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We traversed the globe putting these top 18 carry-ons to the test, from leading brands like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, Osprey, Rimowa, Away, Tumi, Samsonite, and more.
We've put dozens of pieces of luggage through their paces in airports and airplanes across the world.
The perfect carry-on bag isn't just about fitting your essentials — it's about helping you travel as stress-free and efficiently as possible.
Our travel experts have bought and tested nearly 60 bags over the last decade. We took these bags on trips worldwide, on planes, by bus, through public transit systems, on trains, and in cars. Back home, we simulated the grueling demands of getaways through limit-pushing tests like navigating bumpy gravel roads, tumbling down concrete steps, and withstanding pressurized water spray.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite has been our top recommendation for years. It combines an ideal level of organization and impressive space with thoughtful features, a classy design, and a price tag that's well worth what you get. Many of our testing team have been globetrotting for years with this bag, and it still looks as good and performs as well as the day we bought it.
If you prefer a hardshell carry-on, the Away The Carry-On is an excellent option that performs well above its price tag, with great features and top-notch durability. For less frequent travelers, the SwissGear Sion is a more budget-friendly softshell option that we highly recommend. It has impressive capacity, good organizational features, and rolls smoothly — outperforming its low price tag.
IMPORTANT: Although somewhat casually enforced, every airline adheres to its own requirements for carry-on size. These restrictions can be on overall dimensions, packed bag weight, or both. They also vary by airline — especially international airlines. Before you purchase any of the carry-ons in our lineup, it's wise to see how they stack up to the requirements of the typical airlines you fly on.
Wheels magnetically align, excellent organization, deceptively large capacity, stable and durable
Premium construction quality, all-metal exterior, very tough, heavy duty locks, smooth wheels, great packing system
Converts to a backpack, collapsible for storage, great craftsmanship, rugged, lightweight, all-terrain wheels
Sophisticated design, innovative compression, stable and durable
Good organization, converts to a backpack, rolls smoothly, durable design, laptop storage, compression straps, external attachments
Tough shell, sturdy trolley handle, tons of hand grips, high volume, all-terrain wheels maneuver well, bumper rails, fleece-lined phone pocket
Exceptionally strong shell, great smooth wheels, spring-back grab handles, stylish leather name tag and accents, sturdy, stays level, maneuvers well, built-in locator ID, pre-wired USB port
Polished, modern design, great wheels, thoughtful organizational tools, easy to lift and maneuver, very tough shell
A super versatile and functional bag that is durably built and makes travel easy
A super swanky carry-on that is equally rugged and fashionable - and let's not forget… expensive
From airports to the outdoors, you'll have the freedom to roll, carry, or backpack your stuff to wherever, making the journey as much fun as the destination
A high-end, super durable bag with plenty of smart features and a surprising amount of space with a premium price tag to match
A very rugged, very compartmentalized adventure bag that is stylish and can convert into a comfortable padded daypack with hip belt
A super trendy, name-brand bag that is more than just a pretty face - this travel trunk is the real deal, and it's ready to hop a plane to anywhere on the map
A very high-end spinner that is big on quality, rolls with grace, but is a little bare when it comes to the interior packing system
A minimalist’s dream bag with a sleek modern appearance and commendable performance across all metrics
A trendy carry-on that effectively blends rucksack and luggage to form an eye-catching bag that will appeal to brand-name lovers
A perfectly priced hardshell that doesn't sacrifice style or performance
An accessible price point and a slew of useful features make this carry-on a good option for those who want a solid performer without breaking the bank
A fashionable yet frugal spinner that has excellent bones and a rugged shell
A decently performing option for bargain shoppers who casually travel once or twice per year
A well-priced and reasonably spacious hardshell carry-on with limited organizational features and dubious long-term viability
An excellent choice for bargain shoppers or students who are looking for a good deal for basic travel a few times per year
A very basic four-wheel spinner that performs adequately and is great for light, occasional, domestic travel
An inexpensive roller of dubious durability but enough utility to suit light packers and infrequent travelers and plenty of colors to keep it fun
A very basic two-wheeled roller that is an option for children or for adults with very light travel agendas
Our review team's favorite carry-on for many years running now is the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21". This class-leading bag comes with plenty of exterior pockets to keep items orderly and accessible, several interior pockets, and removable components to help maximize space and reduce wrinkled fabric or misplaced items. A detached suit/dress organizer, four interior pockets, a removable TSA-compliant toiletry case, a discreet power bank pocket with a USB port, and a hidden ID tag are among the handy extras that any traveler will appreciate.
SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions
23.5" x 14.3" x 9.0"
Weight (Measured)
8.1 lb
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
40.0 L
Well-placed grab handles — including one on the bottom — and three adjustment stops on the telescoping handle make it easy to carry, load, or roll this bag. We especially loved the innovative, easy-glide spinner wheels that magnetically snap into alignment to produce a straight, silent, and easily controlled roll.
“I've used this for years, and the magnetic wheels are legit. I also love that this bag is classy enough for my business travel, but can handle the chaos of my family vacations.”
