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CHECK BAGS CAN be the straw that breaks the stressed traveler's back. Between long check-in lines, longer waits at baggage claim, and the possibility of luggage getting damaged or lost, carry-ons are often the right choice for short trips.
At a glance: The best hand luggage
Fortunately, carry-on luggage has come a long way: Some of the best hand luggage can hold up to a week's worth of items in one lightweight, easy-to-use pack. Best of all, you can skip the check-in line, take a walk after baggage claim and be sure your stuff is always close at hand.
If you need a new carry-on, read on. We've rounded up the best carry-on bags you can order online, as well as some tips on finding the right bag.
in this article
- The best carry-on bags to buy now
- Hand luggage buying guide
- How we chose the best hand luggage
The best carry-on bags to buy now
Editor's Choice
Away The Bigger Carry-On
You will see Away at the top (or near the top) of almost every carry-on collection, and we think it deserves the praise. The durable, modern-looking suitcase has incredible organizational features, allowing us to carry more stuff without playing Tetris. Several of our (well-traveled) staff journalists use an off-site suitcase as a carry-on, including Senior SEO Manager Morgan Greenwald, who reviewed the brand. “The Bigger Carry-On has been my favorite companion since I first bought it in 2018,” he says. “I relied solely on my Bigger Carry-On for weeklong work trips, bachelorette trips, and more. On average, I can fit up to eight or nine items of clothing in my bag, but that number decreases depending on how many larger items I have to bring with me.”
the best cupboard
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
If you want to go the duffel route, Black Hole of Patagonia it's the way to go. Although it's called a duffel bag (and has the standard drop handles), the Black Hole also has shoulder straps that let you wear it like a backpack. The durability of the bag is very impressive, as it features recycled ripstop polyester fabric with a water-repellent treatment for weather protection. I've been using this exact Black Hole for years and it's probably the most durable bag I've owned in the long run. Plus, despite its durability, the bag weighs two pounds when empty. You also have plenty of room for clothes and gear with 40 liters of space, and because it's a cloth bag, it's easier to cram things into odd corners. — Oscar Hartzog, Commerce Editor
elegant choice
Carl Friedrik Carry-On
This Carl Friedrich hand luggage it's been one of my favorites for about a year now, and I think it's one of the most beautiful suitcases out there. It's stylish without being gaudy or boring, so when I'm lucky enough to upgrade I feel right at home in fancy lounges or business class cabins. The organizational layout is minimal but effective: Each side of the hard case features compression straps and a compression pad, which do a great job of maximizing space. — Oscar Hartzog, Commerce Editor
best for laptops
Monos Carry-On Pro
Monos' Carry-On Pro is a great option for shorter trips. Monos says the Carry-On Pro was designed for trips of up to five days, and we found it to be the perfect size for a long weekend getaway. It holds a little less than the other carry-ons in this guide, but we like it for its outer pocket, which can be used as a laptop stand, saving space in our backpack. This compartment also features special mesh pockets for tech accessories such as battery packs or cables. If you like to pack light and want a hard-shell carry-on that fits that style, Monos' Carry-On Pro is a great choice. — Oscar Hartzog, Commerce Editor
luxury option
Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On
A friend once told me he upgraded to a Rimowa suitcase as a way to gain respect at the airport and I was instantly intrigued. Do people treat you better just because of the bag you roll in? While my Rimowa suitcase hasn't won me any free upgrades or perks yet, I enjoy the look and approval from seasoned travelers, who respect the classic aluminum construction, distinctive side panel grooves, and sleek color tone. I chose the Original Cabin, which has more than enough room to fit a weekend's worth of stuff. The hard padding makes you feel like you can bump your suitcase without worry (although the comfortable handle and wheels eliminate any unwanted bumps). As for the color? While Rimowa is known for their iconic silver color, I chose to get mine Original cab in black just to be a little different. But hey, if you know, you (will) know. — Tim Chan, Associate VP Commerce
Hand luggage buying guide
Small differences in size, weight and design can make or break a carry-on. Here are some things to consider when shopping for the best carry-on luggage.
Style: First, you'll want to choose between a roll or duffel bag. Roll boxes they're the most popular choice for good reason: They don't put pressure on your back or shoulders, and you can leave them standing in the restroom or while paying for things at the airport.
But duffel bags (which sometimes have optional backpack straps) you shouldn't forget. Duffels can usually hold more clothes without the added bulk of wheels and a telescoping handle, and are easier to carry up a ladder or over rough roads (think cobblestones in Europe).
Hard vs Soft-Shell: Another decision is soft or hard. Soft-shell luggage is actually more durable and longer-lasting (since it can't break or crack), but hard shell suitcases they usually look better and it's easier to compress clothes and fit more in a hard suitcase. For this reason (and the fact that most of us treat our carry-ons pretty well), most people opt for a hard-shell carry-on.
Size: Generally, the best carry-ons are about 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and nine inches high, maximum. Carry-on size restrictions vary between airlines, so always check before you fly. If you travel frequently with an airline, check their rules before buying a new carry-on bag.
Weight: Lighter is always better when it comes to luggage, leaving you with more weight for your own clothes and gear before you reach the airline's carry-on weight limit.
Organization: As any seasoned traveler knows, packing is an art. This is due to the best carry-on luggage with an organized setup. Some bags have extra pockets for shoes, suits, dirty clothes or gadgets you need to access quickly. Others have compression systems to deflate clothes and make more room. All of these are worth seeking out.
How we chose the best hand luggage
Our staff of product journalists fly at least once a month (usually more), so we have the opportunity to constantly test new carry-ons. Our tests start in the packing phase, when we see how much of our stuff we can easily fit into a suitcase. Compression straps, organizational pockets and other similar features help maximize space. Next, we'll see how well a suitcase holds up to multiple trips and some intentional drops and scratches (some lower-quality suitcases will scratch more easily or even pop open if dropped). After testing a suitcase ourselves, we'll throw in reviews from other travel experts and customers to see if our experiences line up. All of the finished products you see above passed our tests with excellent performance and have an average customer rating of at least 3.7/5 stars.
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