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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

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(limited colors)

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

with single-use code HIKE20

with members-only single use code ANNIV24

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

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The 11 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

No matter what size or style you want, these are the best luggage brands to fit your needs.

In This Article

• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Our Decision Process
• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Looking to upgrade your luggage in time for summer travel? Several of our favorite brands, including Tumi , Samsonite , TravelPro , and Delsey , have huge discounts for Memorial Day.

No matter where you're going or how often you travel, luggage can make or break your trip. It helps with planning, packing, and staying organized while away — and sometimes determines whether you can bring back souvenirs. There's a wide range of checked suitcases, carry-on bags, duffels, weekenders, underseat bags, and backpacks on the market. Beyond that, you've got hardside and softside options with various organizational features. Amid what you might call the Golden Age of luggage, it can be hard to sift through your offerings.

To figure out what brands stand out from the rest, our Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage ranging from carry-ons and checked suitcases to duffels, weekenders, garment bags, and other types of travel bags — assessing capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design through a series of tests and simulations. We've rolled suitcases through obstacle courses, threw them off tables, and hit them with baseball bats to see how well they'd perform in different travel scenarios like rough baggage handlers. We even recreated an airplane set in our New York City lab to lift bags into real overhead bins and underneath seats. We continue testing each bag in our real-life travels for a minimum of six months to make sure it stands up to planes, trains, automobiles, and anything else life may throw at it.

Our team has tested bags from many different brands, and below you'll find our current favorites. We will continue to update this article as we test even more luggage brands and new bags.

Best Overall

Backed by a 10-year warranty, Samsonite luggage is compact yet spacious, easy to maneuver, and exceptionally durable.

Because Samsonite has such a wide variety of designs and price points, some bags perform better than others.

After our most recent set of luggage tests, Samsonite has risen to the top as our favorite overall luggage brand. Samsonite luggage is generally lightweight and compact on the outside, with spacious interiors to maximize packing and a variety of styles to choose from. We especially love the brand for its versatility, with an impressive variety of bags at different price points so you can find whatever suits you whether you're looking for something affordable or luxurious.

The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on holds the spot as the best overall carry-on we've ever tested, while the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside takes the cake as our favorite checked suitcase . The Samsonite Bartlett Carry-on Softside Spinner earned perfect scores during our tests, impressing us as a solid softside suitcase for under $100. We also loved the organizational features — including multiple tech sleeves and included packing cubes — of the Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner .

Almost all of the suitcases sustained hardly any damage after we hit them with a baseball bat and shoved them off a table. Samsonite luggage also maneuvers without a fuss, even on carpeted floors and gravel. Prices are more than reasonable, and while you'll have to make any returns within 30 days, the brand backs its products with a 10-year warranty.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 10-year warranty

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Overall, Runner-up

The suitcases are durable, smooth-rolling, and spacious, and the brand has a generous 100-day return policy.

Some are harder to pull on two wheels, and the checked models are a bit heavy. 

All Travelpro luggage we tested earned high scores for maneuverability, durability, capacity, and overall design. The brand's hardside and softside models were a hit in the T+L lab, and there are both carry-on and checked options with spacious interiors and expandable capacities. We also appreciated the various organizational features, like zipper panels, cross straps, and pockets.

With self-aligning spinner wheels and sturdy telescoping handles, Travelpro luggage is also easy to maneuver on hard floors, carpet, and even gravel (though some suitcases are slightly harder to roll on two wheels than four, especially when packed full). We particularly love the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner with its sleek wheels and a textured handle that helps maintain a comfortable grip, and we think the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk Spinner makes a stylish investment piece if you're looking for something large, durable, and built to last. Even Travelpro's rolling garment bag impressed with its high capacity for the size. And, while the carry-ons are generally lightweight, one thing to note is that the larger checked models weigh almost twice as much when empty.

After shoving the suitcases off a table and whacking them with a baseball bat, we were pleasantly surprised by their durability. We only noticed a couple superficial marks — no scratches or dents, and nothing that wouldn't wipe clean. Travelpro offers a generous 100-day return policy and backs its luggage with warranties ranging from 10 years to a lifetime, though it can be difficult to connect with their customer service department to initiate returns or repair requests at times.

The Details: 100 day return policy | 10-year to lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best for Staying Organized

Away Travel

Beyond aesthetic appeal, Away flaunts plenty of pockets and compartments that keep all of your items in place.

The hardside suitcases might scratch under heavy use.

Away luggage has a minimalist-modern aesthetic and a sophisticated yet practical appeal. We're huge fans of the brand's suitcases and weekenders and particularly love The Everywhere Bag that's perfect for overnight trips, quick weekend adventures, and use as a personal item on longer trips. The checked baggage and hardside carry-on luggage pieces are light yet durable and easy to wipe clean. They didn't sustain any dents from our baseball bat tests, but there were a few scratches after we shoved them off a table. There are so many sizes to choose from, including one of our favorite trunks we've ever tested. We liked the dual main compartments, compression systems, expanders, and dirty laundry satchels of the roller bags.

The suitcases were a breeze to maneuver on their 360-degree spinner wheels, and carrying The Everywhere and The Garment Bag was comfortable with the padded shoulder straps. The Garment Bag also has interior padding that keeps all of your longer clothing items protected and helps to minimize wrinkles. Away is certainly not the cheapest luggage brand out there, but it's also far from the most expensive. Considering the 100-day return window, lifetime warranty, and stylish designs, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to pretty much any traveler.

The Details: 100 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

A perfect choice for organized travelers, Paravel luggage has lots of added features and a sophisticated appeal.

The suitcases don't expand, and the lighter colors are prone to scuffing.

Perfect for organized travelers , Paravel takes the cake for additional features. We loved the dual compartments, many pockets, dividers, and removable laundry bags. While the suitcases don't expand, the compression pads make fitting everything a cinch. The Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus was one of our top carry-on bags thanks to its sleek design, roomy interior that makes packing a breeze, and slick wheels that were great on every surface. We also love the super cute Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack that earned perfect scores in every category, as well as our pick as best overall mini backpack . Not only does the bag fold up small so you can pack it in larger bags, but it also has a high capacity that can even fit a tablet, making it the perfect eye-catching style to wear on any vacation.

Most Paravel luggage pieces held up well during our durability tests, though the lighter-colored hardside models are prone to scuffing. The suitcases are also easy to pull, push, and roll over various flooring materials. What's more, Paravel luggage is undeniably stylish with a sophisticated appeal and a cool mid-century flair. Prices are somewhat steep, but in the end, we think it's worth the investment.

People / Jhett Thompson

Most Spacious

Delsey Paris

The brand's large-capacity suitcases are impressively spacious yet lightweight, with built-in expanders and smooth-rolling wheels.

The hardside models are prone to scuffing.

Delsey is a go-to for large-capacity luggage . This brand carries both hardside and softside suitcases, including surprisingly spacious carry-ons and checked baggage in multiple sizes so you can find the best design for your needs. We were thrilled by how much they fit, noting that they could easily pack all items on our packing list with room to spare, even without expansion functions.

The suitcases maneuver well on their four spinner wheels, even over carpet, cracks, and bumps. Most models are also lightweight, so lifting them into an overhead bin is no problem. We checked the Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-on and matching Chatelet Air 2.0 Medium Checked bag on four different long-haul international flights and each time they made it to the luggage carousel with only minor scuffs that were easily wiped away. We appreciate Delsey's accessible price points, plus the brand backs its luggage with warranties ranging from five to 10 years.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5-to-10-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Colors

They come in both neutrals and so many colorful designs, including limited-edition options.

Some of the carry-ons are on the smaller size.

You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store with all of the colorful suitcase options from July — and if you tend to gravitate toward neutrals, July has those, too. After we tested over a dozen bags in our lab on on our airplane set, some of our favorites included the July Carry On (includes a portable charger), the July Checked Plus (the largest suitcase in July’s range), the July Checked Plus Light (a great lightweight option), and the July Trunk Set (a stylish, zipperless two-piece set). 

We found the bags to be very durable against our baseball bat tests, although we noticed that the bags with aluminum corner bumpers tended to scuff more easily specifically on the corners. One of our favorite features was that some bags, including the Carry On Pro SnapSleeve , feature a multi-stop telescopic handle that you can adjust to 20 different heights, when many suitcase handles only stop at three heights.

Different bag styles are available in different colorways, and you can choose from delightful shades of blues, greens, pinks, reds, shadow lavender, plum, yellow, sand, and more, most of which will easily stand out on any baggage carousel. We did notice that some of the carry-ons tend to be much more spacious than others, so be sure to check the dimensions to find a size that will fit everything you need.

The Details: 100 day return policy | Limited lifetime warranty on luggage; 5-year warranty on soft bags and accessories; 2-year warranty on small leather goods

Best for Smaller Bags

Calpak luggage is compact yet still spacious enough to hold the essentials, and maneuvering it is a piece of cake.

The two-year warranty is substantially shorter than most other brands.

If you're looking for something you can stash in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, Calpak might be your best bet. We loved the duffles, backpacks, and suitcases with a particular appreciation for the Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage , our best overall underseat bag . We love that it glides smoothly, has a sturdy exterior, and can even fit a laptop, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even business trips.

Even when packed full, we found each Calpak suitcase to roll beautifully on both two wheels and four. We also like the Compakt Small Garment Bag , which is perfect to transport of one or two formal pieces inside a carry-on suitcase. The Stevyn Duffel Bag was very comfortable to tote with its shoulder strap and features a separate shoe compartment to keep your items clean if you're in the market for something smaller. Though the two-year warranty is shorter than most other brands, we think Calpak's prices are more than fair.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 2-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Budget

Amazon basics.

Amazon's luggage is not just budget-friendly but also lightweight and sturdy with unexpectedly large capacities.

Color options are limited, and the suitcases don't have USB ports or other smart features.

We can confidently tell you there's much more to love about Amazon Basics luggage than a budget-friendly price tag. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner also landed on our list of the best lightweight luggage after earning a perfect score in all categories. We especially love that even though it is a light suitcase, it's sturdy with wheels that easily maneuver over gravel and carpeting. More pockets would have been appreciated, but both the carry-on and checked models easily fit everything on our packing list without the expanders, which adds another 15 percent to the capacity.

The hardside suitcases have extra-thick thermoplastic shells that passed our durability tests with flying colors — no scratches or dents in sight. They were generally easy to maneuver, too, albeit a little more difficult on gravel. Color options are limited, and while most Amazon Basics carriers don't have TSA locks or smart features, the designs exceeded our expectations.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 3-year warranty

Best Splurge

This splurge-worthy luggage brand boasts expandable main compartments, ample pockets, impact-resistant exteriors, and smooth spinner wheels.

The price might be hard to justify, and the checked bags are somewhat heavy when empty.

If you want the crème de la crème of luggage, Tumi is where it's at . The suitcases and underseat bags fared better than the duffel we tested, but all in all, we were impressed. Our favorite by far is the Alpha International Expandable 4-wheeled Carry-on that looks compact but includes plenty of organizational compartments and even comes with its own removable garment bag. There was plenty of space to pack everything on our list in every Tumi bag, even without the expanders. This brand also stands out for its organizational, smart, and security features. We're talking ample pockets, removable garment bags, laptop sleeves, USB ports, lockable zippers, and TSA-approved locks.

Whether you go softside or hardside, you can count on reliable durability — we even jumped on the bags and rode on top of them and not one feature broke or dented. We observed virtually no scuffs or scratches after whacking the bags with a baseball bat. Tumi luggage is easy to maneuver, thanks to the spinner wheels, but bear in mind the checked sizes are pretty heavy when empty. If you can swing the steep price, we think the brand is an excellent choice for long trips, frequent fliers , and those who like to stay organized.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Most Durable

Briggs & riley.

Briggs & Riley

With ballistic nylon or shock-absorbing polycarbonate exteriors, Briggs & Riley suitcases can really take a beating.

This is one of the more expensive brands, and the checked models are slightly heavy when empty.

The most durable luggage we tested comes from Briggs & Riley . The brand carries softside suitcases with ballistic nylon exteriors that resist premature wear and tear, as well as hardside models like the Sympatico Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner with shock-absorbing polycarbonate shells that promise to protect your cargo from getting crushed. We were impressed by how well they stood up to our shoves and bat swings — no dents or scratches to speak of.

Durability aside, Briggs & Riley suitcases roll effortlessly on hard floors and carpet, over bumps, and around tight corners. They also have decent capacities, many with built-in expanders. This is one of the more expensive luggage brands, but it's backed by a lifetime guarantee. We wouldn't be surprised if the suitcases last 10 or more years. Not only that, but there are a few options for remedying potential damage, including self-repair kits, authorized repair centers, or shipping back to Briggs & Riley for a tune-up.

The Details: 30 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

People / Tamara Staples

Best Design

Thoughtfully designed, each Béis bag we tried comes with extra, often removable, features so you can customize your packing.

These are large bags and we had a hard time fitting some weekenders under airplane seats.

Shay Mitchell's luggage brand quickly won our hearts with each bag's thoughtful design, customizable inserts, and removable compartments. The bags are certainly large and can fit everything you need for a long vacation or quick weekend getaway — just be mindful that not all of the duffel-style bags will work as personal items. The Weekender is one of our favorites: like Mary Poppins' bag of wonders, this tote seems to expand as you pack it, fitting every item on our list.

When it comes to rolling bags, the 29-inch Large Check-in Roller is our best checked bag for organization . Similar to its weekenders, carry-on bags, and backpacks, Béis' check-in bag is huge and can fit everything you need and more. All of the Béis suitcases we tested also sported durable wheels that smoothly navigated different types of surfaces without gettings tuck, as well as easy-to-use handles that make running through the airport a breeze.

The Details: 45 day return policy | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure/

Other Luggage Brands We Liked

Even though these brands did not make our main list, they still have some worthwhile suitcases and bags to consider.

Monos :  Monos items have a nice, sleek look that are generally easy to maneuver. However, when we tested its large check-in suitcase, we found that it carried less items than some of its competitors.

Arlo Skye :  We love this brand's smooth design and stand-out colors, but considering the higher price-point, these bags don't roll quite as smoothly as some other brands.

Roam : We're big fans of Roam's The Check-in hardside suitcase as well as the designs of other Roam bags; however, after one-month of real-world travels, we found these luggage pieces to be more prone to scratching than other brands we tried.

The T+L team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage, including carry-ons, checked suitcases, duffels, weekenders, garment bags, backpacks, and more in our New York City testing facility. We've tried at least six models from many top-rated brands, performing a range of assessments to evaluate the capacity, maneuverability, durability, design, and overall value. We weighed each bag, then packed it with enough clothes and personal items to get through a four-day trip (more for the larger checked bags).

To see how the luggage would perform in a real-life environment, we rolled them on different flooring materials, across gravel and carpets, over bumps, and around corners. We also threw each piece off a table and whacked it a few times with a metal baseball bat to test for potential wear and tear and how prone it was to scratching or denting. In addition, we recreated an airplane set in our lab, where we hoisted the carry-on suitcases into real overhead bins and stuffed them underneath seats to see how easy they were to lift and how portable they felt.

After lab testing, each suitcase and bag was sent out for real-world testing, and our T+L editors brought the bags on vacations, weekend trips, and overnighters. To test each bag's true durability, convenience, and longevity, we tested each bag on planes, trains, buses, and even cruise ships, checking in after one month, three months, and six months to give our feedback. Considering standout features, size, and price, we created categorized ranked lists of every luggage piece we tested. The luggage brands with the highest average ratings were ultimately chosen for this list of our favorites, which we will continue to update as we test eve more luggage.

How We Chose These Brands

The T+L team tested at least six bags per brand on our winners list to ensure a broad sample size. We tested underseat luggage , checked luggage, and carry-on luggage as well as duffel bags, garment bags, and backpacks, and gave each individual bag a score based on its capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and overall value.

Next, we created rankings based on the total average scores of all the bags we tested for that brand. We also thoroughly read through all of the tester insights on each luggage item from these three tests to evaluate each bag's details and features. Finally, we determined whether or not we would recommend a bag and its overall brand.

Tips for Buying Luggage

Get to know the brand.

When it comes to researching a new luggage brand, you're already well on your way. For more information on a specific brand, you can check out its website, read customer reviews on products you like, or even take a peek at the items in person. Buying new luggage (whether a singular piece or luggage set ) can be a pricey investment, so be sure you like a brand's style, warranty options, and overall quality before you make that purchase. This is especially important when it comes to splurging on luxury luggage pieces .

Know your organizational preferences

Material and size are important, but some of the best luggage brands stand out for their organizational features. This may include dual main compartments, various pockets, a shoe separator, zippered sections, a toiletry bag , a removable laundry bag, a garment bag, a laptop sleeve, and maybe even a USB port with a power bank pouch — some Arlo Skye luggage includes the power bank itself. While it's not a top priority for all travelers, this can make packing and accessing your belongings much easier.

Look for durability

The best luggage stands up to wear and tear for several years to come. Both softside and hardside luggage options can be very durable. It's really a matter of whether you want to safeguard your packed items from getting crushed or protect the exterior of the suitcase from superficial blemishes (though many softside and hardside models we tested check all the boxes).

Think about mobility

You should also think about maneuverability. When you're running into the airport to check your bags before heading to security, you'll want a suitcase that doesn't hold you back. Four-wheel spinner suitcases tend to be easier to pull and push over different surfaces compared to suitcases with just two wheels, and they're even better if they have a sturdy telescoping handle. Grab handles and padded straps are ideal for other types of luggage, and a lightweight design will make your travel experience much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll see a range of hardside and softside models when browsing luggage, and many of the best brands offer both. What you purchase really comes down to personal preference. Some people appreciate how crush-resistant hardside suitcases protect their belongings. They're also easy to wipe clean and have a sleek, modern appearance.

On the other hand, softside suitcases are typically (but not always) lighter in weight and more flexible, so you can often pack more in them. After testing both types, we can tell you they're often just as durable as hardside options, and they won't dent like hardside bags do. Although a textile exterior might be trickier to clean, it can be better at concealing scuffs and dirt. Regardless of the type of luggage, you can find several effective products to clean suitcases available.

Size limits for carry-on luggage vary among airlines . That said, most allow suitcases no larger than 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Some are a little more strict, with limits set around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Keep this in mind if your suitcase has an expander, as the additional inch or two could put it over the allowed size limit. We recommend checking the airline's website if you're not sure whether your luggage will pass as a carry-on.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, commerce writer Theresa Holland pored over our in-house testing insights, checked return policies, read the fine print for warranties, and evaluated price ranges to create a comprehensive roundup of the best luggage brands out there today.

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CleverJourney’s Best Luggage Brands in 2023

1. briggs & riley (81 points | high-end class).

If you’re a frequent traveler and you have a high enough budget, then Briggs & Riley is definitely your go-to brand. Similar to Rimowa and Tumi , they make extremely durable luggage, which is targeted at business travelers and airline crews.

The only difference is that their bags come with better packing features, much better warranty terms, and they cost less. Although spending over 500$ for a suitcase might seem like a lot, it actually isn’t. Their luggage can withstand decades of frequent travel , and other similarly-durable suitcases usually cost over 1000$.

But the main reason why so many frequent travelers choose Briggs & Riley is because of their excellent lifetime warranty, which is currently the best one of all the luggage brands we’ve tested. It covers any defect that affects the functionality of the suitcase, regardless of the cause (even transit damage and accidents). You don’t even need the original receipt in order for it to work.

One downside for Briggs & Riley is that their bags are pretty heavy, weighing 15% more than the average weight of other luggage . Another obvious one is their prices, which range between 400-1000$, depending on the model.

Read our full Briggs & Riley luggage review

2. Ricardo Beverly Hills (76 points | Medium Class)

Normally, we’d recommend getting Travelpro, DELSEY Paris, or Samsonite over Ricardo Beverly Hills because their luggage is slightly more durable and often comes with better features. Ricardo scored higher than all three of them because their suitcases are cheaper, and they do a much better job at staying within the airline restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage.

