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We've tested the best bags for travel, from oversized duffel bags and suitcases to carry-on rollers and under-seat backpacks to fanny packs and sling bags to keep you organized on the go
That's a wrap: heading home after a long day of side by side testing. We put each bag through the same gauntlet of tests to see how they performed and which ones are the best. And somehow airport security didn't kick us out.
Our team of expert testers has several decades of combined experience sightseeing, adventuring, and commuting all across the world. This team of well-versed travelers and globetrotters present to you the top GearLab-tested travel bags for whatever type of road lies ahead. We lashed gigantic duffel bags to the backs of alpacas and wheeled small carry-on luggage for miles through airports and international cities. We stuffed backpacks and daypacks under airline seats and in car trunks. We checked suitcases and carried essentials in fanny packs. We've also slung bags on our backs and on bikes just to get to work in the morning. Through it all, we evaluated every nook and cranny to ensure they could withstand the rigors of traveling, packing, and keeping us organized while we commuted downtown or expeditioned across the globe. We put many miles on these bags, carrying them, wheeling them, flying them, driving them, and even throwing them. We evaluated how comfortable they are to get around, how well they store and protect your belongings, how easy they are to access, and how durable they are to the rigors of wherever your travels take you. From wallet-friendly laptop backpacks to luxury luggage and weather-resistant messenger bags, we've found the perfect travel bags for your journey and budget.
We've traveled thousands of miles testing gear for commuting, moving, and exploring the world. Whether you're looking for luggage that withstands the abuse of airline travel or a top-rated laptop backpack to use as your personal item on the plane, our reviews can help. We've also tested travel backpacks and outlined our favorite duffel bags for hitting the road.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 27, 2024, to add fresh comparisons to newly tested carry-on luggage, checked luggage, and travel backpacks.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner continues to have our carry-on luggage review team's hearts and for a good reason. It's like a treasure chest of organization, with exterior pockets galore and space-saving internal tricks that'll make you feel like a packing pro. This flip-top style bag opens up seamlessly with smooth gliding zippers. Inside, you'll find a detachable suit organizer, four pockets, and a removable toiletry case. The suitcase is built with compression and extension capabilities, both of which provide great utility when a few extra souvenirs need to make their way home. It boasts several exterior pockets of various sizes, including a powerpack pocket to keep your devices charged up. When it comes to packing, it's one of our favorite bags; however, some of our testers liked the packing options on the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner just as much, or even a little more.
“We love the extra features and added versatility of this sturdy, classy roller bag.”
This may be stating the obvious, but a travel bag should be good at… well, traveling. The Travelpro Platinum hits that mark, earning a near-perfect score for ease of transport. This bag has features that allow it to seemingly disappear by your side as you make your way from one airport terminal to the next. It has an above-average five heights to choose from in the telescoping handle, making it easier to find a comfortable grip no matter your height. When it's time to lift your bag into the overhead bin or the trunk of a car, there always seems to be a grab handle right where you want it. In particular, our testers love the design of the roller wheels on this bag. A magnetized function keeps all the spinners locked in a forward position while walking, meaning you don't have to worry about a rogue wheel pulling your luggage away from you when you least expect it. The only carry-on that performs better in transit is the Rimowa Original Cabin — but it will cost you close to 3-4 times more.
Magnets pull each spinner into alignment, helping the bag to roll straight and easing some of the steering effort.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
While it is on the higher end in terms of price, it also delivers higher-end features and is built with a level of quality that is meant to last. In our hands-on testing, it came out as one of the top-scoring pieces of carry-on luggage for design and functionality, so not only will it stay with you through the long haul, but it will add an element of ease to your travels along the way. Those who are often on the move will likely find the investment worth it for the convenience it will add to their travels. Even compared to some models that are traditionally thought of as “high-end,” (and more expensive!) like the Tumi 19 Degree International and the ever-popular Away The Carry-On, the Travelpro Platinum Elite performed better and was unanimously better-liked by our whole testing team.
Need to bring even more with you? We also tested the larger, 29" Platinum Elite and found it equally as excellent — it's our top recommendation for a checked bag and is a well-organized wardrobe with a whopping 117 liters of packing volume.
This carry-on suitcase has almost everything you could want in a travel companion. It's built from high-density ballistic nylon fabric with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and scratches. Its four wheels magnetically align and glide smoothly without much effort. The only potential downside, however, is that the Platinum Elite 21" is technically a tad too large, according to US airline carry-on requirements. But these rules are seldom enforced, and as long as you don't overstuff the front pockets, it should be smooth sailing with your bag in the cabin. From family vacations to professional business trips, there's no carry-on roller bag we'd recommend more than the Travelpro Platinum Elite.
