooth three-stage extendable handle or raised side studs that offer protection when the case is placed on the ground.

The interior is designed with easy organisation in mind – one half is covered with a zippered panel with a built-in pocket, while the other side has a mesh panel with two built-in pockets. We appreciated the reassurance provided by the reinforced exterior zip, too – who isn’t prone to a bit of overpacking, after all?

IT Luggage legion extra large

• Size : 85cm x 61cm x 34cm
• Weight : 5.76kg
• Relatively low price tag

This suitcase means business – upon clapping eyes on this, a friend’s first comment was: “It looks large enough to fit a human.” What’s more, its exterior has clearly been designed to cope with the full-capacity weight of this bag – side and top handles make lugging it onto luggage belts a breeze, and we were able to minimise the risk of bumps and scrapes by resting it on the four raised points on one side of the case.

Inside, it’s relatively simple – one half has a zippered mesh cover with three built-in pockets, while the other features cross straps. For seasoned over-packers, this colossus is a dream come true.

Marvel wavebreaker, 67cm

• Best : Suitcase for teens
• Size : 67cm x 47cm x 26cm
• Weight : 3.6kg
• Spiderman theme on interior and exterior

Yes, we’ve described this as being a brilliant suitcase for teens (which it is) but it’s also perfectly suited to grown-up Marvel fans. Spidey doesn’t just adorn the outside of this case – we love the way the interior lining is covered with various Marvel-related images, although a special shout-out has to go to the fabulous zipper pull on the interior cover – it’s in the shape of Spiderman’s head.

The interior is simple but well-designed – one half has an opaque cover, while the other has X-shaped compression straps. A TSA-approved lock and premium spinner wheels ramp up the quality, and the use of ABS (a type of plastic) keeps the weight low.

The verdict: Suitcases

Antler’s roomy soft stripe cabin suitcase was rugged, spacious and tactile, while Tripp’s suitcase is proof that you don’t need to offload all your cash (which, let’s face it, is better spent on holidays) on a decent suitcase. Finally, most people don’t even know that Victorinox do suitcases, but this legendary brand’s top quality, fantastically innovative offering is proof that its expertise applies to much, much more than Swiss army knives.

Now your suitcase is sorted, our guide to the best packing cubes will help keep your belongings organised

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I’ve Been Using Away Luggage For Years — Here’s Why I Recommend It

By Morgan Greenwald

Morgan Greenwald

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

If you’ve done any sort of research on popular luggage brands or have spent some time scrolling through Instagram, odds are you’ve come across Away , the trendy, DTC luggage brand known for its sleek suitcases and vibrant colorways. The polycarbonate shell suitcases have maintained their popularity almost a decade after their launch and social media virality, but for those who may be hesitant to spend upwards of $300 on a piece of luggage, the question remains: Is Away really worth the hype (and price tag)?

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

• Editor’s Choice: Away The Carry-On Flex
• Large Carry-on Pick: Away Bigger Carry-On
• Also Consider: Away Large Suitcase

As a journalist and avid traveler, I have used Away’s Carry-On Flex , Bigger Carry-On , and Large suitcase since 2018 to travel everywhere from Spain and France to California and Vermont. During this time, I’ve tried other suitcase brands like Monos and Samsonite , but Away has remained my top choice thanks to its roomy interior and lightweight shell. There are some drawbacks to the bags — notably, the lighter colors scuff pretty easily and it can be hard to find your suitcase on a conveyor belt full of Away bags — but ultimately the pros far outweigh the cons, especially if you travel often.

In This Article

What is away luggage, what makes away luggage so unique.

• Away Luggage Pros & Cons

How Does Away Luggage Compare to Competitors?

• Is Away Luggage Worth it?

Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, who previously worked together at Warby Parker. They originally launched with a single product — the Carry-On — but later expanded their suitcase offerings and eventually branched out into accessories, totes, and other travel-related essentials. 

Since its launch in 2015, Away has taken customer feedback to heart, and the brand’s suitcases have evolved significantly: Among other things, the bags now have a grab handle under the wheels that make them easier to carry, and previously existing handles now protrude less. The carry-on pieces were previously offered with built-in battery packs, but these have since been phased out based on customer feedback. (As someone who owns one of the older battery pack models, I agree that while the battery pack was convenient, it’s just as convenient to bring a portable charger with you on the plane.)

There are a lot of things to appreciate about Away’s suitcases . All of the brand’s signature carry-ons and checked bags are protected by a polycarbonate hard shell that, according to Travelpro , is sturdier and more crack-resistant than other common hardside materials like polypropylene. Thanks to the hard shell, it’s also easy to fill the suitcase to the brim without worrying about whether it will fit in an overhead compartment. “I am an overpacker through and through, and I love that the shell is hard but also flexible, so I can pack as much as I want into this bag that fits into a carry-on compartment,” says Becca Higgins , Rolling Stone ’s senior producer of artist relations who has been using her Bigger Carry-On for years.

The bags are also secured by a three-digit, TSA-approved combination lock that’s built directly into the suitcase. (A word to the wise, though: Do not forget your lock combination. More on that later.)

From a size standpoint, the Away bags also offer a lot of bang for your buck. All of the suitcases have an interior compression system that keeps your belongings compartmentalized while condensing them down. If you tend to be an overpacker, the Flex suitcases also come with zipper expansions that enlarge the interior to give you more packing space. 

Away The Carry-On Flex Review

Away carry-on flex.

Specs: • Measurements: 21.7″ x 13.7″ x 9″ (exterior) and 20” x 13.5” (interior)
 • Weight: 8.15 lbs
 • Capacity: 39.8 L (46.7 L when expanded)


Away’s The Carry-On is the bag that first helped the company rise to prominence in 2015. The smallest suitcase option in Away’s lineup, the bag has deep compartments on either side that are secured with either a zippered mesh sleeve or a buckled mesh compression divider.

“The square shape maximizes the usable storage in all bag sizes,” says Jessica Seib , Rolling Stone ’s VP of Commerce who owns several Away bags. “The mesh zip compartments and divider built-ins also make sorting clean and dirty or delicate clothing and shoes within one bag a breeze.”

