best travel briefcase

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The 15 Best Travel Briefcases for Men & Women [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

775 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3120 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider With Briefcases

1. water-resistant briefcase for your daily commute, 2. nylon briefcase from a reputable luggage brand, 3. big size briefcase with carrying options, 4. expandable briefcase for large laptops, 5. briefcase on wheels for frequent flyers, 6. the best-designed briefcase for stylish commuters, 7. upscale leather briefcase for the discerning traveler, 8. carry-on briefcase bag with a built-in usb, 1. the best eco-leather ladies briefcase, 2. great-looking briefcase for fashion-conscious travelers, 3. functional women’s briefcase on wheels, 4. super water-resistant ladies briefcase, 5. practical pu leather ladies briefcase, 6. the best vintage ladies briefcase, 7. roller briefcase for ladies on the move, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

A briefcase offers a practical and stylish way to carry your laptop, files, notebooks, and other essentials with you on your daily commute. Some are spacious enough to carry extra items you might need for a night or 2 away, while others are lightweight and versatile enough to be used on a daily basis.

Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, finding the right briefcase to suit your needs doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Before you buy your next briefcase, consider the following:

Size and Capacity

If you are planning on using your briefcase for school, college, or work, you will need to be able to fit your laptop , work files, textbooks, and other must-have work essentials in with ease.

Depending on the size of your laptop, the padded compartment will need to be able to accommodate it , so be sure to carefully read the description before you buy. You should also be sure that it can fit full-size folders or documents if you intend to use it while working.

Hot Tip: Some briefcases offer the ability to expand a few extra inches, giving you extra interior space to store your files or fit a change of clothing in.

If your briefcase is simply for carrying your laptop to work and back, it just needs to offer excellent protection and space for a few extra essentials.

However, if you are headed away on a business trip or need to carry your gym gear, lunch bag, and other day-to-day items, look for a briefcase that offers expandable compartments or extra space to ensure that you don’t need to carry extra bags with you.

Briefcases often feature a structured design, which can make them heavier than a comparable tote or duffel bag. While this won’t be so noticeable while the bag is empty, briefcases can feel quite heavy when fully loaded.

Material and Durability

Briefcases are usually made from heavy-duty material as they are designed to offer increased protection. Polyester, canvas, leather, and vegan leather (PU) are all popular choices, and all have their own distinct advantages.

Suppose you are doing a lot of traveling with your briefcase. In that case, you may want to look for materials that offer some resistance to water and always check that the hardware and zippers are high-quality to ensure that they stay stronger for longer.

While your working life may be stressful, there is no reason that your briefcase should put any additional stress on your body. On the contrary, ergonomic shoulder straps can help distribute your belongings’ weight , and wheeled briefcases can make light work of longer journeys.

Also, consider how you access your belongings. For example, front flap pockets make it easy to grab your passport, cell phone, and other essentials in a hurry, and wide-mouth zippers ensure that you can easily slip your laptop and files in without a fight.

Wheels vs. No Wheels

Some briefcases come with wheels and a telescoping handle, making it easy to pull your belongings along beside you.

These types of suitcases are great if you need to carry lots of files and documents with you and can also be used as a carry-on when flying.

Bottom Line: Wheeled briefcases can be super useful and will make it much more comfortable to carry lots of gear, but they are generally larger and heavier than a regular briefcase, so only buy one if you need the extra capacity.

The 8 Best Briefcases for Men

Ytonet 17 inch laptop bag.

This smart-looking laptop briefcase is made from high-quality, water-resistant polyester and is perfect for business trips.

Offering plenty of multi-functional compartments, it comes with 2 front zipper pockets, a main compartment that can comfortably house most 15.6-inch laptops, a file compartment, and a back zipper pocket to keep your valuables safe.

Offering a super-useful expansion zipper, this roomy laptop briefcase can also be used to store clothes and other essentials for overnight stays. With a padded shoulder strap, grab handles, and a back panel that can be looped over the handle of your suitcase, this is the perfect choice for frequent flyers.

What We Like

• This briefcase looks much more expensive than it is

What We Don’t Like

• 17-inch devices can be a squeeze if they are thick

Samsonite Classic Multi Gusset Toploader Briefcase

This smart-looking briefcase from Samsonite is packed full of useful compartments, and the sleek good looks make it a practical choice for stylish commuters.

Made from durable ballistic nylon, it comes with a padded laptop compartment that is suitable for devices measuring up to 15.6 inches , and the gusset feature opens wide to hold your files and folders.

With additional compartments for your laptop peripherals and zippered mesh pockets to hold your pens and other accessories, it offers all the space you need to work on the move.

With a padded shoulder strap, wrapped grab handle, and a trolley sleeve, it is easy to carry, and the front zipper pocket offers easy access to your passport and other essentials in transit.

• Designed to fit everything you need
• The shoulder strap is surprisingly narrow

CoolBELL Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag

This versatile travel bag is plenty big enough to hold your 17.3-inch laptop, and the spacious design still offers room for extra clothing.

Offering 3 different ways to carry your gear, the straps can be used as a backpack, a messenger bag, or a shoulder bag , and with 4 outside pockets, you can easily organize your essentials.

Made from high-quality materials, it comes with a padded laptop compartment and extra pockets for your files and peripherals, and the ergonomic design ensures that it remains lightweight and easy to carry, even when full.

• This is a versatile briefcase with lots of pockets
• It doesn’t feel particularly durable

KROSER Premium Laptop Bag

Made from environmentally-friendly canvas poly fabric, this is a durable and water-repellent laptop bag that looks smart and performs brilliantly.

With a roomy laptop compartment that can house up to a 17.3 laptop , you can take your work with you, and the expandable capacity offers extra space for files, folders, or even a change of clothes.

The easy-to-reach zippered front pocket lets you access your most important documents easily, and the adjustable carry handle, sturdy PU handles, and luggage strap on the back ensure a comfortable carry, even when full.

• This bag fits everything you need and even more.
• It could do with more padding

Alpine Swiss Rolling 17″ Laptop Briefcase

This awesome rolling briefcase measures 19 x 14 x 9 inches, making it just right to use as a TSA-approved carry-on , and will the ability to hold a 17-inch laptop, it is a great choice for regular business users.

Organized and secured, the main section comes with various compartments for all of your essentials , and the zipper closure has secure dual combination locks that can be set individually to keep your belongings well-protected.

With side pockets that are spacious enough for legal files and the ability to expand up to 2 inches, you will have all the space you need for your important work documents. This briefcase also features a telescopic handle, 4 in-line skate wheels, and a detachable carry handle to make light work of longer commutes.

• This is a really durable briefcase
• The wheels seem a little small for the size of the case

Kenneth Cole Reaction Keystone 17″ Laptop Business Portfolio

Offering designer good looks and a practical interior, this awesome briefcase from Kenneth Cole is made from durable 1680D ballistic polyester and has a fully-lined interior.

The front compartments offer easy access to your passport, cell phone, and other essentials, and on the inside, the main compartment is designed with a checkpoint-friendly/EZ-scan feature that lets you keep it safely tucked away while going through airport security .

The dual top handles and padded shoulder strap ensure that it is always easy to carry, and the rear exterior trolley strap allows you to slip the briefcase over the handle of your spinner suitcase to create the perfect travel system for business trips and longer stays away.

• Genuinely has enough room for your 17.3-inch laptop plus files and accessories
• The shoulder strap feels surprisingly flimsy

Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase

This finely-crafted briefcase is made from smooth and supple genuine leather, and the spacious design is an awesome choice for everyday use.

With a padded laptop compartment that can comfortably house up to a 15.6-inch laptop computer, it also offers a variety of compartments and pockets for keeping your files and accessories well-organized.

The comfortable carry handles are sturdy enough to support the weight of the bag , even when full, and with an expandable compartment, you can even squeeze in a few extras for overnight stays.

This bag also features a SmartPocket design that can be slipped over the handle of your spinner suitcase for more convenient transportation.

• It really has been built to last
• The shiny surface makes it look more like faux leather

Matein Rolling Laptop Bag

This awesome rolling briefcase comes with a USB interface and built-in cable that allows you to charge your devices (using your own choice of power bank ).

With a spacious front zippered pocket, you can enjoy easy access to your most used documents and essentials while you travel, and the spacious main compartment is large enough to carry your clothes, shoes, and other much-needed items.

With a padded compartment that will keep your 15.6-inch laptop well-protected and a zippered accordion-style file holder, this case offers all the space you need for business trips and overnight stays.

With 4 in-line skate wheels and a retractable handle , this bag is easy to pull along behind you, and the compact 17.7 x 9.5 x 13.7-inch dimensions make it carry-on-compatible for most airlines.

• Practical and super spacious
• The laptop compartment is towards the front of the bag, meaning it can tip over

The 7 Best Briefcases for Women

Easegave laptop bag for women.

Available in a choice of 10 stunning colors, this beautiful Suffiano eco-leather briefcase offers plenty of space for all of your daily business essentials.

With a dedicated and well-padded compartment to hold your 15.6-inch laptop, it also features further structured interior compartments, as well as 2 slip pockets and a zip-fastening pocket for smaller items.

Understated and incredibly chic, this laptop briefcase also comes with a turn-lock flap closure to keep your belongings secure , and with a lined interior and adjustable strap, it offers a stylish way to carry your work around with you.

• This briefcase bag looks and feels gorgeous
• The strap isn’t particularly strong

ECOSUSI Women’s Briefcase

Made from smooth and luxurious vegan leather, this gorgeous women’s briefcase looks pretty as a picture. With elegant, vintage styling, it comes in a selection of colorways, and the spacious interior offers all the space you need for your day-to-day essentials.

On the inside, it has room to carry a laptop measuring up to 15.6 inches, and the additional zipper pockets are perfect for keeping your wallet, cell phone, and other items safe on the move.

The adjustable strap makes it easy to sling the briefcase over your shoulder , and the unusual cut-out design with an oversize bow and magnetic closure makes this an excellent choice for fashionable commuters and students.

• Extremely high quality for the price
• It’s not big enough for large folders

Solo New York Bryant Rolling Bag with Wheels

Versatile enough to be used for work, school, or even nights away, this rolling briefcase bag is spacious enough to carry plenty of your business essentials.

Made from high-quality materials, it comes with a fully-padded 17.3-inch laptop compartment and features a zip-down organizer section and file dividers to ensure that you stay well-organized.

With a push-button telescoping handle and 4 smooth-rolling wheels, you can pull your belongings along behind you, making light work of long journeys and business trips away.

• Plenty of storage space and padded protection
• A 17-inch laptop is a bit of a squeeze

Bagsmart 17.3 Inch Laptop Bag

Offering excellent value for money, this versatile and practical women’s briefcase bag comes in a selection of fashionable colors.

Made from durable and water-resistant polyester fabric, it comes complete with metal hooks and zippers, and the well-thought-out design offers plenty of space for your laptop, files, pens, and other essentials.

The padded laptop compartment can comfortably house devices measuring up to 17 inches, and the expansion zipper offers extra inches for clothing, files, textbooks, and so much more.

With an ergonomic shoulder strap, this bag is comfortable to carry, even when full , and the back slip pocket slides over the handle of your spinner suitcase for increased convenience on longer journeys.

• It will let your larger laptop slip in and out easy
• It can feel quite heavy when fully loaded

LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag for Women

Fashionable and full of character, this gorgeous satchel-style bag comes with a padded computer compartment that fits devices measuring up to 15.6 inches.

With lots of lovely interior pockets, this is a practical bag for everyday use , and the 2 large pockets on the front make for easy access to your most essential items.

Made from high-quality PU leather, it has a distinctive design and gorgeous hardware, and the zippered back pocket offers a safe place to quickly access your valuables.

With a sturdy carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap, this briefcase provides a stylish and practical way to haul your work, school, or college essentials with you, everywhere you go.

• It will easily fit your laptop and peripherals
• More for fashion than it is for durability

CLUCI Women Oil Wax Leather Briefcase

Available in a selection of stylish colorways, this upscale briefcase is made from soft, 2-toned cowhide leather . It has a super-stylish look with a durable fabric lining and high-quality hardware.

The large capacity interior has a padded laptop compartment for 15.6-inch devices, and the further inner pockets, card and pen slots, front magnetic pocket, and hidden back pocket offer plenty of space for all of your school or workplace essentials.

With an external U-shaped zipper, you can easily access your items, and the adjustable handle and attach-a-bag strap make it easy to carry or attach to your suitcase for increased convenience.

• It feels soft and supple
• The design makes it feel quite heavy

Kensington Contour Balance Notebook

This incredible carry-on bag comes with super smooth, inline skate wheels that make it easy to maneuver.

With the look and feel of a regular tote bag, it hides a multitude of clever design features , and the laptop compartment with built-in drop protection ensures that your 15.4-inch laptop will remain well-protected in transit.

The ergonomic design hugs the body and shifts the center of gravity for a more comfortable carry, and being 25% lighter than traditional rollers, you won’t need to worry about lifting it into the overhead compartment. With an organizer front pocket and additional zipper pockets, it offers all the storage space you need for business trips and busy days.

• The super-smooth wheels
• The grab handles can get in the way of accessing the compartments

From colorful cases to luxury wheeled options, there are a ton of great briefcases to suit every kind of traveler. With padded laptop compartments, organizer pockets, expandable zippers, and lots of useful extra storage, a modern-day briefcase offers so much more than just a portable file holder.

With options to suit school kids, college students, and business users alike, and available in a wealth of styles for every budget, a laptop briefcase is an investment in your day-to-day success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a suitcase and a briefcase.

Business professionals typically use a briefcase to hold documents, whereas a suitcase is larger and used to hold clothes and toiletries.

Are briefcases bad for your back?

Briefcases could be bad for your back, but only if they are too heavy. Briefcases are usually carried in one hand or over your shoulder using a strap, which means that the weight is not evenly distributed. If your briefcase is lightweight and not full, you should be able to carry it without any back issues.

Do people still use hard briefcases?

The use of hard briefcases has been on a hard decline over the last couple of decades as they have fallen out of fashion. However, soft briefcases are still widely used and both a practical and stylish option for business professionals.

Can you put a laptop in a briefcase?

A lot of modern-day briefcases will have a dedicated laptop compartment. Most will comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop, but some have been designed to accommodate a 17-inch laptop.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The 20 Best Briefcases for Men, Tested by Style Experts

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THE PERFECT accessory needed for your professional life is a briefcase. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a young, up-and-coming professional, choosing the right briefcase is a decision that should not be taken lightly. In fact, with the best briefcase for men at hand, you're not just a businessman—you are the business, man.

Best affordable briefcase

Ytonet expandable travel briefcase with organizer.

Best rugged briefcase

Filson dryden briefcase.

Most Versatile briefcase

Mack weldon ion briefcase.

Best Travel Briefcase

Bellroy tokyo work bag.

Best Affordable Leather Briefcase

Time resistance leather briefcase.

best premium briefcase

Troubadour pathfinder slim briefcase.

Best everyday briefcase

Longchamp boxford l crossbody bag.

Best expandable briefcase

Briggs & riley expandable work-brief.

Best waterproof briefcase

Rains texel tech bag.

Best value briefcase

Samsonite classic leather toploader.

A true gentleman's essential, the best briefcases for men will not only complete your business or office attire but also keep your belongings organized in impeccable fashion. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The best briefcases for men need to be crafted from high-quality, durable materials—from leather to ripstop nylon to waxed canvas—that can withstand the rigors of daily use, wherever you’re headed. The best briefcases for men also should have ample space and smartly organized compartments inside to accommodate your laptop, gadgets, documents, and other essentials, keeping them orderly and easily accessible.

Lastly, from classic leather designs to modern sleek options, the best briefcases for men will make a lasting impression in any business-friendly setting to make you look professional as well. With these factors in mind, our team has tried on and tested different briefcases on real-life occasions to find the 20 best that will instantly elevate your professional image. Refined, rugged, and ready for anything, our 20 best briefcases for men will not only meet but also exceed your expectations.

Best Crossbody Bags | Best Gym Bags | Best Travel Backpacks | Best Laptop Bags | Best Sling Bags | Best Messenger Bags

This Amazon bestseller has amassed over 6,000 five-star ratings. Customers love its no-frills design and polyester exterior that's stain and scratch-resistant, so it can take a licking during your daily commute.

Plus, it's expandable with plenty of compartments to hold your computer, water bottle, and everyday carry. We love that this spacious laptop bag in fact offers independent compartments for all your essentials with front zipper pockets to file compartment to a foam-padded sleeve accommodating even large laptops

But that's not all: the expansion zipper allows you to increase the capacity so that it'll be able to carry as much stuff as a duffle bag! We also love how the strap lets you attach the briefcase securely to our luggage, freeing our hands during travels. Switch between the removable shoulder strap and soft carry handle for the most comfortable way to carry it.

These days, you can take a briefcase to less manicured offices like, say, a construction zone. This one from Filson checks all the boxes of a work brief, and it's infused with the outerwear brand's all-weather features like a water-repellent nylon fabric and slotted pockets to hold small multi-tools.

Firstly, we love how crazy comfortable it is to carry: it is light, with handles made of bridle leather that'll soften up and mold to your hand over time. There's a strap for slinging it across your back, and even a trolley strap to slide over the handle of your rolling luggage.

Secondly, it looks very tough. Made from water-repellent, abrasion-resistant nylon, this briefcase case held up to our heavy use and even comes with a double layer over the bottom to last even longer. Lastly, it just looks good. While you might not sport it to some fancy skyscraper office, it's hella everyday-friendly and makes you look rugged and professional at the same time.

Mack Weldon bills this as a hybrid briefcase that works like a portable desk, and we have to agree. It's loaded with functional compartments, and a padded organizer panel to keep charging cords, headphones, and your wallet safely in place. Plus it even comes with an adjustable strap to clip on like a mini messenger bag.