Weight: 7.3 lb | Dimensions: 10.0" x 14.1" x 23.0"
REASONS TO BUY
Great capacity
Four smooth wheels
Inexpensive
Reasonably durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not within carry-on standards
Feels heavy
It can be difficult to find a carry-on travel bag that maximizes capacity and features without breaking the bank. However, the SwissGear Sion Softside does just that. This front flip-zipping suitcase includes variously sized compartments inside and out, including a front shallow pocket great for phones and a larger external pocket for documents or a tablet. Mesh pockets, a waterproof toiletries bag, compression straps, and an expansion zipper can be found along the inside. Pushing this bag through the airport is a breeze thanks to its four smooth-riding wheels. That said, we tested a few other budget models that easily out-rolled the Sion Softside, namely the Delsey Paris Helium Aero and the Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner, but both are hardshell cases.
“With a host of smart organizational features and a durable, reliable performance, this affordable roller bag is a steal of a deal.”
To quote our lead tester, the Sion Softside “is just SO darn packable.” The cavernous interior took on our 7-day summertime getaway packing test, as well as a bulky gear packing test, and passed both with flying colors. We were able to fit everything we needed, and then some, and never had to touch the expansion zipper. If you're a heavy packer, we've also tested the larger 29" size, and we recommend it just as much as this carry-on version. This carry-on roller has a larger-than-average main packing compartment, while the interior also has clever organization features like a removable waterproof toiletry bag and multiple built-in pockets built with durable mesh. For a bag in this price range, we were pleasantly surprised. If you're more of a hard-sided luggage person, the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is a high-value hardshell carry-on with a smooth ride, simple organization, and an attractive modern appearance that we solidly recommend.
The SwissGear Sion Softside rolls well on smooth surfaces like sidewalk pavement, but the smaller wheels aren't ideal for offroading.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
As noted above, this bag will most definitely help you get all your stuff from point A to point B. It even throws in some nice organizational features, all without costing an arm and a leg, but keep in mind that it isn't as sturdy as top softshell performers like the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible, so extra care is a must. The Sion Softside is a great option for people who don't travel enough to spend $300+ on a suitcase but don't want to sacrifice convenience entirely. This bag fits the bill as a featureful option on a budget. Some aspects, such as smaller wheels and less-than-perfect tracking, make it less suited to roll with on a weekly or monthly basis. Still, if your travel schedule consists of twice-a-year trips to visit relatives, you're unlikely to be bothered by these minor inconveniences.
For the budget-conscious traveler, it can be a great value to purchase a set of luggage that includes multiple pieces you'll want for travel. We tested a few — the Showkoo Hardside 3-Piece Set and the Rockland Softside 2-Piece Set. While the value for so many bags is undeniable, our testing revealed that these extremely low-budget sets were made with far less durable materials and construction than most other bags. So, if you're hoping to keep using your bags for years of extensive travel, these bottom-of-the-barrel options might not be able to keep up.
The Sion Softside is a bit heavy for a carry-on piece — however, we appreciate its three well-padded handles that help during loading and unloading. Additionally, it is barely out of US carry-on regulations. If you avoid overstuffing and utilize compression techniques, this bag should have no trouble making it onboard with you. When you're not traveling via air routes, the Sion's expandable zipper provides an impressive amount of extra space — just don't jam it full and expect it to fit in the airplane's overhead bin. For the budget-conscious traveler, this roller provides a great balance of functionality, organization, and a user-friendly price tag.
Available Sizes: 30L, 46L, 65L | Externally Accessible Pockets: 5
REASONS TO BUY
Dual compression straps maximize gear storage
Durable fabrics hold shape well
Great external pockets and internal organization
Comfortable even with heavy loads
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky design
Doesn't lay flat when empty
When your trip goes off the beaten path, you'll want a bag that can keep up. That is exactly what the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is built for. If rolling a suitcase is impractical and lugging a duffel bag takes too much effort, then this comfortable carry-on backpack is likely what you're looking for. Its 46-liter volume will easily stow all the gear you need, but internal and external compression straps secure items and cinch down to reduce the size of the bag.
“With plenty of space, great suspension for carrying, and handy on-the-go essentials access, this feature-filled pack is our favorite.”
The 100% recycled ripstop nylon is well-padded and protects your bag from bumps, bruises, and the occasional rain shower. There is also a large and well-cushioned laptop sleeve. But the best part, and likely why you might choose a travel backpack, is that it is incredibly comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. If 46 liters is too large for your chosen airline's carry-on restrictions, the slightly smaller, 40-liter Osprey Farpoint 40 is another of our favorite travel backpacks that's exceptionally comfortable to carry and easy to live out of.
