Best Carry On Luggage for Travel

There’s a reason you often see pilots and flight attendants using Travelpro luggage. It’s built well, lasts, and comes at a fair price! The Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner has durable wheels, a smooth ride, and a comfortable handle for hustling through the airport when you’re late because you stayed up late the night before your early morning flight.

If you’re looking for the best luggage for easy packing, this bag has a zippered organizer lid and a large main compartment that’s easy to fill with packing cubes and other organizers. It includes compression straps that help hold cubes or clothing in place, though we prefer to pack bulky gear towards the expansion zipper at the bottom and lighter clothing near the top. That can make the spinner luggage a little front-heavy, though, if you don’t let the bag come to a complete stop before letting go. There are two external pockets for quick-grab items, and the telescoping handle has two adjustments to help you find the most comfortable height. We also dig its rubberized grip, which is ergonomic to hold and one of our favorite designs we’ve tested here at Pack Hacker HQ.

This model isn’t the most stylish spinner luggage on the market; however, it gets your gear from point A to point B, which is the most crucial part. After all, how often will people look at your bags, anyway? For those who need something smooth, reliable, and simple, this might be the best carry on luggage for you!

• The wheels are smooth and feel durable
• Handle is comfortable to grip for long periods

• It isn’t the most stylish option we’ve seen
• May be easy to confuse your bag with someone else’s since it’s so popular

The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner is hard-sided luggage with numerous colorways, so you can find one that perfectly matches your style. Whether you’re looking for something sleek or vibrant, there’s an option for you here.

We haven’t found this to be the best carry on suitcase for durability on the market—it got a bit scuffed up after being gate-checked with Delta. However, it will adequately protect your gear throughout your trip. Brighter colorways might show signs of scratching easier than darker models, so keep that in mind if you don’t like a distressed look.

The internal organization is simple, with one zippered side and another with X-shaped compression straps to hold larger clothing down, although the main compartment of this spinner luggage does have a few tucked-away corners where large items are a tight squeeze and where small gear can hide. On the outside, the telescoping handle has two adjustment points for comfort depending on your height, and pulling it around feels smooth and hassle-free despite the simplistic design choices.

Samsonite is a trusted brand, so you can likely find this model somewhere in person, which is ideal if you’re someone who likes to test out your gear before you buy it. If that’s the case, look for it at a big box store or the mall and try before you buy.

• Expandable in case you need to pack more gear
• Internal organization is well thought-out

• X-shaped compression strap can be hard to get used to
• Borderline carry on compliance given its size

You probably knew this was coming. It seems like Amazon Basics makes every product category under the sun. The fact of whether or not that’s ethical aside, there’s also a question of whether or not it’s any good.

In the case of the Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner, we think it’s one of the best budget luggage options out there for its quality. The hard sides will keep your gear safe no matter where you’re headed, though it scuffs up fairly easily and doesn’t feel as premium as some of the other models on this list. That said, it’s the best luggage if you’re on a budget, since it’s a fraction of the cost compared to some rolling luggage brands. You can use that money to invest in your trip, yourself, or on donuts.

This bag doesn’t have any external pockets, but the internal organization is helpful while traveling. It’s split in half; one side zips closed and has two pockets for small items, and the other utilizes tie-down straps to keep your clothing in check, though they don’t do a very good job in our experience—our gear easily shifts out of place. However, it expands if you need to jam extra goodies inside.

• It comes at a budget-friendly price
• Fast shipping if you have Amazon Prime and need a bag last-minute

• It feels cheap, though it gets your gear where it needs to go
• Style takes a back seat to price and functionality

SwissGear Sion Expandable Carry-On 21″ Luggage has an excellent mix of durability and space, with good wheels to boot. The wheels on this rolling luggage run smoothly, so it’s the best carry on suitcase if you need to balance a slice of pizza in one hand while getting your spinner luggage down the terminal concourse in the other.

However, that dream might be interrupted by the handle—it isn’t the most stable model we’ve tested and can wiggle a bit back and forth as you walk. While we don’t think this is an issue with durability, some users might find the wobbling annoying.

While we don’t think this is an issue with durability, and the telescoping extension is smooth, some users might find the wobbling annoying. There are two external pockets for quick-grab items, and the internal organization features a dump pocket with built-in pockets. Plus, the whole thing is expandable, so you can bring home souvenirs for whoever fed your pet while you were away!

