We Ranked The Best Carry-On Luggage After Years of Testing

We’ve spent years testing carry-on luggage on trips around the world. The Monos Carry-On is our go-to recommendation, but there are some other awesome choices out there.

Jeremy Scott Foster

By Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert, travel photographer, and recovering nomad based in Southern California.

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Your carry-on luggage is your constant (and trusted) travel companion, and just like you’d expect from a real-life friend, it should be dependable, trustworthy, and give you confidence. A carry-on suitcase is doing its job if you can forget about it on a trip and focus on not just the journey, but enjoying your destination.

It’s easy for someone to claim that one carry-on is the best (and let’s face it, what works for one person, might not work for another), that’s why at TravelFreak, we’re dedicated to providing objective, data-driven recommendations backed up with research and real-world experience.

Our team has been testing carry-on luggage since 2010, and over that time we amassed a database of 83 different carry-ons that we scored using our proprietary luggage rating system. And because we know not everyone travels the same way, our database takes detailed information into account (i.e. price, material, maneuverability, durability, functionality, etc.) to help you easily find the best one for your needs.

After our extensive research and testing, the suitcases in this list stood out from the rest. The hardshell Monos Carry-On Pro earned our number one pick—it’s durable, stylish and functional. If soft-sided luggage is more your style, the Travelpro Platinum Elite topped the charts for us.

Why Trust TravelFreak

The TravelFreak editorial team has tested dozens of suitcases over the years, and we’ve learned a lot about what separates a quality piece of luggage from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve tested and reviewed budget luggage, luxury suitcases, and everything in between.

We know how hard it is to find the perfect suitcase, and we want to make the process easier for you. So we got our team of gear junkies and former product engineers together to develop the most comprehensive luggage test methodology possible.

We now evaluate every single suitcase on 31 metrics across eight categories. Every suitcase we test gets the same treatment and is rated using the same standardized methodology.

This data-driven approach enables us to test each suitcase more objectively and compare it to concrete benchmarks. This makes it easy for us (and you) to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different products.

All of this means that we are laser-focused on giving you valuable recommendations and insights that translate into the real world—because the real world is where you’ll be doing your traveling (I hope).

You can be sure we’ve done our homework and dug into the nitty gritty details, so you don’t have to.

How We Picked and Tested

Our selection process started with extensive research to find a list of promising luggage to start from. We scoured online forums like Reddit, Quora, manufacturer websites, Amazon reviews, and other blog posts to find the most popular and highly-rated suitcases on the market, as well as hidden gems that are well-reviewed but less known.

We then compiled a massive database of luggage, including 31 testing metrics for each bag. At the time of writing, we have data for 83 carry-on suitcases. That’s over 2,500 data points!

This proprietary database gave us rapid insights into dozens of carry-ons. We were able to rank, sort, and categorize the bags to find which ones we wanted to prioritize for testing.

We tested the majority of suitcases on this list hands-on during our own travels. These include the Monos Carry-On, Briggs & Riley Baseline, July Carry-On, Travelpro Platinum Elite, Carl Friedrik The Carry-On. We selected the remaining cases based on extensive research of existing reviews, specs, features, and design.

We used our Luggage Rating System to test and rank each bag across 8 categories: Build Quality, Ease of Use, Functionality, Water Resistance, Brand Impact, Buying Experience, Warranty, and Price-to-Performance Ratio.

Our top picks are the carry-ons that ranked highest in our testing. These bags deliver solid performance across the board, and because we did such in-depth research and testing, we are confident that you won’t be disappointed.

Who This Article is For

If you enjoy the freedom of travel without waiting at baggage claim, our list of the best carry-on luggage is for you.

We picked bags from a wide range of brands and price points, so whether you are a seasoned frequent flier or just getting started in travel, we’ve got you covered.

Do you expect your luggage to take a beating? Do you want smart features that make travel easier? Do you have a keen sense of style? Are you looking for luggage that does its job and lets you focus on enjoying the trip? We’re right there with you!

We believe in buying high-quality gear that will last for years of travel. In the long run, that’s better for your wallet and for the environment—as opposed to buying a cheap suitcase that ends up in the landfill after a few trips.