All the features and extras we love make for a heavier bag (8.1 pounds). Our interior measurements of its main compartment calculated 40 liters of storage volume, and the Platinum Elite is a full 23.5 inches long, in total. This technically makes it larger than even US airline restrictions — and significantly larger than most international carriers will allow — though we've never had an issue taking it on board a US airline plane.
Additional Sizes Available: Heading overseas? Travelpro also manufactures a slightly smaller international version of this bag that fits within the size restrictions of most international carriers — though you still have to make sure your bag doesn't go over the weight limit. If you need a larger version to check for extended trips, the 29" Platinum Elite is our favorite checked bag.
For an even more impressive compression system that lets you fit more without making your bag bigger, the premium Briggs & Riley Baseline is an upgraded pick that's worth it if you travel a lot. On the other hand, if you prefer a hardshell, the Away The Carry-On also features a great compression system and an effortless ride. For anyone seeking a handsome, well-priced, thoughtfully organized carry-on to take you from high-profile business trips to relaxed international vacations, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is our top recommendation.
Comin' in hot. Premium self-correcting spinner wheels instantly align in the direction you're headed, providing a smooth, straight roll every time. It's like setting your carry-on to autopilot.
After over a year of testing the Away The Carry-On, we think it's one of the better carry-ons you can buy, and by far the best value for a hardsided bag. We've traveled with our Away to as far away as Nepal and Tibet, leaving us confident that it's built for extensive travel. Its polycarbonate shell is extra dense and super tough, with a flat finish — helping scratches and scuffs to blend in better.
SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions
21.7" x 13.5" x 8.5"
Weight (Measured)
7.4 lb
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
35.5 L
In addition to its toughness, we loved its packing system the most. One half of this clam-shell bag is fully enclosed by a zippered mesh covering, while the other side offers an impressive, space-saving, compression panel that cinches clothing and other items flat. This compression panel is on par with the one in the Rimowa Cabin — a luxury carry-on that runs five times the cost of the Away.
“This bag is perfect for global travel. I've traveled a lot in the last decade, and when I consider this bag's performance, quality, and price, I just don't think there's a better carry-on out there.”
The Away rolls well, is balanced, and offers a sturdy, two-stage trolley handle. We hand-measured our bag and were pleased to find that it complies with most domestic and international size requirements. We calculated it with almost 36 liters of storage, and when empty, it weighs 7.4 pounds.
Other Options: Need more space? Away also makes an expandable version of this bag, called The Carry-on Flex. For even more space, you can get this bag in two checkable sizes: The Medium (69 liters) and The Large (99 liters).
If you don't travel as often and would prefer to spend a little less on your bag, the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is a solid option with a simple, no-frills design that can take you where you need to go. But if you travel regularly, would like a quality compression system, and are looking for a durable bag that can accompany you for years, you can't go wrong with the Away The Carry-On.
Although slightly sportier and more casual-looking than other softsided carry-ons, the well-priced SwissGear Sion Expandable has impressive capacity, a comfortable ride, and an array of extra organizational amenities. It's easy to pack, zip, and roll, whether hauling a week-long summer adventure wardrobe or a climbing trip's worth of bulky gear into this 40-liter roller.
SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions
23.0" x 14.1" x 10.0"
Weight (Measured)
7.3 lb
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
40.5 L
We found a laundry list of useful interior pockets and features that we love, including a removable toiletry pouch, adjustable compression straps, and a bag-length expansion zipper. Two sizeable front pockets add further capacity and flexibility to the exterior — though packing these full often led to a drastically imbalanced bag that was too large to fit in overhead bins.
“This bag really packs it away. I can bring a lot of stuff but still keep it organized.”
The SwissGear Sion has several well-padded handles, an okay telescoping handle, and a set of surprisingly efficient (if a touch small) 360-degree single-wheel spinners. Made from durable, scuff-resistant polyester, this bag picked up just a few minor scratches during our testing period. It's also slightly longer than US airline size restrictions, though we have yet to be denied boarding with this bag in tow — as long as it's not stuffed too full to fit in the overhead bin.
More Bang for your Buck: Looking to purchase multiple sizes of bags for an upcoming trip? SwissGear also makes the large 29" Sion, as well as a medium-sized 25-inch version. Or you can get all three to cover all your travels.
If you want greater durability of the exterior fabric, and are willing to be more flexible on price, the Eagle Creek Warrior and the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller are both exceptionally tough softsided carry-ons. You might also consider getting a hardsided luggage instead, in which case, the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is a great budget-friendly option.
For those with a budget for premium products, look no further than the understated yet seriously handy Briggs & Riley Baseline. Though pricey, through years of testing, it remains one of our favorite rollaboards. It has exceptional organizational features — including multiple exterior pockets, a built-in suiter, and an “outsider” roller handle — and a seriously clever two-inch expansion/compression system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions
22.1" x 14.3" x 9.1"
Weight (Measured)
10.1 lb
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
36.0 L
Even when stuffed to the gills, it stays balanced and rolls effortlessly alongside us on large, shock-absorbing wheels, packing easily into trunks and overhead compartments en route. It has a ballistic nylon exterior with reinforced edging and robust, easy-glide zippers and has proved itself to be seriously durable. It's also the heaviest carry-on in our lineup, at 10.1 pounds.