Ricardo Beverly Hills isn’t a particularly popular luggage brand, but they make really well-made suitcases at somewhat affordable prices, which in some aspects, are even better than Samsonite or Travelpro . They’re based in the US, and they specialize in hardside and softside luggage. In terms of durability, you can expect them to last 3-5 years when used frequently and over 10 years when used occasionally.

They’ve also gotten fairly good customer reviews, averaging 4.66 stars from 5 on their most popular models. In fact, from 32 different brands that we collected data on, Ricardo Beverly Hills scored #8 in customer reviews. It’s a slightly worse result than Travelpro (#6) but better than Samsonite (#11) and Delsey (#17).

Ricardo also has pretty good warranty terms. Most medium-class brands have limited warranties, which cover only manufacturing defects. In addition to their 10-year limited warranty, they also offer a 1-year unconditional one, which covers airline damage and defects from normal wear.

Read our full Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage review

3. Travelpro (75 points | Medium Class)

Travelpro is an American luggage company that focuses on making luggage for frequent travelers, business travelers, and airline crews. They started out by focusing only on airline crews and only later expanded to other passengers. Even today, they supply over 90 airlines with luggage for their employees.

We usually recommend Travelpro as the #1 choice for medium-class luggage. Our reasoning is simple – their suitcases are the most durable ones in the medium price range , they come with really useful features, they offer great warranty terms, and they aren’t too expensive.

Not all of their suitcases are equal, though. For around 100-150$, you’ll get less durable ones (but still really well-made), which are lightweight but offer fewer features. In this price range, they’re great choices for people who travel 3-10 times per year, and you can expect them to last for over 10 years. They also offer suitcases priced between 200-400$, which are much more durable, come with much better features, but also weigh more. They’re aimed at frequent travelers and, even when used frequently, will usually last 5-10 years.

One downside to Travelpro is that their luggage usually is over the carry-on and checked luggage size restrictions. Another one is that their suitcases are offered only in simple, down-to-earth styles and color options . They’re targeted at business travelers, and they value practicality over style.

Read our full Travelpro luggage review

4. Tumi (74 points| High-End Class)

Tumi is by far the most expensive luggage brand on this list. Personally, we think that their suitcases are overpriced by at least 200-500$ , depending on the model. In fact, they’re 62% more expensive than Briggs & Riley, which is another high-end luggage brand aimed at frequent travelers.

In addition to the high price, there are a few other features that make their luggage less appealing. On average, Tumi makes the heaviest suitcases out there due to thicker materials, protection elements, and additional packing features. Although their warranty terms are fairly good, for these prices, you’d expect to see an unconditional lifetime warranty, like the one you get from Briggs & Riley. Instead, it’s only a bit better than what you’d get on medium-class brands, like Samsonite and Delsey.

But don’t get us wrong – Tumi luggage by no means isn’t bad. They make some of the most durable suitcases out there . By getting a bag from Tumi, you can be sure that it will last over a decade. They can easily withstand rough abuse because they’re made from premium materials, like ballistic nylon, polycarbonate, and improved polypropylene composites (Tegris).

They’ve scored so high on our list only because their luggage is exceptionally durable and comes with many useful features, it’s compatible in size with most airlines, it’s good-looking, and their warranty terms are better than what you’d see from most other brands.

Read our full Tumi luggage review

5. DELSEY Paris (74 points | Medium Class)

Delsey Paris is a really popular luggage manufacturer, ranking in the third place for luggage sales worldwide. They sell a wide variety of suitcases in the medium price range, although some of their models are priced much higher than others. We consider their 250$+ models to be a bit overpriced because, in durability, features, and other aspects, they’re basically identical to their 100-200$ models.

Their suitcases are durable enough to withstand frequent travel, but when used excessively, some problems might arise after a few years. So they aren’t ideal for airline crews, but they’re more than durable enough for most travelers. We consider their hardside suitcases in the 100-200$ price range to be one of the best options in this price range . Their fabric models are also good, but similar ones from Samsonite or Travelpro are usually better.

Delsey Paris ranked so high on our list because they do a good job in most areas. Their suitcases are well-reviewed, built from durable materials, packed with many useful features, and they aren’t too expensive. However, their key strength is the design – Delsey makes some of the most beautiful suitcases out there , as you’d already expect from a French luggage brand. You’ll find a wide range of designs – suitable both for business and leisure travelers.

The only downside to Delsey’s luggage is that it usually is slightly over the carry-on and checked luggage size limits. In addition to that, it’s also somewhat heavy. On average, their suitcases are 16% heavier than Samsonite and 21% heavier than Travelpro.

Read our full DELSEY Paris luggage review

6. Samsonite (71 points | Medium Class)

Samsonite is by far the most popular luggage brand by net sales – you can probably find a Samsonite suitcase dealer within 50 miles of you right now. They’re so popular because they actually make good luggage. Of course, some other brands might be better in other aspects, but in the medium price range, Samsonite is one of the best choices .

Their luggage is durable enough to be used frequently, although it won’t withstand ultra-rough conditions. When used frequently, their suitcases will usually last 2-5 years. But for most people, who use luggage only a few times per year, it should last over a decade. Samsonite usually uses durable materials, like polycarbonate and nylon, but some of their cheaper models are built from a bit weaker ones, like polyester and polypropylene.

Samsonite also has a pretty good warranty, although not the best one. It covers only manufacturing defects, and shipping costs to their repair centers aren’t covered.

They offer a wide range of softside and hardside luggage, and most of them are pretty solid choices that have gained a lot of positive reviews. However, they also offer some suitcases in the higher price ranges (over 350$), and we definitely think that they’re overpriced . They come with similar features as their cheaper models and also share similar durability. They only look more luxurious.

The main issue with Samsonite is that almost all of their carry-ons and checked suitcases are over the size limits for most airlines. Of course, being just 1-2 inches over the limit usually doesn’t cause any issues, but it’s still unpleasant to know that occasionally, you might have to pay additional fees for oversized luggage.

Read our full Samsonite luggage review

7. It Luggage (71 points | Affordable Class)

It Luggage ranks as the best luggage brand in the affordable class because they’re fairly good in all aspects, especially weight. In fact, they’re the second lightest luggage brand from 32 different luggage brands we collected data on . Their suitcases are a great option for flying with cheap airlines, which usually have strict weight restrictions for hand luggage.

As you’d already expect, because their suitcases are so cheap, they aren’t as durable as the ones from Samsonite, Travelpro, Ricardo, or Delsey. They just won’t cut it for frequent travelers, but they’re still durable enough to be used occasionally. When used a few times per year, their suitcases will usually last at least 3-5 years of use . Because of this, we wouldn’t recommend going with It luggage for checked bags because they get more abuse from baggage handling. In fact, for checked luggage, we wouldn’t recommend going with any affordable brand, except for American Tourister.

It luggage offers hardside and softside luggage, and we think that both of them are good choices for leisure travelers. Their fabric suitcases are usually less durable, but they’re extremely lightweight, so they’re still good choices for hand luggage, where the weight restrictions are stricter, and it isn’t exposed to baggage handling.

The main downside to It Luggage is that their warranty terms for luggage are pretty bad. Only manufacturing defects are covered, and usually, it’s cheaper to get a new bag instead because shipping costs aren’t covered.

Read our full It Luggage luggage review

8. Traveler’s Choice (70 points | Medium Class)

Traveler’s Choice is a luggage brand that makes suitcases in the medium class. However, they’re definitely leaning towards the affordable class because they’re much cheaper than Samsonite, Delsey, Travlpro, and even Ricardo. They do a fairly good job from all aspects, which is why they’re a really good choice for people who are looking for something cheap to occasionally use on their vacations .

Although they also offer softside luggage, their hardside range is much better. Most of their hardside cases are made from polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS, and if you’re looking to get the longest lifespan of your bag, definitely go with polycarbonate or polypropylene. When taken care of, you can expect their bags to last at least 5-10 years.

Traveler’s Choice offers a limited lifetime warranty for their luggage. However, the warranty actually isn’t that good. The warranty only covers manufacturing defects, and shipping costs aren’t included. Other medium-class brands at least cover the return shipping costs, but with Traveler’s Choice, you’ll have to pay a fee of 29.95$. That said, at least their warranty terms are clearly laid out, and their customers reported that it’s easy to get in touch with their support team.

The main downside to Traveler’s choice is that their luggage isn’t the lightest one out there . On average, it’s 10% heavier than Ricardo, 15% more than Samsonite, and 20% more than Travelpro.

Read our full Traveler’s Choice luggage review

9. American Tourister (69 points | Affordable Class)

American Tourister is generally the best affordable luggage brand , even though they’re slightly behind It Luggage in points. That’s because their luggage is more durable, better reviewed, and comes with much better warranty terms. In fact, American Tourister is actually owned by Samsonite , so their support and warranty are nearly identical. Their luggage is also sold by the same Samsonite dealers, which are located in a lot of shopping centers all across the world.

In terms of quality, their bags aren’t really meant for frequent traveling. But they’re still durable enough for leisure travelers, who only travel occasionally. Their suitcases are usually built from cheaper and less-durable materials, such as ABS and polyester. However, some of their hardside models are built from polycarbonate/ABS mixes or virgin polycarbonate, which both are much more crack-resistant materials.

When taken care of, their luggage should last anywhere between 5-10 years . It’s also acceptable to use American Tourister as checked luggage, which gets more abuse from baggage handling because their bags are usually a bit beefier and heavier compared to other affordable luggage brands.

The main drawbacks to American Tourister are that even though they’re an affordable luggage brand, they’re leaning towards the middle class and that most of their suitcases aren’t compatible with the size restrictions for a lot of airlines. Their bags are also somewhat heavy, being 5% over the average weight between all luggage brands and 11% heavier than Samsonite.

Read our full American Tourister luggage review

10. Coolife (67 points | Affordable Class)

Coolife is essentially a Chinese luggage brand that sells its luggage only on Amazon. That said, some of their bags are actually pretty good , at last when compared to other competitors in the same price range.

They only offer hardside luggage, and most of it is offered in luggage sets. They use a mix of polycarbonate and ABS, which means that their suitcases are a bit more resistant to cracks than ones made with pure ABS, which is what most affordable brands use. You shouldn’t expect their luggage to last a long time, but when used occasionally on vacations, it provides enough durability to last 2-5 years. And when you take into account how cheap their luggage is (especially when bought in sets), it ends up being a really good deal because you can just buy a new bag when it breaks.

Their suitcases have also gotten pretty good customer reviews. Although there are some reviews that mention durability issues, the vast majority of their reviews are really decent. In addition to that, their bags are also lightweight, weighing 9% below the average weight of other brands , and they’re good at staying within the airline restrictions for hand and checked luggage.

The largest issue with Coolife is that their warranty is pretty much non-existent. So if you notice any defects, you have to notify Amazon within 30 days to get a refund.

Read our full Coolife luggage review

11. Swiss Gear (66 points | Medium Class)

Swiss Gear is a brand that’s under the same parent company as Wenger and Victorinox . They started out by inventing and selling the iconic Swiss Army Knife, and now all three of these companies have merged and started selling other stuff as well, including travel luggage. Swiss Gear specifically is best known for selling somewhat durable backpacks, but they also sell a wide variety of suitcases in the lower middle class.

Although they market their luggage to be really durable, it actually isn’t that well-made. Most of their hardside and softside suitcases are made from ABS and polyester, but some are built from more durable matrials, like polycarbonate and ABS/polycarbonate composites. Their backpacks actually are somewhat durable, but their suitcases are not meant for frequent travel. Still, when used occasionally, they’ll last about 3-5 years .

Swiss Gear’s luggage isn’t sold exclusively online – you’ll find them in most large luggage retailers, which means that you can test them out in real life. Although they offer a 5-year warranty for suitcases, it covers only basic manufacturing defects, and shipping costs aren’t covered. Some customers also reported that their support is slow to answer and often unhelpful.

Other drawbacks of Swiss Gear include lack of useful features, failure to comply with most size regulations for hand and checked luggage when measured with wheels and handles, and bad reviews on a few specific models.

Read our full Swiss Gear luggage review

12. Rockland (66 points | Affordable Class)

Rockland is another affordable luggage brand with a large sales presence online and in other major retailers, like Walmart and Target. From 32 different luggage brands we collected data on, their luggage is the second cheapest, right behind Showkoo. For less than 100$, you can often get a 2-4 piece luggage set from Rockland.

Because their luggage is so cheap, you definitely shouldn’t expect it to last. It will most likely last only a few uses before some issues start to appear . They only use the cheapest materials for their hardside and softside luggage, such as ABS and polyester. If they break, you also shouldn’t expect their warranty to do any repairs. To submit a claim, you won’t even be able to use email – they can only be contacted by mail. Not that it matters, because it’s cheaper to buy a new case anyway than paying for the shipping costs to and from their repair centers.

But other than that, Rockland does a really good job at staying within the airline restrictions for luggage , and they do offer quite a few suitcases that come in really interesting colors and prints, which is mainly why they’ve scored so high on our list.

Read our full Rockland luggage review

13. Lucas (65 points | Affordable Class)

Lucas is an affordable luggage brand that isn’t the best one out there, but it also isn’t the worst. Realistically, you’d be better off by going with American Tourister, It Luggage, or Coolife if you’re looking for something affordable .

But if you do decide to go with Lucas, it isn’t a really bad choice because their suitcases are durable enough to withstand occasional traveling for vacations. They’re made from polyester or a polycarbonate/ABS composite, which aren’t the most durable materials but aren’t the worst either. Their customers reported a few issues, but not too much, except for a few less-popular models that have gotten fairly bad reviews due to poorly manufactured wheels, handles, and zippers.

Lucas suitcases are usually just within the size restrictions for hand and checked luggage, and they also come with a 5-year warranty. That said, the warranty isn’t really too great because it only covers manufacturing defects, and it’s very hard to get in touch with their support.

Their main drawbacks are poor durability and lack of features . Their luggage usually doesn’t come with TSA-approved locks, expansion zippers, or any advanced packing features. Instead, they’re kitted only with the most essential necessities.

Read our full Lucas luggage review

14. Merax (65 points | Affordable Class)

Similar to Coolife, Merax also is a Chinese luggage brand that sells only on Amazon. Specifically, they specialize in hardside and softside luggage sets. It will be hard to find a cheaper luggage set than what Merax offers because their prices are incredibly low. You can get a full luggage set cheaper than what you’d pay for a single Samsonite suitcase, which is why they’re so popular on Amazon.

That said, you shouldn’t expect their suitcases to last. They can only be used as short-term alternatives before you save up for something more durable. You could also go with Merax if you travel somewhat rarely, but even then, you shouldn’t be surprised when it breaks. In terms of materials, their luggage is made from ABS and polyester, which both are the cheapest and least-durable materials for luggage.

If you’re looking for a cheap luggage set to be used rarely, then Merax is actually a pretty good choice . Their suitcases have garnered mainly positive customer reviews, they’re usually within the airline restrictions for hand and checked luggage, and they aren’t too heavy. They also look pretty good and are offered in many different colors and prints.

Although theoretically, Merax offers a lifetime warranty, it’s pretty much useless. It’s basically impossible to get in touch with them if any issues arise. Their suitcases also don’t come with too many features.

Read our full Merax luggage review

15. Mia Toro (47 points | Affordable Class)

Mia Toro is an Italian luggage brand, which we’d recommend staying away from . They’ve even tried to reach out to us to remove our negative opinions of them, but we haven’t given in. The people behind Mia Toro are the ones that started Planet Traveler – a group funding project which ended up ghosting their customers and not delivering on their promises.

Essentially, their luggage isn’t durable, it’s poorly reviewed, it’s heavy, doesn’t come with many useful features, and they don’t offer any warranty . Since we started reporting on them, they’ve even taken down their website, and now they’re offered only on Amazon and a few other retailers. Their products usually don’t last long, and before they’ve gotten too many negative reviews, they publish another listing of a new, similar model in another print.

One thing that has improved over time is that now their luggage is offered at somewhat affordable prices. Before they used to sell it for over 300$, but now, it’s really cheap.

Read our full Mia Toro luggage review

Tips on Buying Luggage

• Hardside vs softside luggage. Hardside luggage is better at protecting fragile items, but it’s heavier. Softside suitcases are usually more durable than plastic ones because when put under high pressure (for instance, when checked-in), plastic luggage can develop cracks in its hard shell. Aluminum is resistant to cracks, but it’s much heavier than plastics or fabrics. If you’re looking for the lightest and most durable option, get a durable softside bag.
• Spinner vs inline wheels. Suitcases with 4 spinner wheels don’t need to be tilted, so it’s much easier to move them around on smooth surfaces. However, spinner wheels are much more likely to break off from your bag because they “stick out”. Spinner luggage also weighs 23% more, and it has less packing space because wheels are included in luggage measurements. So only go with spinner luggage if you have back problems or you don’t care about the weight too much.
• What materials it’s made from? For hardside luggage, the strongest material is aluminum , but it’s very heavy, which is why often plastics are used instead. Polycarbonate (PC) is the most durable one because it’s much less likely to crack than other ones, followed by PolyPropylene, ABS/PC composites, and finally, ABS, which is the least durable plastic. For fabric luggage, the most durable fabric is Ballistic or Cordura Nylon, but it’s very heavy and only used in expensive suitcases. The second most durable one is regular nylon, and the least durable one is polyester. That said, a well-built polyester suitcase from a good brand can be more durable than a nylon counterpart from a less reliable brand because both of these materials are somewhat similar.
• Is it within the size requirements for airlines? For carry-on luggage, the most common size requirement is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), but it differs from airline to airline. Checked luggage usually needs to be under 62 linear inches (157 cm), which is the sum of its width, height, and depth. Personal items, other called underseat luggage, usually need to be under 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm). It’s important to note that wheels and handles need to be included in these measurements. Being just 1-2 inches over usually doesn’t cause any issues unless you encounter a very strict airline employee.
• How heavy is it?  The lighter the luggage, the better. Especially if you’ll be flying with budget airlines that have strict weight requirements for hand and checked luggage because you’ll be able to pack more inside. However, ultra-lightweight luggage usually isn’t too durable, so it’s probably a better idea to choose something light, but not too light.
• Limited vs unconditional warranty.  The most common warranty type for luggage is limited, which covers only manufacturing defects. This warranty would cover a seam that’s coming loose, a faulty zipper, a stuck wheel, and any other defect caused by improper manufacturing. It doesn’t cover transportation damage (by air, trail, road, or water), accidents, misuse, and normal wear and tear, which are the most likely defects that could happen. Only a few brands offer unconditional warranties, which also cover defects like this.
• Is it made by a reliable brand? Some reliable brands include Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Rimowa, Victorinox, Travelpro, Delsey, Samsonite, Osprey, Pelican, Thule, Eagle Creek, Away, Red Oxx, and Patagonia.
• What packing features does it come with? If you’re a fan of packing cubes, having a large, spacious main compartment without any additional features might actually be a good thing. But if you don’t want to spend additional money on them, then you should make sure that the main compartment has enough pockets, tie-down straps or panels, dirty laundry bags, toiletry pouches, shoe pockets, and maybe even a dedicated suiter compartment.
• Does it have a TSA-approved lock? If a suitcase has a regular, non-TSA-approved lock, then the TSA agents are authorized to break the lock if they want to see what’s inside your suitcase while it’s checked in. TSA-approved just means that it’s fitted with a secret key that only the TSA agents have.
• Does it have good wheels, handles, and zippers? The wheels, handles, and zippers are usually the first things that break on a suitcase, so you should read through the reviews to make sure that not a lot of people are having issues with them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Brands

Which luggage brand is the lightest.

The lightest luggage brands are Lipault (#1), It Luggage (#2), Eagle Creek (#3), and Osprey (#4) . To determine this, we gathered data from 32 different luggage brands . We compared the average weight of their most popular carry-ons. The average result from all of them was 6.93 lbs, and the lightest brands weighed between 4.77 – 6 lbs. Other popular brands that are somewhat lightweight are Travelpro (#8) and Samsonite (#11) .

The lightest carry-on that we found during our research was the it luggage Duo-Tone 31 , which weighs just 7.01 lb (3 kg). For something a bit more durable but still extremely lightweight, you could go with the Samsonite Base Boost carry-on , which weighs only 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg).

