The Best Carry-On Suitcases For Easy Travel

When it comes to choosing the best carry-on luggage, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide between a hardside or softside suitcase. Hardside luggage is typically more durable and impact-resistant, while softside luggage is often expandable and lighter in weight. The next consideration is size - most airlines have specific carry-on size restrictions, so it's important to choose a bag that fits within these limits. Other features to look for include TSA-approved locks, front compartments, and expandable panels. Lastly, it's important to choose a bag that is easy to manoeuvre and has a comfortable handle. Some of the top-rated carry-on luggage brands include Away, Travelpro, Samsonite, and Briggs & Riley.

Hard-sided or soft-sided?

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage, but it's easier to clean and maintain. Soft-sided luggage, on the other hand, is more lightweight and flexible, but it can tear or puncture.

Hard-sided luggage is better for protecting your belongings from crushing, while soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer.

If you're looking for a lightweight option, consider a soft-sided bag. But if you want a bag that can take a bit of a beating, go for hard-sided.

Hard-sided luggage:

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner: This bag offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It's backed by a lifetime warranty.
• Away The Carry-On: This bag is lightweight yet indestructible, thanks to its 100% polycarbonate exterior. It also has smooth-running wheels and a well-braced handle.
• Rimowa Original Cabin Case: This bag has a sturdy shell and clamp closing, spinner wheels, a telescopic handle, and TSA-approved locks. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
• Solgaard Carry-On Closet (Medium): This polycarbonate closet case has a set of compression compartments that unfold to create a makeshift closet, eliminating the need to unpack at your destination.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage - 21-Inch: This bag is very lightweight and has the same build quality and limited lifetime warranty as the Travelpro Platinum Elite.

Soft-sided luggage:

• Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner: This bag offers three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside, plus a USB port for charging your phone. Inside, there are three more zippered pockets and buckles to keep your belongings in place.
• Travelpro VersaPack+ Lightweight Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage: This bag is more aesthetically pleasing than some of Travelpro's other durable but rather utilitarian-looking luggage pieces. It comes equipped with an internal compression packing cube system, two shoe bags, and a laundry bag.
• Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack: This bag is ideal for hands-free and adventure travel, with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt, and a weight-distributing harness system. It also has built-in packing cubes made from colorful see-through mesh.
• The North Face Rolling Thunder–22": This duffel-style bag has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain, and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. Inside, there are two zippered pockets for added organization.

Weight and capacity

Weight is an important factor when choosing a carry-on suitcase. Here are some of the best carry-on suitcases with details on their weight and capacity:

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner: Weighing 7.8 pounds, this soft-sided carry-on suitcase can pack five days' worth of clothes. It has a lifetime warranty and is backed by Travelpro, a trusted brand in the luggage space.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Carry-On Spinner: This lightweight carry-on suitcase weighs just 5.4 pounds and is ideal for those who need an easier-to-manage suitcase. It is remarkably well-priced and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.
• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner: Weighing 10 pounds, this soft-sided carry-on suitcase has one of the largest capacities on the list, offering up to 51 liters of space. It has a clever expansion system that adds 25% more room with the press of two buttons.
• July Carry-on Light: Weighing just under 4 pounds, this hard-sided carry-on suitcase is one of the lightest on the market. It has a durable German polycarbonate shell and two mesh zippered compartments to keep belongings from shifting.
• Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner: This budget-friendly hard-sided carry-on suitcase weighs 7.34 pounds and has a textured shell that does not show scuffs or scratches easily. It has dual-spinner wheels and compression straps to keep your belongings in place.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage - 21-Inch: Weighing 5.4 pounds, this soft-sided carry-on suitcase is basic but effective. It has a limited lifetime warranty and is ideal for overpackers or people with back issues.
• Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Spinner: Weighing 6.8 pounds, this soft-sided carry-on suitcase has a removable interior flap for storing smaller items and keeping them separate from the rest of your belongings.
• Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Weighing 3.5 pounds, this carry-on backpack is ideal for hands-free and adventure travel. It has built-in packing cubes made from colorful mesh and a butterfly opening that allows for easy access to your belongings.
• The North Face Rolling Thunder - 22": Weighing 7.34 pounds, this carry-on duffel bag has a hard-sided back panel and two wheels that can withstand various terrain. It has a soft-sided top made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability.