Our traveling testers love the Sojourn Porter more than any other travel backpack and find it to be a versatile, well-organized, comfortable option for pretty much any sort of trip.
Credit: Hale Milano
Despite the many things we liked about the Sojourn Porter, there are a few cons to both this bag and travel backpacks in general. To keep the size and weight of a travel backpack manageable, you'll likely have to pack light or bring additional pieces of luggage. The Porter is beefy enough to fit plenty of gear, but that also makes it easy to overload the bag, sometimes making it heavy and bulky. That said, it's impressively straightforward to stay organized in the Porter's handy pockets, which offer great access to items you may want during travels, like headphones, snacks, and travel documents. If the cost of this beefy bag is a bit high, the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 also has great organizational features, a lighter weight yet still durable construction, and a more manageable price tag.
Keeping Your Essentials Close
Often, when traveling with a carry-on backpack like this one, we find it useful to pair it with a small fanny pack to keep the items we want with us close at hand and not have to rifle through a bulky backpack on the airplane or train.
The large Porter fits comfortably in airplane overhead bins, but its rounded design makes it a bit awkward to fit under seats or in tight places and feels a bit like wearing a turtle shell. That said, for folks who want a single bag for their next trip without having to cut down their packing list too much, this travel backpack is a fantastic option — and the latest version now includes an external water bottle pocket! All in all, the Porter is a great option for those who prefer to keep all their belongings close and want to ditch the roller bag.
One of the hallmarks of life on the go is living out of your luggage. Achieving the perfect packing job is somewhere between art and science, with the goal being the ability to access any item you might need without completely unpacking or ruining your careful organization. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a bag that excels at livability and one that our testers agree they will reach for if they ever need to live out of their luggage. While travelers with suitcases and duffel bags have resorted to packing cubes, a great invention that also adds another item to your packing list, the Cotopaxi has integrated the benefits of packing cubes into its design.
“The Allpa's ingenious organizational system makes it easy to live out of for days or even weeks on end.”
A system of mesh pockets divides the Allpa's main compartment, securing socks, essentials, and larger clothes in dedicated spaces. You can fully unzip the main compartment and not worry that any of your gear will fall out. The Cotopaxi is also quite comfortable to wear for a long duration, thanks to its comfortable shoulder and waist straps and its supportive back panel. The waist strap is completely removable, which is great if you don't frequently use it and would prefer it not to get caught as you move through crowds and down aisles.
The Allpa has a large external pocket that's great for stashing on-the-go items for quick access.
Credit: Hale Milano
In this day and age, almost every traveler brings some electronics, whether a tablet or laptop. The laptop sleeve of the Cotopaxi was a bit lackluster. The zipper is difficult to use when the bag is packed full, and it lacks internal padding. If you frequently travel with and use your laptop on the go, we really liked the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible with its removable laptop attaché case.
If you love staying organized on the go, a great fanny pack like the REI Trail 2 or the seriously structured Peak Design Everyday 6L crossbody bag pair exceptionally well with a travel backpack like this one.
Another downside to the Cotopaxi Allpa is also a result of its best features. The internal mesh pockets are great for organizing gear, but they inhibit “shove-it-all-in” style packing. We found the Cotopaxi Allpa to be a pleasant backpack to travel with and live out of, and we recommend it for travelers seeking organization on the go. An alternative consideration that is quite sleek and packed with features is the Peak Design Travel 45. It has an internal mesh pocket that can be accessed from both sides of the backpack and a large open compartment that will fit all your bulky gear and then some.
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite laptop backpack to use as a personal item during airline travel. It's a useful pack for toting electronics on a work trip. It has a padded pocket at the back meant exclusively for a computer, as well as a secondary sleeve inside the main compartment for another device. We also really like the auxiliary pockets for other supplies like pens, keys, chargers, or a wireless mouse. Though it's not waterproof, its thick fabric beads water well, and it has a waterproof bottom if you have to place it on wet ground.
“With clever features like a luggage loop across the back and dual electronics sleeves, this bag is travel ready.”
Though it performs well overall, this pack has relatively small dimensions. It can hold folders, notebooks, and files, but it's not quite large enough to be a true overnight bag. It does have a water bottle pocket, but it's pretty small and meant for a specific, skinny style of bottle. If a larger personal item backpack is what you need, we solidly recommend The North Face Recon, with great organizational features for your laptop and daily essentials, a stretch pocket for an extra layer on your flight, and two durable water bottle pockets.
Those two things aside, we love this pack for traveling with a lot of tech and think it's the best option for most people. If you're ready to invest in a backpack with a bunch of useful organizational features, we also love the Incase Icon. On the other hand, if you're looking to save some cash and are interested in a laptop backpack that's versatile enough to transition from town to trail, The North Face Borealis is a fantastic, high-value option.
