Our travel experts bought 18 of the best carry-ons and put them through a series of side-by-side travel trials. We took these bags on trips around the world, on planes, by bus, through public transit systems, on trains, and in cars. Back home, we simulated the grueling demands of getaways through limit-pushing tests like navigating bumpy gravel roads, tumbling down concrete steps, and withstanding pressurized water spray.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite has been our top recommendation for years. It combines an ideal level of organization and impressive space with thoughtful features, a classy design, and a price tag that's well worth what you get. Many of our testing team have been globe-trotting for years with this bag, and it still looks as good and performs as well as the day we bought it. fully auto large square bottom paper bag machine equipment
For less frequent travelers, the SwissGear Sion is a more budget-friendly softshell option that we highly recommend. It has impressive capacity, good organizational features, and rolls smoothly — outperforming its low price tag. The Samsonite Freeform Spinner is a simple, no-frills hardshell that's easy to use and easy on the wallet — if a bit light on internal organization.
If you need more space, check out our checked luggage review or our analysis of all types of duffel bags. Looking for a different way to travel — like carrying your belongings on your back? We can help you find the perfect travel backpack.
Editor's Note: On December 16, 2024 we added in more detail on how top award winners from our duffel bag and travel backpack reviews compare to the carry-on bags in this review.
Our review team's favorite piece of carry-on luggage is undeniably the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21". This class-leading carry-on comes with plenty of exterior pockets to keep items orderly and easily accessible, matched by several clever interior organizational tools to help maximize space and reduce wrinkled fabric or misplaced items. A detached suit/dress organizer, four interior pockets, a removable TSA-compliant toiletry case, a discreet power bank pocket with a USB port, and a hidden ID tag are among the handy extras any seasoned traveler will appreciate.
Our reviewer summed it up this way: “Sturdy and classy enough for business travel without being too stuffy for a vacation with the kids.”
However, if you are drawn to all of the extras the Platinum Elite offers, you will have to settle for a heavier bag (8.1 pounds). Our interior measurements of its main compartment calculated into 40 liters of storage volume, and when we add in this bag's highly effective internal compression system, we feel most experienced travelers will be satisfied with the space this model offers — the only challenge will be the urge to over pack beyond standard weight limits. Based on our testing results, we must admit the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner and the Rimowa Original Cabin do have the best overall packing and compression systems of the entire bunch — but they also have much higher price tags.
The Travelpro Platinum is designed to disappear by your side. It earned top marks in both ease of transport and design and functionality. Well-placed grab handles and adequate adjustment stops on the telescoping handle make it easy to carry, load, or roll the bag, depending on the situation. There is even a grab handle on the bottom side of the case, so you won't find yourself patting around to find an extra handhold when you need it. We especially loved the set of innovative easy-glide spinner wheels that magnetically snap into alignment to produce a consistently silent, easily controlled roll no matter what distance you have to cover. The interior of the bag offers excellent and helpful features like a clear toiletry bag and garment bag that are there when you need them and removable when you don't, allowing you to customize the use of the case to your liking.
In the reviewer's words: “They've really thought of everything, and we couldn't appreciate it more.”
If you value a bag with features and functions you don't have to think twice about using, then the Travelpro Platinum is a good choice. The straight roll, thoughtfully integrated interior accessories, and sleek design make it a good option for those who want to spend less time worrying about their luggage and more time focusing on their travels. The Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable also has one of the best rides of the bunch, as does the Away The Carry-On. We've also tested Travelpro's larger, checked luggage in our full-size luggage review and loved its massive capacity and smart features just as much. For anyone seeking a single piece of handsome, well-priced, thoughtfully organized carry-on luggage that will transition effortlessly from high-profile business trips to relaxed international vacations, this is the case we'd point you toward first.
Read more: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner review
Small in stature but surprisingly big in storage space, the tough polypropylene Samsonite Freeform Spinner is built to haul with stability and ease. A recent overhaul by the manufacturer gives this case a more trendy, stylish look that is on par with many of today's top hardshells — just don't count on many special organizational tools to aid you in packing. The Away The Carry-On, on the other hand, does offer more packing features, including a great compression panel, but it will cost you more. The more reasonably priced Freeform Spinner offers the basics: a standard open-layout clamshell design with simple cross-straps, a strong mesh panel enclosure, and a single small hanging accessory pocket. You will also discover a few nice extras, like a side-mounted TSA-approved lock for added security, an expansion zipper, and a cool slide-out name tag.
Here's how our reviewer put it: “Overall, this is a great bargain and should be at the top of any bargain hunter's shortlist.”
However, if you're looking for the cheapest hardshell with the most packing volume, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero is your best bet. We hand-measured its interior and calculated 42.5 liters of space, one of the largest volumes in our lineup. However, if more casual, hands-free travel resonates with you, we think our review on the the best daypacks. These bags are primarily designed for hiking, but they also make for a great carry-on option as well.