“It's definitely a little pricey, but I love mine, especially the packing system. After two years, I'm still impressed by its durability and functionality — and wowed by its upscale look.”
Added touches like the handy SmartLink strap, multiple low-profile load handles, a hidden ID tag, a TSA-approved lock, and an exterior power pack pocket will be features that draw in high-end consumers who are looking for a carry-on that is a cut above the rest. The Baseline is in line with most U.S. size requirements, but it may be slightly taller than some international carriers prefer.
Upgrade Your Luggage Set: If this appeals to you, we also tested and love the 29" checked version. Briggs & Riley also sells a hardshell carry-on with all the same internal organizational features we love about the softsided bag.
The only premium models in our lineup that can compete with the Briggs & Riley Baseline are the hardsided Tumi 19 Degree and Rimowa Original Cabin — both of which cost even more than the Baseline, but offer a very different aesthetic and equally excellent functionality. We find the Baseline hard to beat for folks who appreciate great organization and the ability to arrive at their destination with wrinkle-free clothes.
Heading downstairs to battle through TSA. The Baseline's exterior pockets make it easy to shove everything in my pockets into one place so my TSA tray doesn't look like a disorganized yard sale.
The Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel is lightweight and agile. It swallows up gear and can be quickly adapted into a backpack to move easily across nearly any terrain. Made primarily from recycled 450-denier recycled polyester (a downgrade from 600-denier on past models), the Daylite is one of our favorites for taking on adventures beyond the confines of city limits, where oddly shaped gear and hand-carrying baggage are musts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions
22.0" x 13.0" x 9.0"
Weight (Measured)
5.2 lbs
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
42.2 L
The Daylite has a large central storage compartment with hardy interior compression straps to secure oddly shaped gear. Three convenient exterior compartments do a great job of securing documents or phones. Across most surfaces, it rolls smoothly on oversized 3.25-inch wheels and easily transforms into a duffel bag or a backpack.
“I crammed this bag full — it swallows everything from ski boots to climbing helmets, with room left over for a few days of clothes.”
We fell in love with the uncomplicated design of the Daylite. And, at just 5.2 pounds, it's the lightest carry-on in our lineup, while still offering one of the largest main-compartment volumes (about 42 liters). Translation: it can carry more of your stuff. It's technically a tad too tall to meet some international carrier requirements. However, we've traveled overseas with this bag and haven't experienced any pushback yet.
If you dig, you can still find past versions of the Osprey Daylight on sale through some online retailers. The key difference is that their wheel system isn't nearly as robust as the current model featured in this lineup.
If you think you'll be using the backpack straps a lot, the Eagle Creek Warrior has a more comfortable backpack system. We like the Warrior a lot, but it is significantly more expensive than the Daylite. While some outdoor junkies may be disappointed by the thinner materials of this bag, we appreciate its versatility and found it well up to the task of hauling our gear.
A master at morphing: our fave gear hauler is super lightweight and can transform on a whim, making it easy to tackle a wide variety of terrain.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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We kept our minds open, and after weeks of side-by-side testing, we examined the data to gain a solid grasp of which carry-ons were the best and why.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
Since tackling our first carry-on luggage reviews a decade ago, we have developed a long history of assembling an energized crew of travel experts to poke, prod, roll, and throw our cases from every angle. To test these carry-on bags, we packed them to the gills to see how much they could hold and how well they handled the strain when fully loaded. We rolled them over soft carpeting and loose gravel, bumped them up and down curbs and stairs, and threw them on the ground to see how well they still held up. Since 2013, we've analyzed carry-on luggage, identifying which bags are best for different packing styles and which aren't worth your money. As always, we buy all our gear at retail price and test it rigorously, side-by-side, for a truly unbiased and comprehensive review. Learn more about how we test carry-on luggage here.
Our carry-on luggage testing is divided into four mutually exclusive rating metrics:
Capacity (35% of overall scoring)
Ease of Transportation (25% of score)
Construction Quality (20% of score)
Design and Functionality (20% of score)
A rolling test was conducted to measure how straight each bag would roll unassisted.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
Our team of experts often travels near and far, be it logging serious road time or racking up portfolios of hotel points and frequent flyer miles. From treks through Sierra Nevada peaks to business meetings among the cobbled city streets of the Andes and cross-continental road trips back here at home, our testing team is built of practiced packers who know how to appreciate a great piece of luggage and can recognize the signs when a case sometimes falls short.
Our testing team is headed up by lead luggage-beater Jason Wanlass. Jason loves adventuring to unique corners of the globe, particularly mountainous regions. He enjoys the thrill of hiking in the most famous mountain ranges in the world, which usually involves lugging boatloads of gear around in hefty, gear-hauler suitcases. Mountains are his first love, but airports are a close second. Jason loves all things travel and is on the go whenever he can find the time. He has been a member of the GearLab team for seven years, and tests gear for a living, so he knows a thing or two about packing his bags and what makes a good one.