Weight: 2.6 lb (55 L size) | Sizes Available: 40, 55, 70, 100 L
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight and tough material
Removable backpack straps
Sleek and rugged design
REASONS TO AVOID
Tedious button snaps on handles
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel has years of high performance contributing to its design and overall excellence, and in our most recent duffel bag review, it proved itself to be our testing team's overall favorite model. The Black Hole is a versatile choice that comes in a variety of size options. No matter what size travel bag you need, you can be sure it will do the job — though different sizes come with different numbers and types of pockets. If you're the type of person who likes to keep shoes separate from clothing, you might appreciate the Gregory Alpaca, which has a similar overall construction, slightly different pockets and features, and a moderately lower price tag.
“The backpack-style shoulder straps of the latest version are easily removable, making the transition from street to airport a breeze.”
There are a plethora of excellent features across the many sizes of Black Hole duffels, though they do vary slightly from size to size. Larger models like the 100-liter have multiple zippered pockets both inside and outside for storing small items and internal compression straps to secure gear. Smaller sizes, like the 55-liter, have fewer pockets and no compression system. All models have removable backpack straps, daisy chain attachments, and the same durable fabric. The 900-denier recycled polyester is both water and abrasion-resistant. A reinforced bottom panel helps protect your gear from damage while dragging and hauling.
If you're looking for a more streamlined, sleek duffel for travel, we've tested those as well. We absolutely love the HYC00 Travel as a smaller bag with excellent internal organization that's easy to access on the go — and looks good along the way.
We love this bag and only found minor shortcomings. We wish the closure wrap that secures the handles together were velcro, but Patagonia has chosen to use button snaps here, which take longer to attach. We'd also love to see more storage pockets inside the duffel for small items. Still, when looking at the overall performance and versatility of the Black Hole, these complaints are relatively minor. If you are after more pockets in your duffel, the Cotopaxi Allpa is a great option for a large, rugged bag to keep you organized while traveling.
The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is no stranger to adventure. This bag, which has been updated from Osprey's previous Shuttle Wheeled 100L, is the ultimate gear hauler, and it boasts the capacity and toughness to transport your stuff to any corner of the globe you may be headed. A key distinguishing feature is the exterior straitjacket compression system, which bookends your payload between two padded, 500-denier, high-tenacity nylon flaps and then cinches everything into place with two thick strips of webbing. We also love the dense 1000-denier polyester shell on the The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28. It's super strong and protects gear like a mother bear.
“This durable, impressive adventure suitcase easily devours all your gear and keeps it safe en route to your final destination.”
Other stand-out features are the Sojourn Shuttle's extra-large 4-inch wheels, full-length interior metal frame, balance-engineered grab handles, and water-tight shell. In terms of quality and function, this bag's comprehensive design is top-of-the-line and checks all our adventure boxes. Literally every inch of it was engineered with purpose: beefy zippers and zipper pulls, an exterior muddy boot bin, an add-a-bag strap — everything just makes sense. The Sojourn Shuttle even has a built-in Travel Sentry luggage identification plate that allows your bag to be located anywhere in the world if you (or your airline) happen to lose it.
Alternate Sizes
The larger, rolling version of our favorite travel backpack, the Sojourn Porter, this oversized bag comes in both a smaller 45-liter version as well as a larger 130-liter version, to carry you through even the most gear-intensive trips.
Top-performing fabrics, metal frames, and quality components don't just grow on trees, so expect to pay a little more if you want the construction quality that this bag affords. It has some of the best zippers on the market, so you don't have to worry about them splitting during a long-haul international flight; however, this extra strength makes them more stubborn and stiff. If you're looking to save a little money, check out the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85 or the REI Co-op Big Haul Rolling Duffel 30". We also love the compartmentalized approach to packing that the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 offers.
Putting our Sojourn through the ringer. We tested its over-sized 4-inch wheels, and super tough, water-resistant exterior, and we feel this bag is ready to haul your gear just about anywhere.
The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a serious option for those who like to pack just about everything and know it's reasonably protected. This luggage offers ample room to haul various items, from wetsuits and climbing shoes to uniforms for a whole team. Its side expansion panel allows for additional storage space after a vacation full of souvenir collecting. This rolling travel bag smoothly navigates through crowds and corners with little effort, thanks to its upgraded dual-wheeled spinners.
“With 112.5 liters of packing space, smooth-rolling wheels, and a built-in lock, this reasonably priced checked bag is a great value purchase.”
Its polypropylene construction is tough enough to hold up to airport tarmacs and concrete stairwells, although it does scratch more easily than tougher cases, like the Away The Large, which is made from polycarbonate. The FreeForm is also lightweight for its large capacity, weighing under 10 pounds. The bag opens along the middle and separates into two shallower compartments equipped with mesh nets and straps to keep items secured on their designated sides. When zipped, this suitcase can be reliably secured with its incorporated TSA-approved lock.
