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What are the Best Travel Bags with Trolley Sleeve?

Best Suitcases , Handbags , LUGGAGE

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We recommend the best travel bags with trolley sleeve, because a trolley sleeve is one of the most helpful features a bag can have for travel! You’ll never struggle in the airport again with these top picks.

Travel Bags with Trolley Sleeve

Table of contents.

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

I’m looking for suggestions for a personal bag with trolley sleeve to slip over the handle of a roller bag. I usually take a backpack but I am looking for another option. What are your recommendations?

What is a trolley sleeve on luggage?

A trolley sleeve is a feature on a bag that slides over the luggage handle so you can keep your bag balanced on your carry-on or checked wheeled bag.

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to attach backpack to rolling suitcase, a trolley sleeve is the answer! Instead of carrying a tote on your arms or wearing a backpack, you simply put the tote bag with luggage slide over the handle, allowing it to attach securely.

From wheeled suitcases to backpacks and weekenders to totes — there are a variety of “personal item” travel bags with trolley sleeves.

Our readers chose the best travel bags with trolley sleeve. Take a look at their top recommendations!

Best Travel Tote with Trolley Sleeve

Baggallini Avenue Carry-on Tote

Baggallini with Trolley Sleeve

This bag may not look like much, but it packs a punch! The Baggallini Avenue makes the best carry-on tote, with plenty of room for your personal travel accessories.

One reader says, “This bag has traveled the world with me and has the sleeve to hook over wheeled luggage. I love it. It’s small enough to fit easily under seat but can be stuffed. My MacBook Pro laptop can fit, too, if needed. Mine has lasted forever and still looks great.”

Sounds like a good candidate for the best tote bag with trolley sleeve!

Packing cubes help you organize and maximize your space!

Vera Bradley Cotton Deluxe Travel Bag

Vera Bradley with Trolley Sleeve

We love this Vera Bradley bag for its sophisticated style that can take you from the gym to the airport. With signature cotton construction, tons of organizational space, and, most importantly, a helpful charging port inside, this bag has it all for travel. With its add a bag sleeve, it connects easily to your carry-on suitcase or checked bag.

If you need the best packable tote , read our list!

Tumi Voyageur Everyday Nylon Tote

Tumi Nylon Tote with Trolley Sleeve  

TFG readers rave about this classy Tumi Voyageur tote for its versatility and trolley sleeve. Use it for your trip or the office, either way, it has everything you need!

A satisfied traveler says, “Great travel tote! It has the typical Tumi craftsmanship along with some nice features. The straps are long enough to carry the tote comfortably on your shoulder and it also has a sleeve that allows you to attach it to your rolling luggage. The inside pocket for a bottle of water is also a nice perk.”

Briggs & Riley Luggage Tote

Briggs & Riley with Trolley Sleeve

One reader favors her Briggs & Riley tote due to its roominess. This large travel tote with luggage sleeve is made from ballistic nylon, which provides the ultimate in durability. Comfortable and luxurious leather shoulder straps make this one easy carry-on.

Plus, the dual purpose slip-through back pocket helps so that the tote bag slides over luggage handle for easy transport.The roomy main compartment allows the tote to be easily packed and organized, as it also has a zipper pocket and two elastic pockets to organize smaller items.

Looking for new luggage? See expert recommendations !

Best Weekender Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Nomad Lane Bento Bag

Nomad Lane Bento Bag with Trolley Sleeve

The Nomad Lane Bento bag is a super choice to accompany your carry on suitcase. It opens up like a suitcase and has several organizational pockets where you can store all your in-flight essentials from a 15” laptop, to notebooks, pens, or electronic accessories like earphones. It even has room to fit a small bag of toiletries or an extra pair of shoes you may want to slip into on board! 

Editor-in-chief Alex with her  Bento bag

The handy trolley sleeve allows you to hang it over luggage and It fits under many standard US airline seats. Made of nylon and vegan leather, the bag measures 17” x 8” x 10” and also has a detachable shoulder strap if you want to carry it like that.

Read   my full review on the Nomad Lane Bento bag to find out why TFG readers and I have become such great fans of this bag!

Unisex Travel Weekender Bag

ECOSUSI with Trolley Sleeve

If you’re looking for a classic looking and cost-friendly tote, this ECOSUSI weekender travel bag is a great choice.

One reader says, “This is one of my favorite personal bags with a sleeve. It’s really sturdy but lightweight, and it can hold quite a bit if needed.”

Made of water-repellent nylon fabric, this travel bag has secure double top handles and solid gold hardware. It also has an adjustable padded shoulder strap for satchel or cross body style.

Plus, there’s a panel on the back so you can slide it onto your suitcase handles, which makes your travel easy and free from fatigue. This is one of the best tote bags with luggage sleeve.

Find out why the ECOSUSI duffle bag is one of the most popular under-the-seat trolley bags!

Bagsmart Carry On Weekender

Bagsmart Weekender with Trolley Sleeve

The Bagsmart Carry On Weekender is the perfect sized bag for your weekend trip. It has multiple compartments for organization, a trolley sleeve for easy transportation through the airport, both short and long straps for carrying on your shoulder, and it’s carry-on compliant!

This bag has a roomy space with 1 waterproof pocket, 1 shoe bag, 1 padded laptop compartment, 1 dedicated tablet pocket, a file section and multiple accessory compartments.

Read how to choose the best travel purse !

Vera Bradley Iconic Travel Weekender Bag

Vera Bradley Weekender with Trolley Sleeve 

Our readers love Vera Bradley travel bags with trolley sleeve, and so many recommended the Iconic Weekender bag .

One reader says, “I have the Vera Bradley weekender bag with trolley sleeve. I love it and used it for my trip to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. It worked great.”

Another reader adds, “It’s what I used last week when I had to do an overnight in the hospital with one of my small humans. It’s a great bag for travel or ‘weekender’-esque stuff.”

This bag has a fully zippered front compartment and two back slip pockets, along with a wide opening with double zippers and a sturdy, removable base. Plus, it has a trolley sleeve to slip over your roller luggage.

If you’re looking for a briefcase with trolley sleeve, this style bag would be a great option.

Traveling with a laptop? Check out these business backpacks!

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace with Trolley Sleeve

One reader calls this MZ Wallace bag a “great bag that checks all the boxes.” This bag has many compartments to make organized travel a breeze.

This weekender bag with trolley sleeve is packed with amazing unique details, such as a built-in jewelry/cosmetic organizer, quick access cell phone pocket, and an optional crossbody strap.

Lightweight quilted nylon in a mix of colors and stitching detail a roomy and rugged tote with double handles. Plus, the bag comes in so many fun colors, including jute and lilac.

Need to pack light, carry-on only? Watch this video !

Lo & Sons O.G. 2.0 Tote Bag

Lo & Sons with Trolley Sleeve

The Lo & Sons O.G. 2.0 Tote Bag   is a reader favorite and a must-get item for its handy trolley sleeve, numerous organizational pockets for essentials, and 13” laptop sleeve. It even has a side shoe compartment! 

Made from a fine weave nylon, the bag is well constructed and chic, having leather accents and water-resistant zippers. Rabid lovers of this bag say it’s excellent as an overnight option for a short trip, or ideal as a personal onboard carryon item.  The consensus is the O.G 2 is the “ Perfect size, thoughtful use of pockets, has quality materials, and is very beautiful!

I myself bought the O.G. 2 tote in the Grey/Silver Azure color in the large size and used it for a conference in Nashville. It went perfectly with my Away Carry On suitcase and the trolley sleeve fit over the handle with no problem!

Best Carry-on Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Tumi Voyager Celina Nylon Backpack

Tumi Nylon Backpack with Trolley Sleeve

The highly popular lightweight Tumi backpack is easy to carry and because it’s made of nylon, spills will easily wipe off. The back trolley sleeve is thick enough so it’ll stay strapped to your suitcase even if you’re running to catch your flight!

One user says, “ Got it two weeks ago and it’s been on two flights so far. Easily holds my laptop and my tablet. Roomy extra pockets for chargers, earbuds, phone, bottle water, etc. When empty it’s very lightweight so no added bulk. Nylon feels strong enough to hold up to regular wear.”

The small zippered compartment has plenty of pockets to keep you organized and the interior has extra cushioning to keep your laptop protected. And the trolley sleeve is handy to slide over luggage handles at the airport! Also available in Tumi websire.

Samsonite Softside Luggage Under-Seater

Samsonite with Trolley Sleeve 

Samsonite makes some of our favorite luggage, and one reviewer calls this rolling tote a wonderful bag, saying “I was able to fit everything I needed for a whole week trip. This bag is smaller than a carry-on, but you can pack it full of stuff.”

And, the best part is that it’s a bag that slides over your luggage handle so you can take a regular size carry-on without needing to wheel them separately.

This tote is one of the best carry-on bags with trolley sleeve with multiple pockets for organization. The inside has a roomy main compartment with a foam padded pocket that offers protective storage for your iPad or laptop, interior pockets to organize toiletries, personal items, and small accessories, and side pockets to hold water bottles or magazines. A slip through band on the back allows this bag to be slipped over the handles of your upright luggage, too.

Learn how to choose a carry-on personal item !

Matein Daypack with Trolley Sleeve

This travel daypack by Matein is definitely one of the most stylish travel bags with trolley sleeves on our list. It comes in a variety of colors, and it has a classic look.

The best part about this bag is that it’s actually a backpack with luggage handle sleeve! When you’re traveling, you can wear this bag on your back, and it will go well with any of your cute outfits from your capsule wardrobe . Then, when you’re running through the airport, just slip this backpack with luggage sleeve over your suitcase handle.

Check out these cute backpacks for travel !

Travelpro Lightweight Underseater Tote Bag

Travelpro with Trolley Sleeve

The Travelpro Lightweight Underseater Tote Bag  is a great compact option if you’re looking for the best travel totes with trolley sleeve. This bag can work as a carry-on and fits nicely under the airplane seat or in the compartment above.

It has a pull up handle as well as a Velcro strap to make taking it on and off your luggage simple.