From all the brands we collected data on, the heaviest ones were Tumi (#32), Away (#31), Rimowa (#30), and Briggs & Riley (#29). It’s also worth noting that the heaviest brands are also often the most durable ones because they use thicker, more durable materials.

Which Are the Most Reliable Luggage Brands?

The most reliable luggage brands include Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Rimowa, Travelpro, Pelican, Away, and Thule . Other brands that are also really reliable, but not so much to be called “the most reliable”, include DELSEY Paris, Samsonite, Victorinox, Osprey, Eagle Creek, and Ricardo Beverly Hills.

By going with either of these brands, you can be sure that you won’t buy something that will break in the near future. That said, not all models from each brand are identically durable – some are more durable than others.

If you have the budget, then we would recommend getting the Briggs & Riley Baseline , as it’s one of the most durable suitcases out there with a not too ridiculous price tag. For something reliable in the medium price range, you could go with Travelpro Crew Versapack . If you’re looking for something affordable that can withstand light, frequent travel, you should go with the Travelpro Maxlite .

Which Luggage Brands Offer a Lifetime Warranty?

A lot of luggage brands offer a lifetime warranty, even affordable ones. But only a few offer unconditional lifetime warranties, which also cover airline damage, accidents, or other defects that make the suitcase unusable. Some brands that do offer unconditional lifetime warranties include Briggs & Riley, Away, Eagle Creek, Patagonia, Osprey, and Red Oxx .

Which Are the Best-Rated Luggage Brands?

Out of 32 luggage brands that we collected data on, the best-rated ones were Away (4.9 stars out of 5), Monos (4.88), American Tourister (4.70), Wenger (4.70), and Swiss Gear (4.68) . To determine this, we gathered data for each brand’s most popular suitcases from major retailers like Amazon. Then we calculated the average rating from all of their customer reviews.

The worst-rated luggage brands are Mia Toro (average rating of 3.6 stars out of 5), Hartmann (4.06), Skyway (4.24), Tumi (4.29), and Rimowa (4.30). We should note that although Tumi and Rimowa have received fairly poor reviews, they still make really good luggage. The only problem is that both of them are overpriced and offer poor warranty terms, which is why a lot of people aren’t satisfied.

What Is the Best Luggage Brand for Softside Luggage?

For softside luggage, the best luggage brand is Briggs & Riley . There’s a lot that goes into making a brand a good option for softside luggage, but the main important factors are durability, price, and weight. If you’re looking for the most durable option, definitely go with something from Briggs & Riley, such as the Briggs & Riley Baseline .

Other good options for softside luggage that are cheaper include Travelpro, Samsonite, and Ricardo Beverly Hills . Two really great ones that stand out are the Samsonite Base Boost , which is one of the lightest softside suitcases out there, and the Travelpro Crew Versapack , which offers extreme durability at somewhat affordable prices.

What Is the Best Luggage Brand for Hardside Luggage?

If you’re getting hardside luggage and you have the budget, then the best option to go for is Briggs & Riley. Specifically, the Briggs & Riley Sympatico , which is incredibly durable, is backed up by an unconditional lifetime warranty, and isn’t overpriced. If you’re looking to get Aluminum luggage, then you could go with Rimowa (although they’re really overpriced), Tumi, or Away.

In the medium price range, the best luggage brands for hardside luggage are Samsonite, Travelpro, and Delsey . You’ll find a wide variety of hardside suitcases from each brand, but the ones that stand out from each one are the Samsonite Omni PC , the Travelpro Platinum , and the Delsey Helium Aero , which all are really solid options.

Are There Any Good Cheap Luggage Brands?

The best luggage brands in the affordable class are American Tourister, It Luggage, and Coolife . Although all cheap luggage brands struggle with durability, American Tourister is definitely the most durable affordable luggage brand since it’s owned by Samsonite and has similar production standards. From American Tourister, the best option for hardside luggage is the Stratum XLT , and for softside luggage, it’s the Belle Voyage .

It Luggage is the lightest of these three brands, and in fact, our research revealed that it’s the #2 lightest luggage brand from all 32 brands we collected data on. Coolife is a Chinese brand, but their luggage is incredibly cheap and actually somewhat durable.

Which Are the Worst Luggage Brands That You Should Avoid?

Some luggage brands that we would definitely recommend avoiding are Mia Toro and Planet Traveler , which both are owned by the same people. Planet Traveler is essentially a failed crowdfunding campaign that failed to deliver on its promises. Mia Toro is a legit brand, but their warranty is unreliable, their suitcases aren’t durable, they’re very heavy, and they’re overpriced.

Other brands that aren’t necessarily “the worst” luggage brands but are less than ideal choices include Rockland, Lucas, Tumi, Brics, Rimowa, and Hartmann. Rockland and Lucas both struggle with durability and have pretty much non-existent warranties. Although their luggage isn’t necessarily bad, Tumi, Brics, Rimowa, and Hartmann are all extremely overpriced.

Which Luggage Brands Are Made in the USA?

There are a lot of USA-based luggage brands, such as Ricardo Beverly Hills, Travelpro, Tumi, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and American Tourister. However, all of them manufacture their luggage overseas to keep their costs competitive.

Some brands that manufacture their luggage 100% in the USA include ROAM, inUSA, and Red OXX . Unfortunately, all of them are much less popular and more expensive compared to most brands mentioned on our list because the production costs are very high for American-made products.

Which Luggage Brands Are Similar to Samsonite?

Some luggage brands that are very similar in durability, features, and price to Samsonite are Travelpro, Delsey, and Ricardo Beverly Hills . Out of all of them, Travelpro is the most durable one, even more than Samsonite. That’s why we usually recommend Travelpro’s suitcases as the top choices in the medium class, such as the Travelpro Platinum .

However, Samsonite, Delsey, and Ricardo Beverly Hills are also really solid options, although a bit less durable. Delsey is the only luggage brand that keeps up with Samsonite in terms of popularity. It’s the #3 most popular luggage brand worldwide, and Samsonite is #1. Their luggage is very similar and sometimes even cheaper. We usually recommend Delsey Helium Aero as one of the best options for an affordable hardside suitcase.

Ricardo Beverly Hills is a much less popular brand than Samsonite, but their luggage is cheaper, better-reviewed, more compatible with airline size restrictions, and has better warranty terms. In durability and the choice of materials, they’re very similar to Samsonite. The Ricardo Beverly Hills Mojave offers everything that Samsonite’s hardside suitcases do, only for a much cheaper price.

Final Words

Everyone’s instinct when buying luggage is to get the cheapest option. But there are a lot of luggage brands that make suitcases that will last only a few trips, so instead, you should pay a bit more and get something that lasts. For 90% of travelers, we recommend getting a suitcase from Travelpro, Ricardo Beverly Hills, Samsonite, or DELSEY Paris, in that order . And realistically, you don’t even need to pay that much. You can get a really well-made suitcase for just 100-150$ if you manage to get it in a sale, so it isn’t worth it to buy something for 50-70$ if you know that it will break just in a few trips.

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One response to “15 Best Luggage Brands in 2023 (For Every Budget)”

Oscar, your blog content always resonates with me. Your recent post reminded me of my first venture into urban gardening. Isn’t it amazing how you can grow a whole salad in a balcony pot? Have you ever consider using coffee grounds as a fertilizer? It worked wonders for my herbs! Also, folks, try pairing dill with your tomatoes, it’s a game-changer. Oscar, ever thought about a piece on companion planting? Keep growing those green thumbs, everyone! 🌱🍅

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The 15 Best Luggage Brands for Any Traveler [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

789 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3223 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The best luggage brands, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Whether you are the kind of traveler who lives their life out of a carry-on , or an over-packer who delights in squeezing your entire wardrobe into a super-size suitcase , there are tons of great luggage brands out there to help you find your perfect pieces.

From budget options that will see you right on your annual vacation to investment pieces that scream style and sophistication, here are some of the best luggage brands you can buy today.

If you love luggage as much as we do, you may already know which brands are best to buy, but here is our rundown of the 15 best luggage brands in the world.

AmazonBasics

Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, providing customers with a huge array of products and services that are all delivered quickly to their front door or downloaded to their tablet, phone, or laptop. As you can buy pretty much anything on Amazon, it should come as no surprise that it offers its very own private label brand selling brilliant luggage basics — AmazonBasics.

As a label that focuses on offering “everyday items at affordable prices,” AmazonBasics can sell you pretty much most of the practical travel items you will need for your next trip , with its suitcases, bags, and other travel accessories proving to be a big hit with savvy travelers.

While its luggage range may be somewhat limited in terms of collections, buyers can choose chooser from a variety of standard sizes in a choice of textured hardside spinner, shiny hardside spinner, or soft-sided suitcases, or you can add 2 or 3 pieces to make a useful matching set. There is also a cute under-seat carrier for easy access on the plane.

Available in a selection of colors, and with most pieces offering spinner wheels, telescopic handles, expansion zippers, and 2 good size packing compartments, the AmazonBasics brand really does offer a lot of baggage for your buck.

With a 3-year warranty on all suitcases and a 1-year warranty on the under-seat storage bag, AmazonBasics perfectly bridges the gap between expensive high-end luggage that will make a sharp dent in your wallet and bargain-basement cases that may not last the return journey .

Bottom Line: AmazonBasics offers brilliant basic luggage at an affordable price that will take you where you want to go.

American Tourister

Owned by global luggage giant Samsonite, American Tourister offers a wide range of luggage that is designed to attract a younger, funkier global traveler. Offering suitcases, backpacks, and other luggage solutions in a selection of sizes, fashionable colors, and designs, American Tourister is a highly desirable brand that offers upscale features at affordable prices .

With very distinctive designs that include textured ABS hard-sided suitcases and the occasional celebrity collaboration, their unique looks and Instagrammable qualities make them a hit with modern-day globe trotters.

Cases are cleverly crafted to not only look awesome but also offer the same levels of practicality you would expect from a more traditional and expensive brand. They are also incredibly lightweight with innovative touches.

From brightly colored backpacks to retro-flavored rolling cases, there is a lot of luggage to choose from. Telescopic handles, spinner wheels, and TSA-approved locks add value, comfort, and convenience, while Disney designs and bold colors make it easy to identify your case on the carousel.

Thoroughly tested for strength and durability, American Tourister cases are much more than just great looking luggage. Most products come with a 10-year global limited warranty, and an American Tourister suitcase should see you through many years of adventures.

Bottom Line: This fun diffusion range offers funky textures, bold designs, and bright colors, all with affordable price tags for every kind of traveler.

Sleek, stylish, and perfect for modern travelers, the Away brand brings you luggage collections that offer far more than just bags and cases. Carefully-crafted designs promise to provide your belongings with a home between homes, with the strength and durability to always last the journey and the innovation to keep you connected, even on the go.

By using celebrity collaborations to capture the attention of the Instagram generation, the Away brand has become lusted after by many a jet-setting millennial.

Its online cachet extends way beyond the hype, too, with every piece in its collection offering handsome looks, impressive durability, and thoughtful designs , all available for a moderate cost.

The brainchild of 2 former Warby Parker execs, Away has been supplying the cool and trendy with cases since 2015. Hardsided suitcases, rolling duffels, and occasional special celebrity editions add kudos and desirability, but it is its sought-after Smart Luggage that really sets Away apart from the competition.

Carry-on cases come with built-in batteries that can be used to charge your phone or other devices . Imagine the thrill of power on the go, simply by charging your suitcase overnight!

Better still, all batteries are TSA-compliant and can easily be removed upon request. With a lifetime guarantee on most pieces and a range of gorgeous colors to choose from, it’s not hard to see why Away is one of the coolest brands out there.

Bottom Line: Uber-cool cases for the Instagram generation, Away’s built-in batteries make them as practical as they are beautiful.

• Briggs & Riley

Founded in New York in 1993, Briggs & Riley claims that its luggage collections are “engineered for reality,” and that it listens to the requirements of its loyal fanbase to truly understand exactly what the modern-day traveler needs when it comes to luggage.

By addressing the real-world wants and needs of its target market, it has created a range of luggage that offers more room and practical storage space, making Briggs & Riley an easy choice for frequent flyers .

Its expansion system adds even more extra inches of space when you need it the most, and the compression system holds your belongings firmly in place. Brigg & Riley also claim to have revolutionized the travel industry by being the first to offer a no questions asked, “Simple as That” lifetime warranty that even covers damage caused by the airline during transit.

Offering everything from backpacks to expandable travel trunks, each collection is available in a wide range of colors and sizes, with all pieces being manufactured using only the best, high-quality materials.

Featuring innovations such as trolley handles that don’t take up any room inside the suitcase and check-point friendly laptop bags, its clever real-world designs and extensive testing results in practical pieces that are built to last.

With great looking bags and cases with lots of well thought out storage solutions, the price tags may initially make you balk, but with a lifetime warranty, incredible build quality, and sharp, upscale looks , you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Bottom Line: Briggs & Riley offers practical statement pieces that have been engineered for the reality of air travel, attracting discerning travelers the world over.

This French luggage brand offers premium collections designed with plenty of European flair for travelers who like their luggage to be as well dressed as they are.

From small beginnings as a company that specializes in leather camera cases and typewriter boxes, the brand is now one of the most instantly recognizable in the world, offering an array of suitcases, travel bags, and other accessories.

As one of the first companies to offer hard-shelled suitcases that could be pulled around on their own wheels, Delsey has always been at the forefront of innovation and design . With unmistakably French good looks and a certain je ne sais quoi , Delsey is also dedicated to offering innovative solutions using state-of-the-art technology to enhance the overall travel experience.

With many design awards under its belt, Delsey continues to push the boundaries of both form and function by offering such innovations as an easily removable wheel system, a fiberglass structure with shape memory, cases and bags that can charge your phone on the go, and security zippers that are 3 times more resistant to intrusion than regular ones.

Travelers can choose from wet bags and backpacks right up to extra large suitcases and everything in between, all available in a wide range of colors, materials, and designs. All pieces benefit from a warranty of 2, 3, 5, or 10 years depending on the individual components.

Bottom Line: Delsey is a premium French luggage brand offering European style and sophistication in every piece.

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek began life as a small retail store in the San Jacinto Mountains, where Steve and Nona Barker sold custom mountain packs for trail trekking adventurers. In 1975 the couple opened a 1,500 square foot warehouse in Solana Beach, California, and Eagle Creek was born.

With innovation, durability, and craftsmanship at the forefront of the brands’ identity since the beginning, it is no wonder that Eagle Creek is one of the most popular brands for outdoor adventurers in the U.S. today .

Offering a full spectrum of travel and luggage solutions, Eagle Creek can supply you with everything from a tiny money belt through to a giant wheeled duffel, ensuring that this brand absolutely has you covered on the go.

Ultralight daypacks will rest easy on your back as you take to 2 wheels, while compression sacks, packing cubes, and water-resistant wallets will keep your gear safe and organized on the go.

As you would expect from a brand that is all about the great outdoors, Eagle Creek luggage is made with environmental conditions in mind. The water-repellent RPVB coating on its premium Migrate and Wayfinder collections, for example, has been developed using windshield plastic from landfills in Asia .

Eagle Creek also promises that every item it produces is manufactured without toxic PVC plastics that contaminate the environment.

As one of the most ecologically thoughtful brands on the market, Eagle Creek is also ardently against increasing landfill. This is why its “No Matter What” warranty allows for the replacement or repair of its products in most situations. From wheeled duffels to gear bags, Eagle Creek has everything the outdoor adventurer could need.

Bottom Line: With superior organization and featherweight designs, bags from Eagle Creek are designed for you to grab your gear and get out there.

Famous for its distinctive looks and impressive durability, Hartmann has traditional All-American retro styling and offers exquisitely-crafted collections for affluent travelers.

Designing and manufacturing high-quality luggage for over 140 years , the Hartmann brand is synonymous with only offering the very highest levels of craftsmanship and bags and cases that really are designed to last a lifetime.

Initially specializing in sturdy trunks for upper-class travelers, the brand has managed to keep its authentic style while still being able to keep up with every kind of modern innovation.

With hard-sided suitcases made from ultra-light and protective titanium with metallic colorings and soft-sided travel bags woven in the finest tweed, there is an air of luxury and sophistication that permeates every piece in its collections .

With sumptuous leather handles and accents set against state of the art and intelligent functions such as the smooth-spinning wheel, retractable handles, and TSA-approved locks, Hartmann offers the perfect blend of classic good looks and modern practicality.

Not cheap to buy, but incredibly pleasing to own, Hartmann bags and cases are all rigorously tested to ensure that all of its travel products meet stringent standards. That said, should something happen to your beloved Hartmann pieces, they do also come with a 10-year limited warranty.

Bottom Line: Hartmann offers All-American style and quality for the affluent and the enlightened.

Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole is a fashion designer from New York who began his career designing and making women’s shoes. As his success grew, he turned his talents to creating bags, clothing, and accessories, and then the Kenneth Cole Reaction Line dedicated to creating fashion-conscious luggage and travel accessories.

Designed to capture the fast-paced spirit of modern city living, his luggage range has a playful urban aesthetic and a designer price tag to match .

Available in a range of practical sizes, beautiful colors, and uber-stylish exteriors, all Kenneth Cole cases and bags have been designed to feature practical and well-organized storage compartments, with every little detail considered in the final design.

The Reaction range is very well thought of by discerning travelers, and cases offer luxury styling and innovative touches, including 8-wheel construction and a molded, reinforced ABS hardside construction.

Designer looks aren’t all that’s on offer here either, as on the inside the fully lined interiors complete with garment restraints and hanger attachments add to the high-end feel, while the additional laptop or tablet holders in the sealed lid compartment make these cases as practical for business trips as they are on vacation .

With sleek designs, a trendy designer label, and lots of clever interior features, Kenneth Cole cases make a real statement at the airport terminal. Customers can also be reassured that their cases will last the journey with most pieces coming complete with a lifetime limited warranty.

Bottom Line: With designer looks and urban chic at every turn, cool people can’t get enough of Kenneth Cole.

Osprey is dedicated to designing high-quality backpacks and gear haulers for adventurers who love to experience life in the great outdoors . The Californian brand has been creating innovative backpacks and rucksacks since 1974, and the cornerstone of the brand is that its high-quality products are built to last for a really long time.

From child carriers to wet bags, daypacks to hiking packs , Osprey offers everything you could need to carry your gear (and your infant too!). Available in a huge variety of sizes, styles, colors, and designs, every piece of Osprey luggage has been designed with practicality in mind.

Osprey also firmly believes in maintaining the lowest environmental impact in its products. Designed to last for many years, it uses high-quality materials in order to reduce wastage. It is solely driven by practicality and not the whims of disposable fashion.

Each Osprey bag, backpack, or rucksack comes with its impressive “All Mighty Guarantee” that promises to repair any defects in the materials or craftsmanship . As a brand, its mantra is very much to repair, not replace, in order to reduce waste. While Osprey is by no means the cheapest purveyor of outdoor gear on the market, it is most definitely one of the very best.

Bottom Line: Famous for super tough rucksacks and backpacks that will carry you across many miles of country terrain, Osprey continues to be the outdoor enthusiast’s favorite.

You can spot a Rimowa suitcase from a mile away with its distinctive parallel aluminum grooves that are inspired by the golden age of aviation . Upscale looks come with high-end price tags, though, but its loyal fanbase seems to think that they are worth every cent.

The German-born company has been making its signature aluminum cases for over 70 years now, but has kept up to date with all the latest innovations that modern-day travelers need.

Its most recent hybrid collection, for example, unites the resilience of its aluminum-magnesium alloy with the supremely lightweight quality of polycarbonate, creating German-engineered quality that is light to the touch.

Super-smooth spinner wheels, single grab handles, and integrated TSA-approved locks add practicality and sharp looks to its design format, and on the inside, lined pockets and deep storage spaces offer all the space you need to house your designer outfits.

Designed with the demands of the most discerning travelers in mind, Rimowa offers customized services, including hotel repairs should your suitcase suffer a mishap on the go — every piece also comes with a 5-year guarantee .

You may need deep pockets to travel the Rimowa way, but every admiring glance at the airport and the sheer joy of owning one will make it feel well worth the money.