The organization of this pack is helpful, and its budget-friendly price point may make it the best carry on luggage for some users.

• The wheels feel smooth on a range of terrain
• It boasts good durability, even on rugged adventures

• Handle feels a bit too wobbly—although it functions properly
• The logo placement can be distracting

The Level8 Pro Carry-On has a dedicated laptop sleeve—a modern amenity we’re here for. Some users might wince at the idea of stowing their precious laptop inside rolling luggage; however, this thing has more padding than some travel backpacks, and we stow a device in those all the time.

If you’re looking for the best luggage for the digital lifestyle, we like that the laptop compartment is on the outside of the pack. It makes it easy to work remotely while we’re waiting to board, and there’s room for other tech and travel accessories, as well. However, we’ve noticed that it can be hard to close if the main compartment is too full, so be sure to pack strategically. Meanwhile, the inside of the main compartment is a dump pocket with organization for smaller items on the lid.

While the handle isn’t the most comfortable we’ve tried, it feels fine during short jaunts at the airport. And, this hard-sided spinner luggage looks very futuristic, which we dig. There are no vibrant colorways available at the time of writing (though we have seen some bright limited edition options on occasion), so you may struggle to find your bag in a sea of neutral tones in the overhead bin. However, for those looking for dedicated laptop storage, this is one of the best carry on luggage models on the market.

• It has a dedicated laptop compartment
• Zippers lock into the case itself

• Its modern look won’t spark joy for everyone
• The combination lock may be easy to foil

The July Carry On spinner luggage is one of our favorite exterior designs on the market, and there are loads of colorways to ensure you find a fit that works for you and your vibes.

The telescopic handle stops at 20 places before fully extended, making it the best luggage for travelers of any size to find a comfortable fit. There aren’t any outside pockets, although you can get a version that includes an external battery bank to charge your devices. For everything else, bring along a sling or other kind of personal item. The interior organization features a dump pocket on one side topped with a mesh panel, and you can hold gear in place on the other side with a compression strap that includes a wire-framed panel and a zipper pocket. There’s a laundry bag included, as well.

Plus, it’s durable, looks good, and moves smoothly. Some of the lighter colorways might scuff up easier than the darker models available; however, we haven’t had any issues so far. We think this is some of the best-looking spinner luggage on the market because of its sleek design, and the interior organization is also easy to use. If those are near the top of your list, this might be the best carry on luggage for you and your next trip, no matter the destination. Luckily, you can use this bag in months other than July!

• Incredibly sleek from top to bottom
• All four wheels move well forwards, backwards, and sideways

• Lighter colorways are more likely to show blemishes
• External device charging can be superfluous for shorter trips, though you can get an “Essential” model without it

The Monos Carry-On comes in multiple sizes, so you can get the best rolling luggage for your needs and the airline you typically fly. Depending on the version that you get, the organization and layout will change slightly; but overall, we dig using this bag.

If you overstuff the luggage, the handle can get stuck in the up or down position, requiring some force to get put back into place. We’re always able to get it eventually, but it’s worth noting this issue if you’re an over-packer and/or unable to apply lots of force.

We also like that the handle has four stops on the road to full extension since it allows us to find the right height for each user. As for internal organization, one side zips completely closed to keep clothing in check and features a separate zippered pocket on top for thin, flat items. The other side is open to pack as you please and includes a compression pad, which pushes down your clothing and keeps it in place. It’s a great alternative to packing cubes, and it’s removable if you don’t find it useful.

• There are multiple sizes available
• Internal pockets are well integrated

• The handle can get stuck when the pack is overstuffed
• Underside handle release button takes some getting used to

Sometimes, even the best rolling luggage only comes in a few colorways. With the Beis Carry-On Roller, that isn’t an issue. With ten options at the time of writing, there’s a perfect fit for any vibe or style you’re looking for. In addition to bright, vibrant colors, there are sleek and muted options, too.

All that colored paint comes at a price, though, as this thing is pretty heavy. Okay, that’s not the reason why it weighs more, though it is heavier than we expect, even for hard-sided luggage. It isn’t unmanageable; however, it’s worth noting if you’re trying to cut ounces to keep your bag within a weight limit.