If you're looking to maximize your travel budget, consider getting a set of luggage to cover all your packing needs in one fell swoop. We've tested a few, like the Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20" and the Travelers Club Chicago 20". Both are cheaper models made with less durable construction, but they ship as three- and five-piece sets, respectively.
Despite its advantages, the Freeform has some drawbacks. When the bag is only packed halfway, the additional space allows items to shift inside. We also question its long-term durability after years of heavy use, so we only recommend it for moderate travel (we'd say 2-4 flights per year). If you don't need a bag this big, take a look at the smaller carry-on version of the Freeform that we tested. But if you want the security of checking your belongings in a hard-sided suitcase without springing for a top-dollar option, the Samsonite Freeform is the luggage we'd recommend.
Enjoying our favorite kind of merry-go-round. The Freeform's two exterior handles are in short supply and are a little thin, but overall they get the job done.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Test Travel Bags
Over many years, our many travel enthusiasts and bag aficionados have been researching, traveling with, and testing the top travel bags, packs, and luggage available. Over the years, we have spent hundreds of hours scouring the market for the most promising, most interesting, and most popular products we can find. We've bought over 400 pieces of travel gear and brought them on adventures around the globe to evaluate their performance in the real world. We've wheeled bags through security, checked them on international flights, strapped them to pack animals in remote mountains, worn them trekking foreign cities, and commuted to school and work with them.
We hauled The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder all over Tibet, China, to discover how it would hold up as an elite adventure bag.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
In addition to testing them on our own adventures, we've put each bag we tested through standardized and rigorous testing to draw out the nuances in performance and capabilities. We've put them in our showers, cycled through rainstorms, carried them in the snow, and jammed them full of as much as they could hold. In our carry-on testing and large luggage testing, we drop each one of our suitcases from unnerving heights and push them down a flight of concrete stairs to see which ones will hold up to rough cargo baggage handling or accidental mishaps. Year after year, no matter the situation, we do our best to push these travel bags to their limits to learn which ones are best for what types of travel.
Pushing our Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner down a flight of concrete stairs at Salt Lake City International Airport.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
In the pursuit of finding bags for travel, we've assembled a team of bag geeks and travel experts to test everything from daypacks to duffel bags to roller suitcases. Jason Wanlass heads our rolling suitcase reviews, testing both carry-on and checked sizes. Jason has spent decades wandering the globe in search of adventure with his family. He's traversed continents and taken more airplane trips than he cares to count and needs great luggage that can get him there. He is assisted by Myrha Colt, who has spent time living and long-term traveling on six continents. She's a true packing specialist, keeping overall functionality in mind. On top of larger-style suitcases, Myrha rarely leaves home without a smaller day bag in tow, and she uses her experience to inform our backpack reviews.
Ensuring the carry on bags fit within airline requirements.
We've put dozens of pieces of luggage through their paces in airports and airplanes across the world.
Setting off on a big journey? A big suitcase or an oversized duffel might just be your best friend along the way.
We've tested hundreds of travel bags over the years, heading to far corners of the globe as well as the office up the road.
Leading the team on the hunt for the best duffel bags and travel backpacks for your journey is Hale Milano, along with a few other fellow gear testers. Hale has traversed the globe several times over, living out of everything from Army-issued duffel bags to rolling suitcases for business trips and ultra-light backpacks for adventure. Whether it's for work or play, Hale is never one to let his gear hold him back from enjoying his trip. Sifting through the many options of backpack shapes, sizes, and styles, this team has loaded up dozens to find the best that work for a weekend trip, business travel, or living out of long term. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is no stranger to long days and lengthy commutes, and he uses his experience to test the best laptop bags. After spending years venturing hours a day to and from school and work, he values a good day bag to hold the daily essentials, whether it be a lunch, textbook, or laptop. Together, this team has come far and wide, working tirelessly to bring you this list of top-notch travel bags.
Many duffel bags we tested have a backpack carry option, which we appreciate when we have to lug our belongings through the airport or down the street.
Credit: Hale Milano
How to Pick the Best Travel Bag for You
Choosing the right type of bag is often a matter of determining what type of travel or adventure you're doing and working backward. After all, the best bag for an overnight trip to a concert is probably not the same bag that will work for an Arctic expedition. If you're headed out on lengthy journeys abroad, you might value space and portability, or maybe one over the other. While these often don't go hand in hand, there are hybrid options like travel backpacks that meet somewhere in the middle. On the other hand, heavy packers who like having multiple outfit options for every day might opt for a large bag like a traditional suitcase, which will likely not be the most portable. Before choosing a bag, it's important to first consider what your intentions are with your travels, how long you'll be away, and how you plan to get around.