When I used my Carry-On Flex for a four-day trip to Lake Placid, I had no trouble packing six outfits, a few sweaters, and all of my toiletries; however, there wasn’t any room left to pack a second pair of shoes, so I would recommend The Bigger Carry-On Flex (which has a 55.7-liter capacity) if you want to pack larger items like sneakers or a hair styling tool.

Away The Bigger Carry-On Review

Away the bigger carry-on.

Specs: • Measurements: 22.7″ x 15.4″ x 9.6″ (exterior) and 20.9″ x 15″ x 7.9″ (interior)
 • Weight: 7.9 lbs
 • Capacity: 47.9 L


The Bigger Carry-On has been my go-to travel companion since I first bought it in 2018. Though it’s just slightly bigger than the Carry-On Flex at its full capacity, I have found that it offers more room for larger items like shoes, jackets, and heavy sweaters. I have relied on my Bigger Carry-On alone for week-long work trips, bachelorette trips, and more; on average, I can fit up to eight or nine outfits in my bag, but that number gets smaller depending on how many larger items I need to bring with me. 

Away The Large Review

Away the large.

Specs : • Measurements: 29″ x 20.5″ x 12.5″ (exterior) and 26.9″ x 19.7″ x 10.6″ (interior)
 • Weight: 12.1 lbs
 • Capacity: 99.2 L


Away’s checked bag offerings include The Medium, The Large, and The Trunk, as well as Flex and Aluminum versions of the first two. The Large , which remains relatively lightweight at 12.1 pounds, has a shockingly sizeable interior; on a recent two-week trip across Germany and Denmark, I was able to fit everything into my Large suitcase without having to bring a carry-on (on top of my usual outfits, I had to pack gym clothes and a dirndl for Oktoberfest!).

The Large is easily my favorite Away suitcase of all the ones I own thanks to how reliable it is on longer trips. My light pink shell is pretty scuffed up after years of use, but there isn’t any damage that would compromise the integrity of the suitcase. The other thing that I love about The Large is that, when I’m not traveling, my Bigger Carry-On can be stored inside of it so the two suitcases aren’t taking up as much space inside my closet.

Away Luggage Pros:

• The Away suitcases are relatively lightweight, which makes them easier to lift into overhead bins and makes it easier to stay under the weight limit.
 • The suitcases’ 360-degree wheels hold up well after several years of use and easily glide across all types of surfaces, from carpeting to asphalt — “the wheels are 360-degree magic and so smooth,” Higgins says.
 • Away’s customer service is excellent and the lifetime limited warranty covers most major damage.
 • The myriad pockets (and optional packing cubes ) allow for maximized use of the interior space.


Away Luggage Cons:

• The polycarbonate shell scuffs relatively easily, especially in the lighter colorways.
 • The combination lock is impossible to reset if you forget the code.
 • The suitcases are on the pricier side, so they may not make sense for people who don’t travel as often.
 • Since Away bags are so popular, it can be easy to mix your bag up with someone else’s. “My suggestion: Buy an Away suitcase and then pick up one of these cheap accessories to help differentiate your bag from someone else’s,” says Tim Chan , PMC’s associate VP of editorial and commerce.


While I have found that the Away suitcases best fit my travel needs, some of the other popular luggage brands may be a better option depending on how often you travel and the type of travel you’re doing. If you’re looking for something to use for work travel, for instance, I am a fan of Monos’ Carry-On Pro ; in addition to boasting many of the features of the Away bag — like a polycarbonate shell, combination lock, and 360-degree spinning wheels — it also has an exterior pocket that can hold a laptop, notebooks, and other work travel essentials. A more affordable alternative that Chan is also a fan of is Brandless’ Checked Luggage : “It features a suitcase with vertical lines (Away has horizontal lines) so I can always pick my bag out of a crowd,” he says.

Though many of the popular luggage retailers offer similar features, one of the biggest selling points when it comes to Away is the company’s customer service. Most Away bags come with a lifetime limited warranty , which covers everything from cracks and unusable wheels to broken zippers and fabric tears. “My first Medium Bag zipper was damaged by an airline bag handler when it was brand new. I brought the bag to an Away store in Brooklyn and received a brand new bag within minutes,” Seib recalls.

So, Is Away Luggage Worth it?

Away’s luggage isn’t going to make sense for everybody; for those who travel less often, something more affordable might make more sense, and if you’re mostly traveling for work, you might want to consider a carry-on that offers easy access to your laptop, notebook, and electronics. However, if you travel regularly and are looking for a durable, sleek suitcase that’s easy to organize, the Away bags are well worth the price tag when you consider how long they last and the brand’s lifetime warranty. “I basically overstuff my suitcase and put it through the wildest conditions and it comes out unscathed,” Higgins notes. Away even has a 100-day free return policy on unused bags, so if you’re on the fence, you can order one to test out at home before you fully commit.

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• Suitcases + Duffel Bags

The Best Softside Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Don't underestimate a sophisticated softside suitcase to keep your items safe and organized.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Luggage We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Everyone's idea of the perfect luggage is different. While crush-resistant hardside suitcases are having a moment, lots of folks still prefer the softside variety. It's often more affordable, less prone to scuffs, flexible for overpackers, and — in many cases — just as durable.

Of course, not all suitcases are created equal. So, what makes a high-quality softside model? If you ask us, it's important to look for a spacious capacity, innovative organizational features, a sturdy exterior that stands up to heavy use, and a lightweight design that's easy to maneuver through busy airports or city sidewalks.

Our Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage, including carry-ons, checked suitcases, duffels, and more, both in our New York City lab and in our real-life travels. For our softside lab tests, we packed each bag full, rolled the bags over different types of flooring and through obstacle courses to check how smooth the wheels and handles felt, shoved them off tables and whacked them with baseball bats to check durability, and lifted carry-ons into overhead bins on our airplane set to see how lightweight they were. (Get more details about our testing process below.)

These are our favorite softside suitcases out of all the luggage we've tested.

Best Overall

Samsonite bartlett carry-on spinner.

This very reasonably priced suitcase is compact with a handy expander, various organizational features, and smooth-rolling spinner wheels.

The wheels may show scuffs, and the handle only has two heights.