Crafted with 100% industrial twill, this lightweight, ultra-portable briefcase is built to last and designed to revolutionize your work life. Equipped with two padded tech compartments, your valuable devices stay safe and secure inside the Ion. Our favorite part is that it's got a non-slip laptop rest that ensures stability while you work on the move. There's even a handy organizer panel for cords, pens, and more, which has helped us organize our essentials effortlessly and effectively.

Frequent flyers will love this brief with tons of travel-friendly details like a clamshell opening that lays flat in an overhead bin, water- and scratch-resistant fabric made from recycled materials, and an internal mesh divider to hold and separate your electronics and underwear. A perfect carry-on for those last-minute business trips.

All in all, this professional commuter briefcase gives us ingenious use of space and smart compartments. Inside, you'll find a well-organized sanctuary for all your essentials, from a laptop sleeve to a tablet slip to raised mesh sunglasses and elastic slip pockets. We also love that it's got a quick-access front pocket and a hidden water bottle pocket to ensure we stay hydrated while traveling. The zip opening is also very wide, allowing for easy access. Plus, the luggage pass-through slides effortlessly over a suitcase handle, making travel a breeze.

Another Amazon bestseller, this one receives top marks for its classic buckle design and its premium leather construction at a relatively affordable price point. Beyond its value, customers love how sturdy it is, holding up even after years of use.

Crafted to withstand the test of time, this leather briefcase uses durable hardware, tear-resistant lining, and reliable YKK zippers to ensure a look that will get better with age, and we love how the shell has already developed a nice patina after one year of usage. In addition, this briefcase is also designed with your comfort and everyday practicality in mind, featuring multiple pockets inside and outside, a convenient key lock closure, and a padded, adjustable shoulder strap. Overall, we found that its spacious dimension plus timeless look easily cater to your professional needs while providing a striking presence.

This is really a smart, well-designed briefcase, and I have been recommending it to a lot of folks. It’s fancy and sustainable and does not look cheap at all. Crafted from premium lightweight and waterproof fabric, it has been able to keep my valuable contents safe and dry, even on rainy, snowy days. Inside, you'll find a large external pocket and a padded compartment specifically designed to cradle your MacBook with care, not to mention a handful of pockets and slips and compartments here and there (and probably too many paper-type compartments than you might actually use).

We also love its big outer sleeve, which lets us store really essential stuff and keeps them easily and readily accessible. For the avid traveler, this briefcase comes with a trolley sleeve as well that slides effortlessly over luggage handles. If you're searching for a travel/work bag that blended low-profile, high-quality, and solid utility, this is it.

This is my go-to briefcase for a workday in the office or a casual day out with friends or a work-filled weekend when I need to carry a laptop with me to grind in a nearby Starbucks. I personally am a fan of its flap close: crafted with both zip closure and a flap closure with magnetic buttons, it has ensured my belongings are securely stowed to provide me some peace of mind on the go. And I love how adjustable the shoulder strap is to offer me the perfect fit for my comfort, whether I carry it over one shoulder or crossbody-style.

Inside, you’ll find spacious tablet and laptop pockets that cater to your modern tech needs, and the multiple internal pockets will keep your other essentials tidy and within reach as well. And the look roams somewhere between rugged and professional, with a shell fabric that has been able to withstand any wear or tear for over two years so far for me.

Briggs & Riley Expandable Work-Brief

Budget-friendly, Briggs and Riley's bestselling brief is crafted from 1600D ballistic nylon to be water- and abrasion-resistant so it can last through years of commuting. Customers love how lightweight it is given its ample storage. More importantly, it is expandable on demand, providing an additional 2.5 inches of packing space for those spontaneous travel needs.

Inside, you'll find a monstrosity of organization: the three-section layout comprising an organizer, main compartment, and laptop compartment. And your effortless everyday organization awaits with its elastic slip pockets, pen loops, and gusseted compartments too.

In addition, we love how the zip-around expansion, corner SpeedThru™ pocket, and convenient slip-through back panel add to the briefcase's overall travel-ready design. The bag can also be packed traditionally or laid flat like a suitcase, accommodating bulky items with ease.

Zip up and gear up for a seamless, safety-first commute with this waterproof briefcase. Here we consider it a must-have for daily adventures. Constructed from Rains' signature waterproof PU fabric, not only does it feel extra smooth it also ensures carrying strength and durability so it’ll last you. While it boasts capacity, its clever design and reduced proportions keep the whole thing easy to carry and light. Still, there are various zips and front utility pockets which are perfect for storing passports, chargers, and other small essentials.

A large zip pocket sits between the front pockets and the main compartment, offering ample space for small tablets and notebooks. Inside the main compartment, you'll find a padded laptop sleeve, along with zip and mesh pockets for even more efficient organization.

A no-nonsense briefcase that gets the job done. We love how it's part practical and part professional and part stylish. Offering specialized compartments for all your tech essentials and a dedicated back compartment for seamless file organization, I've been able to experience the ease of organization that every professional deserves with this briefcase. Convenience is also at our fingertips with its easy access front zip pocket and the large front organizer pocket, complete with tablet and phone pockets, as well as pen pockets.

We also found this briefcase really comfortable to carry. It features a full-sized top handle and an adjustable, detachable strap with a non-slip shoulder pad. At this under-$200 price tag, it's practically a steal.

Ralph Lauren Leather Messenger Bag

For guys that still have a formal office dress code, this stately bag goes well with any suit. It's made with burnished leather for a tasteful luxe finish that looks at home in a boardroom, corner office, or a power lunch.

Lands' End Waxed Canvas Laptop Briefcase

When it comes to your everyday briefcase, dependability is key. This in particular can carry your essential files, laptop, and work tools to make it an indispensable part of your professional life. Its waxed canvas outer even evokes a sense of ruggedness every time you use it. It feels natural, earthy, and downright satisfying to touch while ensuring sturdiness and reliability.

TUMI Alpha Bravo Academy Briefcase

Here's a luxe travel brief that'll get you from the tarmac to your office meeting. Lots of storage pockets for knick knacks and overnight clothes, while its navy nylon fabric makes for a polished finish.

Solo New York Grand Central Attaché with Combination Locks

Despite its very old-school and pre-modern design, this attaché briefcase is actually quite functional. Its classic black leather outer screams sophistication and professionalism, while its interior offers a large capacity main compartment, providing ample space for all your essentials. You’ll also be able to stay organized with the interior organizer section and the file pocket with a Velcro closure. And if security is a priority, this briefcase even has a dual combination lock system to safeguard your belongings.

Mark & Graham Harvey Leather Briefcase

A classic leather briefcase for the classy man. Not only does the Harvey boast carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for seamless travel, but its impeccable craftsmanship makes it extra long-lasting and effortless at elevating your professional style. We also love how the outer will get better looking with age and develop a nice patina over time.

Inside, the multiple interior pockets and a laptop sleeve will offer the necessary organization for your bits and bobs. For a personal touch, you can even add a subtle foil or debossed monogram.

Shinola The Slim Traveler Brief

Here's a leather bag that's more business casual than formal. It's slightly baggier than those buckled briefs but still has a refined finish to make it office-appropriate. Available in two colors, we prefer the brown one, which has a collegiate-striped strap that makes it an ideal graduation gift.

Tecovas The Briefcase

Tecovas, a purveyor of dope-looking cowboy boots, also applies its Western craftsmanship to its marquee briefcase. Made with durable presidio leather, this slightly rugged, highly-stylish bag looks just as good as other leather briefcases worth thousands more.

COACH Metropolitan Slim Brief

If you're a suit-and-tie guy who needs a good-looking briefcase that still pairs well with your Casual Friday uniform, get this one from Coach. The Slim Brief lives up to its name: sleek, slender, and rendered in beautiful glove-tanned leather that shows co-workers you really mean business. But don't let its lean frame fool you: it's still spacious enough to hold a 15-inch laptop and a handful of folders.

Banana Republic Suede Briefcase

Make a lasting impression at the office or on a leisurely day trip with this beautiful, gentleman-like briefcase. Crafted from soft yet sturdy suede, it’s a luxurious accessory that will age gracefully, becoming your own treasured heirloom for probably generations to come. With a zip compartment at the back, an internal laptop sleeve, and zip pocket storage, it’s also hella functional. All in all, we love how it is equally suited for work or leisure, serving style and substance at once.

PORTER-YOSHIDA & CO. Porter Tanker 3way Briefcase in Olive

Todd Snyder specializes in updating menswear essentials with a utilitarian, Americana aesthetic. Take its Porter Tanker brief, which takes inspiration from MA-1 flight jackets and has three layers of protection for your office gear. Its exterior keeps it looking professional, like a dressy bomber jacket.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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The Best Briefcases for Men Help You Secure the Bag

By Gerald Ortiz , Michella Oré , and William Goodman

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It comes for all of us eventually—the creeping realization that you need to graduate from your backpack to (gulp) a briefcase. But only the best briefcases for men will ensure that you don't just shuffle your way into the real world, but burst into it like you own the place (or at least look like you kind of, sort of belong). Sure, your beloved book bag can haul your laptop just fine, but if you're gearing up to fly the coop, you should probably dress like it, too.

The Best Briefcases for Men, According to GQ

• The Everyday Pick: Bellroy Via Work Bag , $129
• The Mega-Value Pick: Time Resistance Full-Grain Leather Briefcase , $233
• The Rugged-but-Refined Pick: Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase , $495
• The Leather Pick: Carl Friedrik Palissy Briefcase , $745
• The Convertible Pick: Porter-Yoshida & Co. Tanker 3Way Briefcase , $674
• The Travel-Ready Pick: L.L.Bean Stonington Daily Carry Work Bag , $119
• The Rolling Pick: Tumi Alpha 3 Collection Compact 4-Wheel Briefcase , $825
• The Large-and-In-Charge Pick: Thom Browne Mr. Browne Briefcase , $3690
• The Splurge-Worthy Pick: Goyard Ambassade Briefcase , Price upon request

Take to me to : How to Choose the Right Briefcase for You | How We Made Our Picks

Investing in a briefcase might feel a bit, uh, old old-fashioned . But your daily work bag doesn't have to look so dusty. After all, our modern-day working experience isn't so tied to stuffy cubicles as it is a local cafe or shared workspaces…or our own kitchen. And briefcases have morphed accordingly. These days they're lighter, but no less well-constructed, more adaptable to the many environments and “offices” we inhabit. And, crucially, they're a lot more stylish. That’s not to say the bags aren’t still elegant (they very much are), but they’re capable of taking a licking and still ticking. But only the best briefcases will look better the more you use them. Briefcases also help you focus on the essentials, ensuring that you’re not overpacking while providing plenty of storage. Dedicated laptop sleeves provide safe and secure storage with siloed zipper pockets for tablets, notebooks, and even smartphone pockets. Having everything organized in one place can help eliminate the digging around that sometimes happens in larger-sized bags, as everything is essentially all right at your fingertips.  So it's time to grow up, but if you're not sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered with a veritable A-team of options. From the hyper-technical to the rugged workhorses to the classically elegant, the high-end flexes to the affordable entry points. So, yes. Investing in a briefcase might feel like the turning of a page to being slightly more serious—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun considering all the new options in the process.

The Best Everyday Briefcase: Bellroy Via Work Bag

Via Work Bag

Bellroy's got a knack for minimalist design with maximalist functionality and its Tech Briefcase is a deceptively simple bag that belies its many features. The strategically-designed interior delivers maximum storage capacity in a handsome minimalist package. Unzip the sturdy nylon shell to pack in everything you need for a day at the grind: a laptop, water bottle, and a spare sweater to battle office AC extremes. Inside you'll find a padded laptop sleeve, a mesh zip pocket for keeping your smaller items like keys and sunglasses protected, and a generous center cavity for anything else you may need to haul to and from the office. On the outside, it's got a cleverly hidden zip pocket for easy-access items like a book or an iPad as well as a luggage pass-through feature that lets you attach it to luggage. Its weather resistant fabric and coated zippers help protect your goods from the weather, too. But the most clever feature might be the hidden AirTag slip pocket so you can feel safe and secure.

The Best Value Briefcase: Time Resistance Leather Briefcase

Time Resistance

Full-Grain Leather Briefcase

Amazon might not be the first place you look for a top-shelf briefcase, but we'll forgive the oversight. Crafted in Italy from fine full-grain leather with heavy brass hardware, this classic design by Time Resistance is fit to pair with your sharpest suits. Got an important meeting coming up first thing…Monday? Don't sweat it, that's what Prime is for.

The Best Rugged-but-Refined Briefcase: Filson Original Briefcase

Rugged Twill Original Briefcase

Filson has a storied legacy going back to the Gold Rush days as a manufacturer of quality and dependable goods and clothing, which is to say that their Original Briefcase is built to last. Constructed from a heavy-duty twill fabric that’s similar to what you’d find on a sturdy work or chore coat , the exterior will stay together no matter how rough on it you are. It’s also lightly waxed so that it’s water-resistant if it gets caught in the rain. Critically, the bottom is super reinforced so that when you’re loading up the two wide stow interior pockets, the fabric won’t rip or shred. Plus, the interior pockets keep everything organized and at a glance when you need it most. Rugged yet refined, the Original Briefcase is pretty much exactly what you’d want from a bag nowadays: something capable yet timeless and with plenty of functionality so that you buy it once and hold onto it forever.

The Best Leather Briefcase: Carl Friedrik Palissy Briefcase

Carl Friedrik

Palissy Briefecase

Briefcases are so inherently utilitarian that it might be odd to think of something so functional as sexy. And yet, that’s exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you see Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Briefcase. It feels like the briefcase you’d see the employees of Sterling Cooper carrying back in the ‘60s, thanks to an extremely elegant vachetta leather, which is the de-facto go-to material for high-end bags. But it’s not just that gloriously smooth, blemish-free exterior that will age gracefully. The gorgeous nickel-silver hardware really pops and will only look better the more you use the bag. Plus, it’s on the slimmer side of things, while still ensuring you’ve got enough room for a laptop, a tablet, and multiple other essentials thanks to a handful of interior zipper pockets. So, yes, this is a sexy bag, thank you very much!

The Best Rolling Briefcase for Travel: Tumi Alpha 3 Briefcase

Alpha 3 Collection Compact 4-wheel Laptop Briefcase

A rolling briefcase is a briefcase in the same way that a flying car is a car. And we'll admit that, personally, collectively, we'd probably opt for any other briefcase on this page, paired with some of our favorite carry-on luggage , to handle our business class needs. But with those confessions out of the way, we recognize that some of you are living that Up In the Air life, and optimization trumps vibes. So cash in those credit card points and get Tumi's Alpha 3 Collection rolling briefcase.

It's a softshell briefcase that holds laptops up to 15" and lets you knock out a 2-day trade show without subjecting your spine to 12-hour days lugging presentations and paperwork. Since there's no need to stay svelte, the Tumi brings a removable accordion folder, mesh panels, a gang of media pockets, a USB-A port (though it's BYO battery), and enough room for a change of clothes. Maneuvering through the airport is easy, too, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels and a sleeve that easily attaches to your other luggage, making for a kind of rolling luggage totem pole. Of course, it passes muster as a carry-on, so you don't have to worry about checking your work essentials. After that, your only concerns are figuring out in-flight WiFi and how to expense those in-flight whiskeys.

The Best Convertible Briefcase: Porter-Yoshida & Co. 3Way Briefcase

Porter-Yoshida & Co.

3Way Tank Briefcase

Todd Snyder

Porter-Yoshida & Co.'s Tanker bag is inspired by military flight jackets: you can see it in the standard-issue sateen fabric with contrasting orange interior, which makes finding your goods easy. Visibility gets even easier: the main compartment hinges open from one side, lying flat like luggage. Technically there's no laptop sleeve, but the slimmer zipped pocket is where you'd stash your MacBook. (We'd recommend bringing your own protective sleeve.) But we haven't gotten to the “3Way” part of the Tanker's name—and why we love this brief. It can go from tote to cross-body to backpack in a flash, with integrated backpack straps flipping out of a zipped pocket and clipping into place in seconds. Which makes running around town (or the terminal) a lot easier on your spine.

The Best Briefcase for a Weekend Away: L.L.Bean Stonington Work Bag

Stonington Daily Carry Work Bag

If you need to carry a change of clothes—maybe because work's taking you on an overnighter, or you're hitting the gym before clocking in—you want a bag that can handle the extra gear without looking like you dragged your weekender into an executive meeting. Bean's hybrid is simple enough to blend in everywhere, but has enough structure to keep things looking put together. Canvas, leather handles and zip pulls, and L.L.Bean's classic Northeastern style bring a vintage (but not old-timey) style. We'd probably opt for one of the two darker colors; they look a little more serious, and since this is untreated cotton canvas, they'll hide the inevitable coffee spills and accumulated dirt better.

The Best Splurge-Worthy Briefcase: Goyard Ambassade Briefcase

Goyard Ambassade briefcase

There's a reason your favorite rappers all name-drop Goyard a dozen times an album. The French luggage and bag house deals only in absolute grails, the type designed specifically for flaunting at your side as you descend the stairs of a private jet. This soft-sided briefcase allows you to bring all that pure opulence with you into work every day, with its iconic hand-painted, coated-canvas exterior and calfskin trims practically screaming, “I'VE MADE IT!” And honestly, if you've hustled hard enough to afford a bag this beautiful, you really have. (Speaking of price, we should clarify: Goyard's Ambassade is, obviously, not $0. Goyard doesn't sell this bag online. You'll need to call or visit a shop to get yourself hooked up. Prepare to spend four figures.)

The Best Large-and-In-Charge Briefcase

Thom Browne

Mr. Thom Briefcase

Office attire had been in the doldrums before Thom Browne came along to shift it into high-fashion territory . Of course, his brief is going to do the same. The elegant bell shape pays homage to vintage luggage, opening like a doctor's bag so you can dig around inside easily. Brass hardware against the lightly pebbled leather, with a small hit of Browne's signature red-white-and-blue grosgrain on the hang tag feels very now . There's only a single zip pocket built into the lining, but acres of space in there—at eight inches front-to-back, this brief's double the depth of almost every other briefcase option here. That means it'll happily fit your laptop, documents, and everything else during the workweek, then swallow a couple Oxford cloth button downs and some underwear as a chic weekender bag.