The Samsonite Freeform Spinner does not have what we would consider a real compression system, but we really liked that the interior still manages to offer an impressive storage volume (41.2 liters). We were able to easily fit everything we needed for several multi-day trips across the U.S. The standard rectangular shape makes it easy to use the space efficiently, and the hardshell design keeps you from overstuffing the bag (even if you want to). This suitcase's polypropylene shell is also lighter than average, so it won't weigh you down as much, even when fully loaded. If weight is one of the main specs you're eyeing, you may want to investigate the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40 or the Coolife Hardside Expandable 20", both weigh in at under 6 pounds.
Our reviewer concluded: “This version is more lightweight and modern, with better wheels and a much-improved ride.”
The Freeform would be a great option for you if you travel on a light to moderate basis and are looking for a carry-on that really offers a fair amount of style and durability at a reasonable cost. We think the Freeform is ideal for both pleasure and work travel, provided you're okay with just the basics. It offers an above-average capacity and an open space to organize how you wish. It is also one of the most affordable cases we have tested. While it didn't earn top marks for quality, it performs better than most other bags in this price range and only fell short during some of our harsher tests. We recommend this bag to those who are willing to forgo fancy features for a basic, affordable, and reliable carry-on bag.
Read more: Samsonite Freeform Spinner review
Although slightly sportier and more casual in appearance than other favorites in our test suite, the well-priced SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch earned recognition for both performance and value due to its impressive capacity, comfortable ride, and an array of extra organizational amenities. One of the first things we noticed was how easy it was to pack, zip, and roll, whether hauling a week-long summer adventure wardrobe or a climbing trip's worth of bulky gear. But, despite the SwissGear Sion's amazing design, it doesn't carry laptops very well, so if that's a concern for you, we recommend glancing at our review on the laptop backpacks.
Our reviewer said: “With awesome organizational compartments, you can bring a lot without losing track of your daily essentials.”
We found a laundry list of useful interior pockets and features that we love, including a removable toiletry pouch, adjustable compression straps, and a bag-length expansion zipper. Combined, they ensure plenty of space and tools to work with inside. Two sizeable front pockets add further capacity and flexibility to the exterior. Our team measured this bag's main compartment and were impressed with its 40.5 liters of volume. Finally, several well-padded carry grips, a solid telescoping handle, and a set of surprisingly efficient 360-degree single-wheel spinners combine to support easy maneuverability between streets and stairwells, even when fully packed. Made from durable, scuff-resistant polyester, the SwissGear Sion held up relatively well throughout testing, developing just a few minor scratches.
You'll love this carry-on if budget and performance rank equally among your top priorities. And, if you want a matching set on a budget, we also tested the 29" Sion, which is a great value for checking a bag. Price-conscious business travelers and pleasure travelers will be drawn to both bags for their impressive functionality and friendly price tag.
As we write in our review: “It can store and organize everything well, resist wandering hands, and keep an easy pace alongside you.”
However, the SwissGear Sion is not as stout as more expensive bags, so proper care is a must. So if you're looking for a softshell with greater durability and are willing to be more flexible on price, The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 and the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible rank among our toughest carry-ons. We've used both models for extensive travel and can attest to their rugged resilience. We also really liked the Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller. It's a lighter softshell (6.5 pounds), more stylish, and offers a little more space, but it also is quite a bit more expensive.
Read more: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch review
The Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner didn't garner our top scores. It didn't wow us with newfangled features or win us over with a fancy fashion-forward design. However, we were fascinated by its price tag and quality, and it's a solid buy on a tight budget. While the Amazon Basics does not have remotely the same construction quality as the top carry-on bags in our lineup, it does the trick for an occasional weekend trip. However, if more extensive travel plans are on your horizon, the Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20" is also a great budget-friendly option because it ships as part of a three-piece set and has a ton of fun color options.
In our testing, the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner proved itself more rugged than we anticipated for an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) hardshell. Past models have waffled between higher-quality polycarbonate exteriors and lower-end ABS shells. But overall, they have performed above average in their ability to handle impact, but not nearly as well as tougher models like the Away The Carry-On.
Our reviewer found: “This simple clamshell bag is better protected than we initially thought.”
Likewise, this bag rolls well, has a respectable volume, and doesn't look like cheap luggage. It's basic, good enough for simple travel, and fits the bill when you're short on cash and need a decent carry-on that doesn't cost more than your airfare. That all said, you could save even more money by choosing the Travelers Club Chicago 20" — just don't expect much in terms of quality.
The Amazon Basics has its share of flaws. The most glaring is its overall longevity. Although we saw no blatant examples of this during our testing, we read plenty of other testaments about its limited lifespan — and after having our hands on so many different suitcases over the years — we're not convinced this one will withstand the brutality of travel in the long term. Its shell is made from lower-end plastics, and the rest of its components are thinner, basic, and more questionable. If, after reading this, you'd rather spend your money on a hardshell with less dubious construction, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero isn't a bad option for the price.