The Samsonite Bartlett Carry-on Spinner was an overall favorite during our most recent softside luggage lab test. We loved how the compact design fit everything on our packing list without having to use the expander, which adds two inches to the depth. There are also handy straps that help keep things in place and compress the main compartment to fit more items. The top flap has shoe holders and a mesh zippered section, and the exterior has two pockets — one big enough to stash a laptop.

We found the lightweight design incredibly easy to maneuver on two or four wheels, though the telescoping handle only has two heights. It's also relatively lightweight, and it was easy for us to lift into an overhead bin on our airplane set. The wheels showed a few scuffs from our durability tests after we hit it with a baseball bat and shoved it off a table, but the fabric exterior had no marks.

Considering the nice quality, performance, and functionality, we think the price is more than reasonable — in fact, we were surprised this suitcase wasn't more expensive and would happily pay more for it.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9.3 inches | 9.1 pounds | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Carry-on

Travelpro platinum elite carry-on.

This attractive, thoughtfully designed carry-on stood up to our durability tests and is a breeze to maneuver on its four spinner wheels.

You'll need to get your own powerbank for the USB charging port, and it's a little harder to pull on two wheels.

This expandable spinner suitcase has a premium fabric exterior with genuine leather piping and chrome hardware. It stood up surprisingly well to several bat swings — no scuffs or tears to speak of. It could fit everything into the dual main compartments and pockets, but we had to use the expander, which adds two inches to the depth and could make it too big to qualify as carry-on luggage.

The bag glides smoothly and turns effortlessly on four wheels, though pulling it on two wheels requires a little more gusto. This smart suitcase has a built-in USB port, allowing you to charge your devices anywhere using a portable powerbank (sold separately). It's not the most affordable option for this size, but considering the lifetime warranty, we think it's worth the investment.

The Details: Carry-on | 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | 8.3 pounds | 46-liter capacity | Expandable | Smart | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Checked

Hartmann luxe ii medium journey luggage.

It's very roomy, with convenient pockets, smooth-gliding wheels, and an easily identifiable appearance.

There is an expander, but it only adds an inch of depth.

If you plan to check your luggage and need something large, we recommend the Hartmann Luxe II Medium Journey. The expander function only adds an inch, but the interior had substantial depth as-is, effortlessly fitting all items on our packing list. We like that the main compartment has compression straps, and the lid has a decently sized zippered section for things like swimwear, undergarments, or dirty clothes. There are also slimmer front pockets for electronics, chargers, and other things you need to access quickly without having to unzip the entire suitcase.

This bag was a breeze to maneuver over hard floors, carpet, and the concrete pavers we tested it on. It also held up well in our durability tests, with no scratches, dents, or other visible damage. We found it stylish, too, on account of the luxurious-looking exterior fabric and leather trim. Plus, it's easy to identify on a baggage-claim carousel.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 27.3 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | 9.4 pounds | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Best Splurge

Tumi alpha international dual access carry-on.

This super functional, high-end bag boasts two access points, several pockets, and a removable garment bag.

When the front-access section is packed full, it starts taking up space in the main compartment.

With four dual-spinner wheels and a comfy telescoping handle, the Tumi Dual Access Carry-on moves beautifully on all types of flooring — and we can confirm that it continued to roll like a dream after we traveled with it several times over the course of three months. We had no problem packing the essentials, thanks to the numerous compartments, pockets, compression straps, and a removable garment bag. The dual-access design allows you to keep things like a sweater or tablet within reach on travel days without unzipping the entire bag.

When the front section is packed full, it does begin taking up space in the main compartment. However, you can use the expander to add two extra inches in depth. This durable suitcase is made of Tumi's signature ballistic nylon, and (not surprisingly) it passed our baseball bat test with flying colors. We also like that it has a built-in USB port to connect to a portable power bank. Though it can be heavy, and the price is steep for a carry-on, the quality is undeniable, and Tumi backs it with a five-year warranty.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable | Smart | 4 dual spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best Lightweight

It luggage softside carry-on spinner.

At just under six pounds, this monochromatic carry-on is easy to carry up and down stairs and lift into an overhead bin.

It may be prone to scratches.

Weighing under six pounds, the Lustrous Softside Carry-on from It Luggage is among the lightest suitcases we’ve tried. We had no problem packing everything on our list without needing to use any pockets, pouches, or the two-inch expander. There's also an exterior laptop pocket that'll come in handy for business travel. It's not bulky at all, and we especially loved the large, padded grab handles that will make it easy to carry this suitcase up and down stairs, lift into the trunk of a car or off of a luggage belt, and place in an overhead compartment without struggling to hold it.

This suitcase glides smoothly on two or four wheels over carpet, hard flooring, and concrete pavers. After throwing it off a table a few times, we did notice a few scratches on the handle and wheels but nothing major. We loved the monochrome design, which has a sleek, modern vibe that can be hard to find in some softside suitcases. In the end, we think the price is fair for such a good-looking carry-on with impressive functionality.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches | 5.95 pounds | Expandable | 4 dual wheels

• Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Pockets

L.l.bean medium carryall pullman.

This suitcase has large external pockets that can fit shoes, accessories, electronics, or dirty laundry.

It doesn't have a built-in expander and doesn't roll as smoothly on carpet.

This carry-on from L.L.Bean has a decently sized main compartment, plus two front pockets and two exterior side pockets. We appreciated the extra packing space and ability to organize all our belongings. One side pocket is even deep enough for a pair of shoes — which is handy for keeping them separate from your clean clothing — and the other pockets can fit electronics, accessories, undergarments, or even dirty laundry. Although this suitcase doesn't have an expander, the zipper was super easy to close once packed full.

This suitcase has a rugged polyester exterior and a semi-rigid frame that stands out among other softside luggage. It performed well in our durability tests and seems like it'll hold up over time. While it maneuvered nicely on hard flooring and concrete, it wasn't quite as smooth on carpet. Still, we were all-around impressed with the design and think the price is on point.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best With Laptop Compartment

Calpak luka carry-on.

This compact carry-on offers padded protection and easy access to your laptop, and the puffer-style design lends to a unique, modern aesthetic.