If you’re on board with that mentality, our list of the best carry-on luggage is right up your alley.

Things to Consider

Hardside vs Softside

If you’re torn between choosing hardside or softside luggage, consider these points: Hardside luggage is more protective when it comes to water-resistance and scuff marks, but the rigidity means you might be sacrificing space when packing (compression straps and pads, do provide some help though). Softside luggage is more flexible, weighs less, and usually has more external pockets for easy access to essentials during transit, but can be prone to ripping.

Spinner vs Roller

Luggage with four wheels (also referred to as spinner luggage) is more convenient and maneuverable for smooth surfaces like airports. But even with the best spinner luggage, more wheels means there’s a higher probability of one getting damaged, and it might be a cumbersome haul on rough terrain since spinner wheels are meant to rotate 360 degrees. 2-wheeled roller luggage (also called roller luggage) is often considered more durable, but can be more prone to tipping if the weight inside is unevenly distributed. Another thing to think about before buying roller luggage is how frequently you’re traveling to hilly destinations, because lugging the 2-wheel suitcase behind you might feel more like a workout.

International or Domestic Sizes

Before landing on a particular suitcase, it’s important to familiarize yourself with airline carriers’ international and domestic carry-on size requirements because they’re different. Most domestic airlines carry-on measurements are 22 in. x 14 in. x 9 in. As for international airlines, the carry-on measurements are smaller than domestic, and might also have a weight restriction. Be sure to check your airline’s carry-on size limitations to make sure there are no surprises once you get to the gate. 

Weight

The goal for any carry-on luggage is to be as lightweight as possible (so you can spend those unused pounds packing your clothes and travel items!). Empty luggage can range from around 4 to 5 pounds for soft-sided luggage to as much as 10 pounds for hard-sided counterparts. Before deciding which is right for you, take into account how much you travel and how heavy your luggage usually is once it’s all packed – it might be worth getting a cheap luggage scale to see where you stand and to also check the carry-on weight limit policies of your most flown airlines.

Interior Compartments & Organization

Traveling forces you to confine your life (including everyday essentials) into a pretty small footprint and it can easily get messy, so organization is a key feature to consider. Exterior pockets, hidden pouches, interior dividers, laundry and dedicated toiletry bags, all help us to keep items accessible without having our lives fall into disarray.

Security Features

Built-in TSA-approved locks allow agents to easily access and inspect your carry-on luggage without causing any damage, and doubled-coiled zippers can help prevent breaking. The YKK zipper is widely considered to be the strongest in the market and used by a variety of brands, including Monos and Travelpro.

Warranty & Price

Luggage is an expensive investment (a quality piece usually starts north of $250 and sets can be anywhere from $750 to over $1,000, so buying a piece that comes with a good warranty is essential. The best luggage companies (and most) have lifetime warranties that can replace parts or even the entire thing after it’s been put through the paces. Some specific items a company offers might have limited time warranties, and there could be restrictions on what is covered (normal wear and tear, scratches, etc. might be excluded), so it’s important to check the fine print.

Style

Think about your lifestyle and your “look” and consider a suitcase that will help accentuate that. Carry-on luggage can be minimalist with no bells and whistles, or it can be a statement piece that will have passengers asking where you purchased it.

Brand Impact

If you value ethical purchasing, look for brands that use recycled materials, offset their emissions, and ensure fair working conditions.

1

Best Overall

Monos Carry-On Pro
9.7

Monos Carry-On Pro

The Monos Carry-On Pro is our highest scoring suitcase ever. It’s a premium hardside carry-on with a front laptop pocket, silky-smooth wheels, and thoughtful organization. I don’t love that the front pocket reduces the interior space, but overall this suitcase hits the sweet spot of durability, functionality, style and price—and carries a laptop, to boot.

Your carry-on suitcase will go on almost every trip with you, and for most travelers and most trips, the Monos Carry-On Pro is easily our favorite. Our team has tested a lot of suitcases, and this one just does so many things right that the others didn’t quite match. That’s why it earned an impressive overall score of 9.7—the highest score of any suitcase we tested.