Your Briefcase-Related FAQs, Answered

There are a few non-negotiables when it comes to a quality briefcase, in our eyes: A laptop sleeve, ideally padded. At least two compartments for stashing chargers and things like keys, pens, and a granola bar for the midday lull. It should close so people can't dash off with your MacBook while you're ordering a half-calf.

From there, we get into matters of priority. Personally, we want enough space to stash a water bottle (hydration, so important). We also want the option to carry it with handles or sling it over our shoulder with an (ideally removable, definitely comfortable) strap, because not every day needs to be arm day. But we have a fashion-forward model or two that don't have either, and one Platinum Club-ready model that swaps straps for wheels. You gotta know what works for your work.

Finally, you gotta decide what looks right. You don't want to be hauling around a briefcase that makes you feel like a kid in his dad's clothes, nor do you want a brief that puts you at a disadvantage in the room. A big fashion flex might be your personal dream, but may send the wrong message if your weekdays are spent soliciting charitable donations. On the flip side, you can absolutely make a rugged Filson work with your power suit. Ultimately, you're the best judge of where cool and crushing it come together in the best briefcase for your situation.

Construction: A briefcase gets used and abused for 5/7ths of the week—more if you're a weekend road warrior. As a result, we look for top-quality fabrics, supple leather, well-sewn seams, hardy carry handles and straps, and zippers that don't bind or feel ready to blow out the first time you get a little overzealous packing for the day. Quality isn't always proportional to price, though up to about $1,000, every extra hundo or two tends to bring upgrades on the specs.

Style: We're past the Mad Men era of uniformly dark suits and boxy leather briefs; briefcases are now as aesthetically varied as the jobs you'd use them for. You can go sleek or fashion-forward, simple or rugged. But whatever briefcase you carry (or sling over your shoulder), it should feel like it means business in the way you need it to.

Storage: We're looking for a well-organized, adaptable interior that'll protect your laptop in its own sleeve and let you stash both odds-and-ends (from keys to keycards to headphones) and bigger stuff (maybe even gym gear) in smart, accessible ways. And we like exterior pockets on soft-sided briefs for easy grab-n-go gear.

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The Best Luggage Brands to Buy in 2024

These are the top-tested suitcases for all of your travel needs.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks

Best Overall Luggage

Best Value Luggage

American tourister.

Best Carry-On Luggage

Best Luggage for International Travel

Briggs & riley.

Best Under-$100 Luggage

Amazon basics.

Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers

Best Viral Luggage

Best Luggage for Flight Crews

Best Printed Luggage

Best Fashion Luggage

Each piece of luggage is evaluated by experts in the Lab as well as consumer testers on the go. In the Lab, we look at factors like durability, ease of use and more. We also pack each suitcase with a standard load to see how much it can hold and how easy the compartments are to access. Consumer testers come into the Lab to use the luggage in an obstacle course, where they weigh in on handle comfort, wheel performance, maneuverability and more. Finally, we send luggage out with travelers into the real world for firsthand feedback.

You can learn more about how we test luggage and what to consider as you shop — including how to decide between hardside and softside luggage — but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested luggage brands.

Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years.

In particular, it stands out for its durability and ease-of-use features: There's been no struggling to open and close the cases, and packing them has been a breeze , thanks to the functional compartments that maximize space. It's certainly not inexpensive, but as direct-to-consumer luggage brand prices have skyrocketed, Samsonite's have remained fairly consistent.

Both hardside and softside styles from the brand have excelled in our tests. We've also been impressed by each of the sizes, including carry-ons, checked bags and underseat luggage. Some of our favorite models include the Freeform hardside (pictured here), the Solyte DLX softside and the Stryde Glyder , which is a checked case that's wide instead of tall so it's less likely to tip over.

A consumer tester rolling the Samsonite Freeform carry-on through an obstacle course at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

If you're on a budget or you don’t use luggage regularly — i.e., it doesn’t need to be the most durable and you don’t need all the bells and whistles — American Tourister offers competitive pricing and an excellent variety to choose from . There are a lot of options if you prefer bright colors and fun prints, plus there are cases for the entire family, including a Disney collection . Between the designs and versatile offerings, the models are fun, functional and especially ideal for vacationers.

Just note that while luxury hardside cases are usually made of polycarbonate, American Tourister typically uses ABS plastic, which is more affordable but more prone to scratches. Still, it gets high ratings from online reviewers who note that the bags are surprisingly spacious. Another perk: The brand offers luggage sets for an even better value, especially if you need to purchase multiple pieces. Pictured here is the Pop Max Softside set , which at $150 for a set of three, is less than other single cases.

Away is one of the most popular luggage brands on the market, and our testing shows it actually lives up to its hype. Though the brand has a wide range of offerings, we especially love the hardside carry-on.

It's made of 100% polycarbonate that proved to be durable and lightweight in our evaluations — even lighter than some fabric bags we’ve tested. It was also surprisingly spacious and held a full packing load in our review. The company offers a 100-day return policy on unused items; it also offers a lifetime limited warranty on its suitcases that covers any "functional damage."

Besides the main Carry-On model , it comes in variations like a Bigger Carry-On (which the brand says can hold 20% more) and a Carry-On Flex (which has an expandable zipper). We also love the brand's Everywhere Bag , which is a stylish and surprisingly spacious weekender.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: We Tested Away's Trendy Carry-On to See If It's Worth The Price

An inside view of Away's The Carry On.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley bags are pricey — a carry-on can cost over $600 — but they come with a lifetime guarantee that will cover all repairs if the luggage ever gets broken or damaged. They also come with innovative features, such as the brand's signature compression packing system. Bags that have this feature expand to let you pack and then compress down after they're filled. In fact, one of our testers said she packed a week's worth of summer clothes for two people into a compact carry-on, and it easily fit into an airline's overhead bin.

The suitcases also use top-notch construction and timeless designs in a range of styles, including hardside, softside, carry-ons and checked bags. The Baseline Global Carry-On Spinner (pictured here in the 21-inch version) has been a selected as GH Family Travel Award winner for the past two years after travel testers gave it perfect scores across the board. Its nylon fabric also aced our Lab's abrasion tests.

The interior compartment of Briggs & Riley's Baseline Carry-On, including its easy-to-use expansion button.

It’s hard to find good luggage for under $100, but Amazon’s luggage does not disappoint. There are softside and hardside styles to choose from, plus garment bags , duffels and more. Amazon also boasts extensive testing to make sure their products will hold up, and though the luggage might not the absolute best quality out there, the price can’t be beat.

We were impressed with its hardside 20-inch spinner carry-on (pictured here) when we tested it on our Lab. Our analysts found it to be exceptionally easy to pack, though the ABS material wasn't as scratch-resistant as other models in our tests. Still, consumer testers liked the maneuverability and wheel performance. This style also comes in two other sizes (24 and 28 inches) and can be purchased as a two- or three-piece set.

This luxury brand is on the pricey side but has timeless designs — from hardside to tweed fabric — that never go out of style. In fact, the brand’s marketing and aesthetics are focused heavily on its heritage. It has been a top performer in our tests, thanks to its spacious interior that's easy to pack and its wheels and handles that make it smooth and comfortable to maneuver.

The hardside cases have earned high scores in our tests — especially standing out for being scratch-resistant, lightweight and spacious — but we also love the softside Legend collection (pictured here), which is made of durable tweed fabric and leather trim.

This fashionable yet functional travel brand was founded by actress Shay Mitchell and incorporates smart features designed to make traveling easier. It also has a stunning aesthetic, including monochromatic color schemes in which the handles and hardware match the case.

Pictured here is the Carry-On Roller, its best-selling case that comes in a range of neutral and fun hues. It was spacious for packing and easy to maneuver in our tests, and though it did scuff during use, it resisted dents well during our Lab's drop tests. Another popular style is its Mini Weekender , which can be used as a personal item that fits underneath the airplane seat in front of you.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Experts Weigh In on Buzzy Travel Brand Béis

The Béis carry-on and compact weekender bag being used as a travel set.

This company was founded by a pilot, and it makes luggage specifically for airline personnel who travel for a living. Still, it's just as functional for business and leisure travelers.

The brand primarily sells softside luggage, though it does have some hardside options available. There’s excellent attention to detail that makes frequent flying easier, like cushioning around the handles for comfort, self-aligning wheels that let you roll the luggage in any direction and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric.

The Platinum Elite softside luggage (pictured here) stood out in our Lab tests. Not only was it durable, but it was also spacious enough to hold our entire load with room to spare. The downside was that it was heavier than others, but it's a fair tradeoff for the top-of-the-line features.

This brand increases the fun factor and makes it easier to spot your luggage in a sea of solid colors. There are adorable animal sets for kids' luggage , animal prints for adults and more. There are also options for licensed teams and art (like Britto, shown here), making your suitcase a playful yet functional accessory.

When it comes to materials, most Heys suitcases are hardside and made of polycarbonate and ABS composite. This means it's mostly ABS plastic but has a polycarbonate coating on the outside for added protection. The brand wasn't the most durable in our tests, it but earned high ease-of-use scores.

Style is certainly important when it comes to luggage — it's an accessory, after all — but you don't want to sacrifice quality and functionality. Calpak's cases are both well-made and have unique designs. Though its assortment is tailored with fewer models than some of the big brands, Calpak still has a wide range of materials to choose from, including sleek hardside polycarbonate, printed ABS/polycarbonate blends and ripstop polyester.

Calpak's Ambeur carry-on (pictured here) was one of our testers' favorites; they especially loved the easy-to-use telescopic handle and metallic color. We also found it to be easy to pack and though it wasn't as scratch-resistant as some others we tested (which is expected for ABS composites), it still withstood dents and damage from our durability drop test.

Rolling TUMI luggage through the airport is like a status symbol; the brand is highly recognized for its upscale products for both business and leisure travelers.

In addition to its suitcases , it makes accessories like briefcases and backpacks and has components that make traveling easier, like an anti-slip strap on carrying bags and an extra hook on rolling bags so you can wheel multiple items at once. On top of that, the brand stands out for its unique service offerings, like repairs and luggage registration to help you find lost bags.

We especially love Tumi's Alpha collection (pictured here is the Alpha carry-on ) with its durable materials and removable garment sleeve. One GH analyst who has been using a backpack in this collection appreciates that it fits more than you'd expect and has a versatile design for travel, work and beyond.

If you’re going away for weeks or just have lots to pack, L.L.Bean’s duffels are roomy enough to stuff in everything you need. There are options with or without wheels and lots of sizes to choose from (the Adventure Rolling Duffel , shown here, is incredibly durable and one of our go-to picks for vacations with kids).

The flexible shape of the duffel also allows it to store easily under your bed, so it’s perfect for college students or anyone tight on storage space. It’s also made of sturdy, water-resistant nylon fabric that's made to last no matter where your travels take you — in fact, one of our experts says it's lasted for years without signs of wear. She does note that it's a little more cumbersome to pull than four-wheel spinner luggage and it's spaciousness makes it easy to go over the 50-pound weight limit for airlines, but says it's perfect for packing for two kids.

Monos says its design philosophy is "less is more," — meaning the bags are made to be simple and timeless to avoid passing trends and high quality so they can stand the test of time. Most of its hardside bags are entirely polycarbonate, though some combine polycarbonate and aluminum for increased durability. They also have useful packing features like wide compression straps to help you fit more in the case.

The Check-In Large was a winner of last year's GH Family Travel Awards because of its spacious interior and maneuverability. Testers said it was easy to roll and they loved the sleek appearance. It's also worth noting that the brand has a 100-day return period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why Travelers Love the Monos Luggage Collection

Monos luggage shown in three sizes: Check-in Large, Check-in Medium and Carry-on

Eagle Creek

Whether you’re backpacking internationally or exploring a national park, Eagle Creek gives you both the convenience and durability you need in a bag. Some have various compartments so you can stay organized (or store shoes and dirty laundry separately), and some bags have backpack straps if you need to be hands-free.

We especially love the Cargo Hauler Duffel for shorter trips: It’s affordable, spacious, lightweight and folds up into a small pouch for easy storage. For longer getaways, the Migrate Wheeled Duffel (pictured here) is larger and has two wheels with a telescopic handle. It also opens wide so you can easily access the contents.

Eagle Creek's Migrate Wheeled Duffel, left, being checked in at an airport terminal.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

What we considered

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

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

Buying Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

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

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

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.

Nena Farrell

Brenda Stolyar

Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

Matt Jancer

Martin Cizmar

Medea Giordano

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Protect Your Trip »

The best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Things aren't always as they seem – especially when it comes to luggage. In our quest to find the best carry-on bags, we discovered that while some suitcases look good, they don't always hold up to the demands of travel. Some designs have attractive features that add bulk but not additional functionality, while others just don't live up to the hype.

To determine the best carry-on luggage, we tested dozens of bags on countless trips to find the ideal bag for every travel need. Read on to find the best option in a variety of categories, tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓
• Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

Best soft-sided: samsonite solyte dlx carry-on spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero international carry-on - expandable spinner, best affordable: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner.

• Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner
• Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

• Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder–22"

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

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

Price:  $315 or less

Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds; 8.85 pounds with closet insert Packing capacity: 4-7 days |  Color options:  Red, purple, navy or 6 others, plus precious metals options Hard- or soft-sided:  Hard-sided   | Warranty: Lifetime

Sturdy and attractive, this suitcase is set apart from the rest by its patented and removable shelving system. This unique design feature makes packing easier, keeps items in place and removes the need for unpacking at your destination. Rather than a zippered clamshell design, the Solgaard Carry-on Closet has two latches that open with just the squeeze of two levers together; it secures with a TSA-approved lock.

The waterproof polycarbonate exterior has an aluminum frame and corner guards so this suitcase can withstand all the rigors of travel. There's also an ergonomic handle and frictionless wheels, which make it easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. What's more, this sustainable suitcase helps to repurpose 6 pounds of plastics that may have ended up in the ocean.

What our editors say:

This carry-on suitcase has it all! From the power bank (sold separately) to the super sturdy and comfortable handle to the removable closet feature – not to mention the attractive yet functional appearance – this suitcase packs a punch. I really like how easy it is to pull on a variety of surfaces, including carpet and brick. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 10 days; 45 liters | Color options: White, red, blue, green or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a truly well-rounded carry-on with a plethora of unique features. USB A & C ports on the outside of the bag give easy access to charging. (A power bank is not included, though the bag does have a pocket for one inside the expansion zipper.) Self-aligning magnetic wheels – a reviewer-favorite feature – allow painless travel through the airport as well as on roads, sidewalks, uneven surfaces and more. A built-in TSA zipper lock offers ultimate protection for your possessions.

Even without the features listed above, this Travelpro spinner is, at its core, a high-quality piece. The hard outer shell is ultra-strong and 100% polycarbonate; aluminum corner guards further protect your belongings. The clamshell-style suitcase has two large interior compartments along with three extra pockets, one of which is water-resistant, and the expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing room. Plus, this carry-on is made with genuine leather trim, so you can travel in style as well as comfort.

There are some amazing features on this carry-on, but my favorite is the wheels – as someone who typically prefers hands-free travel (primarily backpacks), I found that the way this suitcase easily glides around everywhere absolutely changed my mind about wheeled luggage. Just know that since this is one of the larger bags on this list, I would still check your airline's carry-on size requirements before traveling (though it's been tested for most major domestic airlines, and it fit perfectly on Delta). – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 39.8 liters | Color options: Black, navy, blue gray or olive, plus 2 glossy options Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited

When it comes to hard-sided carry-on luggage , nothing beats The Carry-On by Away. The bag is lightweight yet indestructible thanks to a 100% polycarbonate exterior. Plus, you can easily wipe away most scratches with a magic eraser.

In late 2023, Away launched a new iteration of The Carry-On that somehow made it even more efficient. The most notable new features are an additional underside grab handle, three extra interior compartments, and an enhanced compression system that upholds the bag's ability to accommodate nearly a week's worth of clothing. The bag's 360-degree wheels are also slimmer than those of its predecessor for improved maneuverability. While Away has long been known for its neutral colored matte options, glossy options of this bag are now available.

The Away Carry-On is my ride or die. I've taken it on so many trips over the past five-plus years and it's still in perfect shape. I know I'll have it with me for many years to come. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content and SEO Strategist

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Black, gray, green, aqua blue or royal blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This classic soft-sided option from Samsonite offers everything you need for a smooth trip. There are three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside so you can stack it on top of another rolling suitcase, as well as a USB port for charging your phone (though you'll have to purchase a battery separately).

Inside the suitcase, three more zippered pockets – including one for wet items – help you stay organized, while buckles keep the main compartment's tie-down straps out of your way while packing. This spinner can conveniently expand by 0.75 inches, but keep in mind if you're flying that overpacking may put it over your carry-on size allowance.

I've used other spinner suitcases in the past, but none of them glide as smoothly as this bag, with its 360-degree dual-spinner wheels. I also love the high-quality, lightweight material, but my favorite part is its organizational features – especially the WetPak pocket. I'd highly recommend the Samsonite SoLyte DLX for anyone who needs a trusty soft-sided carry-on for a flight; it definitely fits more than I thought it would. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $245 or less

Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.17 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Beige, light green, dark green, lilac, charcoal or 3 others Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Lifetime with 100-day returns

Weighing just under 4 pounds, this bag is the lightest hard-sided carry-on we found on the market. It's constructed with an extremely durable German polycarbonate shell, and the interior has two mesh zippered compartments to keep your belongings from shifting. The inner nylon lining is also resistant to water and stains. To make the suitcase easy to maneuver, there's a top carry handle, a telescoping handle and dual-spinner wheels.

