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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 also 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. But if you think you would struggle carrying this model, 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.

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By Madison Flager

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

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

What we considered:

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

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

What size can a carry-on bag be?

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

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

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

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

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

Are carry-on bags free?

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

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

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

• United Airlines

Top recommendations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caroline Morse Teel

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

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

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

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

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

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

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 15” x 10” x 23”

Weight: 6.4 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions:  9” x 16.25” x 22”

Weight: 7.7 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 13.75” x 10.25” x 21.75”

Weight: 6.7 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 23” x 14.5” x 9” 

Weight: 5.4 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 21.65” x 14” x 10”

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

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

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″

Weight: 7.5 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 22.0″ X 16.0″ X 9.0″

Weight: 11.1 lbs

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

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

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

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

Dimensions: 20” x 12.5” x 10”

Weight: 3.3 lbs

5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024

How We Tested These Carry-Ons

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

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

• Size and weight
• Ease of transportation
• Organizational features

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

What Size is a Carry-On Suitcase

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

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

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

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

Is There a Weight Limit for Carry-Ons?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What’s the Best Personal Item Bag for Flying?

Between finding a carry-on that will fit in most overhead compartments, a toiletry bag or Dopp kit for your tiny bottles of shampoo, and an under-the-seat personal item to hold everything you’ll need for in-flight comfort and entertainment, solving the packing equation isn’t easy. To make things even more complicated, there aren’t even standard regulations for what counts as a “personal item” — as my fellow writer Rachael Griffiths explains here , each airline has its own particular requirements. If you’ve purchased a basic fare on a no-frills carrier like Frontier or Spirit, you’ll generally want to stick with a bag measuring 8 x 18 x 14 inches or smaller (and if you’re not sure how to fit everything into that, I’ve written a minimalist packing guide to help). On most other airlines, there’s a lot more you can get away with. Below, find advice from stylish frequent fliers (and Strategist staffers) about the totes, duffels, and backpacks they slip over the handles of their suitcases.

The best personal-item tote bags

Yolo Journal ’s Yolanda Edwards likes travel bags that don’t look like travel bags and can therefore be used for everyday sightseeing and shopping upon reaching your destination. Parker Thatch’s roomy totes fit the bill, and while they don’t have a luggage sleeve, Edwards has no problem slipping the handles of this one over her Rimowa suitcase. “And it’s great for going to the farmers’ market once I arrive where I’m going,” she adds.

“I look for a bag that can sit on top of my carry-on, fit a lot of items, and be easily stored when not in use,” says Daniela Velasco, the creative director of Drift magazine. That bag, for her, is Longchamp’s forever classic Le Pliage tote, which flattens and folds up for storage. Strategist senior editor Hilary Reid owns one in orange and is also “always surprised by how much fits inside.”

Is there a more quintessential carry-all than the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote? Writer and influencer Harry Hill doesn’t think so. “As someone who is usually drawn to more uppity travel bags, this trusty tote is a delight because of how unfussy it is,” Hill tells us. “It fits a ton, it’s super-lightweight, and I don’t have to worry about spilling coffee on the vachetta or putting it on the ground.” Hill suggests monogramming your name — or a crude joke, depending on personal preference. For additional customization, “the colorways are constantly changing, so keep an eye out if you have a specific vision for your tote.” While Hill adds that it’s impossible to go wrong, because any L.L.Bean “will make you look like a Kennedy skipping town,” the zip-up version of the bag will give more peace of mind at the airport.

Sewn in California from leftover sailing canvas, Pacific Tote Company’s bags are similar to L.L. Bean boat totes, except more brightly colored. The company is co-owned by director Roman Coppola (brother to Sofia, who carries Pacific Tote bags on set ) and beloved by bi-coastal film industry insiders. If you work in film and fly between L.A. and New York every other week, you carry your laptop in this pleasingly sturdy bag . Strategist columnist Chris Black is also a fan .

When she’s not traveling with her Parker Thatch bag, Edwards also likes to use Kule’s roomy totes as personal items. Saturday Night Live ’s Chloe Fineman travels with one of these too, and says it fits both a laptop and extra outfit inside. She adds that the “Oy Vey” design is “a little cheeky and a little funny,” as well as a nice reminder of home when she’s on the road.

Here’s another professional-looking, multi-purpose travel tote, as recommended by Strategist writer Lauren Ro. She says it makes a great carry-on personal item because it’s lightweight and custom-designed for air travel, with a luggage sleeve and exterior pockets for stashing chargers and tidbits, as well as a removable crossbody strap.

At least two friends that I know of ended up immediately purchasing a Baggu Cloud Carry-on after I flaunted mine at a destination wedding this past May. Made from weightless but durable nylon, the airplane-friendly version of the brand’s original Cloud Bag can hold a lot of stuff, and the bright colorways stand out in a sea of boring navy duffels at the airport. Puffy shoulder straps make standing in line at security a bit more tolerable, and generous external pockets are handy for stashing a book or water bottle. This bag’s dimensions are actually rather large (14 × 20 × 8 inches) for a personal item, but its bulkiness really depends on how much stuff you pack inside. I’ve taken mine on a personal-item-only Spirit flight with no issues at all, and on longer trips I have also slipped it over the handle of a Samsonite carry-on suitcase using the attached luggage sleeve.

The best personal-item duffel bags

Former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw calls this Patagonia duffel his “ secret second suitcase ,” because its unassuming-yet-roomy interior lets him pack heavy without checking a bag. The Black Hole’s 30-liter capacity is about as large as a bag can be while still qualifying as the “personal item” you can bring onboard with your main carry-on suitcase and slide under the seat in front of you, Cheslaw notes. “Within that capacity, I can easily fit two pairs of shoes as well as a week’s worth of underwear, socks, and thin shirts, relieving a ton of pressure on my suitcase.”

This new-school garment bag, which made our Travel 100 list of the best products to take on the road, can keep a suit or gown unwrinkled while also cleverly storing several other outfits. It’s ideal for destination weddings, and Moonflower wine bar co-owner Rebecca Johnson even took hers all the way to Tasmania for a romantic antipodean getaway with her husband. Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, told me that it’s very popular among her exceedingly well-traveled colleagues.

For both carry-on backpacks and duffels, former Paper fashion editor Mario Abad turns to Dagne Dover’s neoprene travel bags. “They’re the best,” he says. “They’re really lightweight, and they’re made of this scuba material that looks sleek and modern and is nice to the touch.” The bags aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, though. “You can fit a lot of stuff inside — it’s a minimal aesthetic, no busy details or anything, just all the compartments you need.” Jessica Morrobel of  Traveling With Jessica agrees that the Landon is an “absolute lifesaver,” and  Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, is also a fan, especially for quick overnights. The duffel comes in five sizes, but medium is the best option if you know you’ll be flying on budget carriers with strict rules.

The best personal-item backpacks

This is my current personal item backpack of choice. It is designed to slip over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, but over Christmas I took it as my only luggage on a weeklong train trip across Turkey and Georgia and it fit everything I needed, including an extra pair of shoes. The neutral design is as appropriate for day hiking and office commuting as it is flying. But the capacity is the biggest drawcard. Creator Jessica Wright of Bon Traveler is a longtime user and says she is “shocked” by how much it can hold. Great for packers who like to compartmentalize, the interior is separated into various sleeves and sections for a laptop, clothing, and tech items. But you can also remove these compartments and just use it as a black hole bag if needed.

My fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths prefers this sleek Timbuk2 backpack with even more sleeves and compartments for organizing items on the move. It, too, can store “a week away’s worth of clothes and a fat beach read if you’re strategic,” she says. Which is ideal if you’re traveling personal-item-only.

The “clown car of personal items” is what writer and film wrangler Maggie Slepian calls this top-loading backpack from hiker-beloved brand Gregory. When she used it as her only luggage item for a four-day trip to the East Coast last fall, it fit a laptop, notebook, sandals, running shoes, rain jacket, jumpsuit, two pairs of leggings, two pairs of shorts, several shirts, toiletries, socks, undergarments, five pairs of headphones (over-ear, noise-canceling earbuds, white-noise only, corded for the plane, and AirPods for Zoom calls), and snacks. Her water bottle was stashed in the stretchy side pocket.

Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is “a really good bag,” as Strategist contributing writer Molly Dektar observes . Popular among globe-trotting art world types, it can be carried as either a tote or a backpack, depending on the situation, and it folds into its own internal pocket, for easy storage. It is practical without sacrificing style: “Though it is crafted of black ripstop, it does not scream, ‘I hike!’ and though it has a large number of pockets and adjustable straps, it does not scream, ‘I code!’”

Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens is a fan of Patagonia’s Black Hole bags too — but she uses this more traditional-looking one. “ There are one zillion separate little pockets and perfectly sized compartments for things like chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods,” she explains, “as well as slim sleeves for a laptop and magazines.” The bag opens at the top, which means things won’t come tumbling out when you need to grab something. And while there’s a high level of organization happening on the inside, the bag has a smooth exterior: “ I quite like that the outside doesn’t look all that tricked out. ”

Despite fears of looking like a Scandinavian school child or 2012-era hipster, Strategist writer Dominique Pariso is loyal to her Kanken — and she’s not alone among our staff . “This backpack is so light, so compact, and so durable it really is ideal for stuffing under tiny airplane seats,” she explains. “Plus, you can fit way more stuff inside than seems humanly possible given its petite size.”

The best personal-item cross-bodies and fanny packs

Crescent-shaped bags have been everywhere over the past couple of years, but here’s one that’ll stand out from the crowd. Writer and artist Ludwig Hurtado says it’s big enough to fit your phone, headphones, passport, sunglasses, snacks, and even a book or two. And the cross-body strap makes it ideal for travel: “In theory, I love the look of a large tote bag, but when I’m running around the city or the airport, they tend to fall off my shoulder way too easily.” He took his to Paris Fashion Week as well as on a quick trip to Berlin, where it successfully helped him gain entry to Berghain.

On the more affordable side of things, Baggu’s take on the crescent trend is excellent for travel. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and would be lost without it at the airport. It’s comfortable to wear, with a highly adjustable strap and two zippered internal pockets for securing your phone, passport, and wallet. The capacity is huge: I can fit a book and water bottle inside and still have room left over for other items. I’ve machine washed it several times with no issue. And while the bag looks smart, especially in the black colorway, it’s also low-key enough to avoid the attention of pickpockets. Hairstylist Teddi Cranford, who has visited Marrakech five times , says that it’s “essential for the souk,” because you can “just easily grab stuff out and zip it back up.”

Less sporty-looking than the ubiquitous Lululemon belt bag, and constructed from stretchy neoprene fabric that lets you stuff it full if you need to, our favorite fanny pack is perfect for the plane. As Strategist editor Maxine Builder explains, it’s made of “forgiving, easy-to-clean” neoprene, and “it expands a fair bit” so she can stuff more into it.

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The Best Luggage For Travel, According To Flight Attendants

Shopping Writer for HuffPost

Navigating airport terminals, crowded gates and narrow plane aisles is arguably the most stressful aspect of air travel — an experience made even worse when you’re dragging around cumbersome luggage . It’s a scenario any harried traveler can relate to.

The only people who seem to be immune to clumsy baggage woes are flight attendants . Strolling along in their neat uniforms, these frequent-flyers seem to have mastered the art of streamlined travel and know just what to look for when it comes baggage that is functional, easy to maneuver and perpetually organized.

Lucky for us, a few flight attendants shared their secrets and divulged some of their favorite brands and luggage options for everything from carry-ons, checked bags and personal travel, as well as some other suitcase-related tips and tricks.

Read on to find hard-shell suitcases that glide like butter, a multi-compartment carry-on that holds more than you think, a sleek laptop tote that’s a must-have for business travel and the one piece of baggage you need when traveling with a kiddo .

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Before You Go

19 Comfortable Shoes You'll Want To Pack On Your Next Trip

Popular in the community, from our partner, huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in shopping.

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

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

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

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

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

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

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

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Bag for a Lifetime

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

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

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

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Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

Nena Farrell

Medea Giordano

Matt Jancer

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With no universal set of rules for checked luggage allowances, you need to review what you’re permitted to bring with you every time you travel in order to avoid excess charges.

Allowances can differ from airline to airline, with some allocating a total weight allowance and some restricting passengers to a specific number of pieces. Airline policies can also vary depending on the route and will nearly always vary based on the cabin you’re traveling in.

Your ticket will give you the most accurate information for your specific flight. If baggage details are not included on your ticket, you can check out our handy table below that details allowances for over 60 popular airlines.

Where available, you can also click the airline name for a more detailed overview of the airline’s baggage policy, including excess charges and frequent flyer allowances.

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add together the length, width (or height), and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you had a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Traveling light? We’ve also covered carry-on luggage allowances with a similar size chart.

Your airline may allow passengers the ability to prepay luggage online for less than at the airport. Individual airlines’ baggage policies can be found by clicking the airline name in the preceding table or by visiting the airline’s website.

If you will be paying to check a bag on your next flight, or if your luggage is overweight or oversized, use one of the recommended Capital One cards below so that you can be reimbursed for the cost. Each card detailed allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit against travel purchases made in the previous 90 days.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Add authorized users for no additional annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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• Benefits of the Capital One Venture X Card
• Best Ways to Use Venture X Points
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• How To Find the 75k or 100k Bonus for the Capital One Venture
• Travel Insurance Benefits of the Capital One Venture
• Capital One Venture Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Card [Detailed Comparison]
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Fraud coverage
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• No Annual Fee Cards
• Benefits of the Capital One VentureOne Card
• Capital One Venture X Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Card [Detailed Comparison]
• Capital One Platinum Card vs. VentureOne and Venture Cards [Detailed Comparison]
• Best Virtual Credit Cards
• Best Instant Approval Credit Cards
• Capital One Transfer Partners
• easyJet Review – Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, & More
• The 5 Best First Credit Cards For Beginners [April 2024]

Hot Tip:  To view more checked bags, check out our article on the best checked luggage bags for travelers .

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does checked baggage have to be a suitcase.

Checked luggage can come in various forms, from hard-shell suitcases to soft duffel bags or backpacks. Passengers can often also check-in boxes or different shaped packages, providing they adhere to maximum size restrictions imposed by the airline.

What is the largest suitcase you can check on a plane?

There are no set restrictions for checked luggage, so airlines define their own baggage policies. A standard size that is seen consistently across many airlines is 62 inches (158 cm) linear. The weight will depend on the cabin, but quite often the maximum weight a piece can be (with or without overweight charges) is 70 pounds (32 kg).

Do checked bags get searched?

Checked baggage is generally screened using scanners so it’s not usually necessary for a physical bag inspection. TSA has the right to search checked luggage if they choose to and will leave a note inside your bag if an inspection has taken place.

Do wheels count when measuring luggage?

Most airlines will count wheels and handles within the measurements, so you should include these when measuring your luggage.

What is considered oversized luggage?

There is no standard measurement for oversized luggage as this is defined by the airline. A common size seen regularly with many airlines (but not all) is maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

How do I avoid overweight baggage fees?

Be sure to check the policy for your airline, cabin, and particular route before packing your luggage. Use your bathroom scales or a dedicated bag weighing scale. If you find yourself with excessive weight at the airport, try to transfer some items into your carry-on bag.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 10 best personal item bags, tested & reviewed.

Find your best carry-on companion with our top editor picks.

The Best Personal Item Bags

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

When you're traveling on an airplane, there are certain items like your wallet, phone, passport, medications and earbuds that you always want to keep close. These are the items you'll want to pack in your personal item bag, along with other in-flight comfort items or perhaps a few souvenirs you're bringing home with you. When it comes to a personal item, there are many options that could be right for you, though keep in mind what airlines will allow can vary.

What size is a personal item bag?

This item can be a purse , bag or backpack that easily fits under the seat in front of you. For most domestic airlines, your personal item should be 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag that goes into the overhead bin and one personal item bag that can be stowed under the seat. For both carry-on and personal item bags, it's important to check your airline's carry-on luggage size requirements and policies.

To help you decide what personal item bag meets your needs, our editors shared their go-to bags they personally use when traveling by air.

Best Foldable: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hip Pack: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack

Best tote: everlane the recycled nylon tote, best backpack: away the everywhere zip backpack, best organization: nomad lane bento bag, best washable: steve madden quilted weekender bag, best laptop backpack: fila argus 5 laptop backpack, best for adventure travel: osprey nebula 32, best affordable: gorilla wear duncan backpack, best duffel: lipault city plume 24h bag 2.0.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of personal item bags are height by width by depth.)

Nicola Wood | U.S. News

Price: $155 or less

Travelers will frequently spot this classic tote at airports and hotels around the world for good reason. It folds up easily for storage when not in use, and it has a roomy main compartment with a small interior pocket for a phone, boarding pass and a cardholder. Longchamp's Le Pliage Large tote is made of the brand's durable water-resistant nylon and finished with its signature embossed leather trim.