Bottom Line: Rimowa’s distinctive looks and German design attract first-class travelers who really like to travel in style.

Originally founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1910, Samsonite International S.A. is now one of the biggest luggage manufacturers in the world. Offering a huge selection of leisure luggage, business cases, handbags, travel accessories, and casual and outdoor bags, you would be hard pushed to find any luggage and leisure retailer that doesn’t feature pieces from this leading brand.

With upmarket branding and superior quality ranges, Samsonite is best known for offering high-end luggage for business travelers and sophisticated adventurers , all of which come with a price tag to match. At the forefront of innovation, Samsonite continues to manufacture great-looking luggage that combines the very best quality materials with cleverly created design concepts.

The company is also known to invest extraordinary amounts of money into researching the materials it uses, meaning that everything from the exterior of the suitcase through to the handles, zippers, and even the wheels are able to outperform the competition for extended periods of time.

It was its vulcanized fiber cases of the 1940s that gained the attention of a small but upwardly mobile market of travelers, and to this day, it is both its hard and soft-sided suitcases that are the brand’s most popular products. Trusted for its incredible durability and sleek designs , the cases are also incredibly lightweight and available in a range of standard sizes.

Samsonite is also keen to recognize its responsibility to operate efficiently as possible in order to produce products with a lower environmental impact. Low-impact designs feature highly in its most recent collections, and as you would expect from such an upscale brand, lifetime warranties come as standard across many of its ranges.

Bottom Line: The biggest and still the best, Samsonite continues to outsell the competition with clever designs and highly capable cases.

As another brand that is famous for creating high-quality army knives, you can be sure that SWISSGEAR luggage  will always be finely-crafted and honed to perfection . Offering European good looks and incredible versatility, this Swiss brand offers a range of affordable suitcases, bags , and other travel accessories .

Travelers can choose from its budget-friendly entry-level collections for occasional travel or splash a bit more cash for its premium collections.

SWISSGEAR luggage products offer a range of innovative features, including integrated USB ports to keep your tech charged on the go, as well as ScanSmart technology that allows you to speed through security — your laptop will be protected from X-ray belts while still allowing transparency for TSA agents.

With sleek looks and sophisticated styling, every collection comes complete with cleverly thought-out storage spaces that include additional pockets, retractable or adjustable handles, and suitcases with smooth-rolling spinner wheels.

There is a wide range of colors and sizes to choose from, and some cases offer extra inches of space using its straightforward expansion system. Hardside cases are rugged and capable, while their soft-sided counterparts are made from hard-wearing and durable materials .

Most SWISSGEAR cases, bags, and travel accessories come with a 5-year limited warranty.

Bottom Line: Swiss charm and ScanSmart technology make SWISSGEAR’s style and innovation within the reach of everyone.

Founded in 1987 by a Northwest Airlines 747 pilot, Travelpro is the preferred brand for airline crew and frequent flyers who really want to maximize storage space on the go.

Offering a wide range of stylish wheeled luggage, Travelpro aficionados can invest in entire sets that work together seamlessly to adapt to your ever-changing travel needs. From business trips to family vacations, Travelpro offers everything from backpacks and garment carriers to super-sized rolling duffel bags and suitcases.

Because the range has been designed by people who truly understand the rigors of frequent flying, all of its collections are subjected to rigorous testing before they hit the market.

Suitcases are tested above the maximum weight for checked baggage, and every element of the case, including the fabrics, wheels, zippers, and handles, is put through its paces to ensure almost a lifetime of use.

Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles, the Travelpro ranges are affordable enough to be attractive to vacationers and leisure travelers , while still offering the type of quality demanded by airline professionals. Well made, good looking, and incredibly durable, all Travelpro luggage also comes with either a 5- or 10-year warranty.

Bottom Line: The professional’s choice finds its way into the mainstream, delighting frequent flyers and vacationers alike.

Founded in 1975, Tumi prides itself on offering upscale and innovative luggage to discerning travelers the world over. With a name taken from a Peruvian Peace Corp icon, it is no wonder that Tumi collections offer incredible versatility and extensive levels of durability.

Known in the 1980s for its signature black-on-black ballistic nylon styling, the brand has evolved to now offer an array of cases, bags, and travel accessories.

Claiming to be “obsessed” with offering superior quality and exquisite designs , the Tumi team believes in testing all of its pieces to the extreme. Each product is put through an impressive series of 30 individual tests before being released into the real world for performance testing.

This rigorous approach to testing, compared with unrivaled attention to detail, makes Tumi luggage well worth its high-end price tag.

Technical innovation is also one of the cornerstones of the brand, with most pieces being fitted with a world-beating tracking system, meaning you will know where your luggage is at even if you are unlucky enough to get separated from it.

Using state-of-the-art components, some Tumi collections also offer on-the-go charging and clever storage options for laptops, tablets, and other high-value tech.

Each piece it manufactures offers the brand’s signature good looks and clever design features . Pushing standard-size storage space to the max, travel solutions from Tumi are built to last. But just in case something goes wrong, it also offers between 2- to 5-year warranties on most of its collections.

Bottom Line: Collections by Tumi feature design excellence and technical innovation wrapped up in stunning suitcases that are kept close by your side using in-built tracking devices.

Best known as a Swiss knife manufacturer and luxury watchmaker, Victorinox brings its European class and style to the luggage business with a range of upscale bags and cases. With just a few select options to choose from, travelers who like sleek lines and practical design will love the simple yet finely crafted range on offer from Victorinox.

Using decades of engineering expertise, Victorinox combines cutting-edge, high-tech materials with forward-thinking designs to produce lightweight suitcases that are able to effortlessly maximize the storage space available. Only available in sleek black, travelers can choose from ultra-light shockproof polycarbonate hard-sided cases, or nylon soft-sided options.

With a simple choice of small, medium, large, or extra-large suitcases, you can easily accommodate everything you need for your next trip. Victorinox focuses on keeping its cases as light as possible in order to ensure that travelers can use those all-important extra ounces for their own belongings.

All Victorinox luggage comes with a lifetime warranty, and as a well-renowned brand famous for quality and style , its luggage should be just as popular as its world-famous army knives.

Bottom Line: Driven by design, Swiss brand Victorinox builds precision-engineered upscale suitcases , perfect for the minimalist in all of us.

From daypacks for bike rides to statement suitcases for the summer season, the luggage you choose needs to look not only good but also be practical enough to meet all your needs.

Smart technology, tracking devices, and TSA-approved additions make modern-day suitcases even more practical and desirable forever. Invest well, and you and your suitcase can spend many happy years traveling the world together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best quality luggage brand.

Anyone looking for high-quality luggage has a range of great brands to choose from. For the best quality luggage you can consider:

What brand of luggage do pilots use?

While pilots are free to choose from a range of luggage types, Travelpro is one of the more popular types of luggage used by airline pilots. In fact, the brand was founded in 1987 by a Northwest Airlines 747 pilot.

Who is the largest luggage brand in the world?

Samsonite is arguably the biggest luggage brand in the world, or more specifically, its parent company, Samsonite International S.A. The company owns several brands, including Samsonite, Tumi, American Tourister, Hartmann, Gregory, and High Sierra.

What is the best lightweight luggage for international travel?

The likes of American Tourister, Rimowa, Samsonite, and Victorinox produce lightweight carry-on and checked luggage. Carry-on bags such as the Travelpro Maxlite 5 and Osprey Ozone come in at less than 5 pounds. 

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Best Luggage Brands to Buy in 2024

These are the top-tested suitcases for all of your travel needs.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks

Best Overall Luggage

Best Value Luggage

American tourister.

Best Carry-On Luggage

Best Luggage for International Travel

Briggs & riley.

Best Under-$100 Luggage

Amazon basics.

Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers

Best Viral Luggage

Best Luggage for Flight Crews

Best Printed Luggage

Best Fashion Luggage

Each piece of luggage is evaluated by experts in the Lab as well as consumer testers on the go. In the Lab, we look at factors like durability, ease of use and more. We also pack each suitcase with a standard load to see how much it can hold and how easy the compartments are to access. Consumer testers come into the Lab to use the luggage in an obstacle course, where they weigh in on handle comfort, wheel performance, maneuverability and more. Finally, we send luggage out with travelers into the real world for firsthand feedback.

You can learn more about how we test luggage and what to consider as you shop — including how to decide between hardside and softside luggage — but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested luggage brands.

Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years.

In particular, it stands out for its durability and ease-of-use features: There's been no struggling to open and close the cases, and packing them has been a breeze , thanks to the functional compartments that maximize space. It's certainly not inexpensive, but as direct-to-consumer luggage brand prices have skyrocketed, Samsonite's have remained fairly consistent.

Both hardside and softside styles from the brand have excelled in our tests. We've also been impressed by each of the sizes, including carry-ons, checked bags and underseat luggage. Some of our favorite models include the Freeform hardside (pictured here), the Solyte DLX softside and the Stryde Glyder , which is a checked case that's wide instead of tall so it's less likely to tip over.

A consumer tester rolling the Samsonite Freeform carry-on through an obstacle course at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

If you're on a budget or you don’t use luggage regularly — i.e., it doesn’t need to be the most durable and you don’t need all the bells and whistles — American Tourister offers competitive pricing and an excellent variety to choose from . There are a lot of options if you prefer bright colors and fun prints, plus there are cases for the entire family, including a Disney collection . Between the designs and versatile offerings, the models are fun, functional and especially ideal for vacationers.

Just note that while luxury hardside cases are usually made of polycarbonate, American Tourister typically uses ABS plastic, which is more affordable but more prone to scratches. Still, it gets high ratings from online reviewers who note that the bags are surprisingly spacious. Another perk: The brand offers luggage sets for an even better value, especially if you need to purchase multiple pieces. Pictured here is the Pop Max Softside set , which at $150 for a set of three, is less than other single cases.

Away is one of the most popular luggage brands on the market, and our testing shows it actually lives up to its hype. Though the brand has a wide range of offerings, we especially love the hardside carry-on.

It's made of 100% polycarbonate that proved to be durable and lightweight in our evaluations — even lighter than some fabric bags we’ve tested. It was also surprisingly spacious and held a full packing load in our review. The company offers a 100-day return policy on unused items; it also offers a lifetime limited warranty on its suitcases that covers any "functional damage."

Besides the main Carry-On model , it comes in variations like a Bigger Carry-On (which the brand says can hold 20% more) and a Carry-On Flex (which has an expandable zipper). We also love the brand's Everywhere Bag , which is a stylish and surprisingly spacious weekender.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: We Tested Away's Trendy Carry-On to See If It's Worth The Price

An inside view of Away's The Carry On.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley bags are pricey — a carry-on can cost over $600 — but they come with a lifetime guarantee that will cover all repairs if the luggage ever gets broken or damaged. They also come with innovative features, such as the brand's signature compression packing system. Bags that have this feature expand to let you pack and then compress down after they're filled. In fact, one of our testers said she packed a week's worth of summer clothes for two people into a compact carry-on, and it easily fit into an airline's overhead bin.

The suitcases also use top-notch construction and timeless designs in a range of styles, including hardside, softside, carry-ons and checked bags. The Baseline Global Carry-On Spinner (pictured here in the 21-inch version) has been a selected as GH Family Travel Award winner for the past two years after travel testers gave it perfect scores across the board. Its nylon fabric also aced our Lab's abrasion tests.

The interior compartment of Briggs & Riley's Baseline Carry-On, including its easy-to-use expansion button.

It’s hard to find good luggage for under $100, but Amazon’s luggage does not disappoint. There are softside and hardside styles to choose from, plus garment bags , duffels and more. Amazon also boasts extensive testing to make sure their products will hold up, and though the luggage might not the absolute best quality out there, the price can’t be beat.

We were impressed with its hardside 20-inch spinner carry-on (pictured here) when we tested it on our Lab. Our analysts found it to be exceptionally easy to pack, though the ABS material wasn't as scratch-resistant as other models in our tests. Still, consumer testers liked the maneuverability and wheel performance. This style also comes in two other sizes (24 and 28 inches) and can be purchased as a two- or three-piece set.

This luxury brand is on the pricey side but has timeless designs — from hardside to tweed fabric — that never go out of style. In fact, the brand’s marketing and aesthetics are focused heavily on its heritage. It has been a top performer in our tests, thanks to its spacious interior that's easy to pack and its wheels and handles that make it smooth and comfortable to maneuver.

The hardside cases have earned high scores in our tests — especially standing out for being scratch-resistant, lightweight and spacious — but we also love the softside Legend collection (pictured here), which is made of durable tweed fabric and leather trim.

This fashionable yet functional travel brand was founded by actress Shay Mitchell and incorporates smart features designed to make traveling easier. It also has a stunning aesthetic, including monochromatic color schemes in which the handles and hardware match the case.

Pictured here is the Carry-On Roller, its best-selling case that comes in a range of neutral and fun hues. It was spacious for packing and easy to maneuver in our tests, and though it did scuff during use, it resisted dents well during our Lab's drop tests. Another popular style is its Mini Weekender , which can be used as a personal item that fits underneath the airplane seat in front of you.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Experts Weigh In on Buzzy Travel Brand Béis

The Béis carry-on and compact weekender bag being used as a travel set.

This company was founded by a pilot, and it makes luggage specifically for airline personnel who travel for a living. Still, it's just as functional for business and leisure travelers.

The brand primarily sells softside luggage, though it does have some hardside options available. There’s excellent attention to detail that makes frequent flying easier, like cushioning around the handles for comfort, self-aligning wheels that let you roll the luggage in any direction and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric.

The Platinum Elite softside luggage (pictured here) stood out in our Lab tests. Not only was it durable, but it was also spacious enough to hold our entire load with room to spare. The downside was that it was heavier than others, but it's a fair tradeoff for the top-of-the-line features.

This brand increases the fun factor and makes it easier to spot your luggage in a sea of solid colors. There are adorable animal sets for kids' luggage , animal prints for adults and more. There are also options for licensed teams and art (like Britto, shown here), making your suitcase a playful yet functional accessory.

When it comes to materials, most Heys suitcases are hardside and made of polycarbonate and ABS composite. This means it's mostly ABS plastic but has a polycarbonate coating on the outside for added protection. The brand wasn't the most durable in our tests, it but earned high ease-of-use scores.

Style is certainly important when it comes to luggage — it's an accessory, after all — but you don't want to sacrifice quality and functionality. Calpak's cases are both well-made and have unique designs. Though its assortment is tailored with fewer models than some of the big brands, Calpak still has a wide range of materials to choose from, including sleek hardside polycarbonate, printed ABS/polycarbonate blends and ripstop polyester.

Calpak's Ambeur carry-on (pictured here) was one of our testers' favorites; they especially loved the easy-to-use telescopic handle and metallic color. We also found it to be easy to pack and though it wasn't as scratch-resistant as some others we tested (which is expected for ABS composites), it still withstood dents and damage from our durability drop test.

Rolling TUMI luggage through the airport is like a status symbol; the brand is highly recognized for its upscale products for both business and leisure travelers.

In addition to its suitcases , it makes accessories like briefcases and backpacks and has components that make traveling easier, like an anti-slip strap on carrying bags and an extra hook on rolling bags so you can wheel multiple items at once. On top of that, the brand stands out for its unique service offerings, like repairs and luggage registration to help you find lost bags.

We especially love Tumi's Alpha collection (pictured here is the Alpha carry-on ) with its durable materials and removable garment sleeve. One GH analyst who has been using a backpack in this collection appreciates that it fits more than you'd expect and has a versatile design for travel, work and beyond.

If you’re going away for weeks or just have lots to pack, L.L.Bean’s duffels are roomy enough to stuff in everything you need. There are options with or without wheels and lots of sizes to choose from (the Adventure Rolling Duffel , shown here, is incredibly durable and one of our go-to picks for vacations with kids).

The flexible shape of the duffel also allows it to store easily under your bed, so it’s perfect for college students or anyone tight on storage space. It’s also made of sturdy, water-resistant nylon fabric that's made to last no matter where your travels take you — in fact, one of our experts says it's lasted for years without signs of wear. She does note that it's a little more cumbersome to pull than four-wheel spinner luggage and it's spaciousness makes it easy to go over the 50-pound weight limit for airlines, but says it's perfect for packing for two kids.

Monos says its design philosophy is "less is more," — meaning the bags are made to be simple and timeless to avoid passing trends and high quality so they can stand the test of time. Most of its hardside bags are entirely polycarbonate, though some combine polycarbonate and aluminum for increased durability. They also have useful packing features like wide compression straps to help you fit more in the case.

The Check-In Large was a winner of last year's GH Family Travel Awards because of its spacious interior and maneuverability. Testers said it was easy to roll and they loved the sleek appearance. It's also worth noting that the brand has a 100-day return period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why Travelers Love the Monos Luggage Collection

Monos luggage shown in three sizes: Check-in Large, Check-in Medium and Carry-on

Eagle Creek

Whether you’re backpacking internationally or exploring a national park, Eagle Creek gives you both the convenience and durability you need in a bag. Some have various compartments so you can stay organized (or store shoes and dirty laundry separately), and some bags have backpack straps if you need to be hands-free.

We especially love the Cargo Hauler Duffel for shorter trips: It’s affordable, spacious, lightweight and folds up into a small pouch for easy storage. For longer getaways, the Migrate Wheeled Duffel (pictured here) is larger and has two wheels with a telescopic handle. It also opens wide so you can easily access the contents.

Eagle Creek's Migrate Wheeled Duffel, left, being checked in at an airport terminal.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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The 14 best luggage brands of 2024.

These brands offer suitcases and travel gear with standout features and proven reliability.

The Best Luggage Brands

Courtesy of Travelpro

While you can't control everything on your journeys, embarking with the right luggage for your type of adventure certainly makes things go more smoothly. But with the variety of brands, styles and types of bags available, making a choice on what to purchase can feel overwhelming.

To make it easier to find your perfect travel companion, U.S. News compiled this list of the best luggage brands for carry-ons, checked luggage, weekender bags, backpacks and more. Based on testing by our editors and consumer reviews, these brands are consistent traveler favorites.

The Top Luggage Brands for 2024

Best overall: travelpro.

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hard-sided: Away

Best soft-sided: samsonite, best lightweight: july, best customizable: roam, best for organization: solgaard, best for fashionable function: béis, best affordable: amazon basics, best for international travel: delsey paris, best for business travel: tumi.

• Best Expandable: Briggs & Riley

Best Luxury: Carl Friedrik

Best for style: calpak, best for minimalists: monos.

(Note: Styles, return policies and warranty information were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues, retailer policies and other factors.)

Price range: $130 to $695 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Founded by a commercial airline pilot, Travelpro invented the Original Rollaboard – a two-wheeled upright suitcase with an extendable handle. For more than 30 years, this brand has continued to bring innovation to its entire collection of luggage, which includes carry-on bags, rollaboards, totes and checked suitcases – as well as accessories like packing cubes , luggage tags and toiletry bags .

Travelpro has become a perennial favorite among airline crew members worldwide, with employees from more than 90 airlines using Travelpro luggage, according to the brand's website. Combining durability and functionality with elements like exterior organizational pockets, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner (one of U.S. News' top carry-on luggage picks) is popular with travelers, who say they appreciate the spinner wheels and extendable handle for easy maneuverability through airports.

What our editors say:

I'm a big fan of the Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner . I purchased the suitcase in 2022 and have used it for multiple trips. It is incredibly light, fits an impressive amount of clothing and is easy to maneuver with super smooth spinner wheels that you can pull or push. The textured, wavy design also makes it less likely to see scratches or scuffs, and the slate blue version I got (Ensign Blue) is a color that's easy to pick out off the luggage belt. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Courtesy of Away

Price range: $295 to $745 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1-year to lifetime

Designed for travelers by travelers, Away is an online retailer that offers suitcases, bags and accessories. Created to make journeys easier and inspire more travel, Away suitcases are constructed with high-performing and lightweight materials, with a focus on intentional and functional details that matter, like double buckle compression pads and color-matched leather luggage tags. The Carry-On is highly rated by travelers and was chosen as the best hard-sided carry-on by the editors at U.S. News.