Monos hits the right balance between cost and quality, functionality and simplicity. It starts at $295 and just like luxury brands like RIMOWA, Monos uses German Makrolon polycarbonate that’s water-resistant. But the Monos Carry-On Pro is a third the price of RIMOWA’s Essential Cabin.

In fact, Monos is the least expensive luggage to score above 9.0 for Build Quality in our testing, which says a lot. I love that Monos makes top-notch materials and build quality available to those of us who don’t have $1,500 to shell out for a suitcase.

I also really like the sleek, minimalist styling: It’s modern, discreet, and professional. It’s incredibly functional, versatile and the eye-pleasing design allows it to look good no matter if you’re headed to the office after hotel check-out or arriving at your Airbnb for a friends’ getaway.

One of the reasons I specifically selected the Carry-On Pro as our best overall pick—rather than the standard Monos Carry-On—is because it has an external zippered pocket that can hold a laptop or tablet and anything else you want quick access to. Otherwise, the standard model is equally as excellent.

The external pocket is convenient, but it does eat into the main storage space. If you don’t feel the need for the outside pocket, you want the maximum packing space possible, or you want a less expensive bag, the classic Monos Carry-On without the pocket is just as good.

Other features of this bag include three interior pockets and three zippered (reserve coil, means no stripping) pouches to keep socks, underwear and other items tidy, while the four 360-degree spinner wheels allow you to easily glide through the terminal.

Buy it if you...
  • often take quick weekend trips (3 to 4 days) to urban destinations..
  • travel for work and need quick access to a laptop and/or documents..
  • like to stay super organized..
  • want a stylish carry-on..
  • care about buying sustainably-produced products.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are flying with budget international airlines that have tight carry-on size limits..
  • travel to more remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations where you leave pavement behind..
  • have a laptop larger than 15 inches.
2

Best Budget

Travelpro Maxlite 5 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard
9.2

Travelpro Maxlite 5 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is way cheaper than any other suitcase we recommend, but it’s just as well-built as many of our higher-priced options. We tested 20 suitcases that scored 10/10 for Price-to-Performance—this is the only one with an Overall score above 9.0.

If you’re on a budget and in a pinch to buy a new suitcase before an upcoming trip, it can be tempting to purchase a bargain-basement bag you find on Amazon or Target. Before you do, consider this: You might end up spending more money in the long run when that bag breaks and you have to replace it.

If you want to make your money stretch as far as possible, I almost always recommend spending just a little bit more for a higher-quality suitcase.

Sure, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 doesn’t have all the fancy features, but it can easily last for decades of travel – and who doesn’t love a good return on investment?

It has a 2-wheel rollaboard design, which is much more durable than 360-degree spinner wheels. And in the event something gets busted or damaged, it’st backed by Travelpro’s solid lifetime warranty. They even have a full catalog of replacement parts, so they’ll be ready to repair it for you.

In terms of layout, it’s pretty bare-bones. Sure, it’s got a few basic pockets, but there’s nothing fancy, and the style is more drab than fab. This isn’t a suitcase you buy to show off to your friends. It’s a suitcase you buy to do a job: carry your stuff while you travel.

And it does that job really well, especially for the price.

Buy it if you...
  • are a frequent traveler and a mindful spender..
  • care about having a suitcase that will last a long time..
  • care more about practicality than flashy features or design.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • want a trendy, modern, stylish piece of luggage..
  • care about having innovative features.
3

Best Soft-Sided Carry-On

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner
9.5

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner is Travelpro’s top-of-the-line carry-on, and it’s the highest-scoring soft-sided carry-on we tested, with a 9.5 overall score. It’s ideal if you’re a business traveler who needs a professional-looking piece of luggage or a frequent traveler who wants a bag that will last for years.

Soft-sided luggage is a great choice if you value practicality. For starters, part of the draw for them is that they have more pockets than hardside bags, will never crack, and still look professional.

Travelpro makes some of the best soft-sided suitcases on the planet (and it’s the brand thousands of flight attendants use every day). Of the 20 highest-scoring softside suitcases from our testing, half are from Travelpro. It’s a brand that not only understands quality and efficiency, but continually raises the bar in the suitcase soft-side luggage industry.