We test our travel bags side by side, but we also take them with us to see how they hold up against real-life travel. We examined our REI Co-op Big Haul Rolling Duffel 30" from head to toe on a recent adventure trip to Maine.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How Long Will You Be Gone?
In many cases, what bag size you need comes down to how long you'll be away and how much you plan to take; packing for a weekend trip will look quite a bit different than packing for a month-long journey. Heavy packers or those headed away for an extended time should prioritize internal space, which can be achieved with a traditional suitcase or an oversized duffel bag. Those headed on a weekend getaway will likely be fine with a carry-on backpack or smaller luggage. Ideally, it's best to fill the space in your bag so that contents don't shift around much during transit. Choosing the right size bag helps keep things packed neatly.
Heavy packer? Choose a large suitcase you can easily check to your final destination.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
If you're traveling by air, you'll need to pay particular attention to your bag's size. It's worth understanding the difference between a carry-on, a personal item, and full-sized luggage. Carry-on bags fit in the overhead bins and are within the size requirements put out by each airline. This varies slightly by company but is generally around the 22 x 14 x 9-inch range. Additionally, most airlines allow you to have a personal item, a smaller bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. This means you might actually be able to bring two bags on board with you as long as they fit within the size requirements. If you're headed out on a short trip or you pack light, you'll probably be just fine with these two bags. Beyond the airport, the same rings true. However, if you're headed on a fairly long journey or need to pack your bulky winter gear, you might need to size up to a larger duffel or checked suitcase.
Duffel bags are a versatile option for whatever type of traveler you are. Often, these bags are available in a large selection of sizes, and many even double as a backpack, making them easier to carry through airports, on public transportation, or up long flights of stairs. Some of the smaller ones even fit under the airplane seat, allowing them to act as your personal item.
Most airports have these checkpoints to ensure your bag is carry-on sized. Though, you can always look up the airlines specific requirements prior to the flight.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
When considering size, most bags are measured in liters, which may get a bit confusing when trying to choose the right size for air travel that's defined in inches. Generally, most day bags tend to be between 20-30 liters, which can typically be squeezed under an airline seat. This size fits typical travel needs like a laptop, an extra layer, a snack and drink, a book to read, and other carry-on essentials. These work great as personal items, as they almost always fit under the seat. Medium-sized bags are within the 30 to 50-liter range and are typically considered carry-on bags. They usually fall within airline size restrictions and can be stuffed into most overhead bins. Large bags, like suitcases and some duffels, are generally around 60 liters in volume and can sometimes be more than 100 liters. If you're a heavy packer, you'll want one of these huge packs — though be wary of your bag's weight if you plan to check it, as most airlines charge high fees for heavy bags.
You might be in the market for a bag that gets you across Europe or simply need something small for your daily commute. Regardless, it's important to ask yourself these questions to ensure you get the most out of your bag. No matter how much other stuff you need to bring, you can never go wrong by adding a fanny pack or small sling bag to keep ahold of those smaller items.
Simple and low-profile, you can't go wrong with a fanny pack on your travels.
Credit: Jane Jackson
How Are You Getting to Your Destination?
Working hand in hand with how long you'll be gone is how you'll get around: plane, train, bus, car? Choosing the open air? Be sure to look into your airline's bag specifications. Some let you fly free with a carry-on and checked luggage, while others charge you for just about everything you plan to take. If you plan to check your bag, you won't need to worry much about it until you land.
Trains and buses have varying rules about luggage quantity and size. However, you should consider how often you'll be changing from one to another. Getting off and on constantly will be a challenge if you've packed heavy and bulky. Often, you need to keep your luggage with you on buses and trains, which can get cramped. Consider an option that will be a bit easier to lug around if the rails or bus will be your primary form of transportation. Taking a road trip? Portability might not be worth stressing over. Instead, you'll want to consider how much space your bag will take up, especially after everyone has piled into the car. Soft-bodied options that compress down are often a great way to conserve space. Those walking or biking will need to prioritize their comfort and consider the size of the bag. Bulky bags with items jostling around are the last thing you need when navigating busy sidewalks and bike routes.
Hopping an airport parking shuttle hoping to make our flight to Denver. The Cotopaxi Allpa 65L Roller maneuvers well, rolls well at high speeds, and is a pro at jumping curbs.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
You'll also want to consider how mobile you need to be during your travel. If you're hopping from town to city to oceanside villa, you'll want a bag that's easy to get around. For example, travel backpacks and duffel bags are both going to be highly portable and comfortable to wear. On the other hand, you might be headed to a single destination where you can leave your belongings back at the hotel. In that case, you won't need to be as picky about the bag's style or versatility and can focus on what it fits and how well it travels to get there. Even for travelers who plan on migrating around their destination via trains or cars, consider how far you might be walking from your accommodation to the station; wheeled luggage and cobblestone or dirt streets don't mix well.