What our editors say:

I love traveling with my Longchamp Le Pliage tote. It's big enough to hold a laptop and all other essentials, and it has both a zipper and a snap-close leather flap, so you won't have to worry about anything falling out during travel. It is versatile enough to use throughout your vacation as a handbag, or you can fold it up and store it away once you reach your destination. The Le Pliage tote is made of nylon, so it is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean after traveling. There is a small interior pocket that can hold a boarding pass, phone or cardholder, or you can pop in a separate organizer from Amazon for multiple interior compartments. The Le Pliage tote comes in a variety of colors, so there's something for everyone. – Nicola Wood , Senior Editor

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $30 or less

If you're looking to travel light and maximize leg space, this Cotopaxi hip pack is ideal. Strap it around your waist or shoulder for hands-free travel, and reach your wallet or passport quickly. There's a spacious main compartment for your phone, wallet and boarding pass. Plus, a front zippered compartment can hold things like gum or earbuds. Constructed of 100% fabric scraps, each hip pack is sustainable and one-of-a-kind.

My top priority when traveling by plane is ample leg room, so Cotopaxi fanny packs are the perfect under-the-seat choice. I like the smaller Kapai 1.5 L Hip Pack for storing my essentials on shorter flights: phone, wallet, tissues, lip balm and earbuds. (There's also a 3L version .) For longer flights, the larger Allpa X 4L Hip Pack can fit a lot more, including a small book, Nintendo Switch and snack. – Leilani Osmundson , Senior Digital Producer

Price: $85 or less

This versatile tote is constructed with recycled nylon, which makes it easy to clean as well as sustainable. The padded bottom helps to protect your laptop and other contents. The main compartment has a zippered pocket and a 13-inch laptop sleeve. You can carry the bag with its tote straps or over the shoulder, and there's an exterior slip pocket for small items.

My favorite thing about this bag is that it's structured, but also easily pliable when it's time to stow it underneath my seat. The exterior pocket allows for easy access to small items like earbuds and hand sanitizer, and the larger main compartment is roomy enough for my laptop, 32-ounce water bottle, snacks, a small toiletry bag and a book. I also appreciate its sleek simplicity and sustainable materials. – Ann Henson , Assistant Managing Editor

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $195 or less

This backpack from Away has a variety of interior and exterior pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve with a magnetic locking zipper, an interior mesh pocket for a small water bottle and two external hidden pockets. It has a versatile design that works for trips to the office, day tours and leisure trips. For carrying options, the backpack has comfortable padded shoulder straps and a trolley sleeve to secure it to your favorite carry-on bag.

For my personal item, I'm all about function over fashion and this bag manages to hit both marks. I especially love the interior key clip – I actually use it for my wallet so I easily find my ID and credit card and not risk losing them. – Amanda Norcross , Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $298 or less

The Nomad Lane Bento Bag has a sleek and professional look that makes it work for both personal and business travel, especially with the 16-inch padded laptop sleeve that you can access from the top. It comes with a toiletries pouch and an electronics organizer that tuck inside two exterior pockets, so you can easily remove them at security. The bag has a variety of organizational pockets, including a trolley sleeve that converts into a pocket. It works well as a personal item bag, and can be used as a weekender bag if you're a light packer.

The Bento Bag is truly exceptional for organization. Not only can it fit a ton for its size, but I love how it also keeps my belongings separated and neat while still easy to access on the go. When I travel with it, the bag is comfortable to carry and fits under the seat in front of me with no issue. I also just appreciate how sophisticated it looks. – Catriona Kendall , Editor

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Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: From $59.98

This timeless design has sturdy straps to comfortably carry the bag through airports and more. It's affordable, durable and machine washable. The interior compartment can accommodate everything from a toiletry bag to souvenirs, yet it still fits under the seat with a comfortable amount of room for your feet.

I've used this Steve Madden Quilted Weekender Bag as my personal item for years. I love the soft-sided design of this bag and it can fit an impressive amount. There's also an interior zippered pocket and two smaller open pockets for organization. Typically, I'll pack my laptop, various chargers, one to two books, an extra set of clothes and shoes, my wallet, my makeup bag, AirPods, snacks, a water bottle, and my phone. – Erin Evans , Managing Editor

Suzanne Mason | U.S. News

Price: $70 or less

Perfect as a work, gym or travel bag, this durable backpack has multiple pockets to keep everything organized wherever you roam. The budget-friendly backpack has a spacious main compartment with an internal mesh pocket and a separate 15-inch laptop compartment. Its padded straps provide comfort while carrying the bag for long periods of time, and the front zippered compartment is ideal for a boarding pass, pen or phone.

I love my Fila Argus 5 Laptop Backpack. I use it for both travel and for work. The backpack has a pocket in the back separating the main space in the back. I usually carry my iPad or laptop there and use the rest of the space to carry any items I couldn't fit in my luggage or trinkets that I'm bringing back for souvenirs. The front pocket I love because it's a zippered space where I can put my important traveling documents and other miscellaneous items needed for my travels. The backpack straps are wide and padded making it comfortable to wear on my back. The backpack is small enough to fit under a plane seat if you need to access the bag while in flight. – Suzanne Mason , Editor

Zach Watson | U.S. News

Price: $140 or less

This spacious backpack offers the design features of a more technical backpack − like a removable webbing belt along with top and bottom compression straps − but with an emphasis on everyday needs. There are numerous interior pockets to keep all of your travel essentials securely stowed, a TSA-approved laptop sleeve and a front zippered organization pocket. The exterior has two deep, adjustable side pockets that can fit two Nalgene-size water bottles. The Osprey Nebula 32 features two padded straps and a breathable back to help make carrying the bag more comfortable, even in humid climates.

My Osprey Nebula 32 is in the running for my oldest personal possession; I've used it for over a decade. That means this Nebula pack started as a college backpack, lugging my textbooks between classes in Chicago snowstorms before joining me in Washington, D.C., where it kept my belongings safe on my humid (and occasionally rainy) bike commutes. Now, I primarily use my backpack for hiking and flying, and it still holds up remarkably well despite my regular mistreatment. I don't intend to replace my go-to personal item anytime soon, so this Osprey backpack has absolutely justified its admittedly high upfront cost. – Zach Watson , Senior Editor

Alissa Grisler | U.S. News

Price: $59.99 or less

Durable and ideal for everyday use or adventures afar, this backpack has a simple design with plenty of packing space. The spacious interior can hold a lot, including your toiletry bag, reading material, change of clothes and more. The laptop sleeve and variety of compartments help to keep items organized and in place. The exterior offers adjustable padded shoulder straps and a waist strap for comfort, a headphone opening, two mesh pockets and a front zippered compartment.

When purchasing a bag, I am looking for something that is durable and multifunctional. With its many storage compartments and large carrying capacity (perfect for the chronic over-packer or anyone who just can't say no to a souvenir), this bag is perfect for both travel and everyday use. – Alissa Grisler , Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $135 or less

Lightweight and constructed with water repellent nylon, this bag is durable, yet sophisticated. There are two large front pockets for smaller items like a 3-1-1 bag, headphones, wipes and small travel essentials, plus a side pocket for a water bottle or small items. Inside, the spacious interior compartment has a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets and a mesh pocket for keeping things organized, in addition to room for a toiletry bag, in-flight needs and souvenirs you find along the way. The bag features a separate zippered laptop compartment on the back, along with a trolley sleeve to attach it to your carry-on bag, like the coordinating Plume Cabin Size Spinner . What's more, it folds flat to save space when not in use.

I bought my original Lipault City Plume bag for my first trip to Europe over a decade ago. It's been a top pick for my travels for years, and it still looks and works great. The updated City Plume 24H Bag 2.0 is beautifully constructed, stays looking great even through the rigors of travel, fits perfectly under the seat and holds a lot. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood strives to be a carry-on only traveler. Over the years she's tested a variety of bags from multiple brands at an array of prices. To curate this article, she asked her team of editors to share their favorite personal item bags that have worked for all types of travel scenarios.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Checked Luggage, Tested by Editors
• The Best Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items .

• Twitter: @AskTSA
• Facebook Messenger:  www.fb.com/AskTSA
• Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
• Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

Search by A-Z

Aerosol Insecticide

• Carry On Bags: No
• Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-on; however they are allowed in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).

Air Mattress with Built-in Pump

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
• Checked Bags: Yes

Air mattresses with built-in pump are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

Airbrush Make-up Machine

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

Alcoholic beverages

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed)

Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol beverages on board. FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant.  Additionally, Flight Attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who is intoxicated.

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. 

Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.

For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

• Checked Bags: No

Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Check with your airline if ammunition is allowed in checked bags. Small arms ammunitions must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask the airline about limitations or fees. Read the guidelines for traveling with firearms.

When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international government.

• Carry On Bags: Yes

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Arc Lighters, Plasma Lighters, Electronic Lighters, E-Lighters

Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include, but are not limited to: removing the battery from the lighter; placing the lighter into a protective case; and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter's activation button.

Each lithium ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams.

Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted.