This suitcase combines all the best things into one package: It uses premium fabrics, genuine leather accents and chrome hardware that give it a refined and stylish look, and it’s extremely strong and durable. It also has nearly every feature you could want, including a 2-inch expansion section for you stuff in more clothes, as well as tech creature comforts like USB A & C ports so you don’t have to worry about fighting over an outlet at the airport.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner isn’t as modern or trendy as some of the other luggage on this list, but if you’re not looking to turn heads at the airport, it’s functional and checks nearly all the boxes. When it comes to the flexibility of a soft-sided bag, this is one of the best money can buy. But if you can’t justify the price tag, you may want to check out Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 line, which is almost as durable and less than half the price.

Buy it if you...
  • are a business traveler who needs a practical and professional-looking carry-on..
  • are a frequent traveler with short to medium length trips.
  • like to stay organized while you travel..
  • mostly fly within the US..
  • want the maximum carry-on packing space.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are on a tight budget (get the Maxlite 5 instead)..
  • like more minimalist designs..
  • are flying on budget international airlines with strict carry-on size limits.
4

Best Splurge

Carl Friedrik Carry-On X
9.4

Carl Friedrik Carry-On X

The Carl Friedrik Carry-On X truly looks and feels like a next-level luxury piece of luggage. I love the classy, understated design and the premium build quality. Every little detail feels well thought out, and the genuine Italian leather trim gives this suitcase a touch of sophistication.

Hey, big spender! Like with most things, increasing your budget opens a world of options, luggage included. While not all of them are worth the extra cash, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On X definitely is.

Most polycarbonate suitcases look pretty run-of-the-mill, with shiny, plasticky shells. The Carl Friedrik Carry-On X, on the other hand, shows off a bit of old-world craftsmanship – it looks as if wainscoting has been wrapped around the exterior of the suitcase.

Instead of zippers, the Carry-On X has a full aluminum frame with hinges and two locking latches. This design is two-fold: It makes the suitcase more protective and secure, but also makes it look and feel more high-end. The latches are made out of solid cast aluminum, and I love the satisfying click when they snap shut.

I was slightly annoyed that it only comes with one compression pad. You can buy a second compression pad for the other side, but I really think it should be included – because we all tend to over pack and it’d be nice to hold those extra items down.

It only scores 3.6 in our Price-to-Performance category, but the Carry-On X is an investment in quality and craftsmanship, so it makes sense it might be sacrificing the performance side of things. Will this suitcase function better than a cheaper option? Not necessarily, but it will do the job with a lot more class and style.

Buy it if you...
  • are a luxury urban traveler..
  • care about premium aesthetics and sophisticated design..
  • are a frequent traveler who needs luggage that will last for years..
  • are a business traveler looking for a professional, stylish carry-on.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are on a tight budget..
  • often take adventurous, outdoorsy trips..
  • often fly on airlines with strict weight limits (it’s not a lightweight suitcase).
5

Most Durable Smart Luggage

July Carry-On
9.3

July Carry-On

The July Carry-On is the only smart luggage we recommend, because it is an awesome carry-on even without the bells and whistles. If you like our top pick from Monos (including their lifetime warranty and free 100-day return policy), but just wish it had an (ejectable) battery bank, July is the perfect answer.

Keeping devices (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) charged while traveling is a top priority for all of us, and trying to find an open outlet in the airport when your phone is at 1% feels like you’re trying to diffuse a bomb before the time runs out.

To solve that anxiety-inducing problem, many luggage brands are now creating “smart” suitcases that come with built-in USB chargers and battery banks. Unfortunately, too many of these brands focus on those fancy features and forget one important fact: It still has to be a good suitcase!

Enter July.

July’s founders started the company after reading over 4,000 customer reviews of existing luggage to see where the problems were (talk about taking a solution-oriented approach!). Then they designed a suitcase (and a business model) to remedy those problems.

I like that the July Carry-On has reinforced corners with sturdy aluminum bumpers. We’ve all seen many suitcases come out of baggage claim with dented corners or busted wheels, so it’s nice July found a way to prevent that from happening.

Although you’re likely safe from serious indentations, the anodized coating on those aluminum bumpers can get scratched easily. It’s just cosmetic and doesn’t affect the suitcase’s function in any way, but it won’t look brand new after several trips.