I was absolutely shocked by how light this suitcase is. While some lightweight designs can be extremely flimsy, this July carry-on is very durable and holds a good amount of clothing. With compression packing cubes I was able to pack enough clothing for a week. It was extremely easy to put in the plane's overhead compartment, and the wheels rolled very smoothly for my entire journey. The only thing I noticed is that since the bag is so lightweight, the trolley bag I had was making it want to topple. Next time, I'd use a smaller tote or a north-south design to avoid that issue. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.16 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 41 liters | Color options: Black, blue, red or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This DELSEY PARIS carry-on is a well-built piece of hard-sided luggage. It meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines and offers an easily accessible front compartment – ideal for a laptop up to 15.6 inches or other items you want to be able to grab quickly. The suitcase has a TSA lock and two spacious internal compartments for clothing, shoes and travel gear. The double-spinner wheels glide smoothly across all types of surfaces, and the handle pulls out and retracts with ease.

I was incredibly impressed by this little workhorse of a carry-on bag. There are so many different pockets and compartments within it for organization, and it fits a surprising amount of clothes, shoes and accessories. The handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the glossy exterior makes it look sleek and chic. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

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Price: $80 or less

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 23 liters | Color options: Black, navy blue, orange or light blue Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is similar to many other hard-sided luggage products on the market, but it's available at a fraction of the price. The ABS shell is textured, so even if you – or luggage handlers – bang it around a bit, it does not show scuffs or scratches easily. The double-spinner wheels (a must, honestly, in today's luggage landscape) make the bag effortless to maneuver.

Inside, one side of the bag features a compression strap, while the other has a large fabric zippered closure, complete with a few organizer pockets for smaller items. Thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime, the carry-on luggage ships quickly, so it's also a great option if you need new luggage in a crunch.

This carry-on bag is a superb selection for the budget-conscious traveler. I appreciated how much I was able to get into this bag (it doesn't look huge, but it fit quite a lot), and the textured exterior really ups the durability factor. The compression straps and the interior organizer even helped me squeeze in a bit more. – Erin Evans

Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Price: $699 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (up to 11.5) inches | Weight: 10 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 37-48 liters | Color options: Black, navy or olive Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner has a standout feature that other bags on this list don't: one-touch CX expansion. Exclusive to Briggs & Riley, this technology allows your bag to expand and compress in one swift motion. Simply press and pull up on the red levers found at opposite ends of the bag, and it will grow 2.5 inches. Once you've packed your belongings, push down on the buttons to compress the bag before zipping it up.

This bag also features a garment folder to reduce wrinkles in a suit or dress, as well as cinch-down garment panels to secure the clothing in place. Other convenient features include interior mesh compartments for organization, an exterior pocket for airport essentials (or even your laptop) and a signature PowerPocket where you can charge your smartphone.

While the bag is undoubtedly an investment at $700, its "simple as that" guarantee (free repairs forever, no questions asked) – plus sturdy features like impact-resistant corner guards and self-repairing zippers – means you'll have it for life.

When it comes to quality, this is the best luggage I've ever used – period. The compression/expansion system is just the icing on the cake. – Amanda Norcross

Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Price: $165 or less

Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds Packing capacity: 2-4 days; 34 liters | Color options: Chocolate, oatmeal or rose quartz Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 2-year limited

Compact and filled with useful features, this CALPAK underseater has a water-resistant exterior, a TSA-approved lock, and side and top handles for easy lifting into the overhead or pushing under the seat. There's a telescoping handle, a luggage trolley sleeve and two exterior pockets for stowing small items like your passport, boarding pass and earbuds.

On the inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets and compression straps. For added convenience, the main panel can be secured via built-in snaps to get your laptop out while traveling (and keep your other belongings from spilling out), or you can unsnap it while packing to maximize the interior storage space.

When I'm traveling on a quick trip with my laptop, this is my go-to bag. Its compact size glides easily under the seat, and it's also compact and light enough to fit into the overhead bin even on the smallest regional planes. I love the laptop sleeve and the zippered exterior pocket for my book, earbuds and wipes. To maximize the interior space, I use compression cubes from Lug , and I'm able to squeeze in four to five outfits, a pair of shoes and daily necessities. – Rachael Hood

Price: $83 or less

Dimensions: 20.4 x 14.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 6.35 pounds Packing capacity: 2-3 days; 26 liters | Color options: Black, olive, gray, red, blue or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

This simple but sturdy carry-on piece from Amazon is a great option for business travelers, thanks to its front pocket for easy laptop access, smooth double-spinner wheels and TSA lock. This Amazon Basics soft-sided carry-on also features a handle on the bottom between the wheels, which makes it easy to put the bag up into and pull it out of the overhead bin. On some airplanes, it may even be small enough to fit under the seat.

The interior of the bag features one large compartment with two compression straps, plus two zippered pockets on the opposite site. The 20.4-inch option is ideal for shorter trips, but this style is available in larger sizes as well. Another bonus: It's available on Amazon Prime, so it ships quickly.

This Amazon Basics option is on the smaller side for a carry-on, but that's what makes it a solid choice for business travelers going on short trips who only need to pack a few things. The laptop pocket is easily accessible, and the handle on the bottom of the bag is super useful for hauling it out of an overhead bin. The black color is professional, and the price can't be beat. – Erin Evans

Price: $565 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 43 liters | Color options: Gray/cognac, gray/chocolate, gray/black or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime with a 100-day trial

Constructed with premium materials, this luxury carry-on has Italian leather accents, Japanese spinner wheels and a polycarbonate exterior with an aluminum metal frame for stability. It closes via two secure latches with combination locks (rather than a zipper). There's a front laptop compartment with a smaller pocket and pen slots to keep business essentials or travel documents easy to access.

The interior has leather details, compression straps and a removable compression pad with a pocket – ideal for small items like ties, fashion jewelry or silk scarves. Travelers can also purchase an additional compression pad to have a pad on each side of the interior compartment.

This suitcase exudes luxury with its Italian leather trim and understated elegance. The design of it looks very sleek, the interior is spacious, the handle is very sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. I especially liked that the top of the suitcase is very flat, which gave my trolley bag a secure base so it wasn't moving around while I was at the airport, and the front compartment was ideal for accessing my laptop on the go. It feels very sturdy, but the only downside is it weighs more than a typical carry-on. – Rachael Hood

Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22"

Price: $270 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 40 liters | Color options: Black Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The North Face's 22-inch Rolling Thunder duffel doesn't have the bells and whistles of other carry-on options, but it's a sturdy and reliable option for those who want a duffel style on wheels. The duffel has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. The soft-sided top of the bag is made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability. There are two zippered pockets on the outside to stash small items and a mesh pocket inside for some added organization.

I brought this duffel on a trip to New Zealand, and it held up very well. The Rolling Thunder had no issues after being checked on six different flights, and the flexibility of the style allowed me to easily store it out of the way in my campervan once I had unpacked. It's definitely a simpler style, but it does its job well. Be aware, though, that this wheeled style doesn't have straps that would allow you to carry it like a duffel; it can only be rolled. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $200 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-10 days; 35 liters | Color options: Multiple options but color availability changes frequently Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

When it comes to hands-free and adventure travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L can't be beat. This lightweight carry-on backpack comes with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a weight-distributing harness system, all to make for a comfortable carry (since sore shoulders can be a concern when it comes to carrying backpacks through time-consuming airport experiences).

Organization is a breeze with a top zippered pocket – perfect for storing travel documents or a Cotopaxi hip pack – and a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. Internally, you'll find two mesh compartments, one large and one subdivided, that work great with Cotopaxi packing cubes . The backpack's straps can be tucked away for more streamlined travel, and the bag even comes with a rain cover (though the Allpa is already TPU-coated to be water-resistant).

Furthermore, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainability : 94% of Cotopaxi products contain repurposed, recycled or responsible materials. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind Del Dia Allpa backpacks , for example, use remnant fabric.

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures and it's survived everything – wind, rain, being shoved into tiny rental cars, you name it. Besides being incredibly durable, I love how much this backpack can fit; my longest trip so far with only the Allpa 35L as my luggage has been a comfortable nine days, and that included packing bulky cold-weather gear. I just wish it had a water bottle pocket like the Allpa 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson

Also Recommended

Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner: While the Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner is a solid (and sustainable) carry-on bag for less than $200, it doesn't offer quite enough space – especially for someone who may be traveling for longer.

Away The Aluminum Carry-On Bag: This is a well-built carry-on bag. The only downfall is that it's on the heavier side, weighing nearly 11 pounds. Away's Aluminum Carry-On is also more than twice the cost of the standard carry-on by Away, which works just as well.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This is a great soft-sided option if you're looking for a lightweight suitcase. Featuring a sleek nylon construction, a large front exterior pocket and internal zippered pockets, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner works well but isn't as lightweight as the July Carry-on Light.

Monos Carry-on Plus: It's a high-quality suitcase with a lot of internal details, but given its larger size this bag doesn't fit in the overhead compartment on multiple planes (especially regional jets). That said, if you're traveling domestically on larger planes, the Monos Carry-on Plus could be an option to consider. Or, the smaller standard Monos Carry-on could be a good option as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

Pros and cons of soft-sided luggage, frequently asked questions.

Aside from traditional rolling suitcases, the following items can be used as carry-on luggage provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin or fully under the seat (not sticking out) in front of you.

• Duffel and weekender bags:  This includes weekenders and duffel bags with wheels . Just note that wheels are included in carry-on dimension restrictions.
• Garment bags:  These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines. You can place your garment bag in the overhead bin, or in some cases, a small closet on the plane.
• Pet carriers:  Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido.
• Backpacks:  If your carry-on backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you'll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
• Diaper bags: If you're traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don't count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Purses , briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but usually aren't considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled personal items. Underseater bags – often designed specifically to fit comfortably under a plane seat – are also ideal as a personal item.

Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline. Several major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines and United, impose a 22 x 14 x 9-inch rule. If you're buying new carry-on luggage, this is a good default size to choose – especially if you fly with a variety of airlines.

For international airlines, it's often 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. To be sure about dimensions as well as any weight restrictions, see our guide to Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline . It usually doesn't matter how heavy your carry-on bag is, though some airlines do monitor the weight.

• Hard-sided: The hard-sided July Carry On Light weighs less than 4 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight carry-on bags on the market. Other lightweight carry-on bags we recommend include the hard-sided Away The Carry-On (7.5 pounds) and the Amazon 20-Inch Hardside Spinner (7.3 pounds).
• Soft-sided: If you're looking for a lightweight, soft-sided carry-on bag, consider the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner (4.8 pounds) and the Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner (7.1 pounds).

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage – but only by a few pounds. If you're planning to purchase a hard-sided carry-on bag, look for something that's made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, both of which are lightweight yet durable materials.

How We Tested

Our team tested 26 carry-on bags across several price points and on a variety of trips spanning overseas flights, weekend getaways, overnight trips and more. We traveled by car, plane, train and cruise and packed for a variety of climates and activities, from shore excursions in Mexico to rainy road trips around Iceland. For bags with wheels, we tested their maneuverability on multiple surfaces, including gravel, pavement, grass, moving walkways, cobblestone and carpet. After four months of testing, we deem these carry-on bags the best of the best for 2024.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The following editors personally tested the luggage recommended in this article:

Erin Evans , Managing Editor: Evans loves a durable bag and also can't say no to a good deal. Considering how banged up luggage can get, her picks on this list are both well-made and affordable.

Rachael Hood , Senior Editor: Hood rarely checks a bag, yet she loves to pack a lot and pick up some new finds along her journey. She looks for a combination of durability, functionality, interior space and overall appearance.

Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor: Kendall opts for convenient and versatile carry-ons that can work well for weekend and weekslong trips alike.

Amanda Norcross , Content & SEO Strategist: Norcross has mastered the art of traveling with a carry-on bag only, but believes this is only possible with the right luggage.

Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer: Osmundson prefers lightweight, streamlined luggage that's ideal for adventure travel.

You might also be interested in:

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

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Leather Travel Briefcases & Laptop Cases for Men

Travel Bags

For the business traveler, a travel briefcase must also be versatile enough to act as a carry-on bag.

Our luxury briefcase range is handmade from the highest quality full grain leather, for a timeless piece that never lets you down.

Men's Leather Briefcase

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Leather Laptop Bag

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Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels

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Expertly Handcrafted Leather Products

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Personalize With a Laser Engraving

Exquisitely Rich-Hued Leather for Refined Tastes

The benefits of a well-designed briefcase are many. Not only will they increase the efficiency and efficacy of the work you do, they can even make that work more enjoyable. Look great, feel great, and get the job done properly with a premium briefcase made for travel.

Organized Storage

Briefcases give you excellent organizational tools, keeping your items safe and ready for quick, no-stress retrieval when needed.

Versatility

Briefcases work well for business trips, boardroom meetings, or trips to the coffee shop. It adds travel-friendly utility to the style and practicality of the standard briefcase design.

Professional Appearance

Maintain – or even elevate – your professional style and appearance with a premium case. First impressions are often lasting impressions; make a good one.

Enhanced Security

Many travel cases include enhanced security features for travel, like TSA locks or RFID protection.

Compatibility

Travel cases are designed to work well with major brands, like Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and others. Pockets are designed to properly fit and secure various phones and other peripheral items so that your items are safe and handy, and your case is organized and presentable in front of clients or bosses.

Durable Construction

Briefcases are built to protect the items within, and travel cases take that to an even higher level. Often water-resistant, and always made to withstand the shocks and bumps of travel, these cases work hard to keep your gear – and the case itself – safe.

Personal and Business Use

Don’t limit these cases to work use, either. They are a stylish and classic way to carry personal items too, from your computer to snacks and books or even a change of clothing.

Easy Mobility

These cases are easily carried by the handle or have shoulder straps for hands-free carrying. Some even include trolley sleeves for attachment to rolling suitcases and carry-ons.

Eco-Friendly Options

Many brands offer eco-friendly briefcases, made using sustainable and ethical materials and processes.

How to Choose

Choose your travel case carefully, with your own needs and preferences in mind, and you will be very pleased with the result. It’s worth taking a little time to ensure the right match between the case and your needs. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the process of selecting the best case for you.

Size and Capacity

Cases come in compact, medium, and large sizes. Compact cases can fit a laptop, a few documents, and some small personal items. Medium might also include a change of clothes. Large cases offer space for multiple outfits, more accessories, and more personal items.

Leather is a robust and stylish choice. It not only protects items, it wears well and actually improves its appearance and interest with age. Nylon and polyester are also options, providing lightweight and water-resistant protection with a modern look.

Hard-shell cases in any material provide the greatest protection, but usually at the cost of more weight.

Organizational Features

Know which items you usually carry and make sure there are enough pockets for them, and of appropriate sizes. A padded laptop or tablet sleeve is a good idea, as are one or more zippered pockets to keep little items in place.

Lockable zippers, TSA-approved of course, and RFID protection will secure the physical and digital contents of your case.

Portability

Some cases feature trolley handles and rolling wheels for easier movement. This is more commonly found on larger cases of course. Adjustable straps and even backpack-style straps are also available on some designs to increase ease of portability.

Pass-Through Sleeve

Don’t forget this excellent feature that allows your roller-case handle to slide through, securing your briefcase to it for lightweight, hands-free carrying.

Balance & Weight Distribution

Your briefcase should be balanced when empty, with no one side being significantly heavier than the others. When packing, too, you should be mindful of even weight distribution. This decreases the chances of a fall, and increases the comfort of carrying the case.

Zippers Quality

Make sure it has high-quality zippers, like YYK metal ones, to ensure longevity, reliability, and smooth operation.

Moisture Resistance

A case that repels water will stay nicer and keep contents safe even if you are surprised by a rainstorm or a spill.

Expandability

Some users might need an expandable case for situations in which a larger volume of carrying space is needed.

Your case should match or exceed the expectations of your industry, level, and personal style. Classic designs and colors tend to be more versatile.

Features to increase durability, like reinforced corners or double stitching, will help your case to last longer.

Material Flexibility

Hard cases provide more protection but tend to be heavier and more difficult to fit into nooks and crannies of overhead stowage on planes and trains. Softer cases tend to be lighter and more easily stowed but can allow some damage if struck or under high pressure.

Price and Brand

Premium brands usually back their products well, with guarantees and excellent customer service. This is a good sign that they are confident in the quality of the product they provide.

Rolling Briefcases

As the name indicated, these briefcases include wheels for easy rolling. These are best for larger, heavier loads, or for people who know they will be walking down long halls to airport gates, or similar long walks.

Convertible Backpack Briefcases

These cases quickly convert to a backpack style of carry. These work great for bicycle or scooter commuters, or for anyone who wants hands-free, comfortable carrying of the case when not in use.

Be sure to include added security though, as a pack on the back is more difficult to watch than one in the hand.

Expandable Briefcases

If you often have substantially more to carry on the way to a meeting than you will on the way back – or the other way around – then an expandable case is a great way to suit both journeys without having to deal with a floppy, empty case on one leg of the journey.

Great for people dealing with product samples or exchanging many hardcopy documents.

Slim Briefcases

Slim briefcases are for the minimalist-styled person with few items to carry. Stow a slim laptop or tablet in elegant style, and avoid the weight and bulk of larger cases. This is ideal for the no-frills traveler who wants to keep things simple.

RFID-Blocking Briefcases

If your case’s content is sensitive or valuable – and whose isn’t? – then opt for a case with RFID-blocking technology. This feature will block criminals from accessing information on your cards and passport, keeping them safe and private, as they should be.

Alternatives

Let’s take a look at some of the usual types of cases, and at some alternative types that might better suit some users or situations.

Business Travel

Usually formal and classic, certain industries are more flexible today. Tech companies often accept much more casual styles, like backpack cases – especially if they exude a techy vibe.

Document Storage and Organization

Do you need a briefcase at all? If your document needs are not extensive or primarily digital, you might be better served by a simple document folder or laptop sleeve.

