Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by any of the luggage companies mentioned. All recommendations are based on experience and extensive research to help fellow travelers find the best carry-on luggage

Are you struggling to decide on the perfect carry-on luggage for your needs?

No need to worry, I've got you covered! I’ve gone through extensive research to discover the best luggage options available, and I've curated a list of top brands that excel in durability, maneuverability, and sustainability.

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what to look for in a carry-on luggage?

SIZE + WEIGHT

Your luggage should fit the airline regulations for carry-on luggage — typically 21-23 inches, to fit perfectly into overhead compartments. Make sure to check your airline’s carry-on guidelines to confirm.  

DURABILITY

Look for luggage crafted from strong materials that can withstand travel challenges without caving to wear and tear.

MANEUVERABILITY

Make sure to find luggage that has smooth-rolling wheels with an adjustable telescoping handle for effortless navigation through crowded spaces. You don’t want your luggage to be tumbling around while you walk quickly or run to your next destination.

ORGANIZATION

Go for a luggage that’s equipped with multiple compartments and easily accessible pockets, this ensures your belongings stay organized and within reach at all times.

SECURITY

Select a luggage with dependable TSA-approved locks and zippers to keep your possessions safe and secure throughout your journey.

SUSTAINABILITY

With sustainability being a popular feature recently, find eco-friendly luggage made from durable, sustainable materials, providing a long-lasting, environmentally conscious travel solution.

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NORTVI

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Lightweight. Approved on all cabin airlines. Durable. Sustainable. Silent wheels. Organized. TSA-approved lock. Affordable. Official supporter of the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).

NORTVI is an eco-friendly luggage company based in the Netherlands, offering eco-friendly and durable luggage options for eco-conscious travelers.

Their lightweight and cabin airline-approved sized luggage is made with sustainability in mind. The brand uses recycled PET bottles for the inner lining and eco-friendly polycarbonate for the exterior.

Other features include silent wheels, a water-resistant front pocket for a laptop and travel accessories for an organized space, a TSA-approved lock, and affordability ranging from €215 to €299 ($215 to $324).

Lastly, NORTVI is an official supporter of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund)!

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Monos

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Lightweight (7 pounds). Durable. Sustainable. Easy Maneuver. Organized. TSA-approved lock. Affordable.

Monos is a Canadian luggage company based in Vancouver.

They manufacture vacuum-formed luggage cases using German Makrolon polycarbonate, a lightweight and resilient material that can absorb energy from impacts and spring back into shape. To enhance durability, they use a water-resistant German polycarbonate hard shell.

Monos is committed to sustainability, and they’ve taken steps to reduce carbon emissions, become certified as Climate Neutral, and participate in the 1% for the Planet program.

Their luggage is easy to maneuver, featuring adjustable telescopic handles and 360 spinner wheels. It's also very organized, with a front zipper for easy access to important items such as your passport or laptop, and includes a TSA-approved lock.

Their prices are affordable, ranging from $255 to $345.

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SAMSONITE

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Lightweight (6-7 lbs). Durable. Sustainable. Easy Maneuver. Organized. TSA-approved lock. Affordable options available.

Samsonite, established in Denver, Colorado, provides a variety of lightweight and durable carry-on options.

Their suitcases typically weigh between 6-7 pounds, allowing for easy maneuvering with quiet, 360-degree spinning wheels and a retractable telescopic handle that locks in place.

The 100% polypropylene exterior ensures extreme durability, and their commitment to sustainability is apparent through the use of high-quality, sustainable materials and partnerships with Recyclex, a fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET (rPET).

Additionally, Samsonite offers convenient features including an integrated charging port for personal portable chargers, a spacious WetPak™ pocket for liquids and toiletries, and a large mesh pocket for organized storage. Their suitcases also come with a TSA-approved lock for added security.

Samsonite carry-on luggage prices range from $99.99 to $600, providing affordable options for a wide range of travelers.

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Paravel

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Sustainable. Easy maneuver. Organized. TSA-approved lock. $1 to plant 10 trees.

Paravel is a brand that provides environmentally friendly options for travelers. Their carry-on luggage weighs only 8 pounds, making it easy to handle in airports.

Paravel stands out with its sustainable materials, including recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, vegan leather details, and Negative Nylon lining made from 15 upcycled plastic bottles.

The brand also collaborates with Climate Neutral, Gold Standard, OEKO-Tex Standard, and Global Recycled Standard.

The luggage features 360° double spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings for easy maneuvering, smart interior pockets for organization, a removable laundry bag, and a TSA-approved lock for security.

