Packing is often times the most challenging part of preparing for a trip and choosing the appropriate luggage is the first step. Whether you are someone that packs only the essentials and washes your underwear in the sink or someone that packs every possible attire that a situation could call for, I have a bag for you.
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Best Overall Carry-on Bags for the Moderate to Heavy Packers
Amazon Basics 21″ Hardside Carry-On Luggage
The Amazon Basics 21″ Hardside is a solid budget friendly choice. The hardshell case is pretty sturdy for the average trip and there are several pockets to help organize between your clothes and your chonies or toiletries. The suitcase is also expandable in case you plan on cramming a few extra outfits in against your better judgement. I prefer black only because bright colors show more scuffs. $63 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4yYzWtN
Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Hardside Expandable Carry-On, Black, 20“
Travelpro is a favorite brand among frequent travelers (including my favorite travel agent) for durability, organization, and cost. The suitcase is lightweight, expandable, and features eight 360 degree wheels for smooth navigating and maneuverability. The company also offers a limited time warranty for wheels, zippers, handles, etc. Travelpro also offers the “Trusted Companion Promise” that offers 1 year of coverage for shipping and repairs for damages from airlines or other carriers. $160 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4g0efAY
Samsonite Virtuosa Hardside 21 Inch Carry On Luggage
The Samsonite Virtuosa is sleek and convenient. The price is a bit higher but you truly get what you pay for. The wheels are 360 degrees and the luggage includes a TSA-approved lock. The carry on is also expandable and holds more than enough space for 3-5 days clothes if you don’t pack like Blair Waldorf. Not to mention, the aesthetic is vintage with a dash of elegance. I got the Merlot color with a matching checked and duffel bag and I use it constantly. I have also included information below on a carry on/ duffel bag combo set. $199 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4wHuHx9
Nobl Travel Carry on Expandable Luggage, Aluminum Frame Hard Shell Suitcase
The Nobl carry on is the go-go-gadget of luggage. With a built-in charger, 360-degree wheels, expansion zipper, and a cup holder, you are prepared for any airport chaos that comes your way. I particularly enjoy that there is a laptop compartment so that I am not holding up the security line trying to dig out my electronics. It is worth mentioning that the suitcase’s power bank that charges the phone is sold separately for $100. Additionally, while there is a warranty, Nobl does not cover damages that are considered “normal wear and tear” or issues deemed to be caused by “mishandling,” such as dents and scratches. With that being said, there is a likelihood that your suitcase may not be repaired or placed if it gets banged up on your trip. Overall, the quality and functionality are amazing if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash. $299 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4w6n7uH
Best Overall Carry-On for Light Packers
Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender Duffel
Samsonite is tried and true in terms of luggage and their weekender bag is no exception. The bags features a laptop compartment and attaches to your suitcase handle for easy carrying. I found that the bag is pretty spacious, especially if you’re packing for a weekend or using as a personal item (worth mentioning that I take my duffel bag as my personal item in addition to my carry-on bag so I avoid checking one). The weekender is made of durable material that does not get dirty easily (unless you buy a light color, but I do not recommend). $80 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4zd8RDk
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack
The Cotopaxi Travel Pack is a great option for underpackers that take no issue with wearing the same 2 pairs of pants for a two-week trip. My back no longer cares for carrying a heavy backpack for extended periods of time, but I was able to travel across Europe for 2 weeks with all of my clothes in my Cotopaxi. The backpack comes with a compartment for a laptop and a tuckable waist belt to disperse the weight for a more comfortable wear. If there are issues with your backpack, Cotopaxi is known to offer repairs, replacements, or credit but this is geared toward issues with production, not toward damages incurred after use. $205 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4fOkcAU
tomtoc Travel Backpack 28/40L Carry on Luggage
The tomtoc is a great affordable alternative to the Cotopaxi. The backpack features a laptop compartment as well as a relatively spacious area for clothes (if you are an underpacker). The material is ecofriendly, designed with 100% post-consumer material made from PET plastic bottles. Additionally, the material is durable and water resistant (not waterproof). If your backpack has any issues, there is a 1-2 year warranty option if you register your item; however, damages that occurred due to use or airline damages are unlikely to be covered. $72 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4xHT9ib
Best Overall Checked Luggage
Amazon Basics 30″ Hardside Large Checked Luggage