Everyday Office Use

To enable use of your case for business and personal needs, consider a classy messenger bag or satchel, rather than a more formal or casual style case. This will allow it to be a suitable work case, but still suitable as a stylish item during non-work use.

Secure Transportation of Valuables

There are better options than a briefcase for carrying valuable items like jewelry or delicate objects. Consider instead a specialized case with proper padding and advanced anti-theft features like wrist cuffs, seam seals, and GPS tracker chips.

Multi-day Business Trips

You might want a single bag that serves both the business and the travel needs. For example, a rolling case with a laptop sleeve might be better, so you only have one bag to keep track of.

Digital Nomad Lifestyle

If you have joined the ranks of the digital nomad, tech and mobility are more than important; they are a way of life. A dedicated tech organizer or work station roller bag better suit the needs of the person who brings the whole office on the road with them.

Post Purchase Considerations

Congratulations on deciding to invest in a high-quality travel case!

We at Von Baer want to ensure that you are happy with all aspects of your shopping and purchase experience, so we’ve put together a few notes to consider, both during and after you make your choice.

You don’t want to be in the middle of a business trip only to realize that some aspect of your bag doesn’t really suit your needs. Let’s avoid that, with a quick checklist to make sure this is the right item for you.

Fitting All Essentials

Lay out the items you usually need, consider those situations for which you might need anything additional, and take a quick mental inventory of them.

Compare the inventory to the size and configuration of the case. Will all of the items fit? Are there enough pockets? Are they the right size, and in the right place?

Maintaining Leather Quality

Be sure to include a leather conditioner with your purchase. Regular conditioning, even once or twice a year, will keep your case feeling supple, looking great, and lasting a long, long time. Gently wipe any moisture from it with a dry cloth, and avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in damp conditions.

Security and Theft Prevention

Always zip or buckle your briefcase to keep it secure. When sitting with it, keep it in sight.

You may want to sit on a shoulder strap or loop it around your foot under the table to keep anyone from subtly picking it up while you are distracted by conversation or food. RFID blocking technology is also a great way to keep credit card and other information secure.

Travel Compatibility

Make sure your case meets travel restrictions and carry-on guidelines. Most briefcases do, of course, but it is worth making sure especially if you are choosing a large case.

Keeping It Clean

Avoid getting your bag wet or dirty. If it does get wet, wipe it gently with a dry cloth. If it gets dirty, use a quality leather cleaner as directed or take it to a professional cleaner.

What makes a briefcase suitable for travel?

Certain features and characteristics make a case more suitable for travel. Look for TSA approved locks, durable materials, light weight, wheels or trolley sleeves, and suitable proportions for overhead stowage.

Can these accommodate laptops and electronics safely?

Yes. Each briefcase has a main or dedicated compartment or sleeve suitable for keeping a laptop safe and secure.

How durable are the materials used?

Durability is a top priority when it comes to travel cases. High-quality materials, stitching, reinforcement, and other considerations are always ensured.

Do they come with wheels or just carrying handles?

Yes. Some styles feature wheels as well as carrying handles.

What's the typical weight of these briefcases?

Item weight varies with the size and features of each design. Individual product descriptions will include dimensions and weights of each bag.

How do I care for and clean my briefcase?

This varies according to material and finish. Please refer to individual item descriptions for cleaning and care guidance. Each item also comes with printed guidance for properly caring for your new case.

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13 Best Briefcases for Business Travel

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Briefcases for Business…

You know how important functional travel gear is if your job takes you all over the world. However, it’s not always about practicality. Sometimes, you need to head straight to the office from the airport or to a meeting. Stopping at the hotel for a quick change isn’t always possible. And no matter how much we say that work speaks for itself, looks do matter when it comes to business. Additionally, you want your laptop with you and want to be organized too. A travel briefcase is a perfect way to keep your look polished and your belongings safe at the same time. The best briefcase for business travel is nifty enough to have in-built sleeves for laptops. Moreover, all top-notch business travel briefcases today have lots of pockets for organization. What’s more, they’re multifaceted when it comes to the way they’re carried too.

So, give your travel style game some serious plumping up and check out the 13 best briefcase choices for business travel right here.

How to choose the best briefcase for business travel

Like one looks for specific features while looking for the best backpacks for work , it’s the same when it comes to briefcases for business travel. However, there are a few common things that everyone needs to consider to ensure that they’re getting the best travel briefcase.

Function and size

Obviously, the most important thing to consider while choosing a travel briefcase is its function. To begin with, you need to consider the size of your tablet or laptop. Secondly, you’ll need to think about what else will you be keeping along with them. If you need it for the everyday commute, you might need a smaller, slimmer one. If you need it for overnight use, you need to think about how many days you travel on an average; and then decide the size of the bag. Also, if you’re someone who goes on business trips regularly, think about one with more pockets. Finally, you also need to check the dimensions of the bag if you plan to double it as a carry-on.

Weight is one of the most important things you need to consider while choosing business travel briefcases. Also, you need to consider both the bag’s own weight and the weight of the stuff you’ll be putting into it. You don’t want your shoulder and back to hurt after a long day of carrying a heavy bag around.

Gone are the days when a business travel briefcase conjured images of clunky boxes. Today, travel briefcases are smart and come in a gamut of styles. First up are the traditional business travel briefcases. Now, they have softer corners, rather than the traditional, sharp ones. Then, there are others that double up as backpacks, duffel bags, and even shoulder bags, thanks to removable straps. One of the most popular designs is the messenger bag with a flap. Moreover, travelers have choices of distinctly masculine or feminine bags, and even unisex ones. Finally, the material of the bag can range from leather to nylon. In the end, the style you choose should depend on not just the aesthetics, but also how long you’re going to be hauling it and how often you’re going to be using it.

Wowbox Vintage Canvas Leather Laptop Briefcase

Chic messenger bags is what Wowbox does best. The Wowbox Vintage Laptop Briefcase is one of the best briefcases for business travel. The bag is constructed from rugged canvas and top-notch cowhide and sports a stylish look.

The highlight of the bag is the shockproof laptop compartment. The thick padded bottom keeps your gadgets safe. What’s more, the bag’s interior features four slip pockets for chargers, gadgets, credit cards, and pens. Also, it even has a large compartment for files. Vintage buckles cover the magnetic clasps, keeping stuff safe and the look chic. Moreover, the shoulder strap is adjustable and removable. Thus, the bag can be carried by the top handles too. So, the retro, crossbody look works for both business meetings and everyday use.

Although the size is a bit small, the bag works in both style and function departments. What’s more, the leather-trimmed bag has lots of color options, including green, gray, and coffee.

13 x 10.50 x 4.10 inches (33 x 26.67 x 10.4 cm)

• Multiple compartments.
• A variety of colors.
• Shockproof bottom.
• A bit smaller than traditional briefcases.

Samsonite Classic Two Gusset Toploader Briefcase

If you use a larger 15 or 17-inch laptop, then this Samsonite Classic Two Gusset Toploader Briefcase might just be what you need. On the exterior, the urban bag is made of 1680 ballistic durable fabric that lends ruggedness. The design of the padded shoulder strap makes it very comfortable. Similarly, the wrapped bale handles are designed for comfort, especially when you carry it sans its strap. A padded laptop compartment keeps your gadgets like laptops, tablets, and e-readers safe. The best part is that it can hold up to a 17-inch laptop. The inner cotton lining ensures that they don’t rub against the interiors either. What’s more, there are plenty of inner pockets for organizing everything from files to wallets. Rounding up the list of features is an easy-stash pocket on the outside, which is indispensable for grabbing stuff like keys and phones.

Even though it comes in just one color, the travel briefcase redefines style with an all-black color. Furthermore, the metal accouterments enhance the look by adding sheen.

12.50 x 3.50 x 17.25 inches (31.75 x 8.9 x 43.8 cm)

• Padded inner compartment.
• Cotton lining.
• Ideal for larger laptops or more items.
• Durable and rugged exterior.
• Zippers aren’t exactly designed for rough use.

CoolBELL Convertible Travel Briefcase

If you’re looking for business travel briefcases that are stylish and yet add a composed touch to your outfit, then this bag is for you. The CoolBELL Convertible Travel Briefcase gives you the ultimate in versatility and can be used as a backpack, a shoulder bag, and a messenger bag.

The first thing you’ll notice about this bag is all the space. The briefcase can hold a laptop of up to 17.3 inches. Apart from that, it can easily hold three days worth of clothes too. An inner accessory compartment is great for keys or even make-up stuff. So, if you’re heading for a weekend work trip, then look no further than this convertible briefcase. In addition, four exterior pockets are great for organization and quick-access stuff. Finally, the comfortable, adjustable, and removable strap makes it easy for you to carry the bag around easily.

If that wasn’t enough, the bag is water-resistant and made from genuine leather. Moreover, it has 10 different color options!

18.8 x 5.1 x 13.7 inches (47.75 x 12.9 x 34.8 cm)

• 10 different options for colors – black, blue, canvas black, dark grey, grey, brown, canvas dark grey, canvas green, waxed cloth black, and new canvas dark grey.
• Leather construction and water-resistant.
• Many carrying styles.
• The zippers look a little cheap.

Ytonet 17-Inch Laptop Bag

With an impressive 4.6-star rating and over 2,600 reviews, the 17-inch laptop bag from Ytonet is a sure winner. The best feature of this durable business travel briefcase is that it can expand a whole 2 inches (5 cm) more than its size! So, it can fit everything that you might need for your travel, and then some.

Made from a durable, water-resistant material, this bag is perfect to be carried in all kinds of weather. One of its best features is the backstrap, which allows you to attach it to your airport carry-on instead of lugging it around separately. What’s more, the strap can be used to carry this bag as a messenger bag, or a tote bag even. Aside from the shockproof space for a 17-inch laptop, this travel briefcase boasts more than 10 compartments. So, you can organize everything from makeup to wallet to clothes to files in this bag separately without having to rummage through it.

Moreover, two exterior zippered compartments are great for quick-access stuff that needs to be safe all the same. Chic, elegant, and affordable, this business travel briefcase pleases on all counts.

17.3 x 12.6 x 7 inches (43.9 x 32 x 17.8 cm)

• Multiple pockets for organization.
• Shockproof laptop pocket.
• Versatile strap.
• It also has an 18.4-inch version.
• Zippered pockets lack two zippers for TSA locking.

Amazon Basics Rolling Laptop Case

There’s so much to like about the Rolling Laptop Case from AmazonBasics . For one, it takes the weight of the briefcase off your shoulders. Secondly, it boasts an uncomplicated design. Last, but not least, it’s both lightweight and great value-for-money.

A retractable, telescoping handle provides all the versatility in this bag. When you’re rolling the bag, the push-button lock allows for secure movement. It can be tucked away and the two fabric top handles allow the bag to be used as a briefcase. On the inside, the design is clean and simple. The frontal organizational pocket offers easy access to items like phones, keys, etc. On the inside, it has three main compartments. First is a padded interior pocket for securely holding a laptop. A second compartment is perfect for miscellaneous items from clothes to shoes. Finally, a third compartment is perfect for small items like business cards, notepads, and pens.

The best part about the briefcase is that it can fit under airplane seats, and can be used as a carry-on. What’s more, there’s even a slot for inserting a nametag at the back of the bag. Overall, it might not have the bells and whistles of other bags, but it works well for the price.

16.50 x 14.50 x 7.50 inches (41.9 x 36.8 x 19 cm)

• Lightweight.
• Value-for-money.
• Lots of pockets for organization.
• Easy to carry.
• No security features or lockable zippers.

ECOSUSI Ladies PU Leather Laptop Bag

ECOSUSI is perhaps most known for its range of vegan leather handbags for women. In the Ladies PU Leather Laptop Bag, Ecosusi has created an excellent business travel briefcase for women.

The stylish laptop bag is perfect for ladies who carry smaller laptops up to 14 inches. One of the chicest highlights about the bag is the elegant bow which lends the bag a feminine flair while being professional at the same time. What the bag doesn’t tell you outwardly is that it’s supremely durable. You can swing in and out of your car, throw it around in your backseat or trunk, carry it everywhere, wear it all the time – and it’ll still be as reliable as the day you got it.

Apart from a 14-inch laptop compartment, you’ll find four other compartments that can carry everything you need. The nifty, adjustable strap and top handles allow it to be carried like a briefcase, crossbody bag, messenger bag, and even a purse. Whether it’s your daily commute or an overnight trip, this lightweight laptop bag won’t weigh you down. At the same time, it’s primed to carry all your stuff.

14.8 x 10.6 x 4 inches (37.6 x 26.9 x 10.1 cm)

• It comes in five colors – black, blue, coffee, red, and brown.
• Eco-friendly.
• Well-constructed.
• It also has a 15.6-inch version.
• The strap is less durable than the bag.

Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase

When it comes to leather briefcases, you cannot go wrong with Samsonite. It’s one of the best luggage brands in the world. And this Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase is one of the best travel briefcases in business.

The bag is made of genuine leather and sports a spacious and professional design and appearance. A sturdy outer frame maintains the shape of the briefcase, no matter what or how much stuff is placed inside. Moreover, the zipper beneath the bag allows the storage area to expand so that more items can be fit into the briefcase. Also, it does sans jeopardizing the integrity of the seams. The briefcase also ensures carrying comfort and versatility in the form of both a shoulder strap and carrying handles. In addition, the strap is made of durable nylon and has a leather shoulder pad so as to not put a strain on your shoulder.

On the inside, the bag features many compartments for organizational comfort. Your 15-inch laptop can easily and snugly sit within the padded laptop sleeve. A bevy of concealed zipper compartments allows storing lots of items like stationery, files, keys, wallet, makeup, and more. On the outside, the bag maintains a sleek look that makes it great to be carried on business meetings and trips.

16.75 x 7.25 x 12.25 inches (42.5 x 18.4 x 31 cm)

• Sturdy outer design.
• Expandable storage.
• The shoulder strap is padded.
• Lots of concealed inner compartments.
• Neat outer appearance.
• PU leather might not work in humid environments.

CoolBELL Convertible Backpack Shoulder Messenger Bag (CU)

The CoolBELL Convertible Bag is one of the coolest business travel briefcases out there. The bag’s biggest draw is its dimensions, which make it one of the largest briefcases out there. Measuring 18.8 x 5.1 x 13.7 inches, the bag is large enough to fit in a 17-inch laptop! Also, it comes it five very cool colors; canvas khaki, canvas dark grey, canvas black, new grey, and new black.

Coming to its practical characteristics, the multi-faceted bag can be carried in three different styles. It can be attached to your airport carry-on like a business briefcase. In addition, it can be carried like a messenger bag, thanks to the shoulder straps. Finally, the extra straps allow it to be carried like a backpack too! Hidden external pockets with zipper closures and two frontal pockets allow you to quick-access stuff no matter how you wear the bag. Aside from a laptop, the large main compartment can store clothes for at least two-three days, as well as other necessary stuff. Besides an ergonomic design, the classic handles and padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry without bringing strain to your shoulder or your back. Finally, the winning unisex design suits both women and men perfectly.

18.8 x 5.1 x 13.7 inches (47.7 x 12.9 x 34.8 cm)

• It comes in five different colors.
• Versatile; can be carried in three ways.
• Sturdy, ergonomic construction.
• Shockproof laptop sleeve.
• Some users have reported issues with the D-clips.

Alpine Swiss Expandable Leather Attache Briefcase

if you’re a fan of the classic rectangular, hard-sided business travel briefcases, then the Alpine Swiss Leather Attache is for you. Traditional as the briefcase might be, it includes modern touches that make it an excellent choice even today.

The sturdy hardcover attache-briefcase has a professional and clean exterior design that offers excellent protection for anything you store inside. The case is made from genuine leather that will form a gorgeous patina over time, lending it a further vintage look. What’s more, it measures a huge 19 x 14 x 4 inches but can be expanded an additional inch for extra storage. This is what separates it from a traditional hardcover briefcase. A large storage compartment features stretchable file sections and another compartment for other odds and ends.

The area where the briefcase also excels is security, with closure in the form of dual combination locks. What’s more, combinations on both sides need to be precisely aligned for you to be able to open the lid. If that wasn’t enough, each side can have different combinations for added security.

19 x 14 x 4 inches (48.2 x 35.5 x 10.1 cm)

• Classic, vintage design.
• Made from genuine leather.
• Durability might be an issue.

SOLO Sterling Overnighter (CU)

The SOLO Sterling Overnighter might be the lightest business travel briefcase on wheels ever made. The briefcase is utterly stylish with a minimalist grey-on-black design lends it a gorgeous yet professional look.

The sleek telescoping handle makes it easy to roll the bag around, no matter its capacity. When not in use, it folds away into a zippered compartment, leaving the exterior looking tidy. A frontal exterior non-zippered stash pocket is excellent for storing quick-access items like tissue, water, etc. A small zippered pocket is great for keys, phones, and more. When you unzip the main compartment, there’s a large, padded pocket with separators for up to a 16-inch laptop and files. Beneath that is the largest storage area in the bag, which can hold everything from clothes to small travel purses to shoes. Everything is kept in place by two locking straps, which also keep the look tidy. All-in-all, this rolling briefcase is perfect for a three-day work trip.

When the rolling handle isn’t in use, two padded top handles make it comfortable to carry by hand. What’s more, its size is such that it can fit beneath an airline seat as well.

16 x 14 x 6 inches (40.6 x 35.5 x 15.2 cm)

• Fantastic neat look.
• Padded top handles and sleek rolling telescoping handle.
• Excellent organization.
• Could tip on to the side if filled to the brim.

Samsonite Colombian Leather Messenger Bag (CU)

There’s a reason this list has so many Samsonite products, and that is style and durability. And one versatile product that’s also one of the best leather messenger bags in business is the Samsonite Colombian Leather Messenger Bag . The business-casual product is one of the best messenger-bag style briefcase options for business travel.