This pack is split in half with equal storage space on either side except for the small space taken up by the multi-stop telescoping handle. It’s worth noting that the button on the handle is on the bottom rather than the top. This doesn’t impact it’s effectiveness, but you may find yourself accidentally pushing it in if you grip the handle too hard.

In addition those features, we dig the locking zippers, and wheel design on this bag. In the end, if you want something colorful with some bonus quality of life features, this might be the best carry on luggage for you.

• Plenty of colorways to choose from
• Locking zippers are nice for added security

• It’s heavier than it looks
• Some colorways will scuff up easier than others

Have you ever noticed that most athletic shoes have white soles, no matter what the top of the shoe is? Well, many rolling luggage offerings have that same issue—even on rolling and spinner luggage that comes in vibrant colorways, the wheels are often black. However, on the Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage, the wheels match the color of the bag, which is a fun detail for those who appreciate thoughtful design.

The shiny exterior may get scuffed up by baggage handlers if you have to gate check, but if you aren’t rough on your gear, it should suffice. We love the built-in TSA friendly lock, too, because it not only keeps our gear safe, but stops the zippers from accidentally coming undone if they catch on another bag. Like many offerings here, the Ambeur is split down the middle. One side is a wide open bucket with compression straps to save space, and the other has an organizer for smaller gear. It doesn’t have any external pockets, so you’ll have to rely on a personal item for your quick-grab essentials.

Some of Calpak’s colorways are limited editions, so it’s worth seeing what’s available right now!

• The wheel color matches the body of the bag
• Reinforced corners are great for durability

• It isn’t the most durable option
• Expansion can feel clunky if all the space isn’t being used

We've got you covered if you’re in search of a professional looking suitcase. Well, Briggs & Riley does, but we’ll get the assist. This bag looks just as comfortable in business class as it does being wheeled down the runway—seriously, this thing is sleek. If you’re looking for the best carry on suitcase with style, look no further.

Our Pack Hacker Pros say Briggs & Riley makes some of the best carry on luggage because they stand behind their lifetime warranty. Our members have made multiple warranty claims for wear and tear and found the company easy to work with.

However, we aren’t able to fit as much gear inside this pack as we thought we were going to be able to. While it’s reasonably roomy, it doesn’t feel any more versatile than other rolling luggage options on the market considering all the added storage and unique expansion system. There are external pockets on the front of the pack, and the interior has one large dump pocket with detailed organization on the lid for smaller items you don’t want to get lost in the main compartment. The handle is telescopic and easy to use, so you’ll be on your way in a jiffy.

• It looks professional and sleek
• Made with durable materials

• Fits less gear than expected for its capacity
• It’s on the pricier end

If you’ve already invested in the TUMI ecosystem, you probably wondered when we’d feature one of their suitcases. After all, TUMI is one of the better-known spinner luggage brands on the market. The Alpha International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On is modular with other TUMI gear, looks sleek, and has many unique features.

The inside of the bag has a fold-out organizer for dress clothing, a large dump pocket for other gear, and organization on the lid for smaller items. The handle is telescoping with three different height stages so you can find the best for you.

It has a zippered garment compartment, hanger bracket, multiple pockets to store gear inside, impact-resistant side panels for protection, compression straps, and the TUMI Tracer system for recovering your luggage if it gets lost. However, all of this comes at a cost.

At the time of writing, this pack will cost you nearly $900. However, it’s built to last and our Pack Hacker Pro members feel that justifies the price. After all, a warranty doesn’t do you any good if you have a wheel bust in the middle of a South African airport at the beginning of a three-week trip. If that would be the last straw for you, this might be the best carry on luggage option, especially if you already own other TUMI gear.

• Lots of internal features
• It’s modular with other TUMI gear

• One of the most expensive bags on this list
• The width of the handle can be hard to manage with smaller hands

A few bags on this list have unique zipper-locking technology; however, the Rimowa Essential Cabin is one of our favorites. It’s simple to stow and unlock the zippers when you’re ready to use the bag, which we dig. Plus, the hard-sided exterior is harder to bust into than some of the soft-sided options on this list.

We dig the modern look, though you’ll have to decide if that’s for you. After all, you’re the one that has to haul this luggage around, not us! The luggage is divided in the center with a dump pocket on either side, so you can split your gear between them. One will hold your things behind a zipper mesh panel, while the other side features a stiff compression panel with a zippered mesh pocket for small accessories built-in. It flips out of the way when you go to pack, though we sometimes find it awkward to arrange over our gear.