See FAA regulations for more information.

Artificial Skeleton Bones

Axes and hatchets, sharp objects, household & tools, sporting & camping, miscellaneous.

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You're Packing Your Carry-On Luggage Wrong. How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Bag

Your step-by-step guide to packing your carry-on to get you swiftly through TSA.

• Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.

Make the most of that overhead bin space by finding the right carry-on suitcase, and learning the best way to pack it.

A carry-on bag is most people's security blanket, best friend and lifeline when traveling. Your carry-on often has essentials for the airplane - for me, that means mostly snacks but a carry-on may also include valuables such as passports, medicine, toiletries and cash. If you choose the  right carry-on bag  and pack it strategically, you can fit more and be hassled less as you move through the airport and TSA.

Following Transportation Security Administration guidelines for each major US airline is a must, and doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you ace the experience without getting held up. (For more travel tips, explore the 12 travel essentials you need for every vacation and take a look at  this travel checklist .)

What TSA officials do isn't in your control, but what you pack and how how you pack it for your next trip is. Here's how to pack your carry-on bag efficiently for your next business or pleasure travel.

The best carry-on travel bags

Before you start packing, you'll have to find the right carry-on bag. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

What size carry-on should you get?

The first and most important aspect to think about is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations say carry-on items can't exceed dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, though you might find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane. 

Here's a quick reference for size limits for the most popular US airlines.

Carry-on items by airline

Carry-ons should have an easy access tech compartment.

If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop , iPad , Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. Be sure these compartments are easily accessible, since at security checkpoints, the TSA will require you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic X-ray tray.

Make sure you're carry-on is comfortable on your back or shoulder

Remember, you'll need to lug your carry-on bag or suitcase across the airport and down long corridors, and you might even need to run with it so you don't miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or cushioned straps or a backpack or a rolling suitcase for ease.

The general rule is that all carry-ons must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane. 

How to pack your carry-on the right way

Though what to pack in your carry-on ultimately depends on your preferences, there are a few guidelines for the best way to pack your luggage:

• Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.).
• Pack the things you'll use the least at the bottom of the bag.
• Keep most of your valuables in your carry-on luggage, and store them in side compartments or safely padded around other items.
• Place valuables at the bottom of your bag, away from the opening.
• Keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in an inner pocket so they'll be harder to steal.
• Pack a small, separate bag for toiletries. (Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the  3-1-1 liquids rule : 3.4 ounces or less per container; all liquids must fit in one quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag per passenger.)
• Roll your clothes tightly to save space in your luggage. 

Sometimes you lose your luggage. It happens. Though it's frustrating, it's important to pack a spare set of clothes (including socks and underwear!) in your carry-on to hold you over until your bags are found and returned. Pack clothing that can easily be rolled up and put in the bottom of your bag.

Rolled clothing can save space in your tight bag or suitcase. 

Essential items for your carry-on bag

There's some items that are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you do decide to check a bag, be sure to keep these items with you on the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be hard to replace or purchase when you get to your destination. 

• Prescriptions and medications
• Contact lenses or glasses
• Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
• Cameras and smartphones
• Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops
• Headphones to watch TV or movies if a longer flight
• Chargers for electronics
• Printed itinerary, or hotel and flight confirmations

Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you may forget to pack. 

Place your larger electronics in secure yet easily accessible compartments, since you'll need to pull them out at TSA security checkpoints. 

What you should never pack in your carry-on bag

The TSA has specific guidelines covering which items are banned from flights, and the agency takes those rules very seriously. In 2022 alone, the TSA screened nearly 761 million passengers and crew members nationwide, and it confiscated a record number of firearms (6,301) and many other items. TSA policy says that individuals carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, can face fines or criminal penalties. 

These are some of the most commonly confiscated items:

• Box cutters, utility knives and razors
• Bats, clubs and blades
• Swiss Army knives
• Sharp 

If in doubt, always refer to the  TSA's guidelines on packing for flights, to ensure you have safe and easy travels. 

If you're planning a vacation soon and are stressed about packing or preparing, CNET has plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips:

• I've Traveled All Over the World. Here Are 7 Things I Always Pack
• 6 Smart Ways to Save Money on Travel
• Is Travel Insurance Worth It? What to Know Before Your Next Trip
• 8 Google Travel Features to Make Trip Planning Easier
• Out of PTO? Here's How to Travel Without Using Vacation Days

The Best Travel Gear to Shop for Your Spring Getaways: Carry-On Luggage, AirTags, Packing Cubes and More

Make memorial day travel as smooth as possible this year with the best luggage, gadgets, headphones and more travel gear.

As stressful as travel can be, having the right travel gear can make a world of difference in ensuring your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you're visiting family or taking a little getaway for Memorial Day, odds are you'll be doing some kind of traveling this spring. From the most-loved suitcases on the internet to gadgets for keeping track of all your belongings, we've found the best travel accessories to grab ahead of your next trip.

If your current suitcases have broken zippers or cracked exteriors, it's probably time to upgrade. You can select the uber-popular Away suitcases , or get the ever-reliable  Samsonite duo . For long flights or train rides, make your travels more comfortable with a hanging airplane footrest , noise-cancelling headphones and compression socks .

Below, check out the best travel gear to shop ahead of Memorial Day and all of your upcoming spring vacations. 

Best Travel Accessories to Stay Organized

Apple airtag.

Some of us just have a knack for losing things, and that's where the Apple AirTag steps in. This device simply needs to be attached to keys, luggage or a handbag, and they can be found wherever you left them by tracking the AirTag on your phone. 

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

This spacious bag is suitable for both travel and home toiletry organization.

Bagail Set of 6 Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized. 

Electronic Organizer

Keep your digital accessories and gadgets organized while on the go. This sleek and compact bag is designed with the modern traveler in mind, providing a dedicated space for all your tech essentials.

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

Made with water-resistant nylon, this toiletry bag has an exterior zip pocket for grab-and-go items, plus a coated spill-proof interior to keep your cosmetics in check.

Morfone 16 Pack Travel Bottles Set for Toiletries

This TSA-approved travel bottle set includes a variety of bottles, jars and other accessories to keep your toiletries organized and prevent them from leaking. 

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

This travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place, helping you save space in your luggage. Plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall using the hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries. 

Samsonite NuRoad Lay Flat Toiletry Kit

Keep all your toiletries together and accessible in this flat-laying toiletry kit. It has water-resistant coating for easy clean up in case any of your products spring a leak. 

Best Travel Luggage: Suitcases, Backpacks, and Bags

Away the bigger carry-on.

Away has some of the most popular luggage on the market right now. Before you check out, this splurge-worthy travel gear also offers the opportunity to add a more personalized touch with a customizable luggage tag and a custom monogram on the suitcase itself. 

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-On

The carry-on's micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping it beautiful trip after trip.

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack is a premium travel essential that can seamlessly transition from a reliable carry-on for your laptop on an airplane to a trusted companion on your exhilarating hiking adventures. Store your other travel items in this accessory for a long flight or short trip.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

115L Foldable Travel Duffel Bag with Shoes Compartment

For weekend trips as well as the gym, this waterproof duffel bag has a ventilated side pocket for keeping your shoes separate from the rest of your luggage.

ZORFIN Fanny Pack

Keep your passport, wallet, phone, or other small items within reach with this crossbody fanny pack. Pack this travel accessory in your carry-on suitcase to use during your trip.

Ecosusi Laptop Tote

Keep all of your essentials handy with this stylish laptop tote, complete with plenty of pockets to help you stay organized.

Best Travel Gear for Long Trips

Apple airpods pro (2nd generation).

Apple's latest iteration of the brand's best earbuds are some of the best you can buy. They connect seamlessly to iOS devices and serve up to 30 hours of listening time and even longer with their charging case. 

$249   $189

Napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling

Neck pillows are a classic travel essential that will keep you comfortable during flights and long car rides.

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

This ergonomic memory foam footrest hangs from the tray table for a much more comfortable flight.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Never have to worry about the overweight baggage fee by checking the weight of your luggage before you go to the airport.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Not only will you have remarkable sound quality with these headphones, but you'll also enjoy their Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology that adapts to your surroundings to calibrate the audio in real time.

$350   $159

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

Fight those dark circles and fine lines with these COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel eye patches with its hydrating, plumping and brightening formula.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) with Charging Case

Experience high-quality sound without breaking the bank with these earbuds from Apple.

CHARMKING Compression Socks for Circulation

If you have a long flight ahead of you, you might want to add compression socks to your ultimate travel packing list.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes, 20 Count

Stay safe from viruses and germs while traveling with Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes.

Other Travel Gear Essentials

Atumtek selfie stick tripod.

