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We've circled the globe with all kinds of luggage, from rolling carry-ons and organized travel backpacks to oversized duffel bags and checked suitcases from top makers like Osprey, Travelpro, Cotopaxi, Rimowa, Samsonite, Patagonia, Timbuk2, and more.
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.
From stashable rollaboard bags to cleverly laid-out backpacks, the right luggage for you should enhance your travel experience by fading into the background. It should keep you organized and streamlined so you can focus on where you are rather than what you brought.
Our team of traveling expert testers has several decades of combined experience sightseeing, adventuring, and commuting across the world. We've pushed the limits of international carry-on baggage size allowances, carted our belongings via train, bus, and pack animal, and spent months at a time living out of these bags to find the best options for every type of traveler.
Our favorite pieces of standard rolling luggage are the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" carry-on and 29" checked bags. This line from Travelpro has great capacity, smart packing systems, exceptional durability, and looks smart wherever you roam. Pair this luggage with the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe as your under-seat personal item for a truly smooth travel experience.
When it comes to carried bags, the Osprey Sojourn Porter remains our top choice for a carry-on-friendly travel backpack. It's well-organized but highly compressible and is one of the most comfortable options to wear on your back over long distances. If you prefer a duffel when you travel, the Patagonia Black Hole comes in a ton of sizes, is impressively stuffable and durable, and has been one of our absolute favorites through years of testing.
If you like keeping a few items close as you explore a new place or kick back on a long flight, we've also tested convenient crossbody fanny packs. For more adventurous trips, consider swapping out your regular personal item backpack for a daypack. No matter where or how you roam, our globetrotting experts can help you travel better.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 1, 2025, to include new insights from extended travel and use.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner has been our carry-on luggage review team's favorite rollaboard bag for years now. It's a treasure chest of organization, with exterior pockets galore and space-saving internal tricks that'll make you feel like a packing pro. Its main compartment offers 40 liters of storage space — though at 23.5 inches tall, including the wheels, it's a little above most airline allowances (U.S — 22 inches / International — 21.5 to 22 inches). Though we've only run into issues with this on certain small international carriers, if you'd rather play it safe, Travelpro makes a smaller international-sized version.
“I love the thoughtful features and sturdiness of this classy roller. Its magnetic wheels are amazingly smooth, and it rolls in a straight line next to me without any effort.”
The Travelpro Platinum Elite has a large pocket under the lid, one on each arm of the compression straps, and a removable garment bag and toiletry bag. This impressive organization is only matched by the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner, which we also love. Larger versions of the Platinum Elite — like the 29" checked version we tested — have similar organization, making them great options to live out of without unpacking into your hotel room drawers.
Our favorite carry-on, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, can take a beating.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Magnets snap all the wheels into place with this bag by your side, letting it glide seamlessly next to you. The telescoping handle has five heights and reliably still works even with a jammed-full bag and after years of frequent travel. Though the Platinum Elite is a softsided luggage, its ballistic nylon is well up to the rigors of constant travel. Some of our travel team have been flying, training, bussing, and checking this roller for more than seven years, and it looks almost as new as the day we bought it.
Check Your Airline's Carry-On Allowance
While plenty of luggage is advertised as “carry-on size”, some of these bags are actually larger than airlines allow. While US airlines will often let things go that aren't obviously overstuffed, certain international carriers have weight limitations instead.
A cautionary tale from one of our testers…
"I always travel with this bag, so naturally, I took it on my honeymoon to Svalbard — aka the North Pole. We made it to Norway just fine, but I forgot to check the domestic baggage allowances for the final leg. My bag was over the weight limit, so they checked it. Because of plane weight restrictions on Svalbard's landing strip, the airline left a bunch of bags behind — including mine. I didn't have any of the layers I had packed for our Arctic expedition, and I had to go buy extra clothes on a very expensive island, just to stay warm enough until my bag arrived 28 hours later. I'll never make the mistake of not checking airline regulations again!"
Though the Platinum Elite's price may seem high, we have watched Travelpro have sales, offer deep discounts, and send out fantastic coupons regularly, bringing the cost of this bag down significantly. While some others we've tested come close to the quality and convenience of this bag, not one of them can match its combination of intuitive organization, brainless ease of use, and exceptional durability for this price.
