There are already hundreds of carry-ons available on the market, from established suitcase manufacturers and newcomers aiming to disrupt a pricey sector with inexpensive, high-quality equipment. Choosing the best luggage for a vacation might be difficult due to the abundance of alternatives available.
After investigating hundreds of cases, we narrowed it down to 12 of the best travel bags with exceptionally high acclaim from users and expert reviewers. We put them to the test to find the best carry-on luggage.
This article focuses solely on hard side (or “hard-shell”) luggage, which, in our view, provides the most protection for your belongings. Modern hard side baggage is frequently exceptionally lightweight and flexible enough to accommodate a full load. Additionally, we only examined four-wheel spinner cases, as these are often more maneuverable than two-wheel cases.
After weeks of testing, we’ve landed on 4 cases that will meet the demands of the vast majority of travelers. Below are our recommendations, justifications, and testing methodology.
Our testing methodology
Suitcases must resist a significant amount of abuse, accommodate a lot of items, and roll smoothly. We categorized all the characteristics that matter to passengers and then analyzed how each example performed.
Materials and strength
We evaluated each case’s exterior shell, zippers, telescoping handle, and wheels. We also tested the softness of the fabrics used for case linings by bending and stretching any internal tension straps.
The casings were subjected to a dent and scuff test. We kicked and pounded the crates with hammers. We flung the bags down a flight of steps, much to our neighbors’ anger. Then, we evaluated how damaged each bag seemed and how simple it was to remove scuffs and dents.
Capability and structure
To ensure that the bags complied with carry-on size regulations, we measured their packable interiors and documented their liter capacities.
Equally crucial to a bag’s capacity is its actual space utilization: Is the organization excessive, nonexistent, or adequate? We evaluated the usefulness of any interior pockets, straps, and dividers. Then, we loaded and unloaded the suitcases with the same set of things, observing how simple it was to maintain organization, cram in last-minute items after shutting the case, and access items once the case was re-opened.
Performance
We weighed the packages (unpacked). We evaluated the maneuverability of each bag by rolling it through carpet, hardwood, cracked pavement, and grass to determine how softly, steadily, and smoothly it traveled. Using both handles, we hauled each suitcase up and down a staircase to evaluate the comfort of each bag’s handle grips.
We evaluated the comfort and stability of the telescoping handle by raising and lowering the handle and wiggle-testing it for wobbliness. In addition, we utilized the handle to haul each suitcase, wholly erect and utilizing only the two front wheels, across rough Manhattan streets.
We repeatedly zipped and unzipped the bags, both when they were full and empty, and noted any resistance.
Style
Each bag’s exterior shell comes in various colors and designs, so we looked into the alternatives available. We evaluated the bag’s general appearance and feel and any customization choices.
Additional attributes
We looked at the number of charging ports for each bag and how simple it was to plug in and remove chargers.
We took notice of the bag’s capacity to expand, as well as how readily it did so.
A TSA-approved lock and the ease with which it could be set and used were important considerations when testing the bag’s security. In addition, we noted if the bag provided helpful extras, such as included laundry or clothing bags or baggage tags.
We also considered each bag’s pricing.
Material
Volume and material differences were frequently insignificant. A few extra ounces or an additional liter of the room will not significantly impact the ordinary traveler. Expandable cases will provide you with extra space, but this may cause you to exceed the weight limit for your carry-on luggage. Charging is a personal preference as well.
That doesn’t mean that some bags aren’t much better investments than others. This is simply a reminder to consider how you’ll be utilizing a piece of baggage before getting too hung up on little variances that generally won’t affect your vacation experience.
Lastly, a word on polycarbonate versus ABS exterior shells. If you’re wondering whether polycarbonate’s significant price increase is justified, the answer is typically yes. Not only is it more durable than ABS, but it is also lightweight and more flexible. This implies that you can often fit a few more items in the bag, that dents are easier to remove, and that your bag will not fracture during baggage processing.
We eventually evaluated each bag with the factors mentioned above, making sure to identify which features would matter most to frequent travelers.
The King: Away Carry-On
The Away Carry-On offers everything you might want in luggage: durability, clever organization, intelligent features, and a stylish appearance, all at a reasonable price.
The product from Away withstood our abuse admirably, withstanding being kicked, jumped on, and dumped down a flight of stairs with minimal scuffing and no lasting damage. This is because of its construction materials: 100% polycarbonate makes up the hard side luggage’s exterior shell, making it incredibly sturdy while being light and flexible.
An aluminum telescoping handle and four double Hinomoto spinning wheels, which in our tests slid effortlessly on pavement, hardwood, and grass, are also included in Away’s features. Even when completely laden, the bag never gave the impression of being unstable.
Away’s top and side carry handles are relatively flat and rigid – a minor issue given that the bags are often rolled rather than carried, but nevertheless a problem. Additionally, the telescoping handle was one of the most unstable we examined. As a result, we found no concerns with Away’s handle, despite the company’s claim that it is designed to be elastic to absorb stress better.
On the other hand, we like that the bag’s handle is black, rather than the brushed-steel hue characteristic of most cases, since this fits the bag’s trim and accents better.