It doesn't have many pockets inside or an expander, and the handle is somewhat flimsy.

While this Calpak Luka suitcase is pretty compact, we fit everything on our packing list and appreciated the separate protected laptop pocket in the front, making it a great option when you want something super portable. It's conveniently lightweight and slightly smaller than other carry-ons, though this is not necessarily a negative if you’re traveling with limited space. Although it only has two interior pockets and doesn't have an expander, it's a good option for weekend getaways, train travel, or short business trips.

We thought the puffer-style exterior was unique and stylish — you can choose from a few chic, sophisticated neutrals, like black, blush, and milk-chocolate brown. The handle felt a bit flimsy, which made it difficult to maneuver over some types of flooring, and it rolled a little better on two wheels than four. This suitcase held up pretty well during our durability tests, though the wheels and handle sustained minor scratches. In the end, we still think the price is reasonable and would recommend it for short trips.

The Details: Carry-on | 21 x 13.75 x 9 inches | 6.6 pounds | 32-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Most Durable

Samsonite elevation plus carry-on spinner.

Samsonite 

This carry-on showed no signs of damage during durability tests, and it has a pocketed compression panel and expandable laundry bag.

It can be a bit wobbly when stuffed full.

Samsonite's Elevation Plus Carry-on stood out among all the bags we tested for its supreme durability. After shoving it off a table and whacking it with a baseball bat, it showed no signs of damage or even any superficial scuff marks. While it's not expandable, we were able to fit our whole carry-on packing list. The softside exterior provided some flexibility when stuffing it full and zipping it closed (as opposed to the rigidity of most hardside bags), and the zippers all worked really well. You'll also get a handy compression panel with zippered pockets and an expandable laundry bag for keeping your things organized on the road.

The telescoping handle has seven heights, whereas some other Samsonite carry-ons only have two. We thought this suitcase rolled smoothly, but it was a bit wobbly when packed full and sometimes pivoted from four to two wheels going around tight corners. In the end, we think the price is warranted for a durable carry-on with lots of organizational features.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 6.7 pounds | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Wheeled Duffel

Briggs & riley wheeled duffel.

This rugged yet refined carrier is exceptionally durable, with a spacious interior, gusseted pockets, and smooth-rolling wheels.

It only comes in a couple of colors and is pricey for a duffel.

Interested in a wheeled duffel? We're big fans of this rugged yet refined model from Briggs & Riley. The 800-denier ballistic nylon exterior promises to resist scratches, moisture damage, and premature wear and tear. The fabric is soft but strong; it took bat hits and table drops like a champ. We loved the gusseted pockets, spacious interior, cross straps, internal divider, and smooth zippers. This duffel moves like a dream, too, rolling effortlessly on hard floors, carpet, and gravel during our tests. Not only that, but the extendable handle, straps, and grab handles make pushing, pulling, and lifting a breeze. It's pricey for its category and only comes in a couple of colors, but the stuffable design is ideal for outdoor excursions, overseas trips, and anyone traveling with bulky or odd-shaped items.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 27 x 15 x 15 inches | 8.6 pounds | 96-liter capacity | Expandable | 2 wheels

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

SwissTech Softside Luggage

The reasonably priced SwissTech Executive is spacious and expandable with multifunctional pockets, smooth spinner wheels, an ergonomic handle, and a durable exterior.

There aren't many color options, and it doesn't have smart features.

The SwissTech Executive Upright Suitcase is on the larger side for checked luggage, and the expander adds another two inches to the depth, which gives you an amazing amount of space for under $100. We were impressed by the large capacity and thoughtfully placed storage compartments. It has some great pockets inside for organizing items, as well as a small removable pouch.

The exterior is a 1,680-denier textile. (Generally speaking, the higher the denier, the more durable the material.) It held up after we pushed the bag off a table and clobbered it with a bat. We noticed only one small superficial mark, and the whole thing seems easy to wipe clean. We found the SwissTech Executive simple to maneuver, too. It has eight spinner wheels (technically four sets of casters) and a locking telescopic handle with an ergonomic grip. It rolled smoothly over both hard flooring and carpet and even performed surprisingly well when we pulled it over gravel.

This suitcase is pretty standard-looking, and we wish it came in more colors. However, the price is more than reasonable, and SwissTech backs it with a generous 15-year warranty.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29 x 19 x 10.5 inches | 9.1 pounds | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Waterproof

Patagonia wheeled duffel bag.

Backcountry

This duffel is incredibly spacious, durable, and waterproof, with a structured base, smooth-gliding wheels, and an adjustable handle.

It's pretty bulky and can be hard to maneuver through tight spaces.

Looking for something more rugged that will hold up to rain or camping trips? Consider a duffel, like the 100-liter Patagonia Black Hole. Living up to its name, this bag is incredibly spacious, with lots of give and compression straps to keep everything secure. We packed all items on our list with so much room to spare — and if you roll your clothes or use packing cubes , you could probably fit twice as much stuff. There are also lots of handy pockets, which help with organization.

Made of ripstop recycled polyester with a protective laminate coating, the bag is not only durable but also waterproof. This duffel bag has a structured base, allowing it to stand vertically without support, plus two wheels and an adjustable handle. It rolls smoothly on flat and rough surfaces, but since it's somewhat bulky, it can be hard to maneuver through tight spaces. Still, it makes a great checked bag, and considering it'll probably last a lifetime, we think the price is warranted.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 32.5 x 16 x 13.5 inches | 9.4 pounds | 100-liter capacity | 2 wheels

Best Expandable

Samsonite elevation plus large softside spinner.

This spacious checked suitcase expands by two inches and has pockets and a compression divider for organization.

The large size and handle can make it hard to lift and maneuver.

This is a generously sized checked bag with an expander that adds two inches of depth if you need even more room. We found it really spacious, fitting all our packing-list items without a fuss — we didn't even need to use the expander but appreciated the option to fit a potential shopping haul or souvenirs from a trip. There are also multiple interior and exterior pockets, along with a compression divider, that help with organizing and space-planning.