The Samsonite Colombian is made from genuine leather, and as a result, develops a gorgeous patina over a period of time. A padded shoulder strap, albeit constructed from nylon, makes it very easy for the bag to be worn crossbody. Moreover, it’s also adjustable and removable, and the bag can be carried by the top handles too. Also, since the top handles are leather-made, they lend a rich charm when carried by hand.

Likewise, the bag does great on the organizational front too. On the inside, there’s a main zippered compartment with a dedicated laptop sleeve that can fit a 15-inch laptop. Moreover, there are also two external slip and zippered pockets for keeping quick-access items like tissues, makeup, keys, phone, and even stationery. The cherry on top is that the bag is secure thanks to the flap that goes over the button closure.

16.5 x 12 x 5.5 inches (41.9 x 30.5 x 14 cm)

• Comes in three colors – espresso, brown, and black.
• Versatile and durable.
• Great organization.
• Padded shoulder straps.
• It’s not waterproof.

Augus Business Travel Briefcase

There’s nothing like leather, handcrafted briefcase to impress during business meetings or trips. And the Augus Business Travel Briefcase is the best in business – no pun intended. It’s made from genuine high-quality leather and is professional and durable to haul around on all your business trips.

What’s excellent about the bag’s build is that the leather it’s made from is waterproof. So, not only will it keep your things safe and secure, but it can also be used in every weather. Plus, you’ll love the lovely patina that genuine leather develops over a period of time. A handy back strap allows attaching the briefcase to the handle of your carryon for carrying your luggage easily while traveling. On the inside, three zippered compartments can store everything from a laptop to documents, to even change of clothes for an overnight trip. Three exterior pockets are perfect for quick-access items. The strap with shoulder pads makes it easy for you to wear the bag crossbody. Finally, the sleek carrying handles lend it a clean look for it to be carried by hand. You’re even spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing colors – coffee, black, absolute coffee, and absolute black.

17.5 X 5.5 X 12 inches (44.4 x 14 x 30.5 cm)

• Padded, detachable shoulder strap.
• Constructed from genuine 100% waterproof leather.
• Lots of space.
• If stuffed to the brim, zipper durability is a bit less.

Taygeer Laptop Bag-Briefcase

Even if your budget for a bag is low, it doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice either functionality. And the Taygeer Laptop Bag-cum-Briefcase is a testament to that. It ticks all boxes for being one of the best briefcases for business travel.

The exquisite laptop bag-briefcase is constructed of water-resistant nylon, making it perfect to be swung around in all kinds of weather. If the size wasn’t already perfect, the bag has expandable sides which add additional inches, making for more storage space. Coming to the organization, the bag has a front pocket for storing items that can be grabbed quickly, like cellphones, chargers, headphones, and stationery. On the inside, a roomy main pocket can store a 15.6-inch laptop. Also, it has internal pocket organizers for storing files, calculators, stationery, and more.

A nifty addition is a passthrough strap that is ideal for securely fastening the bag to most carry-ons. Finally, a removable shoulder strap and soft leather handles make it versatile to be carried as a crossbody as well as in the hand.

15.7 x 3.15 x 11.8 inches (39.9 x 8 x 30 cm)

• The bag has both shoulder straps and carrying handles.
• Multiple compartments for organization.
• It even has a 17-inch version.

Author:  Emma Landa

I'm a traveler with a thirst for adventure and a passion for style. From the runways of Paris to the boutiques of Milan, I've traveled the world in search of the most glamorous and exclusive fashion experiences. I love nothing more than indulging in the latest designer collections and discovering hidden gems in the world of fashion. I've explored the streets of Tokyo, discovering unique and avant-garde styles that are pushing the boundaries of fashion. And in New York, I've attended the most exclusive fashion shows, rubbing shoulders with the industry's elite. But fashion isn't the only thing that I indulge in. I've also stayed in some of the most luxurious hotels and properties around the world. From the stunning resorts in Bali to the opulent villas in Tuscany, I know how to travel in style and comfort. Sharing my experiences and insights with others is something that I'm passionate about. Through my social media channels, I offer a glimpse into the world of luxury fashion and travel, inspiring others to explore the world of high-end fashion and indulge in the finer things in life. So, come along with me on my journey and let me show you the world of luxury fashion and travel like you've never seen it before!

12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

.css-1jvcbpx{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1jvcbpx{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1jvcbpx{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jvcbpx{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-1jvcbpx b,.css-1jvcbpx strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1jvcbpx em,.css-1jvcbpx i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.

The Edit: Fashion

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The 20 Best Small Tote Bags

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The 11 Best Travel Purses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your belongings at your side with these T+L-approved travel purses.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Purses 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 / Reese Herrington

Organization while traveling is key, so we recommend having one designated spot for storing travel essentials like a passport, money, and technology. While you can store these items in a bigger bag en route to your destination, a more portable bag like a purse, mini backpack, or sling bag may be a better option.

We consulted our Travel + Leisure staff as well as other industry experts across our team to get recommendations for travel purses that are tried and true by frequent fliers. We received  submissions from over 30 seasoned travelers for bags they've used anywhere from six months to over four years all around the globe. We selected 11 purses that received the highest praise and broke down why we think you’ll love them, too.

Best Overall

Lo & sons o.g. 2.

Lo & Sons

• Capacity 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

The large purse has a pocket for every travel essential you could ever need to pack.

It can get heavy when it’s packed full.

Lo & Sons makes some of our favorite travel bags, so it’s no surprise that this one came highly recommended for its spacious capacity and superior organizational features. The large shoulder bag comes with a padded laptop pocket that can store and protect devices up to 13 inches long, or you can place a laptop up to 16 inches in the main compartment, but it won’t be in the padded section.

For any other travel essentials, this bag has you covered with plenty of small pockets in the main section of the bag for phone chargers and snacks, and there’s a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated on the go. The front zippered pocket has smaller pockets inside to store grab-and-go items like a phone, wallet, and passport. Best of all, the bag has a discrete side pocket for a pair of shoes when you're using it as an overnight bag. And, of course, the more you pack the nylon bag, the heavier it will get, but it does have a trolley sleeve for securing it to a suitcase if it feels cumbersome to carry.

The Details: 16.5 x 13.75 x 6.75 inches | Nylon, Nappa leather | Water resistant | 13-inch laptop pocket

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cheruty backpack purse.

The stylish backpack has a modular design so you can carry it three ways.

The anti-theft design makes it less convenient to grab items.

Versatility is key with a travel purse, so we love that this backpack purse can be carried in multiple ways. While the purse is designed for use as a backpack with the built-in backpack straps, it also has a top handle and removable crossbody strap to convert the style as desired. Our favorite part of the backpack is the anti-theft design featuring a main compartment that is only accessible from the back zipper. There is a front zippered pocket to store small items like lip balm or a phone charger and the interior has four zippered and slip pockets for staying organized. The anti-theft design makes it a little less convenient to grab items quickly, but it offers peace of mind in crowded spaces since it’s much more difficult for pickpocketing to occur. This bag also earned praise for being effortlessly stylish thanks to the sleek faux leather look over two dozen color options.

The Details: 12.6 x 5.9 x 12.6 inches | PU leather | Convertible | 9.7-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote

The nylon material is super lightweight and easy to wipe-clean on the go.

It doesn’t have a top zipper.

Looking for a purse that’s easy to pack? Quince’s nylon tote bag is impressively lightweight whether you’re toting it around while sightseeing or packing it away in a bigger suitcase. While we love a leather bag, nylon material can be a safer option for travel since it’s easy to spot-clean with some soap and water on the go, and is typically lighter so it won’t weigh down your shoulder when packed full of the essentials. This tote’s interior has designated pockets for a laptop and water bottle, and various slip and zippered pockets to organize smaller items. For security reasons, it would be nice if the bag had a zip-top instead of a magnetic closure, but the slim design of the bag makes it easy to keep it close to you while traveling. The tote also has two exterior slip pockets and it comes in Oxford blue, olive, and black color options.

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

Best Shoulder Bag

Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag.

• Capacity 2 /5

The nylon bag is easy to compress and pack down for excellent portability.

It’s not big enough to store tablets or laptops.

Crescent bags are a bit more stylish than a traditional fanny pack, but the style offers similar security to a sling bag that rests on the upper body. The simplicity of this Uniqlo shoulder bag makes it an excellent choice for travelers in search of a packable bag to store the essentials. It’s big enough to carry a phone, wallet, passport, or other smaller items, but it isn’t large enough to hold laptops or tablets. If you need to consolidate your personal belongings before getting on an airplane, this nylon bag compresses down and can be folded up to seamlessly fit in a backpack or carry-on. The water-resistant bag is also machine washable and comes in seven earthy colors. And, the purse is the most affordable option on this list if you can’t choose just one color.

The Details: 11 x 7 x 3.9 inches | Nylon | Water resistant

Travel + Leisure / Abigail Moore

Best Fanny Pack

Dagne dover ace fanny pack.

Dagne Dover

• Quality 5 /5
• Capacity 4 /5

The spacious fanny pack is made with durable and waterproof neoprene fabric.

Dirt and dust are easily attracted to the fabric.

If you’re traveling somewhere damp or rainy, you’ll want a purse made of waterproof materials to protect your belongings. This Dagne Dover fanny pack is made with the brand’s signature neoprene material that wards off inclement weather and rough handling thanks to the thick cushion of the fabric. While we love the protective material, it is prone to catching dust and dirt, but it can be easily spot-cleaned so it isn’t a deal-breaker by any means. The interior is big enough to fit phones, wallets, eReaders, and sunglasses with plenty of room to spare, but it isn’t so large that it feels bulky to wear. The nylon strap can be adjusted to wear the fanny pack comfortably around the waist and shoulder or as a crossbody sling bag, which is ideal for versatility while traveling or running errands. There are several slip pockets and a zippered one in the front to store and organize small items and the fanny pack comes in six color options.

The Details: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Neoprene | Water resistant

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Crossbody

Baggallini everywhere bagg.

The lightweight materials and adjustable crossbody strap offer all-day comfort.

The interior could benefit from a divider to separate the spacious compartment.

The Baggallini Everywhere Bag is travel expert-endorsed largely due to the fact that it offers superior comfort compared to other crossbody bags on the market. The entire bag and strap are made of a lightweight nylon fabric that won’t rub or dig when it’s being worn across the body or as a shoulder bag. Large enough to fit an iPad or tablet, the purse has an impressive capacity for storing everything from the bare necessities like a wallet and keys to tech gadgets for air travel. The medium-size purse is chock full of pockets on the inside and outside, and there’s even a discrete side pocket for easy access to phones or wallets. The main compartment has a pocket for tablets and a few small slip pockets, but we wish there was a divider or more pockets to prevent items from getting lost in the bottom of the bag. We also love that there is a trolley sleeve in the back and the bag comes with an RFID-blocking removable wristlet as a thoughtful touch.

The Details: 11 x 9 x 5 inches | Nylon | Water resistant

Best Clutch

Radley london sundown avenue weave medium flapover clutch.

Radley London

• Capacity 3 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

The compact purse can be worn as a crossbody bag or carried as a clutch.

The chain strap is not adjustable.

For travel looks that require a chic purse to complete the outfit, we recommend this convertible clutch from Radley London. It’s made with high-quality genuine leather with a woven design and elegant gold hardware that gives the purse a truly elevated design. And for the best part: it comes with a removable chain to style the purse as a crossbody or carry it as a clutch for upscale events like weddings or fancy dinners. The chain strap is effortlessly chic, but we wish it was adjustable or slightly longer since the shorter chain is a bit awkward to use with the bag. The size is small enough to fit in a backpack or suitcase, and the magnetic-closing bag can fit various small items like lipstick, credit cards, and a phone.

The Details: 11 x 6 x 4 inches | Leather | Detachable chain strap

Best Packable

Longchamp le pliage original backpack.

The backpack can fold up to a fraction of its original size.

It doesn’t offer any pockets for organization.

If you don’t want your travel purse to count as a personal item or carry-on for flying, Longchamp’s packable mini backpack is a game-changer for saving space. While the bag is already smaller in size, it can fold up with the help of built-in snap-closures to compress the backpack into a small rectangle that packs flat. The bag can then be placed into a large piece of luggage for travel and unfolded to create the perfect purse for a day of sightseeing. It can hold bulkier items like a tablet, camera, water bottle, and wallet without feeling heavy or weighed down. One thing to note is that the bag doesn’t offer organizational features like pockets, so you may want to use a small pouch to organize smaller items. The recycled polyamide canvas backpack looks elegant and it comes in seven color options, but if backpacks aren’t your preferred way of carrying items, the brand also carries a similar packable Le Pliage Original Tote Bag that came highly recommended by T+L travel experts, too.

The Details: 11 x 10.2 x 3.9 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas

Best Machine Washable

Baggu nylon crescent bag.

• Value 4.8 /5

You can toss this nylon bag in a washing machine after a trip for hassle-free upkeep.

Consider air-drying the bag to prevent pilling or shrinkage.

Traveling can speed up the typical wear and tear on a purse, especially for frequent fliers, so this machine-washable bag from Baggu makes it easy to breathe new life into it after trips. Baggu bags are notorious for being easy to pack and this larger crescent purse is no exception thanks to the flexible nylon material that can easily be compressed and folded. The medium size is surprisingly spacious with a large main section for water bottles, snacks, wallets, and a travel tablet , and two slip pockets for lip balm and keys. Plus, the nylon strap is adjustable for the most comfortable fit whether the bag is packed to the brim or with just a few items. Since all travelers have different styles, we love that the bag comes in various solid colors and bold prints to please everyone. While the bag is machine washable, we recommend hanging it up to air dry to prevent any shrinking or damage from a dryer.

The Details: 13.75 x 8 x 4 inches | Recycled heavyweight nylon

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag

The material has plenty of stretch so it can hold bigger items like beach towels and jackets.

You’ll want to store keys and lip balm in a separate pouch since smaller items can fall through the mesh.

Whether vacationing somewhere tropical or swinging by the farmer’s market, this Longchamp mesh bag is a must-pack. Compact and easy to store in a bigger purse, the bag turns into a Mary Poppins bag once you begin packing it. From jean jackets to beach towels, the cotton mesh material has the slightest bit of stretch to hold bulkier items without anything falling through the perforated design. It can also store fruit, veggies, and flowers if you come across an unexpected farmer’s market while traveling. For smaller items, we recommend using a smaller pouch to keep keys, lip balm, and other skinny items safeguarded from the netting. Depending on your personal style, the bag comes in six color options featuring neutrals like white and brown or bolder colors like pink and green.

The Details: 15 x 12.2 inches | Cotton, gold hardware

Best for Laptops

John fluevog shoes nashua laptop bag.

John Fluevog Shoes

• Value 4.5 /5

This compact laptop bag comes with tote handles and a crossbody strap that offers both a comfortable and convertible design.

Larger laptops might be a tighter fit.

This recommended John Fluvog leather laptop purse offers protection for your technology while traveling. It’s basically a laptop case with straps to carry it as a crossbody or tote bag, so we love that it’s specifically designed for computers. The removable crossbody strap is made with the same soft leather material and it boasts two little pockets to store small items like lip balm or earbuds that are easy to access from the strap. The interior has a designated slip pocket that can store laptops up to 15 inches long, but anything bigger might be a tight squeeze or not fit at all. Aside from a laptop, travelers can store small water bottles, snacks, notebooks, headphones, or any other essentials in the spacious main compartment. There is a front zippered pocket to conveniently access boarding passes or a phone while traveling. With several color and texture options, shoppers have the choice between black and blue color options made with soft pebbled leather and a brown color made with sleek smooth leather.

The Details: 15 x 11.25 x 2.25 inches | Pebbled leather

Other Travel Purses We Liked

Several travel purses still came highly recommended, but didn’t have as much praise compared to our winner’s list.

Madewell The Transport Saddlebag : The crossbody bag has lots of space to hold travel essentials, but the leather strap isn’t the most comfortable for long periods of time.

Senreve Midi Maestra Bag : We love that the modular design makes it easy to carry the bag in three different ways, but the medium size is a bit awkward for travel since it’s too small to hold a laptop and too bulky to pack in a suitcase.

With recommendations from T+L editors and other trusted travel experts on our team, we compiled this of tried-and-true travel purses. While we accepted all submissions, we narrowed the list down to 11 options that stood out for quality, capacity, and portability. Each bag recommended has been used for at least six months (some have been tested for over four years) and has traveled all around the world with us on various trip types.

Tips for Buying a Travel Purse

Know your storage and organization needs.

Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist packer, there’s a travel purse out there to fit your needs. For travelers in need of extra space for larger wallets or laptops, we recommend a tote bag or medium-size backpack that often have designated pockets for items of different sizes. Crossbody, sling, and shoulder bags are best for storing just the essentials like phones, credit cards, earbuds, or a small wallet. For an even more streamlined option, a phone purse could be a good choice.

Prioritize comfort

Comfort while traveling is essential, so if you know you’re an over-packer, opt for a backpack or purse with thick, padded straps to help distribute the weight and provide cushioning. In general, you want to look for bags that don't have thin straps (often crossbody bags) since this can often cause discomfort or rubbing.

Think about anti-theft protection

Pickpocketing is a very real threat when traveling and the best way to avoid it is by making sure all of your valuables aren’t easily accessible. Anti-theft protection in travel purses can vary, but the common traits include discrete pockets in the back or interior of the purse, lockable zippers, and cut-resistant fabric.

A personal item is anything (allowed on an airplane, of course) that can fit underneath the seat. That means that purses, backpacks, totes, shopping bags, or laptop cases can count as your allotted personal item. If the airline is strict about personal items, you can always stick your purse inside of a backpack or carry-on to consolidate the number of items.

It depends on the material the purse is made out of and the type of fabric lining. In general, purses should come with manufacturing cleaning instructions, but if not, you can always opt for some soap and water to gently spot clean until you can get the bag professionally cleaned or into a washing machine if allowed.

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 sifted through testing notes from dozens of bag submissions and pulled from her knowledge of travel accessories to recommend the best travel purses.

