Carry-on luggage is a basic need when travelling. It’s meant for weekend trips, for carrying basics on the airplane, and for overall comfort. With that in mind there is so much to consider: hard sided or soft? To get wheels or will a simple strap suffice? To suit your needs, we compiled a list of the ten best bags you can use as a carry-on. Remember that packing efficiently is a craft that must be mastered.
Track your luggage via GPS and charge your gadgets via USB
This is first suitcase to connect to your smartphone so you can always keep your belongings tracked. The built-in tracker lets you know where your bag is, anywhere in the world. So if for some reason you get separated from your carry-on, you’ll be able to find it. Plus, there’s scale built into the handle so you can just pick it up and it’ll tell the app how much it weighs. You can also remotely lock the bag or set it to auto-lock if you get separated from it. The charging dock, with two USB ports, lets you power your phone up to six times. It’s $399 and worth every penny.
For the ladies
This very feminine bag has a cotton canvas exterior, leather handles and straps, and bi-directional zippers. It comes in mustard, charcoal, and black so it can easily combine with any outfit. Recommended on various expertly selected websites, the Weekender bag is $150.
Modern glam with a nod to the ‘50s
This clean and classic duffel-style bag has a very unique zippered side shoe compartment. It comes in a variety of colors and is really malleable. You can hold on to the synthetic leather carry handles or the (removable) padded strap. It’s $85, so this is your bag if you’re not looking to spend too much.
Technicolor dream in the desert
Our experts have nicknamed this “The Mary Poppins bag.” It looks small, but can definitely fit a lot. That’s not to say the bag is designed for women only! The versatile look will appeal to everyone. Available in classic colors like military green and navy blue, the water-repellent nylon bag has leather handles and a removable strap. You’re looking to spend $98 on it.
No more wrinkles
Our first bag with wheels, this is a favorite among experts because of its practical design that allows you to hang up items on the side. The ballistic nylon outer fabric is durable and low-maintenance. It’s got two wheels and plenty of compartments. You can get it in either black or military green for $599.
Storage just got a lot easier
This bag boasts that it can travel big and store small. It’s a nylon four-wheeler that comes in a bunch of fun colors and can be neatly folded away when you’re not using it. Plus, it was on Shark Tank, so that’s pretty cool. This really practical piece is $199.
Free monogramming!
This is the perfect carry-on for those who love to compartmentalize even within the confines of a small bag. The two-wheeler has a bunch of different pockets both inside and outside. It comes in black, and has the signature Tumi signature on the wheels in a deep red. Experts say it’s the most durable carry-on bag. For $595, it better be.
Wear it like a duffle, backpack, or as an addition to your checked bag.
This sporty unisex bag stretches is great because it can stretch a lot. In fact, the name references how the bag can expand to the maximum dimensions allowed as a carry-on. Plus, the compression pocket and laptop pouch offer a lot of packing space for your short trip. The Patagonia is $179.
Neat and preppy
This carry-on is a classic that sports plenty of zippered compartments and features a retractable handle too. Filson bags are usually deep shades of maroon, brown, mustard, and red. Made with water-resistant nylon and a wide wheel-base for stability, this bag is $595.
A successful Kickstarter and IndieGogo campaign can’t be wrong.
This bag got over $140,000 funding from Kickstarter investors. It’s innovative design ensures that you have 19 different spaces to keep your belongings. Like a true duffel, this leather bag has straps but no wheels. Available in oak, navy, and black, you can pre-order it now for $290 on indiegogo.com. The first delivery is estimated for July 2016.