Read more: Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner review
Synonymous with the bird of prey for which it's named, the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40 is lightweight and agile. It swallows up gear and can be quickly adapted into a backpack to move easily across nearly any terrain, making it a shoo-in for one of our top awards. Made primarily from recycled 450-denier recycled polyester (a downgrade from 600-denier on past models), the Daylite is our fave adventure carry-on because it effectively balances weight and capacity. But, if we're considering pure density and brawn, we do feel the The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 is a very worthy mention. As for the Daylight, we fell in love with its uncomplicated design. And, at just 5.2 pounds, it's the lightest carry-on luggage model in our lineup while still managing to offer one of the largest main-compartment volumes (42.2 liters). Translation: it can carry more of your stuff.
As mentioned, the Daylite offers a large central storage compartment with hardy interior compression straps to secure oddly shaped gear. It also has three convenient exterior compartments, which do a great job securing documents or phones. It is also a convenient place to stash last-minute items or dirty clothes. All packing aside, the Daylite's true abilities come to light after the wheels hit the tarmac. Not only does it roll smoothly on its oversized 3.25-inch wheels, but it can easily transform into a duffel bag or functional backpack. Suddenly, getting your stuff over challenging terrain is more of an adventure than an obstacle.
Our testing revealed: “It swallows everything from ski boots to climbing helmets with plenty of room for a few days of clothes.”
However, in terms of backpack features, we must admit the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible has a far superior backpacking system when we compare it directly against the Daylite. The Daylite can be a tad unbalanced when standing upright fully loaded, and its treated polyester shell does a good job at repelling rain, but it isn't as perfectly water-resistant as we hoped, especially in an absolute downpour.
After scribbling down an old-school pros and cons list, we certainly had far more positives than negatives — with our favorite being the ability to roll, carry, or backpack our gear nearly anywhere we wanted to go. We think adventure lovers who want versatility will appreciate this bag's ability to switch gears quickly, but some outdoor junkies may be disappointed with its lightweight materials because they are, unfortunately, a little less rugged. If your plans don't include lugging gear around the globe, but you still want a cool carry-on with a trendy outdoor vibe, we also really liked the Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller.
Read more: Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40 review
It is much more nimble to move with a travel backpack than with than a traditional carry-on. When not fully loaded, it is easier to get in overhead bins or ride shares. Because you don't roll it, it excels at traveling over varied surfaces from cobblestone to dirt roads or trails. It also gives you the versatility to leave behind a number of items at your hotel and have a daypack, which a carry-on does not easily allow. Travel backpacks also typically have more pockets and various ways to organize your belongings.
If you're hunting for a carry-on that doubles as a backpack, look no further than the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L, our favorite model from our travel backpack review. This versatile travel companion strikes the perfect balance between size and functionality. This TSA-compliant bag is perfect for long weekend getaways. It's durable, comfortable to carry thanks to its straps and waist belt, and well-organized with a laptop compartment, multiple pockets, and an external water bottle holder. The compression straps are a great bonus for attaching extra gear.
Our reviewer observed: “I love how this bag combines the durability of a duffle bag with the practical features of a carry-on. It's perfect for both weekend getaways and longer trips.”
While the Sojourn Porter excels in ruggedness and capacity, it leans towards the bulkier side. It also lacks the biggest advantage of a traditional carry-on: being to take all the weight off your body when traveling through an airport. You have to shoulder everything, including your personal item which usually can tag along for a ride on a standard carry-on. Unlike some clamshell-style travel backpacks, it doesn't splay open flat for packing like most traditional carry-on bags. If that's what you want, the highly organized Cotopaxi Allpa is a fantastic choice. The structured sides of the Porter maintain the pack's shape, which is handy during packing. This Osprey bag is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a backpack-style carry-on. If you prioritize a sleeker design, The North Face Base Camp Voyager might be a better fit.
Read more: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 review
While you might not think of a duffel bag as type of carry on luggage, it can do the job, and it offers some advantages. The big benefit of a duffel over a traditional carry-on is the added flexibility it gives you. When not fully loaded and maxed out, it can be squished and molded to fit in many more places than traditional carry on. You can wear it on your back, like a backpack, which can make for faster travel on rough surfaces or crowded situations. You can also empty it completely and pack it in your luggage. This can be particularly helpful if you are planning to bring home items like gifts and need extra capacity for the return voyage.
Our favorite carry-on size duffel bag the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, which was top pick from our extensive duffel bag review. This versatile duffel comes in a range of sizes, and we tested the 55L version that qualifies as a carry-on for many airlines. The Black Hole Duffel is known for its durability. The 900-denier recycled material is tough enough to withstand bumps and scrapes during travel, and the reinforced bottom panel provides additional protection for your gear. The water-resistant fabric sheds light rain, keeping your belongings safe.