Ramp up your travel photography game with this selfie stick and tripod duo. The set includes a selfie stick that extends up to 60 inches long, a tripod for the perfect group shot, and a Bluetooth remote to snap the perfect vacation picture.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Getting ready for a vacation abroad? Add this travel accessory to your packing list. This all-in-one travel essential is usable worldwide in over 150+ different countries, ensuring you can plug in your phone charger, hair tools and more.

Collapsible Water Bottle

This collapsible water bottle easily shrinks to fit into your purse or carry-on.

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Best Luggage for International Travel to Make Your Trip Abroad Easy and Enjoyable

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

More Americans are traveling abroad with over “one-in-five Americans planning on vacationing in a foreign country in the near future,” according to Reuters . I myself head to Sweden for a few weeks every summer to visit my in-laws, and packing our suitcases with clothes—both sweaters and bathing suits because Swedish weather can be unpredictable—along with gifts for relatives is a days-long undertaking.

When traveling internationally, most people focus on important stuff like updating passports, understanding customs requirements, making hotel reservations, and planning exciting itineraries, but choosing the right luggage for your long-haul trip ranks up there in ensuring you and yours have a fun and hassle-free trip.

“Choosing the right luggage helps to keep your trip smooth and uncomplicated,” says Ivette Manner s, a travel and bridal writer who goes around the globe for her job several times a year. “I travel often for work and leisure and like to keep things simple. You don’t want to rush through airports, customs, taxis, and public transport being bogged down with a lot of baggage—and you don’t want to make the mistake of leaving anything crucial behind.” she says.

What to consider when choosing luggage for international travel

Situation equals size.

Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend wedding or embarking on a multi-city trip will help you decide which type of suitcase you need: carry-on, mid size, oversized, weekender, and more. Also, how many are in your party? Traveling solo or with family, friends, or loved ones?

Visiting Europe with my family for two or three weeks means we need larger, checked luggage paired with smaller carry-on backpacks and totes for the flights. When traveling for work, Manners takes “one roomy, zip-top tote bag and a medium-size suitcase.” The length of stay, and purpose of travel will help determine the size and type of luggage you need.

Airline compliance

It is zero fun to have to check your carry-on last-minute or pay extra exorbitant fees because you overstuffed your luggage and exceeded weight and size limits. “As soon as you book your flight, check the airline’s baggage allowance and restrictions policy,” cautions Manners, so you can stay within the baggage dimensions. “It’s a good idea to invest in a bag within the baggage dimensions allowed by the airline(s) you frequently travel on, so you’re not surprised at the airport with extra baggage charges,” she adds.

According to TravelPro , while most domestic airlines allow you up to 35 pounds for carry-on baggage for domestic flights and 50 pounds max for checked luggage (though you can pay extra for up to 70 pounds), international travel often caps carry-ons at 18 pounds. The exception being British Airways which allows a whopping 51 pounds for carry-on bags! Kayak says that a carry-on bag should be no longer than 21.5 inches long, though this does vary airline by airline and I have friends who swear they fly everywhere with their 22-inch long carry-on. To be safe, and avoid trouble, always check ahead to know your baggage allowance before your trip!

To stay in compliance—and if you’re someone who tends to overpack (insert raised hand emoji)—Manners recommends getting a luggage scale to keep yourself in check. “Some people also swear by packing cubes,” adds Manners, which some say allows you to pack even more while keeping clothing sorted and wrinkle-free. If you’re new to, but interested in packing cubes, Manners recommends purchasing inexpensive options on Amazon to see if they would work for you before your next big trip.

Luggage should last years and is a worthy investment, but with many high-quality and low-cost options on the market you don’t have to break the bank. Legacy names like Samsonite keep innovation and quality high while still being fairly priced. “Look at a brand’s warranty,” advises Manners, which safeguards against wear, tear, and damages that happen frequently with luggage. For instance, the premium brand, Briggs and Riley , comes with a higher price tag but a lifetime guarantee. I chose bags for this list from around $100 to several hundred dollars to meet all your price points and needs.

Materials and mobility

“People love those fancy aluminum suitcases ,” says Manners. “But while they look super chic, they’re not always practical, not to mention super expensive.” They get banged up and scratched and you have to take them to the brand to get repaired. “But polycarbonate hard shell suitcases can take more wear,” she says. Other things to consider in a suitcase are the materials: are you looking for soft or hardshell? Also, pay attention and test out zippers, locks, roomy interior compartments that can expand, and the durability and quality of wheels.

Our picks for the best luggage for international travel

Best carry-on luggage for international travel: away the carry-on.

The Carry-On in Sea Green

With its signature design, bright colors, and compact design that fits most overhead bins, this popular carry-on luggage from Away checks all the boxes. The hardside carry-on is made from a 100% polycarbonate shell that is durable and lightweight, weighing in at 7.5 pounds. Fans love the interior organization that features zipped mesh compartments, a hanging pocket, and a waterproof laundry bag great for keeping wet—or dirty—clothes separate. The 360 gliding wheels can traverse most terrains, and the sturdy handle has two adjustable heights for ideal comfort. At under $300, it’s a great deal.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Material: 100% polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 39.8 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Price on publish: $275

What we like:

• Meets carry-on requirements for most airlines
• Comes with a TSA-approved lock
• Comes with compression straps to fit more in

What we don't Like:

• It’s on the smaller side for carry-ons

The bottom line:

An accessible-priced and well-designed carry-on that fits on most airlines.

Get it here: Away The Carry-On

Best lightweight luggage for international travel: Samsonite Proxis Spinner

Samsonite Proxis Spinner

I own this large Proxis Spinner from Samsonite, and it’s a piece my whole family loves. We can pack so much stuff in and it’s still incredibly lightweight luggage . My husband loves the technical aspects like the resilient outer shell made from a Samsonite-patented material called Roxkin™ (a multi-layered propylene combined to make one single sheet) that is incredibly durable and will bounce back into shape when dented. The easy-to-handle ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle and the dual 360 spinner wheels help us breeze through planes, trains, and automobiles. I like the interior fabric dividers, compression cross straps, and zipper pockets that help to keep all our clothes organized and in place. And my kids like the mod and metallic colors (like honey gold). The light Proxis line includes a carry-on, medium, large, and extra-large.

• Dimensions: 30.7 x 21.5 x 11.4 inches
• Material: Roxkin™ outer shell
• Capacity: 98 liters
• Warranty: Limited 10-year Global Warranty
• Price on publish: $600
• Incredibly lightweight but durable
• Dual rubber wheels for fluid and quiet travel
• On the pricier side for Samsonite

A surprisingly lightweight and durable suitcase with dual wheels that can zip through the airport and beyond.

Get it here: Samsonite Proxis Spinner

Best large luggage for international travel: Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

My Australian friend turned me on to the premium brand, Briggs & Riley, and this expandable suitcase might have one of the largest capacities of any suitcase on the market. The softside suitcase features a patented CX® expansion release hinge that allows you to expand the bag for up to 34% more packing capability and then compress it back down to its original size when needed.

Everything about this suitcase is quality from its self-repairing zippers, 360 spinning wheels, and genius interior design that features a built-in garment folder to keep clothes wrinkle-free. Plus, all Briggs & Riley bags are backed by their unconditional lifetime guarantee , which doesn’t ask for a proof of purchase or a lengthy explanation.

• Dimensions: 31 x 22 x 13.8-16.8 inches
• Weight: 15.6 pounds
• Material: Ballistic nylon
• Capacity: 141-167 liters
• Warranty: Unconditional lifetime guarantee
• Price on publish: $949
• One suitcase can accommodate multiple travelers
• No-questions-asked lifetime of repairs
• Optional monogram
• You might go over weight limits if you fill it to capacity

A high-quality suitcase that can hold tons with a lifetime guarantee.

Get it here: Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

Best medium size luggage for international travel: Away Medium Flex

The Medium Flex in Sorbet Orange

For those that need more room than a carry-on, but still need something maneuverable, the Away Medium Flex is for you. The newer flex model can expand for an extra 1.75” of space, which can make all the difference when traveling for weeks and allows for the fun souvenirs and duty-free goodies you’ll bring home. The Flex comes with all the details. Away is known for great interior organization that includes zippered compartments, snap-in-place straps, a laundry bag, and quiet 360 wheels that smoothly glide over tough terrains like cobblestones.

• Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches
• Weight: 10.8 pounds
• Material: Polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 68.8-75.7 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Price on publish: $395
• Nine fun colors
• Expandability
• TSA-approved combination lock
• Reviewers say the lighter colors scuff easily

A pretty and expandable suitcase ideal for longer travel.