Jason is joined by long-time adventure travel professional and outdoor enthusiast Myrha Colt. Myrha is a veritable expert in hitting roads unknown and a master of hauling luggage big and small into the far-off abyss, be it the depths of an airline cargo hold bound for New York, a rugged 4x4 journey into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, or the salty crew cabin of a Caribbean dive boat. Together, these road-trained powerhouses know what gear can make a great trip even better, and they are pumped to channel that knowledge into honing in on the best carry-on luggage available.
Tying up at Northeast Harbor, Maine with our adventure carry on strapped to our back.
Barely making our way through Salt Lake City International Airport. We could call this experience a lot of things -- how 'bout we just say it was an absolute train wreck.
Our North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 chillin' with some distant Nepalese relatives outside of a gear shop in Kathmandu, Nepal.
We're serious travelers demanding a lot from our luggage.
How to Pick the Best Carry-On Luggage for You
Before deciding on your next carry-on, here are four key considerations to help guide you in choosing the best luggage for your personal needs.
Do You Need A Carry-On?
For more seasoned flyers, a carry-on bag can be an essential item during travel. If you are wondering how necessary a carry-on bag is for your personal needs, consider the length of trips you plan on taking, if you plan on bringing essentials such as a computer along, and in the event of long layovers needing access to your belongings. Additionally, there are more options on the market than ever before. So, another valid question to ask yourself is whether you actually want a traditional carry-on when perhaps a travel backpack, or maybe a traditional daypack, or even a simple duffel bag is more suited to your individual needs and packing style.
Just so we're on the same page, carry ons generally carry your essentials -- especially items that you want to stay with you at all times (this doesn't include restricted items). These bags are smaller and are designed to fit in an aircraft's overhead compartment.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
What Size Should You Choose?
Choosing an appropriate size bag can be the difference between an enjoyable trip and wishing you had opted for something smaller or bigger. Sometimes, different airlines have different size restrictions. Determining how much versatility you need from your carry-on is also a factor to consider. If your bag is strictly for weekend trips, then a smaller bag will work just fine. Maybe all you really need is a more basic laptop backpack. On the other hand, if you plan on using your carry-on for week-long trips, you'll probably want a larger-volume bag. When deciding on your next carry-on bag, analyze your personal needs and the types of items you typically bring along when traveling.
Double-checking the dimensions with the expansion feature employed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Hard or Softshell?
A hardshell bag will provide better durability and protection while traveling and offer a bit more protection from weather and the elements. A softshell will provide better flexibility and offer expandable compartments to increase capacity. Another benefit of a softshell is they are often lighter than their hard shell counterparts. Deciding between the two comes down to prioritizing your needs, whether that's increased durability or the ability to fit as much as possible.
Loading our Away The Carry-On into the back of a taxi in downtown Seoul Korea. Hardshells are more ridged, so sometimes they don't fit into tighter spaces as easily as more pliable softshells can.
Waiting at the gate in Boston's Logan International with our Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible carry on. Soft shells are generally constructed of polyester or nylon. They are much more accommodating, but they sometimes have a harder time standing upright because they only have two wheels and they aren't as ridged.
Greater flexibility or better protection? Both have their benefits, so it really comes down to what you want.
Two Wheels vs. Four
Carry-on luggage will most often come in either two- or four-wheel configurations. A two-wheel bag will be easier to move around over rougher surfaces and may provide better stability at times. A four-wheel will offer the ability to spin 360 degrees and will be less strenuous to move around. If you want the ability to maneuver through airports, a four-wheeled bag will be superior, but a two-wheel bag will provide better handling over uneven surfaces and provide better speed.
Cruising through Denver International with our two-wheeled Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller.
Making our way to short term parking at Salt Lake City International Airport with our high-end Rimowa gliding at our side.
Two-wheelers require a little more work and are less maneuverable because they must be pulled behind you. Most adventure or duffel-style bags ride on two wheels because they have a soft top. Four-wheeled bags pivot and glide better. They ride alongside your hip. Traditional hardshell carry-ons roll on four wheels, as do some softshell bags.
There are many important factors to consider when searching for the perfect piece of carry-on luggage. We divided our testing and evaluations into four mutually exclusive metrics that make up everything we look for in a bag. We then weighed each metric appropriately, according to how important it is to the luggage's overall performance, to adequately examine the total picture of each carry-on. Here, we'll break down each metric into which bags performed best — and which fell short — to help you identify your ideal travel companion.
What's the Best Value?
When shopping for luggage, you'll face many choices spanning a wide range of prices. When deciding among rolling carry-on bags specifically, we noticed a correlation between price and performance. Paying more for your luggage gets you smarter packing tools, better rolling performance, and higher durability. However, a few models impress us with their functionality and assets despite relatively lower price points.