This bag also comes in a variety of colors to match your luggage and keep you stylish on your travels!

See our list of the best carry-on luggage !

The Everywhere Carry On Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Away Everywhere Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Away’s Everywhere Bag is conveniently compact, yet incredibly packable with help from its stellar organizational features! This bag is equipped with tons of useful pockets designed for everything from water bottles to notebooks, plus it has a padded 15” laptop sleeve and a key clip to keep your valuables safe and secure. 

Its beautifully sleek exterior is made of water-resistant nylon and is accentuated with leather details. A reader shares more, “Love it. Plenty of room and not heavy. It also has a back pocket that’s great for a passport and tickets when going through TSA.”

Best Alternative to a Trolley Sleeve

Bag Strap Carry On Bungee Travel

Travelon Bag Bungee

Have a travel bag you love but it doesn’t have a trolley sleeve? There’s a solution for that!

Add a bag bungee, like this one from Travelon! With this bungee, you can connect two items as one. You can fix one bag, laptop case, or other item to your wheeled travel luggage handle.

One reader says, “I’ve been using the Bag Strap Carry On Bungee Travel all week. It makes my XL Longchamp Pliage bag work fine with my IT hardside carry on.” Another adds, “I love mine!”

The key to simplified packing is to create a  capsule wardrobe .

Here’s a quick summary on the best travel bags with trolley sleeve:

What are your recommendations for the best travel bags with trolley sleeve? Share in the comments below!

For suggested travel gear, please read:

• Best Under Seat Luggage
• How to Choose the Best Luggage Organizer
• Top 10 Toiletry Bags for Travel
• Best Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women
• Anti-theft Travel Accessories 2017

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20 comments.

I am the person who uses the sleeve and the bungee. I like the bungee that snap close better than the ones that slip over the handle.

Many Lug bags have trolley sleeves. The bags are extremely well made and reasonably priced.

Thank you for sharing your recommendation with us Sandy!

I was gifted a Rimowa Essential Lite and it has one handle instead of two. I had an underseat bag with a trolley, but it just swings around the handle. I bought a new one thinking it was my underseat bag, but the new one does the same thing. I’ve searched for something to use that would be more secure, but I haven’t seen anything. A call to the company (Rimowa) was of little help. They can’t change the handle and since I used the bag (once), they won’t exchange. Any suggestions?

Hi Charlene, I am really sorry to hear about the problems you have been having. To get the best help with your predicament, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and recommendations. And I am sure someone in the community will be able to help you out.

Love this info! Thanks

This is super helpful. I didn’t know bags with trolley sleeves even existed.

I am looking for a lightweight trolley bag. I think some of them are rather heavy and I need light weight due to my back issues. Which of these bags mentioned is the latest one. Thank you very much for your help.

I bought a new suitcase that has a wide pull up handle. The luggage sleeve needs to be 10 inches. Is there anything offered that will fit?

I adore both my Tumi Carson backpack and my Vera Bradley bag collection. I could run away from home permanently with just the Vera Bradley deluxe travel tote, the bottom zippered compartment is amazingly large! Love this blog too! We travel one week out of the month at minimum and I have field tested a million bags (it seems). I keep coming back to my Rimowa trolley and one of my Tumi bags (I have a “doctors bag” style that is no longer in production that holds more than the backpack) or a Vera Bradley. Trolley sleeves are non-negotiable for me.

I am a “bag” lady. I have so many. I travel quite a bit and have been in search of the perfect travel bag specfically for my personal item on my flight. I own a Bagallini tote with trolley sleeve, Longchamp Le Pliage (large) tote, Briggs & Riley rolling tote, etc. I purchased a Knomo brand Grosvenor Place bag just before my 2 week trip to Europe and love it. It has a built in RFID pocket on the outside, lots of separate pockets inside and out that help keep my stuff organized during flight and it has zippers on the sides so if I need it to expand out no problem. When I’m not traveling I use it for my work bag and keep the sides zipped in. Its very well made and yes, they are expensive but worth it to me. The best part – all Knomo brand bags have an ID number that you can register so if you ever lose it and someone finds it all they have to do is type in your specific code listed on the inside label and Knomo will assist to get the bag returned to you. It has a trolley sleeve as well that you can zip closed so when not using for travel it can be used as another pocket. The sleeve fit over my Briggs & Riley carry on – no problem. (not all of the trolley sleeves are wide enough for that handle.) The Knomo is very chic looking. It is currently my go to bag because it is so multi-purpose. However, I take the Longchamp as my roll-up tote in my suitcase for my purchases when I travel. It works great for that or as a weekender.

FYI – For my travel purse, I use the Lululemon All Night Festival Bag. It is a very lightweight crossbody, easy to stuff into your carry-on or personal item, and it saved me from a pickpocket on a crowded Paris Metro due to its fold-over design.

Hi Marlaine, thank you for sharing your great reviews of the purses you use to travel with. Really enjoyed reading your comment, love reading about our readers favorite products. Happy travels! ?

I also have the Lo&Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote, and its amazing! I traded in my regular canvas one for the recycled poly black bag, which is better for me because I tend to be hard on my bags when travelling. It fits perfectly on my carry-on and under airplane seats. The best feature is the bag has a separate (though, it can become part of the upper bag if needed) compartment for shoes on the bottom. It fits my motorcycle ankle boots perfectly. And, it holds a ton!

Hi Ellen, so pleased to hear you are so happy with your Lo&Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote. Thank you for sharing your awesome review with us! Happy travels! ?

I was looking for a bag with a trolley sleeve before your article came out . After reading another site for reviews, I purchased a Lo & Sons: Catalina Deluxe Tote. I have not tried it yet on my carry-on but have used it as a stand-alone weekend bag. I like that it relatively lightweight & it has a second compartment underneath the bag which is handy for shoes or other items.

Hi Maureen, thank you for sharing your great review of your Lo & Sons bag with us! Happy travels! ?

The Sasha (used to be called Sherpa) Kipling tote is awesome!

Hi Julie, thank you for sharing your recommendation for a bag with a trolley sleeve, we love hearing about our readers favorite go to product!!! Happy travels!

I purchased my Vera Bradley Weekender based on feedback here. I’ve taken it on three trips. What I love about it is the ability to squish down for under the seat storage as long as I don’t overpack it. It’s a softside, so you can easily squeeze it in this bag size checkers if you need to. I bring it onboard along with my carryon and I’ve never been stopped. It is slightly larger than allowable personal bag sizes, so don’t let that scare you.

Hi Emilyn, thank you so much for your feedback! Thank you for sharing it 🙂

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The 11 Very Best Pieces of Rolling Luggage

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

In this article

Best rolling luggage overall.

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

Best rolling-luggage set

• Best soft-side

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

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

What we’re looking for

Hard-shell vs. soft-side.

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re after a relatively affordable suitcase that doesn’t have to be babied on cobbled streets and will survive being dragged up several flights of stairs, I’m not sure you can do much better than Away. The brand’s sturdy spinner wheels can truly take a battering, and they’ll also glide joyfully across flat surfaces when given the opportunity. I’ve been testing the Bigger Carry-on, which has a 50-liter capacity yet still fits in most overhead bins, over the past couple of months. Griffiths, who lives in Europe (where airline luggage requirements are much stingier), tested the original, smaller size and was surprised by how much she could fit into it. All of the brand’s rolling-luggage pieces feature the same qualities essential to a modern suitcase and come highly praised by travel experts. Stephanie Be from travelbreak.net and Buena calls out the “TSA-approved lock, 360-degree wheels, tough hardware, and sleek design.” Kelly Farber , founder of KF Literary Scouting, took only the larger size on a three-week, seven-city business trip, and says, “That thing just would not quit.” Strategist editor Maxine Builder also has experience with the Away warranty after her internal zipper broke in 2019: “There was a fair bit of back-and-forth over the next four months, but I ended up with a replacement suitcase in exactly the same limited-edition colorway with the same hand-painted monogram, all for free.” Five years later, she’s still traveling with it.

Best less expensive polycarbonate rolling luggage

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

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

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

Quince , the five-year-old start-up that seems to make a little bit of everything, recently added rolling luggage to its growing inventory . I’ve been testing out the brand’s carry-on-size suitcase as well as its larger, checked one, both made from the same durable polycarbonate that Away and Open Story use. In terms of weight and feel, Quince’s affordable suitcases are surprisingly similar to Away’s in particular. When I nudged an Away Bigger Carry-on and Quince Carry-on across my apartment floor side by side, their wheels carried them about the same distance, and their retractable handles are almost identical in form and function. Both brands use YKK zippers and TSA-approved combination locks. Inside, the compression compartments and removable laundry bag are also essentially the same. One key difference: Quince does not offer a warranty on its products. If you’re a very frequent traveler and know you’ll be putting your luggage through its paces, that’s definitely something to consider. If you’re vacationing for only a couple of weeks each year, though, it’s potentially less of a deal-breaker.

Best less-expensive ABS rolling luggage

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

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

Best rolling luggage for frequent fliers

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

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

Best rolling luggage for budget airlines

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

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

Best customizable rolling luggage

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

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

Best aluminum rolling luggage

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

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

Best rolling luggage for overpackers

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

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

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

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

Best soft-side rolling luggage

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

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

Additional reporting by Rachael Griffiths

Some more rolling luggage we’ve written about

Our experts

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

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The 15 Best Travel Tote Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Totes from Away, MZ Wallace, and Quince came highly recommended by T+L editors and travel experts.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Totes We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

While many travelers opt for a backpack as a trusted travel companion, we think tote bags offer similar (if not better) features for certain travelers. Tote bags are convenient for quickly accessing items like a phone or wallet since your belongings are kept closer to the body. 

It’s important to invest in a tote bag (or any piece of luggage for that matter) that fits your needs as a traveler. There are tons of different bag styles out there, so we pulled recommendations and notes from seasoned travelers and Travel + Leisure editors to crowdsource the best tote bag options from travel experts. Plenty of packable, convertible, weekender, and leather tote bags came highly recommended, and we highlighted why each bag earned praise so you can make the most informed decision whether you’re a frequent flier, road tripper, or office commuter.