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

Reader's Digest

We Tested the 7 Best Underseat Luggage Picks for Convenient Travel in 2024

Posted: March 30, 2024 | Last updated: March 30, 2024

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry On Rolling Underseat Bag Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3776 Scale Weight V1

Colors: Slate green, black, ensign blue, orchid, champagne | Material: Polyester fabric with DuraGuard coating | Weight: 5.7 lbs. | Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 10 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 42 in.

Frequent fliers consistently choose Travelpro as a dependable luggage brand. This soft-sided compact carry-on meets all the criteria for the best underseat luggage. For starters, inline skate wheels and a telescopic handle make it easy to maneuver around the airport. We love all the convenient interior and exterior storage options, including a padded laptop sleeve and removable wet pocket.

We tested the Travelpro Maxlite and found that it fits conveniently under the seat of most major airlines including American, Spirit, Frontier, Southwest and JetBlue. With some effort, our testers packed a weekend's worth of accessories and clothing into the suitcase. The underseat luggage is equipped with specially-designed compartments and quick-access pockets with dividers and Velcro closures. One value-added feature is the snap-in toiletry bag that is beneficial for a weekend trip. Additionally, the front inside pocket has a keychain hook and the back has a slot for the included luggage tag.

As far as maneuverability, the telescopic handle is sturdy once locked in place and features a curved handle that rests at a nice height. The two ball-bearing wheels are high-quality and roll well when tested over different floor types, cords and sharp turns. Although we weren't particularly impressed with the clunky Velcro straps, we felt the zippers and wheels were durable and the two legs that hold the luggage upright were a nice touch.

Available in five colors, this underseat bag also coordinates with other luggage in the Maxlite line and includes a 100-day trial and a lifetime warranty for a lifetime of travel. Did you know that pilots only travel with soft-sided luggage , too?

Travelers Club Smart Under Seat Carry On Luggage Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3809

Colors: Purple, navy blue, black | Material: Polyester fabric | Weight: 5 lbs. | Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.38 x 10.25 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.125 in.

If you're flying a budget airline, including Frontier or Spirit, and want to get away without paying for a carry-on or checked bag, invest in this incredibly frugal smart suitcase instead. This budget-friendly underseater is a favorite with Amazon reviewers, boasting a built-in USB charging port for keeping gadgets powered on the go. It also has a telescopic handle, smooth inline skate wheels, multiple exterior pockets for easy access to accessories and ample interior storage space.

A weekend's worth of clothing easily fits inside this bag. We found even more space for our separate toiletry bag with room in the external pockets. The best part of this bag is the elastic-topped open pouch below the USB port that holds the power bank. However, we also liked how well this luggage rolled around with only two wheels. It felt so lightweight that we had to double-check that it was packed. And even without adjustable height options, the push-button telescopic handle made it pleasant to lug this bag around.

Coming in as the least expensive option on our best underseat luggage list, this smart carry-on fits comfortably under the seat of American, Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue. It might be a stretch to fit it under the seat of a Southwest flight, so we recommend checking the airline's website for specific size requirements. Beware before flying, though, not all carry-ons are free . It's available in different colors and only weighs 5 pounds, so it won't weigh you down as you rush to your terminal.

The 7 Best Underseat Luggage Of 2024, According To Travel Experts Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3806

Colors: Black herringbone, terracotta herringbone | Material: Polyester | Weight: 7.05 lbs. | Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.5 x 9.25 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 41.5 in.

Business travelers or other frequent fliers should invest in durable, multifunctional pieces of underseat luggage with all the bells and whistles. That's why the Herringbone Deluxe Underseater by Hartmann is our pick for the best underseat luggage for business travel or international travel .

Constructed of durable polyester fabric, this underseat bag withstands dirt and sits on ball-bearing dual-spinner wheels for convenient and comfortable rolling. Alongside the Calpak, this was our favorite set of wheels. It performed swimmingly during our makeshift obstacle course and maneuvered well around tight corners.

Sleek pull handles made of lightweight yet strong virgin aluminum allow for a comfortable grip and two variable heights on the telescopic handle. The exterior features a USB port, TSA padlock and a SmartSleeve for sliding over an upright suitcase. As for interior features, it includes a padded laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, multiple pockets for organization and a monogrammed lining. Don't forget to pack a travel pillow while you're at it!

In our testing, we concluded that you could certainly stuff this suitcase to the brim but wouldn't be able to utilize the front pocket. However, the overall design was high quality with a signature herringbone pattern for a timeless look. This underseat luggage is on the pricier side, but it includes a 10-year warranty, two color options, a list of noteworthy features and fits under the seat of American, Spirit and Frontier Airlines.

Vera Bradley Underseat Rolling Work Bag Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3802

Colors: Black, botanical paisley, enchanted mandala blue | Material: Polyester | Weight: 6.15 lbs. | Dimensions: 16 x 13.25 x 11 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 41.5 in.

Looking for luggage with smart features that's sure to stand out? This Vera Bradley work bag is a top pick because it fits underneath the seat in front of you on most flights, features a handy USB port and is available in two stylish prints. Quick-stash exterior pockets and compartments offer easy access and room for all your travel essentials , so you won't misplace your passport at the last second. The main compartment also features a laptop sleeve and two elastic mesh pockets.

During our testing, we found the biggest benefit of this underseater was its storage ability. It was one of the roomiest suitcases we tested, making packing a breeze. We could readily fit clothing and then some in this highly expandable underseat luggage. Avoid packing mistakes by opening it from the side and unfolding it completely for easy packing. The included lock and USB port are a plus and the trolley sleeve adds convenience.

Furthermore, it performed well on U-turns with its purse-like top straps and low-profile handle. Unfortunately, the rolling work bag only comes with two non-spinning wheels and only one locking height on the telescopic handle.

If you're in the market for a fun bag with a signature look and room to fit enough clothing and accessories for personal travel like a weekend getaway, then this is the pick for you. It fits under the seat of American, Spirit, Frontier, Southwest and JetBlue Airlines and includes a five-year warranty.

Kenneth Cole Chelsea Carry On Chevron Quilted Underseater Rda Luggage Ef 022124 3825

Colors: Black | Material: Polyester twill | Weight: 5.05 lbs. | Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.75 x 10 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 42 in.

If you're ready to travel in style , look no further than the Chelsea underseater from Kenneth Cole. This attractive carry-on has a chevron quilted exterior made of durable polyester twill with gold-plated zippers. Smart compartments include inside slip pockets, a laptop sleeve and dual exterior side pockets for shoes, water bottles and quick-access toiletries. Everything we packed readily fit inside this suitcase. The front zipper opens all the way for easy access, and the trolley sleeve in the back allows for convenient hands-free carrying. We also love the high-quality gold zippers, trim and beautiful tear-resistant lining.

Additionally, the telescopic handle has two adjustable height options with a fully extended height that we think the tallest travelers will love. Plus, the four 360-degree spinner wheels add to the bag's mobility but aren't as maneuverable as other four-wheel options on this list. We have concerns about the longevity of the pleather material of the purse-like straps and feel they might be susceptible to rips over time. However, the straps were still comfortable to hoist during our testing.

Pair this best underseat luggage with other bags in the Chelsea collection like a tote, backpack, 20-inch carry-on or larger suitcase set. According to its specs, the Chelsea underseater will comfortably fit under the seat of American, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines.

Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry On Luggage Rda Luggage Ef 022124 0250 Carpet V1

Colors: Rose gold, black, silver, gold and limited-edition copper | Material: Polycarbonate exterior and polyester interior | Weight: 5.95 lbs. | Dimensions: 16.5 x 14.25 x 8.5 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.375 in.

Powers' pick for the best underseat luggage is Calpak's Ambeur Mini Carry-On . "It has a durable hard shell exterior to protect items," she explains. "It has 360-degree spinner wheels, making it super easy to roll, has cushioned top and side handles and has an interior divider with multiple pockets for easier packing. Its sophisticated design and smaller size for shorter trips is a winning combination." A carry-on like this will help you pack lighter and smarter for the next trip!

The Calpak ranked well in our testing, from packing to price. First, it arrived with a branded, protective drawstring bag. Secondly, the high-quality zippers click into adjacent locks and pop out when the locks are released. Additionally, a TSA-approved padlock and interior straps that keep the suitcase at an upright 90-degree angle make packing and traveling a whole lot easier.

Since this is a hardshell suitcase, it does not offer any exterior pockets. However, the durable exterior has a luxurious sheen and an incredibly attractive low-profile design. Our testers also loved the sturdy telescopic handles with two locking positions to adjust the height and the corner protectors around the four double wheels that roll like a dream.

Packing the top portion of this suitcase is a little tricky as it doesn't lay perfectly flat nor is it big enough for a MacBook Pro. We think the hardshell nature might not make this the best option for underseat storage as it would be difficult to access contents mid-flight and technically measures too big to stow under a seat on most major airlines. Nonetheless, it is well-designed with a two-year warranty and solid construction. Part of Calpak's Ambeur collection, you can still coordinate this piece with other luggage options like a vanity case.

What to look for when buying underseat luggage

Colors: Black, navy, olive | Material: Ballistic nylon | Weight: 7.05 lbs. | Dimensions: 14.5 x 15.5 x 8.75 in. (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.5 in.

A suitcase is considered an investment piece that should stand the test of time. That's exactly what you'll get when you splurge on this Briggs & Riley Baseline Cabin Spinner . Constructed of durable ballistic nylon fabric, this best underseat luggage withstands wear and tear, moisture, dirt and abrasions and sits on 360-degree shock-absorbing spinner wheels. It features a lifetime warranty where the brand will repair a broken or damaged bag free of charge, no questions asked.

This bag arrived in excellent condition with an attached hideaway luggage tag. Its ultra-compact design made it a bit difficult for us to pack everything inside without rolling the clothing or rearranging some items to create more space. Nonetheless, the bag does offer a front padded slip pocket, easily accessible side pockets and multiple roomy pockets on the inside. Although this bag doesn't technically fit within airline specifications for underseat luggage, we recommend using Briggs & Riley's airline carry-on guide for confirmation.

But our favorite feature was the smartly designed and incredibly strong interlocking handle system. Outfitted with a trolley strap on the back, this luggage stacks on top of other Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcases effortlessly. Elastic bands counterbalance the load to keep everything upright meaning your luggage is less likely to topple over while you run to your gate. It even worked when we stacked it on top of the Calpak mini carry-on.

The telescopic handle adjusts to a variety of heights and the four swivel wheels provide optimal turn radius. Another feature we loved during testing was the leather magnetic handle. This premium addition feels good to the touch and adds a luxurious feel that snaps and Velcro can't achieve. The self-repairing YKK zippers are on a thick, durable track that complements the bag's utilitarian design. However, you can add a free leather monogrammed nameplate to the cabin spinner for personalization.

When searching for the best underseat luggage, consider how often and how far you fly. If you stack up frequent flyer miles easily, then look for luggage that's durable enough to accompany you on your constant travel adventures. You might also want a hardshell suitcase or one with a stain-resistant exterior fabric to withstand wear and tear. A business traveler might prefer underseat luggage with many compartments and easy laptop access.

On the other hand, if you tend to only travel a couple of times a year for weekend getaways, then you can probably buy luggage that's more form than function. No matter the type of travel, we recommend underseat luggage that will, first and foremost, fit under the seat of the airline you fly. Otherwise, you'll have to utilize it as an overhead carry-on.

Furthermore, it's good to get luggage with ample storage to accommodate your length of stay, easy maneuverability to get from the security line to the boarding gate and telescopic handles for added comfort. TSA-approved padlocks and charging ports aren't necessary but are bonus features that we love.

Why you should trust us

Our editors aren't just product testers—they're flyers, cruisers and road trippers, too! And when we hear about the latest trends and innovations in luggage, we want to make sure the best travel products live up to the hype. We’ve put the top luggage brands to the test, including Monos, Beis, Away , Roam and Briggs and Riley, and regularly consult with industry experts for their expert opinions.

We’ve ranked the best carry-ons, weekenders, luggage sets and affordable suitcases , and also regularly try out travel accessories like neck pillows, toiletry bags, packing cubes and luggage racks. Whenever we find something we love, we make sure to tell you about it! Our Product Testing Team ordered, unboxed and experienced these luggage options for themselves. Of the 10 brands the team tested, only seven made the list. 

How we found the best underseat luggage to fuel your wanderlust

Before you cash in those miles and jet set to that tropical vacation hideaway, we want to make sure you have the top pick when it comes to the best underseat luggage. Our Product Testing Team tested 10 luggage brands in our studio from high-end retailers to everyday brands. With in-depth research and a rubric that tested size, durability, maneuverability, capacity and functionality, we narrowed that list from 10 to seven.

Our testers considered how well each underseat luggage best fit the designated size specifications on the top airlines. Additionally, our team rated the luggage on packaging and delivery, functionality and features, the comfort and ergonomic design of the handles, appearance and style and overall value. Each piece of luggage was rated and ranked out of a total score of 25. With thorough testing and recognition of notable differences, we’re confident in these seven best underseat luggage picks.

What is the best size for underseat luggage?

Here are the guidelines for underseat luggage on major airlines. Just keep in mind that size requirements may vary by the type of aircraft and some airlines have different size limits for carry-on bags versus underseat luggage.

• Alaska Airlines : Alaska's carry-on size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including the wheels and handles. It also defines a personal item as, "a purse, briefcase or laptop bag ."
• American Airlines: Bags stored underneath the seat in front of you should not exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches.
• Delta: Delta defines a personal item as, "a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you," and their maximum carry-on size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, with no bag exceeding 45 linear inches combined. (Did you know Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines ?)
• Hawaiian Airlines: Carry-on bags should not exceed 9 by 14 by 22 inches or 45 linear inches, or weigh over 25 pounds. "The allotted personal item must be small enough to fit safely under the seat in front of you. Personal items are generally such things as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack or similar piece. In each case, it must fit safely under the seat in front of you," they explain.
• JetBlue: Carry-on bags should not exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but underseat personal items can't be bigger than 17 by 13 by 8 inches.
• United Airlines: United limits underseat luggage to 9 by 10 by 17 inches.
• Southwest Airlines: Personal items must fit in the 16.25- by 13.5- by 8-inch space underneath the seat in front of you.
• Spirit Airlines: Spirit allows personal items up to 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including handles and wheels.

Can you have overhead and underseat luggage?

"Typically, you can have overhead and underseat luggage," says Bodge. However, it depends on the size of the bag, the restrictions of the specific airline you are flying and whether you can have both overhead and underseat luggage. In many cases, a carry-on bag is overhead luggage and an underseat bag is a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

How heavy can underseat luggage or bag be?

Weight restrictions for carry-on luggage vary. Some airlines, including American and Delta, don't even have any for domestic and even most international travel. However, some budget airlines, including Frontier, require carry-ons to weigh 35 pounds or less.

Does underseat luggage count as a personal item?

"An underseat bag is considered to be a personal item," says Bodge. However, it will ultimately depend on the carrier and size of the bags.

• Amber Rose Powers , a travel advisor at Fora , a travel agency
• Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae

Additional reporting contributed by  Leah Groth , Reader's Digest writer.

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The Best Away Luggage Pieces, According to Esquire

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

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

The One You Should Buy

Away carry-on flex.

The Largest Suitcase in the Lineup

Away the trunk.

The Most Versatile Away Suitcase

Away the medium flex.

The Other Large Checked Option

Away the large flex.

A Great Packable Tote

Away packable carryall.

Away's Standout Travel Backpack

Away everywhere zip backpack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Consider When Buying Away Luggage

What Away Does Best

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

What to Look Out For With Away

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

Why Trust Esquire?

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

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} What We're Buying

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The Best Samsonite Luggage Deals to Shop Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend — Up to 54% Off

Get ready for Memorial Day travel with the best deals on Samsonite luggage this spring.

With spring heating up, we don't blame you if you're already planning your next sunny getaway or Memorial Day travel. To help get you set your sights on new destinations, Samsonite's sale is making it easy to invest in reliable luggage .

For a limited time, Samsonite is offering up to 54% off carry-ons, large suitcases and luggage sets. No matter where this spring or summer takes you, these Samsonite deals will help you travel confidently with luggage designed for the long haul. 

Shop the Samsonite Sale

Built with a focus on functionality, Samsonite's highly durable luggage make the best travel companions. The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On  is one of the best hardside carry-ons on the market. With strong 360-degree wheels, smooth zippers, and a spacious interior for organized packing, it is extremely lightweight and durable. Even better, the Samsonite Freeform is on sale for 25% off in six different colors.

Samsonite not only delivers sturdy luggage that can withstand being bounced around an airplane's underbelly, but also creates stylish suitcases for every kind of traveler. Adventure awaits, so shop the best Samsonite luggage deals before your next trip below.

Best Samsonite Luggage Deals for Spring 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Extremely lightweight and durable, Freeform has been created to bring the strength and maneuverability that customers have come to expect, combined with a truly unique design. 

$200   $150

Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

With a more streamlined panel and an increased packing capacity, Samsonite's newest lightweight offers a very spacious and effortless ride.

$240   $180

Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

Side-mounted TSA lock ensure your belongings arrive safely to your destination. With a built in combination lock, the Samsonite cases are good to go no matter where you are. 

$280   $210

Samsonite Voltage DLX Carry-On Spinner

The Voltage blends fashion and technology with a USB port to charge your devices that's integrated into the TSA-approved lock panel. Protect your belongings with the lightweight yet extremely durable exterior. And inside, stay organized with built-in WetPak and mesh pockets.

$190   $130

Novaire 2 Piece Set

If you're checking a bag and keeping one as a carry-on, this matching two-piece set is a great option. You can choose from six different colors that have a special sheen which reduces the appearance of scratches. 

$520   $370

Novaire Carry-On Spinner

Novaire's refined finish and durable hardside design make it a must have for the sophisticated traveler. Take this with you on your spring vacation.

$250   $160

Lite-Frame Carry-On Spinner

The Lite-Frame collection offers an advanced closure technology that uses an injection molding frame with inner locking mechanism. This construction offers superior convenience with a one touch multi-point locking system.