What’s even better, Paravel gives customers the option to contribute $1 towards planting 10 trees through the non-profit organization, Eden Reforestation Projects, with every purchase, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

The prices for their eco-friendly luggages range from $395 to $425.

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AWAY

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Durable. Easy maneuver. Organized. TSA-approved lock. Affordable.

AWAY is a New York City-based company that specializes in durable luggage and travel accessories.

Their suitcases are constructed using high-quality, recyclable materials such as polycarbonate and aluminum, ensuring longevity. These suitcases are designed with 360-degree wheels for easy maneuvering, interior compression systems for efficient packing, and hidden laundry bags for organizing dirty clothes. 

Additionally, they come with TSA-approved locks for enhanced security and are available at affordable prices, ranging from $171 to $645.

The company is committed to increasing its sustainability efforts and has partnered with non-profit organizations such as Global Glimpse and Together We Rise, to which they have donated 6,000 units of their products."

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BÉIS

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Durable. Easy maneuver. Organized. Weight limit indicator! Expandable. TSA-approved lock. Affordable.

Introducing BÉIS. Shay Mitchell was inspired to create the perfect luggage with the goal of making leaving the house much easier, no matter how far away you're traveling.

BÉIS carry-on luggage has the perfect combination of durability, functionality, and aesthetics. It's made of 100% virgin Polycarbonate with a stunning 3D stripe design, making it built to last. The 360-degree wheels and extendable BÉIS logo-ed trolley handle make maneuvering a breeze.

Inside, there is a separate pouch set for keeping dirty clothes, shoes, undergarments, and damp clothes organized. The top and side carry handles come with weight limit indicators, and the luggage is expandable.

It's also TSA-approved, affordable, and co-founded by Shay, who understands the need for affordable pricing ranging from $198 to $298 and chic-looking travel luggage with great functions.

The luggage is available in 21” for carry-ons, and 26” and 29” for checking in.

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ZERO HALLIBURTON

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Durable. Easy maneuver. Organized. TSA-approved lock. Classic.

In 1938, Erie P. Halliburton commissioned aircraft engineers to create an aluminum case that could withstand rough travels through the Texas oil fields. This led to the creation of Zero Halliburton.

Zero Halliburton offers a variety of hard and soft-side materials, including lightweight polycarbonate, ultra-protective aluminum, durable nylon, and advanced carbon fiber, making their luggage durable and long-lasting.

Their patented ZH Chassis™ design ensures effortless maneuverability with a distinctive scalloped grip handle that makes it easy to lift into overhead compartments or out of vehicles.

Additionally, their luggage is organized with TSA locks on the exterior, rather than zippers, keeping your belongings airtight and secure.

Their carry-on luggage can weigh between 7 to 11.5 lbs and comes in sizes ranging from 17” to 22”.

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RIMOWA

POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Durable. Easy maneuver. Waterproof case. Organized. TSA-approved lock. Classic.

RIMOWA is a German company that designed the first polycarbonate suitcase with high-tech functionality. They started their luggage-making business in 1898, progressing from vintage wood to classic aluminum to high-polycarbonate.

Their T-Bar Telescopic Handle is engineered with a three-stage adjustment for maximum comfort and smooth maneuverability.

RIMOWA pioneered the Multiwheel® System, which guarantees stable and effortless steering thanks to ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles. Their suitcases are also waterproof and come with a TSA-approved lock.

Even though RIMOWA claims that their suitcases are lightweight, their carry-on luggage ranges from 5 to 10 lbs, which can be on the heavier side compared to other carry-on luggage.

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FAQ

Q: What size is best for carry-on luggage?

A: It depends on your personal preference, but a 21" suitcase is a good option for both domestic and international travel. This size usually fits within the overhead bin size limits of most airlines and is easier to store in small apartments with limited space. Always check with your airline for specific overhead bin size limits.

Q: What materials are most durable?

A: Polycarbonate and/or titanium are two popular materials for carry-on luggage due to their durability and resistance to scratches and impacts. They are also lightweight, making it easier to lift and maneuver the luggage.

Q: What are the weight restrictions for carry-on luggage?

A: Most airports have a carry-on weight limit of 35 pounds, but it's always best to check with your airport to be sure.

Q: What types of wheels are best for easy maneuvering?

A: The best luggage wheels for easy maneuvering are usually those that rotate 360 degrees (also known as "spinner wheels"), allowing the luggage to be easily pushed or pulled in any direction.

Larger wheels tend to roll more smoothly over uneven surfaces, making it easier to navigate through airports or other travel locations.

It's also important to consider the material of the wheels, with rubber or polyurethane being popular choices for their durability and shock absorption.

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check out my recent travel vlog!

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Last Updated: 08.13.2024