As we not in our review: “The recycled materials make it exceptionally durable and water-resistant. I easily removed the backpack-style shoulder straps for airport convenience.”
While the Black Hole Duffel is a great choice for many travelers, it lacks internal organization. The interior has one large compartment, so consider using packing cubes to stay organized. If organization is a priority, you might also prefer a duffel with built-in compartments, like the Cotopaxi Allpa backpack. Another minor drawback is the finicky snaps that connect the Black Hole handles. While it is reasonably comfortable to carry, it requires more careful packing to ensure no pointy items poke into your back. Even then, when fully loaded, it will not be nearly as comfortable as a travel backpack. And, over course, you have to carry all the weight unless you buy the wheeled version. If you buy the wheeled version, however, you miss out on the advantages of having a much lighter and more versatile bag. Overall, this duffel is a highly-rated and durable duffel bag that's a popular choice among travelers for good reason.
Read more: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel review
For those with a budget for premium products, look no further than the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner. It checks all the right boxes across all metrics and remains one of our favorite pieces in this suite. We love its flexibility and organizational features –- particularly the multiple exterior pockets, built-in suiter, “Outsider” roller handle, and clever two-inch CX expansion system.
We appreciate that even when stuffed full, this carry-on still rolls effortlessly alongside us from hotel to airport and packs easily into trunks and overhead compartments en route. We also love the case's ballistic nylon exterior with reinforced edging and robust easy-glide zippers deliver a durable, protective shell to keep all items safe within, while large shock-absorbing 360-degree spinner wheels and a multi-level telescoping handle provide quiet, effortless navigation and fluid mobility over most surfaces.
Added touches like the handy SmartLink strap, multiple low-profile load handles, a hidden ID tag, a TSA-approved lock, and an exterior power pack pocket will be features that draw in high-end consumers who are looking for a carry-on that is a cut above the rest. This bag is perfect for particular business travelers who like the ability to pack their business clothes effectively. Its understated style will also appeal to conservative jet-setters who also have the money to buy the best.
As our review states: “The bag's understated elegance belies its top-tier performance. I was consistently impressed by its durability and functionality.”
So, while the Baseline Essential Spinner may rank among the heavier carry-on luggage cases we've tested (10.1 pounds), weight is a worthy tradeoff for all you gain in durability, design, and features. Sophisticated in its styling and immensely versatile, for those who can afford it, this is a high-end carry-on bag set to carry you through your adventures in style. If this is out of your budget's range, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" has a similar suite of features, vibe, and aesthetic appeal but a much lower price tag.
Read more: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner review
Sometimes, simple precision and quality are enough to set something apart. Such is the case with the Rimowa Original Cabin. The Rimowa Original is devoid of gadgetry and over-engineering. Instead, a distinctive ribbed aluminum shell, two thick latch locks, and smooth premium spinner wheels are enough to secure this bag's place as our favorite luxury hardshell carry-on. True, it's very pricey. However, don't expect any apologies from the manufacturer. You get what you pay for with the Rimowa Original.
We loved its entirely aluminum shell, reinforced end caps, handles, and hinges, all of which are entirely secured by premium metal rivets. The bag's main compartment boasts a simple but very effective packing system, with both sides of the clamshell interior donning the Rimowa's Flex Divider — a panel-based compression system that cinches down on clothing and keeps it immobile during transit. The result is more usable space when packing and fewer wrinkles when you reach your destination. The Away The Carry-On also offers an internal compression panel system very similar to the one in the Rimowa Original. The Away is also very rugged and stylish and comes at a fraction of the price.
As we describe in our review: “I developed a crush on this bag during testing — there's no denying its impeccable quality across the board.”
All expensive trappings aside, the Rimowa Original Cabin's pièce de résistance is its smooth ride. Four exceptional spinner wheels allow it to glide down airport terminals, city streets, or hotel hallways quietly. Almost as heavy as its price, the Rimowa Original's 9.5 pounds makes it one of the weightier bags on our list, limiting the amount of weight you can pack within. Its all-metal case isn't expandable, isn't as pliable as softshells, and is a little too prone to scratches and dents for its price.
Most would-be buyers will consider the Rimowa Original's celebrity-sized price tag its most glaring negative feature — and they're not wrong. However, the Rimowa Original will still appeal to travelers looking to store their weekend's worth of clothes in the luxury. The Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable is another top-tier luxury carry-on we were very impressed by, and it's about half the price of the Rimowa because it opts for a polycarbonate shell instead of aluminum, and it has a much more basic storage system.
Read more: Rimowa Original Cabin review
Since tackling our first carry-on luggage reviews a decade ago, we have developed a long history of assembling an energized crew of travel experts to poke, prod, roll, and throw our cases from every angle. To test these carry-on bags, we packed them to the gills to see how much they could hold and how well they handled the strain when fully loaded. We rolled them over soft carpeting and loose gravel, bumped them up and down curbs and stairs, and threw them on the ground to see how well they still held up. Since 2013, we've analyzed carry-on luggage, identifying which bags are best for different packing styles and which aren't worth your money. As always, we buy all our gear at retail price and test it rigorously, side-by-side, for a truly unbiased and comprehensive review. Learn more about how we test carry-on luggage here.