$300   $180

Detour 29" Wheeled Duffle

The structured lower half is perfect for more delicate items, while the vast upper compartment can hold loads of clothes, features a dedicated shoe pocket, as well as a separate water resistant zippered compartment.

$230   $161

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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20 Facts About Moscow: Fun & Interesting

Russias capital Moscow is a city full of history, that is perhaps only known for things like Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s cathedral.

But,  it pays to know a few facts about Moscow before you take a trip there. Here are 2o facts about Moscow.

Moscow Is Huge

Moscow is the largest city in Europe in fact Moscow is so big that it has the right to be its own country. The city of Moscow is home to 12 million residents which puts it in the top 10 most populated cities in the world. There are more people in Moscow than in both Switzerland and Norway combined.

Stay Dogs Use The Metro In Moscow

The stray dogs of Moscow cityare super smart and have learned to use the city’s metro in order to survive the cold winters. While using the metro you might just bump into one of these super-smart train-loving dogs. They recognize the stops by the tannoy announcements and hop and off just like we do.

There Is An Underground River In Moscow

The Neglinnaya River flowed through the Russian capital for centuries undisturbed but no one could live on the western side of its banks as it flooded every year. Russian engineering then took over and they diverted the river into an underground tunnel which now flows under Neglinnaya Street into the Moskva river and then built on the old river that is now dry.

The Tunisian Embassy Is Haunted

The Tunisian Embassy in Moscow is the old home of Lavrentiy Beria, the chief of the secret police during Stalin’s era. It’s said that Lavrentiy would kidnap beautiful women, take them home, have his way with them and then murder them. They are now said to haunt the Tunisian Embassy at 28 Malaya Nikitskaya St.

Diplomats have woken up to safes being open and papers scattered everywhere, they hear footsteps in the day and the night and a lot of Tunisian Diplomats have asked to be relocated due to the spooky occurrences.

Gorky Park Is Amazingly Busy

Gorky Park is the central park of Moscow and on average plays host to 100,000 people every day. That is one busy park and one of the busiest in the world.

Izmailovo Park Is Huge

Izmailovo Park is actually one of the largest urban parks in the world. It measured  15.34 square kilometers (1534 hectares) and is roughly six times Central Park, if that helps.

It Is A Religious Capital

Fun fact about Moscow, it is actually the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Moscow Has The Most Billionaires

Moscow is home to more billionaires than any other city in the world. There are around 84 billionaires living in Moscow with a combined total wealth of 367 billion dollars. New York comes second with 62 billionaires live there.

The Metro Never Breaks Down

If you live in a city then you know how annoying it is when the metro breaks and you’re late for work. Well, this doesn’t happen in Moscow. The Moscow Metro has only broken down once, on the 16th of October in 1941, and has never failed since.

The Largest Bell In The World Is In Moscow

The Tsar Bell we know today weighs 200 tonnes and it has never been rung, but this is the third version of this huge bell. The first was 18 tonnes and required 24 men just to make it ring but it was then broken into pieces during a fire. The same thing happened to Tsar Bell version 2, and then came version 3 which was buried after another fire and took 40 years to get out.

Moscow Doesn’t Believe In Tears

The saying “Moscow Doesn’t Believe In Tears” is one of the oldest sayings in the country. It stems pack to people who couldn’t pay their tribute to Moscow and would cry and beg for an extension. The emperor would say “Moscow Doesn’t Believe In Tears”.

The Highest Monument In Moscow

The highest monument in Moscow is the Victory Obelisk. It’s a huge 141.8 meters tall and was built in May 1995 as a representation of the Great Patriotic War. Every 10 cm of the Victory Obelisk represents a single fay of the war.

The Seven Sisters Of Moscow

The seven sisters of Moscow, aka Stalin’s Skyscrapers, are 7 identical skyscrapers that stand amongst Moscow’s skyline. Today 2 are apartments, 2 are offices, 2 are hotels, and one is a university.

The Busiest Metro

9 million people use the Moscow Metro every day which is more than New York and London combined.

Moscow State University  

Maybe something most people don’t know, but Moscow State University is actually the world’s largest university building.

Largest Botanical Garden

Moscow is home to Europe’s biggest botanical garden, the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences which is home to 18,000 species of plants from around the Soviet Union and the rest of the world.

There’s A Lot Of Choice For Dinners Out

There are over 2700 different restaurants in Moscow and the number is ever-growing. You’ll never be short of dinner options in Moscow and just imagine searching on Just-Eat.

The Highest Tower In Europe

The Ostankino TV Tower in Moscow is the tallest in all of Europe and measures an incredible 540 meter high.

Assumption Cathedral

In the Kremlin, you’ll find the oldest building that survived all the fires in Moscow, the Assumption Cathedral. It was completed in August of 1479 and is now 542 years old. The most impressive thing is that it managed to survive all the fires Moscow experienced.

The Kremlin Was Rebuilt By Italians

The Kremlin, located right near Red Square, is actually called the Moscow Kremlin. In the 15th century, the Moscow Kremlin wall and its temples were in serious need of repair but the Russian architects at the time couldn’t handle it. Grand Duke Ivan III then asked the Italians to come and help restore the Kremlin to its former glory.

Moscow Has Burned Down A Lot

The city of Moscow has burned down countless times. All the houses in Moscow used to be built from wood and thus the city burned to its knees quite easily and has been rebuilt several times. These were the fires that burned down the Tsar Bells.

McDonald’s Created A Scene

The first Mcdonald’s opened in Moscow in January of 1990. Despite the cold weather on that winter’s day, the Moscow residents cued patiently waiting for their first McDonald’s meal. The cue was so long it measured several kilometers.

There Was A Tornado In Moscow

Moscow’s one and the only tornado hit the city on June 29, 1904. The tornado ran rampant through the streets destroying a lot of the ancient trees of Sokolniki and destroyed a lot of nearby villages and homes in the city.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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Home > The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Written by Campbell & Alya of  Stingy Nomads. They’ve traveled together to over 30 countries globally, including Africa, Latin America, Asia & Europe.

For many travelers visiting Russia is an adventure on its own ; with huge countries like Russia, it’s often difficult to decide where to go, how to move around. This two-week Russia itinerary allows you to visit both must-see places and more off-the-beaten paths destinations in Russia.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Ways To Move Around Russia

Russia is a vast country for long-distance travel . We’d suggest flying, but budget airline options are quite limited in Russia – so be prepared to shell out some serious Russian Ruble. Also, if you are flying with a local airline, check for their luggage allowance, as it can vary.

For many tourists taking a train in Russia is a must-have experience, especially the Transsiberian or an overnight train from Moscow to St Petersburg . The train system is quite good in general for moving around Russia.

Taking a bus in Russia is also an option, but the costs for a coach are the same as for traveling by train for the same distance and the travel time might be a lot longer and buses, as you know, are much less comfortable.

Renting a car is not very popular for travelers to Russia, as it tends to be a bit of a hassle. There are always lengthy traffic jams, poor road maintenance, and random police inspections. So instead, look to get a private transfer service. 

The Best Two Week Russia Itinerary

Day 1 – 3: st.petersburg.

Russia’s most beautiful and romantic city has a lot to offer, from top world art museums and stunning royal residences to nightlife and shopping.

The best time to visit St.Petersburg is in the summer months of June and July to witness famous White Nights when the city literally doesn’t sleep, and neither do you.

Public transport works quite well in the city with the Metro being the fastest and the easiest way of moving around. One metro trip costs 0,5 Euro. There are hundreds of accommodation options in the city, from hostels to B&Bs and fancy hotels.

St.Petersburg Highlights

• The Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace:  One of the top art museums in the world. It says if you stop at every item (painting, sculpture, or artifact) for 1 second, you’ll need years to finish. In summer, it gets hectic with thousands of people surrounding the main art treasures; Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt’s paintings. Buy your ticket online; it’ll save you a lot of time staying in a long queue outside .
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A stunning building crowned with a massive golden dome, inside it’s even more impressive. Not to miss the view from its colonnade, especially at night time.
• Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood : Probably the most famous and photographed building in the city. Built in the traditional Russian style with many, very similar to the famous St.Basil cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow . Do yourself a favor and go inside; you won’t be disappointed; the interior is impressive, richly decorated in gold, with many fresque paintings.
• The Russian Museum: A great collection of Russian art from old icons to modern painting.
• The Mariinsky Theatre: The main city theatre has three stages; the original one (Old Stage), the Concert Hall, and the Second (modern) stage. All three give performances; ballet, opera, Philharmonic orchestra almost every day.
• Peterhof:  The fountain residence and ex-summer royal residence built as a repetition of Versaille. An impressive palace with golden, hundreds of small and big fountains, a beautiful park, it’s a must-visit place. If you travel with children, they will enjoy a visit there are many joke fountains where they can get soaking wet. Just be sure to bring extra clothes and a towel with you.
• The Catherine Palace and Park:  Another ex-royal summer residence in the southern suburb of St.Petersburg. Catherine Palace is probably the most beautiful palace in the city. The main highlights are the famous restored Amber Room and the Grand Hall.

• White Nights and Drawing Bridges:  These two are strongly associated with each other. White Nights is a fascinating phenomenon when the daylight is basically 24 hours. The shortest night, June 21, in St.Petersburg is less than 2 hours, but in fact , it never gets really dark. Summer is navigation season in the city, the Neva river gets quite busy, but it starts only at night when all the bridges are closed for traffic. The show of opening bridges begins with music and lights between 1 am, and 2 am; thousands of people, locals, and tourists watch it every day.
• St.Petersburg Metro:  Named one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world, and it deserves two hours of your time to explore. The most beautiful metro stations; Admiralteiskaya (the second deepest metro station in the world, 102m), Avtovo, Bukharestskaya, Kirovsky Zavod, Mezhdunarodnaya.

Day 4: Veliky Novgorod

Distance from St.Petersburg 195km takes 2h50min to get here by train.

Located between St.Petersburg and Moscow, the oldest Russian city, founded in 859, is definitely worthy of a day stop, especially for those who like history.

Veliky Novgorod is not a usual stop on any Russia itinerary, but it has many old churches and monasteries . The city is relatively small you can move on foot between the main attractions. To get from the train station take a bus, there is a bus stop in front of it.

You’ll notice that everything here is cheaper than in the capital cities; food, accommodation, souvenirs , and entrance fees. There are three of four hostels and quite a few hotels, both budget, and luxury , in the city.

Veliky Novgorod Highlights

• Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets):  The oldest Kremlin in Russia.
• St.Sophia Cathedral
• Yuriev Monastery
• The Millenium of Russia Monument
• Vitoslavlitsy Museum Of Wooden Architecture

Day 5 – 7: Moscow

Distance from Novgorod 537km takes 8 hours to arrive by night train.

Crazy and bustling Russian capital city is a strange mix of everything; old-style Russian churches neighboring with skyscrapers of Moscow City. Moscow is famous for the terrible traffic; the Metro is the best way to move around the city , it’s cheap, 0,6 Euro per trip, and fast in the rush hours it gets hectic.

There are many hostels, B&Bs and hotels in the city for any budget , the most important thing is to find a place in the city center, or as close to it as possible otherwise you risk spending quite a lot of time commuting.

Moscow Highlights

Like any capital city, there are many things to do and places to see , to explore Moscow you’ll need a lot of time, but you’ll be able to visit its highlights in three days.

• Moscow Kremlin:  The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most famous in the world. The complex is big with a lot to see; Armoury museum, Diamond Fund, the Grand Kremlin Palace, Patriarch Palace, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Assumption Cathedral, and more.
• Red Square:  Its name doesn’t come from the color as many people think; in old Russian, “red” (Rus. “Krasny”) meant “beautiful.” Most of the central city sights are located on the square. Tip. Come here early morning, at 6 am, and you’ll get the square all to yourself without the crowds.
• St. Basil’s Cathedral: A favorite tourist attraction, its colorful domes and strange, vivid decoration contrast with traditional Russian churches found all over the city. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. City legend says that the cathedral architects were blinded to make sure they would not be able to build anything similar ever again.
• The Tretyakov Gallery:  The most significant collection of Russian art from to XX century. The building itself is fascinating.
• The Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery: The convent was founded in 1524 by Vasili III; during its history hosted many ladies from the Russian royal family who were forced to take the veil.
• Kolomenskoye:  Located 12km from Moscow, this complex consists of many buildings representing different eras of traditional Russian architecture; the White Column of Kolomenskoye, the Wooden Palace, Church of John the Baptist, Church of Our Lady of Kazan, etc. This trip takes half of a day .
• Moscow Metro: 212 stations with a total route length of 360km; it is the sixth-longest metro system in the world. But it is not just the size that is most impressive – it is also about its beauty.  Some stations look like palaces. The most spectacular stations are Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya, and Ploshchad’ Revolyutsii. The best time to explore the Moscow metro is Saturday and Sunday morning.

Day 8 – 9: Kazan

Distance from Moscow 825km takes 11 hours to get by night train.

Kazan is very different from St.Petersburg and Moscow, and visiting it will give you a more complete picture of Russia.

The city is becoming a new tourist attraction in Russia; in the last years, its infrastructure was improved significantly with FIFA World Cup games taking place here, the city got a new stadium and even a new metro. However, it’s relatively small and has only ten stations.

Kazan has the largest Muslim population in Russia, an interesting place to come, a unique mix of European and Asian traditions and culture. Due to recent significant sports events, many hostels and budget hotels were recently opened in the city.

Kazan Highlights

• Kazan Kremlin:  Don’t be surprised, there is a Kremlin in every old Russian town. In fact, the Moscow Kremlin is one of the youngest out of all of them, although the most famous one.
• Kul Sharif Mosque:  The biggest mosque in Russia.
• Millenium Park of Kazan
• Epiphany Cathedral and The Bell Tower
• Syuyumbike Leaning Tower

Day 10 – 12: Sochi

Distance from Kazan 2000km, there are three flights per week, duration 2h40min.

A subtropical sea city might be the last most people imagine when thinking of Russia.

The city is busy all year round; in summer, many locals come here seeking sea and sun; in winter, it welcomes ski and snowboard enthusiasts, mainly from the capital cities. The local infrastructure and hospitality service was improved quite a lot for the Winter Olympic Games.

There are many hotels and resorts in the city for holiday travelers, but it’s possible to find a hostel, price from 5 Euro per dorm bed. Chilling on the beach (though it’s rocky), swimming in warm water, hiking to the waterfalls , or exploring the nearby subtropical forest, all these you can do here.

Sochi Highlights

• Sochi Botanical Garden
• Olympic Sochi Park
• Krasnaya Polyana
• Aquapark Amphibius
• Caucasian Biosphere Reserve

Day 13: Sochi to St.Petersburg, Train/Flight

The longest distance traveled on this trip , 2339km. A train journey takes almost two days, usually two nights and one full day. For a comfortable ride, take the Severnaya Palmira train; it has AC, wi-fi, personal power outlets, showers, hot water boiler, and includes a hot meal. A flight is a better option if you have some extra cash; there are three daily flights between two cities, duration 3h10min.

Day 14: St.Petersburg

On the last day, you can relax, do souvenir shopping , wander around the city or maybe visit more city attractions. As an alternative to the standard sights and tours, you can do a roof tour or visit one of the modern art museums , e.g., Street Art museum, Erarta.

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Russia Travel Planning Tips

To move around the country take night trains this way you save time by traveling at night and save money on accommodation. Night trains have bunk beds and are comfortable enough for sleeping.

In big cities Moscow, St.Petersburg, Kazan, Couchsurfing is quite popular if you’d like to get some insider tips and meet locals , it’s a great way to do it.

Buy train tickets online on the official Russian Railways website – it’s easy you can choose your seats and best price range, it’s easier than trying to explain all these at a ticket office.

Download Google Translator as it works well with Russian – English language combination and translates even written text if you scan it.

How To Get To Russia

Flying to russia.

This is the fastest way to get the most out of any Russia itinerary.

More than likely, your flight will arrive in Moscow as it has the best air connection with international destinations . If you have a connecting flight to catch in Moscow: make sure your arrival and departure airport are not the same. There are three airports in the city , and sometimes all operate local and international flights, and to commute between them is a nightmare even at night.

Your second option is to fly into St.Petersburg. Numerous international airlines arrive and depart there. If you have a choice, choose this one, as it’s an easier option. There is only one airport and to get to the city center by public transport only takes 30-40min.

Taking A Train To Russia

Several train routes connect St.Petersburg and Moscow with some European capitals; Helsinki, Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Tallinn; most of them depart once a week , except Helsinki and Tallinn, these go every day. Prices are between 30 Euro and 250 Euro, depending on the distance.

Russia  By Bus

It’s an option if you come from one of the nearby countries; many buses connect St.Petersburg with Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus . Bus tickets are usually relatively cheap, from 10 Euro.

Arriving To Russia By Sea

This option is basically limited to St.Petersburg; several cruises go to Scandinavian countries , Finland and Estonia, and make a stop here; ferries passengers are allowed to stay within St.Petersburg without a visa for 72 hours.

More Russia Travel Blogs

• What’s So Great About Russia? Know Before You Go!
• Traditional Food In Russia You have a Try

Comments (21)

thanks for sharing,pictures are really cool

I appreciate for your blog post, Thanks for sharing.

Nice Blog, I have been Russia in the month of August and I indeed such a beautiful country it is, will consider this to visit it again.

Nice Blog, I hope I have a chance to go to Russia.

Did any of your hotels register you during your stay ?

Yes, all of them had to back when I went – maybe rules are different now.

This two week experience is the finest experience for every new travelers who want to go for Russia. Thanks

This is a very nice itinerary that enables you to explore the country in just a few days. Thank you for giving us transport at a glance, this enables people plan better.

Really enjoyed this, thanks for the information you provided here!

Very nice Itinerary! It cover the best travel essential in Russia. Great Photography Too.

great blog…….i loved russia

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