If you’re looking for something sleek, modern, and without jangly zippers, this might be the best carry on suitcase for your next adventure.

• The zipper lock is intuitive
• The hard-sided exterior is durable and rugged enough for travel

• The minimalist look may not be for everyone
• The price is higher than other similar bags

If you’ve scoured the internet for the best carry on luggage, you’ve probably seen the Away The Carry-On. It has a sleek design, sleek colorways, and a handle on the bottom of the suitcase that’s hidden but handy when lifting and moving the bag around. If you can’t tell, there’s a lot to love here.

The materials don’t feel as thick as you’d expect from expensive rolling luggage; however, they feel durable enough for most uses. There are a wide range of colorways available, so you can get one that matches your travel gear or other Away products you’ve already got at home. For a sleek look that works when you need it to, this might be the best rolling luggage for you.

On the inside, one of the sides is a dump pocket with compression straps, and the other is made of mesh with zippered organization. According to Away’s site, we’re working with a “high-grade aluminum telescopic handle,” which is smooth and easy to operate.

• Has a hidden bottom handle for quick grabs and moving the suitcase around
• Numerous sleek colorways available

• It isn’t the thickest hard-shelled luggage we’ve tested, which could impact durability
• Not much padding on the top handle for added comfort

If you’re familiar with the Black Hole line by Patagonia, this pack might look like an old friend. The Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 40L is lightweight compared to most of the offerings on this list because it only has two wheels, has lightweight yet durable materials, and doesn’t have much padding.

This might not be the best pack to use as checked baggage because of the lack of protection, and the design may feel limiting to some who are used to four-wheeled bags with dump-bucket-sized main compartments; however, the weight saved is noticeable and handy for moving quickly through the airport or on the road.

We’ve got external pockets to work with while commuting to our destination, which we dig. This pack loads like a duffle and includes zippered pockets on the lid, which is helpful for organization and makes it the best luggage to live out of when you get to your trip.

For a classic roller luggage design without the bulk, this might be the best carry on luggage option for you.

• Extraordinarily lightweight compared to many luggage items on this list
• Matches other Patagonia bags and gear

• Front face feels like wasted space with no pockets
• It doesn’t hold its shape or offer protection from bumps and knocks

Heritage styling isn’t common on rolling luggage, but it’s something that Topo Designs excels at and has brought to the Travel Bag Roller. It’s a fun design that will perk up even the rainiest days, and it can be worn as a backpack, which isn’t a feature you often see on roller bags. The wheels are sturdy and roll smooth, which is excellent for the airport and playing with it in the office when the boss isn’t there…oops, we’ve said too much. Move on!

Backpack mode can look a little goofy because the hard rolling luggage underbelly is exposed to the world; however, it works well in a pinch and offers extra protection if one of your friends tries to sabotage you from the back when you reach your destination. Or, paint it green and look like a turtle. How fun is that?

The inside of this bag features large mesh pockets and a zippered panel (with more pockets for organization) to keep your gear in place in the large main compartment. If you’re looking for the best luggage to give you access to your gear as you’re waiting to board, there’s also a top quick-access pocket for your phone and wallet, a vertical front pocket for documents or a book, and an admin-style panel where you can store small travel accessories. It’s also a great spot to stow the shoulder straps when you’d rather drag this bag than carry it.

• It brings heritage styling to the rolling luggage world
• You can wear it as a backpack

• The backpack harness system isn’t very comfortable
• Backpack mode looks a bit goofy

The Osprey Transporter Wheeled Carry-On 38 packs more like a travel backpack or daypack, which will be a plus for many users, but it might take some getting used to for others. We dig how lightweight it is and the versatility of the pocket design, too.

The organization inside the main compartment feels like a mixture between a duffle and a suitcase. It has a large dump pocket, and the lid has organization for extra goodies you don’t want floating around the main compartment. There are a few external pockets, too, which help with holding quick-use items.

If you’ve used Osprey gear in the past, you’ll recognize some of the intuitive organizational features that make them a stellar travel and outdoors brand. If you prefer a dump pocket for all of your gear and doing the organization yourself, this might not be the best carry on luggage for you.