Our team of experts often travels near and far, be it logging serious road time or racking up portfolios of hotel points and frequent flyer miles. From treks through Sierra Nevada peaks to business meetings among the cobbled city streets of the Andes and cross-continental road trips back here at home, our testing team is built of practiced packers who know how to appreciate a great piece of luggage and can recognize the signs when a case sometimes falls short.
Our testing team is headed up by lead luggage-beater Jason Wanlass. Jason loves adventuring to unique corners of the globe, particularly mountainous regions. He enjoys the thrill of hiking in the most famous mountain ranges in the world, which usually involves lugging boatloads of gear around in hefty, gear-hauler suitcases. Mountains are his first love, but airports are a close second. Jason loves all things travel and is on the go whenever he can find the time. He has been a member of the GearLab team for seven years, and tests gear for a living, so he knows a thing or two about packing his bags and what makes a good one.
Jason is joined by long-time adventure travel professional and outdoor enthusiast Myrha Colt. Myrha is a veritable expert in hitting roads unknown and a master of hauling luggage big and small into the far-off abyss, be it the depths of an airline cargo hold bound for New York, a rugged 4x4 journey into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, or the salty crew cabin of a Caribbean dive boat. Together, these road-trained powerhouses know what gear can make a great trip even better, and they are pumped to channel that knowledge into honing in on the best carry-on luggage available.
Before deciding on your next carry-on, here are four key considerations to help guide you in choosing the best luggage for your personal needs.
For more seasoned flyers, a carry-on bag can be an essential item during travel. If you are wondering how necessary a carry-on bag is for your personal needs, consider the length of trips you plan on taking, if you plan on bringing essentials such as a computer along, and in the event of long layovers needing access to your belongings. Additionally, there are more options on the market than ever before. So, another valid question to ask yourself is whether you actually want a traditional carry-on when perhaps a travel backpack, or maybe a traditional daypack, or even a simple duffel bag is more suited to your individual needs and packing style.
Choosing an appropriate size bag can be the difference between an enjoyable trip and wishing you had opted for something smaller or bigger. Sometimes, different airlines have different size restrictions. Determining how much versatility you need from your carry-on is also a factor to consider. If your bag is strictly for weekend trips, then a smaller bag will work just fine. Maybe all you really need is a more basic laptop backpack. On the other hand, if you plan on using your carry-on for week-long trips, you'll probably want a larger-volume bag. When deciding on your next carry-on bag, analyze your personal needs and the types of items you typically bring along when traveling.
A hardshell bag will provide better durability and protection while traveling and offer a bit more protection from weather and the elements. A softshell will provide better flexibility and offer expandable compartments to increase capacity. Another benefit of a softshell is they are often lighter than their hard shell counterparts. Deciding between the two comes down to prioritizing your needs, whether that's increased durability or the ability to fit as much as possible.
Carry-on luggage will most often come in either two- or four-wheel configurations. A two-wheel bag will be easier to move around over rougher surfaces and may provide better stability at times. A four-wheel will offer the ability to spin 360 degrees and will be less strenuous to move around. If you want the ability to maneuver through airports, a four-wheeled bag will be superior, but a two-wheel bag will provide better handling over uneven surfaces and provide better speed.
There are many important factors to consider when searching for the perfect piece of carry-on luggage. We divided our testing and evaluations into four mutually exclusive metrics that make up everything we look for in a bag. We then weighed each metric appropriately, according to how important it is to the luggage's overall performance, to adequately examine the total picture of each carry-on. Here, we'll break down each metric into which bags performed best — and which fell short — to help you identify your ideal travel companion.
When shopping for luggage, you'll face many choices spanning a wide range of prices. When deciding among rolling carry-on bags specifically, we noticed a correlation between price and performance. Paying more for your luggage gets you smarter packing tools, better rolling performance, and higher durability. However, a few models impress us with their functionality and assets despite relatively lower price points.
For budget-conscious travelers, the affordable Samsonite Freeform Spinner delivers a strong performance for a simple yet well-designed hard-sided case, as does the SwissGear Sion among the soft-sided contenders. Another budget-friendly hardshell is the Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner. Its materials are lower quality, but this bag is a great deal for one-time use and moderate travel. Another cost-friendly option is the Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20" because it offers decent quality and ships as part of a three-piece set. If you constantly fly, invest in a bag designed to last through greater abuse when hauled worldwide. When balancing professional good looks with ease of use and strength in construction, the Travelpro Platinum Elite outshines most of the bags in our test suite. Best of all, it's far from the most expensive, fast securing it a place of honor as the most affordable high-value carry-on on our list.
