The Finest Carry-On Baggage of 2024

In search of the very best new piece of carry-on baggage to your subsequent journey? Everyone knows there’s nothing worse than toting round a cumbersome piece of bags, bulging on the seams with the quantity of garments you’ve tried to stuff into it for a weekend getaway. Making journey a neater affair begins with what you do earlier than you get to the airport — specifically, discovering the precise piece of bags to fit your wants greatest and packing it appropriately. 

Carry-on baggage is available in a wide range of types, from the hardshell classics to soft-sided, duffel baggage. Whether or not you worth options like exterior pockets or 360-spinner wheels, inside compression, or TSA-approved locks, we’ve acquired you coated with our extensive number of the very best carry-on baggage of 2024.

Our group has examined 20 totally different carry-ons over a yr now to slim in on the very best of the very best. We introduced them all around the world on over 10 home and worldwide flights, winnowing our choice to deliver you the crème de la crème of those versatile items of bags. We examined every carry-on with a thoughts for various totally different efficiency metrics, together with construct high quality, packability, weight, and ease of transport.

Lead tester Miya Tsudome, together with supporting employees writers Steve Graepel and Chris Carter, are globetrotters at their core, and have legions of airfare miles below their belts. They know what makes a carry-on value its mettle, and received’t waste time toting a bit of junk across the airport. Relaxation assured — each bag on this information has been vetted by these stone-cold professionals, and needed to go a collection of taxing exams to earn their spot on this information.

Learn on to be taught extra, discover our carry-on purchaser’s information, and reference our helpful comparability chart and worth & worth sections for all the data you must snag the very best carry-on to your subsequent journey.

For our November 15, 2024, replace, we added a worth & worth evaluation to point out what of us get with totally different worth factors. 

The Finest Carry-On Baggage of 2024

Carry-On Baggage Comparability Chart

How We Examined Carry-On Baggage

Our Skilled Testers

Our GearJunkie testers are avid vacationers, with a mixed expertise of lots of of flights taken, home and worldwide, many trains traveled, and quite a few international locations visited. From the town streets of Paris, to the distant mountains of the Himalayas, our testers have coated lots of floor of their lifetimes and know what could make or break piece of bags. 

From flying ceaselessly across the nation for work to spending a great deal of time lugging baggage round Europe, in addition to stuffing suitcases stuffed with climbing gear for far-off adventures, our lead tester Miya Tsudome has had over 2 many years of hands-on expertise with carry-on baggage. 

Our Testing Course of

Our GearJunkie testers are avid vacationers, with a mixed expertise of lots of of flights taken, home and worldwide, many trains traveled, and quite a few international locations visited. From the town streets of Paris, to the distant mountains of the Himalayas, our testers have coated lots of floor of their lifetimes and know what could make or break piece of bags. 

From flying ceaselessly across the nation for work to spending a great deal of time lugging baggage round Europe, in addition to stuffing suitcases stuffed with climbing gear for far-off adventures, our lead tester Miya Tsudome has had over 2 many years of hands-on expertise with carry-on baggage. 

Miya collaborated with two different of our employees writers, Steve Graepel and Chris Carter, for this information. They examined 17 totally different carry-ons over a interval of 4 months — throughout which the three writers racked up some important home and worldwide air journey. They examined every carry-on with an eye fixed for a handful of particular options, together with packability, sturdiness, and ease of use whereas battling round busy airports.

Lastly, that is an natural information, and we add the most recent carry-ons and revisit our previous favorites every season. We work exhausting to remain on high of the most recent and greatest carry-ons available on the market to deliver you essentially the most related ideas doable.

Purchaser’s Information: The right way to Select the Finest Carry-On Baggage

Although nobody bag “has all of it,” there are a lot of high-quality baggage to select from, and a few which will suit your wants higher than others. It’s value contemplating the sorts of journeys you make. Do you sometimes go on enterprise journeys or far-off adventures? Are you on the lookout for one thing glossy and classy or rugged and sturdy?

It’s additionally value contemplating how usually you journey and for a way lengthy — and what bag may take advantage of sense to your wants and finances. Learn our complete purchaser’s information beneath to achieve some perception which may assist you determine.

This text focuses solely on carry-ons. So as to add much more range to your journey loadout, remember to try our purchaser’s guides on duffel baggage, and journey backpacks.