Get it here: Away Medium Flex

Best affordable luggage for international travel: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange

With over 34,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this 24-inch spinner features many of the qualities of other suitcases on this list, but is priced at under $100. Available in carry-on, medium, large, and a luggage set, the budget spinner has an extra-tough thermoplastic exterior that can handle the bumps that come with travel. It has double wheels for easy gliding, a telescoping handle, and can expand up to 15% to hold more clothing—or souvenirs.

• Dimensions: 24.7 x 11.4 x 18.3 inches
• Weight: 9.63 pounds
• Material: ABS Thermoplastic
• Capacity: 69 liters
• Warranty: One-year limited, but you can add a three to four-year protection plan at an extra cost
• Price on publish: $78.35
• Limited warranty

A durable and highly-rated suitcase that won’t break the bank.

Get it here: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner

Best soft luggage for international travel: Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

“In my opinion, TravelPro makes great softside suitcases and they last for years.” says Manners. “I like to use these best for international travel because I don’t have to worry about them getting banged up or scratched. They’re economical and lightweight.”

Travelpro is used by many flight crews around the globe, so they know the qualities that you want in a bag. This medium size spinner is the ideal size with 97 liters of capacity and a two-inch expansion capability to last you for days (and weeks) of travel. The Travelpro comes in nine pretty colors, is lightweight at under 10 pounds, and easily glides with magnetically-locking wheels that can rotate a full 360 degrees for smooth transport through airports and city streets.

• Dimensions: 28 x 18.5 x 11.75 inches
• Weight: 9.8 pounds
• Material: High-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating
• Capacity: 97 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage, but must register it first
• Price on publish: $365.49
• Bin tested to be compliant with most airlines
• Built-in suiter to reduce wrinkles
• 100-day money-back guarantee
• Haven’t found it yet

Affordable, high-quality suitcase favored by frequent fliers that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Get it here: Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

Best hardside luggage for international travel: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Garnering thousands of reviews, this Samsonite Freeform spinner line is a perennial hardside luggage favorite because it can handle major wear and tear. The hard shell is made from polypropylene (a thermoplastic) known to handle high stress. The double wheels add extra durability, even when other luggage is placed on top and 360 mobility, so there’s less strain on your body when traversing through airports and destinations. It has an expanding capability of 1.5 inches for packing on longer trips and the interior features lots of dividers and zippers to store accessories and keep everything neat and organized. Coming in at under $200 with a 10-year warranty, this is a solid suitcase for your travels and it’s available in carry-on and large versions.

• Dimensions: 27.9 x 19.6 x 13.4 inches
• Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Material: Polypropylene
• Capacity: N/A
• Price on publish: $179.99
• Lots of color choices
• TSA-approved lock
• Would like a more expansive warranty
• Height on the Medium Spinner makes it too big for carry-on

Affordable and resilient luggage with high packing capacity from a name brand you can trust.

Get it here: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Best luggage set for international travel: Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Béis, the luggage line founded by actor Shay Mitchell, allows you to mix and match two or three of your favorite rollers, creating your own personalized luggage set —and you get a discount. You can choose from any of their cases: from their best-selling 21-inch Front-Pocket Carry-On to their Medium, Large, and kid-friendly Mini Roller. I love that the Front-Pocket Carry-On and Mini Roller meet most international airline requirements, and all the hard cases are made from sturdy polycarbonate with vegan-leather details. Choose two suitcases and save 10% and pick three pieces for 15% off.

• Dimensions: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 21.5 x 3.5" x 9 inches, Carry-On: 22.8 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches, Medium Check-In Roller: 28.3 x 17.7 x 11 inches, Large Check-In Roller: 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches, and the Mini Roller: 17 x 9 x 16.5 inches
• Weight: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 8.6 pounds, Carry-On: 8.36 pound, Medium Check-In Roller: 10.2 pounds, Large Check-In Roller: 11.84 pounds, Mini Roller: 7 pounds
• Material: Polycarbonate, vegan leather trim
• Capacity: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 47 liters, Carry-On: 49-61 liters, Medium Check-In Roller: 78-94 liters, Large Check-In Roller: 112 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty when purchased from Béis or authorized Béis retailer
• Price on publish: Two rollers 10% discount, three rollers 15% discount
• Female-founded
• Calming color options
• Cute kid rollers
• Limited warranty (though it is lifetime)

A fun and flexible mix-and-match luggage set that allows you to choose the cases that best suit your travel needs.

Get it here: Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Best trunk for international travel: July Checked Trunk

July Checked Trunk

“I love using a trunk suitcase when I am traveling for an extended time or when I’m going to a cold-weather place and need to pack lots of bulky coats and sweaters,” says Manners. Traveling with a trunk suitcase has a fun, sophisticated feeling, and the old-world trunks of the past have now made way for lightweight and playful options like this one from July. Available in 11 pleasing colors and with personalization options, this chic trunk with 360 spin wheels, comfy rubber handles, and roomy 80/20 split compartments might be your new favorite travel go-to.

• Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Material: Glazed polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 95 liters
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults
• Price on publish: $595
• Lightweight
• Can be personalized
• Reviewers suggest going with matte finish, as scratches on shiny colors are more noticeable

This sturdy and sleek trunk is extra roomy for bulky items.

Get it here: July Checked Trunk

Best backpack for international travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack in Indigo

I own this colorful and lightweight backpack from Cotopaxi that can fit the packing needs of an overhead-compliant carry-on with the ease of a backpack. It zips open to reveal a suitcase-like interior with mesh, zippered pockets and compartments to keep everything organized. It comes with a waist belt, in addition to adjustable straps for better weight distribution, and it comes with four grab handles so you can carry it from every angle. I especially like the laptop space and compartment at the top for quick access to essentials like money, your passport, and sunglasses. For additional backpack options, read our guide on travel backpacks .

• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Material: TPU-coated 1000D polyester, 840D ballistic nylon paneling
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Warranty: Guaranteed for Good limited lifetime warranty
• Price on publish: $200
• Carry-on compliant with most airlines 
• Comes in so many fun colors
• Certified B-Corp company 
• Made from 94% recycled materials
• Included rain cover
• Straps can be loose on smaller shoulder frames

On the pricier side of backpacks, but it has a lot of wonderful features and organization.

Get it here: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Best duffel bag for international travel: CALPAK Luka Duffel

CALPAK Luka Duffel in Copper

This best-selling Luka duffel from CALPAK can pack everything you need for a weekend—and still counts as a personal item, fitting comfortably under your seat. It has a trolley sleeve that slides through suitcase handles so it can rest comfortably on your luggage as you zip through the airport. It has nine pockets, including one for your shoes, and it’s made of water resistant polyester, so like most duffel bags it looks good and lasts for years to come.

• Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: Polyester
• Capacity: 25 liters
• Warranty: One-year limited
• Price on publish: $128
• Comes in 19 eye-catching colors
• Has both handle and strap options
• Can fit under airline seat
• Some colors are final sale, so check the fine print

Lightweight and roomy personal bag that can still fit under your seat.

Get it here: CALPAK Luka Duffel

Best weekender bag for international travel: shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

“I highly recommend the shortyLOVE Friday Weekender bag” says Manners.“ It’s super roomy and streamlined, not bulky at all, and the straps are super comfortable, you hardly feel it’s on your shoulder.” Though it has a sleek design, it can fit all of your important documents, jewelry, and clothes for any quick trip. The water-resistant nylon bag comes in five colorways and is easy to clean.

• Dimensions: 15 x 27.5 x 9 inches
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Material: Water-resistant nylon twill
• Warranty: None
• Price on publish: $298
• Roomy yet streamlined
• No warranty

Roomy and stylish weekender that is sturdy and comfy.

Get it here: shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

Best size luggage for international travel

“I like medium-size check-in suitcases,” says Manners.” It helps keep you from overpacking, but allows you to take what you need for a week of travel. And you’ll be able to move around easier in transit.” If traveling alone or sharing a suitcase, we find medium size suitcases (usually around 26-28 inches in length) to be ideal. Look for suitcases that can expand and compress for extra packing needs. Weighing around 10 pounds empty, you can pack a lot, but make sure you don’t go over the airline weight limits.

Tips for buying a suitcase for international travel

Online retailers and outlet stores are both great places to buy luggage , especially during major shopping days. But you should first check the baggage requirements of the airline you intend to fly, including restrictions, and extra charges, so you’re not met with any surprises.

Once you’ve determined your right size, Manners suggest “finding one with well-made spinning wheels and a comfortable, sturdy retractable handle.” Another thing to consider is the material, like soft side, hard side, waterproof, etc. And don’t forget important details, like durable zippers, solid locks, and lots of room and interior compartments to pack everything you need. Many brands offer 60-100-day free trials and money-back guarantees, so utilize these policies to try out the luggage before you invest.