I always recommend Away luggage to fellow travelers. The Carry-On has been with me on countless trips over the past few years, and it's still in great shape. For checked luggage, The Medium is my go-to because it's big without being bulky and holds plenty for a long trip. You don't need anything larger or more expensive than this. – Amanda Norcross, Content and SEO Strategist

Read: The Best Hard-Sided Luggage

Courtesy of Samsonite

Price range: $63 to $1,150 Return policy: 90 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 3-year to lifetime

Offering a range of travel bags, luggage and accessories for business and leisure travelers, Samsonite has been a leading luggage brand for more than 100 years. Samsonite is known for focusing on durability and innovative design, and today's travelers can find a range of hard- and soft-sided luggage along with a variety of travel accessories.

I love traveling with Samsonite's SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner . I'm a big fan of soft-sided luggage in general, and this suitcase feels particularly well made and durable. I've found it to be more spacious than it looks, even when I don't use the expansion zipper. The brand's organizational features are my favorite part — especially the wet pocket and the buckle system that keeps the tie-down straps out of my way when packing. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Courtesy of July

Price range: $245 to $595 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Inspired to create well-built luggage that combines form and function, July has hard-sided luggage as well as a range of totes and bags. Constructed using aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, the suitcases feature an eggshell design to optimize function and durability. There are anodized aluminum bumpers on the corners of the suitcases (except for the light designs), and the brand offers expandable and trunk luggage as well.

For travelers seeking lightweight options, the July Carry-on Light is the U.S. News pick for best lightweight carry-on. In addition to suitcases, July makes a variety of bags, including the Carry All Weekender Plus with a clamshell design for easy packing as well as the machine-washable Everyday Large Tote .

I am extremely impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of July luggage and bags. The Carry-on Light is truly lightweight, and the construction exceeds any of the other lightweight designs I've tried. I also appreciate that the cotton canvas Everyday Totes are machine-washable (and they fold up to save space when you're not traveling). – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Price range: $550 to $695 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Created with an emphasis on the journey, each piece of Roam luggage is hand-finished in the U.S. From the front and back colors to the zippers and the wheel color, purchasers can choose from a variety of options to create a custom hard-sided carry-on or checked bag. The interiors of the luggage include compression panels with mesh pocket insets, and there are expandable designs.

The quality construction, customization and attention to detail make this brand a good option for those seeking unique and personalized luggage. In addition to suitcases, the brand offers customizable backpacks, duffels and tote bags, including the Everyday Tote .

The extremely smooth wheels and the option to choose the colors of every aspect of the carry-on or checked suitcase really sets ROAM luggage apart from other brands. I also love the multiple zippered compartments in the Everyday Tote, which can be customized to coordinate with a ROAM suitcase. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of Solgaard

Price range: $265 to $375 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Lifetime

Launched in 2016 with the Lifepack – a solar-powered anti-theft laptop bag with Bluetooth speakers – Solgaard has revolutionized luggage with its innovative approach to bag and suitcase design. In 2017, the brand launched its award-winning Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original , the U.S. News winner for best overall carry-on for 2024. This piece became a traveler favorite for its patented built-in shelves, which eliminate the need to unpack while traveling yet keep clothes and essentials in place. The brand continues to add to its offerings with checked luggage, weekender bags and backpacks outfitted with Solgaard's built-in closet system.

The quality construction combined with a sleek external aesthetic really makes Solgaard luggage stand out from the crowd. The closet system truly is a game changer, and the ergonomic handle is extremely comfortable and easy to maneuver, even on long travel days. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of BÉIS

Price range: $218 to $348 Return policy: 45 days Warranty: Lifetime limited

Inspired by her own travels, actress Shay Mitchell started BÉIS to make travel bags and accessories that are both fashionable and functional at attractive prices. BÉIS'  The Weekender  is U.S. News'  top weekender bag  pick, and the brand offers fashion-forward hard-sided luggage sets, backpacks, duffels and travel accessories. Travelers can choose to pair luggage like  The Carry-On Roller  with coordinating bags and totes for a chic coordinated look.

BEIS is worthy of all the hype it gets. I'm impressed with the overall quality and design of the luggage, and The Weekender is my go-to bag for short trips. − Amanda Norcross

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Price range: $36 to $150 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: 1-year limited

This brand of luggage by Amazon is designed to offer exceptional value. Amazon Basics luggage options include hard- and soft-sided rolling luggage and underseat bags. What's more, Amazon Basics sells a variety of travel accessories, including packing cubes, waist and neck wallets, and toiletry bags.

I love how budget-friendly and durable the Amazon Basics brand is. I have both the 20-inch Hardside Spinner and the Expandable Softside Spinner carry-on bags. If you need a cheap, lasting carry-on, you can't go wrong with one of these pieces of carry-on luggage – both are less than $100. Plus, if you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these shipped straight to your house within one to two days. – Erin Evans

Courtesy of DELSEY PARIS

Price range: $100 to $545 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 2-year to lifetime

Founded in 1946, DELSEY PARIS began creating suitcases for travelers after the postwar birth of tourism. Combining French elegance and style with quality construction, this 75-years-and-counting heritage brand produces iconic luggage styles like the Chatelet collection in carry-on and checked sizes. Owners of the Chatelet luggage like the vintage-inspired styling and ease of use. In addition to luggage that combines fashion and function, the brand continuously adds travel must-haves like duffel bags , backpacks , weekender bags and more.

DELSEY makes some quality, good-looking luggage. The DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero International Carry-On is one of my go-to pieces. The bag's interior is spacious and has many different compartments for organization, and the double-spinner wheels make sure it easily glides across various surfaces. – Erin Evans

Courtesy of TUMI

Price range: $518 to $4,500 Return policy: Items must be unused and returned in original packaging Warranty: 5-year limited

TUMI is an iconic international brand offering high-end luggage, bags and a variety of travel accessories, including passport holders, toiletry bags, portfolios and eyewear. The brand focuses on high performance and quality materials in its luggage offerings. Along with luggage, other TUMI travel products and accessories include wallets, travel purses and luggage tags.

I really appreciate the feel and quality of TUMI's nylon travel bags and purses. My go-to crossbody for trips is from the Voyageur collection that I've had for several years. The sleek black nylon construction with gold hardware looks like the day I got it, and the style can be dressed up or dressed down depending on my needs. When I need additional room, I toss the Just In Case Tote in my carry-on – I packed an Irish sweater and wool throw, along with several other finds on my trip to Ireland! – Rachael Hood

Best Expandable: Briggs & Riley

Courtesy of Briggs & Riley

Price range: $419 to $1,049 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Lifetime

Focused on creating innovative luggage and bags to make the journey easier, Briggs & Riley is a high-quality luggage brand with a lifetime warranty. The brand's "simple as that" exclusive guarantee covers all repairs and functional damage to Briggs & Riley luggage with no receipt needed or questions asked.

By learning from customer feedback and research, Briggs & Riley offers luggage and travel gear with innovative features like CX Expansion, which allows you to expand your bag to pack and then compress it to fit the carry-on into the plane's overhead compartment. The unique technology landed the Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner on the U.S. News' best carry-on luggage list in the category of best expandability.

There's a reason Briggs & Riley luggage doesn't come cheap. In terms of overall quality and features – expandability, in particular – it's the best luggage I've ever tested. – Amanda Norcross

Courtesy of Carl Friedrik

Price range: $495 to $745 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime

Based in London, Carl Friedrik was founded in 2013 by two brothers. Blending functionality with high-quality construction and premium materials, the brand offers luggage, wallets, bags and travel essentials. Carl Friedrik products are designed for durability and practicality, then constructed with time-honored methods and bespoke finishings. Take The Carry-on as an example, with its polycarbonate hard-shell exterior and Italian leather accents. In addition to luggage, the brand has an extensive collection of fine leather briefcases , weekender bags, backpacks and more.

I love the refined elegance and craftsmanship of Carl Friedrik luggage and travel goods. There are smart and functional details throughout each piece, and the feel of the materials is sleek and sophisticated. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of CALPAK

Price range: $165 to $275 Return policy: 30 days Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1- to 5-year

California Pack, which started as a handbag and wallet company in Los Angeles in 1989, evolved into CALPAK – a top-selling luggage and accessories brand. Designed to be both functional and affordable, CALPAK is a destination for hard- and soft-sided suitcases, the iconic Luka Duffel , packable tote bags, and a variety of accessories. Selected by U.S. News as the top underseat option , the CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On has a laptop sleeve, a front pocket and a luggage trolley strap.

When I'm packing for a short trip, CALPAK's Mini Carry-ons are my go-to. I always pack a tech organizer, and the Luka Duffel and Luka Mini Backpack are perfect for traveling or running around town. – Rachael Hood

Courtesy of Monos

Price range: $255 to $455 Return policy: 100 days Warranty: Lifetime

Valuing simplicity with an emphasis on sustainability , Monos luggage and travel bags are created to be timeless. The brand's premium suitcases like the Carry-On are constructed with lightweight, aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate to withstand the demands of travel. There are a variety of nylon and vegan leather bags and accessories, including the Metro Duffel and the Metro Backpack , with a unique modular system where kits can be removed or changed depending on travel needs.

The durability and sleek styling of Monos luggage are incredible. I appreciate the focus on sustainability, and I find the brand's modular system to really be a standout feature. – Rachael Hood

Read: Monos vs. Away: Luggage Comparison Charts

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a passion for luggage. Always shopping for luggage and testing different suitcases for various needs, she rarely checks a bag. Having traveled the world with top finds from CALPAK, TUMI and ROAM, she used her traveling experience along with her retail merchandising background to curate this list of the top luggage brands.

You might also be interested in:

• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Top Luggage Sets
• The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Eric Ravenscraft

Scott Gilbertson

Ryan Waniata

Martin Cizmar

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Adrienne So

Nena Farrell

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The 14 Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust

Brought to you by true enthusiasts.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

There’s a fine line that divides the modern jet setter from the weary traveler, and it’s (mostly) marked by a precise combination of style and preparedness. And anyone who’s traveled knows that great bags are the most important companions.

Best Luxury

Bottega veneta the cassette padded leather crossbody bag.

Best Camera Bag

Isabel marant wardy camera bag.

Best Leather

Mansur gavriel moon sling bag.

The right crossbody allows you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting in miles during a day of sightseeing. Of course, you might also need something to carry to dinner or on a spontaneous date with some accented stranger (a girl can dream!). The moral of the story is you need a bag that can do it all —and one that works for you in every way. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for a summer vacation , shop the 14 best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.

If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For travel-friendly options, look for styles that close securely and transition well from day to night.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 3.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches

Material: Leather

Colors: 19 options

Customer review: “This is a gorgeous bag, and the leather is so dreamy *but* you will be forced to pick and choose what you want to carry as the interior is quite small. I’m able to fit my iPhone pro, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”

While we love cameras, camera bags are usually ugly, point blank. You’re not paparazzi, and although you are a traveler, you wouldn’t want anyone to think of you as a tourist , right? This fashionable find from Isabel Marant is the solution.

Dimensions: Height: 5.25 inches; width: 3 inches; length: 7.25 inches

Material: Leather, silver, textile

Colors: Black

If style is your top priority, here’s an option that will match with quite literally anything you wear. The concession is that you might not be able to squeeze that telescopic camera lens inside it, but there’s more than enough room for airplane snacks.

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7.1 inches; length: 10.6 inches

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Black, Desert, Avorio, Plum

Customer review: “What a beautiful and versatile bag, both in terms of style and colour. It's surprisingly roomy for the size. The leather is absolutely beautiful and buttery soft. Super happy with my purchase!”

Prada Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of nylon Prada. Similar to the ever-practical Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag , this quilted flap-over bag comes complete with a detachable mini zipper pouch.

Dimensions: Height: 17 centimeters; width: 24 centimeters; length: 8 centimeters

Material: Nylon fabric

Colors: Black, Desert Beige

Customer review: “I have the original nylon and the Re-Edition, and they are my go-to bags. Lightweight, durable, and great for daily use.”

Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag

If you’re the sporty or adventuring type of traveler, allow us to introduce you to this style from Dagne Dover. We think you’d be perfect for each other.

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 4 inches; length: 9.5 inches

Material: REPREVE recycled polyester

Colors: Onyx, Moonbeam, Goji

Customer review: “Recently took this bag on my weeklong trip to Amsterdam...It worked so well. It comfortably fit my small Nalgene water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses—all the necessities. It’s not huge but it could also fit small souvenirs picked up throughout the day such as magnets, small jewelry items, candy, etc. Highly recommend!”

MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe

Here at ELLE, we love MZ Wallace . This perfectly sized Sutton is just the latest obsession. We scrolled through pages and pages of five-star customer reviews in search of any “cons” to no avail.

Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather

Colors: 17 options

Customer review: “Love the feel, look and style. Everything fits so nicely in this bag. All items are an eyes view and so convenient to get. Love it.”

WE-AR4 The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag

Cargo bags have appeared repeatedly over the past few fashion months, which means organization just got trendier. This sectioned bag allows you to keep all those bits and bobs in a place of their own.

Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches; depth: 4 inches

Colors: Black, Sage, Navy, Ice Blue

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

This BAGGU option is actually a personal recommendation from associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue—although all the rave customer reviews amplify the point. This bag is spacious, not bulky, and surprisingly cute.

Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 4 inches

Material: Nylon

Colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Pixel Gingham

Customer review: “This bag is so cute and easy to carry. I’m a mom on the go and my bags always get dirty. This bag is so comfortable and easy to clean. The strap is nice and wide and comfortable and the bag is big enough for me to even carry my Owala in it! If you’re on the fence, come on over. This bag rules!”

Béis The Sport Sling

Béis knows travel. This sling backpack is ideal for busy walkabout days and can complement any number of other Béis luggage pieces.

Dimensions: Height: 8.2 inches; width: 6.7 inches; depth: 2.7 inches

Material: Nylon, faux leather, recycled polyester

Colors: Black, Slate, Beige, Atlas Pink, Maple

Customer review: “Love all the pockets and how accessible the sling is! Grabbing what you need quickly from the slots is so handy. I can’t wait to use this on my Italy trip!”

Travelon Anti-Theft Courier Tour Bag

As a traveler with her naïveté on constant display, this anti-theft bag could’ve saved me some heartbreak (and the four hours I spent Google translating a theft complaint to the Paris police department). Slash-resistant material, deep locking compartments, and an RFID-protected pocket mean you can rest a little easier knowing your belongings are safe and sound.

Dimensions: Length: 11 inches; height: 11.5 inches; depth: 3 inches

Material: Cotton canvas, leather

Colors: Navy, Stone Grey

Customer review: “Did a month with this bag all over the world and there is no wear or tear that I can see at all...it fit everything I needed (wallet, rolled up rain jacket, phone, passport, rolled sun visor, etc.) and the zip out water bottle pocket works with a collapsible water bottle to fill up when you’re not in an airport.”

Tumi Valetta North/South Crossbody

For those who never leave their tech behind, keep your lifeline secure in Tumi’s vertical crossbody, complete with a touch of leather trim for style points. It has pockets for cash, cards, and mini must-haves.

Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; length: 5.3 inches, depth: 2 inches

Material: Nylon, leather

Mango Crossbody Bag

This bag from Mango gives off an aura of quiet luxury that makes it versatile enough to wear as your day-to-day bag or take it on the go. It’s polished, simple, and houses dual compartments to enhance convenience.

Dimensions: Length: 10.2 inches; height: 6.7 inches; width: 3.5 inches

Material: Polyurethane, polyester

Colors: Black, Leather

Customer review: “Yeah to to faux leather! The time has come for us to be conscious consumers. This purse is perfect to wear with my simple, classic wardrobe pieces.”

Coach Coachtopia Loop Quilted Wavy Tote

An extension of the Coach brand, Coachtopia revives recycled and upcrafted materials to give birth to new designs, like this puffy-soft crossbody laptop tote.

Dimensions: Length: 16.75 inches; height: 12.25 inches

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: Twilight, Deep Orange, Black, Olive Green

Customer review: “This tote is so cute and comfy on my shoulders. It holds a lot of items...great for work or travel.”

FashionPuzzle Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag

This crossbody bag has a 4.6-star rating from almost 30,000 reviews. At such an affordable price point, you might want to choose a couple of color options to add to your collection.

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; height: 5.5 inches; depth: 2.75 inches

Material: Faux leather

Colors: 30 options

Customer review: “I use this when traveling, it holds so much without being bulky. I can put passports, phone, sunglasses, lip products, money/cards and still have gobs of room left.”

How to Shop for Travel-Friendly Crossbody Bags

• Look for bags that close securely. Zippered or lock closure tops are best. Snaps and magnets come in second, and open tops offer the least protection against theft.
• Before purchasing, make sure a bag will hold all of your necessities. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you likely know which items you like to keep on your throughout your days. But if not, give it some thought. Will you want to keep your passport on your person, or are you comfortable using the hotel safe? Do you carry an inhaler or EpiPen? Is your wallet large, or do you have a sleek card holder? Think these things over and be sure your new bag will hold everything you want it to. Often, it’s better to go slightly larger than you might initially think you need. Size up.
• Ideally, the bag will feel comfortable to wear and will have a thick, perhaps even padded, strap. It’s also preferable for straps to be adjustable.
• The more organizational features, the better.
• A bag that can be worn in multiple ways or has a versatile style is best if you want to pack light. Some bags won’t transition well to a fancy dinner or night out. If you only plan to bring one bag, keep this in mind.
• If you’re more concerned with practicality, you’ll definitely want to look for durable, weather-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Why Crossbody Bags Are Good for Travelers

• If worn as a true crossbody, it’s not as easy for the bag to slip off your shoulder—or to be snatched—as it is with a tote, shoulder, or handbag. Yet, it still provides that handsfree convenience. The same can be said for backpacks.
• From a fashion perspective, crossbody bags are easier to dress up than backpacks and are likely to match with more of your outfits.

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Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

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Make your daily schlep less mundane with these fashion-forward picks.

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Updated March 29, 2024: This article on best everday bags for women was updated with new editor product picks .  We are currently testing additional designer and affordable bags for daily wear in consideration for this expert-backed shopping guide.

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When searching for your ideal everyday bag, women should think about bag features and silhouettes that suit their lifestyle with ample space for daily essentials to fit comfortably — from your gym attire to small goods, including your wallet , phone, sunglasses , makeup bag and more.

An everyday bag also would also need to be appropriate for your 9-to-5 work day. You’ll want to find the right minimalist bag that’s refined in appearance that compliments your workwear wardrobe. Emily Blumenthal , a handbag industry and design expert, says that while there are a wide variety of everyday bags on the market to select from, there are a few key bag styles and purse shapes that are worthy of your consideration.

“In this day and age, a great everyday bag consists of a crossbody bag, an oversized shoulder bag , or a soft slouchy hobo bag that has a wide-enough strap that could be worn as a crossbody as well,” Blumenthal says. “Although backpacks are still going strong, carrying a fashion -driven bag is still key. Having a pop of color integrated on the strap, top stitch, or pop-lining continues to bring the element of joy to the handbag purchase”.

From super-luxe trophy bags by fashion heavyweights such as Louis Vuitton and Dior, to the more affordable everyday totes from contemporary labels such as Cuyana and Uniqlo, we’ve researched and examined top styles for every daytime occasion. Ahead you’ll find top everyday bags for 2024, chosen with the help and guidance of Blumenthal and Samantha Brown , a professional and celebrity stylist.

Editor’s Choice: Top Three Everyday Bags of 2024

Your new everyday handbag should seamlessly meld with your personal style, so there’s a myriad of options to consider in pursuit of a holy-grail hauler. Since this is a decision that involves personal preferences, our highlighted editor-approved everyday bags touch on number of different needs with functionality and appearance at top of mind with varying shapes, sizes, colorways and price points. The below choices were ranked on our essential everyday bag criteria, including overall functionality, which refers to sturdy construction and comfortable carrying features, along with day-to-day versatility, contemporary design, and investment-worthy durability.

• Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag : Remember this iconic bag style? Mansur Gavriel is having a major resurgence among fashionistas and celebrities (from Taylor Swift to Katie Holmes). This beloved bucket bag, which was one of two styles that Mansur Gavriel launched their brand with back in 2013, has become a timeless classic worthy of your hard-earned money. It rings in at a reasonable luxury price point with buttery-smooth leather in a wide range of colorways to suit all seasons and style preferences.
• Senreve Mini Maestra Bag : If you’re in the market for a do-it-all bag, this four-way wear Senreve handbag is an exceptional option. It can be worn as a sophistical top handle bag, crossbody bag, shoulder bag, or a stylish backpack , making its function boundless for any occasion. You don’t have to worry about daily wear and tear with this number, as its made with highly-durable leather that’s resistant to stains, water, and scratches.
• Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag : Modern and minimal, this bestselling crossbody bag from Quince comes recommended by rave reviewers that deem it the perfect size for a daily haul. It comes quilted it luxe Italian leather, in a streamlined, lightweight, and protective silhouette. For its quality and effortless function, it’s poses the as most impressive, affordable option on our list.

The Top Everyday Bags for 2024

• Editor’s Choice: Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag
• Editor’s Choice: Senreve Mini Maestra Bag
• Editor’s Choice: Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag
• Best Crossbody: Coach Gotham Pack
• Best Luxury : Gucci Ophidia GG Shoulder Bag
• Best Tote: Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
• Best Casual : Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Aritzia Curator Bigger Bag

Naghedi mini st barths tote.

• Best for Everyday Use: See by Chloé Joan Ladylike Bag
• Best Designer : Tory Burch Eleanor Satchel

Dior Book Tote Bag

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Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag

The Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag requires no introduction, as it’s been a celebrity street style favorite for years and maintains its It-bag status today. This understated bag’s minimalist design has mass appeal, and is uniquely made from sustainable vegetable tanned leather. “Mansur Gavriel makes great bucket bags with minimal branding and hardware,” says Brown. “They’re versatile and can be worn cross body.” What’s more, we love the everyday bag’s internal zipper compartment that’s ideal for housing smaller valuables. What the testers say: “I just recieved my second Mansur Gavriel bucket bag and I love them both! It’s lightweight, stores so much, and holds up very well. The strap length is perfect. I highly recommend! Functionality : 4.7/5 rating |  Versatility : 4.8/5 rating |  Style : 5/5 rating |  Durability : 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of article: $495

Senreve Mini Maestra Bag

The Senreve Mini Maestra Bag is designed for the daily adventurer, and is defined by the brand as a “backpack-meets-handbag” with adjustable straps that convert to four styling options: A chic top handle bag, satchel bag, crossbody bag, and a convenient backpack. This everyday bag’s frame is large enough to fit an iPad or must-have reading material, making it an ideal personal option for travel or commuting. The durable construction can handle daily wear will maintaining its appearance for years to come. There are plenty of color options to suit your personal style, too, whether you enjoy this soft brown chestnut hue or desire an everyday bag in a rich tone like merlot. What the testers say: “Such a gorgeous bag — incredible quality. It’s absolutely perfect for everyday use, for running errands or going to dinner. This color goes with everything. I can wear it with a dress and sandals and it looks pretty because it’s small and cute, or I can wear it with joggers and a t-shirt and it looks sporty and cool. Just love it. So versatile. I’ve worn it on repeat since the day it arrived!” Functionality : 5/5 rating |  Versatility : 5/5 rating |  Style : 5/5 rating |  Durability : 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of article: $745

Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag

This bestselling, modern Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag from Quince is a quality carrier that won’t bog you down while you’re on the go. Its premium Italian leather quality comes with a jaw-dropping affordable price tag while boasting exceptionally versatile styling possibilities from day to night as a shoulder bag, crossbody bag, or simple clutch. The soft-structured silhouette can surprisingly hold a few pairs of sunglasses, wallet, key ring, phone, and then some, while posing cute and compact for work, travel, date night, and beyond. What the testers say: “It’s the perfect size! It fits flat across the body but easily contains many more items than my other crossbody bags. The leather is soft and luxurious. I want to order more colors!” Functionality : 5/5 rating |  Versatility : 5/5 rating |  Style : 4.7/5 rating |  Durability : 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of article: $129.90

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Quilting, Hay

Street style stars were toting this chic, luxurious Coach Tabby Bag all over New York Fashion Week — and with good reason. The ’70s-inspired modern classic has become one of the most popular designer crossbody bags of 2024 in a timeless, super-soft quilted nappa leather that’s available in a wide variety of colorways to match your everyday style (from classic neutrals to pretty pastels to trendy Y2K denim). The Tabby 20 — which is more compact than the Coach Tabby 26 — has a long, stylish chain strap that allows you to carry it across your chest or to be worn as a shoulder bag. With plenty of compartments and pockets, this Coach everyday bag is an ideal choice for the women who likes to keep her small essentials organized. If you already have a go-to black handbag, may we suggest this Hay colorway that has the versatility you’ve been searching for with a great return on investment when calculating its cost-per-wear value. Add it to your Mother’s Day gift wish list to help a hubby out by highlighting one of the best gifts for wives this year. What the testers say : “I love this bag. It’s small but mighty, and fits all my essentials when I’m out and about. The leather is amazing quality and buttery soft. Coach you nailed it with this one. Keep the new colors coming.” Price upon publish date of this article : $395.00

Gucci Ophidia GG Shoulder Bag

Gucci’s Ophidia bag is an icon of the bag world, characterized by its slouchy half-moon shape, signature GG canvas and red and green stripe. We love that the strap is adjustable so you can wear it cross body or slung over your shoulder, plus it has an internal zipped pocket for keeping valuables secure. An unmistakable work of the Italian fashion house, this is the kind of bag that will have a place in your wardrobe forever. Treat it well, and it will pay you back in spades. Price upon publish date of article: $1,390

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

An editor favorite, Cuyana’s Classic Easy Tote has quite the following thanks to its versatility, elegance, and practicality. It’s made from butter-soft pebbled leather that looks better as it ages, and LWG certification that means it’s tanned using environmentally friendly methods. One of the best elements of this bag (other than its soft, unstructured shape that fits so much inside) are the customizable options. Choose from a range of shades such as terracotta and stone, and classic, tall and small sizes. You can even choose between having a zipper or open top. What the testers say: “It’s everything you could ever want in a tote: the design is simple but polished, the leather is soft and beautiful, and the quality is so high that we’ve all owned ours for years.” Price upon publish date of article: $268

This plush, contemporary tote from Aritzia is lightweight and expandable, so no matter how hefty your haul grows by day’s end, this number will hold it all. Its quilted texture adds stylish intrique, as opposed to basic canvas totes, while functional details like a zip closure, interior pocket, and easy-clean fabrication make it a no-brainer pick-up as an affordable carry-all or weekend errand run necessity. Price upon publish date of article: $98

The Naghedi Mini St Barths Tote may look like a classic, basket-style straw bag upon first glance, but it’s actually woven with durable neoprene that resists spills or emergency moments when you’re caught in the rain. It has a wide open top, so you’ll be able to see the entire contents of your bag, rather than wasting time digging through a bottomless well. Designed with busy bees on top of mind, the modern mini tote comes with a sturdy crossbody strap and a bonus pouch for storing smaller items, like your favorite lip gloss or a phone charger. Price upon publish date of article: $240

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

If you spend an afternoon walking around New York City, we can bet you’ll spot the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag on several passersby. The minimal, clean-cut design is a cult-favorite everyday bag for a reason: its durable, lightweight construction is suitable to carry for both rain or shine, while the bag’s large storage capacity is substantial enough to double as an overnight bag or carry your weekly groceries. The trendy crescent bag shape — available in varying colorways and stylish prints — fits snug to the body when placed on shoulders for easy-access, and its adjustable strap allows you to sling it several ways to comfortably distribute weight. What the testers say: “This bag is so perfect for everyday wear! It’s so cute, fits so many things, and is the absolutely perfect size. It goes with any outfit! I will definitely buy more in different sizes the future. Plus it has two pockets inside. I love it!” Price upon publish date of article: $52

See by Chloé Joan Ladylike Bag

Every closet requires an everyday black bag that can pair with anything and everything, so it might as well be beautifully crafted by a timeless brand like See by Chloé. This affordable luxury piece, the Joan Ladylike Ba g, comes crafted in supple “velvet leather” suede and grained cowhide in a saddle silhouette. It comes with an adjustable crossbody strap for a second option to wear it, on top of its sturdy and chic top handle. The gold hardware and signature house codes nod to its classic appeal, while spacious interior and exterior pockets leave you equipped with a day’s worth of necessities. Shop the style in four rich color options, including this pitch-black, as well as soft brown, blood orange, and muted gray. Price upon publish date of article: $525

Tory Burch Eleanor Satchel Bag

If you’re in the market for a classic 1960s satchel bag to sling on the daily for added outfit polush, we’re loving the Eleanor Satchel , which we’ve deemed one of the best Tory Burch bags of all time. The top-handle bag is minimal and sophisticated, with suede side panelling and modern lines reminiscent of Bauhaus design. Sling it in the crook of your arm as a posh style statement, or enjoy hands-free convenience with the crossbody strap. What testers say: “The bag is what I have been looking for! The design has a classic beauty with a modern sense of comfort. I match the bag with a skirt or jeans. Whether my outfit is formal or casual, the bag goes with me everywhere.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $798

Trust Christian Dior to make the tote bag into a seriously luxurious investment piece. The fashion house’s now iconic Book Tote was introduced by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri and features the Christian Dior Paris logo along the centre. The tote is available in a range of backdrops such as this beautiful Toile de Jouy motif, and it can also be personalized for a truly bespoke finish. “I personally look the Dior Book tote in the medium size,” says Brown. “It’s large enough to fit all the essentials, plus a laptop or tablet. It’s lightweight and doesn’t have any hardware, which is a nice chance from the clunkier bags I sometimes carry.” Price upon publish date of article: $3,350

Everyday Bag Trends for 2024

Brown says that bucket bags, quilted styles, large and shrunken totes are all key trends this year, in addition to minimal hardware and branding. Y2K bags, like baguettes and smaller shoulder bags, such as the Gucci Horsebit Bag , have also made a big comeback.

What to Look for In an Everyday Bag

• Color and fabric : “Neutral colors in good quality leather or nylon will hold up over time,” advises Brown. Blumenthal also adds that muted tones are key this season. “However, expect to see the bright greens, the Barbie pinks, and at least one bold color in every designer’s assortment,” she says.
• Design : “Smaller or more minimal branding feels modern right now, while logo mania comes in and out,” Brown explains. She adds that when investing in a higher ticket item, consider the cost per wear and how much use you’ll get out of the bag over time. 
• Comfort : “Comfort is key when purchasing a new handbag,” advises Brown. “Make sure it has a supportive strap and isn’t too heavy when empty.” If it already feels cumbersome, you should rethink — no matter how beautiful the design. Don’t forget that the beauty of the everyday bag is the way it marries style and practicality, and its ability to take you anywhere.
• Size : Empty your current everyday bag and think about what you actually need on a day-to-day basis. If you simply need a wallet, phone, keys and lip balm, a smaller bucket bag or crossbody style will suffice. If you want a bag to also take you to the gym after the office, with space for other essentials like your child’s water bottle and a small laptop, you’ll need something bigger like a slouchy tote or backpack.

The Different Types of Everyday Bags

• The bucket bag : Bucket bags got their name as their shape largely reflects that of an actual bucket, with a cylindrical shape and tall sides. Most have drawstring closures, like the Louis Vuitton NéoNoé MM or Gucci Ophidia. Versatile and chic, Brown adds that “A bucket bag is comfortable, casual and fits all the essentials.”
• The tote : Characterized by its large, unstructured size with parallel handles, a tote bag is super versatile and ideal for those days when you need to carry a little more. You can find a number of materials, such as canvas tote bags or leather tote bags. From the Marc Jacobs’ The Tote Bag to Mansur Gavriel’s beautifully understated large tote, practically every brand has one in their collection.
• The backpack : While backpacks are traditionally a utilitarian essential, they can also make a super chic style statement, too. Backpacks in lightweight nylon have a sportier feel, but if you want a smarter look, opt for one made from butter-soft or quilted leather. A backpack is also a good option if you find that cross-body or shoulder bags affect your posture.
• The crossbody bag : “A crossbody is very versatile and can be styled many different ways,” says Brown. Blumenthal adds that “clutches have experienced a resurgence with brands cautiously adding at least one to their offerings. However, unlike their older contemporary, they will come with an option to be worn as a crossbody”.

How We Selected the Best Everyday Bags

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To select the best everyday bags of 2024, one reporter interviewed two style experts for their input on the best styles to invest in this season and the key designers, silhouettes, and fabrics to consider. Using our expert’s advice, we combed through offerings from multiple retailers to find top-rated everyday bags that are both practical and stylish as well as considering hundreds of online reviews — both good and bad. Our shortlist comprises a mix of backpacks, cross-body bags, totes, and bucket bags from luxury, contemporary and luxury brands to suit a range of budgets. Learn more about WWD here .

Meet the Experts

Samantha Brown is a professional and celebrity stylist who works with her clients to refine and elevate their personal style. Her styling credits include Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Nylon, Fox, Real Simple, and The New York Post.

Emily Blumenthal is known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother” as a designer talent scout, handbag industry and design expert, Author of “Handbag Designer 101,” which has sold over 50,000 copies, Founder of The Handbag Awards, National Handbag Designer Day, and is Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Merchandising.

Meet the Author

Cat Hufton  is a London-based fashion and beauty journalist who has written for some of the world’s best luxury e-commerce companies and publications, including InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, and WWD.  Hufton  is an avid online shopper and has tested hundreds of products during her career giving her a keen eye for what’s worth your hard-earned dollars and what’s not. Hufton wrote this story on the best everyday bags using her extensive knowledge in the space. 

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WWD and Women's Wear Daily are part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Fairchild Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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• > Industry

9 Little-Known Brands That Should Be On Your Radar

Discovering a new brand that you weren’t aware of is a gift that keeps on giving. Sure, we all have our favorites. But there’s no denying the buzz that comes from spotting a design that makes you take a second look; a piece that makes you wonder who made it, and just how it might feel to use it yourself. Sometimes it’s a distinct design language and aesthetic that draws you in. Other times, a functional benefit. Maybe even both. And since we give a solid thumbs-up to stepping outside the familiar and exploring now and then, we think these 9 brands should be on your radar…

Founded in Taipei in 2018, SEALSON positions itself as both a design and research studio. The brand is focused on pushing boundaries while creating designs honed for hybrid functionality. The designs are inspired by the utility and mobility required in outdoor gear, paired with a clean minimalism that complements everyday use in urban settings. SEALSON experiments with in-house fabrics and manufacturing methods that reduce pollution and waste. All while creating a wide variety of carry offerings such as backpacks, shoulder bags, and carry vests that can nimbly leap from city streets to time in nature.

If head-turning personality is a priority in your carry, WISDOM should definitely be on your radar. Though still a young brand, Moscow-based WISDOM have an impressive lineup of handcrafted bags that fuse elements of tactical style with playful blends of color and contrasting fabrics. Shoulder bags in a variety of silhouettes are currently the predominant offering, ranging from messenger-style and sacoche bags to their intriguing Lunch Bag. However, WISDOM occasionally drops other pieces such as backpacks and pouches too.

GRAYL is all about embracing travel and outdoor adventure in a safe and prepared way. And one of the key elements on your travels is having access to clean water that’s safe to drink. So GRAYL dedicated themselves to creating a highly portable and straightforward water purifier that would allow you to safely drink from lakes, rivers, hotel sinks, and more. Today the brand offers a choice of purifier bottles, along with camping drinkware and even a hip pack with an inbuilt bottle carrier. A member of 1% for the Planet, GRAYL is also committed to supporting a range of charities that help both people and the planet.

CAYL has been encouraging a love of the outdoors since 2011. The Seoul-based brand embraces climbing, hiking, and trail running and the useful overlapping lessons that the outdoors offers for our day-to-day lives. Their carry offerings include backpacks, totes, pouches, and more, with distinct nods to outdoor influences but the versatility to span urban use too. Additionally, CAYL has a diverse range of clothing and accessory offerings that can step from the city streets to the trails and back again.

Hermitic Gear

Keen to stand out on the trails? Then you should definitely check out Hermitic Gear. The brand is based in Hong Kong and focuses on handmade ultralight backpacking gear. Peruse its offerings and you’ll find a wide assortment of fun colorways and contrasting fabrics, guaranteed to turn heads while adding a pure spark of joy to your setup. Of course, if you like things more low-key, you’ll find more understated pieces too. Hermitic Gear creates backpacks, shoulder bags, and pouches, with designs offering flexibility for outdoor adventures and daily use too.

Flower Mountain

Are you a sneakerhead who wants to step up your shoe game? Take a meandering stroll through Flower Mountain’s wide-ranging designs for both men and women and you’ll very likely find something that captures your attention. The founders, Yang Chao and Keisuke Ota, bonded over a shared love of music, mountain trekking, and footwear. The brand has grown into an internationally recognized name in the footwear scene, with production across Europe and Asia. While not intended for extreme outdoor settings such as highly technical mountain trails, the blend of fashion-forward, creative aesthetics and technical production makes the footwear a savvy pick for exploring urban streets, with the flexibility to step out on nature treks too.

Circle Sportswear

Who said sportswear can’t be stylish and sustainable? Certainly not Circle Sportswear. The French sportswear brand was founded in 2020 by Romain Trebuil with the aim of creating technical apparel that supports circular production. The brand focuses on sustainability through the use of recycled materials for their clothing, which is itself recyclable. The designs are created to be durable and timeless, so you can use them for many years to come, thereby also contributing to a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Circle offers a variety of apparel for men and women , covering running, yoga, and gym training. So wherever your activity takes you, you’re good to go.

Bandits Bandanas

Inspired by motorbike rides across Bali and the need for practical, well-made headwear, Nicole and Connor Humphreys founded Bandits Bandanas as a sustainable and creative bandana brand in 2018. They have partnered with a Fair Trade-certified manufacturer in Kolkata, India and are committed to using sustainably sourced, 100% organic cotton in their bandanas. And what better way to celebrate sustainable construction than through exclusive, original designs? Bandits collaborates with artists from around the world on their bandana designs, while also giving 10% of proceeds to charities chosen by the artists they work with. The bandanas can be worn in multiple ways , ranging from around the neck or face to headscarves, wrist wraps or even tied around a bag for some added carry flair.

Nerb Handcrafted

If you love beautifully crafted leather carry, the pieces from Nerb Handcrafted are hard to resist. The brand is based in Bangkok, Thailand and focuses on high-quality handmade leather goods including bags, wallets, and smaller accessories such as keychains. Premium materials such as Horween leather, exceptional attention to detail, and straightforward functionality make these pieces you’ll want to hold on to and use for years to come.

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Home » Russia A-Z » 8 Must-Know Russian Luxury Brands for Handbags

8 Must-Know Russian Luxury Brands for Handbags

• Post author By Widiya
• Post date February 7, 2019
• No Comments on 8 Must-Know Russian Luxury Brands for Handbags

We sure have our own tastes and preferences when it comes to luxurious handbags. Though, I bet my bottom dollar that most of you would be more likely to deem yourselves as committed Chanel buffs or devoted Givenchy disciples. Whoops, busted! But, have you ever thought of discovering something new? Something like a lesser-known luxury designer handbag perhaps?

Russian Luxury Brands for Handbags

If you are not sure yet, check out the roundup of non-mainstream Russian luxury brands of handbags down below for some insight. Russian fashion /brands may go under the radar−far and few between, but their contribution to the world of fashion is doubtlessly eccentric. Still not convinced? Then, keep on reading and find yourself some Russian-made bags.

1. ALENA AKHMADULLINA Printed Leather Bag

Alena Akhmadullina is a true pioneer of Russian fashion industry whose designs are known for their elegance, chic, and classiness. Look at the leaf print that decorates the leather. It is aesthetic to an extent, has a nice shape, and definitely does not look like it is trying to be something else. Everything has a touch of original character. Akhmadullina really knows how to use her imagination and talent to turn the what-seems-like an ordinary bag into veritable piece of art. Surely, it is not an easy job. And imagine holding a bag that is also a work of art. Wow, you might as well bring the life of fashionista to a new different level.

