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The Best Carry-On Suitcases for Your Next Trip

Your luggage should be accessible, easy to wheel or carry and cool-looking, too.

By Evan Malachosky

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Whether it’s wrongly taken off the baggage claim or loaded on an incorrect flight, losing a checked bag is an occupational hazard for frequent fliers. That’s why most carry their personal effects on instead — especially during the holiday season, when a lost bag means lost gifts. For the seasoned traveler, carry-on luggage needs to hold a few changes of clothes and maybe an extra pair of shoes, have pockets for mid-journey access and meet the requirements for fitting in an overhead compartment.

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What separates these from backpacks and duffles? Wheels and telescoping handles, because rolling always beats hauling a bag over your shoulder. However, simply having wheels and a handle is the bare minimum. Plenty more goes into getting carry-on luggage that’s just right for you and the way and where you travel.

How We Tested

collage of carry on luggage suitcasesGear Patrol Staff

Our testers took several carry-on suitcases on flights across the US and the Atlantic. Each one observed the suitcases’ key features, like whether the wheels roll smoothly, the handle is truly telescopic or if the inside isn’t forgiving to over-packers.

They stayed with them, too, so they could be observed outside the airport. As such, we also considered how it fit in the trunk of your car, onto a luggage trolley, inside your hotel room and even in your closet at home (when not on the road).

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Overall Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • Lightweight polycarbonate design is still durable
  • Super spacious and easy to pack
  • The optional battery pack keeps you charged on the go

Cons

  • The handle feels flimsy compared to the rest of the hardy suitcase
  • Battery must come out to be checked-in

Away burst onto the scene in late 2015 with a plan to disrupt the stale luggage market. It was, as we call them now, a DTC disruptor — a brand that’d cut out the middlemen and approach prospective customers directly. (DTC = direct-to-consumer.) Its first product, The Carry-On, was perfectly plain, a product that first appeared lame but would go on to be fairly ubiquitous because of its simplicity. It also introduced a feature that’s now commonplace on trendy suitcases: an integrated lithium-ion battery for charging your phone.

away
Like aluminum suitcases, the Away case does show scuffs, too.
Evan Malachosky

Our tester’s favorite aspect of the Away Carry-On is the integrated lithium-ion battery, which can power your phone or tablet as you travel. Outlets are hard to come by in the airport, and if you work from your phone like our tester does, having a dead battery isn’t an option. Being able to take my own power source with them, without having to carry yet another accessory like a portable charger around felt empowering, they say. The most noticeable thing they didn’t like about Away’s case was its handle, though — it feels very flimsy, and at odds with the rest of the construction.

Learn more about Away in our dedicated guide to the brand.

Best Upgrade Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • Aluminum shell dents but doesn't crack
  • Lifetime warranty with complimentary repairs offered at several locations (stores, hotels, etc.) around the world
  • Interior dividers help compress excess cargo

Cons

  • Telescopic handles feel cheap in comparison to its body
  • Handle is plastic

This is the status suitcase. Recognizable by its ridged aluminum exterior, Rimowa’s Original Cabin Carry-On is a go-to for first-class, full-time and famous travelers. (You’ve probably seen plenty of touring musicians with theirs covered in stickers. It’s the cool thing to do.) The German brand dates back to the late 19th century and production still takes place in Cologne, where the company is headquartered. It is now, however, owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH.

What does that mean? Well, the quality hasn’t changed, but the conversations around the suitcases have. LVMH elevated the brand, making it as much a cultural touchpoint as it is a celebrated titan of consumer product design. You’ll appreciate its all-aluminum exterior, but the handles, which are hard plastic, feel lackluster in comparison, our tester says.

rimowa suitcase on a table
The Rimowa case survives trips, but it earns dents (see: right).
Evan Malachosky

But Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are well-regarded for good reason. The shiny silver cases can take a beating, but they show their bruises boldly. This look’s not for everyone, especially if they bought the $1,400 suitcase for how it looks mint, fresh out of the box upon delivery. Our tester appreciates these, though, just like many others.

The dents and dings, though, are a good thing, a constant reminder your case is working. These dents could’ve been cracks if you were rolling a polycarbonate option. As such, think of aluminum, despite its connotations, as the ultimate choice: a material meant to be put to the test, because it’ll pass with flying colors.

Read our full Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On Review.

Like the look of aluminum luggage? Find more our dedicated guide to aluminum suitcases.

Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • Features double wheels for a smoother ride
  • Lightweight, which makes lifting it into bins easy
  • Available with and without a built-in charger

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it rolls too easily while its stagnant
  • So popular that certain colors are often out of stock

So often in the luggage world, functionality equal drab design. July’s sleek carry-on tries to buck the trend, melding first-class materials with looks to match. The crush-proof German polycarbonate shell protects 46 liters of storage including a hidden laundry bag, waterproof nylon lining and ejectable FastCharge USB-C battery. With two latch locks, the suitcase is a breeze to get into, our tester says. It can move easily from the airport to the sidewalk, thanks to smooth double wheels and a multi-height telescopic handle.

july
Certain popular colorways sell out during peak travel season.
John Zientek

It’s common for luggage companies to offer customization, our tester adds. But while most brands stick to monograms, July gives you the option of whole words or phrases — albeit, short ones. The accessible price and lightweight build — it’s 8.4 pounds when empty, which made it easy for our tester to lift it into the overhead bin — make this suitcase from a startup Australian brand quite desirable. So much so that certain colors are sometimes backordered during peak travel months.

Best Carry-On Luggage for Overpackers

Pros

  • Handle is heavy duty
  • Available in various colors, including seasonal shades and patterns
  • Front pocket expands and has plenty of stretch, providing more room to pack

Cons

  • Several users say its front pocket takes room from interior space
  • Laptop sleeve isn’t secure

Most carry-ons are matte plastic of some kind, but Monos’s is much smoother and nice-looking than many in this price range (roughly $300), our tester says. This model comes with a big zip pocket on the front of the case, which has laptop sleeves and spots for books and passports galore. They also thought this case has a bit more “stretch” than other hard plastic shell carry-ons they’ve tried; that extra bit of give means they were able to force an extra pair of jeans in this case where they might not have been able to in another.

monos
The front pocket is easy to access, but it doesn’t lock.
Hayley Helms

When you try your best to not check luggage, this is a very big deal. They’re also someone who tends to drag the handle up and down constantly while skittering around the airport nervously, so this one was tested, well, thoroughly. This one feels more secure than most, which is a bit surprising because this case leans a bit more into the value realm than it does the high-end.

One negative, though: While they love the laptop sleeve, they really wish there was a TSA-approved lock to secure it like there is with the main compartment. Perhaps there are guidelines of what can and can’t be locked up, but they didn’t feel comfortable leaving the laptop in the non-locked zipper, even when it’s stowed away.

Another con, according to users, is its front pocket. While its front-loading laptop compartment is nice, it comprises interior luggage space.

Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • Wheels are super durable, even on uneven terrain
  • Incredibly lightweight at just 7.7 lbs
  • Side nubs help keep the suitcase elevated
  • Scalloped handle is comfortable and easy to grip

Cons

  • Pricy for polycarbonate
  • Side nubs can get in the way in tight quarters — like an overhead bin

This is a polycarbonate case that feels premium, our tester says. While the plastic-shelled market is saturated, Zero Halliburton manages to set itself apart with the details. It has a handle far better than the competition, a scalloped grip handle near wheels for easy lifting, retractable rubberized side handles and an interior designed to help you organize your belongings. It’s on the upper edge of the polycarbonate spectrum for good reason.

This was their first higher-end carry-on luggage, our tester explained. They tested it thinking it was unlikely to live up to its nearly $500 price tag. Outside the usual airport run-ins, the ‘test’ included about as rigorous a challenge a suitcase could endure: the nearly millenia-and-then-some-old streets of Seville, Spain.

zero haliburton
The wheels might look cheap, but they’re not. They survived one of the bumpiest cities in the world.
John Zientek

The wheels, which feel cheap but clearly are not, held fast. Frankly, few things give them more anxiety than their imagination, our tester says, and imagining a wheel popping off and having to drag my carry-on (which was packed to the brim to avoid having to check a bag) around an unfamiliar city. In an airport, they wish for nothing to touch the ground unless absolutely necessary, so they also appreciate the nubs, for lack of a better word, on the sides of the case. They’re about an inch tall, and they make sure the suitcase can sit on the ground horizontally without touching the ground completely.

All things considered, $475 still feels like a lot of cash to spend on a suitcase, but, for frequent travelers, this is a small figure for peace of mind, our tester adds.