Best Overall

Mz wallace deluxe tote.

The large storage capacity and efficient organization make it an excellent personal item for flying.

The laptop pocket isn’t padded.

This quilted MZ Wallace tote bag earned major points for having a spacious capacity without feeling bulky or weighted down when it’s packed full. An ideal bag for air travel, it can fit carry-on essentials while still being able to fit underneath an airplane seat, and the zippered top keeps everything safe and sound. There are tons of pockets for storing items, including a 13-inch laptop pocket (unpadded) and five other smaller pockets for lip balm, phone chargers, and wallets. Although we found this tote bag to be exceptionally lightweight, it boasts a trolley sleeve to secure the bag to a suitcase to give your shoulder a rest when needed. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap to carry the bag as a crossbody when desired. 

This bag came highly recommended after thorough testing and the only slight inconvenience we ran into is that the tote is unstructured so if there isn’t a laptop in it, the items sag at the bottom. However, the variety of pockets help to distribute the weight, so we still think this bag is the ultimate travel companion for storing the essentials. 

The Details: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Nylon, leather | Trolley sleeve | 13-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Overall, Runner-up

Quince revive nylon large tote.

It conveniently folds up for packing and is impressively lightweight.

There isn’t a top zipper. 

The Quince Revive Nylon tote bag was praised by our experts for its lightweight material and portable design for traveling. The bag is made with durable nylon, it never feels cumbersome to carry, and the fabric design makes it easy to fold up the bag to place it in a carry-on or backpack without taking up much space. With designated pockets for a laptop, water bottle, and smaller items, we love that there is a spot for both everyday and travel essentials for supreme versatility. If the tote gets dirty while traveling, you can spot-clean the nylon fabric with soap and water, and it comes in Oxford blue, olive, and black color options that easily hide wear and tear over the years. Because the tote bag doesn’t have a top zipper, it scored slightly lower than our top pick, but we still think the flexible fabric and slim design of the tote helps keep it close to your body while walking through a crowded airport or down busy streets.

The Details: 17 x 13 x 7 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Open-top Canvas

L.l.bean boat and tote bag.

It can accommodate bulky items thanks to the wide-mouth opening.

It doesn’t have any organizational features, so you’ll want to use packing cubes or pouches.

Beach days, picnics, and road trips are the best uses for this spacious canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Made from heavyweight cotton canvas, the tote was originally designed to carry ice from a car to an ice chest back in 1944, and it still boasts the brand’s impressive 500-pound weight capacity (though we hope your travel essentials will never weigh that much). While we’d normally be wary of a travel bag without any pockets, the bag has a generous capacity, which makes it ideal for blankets, lunch boxes, shoes, or any other bulkier item needed for a day or road trip. And when it comes to durability, you can’t beat a tote bag constructed with enough reinforcement to carry over a dozen cinder blocks.

The Details: 13  x 12 x 6 inches | Cotton canvas

Best Machine-washable

Baggu duck bag.

The cotton is machine-washable, and it comes with a crossbody strap.

The top has a magnetic button closure.

Traveling can be hard on luggage, so we love that you can toss the Baggu Duck Bag in a washing machine to prolong the life of the tote. It came highly recommended after one of our team members spilled an entire burrito inside, and all it took was one rinse cycle to get it looking good as new. The canvas material is made with 65 percent recycled cotton from pre-consumer waste like old socks or T-shirts. In addition to the tote handles, the bag also comes with an adjustable crossbody strap to carry the bag over the shoulder. It has enough room to carry a laptop up to 15 inches long, and there is a small zippered pocket on the inside for a wallet or earbuds. One thing to note is that the top has a magnetic button closure instead of a zipper. 

The Details: 15.75 x 11 x 4.75 inches | Recycled cotton canvas

Best Open-top Leather

Milaner woven handbag.

It’s big enough to be an overnight bag if needed. 

There isn’t a laptop pocket.

This woven Milaner leather tote bag is the ultimate tote bag for flying, commuting, or an overnight trip. The larger size can accommodate bulky items like clothing, shoes, or a laptop, and there are two small zippered pockets for wallets and phone chargers. Thanks to the structured design of the woven Nappa, suede, or Vachetta leather, this bag is super easy to pack with travel essentials without feeling cumbersome to carry. It doesn’t have a top zipper, but it does feature a slim shape so the bag is kept close to the body. We also recommend using the dust bag it comes with when placing the bag under an airplane seat to keep the contents from spilling out or getting the bag dirty from the airplane carpet.

The Details: 20 x 14 x 3 inches | Nappa leather

Best Sustainable

Béis east to west tote.

It’s made with 100 percent recycled material. 

It only comes in two colors, and the white could get dirty quickly.

We’re big supporters of eco-friendly luggage that is still just as durable as this tote bag from T+L-loved brand, Béis. Made with 100 percent recycled polyester and recycled faux leather trim, the bag comes in simple black and white shades. There is a padded laptop pocket for laptops up to 15 inches long, two water bottle pockets, two slip pockets, and one zippered pocket so there’s a spot for everyday and travel essentials. Other helpful features for travelers include a trolley sleeve for carrying it on a suitcase, a key leash so you won’t have to dig around to unlock the door (plus you can attach an AirTag holder to it), and a zippered pocket in front. We can’t forget to mention the two lengths of tote handles and a detachable crossbody strap. 

The Details: 17.13 x 14.17 x 9.06 inches | Recycled polyester, vegan leather | 15-inch padded laptop pocket | Luggage sleeve

Best Lightweight

Longchamp tote bag.

It folds into a fraction of the original size for superior packability.

The leather straps aren’t padded.

This lightweight tote bag is ideal for both maximalist and minimalist packers since it folds into itself and can easily be stored in a larger bag without taking up valuable space. Despite the featherlight design, the bag is made with a hardy recycled polyamide canvas that can withstand the test of time. Besides the excellent portability, we love that the tote bag has a zippered top  with a large leather flap that closes over the zipper to give peace of mind that items are safely tucked away while traveling. There’s only one small zippered pocket inside the bag, which could be a slight drawback for some, but we think the packable design is well worth the lack of pockets. The bag comes in seven colors ranging from neutrals hues to bolder tones, and the leather straps, though unpadded, give the bag a chic look to complement any outfit. 

The Details: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas, leather | Packable

Best Convertible

Caraa studio tote.

It has a convenient modular design to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.

The exterior shoe pocket can only accommodate smaller shoes.

Can’t decide between a tote or backpack? This Caraa Studio tote bag has a two-in-one design to carry it as either, offering the best of both worlds. With detachable shoulder straps, the leather tote bag can be converted to a backpack in seconds or carried over one shoulder if you’re in crowded areas like a subway or sidewalk and want to keep the bag close. Best of all, there is tons of built in storage to stay naturally organized while traveling. Our favorite features include the 17-inch laptop pocket and shoe compartment on the side of the bag to separate footwear from the rest of the main compartment. Although the pocket can only hold smaller shoes, it can be a game-changer for certain travelers. And there are eight other pockets built into the interior anti-microbial lining to store phone chargers, wallets, passports, and more when you’re en route to a destination.

The Details: 18 x 13 x 7.5 inches | Italian leather | 17-inch laptop pocket

Most Durable

Carhartt legacy east/west tote.

This bag is made to last with a sturdy design and hardy fabrics.

The ends of the zippers don’t connect to the fabric, so small items could escape.

Camping, ski trips, beach days, and other outdoor activities can sometimes speed up the wear and tear on a tote, but that’s not the case with Carhartt’s Legacy East West Tote. We’re confident this bag is built to last due to the heavy duty 600 denier polyester and DWR coating to keep the elements from seeping into the tote. After four years of our constant use while traveling and commuting, the tote earned high praise for not showing any signs of letting up on quality anytime soon. With a zipper top and several slip pockets on the interior and exterior, there are spots to store a phone, keys, and wallets safely in the bag. There are gaps on each end of the bag because the ends of the zipper aren’t sewn to the fabric, so watch out for smaller items in the bag since they could fall out. 

The Details: 16.5 x 13.5 x 7.25 inches | Polyester | Water resistant

Best for the Beach

Carve designs treasure tote bag.

Carve Designs

It's the perfect size to fit everything you need for a beach day (including small towel.)

We wish it had some small pockets for storing accessories.

Whether you’re en route to the beach on foot or airplane, this tote bag is specifically designed for tropical vacations. While this tote is essentially one large pocket (without smaller areas to store accessories or essentials), it's the perfect size to take with you to the beach and to lunch afterward without lugging too much around. It's stylish enough that light packers may even use this as their main vacation purse and, paired with the matching treasure clutch , everything you need will be kept organized and ready to go. We love the white cloud texture of the outer materials paired with the stylish brown straps that are both comfortable and durable.

The Details: 14.5 x 15 inches | Cotton

Best for the Office

Bandolier tote bag.

It has various pockets for a laptop, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

The tote straps could be more comfortable. 

A day in the office is like a mini trip, so it’s important to be organized and have plenty of space for items when you’re away from home. The Bandolier tote bag offers a spot to pack office essentials like a laptop, a water bottle, a phone charger, snacks, a wallet, and more. The laptop pocket can fit technology up to 15 inches wide, and there is a leather sunglasses sleeve to protect fragile eyewear en route to the office. There are several other zippered and slip pockets to organize smaller items or a water bottle, and the D-ring loop on the tote handle is designed to hold other Bandolier accessories like a keychain or earbud pouch. The entire bag is made with a sleek pebbled leather, including the leather tote straps, which could be more comfortable with padding. It also comes in black, brown, and gray colorways. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 6 inches | Leather | 15-inch laptop pocket | Sunglasses pocket

Best With Shoe Compartment

Minkars weekender bag.

The bag comes with a separate shoe compartment, toiletry case, USB port, laptop pocket, and plenty of other thoughtful features for travelers.

It can get heavy when packed full.