Dimension

Dimension is extraordinarily vital when contemplating buying a carry-on suitcase. It isn’t clever to imagine that each one suitcases labeled as “carry-ons” by their model will mechanically adjust to all airline measurement restrictions. Though the usual is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, some airways will likely be extra strict, particularly in case you are flying on small regional planes or on airways in several international locations.

In case you are spending amount of cash on a brand new suitcase, and are apprehensive about having the ability to simply fly with it, it will be greatest to err on the smaller facet when contemplating your new buy. That is additionally vital to notice for expandable suitcases, which when they’re compact might qualify as a carry-on, however when stuffed full and expanded may exceed the restrict. 

In our assessment, the Rockland Melbourne 20, Dakine 42L, and SwissGear 6283 are the one suitcases strictly below the scale threshold. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that many airways aren’t tremendous discerning about an additional inch or two in any route. 

Forms of Carry-Ons 

Carry-on baggage is available in all sizes and styles, however can sometimes be categorized as being hard-shell or soft-sided. The kind you select will likely be decided by whether or not you like the safety of a tough shell or the flexibility of a soft-sided case, in addition to being a private fashion selection.

Arduous-Sided Carry-Ons 

Arduous-sided baggage is often what involves thoughts when one photos a suitcase — ubiquitous, glossy, rolling clamshells that slide simply into overhead compartments. These shells are often product of polycarbonate supplies, and might generally be textured to be extra proof against scratches and dings however will inevitably reveal scuffs greater than their soft-sided counterparts.

Being hard-sided permits for extra safety of their inside parts, and is good in case you are touring with fragile gadgets. However a scarcity of exterior pockets is often a giant trade-off when selecting a tough shell mannequin, in addition to the truth that their clamshell opening doesn’t permit for fast entry to the inside — you sometimes should unzip the entire bag to go in and seek for an merchandise. The Samsonite Centric and Away’s The Carry-On each have a textured exterior that’s supposed to guard in opposition to scuffs and scratches. 

Mushy-Sided Carry-Ons

Mushy-sided carry-ons have a number of distinct benefits. One is that they’re sometimes extra light-weight, which might make a distinction when packing a bag full for every week of journey, after which having to select it up and put it into an overhead compartment. Put on and tear over time will likely be much less apparent on their cloth exteriors versus seen scuffs on a tough shell, and since most delicate shells have a U-shaped zippered opening as a substitute of a clamshell, there may be much less stress on the zipper over time. 

Mushy-sided baggage additionally makes essentially the most of their exteriors with ample pockets. Whereas hard-sided baggage tends to look sleeker and may be simpler to slip into an overhead compartment, soft-sided carry-on baggage can present extra bang to your buck with its additional pockets and skill to increase.

Packability

Clamshell 

The suitcases we examined primarily characteristic two totally different designs that influenced their packability. All the hardshell suitcases characteristic a clamshell building — a zipper opens all the way in which round to disclose two separate compartments on both facet. That is useful for group, as you may separate your clothes out of your different gadgets. Some manufacturers, like Away’s The Carry-On, even have customized packing cubes to make group much more satisfying.

Our testers discovered that the clamshell design helps to maintain us extra organized and fewer more likely to simply stuff a bunch of garments right into a duffel bag as a result of closing them up simply relies on how nicely you packed your gadgets. Nevertheless, a giant disadvantage to this fashion is whenever you’d prefer to seize one thing out of the suitcase in transit, it’s important to open all of it the way in which and splay out each side to search out what you’re on the lookout for.

U-Formed Zipper 

A U-shaped zipper opening to at least one important compartment is the opposite widespread suitcase design you’ll discover from many manufacturers, as discovered on the Osprey Transporter, Patagonia Black Gap, Thriller Ranch Mission, and in some methods will increase a bag’s packability. With the ability to rapidly pack and unpack a suitcase with out having to separate any parts is a giant plus for ease of use.

U-shaped zipper openings are sometimes discovered on soft-sided suitcases, and might permit a bag to be stuffed to the brim and nonetheless be capable of zip shut with somewhat bit of additional legwork.

These suitcases are typically deep and might accommodate layers of clothes, particularly when put into packing cubes or rolled up tightly to maximise area. Sometimes, baggage like this may have some organizational parts similar to facet pockets and compression straps, however staying organized will likely be extra of a problem when all your gadgets share one important compartment.