The purpose of any piece of luggage is to carry your stuff from point A to point B. Accordingly, the most heavily weighted metric in our testing plan (capacity) was centered on each bag's ability to accommodate a variety of possible packing lists effectively.
We weighed every bag and took internal measurements to calculate their volume. We noted which bags can expand to accommodate more and which have pockets that increase overall capacity.
During our packing tests and real-world traveling tests, we examined the load security of each piece of luggage. We put them to use to see which ones can adequately do the job and which are just for looks.
Topping our list with the largest overall capacity is the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40. At 5.2 pounds, the Daylite is the lightest bag on our current list, and it also boasts one of the largest volumes at 42.2 liters (we personally measured its interior). The Daylite is a softshell case, so in addition to its larger capacity, it can more easily accommodate a variety of payloads, including bulky or oddly shaped gear.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite proved to be one of the top competitors regarding capacity, although it was slightly bested by the Delsey Paris Helium Aero, Samsonite Freeform Spinner and Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller. The Travelpro has a deceptively large volume and versatile organizational and compression system hidden beneath a streamlined exterior. All items in our weeklong summertime packing test fit without expansion, with all pockets and compression panels proving useful and only the slightest amount of extra muscle required to seal the master zipper closed.
Most of our lineup falls into two main types of carry-ons — hardshells and softshells (but we also tested a few duffel-inspired gear haulers). Hardshell cases employ a hard exterior shell that opens in half, like a clamshell, and splits wide down the middle along a midline hinge. This means each half of the main compartment will be fully exposed upon opening, and any items left unsecured to either side may come tumbling out. For this reason, hard-sided models typically have a zippered panel enclosure to one side and a set of restraint or compression straps on the other (in addition to any other internal pockets or organizational features you may find).
Softshell cases have a fabric shell, traditionally comprised of ballistic nylon or polyester. They almost always employ a zipped top lid that flips open from the front side of the bag to provide access to the entire main compartment as just one core storage space.
The top hardshells in our lineup with the best weight-to-volume ratios are the Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable (7.6 pounds, 38 liters), Samsonite Freeform Spinner (6.6 pounds, 41.2 liters), and the Delsey Paris Helium Aero (8.2 pounds, 42.5 liters). Due to thick, ridged, less-accommodating exteriors, hardshells tend to offer a little less volume; however, all three bags boast very compelling capacities. Slightly below them is the aluminum Rimowa Original Cabin (9.5 pounds, 39.5 liters). The Rimowa Original offers an impressive volume through a top-notch compression system, which cinches clothing tightly, creating more available space. Conversely, the Rimowa's one drawback in this metric is that it's a heavier metal case.
One thing we liked about the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is its re-designed polypropylene case — one of the only ones in our lineup. Although the industry standard for hardshell cases is polycarbonate, polypropylene is still very sturdy, but it's softer, more pliable, and weighs less. This often results in a bag that cracks less, packs more and is a little more accommodating (but it is more prone to scratches).
Among our top-performing softshells are the Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller (6.5 pounds, 41.2 liters) SwissGear Sion Softside 21-Inch (7.3 pounds, 40.5 liters), The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 (8.1 pounds, 40.3 liters), and the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch (8.1 pounds, 40 liters). These bags offer an appealing array of extra compartments that can be expanded for greater capacities. The TravelPro, in particular, offers one of the most comprehensive packing systems in our lineup, rivaled only by the Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Spinner.
New to our lineup is the Eagle Creek Warrior XE. It weighs 7.2 pounds, offers a 40-liter expandable main compartment, and tons of extra space from several exterior pockets. It's one of our favorite adventure bags and we really loved how it organizes space. When fully expanded and packed to the hilt, it can be a little bulky for a carry-on, but even so, it's still very easy to maneuver.
Although heavier due to construction quality, we'd like to make specific mention of the capacity of the The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22. What we loved about its packing system is its ability to haul a wide variety of payloads, from clothes to gear. Not only does it pack it well — with the help of a durable compression panel — but this bag's thick exterior protects like a guard dog. It's one of our favorite international adventure bags on the market.
No matter which organizational scheme a case offers, we still put each bag through two controlled “packability” tests. First, a standard capacity test, cramming everything required for a week's worth of temperate weather travel into each bag. The second test is just a ramped-up version of the first, this time including bulkier, oddly shaped, or even fragile items along the lines of what one might take with them for a ski vacation or a climbing trip. For our purposes, this packing list included such things as a harness, helmet, rope, quickdraws, and a selection of clothing, toiletries, books, and shoes.
A key desired characteristic of any carry-on luggage is how easy it is to move. This metric covers everything from rolling ability, handle functionality, bag balance, wheel size, and ease of loading and unloading. We rolled bags over awkward terrain (like stairs and gravel), tugged on their telescoping handles, yanked each grab handle, lifted them above our heads to stuff them into overhead bins, and loaded them into cars.