A dupe of the iconic Béis weekender bag, this wallet-friendly version has similar features for a fraction of the price. While it’s jam-packed with helpful features for travelers, it received the highest praise for the separate compartment at the bottom of the bag that can store shoes, toiletry cases, hair tools, or any other item you want to keep separate from the main compartment. The structured bag has a wide-mouth opening and is super easy to pack thanks to the 15.6-inch laptop pocket, included toiletry case, and various other pockets for staying organized. Plus, the weekender comes with convertible straps to carry it as a tote or crossbody bag as needed, and it comes in pink, black, or cream color options.

The Details: 17 x 16.5 x 8 inches | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | Shoe compartment | Toiletry bag includes | Trolley sleeve

Best Multi-use

Dakine verge weekender tote.

It’s useful for the outdoors or traveling.

It might get heavy when it’s packed full.

This spacious tote bag from Dakine is equipped for everything from camping and beach days to trips to the office and air travel. When it comes to traveling, the bag features a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches; a handy trolley sleeve; and a separate zippered compartment in the bottom of the bag to organize items like shoes, toiletry cases, or clothing as desired. Made with durable recycled nylon and polyester, the tote looks rugged and works well as a weekender bag for camping or for packing beach day essentials like towels and snacks. Travelers can carry the bag as a tote with the top handles or it also comes with a detachable crossbody strap.

The Details: 23.5 x 16 x 11 inches | Recycled nylon | 16-inch padded laptop pocket | Trolley sleeve

Best Organization

Troubadour carrier tote.

Troubadour 

It has tons of pockets to stay naturally organized while traveling.

The bag might be too large to fit underneath an airplane seat. 

Minimalist and practical, Troubadour’s Carrier Tote is our favorite bag for packing efficiently and staying organized on the go. The designated laptop pocket is padded and can fit devices up to 17 inches in width — the largest pocket size for laptops of all the bags recommended. In addition to the protective laptop pocket, the tote features a quick-access phone pocket; a medium-size zippered pocket for an e-reader; and several other slip pockets for items that can easily get lost at the bottom of a bag like charging cords, lip balm, and keys. The only possible downside to this sleek bag is that the 24-liter capacity and stiffer fabric makes it difficult to fit it underneath an airplane seat. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyester, vegan leather | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Foldable

Away the packable carryall.

It’s a very spacious tote that comes with a stuff sack to pack it away in a backpack or suitcase.

It has a flimsy shape, so small or heavy items fall to the bottom of the bag easily.

Away’s The Packable Carryall is the perfect packable tote bag to toss in a purse whether running errands or sightseeing in a city. The tote bag is incredibly spacious when it’s folded open, but it compresses down to a mere fraction of its usual size thanks to the lightweight recycled nylon material and stuff sack. Sometimes packable bags can lack travel-friendly features, so we love that the bag features a zippered top for security; a trolley sleeve for portability; and an interior zippered pocket for storing phones, wallets, and keys while on the go. To keep track of the stuff sack, there’s also a loop to secure the zippered pouch on the inside of the tote. The unstructured design of the tote means that small or heavy items with a pool at the bottom of the bag, but beach towels , jackets, or any bulkier items will fit perfectly and provide some structure to the bag. 

The Details: 19.7 x 15 x 9 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | Trolley sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Other Travel Tote Bags We Liked

The tote bags below still came highly recommended for travelers, but didn’t quite make our list of winners. 

Portland Leather Tote Bag : It’s a very portable tote bag due to the smaller size, but it isn’t the most practical for long trips with less storage and organizational features.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote : This bag has tons of pockets and storage for just about anything you would need while traveling, but it’s on the smaller side, so it could fill up quickly. 

Ogio Rise Tote : The bag can be converted from a tote to a backpack, which can be helpful for travelers, but the drawstring opening is a slight drawback for security reasons.

To create this list of the best travel totes, T+L editors and trusted travel experts recommended their favorite bags they have tested on their own travel adventures. With over 30 totes tested, we whittled down our list of the best bags for any and all travelers based on capacity, portability, ease of use, and overall value. From sleek leather totes to convertible weekender bags, we handpicked various bags that we can’t recommend enough for outdoor activities, air travel, or commuting to the office. 

Tips for Buying a Travel Tote

Buy for your intended activity.

Not all tote bags are best for certain types of travel, so it’s important to invest in a bag that meets your needs. Traveling somewhere wet and rainy? You’ll want to opt for a more rugged tote bag that features waterproof or resistant materials like nylon or polyester for protecting items. Leather tote bags work well for air travel or office days, but you’ll likely want to skip bringing it to the beach or for camping where a canvas tote will hold up much better to wear and tear.

Consider organization and size requirements

When it comes to traveling by air, you’ll want to look at dimensions, organization, and other helpful features like trolley sleeves, USB ports, and convertible straps. For outdoor activities like camping and beach days, a spacious and flexible tote bag can be helpful for packing bulky items. We recommend packable or foldable tote bags for travelers looking for a backup bag to keep in a purse or suitcase, rather than using it as a bag to commute or fly with since they can lack structure and organizational features.

Prioritize comfort

Tote bags can be hard on the shoulders and hands when carried for long periods of time (i.e., navigating an airport or while out and about), so we recommend looking for lightweight materials and padded straps to reduce the possible strain. Some tote bags come with convertible straps to carry the tote as a crossbody or backpack, so be sure to look for bags with modular designs or trolley sleeves to place the bag on a suitcase if you’re looking for better portability and versatility in a tote. 

While it depends on the size of a tote bag, more often than not, it will count as a personal item or possibly a carry-on bag if it’s large enough. A personal item usually has to fit underneath an airplane seat and if it doesn’t, it could qualify as a carry-on bag, so you’ll want to double-check the size restrictions of personal items for your specific airline since it varies greatly depending on the carrier. 

Tote bags offer the ability to quickly and conveniently access items like a phone and wallet since the bag is kept closer to the front of your body compared to a backpack. Backpacks distribute the weight of your belongings better, but a comfortable tote bag should never be too cumbersome to carry. Look for features like padded handles or a convertible crossbody strap for comfort. Tote bags are also easier to take on and off while traveling, which is convenient when you’re on the go and maneuvering tight places such as airplanes, trains, and cars. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer, Anna Popp , writes nearly all of the team’s Travel + Leisure Tested articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna combed through recommendations from over 30 tote bag survey submissions from travel experts and used her knowledge as an expert product tester to put together this list of the best travel tote bags. 

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Best Rolling Laptop Bags: Work, Travel And Everyday

If you’re tired of carrying a heavy laptop bag everywhere, it’s probably time to invest in a good rolling laptop bag. They’re great because they let you carry even more things in your bag, but without feeling all that extra weight!

At A Glance: Best Rolling Laptop Bags

• Best Organizational Features Kensington SecureTrek Laptop Roller Jump To Review
• Best Underseat Rolling Laptop Bag Samsonite Underseat Spinner II Jump To Review
• Best For Work Tumit Alpha Compact 4 Wheeled Brief Jump To Review
• best women's rolling laptop bag JKM Rolling Laptop Bag Jump To Review
• Best For Travel Ambor Wheeled Laptop Backpack for Travel Jump To Review
• Lightweight Rolling Laptop Bag AmazonBasics Rolling Bag Laptop Computer Case Jump To Review

Since there are many different kinds of rolling laptop bags out there, I’ve done my best to include options for everyone. From the best laptop bags for work to the most rugged polycarbonate laptop cases for travel – these are the top ten rolling laptop bags money can buy!

Top Product Overview

Top products, kensington securetrek laptop roller.

The Kensington laptop bag is a great option for people who carry a lot of stuff everywhere. With multiple compartments, organizational panels, and pockets for days, this bag will satisfy the needs of even the biggest organization freaks out there – myself included.

This bag has a laptop sleeve that fits  17” laptops and a 10 inch table . The sleeve is heavily padded and slightly suspended, so your laptop will be protected in case of bumps and drops. On top of that, there is a great organizational section for all your tech gear – cables, mouse, keyboard, earphones and more.

There’s also a dedicated overnight compartment , with internal elastic straps. This is perfect for clothes, or even just files and folders that you want to keep extra safe. And we’re just getting started.

The Kensington rolling laptop bag is super secure making it an anti-theft bag of sorts . They have an anti-puncture zipper as well as a few loops for locks. So, everything is locked up securely and ready to travel. Something I love when I am on the move, especially in crowded places like trains, commuting or even on the street in big cities. Sure, I might be paranoid sometimes, but I don’t need my laptop stolen, thanks very much!

Obviously, this bag features in-line skate wheels and a telescopic wheel handle. The handle is ergonomic and feels pretty comfortable in your hand.

The only downside of this particular laptop bag is the size. It’s the size of an average carry-on, but not one that would fit under an airplane seat. But, you get so much for the size, and can walk straight off the plane to your taxi. Did I mention I love traveling and saving time on arrival is a killer feature.

• Three large compartments and two smaller ones
• Multiple pockets and organization panels
• Fits 17” laptops in the dedicated compartment
• Very big - not an underseat bag

Product Information

• Dimensions:19 x 12.5 x 9,8 (483 x 317mm x 248mm)
• Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
• Material: 1680 Denier Ballistic nylon
• Zipper: Anti-puncture

Samsonite Underseat Spinner II

If you want a wheeled underseat laptop bag , the Samsonite spinner is an excellent option. For one, it has spinner wheels , which will make your life a whole lot easier. There’s no strain on your arm with spinner wheels, since you don’t have to tilt the bag to get the wheels rolling, and you are able to push or pull it in any direction you want.

Plus, it’s a Samsonite, so you know already what kind of quality and durability you can expect from the bag.

The Samsonite Underseat Spinner II underseater has a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve that will fit devices up to 13.3” . That’s its only downside – I did try to find a good underseat bag that can fit larger devices, but there are just aren’t any decent options.

On top of that, there are also several smaller pockets inside the main compartment, as well as a smaller tablet pocket on the laptop sleeve. And there are multiple external pockets, for all the items you want to have easily accessible.