Comparative Details Across Carry On Luggage
Measured Volume
Number of Wheels
Locking Mechanism
Exterior Pockets
Travelpro Platinum Elite
40.0 L
4
Zipper loop
3
Rimowa Original Cabin
39.5 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
Eagle Creek Warrior
40.0 L
2
Zipper loop
4
Briggs & Riley Baseline
36.0 L
4
Zipper loop
3
Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel
42.2 L
2
Zipper loop
2
The North Face Rolling Thunder
40.3 L
2
Zipper loop
2
Tumi 19 Degree
38.0 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
Away The Carry-On
35.5 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
Cotopaxi Allpa 38L
41.2 L
2
Zipper loop
1
Samsonite Freeform
41.2 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
SwissGear Sion Softside
40.5 L
4
Zipper loop
2
Delsey Paris Helium Aero
42.5 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
Showkoo Hardside (Set)
35.0 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
Amazon Basics Hardside
36.0 L
4
None
None
Coolife Hardside Expandable
34.5 L
4
Combination/TSA lock
None
Travelers Club Chicago
35.0 L
4
Zipper loop
None
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds
32.5 L
4
Zipper loop
None
Rockland Softside (Set)
24.5 L
2
Zipper loop
2
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For budget-conscious travelers, the affordable Samsonite Freeform Spinner delivers a strong performance for a simple yet well-designed hard-sided case, as does the SwissGear Sion among the soft-sided contenders. Another budget-friendly hardshell is the Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner. Its materials are lower quality, but this bag is a great deal for one-time use and moderate travel. Another cost-friendly option is the Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20" because it offers decent quality and ships as part of a three-piece set. If you constantly fly, invest in a bag designed to last through greater abuse when hauled worldwide. When balancing professional good looks with ease of use and strength in construction, the Travelpro Platinum Elite outshines most of the bags in our test suite. Best of all, it's far from the most expensive, fast securing it a place of honor as the most affordable high-value carry-on on our list.
The Travelpro was named our favorite overall carry-on because of how effectively it balances quality, features, and performance with price. The end result is value.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Capacity
The purpose of any piece of luggage is to carry your stuff from point A to point B. Accordingly, the most heavily weighted metric in our testing plan (capacity) was centered on each bag's ability to accommodate a variety of possible packing lists effectively.
We weighed every bag and took internal measurements to calculate their volume. We noted which bags can expand to accommodate more and which have pockets that increase overall capacity.
During our packing tests and real-world traveling tests, we examined the load security of each piece of luggage. We put them to use to see which ones can adequately do the job and which are just for looks.
This video shows the storage capacity of our previously tested Osprey Daylite 40. Newer models of the bag share the same packing volume and the lowest weight of all the bags on our list. For the user, this means it has the ability to carry more of your things.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Topping our list with the largest overall capacity is the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40. At 5.2 pounds, the Daylite is the lightest bag on our current list, and it also boasts one of the largest volumes at 42.2 liters (we personally measured its interior). The Daylite is a softshell case, so in addition to its larger capacity, it can more easily accommodate a variety of payloads, including bulky or oddly shaped gear.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite proved to be one of the top competitors regarding capacity, although it was slightly bested by the Delsey Paris Helium Aero, Samsonite Freeform Spinner and Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller. The Travelpro has a deceptively large volume and versatile organizational and compression system hidden beneath a streamlined exterior. All items in our weeklong summertime packing test fit without expansion, with all pockets and compression panels proving useful and only the slightest amount of extra muscle required to seal the master zipper closed.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite stood out in both our “summer vacation” and our “bulky item” packing tests.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Most of our lineup falls into two main types of carry-ons — hardshells and softshells (but we also tested a few duffel-inspired gear haulers). Hardshell cases employ a hard exterior shell that opens in half, like a clamshell, and splits wide down the middle along a midline hinge. This means each half of the main compartment will be fully exposed upon opening, and any items left unsecured to either side may come tumbling out. For this reason, hard-sided models typically have a zippered panel enclosure to one side and a set of restraint or compression straps on the other (in addition to any other internal pockets or organizational features you may find).
The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner is a perfect example of a basic hardshell carry-on. It opens down the middle and parts in half like a clam shell.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Softshell cases have a fabric shell, traditionally comprised of ballistic nylon or polyester. They almost always employ a zipped top lid that flips open from the front side of the bag to provide access to the entire main compartment as just one core storage space.
The Briggs & Riley Baseline is a great example of a softshell case. They are typically constructed of ballistic nylon, and have a top lid opening style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The top hardshells in our lineup with the best weight-to-volume ratios are the Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable (7.6 pounds, 38 liters), Samsonite Freeform Spinner (6.6 pounds, 41.2 liters), and the Delsey Paris Helium Aero (8.2 pounds, 42.5 liters). Due to thick, ridged, less-accommodating exteriors, hardshells tend to offer a little less volume; however, all three bags boast very compelling capacities. Slightly below them is the aluminum Rimowa Original Cabin (9.5 pounds, 39.5 liters). The Rimowa Original offers an impressive volume through a top-notch compression system, which cinches clothing tightly, creating more available space. Conversely, the Rimowa's one drawback in this metric is that it's a heavier metal case.
Although a little heavy, we were very surprised and impressed with the Delsey's spacious 42.5-liter interior.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
One thing we liked about the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is its re-designed polypropylene case — one of the only ones in our lineup. Although the industry standard for hardshell cases is polycarbonate, polypropylene is still very sturdy, but it's softer, more pliable, and weighs less. This often results in a bag that cracks less, packs more and is a little more accommodating (but it is more prone to scratches).