Best Two-Wheeled Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • It's easy to pack because of its one-chamber design
  • The entire build, from its covers and wheel housings, is fully aluminum
  • Beautiful, elegant design accented by leather handles

Cons

  • Two-wheel design takes a while to get used to
  • The suitcase is fairly loud

With two wheels, not four, upstart brand Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case stands out. It’s also an unusual shape: a slender lid offsets a deep trunk, where you can stow quite a lot. And what you do put inside will surely be protected. The whole case is 100 percent aluminum: an aerospace-grade aluminum body, reinforced aluminum corners, aluminum wheel housings and an aluminum trolley.

Sure, it’s a little wonky-looking, but it was easy to adjust to after a few rolls, our tester says, plus the suitcase is less likely to snag on a cracked sidewalk or tile floor as four-wheeled designs do.

sterling pacific
The two-wheeled design might look a little wonky, but it actually feels more natural, to be honest.
Evan Malachosky

In a sea of similar suitcases, both material or design, Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case stands out — and for obvious reasons. But its deviations from the norm, if you will, aren’t without reason. The two-wheel design reduces the number of possible failure points, and the rectangular shape makes it easier to pack.

The $1,495 suitcase may come sans the legacy of a suitcase like Rimowa, for example, but Sterling Pacific is a new brand carving its own lane, catering to elite travelers with high standards — and staying with them through the life of their suitcase, offering a lifetime warranty and endless complimentary repairs.

Read our full review of the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case.

Best Celeb-Founded Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • Clean, minimal aesthetic is nearly free from logos
  • Handle is well-cushioned and comfy

Cons

  • Construction leaves a lot to be desired
  • Several users say it’s too big for international carry-ons
  • Two-year warranty isn’t as solid as many on this list

Our tester says you can’t fully appreciate the cushioned handle on this carry-on until you’ve gripped it gliding through a crowded terminal. It’s a feature you never knew you needed.

Beis’s The Carry-On Roller is pretty basic otherwise, but the handle impressed — and so did its price. For just over $200, you get a polycarbonate suitcase with faux leather trim and a PVC interior that’s stain-resistant. That helps keep the inside tidy even when you spill your packed lotion or sunscreen, and it’s expandable, too, meaning you can fit a bit more in here than other, firmer suitcases.

Best Carry-On Luggage Under $200

Pros

  • The Interior offers plenty of space for even bigger shoes
  • Wheels roll incredibly well

Cons

  • All colorways earn scuffs really easily — except black
  • Only a two-year warranty, which isn’t as great as others on this list

After years of lugging their possessions around on their back and shoulder during myriad business trips, the Hue Carry-On reminded our tester just how nice a roll-aboard bag can be when done well. All four wheels rotate 360 degrees, and they’ll work with the bag tilted at pretty much any angle from vertical to near-horizontal, providing excellent agility. Plus, they roll seamlessly; our tester started making a game out of releasing it ahead of them while striding through empty airports and seeing how many seconds it took for it to slow down.

It’s conveniently expandable, adding an extra two inches of width in a few seconds with the pull of a zipper, which comes in handy on those trips where you need all 44 liters of space — or when you start accumulating souvenirs when you get there. (That capacity, by the way, is enough for close to a week’s luggage, even when half of it goes to size-14 gym shoes.) Yet even at full size, they never came close to having an issue fitting it into the overhead bin on Delta.

calpak
The Calpak suitcase isn’t immune from scuffs, especially in this lighter colorway.
Will Sabel Courtney

That said, the finish is easily marred; their bag boasted black marks after its very first trip, and new ones have appeared with every voyage since. The test bag’s cream finish (dubbed “Linen”) no doubt exacerbated the issue, but blemishes seem liable to be noticeable with any of the available colorways other than black. And the added pockets may be handy for the hyper-organized, but for most of us, they’re just in the way. Luckily, they’re easily removed — or ignored.

Best Carry-On Luggage You Can Buy on Amazon

Pros

  • Incredibly lightweight for the size
  • Variety of colors available
  • Wheels are quiet and durable

Cons

  • The exterior shell feels pretty cheap — and it is: it's only $159
  • Handles accumulate dirt too quickly

Our tester likes Level8’s simple suitcase, especially in aluminum. The polycarbonate version, however, is less compelling, they say — but still worth it, considering the price tag. For only $159, you get a decent-sized carry-on that compares to several competitors that sell for way more. Be wary of checking it, though, especially fully loaded, because the polycarbonate shell does feel thinner than Away’s, for example.

level8
The Level8 suitcase is a solid size, but it does feel somewhat cheap. Understandably so, though: it’s $159.
Evan Malachosky

The wheels, however, are a surprisingly solid upgrade, our tester says. They are awfully quiet, even on bumpy sidewalks or escalator ramps, which in theory doesn’t matter until you’re rolling a really loud one (like Sterling Pacific’s). Best of all, you can find these suitcases on Amazon, and can order them via Prime — which means you can get it to your apartment in time for any emergency trip.

Best Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage

Pros

  • Soft exterior is easier on the hands when lifting it into an overhead bin
  • Extremely spacious and roomy
  • Exterior straps help compress larger, softer items (i.e. sweaters).

Cons

  • Wheels are fairly unstable
  • Softshell doesn't protect valuable (or fragile items)

Our tester rarely packs valuables in their carry-on. They’ll tow a backpack to separate their laptop, headphones and passport from the rest of what they pack because they like knowing they can access them if they really need them. With Eastpak’s Trans4 Carry-On, you’ll need to, too. The soft-sided suitcase doesn’t offer much in terms of protection, but it works well for clothing, shoes and toiletries. Straps on either side help compress the carry-on once fully packed, creating a compact, evenly distributed suitcase that easily glides through airports and airport security.

eastpak
This soft-sided suitcase survived being checked, but you’re probably best keeping fragile items separated.
Evan Malachosky

Our tester did find, however, that the wheels were not the most stable. The bag was easily tipped over if the weight inside was not distributed properly, or if something snagged it as it rolled along. That being said, the soft sides are a refreshing departure from hard-sided plastic or aluminum. Not only is it quieter, but it’s softer on the hands when loading it into the overhead bin or pressing your knee on it to get it closed.

Best Carry-On Duffle Bag

Pros

  • Tough-as-nails construction with 900D ripstop polyester
  • Daisy chain provides extra options for carry
  • Can be worn as a backpack
  • Stuffs into itself when not in use

Cons

  • Roomy compartment pretty much requires packing cubes and bags
  • Warranty is the shortest on this list

A classic from Patagonia, the Black Hole Duffle is an extremely durable piece of luggage. It’s built with 900D ripstop polyester that prevents rips and tears, plus it’s got a TPU coating that protects it from water and the elements. It unzips to reveal a large main compartment and a massive mesh pocket, while the exterior features one outer pocket and a daisy chain for extra carry. As barebones and no-frills as this is, it’s built to last a lifetime — with proper care, of course.

At 40 liters, it has ample stuffing room, but some may be turned off with its unstructured style—if you’re an overpacker, this thing offers so much freedom that it’ll feel chaotic. Packing cubes are a must for those who crave organization, as the main compartment doesn’t offer any internal straps or additional pockets, aside from one mesh one, to tie die down.

One of our testers has owned their Black Hole Duffel for two years now and says it’s eaten scrapes and been dropped plenty, and still looks good as new. They love the freedom of loose packing and think it works best with packing cubes, especially when stuffing toiletries and delicate items inside. Its internal straps are heavily padded for comfort, plus the handle grips are so strong, it feels like it can handle more weight than it can possibly hold. Its only downside is its warranty; while Patagonia offers an iron-clad policy, the brand will repair its products for a fee.

Best Carry-On Backpack

Pros

  • Lots of mesh pockets for organizing your luggage
  • Every backpack has a one-of-a-kind style made with leftover fabrics
  • An excess of straps and pockets make for custom tailored carry
  • Unstructured for freedom of packing

Cons

  • No water bottle holder or pocket
  • Rolling the dice on color choice isn’t for everyone

Cotopaxi’s Allpa travel pack is as zany, convenient, sustainable and smart as you’d expect from the Utah-based outdoor brand. If its vibrant colors aren’t attractive enough, its features might be. The Allpa unzips open like a binder to reveal 35 liters of internal storage neatly separated into four mesh pockets: three on one side, one large on the other.

The large mesh pocket, which you can consider the main compartment, fits about a week’s worth of clothes, while the opposite side features a mid-sized pocket large enough for a pair of shoes and two smaller ones for toiletries, electronics, a passport and maybe some cords. This thing has ample room and it’s made better by its lack of structure, allowing you to cram it in an overhead bin with some pliability. And yes, it complies with most airline carry-on limits.

The bag’s shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D nylon, giving it some intense durability and ample weatherproofing. There’s a zipper on its exterior that lets you quickly reach inside your bag for an item, plus security straps that catch a zipper if someone tries to sneak a reach of their own. You can also tuck away the backpack and waist support straps and carry it from one of its four handles on each side.

While we haven’t tested the Allpa for travel, we’ve toyed with one during a tradeshow and found it impressive, functional and stylish. It’s a deceivably tough-as-nails bag that’s made of vivid colors from waste fabrics, and it’s got a surprising amount of room. While the one-of-a-kind colorway may be a turnoff for some who aren’t fans of randomizers, it’s what gives Cotopaxi its signature style, and we think it’s best that way.

Best Large Carry-On Backpack

Pros

  • Boxy design helps fit oversized items (like a motorcycle helmet)
  • Daisy chain allows for more custom carry
  • Thickly padded shoulder straps

Cons

  • Not carry-on ready for several airlines
  • It is still a backpack, and it can be quite cumbersome completely filled

Our tester has not yet switched over to a rolling bag, and this incredibly versatile pack is a big reason why, they say. They’ve used it for everything from cross-country trips to delivering meals on wheels by bike around Brooklyn.

db
The clamshell design leaves plenty of room for cargo.
Steve Mazzucchi

Super comfortable, even with lots of cargo, and the boxy shape and unzippable sections enable carrying even large awkward items like motorcycle helmets. As structured as it appears, it packs down accordion-style so it’s pretty easy to stash when not in use. The daisy chains on the back are great for tying on additional gear too, they explain.

Not convinced? Here are 5 reasons why you should carry a backpack, not a suitcase, on your next trip.

What to Consider

Should You Take Carry-On or Check a Bag?

For frequent travelers, this is a hotly contested debate. Busy business travelers prefer a carry-on bag because it lessens the likelihood it’ll get lost, stolen, opened or rummaged through. Plus, a carry-on helps you get from your arrival gate to the airport’s exit faster. For those that travel just a few times each year, checking a bag makes perfect sense, either because a credit card or loyalty program offers them for free or because they’d rather pay the extra for the peace of mind — and a few extra outfits.

To be honest, though, carry-on luggage is a must-buy no matter whether you travel with a bigger bag more often. What happens when you book a quick weekend getaway? Or, when you’re whisked away on a one- or two-day business trip? While two backpacks and a duffle might do the job, it’s easier to have a carry-on bag on standby. It’s the one suitcase everyone should own.

How Big Can a Carry-On Be?

There’s no universal guide for carry-on luggage. Although it’d make sense for each airline to adhere to size restrictions set by the TSA, each one has its own set of rules. Most airlines’ carry-on compartments can accommodate a bag or suitcase no bigger than 14 x 9 x 22 inches.

How Heavy Can a Carry-On Be?

Few domestic airlines set maximum weight limits on carry-on luggage. In fact, few will ever even check your bag unless it seems like you’re struggling to wheel it through the airport, lift it onto the security belt or into the overhead bin. Frontier Airlines, for example, lists a maximum weight of 35 lbs, and since you have to pay for carry-on bags, you’ll be asked to place it on a scale at checkout — which happens at the check-in counter.

What Is Allowed in a Carry-On?

The TSA has seen it all. As such, there’s an ever-growing list of items the TSA has already approved for carrying on. You can access it here. (It’s appropriately titled “What Can I Bring?”) For any item that is not listed, you can easily message the TSA through Facebook or Twitter for a fast answer, the agency says.

It’s important to remember the long-standing rules, though. You can’t bring any liquids in bottles bigger than 3.4 ounces, and all of them must fit in a quart-sized bag. You can, however, bring e-cigarettes and vapes as long as they are not used in flight. In fact, you cannot pack these items in your checked bag. That being said, if these are marijuana products, you risk being referred to the local enforcement if found.

“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer,” the agency explains.

How to Pack Your Carry-On Luggage

Fold, Don’t Roll: Rolling actually makes your clothes more wrinkled, it takes up more room, and if you’re using space-saving packing tools, rolling just isn’t a good technique.

Compartmentalize: Organizational tools — packing cubes, vacuum bags, even Ziploc bags — facilitate more thoughtful packing.

Think in Layers: People often make the mistake of packing bulky items instead of many smaller layers.

Do Laundry: It goes back to the concept of a vacation still being your reality — there are still places to do laundry.

Bad packer? Learn more in our guide to how to properly pack a suitcase.

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