Setting off on a big journey? A big suitcase or an oversized duffel might just be your best friend along the way.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Where and Why Are You Traveling?
Next, consider what you'll need to bring along. Your destination and travel goals will dictate which bag suits you best. If you're headed to a cold climate or on a trip where lots of gear is needed, you'll obviously need more space in your pack than someone heading to the Caribbean with a swimsuit and snorkeling mask only. Some bags have one large compartment, while others have pockets galore. If you prefer to stay organized, look for a bag with plenty of storage options and internal pockets. Some of the travel bags in our lineup have great organization features with a pocket for everything. On the other hand, if you're the type of traveler to “throw-and-go,” a single-compartment bag will be best.
Duffel bags are great because they are just one large compartment, so you can throw your gear in and get moving.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
If you're headed to work or school, your travel bag is going to look quite a bit different than if you were headed abroad. Do you take a laptop or tablet with you? Specifically, look for a pack that is large enough to house your electronics. You might opt for a pack with plenty of pockets that can separate out your wallet and keys to pens and pencils to binders and tablets. Additionally, consider how you get to work or school. Is it by public transportation, car, or bike? Consider the weather you may encounter and the protection you may need. Are you biking to work in the rainy Pacific Northwest or the snowy northern cities? Are you battling crowded subways and buses? In any case, you'll want to keep an eye on the bag's overall comfort, protection, and functionality.
The right backpack will offer the organization and pockets that match your needs - whether that's stowing a large laptop or packing clothes for a weekend away.
Credit: Amber King
The same rings true for a good day bag for other day-to-day adventures. Consider what your “essentials” are. If you're out to explore a new city or a new trail, keep in mind what you like to have on you, whether it be a change of clothes, headphones, or a packed lunch. Plenty of day bags will have enough space to hold your belongings. If you're taking a computer or tablet along, prioritize a backpack or messenger bag with a designated sleeve or compartment to keep it safe.
Are you headed on a work trip or to an event? You'll want a bag that can keep your fancy clothes wrinkle-free while keeping ahold of all your regular travel wear. Many carry-on options and suitcases have included or incorporated garment bags to keep your business or formal attire looking fresh for those special events and meetings. These special compartments are often removable so that you can hang up your attire once at your destination. And when you're not on a trip where you'll need that specific component, you can leave it at home and free up some internal space.
If the last thing you want is to show up to an event with wrinkled clothes, look for a travel bag with an included garment keeper.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Regardless of your reason for travel, we recommend pairing your main bag with a fanny pack or a small backpack. Having a smaller bag allows you to ditch your big bag back at the hotel or hostel so you can venture around with just the day's essentials. Fanny packs are great because they are low-profile and rarely need to be taken off. Here, you can stash some money and your phone without worrying too much about theft. Sling bags and daypacks are another great option, allowing you to bring your favorite rain jacket or fleece, or have extra space for a snack to get you through a long day or bring back souvenirs you might pick up while out exploring a new city. For on-the-go accessibility, a good messenger bag can be easily slung on the shoulder and opened up on the fly.
Your daily commuter bag should have enough space for all your essentials, organized and protected from whatever the hazards of your commute.
Credit: Jared Ross
Bag styles
Now that you know what your travel style is, it's time to find your bag. There are many different types of bags to help you get from here to there. While many have obvious uses and strengths, many more have multiple usable situations and attributes that help them excel in different travel environments.
Credit: REI Co-op
Rolling Luggage — These bags can be a traditional suitcase or a rolling duffel bag with two or four wheels. Wheels ultimately increase the bag's maneuverability and convenience on flat, smooth surfaces. As you travel around the hotel, train station, or airport, these packs will be very easy to pull around, no matter how heavy their contents are. Those with four wheels excel further as they can be pushed or pulled and stay closer to you as you weave through crowded or narrow spaces. However, if you're planning on spending a considerable amount of time walking through gravel, over cobbles, or traversing other uneven terrains, a roller bag can be cumbersome, frustrating, and slow. Listed below are scores for all the bags tested in our current luggage and carry-on luggage reviews.