Compartments

• Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner - This soft-sided carry-on has a balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, as well as high-end details. It has a lifetime warranty and is backed by Travelpro, a trusted brand in the luggage space. It features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, a solid and comfortable telescoping handle, and a hard-wearing nylon exterior. It also has an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone.
• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner - This soft-sided carry-on has a compression system that can press an entire extra outfit into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag tested. It also has a built-in garment folder to keep shirts and pants wrinkle-free.
• Away The Carry-On - This hard-sided carry-on has a 100% polycarbonate exterior, which is lightweight yet indestructible. It has YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its shell shows scratches, but after seven years of testing, it has been found to endure most of the trials of travel.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Carry-On Spinner - This lightweight carry-on is ideal for those who have trouble lifting luggage overhead. It is well-priced and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.
• Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner - This budget-friendly case is made from ABS, a less durable plastic than polycarbonate. However, it is surprisingly durable and has smooth-rolling double-spinner wheels. It has compression straps and a large fabric zippered closure, as well as several organiser pockets.
• Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner - This soft-sided carry-on has a fully zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other, as well as pockets throughout and a handy USB port. It glides effortlessly over various surfaces and has a sturdy telescopic handle.
• Solgaard Carry-On Closet (Medium) - This hard-sided carry-on has a set of compression compartments that unfold to create a makeshift closet, eliminating the need to unpack. It has a removable compression pad with a pocket for small items.
• Travelpro VersaPack+ Lightweight Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage - This soft-sided carry-on comes equipped with an internal compression packing cube system, two shoe bags, and a laundry bag. It also has a completely waterproof compartment for toiletries.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage - 21-Inch - This soft-sided carry-on is basic but effective, with a lightweight design. It has two exterior compartments, a lid pocket, and a device pocket. It is durable and has a limited lifetime warranty.
• Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack - This soft-sided carry-on backpack has built-in packing cubes made from colourful see-through mesh. It also has a large main compartment, adjacent zipped mesh compartment, and laptop sleeve. It is lightweight and has a lifetime warranty.

Warranty

When it comes to choosing the best carry-on suitcase for travel, one of the most important considerations is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and ensure that your luggage is protected against functional defects, accidents, or mishandling during travel. Let's take a closer look at the warranty details for some of the top carry-on suitcase options:

Briggs & Riley:

Briggs & Riley is a premium luggage brand known for its high-quality suitcases and exceptional warranty. They offer a "Simple as That Lifetime Guarantee," which means they will repair broken or damaged bags with no questions asked. This warranty covers functional defects such as broken wheels, zippers, tears in the fabric, or broken handles. Cosmetic damage, such as scratches or colour fading, is not covered. One of the standout features of this warranty is that no proof of purchase is required, and the warranty transfers between owners. Briggs & Riley suitcases are on the higher end of the price spectrum, ranging from $300 to $800.

Away:

Away is a newer luggage company, established in 2015, that offers "smart luggage" with features like built-in chargers and smart packing options. Their suitcases are made from durable materials and are backed by a solid lifetime warranty. The warranty covers functional defects such as cracks in the frame, tears in the fabric, and broken wheels or zippers. Cosmetic damage and defects resulting from abnormal use are not covered. Away also covers all shipping costs to and from their repair centres, but a proof of purchase is required for the warranty to be valid. Away suitcases are priced between $200 and $600.

Eagle Creek:

Eagle Creek is a brand known for its rugged bags and outdoor gear. Their products have a more outdoorsy aesthetic, catering to those who enjoy camping, hiking, and backpacking. Eagle Creek offers a "No Matter What" lifetime warranty on many of its products, including softside suitcases. This warranty covers workmanship and material defects for a lifetime, regardless of the cause. They will repair issues like loose stitching, faulty wheels, and damaged zippers as long as the bag is still in usable condition. Eagle Creek suitcases range in price from $150 to $450.