“When I travel, I like everything in a specific spot. My husband prefers the 'chuck it all in' method. We've both been using this roller for almost a decade — and we BOTH love it.”
Yes, we also loved the fancy rollers we tested from Rimowa, Tumi, and Briggs & Riley — but all of them cost a lot more than the Travelpro. The only one that comes close is the hardsided Away The Carry-On, which also has solid organizational features and good durability, with a built-in lock. Ultimately, no matter where you roam, there's no carry-on roller we recommend more than the Travelpro Platinum Elite.
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.
“I really like this bag's organizational features. I've used this bag a lot for domestic travel, and it hasn't let me down yet — plus, it's a great deal.”
Mesh pockets, a waterproof toiletries bag, and an expansion zipper can be found along the inside. Its biggest downside is that it doesn't have the best wheels and was out-rolled by both the Delsey Paris Helium Aero and the Amazon Basics 20".
The SwissGear Sion Softside rolls well on smooth surfaces like sidewalk pavement, but the smaller wheels aren't ideal for offroading.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The main compartment of the Sion has 40.5 liters of volume, though its overall measurements are a little larger than some domestic and international carriers prefer. Specifically, this bag's height is an inch taller than most U.S. airlines require, and about 1.5 inches more than international airlines. We still love it, though, and we've also tested the larger 29" checked-bag size, and we recommend it just as much as this carry-on version. If you're more of a hardsided luggage person, the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is another high-value carry-on with a smooth ride, simple organization, and an attractive modern appearance that we solidly recommend.
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've 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 many years of travel, these bottom-of-the-barrel options might not be able to keep up.
The Scion has some nice organizational features, without costing an arm and a leg. Three padded handles on the sides make it easy to load and unload and an expandable zipper offers extra capacity. It isn't as sturdy as top softshell performers like the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible, so extra care is a must. For the budget-conscious traveler, the Sion Softside 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 storage
Durable fabrics hold their shape
Great external pockets and internal organization
Comfortable to carry, fully loaded
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky shape when full
No lay-flat option for ease of access
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.
“I love this bag's layout. It has great suspension for carrying and handy on-the-go essentials access. It's feature-filled and definitely my 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.
“I took this on my multiweek trip through Europe, where a rolling bag would slow me down. Its ingenious organizational system made it easy to live out and stay organized.”
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 crossbody bag like the REI Trail 2 or the seriously structured Peak Design Everyday 6L sling 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 important docs or 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.
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. Likewise, it does have a water bottle pocket, but it's pretty small and meant for a specific, skinny style of bottle. So, if pockets and pure storage capacity are what you need, you may want to check out the Yorepek Travel Extra Large or the The North Face Recon. The Yorepek has the best price tag, but if we had to pick between the two, we prefer the durability and convenient design and size of the Recon — especially for stuffing under a plane seat.
“I like this pack's extra features. It has a luggage loop across the back, dual electronics sleeves, exterior accessory straps, and a water bottle sleeve. This bag is travel ready.”
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.
“I've lugged my Sojourn around the globe for nearly two years. It really protects my gear and it rolls on nearly any surface, especially cobblestone streets. My favorite feature is its adjustable straight jacket storage system.”
Other stand-out features of the Sojourn Shuttle include extra-large 4-inch wheels, a full-length interior metal frame, balance-engineered grab handles, and a 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. However, it's a little larger than most airline requirements. Most U.S., and international, carriers cap the dimensions of checked bags at 62 total linear inches, but the Sojourn's dimensions equal 67 linear inches. Although, we've traveled extensively with this bag without issue, we do feel that this dimension issue is worth mentioning. But, if you'd rather play it safe, the REI Co-op Big Haul Rolling Duffel 30" (57 linear inches) and the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 32" (62 linear inches) are great options.
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.
Literally every inch of Sojourn Shuttle was engineered with purpose: beefy zippers and zipper pulls, an exterior muddy boot bin, an add-a-bag strap — everything just makes sense. 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. 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.
“This bag has tons of room, its wheels are super smooth, and I love having a built-in TSA-approved lock. For the price, I think this 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, with 112.5 liters of packing space. However, at 65.8 linear inches, the overall dimensions of the Freeform are technically a little larger than most airline baggage restrictions. If this is an issue for you (it hasn't been for us so far), we have a few hardshells in our lineup that do meet dimension requirements — like the Away The Large (62 linear inches) and the Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside 29" (61.5 linear inches).