Base Camp Duffel
Credit: The North Face
Duffel Bags — These bags are soft-sided, sometimes water resistant, and great for packing in lots of clothes, oversized items, or oddly shaped gear due to their large main compartment. Their collapsible design allows them to fit easily into car trunks, overhead compartments, or under seats (depending on volume), making them great for almost any kind of travel. They typically don't have tons of organizational pockets, though some include a few small compartments. Many adventure-ready duffel bags can be converted into bulbous backpacks in a pinch, though they aren't the comfiest backpacks for prolonged wear. Others come with messenger-style shoulder straps to help you get from A to B, but none are a joy to carry long distances. These bags are great when you don't have to cart them around by hand for very long, but you need to bring a lot of stuff or some strangely shaped objects. The chart below shows the scores of the products we tested in our duffel bag review.
Credit: Samsonite
Hardside Luggage — These box-shaped suitcases are characterized by their hard exterior designed with durability in mind. Most are built from ABS or polycarbonate, while some high-end models are constructed with metal exteriors. In general, they are lightweight, water-resistant, and capable of handling a tumble while protecting your contents. Almost always, these bags are clamshell style, meaning they open into two equally sized shallower compartments. They can be reliably locked up with a TSA-approved lock and feature roller wheels and a telescoping handle to get you to the check-in line. Because of their hard exterior, these suitcases can't be compressed to squeeze into a small overhead bin. This also makes them great candidates for checking, as your contents won't get squished going through any of the heavy machinery that operates airline luggage systems.
Credit: SwissGear
Softside Luggage — These are one of the most commonly used suitcases today, with internal support structures and a sturdy, cloth-covered exterior. To withstand the rigors of travel, they're typically made from durable materials like nylon, Cordura, polyester, or a combination of each, designed to resist scratches and tears. These bags almost always open with a flip-top lid, like a shoe box. Most have a variety of pockets within the main compartment for added organization. Some models have a built-in compression system, which can be cinched down to compress soft contents like clothing. Most of the time, they have handles and roller wheels. They come in varying sizes, some of which are ideal for an overhead airline bin and some that need to be checked to your final destination.
Credit: Osprey
Backpack — This category might seem self-explanatory; it's a bag that's built for a back. However, when it comes to traveling, there are many versions to consider. A daypack is typically a bit smaller but built with the movement and comfort needed for adventuring in mind. These smaller backpacks can be paired with a larger suitcase or duffel to get you to your destination before converting into an active-minded day bag for whatever cities or wilderness you choose to explore. More casual backpacks like school backpacks and laptop backpacks do double duty, serving the daily commuter or student as well as becoming a personal item on an airplane or a handy road trip companion. These bags come in many styles and sizes and have various organizational options so that you can find the perfect bag for your daily endeavors, both near and far. Travel backpacks are larger than these others, with enough internal storage and clever organization to neatly hold everything you need for your trip sans suitcase. These travel-focused bags are typically comfier to wear for long hours on your feet and a great choice for destination hopping utilizing multiple types of transportation. Below, we show charts that outline the scores of the bags tested in our travel backpack and laptop backpack reviews.
Credit: Chrome
Messenger Bags — Similar to backpacks, messenger bags are a practical and stylish option for day-to-day use. They hold all the same items that you would fit into a backpack but in a different configuration that's easier to access without removing the bag. With a single shoulder strap — and the occasional carrying handle — most of these bags can be worn across your body in either direction. A fold-over lid is common and covers the main compartment, sometimes offering additional protection from the elements that the zippers of a backpack can't quite match. If you find yourself needing to frequently dig into the contents of your bag while wearing it — or you just like the look — check out our favorite messenger bag for commuters, students, and travelers alike.
Credit: Amazon
Fanny Packs and Sling Bags — Fanny packs and sling bags are compact satchels that rest on the hip or over the shoulder. Many fanny packs can be worn as a sling bag or crossbody bag simply by loosening the strap, giving you the freedom to choose how you wear them. These small but mighty packs can take your travels to the next level with their convenience. You can pair them with just about any other kind of travel bag for a few extra pockets — and they're small enough that they typically don't count as an extra bag during airline travel. Even the smallest options are large enough to hold most wallets, your keys, a phone, and keep your passport handy. Keeping your valuables close to your body can also help deter pickpockets. If you don't want to wear one during all your travels, these small bags can easily be stowed into your main bag until you reach your destination. Regardless, we think you can't go wrong with adding a fanny pack or crossbody bag to your travel system.
No matter what you're packing or where you're heading, there's a great travel bag for you.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Conclusion
Whether you're packing for a three-month expedition or commuting to work each day, these backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases have you covered. No matter the journey that lies ahead of you — be it a cobblestone road in Scotland or a bike ride to the gym — we've done in-depth testing and side-by-side comparisons on hundreds of travel bags to help you choose the best companion for your packing needs. Wherever your travels take you, we hope you're well-prepared with one (or more) of these top travel bags.
—Jason Wanlass, Hale Milano, Myrha Colt, and Ben Applebaum-Bauch