We first want to see how each bag rolls and assess how easy it is to carry and load. Four-wheeled spinner bags tend to be more variable in their performances, with some tracking smoothly and quietly right alongside you as you walk, while others catch and drag or even tip over when faced with an occasional crack in the road or a shift of weight. Similarly, there are times when we need to manhandle bags up and down stairs or across awkward surfaces and into overhead bins, and this is where grab handles come in handy.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite, Rimowa Original Cabin, Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, and Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable were stand-outs for their cruising ability and user-friendliness. Each has large double wheels offering ample clearance, and they consistently rolled in a straight path, sticking to our sides wherever we went.
Additionally, despite being among some of the heaviest in our test group (and therefore more difficult to lift and carry when fully packed), these cases earned their high scores thanks to thoughtful designs and the placement of well-made carrying handles all the way around their exteriors.
On the other side of the coin, the Away The Carry-On, Delsey Paris Helium Aero, and SwissGear Sion Softside are three bags with very respectable scores for their ease of transport. Each has very impressive spinners and performed well on our tests involving all things movement, including the occasional staircase lugging.
Of particular note, we were also quite surprised by the budget-friendly Amazon Basics 20-Inch and Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20". Boasting tall and wide double-wheeled spinners, both bags roll smoothly, track decently, and can handle a variety of terrain with impressive resilience.
Instead of rolling in tandem next to you, two-wheeled bags balance on two wheels and are pulled directly behind the traveler. The stand-out two-wheeled rollers in our review are the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel, The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder, and the Eagle Creek Warrior XE.
What was once considered older technology, roller bags have reemerged into the luggage scene as the preferred bag for hauling gear. The large-tread beefy wheels on the Daylite have a certain swagger and can navigate over nearly any terrain. This bag is easy to transport, whether you're lifting, pulling, loading, or rumbling over a rocky trail. This bag's ability to transform from a carry-on to a duffel bag or backpack takes its portability to a whole new level.
In addition to wheel function, we also studied features that made a bag easy to lift, adjust, or carry. The The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder boasts five well-placed grab handles that make it a breeze to latch onto, whether you're throwing it into the back seat, lugging it up a flight of stairs, or shoving it into the overhead compartment. This bag is very easy to move.
Last but not least, we'd like to give a huge shout-out to the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible for its unmatched ability to cover variable terrain with ease. The highlight feature of this bag is its ability to transform into a fully padded backpack, complete with a hip belt, adjustable shoulder straps, and an elastic chest strap.
When spending on new luggage, most of us want to make sure our purchase lasts more than a flight or two. The best luggage will hold up to the worst any airport or hotel personnel can throw at it and should last through all types of adventures. That's why we examined the material, construction, and overall sturdiness of each carry-on piece to better understand how a case might hold up when faced with average day-to-day travel activities (think opening and closing zippers and running wheels over cracks in heavy volume) or the eventualities of airline abuse.
The Rimowa Original Cabin, Briggs & Riley Baseline, Travelpro Platinum Elite, and The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 are built for serious hauls out of tough, long-lasting materials that have been thoughtfully combined to look and perform gracefully under pressure. Also among this elite company are the Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable and Away The Carry-On.
It's no surprise these bags are impressively durable even under extreme circumstances, with basically bombproof wheels, smooth-glide zippers, numerous user-friendly handles, and a significant investment in structural integrity (including reinforced edging and protective bumpers along vulnerable corners and seams). No matter how often or severe a beating we served up — be it crashing onto concrete floors, tumbling down stairs, dousing with hose water, or bouncing into obstacles — these bags simply refused to say “uncle.”
Many of our more budget-friendly cases were still able to balance acceptable ruggedness and longevity with an appealing price tag. This isn't always an easy task in the luggage world. Often, one construction feature must be sacrificed for another, namely strength for cost. However, the Samsonite Freeform, SwissGear Sion, Amazon Basics Hardside, and Delsey Paris Helium Aero all performed well enough to earn above-average scores for their toughness.
In particular, we were impressed with the strength and resilience of the Samsonite Freeform (polypropylene) and Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner (ABS) shells. Both were tough enough to handle anything we threw at them. Additionally, we were highly impressed at the Delsey's ability to combine a high-end fashion vibe with incredible ruggedness — and all at an appealing price point.
When it comes to sheer ruggedness, the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible and The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 definitely caught our eye the minute we pulled them out of the shipping box. The North Face has a treated 1000-denier recycled polyester shell that is relentless when it comes to taking a hit. This bag's underbelly is solid as well, and it has long bumper rails that protect it from direct contact. If you're headed out for a serious adventure, this bag is one to consider. The Eagle Creek is surrounded by dense, recycled, 600-denier polyester dobby that is reasonably water-resistant.
Some of our award-winning bags can cost as much as a plane ticket. And with such elevated price tags, most travelers will expect a well-rounded case rather than a master of one. We evaluated these suitcases based on several aspects of their design and functionality, considering any additional features and add-ons, plus each bag's style and appearance. We also considered each bag's zipper function, layout logic, and ability to pack a variety of unique payloads. Lastly, we compiled all of our data and compared each case against its peers to determine the best application for each (i.e., business, leisure, or adventure).
Our top performers in nearly every aspect of this metric were the Travelpro Platinum Elite and the Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Spinner, followed very closely by the Rimowa Original Cabin. Each of the three earned one of our Best In Class Awards, with the TravelPro being named our favorite overall carry-on luggage model. So it's no surprise that these three beauties would have the best overall design and function of our entire flight crew. All three have sophisticated aesthetics and many smart extra features that keep them perched as some of the best carry-ons money can buy. Specifically, the Rimowa Original's prominent all-aluminum, completely riveted exterior certainly places this bougie case in a class all by itself — and a price bracket all by itself.
Of special note, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential employs our favorite packing system. To start, its entire trolley handle assembly sits on the outside of the bag, leaving a truly flat interior surface for packing. Next, a tri-fold garment envelope is incorporated discreetly into the bag's opening lid, creating the perfect tool for laying out a suit or dress to minimize wrinkles in transit. Finally, instead of a traditional zipper expansion, here you'll find a proprietary “one-touch” compression/expansion tool that lifts the walls of the case to provide an extra couple of inches of storage depth within. Just add in your belongings and cinch down the internal compression panels over your load before zipping the bag back up. Simple pressure applied to the outer edges will then compress the entire suitcase down, and you end with a clean rectangular piece of luggage free from bulging. And if that's not enough space, use the included SmartLink strap to attach a purse or laptop bag to the top of your case.
The packing system of the Travelpro Platinum Elite is worth noting. Its deceptively large capacity houses plenty of organizational features to keep your belongings separate and in place within its streamlined exterior. Its compression straps have panels of fabric (with pockets) stretched between them to securely hold down everything you bring. Additional features we love include a removable toiletry bag that zips into the side and an optional garment bag for keeping your formal wear less wrinkled in transit.
The Away Carry-On boasts alluring mid-modern good looks within a compact, road-ready, easy-to-maneuver hardshell. Besides its lower clearance and tendency to scratch and scuff, we couldn't find much we didn't love about this carry-on. This case excels at extras, from its well-thought-out interior storage system to its included laundry bag, especially given its price point. It also offers a distinguishable stitch trim accent and several color options, so you still have the option to stand out in the crowd at the luggage carousel.
It is also possible to take advantage of smart organizational tools at a lower price point. We particularly appreciate the SwissGear Sion, which comes with several exterior and interior pockets, expansion options, and functional compression straps. It even includes a bonus toiletry “wet bag” for extra bragging points.
Two of our other favorites for this metric are the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller and the North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder. Both bags are showoffs when it comes to catching the attention of other travelers. In particular, the Cotopaxi is a patchwork of random colors that somehow combine to make an eye-catching pallet. This design is a trademark design of Cotopaxi (known for its colorful daypacks), and we think this look transfers very well to their luggage line.
Staying true to its company's decades-old iconic vibe, The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder claims its territory with a large logo on the top of the bag. More conservative travelers may not be drawn to its loud-and-proud design, but most will agree that it certainly stands out amidst the sea of rolling carry-ons. We really liked how the bag functions, as well as its bright red wheels, over-sized trolley handle, and traditional The North Face look — it just kinda' screams adventure.
Finally, we must mention the unique design features of our two favorite resident gear haulers, the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40 and the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible. Both earned respectable marks in this metric for their distinctive functionality. They are both excellent carry-on bags specializing in moving gear from point A to point B, with unique features, including rugged go-anywhere wheels and wide-open duffel-style storage. The biggest difference between the two is their weight. The Osprey has a minimalistic design and is constructed with lightweight fabrics, while the Eagle Creek offers a more over-engineered (in a good way) design with a much heavier shell. Both bags also have the unique ability to easily adapt to an adventure traveler's modes of transport. They can be wheeled through an airport terminal, converted to be carried as a duffel, and even transformed into a backpack when it's time to go off-grid. These features offer added value and versatility — and they're just plain cool.
Any cursory glance around the web reveals carry-on luggage choices for days. Sifting through the long lists of seemingly identical bags to find the right suitcase for you can be challenging. Whether you prefer a separate pocket for everything or one giant cavern that can handle a pile of gear tossed in without care, there are plenty of options to choose from. We rigorously tested all of these bags side-by-side to find which cases are best for personal and professional trips, and we hope our findings help you narrow down which one is the right fit for your needs.
You might also want to check out our reviews on the top travel backpacks or great duffel bags.
How can we improve GearLab? Got feedback? Let us know!
bags production line Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All trademarks property of their respective owners Privacy | Cookies | Terms