Compression Straps

Being able to compress cumbersome gadgets to make extra room in your carry-on baggage is a really fascinating characteristic, however these straps are usually not all created equal. Many suitcases can have some form of strap system, however usually received’t do a lot to compress in any respect and can merely serve to carry your gadgets in place.

In case you are planning to pack as a lot as you may and love what some good compression straps can present, it pays to be discerning concerning the bag that you just purchase. One of the best compression straps in our lineup may be present in Away’s the Carry-On, and the Osprey Transporter.

Inside Zippered Storage

Arguably one of the crucial vital issues to maintain the inevitable stress ranges decrease on the subject of journey is sweet group. Regardless of how exhausting you attempt to keep organized, issues can unravel rapidly whenever you open up your bag, pull out a toiletries package, and your entire system of neatly folded garments comes aside with it.

That’s why it may be good to discover a bag with good inside zippered storage, so you may hold gadgets separate and accessible with out disturbing the entire order of your packing.

The Thriller Ranch Mission has a powerful quantity of inside zippered storage which helps hold group a neater affair. In our hard-sided suitcase choice, we preferred that Away’s The Carry-On made additional use of their compression divider including a big, zippered mesh pocket appropriate for slender gadgets. The ActiveShield compartment on the Gregory Quadro Professional Hardcase 22″ was additionally a novel approach to cordon off soiled laundry, and has Polygiene antimicrobial know-how to maintain smells contained.

Spinner Wheels vs. Non-Spinner Wheels

360-degree spinner wheels have been a boon to the evolution of the carry-on suitcase. 4 wheels that spin independently in each route make maneuvering a bag by crowded practice stations and within the slim aisles of planes simpler than ever earlier than. And it’s exhausting to disclaim that the sensation of “gliding” your suitcase alongside as a substitute of dragging it behind you makes transit extra interesting. 

There are some benefits of two-wheeled suitcases, nevertheless, which are value mentioning. There are often 4 spinner wheels on a suitcase which implies extra elements that may break. The wheels are additionally a lot smaller than on two-wheeled suitcases, and worse for maneuvering over cobblestone streets, grass, or different uneven terrain.

The wheels on non-spinner suitcases are sometimes a lot bigger, generally even with lugs for higher traction, and are a more sensible choice if you already know you’ll be going over various terrain. They’re additionally often simply replaceable and longer-lasting than their spinner counterparts. 

Exterior Pockets

Exterior pockets are one other class that may be aligned with the hard-sided versus soft-sided debate. They’re sometimes a characteristic of soft-sided suitcases, such because the Thriller Ranch Mission or the SwissGear 6283, although there are uncommon manufacturers which have discovered methods to include pockets or panels into the entrance of their baggage.

Exterior pockets may be fascinating for various causes, specifically for storing smaller gadgets that you just may wish to entry in transit similar to a passport, e-book, iPad, headphones, sleep masks, and so forth. Particularly when placing a suitcase in an overhead compartment, figuring out that these gadgets may be simply accessible if wanted will likely be a reduction to you and the passengers surrounding you.

Some might select to not need exterior pockets, nevertheless, for safety causes amongst others. Having all your gadgets safely locked inside a hard-shell suitcase could also be fascinating for some. Particularly when on a practice the place the baggage storage space may be far-off out of your seat. 

TSA-Accepted Locks

When on the lookout for a suitcase that includes a lock for additional safety, it will be clever to ensure the lock is “TSA-approved.” These are often mixture locks that may be opened with a grasp key by safety personnel in order that your baggage isn’t topic to wreck throughout a routine inspection.

Supplies and Design

It’s typical for hard-sided suitcases to be product of polycarbonate shells, whereas soft-sided suitcases are made with various sorts of nylon. As talked about earlier than, hard-sided suitcases will likely be extra susceptible to scratches and scuffs as they’re tossed round in transit, and if this degradation in aesthetics is one thing that can trouble you, a soft-sided suitcase could be the higher possibility. After all, although nylon received’t reveal scratches as readily, it’s nonetheless a material that may be susceptible to ripping.

It’s a good suggestion to examine the denier of the material for soft-sided suitcases, with the next denier that means the extra resistant the nylon will likely be to snags or tears. Some suitcases, just like the Osprey or Patagonia Black Gap, will actually have a DWR coating along with high-denier cloth that makes their baggage much more sturdy in addition to weather-resistant.

