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For some, the appeal of a carry-on suitcase lies in the convenience of disembarking a flight, unencumbered by the luggage carousel and free to swiftly exit the airport. For others, it’s a strong motivator to pack more efficiently. Or perhaps the security of keeping your travel essentials within arm’s reach? Whatever the purpose, there’s no denying the best carry-on luggage is a traveler’s top ally.
The Best Carry-on Luggage, According to Vogue:
Of course, once you delve into the world of the best luggage brands you’ll discover a vast assortment of carry-on bags that puzzle together with different lifestyles. If you’re a frequent business traveler, a rolling steel-cased luggage is a must as you race through the terminals of O’Hare and Schiphol. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts who often venture into wild settings should invest in a durable backpack or duffel that can be squished into the wing of a twin-propeller plane or aboard a safari vehicle. And for those heading out of the city for a quick getaway via car or train, a chic weekender you can sling over your shoulder is the smartest choice.
Ahead, find the best carry-on luggage options that complete (and complement) your travel style.
Best Hardside Roller
If you’re a frequent traveler, opt for luggage that can withstand the dings and scrapes along the journey. The best hardside carry-ons are practical and durable, yes, but they should also offer a sleek silhouette infused with stylish details (think: leather trims, distinct colorways, and luxe materials). And, of course, have enough space for packing cubes.
Globe-Trotter
Centenary carry-on suitcase
Sleek and sophisticated, this four-wheel carry-on is lightweight but build to last. Handmade leather accents add a touch of elegance to your travels, no matter where you’re going.
Dimensions: 16.53” x 22” x 8.2”
Materials: Vulcanised fibreboard, leather
Carl Friedrik
Carl Friedrik’s design-forward option is made to accommodate up to five days on the road. It’s down to the interior organization system: Two sets of integrated straps and a removable compression pad make it easy to stuff in all your essentials (and a few non-essentials, too).
Dimensions: 22.3” x 14.8” x 9.3”
Materials: Polycarbonate
Calpak
For an affordable option, go with this Calpak roller bag. The TSA lock and multilayer polycarbonate shell ensure it travels well.
Dimensions: 21.5” x 13.75” x 9”
Materials: Polycarbonate
Bric’s
The clamshell zippered interior has plenty of storage space, but the carry-on size of Bric’s best-selling Capri spinner also gets points for its vintage-inspired style.
Dimensions: 21.5” x 15” x 9”
Materials: Polycarbonate
Antler
Single Stripe expandable carry-on
Antler’s expandable carry-on comes in a variety of colors, with a flexible design built to accommodate overpacking (and souvenir-hoarding). Make use of the compression straps to keep everything tidy.
Dimensions: 21.7” x 14.2” x 9.1”
Materials: Polypropylene
Rimowa
With a smooth telescopic handle, silent spinner wheels, and a lifetime warranty, Rimowa’s hardshell suitcase is worth the splurge.
Dimensions: 21.7” x 15.8” x 9.1”
Materials: Polycarbonate
Best Soft-Sided Roller
A soft-sided roller offers the best of both worlds—a bag with a flexible (read: easy to maneuver in an overhead bin) case with wheels that allow you to quickly navigate an airport, parking lot, or station. Find a few favorites, from Tumi to Away to Anya Hindmarch (outfitted with multiple pockets) below.
Tumi
Alpha International carry-on
Tumi’s best-in-class luggage design puts it at the top of many lists; the brand’s compact wheeled carry-on is made to suit a range of size restrictions. Thanks to a patented tracking number affixed to the bag, it can also help you locate your bag if it gets lost—no AirTag needed.
Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
Materials: Polyester, ballistic nylon
Anya Hindmarch
Shorthaul Trolley suitcase
This is the suitcase of a thousand pockets: With tons of external and internal zippered pockets, you’ll have dedicated space for toiletry essentials and all your travel gear.
Dimensions: 20.9” x 15” x 8.7”
Materials: ECONYL, leather
Thule
This durable carry-on spinner can handle wear and tear: The exoskeleton has a polycarbonate back panel, which is meant to absorb impact, and the exterior is water-resistant.
Dimensions: 21.75” x 13.75” x 9”
Materials: Recycled polyester
Gucci
For a designer bag, you can’t beat Gucci. The inside opens to one zippered compartment for valuables and one open one for bulkier items. Plus—the instantly recognizable logo makes it easy to locate your roller on the baggage carousel.
Dimensions: 14.9” x 20.7” x 8.3”
Materials: Canvas
T.Anthony
Dressage wheeled carry-on suiter
Minimalist and modern, this pick has a dedicated compartment for a suit; it’s the business traveler’s MVP.
Dimensions: 22” X 14” X 8”
Materials: Leather
Away
Away’s best-selling hardshell suitcase comes in a soft version, too. The same color and contemporary aesthetic remains, with more flexibility thanks to expandability features.