Even when packed full, this suitcase zipped closed without too much elbow grease and wasn't overly cumbersome. It was pretty easy to push and pull on the spinner wheels, but the sheer size made it slightly trickier to maneuver and lift than smaller luggage. Also, the handle sometimes got caught when trying to retract it. But all in all, it seems like a high-quality suitcase with durable materials, especially the thick exterior fabric. We think the price is more than reasonable for the size.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29.8 x 20 x 11.5 inches | 10 pounds | Expandable | 4 dual wheels

Best Underseat

Samsonite spinner underseater.

This lightweight, compact carry-on has lots of internal pockets, plus a trolley sleeve and smooth spinner wheels.

The compact design is best for a short trip or to use as supplemental luggage to a larger suitcase.

For those interested in a smaller carry-on, we highly recommend the Samsonite Underseater. As the name suggests, this compact suitcase is designed to fit underneath the seat in front of you. (Depending on how full you pack it and the size of the plane, it might be easier to place it in the overhead bin.) With a separator for the main compartment, several internal pockets, a laptop sleeve, a USB port, and an easy-access exterior zippered section, it's perfect for a two-day trip. You could also use it as supplemental luggage to a larger checked or carry-on bag — the trolley sleeve allows you to slide it over the handle of another suitcase as needed.

This underseater seems well-made and held up through our durability tests. The lightweight design has four spinner wheels that glide effortlessly around obstacles and pivot on a dime. The adjustable handle also makes it easy to transition from floors to escalators to ramps. We think it's an excellent value.

The Details: Carry-on | 16.5 x 14 x 9 inches | 6.2 pounds | Smart | 4 spinner wheels

Travelpro Crew Versapack Max Carry-On Spinner

It has a built-in charging port, a designated laptop compartment, various pockets, and a detachable packing cube.

The front-heavy design rolls slightly better on two wheels than four.

This smart carry-on from Travelpro was surprisingly spacious, with lots of pockets inside and out, a detachable packing cube that zips into the lid, and an expander that adds two inches. If you're traveling for work or just want your electronics on hand, you’ll love that there's a designated padded laptop compartment and an exterior powerbank with a built-in USB port. We fit our entire packing list and could have squeezed in more stuff if needed.

One thing to note is that, on account of the pockets, the front-heavy design is a little easier to maneuver on two wheels than on four. But we thought the handle worked well and adjusted without any issues. This suitcase seemed durable, too — it only showed minor scuffs after our durability tests.

The Details: Carry-on | 23 x 15.5 x 10 inches | 8 pounds | 53-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Built-in Compression

Briggs & riley expandable spinner.

Briggs & Riley

This bag has a clever expander function that offers over three inches of extra space, then compresses when you zip it closed.

It's pricier than most suitcases and weighs more than 13 pounds when empty.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinner might be the perfect mid-size checked suitcase. It's roomy but not overly bulky, with strategically placed compartments and pockets. There's also a garment sleeve that fits two suits and compresses them to save space with minimal creasing. We easily fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. What's more, it has a clever expander that adds over three inches to the depth with the press of two buttons. Then, when you zip it closed, the suitcase compresses back down almost to its original size.

The impact-resistant exterior withstood several bat hits and shoves off a table. We wouldn't worry about it getting dragged through a puddle or rained on, either. Despite the short and stocky design, we found this softside suitcase easy to push, pull, and lift. The steep price might be hard to justify, but if you can swing it, the sophisticated Baseline Spinner is perfect for business trips, extended hotel stays, and anyone who likes well-made, luxury luggage with intuitive features.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 26 x 18 x 12 inches | 13.3 pounds | 80-to-97 liter-capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Large Capacity

Travelpro platinum elite softside spinner.

This roomy, functional checked suitcase has a tip-resistant expander, a TSA-compliant lock, and reliable spinner wheels that work on various terrains.

It doesn't have any smart features and weighs 12 pounds when empty.

For checked baggage, we recommend the larger suitcase from Travelpro's Platinum Elite line. We loved the spacious design that has a generous 143.5-liter capacity and a great amount of pockets. This sizable suitcase also has a tip-resistant expander function that adds another two inches of wiggle room, plus a TSA-compliant lock. Made of high-density nylon with a thermoplastic coating, it's designed to resist scratches and stains. Sure enough, it survived multiple bat beatings and shoves off a table with no scuffs or dents in sight.

The handle felt sturdy during testing, and the spinner wheels rolled well on hard flooring, carpet, and even gravel. But since it's so large and weighs 12 pounds when empty, it can be a little cumbersome. Though this suitcase is a bit of an investment, we think the price is fair — and it's backed by a lifetime warranty. It's a great option for overpackers, long trips, or college students heading home for breaks.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 32.5 x 21 x 13.5 inches | 12 pounds | 143.5-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Other Softside Luggage We Liked

These bags did well on our tests but didn’t quite make our very top tier of recommendations.

Briggs & Riley ZDX 22-inch Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner : This softside bag is sturdy and spacious, but it felt just a little heavy and is on the pricier side.

Tumi Alpha Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case : This extra-large suitcase fit more than twice as much stuff as others we tested. That said, it weighs upward of 18 pounds when empty, and the price tag of nearly $1,400 might be hard to justify — even considering how big it is.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Medium Spinner : This generously sized suitcase would be good for a long trip, overpackers, or couples who want to share a bag. It seemed to be well-made, with smooth zippers and functional handles, but the large size made it a bit harder to maneuver than other checked bags we tried.

Eastpak Transit'R 4 L Luggage : We liked the relatively slim silhouette and lightweight feel of this suitcase, finding it generally easy to maneuver. However, the large aluminum tubing from the telescoping handle takes up substantial interior space, which made it a bit challenging to pack.

T+L team members have tested more than 450 suitcase options firsthand, performing various tests to evaluate the durability, maneuverability, capacity, and design. In line with the size of each bag, we packed them with enough pants, shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, outerwear, and toiletries to get through multi-day trips.

Besides making sure everything fit, we wanted to see how well the luggage safeguarded the cargo. We hit each suitcase with a metal baseball bat and shoved each fully packed bag off a table, checking for scratches, scuffs, and dents afterward. We also pushed and pulled the bags on different types of flooring and through an obstacle course to assess how smooth the wheels rolled, how comfortable the handle was to hold, and how evenly distributed the weight felt. We built an airplane set in our lab complete with real overhead bins to we could see how it felt to lift the carry-on suitcases and smaller bags above our heads and also how well personal items fit underneath airplane seats.