• It packs like a backpack, so there’s numerous compartments to work with
• The materials feel heavier than they need to be for most use cases

• The handle design is larger than we’d like
• It feels stuck between wanting to be a backpack and rolling luggage, with neither of the benefits

Silly internal monologues aside, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT is a versatile offering that is more comfortable in backpack mode than expected, although there’s no padding or breathable mesh to prevent a sweaty back. Don’t get your hopes up—it still feels a tad bulky, but it’s a great way to bring rolling luggage to a historic place with many stairs and not get stuck breaking a wheel by the end of the trip. It might take some time to get used to how to pack this bag because it packs like a duffle but rolls like luggage; however, its versatility makes for a unique travel experience. The telescoping handle lacks padding or grip, so it can get sweaty after a while, but we dig the four stops on its elevator ride to the top. There is a height for almost everyone here, and they all feel comfortable.

The main compartment is a large open pocket with a mesh organizer on the lid, so you can place smaller items here and large items in the big area it covers. We’ve got some external pockets on this bag, so you have a spot to stow smaller items you want to have quick access to.

• Backpack mode works better than others we’ve tested
• It can be used as rolling luggage, a backpack, and a duffle

• Materials aren’t nearly as durable as typical rolling luggage
• It takes time to get used to carrying it in the different modes

How much do you plan to bring on vacation? Just an outfit or two, or your entire closet? All kidding aside, the Carry-On Closet includes a shelving system that may make it the best luggage for your next trip if you bring a lot of clothing. It provides you with a unique way of packing, and there are other pockets around this spinner luggage to fill with anything else that doesn’t fit. Fully expanded, it spans almost the entire height of the Carry-On Closet, including the fully-extended telescoping handle, which the shelves can hang from to allow you to live out of your suitcase without unpacking at the hotel. The shelving system itself is divided into four main sections, further subdivided into compartments. In all, it has enough variety in pockets to store large pieces of clothing like denim pants, all the way down to small rolls of socks and underwear. While that makes it easy to find a place for every item of clothing, it also makes it easy to overpack, and we ran into a bit of trouble sometimes when trying to close the bag. It’s easy to compress, though, by cinching down the sides, so it’s obvious pretty quickly whether you need to pull out that extra sweater or not. However, if you’ve fully packed the shelving system, it will bulge and rob space from the front-side compartment, using nearly all its space.

When it’s time to go, we find the telescoping handle to be pretty standard, with two metal shafts connected by a handle at the top. The handle houses the button, which releases the lock, allowing you to extend the shafts in two levels. There is some wiggle along the shafts, but our biggest concern about this rolling luggage is that the handle’s plasticky feel and rounded shape just wasn’t that comfortable.

• While the built-in closet is included and nice to use, the carry on works fine without it, as well
• Buckles are quicker than zippers to get into your bag

• The Carry-On Closet takes up significant space inside the luggage compared to regular packing cubes
• Magnetic buckles can accidentally disengage with the right conditions, though we haven’t had issues

If you’re familiar with the metal minimalist wallets from The Ridge, you may not know they make luggage and other travel accessories, as well. With a German Makrolon Polycarbonate exterior, this is the best luggage if you dig that no-nonsense, utilitarian look and feel as other gear from the brand, with aluminum reinforcement on each corner for added durability. We’re happy to report that the extendable handle gets a slightly softer touch; it’s made with rubberized plastic with a mesh-like pattern for spinner luggage that’s comfortable and easy to grip, even with wet hands or gloves.

The utilitarian features continue inside, where there’s a large zippered compartment to hold your clothing in place, whether or not you use packing cubes. The panel covering it includes a built-in pocket that we used for small gear, like socks and underwear. It also has a small pocket for a smart tracker, so you can make sure your luggage made it on the plane if you’re asked to gate-check. The right side features a large compression panel that’s attached with two adjustable straps so you can lock gear into place. While this may seem like a lot of internal organization if you’re the type to just dump in clothing and shoes willy-nilly, we think it’s the best carry on luggage if you like having the option to organize without it getting in the way.

• Wheels move smoothly either in four-wheel or two-wheel mode
• The handle is comfortable to hold

• There are only two adjustment heights for the handle on this rolling luggage
• The smart tracker pocket is pretty obvious as soon as you open the bag, which defeats the purpose if you’re concerned about theft