To master the art of packing light, you have to embrace traveling with only a carry-on bag. Luckily, the best carry-on luggage options are an impressive fleet of innovative designs—from duffel bags that double as backpacks to suitcases that sync with your phone. Plus, they offer an appealing alternative to hefty luggage fees and endless waits at baggage claim. Ahead, discover the best carry-on luggage to buy right now, from top luggage makers like Briggs & Riley, Paravel, Away, Samsonite, and Arlo Skye.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Paravel Aviator carry-on
Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like Scout Tan, Safari Green, and Boxcar Red, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. Worried about not having enough space for souvenirs on your return trip? Slip the Fold-Up Bag inside—a Traveler favorite, it expands into a roomy, lightweight duffel in a matter of seconds.
Arlo Skye The Aluminum carry-on
When Arlo Skye launched in 2015, its founders (former Louis Vuitton and Tumi execs) promptly hailed it as “the perfect piece for the design-obsessed traveler.” Thankfully, the Carry-On still hasn't disappointed. Made with a lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy, it has a built-in portable (and removable) charger and the ability to open with a single touch (there are no unsightly zippers, either). Choose from shades of black, silver, and champagne.
Away The Carry-On
Away's sleek, lightweight carry-on suitcases come with a TSA-approved removable battery (just remember to take it out before your flight) and two USB ports, meaning you'll never get caught on-the-go without your devices fully charged. (You can also buy the bag without a battery.) The two interior compartments let you store your shoes and toiletries on one side and clothes on the other, and the bags come in a range of colors like asphalt gray or coast blue.
Briggs & Riley Baseline international expandable carry-on
This classic carry-on helps you navigate any airport with ease, thanks to its telescopic handle and 360-degree rotating wheels. The suitcase uses Briggs & Riley's patented compression system, which adds 34 percent more room inside, per the brand. (There's a release hinge inside the interior that opens and allows the sides of the suitcase to rise up so you can pack more.) After zipping it shut, you can then push down on the bag and it will retract to its original size—just the kind of innovation any overpacker needs.
Patagonia Black Hole 55-liter duffel bag
Patagonia's Black Hole Duffel is the definition of versatile. The 55-liter bag is made of a water-resistant fabric that keeps whatever's inside dry and has a padded interior lining for added protection. The exterior side pocket has another opening inside, too, which gives the pocket some extra space. The best part? The bag's shoulder straps convert into backpack straps, making it easier to carry around the airport.
Rimowa Original Cabin wheeled carry-on
While the German luggage brand prides itself on designing bags sturdy enough to check, the carry-on sizes are just as good, with enough room to set you up for a five-day trip. The lightweight polycarbonate design, absence of zippers, and nifty internal dividers mean you can fill the suitcase to the brim and still roll it through a packed airport terminal with ease.
Samsonite Tru-Frame carry-on spinner
Made with a polycarbonate shell, this solid pick wheels effortlessly and packs up neatly thanks to latch closures rather than a zipper. It's got plenty of organizational compartments, plus divider panels and cinching cross straps. The carry-on bag has no shortage of glowing reviews, like this one: “This is the one to get. Out of all my travels, this seems to hold up the best and be the most robust. Samsonite seems to have put all their good technology in this piece of luggage." Order the Tru-Frame in phantom black, flame orange, navy, or matte silver.
Tumi Arrivé 22-inch international rolling carry-on
There's a reason that a host of former Tumi execs and designers went on to establish their own luggage startups: This is a brand that knows exactly what the business traveler needs. Lightweight, easy to pack, and durable, a Tumi carry-on will get you through years of overhead bins and baggage carousels. This expandable polyester/leather model has plenty of interior zip pockets, a power bank pocket with USB cord, compression straps, and a hanger bracket.
Filson Dryden rolling carry-on bag
Seattle-based Filson began making luggage way back in 1897 and has since grown into a luggage stalwart, beloved for its beautiful cotton twill and leather designs. In the Dryden Carry-On, there are two wheels instead of four to give you more packing room inside the main compartment. It's been updated to endure the demands of modern travel, too: Made from tough abrasion-resistant nylon, it comes with compression straps to keep all your belongings secure, zippered front and back pockets, and an extendable handle to wheel it through the airport with ease. Choose from shades like dark navy and whiskey.
