The essentials
Checked bags are a staple for longer trips (anywhere from 10 to 14 days) and for anyone who wants or needs more room in their suitcase. We found durable options you won’t have to worry about saying goodbye to at check-in.
Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often. These are the lightweight yet sturdy carry-ons we turn to time and time again.
Our favorite duffels, expandable totes, and garment bags to take on on weekend getaways, overnight stays, and use as a personal item on flights. These have smart features like separate shoe compartments, trolley sleeves, and adjustable straps.
Whether you’re hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free.
The great debate: hard-shell or soft-sided?
Hard-shell suitcases can handle the wear and tear of going through baggage claim. These are the sturdy cases that will last for years to come, from trunks to lightweight spinners.
Soft-sided luggage is extremely durable and usually offers ample amount of exterior pockets that hard-shell cases typically don’t have. The flexible fabric can also be maneuvered into small overhead bins or car trunks more easily.
With top brands swapping shells for fabrics, the underdog choice is becoming trendy again. We’re breaking down the advantages that are drawing so many travelers to the soft side.
More bags to consider
From roomy canvas carryalls to sleek leather work bags, a good tote is a travel essential. These are the bags we bring for office commutes, beach trips, and souvenir shopping.
We’re breaking down what travelers need to know about size restrictions and airline guidance; plus, our editors’ go-to bags. Here are the duffels, totes, and backpacks we bring on every flight.
Investing in the best kids luggage won’t make traveling with children as easy as traveling without them, but it will make the whole endeavor a lot less chaotic. These are the bags frequent travelers trust for their little ones.
We’ve found our favorites, but we also wanted to know which luggage brands industry experts swear by. Seasoned travelers, adventure seekers, and digital nomads share their top picks.
We asked, you answered: These are the best luggage brands to bring on your travels, according to Traveler readers. From Arlo Skye to Away, here are the brands you trust the most.
Shop by brand
Our editors have tried out a variety of bags and travel accessories from Calpak and we’ve never been disappointed. Here’s the functional and sleek luggage from the brand that we love most.
Mixing durability, dependability, and style, Away changed the way we look at packing. We rounded up our editors’ most-used Away bags and accessories.
Actor and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell‘s brand Béis has seen continued viral success since first launching a few years ago. Our editors have several favorite pieces from the brand, from roomy weekenders to a hands-free water bottle sling.
Quality luggage usually comes with a hefty price tag, but luckily, you can find some great pieces on Amazon that are both affordable and built to withstand years of wear and tear. Find top-notch carry-ons, luggage sets, weekenders, and more.
You’re probably familiar with Dagne Dover’s ubiquitous Dakota backpack. This past June, the brand launched its first-ever line of rolling luggage—and we’re a little bit obsessed.
Our long-standing favorites
Associate editor Matt Ortile has been traveling with Madewell’s best-selling Transport Tote for years. It’s functional, versatile, and built to last.
Calpak’s popular Luka duffel has previously racked up a 44,000-person-deep waiting list. It’s commerce editor’s Meaghan Kenny’s go-to duffel for weekend trips and to use as a personal item—yes, it fits under the seat in front of you.
Traveler contributor Samantha Leal has flown over 400,000 miles with Away’s original carry-on. It’s held up trip after trip, mile after mile.
Lauren Burvill, commerce editor for Condé Nast Traveller UK, swears by Antler’s overnight bag. It’s water-resistant, holds a ton, and features a laptop sleeve.
Chances are, you’ve seen Béis’s viral weekender bag all over social media. Senior commerce editor Madison Flager loves that it features a separate shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve, and a water-resistant lining.
Australian luggage brand July has developed the world’s lightest carry-on. Weighing in under four pounds, the July Carry-On Light is a minimalist’s dream.
The Adventure Bag from Stubble & Co is perfect for weekend trips and long-haul flights. It features a separate waterproof shoe compartment, compression straps for maximum storage, and is large enough to replace your carry-on, making it a great option for more rugged trips.
Pond LA’s Transform Air tote is stylish, well designed, and so versatile. It can be worn four different ways: as a shoulder bag with its sturdy carry handle, as a crossbody with its longer adjustable strap, on top of your carry-on using its trolley sleeve, and—my personal favorite way—as a backpack.
The Parallelle makeup bag is a total game changer for travel; my products have never been more organized, secure, and easy to reach. I finally found a cosmetic case that I actually love.
An ode to the Vera Bradley tote
There’s something special and nostalgic about Vera Bradley’s floral printed travel bags. Associate editor Charle Hobbs agrees—that’s why he proudly carries around his grandmother’s Vera Bradley tote.
Coming soon
