The Ultimate Guide to Carry-On Travel Luggage: Top Picks and Expert Advice

For savvy travelers, the right carry-on travel luggage is more than just a bag—it’s your trusty companion, streamlining airport navigation and keeping your essentials close. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or an occasional vacationer, investing in high-quality carry-on luggage can transform your travel experience. Beyond skipping baggage claim hassles and potential checked baggage fees, a superior carry-on offers the ideal blend of capacity, maneuverability, durability, and thoughtful design.

To simplify your search for the perfect travel companion, we rigorously tested 454 carry-on bags across various styles, including traditional suitcases, versatile duffels, weekend-ready bags, convenient backpacks, and space-saving underseat options. Our comprehensive testing process pushed each bag to its limits. We packed them to capacity, navigated them through obstacle courses mimicking real-world travel scenarios, hoisted them into simulated overhead bins, rolled them across diverse surfaces, and even subjected them to impact tests to assess their resilience. Beyond lab assessments within our New York City facility, our editors personally took these bags on actual trips, evaluating their long-term performance and real-world usability. The results of these rigorous tests, combined with careful consideration of price, weight, dimensions, materials, and innovative features, led us to curate this guide to the best carry-on travel luggage currently available.

Luggage Testing: By the Numbers

454 Carry-on bags put through intense testing
123 Luggage brands meticulously evaluated
3 Years dedicated to comprehensive, ongoing testing

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Our Expertly Selected Top Carry-On Luggage Picks

Best Overall: Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

Best Overall, Runner-up: Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on

Best Expandability: Away The Carry-On Flex

Best Budget: Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner

Best Design: Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on Luggage

Most Durable: Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner

Most Spacious: July Carry-on Max

Best Softside: Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On

Best Compression: Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner

Best With Brakes: Aer Carry-On Max

Best Overall

Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

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PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It: This exceptional carry-on travel luggage stands out with its generous capacity, robust thermoplastic shell, and effortlessly smooth-rolling wheels.

What to Consider: It lacks a dedicated zippered compartment specifically designed for separating dirty clothes.

The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner emerged as the unequivocal champion among a field of outstanding suitcases. Its lightweight yet durable construction, coupled with expandable capabilities, made it a clear winner. Impressively, this bag has undergone our rigorous lab testing not once, but twice, including a recent re-evaluation to confirm our initial high praise from two years prior. Consistently exceeding expectations in both controlled lab settings and demanding real-world travel scenarios, the Freeform proved remarkably maneuverable on both two and four wheels. It navigated seamlessly across a variety of surfaces, including carpet, hard flooring, and even over curbs, highlighting its adaptability. The intuitive aluminum telescoping handle, which extends and locks at the touch of a button, further enhanced its ease of use.

This all-star suitcase boasts a thoughtfully designed interior with multiple pockets within the main compartment, maximizing organization. For trips requiring extra space, the expandable feature provides valuable additional inches. In our tests, we comfortably packed enough clothing for a four-day trip, encompassing two pairs of shoes, several jackets, and two toiletry bags, all without needing to utilize the expansion feature. While a separator is included to keep shoes separate from clean clothes, the absence of a dedicated zippered section or removable bag for dirty laundry is a minor drawback. However, a quality travel pouch can easily address this.

The Freeform’s sleek, minimalist-modern aesthetic is visually appealing, offered in a spectrum of over 12 colors, from classic white to contemporary mint and rich merlot. Demonstrating its exceptional durability, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) shell remained remarkably scuff-free after repeated baseball bat impacts during testing, exhibiting virtually no signs of damage. Even after six months of consistent travel, our test bag showed minimal wear and tear, with any minor scuffs easily buffed out. Considering its competitive price point, robust construction, and spacious capacity, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner is a highly recommended choice for frequent flyers and anyone seeking a top-tier piece of carry-on travel luggage.

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Alt Text: Person effortlessly placing a lightweight Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage into an airplane overhead bin.
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Alt Text: Smooth rolling Samsonite Freeform carry-on travel luggage being wheeled across a carpeted surface during maneuverability testing.
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Alt Text: Agile Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage navigating a cone obstacle course, demonstrating excellent maneuverability.
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Alt Text: Durable wheels of Samsonite Freeform carry-on travel luggage easily rolling over uneven stone pavers in durability test.
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Alt Text: Robust hardshell of Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage withstanding impact from a baseball bat during durability assessment.
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Alt Text: Lightweight design of Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage being weighed on a scale, showcasing its travel-friendly weight.
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Alt Text: Interior pocket detail of Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage, highlighting organizational features and ease of access.
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Alt Text: Clothing secured with internal straps inside the spacious Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage, demonstrating packing efficiency.
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Alt Text: Expandable feature showcased on the Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage, revealing extra packing capacity for travelers.
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Alt Text: Internal organization of Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage with a travel pouch placed inside, emphasizing smart packing solutions.
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Alt Text: Secure locking mechanism of Samsonite Freeform carry-on travel luggage, providing enhanced security for travel belongings.
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Alt Text: Easy-to-use expansion lock on Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage, showing simple operation for increased space.
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Alt Text: Smoothly maneuverable Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage gliding through a paver and cone course, highlighting its excellent handling.

Best Overall, Runner-up

Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on

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PHOTO: Tumi

Why We Love It: This premium carry-on travel luggage features dual access points and includes a removable garment bag, perfect for suits or dresses.

What to Consider: When the front-access section is fully packed, it reduces the available space in the main compartment.

The Tumi International Dual Access Carry-on closely followed the Samsonite Freeform, securing its place as a top runner-up. Its exceptional mobility is immediately apparent, gliding effortlessly across various flooring types thanks to its four smooth-gliding dual spinner wheels and ergonomically designed telescoping handle. Even after three months of rigorous use, the wheels maintained their flawless performance, never faltering on any surface. This reliability makes it ideal for navigating bustling airports or exploring new cities. Constructed from Tumi’s signature ballistic nylon, renowned for its durability, it also aced our baseball bat impact test, showcasing its resilience.

Packing was a breeze with the Tumi’s intelligently designed compartments. We particularly appreciated the versatility of the removable suiter, a valuable feature for trips requiring formal attire. The clamshell design, complemented by multiple interior pockets and compression straps on one side, efficiently accommodated our four-day packing list. The convenient front-access section offers flexible storage; when the main compartment isn’t completely full, it can easily hold a sweater or light jacket. Alternatively, it’s perfectly sized for tech accessories or a compact makeup bag. Exterior features include two pockets for smaller essentials like a travel umbrella, and a built-in USB port compatible with a power bank (sold separately) for on-the-go charging. While the Tumi Carry-on represents a higher price point compared to many other carry-on options, it’s undeniably an investment in premium quality and enduring performance, promising years of reliable travel companionship.

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Alt Text: Person effortlessly wheeling the Tumi Alpha carry-on travel luggage next to orange cones, demonstrating its smooth handling and maneuverability.
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Alt Text: Organized packing in Tumi Alpha carry-on travel luggage with hands neatly arranging clothes inside, emphasizing its spacious interior.
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Alt Text: Detail of interior zipper pocket in Tumi Alpha carry-on luggage, showcasing organizational features and quality craftsmanship.
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Alt Text: Stylish Tumi Alpha carry-on travel luggage showcased in a room setting, highlighting its sophisticated design and premium aesthetic.

Best Expandability

Away The Carry-On Flex

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PHOTO: Away

Why We Love It: This carry-on travel luggage offers substantial space, and a convenient expander unzips to provide an extra 2.25 inches of packing depth.

What to Consider: When fully expanded, it may exceed standard carry-on size restrictions for some airlines.

The Away Carry-On Flex masterfully balances compact portability with impressive interior volume. Its design incorporates two spacious main compartments and an effective compression system. Items can be zipped securely on one side and buckled in on the other, with mesh pockets offering organized storage for smaller items. Recognizing the needs of overpackers, The Carry-on Flex includes a zipper expander, adding an extra 2.25 inches of depth—perfect for accommodating souvenirs or unexpected additions on your return journey. However, it’s essential to be mindful of airline carry-on size limitations, as utilizing the expander might push the bag slightly beyond standard overhead bin allowances (expanded dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches), potentially requiring gate checking.

Beyond its expandable feature, testing revealed other notable attributes, including smooth, multi-directional wheels; a telescoping handle with multiple height settings; and a thoughtfully designed notch on the underside, simplifying lifting from car trunks, overhead bins, or luggage carousels. The bag also demonstrated remarkable sturdiness, enduring drop tests and baseball bat impacts with minimal damage—just minor scratches.

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Alt Text: Traveler easily lifting expandable Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage into an airplane overhead compartment, showcasing its practical size.
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Alt Text: Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage fitting seamlessly in an overhead bin alongside other suitcases, illustrating its airline-friendly design.
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Alt Text: Stylish Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage displayed beside airplane seats, highlighting its compact yet elegant design for air travel.
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Alt Text: Close-up of the expandable zipper feature on Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage, showing how easily it expands for extra capacity.
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Alt Text: Person smoothly rolling Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage, demonstrating its easy maneuverability and comfortable handling.
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Alt Text: Telescoping handle of Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage being smoothly retracted, showcasing its user-friendly and adjustable design.
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Alt Text: Lightweight Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage being weighed, highlighting its portability and ease of travel.
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Alt Text: Smooth-rolling wheels of Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage, emphasizing its effortless movement and high-quality components.
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Alt Text: Spacious interior of Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage being packed with clothing, showcasing its ample packing capacity and efficient design.
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Alt Text: Efficient packing process within Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage, demonstrating ease of use and smart interior layout for travelers.
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Alt Text: Interior close-up of Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage during packing, highlighting mesh pockets and organizational features for smart travel.
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Alt Text: Hands attaching a luggage tag to Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage, personalizing it for travel and emphasizing user-friendliness.
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Alt Text: Sleek design of the Away Carry-on Flex travel luggage, showcasing its modern aesthetic and appealing visual presentation.

How We Test Luggage

The 10 Best Luggage Brands, Tested and Reviewed

Best Budget

Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner

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PHOTO: Amazon

Why We Love It: This budget-friendly carry-on travel luggage offers exceptional value, featuring a scratch-resistant shell and surprisingly ample packing space.

What to Consider: Color options are limited to four, and it lacks advanced features like smart technology or a combination lock.

For travelers seeking exceptional value, the Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner is a standout choice. This remarkably affordable hardside suitcase demonstrated unexpectedly smooth maneuverability, even on challenging surfaces like carpet and over bumps. The handles proved responsive and easy to control during testing. Impressively, its scratch-resistant shell withstood our rigorous bat and drop tests on multiple occasions. Similar to the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on, we were so impressed with this bag that we re-tested it recently to ensure it maintained its high standards. While minor scuffing was noted after the second round of baseball bat impacts, these were easily buffed away with minimal effort.

During our capacity testing, the Amazon Basics carry-on comfortably accommodated four days’ worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries without needing to expand it, providing reassuring extra capacity when needed. After six months of regular use, it proved to be the ideal size for weekend getaways.

Travel + Leisure senior editor Jasmine Grant highlighted this carry-on as “an excellent choice for a budget suitcase. It’s light, durable, and expands to fit way more than you might assume at first glance.” The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner surpassed our expectations in numerous aspects. While the color selection is limited to four, its simple, sleek design is universally appealing.

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Alt Text: Budget-friendly Amazon Basics carry-on luggage being placed into an overhead bin, showcasing its standard carry-on size.
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Alt Text: Lightweight Amazon Basics carry-on luggage being weighed, emphasizing its travel-friendly weight and budget-conscious design.
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Alt Text: Maneuverability test of Amazon Basics carry-on luggage over stone pavers, demonstrating its smooth rolling capability on uneven surfaces.
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Alt Text: Durability testing of Amazon Basics carry-on luggage withstanding impact from a baseball bat, showing its robust construction.
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Alt Text: Agile Amazon Basics carry-on luggage being pulled through a cone course, highlighting its easy handling and navigational ability.
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Alt Text: Hands using a luggage scale to weigh Amazon Basics carry-on luggage, emphasizing its lightweight design for airline travel.
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Alt Text: Top handle of Amazon Basics carry-on luggage being held, demonstrating its sturdy construction and easy grip for lifting.
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Alt Text: Opening the Amazon Basics carry-on luggage to reveal its interior, showcasing its user-friendly clamshell design and packing space.
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Alt Text: Packing shoes inside Amazon Basics carry-on luggage, demonstrating its capacity to accommodate essential travel items like footwear.
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Alt Text: Packing clothes into Amazon Basics carry-on luggage, showcasing its ample interior space for clothing and travel essentials.
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Alt Text: Internal straps securing packed clothing in Amazon Basics carry-on luggage, ensuring organized and compressed packing for travel.
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Alt Text: Closing the Amazon Basics carry-on luggage, showing its secure closure and compact form after efficient packing.
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Alt Text: Repeating weight measurement of Amazon Basics carry-on luggage, reinforcing its lightweight and airline-compliant design for budget travelers.
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Alt Text: Stylish display of Amazon Basics carry-on luggage in a home setting, emphasizing its sleek and minimalist design appeal.

Best Design

Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on Luggage

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PHOTO: Dagne Dover

Why We Love It: This visually appealing carry-on travel luggage is packed with smart design elements, including a front pocket that offers direct access to the main compartment without fully opening the bag.

What to Consider: It is relatively heavy and bulky for its size, and maneuverability can be slightly challenging when fully packed.

Having long admired Dagne Dover’s innovative designs, we were thrilled to explore their inaugural luggage collection launched last summer. After thoroughly testing each new piece, the Smaller Seattle Carry-on particularly impressed us. Despite its more compact dimensions, the intelligent design features maximize interior space, making it ideal for travelers prioritizing a smaller footprint. We successfully packed it for several days’ worth of travel despite the absence of an expansion feature, a feat largely attributed to the abundance of pockets that significantly enhance organization. The exterior includes a small zip pocket on the back for passports and two generously sized front pockets. The larger front pocket opens wide, revealing numerous slots for organizing laptops (up to 13 inches), tablets, documents, and other frequently accessed essentials.

A standout feature is the zippered access point in one of the front pockets, providing direct entry to the main compartment—similar to a hatchback car’s trunk access from the backseat. This allows for quick retrieval of items like a sweater or makeup bag without the need to fully lay the suitcase flat and unzip the entire clamshell, a particularly useful feature in busy environments like airports. The main compartments are evenly divided in a clamshell configuration, with compression straps on both sides to secure packed items. While we noted that it felt somewhat heavy for a carry-on and might require effort to lift into overhead bins when fully packed, this weight likely stems from the robust outer material and reinforced bumpers that contribute to the bag’s durability and sturdiness. Overall, the Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on is an excellent choice for shorter trips or as a stylish addition to checked luggage for travelers who value design and organization.

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Alt Text: Stylish Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage being wheeled down an airplane aisle, showcasing its elegant design and travel-ready size.
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Alt Text: Innovative front pocket design of Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage, highlighting its organizational features and quick-access compartments.
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Alt Text: Front pocket of Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage accommodating a waist pack, demonstrating its versatile storage and organizational capacity.
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Alt Text: Interior pockets of Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage, showcasing multiple compartments for organized packing and efficient space utilization.
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Alt Text: Securely packed clothing inside Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage, highlighting compression straps and efficient use of interior space.
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Alt Text: Dedicated laptop compartment in the front pocket of Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage, emphasizing its tech-friendly design.
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Alt Text: Back pocket access of Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage, demonstrating convenient storage for passports and travel documents.
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Alt Text: Durability test of Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage withstanding impact from a baseball bat, highlighting its robust construction.
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Alt Text: Weighing Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage, showing its manageable weight despite its durable and feature-rich design.
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Alt Text: Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on luggage being placed in an overhead bin, demonstrating its airline-compliant size and suitability for cabin storage.

Most Durable

Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner

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PHOTO: Samsonite

Why We Love It: This exceptionally lightweight yet incredibly durable carry-on travel luggage aced our tests without even a scratch.

What to Consider: Its premium durability comes at a higher price, potentially unnecessary for travelers who don’t require extreme robustness.

The Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner immediately grabbed our attention with its remarkable claim of surviving a space launch and a 130,000-foot drop unscathed. Intrigued, we put it through our rigorous testing. Right away, we were impressed by its featherlight weight—under 5 pounds—making it exceptionally lightweight for its category. However, this minimal weight belies its exceptional durability. While we couldn’t replicate a space drop, we subjected it to repeated baseball bat impacts and jump tests, and it emerged without any scuffs, scratches, or damage. “I would completely trust this bag to withstand the rigors of baggage handlers,” commented T+L’s associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, underscoring its robust build.

Beyond its lightweight and near-indestructible nature, the Proxis Global Carry-on offers numerous appealing features. The two zippered halves feature multiple pockets for organized packing, along with cross straps on one side to secure contents. Despite its compact appearance, we were able to neatly pack a surprising amount of items without using packing cubes. It also offers a half-inch of expansion if needed, while still fitting comfortably in overhead bins even when expanded. The carry-on glides effortlessly over various surfaces, and the handle feels remarkably sturdy despite its light weight. While it represents a significant investment, the Proxis Global Carry-on’s durable construction, lightweight design, and smooth-rolling wheels make it a worthwhile choice for travelers prioritizing ultimate durability and long-lasting performance.

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Alt Text: Unyielding Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage enduring a baseball bat impact during durability testing, showcasing its robust construction.
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Alt Text: Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage withstanding a jump test, demonstrating its exceptional resilience and ability to handle rough handling.
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Alt Text: Ultra-lightweight Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage being weighed, highlighting its ease of handling and travel-friendly design.
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Alt Text: Smooth rolling action of Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage over a smooth floor, demonstrating its effortless maneuverability and quality wheels.
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Alt Text: Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage easily wheeled down an airplane aisle, showcasing its compact and airline-friendly design for cabin use.
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Alt Text: Easy placement of Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage into an overhead bin, highlighting its convenient size and lightweight nature.
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Alt Text: Organized packing process inside Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage, demonstrating its efficient interior design and user-friendly packing features.
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Alt Text: Internal straps securing packed items inside Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage, ensuring clothes stay in place during travel.
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Alt Text: Setting the integrated lock on Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage, showcasing its security features for safe travel.
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Alt Text: Close-up of the secure lock mechanism on Samsonite Proxis carry-on luggage, highlighting its user-friendly and robust security design.

The 13 Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces, Tested and Reviewed

Most Spacious

July Carry-on Max

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PHOTO: July

Why We Love It: This carry-on travel luggage boasts the largest capacity on our list and includes a packable tote bag for added space when needed.

What to Consider: Maneuvering can feel slightly cumbersome, especially around corners, when packed to full capacity.

The July Carry-on Max stands out with its impressive 50-liter capacity, the largest among the carry-ons we tested, even before expansion (expanding to 62 liters). Weighing just over 9 pounds, it maintains a reasonable weight, although we observed that maneuverability, particularly around tight corners and lifting, becomes somewhat more challenging when fully packed compared to smaller July suitcases we’ve tested. However, this slight compromise in maneuverability is outweighed by its exceptional packing volume, making it an excellent choice for travelers needing maximum carry-on space. Adding to its versatility, it includes a packable tote bag, a valuable bonus for return trips when extra packing space might be required.

The interior features a straightforward design with a zippered cover on one side and a compression panel with a pocket on the other. Aside from a small, elongated pouch, organizational pockets are limited. While additional pockets would be beneficial given its large capacity, packing cubes can effectively address organization needs. The handle is robust and offers 20 adjustable height settings. Durability testing revealed no damage after baseball bat impacts. It’s important to note that due to its larger size, airline carry-on policies may require gate checking depending on the specific airline.

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Alt Text: Spacious July Carry-on Max travel luggage in purple, highlighting its large size and capacity-focused design.
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Alt Text: Weighing July Carry-on Max travel luggage, demonstrating its relatively lightweight design considering its large packing capacity.
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Alt Text: Ample packing space inside July Carry-on Max travel luggage, showing its ability to accommodate a significant amount of travel items.
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Alt Text: Further demonstration of the large packing capacity of July Carry-on Max travel luggage, emphasizing its suitability for extended trips.
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Alt Text: Included packable tote bag with July Carry-on Max travel luggage, offering extra storage capacity and versatility for travelers.
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Alt Text: Rolling maneuverability of July Carry-on Max travel luggage, showcasing its smooth wheels and ease of transport in travel settings.
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Alt Text: July Carry-on Max travel luggage being rolled with the included tote bag on top, demonstrating its versatility and extra carrying capacity option.
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Alt Text: July Carry-on Max travel luggage being placed in an airplane overhead bin, showing its carry-on compliant size for most airlines (check airline guidelines).
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Alt Text: TSA-approved lock feature on July Carry-on Max travel luggage, highlighting its security features and compliance with travel regulations.
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Alt Text: Impact resistance of July Carry-on Max travel luggage being tested with a baseball bat, demonstrating its durable hardshell construction.

Best Softside

Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On

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PHOTO: Away

Why We Love It: This softside carry-on travel luggage is remarkably stylish and durable, defying typical softside expectations.

What to Consider: It is on the larger end for a carry-on and may not consistently fit in overhead bins when fully expanded.

Recently recognized as our top pick in our dedicated softside luggage testing, the Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On outperformed numerous competitors. With its chic, subtly padded front, it rivals even sleek hardside bags in visual appeal, maintaining Away’s signature modern aesthetic. The interior features a spacious main compartment with a compression pad to secure contents, along with integrated mesh pockets for organization. It also includes a front pocket and an expandable feature for added packing capacity.

Beyond its stylish design, this carry-on impressed us with its exceptional durability. It withstood drop tests, baseball bat impacts, and even being stomped on without showing significant damage. “The fabric felt heavier than other softsides, suggesting it will be durable even if checked,” noted associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, highlighting its robust construction.

Even when fully packed, the bag remained easy to maneuver across various surfaces and around tight corners. Our primary consideration is its expanded size, which might prompt stricter gate agents to require checking it. However, mindful packing should mitigate this. Overall, it’s a standout softside option from a reputable brand, balancing style, durability, and functionality.

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Alt Text: Closing zipper of Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage, demonstrating its user-friendly zipper and secure closure system.
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Alt Text: Close-up of smooth-rolling wheels on Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage, emphasizing its maneuverability and quality components.
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Alt Text: Interior mesh pocket detail of Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage, showcasing organizational features and convenient storage options.
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Alt Text: Spacious interior of Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage being packed with clothing, highlighting its ample room and efficient design.
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Alt Text: Efficient packing with a travel bag inside Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage, demonstrating organized and space-saving travel solutions.
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Alt Text: Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage being rolled over stone pavers, showcasing its smooth maneuverability on uneven outdoor surfaces.
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Alt Text: Weighing Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage, highlighting its lightweight design for comfortable and easy travel.
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Alt Text: Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage being placed in an overhead bin, demonstrating its carry-on compliant size for air travel.
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Alt Text: Durability test of Away Softside Bigger Carry-on travel luggage withstanding a baseball bat impact, showcasing its robust softside construction.

Best Compression

Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner

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PHOTO: Briggs & Riley

Why We Love It: The intuitive expansion system effortlessly adds or retracts 10 liters of space in mere seconds.

What to Consider: The bottom of the bag incurred scratches when pulled over a curb during our maneuverability testing.

While carry-ons inherently offer less packing volume than checked bags, the 22-inch spinner from Briggs & Riley maximizes usable space. When fully expanded, it boasts one of the largest capacities on our list, reaching up to 51 liters. However, the standout feature is its ingenious expansion system, increasing capacity by 25 percent. Unlike traditional zipper-based expansion, this system employs internal buttons. Pressing two buttons inside the bag raises panels, instantly transforming it from a 41-liter to a 51-liter capacity. Compressing it back to its original size is equally swift.

Even without expansion, the bag is remarkably spacious. We easily accommodated our complete packing list with room to spare during testing. The interior features a single, deep main compartment, expanding significantly to fit bulkier items like boots when expanded. The top section includes a small compartment with two mesh pockets for smaller items, and a compression pad is integrated to minimize clothing volume. A rear exterior pouch provides convenient storage for a power bank and a small electronic device for on-the-go charging. The carry-on rolled smoothly across diverse terrains, from carpet to concrete, and navigated our obstacle course with ease. The hardside shell proved quite durable, resisting dents after repeated baseball bat impacts, although minor scratches occurred on the bottom when pulled over a concrete curb. Overall, the Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner is a robust and spacious carry-on, particularly well-suited for overpackers, and equipped with smart features to effectively compress packed items.

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Alt Text: Person preparing to lift Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, highlighting its manageable size and user-friendly design.
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Alt Text: Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage being placed in an overhead bin, demonstrating its airline-compliant size and ease of stowage.
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Alt Text: Interior pocket detail of Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, showcasing organizational features and convenient storage options.
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Alt Text: Expanding feature of Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage being activated, demonstrating its easy-to-use expandable design for increased packing capacity.
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Alt Text: Packing clothing inside Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, showcasing its spacious interior and ability to accommodate travel essentials.
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Alt Text: Zipping interior pocket of Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, highlighting its secure pockets and organized packing features.
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Alt Text: Robust hardshell of Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage resisting impact from a baseball bat during durability assessment.
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Alt Text: Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage smoothly wheeled over stone pavers, demonstrating its maneuverability on uneven surfaces.
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Alt Text: Further showcasing the smooth rolling capability of Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage over stone pavers during maneuverability testing.
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Alt Text: Weighing Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, highlighting its balanced weight and robust construction for travel.
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Alt Text: Side pocket detail of Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, demonstrating external storage options for quick-access items during travel.
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Alt Text: Secure lock mechanism on Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, showcasing its integrated security features for worry-free travel.

The 11 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Best With Brakes

Aer Carry-On Max

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PHOTO: Aer

Why We Love It: This unique carry-on travel luggage features an innovative brake system to prevent unwanted rolling.

What to Consider: Opting for a darker color is advisable if you’re concerned about visible dirt and marks on lighter shades.

If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of a runaway bag, the Aer Carry-on offers a solution with its distinctive Hinomoto wheel brake system. “It’s an incredibly unique and useful feature, especially on public transport or inclines, securely holding the bag in place,” notes associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, a personal owner of this bag. The wheels themselves spin smoothly and quietly, and engaging the brake is a simple pop-on operation to prevent rolling. In fact, Parker adds that it boasts “some of the smoothest wheels I’ve encountered on a carry-on, even when fully packed.”

The 48-liter capacity is substantial for a carry-on—ideal for those who maximize packing space. The bag feels robust throughout, from its double-layer zippers to its internal compression system. Top and side handles include a hole for attaching additional bags or items with a carabiner. Available in five colors, our white test bag did accumulate some scuff marks during use, but most were easily buffed out.

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Alt Text: Hand gripping the handle of Aer Carry-on travel luggage, demonstrating its ergonomic design and comfortable grip for handling.
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Alt Text: Close-up of finger engaging the brake switch on Aer Carry-on travel luggage, showcasing its unique wheel brake system feature.
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Alt Text: Person placing Aer Carry-on travel luggage into an overhead bin, demonstrating its suitable size for airline cabin storage.
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Alt Text: Packing process inside Aer Carry-on travel luggage, showcasing its spacious interior and efficient use of packing volume.
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Alt Text: Interior zipper detail of Aer Carry-on travel luggage, highlighting its secure closure system and organized packing compartments.
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Alt Text: Top carry straps of Aer Carry-on travel luggage being held, demonstrating its additional carrying options and robust handle design.
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Alt Text: Aer Carry-on travel luggage being maneuvered through a cone obstacle course, highlighting its agile handling and smooth rolling wheels.
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Alt Text: Durability testing of Aer Carry-on travel luggage withstanding a baseball bat impact, showcasing its strong and impact-resistant shell.
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Alt Text: Weighing Aer Carry-on travel luggage using a luggage scale, demonstrating its manageable weight for air travel and carry-on compliance.

Most Stylish

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner

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Delsey Chatelet Carry-on Plus Spinner. PHOTO: Delsey

Why We Love It: The Chatelet Air 2.0 exudes a captivating vintage charm while maintaining exceptional functionality and durability.

What to Consider: Its design is not expandable, making its compact form best suited for shorter trips.

For travelers prioritizing aesthetics, the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 stands out as a prime choice. Inspired by classic Parisian architecture, its design features unique lines, contrast stitching, and a vintage-inspired appeal, making it visually striking. Beyond its elegant exterior, it’s remarkably functional. The interior is well-organized with a fully zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other, along with multiple pockets and a convenient USB port.

The zippers operate smoothly, and the spinner wheels glide effortlessly across carpet, hard floors, and even stone pavers. Durability is equally impressive; it showed no visible damage after three months of use, including two international flights where it was checked. The Chatelet Air 2.0 adheres to standard carry-on dimensions, and we successfully packed our essential carry-on list. However, its capacity is best suited for shorter trips as packing space was limited when fully loaded.

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Alt Text: Stylish Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage being rolled over pavers, showcasing its elegant design and smooth maneuverability.
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Alt Text: Unzipping Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage, revealing its user-friendly zipper system and well-designed interior access.
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Alt Text: Durability testing of Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage being pushed off a counter, showcasing its robust construction and impact resistance.
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Alt Text: Hands neatly packing items inside Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage, highlighting its organized interior and efficient packing space.
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Alt Text: Included hanger and storage bags with Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage, showcasing its extra accessories for organized travel.
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Alt Text: Extended handle of Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage, demonstrating its telescopic design and comfortable grip for easy handling.
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Alt Text: Close-up of secure lock mechanism on Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage, highlighting its integrated security features for safe travel.
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Alt Text: Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on luggage stylishly displayed in a room, emphasizing its vintage-inspired design and elegant appearance.

Best Trunk

July Carry On Trunk

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PHOTO: July

Why We Love It: We admire this trunk-style carry-on travel luggage for its sleek and stylish aesthetic, combined with practical features like an ejectable power bank and customizable handle height.

What to Consider: Packing requires more intentionality due to the trunk’s non-expandable design.

This stylish carry-on trunk from July features a unique clamshell design that opens directly down the center, unlike the typical 30/70 split found in many trunks. It exudes a luxurious feel with its zipperless clasp closures, ejectable power bank, and multi-stop rubber handle allowing for customized handle height. Testing revealed easy maneuverability across various surfaces, including carpet and concrete pavers, rolling effortlessly on four wheels. While two-wheel rolling slightly reduced speed, it remained easy to move, with weight evenly distributed throughout the bag and handle.

The glossy version, also available in matte, did accumulate some scuff marks during real-world travel, but they were easily wiped away. Baseball bat impacts resulted in a few minor dents, barely noticeable. A key consideration is the trunk’s rigid hardshell and clasp closures, offering no give, requiring more selective and deliberate packing.

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Alt Text: July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage being placed in an airplane overhead bin, demonstrating its compact trunk design and cabin-friendly size.
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Alt Text: Hands placing July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage into an overhead bin, highlighting its ease of handling and trunk-style compact design.
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Alt Text: July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage positioned next to airplane seats, demonstrating its compact size and suitability for air travel cabins.
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Alt Text: July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage being showcased among people, emphasizing its stylish design and appealing trunk aesthetic.
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Alt Text: Durability test of July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage withstanding impact from a bat, showcasing its robust hardshell trunk construction.
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Alt Text: Weighing July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage using a luggage scale, highlighting its manageable weight for a trunk-style carry-on.
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Alt Text: Comfortable handle grip of July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage, demonstrating its ergonomic design for easy handling and transport.
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Alt Text: Hands adjusting internal straps inside July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage, showcasing its organization features and secure packing system.
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Alt Text: Secure lock mechanism on July Carry-on Trunk travel luggage, highlighting its zipperless clasp closure and robust security features.

The 9 Best Zipperless Luggage Pieces, Tested and Reviewed

Best Aluminum

Tumi Aluminum International Carry-on

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PHOTO: TUMI

Why We Love It: This sleek aluminum carry-on travel luggage is as durable as it is visually stunning.

What to Consider: Weighing over 11 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a carry-on.

This striking Tumi carry-on commands attention at any airport with its metallic color options and robust aluminum shell, ensuring superior protection for your belongings. As the priciest option in our guide, the investment reflects the Tumi brand’s premium quality, which our testing confirms is justified. While this 31-liter bag is on the smaller side for a carry-on and, like most aluminum bags, is relatively heavy (over 11 pounds), its exceptional built-in organization impressed us.

Both halves of the suitcase feature full zippered closures and compression straps—an ideal combination for maximizing packed contents and minimizing zipper strain. Two smaller zippered flaps on each half offer additional space for smaller items, along with an internal card pocket and a hanger bracket for garments. The wheels proved remarkably sturdy, both in rolling performance and resistance to baseball bat impacts. Leather-wrapped handles provide comfortable handling. The latches incorporate two TSA-approved combination locks with push-button openers, and monogramming is available for personalization.

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Alt Text: Person stylishly rolling Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage in an airplane, showcasing its elegant design and smooth mobility.
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Alt Text: Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage being placed in an overhead bin, demonstrating its airline-compliant size for cabin storage.
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Alt Text: Organized packing inside Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage, showcasing its efficient interior design and user-friendly packing features.
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Alt Text: Interior zipper detail of Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage, highlighting its secure compartments and organized storage solutions.
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Alt Text: Close-up of secure lock mechanism on Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage, emphasizing its integrated security features and robust design.
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Alt Text: Person carrying Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage, demonstrating its manageable size and comfortable handling for travel.
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Alt Text: User-friendly handling of Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage, highlighting its comfortable grip and ease of use for travelers.
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Alt Text: Weighing Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage, emphasizing its solid construction and premium material contributing to its weight.
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Alt Text: Impact testing of Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage being tossed off a counter, showcasing its durable aluminum shell and damage resistance.
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Alt Text: Extreme durability test of Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum carry-on luggage withstanding baseball bat impact, highlighting its robust aluminum construction.

Best Waterproof

Rains Texel Cabin Trolley

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PHOTO: Rains

Why We Love It: The padded front laptop sleeve is completely waterproof, offering superior protection for electronics.

What to Consider: It’s on the larger side and might not fit in overhead bins when fully packed.

For travelers prioritizing weather protection, the Rains Texel Cabin Trolley is an ideal choice, prepared for unexpected rainstorms. Both the hardside shell and front pocket are fully waterproof, ensuring your belongings remain dry. The main shell is constructed from tough polycarbonate, while the padded front laptop pocket, made from waterproof PU fabric, safely accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15 inches. A large front strap with a buckle closure further secures the front pocket.

Capacity testing revealed impressive volume. The interior compartments are deep enough to hold our entire packing list, and mesh dividers offer ample space for smaller items like socks and underwear. Despite lacking an expander, we didn’t feel constrained for space. The compression strap on the other side effectively secured clothing and was easy to use. When fully packed, we noted that the suitcase was a tight fit in our test plane’s overhead compartment, suggesting careful packing to ensure fit. The bag rolled smoothly on both two and four wheels, with balanced weight distribution. For travelers prioritizing waterproof protection, the Rains Texel Cabin Trolley is a top recommendation, provided packed size is considered.

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Alt Text: Top handle grip of Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage, demonstrating its sturdy and ergonomic design for easy lifting and carrying.
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Alt Text: Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage being placed in an airplane overhead bin, showcasing its carry-on size suitable for cabin storage.
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Alt Text: Smooth rolling performance of Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage over stone tiles, demonstrating its maneuverability on uneven surfaces.
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Alt Text: Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage being wheeled around a floor, highlighting its easy handling and smooth rolling wheels.
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Alt Text: Durability testing of Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage withstanding a baseball bat impact, showcasing its robust polycarbonate shell.
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Alt Text: Weighing Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage, demonstrating its manageable weight and travel-friendly design.
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Alt Text: Waterproof laptop sleeve feature of Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage, showcasing its secure and weather-resistant tech compartment.
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Alt Text: Efficient packing with travel items inside Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage, demonstrating its spacious interior and user-friendly design.
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Alt Text: Clothing being packed inside Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage, highlighting its ample interior space and ability to accommodate travel essentials.
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Alt Text: Packed items displayed after using Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage, demonstrating its efficient packing capacity and organizational features.
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Alt Text: Closing mechanism of Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage being snapped shut, showcasing its secure closure and robust design.
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Alt Text: Waterproof exterior of Rains Texel Cabin Trolley travel luggage being touched, highlighting its water-resistant material and weather protection features.

Other Carry-on Bags We Liked

While our top picks represent the best in their respective categories, several other impressive carry-on bags nearly made our list, falling just short due to minor drawbacks in maneuverability, capacity, design, durability, or overall value during testing.

Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Carry-on: We appreciated the expansive capacity and expandability of this bag, easily accommodating our packing list. However, its somewhat large wheels made overhead bin fit challenging.

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket: Despite lacking expandability, it fit our packing list and resisted damage in bat tests, but its rolling wasn’t as seamless as top performers. Like other Arlo Skye luggage, it includes a removable power bank.

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Alt Text: Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-on Max with Front Pocket in a stylish room setting, showcasing its design and front pocket feature.

Samsonite Tru-frame Carry-on Spinner: We lauded its futuristic, zipperless design and durability, although it felt slightly less spacious than some top-rated carry-ons.

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Alt Text: Hands closing the latch on Samsonite Tru-Frame Carry-on Spinner, emphasizing its zipperless design and secure latch closure system.

July Carry On Pro: Aesthetically pleasing, spacious, and maneuverable, it closely resembled the Away Carry-on but with slightly less effective compression.

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Alt Text: July Carry-on Pro travel luggage displayed in a sitting area, showcasing its stylish design and compact carry-on size.

Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on Luggage: Stylish and under $300, with a convenient front laptop compartment. However, the compartment protruded when packed, and the zipper felt stiff.

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Alt Text: Durability testing of Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on luggage being tossed off a table, showcasing its impact resistance.

Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on: Among the most durable we tested, but felt somewhat small for a carry-on. We ultimately favored the Tumi aluminum option in our top picks.

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Alt Text: Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 carry-on luggage being placed in an overhead bin, demonstrating its compact size and suitability for cabin storage.

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus: Exceptional capacity and built-in compression board were appreciated after six months of use. However, its larger size and lack of expansion were drawbacks.

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Alt Text: Packing process inside Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus travel luggage, showcasing its spacious interior and efficient packing design.

Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Carry-On Spinner: Impressive durability for a 45-liter bag at a good price point. Ultimately, the Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner edged it out as our top durable pick.

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Alt Text: Durability test of Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Carry-on Spinner withstanding a baseball bat impact, highlighting its robust construction.

Nex Hawaii Edition Pioneer Carry-on: Loved for its lightweight design and smooth maneuverability over various surfaces. Stylish and durable, it lacked distinctive features to stand out further.

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Alt Text: Nex Hawaii Edition Pioneer Carry-on luggage being wheeled down an airplane aisle, demonstrating its smooth mobility and airline-friendly design.

Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: Affordable and feature-rich, with light weight, smooth zippers and wheels, dividers, and compression straps. A strong value option.

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Alt Text: Securing internal straps of Bagsmart Roamer Expandable carry-on luggage, highlighting its organization features and compression system.

Our Testing Process

The T+L team conducted a series of rigorous luggage tests in our New York City lab to thoroughly assess the capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design of each carry-on travel luggage. We packed each bag with clothing and essentials for a four-day trip, including six shirts, three pairs of pants, five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, two jackets, and two pairs of shoes, plus small and large toiletry bags. We then evaluated each bag’s performance with this typical travel load.

Maneuverability was assessed by rolling bags across different surfaces (where applicable), including pavement and carpet, and navigating them through obstacle courses mimicking real-world travel scenarios with sharp turns in tight spaces. We simulated airline travel by recreating an airplane set in our lab to test lifting bags into overhead bins and sliding them under seats. Durability was tested by subjecting fully packed bags to impact tests, including hitting them with a metal baseball bat and pushing them off tables to evaluate their resistance to wear and tear.

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Alt Text: Airplane cabin simulation with carry-on luggage in overhead bins, representing real-world travel scenario testing in the lab.

Following lab testing, we distributed the bags to T+L editors for six months of real-world travel use, allowing for ongoing evaluation. Considering price, size, adjustability, features, and unique attributes, the carry-ons achieving the highest scores across all test categories were selected for this guide, which will be continuously updated as we test new carry-on travel luggage.

Tips for Buying Carry-on Travel Luggage

Consider Hardside vs. Softside Luggage

When selecting carry-on travel luggage, you’ll encounter both hardside and softside options. Hardside suitcases excel at protecting contents from crushing and are generally easy to clean. However, depending on the color and material, they can be susceptible to scuffing.

Look for Lightweight Construction

Lightweight luggage is paramount for carry-ons. Always check the empty weight before purchasing, as heavier designs become increasingly cumbersome when packed. Weight impacts maneuverability and your ability to lift it into overhead bins. The wheeled carry-on suitcases we tested ranged from 4.36 to 12.9 pounds. Anything heavier may be too cumbersome for many travelers.

Decide if You Want Extra Organizational Features

Carry-on travel luggage ranges from basic designs with a main compartment and a few pockets to feature-rich options. Consider organizational features such as laptop sleeves, shoe separators, laundry bags, zippered sections, exterior pockets, and even charging ports based on your packing preferences.

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Alt Text: Side pocket detail on Briggs & Riley Sympatico carry-on luggage, emphasizing the importance of organizational features in travel luggage.

Choose Between Handheld, Spinner, or Two-Wheeled Luggage

Select luggage type based on your travel style and packing needs. Spinner luggage, with four 360-degree wheels, offers effortless maneuverability, ideal for navigating airports and cities. Two-wheeled bags may be less maneuverable but can offer slightly more packing space and tend to be lighter. Weekenders or carry-on backpacks offer maximum mobility and a compact form factor, but require carrying the weight.

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Alt Text: Traveler carrying Away luggage set past airplane seats, illustrating different carry-on styles and mobility options for air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, writer Theresa Holland meticulously analyzed in-house testing data for numerous bags, cross-referencing product descriptions and manuals to compile a comprehensive guide to the best carry-on travel luggage currently available. With extensive writing experience for top brands on travel essentials, she brings deep expertise to the topic. She personally owns carry-ons and travel accessories from brands featured, including Away, Tumi, Paravel, Amazon Basics, Monos, and July.

The 8 Best Carry-on Duffel Bags, Tested and Reviewed

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Edited by Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, overseeing product tests and writing/editing travel product reviews based on in-depth testing. With a journalism degree and over eight years of product coverage experience, she has appeared on TV over 100 times discussing consumer products and shopping trends.

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Updated by Anne Taylor

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Anne Taylor, an updates writer at Travel + Leisure, ensures articles are current and accurate. An avid traveler to 23 countries, she constantly tests new products to enhance her travel experiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in news media and has over seven years of writing and editing experience.