Where Away truly shines is when it comes to actual packing. The case has the most extraordinary inside design of the group, with a basic yet efficient system that will maintain your belongings organized without being overly complicated or occupying critical packing space.
One side has a deep pocket covered by a full-zip partition, ideal for hard or bulky objects; the other side has a detachable, buckle-down compression board that lets you squeeze every last bit of space out of the 39.8-liter bag. The compression board also has a bigger zip pocket that is the ideal size for storing a laptop; since the board is designed to lay on top of your clothes, this automatically provides additional protection for your fragile electronics.
Such thoughtful features helped propel Away to the top rank. For example, many bags have clamshell shapes with one side that zips all the way up and the other side that has a strap to hold clothes down. With the Away, though, this zipped side is covered in mesh, so you can see everything you’ve packed without rummaging. A concealed, water-resistant wash bag and a leather baggage tag are welcome additions.
A sophisticated suitcase is a question of personal choice, but it’s wonderful to have the choice. Away was the only case we examined that included a power pack (10,000mAh charger). It also features the simplest battery removal method of all evaluated cases, as you can remove the battery while the case is still closed. The case also features two charging ports, when all other cases we examined mostly had one.
The Away was not the lightest bag we tested at 8.1 pounds, but we believe the extra (literal) weight is a reasonable trade-off for everything else you receive. And if you’re confident that you don’t need an intelligent suitcase, you can get the Away without the rechargeable battery to save some weight.
Finally, Away’s lifetime guarantee and 100-day return policy demonstrates the company’s confidence in its product. Obviously, the product looks fantastic: You don’t have to worry about your bag looking like every other black suitcase on the plane, thanks to the sleek design and 9 stylish color options (plus occasional limited-edition colors).
Consider purchasing an expanded case, such as the Calpak Ambeur, or upgrading to Away’s Bigger Carry-On if you anticipate returning from a vacation with many souvenirs. Aside from that, the Away Carry-On is the hard side suitcase we would choose most often. This bag, which will satisfy practically all travelers’ needs for the foreseeable future and look fantastic while doing so, is on par with a high-quality travel pillow in terms of its importance.
Other options
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner
Although incredibly inexpensive, this was our least preferred case. It is a “simple” suitcase, and it certainly feels that way. This case has a less robust ABS exterior that dented easily and left permanent markings after our tests. The interior is lined with a highly plasticky polyester, and the side that expands is also the side with a full-length zipper divider. This strange design choice reduced packing efficiency.
To use the maximum capacity of the case, you must zip it tight and then uncomfortably stack items on top of the zipped section, which was also weirdly not flush with the bag’s exterior edge. Overall, we would instead invest in a more costly case that would last more and feel more comfortable to use; traveling is already tricky enough.
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin
This gorgeous bag is astonishingly light. But for this money, we would expect perfection, and this is not it. There is no handle on the side, and the single-bar telescopic handle, which saves space but puts a lot of pressure on our hands when we drag the case behind us, isn’t very strong.
Genius Pack Supercharged
This bag is extremely lightweight, manufactured from superior materials, and spacious. We were not fans of Genius Pack’s integrated packing cubes. We will always push for basic internal organization, allowing you to load your suitcase any way you like. It is not difficult to purchase your packing cubes and remove them from your luggage whenever you see fit, but this is not an option for you here. The Genius Pack lacked Away’s lifetime warranty but is priced similarly, and its telescoping handle exhibited better durability than the other suitcases.
Paravel Aviator
The Aviator’s interior design and compression mechanism, similar to that of the Away, won our favor. Additionally, we appreciated that the Aviator is created from recyclable materials and resembles a vintage trunk. We’d be pleased to use this suitcase, but it’s missing the lifetime guarantee and charging features of the Away case while being around the same mass and costing more. If cost isn’t a concern and you don’t care about extra features, or if you’ve fallen in love with the bag’s aesthetic and Paravel’s goal, it’s still an excellent option.
Fortis Pro USB Spinner
It is a highly sturdy case that suffers from the same flaw as the Genius Pack Supercharged: its interior is just overcrowded. The inconvenient placement of the built-in storage cubes made packing and unpacking difficult. Additionally, the flap protecting the external USB port was fragile and difficult to seal.
Travelpro Crew 21 Inch Spinner
The Travelpro Crew 21 is a lightweight, durable alternative from a reputable company. Unfortunately, the case’s slanted top was a deal breaker since it prohibited us from rolling it with a bag or pet carrier on top of it. One side of the inside packing area was somewhat shallower, and the flap protecting the USB port was fairly challenging to close. It wasn’t easy to get our hands inside because the top handle and the side handles were attached to the case.
American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Spinner
At its pricing point, the Moonlight is not a bad buy. It features enough packing capacity, a basic yet functional interior design, and a multitude of color and style possibilities. This bag dented and scuffed quickly when hopped on (it’s ABS, not polycarbonate, which likely contributed). The outer coating wrinkled up fast, and even after pushing the dents back into place, the marks were still noticeable. This case’s appearance is part of its appeal, but you cannot expect it to remain flawless for long.
Infoceptor's editorial team handpicks all of the products and services it recommends, regardless of external influences. Affiliate links appear in some of our stories. We may receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something through one of these links, which helps us stay independent and support our great team.