The great thing about this Samsonite laptop bag is the USB port, which lets you charge your phone on the go.

In addition to that, this bag also features a luggage strap in the back, which lets you mount it on top of a bigger suitcase. And the wheel handle folds down into its own compartment, which can be zipped up, making it super convenient for actually storing the bag under an airplane seat.

• Fits under most airplane seats
• USB port for charging your phone
• Spinner wheels for easy manoeuvring
• Will not fit laptops larger than 13.3”
• Small capacity
• Dimensions: 16.5” x 13.75” x 9”
• Weight: 5.6 lbs (2.54 kg)
• Material: Polyester
• Laptop Size: 13.3 inches

Tumit Alpha Compact 4 Wheeled Brief

If you want the best of the best for work, then the Tumi Alpha Compact is the perfect option for you. Why? Because Tumi knows how to make premium luggage.

This is not a bag for long trips but for short work jaunts with space to organise everything you cannot do better. I love a well-built bag that knows how to organise your gear and protect it at the same time, and Tumi has designed just that.

First, it has 4 easy-rolling wheels to make your journey easy. In the front is an easy-opening pocket for your laptop and travel gear. It fits up to 16-inch laptops if they are Macs or 15 inches for other brands. And there is a USB charging port on the side to keep your phone running for hours!

The main compartment also folds completely open so, once you arrive you can get to your documents (if they did not fit in front, which they probably do) or your work clothes and toiletries.

Of course, since it’s Tumi, it also has the Tumi Tracer program in case it gets lost and you can get a monogram for a little extra. And the handle is super-extendable with a comfy grip.

All in all, this is the ideal work partner I would certainly take with me on a trip and have no worries fitting in everything I need.

• Fits two 15-16” laptops
• Multiple compartments and pockets
• Easy access
• Dimensions: 16.0" X 16.0" X 8.5"
• Weight: 10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
• Material: Ballistic Nylon
• Laptop Size: 15-16 inches

JKM Rolling Laptop Bag

JKM & Company Rolling Laptop Bag is one of the most stylish options I managed to find, and it’s the perfect wheeled laptop bag for ladies. The reason I say that is that anyone who wants to keep things fashionable but is tired of carrying a really heavy bag, will love this option.. It has two see-through plastic wheels and a retractable wheel handle that folds down into its own compartment.

The best thing about this stylish rolling laptop bag is that you can’t even tell it’s a rolling laptop bag at first glance. The handle isn’t visible from the front when it’s folded down, and the wheels are see-through so they’re not as obvious. And the classic (faux) croc exterior looks just as elegant as on any other tote.

This is a tote bag through and through, meaning you won’t get all those separate compartments and organization panels that are present on some of the other bags. But if you’re prioritizing the exterior over the internal features, then that’s probably okay since this is by far the cutest rolling laptop bag that exists.

And it’s just as functional as the other bags I’ve shown you so far. The Bella tote has a 17” laptop compartment , as well an extra internal sleeve that could fit another 15.6” laptop – or a tablet of any size. Its interior is fully lined and features an extra two slip pockets that are the perfect size for a phone and a smaller wallet.

There’s also an extra zippered pocket on the back, for any smaller items you want to keep more easily accessible. And the bag has open side pockets, but those are really tight – you won’t be able to fit anything thicker than a couple of sheets of paper inside.

• Elegant and fashionable tote
• Fits two laptops
• Multiple internal and external pockets
• No organizational panel
• Quite heavy
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 9.75 x 15.5 inches
• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• Material: Faux crocodile leather

Ambor Wheeled Laptop Backpack for Travel

A wheeled laptop backpack is an excellent option for travel because it has more capacity than briefcase bags. Plus, it’s easier to carry on uneven terrain – with the luxury of shoulder straps, you don’t have to worry about carrying 15lbs+ of gear in one hand.

The Ambor wheeled laptop backpack is carry-on sized , and it will fit into the overhead compartment on all airplanes. It’s also pretty lightweight at 6 lbs – lighter than all the other bags so far – and it has a pretty large capacity (39 liters), making it a great option for short trips.

The laptop sleeve is heavily padded, and it can fit 17” devices . It is located inside the main compartment, so it’s not exactly TSA-friendly. And it features a smaller tablet sleeve – a feature you also get in the front organizer compartment.

The main compartment of this backpack is roomy, and it can easily fit enough clothes for a weekend trip. On top of that, the clothes provide some extra cushioning for your laptop, which protects it even more from any nasty bumps on the road.

This bag has two additional front compartments; the larger one is great for a book or just files, while the smaller one features an organizer panel for all of your smaller items. On top of that, the backpack has zippered and stretchy pockets on the side, for all the other items you want to keep easily accessible.

This is a backpack, so it’s also important that it has a comfortable backpanel . And it does – there’s a cover for the wheels, which ensures that they don’t touch your back directly.

Plus, the shoulder straps are heavily padded and covered with breathable mesh, for premium carrying comfort. And they are stowaway – when you’re wheeling the bag around with the telescopic wheel handle, you can tuck away the shoulder straps into their own compartment so they don’t get in the way.

• Multiple compartments for easy organization
• Very affordable
• Stowaway shoulder straps (and wheels)
• Laptop and clothes go in the same compartment
• No sternum strap
• Dimensions: 19.8” x 13.5” x 7.8”
• Weight: 4.84 lbs (2.2 kg)
• Material: Polyester ripstop
• Laptop size: 17 inches

AmazonBasics Rolling Bag Laptop Computer Case

If you would like to get an affordable rolling laptop bag, the AmazonBasics case is a good option. It’s under $50, and it has some really great features for modern professionals. And it’s a really versatile bag, with a roomy main compartment that works both for work files and a change of clothes.

This is also the most lightweight rolling laptop bag in this review. So, if weight is of the utmost importance to you, then this is the bag to go for. In terms of weight, the other options are the Kenneth Cole laptop bag for ladies, and the Ambor bag as an all-round option.

The bag features a dedicated laptop compartment with a padded internal sleeve, which can fit devices up to 17” . A Velcro strap secures the laptop in place, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out accidentally.

This laptop bag also features a front compartment with an organizer panel , which is great for all those smaller items that usually sink to the bottom of your regular bag. There are two larger slip pockets that are big enough to fit a tablet or just files, as well as pen slots, smaller slip pockets, and multiple card organizers.

In addition to that, the AmazonBasics laptop bag has a dedicated zippered compartment for the telescopic wheel handle, so it transforms from a wheeled bag to  a classic briefcase . You can carry it in your hands if you want to, thanks to the two sturdy grab handles at the top.

The in-line skate wheels on the bag are pretty standard, and they perform just as well as you expect. The thing I like about them is that they’re the same color as the bag, so they’re not immediately visible.

Another thing worth noting about this rolling laptop bag is that it is actually sized as an underseat bag , making it a great option for travel as well. It is small enough to fit under most airplane seats, but still large enough to hold all your office necessities.

• A versatile bag
• Front compartment with organizer
• Wheel handle compartment
• Doesn’t have a lot of pockets
• Will not fit all 17” laptops
• Dimensions: 16.5” x 14.5” x 7.5” 
• Weight: 5.1 lbs
• Material: Not specified

Kenneth Cole Reaction Women's Runway Call Wheeled Business Tote

The Kenneth Cole Reaction wheeled tote is a great option for women that want something classy but very functional . The bag is made from nylon , so it is very sturdy and durable. It won’t tear easily, and it’s able to handle daily use without getting worn out fast.

This Kenneth Cole Reaction Women’s Runway Call Wheeled Business Tote has two in-line skate wheels, with a multi-stage telescoping wheel handle that extends up to 30”. It is very easy to maneuver and it has a luggage strap in the back, so you can mount it on top of a suitcase if you want to travel with the bag.

This is a tote bag, so it only has one main compartment. But it is very spacious, with multiple pockets inside. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 17” , as well as a dedicated tablet pocket.

On top of that, this laptop bag has an internal RFID blocking pocket , as well as an organizer panel for all those items that usually sink to the bottom of the bag. And it has multiple external pockets – two open ones at the sides, and two zippered ones on the front and back of the bag. These are great for items you want to have more easily accessible, especially if you decide to use the bag for travel.

This tote is a great option for the office, but I wouldn’t really recommend it for travel – unless you want something simple and small. It’s not small enough to fit under the seat, and it only has one main compartment, so no extra space for a change of clothes.

• Stylish and durable exterior
• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
• Multiple external pockets
• Not great for travel
• One main compartment
• Dimensions: 6” x 16” x 15”
• Weight: 5.64 lbs
• Material: Nylon-twill

Ytonet Rolling Laptop Bag

The Ytonet laptop bag is a great option for travel . It is made from water-resistant fabric, and it will keep your belongings safe and dry in case of light right. The wheels are silent and roll smoothly, while the telescopic wheel handle locks into multiple height positions.

The main compartment of Ytonet Rolling Laptop Bag opens up suitcase style, and it can hold enough clothes for a short trip. The laptop sleeve is also inside this compartment, so you won’t have the easiest access to it. But, all the clothes and padding will keep it extra protected.

In addition to that, this laptop bag features several other compartments and pockets, which will allow you to stay organized at all times. With multiple organizer panels, there’s a designated spot for everything you might want to carry with you on a daily basis.

This bag is carry-on sized, and it will easily fit into overhead compartments on planes. But it is too big to fit under seats, so it’s not a great option if you’re looking to get a laptop bag in addition to a small suitcase.

On top of all the different pockets and compartments, the Ytonet laptop bag also has an external USB port that lets you charge your phone on the go. And there’s the double zipper which is compatible with TSA padlocks, so you can keep your stuff extra secure if you want to.

• Great for travel
• Water resistant exterior
• Multi-stage wheel handle
• Not the best for work
• Lacks small zippered pockets
• Dimensions: 17.5” x 9” x 13.5”
• Weight: 6.6 lbs
• Material: Water and scratch resistant fabric

Rockland Revolution Rolling Computer Case

If you want to keep your laptop protected in case of an apocalypse, then getting a hardside laptop bag might be a good idea. This Rockland case is made from polycarbonate , a lightweight and extremely durable material.