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 Tested
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. We've bought over 400 pieces of travel gear and carted them along 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
We also 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. We've dropped suitcases from unnerving heights and pushed them down concrete stairs. Year after year, no matter the situation, we 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.
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.
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. To choose the right bag for your trip, consider what you need to bring, 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 Is Your Trip?
In many cases, what size of bag you need comes down to how long you'll be away and how much you plan to take. Heavy packers or those headed away for an extended time should prioritize larger capacities and good compression systems. For a weekend getaway, a smaller bag with good internal organization works well.
If you're traveling by air, you'll need to pay particular attention to your bag's size. Check your airline's posted limits for carry-ons, personal items, and full-sized luggage. Carry-on bags are designed to fit into airplane overhead bins, but each airline has its own allowable limits for the size or weight of these parcels. And while many carry-ons offer expansion zippers, cramming your bag full may result in exceeding your airline's size restrictions — meaning you'll have to check (and potentially pay extra for) your bag.
Personal items, as defined in air travel, must fit under the seat in front of you. They can be a backpack, purse, messenger bag, or tote — really anything, as long as it fits, which is typically under 30 liters. Just like carry-ons, every airline has different restrictions for personal items. While most US airlines tend to allow any bag that fits under the seat, some international carriers also impose weight restrictions — and charge you extra for packing more.
Though you can check most pieces of luggage, even checked bags are subject to airline size and weight limitations. Most carriers define both an upper weight limit and “linear dimensions” that are allowed. That means that you need to add the length, width, and height of your chosen travel bag, to ensure it falls within that limit. You can still check bags that are larger and heavier than these allowances — but you'll pay extra to do so, and may have to pick up your bag from a specialty “oversized baggage” area when you reach your destination.
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
What Are Your Methods of Transportation?
Beyond airline rules, trains and buses have their own rules about luggage quantity and size — though they are almost always less restrictive than planes. More importantly, consider how many transportation changes you have to make, how much walking is involved, and what sorts of surfaces you need to cross.
Frequent changes from plane to train to city bus to walking over uneven stones can make a wheeled bag cumbersome and difficult to hit tight connections with. If being quick and crossing questionable terrain is a part of your journey, a bag you can carry is a better option. On the other hand, if you're hopping in a car right out of the airport or taking a long train journey where you'll want to stow — and even lock — your luggage, your trip is likely better suited to rolling luggage.
If you're taking multiple modes of transportation on your travels, consider all the surfaces you'll cover and the best way to easily cart your luggage.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Choosing Your Best Type of Bag
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: Rimowa
Rolling Luggage — These bags can be a traditional suitcase (hardsided or softsided) or a rolling duffel bag with two or four wheels. Wheels make these bags highly maneuverable and convenient on flat, smooth surfaces. Those with four wheels instead of just two 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 navigating public transportation, a roller bag can be cumbersome, frustrating, and slow.
Credit: Cotopaxi
Travel Backpacks — Larger than your typical backpack, these bags have enough internal storage and clever organization to neatly hold everything you need for your trip sans suitcase. These travel-focused bags are meant to be carried when rolling bags are going to slow you down. They're a great choice for destination hopping and utilizing multiple types of transportation — like taking the train and then a bus from the airport to a stop near your accommodation.
Credit: The North Face
Personal Backpacks — Especially when traveling on an airplane, using a backpack as your personal item is the best way to achieve maximum packing capacity. If you plan on bringing your computer, a laptop backpack offers protection and organization for your belongings. For traveling children (or those who prefer to leave the laptop at home), a standard school backpack can perform the same function. If you plan to do some hiking or adventuring at your destination, you may sub in a daypack instead. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you — which includes most bags up to almost 30 liters — most US airlines will allow it.
Base Camp Duffel
Credit: The North Face
Duffel Bags — These bags are great for packing in lots of clothes, oversized items, or oddly shaped gear due to their large main compartment. While their softsided and flexible, allowing them to be packed into oddly shaped spaces, their method of carry will dictate where you're willing to take them. Traditional single-handed carry handles make great road trip bags. Some duffels feature backpack straps or even wheels, making them solid choices for airport journeys or far-flung adventures.
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.