Besides that minor issue, the July Carry-On is just a really well-made suitcase. It scored 9.3 for Build Quality, which makes it one of the most durable carry-ons our team tested.

Buy it if you...
  • hate searching for charging outlets in the airport..
  • travel with a lot of power-hungry gadgets..
  • are a frequent traveler..
  • care about quality and durability above all else..
  • travel internationally.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • already own a USB battery bank..
  • are traveling to remote areas where you’ll be leaving pavement behind.
6

Best Carry-On Garment Bag

Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag
9.2

Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag

If you’re a Dapper Dan or fashionista traveling with eye-catching threads, you’ll want to protect them with the Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag that actually doubles as carry-on luggage. You’ll save time from steaming or ironing your formalwear in the hotel room and more time working the room.

Traveling with a suit, dress, or other formal clothing, and stuffing it all into a traditional suitcase is not practical. You need a purpose-built garment bag.

And if you only have a few trips where you need to bring formal clothing, you can get by with a cheap option like this AmazonBasics Garment Bag.

However, if flying for business or formal events is a regular part of your life, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag works wonders by keeping your clothing flat, flat, smooth, and securely held in place during transit.

Most garment bags are big folding contraptions that are awkward to carry on your forearm, and I’ve typically hated using them (I’m sure I’m not alone in this feeling either). So my favorite feature of this Briggs & Riley option is that it rolls on spinner wheels just like any carry-on suitcase. And that makes it way easier to maneuver through the airport.

The interior is divided into two sections. You have the garment storage on one side, and on the other side, there’s an open flat-packing area just like any normal suitcase for your jeans, shirts, underwear, whatever.

Garment bags often don’t score well in our luggage rating system because they are so specialized, but this one was the exception. Because of its versatile design and outstanding build quality, it scored an impressive 9.2 overall.

Buy it if you...
  • often travel with a suit or dress..
  • care about keeping expensive formal clothing crisp and uncrumpled..
  • want a bag that will last forever..
  • want a garment bag that can double as your main carry-on suitcase.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • only need a garment bag for a few trips..
  • are on a limited budget.
7

Best for International Travel

Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21″ 2-Wheel Carry-On
9.1

Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21″ 2-Wheel Carry-On

If you’re routinely heading out of the country, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Global model delivers because its size (21 x 15 x 9 inches) is accepted on nearly every flight in the world. And its supreme build quality (it scored the highest of any luggage we tested) means you can count on it holding up even when it’s been around the block – ahem, planet – once or twice.

This Briggs & Riley Baseline carry-on won’t get you riled up during your travels.

It’s thoughtfully designed to be the perfect size for around-the-world travel, and whileon the outside, it looks like a pretty basic soft-sided carry-on suitcase, it’s not. For me, it’s the build quality and attention to detail that make this carry-on stand out.

Let’s be honest: Durability matters even more when you’re far from home. The last thing you want is to be slogging around a foreign country with a broken suitcase (trust me, it’s not fun).

But Baseline Global Carry-On scored an outstanding 9.8 for Build Quality, so you can bank on staying in one piece. In fact, it notched the highest Build Quality score that any suitcase has ever earned in our testing, and the runners-up (the Carl Friedrik Carry-On X and the Db Ramverk Pro) are notably lower at 9.5. Seriously, this bag is tough, and I appreciate how sturdy the full metal frame makes it feel.

Briggs & Riley also has the best lifetime guarantee in the luggage business, so if you ever do manage to break this bag, they’ll fix it for you. No questions asked and no proof of purchase needed, so even if you got this suitcase as a hand-me-down, you’re covered (Monos, for example, won’t honor second-hand owners).

It’s made with durable fabric and has a few external pockets that are great for keeping important items handy. It also has the standard compression and expansion features, TSA-approved locks and self-repairing zippers.

However, the bag does cost significantly more than most of the other options on this list, so if you don’t travel frequently, it’s probably not worth the investment. Otherwise, if you’re a jetsetter who values durability above all else, you can bet on having to renew your passport a few times before replacing your luggage.

If the Baseline Global doesn’t make you happy, we have a full list of luggage for international travel that’s worth checking out.