The Rockland Revolution Rolling Computer Case is a great option for travel, but it’s also not bad for the office – especially if you’re on your feet a lot, and need that extra protection for your device. The laptop sleeve in the bag is heavily padded from all sides, and it can fit devices up to 15.4”.

The Rockland case features a roomy main compartment with elastic cross straps and a couple of zippered pockets inside. It can easily hold a change of clothes and some overnight essentials, which is why this bag is a great option for short trips.

Additionally, the laptop compartment in the front also features an organizer panel, with a designated slot for all your smaller necessities. So, even though you don’t get as many pockets as you do on softshell bags, you will still be able to stay organized.

This case features double spinner wheels that make it extremely easy to move around with a bag. That’s great for those of you who are used to carrying really heavy items – there won’t be any strain on your arms, since you do not have to tilt the bag to get the wheels rolling.

The only downside of this awesome laptop case is that it’s too big to be an underseat bag (largely because of the wheels) and too small to be able to replace an entire carry-on suitcase. But if the majority of your business trips are 24-48 hours, its minimalist capacity might just be enough for you.

• Organizer panel in laptop compartment
• Polycarbonate exterior is very durable
• Double spinner wheels
• Too big to be an underseat bag
• Not the best option for work
• Dimensions: 16” x 9” x 17”
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Material: Polycarbonate

Wenger Luggage Patriot Ii Wheeled Business Set

The Wenger bag is an amazing option, and it’s the best bag to get for people who can afford it. I didn’t want to feature it at the top because it is really pricey , but it’s by far the best bag for those who are looking for a premium option and aren’t too worried about the price point.

It has four separate external compartments , with enough space for a laptop, clothes, files, folders, and all the smaller accessories you might want to put inside. The laptop sleeve is heavily padded and can fit 17” devices , while the same compartment also features a smaller tablet sleeve.

Additionally, the bag also comes with a removable laptop slimcase that fits 15.4” devices – great for those times when you only need to bring your laptop along and don’t actually need the entire bag.

The frontmost compartment is equipped with an organizer panel, so there’s a dedicated slot for all your smaller necessities. And there are plenty of zippered pockets throughout the bag, inside each of the larger compartments.

The wheels are sturdy and roll smoothly, and the telescopic wheel handle is ergonomically shaped so it feels really comfortable in your hand. There’s also a tough grab handle that lets you carry the bag in your hands, as well as a bottom grab handle, which makes it easy to pick up the bag and place it in an overhead compartment on a plane.

With so many different pockets and compartments and a remarkably durable exterior, the Wenger bag is a great option for both travel and everyday. It’s a bag that will last ages , and which will do a great job at keeping all your gear organized and protected.

• Removable laptop slimcase included
• Very pricey
• Dimensions: 12.2” x 16.9” x 16.1”
• Weight: 9.8 lbs

What To Look For

What’s the bag for.

Do you want to get a bag for work or a bag for travel? Or maybe both ?

If you’re mostly looking for a travel bag, then you need to look for something that’s the right size. It should be compliant with airline underseat bag size restrictions  if you frequently fly for business. So, you should check out the dimensions of the rolling bags you like, and make sure that it’s actually an underseat bag.

In case you want a laptop bag just for work, then you don’t have to worry about the size restrictions. But I am assuming you would like something that’s pretty professional, so look for a bag that’s pretty similar to your current briefcase. I’ve included some leather rolling bags and loads of sleek black ones, which would easily fit into most offices.

I’ve also included some women-specific options , for those ladies that want a rolling laptop bag, but still want to keep it stylish .

Additionally, look at the type of compartments in the bag. If you want something primarily for travel, then it’s important that you get a bag that has a dedicated compartment for clothes , preferably something with tie-down or elastic straps. And if you just want something for work, then maybe it’s better to get a more minimalistic, lightweight bag.

Size And Overall Capacity

The most important feature of a rolling laptop bag is that it is able to fit your device. The great thing about these wheeled bags is that most of them are designed to fit big laptops, and almost all of them will fit 15.6” devices easily – except for the underseat bags. Several of the bags featured here can also fit bulky 17” laptops, so there’s really lots of options.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you need two laptop sleeves. If you’re used to carrying two laptops, or a laptop and a tablet everywhere, it’s better to have separate sleeves for them.

There’s more impact absorption this way, and your devices will be better protected than if you just stuff them in the same sleeve.

Also look at the overall capacity of the bag, and all the other pockets and compartments. Do you just carry your laptop to work with a couple of other necessities, or do you need extra space for a bunch of different files and folders?

Some of the bags I’ve shown you are very minimalistic, and they’re perfect for people who don’t carry that many items in their laptop bags. And others are beasts in terms of capacity and organizational features, so there should be at least one bag that’s just right for you.

Materials And Durability

A bag can’t be great if it’s not made from great materials. So, you should look for something that’s appropriate for the kind of use you have in mind.

If you plan to use a rolling laptop bag every single day, then look for something extremely tough and durable . Nylon is a great material because it handles daily wear and tear like a champion, and it has pretty good water resistance . You will be able to wheel the bag around even on rainy days, without worrying that the items inside will get wet.

On the other hand, if you want to use the bag maybe once or twice a week, then you could go with some less durable materials. Leather bags are great for infrequent use – they look really good, and they won’t get worn out too quickly.

The majority of the bags I’ve shown you here are made from either nylon or polyester – both materials are great for everyday use, and will hold up over time. With the other materials, the easiest thing you can do is look at the price point, and you will know exactly what to expect.

The Best Rolling Laptop Bags: Our Top Choices

Having a hard time deciding on just one of these awesome laptop bags? I can help by telling you a little more about my three favorite ones, so it’s easier to choose!

The Kensington Rolling Laptop Bag is by far the best option for people who like being organized . With three main compartments and an abundance of internal and external pockets, you will be able to find a slot for everything you could possibly want to put in the bag. Plus, the laptop sleeve can fit even the bulkiest 17” devices, so there’s really no question whether or not your laptop will fit.

• "laptop roller for 15.6" laptops with a flexible overnight compartment adapts to maximize usable space for clothing and files"
• 1680 denier ballistic nylon protects against abrasions, punctures, and tears

If you’d like to get a rolling underseat bag , go with the Samsonite Spinner II . It has spinner wheels that glide like a dream, so running around airports will be super easy with this bag. The laptop sleeve is heavily padded, but it can only fit devices up to 13.3”.

The bag has a roomy compartment for clothes, as well as several internal and external pockets that allow you to stay organized, but keep certain necessities easily accessible at all times.

• Fits Under Most Airline Seats for easy access to belongings en route, please check with your Airline for more information as under seat storage capacities and dimensions can vary
• 4, Multi directional spinner wheels allow for 360 rolling in multiple directions for easy mobility

Maybe you just want a good laptop bag for work? In that case, I have to recommend the Solo Walker Rolling Laptop Bag . The leather exterior is suitable for any office, and it’s perfect for the modern professional who doesn’t want to walk around with a nylon bag. It shows you have class and style, and that you can afford a high-quality leather bag.

Plus, this laptop bag has multiple compartments, a bunch of open and zippered pockets, and enough space for two 15.6” laptops – definitely enough for your work equipment.

• Rolling Laptop Bag: This stylish full-grain leather wheeled bag has a padded 15.6" laptop compartment, full length front zippered pocket, full size front zip-down organizer section, and a divided file compartment
• Work And Travel: This premium rolling briefcase will keep your laptop and important business documents safe while you're commuting or traveling for business. Push button telescoping handle system

Head over to Amazon to see any of the bags featured in this review – you can check out the color options and prices of all of them!

If you still haven’t found the perfect laptop bag for you, be sure to check out our related posts as well, for lots of other ideas!

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The Best Rolling Laptop Bags of 2024

Traveling through the airport has never been easier

David Beren is a former tech and commerce writer for Lifewire with 10+ years' experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless and contributor for sites like WebGeekStuff and MakeTechEasier.

• Nova Southeastern University

• New York University
• London Metropolitan University

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

• Laptop Bags & Backpacks

The best rolling laptop bags should have a durable build, plenty of internal storage space, and be comfortable to carry.

Rolling bags are convenient for commuters and frequent travelers because their wheels allow you to pull them easily through an airport or train station.

Spinners are rolling bags where all four wheels can spin in any direction, rather than a two-wheeler, which can only go in one.

What to Look For in a Rolling Laptop Bag

Best overall, solo new york bryant.

Fits most laptops

Long warranty period

Zippers aren't lockable

Handle is too tall for short people

No secure compartment for small devices

The Solo Bryant 17.3-inch rolling laptop case is ideal for travelers who appreciate both room and value. The hidden push-button telescoping handle system is complemented by padded handles when the wheels aren't suitable for moving up and down the galley way of an aircraft. The wheels are compact and durable and are seamlessly integrated into the case of the bag, so you can bank on a smooth glide without adding additional bulk.

The polyester body feels durable and long-lasting, measuring 14.75H x 17L x 8.75W inches (read: it's appropriately sized for sitting underneath an airplane seat). The padded laptop compartment can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop , while the front zippered pocket and organizer section allow for a bevy of papers, books, pens, and other travel knickknacks.

Dimensions:  14.75x17x8.75 inches |  Weight:  1 pound |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Budget

Amazonbasics rolling laptop case.

Uncomplicated design

Built-in compartments for multifunctionality

Lightweight

No lockable zippers or other security features

Amazon’s well-regarded product line continues to shine across the spectrum, and its rolling laptop case is no exception. Budget-priced, the bag weighs 5.1 pounds and is designed to protect laptops up to 15.6 inches. The easy-access front pocket can hold pens, notepads, and business cards, while the telescoping handle offers a push-button lock for secure movement while rolling in and out of airports. The interior of the bag offers added storage inside the main zippered compartment for bulkier files or books (and there is even enough storage for a change of clothing for overnight trips).