We were very impressed with the Samsonite Freeform Spinner's capacity. It weighs less and offers a large interior compartment, which means we could pack more into it -- if only our bag twirling skills were as impressive.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Among our top-performing softshells are the Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller (6.5 pounds, 41.2 liters) SwissGear Sion Softside 21-Inch (7.3 pounds, 40.5 liters), The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 (8.1 pounds, 40.3 liters), and the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch (8.1 pounds, 40 liters). These bags offer an appealing array of extra compartments that can be expanded for greater capacities. The TravelPro, in particular, offers one of the most comprehensive packing systems in our lineup, rivaled only by the Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Spinner.
Storing our phone in the Cotopaxi's exterior top pocket before we cruise through the terminal.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
New to our lineup is the Eagle Creek Warrior XE. It weighs 7.2 pounds, offers a 40-liter expandable main compartment, and tons of extra space from several exterior pockets. It's one of our favorite adventure bags and we really loved how it organizes space. When fully expanded and packed to the hilt, it can be a little bulky for a carry-on, but even so, it's still very easy to maneuver.
We loved traveling with our Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible. It's built like a tank, offers a ton of packing space, but still is easy to maneuver.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Although heavier due to construction quality, we'd like to make specific mention of the capacity of the The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22. What we loved about its packing system is its ability to haul a wide variety of payloads, from clothes to gear. Not only does it pack it well — with the help of a durable compression panel — but this bag's thick exterior protects like a guard dog. It's one of our favorite international adventure bags on the market.
Doing what it does best: this bag was made for exploring.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
No matter which organizational scheme a case offers, we still put each bag through two controlled “packability” tests. First, a standard capacity test, cramming everything required for a week's worth of temperate weather travel into each bag. The second test is just a ramped-up version of the first, this time including bulkier, oddly shaped, or even fragile items along the lines of what one might take with them for a ski vacation or a climbing trip. For our purposes, this packing list included such things as a harness, helmet, rope, quickdraws, and a selection of clothing, toiletries, books, and shoes.
An open-layout clam-shell design can be a real boon when packing oddly shaped items and unusual gear in a standardized case.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Ease of Transport
A key desired characteristic of any carry-on luggage is how easy it is to move. This metric covers everything from rolling ability, handle functionality, bag balance, wheel size, and ease of loading and unloading. We rolled bags over awkward terrain (like stairs and gravel), tugged on their telescoping handles, yanked each grab handle, lifted them above our heads to stuff them into overhead bins, and loaded them into cars.
We first want to see how each bag rolls and assess how easy it is to carry and load. Four-wheeled spinner bags tend to be more variable in their performances, with some tracking smoothly and quietly right alongside you as you walk, while others catch and drag or even tip over when faced with an occasional crack in the road or a shift of weight. Similarly, there are times when we need to manhandle bags up and down stairs or across awkward surfaces and into overhead bins, and this is where grab handles come in handy.
Ease of Use of Specific Carry-On Luggage Features
Product
Tracking Ability
Wheel Smoothness
Telescopic Handle Smoothness
Balance
Travelpro Platinum Elite
5
5
5
5
Briggs & Riley Baseline
4.5
5
5
5
Rimowa Original Cabin
4.5
5
4.5
5
Tumi 19 Degree
4
5
4.5
5
Away The Carry-On
4
3.5
3.5
4.5
Showkoo Hardside (Set)
4.4
3.5
3
4
Samsonite Freeform
3.5
4
3
4
Eagle Creek Warrior
3
3
4.5
4
The North Face Rolling Thunder
3
3
4
3
Amazon Basics Hardside
3
3
3
4
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds
3
3
3.5
3.5
Cotopaxi Allpa 38L
3
3
3.5
3
Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel
3
3.5
4
2
SwissGear Sion Softside
2.5
2.5
3
4
Delsey Paris Helium Aero
2.5
3
3
3.5
Coolife Hardside Expandable
2.5
2.5
3
3.5
Travelers Club Chicago
1.5
2
2.5
3.5
Rockland Softside (Set)
2
1
2
1.5
The Travelpro Platinum Elite, Rimowa Original Cabin, Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, and Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable were stand-outs for their cruising ability and user-friendliness. Each has large double wheels offering ample clearance, and they consistently rolled in a straight path, sticking to our sides wherever we went.
Just cruisin' by check-in with our smooth-rolling Rimowa. This was hands-down one of our favorite carry-ons to push around.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Additionally, despite being among some of the heaviest in our test group (and therefore more difficult to lift and carry when fully packed), these cases earned their high scores thanks to thoughtful designs and the placement of well-made carrying handles all the way around their exteriors.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite has four smooth spinners that magnetically self-align no matter which end of the bag is leading out. This allows for an impeccable glide and quick maneuvering.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
On the other side of the coin, the Away The Carry-On, Delsey Paris Helium Aero, and SwissGear Sion Softside are three bags with very respectable scores for their ease of transport. Each has very impressive spinners and performed well on our tests involving all things movement, including the occasional staircase lugging.
An old-school boarding of our flight from Tibet to Nepal. The Away's handles are balanced and easy to grip, making it easy to move, carry, and load.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Of particular note, we were also quite surprised by the budget-friendly Amazon Basics 20-Inch and Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20". Boasting tall and wide double-wheeled spinners, both bags roll smoothly, track decently, and can handle a variety of terrain with impressive resilience.
The Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20" making weight and absolutely crushing it in our tracking tests.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Instead of rolling in tandem next to you, two-wheeled bags balance on two wheels and are pulled directly behind the traveler. The stand-out two-wheeled rollers in our review are the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel, The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder, and the Eagle Creek Warrior XE.
What was once considered older technology, roller bags have reemerged into the luggage scene as the preferred bag for hauling gear. The large-tread beefy wheels on the Daylite have a certain swagger and can navigate over nearly any terrain. This bag is easy to transport, whether you're lifting, pulling, loading, or rumbling over a rocky trail. This bag's ability to transform from a carry-on to a duffel bag or backpack takes its portability to a whole new level.
The Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40 is super lightweight and adaptable, making it one of the most transportable bags of the whole lot.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
In addition to wheel function, we also studied features that made a bag easy to lift, adjust, or carry. The The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder boasts five well-placed grab handles that make it a breeze to latch onto, whether you're throwing it into the back seat, lugging it up a flight of stairs, or shoving it into the overhead compartment. This bag is very easy to move.
This bag has serious handles. We never had a problem lifting, carrying, or positioning it.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Last but not least, we'd like to give a huge shout-out to the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible for its unmatched ability to cover variable terrain with ease. The highlight feature of this bag is its ability to transform into a fully padded backpack, complete with a hip belt, adjustable shoulder straps, and an elastic chest strap.
Swapping out our Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible carry on for a fully functional backpack.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Construction Quality
When spending on new luggage, most of us want to make sure our purchase lasts more than a flight or two. The best luggage will hold up to the worst any airport or hotel personnel can throw at it and should last through all types of adventures. That's why we examined the material, construction, and overall sturdiness of each carry-on piece to better understand how a case might hold up when faced with average day-to-day travel activities (think opening and closing zippers and running wheels over cracks in heavy volume) or the eventualities of airline abuse.
The Rimowa Original Cabin, Briggs & Riley Baseline, Travelpro Platinum Elite, and The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 are built for serious hauls out of tough, long-lasting materials that have been thoughtfully combined to look and perform gracefully under pressure. Also among this elite company are the Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable and Away The Carry-On.
We pushed our fully loaded Briggs and Riley bag off its perch. It fell three feet and hit the ground hard. It then seemed to look up at us and say, "Is that all you got?"
Credit: Jason Wanlass
It's no surprise these bags are impressively durable even under extreme circumstances, with basically bombproof wheels, smooth-glide zippers, numerous user-friendly handles, and a significant investment in structural integrity (including reinforced edging and protective bumpers along vulnerable corners and seams). No matter how often or severe a beating we served up — be it crashing onto concrete floors, tumbling down stairs, dousing with hose water, or bouncing into obstacles — these bags simply refused to say “uncle.”
Every bag underwent the same drenching test for water repellency.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Many of our more budget-friendly cases were still able to balance acceptable ruggedness and longevity with an appealing price tag. This isn't always an easy task in the luggage world. Often, one construction feature must be sacrificed for another, namely strength for cost. However, the Samsonite Freeform, SwissGear Sion, Amazon Basics Hardside, and Delsey Paris Helium Aero all performed well enough to earn above-average scores for their toughness.
Although its fabrics are a little more lightweight, our testers found the SwissGear Sion fit for facing the rigors of basic travel by airplane, public transportation, or adventure vehicle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
In particular, we were impressed with the strength and resilience of the Samsonite Freeform (polypropylene) and Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner (ABS) shells. Both were tough enough to handle anything we threw at them. Additionally, we were highly impressed at the Delsey's ability to combine a high-end fashion vibe with incredible ruggedness — and all at an appealing price point.
The Samsonite Freeform's polypropylene shell is sleek, pliable, and relatively tough.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
When it comes to sheer ruggedness, the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible and The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 22 definitely caught our eye the minute we pulled them out of the shipping box. The North Face has a treated 1000-denier recycled polyester shell that is relentless when it comes to taking a hit. This bag's underbelly is solid as well, and it has long bumper rails that protect it from direct contact. If you're headed out for a serious adventure, this bag is one to consider. The Eagle Creek is surrounded by dense, recycled, 600-denier polyester dobby that is reasonably water-resistant.
The Rolling Thunder's bumper rails allow it to glide down a flight of concrete stairs instead of tumbling end over end.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Design and Functionality
Some of our award-winning bags can cost as much as a plane ticket. And with such elevated price tags, most travelers will expect a well-rounded case rather than a master of one. We evaluated these suitcases based on several aspects of their design and functionality, considering any additional features and add-ons, plus each bag's style and appearance. We also considered each bag's zipper function, layout logic, and ability to pack a variety of unique payloads. Lastly, we compiled all of our data and compared each case against its peers to determine the best application for each (i.e., business, leisure, or adventure).
