We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Life Travel Travel Products The Best Luggage of 2024 Stay organized for any trip by choosing the right luggage. By Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl is a freelance writer who has been writing about home, culture, and lifestyle topics since 2016. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 15, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word For It Real Simple / Alli Waataja When you’re planning a trip, one factor that can make or break how well it goes — or how stressful it becomes — is having the right luggage. The best luggage options include a wide range of pieces like small carry-on bags for easy transportation and large, sturdy suitcases for extra essentials. However, the type of luggage you decide on will likely be determined by the type of trip you end up taking. “For instance, duffel bags are the best for trips involving small planes or remote areas, because they’re soft and don’t weigh as much when weight is a big factor,” says Hedva Wiener, a travel agent with Aladdin Travel Services. “[Traditional] suitcases open like a book, so if you’re in a hotel or other small space, they can take up a lot of space when you’re trying to get things out or organize.” She also notes that the luggage needs for an adventurous, expedition-style trip will be quite different from what a luxury cruise or a quick weekend getaway might require. Finding the right luggage for you requires considering several factors and understanding your unique needs. To help you come to a sound decision, we researched dozens of different suitcases, tote bags, duffels, and more, across a variety of brands, styles, and price points. Moreover, Wiener also offered some expert tips to help you pinpoint the perfect luggage to take along to your next destination. Best Hard-sided Suitcases Suitcases with hard sides are a staple for many travelers thanks to their sturdy sides which provide extra protection for all your belongings. Wiener notes that they can, however, be a little heavier than other types, and their lack of flexibility means there’s little room for error when it comes to carry-on sizing. Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner Samsonite’s hardside carry-on model is surprisingly lightweight, yet strong enough to withstand jostling. Along with plenty of packing capacity, multiple pockets, and dividers, it features a TSA-friendly lock, easy maneuverability, and a modern design in several colors. $150 at Amazon $150 at Macy's $210 at kohls.com Calpak Ambeur Medium Luggage Stylish on the outside, expandable on the inside, Calpak’s Ambeur Medium Luggage offers plenty of room for packing all your necessities without being too heavy. The aluminum hardside shell absorbs impact to keep your items safe, while a 2-inch expandable option and zippered pockets offer additional packing space. calpaktravel.com Away Bigger Carry-on Although it’s a little on the pricey side, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is designed to help you make the most of your suitcase space. A mesh laundry bag, zippered compartments, and a compression belt help secure everything, while a durable exterior shell (in several striking colors) adds extra security. $295 at awaytravel.com American Tourister Air Move Carry-On Spinner For a budget-friendly pick, American Tourister’s hardside carry-on offers plenty of reliability. A height-adjustable handle and dual spinner wheels allow for comfortable navigation, and the interior features two packing compartments, a compression belt, and a lining made from recycled materials. americantourister.com Best Soft-sided Suitcases Softsided luggage is usually made from one of several types of nylon and is a favorite of travelers for whom weight, space, and flexibility are priorities. Because of their flexible siding, they’re easier to compress into small spaces, such as the overhead bin of a plane or on a closet shelf at home. On the other hand, Wiener says, “a soft fabric exterior is more vulnerable to Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner This carry-on from Briggs & Riley is definitely a luxury pick, with a higher price point than many of its competitors. For the price, however, you get high-quality, ballistic nylon material, corner guards, 360-degree wheels, and a well-organized design to make packing and unpacking a breeze. $699 at Amazon $699 at Nordstrom briggs-riley.com American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Carry-On Spinner Ideal for a shorter trip, this budget-friendly suitcase features two interior zipped pockets, a compression belt for packing, and an ergonomic handle to make wheeling more comfortable. It comes in three different colors, each of which feature a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic. $56 at Amazon americantourister.com $68 at Macy's Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact Carry-On Spinner Coming in at just over 5 pounds, Travelpro’s compact carry-on offers a surprising amount of packing space for a lightweight, softsided suitcase. A zippered expander allows for up to 2 inches of extra room, while a moisture-resistant lining made from recycled materials helps keep your clothes pristine. $145 at Amazon $145 at travelpro.com jcpenney.com Best Stylish Suitcases The best stylish suitcases are the ones that don’t sacrifice aesthetics for function. Instead, they combine modern designs, clever touches of detail, and vibrant colors and patterns with all the durability, maneuverability, and organization that you expect from your most reliable luggage. Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage This compact, reasonably priced option is spacious inside and comes complete with multiple compartments and dividers for maximum organization. It’s all presented in a sleek, hard-shell package in both vibrant and neutral colors. calpaktravel.com Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus This medium-sized suitcase from Paravel is large enough to fit nearly a week’s worth of clothes while still adhering to the size limitations for most airline overhead compartments. It’s also made from recycled materials and comes in five different color combinations. $425 at Amazon $425 at tourparavel.com $425 at maisonette.com American Tourister Moonlight Carry-On Spinner This suitcase has a straightforward interior, with a pair of inner pockets and a compression belt for packing. It’s available in a variety of color and pattern options, all of which pair nicely with its sturdy hard shell and color-coordinated handle, wheels, and zipper. $140 at Amazon americantourister.com Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner The Delsey Chatelet signature “basket weave” offers a stylish, textured look with the strength and protection of a hard-shell exterior. The suitcase comes in two color options and includes functional features such as 360-degree wheels, a TSA-accepted lock, corner protectors, and an inner removable pouch. $330 at Amazon delsey.com $330 at Bloomingdales Best Duffels For times when you need to carry more items that a backpack can fit, but you still need to pack lightly and can’t justify a larger suitcase, opting for a duffel bag is an excellent solution. Duffel bags are spacious and durable, but they can also be stylish than the campground-style bags many people imagine. Wiener says that duffel bags can provide plenty of space for all your essentials, but “they don’t provide as much organization or shock absorption” as a traditional suitcase. Samsonite Detour 29 Inch Wheeled Duffel Not only does this duffel feature quite a bit of packing space, it also divides that inner space into a structured lower section and a larger upper compartment. Plus, it even comes on a wheelable frame to make transportation even smoother. samsonite.com Briggs & Riley Wheeled Duffel This Briggs & Riley upright duffel bag combines the best features of different luggage styles. It’s easy to wheel and features multiple dividers, like “regular” suitcases, but it’s compact, foldable, and has multiple handles like a classic duffel. $499 at Amazon $499 at Nordstrom $499 at Macy's Paravel Fold-Up Bag The Paravel Fold-Up Bag is an affordable, colorful duffel that can take you to the gym, to work, or on an overnight trip with ease. The bag is made with a super-lightweight, water-resistant nylon material that is completely foldable and can be tucked into the accompanying storage pouch. $75 at Amazon tourparavel.com Béis The Commuter Duffle Whether you need a bag for a long commute or are headed for an overnight trip, this duffle combines a stylish, purse-inspired exterior with a function-forward structure. Inside, you’ll find multiple, different sized pockets for electronics, water bottles, and more. $138 at Nordstrom beistravel.com Best Backpacks If you’re looking for an alternative to purse, tote, or duffel-style bags, backpacks make a great option. Their smaller size means that they generally are best when used for a quick trip, or when used as a carry-on or personal item in conjunction with a larger suitcase. “Strong straps in a comfortable position can help you avoid back pain. Look for a design with multiple pockets, too, so your items don’t tumble around.” Wiener recommends. Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Slim Backpack This Travelpro backpack features wide, padded straps to reduce strain on your shoulders, and stain-resistant, exterior fabric for solid durability. It also includes a padded interior sleeve for laptops, side pockets for water bottles, and a magnetic-close front pocket for smaller items. $220 at travelpro.com Away The Packable Backpack This backpack from Away features a utilitarian design that collapses and folds down easily, allowing you to either pack it away in your suitcase, or use it as a carry-on. It’s lightweight and expandable at the top, but just note that it doesn’t have many inner pockets, and the main compartment isn’t zippered. $75 at awaytravel.com July Carry All Backpack The July Carry All offers a separate laptop slot and a large exterior water bottle compartment. It also features a bottom “pass-through” band to attach to your suitcase for even easier travel. july.com Béis The Expandable Backpack The Beis Expandable Backpack has a streamlined, luxurious look at a budget-friendly price point. Along with multiple zippered exterior pockets and a tuckable water bottle pocket, this backpack includes a laptop sleeve and a strap to attach to rolling luggage. $88 at Nordstrom beistravel.com Best Totes Tote bags offer plenty of space in a transportable style that makes them a perfect option for short, overnight trips. Like backpacks, they’re usually too small to use beyond a couple of days or as a personal carry-on, but they’re often some of the most stylish pieces, and many have a surprising amount of space and organization for travel. Béis The Weekender Beis’s The Weekender bag has a zippered bottom compartment to keep essentials separate from more delicate clothes and accessories in the main section. It also comes in eight beautiful colors — including neutrals and pastels — for extra style points. $108 at Nordstrom beistravel.com $92 at Revolve Travelpro Carry-on Travel Tote Bag Instead of a basic, bucket-style tote, this bag includes multiple interior and exterior compartments to keep everything well-organized and secure. It’s available in six, waterproofed fabric colors, and features inside liners made from recycled materials. $85 at Amazon $85 at travelpro.com $102 at