Ladies and gents, this hardshell suitcase right here *slaps the top* can fit 15 bottles of Scotch whisky (or at least 9 bottles of Italian wine) without a single one breaking. The suitcase is also expandable by 15%, maybe more if you just try harder. The Amazon Basics 30″ Checked Luggage is also affordable so you won’t wince at every scuff or when the wheels scrape over European cobblestone. If 30″ is too spacious, there is a 26″ option (but that could mean less whisky, unfortunately). $94 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4wQeMg2
Traveler’s Choice 30″ Pagosa Hardshell Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Traveler’s Choice is a popular brand for durability and organization. The suitcase has 360-degree wheels, which I find to be a necessity, and several pockets to group items while packing. The luggage is also expandable and has a TSA approved lock, just in case someone is bold enough to break into your suitcase to steal items but not just take the whole bag. The luggage is pricier than Amazon Basics, but you get what you pay for. The luggage has a 2 year warranty; however, normal wear and tear and airline damages are excluded. $160 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4wjTgzh
Briggs & Riley 30″ Large Expandable Checked Luggage
Briggs & Riley is considered “high end” in terms of luggage but not to the extent that RIMOWA is (the cost of which is essentially a roundtrip flight to Paris). The 30″ suitcase has 360-degree wheels, a TSA approved lock, and several compartments to pack garments to stay sorted. The bag is also expendable and pretty nice lining. Unless you are a pretty serious traveler, I would suggest a more affordable option, but I’m not here to stifle you. Briggs & Riley is known to have a superior warranty than other luggage brands. Dubbed the Simple as That® Lifetime Guarantee, Briggs and Riley will repair damage- even by the airline- for life, free of charge. $859 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4xqOd0G
LEVEL8 Grace Luggage, 28″ Hardside Suitcase
The LEVEL8 Grace Luggage includes the 360-degree wheels, TSA approved-locks, and a durable outer shell with reviews stating that the suitcase has held up through long trips without scratches or scuffing. The LEVEL8 is a great midrange option but it is not expandable (in case you tend to cram your suitcase beyond its means with a surplus of souvenirs). $225 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4xtJ6gp
Best Luggage Sets
Amazon Basics 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set
Amazon Basics wins for budget friendly luggage sets. Unless you’re traveling for incredible distances through harsh terrain, the set will meet all of your travel needs. Because luggage gets tossed around and rolled through puddles on crowded streets that we can only assume contain varying amounts of piss, purchasing durable budget-friendly luggage is your best bet. $165 on Amazon (prices change for certain colors). https://amzn.to/4z6fHu8
Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 3-Piece Set (20″/24″/28″)
Samsonite is a tried and true. I appreciate how durable my Samsonite luggage has been and how effortless the wheels roll over uneven surfaces. With regard to durability, mine has lasted for quite a few international trips with no issue. The luggage is described as scratch resistant and I can attest that I have not noticed any damage despite my fiancé’s best efforts to damage everything I hold sacred. $344 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4q65REE
Samsonite Virtuosa and Weekender Duffel Overnight Bag with Laptop Computer Sleeve
If you want to optimize space without paying extra baggage fees, I recommend the duffel bag and carry on combo. I can fit an unfathomable amount of clothes and toiletries in these babies. I also enjoy the convenience of having my laptop in a separate, accessible bag for security. The bags are durable and absolutely worth the money. Samsonite also offers up to 10-year warranties, depending on model number and purchase. Also, they look chic as far as practical luggage goes. $267 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4q8HxSz
Travelpro Pathways 3 Hardside Spinner Luggage Set, 3-Piece
Again, Travelpro is favored by the travel experts so you can’t go wrong with a set for all vacation types- weekenders to month-long holiday. The wheels, the 2″ expansion, the warranty- all great. If you travel somewhat frequently, I recommend Travelpro as it is the more durable option and it is better to spend a few extra bucks upfront rather than replacing luggage after ever 3 trips. https://amzn.to/4xzS7Ev
A Few Tips To Unpack
- Luggage is not the black box of a plane. If you purchase light colored luggage, know that baggage handlers have a tendency to toss your shit and your suitcase may scuff so unless you have white-gloved private handlers, I recommend choosing black or dark colors to avoid noticeable scratches, dents, or scuffs.
- 360-degree wheels are essential unless you want to consistently stumble over your bag when you pivot in the slightest.
- Expandable suitcases are a good idea if you are an overpacker and want to try to squeeze in that last sweatshirt with the destination’s name proudly displayed across the chest.
- A TSA approved lock is a nice touch if you pack expensive items that you don’t want stolen, but I would always recommend that you keep expensive items on your person and not check bags containing them at all.
- Aluminum suitcases are known to dent and scratch more easily than ones made out of Polycarbonate and are heavier as well.
- Budget luggage makes sense if you are not a frequent traveler. Obviously, you want your belongings protected but you can pack safely without spending a fortune.
Safe travels!