After lab testing, we sent each bag out into the real world with our editors to continue testing over a six-month period to make sure the durability held up in real travel scenarios. With weight, size, price, and organizational features taken into consideration, we chose the the softside models with the best feedback for this roundup, which we will continue to update as we test even more suitcases and bags.

Tips for Buying Softside Luggage

Look for organizational features.

Even if you prefer a soft exterior, don't overlook the inside of your luggage. Beyond a spacious capacity, organizational features can make packing and accessing your belongings much easier. This may include dual main compartments, zippered mesh sections, dividers, a compression pad, cross straps, a shoe separator, a garment sleeve for formal wear, a padded laptop sleeve, various pockets, or a removable laundry bag.

Know what size you need

It's good to know what size you need when browsing softside luggage. Carry-ons are usually around 23 x 13 x 9 inches, whereas checked suitcases are more like 26 x 19 x 13 inches. Of course, there are smaller and larger options — underseat luggage , for example, is great for light packers or weekend travelers — and many have expanders that add another two or three inches to the depth. Be sure to check each airline’s specific requirements before travel.

Don't overlook weight and maneuverability

A lightweight design is ideal. This will make it easier to lift the suitcase into the overhead bin when carrying on, and if you check your bag, it'll help you stay within the weight limit . It will also make it easier to lift your checked luggage off of the baggage carousel or into the trunk of a car. Similarly, you'll be glad to have grab handles when hoisting your luggage overhead or picking it up. Additionally, suitcases with four wheels tend to be the easiest to maneuver — especially if you tend to fully pack expandable luggage . An extendable locking handle will also help when pushing and pulling a jam-packed spinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Softside luggage is the gold standard for many frequent fliers . And, believe it or not, it can be just as resilient as its hardside counterpart. After testing more than 100 models of both materials in the lab, we can tell you a rigid shell doesn't always mean enhanced durability.

A textile exterior can be trickier to clean, but it usually won't scuff as easily as thermoplastic. Also, many softside suitcases feature a protective coating that makes them easy to wipe down while resisting scratches and premature wear. It is a possibility that they would tear if they got caught in a luggage carousel the wrong way, but it's also possible for a hardside suitcase to break open, which is why you want to look for high-quality materials either way. In the end, the choice is really a matter of personal preference.

You can usually clean softside luggage with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently scrub the exterior. Then go over it with a clean, damp cloth and allow it to air-dry thoroughly.

Some suitcases have removable, machine-washable linings. If they don't, you can wipe down the interior with the same soapy solution you used on the outside. A pre-moistened disinfectant wipe can work as well.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Theresa Holland combed through T+L's in-house testing insights of hundreds of bags, then pored over product details to craft a comprehensive list of today's best softside luggage. As a commerce writer, Theresa specializes in travel, apparel, organization, and recreation. T+L team members will continue testing luggage and updating this article with new findings.

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

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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.

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.

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

Madewell The Shopper 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

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

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Live updates, 11-day nude cruise ready to set sail — but there’s one time everyone has to cover up.

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You can pack light for this high-seas adventure.

An 11-day nude cruise is scheduled to set sail from Miami to the Caribbean next February — and you won’t even need an overstuffed suitcase.

Bare Necessities is partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line for the flesh-flashing event, which will see clothing-averse customers travel on board the Norwegian Pearl.

The 968-foot vessel, which can accommodate up to 2,300 passengers, has been renamed “The Big Nude Boat” for the journey.

“As always, it’s our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear,” a message on the Bare Necessities site reads.

The cruise will make stops in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten, but customers will have to cover up if they disembark the ship to do any sightseeing.

Passengers are also subject to strict rules on board — most notably, they will be required to wear clothing while inside the vessel’s indoor dining rooms.

However, there will be a “large buffet area for nude outdoor dining.”

In order to maintain hygiene, nudists will also need to put a towel down before sitting “in the stateroom, pool deck and buffet area” if they’re baring their bottoms.

Bare Necessities also makes clear that “fondling or inappropriate touching is prohibited.”

Prices for the nude cruise start at around $2,000, but cashed-up nudists can fork out upwards of $33,000 for a deluxe three-bedroom villa.

Bare Necessities has already chartered more than 75 nude cruises in the past, with one prior passenger speaking out about the experience in a recent Reddit post.

“Cruises seem to be for people who like to eat and lie around, so there were a lot of large people,” the 67-year-old man admitted.

“Also, most people don’t seem to be comfortable being nude in public until later in life so the crowd was older. I’d say 20% attractive, 20% average, 60% unattractive,” he added.

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15 best suitcases for your next holiday

Get ready for your next trip with the most robust luggage to buy now, according to the GHI's expert testers

We updated this article in April to reflect the latest prices and deals.

For longer getaways, there are a few key boxes the best suitcases have to tick. They must be spacious enough for all your holiday essentials, durable enough to survive baggage handling and light enough when empty to pack everything you need without exceeding your airline's weight limit.

Whether you’re jetting away for a fortnight, consolidating two people’s clothing into one bag or simply don’t do “ packing light ”, the Good Housekeeping Institute is here to help. Here are our top picks:

Best hard shell large suitcase

American tourister airconic spinner suitcase.

Best for ease of packing

Delsey moncey 76cm 4 double wheels trolley case.

Best made with recycled-materials

Samsonite magnum eco spinner 75cm 4-wheel large suitcase.

Most durable suitcase

Horizn studios h7 check-in luggage.

Best for security

Carl friedrik the check-in.

Best lightweight suitcase and best soft shell suitcase

Antler brixham large.

Best for design

July checked suitcase.

Best expandable suitcase

Victorinox lexicon hardside large suitcase.

Biggest capacity suitcase and best for easy wheeling

Antler clifton large suitcase.

Runner-up soft shell suitcase

Eastpak transit’r 4 l, what should i look for when buying a suitcase.

The type of luggage you should buy depends on how you travel. Try to consider the practicalities before being enticed by the endless colours and styles available!