Buy it if you...
  • are traveling internationally..
  • want a bag that’s tough enough for long-term travel and that will last forever..
  • want a lifetime guarantee..
  • travel for business frequently..
  • often take short weekend trips..
  • will travel in Europe.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • need a lightweight suitcase..
  • want to stand out from the crowd..
  • need more packing space for longer trips (longer than 4 days)..
  • are on a limited budget.
8

Db Ramverk Pro: Most Protective

Db Ramverk Pro Carry-On

If you travel with expensive equipment—whether that’s a camera and lenses, sensitive electronics, outdoor gear, or a set of wine glasses—you need a suitcase that will get it to your destination safely.

In Db’s marketing material for the Db Ramverk Pro, there’s a term that comes up a lot: “weight:protection ratio.” Essentially, this case is designed to offer amazing strength protection without being overly heavy or bulky.

It is possibly the strongest carry-on suitcase I’ve ever tested. Seriously, it’s that solid. It is made from durable and lightweight polycarbonate, but the Db engineers have made this case stronger and more rigid than other polycarbonate cases. Plus, it has an aluminum frame with locking latches that make it even stronger.

Whatever fragile items you’re carrying will be safe inside this fortress of a suitcase.

If you’re traveling with photography equipment, the Front Access Ramverk Carry-On pairs with Db’s Ramverk Camera Insert (only size XL works with the suitcase), which has padded dividers to keep your camera gear organized and safe. In my experience this is the ultimate protective carry solution for traveling photographers.

It is a bit heavy for a carry-on, at 9.9 lbs. Still, for the level of protection this thing provides, I’m happy with that weight.

The Db Ramverk Carry-On is one of my favorite suitcases on this list. It’s built like a tank (a minimalist, Scandinavian-designed tank, that is), and will keep your stuff safe and look good while doing it.

Buy it if you…

  • are traveling with sensitive equipment or fragile items.
  • are a traveling photographer.
  • travel internationally.
  • bring a laptop on your trips.
  • like modern minimalist design.

Don’t buy it if you…

  • are on a tight budget.
  • need a lightweight suitcase.
9

July Carry-On Light: Best Lightweight Carry-On

July Carry-On Light

There are many reasons to shop for a lightweight carry-on. For one, moving and lifting a bulky, heavy carry-on can be a struggle, especially if you don’t have the physique of Dwayne Johnson.

Plus, some international airlines (like Emirates) have strict 15-lb carry-on weight limits. A typical carry-on suitcase weighs 7-9 lbs, so that’s half your packing weight gone right there.

There’s also something satisfying about traveling light and exploring the world with less baggage.

The July Carry-On Light excels at one thing: it is the lightest carry-on suitcase on the market. At just 3.9 lbs, it’s half the weight of most carry-ons. If you’re used to big, clunky suitcases that feel like a load of bricks before you’ve even packed them, the difference will be immediately noticeable.

It also scores higher than any other suitcase that weighs under 5 lbs.

The Carry-On Light is targeted squarely at minimalist travelers. One way they made it so light is by cutting down the size. July’s standard Carry-On is 42L while the Carry-On Light is only 32L. If you tend to overpack, this isn’t the bag for you.

I love the sleek, minimalist design of this luggage. It goes right along with the whole minimal-packing vibe. Everything is stripped back to the bare essentials.

To be clear, the Carry-On Light isn’t as strong or durable as the standard Carry-On. It doesn’t have the reinforced corners, the polycarbonate shell is more flexy, the handle isn’t as sturdy, and the wheels are lighter-duty. July did have to cut out some material to make it this light, but it’s still very durable and well-built overall.

The point of this suitcase isn’t to be the strongest, it’s to be the lightest. If that’s what you want, this is the one to get.

Buy it if you…

  • are a minimalist traveler and like to pack and travel light.
  • are flying with budget international airlines that have strict carry-on weight limits.
  • are traveling internationally.
  • are traveling to city destinations.

Don’t buy it if you…

  • need the maximum packing space.
  • You want external pockets.
10

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT: Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 21.5

Duffel bags are awesome because they can hold a ton of stuff, are easy to pack, and are simple and reliable—perfect for adventurous trips. The only problem is that you have to carry them by hand or over your shoulder.