2. VALENTIN YUDASHKIN Spring Summer 2018 Bag

The new it-bag of 2018 is here, hot from the runway. The cute, adorable design is the distinctive part of the bag. Yudashkin keeps it simple and understated bringing in a minimalist white tone that goes with just any outfits. The bag itself belongs to micro bags family which I personally do not know what for, unless that it is omnipresent in the spring/summer handbag trends. It is suitable for summer holiday in Russia . If you are looking for a tiny, simple bag that can only contain a few stuffs, and if you are lucky enough, lipsticks and perfumes, then give it a try.

3. FLEET ILYA Box Bag

Watch out, fashionistas. There is a new go-to style with a lot more structure, extra and versatility to boot. Fleet Ilya gives you a pretty good combination of the erotic possibility of leather and restriction, as well as provides you with double sense of high fashion aesthetic and underground fantasy. It recalls the old-school design of a trunk case in bygone era. However, you cannot risk looking unbalanced with it, because Fleet Ilya adds a cross-body strap and a top handle. Thus, it will be easier for you to navigate and more importantly, you can be carefree and stylish at the very same time. Are you impressed yet?

4. LOLA BROWN Blueberry Bag

If you are looking for something simple for everyday clothing but still tap into the trend, this one is for you. Lola Brown strikes with full circle−the shape of the moment−and she makes it easy for us to see the appeal, not to mention the quirkiness. The bag is a perfect day-to-night bag. It comes in medium size with one internal compartment and two pockets, so that you can carry all your belongings in style. All you need to do to complement your looks is wear it with a pair of casual flat shoes to dress it down. Here is a little note to hint you something: the blueberry color goes well with those of pastel and monochromatic!

5. LEONID TITOW Bag

Leonid Titow is a famous Russian brand that creates apparel and accessories of leather in various styles. It is a brand for everyone, women and men. Check their product for men here. They offer you a product with optimal ratio of quality, design, and purpose. In recent years, their preference has skewed more minimalist and luxurious that you can add to your night style . Aside from its functionality, you can even consider it as an investment piece that you can carry for a very long time.

6. ALEXANDRA BELOVA Folder Bag

Alexandra Belova is a young designer from Russia whose expertise is in accessories, shoes, and genuine leather. Belova presents you a folder bag made of patent leather that is very comfortable to wear documents, magazines, and even tablet. There is just a space for almost women’s essentials inside. Yes, this cute bag is actually big enough to hold all your stuff, truly a game changer. So, it totally makes a practical purchase for those who favor practicality over everything else.

7. ANTE KOVAC Peter Grad Bag

Ante Kovac is a handmade bags and accessories’ brand based on Moscow. It stands out among other rivals for its uniqueness and easy recognition. Each bag carries the atmosphere and feeling. If you want to impress others with such refined and quirky taste, then this brand is your solution. Since it is handmade, you can expect the careful attention to detail and manual drawing. The brand also claims that their artist put their souls to the crafted bags that those bags keep warmth of the skillful hands.

8. IGOR YORK Diamond Bag

The main product of this brand is bag made of leather. Igor York, named after the designer himself, releases a limited collection of tranquil and bright colors. His bags are known for the smart cut crafted by hand careful under full supervision. He also proposes a clean, minimalist design that shapes the embodiment of functionality and convenience.

Whether it is a quick drive to the city nearby or a long journey that requires you to stay outdoor most of the time, those bags will make your getaway all the more seamless. Those practical styles are a great investment. So, what are your favorite Russian luxury brands for handbags?

And for gentlemen out there, do not worry. I already rounded up the best Russian bags and wallets for you. See you in the next article.

• Tags russian brands handbags , russian fashion , russian style

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Ghana Must Go: The Surprising Global Journey of Hong Kong’s Red-White-Blue Bag

“People call me ‘Mr. Red-White-Blue,’” says artist and designer Stanley Wong, who works under the moniker Anothermountainman. A little under 20 years ago, he took a ubiquitous, workaday Hong Kong object — a woven plastic tarp with red, white and blue stripes — and turned it into a symbol of the city itself. For decades, the material had been used for awnings, construction sheeting and as a particularly sturdy kind of bag that nearly all Hongkongers had used at some point in their lives. Wong incorporated it into artworks and fashionable products; it was even the focus of Hong Kong’s exhibition at the 2005 Venice Biennale .

“I kept doing it for so many years, some other people started doing it too and people got used to seeing it in a different way,” he says. “And now if they see red-white-blue they will say, ‘That’s the Hong Kong spirit.'”

Anothermountainman’s Red-White-Blue “Infinity” poster.

Little did he know the same material was living a double life on the other side of the world. Nearly 12,000 kilometres away from Hong Kong, the same red-white-blue pattern is equally common in Nigeria, and it shares a similarly hefty symbolic weight. The only difference is the name. “It’s the Ghana Must Go bag,” says Diana Olaleye, a Nigerian-born master’s student at Oxford University’s African Studies Centre. “No one calls it anything else.”

It turns out this humble fabric and the bags it was used to create are called a lot of different things by people in different parts of the world. They are Ghana Must Go bags in Nigeria, Zimbabwe bags in South Africa and Türken Koffer in Germany, names that speak to the flow of global migration, the kind that ebbs and recedes like water in a desert stream. Red-white-blue bags have travelled around the world and back, but their journey began in one place: Hong Kong.

Actually, to be perfectly precise, their journey began in Japan. That’s where the woven plastic fabric made to use the bags was first produced in the 1960s. It is strong and waterproof, which made it particularly useful as a construction sheet, which is still its main use today in Japan. “The Japanese version is in blue – like the IKEA bag, that kind of blue,” says Wong. Shortly after its invention, the fabric journeyed to Taiwan, where local manufacturers applied the familiar red-white-blue pattern. After it was imported to Hong Kong it quickly became ubiquitous, wrapped around bamboo scaffolding and strung over hawker stalls to shelter them from the rain.

Red-white-blue bags making their way across the border from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. Photo by Stanley Wong

Sometime in the 1970s, a fabric merchant in Sham Shui Po named Lee Wah used the fabric to make a bag in his Yen Chow Street shop, Wah Ngai Canvas. (That shop is now closed, but other nearby shops still sell the original fabric.) It turned out to be a massive hit and the bags soon became a must-have for Hong Kong households. They were especially useful for transporting goods across the border to mainland China when immigrant families returned home to see their relatives. “We called them armoured bags because they were very tough,” says Wong.

It was exactly that durability that made the bags indispensable to the millions of Ghanaian migrants who had fled the economic destitution of their own country to work in oil-rich Nigeria in the 1970s. Many of them were living there illegally, and when oil prices crashed in 1982, Nigerian president Shehu Shagari ordered the expulsion of all undocumented foreigners.

“The immigrants were given two weeks to leave Nigeria, lest they be arrested and tried,” writes Diana Olaleye in an article for The Book Banque . Two million people bundled their life possessions into red-white-blue bags and made the journey out of Nigeria, often in brutal conditions. “ Nigerian police physically harmed immigrants – beating and gassing them, in the hope that they would depart immediately,” writes Olaleye.

Artist Dan Halter inspecting used red-white-blue bags in South Africa.

Today, the Ghana Must Go bag is everywhere. “ You see people in the streets carrying the bag, in the buses, travelling,” says Olaleye. “We had quite a few housemaids or helpers in the house when I was growing up and the Ghana Must Go bag was one of the bags they’d use to move into the house. It was pretty normal. People just casually use the bags.”

But they don’t necessarily know the history behind the name. “ Most people in Nigeria don’t really understand the implications of this bag or why it’s called Ghana Must Go,” says Olaleye. “There was a point where history was not in the curriculum. People don’t know what the expulsion was about. They just know the bag for its practical use – there’s no need to go further to question its name.”

In South Africa, the bag earned the moniker Zimbabwe bag or Shangaan bag in response to another involuntary migration. When Zimbabwe’s economy collapsed after the seizure of white-owned farms in the early 2000s — a botched attempt at land justice — millions of Zimbabweans streamed across the border to South Africa. Once again, it was the red-white-blue bag that accompanied them along their journey.

Dan Halter exchanging Space Invader bags for old red-white-blue bags.

Zimbabwean artist Dan Halter was already living in Cape Town when the influx began. As a weaver, he took a natural interest in the bags, and he began to incorporate them into his work. “I use it as a symbol for migrants,” he says. In 2008, a wave of xenophobic violence swept across South African cities in response to Zimbabwean migration, and Halter began arranging the bags in the form of the Japanese 8-bit video game character Space Invader (no relation to the famous French street artist who was inspired by the same character ) as a metaphor for immigrants – or “aliens,” as they are often referred to in official language.

He also began to trade bags with migrants, offering them a new one for their tattered old one. “They’re basically the cheapest kind of bags that are tough enough, but they are actually vulnerable along the seams,” he says. “What’s beautiful here is how they get mended – I’m interested in how people mend them.”

Back in Hong Kong, Stanley Wong was busy on his own versions of red-white-blue. He traces his interest in the fabric back to his days in advertising. “Everyone in Hong Kong had been using this red-white-blue material in different ways since the 1960s, but nobody really cared,” he says. “It’s so mundane, so day-to-day, so cheap. I was also one of them. I didn’t notice it.” But when his company sent him to work in London in 1989, he remembered seeing one of the bags on display in a boutique in Soho.

He was bewildered to see such an ordinary Hong Kong product being presented as a fashion object. “What made these British people find this so interesting?” he wondered. “At the time I was almost 30 years old — 10 years in the industry — and it slapped me in the face. I woke up. I thought, ‘Outsiders, foreigners think we have interesting things, but we don’t care. We just take it for granted.’”

Wong began taking photos of the red-white-blue material in different contexts, documenting its use across Hong Kong and in Guangdong Province. In 2000, he was invited to create a poster for a graphic design exchange with the theme of living heritage, and he made one by stitching together different pieces of red-white-blue fabric. “People found it very familiar,” he says. That led to more and more work using the material, eventually culminating in rwb300 , a social enterprise that sells red-white-blue products in support for the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.

An installation by Stanley Wong commissioned by luxury brand Hermès.

For Wong, red-white-blue represents something akin to the “Lion Rock spirit” – a kind of working-class faith in the potential of Hong Kong. “In the ‘60s and ‘70s, we worked hard for a better tomorrow and trusted that things would be better,” he says. Hong Kong has taken a much darker turn in recent years as the wealth gap grows ever wider and the political situation has deteriorated. “I want to make something that gives people a more positive way forward,” he says.

In recent years, the appeal of red-white-blue has spread to the fashion world, as various brands have made high-end products using the pattern. “The earliest one that did it is Comme des Garçons,” says Wong. “Balenciaga did it, Céline did it.” Adidas worked with Hong Kong designers Consortium to create a red-white-blue sneaker. In 2015, Louis Vuitton made its own branded version of the bag and sold it for US$300 (HK$2,350).

“The bag being used in that way by Louis Vuitton is a reflection of people not really understanding the historical implications of the bag and how it emerged and how it is used transnationally,” says Olaleye. “The impression I had growing up was that it was people who were not quite well off who were using the bag. It symbolised economic struggle. So to see the bag being appropriated in that way by Louis Vuitton made quite a few Nigerians laugh.”

Wong isn’t particularly impressed by the haute couture creations. Although he created a red-white-blue installation for Hermès in the past, he notes that it was an artwork, not a commercial object. In the case of red-white-blue repurposed as high-priced designer bags, he says, brands “just see it as an interesting gimmicky pattern and material. They don’t see the social message behind it.”

And that message — whether it’s in Hong Kong or Nigeria or South Africa, in the pound shops of London or the dollar stores of New York — is one of grassroots perseverance. It’s the willingness to climb walls and cross oceans in search of a better life. Red-white-blue is a bag used by people fording rivers, making their way to factory towns, making do in a cubicle home because they can’t afford to rent a proper flat. It’s a bag that is useful precisely because it is inexpensive, durable and accessible.

Even the cheerful colours may have a pragmatic origin. As Wong was researching the origins of the red-white-blue material, one of his friends visited a factory near Taipei that makes the material. Although there is no official reason as to why the colour combination was adopted, a manager at the plant told the friend that the material was often used to provide shelter for weddings and funerals – two occasions that in Taiwan are often marked outdoors. In Chinese culture, red is the customary colour for weddings, blue for funerals. So the factory developed a pattern that combined the two together: ultimate good value for a good-value material.

“I don’t know if it’s true or not,” says Wong. “But it’s a good story.”

Style & Beauty

5 things to know about Aupen, the Singapore-based fashion brand whose fans include Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo

Advertisement.

What is Aupen? Here are a few facts about the fashion brand that has captured the hearts of many Hollywood celebrities.

In 2023, Taylor Swift was spotted carrying an Aupen bag on one of her dates with Travis Kelce. (Photos: Aupen)

This audio is AI-generated.

Hazeeq Sukri

Over the past few months, Singapore-based fashion brand Aupen has enjoyed a silent but steady rise in popularity. Initially deemed a "quiet luxury brand", Aupen has smashed into mainstream consciousness after its bags were spotted on multiple global celebrities.

Fans include Olivia Rodrigo, Jennifer Lawrence, Kylie Jenner and, of course, Taylor Swift who famously carried Aupen's Nirvana bag on a date with athlete Travis Kelce.

So how did this humble brand become Hollywood's hottest commodity? Here's what you need to know about Aupen.

1. WHAT IS AUPEN?

Aupen is known for its range of bags which boast a unique asymmetrical design and sleek finish. A portmanteau of the words "authentic" and "open", Aupen initially used vegan leather in its products before transitioning to calfskin leather in early 2024.

Besides bags, it also has a line of earrings made of sterling silver.

Its popularity has been attributed to several factors, namely its low price point (Aupen's most expensive bag costs S$565) and its clean design which makes it a versatile accessory for any outfit.

2. WHO IS BEHIND AUPEN?

Aupen has studios in both Brooklyn and Singapore. However, not much is known about Aupen's team which comprises anonymous designers.

According to its website, Aupen's Singapore factory houses artisans who "have dedicated years to perfecting their craft". The brand also sources its leather from the Leather Working Group – a collective that's committed to building a sustainable future with responsible leather.

3. WHO HAS BEEN SEEN USING IT?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial)

By now, Aupen has amassed a legion of celeb fans. In a montage posted on Aupen's social media pages, celebrities who have been spotted using an Aupen bag include Emma Stone, Selena Gomez and Fan Bingbing.

It is believed that Kylie Jenner was the first celebrity to kickstart the trend after she was spotted with a Fearless bag in 2022, months after Aupen's launch. Aupen's popularity hit the stratosphere in October 2023 when Taylor Swift was seen clutching onto a Nirvana bag while on a date with Travis Kelce. 

As Cosmopolitan puts it, that was the moment Aupen became the It bag.

In an email response to CNA Lifestyle, Aupen said of its Hollywood fandom: "Team Aupen is delighted by the growing recognition and interest from world-class celebrities. Their admiration for our work is both an honour and a testament to our innovative efforts."

When asked about any potential collaborations with these celebrities, Aupen remained coy and wrote: "Your guess is as good as ours. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled."

4. WHY IS AUPEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT AGAIN?

On Friday (May 10), Aupen sent the fashion world into a tizzy when it announced that it was bidding goodbye – prompting speculation by many that it has shut down. The announcement also coincided with reports that Aupen had received investment interest from several firms.

Speaking to CNA Lifestyle, Aupen confirmed that there is "interest from the H&M group and several private equity firms". However, it declined to comment on the figures as well as whether or not its social media posts were linked to the investment interest.

When asked about its future, Aupen said that it would "not launch new collections until further notice".

"As a brand, we are not trying to chase collection after collection; we prioritise the real luxury ethos of timelessness."

5. CAN WE STILL BUY AN AUPEN BAG?

As of writing, only Aupen's Brooklyn bags are in stock. In a social media post, Aupen said that its sales and customer service will remain operational.

However, Aupen revealed to CNA Lifestyle that it will "most likely" restock its items sometime in June and advised customers to sign up for its newsletter for updates.

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I'm a fashion writer and these are the best handbag brands to instantly uplift any outfit

From bottega veneta to dragon diffusion, fendi to ganni, these are the labels that will never go out of style.

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A sleek handbag has the power to transform and elevate any outfit and when it comes to wardrobe investments, a staple handbag is always worth it. People are usually either team shoes or team bags - but who says you can’t be both?!

Choosing the right one, and more importantly, looking after it well, results in it being a lifetime piece. With that in mind, it does make it harder to choose which piece to invest in as it needs to have a timeless appeal so it will last you through the years, and not be stowed at the back of your wardrobe, untouched. 

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As the fashion industry is shifting and prices are on the rise in every aspect of life, a luxury designer bag may not be in reach for everyone. Whether you want to go all-out and splurge on a luxury designer piece, or you’re after a more affordable option that will easily be mistaken for a designer item, I’ve rounded up my top 18 brands and their staple bags to have on your radar ahead of your next purchase.

Established in 2006 by former actresses, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen , The Row is the go-to brand for timeless luxury. Focussing on simplistic designs with subtle attitudes, the brand oozes elegance and their pieces are made with uncompromising quality at the forefront. They are the pioneer for the quiet luxury trend that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. The house stays away from trends and instead opts for classic capsule pieces that will be mainstays in your wardrobe.

Their Margaux bag has fast become one of the only bags within the last decade to compete with Hermès Birkin bag. Available in an array of colours, textiles and size variations, it is on the pricier side and is definitely an investment piece. 

£4,070.00 AT HARRODS 

Bottega Veneta

Founded in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, the brand's strong heritage was based on high-quality leather accessories and shoes. Their current Creative Director, Matthieu Blazy, has been with the brand since 2021 and has redefined a new direction for them since Daniel Lee’s departure. It feels as if he has taken the brand back to a house and created new defining house codes along with it. 

Their accessory heritage comes as no surprise as their bags are so highly sought after within the fashion sphere. At the top of our list: the Andiamo. Featuring the brand's signature intrecciato strap and gold-tone knot detailing, it comes in a multitude of sizes, shapes, colours and finishes. 

£3,410.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

Saint Laurent 

The luxury eponymous brand was founded in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner, Pierre Berge, after learning his trade under Christian Dior . Initially a Haute Couture brand, they launched ready-to-wear in 1966. Following Hedi Slimane’s appointment in 2012, he shortened the name to Saint Laurent.

Despite the name change, the ‘Y’ in the monograms on their bags remain. The Le 5 à 7 Leather Hobo is one of the most covetable bags available on the market. A truly timeless piece, but quite the investment so it is one to consider before buying.

£1,160.00 AT SELFRIDGES

Founded in 1925 in Rome by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the brand quickly catapulted into the international fashion scene. In 1965 Karl Lagerfeld was appointed Artistic Director of the brand, a role he held until his passing in 2019, Silvia Venturini is currently Creative Director of accessories, menswear and childrenswear at the brand and is the only family member still working there. As a third generation of the Fendi family, it really emphasises and hones in on their core founding family heritage of the brand.

It’s safe to say Fendi is a key player when it comes to ‘It’ bags. Following its debut in 2008, 15 years later the Peekaboo bag is still a cult fashion favourite. Featuring a square shape opened by its turn lock, its simplistic design is a staple, timeless classic that will be one to pass through generations.

£3,800.00 AT FENDI

It’s hard to believe that the cult luxury label was only founded in 2009 by Simon Porte Jacquemus when he was just 19, launching the label a year after his mother’s passing with her maiden name. His sensational marketing methods quickly led to the rise of the label: he staged a protest at Vogue’s Fashion Night Out party with girls in his wool sweaters and miniskirts held up cardboard signs reading ‘We Want Jacquemus!’, resulting in it making it onto TV. And the rest, is as they say, history.

Whilst we love the Le Chiquito, we can’t overlook its impracticability. Le Bambino, however, is a different story. A core design from the brand and one of the best selling, it’s for sale in an array of colours, textures, sizes and finishes, each featuring the gold JACQUEMUS in the bottom left corner. Its rectangular shape and flap design makes it a capsule wardrobe must-have.