Our top performers in nearly every aspect of this metric were the Travelpro Platinum Elite and the Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Spinner, followed very closely by the Rimowa Original Cabin. Each of the three earned one of our Best In Class Awards, with the TravelPro being named our favorite overall carry-on luggage model. So it's no surprise that these three beauties would have the best overall design and function of our entire flight crew. All three have sophisticated aesthetics and many smart extra features that keep them perched as some of the best carry-ons money can buy. Specifically, the Rimowa Original's prominent all-aluminum, completely riveted exterior certainly places this bougie case in a class all by itself — and a price bracket all by itself.
It kinda acts like it owns the place. The Rimowa is all-class, all the time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Of special note, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential employs our favorite packing system. To start, its entire trolley handle assembly sits on the outside of the bag, leaving a truly flat interior surface for packing. Next, a tri-fold garment envelope is incorporated discreetly into the bag's opening lid, creating the perfect tool for laying out a suit or dress to minimize wrinkles in transit. Finally, instead of a traditional zipper expansion, here you'll find a proprietary “one-touch” compression/expansion tool that lifts the walls of the case to provide an extra couple of inches of storage depth within. Just add in your belongings and cinch down the internal compression panels over your load before zipping the bag back up. Simple pressure applied to the outer edges will then compress the entire suitcase down, and you end with a clean rectangular piece of luggage free from bulging. And if that's not enough space, use the included SmartLink strap to attach a purse or laptop bag to the top of your case.
Briggs & Riley's ingenious one-touch compression/expansion system is placed on the inside, allowing for quick and easy deployment without the need for strained zippers.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The packing system of the Travelpro Platinum Elite is worth noting. Its deceptively large capacity houses plenty of organizational features to keep your belongings separate and in place within its streamlined exterior. Its compression straps have panels of fabric (with pockets) stretched between them to securely hold down everything you bring. Additional features we love include a removable toiletry bag that zips into the side and an optional garment bag for keeping your formal wear less wrinkled in transit.
The Travelpro is designed to the hilt for comfort and function. We especially loved its built-in charging station. It's also the perfect height for a foot stool.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Away Carry-On boasts alluring mid-modern good looks within a compact, road-ready, easy-to-maneuver hardshell. Besides its lower clearance and tendency to scratch and scuff, we couldn't find much we didn't love about this carry-on. This case excels at extras, from its well-thought-out interior storage system to its included laundry bag, especially given its price point. It also offers a distinguishable stitch trim accent and several color options, so you still have the option to stand out in the crowd at the luggage carousel.
The Away The Carry-On stands photo-ready and armed with a slew of smart features to make it a favorite among our testers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
It is also possible to take advantage of smart organizational tools at a lower price point. We particularly appreciate the SwissGear Sion, which comes with several exterior and interior pockets, expansion options, and functional compression straps. It even includes a bonus toiletry “wet bag” for extra bragging points.
The SwissGear Sion Carry-On has a whole lot of handy features all rolled into one, like this waterproof toiletry bag that snaps into the inside for transit.
An interior pocket sized for accessories and other small items comes in super handy when packing the Travelpro Maxlite 5.
For those travelers that appreciate organizational features, many in our lineup come with useful, well-placed pockets and even removable components (like toiletry bags) for when you arrive at your destination.
Two of our other favorites for this metric are the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller and the North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder. Both bags are showoffs when it comes to catching the attention of other travelers. In particular, the Cotopaxi is a patchwork of random colors that somehow combine to make an eye-catching pallet. This design is a trademark design of Cotopaxi (known for its colorful daypacks), and we think this look transfers very well to their luggage line.
Lookin' good with our Cotopaxi while we do our airport thing. This carry-on is cool and catchy.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Staying true to its company's decades-old iconic vibe, The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder claims its territory with a large logo on the top of the bag. More conservative travelers may not be drawn to its loud-and-proud design, but most will agree that it certainly stands out amidst the sea of rolling carry-ons. We really liked how the bag functions, as well as its bright red wheels, over-sized trolley handle, and traditional The North Face look — it just kinda' screams adventure.
A Nepalese rickshaw driver chillin' with our The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Finally, we must mention the unique design features of our two favorite resident gear haulers, the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 40 and the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible. Both earned respectable marks in this metric for their distinctive functionality. They are both excellent carry-on bags specializing in moving gear from point A to point B, with unique features, including rugged go-anywhere wheels and wide-open duffel-style storage. The biggest difference between the two is their weight. The Osprey has a minimalistic design and is constructed with lightweight fabrics, while the Eagle Creek offers a more over-engineered (in a good way) design with a much heavier shell. Both bags also have the unique ability to easily adapt to an adventure traveler's modes of transport. They can be wheeled through an airport terminal, converted to be carried as a duffel, and even transformed into a backpack when it's time to go off-grid. These features offer added value and versatility — and they're just plain cool.
Showing off some of the design features of our Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
Any cursory glance around the web reveals carry-on luggage choices for days. Sifting through the long lists of seemingly identical bags to find the right suitcase for you can be challenging. Whether you prefer a separate pocket for everything or one giant cavern that can handle a pile of gear tossed in without care, there are plenty of options to choose from. We rigorously tested all of these bags side-by-side to find which cases are best for personal and professional trips, and we hope our findings help you narrow down which one is the right fit for your needs.
Lining up for a final family photo. In the end, we purchased and tested the bags we felt represented the broadest range of style, functionality, price, and appeal.