Patagonia:

Patagonia is a well-known brand in the outdoor gear space, offering durable clothing and travel gear. They have an "Ironclad" lifetime warranty, which means they will repair their gear free of charge for a lifetime, regardless of the cause, excluding normal wear and tear. On their website, they also offer self-repair kits to speed up the repair process. If you choose to send the item to their repair centre, you will need to cover the shipping costs. Patagonia duffles, backpacks, and rolling duffles are priced between $200 and $350.

Travelpro:

Travelpro is a popular luggage brand among flight crews and business travellers. They offer a range of suitcases, backpacks, and duffles with a sleek and professional look. Travelpro provides a limited lifetime warranty on its products, covering defects in workmanship and materials. Additionally, they offer a "Trusted Companion Promise," which covers airline damage and shipping costs to and from repair centres. The duration of this additional promise varies by collection. Travelpro suitcases are more affordable than some other options, with prices ranging from $100 to $400.

Osprey:

Osprey is another reputable outdoor gear company known for its backpacks and softside suitcases. Their products have a rugged, outdoorsy style and are ideal for long-term travellers. Osprey offers an "All Mighty Guarantee" on its products, covering any functional defects for a lifetime, regardless of the cause. To utilise this warranty, you only need to own an Osprey product, and no proof of purchase is required. Osprey suitcases and packs are priced between $200 and $350.

Thule:

Thule is a high-end outdoor gear brand that offers durable and minimalist suitcases, backpacks, and car racks. Their products have a professional look, making them suitable for business travellers as well. Thule provides a limited lifetime warranty on its suitcases, covering defects in material and workmanship. However, this warranty does not cover misuse, accidents, or airline damage. You will need to provide proof of purchase for any warranty claims, and you will be responsible for the shipping costs to their repair centre. Thule suitcases are on the higher end, priced between $300 and $550.

Rimowa:

Rimowa is a stylish luggage brand that offers a limited lifetime warranty on its suitcases. The warranty covers all functional aspects, excluding wear and tear. Rimowa also provides in-store and in-hotel repairs at select international locations. Their suitcases are quite expensive, with prices starting at $900 and going up to $1,450.

When choosing a carry-on suitcase, it's important to consider not only the warranty but also your personal travel needs, budget, and design preferences. These factors, along with a comprehensive warranty, will ensure that you have a reliable travel companion for countless adventures.

Price

The price of carry-on luggage varies depending on the brand, quality, and features. Basic carry-on luggage can be purchased for as little as $60, while high-end options can cost upwards of $1,000. Here is a breakdown of the prices of some popular carry-on luggage options:

• Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-on Spinner Suitcase: This budget-friendly option typically costs around $70 and offers good value for money.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage: This lightweight and durable carry-on is usually priced at around $150, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
• Away The Carry-On: This popular carry-on from Away typically costs around $250 and offers a good balance of style, durability, and features.
• Travelpro Platinum Elite: This premium carry-on luggage from Travelpro usually costs around $350 and is known for its high-quality construction, smooth-rolling wheels, and spacious interior.
• Rimowa Original Cabin: As a luxury option, the Rimowa Original Cabin has a price tag to match its quality and reputation, often costing upwards of $1,000.
• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner: This high-end carry-on from Briggs & Riley typically costs around $700 and is known for its sophisticated design, innovative compression system, and durable construction.
• Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40: This versatile carry-on duffel bag from Osprey usually costs around $200 and can be easily converted into a backpack, making it a great choice for adventurous travelers.
• SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch: This affordable and feature-rich carry-on from SwissGear typically costs around $100, making it a great value option.
• Delsey Paris Helium Aero: This stylish and functional carry-on from Delsey usually costs around $250 and offers a good balance of durability and design.

Frequently asked questions