Size: Will the suitcase fit in your car boot and be easy to lug about? If you think you may struggle, look for a robust yet lightweight option.

Weight: The weight limit for checked baggage varies between airlines; look it up before you travel as excess baggage charges are notoriously extortionate. The lightest suitcase we've featured weighs just 2.7kg when empty, with bulkier options coming in at up to 5.7kg. If you’re a frequent traveller, it may be worth investing in some luggage scales .

Durability: Checked baggage must be able to withstand the rough handling it will inevitably encounter during transit. It should also be sturdy enough to handle bumpy terrain and easy to manoeuvre along bustling streets.

Wheels: Most suitcases are four-wheelers — sometimes referred to as spinner suitcases — that can be wheeled alongside you as well as pulled behind. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to have slightly bigger wheels and can be easier to pull up and over kerbs, but we generally prefer the versatility and balance of spinners.

Handles: Most towing handles are telescopic and retractable for comfort. Suitcases with handles on the top and side, in addition to the towing handle, are easier to lift onto luggage racks, airport baggage scales and off baggage carousels.

Expandability: Many suitcases – including five in our round-up – feature an expandable panel that can be unzipped for at least 10% additional packing space.

Storage: Internal pockets can be found inside most hard and soft shell suitcases. Look for small integrated pockets, larger pouches that can fit a laptop, removable laundry bags, and garment sections that help keep suit jackets crease-free. External pockets, usually only found in soft-sided suitcases, are useful for stowing additional items that you want to grab quickly.

Is hard or soft luggage better?

Hard-sided suitcases have a rigid exterior that’s most often made from moulded polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS plastic or aluminium. These materials are used to make car bumpers and crash helmets, so you can rest assured that they’re durable. Newer models are lightweight and many have an internal divider for better organisation. They don’t have external pockets, but there are usually one or two inside.

Soft-sided suitcases are made of polyester, nylon or a mix of the two. They tend to feature expandable sides, offering you additional internal capacity. Though generally less water-resistant than their hard-sided counterparts, most soft-sided suitcases have a waterproof PVC lining to keep your belongings dry in light rain. They offer a range of internal and external pockets but remember to padlock any valuables away.

Is it a good idea to lock your luggage?

Yes, a padlock is essential wherever you travel. Padlocks that feature the red Transport Security Administration (TSA) logo are highly recommended if you’re travelling to the USA. These TSA-approved padlocks have a universal master key; the TSA has a copy, meaning American airline security personnel can open your suitcase and examine its contents without damaging it.

How we test suitcases

Every suitcase is put through a series of rigorous real-life tests. Testers weigh them when empty, then pack a fortnight’s worth of clothing and holiday essentials to see how well each suitcase fits and securely holds its contents.

We test their manoeuvrability across a range of common surfaces, including tarmac, concrete, carpet and cobbles, to check how stable they are in motion and how easy they are to pull. We study the durability of the wheels, casing and corners, and test each suitcase’s water resistance, too.

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Score: 89/100

Scarred by a soggy suitcase from your past? Let this spacious hard shell spinner reassure you. It impressed in our waterproof tests, becoming slightly damp immediately around the zip but spreading no further. And there are internal pockets for safe storage.

Lightweight for its size, it stays balanced on all surfaces and easily swaps between two and four wheels. It comes in a choice of colours to suit all travellers, but may crack or dent if repeatedly bashed about.

Key specifications

Score: 87/100

This pod-like suitcase from Delsey comes with a generous host of useful features. Everything we packed fitted in easily, with sufficient space for souvenirs. It’s secure, too, with a TSA-approved combination lock, additional top and bottom locks and three interior pockets.

We found it easy to manoeuvre on a variety of surfaces and liked how effortlessly it goes from two wheels to four when navigating narrow spaces. However, it suffered a few bumps and dents on test and, despite its waterproof claims, a little moisture soaked through the top.

Score: 85/100

If you're after ways to help minimise your carbon footprint while travelling, this suitcase is a good place to start; it’s made in Europe with recycled materials. Note, the inside isn’t lined, but there was plenty of room for packing and the dividers kept everything secure.

Once on the go, it was easy to manoeuvre, with the wheels moving smoothly and quietly on every surface. In fact, they remained robust throughout all our tests. When full, however, the handles weren’t that comfortable.

Overall, it proved to be a hardy case but some of the corners dented when dropped. We were able to push them out but we'd suggest avoiding doing this too much where possible, as after a few times we noticed stress marks in the plastic. It was extremely waterproof though and comes with a five-year warranty that you can access simply by scanning an attached QR code.

Score: 84/100

This high-end suitcase’s good looks shouldn’t fade over time. It scored nearly full marks on our drop tests, impressing us with how little damage it sustained. Its wheels proved robust too, scoring full marks on our durability test, even after continuous lugging up and down stairs. They glided over most surfaces but were a tad sluggish on carpet. They also made a clicking sound going over anything bumpy, which could get annoying if your destination is heavily cobbled...

It’s all in the detail though with this well-manufactured design. It comes with a dust bag for safe storage at home, a water-resistant toiletries bag, a laundry bag and an identity tag. Adjustable straps helped secure luggage well too.

A minimal amount of water seeped through the zip during our waterproofing test, but nothing got wet inside. Our only other critique was that the side handles may feel tight if your hands are bigger. Otherwise, it’s a reliable and stylish bit of luggage.

This is among the most premium suitcases we've tested, so what does nearly £500 buy you? Security, for a start – an aluminium locking frame means all your precious belongings are thoroughly protected. It also has a TSA-approved lock, and the zip-less design proved watertight on test. In fact, the only downfall of the metal frame is that it will eat into your luggage allowance more than most.

Its other appeal is the quality finish – internal dividers make packing effortless, while the wheels are sourced from Japan and remained scratch-free throughout testing. The shell proved less durable though, sustaining some damage during our drop tests. But we do test based on worst case scenarios, and if it’s quiet luxury you’re after, note that this range was spotted in an episode of Succession . Well, if it’s good enough for the Roys...