How we selected the best luggage for international travel

As a former travel writer and editor myself, I have zig-zagged continents for work and leisure. I also tapped jet-setting friends, colleagues, and experts who weighed in on their favorite luggage. I tested different brands, read through customer reviews and looked at certain criteria.

Luggage size and type

Whether you’re jetting off for a swanky girls weekend or a longer trip abroad, the type of trip you’re taking will help determine which luggage to choose, so I rated them all (weekender, duffel, backpack, carry-on, larger checked suitcases, and trunks), examining their storage capacity, expandability, organizational features, weight, and construction.

Features and materials

Luggage these days offer so many high-tech features, like charging ports and nearly-indestructible thermoplastic exteriors, as well as fun extras including laundry bags, TSA-approved locks, multiple storage capabilities, along with lifetime guarantees that will help your luggage last a lifetime.

International airline compliance

I found international baggage allowance to differ slightly from American domestic, so be sure and check your airline baggage requirements first before travel. That said, for carry-ons, the general rule of thumb is for an international carry-on to be no bigger than 21.5-21.7 inches long and weigh 18 pounds. Again, while rules (and adherence) vary from airline to airline, to be safe, I chose carry-ons that meet these requirements.

I chose luggage at every price point and chose the best in class across the board from budget to luxe in all types of luggage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which luggage brand is best for international travel.

Well-known luggage brands like Samsonite and Travelpro have earned reputations for both quality and affordability, so they made my list. “I really recommend Away and TravelPro suitcases,” adds Manners. I also included more expensive options like Briggs & Riley, because their no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee on all of their luggage is unmatched industry wide.

Is hard luggage better than soft for international travel?

“Some people love hard case bags, but I find that you can pack more things in a softside suitcase.” says Manners. Hardside versus softside is really a preference. Softside seems to scuff less because of the treated materials, while hardside suitcases can also handle wear and tear and seem to be more trendy these days.

What is the best material for checked luggage?

“That depends on preference, but a nylon with coating to prevent scuffs and scratches for softside luggage, and polycarbonate-shell or thermoplastic are incredibly durable If you like hard case suitcases,” says Manners.

How many suitcases can you take on an international flight?

This often depends on the type of airplane ticket you purchase. Some tickets include your first checked bag for free, then you have to pay a fee for additional bags. Other tickets don’t include baggage, so you’ll have to pay a certain fee for the first checked-in bag, plus fees for additional bags. Look into bag allowances before you buy your tickets, warns Manners, so you can factor the cost of your checked bags into your flight—and avoid surprises at the airport.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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How to prevent lost luggage and avoid all that arrival stress

From trackers to luggage covers, these tips on how to prevent lost luggage can help ensure you and your suitcase actually arrive together.

• Krissy Howard
• April 17, 2024

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.

Imagine this — you prepped and planned for an upcoming trip, checked in, got your tiny seat and endured the flight, only to find that your luggage isn’t in the same place you are. This is not a great way to start any trip!

Recovering lost luggage is a notoriously annoying process, but there are a few things any traveler can do to prevent their bags from getting lost in the first place. These tips and tricks won’t guarantee that your bags will make it to your destination, but following them will give you the best chance that they will.

Check Your Bags Early

In the same way that you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to get to your gate, grab a snack and hit the restroom before you board, your bags also need ample time to get tagged, scanned through security, carted to your plane and stowed away — so you’ll want to get to the airport early.

How early can you check your bags for a flight ? If you’re flying domestically, try to give yourself about two hours before your boarding time when you have a bag to check. International jet setters should leave a bit more time to stay on the safe side, and about three hours is generally recommended to get yourself and your bags safely checked and boarded. If you’re headed overseas or have more than one checked bag, have an agent check it for you rather than self-checking through a kiosk, but be sure to not arrive too early and stick with the timing windows we mentioned earlier.

Add an Apple AirTag to Your Items

OK, this won’t exactly prevent your bag from becoming misplaced by your airline, but if your suitcase does become lost, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where it is when you have an AirTag tracking your luggage . AirTags are Bluetooth tracking devices that allow you to keep a digital eye on your belongings. All you’ll need to use one is an iPhone or an iPad and the Find My app, which comes with those devices.

Just make sure your Bluetooth is on. The AirTag and Find My Network will communicate with each other to stay in touch, showing you exactly where the tag — and your bag — is at. This can help expedite the retrieval process big-time and give you a bit of peace of mind while you’re in transit. And if you don’t have an iPhone, try a Tile tracker instead. 

Get Rid of Old Tags

Similarly, get rid of old tags to avoid any confusion. Not only are tags with outdated info going to be unhelpful in the event that your items go missing, but old check-in tags might make things messy for your current flight, which no one needs!

Tear those off entirely before checking your bag for a new flight, including any stickers or barcodes that might have been added to the sides of your suitcase. In a viral TikTok from last year, a worker at Ontario airport explained that there’s a chance old stickers can be scanned accidentally, which may result in them being sent to the wrong place.

Make Your Bag Easy to Spot

What’s the best way to spot your bag? Make it hard to miss! Applying stickers, personalized luggage covers  and brightly colored ID tags are the easiest and most effective ways to help your bag stand out. Even opting to buy a suitcase in a non-traditional color could help make your bag more visible among the sea of black, gray and beige bags that most people tend to carry.

One thing we don’t recommend adding, however, is loose straps, long tags or ribbons, as those items can easily snag or get stuck in security machines amid the check-in process. Instead, consider a luggage cover. One option from the Explore Land Store fits snuggly over most suitcases without any loose edges or straps. It comes in 24 different looks and four sizes, so you’re sure to find something to fit your bag and your style.

Opt for Direct Flights

This isn’t always going to be possible, but if you have the opportunity to do so, we recommend booking a direct flight . No layover means no bags being carted from one plane to another, which removes the possibility that your stuff will get lost in the shuffle.

If you can’t avoid a layover (which can be pretty hard to do most of the time), do your best to book legs that have a longer interval between the landing of the first flight and the taking off of your next one. This helps ensure that your bags have ample time to make it to the next part of your trip.

MORE: Never Lose Your Luggage Again With This Clever Idea

Label Your Tags With Current Info

The best way to ensure that your luggage won’t be lost is to carry it with you onto the plane. But more and more, flights have been asking passengers to check even their carry-on items should the cabin get packed. If you have to hand over your carry-on, be sure it’s clearly labeled with your current contact info, especially a cell phone number, along with a contact back home in case you’re in airplane mode.

These eight distinctly different tags are as easy to label as they are to spot, so if you’re wondering how to prevent lost luggage for under $8, look no further! Finally, remember to always keep tags outside the bag and inside as well, whether it’s a carry-on satchel or a full-sized suitcase . On an internal tag, you can provide more information, since it won’t be visible unless your luggage is opened.

Avoid the Airline and Ship It Instead

If you have items you absolutely cannot lose for any amount of time, or if you just don’t trust that your airline will get your stuff sent to where you’re going, there’s one more option — ship your stuff! Shipping companies like the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, and UPS are great ways to ship domestically, while DHL helps plenty of people send their items overseas safely. In addition to that, there are a few luggage shipping companies that may be more cost-effective, including Luggage Forward and LugLess.

Do you use any of these tricks to keep your bags by your side? What’s your favorite way to prevent lost luggage on a flight?

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Carry-on Luggage and Personal Item Size Limits (2024)

Text Callout : Key Takeaways - Carry-on Luggage Sizes

If you're traveling with carry-on luggage and/or a personal item, you'll need to adhere to size restrictions in the same way you do with checked bags . These rules include the dimensions of your carry-on bag and, in some scenarios, even the weight.

What size luggage is a carry-on?

While carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline, several major carriers go by these dimensions.

Airlines calculate carry-on luggage size measurements using two methods:

• Height by width by depth:  Most – but not all – airlines measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth, such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches. (Note: The dimensions listed below, which are given according to that formula, may differ slightly from the way each individual airline formats its size requirements.)
• Linear inches:  A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three dimensions. As long as the combined height, width and depth don't exceed that number, you're in the clear.

Can a 24-inch bag be a carry-on?

Yes, a 24-inch bag can be used as a carry-on suitcase when flying with the following airlines: Frontier, Southwest and Sun Country . However, if you're shopping for new carry-on luggage, it's best to opt for something that meets the requirements for most major airlines (22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller).

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?

Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items.

Carry-on vs. personal item: What's the difference?

A carry-on bag is typically stored in a plane's overhead bin, while a personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow economy passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal item – such as an underseat bag – at no extra cost.

Carry-on luggage sizes by airline

Click on the major domestic and international airlines below to see their carry-on luggage size restrictions in inches for economy passengers – and note that any handles and wheels on your bags count toward size limits as well.

