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Best Carry-On Luggage 2026

By travel editor
We tested 30+ bags to find the perfect balance of weight, durability, and style. From Briggs & Riley to Travelpro, here’s our top picks for every traveler.
Carry-on guide

TOP PICKS

  • Samsonite Ziplite 6
  • Briggs & Riley Baseline
  • Travelpro Platinum Elite
  • Tumi Alpha 3
  • Delsey Paris Chatelet

Checked luggage

best & large

Carry on

size & best picks

Packing cubes

travel pro

Backpacks

hiking & urban

Passport holder

travel essential

Luggage scale

never pay extra

Top brands & gear

Checked luggage

  • Best checked luggage
  • Large checked luggage
  • Checked luggage sizes
  • Luggage scale
  • Travel neck pillow
  • American Tourister

Carry-on & backpacks

  • Best carry on luggage
  • Carry on luggage size
  • Best hiking backpacks
  • Tumi backpack
  • Osprey
  • Herschel & North Face
Best travel packing cubes
Passport holder
Samsonite Ziplite 6
Briggs & Riley
Essential picks
Samsonite Ziplite 6 Briggs & Riley Herschel Louis Vuitton Travelpro Tumi North Face Osprey American Tourister Delsey Paris Travelon Bagsmart
Carry-on luggage comparison
Brand / Model Price (USD) Material Weight Rating Remarks
Samsonite Ziplite 6 $180.49 Polycarbonate 6.2 lbs ★★★★☆ Lightweight, durable, great value
Briggs & Riley Baseline $859.00 Ballistic nylon 7.8 lbs ★★★★★ Lifetime warranty, CX expansion
Travelpro Platinum Elite $450.00 Polyester / nylon 7.2 lbs ★★★★☆ MagnaTrac wheels, trusted by crew
Tumi Alpha 3 $838.99 Ballistic nylon 8.4 lbs ★★★★★ Premium build, TSA lock, sleek
Delsey Paris Chatelet $729.99 Polycarbonate 6.8 lbs ★★★★☆ French style, double wheels
Checked luggage comparison
Brand / Model Price (USD) Material Capacity Rating Remarks
Samsonite Ziplite 6 (large) $249.99 Polycarbonate 28" ★★★★☆ Great for extended trips
Travelpro Maxlite 5 $160.00 Polyester 29" ★★★★☆ Lightweight, expandable
Briggs & Riley Large $929.00 Ballistic nylon 30" ★★★★★ CX expansion, bombproof
American Tourister Moonlight $112.00 Polycarbonate 28" ★★★☆☆ Budget friendly, good starter
Tumi Tegra-Lite $995.00 Tegris composite 27" ★★★★★ Ultra durable, sleek design
Travel backpacks comparison
Brand / Model Price (USD) Material Capacity Rating Remarks
Osprey Farpoint 40 $199.95 Nylon 40L ★★★★★ Best carry-on backpack
The North Face Recon $125.00 Polyester 30L ★★★★☆ Great for day hikes & travel
Herschel Little America $132.99 Polyester / leather 25L ★★★☆☆ Stylish, good for urban travel
Tumi Voyageur $795.00 Ballistic nylon 28L ★★★★★ Premium, sleek, durable
Samsonite Tectonic $122.37 Polyester 24L ★★★☆☆ Budget, good for daily use
Packing cubes & accessories comparison
Brand / Model Price (USD) Material Set size Rating Remarks
Bagsmart 4-Piece Set $19.99 Nylon 4 pcs ★★★★☆ Best value, lightweight
Travelon Packing Cubes $31.75 Polyester 5 pcs ★★★★☆ Durable, mesh top
Eagle Creek Specter $49.89 Nylon ripstop 4 pcs ★★★★★ Ultra-light, compression
Samsonite Packing Cubes $40.93 Polyester 3 pcs ★★★☆☆ Good, affordable
Travelon passport holder $24.99 Leather / nylon 1 pc ★★★★☆ RFID blocking, slim
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