Score: 82/100

Antler’s newest suitcase weighs a mere 2.7kg, making it the lightest on test and meaning you should have weight allowance to spare for that extra book or pair of shoes. Testers also found it a stand-out for manoeuvrability (much like Antler’s Clifton, below). It glided easily across all floor types, and they only docked points for a slight noise on concrete and cobblestones. Ergonomic handles also provide comfort if you’re dragging it over some distance.

Unsurprisingly given its soft shell, it wasn’t as waterproof as its hard counterparts, but keep it out of downpours and this shouldn’t prove too troublesome. Our continuous drop tests also resulted in a bit of distortion, but we’re recreating a worst-case scenario, so if you need something lightweight, it’s still a reliable buy.

This minimalist suitcase emulates the design of old-fashioned trunks, but it certainly doesn’t lack any of the mod-cons. For starters, the compression packing system meant testers had room to spare when packing enough clothes for a long holiday. Pockets kept things neat, too. Once packed, it moved quietly and effortlessly around our test centre, with the wheels proving robust when dragged up kerbs and steps.

The lining is water-resistant, so although the zip absorbed water in our rain simulation, nothing inside was wet. And the shell proved durable and fairly scratch-resistant – not to mention, July offers a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind when travelling. Testers found the side handle a tad uncomfortable to use when the suitcase was full, but we’re nitpicking really. This suitcase’s good looks are backed up by real substance.

This large suitcase from Victorinox is our highest scoring expandable hard shell design, and it's built to last. Inside the tough polycarbonate exterior are a substantial number of packing features, including five pockets, a zippered garment section and a divider. There’s plenty of room for two people’s luggage, but it proved tricky to turn corners once fully packed.

Our rigorous durability tests left little more than a few scuff marks, with no visible damage to the wheels or body. It’s water-resistant but the top zipper absorbs moisture.

Although far from wallet-friendly, it’s certainly secure, boasting puncture-resistant zippers, a bag tracking feature and a TSA-approved lock with a recovery programme if you forget the code.

Score: 81/100

This Antler suitcase has a lot to offer, with spacious compartments, an expandable design and a waterproof documents pocket. But it was the wheels that really stood out on test. They are above average size, so travelled over a variety of surfaces smoothly and quietly. They were agile and robust, too. Plus, the trolley handle moves position when you tilt from four wheels to two for maximum comfort on the go.

We found the zips stiff and they did allow a little water in at the top of the suitcase, but our belongings stayed dry. The side handle squashed our hands a bit too. However, it proved fairly resilient during our drop tests with the odd dent along the edge but nothing that impacted its usability. Handily, it comes with a lifetime warranty too.

Another great lightweight suitcase with a roomy interior, this has two internal dividers for organised packing and an external pocket for any non-valuables. Testers found it had ample space for their packing list, and still closed easily. Its wheels navigated a range of terrains swiftly and smoothly too.

As you may expect with a softer case, it wasn’t as sturdy as some – our experts noted some minor damage during our drop tests. But this was largely cosmetic, and it fared well in our waterproofing tests, making it an overall good buy, especially if you don’t tend to travel by plane and are looking for something spacious and easy to manoeuvre for train or car journeys.

Tripp Escape Large 4 Wheel Suitcase

Our winning hard shell case – the American Tourister Airconic Spinner Suitcase – is a fraction lighter, but this Tripp option still only takes up 3.6kg of your weight allowance. Our packing list fitted with room to spare, and all items stayed in place throughout testing despite its lack of internal pockets.

It survived our durability tests almost entirely unscathed, with just the expected minor scuffing. Impressively for such a lightweight case, the main panels emerged pristine after dropping and any dents popped out immediately.

The handle felt comfortable and its quiet wheels moved smoothly. Some water sneaked through the zips but for under £75, it's a steal.

Amazon Basics Hardside Suitcase

Though not an obvious purveyor of luggage, Amazon has been successfully branching out with own-brand ranges – and this suitcase is a trusty pick. Our testers found it roomy inside, with ample packing space for two people for a shorter getaway, or one person for a longer break.

It proved sturdy, only sustaining some cosmetic damage towards the end of our extensive drop tests and still functioning perfectly – no mean feat given how roughly we treated it. Its wheels trundled quietly across all surfaces and its ergonomic, telescopic towing handle extended well to suit a range of heights. The zip let a bit of water through, but this is undoubtedly another great value buy.

Samsonite Base Boost Spinner Large Expandable Suitcase

This spacious suitcase from Samsonite performed well during testing, easily fitting everything you’d need for a two-week holiday inside. The 105-litre capacity is expandable up to 112.5 litres, the internal divider and two sets of elasticated packing straps kept items securely in place, and the padded front pocket offered easy access to documents.

It moved over all terrains with ease, staying well-balanced and quiet, even on cobbles. Unfortunately, our water-resistance test disappointed, with moisture soaking through the exterior pocket and leaking through its centre. So, best for warmer climes. Rain peril aside, it’s a sturdy and robust model that fully withstands bumps and knocks.

Aerolite Large Lightweight ABS Hard Shell 4 Wheel Hold Suitcase

Score: 76/100

For a hard shell case at an affordable price, try Aerolite. Its large capacity and selection of pockets make packing easy, and it’s roomy enough for you to pack for every eventuality. The telescopic handle can sit at a range of different heights too, adjusting well to you and the surface it’s on.

Unsurprisingly given its cheaper price, it’s not as robust as many of the pricier cases, sustaining notable damage when bashed around. It wasn’t watertight either, and some of our luggage did get wet. It has a five-year warranty though, making it a nifty buy if you need a substantial case and don’t want to shell out a lot.

American Tourister Soundbox Spinner Expandable 77cm

Score: 75/100

If you buy this case in “golden yellow”, you’ll spot it the moment it arrives on the luggage belt. As well as appealing to style-conscious travellers, it will also work for practical ones. The expandable design is robust and roomy. It manoeuvred well on concrete and carpet too, but wasn’t so keen on tarmac and cobbles, making a right din. The outer shell proved mostly water-resistant, but rain soaked through the zipper and dampened a few of our belongings.

It’s super durable, though, surviving our drop tests without any major denting or scuffing. We found the top handle comfortable to hold, but it felt slightly flimsy when pulling along a full case. It’s ideal for a two-week trip.

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.   

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