One other consideration is that the polycarbonate shells of hard-sided suitcases sometimes have the choice of coming in shiny colours or patterns, which might make recognizing your suitcase at baggage declare or within the stuffed baggage compartment of a practice a breeze. Some may also just like the expression of favor these baggage permit for.

Value & Worth

Finances

Any form of baggage can get dear, however there are nonetheless some nice baggage to be discovered for $150 or much less. It’s possible you’ll be sacrificing some options like sturdiness, enlargement choices, and backpack straps, however baggage like our finances choose, the Rockland Melbourne 20 ($120), has 360-degree spinner wheels, an enlargement zipper, and an inside zipper pocket. It’s not essentially the most sturdy possibility and there’s no inside group, however the informal traveler may do loads worse for the cash.

Mid-Tier

Within the $200-$300 vary, you’ll begin to discover extra sturdy builds and supplies, extra group, and different enjoyable options you received’t see in finances baggage. As an example, the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40 ($300) is made with DWR-coated 900D recycled polyester with weather-resistant zippers and overlapping rain flaps, making it not solely extraordinarily sturdy but in addition weather-resistant. Plus, it’s acquired burly outsized wheels that simply roll over grime and grass. Plus, handles on the perimeters make it simple to make use of as a duffel or huck into the again of a pickup truck.

Premium

For baggage that may transcend the place the sidewalk ends, you could have to shell out as much as $400 or extra. The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible ($429) is expensive, however it’s as much as the duty, thanks partly to its backpack straps and hip belt, which let you carry it when the terrain is simply too tough for rolling. Further adventure-ready options embody rugged wheels, a moist/dry pocket, and a stow-away cargo internet for holding a helmet or cumbersome jacket.

Often Requested Questions

Frustratingly, there isn’t any common airline commonplace for max carry-on baggage measurement. The final guideline adopted by many airways is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, however small regional flights or overseas airways might have totally different restrictions. Due to this, we completely suggest wanting up the restrictions of your most well-liked airline, to get a way for what measurement suitcase may work greatest to your wants.

Selecting between a hard-sided and soft-sided carry-on is a matter of private selection and desired options. Arduous-sided baggage of the precise dimensions will help be certain that you don’t by chance exceed airline restrictions of carry-on sizes. In the identical vein, they’re additionally harder to overpack. 

However they are going to lack most of the options that soft-sided baggage permit for, similar to exterior pockets, u-shaped openings for simpler entry to the primary compartment, in addition to options similar to pouches for sneakers or soiled laundry and extra room for inside pockets. Arduous-sided baggage additionally tends to point out put on and tear extra simply than soft-sided baggage.

The reply to this query varies vastly relying on the season you’re touring in, and what sort of journey you’re planning to go on. Are you happening an journey trip the place you’ll pack additional equipment like mountain climbing boots, rain jackets, or particular gear? Are you touring within the winter the place cumbersome layers might take up lots of area? Or are you happening a seaside trip the place all of the clothes is gentle and straightforward to pack? There are lots of elements that go into how a lot you may realistically deliver on every journey.

Sometimes, you’ll most likely be capable of match 5 to 7 days’ value of clothes in your carry-on suitcase. For those who pack good, you may maximize the area. Some suggestions embody rolling your garments into tight cylinders as a substitute of folding them. This can assist scale back wrinkles and lets you squeeze thinner gadgets between the areas of bulkier ones.

Additionally, sporting as a lot of your cumbersome clothes when you’re truly touring will maximize the quantity of room you have got in your baggage for the remainder of your clothes. For those who’ll be staying at an Airbnb, examine if they’ve a laundry machine and you’ll pack much less and plan on doing a load halfway by your journey to increase using a few of your layers.

There are professionals and cons for having a bag with wheels or with out wheels as your carry-on of selection. A backpack will help you be extra nimble in transit, as you are taking up much less area and might rapidly seize your bag and throw it in your again with out having to fumble with handles or wheels.

Subsequently, a backpack might be a good selection for somebody who’s touring by practice or bus. However carrying a heavy bag in your shoulder or again all through the day may be tiring, and a rolling suitcase eases the load in your physique. If you already know you’ll have to hold your bag for an extended time frame, a curler generally is a better option.