Dimensions: 21.9” x 15” x 9.1”
Materials: Nylon
Best Overnight/Weekenders
Ideal for tossing over your shoulder or into a backseat, these are the elegant and easy-to-pack bags you’ll return to time and again for those quick weekend trips out of town.
The Row
Leave it to The Row to make the chicest weekender you ever did see, complete with a soft saddle leather finish and sleek silhouette.
Dimensions: 19” x 8” x 11”
Material: Leather
Want Les Essentiels
Use it as your personal item on the plane or an overnighter for shorter trips; whichever way you employ it, the sturdy leather is surprisingly resilient.
Dimensions: 21.5” x 14” x 9”
Material: Leather
Alex Mill
For the casual traveler, this roomy canvas tote is a good fit. It has snap closure for security, and you can even get it monogrammed.
Dimensions: 13” x 17” x 9.5”
Material: Cotton
Cuyana
With a trolley sleeve to slip this over the handle of your checked bag, several pouches, and a laptop pocket, Cuyana’s weekender has mastered functionality without sacrificing design.
Dimensions: 14.5” x 22.5” x 7”
Material: Leather
Parker Thatch
Cognac embossed basketweave leather makes for a travel bag that can moonlight as your everyday tote, too; why not use it to haul market flowers or your work essentials when not in use for trips?
Dimensions: 15” x 28” x 10”
Material: Leather
Métier
Handmade in Italy and with enough space to handle a couple pairs of shoes and your weekend closet, Métier’s suede overnighter is a stylish pick.
Dimensions: 8.7” x 18.9” x 12.2”
Material: Suede
Best Carry-on Backpacks
There’s perhaps no more plane-friendly bag than a backpack, which is easily carried, easily taken off, easily placed under a seat, and easily packed with all your belongings. Look for styles that offer thoughtfully-designed compartments, like water bottle pockets, padded tablet sleeves, and storage for small items like keys, pens, and other valuables. A water-resistant shell is always a plus, especially if you arrive at your destination on a rainy day.
Tumi
Bring this backpack with you on longer trips that might require more luggage space on the way back. It folds flat and can even be packed into a small pouch for transit.
Materials: Nylon
Ralph Lauren
If you don’t want your travel backpack to exist at the expense of your personal style, Ralph Lauren’s suede backpack is the way to go. It has several secure compartments, and is elevated enough to wear at your destination, too.
Materials: Suede, leather
Bric’s
With one spacious main compartment and a zippered external pouch for passports and boarding passes, this easy-to-clean pack is a good basic option.
Materials: Nylon
Lululemon
Lululemon’s best-selling gym backpack moonlights as a travel bag, too. It has dedicated space for your laptop, your sunglasses, and all your smallest pieces, and best of all, it’s water-repellent.
Materials: Nylon, polyester
Everlane
The ReNew Transit backpack
Frequent travelers will appreciate the 15-inch external laptop pocket for seamless TSA check-ins, and the fact that it’s made from 100% recycled water bottles is an environmentally friendly bonus.
Materials: Recycled polyester
Thule
Heading somewhere warm? Thule’s backpack has a padded back panel made from mesh for better ventilation. Adjustable straps add to its comfort.
Materials: Nylon/polyester
Best Carry-on duffels
Whether you’re in need of a smart, sleek carrier for a stylish weekend trip, or in search of a highly functional pack destined for outdoor adventure, the diverse range of carry-on duffels suits every sort of getaway.
Khaite
Khaite’s sleek duffel is surprisingly durable, with zippered closure for security in the overhead bins and train cabins. The external slip pocket is extra handy for keeping your most-used items within easy reach.
Dimensions: 7.5” x 24” x 9.4”
Materials: Leather
Prada
Prada’s duffel takes recycled fabrics and makes them feel luxurious. The brand’s signature logo adds the tiniest bit of embellishment, and there’s a removable leather name tag for etching your address in.
Dimensions: 15.75” x 17.52” x 9.4”
Materials: Recycled polyamide
Tumi
Tumi’s bag has a padded interior to keep your belongings scratch-free, rand has an adjustable (and removable!) crossbody strap for more comfortable carrying as you speed-walk through the terminal.
Dimensions: 11.75” x 17.75” x 8”
Materials: Leather
Kule
Carry Kule’s striped duffel as a top-handle bag or a crossbody. Inside, it has one massive compartment for stashing everything (and a smaller pocket for the little stuff).
Dimensions: 9.75” x 19” x 9”
Materials: Canvas
Dagne Dover
If you need a sturdy, low-maintenance duffel, Dagne Dover makes your new favorite. It’s made from a slick neoprene fabric that’s easy to clean and ultra thick, so your belongings will stay protected.
Dimensions: 12.5” x 19” x 11.75”
Materials: Neoprene
Barbour
All the same durability from your go-to jacket, now in duffel form: Barbour’s waxed canvas bag can handle some scratches and hold a good amount for longer trips.
Dimensions: 22” x 11.5” x 14”
Materials: Cotton