 Lifewire / Hayley Prokos

The dedicated laptop compartment can store up to 17-inch devices, although it’s a tight fit (laptops 15.6 inches and smaller are recommended for complete protection). Once inside the laptop compartment, a velcro strap adds an extra layer of security to prevent the laptop from moving during transit.

Dimensions:  16.5x14.5x7.5 inches |  Weight:  5.1 pound |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Backpack

High sierra freewheel wheeled laptop backpack.

Padded zone to keep laptop safe

Extremely durable material

Sturdy telescoping handle

Can't fit a 17-inch laptop

Key fob location impractical

If you don't like the look and feel of a rolling briefcase, the High Sierra rolling laptop backpack might be a better choice. The well-regarded brand offers a durable and rugged fabric that can comfortably fit 15-inch laptops (High Sierra says it will also fit 17-inch models, but it's probably a tight squeeze). The 20.5 x 13.5 x 8-inch bag has high-durability wheels for smooth rolling and can remain upright no matter how you package the interior. The large main compartment holds everything from books and papers and has enough storage for overnight clothing.

The built-in media pocket adds a headphone port, so you can have an audio device or smartphone stowed inside the bag and still listen to music via a corded headphone. The hideaway telescoping handle securely locks when pulled out and is just as easily tucked away. If you want to go full-on backpack mode, the padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry just in case you're running to catch your flight.

Dimensions:  20.5x13.5x8.0 inches |  Weight:  5.5 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Design

Solo new york walker.

Padded laptop compartment

Compact size

Has internal dividers

Can't fit 17-inch laptops

The Solo Walker rolling laptop case is a beautifully designed espresso-colored Colombian leather bag. Offering both front and rear pockets, the 15.2 x 10.4 x 1.7-inch padded laptop compartment protects models up to 15.6 inches. The full-grain leather body offers a telescoping padded handle system that locks back into the bag. Weighing just 6.3 pounds, the 17 x 13 x 7-inch bag is compact enough to easily fit in overhead compartments or stow underneath an airplane or train seat. The main pocket offers a zip-down organizer for dividing files and other materials such as notebooks, pens, and business cards. A bonus: It's backed by a five-year warranty.

Dimensions:  17x13.4x7 inches |  Weight:  6.3 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best High-End

Samsonite spinner mobile office.

Four wheels for full range of motion

Durable build

Padded laptop pockets

The Samsonite Spinner Mobile Office is a wheeled laptop briefcase designed for the commuting office worker. It has four wheels, giving it a full range of movement and stylish touches, so it blends into a professional setting. The bag is made of durable 1680D ballistic fabric with EVA foam backing. The main compartment where the laptop is stored is padded.

There are additional accessory compartments to handle cables, phones, pens, notebooks, and anything else you may need to carry. A nice touch is the retractable, push-button locking handle that makes it easy to wheel the Samsonite Spinner through the airport.

Dimensions:  17x14x7 inches |  Weight:  10 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Spinner

Perry ellis 8-wheel spinner mobile office.

Zippers lock

8-wheel, 360-degree spinning system

Lots of storage

Airplane-friendly

Only fits up to 13.5-inch laptop

Rigid shape

Made from 50 percent nylon and 50 percent polypropylene, the Perry Ellis eight-wheel spinner mobile office tote is an exceptional bag for travelers. Its spinner/rolling system allows quick and easy turning, and its retractable handle means easy maneuverability. The hardshell polypropylene frame ensures that the main compartment is well protected and can hold up to a 15-inch laptop (plus some room for a change of clothes if you have an overnight stay).

The front organizer pocket holds many accessories, including pens, business cards, power cords, headphones, etc. The 16 x 15.5 x 9.5-inch body is carry-on size, so it's ready to fit underneath a seat for easy access when you're in the air. Finally, it weighs just four pounds, so it's light enough to carry by hand up and down the aisle of an airplane .

Dimensions:  16x15.5x9.5 inches |  Weight:  4.62 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

How big is your laptop? And how much stuff do you need to carry with you? These are significant concerns when buying a rolling laptop bag. If you have a 17-inch laptop, check that the bag can accommodate it. Or if you need room to carry a large assortment of cords and devices, but the bag itself is too slim, that will not work. Determine what you're taking and pick a bag that fits the bill. Many rolling bags also come with numerous external and internal mesh pockets, letting you bring a range of accessories in addition to your laptop.

Laptop bags come in all kinds of materials. The question is, what will you be using the bag for? If this is primarily a business travel bag you'll be taking to meetings, leather might be a good option. However, if durability matters more than style, the nylon or polyester varieties might be the way to go. Most rolling laptop bags won't have a rating like MIL-STD 810G, but it's still possible to determine if one is drop-resistant by looking at corner protection. A rugged exterior and padded interior can absorb shocks. Waterproofing is harder to find, and you're unlikely to get an IP rating, but water-resistant material isn't uncommon.

An extra strap can help take the strain off your arms or make it easier to navigate a crowded airport. You should also consider if you need a top handle or straps to attach it to the handle of a larger rolling bag. Do you want to be able to carry it messenger or backpack-style if necessary? These are essential things to think about before purchasing a rolling laptop bag. A TSA-certified bag can make getting through checkpoints and airport security easier with minimal hassle.

If you're concerned about your laptop's safety, you want to get a heavily padded or hard-shelled bag. Those will offer better protection to your laptop and other devices. Also, make sure your laptop is secure in the padded pocket. Some rolling laptop bags are also resistant to water and shock for additional peace of mind.

Several of the best brands are featured on the rest. We like Solo New York for travelers, Perry Ellis for its high quality, Travelpro for executive design, and AmazonBasics for great value. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find great options from reputable brands across a wide range of prices.

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

What we considered

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

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

Buying Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

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

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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

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TOSCA Trolley Laptop Bag

For business on-the-go, the TOSCA trolley laptop bag does all the heavy lifting for you. This upright mobile office with retractable trolley handle is the perfect travel accessory for those always on the move. The trolley bag is versatile, spacious and big enough to fit everything you need for an overnight or weekend business trip.

SIZE: 43cm (L) x 20cm (W) x 32.5cm (H)

$ 329.95 $ 189.95

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• Heavy Duty 1680D Material
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The 10 Best Travel Totes, According to Our Editors

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What to look for

It's true that preferences vary—which is exactly why we have 10 different travel totes across different sizes, styles, and price points that have been hand-selected by our editors. Here are the core elements our editors considered when testing:

• Size: The size of your tote bag is dependent on where and why you are traveling. While a quick trip may require a smaller option, international travel may mean you need a roomier interior with lots of storage options.
• Materials: Ideally, your travel tote should be resilient enough to carry and protect all your essentials. Sturdy canvas, sleek nylon, and durable polyester knits are always good options that you can find in a range of styles and price points.
• Colors: We can always stand behind a neutral bag in the world of black, navy, brown, or tan. But if you're partial to bright colors or patterns, we have you covered there, too.
• Travel features: Trolley sleeves and top zippers help tote bags go the extra mile when traveling.

How we chose

To determine our top picks, our fashion, lifestyle, and commerce editors spent days upon months upon years searching and testing tote bags in search of our favorites through airplanes, trains, and automobiles. The results are authentic recommendations based on our lived experiences as industry experts. Of course, specific criteria from size, material, and travel features like laptop and trolley sleeves were kept top of mind throughout our selection process.

From Amazon gems to chic woven options, our editors' picks for the 10 best travel tote bags cover a range of styles and price points.

Bagsmart Women's Tote Bag with Zipper

Bagsmart's affordable gem delivers without breaking the bank. It's extremely lightweight to the point that it almost feels like it's filled with down—which makes expanding a breeze. From boxing gloves to a change of shoes, we were impressed by how much we were able to fit inside when testing. A spacious interior with a padded laptop section and top zipper keep all of your belongings secure.

Dimensions: 16'' x 6''x 13'' | Materials: Polyester and nylon | Colors: Beige, black, pink, grayish brown, dark pink, purple, navy blue, light blue, and pale orange | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: Yes

August Noa Everyday Canvas Tote

August Noa's everyday canvas tote is so beloved that Oprah Daily fashion editor Sara Klausing sees editors carrying it at nearly every event she goes to. "From the double handle options to the roomy interior, it's ideal for anything from a daily commute to international travel," says Klausing. Interior compartments and an exclusive, padded laptop section keep your essential organized and protected.

Dimensions: 15.7" x 11.8" x 5.9" | Materials: Recycled c otton canvas | Colors: Natural and black | Trolley Sleeve : Yes | Top Zipper: Yes

Beis North to South Tote Bag

Oprah Daily associate editor Shelby Copeland rocks her Beis tote, a tried-and-trusted brand for seasoned travelers, on the daily to help keep up with her busy schedule. Plenty of exterior and interior pockets help keep her organized, while long, thick straps help support the shoulders. Plus, there's a removable crossbody strap in case you want to switch up the silhouette.

Dimensions: 13.39" x 15.16" x 4.72" | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors: Beige and black | Trolley Sleeve : Yes | Top Zipper: Yes

Fabletics Everyday Tote

Oprah Daily assistant editor Jane Burnett says this Fabletics style has become her favorite travel tote. "It's lightweight and has zillions of storage spaces (nine, to be exact). The top zipper closure also helps keep my belongings super secure while on the go." Sporty finishes like carabiner zippers and a satiny fabric finish give this tote a modern feel.

Dimensions: 19.2" x 6.3" x 14" | Materials: Nylon | Colors: Cornflower blue, black, magnet gray, navy blue, acid yellow, green plaid, cherry, denim blue, dahlia, ocher dark yellow, walnut, moss green, pebble white, raisin, and summer shale print | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: Yes

Brouk & Co Capri Everyday Stripe Tote

“You get a lot of bang for your buck with this cotton canvas tote," Oprah said of this Brouk & Co beauty when highlighting it in this year's Favorite Things List . "Smart-looking, with vegan leather accents. Doesn’t it look like a more expensive bag? It’s just right for the person in your life who needs to schlep a lot of stuff." It's just the right balance of structured and easily carried thanks to a defined silhouette and thick, wide straps.

Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 6" | Materials: Canvas, nylon, and vegan leather | Colors: Brown stripe and blue stripe | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: No

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote

Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman calls this L.L. Bean classic the best travel tote . "They're so lightweight," says Glassman. "You can carry one with you or throw it in your luggage if you're traveling." The beauty of the heavy-duty blank canvas is that you can customize it to your heart's desire. Choose from different sizes, a top zip option, and even personalization.

Dimensions: 12" x 13" x 6" | Materials: Heavy-duty cotton canvas | Colors: Navy, olive, black, khaki, dark green, graphite, mauve, natural, red, regatta blue, slate, and vintage rose | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: Optional

Rothy's Lightweight Mega Tote

Oprah Daily E-commerce and SEO manager Aaron Radford-Wattley is constantly testing and reviewing product us, and swears by Rothy's mega tote for travel days as well as everyday wear. "It feels secure but has easy access to things you need quickly, like your passport," says Radford-Wattley."Day to day, when I want to just throw in everything, I can fit it in the crook of my arm or over my shoulder. It feels durable, and it's machine-washable, so you don't have to worry about it getting dirty."

Dimensions: 13.6" x 19.7" x 7.4" | Materials: Recycled knit | Colors: Cornflower blue, black, magnet gray, navy blue, acid yellow, green plaid, cherry, denim blue, dahlia, ocher dark yellow, walnut, moss green, pebble white, raisin, and summer shale print | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: No

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe

MZ Wallace came up more than a few times when discussing travel totes in the Oprah Daily office. The brand's signature exterior is made from a lightweight padding that's filled with material from recycled water bottles. The end result is a travel bag that expands and reshapes easily for different travel functions. “It's lightweight and scrunches enough to put under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin," says Glassman.

Dimensions: 11.6" x 12.7" x 9.4" | Materials: Recycled nylon | Colors: Cornflower blue, black, magnet gray, navy blue, acid yellow, green plaid, cherry, denim blue, dahlia, ocher dark yellow, walnut, moss green, pebble white, raisin, and summer shale print | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: Yes

Naghedi Cashmere St. Barths Medium Tote

How chic is this carryall? Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box has sported this Naghedi tote for commuting and traveling for years. You'll get extra style points for the gorgeous color and timeless woven design, but the real win is how much you can actually fit in the spacious interior.

Dimensions: 17" x 9" x 5" | Materials: Recycled nylon | Colors: Cashmere, black, and ecru | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: Yes

Paravel Large Cabana Tote

Oprah Daily market director Rae Ann Herman is often seen toting her Paravel. Whether you choose from the small, medium, or large size, the spacious interior offers plenty of room for a travel sweater and other essentials. Paravel's structured style is ideal for seamlessly stacking on top of luggage or on the seat next to you.

Dimensions: 23.75" x 14.5" x 7.5" | Other Sizes: Small and medium | Materials: Recycled canvas and vegan leather | Colors: Shandy beige/tan, Paloma beige/red/blue, marlin gray/blue, and domino black/white | Trolley Sleeve : No | Top Zipper: No

Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily . Follow her on Instagram .

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Airport Trolley

Airport trolleys are useful for transporting baggage to and from check-in desks inside the terminal.

Their sturdy base provides a solid platform for high volumes of luggage on three or four wheels.

Available with a choice of handle styles, basket types, as well as a range of wheel and castor options including deadman brakes, the Handle-iT range of airport trolleys is continuously expanding.

They are also available in a wide range of finishes that suit environments in a variety of sectors.

Lightweight aluminium frames form a rust-resistant body that is also highly durable, making it a vital piece of equipment for sea or riverside ports as well as at airports.

Additional features of our Airport Trolleys

The majority of our airport luggage trolleys have a deadman braking system, preventing a user from moving the trolley unless they are pressing the handle.

It’s a feature that minimises the risk of any accidents, like bumping into another traveller, and prevents a trolley from rolling away.

Every airport trolley we supply is equipped with a coin lock system, giving incentives for customers to return them. By encouraging travellers to leave their airport trolley at the correct storage locations, airport operators can save costs on trolley management and lost trolleys.

Many luggage trolleys also provide opportunities for branding and advertising on their numerous panels. This advertising space can help reduce the cost of your airport trolleys by allowing brands, local businesses, and concession stores to “sponsor” the trolleys in exchange for this advertising space.

Duty-free shopping trolleys are frequently used in concession stores, allowing customers to easily transport duty-free goods.

Due to their size, these lightweight trolleys are extremely easy to handle, providing a small top basket for shopping alongside lower storage for luggage alongside heavier items.

For those who want to have an input on their own airport luggage trolley , we also offer a bespoke airport trolley , meaning that we can modify existing designs or even make them from scratch to your exact specification to any quantity.

If this sounds like something you would like, why not contact us today to find out more?

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Aluminium Airport Trolley - Explorer Range

Explorer Range

The Aluminium Airport Trolley is the head of our Trafficker Range of airport luggage trolleys. Constructed of hardened tubular aluminium, the frame of the trolley is extremely durable yet remains far lighter that its steel counterparts extending both...

3 Wheeled Passenger Baggage Trolley

The 3 wheeled passenger baggage trolley is part of Handle-iT's Explorer Range of airport baggage trolleys. Constructed from tubular stainless steel and mounted on 3 wheels, this baggage trolley is a great all rounder, and features an...

4 Wheeled Airport Luggage Trolley

The 4 Wheeled Airport Luggage Trolley is part of Handle-iT's Explorer Range of airport trolleys. The trolley offers superb manoeuvrability in tight busy terminals thanks to its four swivel castors, and is available in either mild or 304 stainless...

Stainless Steel Luggage Trolley - Explorer Range

The Stainless Steel Luggage Trolley is the head of Handle-iT's Explorer Range of stainless steel airport luggage trolleys. Constructed of high quality 304 stainless steel and mounted on 4 independent steering castors, the trolley is extremely durable...

Stainless Steel Passenger Baggage Trolley

This stainless steel luggage trolley is designed for passengers to easily transport their baggage around site. Popular in ports, railway stations, and airports, these luggage trolleys have a sturdy stainless steel chassis, making them great for seaside...

Heavy Duty Luggage Cart

The Heavy Duty Luggage Cart is the strongest and most durable airport trolley in the Explorer Range of stainless steel luggage trolleys. Constructed of high quality heavy duty tubular stainless steel, this huge 300kg luggage cart mounted on...

Airside Duty Free Shopping Trolley

Airside Duty Free Shopping Trolleys make the duty free shopping experience at your facility care-free. Constructed from high quality stainless steel, this sexy, sleek, and curvaceous Airside Cart reduces the risks of left shopping bags and hand...

Heavy Duty Balance Trolley

The Heavy Duty Balance Trolley or Geest Trolley has the benefits of the turntable trolley range, but with the additional benefit that it is more manoeuvrable, perfect central balance makes even 500kg loads very manageable. Working like a see-saw when the...

Airport Trolley Powered Tug/Pusher

Airport Trolley Powered Tug/Pusher:Management of airport trolleys around your facility can be an expensive job, which unfortunately is critical to ensuring a smooth operation. Moving your airport trolley fleet is not only physically difficult to manage,...

Rollerbed Pallet Container Trailer | 7000kg Capacity

Made for offloading and loading of aviation ULD containers, this rollerbed trailer allows efficient handling of P1P and P6P collection panelling, as well as LD1, LD2, LD3, LD4, LD7, LD8, LD9, LD11, LD26, LD29, LD39 aviation containers. Industrial...

Airport Baggage Trailer with Canvas Sides

Airport Baggage Trailer with Canvas Sides: built to stand the test of time. Here at Handle-iT we know anything used by the baggage handling teams at any airport needs to be designed and built to perfection. Transporting high volumes of cargo around site...

ULD Container Dolly Trailer | LD1/2/3 | 1600kg Capacity

This container dolly is designed for loading of standard ULD containers of classes LD1, LD2, and LD3. The industrial frame is fitted with zinc-loaded rollers to allow easier and more efficient loading and offloading of loads. Industrial...

Aviation Pallet Trailer | 7000kg Capacity

Designed for easier handling of collection panelling and aviation containers, this pallet trailer can support a load of up to 7000kg. This particular model is designed to suit P1P, P6P, PMC, and PAJ collection panelling as well as LD1 and LD2 aviation...

Airport Trolleys FAQs

How do airports use trolleys.

Airports use a wide range of trolleys, including anything from a simple duty-free shopping trolley used by passengers browsing concession stands to large industrial trailers used for transporting freight and cargo around the airfield. 

Handle-iT is committed to constantly improving its selection of airport trolleys, and we welcome input from those seeking to replenish or replace items at their location.

Which material is best for an airport trolleys?

Selecting the right material for your airport trolley is critical if you want to guarantee it lasts a long time. 

Aluminium is light and rust-resistant, but is a softer material that can dent easily.  Mild steel is usually Bright Zinc-plated which is strong, hardwearing, provides a nicer finish, and combats rust.  With stainless steel, you don’t have to deal with rust, but it can be expensive. 

Meanwhile, opting for a plastic airport trolley is increasingly feasible and is being trialled in the marketplace, with an emphasis being put on recycled plastic. ou need to consider the environment that your airport luggage trolley will be used in to help minimise the need for repairs or replacements, as well as how much you are willing to spend. 

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Handle-iT offers a design and manufacture facility in our own factories here in the southwest, where we can manage the whole process.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Getting Around Moscow

The best way to get around Moscow is the metro. Faster and more efficient than the trolley buses and trams, this extensive system has stations that contain beautiful ornamentation, sculptures and mosaics. You could rent a car, but it's best to use public transportation to avoid the city's perpetually congested roads. Plus, street signs are all in Russian. In fact, English signs are nonexistent in the public transit system as well, so it's best to quickly get familiar with a map. Most travelers arrive through Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), but there are several other airports that serve the metro area. Several buses and a metro line shuttle airport travelers to and from downtown.

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