That’s where a rolling duffel bag comes in. You get the benefits of a duffel bag combined with the easy rolling of a wheeled suitcase.

The Eage Creek Cargo Hauler XT is a tough, adventure-ready bag. It is very different from the other bags on this list, and that means it’s better for a very different kind of trip.

Here’s the way I see it: if you’re bringing hiking shoes or trail runners on your trip, this bag is probably a good fit. If you’re wearing dress shoes, you’ll want something else.

It’s sized for international travel, meaning you won’t have any problem bringing it as a carry-on pretty much anywhere in the world.

In addition to wheels and handles, this bag also has backpack straps. This means you aren’t limited to wheeling it around. No, the backpack straps aren’t the most comfortable in the world, but they definitely do the job if you have to carry it up a few flights of stairs or down a rocky dirt path.

Since it’s a duffel bag, you just don’t get the same level of organization as you do with a more traditional suitcase. There are a few small pockets, but the inside is pretty much one big empty volume. This is great for tossing in a bunch of gear, but if you like to keep everything compartmentalized, you’ll definitely want to use packing cubes.

Most duffel bags don’t perform very well in our rating system, but this solid bag scored 8.8 overall. The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT is an awesome choice if you want a simple, rugged, reliable rolling duffel bag.

Buy it if you…

  • are traveling off the beaten path and need luggage that can handle rougher conditions.
  • are carrying gear for outdoor adventures.
  • want the option to carry your luggage on your back.
  • prioritize simplicity and durability.

Don’t buy it if you…

  • care about sleek modern styling.
  • need a suitcase mainly for city trips.
  • travel with lots of tech devices that you want to keep organized.

Other Luggage We Tested

We tested dozens of carry-on suitcases to find our top picks in this article. Our luggage rating database has 83 carry-on suitcases, but we only picked 10 to recommend. Trust me, there was a lot of competition for our top picks.

There are a lot of popular suitcases out there that just didn’t impress us. They scored too low in our rating categories.

On the other hand, there are many fantastic suitcases that didn’t quite make the cut. We would still be happy to recommend these bags (or use them ourselves) even though they didn’t make it into our top 10.

Here are a few bags that were in the running for our top picks.

  • Db Hugger Rollerbag Carry-On 40L (9.1): This is the rolling carry-on version of Db’s popular Hugger Backpack. It has a huge opening that is easy to pack and an innovative “rib cage” design that combines the flexibility of soft-sided luggage with the protection of a hardshell suitcase.
  • Aer Carry-On (9.1): Aer is one of our favorite backpack companies, and they just released a brand new hardside suitcase. We haven’t had the chance to test it yet, but it checks all the boxes and looks pretty awesome. Keep an eye out for a full review from us once we get our hands on this suitcase.
  • Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner (8.7): Samsonite is the most well-known luggage brand in the world, and the Freeform Carry-On is one of our favorites from the brand. It’s not quite as feature-packed as some of our top picks, but it is reliable and surprisingly affordable.
  • Away The Carry-On (8.5): Away is possibly the most trendy luggage brand right now, but we honestly think it is overhyped. This is a good bag, but the Monos carry-on is just a bit better and less expensive. That’s an easy choice for us.
  • AmazonBasics 20-inch Hardside Spinner (7.5): This bag isn’t anything special, but it’s dirt cheap and surprisingly good for the price. If your wallet is looking thin, this isn’t a bad choice.

Carry-On Luggage FAQs

What suitcase is best for carry-on?

The Monos Carry-On Pro is our top pick for the best carry-on suitcase.

Is hard or soft luggage better for carry-ons?

Hard carry-on luggage is more protective and sturdy, but soft carry-on luggage typically has more pockets and flexibility.

What carry-on do flight attendants use?

Briggs & Riley is one of the most popular luggage brands for flight attendants.

Can I take a 22.5 inch carry-on bag?

Most domestic flights in the USA will allow a 22.5″ carry-on bag, but it’s too long for international flights.

What if my carry-on luggage is 1 inch too big?

Even if your carry-on luggage is just 1 inch too big, you could be required to check it (and pay extra fees).

Jeremy Scott Foster
About the Author

Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
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