Category Navigation Box Enhancement : Table of Contents - Travel - Carry-on Luggage Sizes

Alaska Airlines

See all Alaska Airlines carry-on policies.

Allegiant Air

The fee is often around $20 if you pay for your carry-on baggage at the time of booking; it costs a hefty $45 if you add a carry-on bag later – and up to $75 at the gate.

See all Allegiant Air carry-on policies.

American Airlines

The above rules also apply to basic economy tickets.

See all American Airlines carry-on policies.

Delta Air Lines

Note that if you're flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai, there is a 22-pound weight limit for a carry-on; for Singapore, there is a 15-pound limit.

See all Delta Airlines carry-on policies.

Frontier Airlines

There are two instances where the carry-on bag fee is waived:

• You're an elite member of the  FRONTIER Miles rewards program .
• You bought a specialty ticket like the WORKS bundle.

Also note that carry-on bag fees, which typically start at around $30, depend on your destination, and that prices are cheapest if you add baggage when you make your booking. You'll pay more to add it later, especially if you do so at the airport. Sometimes it's actually cheaper to purchase a checked bag instead of a carry-on.

See all Frontier Airlines carry-on policies.

Hawaiian Airlines

See all Hawaiian Airlines carry-on policies.

If you booked a Blue Basic ticket, you're only permitted to bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a carry-on bag, you will have to pay $65 to check it at the gate (or up to $180 if you've already checked two other bags). However, select customers with Blue Basic fares can bring carry-on bags for free. These include:

• Active U.S. military personnel
• Unaccompanied minors
• Customers flying to London

If you purchase a higher-class seat or if you reach Mosaic status on JetBlue's TrueBlue rewards program , you can also bring a carry-on bag for free on a Blue Basic ticket.

See all JetBlue carry-on policies.

Southwest Airlines

See all Southwest Airlines carry-on policies.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit's carry-on bag fees vary between flights, but they tend to start at around $25 to $30 for U.S. domestic flights. If you need to bring carry-on luggage, it's always cheapest to pay for it when you first book your flight. It will cost you more to add a bag afterward – and at least double the initial fee if you do it at the airport.

See all Spirit Airlines carry-on policies.

Sun Country Airlines

The Sun Country Airlines fee for a carry-on bag is around $30 if you pay for it when booking, or more if you add it later.

See all Sun Country carry-on policies.

United Airlines

There's one notable exception for carry-on baggage with United: Passengers with a basic economy ticket can only take one personal item on board – no carry-on bag. This policy applies to travelers flying basic economy domestically or between the U.S. and Canada. If you have a basic economy ticket and are going to Central or South America (including Mexico) or taking trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, you can bring a full-size carry-on bag.

See all United Airlines carry-on policies.

Aer Lingus' carry-on policy depends on where you're flying. For trans-Atlantic flights, you can bring one carry-on bag within the dimensions above, plus a small personal item for free. If you're flying within Europe on Aer Lingus, the rules are a bit different: You'll have to pay a fee to bring a carry-on with you on board, starting at 5.99 euros. However, you can check that same bag for free.

If you're flying Aer Lingus Regional (a service with smaller planes, flying mostly around Ireland and the U.K.), a smaller carry-on limit applies: 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches, with a weight limit of 15 pounds.

See all Aer Lingus carry-on policies.

All Aeroméxico customers can bring a standard carry-on bag and a personal item on board. Be careful with the weight limit, though: For international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico, these two items combined cannot weigh more than 22 pounds. So, if your carry-on bag weighs 15 pounds, for example, your personal item cannot be more than 7 pounds.

See all Aeroméxico carry-on policies.

While there's no weight limit for carry-on luggage, Air Canada says your carry-on bag should be light enough that it can easily be lifted into the overhead bin. Also note that airport purchases (for example, larger duty-free items) count toward your baggage limit.

See all Air Canada carry-on policies.

Note that both your personal item and carry-on bag (referred to as "hand baggage") combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds if you're traveling economy. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.

See all Air France carry-on policies.

All Nippon Airways

A variety of personal items (think a handbag and umbrella) are permitted as long as they fit under the seat in front of you; this includes any items purchased at the airport.

See all All Nippon Airways carry-on policies.

British Airways

If airline staff put a yellow tag on your bag, it should be stored under the seat in front of you.

See all British Airways carry-on policies.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has shifted from a weight allowance to a piece allowance, and this policy varies by itinerary. Passengers are generally permitted to bring one carry-on bag plus a small personal item (and assistive devices like a walking stick), but it's best to check your booking carefully to confirm the exact allowance. You're asked to check in any baggage that's too heavy to lift into the overhead compartment.

See all Cathay Pacific carry-on policies.

Since easyJet is a budget airline, standard fares only allow customers to bring one personal item (called a "small cabin bag") aboard for free. Fees for standard carry-on bags are between 5.99 and 32.99 British pounds, depending on your destination and when you add an extra bag to your reservation.

See all easyJet carry-on policies.

The above rules apply to all economy passengers except those traveling from Brazil, whose carry-on luggage can weigh up to 22 pounds. Emirates only allows economy passengers to bring one item on board; whether you bring a carry-on bag for the overhead bin or a personal item to tuck under the seat, this bag must comply with the size limits.

See all Emirates carry-on policies.

Be aware that the 22-pound weight limit applies to both your personal item and carry-on combined. If your flight was booked through Iberia but is operated by Vueling, similar rules apply, but the size limits for your carry-on bags are slightly smaller.

See all Iberia carry-on policies.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

If you're traveling on the cheaper Light ticket, you may be asked to check your carry-on bag for no extra cost, if space is limited.

See all KLM Royal Dutch Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Lufthansa carry-on policies.

The above rules apply to LowFare+ customers. Passengers who fly LowFare (comparable to Basic Economy fare) can only bring a personal item (underseat bag) measuring 15 x 11.5 x 7.5 inches.

See all Norwegian carry-on policies.

Qantas 

Economy passengers can opt to bring a nonrigid garment bag measuring 45 x 24 x 4 inches (or 73 linear inches) instead of a standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on bag. The above rules apply to all economy tickets and vary for higher classes on international and domestic flights with Qantas.

See all Qantas carry-on luggage policies.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways allows passengers to bring multiple personal items provided they fit under the seat in front of you. Unlike with other airlines, laptops and laptop bags do not count as personal items and must fit within your main hand baggage allowance. For tickets issued in Brazil, the carry-on weight limit is 22 pounds.

Be careful: Qatar doesn't accept carry-ons longer than 20 inches, which is shorter than many other airlines.

See all Qatar Airways carry-on policies.

Ryanair is a low-cost carrier, so unless you pay extra, you can only bring one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, per the personal item guidelines above. To bring a larger carry-on bag, travelers need to purchase Ryanair's Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option, which typically costs between 6 and 32 euros depending on your destination.

See all Ryanair carry-on policies.

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Scandinavian Airlines

Most (but not all) Scandinavian Airlines fares allow you to bring one traditional carry-on bag, plus a personal item, which SAS calls an "underseat bag." There's one exception: Passengers traveling within Europe on the Go Light fare must pay for a larger carry-on bag. If you booked a Go Light ticket for intercontinental flights, a carry-on bag is included.

See all Scandinavian Airlines carry-on policies.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has an unusual method for measuring carry-on bags – the dimensions of the bag must not add up to more than 45 linear inches total. For example, a bag measuring 15 x 15 x 15 inches would be suitable. All passengers can bring one bag of this size, plus a smaller personal item. The personal item, whose dimensions are specified above, does not count toward the 15-pound carry-on limit.

See all Singapore Airlines carry-on policies.

Turkish Airlines

See all Turkish Airlines carry-on policies.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic lets every passenger bring a carry-on bag, including children younger than age 2. You can bring a bag weighing no more than 13 pounds for your child, in addition to a collapsible stroller and/or car seat. Each passenger is also allowed to bring a handbag or small backpack, an umbrella, a walking stick and airport purchases. Take note: Laptops do not count as personal items on Virgin Atlantic and should fit into your main carry-on bag. There's no specific size limit on the other personal items, but bags or airport purchases should fit under the seat in front of you.

See all Virgin Atlantic carry-on policies.

Note that the above rules apply to passengers who book a TimeFlex or Premium Fare, as well as anyone traveling with a child under age 2 and/or requiring special assistance at the airport.

See all Vueling carry-on policies.

See all WestJet carry-on policies.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a seasoned traveler who packs just one carry-on bag and a personal item – even when adventuring with her toddler . She used her personal experience and research skills to put together this guide, and notes that even if your carry-on bag meets size restrictions, you may still need to check it at the gate because of limited space in the overhead bin. Luckily, it's still free.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Carry-on Backpacks
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on?
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

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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