£750.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

Since his appointment as Creative Director in 2013, Jonathan Anderson has been credited for the revival of the luxury brand, originally founded in 1846, and spearheading the brand through a major rejuvenation and redesign of its identity. He has made the designs more covetable and is responsible for their modern classics that we know and love, predominantly their bags. 

It should come as no surprise that their best selling bag, the Puzzle, is on this list - the debut bag for Jonathan Anderson back in 2015. Each season it gets an updated set of colourways, and this season we’ve seen the introduction of the Puzzle Fold Tote to the family.

£2,500.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

Celine by Hedi Slimane

Originally founded in Paris in 1945 by Celiné and Richard Vipiana as a made-to-measure children’s shoe brand, it evolved into women’s ready-to-wear in 1960 and became part of the LVMH group in 1996, solidifying itself in the luxury market. Phoebe Philo took the helm as Creative Director in 2008, who helped make the brand's bags as covetable as they are today. She was replaced by Hedi Slimane in 2018, who is still at the brand now.

Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo’s successor, introduced the Triomphe bag - easily his most well known and best creation for the brand. The hardware motif pays tribute to the founders' original logo concept which was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe - he reimagined the logo and gave it a fresh update.

£2,950.00 AT CELINE

Hubert Givenchy founded his own namesake label in 1952 after working under Elsa Schiaparelli and eventually working his way to an Artistic Director position. In 1953, Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn and the two instantly hit it off, which sparked a partnership and friendship. His most well-known garment was the black dress he created for her to wear in Breakfast at Tiffany’s . Givenchy’s handbags and purses have long been amongst the most covetable and their cultural impact has been cemented.

Following its debut on the FW10 runway, the Antigona has been synonymous with the brand ever since. Shortly after its release, every ‘It’ girl celebrity at the time was spotted wearing the bag. An original style from Riccardo Tisci, it’s no surprise that the bag is a must-have feature in this list. 

£1,890.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

Acne Studios

Swedish label Acne Studios is not simply a fashion brand. Stylist Jonny Johansson founded the brand with three friends, initially as an advertising agency called ACNE, evolving into film production, clothing and video games. Acne Studios now sells ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, magazines, books and furnishing objects.

Inspired by traditional Japanese obi sashes, the Musubi bag is a square shape adorned with two knots at either side of its handle, or on the smaller designs, on the front. The whole Musubi family is rooted in Japanese culture, with its name derived from the popular snack.

£1,050.00 AT SELFRIDGES

Strathberry

Strathberry , the Edinburgh-based label, was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Guy and Leanne Hundleby. Their minimalist and contemporary designs, featuring their signature bar closure, ensures their bags are instantly recognisable and ooze elegance. Royals Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are long-term fans of the brand, having been spotted wearing them on a number of occasions.

The East/West Mini’s timeless style with accent gold bar and adjusting strap is a true capsule wardrobe piece. The timeless silhouette has a sophisticated edge, meaning it can be taken effortlessly from day-to-night and will be a staple mainstay in any wardrobe. 

£455.00 AT STRATHBERRY

Elza Wandler launched her namesake label in 2017. The Dutch brand specialises in luxury leather accessories and is a go-to amongst fashion insiders for cult finds. The designs are minimalistic, yet still feminine, making them a must-have versatile piece for your wardrobe. 

The Hortensia bag, the first piece the brand launched, is just as popular now as it was seven years ago. The refined shape with its expanding side panels and structured, curved base, gives it that timeless appeal.

£716.00 AT WANDLER

Manu Atelier

Women-led brand, Manu Atelier, created their brand after growing up in one of Turkey’s most important leather artisan workshops watching their father design and create handbags. The contemporary cult brand favours quality over quantity and their modern designs on classic shapes have them sought after. 

Their Cylinder bags are iconic for the brand and are one of their bestsellers. Featuring its circular shape and gold-tone linked chain shoulder strap, it can be worn in a number of ways. Its unique shape adds a fun element into your wardrobe. 

£345.00 AT FARFETCH

J&M Davidson

Founded in London’s Notting Hill in 1984 by photographer and designer duo, John and Monique Davidson, the brand has come a long way. It began with a belt that was inspired by equestrian bridles, and has evolved into a brand that combines creative artistry with functionality. Moving into handbags, luggage, leather goods and capsule collections of RTW, the brand has kept its timeless elegance and contemporary aesthetics. 

The Quiver bag was inspired by archers bags that hold arrows. The sculptural shaped bag is available in four sizes and a number of different colours, allowing it to slot easily into your everyday wardrobe.

£595.00 AT J&M DAVIDSON

Dragon Diffusion

A brand based around handcrafted woven leather bags. As a slightly more understated and lowkey brand, There are no logos or loud embellishments, think more timeless totes. All handmade and dyed using natural vegetable dyes, the brand draws inspiration from weaving traditions all over the world. 

We’ve spotted the brand cropping up more and more on our Instagram feeds, and a cult favourite style is the Triple Jump. Its diagonal chevron weave sets the style apart from usual woven bags, and its rectangular shape will be a throw-everything-in kind of bag. Fashion moguls Ashley Olsen and Alexa Chung have been spotted wearing the brand  too, so if it’s good enough for them, it gets a yes from us.

£350.00 AT SELFRIDGES

Copenhagen based brand, Ganni , is known and loved for their bright, statement prints and contemporary designs, different to the usual Scandi style of minimalism and usually includes a lot of black. Proudly sporting a B-Corp certificate, the brand strives for sustainability in an industry that thrives on newness and over-consumption.

Unveiled at their AW23 show, the Bou bag has quickly become every fashion insiders sought after piece. Ganni has done it again and has created a must-have piece that easily slots into an everyday wardrobe, but works just as well for a special occasion. 

£345.00 AT GANNI

London-based label, DeMellier was founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh and combines her Spanish and French heritage through their designs. Their polished and premium styles have fast become a go-to favourite handbag brand for fashion insiders. For every purchase made, DeMellier has a permanent initiative of giving back to ‘A Bag, A Life’, a charity that funds lifesaving vaccinations and medical treatments for children, in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages.

The Vancouver style is the epitome of timeless chic. Its sleek, structured design features a double-bar lock and is available in four different sizes and a colour way to suit every need. Its sophisticated finish makes it the most wearable everyday bag and its reasonable price means it won’t break the bank.

£385.00 AT DEMELLIER

Founder Roger Saul established the brand in 1971 at his kitchen table in Somerset with just £500 from his mother. The logo, designed by his sister, and brand name Mulberry came from trees he passed on his way to school. The first designs for the brand were leather belts, and eventually lead onto bags and womenswear. A quintessentially British brand, it’s a known and loved go-to handbag brand.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, the iconic Bayswater is still very much an ‘It’ bag. Kate Moss was often spotted wearing the style after its original launch in 2003. Its update has included an array of sizes, shapes and new colourways.

£995.00 AT MULBERRY

Charles & Keith

Singaporean fashion brand Charles & Keith began as a single footwear shop and have grown into the international success that they are now. Embracing their Asian roots through their designs, they offer contemporary and modern styles that breath a new fresh take into today’s accessories. The founding brothers grew up helping their parents run a footwear store, so are no strangers to the trade.

The brand doesn't necessarily have a core style per se, however they do offer an array of pieces that will appeal to every kind of occasion. We’re swooning over this Huxley cream top handle staple style with its gold-hardware knot detail. 

£65.00 AT CHARLES & KEITH

How we chose:

• Style and variety: Whilst writing this piece, I researched the brands best-selling, core handbags from their collections. The selections vary in design but they are united by the fact they have a certain timeless quality and appeal, and can be styled in multiple ways. 
• Price: Variety is key, and therefore each piece has been carefully selected based on longevity, investment and price points. Whilst there are some of our favourite designer labels included, we have also included some more purse friendly options. 

Why you should trust me:

I am Hello! Fashion’s Style Writer, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our  FAQ page .

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The 14 Best Luggage Brands of 2024

W hile you can't control everything on your journeys, embarking with the right luggage for your type of adventure certainly makes things go more smoothly. But with the variety of brands, styles and types of bags available, making a choice on what to purchase can feel overwhelming.

To make it easier to find your perfect travel companion, U.S. News compiled this list of the best luggage brands for carry-ons, checked luggage, weekender bags, backpacks and more. Based on testing by our editors and consumer reviews, these brands are consistent traveler favorites.

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(Note: Styles, return policies and warranty information were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues, retailer policies and other factors.)

Best Overall: Travelpro

Price range: $130 to $695

Return policy: 100 days

Warranty: Lifetime limited

Button Enhancement : Travel - Travelpro (brand)

Founded by a commercial airline pilot, Travelpro invented the Original Rollaboard – a two-wheeled upright suitcase with an extendable handle. For more than 30 years, this brand has continued to bring innovation to its entire collection of luggage, which includes carry-on bags, rollaboards, totes and checked suitcases – as well as accessories like packing cubes , luggage tags and toiletry bags .

Travelpro has become a perennial favorite among airline crew members worldwide, with employees from more than 90 airlines using Travelpro luggage, according to the brand's website. Combining durability and functionality with elements like exterior organizational pockets, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner (one of U.S. News' top carry-on luggage picks) is popular with travelers, who say they appreciate the spinner wheels and extendable handle for easy maneuverability through airports.

What our editors say:

Text Callout : Travel - The Best Luggage Brands - Travelpro

Best Hard-sided: Away

Price range: $295 to $745

Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1-year to lifetime

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Designed for travelers by travelers, Away is an online retailer that offers suitcases, bags and accessories. Created to make journeys easier and inspire more travel, Away suitcases are constructed with high-performing and lightweight materials, with a focus on intentional and functional details that matter, like double buckle compression pads and color-matched leather luggage tags. The Carry-On is highly rated by travelers and was chosen as the best hard-sided carry-on by the editors at U.S. News.

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Read: The Best Hard-Sided Luggage

Best Soft-sided: Samsonite

Price range: $63 to $1,150

Return policy: 90 days

Warranty: Limited; ranges from 3-year to lifetime

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Offering a range of travel bags, luggage and accessories for business and leisure travelers, Samsonite has been a leading luggage brand for more than 100 years. Samsonite is known for focusing on durability and innovative design, and today's travelers can find a range of hard- and soft-sided luggage along with a variety of travel accessories.

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Best Lightweight: July

Price range: $245 to $595

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Inspired to create well-built luggage that combines form and function, July has hard-sided luggage as well as a range of totes and bags. Constructed using aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, the suitcases feature an eggshell design to optimize function and durability. There are anodized aluminum bumpers on the corners of the suitcases (except for the light designs), and the brand offers expandable and trunk luggage as well.

For travelers seeking lightweight options, the July Carry-on Light is the U.S. News pick for best lightweight carry-on. In addition to suitcases, July makes a variety of bags, including the Carry All Weekender Plus with a clamshell design for easy packing as well as the machine-washable Everyday Large Tote .

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Best Customizable: ROAM

Price range: $550 to $695

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Created with an emphasis on the journey, each piece of Roam luggage is hand-finished in the U.S. From the front and back colors to the zippers and the wheel color, purchasers can choose from a variety of options to create a custom hard-sided carry-on or checked bag. The interiors of the luggage include compression panels with mesh pocket insets, and there are expandable designs.

The quality construction, customization and attention to detail make this brand a good option for those seeking unique and personalized luggage. In addition to suitcases, the brand offers customizable backpacks, duffels and tote bags, including the Everyday Tote .

Text Callout : Travel - The Best Luggage Brands - ROAM

Best for Organization: Solgaard

Price range: $265 to $375

Return policy: 30 days

Warranty: Lifetime

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Launched in 2016 with the Lifepack – a solar-powered anti-theft laptop bag with Bluetooth speakers – Solgaard has revolutionized luggage with its innovative approach to bag and suitcase design. In 2017, the brand launched its award-winning Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original , the U.S. News winner for best overall carry-on for 2024. This piece became a traveler favorite for its patented built-in shelves, which eliminate the need to unpack while traveling yet keep clothes and essentials in place. The brand continues to add to its offerings with checked luggage, weekender bags and backpacks outfitted with Solgaard's built-in closet system.

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Best for Fashionable Function: BÉIS

Price range: $218 to $348

Return policy: 45 days

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Inspired by her own travels, actress Shay Mitchell started BÉIS to make travel bags and accessories that are both fashionable and functional at attractive prices. BÉIS'  The Weekender  is U.S. News'  top weekender bag  pick, and the brand offers fashion-forward hard-sided luggage sets, backpacks, duffels and travel accessories. Travelers can choose to pair luggage like  The Carry-On Roller  with coordinating bags and totes for a chic coordinated look.

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Best Affordable: Amazon Basics

Price range: $36 to $150

Warranty: 1-year limited

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This brand of luggage by Amazon is designed to offer exceptional value. Amazon Basics luggage options include hard- and soft-sided rolling luggage and underseat bags. What's more, Amazon Basics sells a variety of travel accessories, including packing cubes, waist and neck wallets, and toiletry bags.

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Best for International Travel: DELSEY PARIS

Price range: $100 to $545

Warranty: Limited; ranges from 2-year to lifetime

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Founded in 1946, DELSEY PARIS began creating suitcases for travelers after the postwar birth of tourism. Combining French elegance and style with quality construction, this 75-years-and-counting heritage brand produces iconic luggage styles like the Chatelet collection in carry-on and checked sizes. Owners of the Chatelet luggage like the vintage-inspired styling and ease of use. In addition to luggage that combines fashion and function, the brand continuously adds travel must-haves like duffel bags , backpacks , weekender bags and more.

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Best for Business Travel: TUMI

Price range: $518 to $4,500

Return policy: Items must be unused and returned in original packaging

Warranty: 5-year limited

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TUMI is an iconic international brand offering high-end luggage, bags and a variety of travel accessories, including passport holders, toiletry bags, portfolios and eyewear. The brand focuses on high performance and quality materials in its luggage offerings. Along with luggage, other TUMI travel products and accessories include wallets, travel purses and luggage tags.

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Best Expandable: Briggs & Riley

Price range: $419 to $1,049

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Focused on creating innovative luggage and bags to make the journey easier, Briggs & Riley is a high-quality luggage brand with a lifetime warranty. The brand's "simple as that" exclusive guarantee covers all repairs and functional damage to Briggs & Riley luggage with no receipt needed or questions asked.

By learning from customer feedback and research, Briggs & Riley offers luggage and travel gear with innovative features like CX Expansion, which allows you to expand your bag to pack and then compress it to fit the carry-on into the plane's overhead compartment. The unique technology landed the Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner on the U.S. News' best carry-on luggage list in the category of best expandability.

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Best Luxury: Carl Friedrik

Price range: $495 to $745

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Based in London, Carl Friedrik was founded in 2013 by two brothers. Blending functionality with high-quality construction and premium materials, the brand offers luggage, wallets, bags and travel essentials. Carl Friedrik products are designed for durability and practicality, then constructed with time-honored methods and bespoke finishings. Take The Carry-on as an example, with its polycarbonate hard-shell exterior and Italian leather accents. In addition to luggage, the brand has an extensive collection of fine leather briefcases , weekender bags, backpacks and more.

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Best for Style: CALPAK

Price range: $165 to $275

Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1- to 5-year

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California Pack, which started as a handbag and wallet company in Los Angeles in 1989, evolved into CALPAK – a top-selling luggage and accessories brand. Designed to be both functional and affordable, CALPAK is a destination for hard- and soft-sided suitcases, the iconic Luka Duffel , packable tote bags, and a variety of accessories. Selected by U.S. News as the top underseat option , the CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On has a laptop sleeve, a front pocket and a luggage trolley strap.

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Best for Minimalists: Monos

Price range: $255 to $455

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Valuing simplicity with an emphasis on sustainability , Monos luggage and travel bags are created to be timeless. The brand's premium suitcases like the Carry-On are constructed with lightweight, aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate to withstand the demands of travel. There are a variety of nylon and vegan leather bags and accessories, including the Metro Duffel and the Metro Backpack , with a unique modular system where kits can be removed or changed depending on travel needs.

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Read: Monos vs. Away: Luggage Comparison Charts

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a passion for luggage. Always shopping for luggage and testing different suitcases for various needs, she rarely checks a bag. Having traveled the world with top finds from CALPAK, TUMI and ROAM, she used her traveling experience along with her retail merchandising background to curate this list of the top luggage brands.

You might also be interested in:

• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Top Luggage Sets
• The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Trend Report

The Summer 2024 Bag Trends You’re About To See Everywhere

Arm candy galore.

What better way to add an exclamation point to your summer wardrobe than with an adorable statement bag? Luckily, there’s a wealth of options to choose from this season, thanks to launches from luxury players (Loewe and Hermès) and buzzy indie brands (JW Pei and Brandon Blackwood) alike.

From there, it’s just a matter of deciding whether you want to focus in on a bright hue, striking texture, or unexpected shape — if you’re feeling daring, all three. This summer’s market selection is full of rich, nature-inspired shades, such as sunshine yellow and sky blue. (Check them out on the Prada Galleria and Gucci Mini Jackie .)

Not a loud color person? Consider a fun texture like beachy raffia or woven leather. And when it comes to settling on the right shape for your needs, east-west bags, structured cases, and slouchy pouches all feel particularly fresh right now.

Pick any one of these trends to level up your summertime looks. Ahead, more bags worth toting.

Hello, Yellow

If you’re looking for a vivid accent, sunny yellow is a smart place to start. Buttery hues have been blanketing the runways of mega houses like Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton as of late; meanwhile, Queen Rihanna herself endorsed the color for her recent Fenty launch .

Go big with a Prada carryall or keep it compact with a mini Telfar puffer bag. Either way, the buttery shade is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Texture Time

Woven leather creates a luxe effect that feels simultaneously modern and timeless. Bottega Veneta’s signature woven handbags are a favorite of nearly every it girl out there (including Sofia Richie Grainge and Ayo Edebiri ). Add in a soft pastel or vivid hue and you have your new hero piece.

It’s A Cinch

The clutch has been on the rise in recent seasons, characterized by a slouchy silhouette with a drawstring top. The trend’s leading lady has been Loewe’s fan-favorite Flamenco bag , but many other retailers have followed suit. Whatever style you go for, color choice is key: Turquoise, ivory, and bubblegum pink all read of-the-moment.

It’s no secret that saturated hues are a summer wardrobe’s best friend, so a super saturated ombré effect on your purse is a no-brainer. If you’re not ready to splurge on the Chanel beauty above, Kate Spade and Coach offer similar takes on the look.

Raffia Mafia

The basket bag is undeniably a staple, but this season it comes in all forms — from slouchy shoulder bags to compact minis and functional totes. My personal favorite is Celine’s crossbody version, which features leather accents and their signature statement clasp. Even your simplest basics will feel fresh with a raffia sidekick.

Sky’s The Limit

Alongside butter yellow, crisp light blue is another shade of the summer. This soft hue was all over the Spring/Summer 2024 runways, but most notably Gucci and Ferragamo. Much like a pair of perfectly faded jeans, these baby blues go with pretty much everything.

This rectangular, 1950s-inspired silhouette is characterized by its oblong shape. In recent weeks, it has quickly becoming synonymous with dressing for sophistication, popping up on virtually every “quiet luxury” mood board. Hailey Bieber was an early adopter of look, and most recently, Katie Holmes got in on the trend .

In recent seasons, the sculptural trend has been taking over jewelry, ready-to-wear, and now bags. Structured exteriors offer a playful update to smaller arm candy — whether it be a vanity case, box bag, or squared mini. Snag one of these shapely pieces for your summer night looks.

Barrel Roll

A rounded duffel shape is the newest unconventional silhouette to hit stands. The cylindrical look has been popping up via high fashion stalwarts, like Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent, as well as youthful labels, including Coachtopia and Brandon Blackwood. Expect to see these tubelike bags all over your feed soon.

Photographs by Junichi Ito

Styling by Copelyn Bengel

Prop Stylist: Maisie Sattler

Photo Director: Alex Pollack

Editor in Chief: Charlotte Owen

SVP Fashion: Tiffany Reid

SVP Creative: Karen Hibbert