Steamline The Editor rolling carry-on
Another one of our top picks for carry-on luggage is Steamline's The Editor bag. This trunk-inspired carry-on gives us all the vintage luggage feels, with practical modern-day touches. The durable exterior is secured by buckled straps and TSA-approved locks that snap open to reveal a fun palm leaf–patterned interior. And thanks to multiple zippered compartments and a hanging organizer, you'll be able to cram in a ton of odds and ends.
Travelpro Platinum Elite softside expandable spinner
Every inch counts—especially if you're traveling with just a carry-on—and softside luggage offers a little more give than hard-shell bags. This expandable pick has a telescopic handle, spinner wheels for easy gliding, and an external USB port for charging your devices. It's earned an “Amazon's Choice” distinction thanks to its consistently high reviews and competitive pricing. The suitcase is available in several shades (including black, Bordeaux, and true navy) and three carry-on sizes (19-, 20-, and 21-inches).
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag
To be candid, we're a little torn between who makes the better carry-on duffel: Baboon to the Moon or Patagonia. Like the Black Hole duffel, Baboon's Go bag has detachable shoulder straps to wear it as a backpack, plus a durable waterproof exterior. It has a slightly larger volume—60 liters compared to 55—and comes in bright colors like cyan blue (pictured here).
Fjällräven Travel Pack
Former Traveler editor Noah Kaufman is a loyal backpack user—so much so, this Fjällräven one doubles as a carry-on backpack for him. “For as long as I've been packing my own bags, I've been a backpack guy," explains Kaufman. "I just prefer the ease of slinging something over my shoulders to wheeling it through the airport. But I'd never had one that actually functioned as an organized carry-on until I got this pack from Fjällräven. The compartments are set up to hold half a week's worth of clothes, with hidden pockets fitting everything from toiletries to a passport. And no travel backpack would be complete without a place for a laptop; the Travel Pack has one that can hold a MacBook Pro and then some. Finally, it comes with the durability that Fjällräven specializes in—while I don't recommend trying it, it feels like the sort of bag you could take a few whacks at with a baseball bat and have it hold up just fine.”
Herschel Highland luggage carry-on
Best known for its backpacks, Herschel Supply Co. rolled out its first travel line in 2018 and has continued to deliver a range of carteira-friendly suitcases and duffels. While probably not the most durable of the bunch, the Highland carry-on is super lightweight and comes with front storage pockets and a soft outer shell to help you maximize your packing. Choose from muted shades of gray, green, or black.
Roam The Jaunt
We're big fans of Roam, founded by two of the aforementioned former Tumi executives in 2018. The brand separates itself from the crowded field of affordable hard-shell luggage with its personalized options. There's a range of colors to choose from, and you can do a simple customization—which involves choosing a main color and an accent color that appears on the zipper and wheels—or a full one that lets you choose the colors for almost every detail on the suitcase, from the front and back shells to the stitching and handle. Aside from aesthetics, the Jaunt is lightweight (6.6 pounds) and features a repellent zipper, TSA-approved lock, and an ergonomic handle grip.
Béis water-repellent weekend travel tote
This sturdy and stylish water-resistant weekender has plenty of zippered pockets (including an easy access front pocket and a bottom compartment specifically for shoes), a laptop sleeve, and ample room for a few changes of clothes. It also has a trolley sleeve so you can secure the bag onto your luggage after you pick it up from baggage claim. Shop the bag in black or beige.
Calpak Terrazzo carry-on luggage
Not only is this carry-on spinner eye-catching, it's also surprising lightweight and super durable. It fits into most any overhead compartment, and has plenty of packing space within for all your getaway essentials—the suitcase itself expands up to two inches when needed, and features an interior zippered divider that gives you two fully separate packing areas. It can be purchased as part of a set with matching check-in luggage, too.
Amazon Basics hardshell spinner suitcase
This hardside carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: "It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family." The hardside spinner comes in black, gold, rose gold, graphite, and platinum.
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