kohls.com Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Weekender Tote This Delsey tote is a stylish, affordable, and foldable option that’s made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather. The inside of the bag doesn’t have much for dividers or extra compartments, but it does have a zippered inner pocket to separate a few items. delsey.com Away The Medium Everywhere Bag Away’s Everywhere Bag is a little pricier than many competitor totes, but it includes some luxury features. Its classic “purse” profile opens up with a luggage-style clamshell opening, and the inside includes multiple pockets. It comes in four color choices, plus the option to personalize it with an embroidered monogram. $225 at awaytravel.com How to Shop for Luggage Like a Pro Type Luggage options include suitcases, grab-and-go tote bags, backpacks, and more. The type of trip you’re taking (i.e. a short overnighter, or a longer getaway), will likely determine which type you opt for, but generally, large suitcases are preferable for long trips, while smaller bags are more convenient for short ones. If you do end up going for a traditional suitcase, however, just note that these can come in both hard and soft variations. Hardside suitcases tend to provide more protection for your packed items, but they can also be bulky, heavy, and inflexible. Softsided luggage, on the other hand, may have a little more room to compress into carry-on bins, but it may be more likely to sustain damage due to having a fabric exterior. When deciding between these two options, be sure to take into consideration weight restrictions and the fragility of your belongings to figure out which one is best for you. Size & Weight Larger suitcases made of heavier materials offer more space and protection from damage, but come at the risk of having to check a bag for going over the weight or size limit. However, note that a hard-sided suitcase isn’t guaranteed to be heavier than a soft-sided option, as many hard shells can be made with lighter materials. Additionally, different airlines may have different weight and size requirements which apply to both soft- and hard-sided suitcases. “Always check every airline’s luggage limitation [policy],” Wiener advises. “Remember, it’s not just about the weight, but it’s also the dimensions allowed for overhead luggage.” Features As with size and style, the features to look for in luggage may vary based on individual needs and preferences. Travelers on business may prioritize padded laptop sleeves and water bottle pockets, while tourists may be more concerned about extra pockets to bring souvenirs safely home. Wiener does suggest that common features like a separate pouch for laundry and/or shoes, organizational compartments or collapsible dividers, and an external protective compartment for electronics are useful for the majority of travelers. Warranty Luggage goes through a lot, especially if you travel frequently. Before choosing your next travel piece, look into the brand to see if it offers any warranty or guarantee to give you extra peace of mind. Different warranties also may have certain limits — some may cover defective materials and workmanship, but not all damage. Note that these warranties tend to be more common on traditional suitcases than on totes and backpacks. Questions You Might Ask What are standard suitcase sizes? There is no single, “required” standard size for luggage, and different airlines will all have their own requirements for maximum carry-on sizes. Always be sure to double-check with all of your transportation providers ahead of time, so there’s no surprise when you arrive. With that said, however, most luggage falls into one of three categories: personal items, carry-on luggage, and checked bags. Personal items are smaller items that can fit under the seat, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Comparing most major airlines’ stated guidance, these limits are usually between 16 to 18 inches wide, 10 to 14 inches long, and 7 to 9 inches high. Meanwhile, carry-on luggage are items that fit within the overhead luggage compartments on a standard plane. Again, different jets may have slightly different storage capacities, but most carry-ons need to be a maximum of 22 to 24 inches tall, 14 to 16 inches wide, and 9 to 10 inches deep. Anything bigger than these dimensions will usually have to be checked, with a majority of these being large suitcases. What color luggage should you buy? Your color choice really depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for luggage that won’t show wear and tear as much, dark neutral colors will help conceal any dirt and damage. If you don’t mind paying a little more attention to cleaning, though, pick the color (or patterns) that makes you happy or fits your style. How much should you expect to spend on luggage? Luggage can vary widely in price and is highly dependent on the type and style of luggage, its material composition, “bonus” features, and its size, among other factors. “Day trip” pieces, like totes and backpacks, are cheaper, often coming in at under $100, while traditional hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases can range from budget picks under $100, to more luxurious items over $300. Take Our Word For It This article was written by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content. For these recommendations, she researched dozens of luggage pieces in several different categories and from a range of brands, focusing on factors such as size, type, maneuverability, organizational features, visual appeal, and price. She also spoke with Hedva Wiener, a travel agent with Aladdin Travel Services, for further insights on what to look for in luggage. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit