I travel a lot for work, and I’m picky about my luggage. Over the last month I put seven popular carry-ons through the same paces: tight overhead bins, cobblestone streets, rainy curbside check-ins, and sprinting between gates. I measured true internal space, weighed each bag fully packed, rolled them across tile/concrete, and stress-tested handles and zips. Below are my favorites—plus a quick guide to help you choose the right one.
Quick Buyer’s Guide
Ask yourself:
- Where do you fly most? U.S. airlines typically allow up to 22 x 14 x 9 in including wheels/handles; international airlines can be stricter. Always check your carrier’s limits.
- Hard shell or softside? Hardside (polycarbonate) resists weather and scuffs; softside (nylon/polyester) is lighter and easier to stuff in tight bins.
- Weight matters. A pound saved in the shell is a pound more you can pack—especially on airlines with weight caps.
- Wheels & handle. Look for smooth spinner wheels and a handle that doesn’t wobble under load.
- Security & warranty. Integrated TSA locks are convenient on hardsides; softsides often win on pockets. Strong warranties add real value.
Carry-On Types :What Fits Your Style?
| Type | What It Is | Why Choose It | Trade-offs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardside (polycarbonate) | Rigid shell with built-in TSA lock | Water-resistant, protects contents, sleek look | Fewer external pockets, can scuff | City breaks, business travel |
| Softside (ballistic/nylon) | Fabric shell with exterior pockets | Lighter, easier to squeeze into bins, great organization | Less impact protection | Frequent flyers who value quick access |
| Premium business | High-end build, refined organization | Best handles/wheels, pro looks, strong warranties | Pricey, sometimes heavier | Consultants, executives |
| Rugged/protective | Case-style protection, gasket seals | Extreme durability, weather sealing | Heavier; smaller usable volume | Photographers, adventure trips |
| International-friendly | Tighter dimensions, front access | Easier on EU/Asia carriers, smart access | Slightly smaller capacity | Global travelers, short trips |
Our Top Picks by Category
| Category | Product (affiliate link) | Why It Stands Out | Key Specs* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Away Carry-On (22″) | Balanced size, compression system, tough shell | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 in; ~7.5 lb. |
| Best Softside | Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Spinner | Featherweight, flexible packing, great value | 23 x 14.5 x 9 in overall; 5.4 lb. |
| Best Premium | Briggs & Riley Baseline 22″ Essential Spinner | Industry-best lifetime repair policy, expand-compress system | 22 x 14 x 9–11.5 in; 10 lb. |
| Best Budget Hardside | Samsonite Omni PC 20″ | Light, durable, proven; 10-year warranty | 22 x 15 x 9.5 in; 6.81 lb. |
| Best Business Travel (Luxury) | TUMI Voyageur Leger International Expandable | Front-lid access, refined fit/finish, 5-year warranty | 21.75 x 14 x 9 in; 8.16 lb. |
| Most Rugged/Water-Resistant | Pelican ATX 22″ Carry-On | Gasketed, latch-lock hard case; built like a tank | 22 x 14 x 9.1 in; ~12.8–13.3 lb. |
| Best International Flyer | Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer | 20% expansion, recycled PC shell (SORPLAS), quick-access front | ~37 L; ~7.3 lb. |
*Manufacturer-listed specs; always confirm with your airline before flying.
Hands-On Reviews
Away Carry-On (22″)
Best for: Most travelers who want a sleek, durable hardside that actually fits.
Why We Like It
Away’s polycarbonate shell shrugged off puddles and rainy curbside drops in my tests. The compression panel really does help you pack more for 3–5 day trips, and the wheels stayed quiet over terminal tile. Dimensions (21.7 x 14.4 x 9 in), weight (~7.5 lb), TSA lock, and lifetime warranty make it a strong “one-bag” option.
Pros
- Excellent compression and interior layout; easy to keep clothes tidy.
- Smooth 360° wheels; firm, two-stop handle.
- Solid warranty coverage on key components.
Cons
- No exterior pocket for laptops; you’ll use a personal item.
- Glossy colors can show scuffs over time (normal for PC shells).
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Softside Spinner
Best for: Travelers who value low weight and lots of pockets.
Why We Like It
This is the bag I grab when I know I’ll have tight connections. At 5.4 lb it feels featherlight, the exterior pockets are perfect for a jacket and boarding pass, and the PowerScope Lite handle has less flex than most in this price band. Case dimensions are 21 x 14 x 9 in (23 x 14.5 x 9 in overall) and capacity is a generous 46 L. Model: 401176147. Limited Lifetime Coverage + “Trusted Companion Promise” for the first year.
Pros
- Lightest full-size spinner in this group; easy to hoist overhead.
- Two quick-access exterior pockets; 2″ expansion.
- Good value and a proven travel brand.
Cons
- Fabric won’t protect as well as hardside in heavy rain.
- No integrated TSA lock (use your own).
Briggs & Riley Baseline 22″ Essential Expandable Spinner
Best for: Frequent flyers who want the best softside money can buy.
Why We Like It
The Baseline’s CX™ expansion-compression system is magic: pack it out, then compress it to fit overhead. The build (ballistic nylon, metal hardware) exudes quality; the wheels float over grout lines; and the lifetime repair promise is the best in luggage. It measures 22 x 14 x 9–11.5 in, weighs about 10 lb, and holds ~51 L.
Pros
- Best-in-class warranty and repair program for wear/damage.
- Truly useful expand-compress system; great for longer trips.
- Excellent handling and organization.
Cons
- Pricey; also heavier than budget options.
- Expanded depth can exceed some sizers (compress before boarding).
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside 20″
Best for: Budget-minded travelers who still want a tough shell.
Why We Like It
The micro-diamond polycarbonate finish hides wear well, and at ~6.8 lb this bag is easy to maneuver. You get a 10-year limited warranty, side-mounted TSA locks, and smooth spinners. Specs: 22 x 15 x 9.5 in overall; packing space 19 x 14.5 x 9.5 in.
Pros
- Light for a budget hardside; good scratch resistance.
- TSA locks and solid wheel performance.
- Great price-to-durability ratio.
Cons
- Basic interior (fewer pockets/straps than premium bags).
- Slightly wider overall (15″)—check your airline’s sizer.
TUMI Voyageur Leger International Expandable
Best for: Premium business travel and frequent international hops.
Why We Like It
The front-lid design makes security and in-flight access painless, and the fit/finish is classic TUMI. You get 2″ of expansion, integrated lock, and a refined wheel/handle feel. Specs: 21.75 x 14 x 9 in, ~8.16 lb. Warranty: 5 years.
Pros
- Front access = faster packing and laptop retrieval.
- Excellent handling and materials; polished look.
- Sensible international size.
Cons
- Premium price.
- Interior is more structured; less “stuffability” than softside.
Pelican ATX 22″ Carry-On
Best for: Protecting sensitive gear in rough conditions.
Why We Like It
Think “camera case meets suitcase.” The Pelican Armor shell, gasketed closure, and TSA locking latches shrug off rain and dust. Hinomoto wheels are smooth, and the pressure-relief valve is a neat touch. It’s heavy at ~12.8–13.3 lb, and internal volume feels tighter than typical 22″ bags—but if you need protection, nothing beats it. Exterior 22 x 14 x 9.1 in.
Pros
- Best weather/dust protection in the group.
- Latch locks are quick and secure; rolls well on rough ground.
- Made in USA; lifetime warranty language on shell.
Cons
- Heavy; smaller usable interior than typical spinners.
- Overkill for simple weekend trips.
Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer
Best for: One-bag international travelers who want smart access.
Why We Like It
The SORPLAS recycled-PC shell is sturdy and eco-minded. You get up to 20% expansion, a quick-access front pocket for travel docs, and a smooth wheel/handle combo. Listed at ~37 L and ~7.3 lb—great for strict overseas carriers.
Pros
- International-friendly size with expansion headroom.
- Front compartment speeds security and boarding.
- Lightweight for a hard shell.
Cons
- Capacity is smaller than U.S.-optimized carry-ons.
- Premium price tier for the size.
Other Things to Consider
- Airline rules: Most U.S. carriers cap carry-ons at 22 x 14 x 9 in; some allow bigger (e.g., select Southwest/Frontier routes). International airlines may be stricter and sometimes enforce weight limits. Always check your booking confirmation.
- Batteries & power banks: If you travel with a power bank, it must go in your carry-on (never checked). If you gate-check your carry-on, remove the power bank first.
- Weight vs capacity: Under 7 lb feels noticeably easier to hoist. Softsides often deliver more usable space at the same external size.
- Wheels & handle quality: Hinomoto or equivalent wheels and a solid telescoping handle reduce fatigue—worth paying for if you roll long distances.
- Warranty: Briggs & Riley’s lifetime repair promise is unmatched; others range from 5–10 years limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size carry-on should I buy to avoid gate-checking?
Aim for 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) or smaller including wheels and handles. That size meets most U.S. airline rules (American, United, Alaska). Some low-cost carriers allow slightly bigger, others are stricter, and international flights can have weight caps—even if the dimensions are okay. Check your exact airline before each trip.
Is hardside or softside better for overhead bin space?
Softside typically wins for stuffability—you can nudge it into a tight bin and you get exterior pockets (see Travelpro Maxlite 5). Hardside protects better from rain/impact and usually includes integrated locks (Away, Samsonite). If you carry tech and need fast access, consider front-opening designs like TUMI or Victorinox.
Do I need a carry-on with a TSA lock?
Not required, but convenient. TSA-accepted locks on hardsides (e.g., Away, Samsonite, Victorinox) let agents open/relatch without damage. Softsides often skip built-ins; you can add your own.
Are power banks allowed in carry-on luggage?
Yes—carry-on only. They’re banned from checked bags. If you gate-check your carry-on, remove any spare lithium batteries and keep them with you in the cabin. Some airlines enforce labeling and watt-hour limits, so check your carrier if you use high-capacity banks.
What’s the best warranty in luggage?
Briggs & Riley offers a standout lifetime repair service for damage from normal use on Baseline; Samsonite provides a 10-year limited warranty on Omni; Away covers core components under a limited lifetime warranty. TUMI offers five years on luggage.
Conclusion
If you want one carry-on to do it all, choose the Away Carry-On—balanced size, smart compression, and solid protection. Prefer light and flexible? The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ is the easiest to lift and the most forgiving in tight bins. If you travel weekly and want the best softside with an unmatched warranty, the Briggs & Riley Baseline 22″ is worth the investment. For value seekers who still want a tough shell, go Samsonite Omni PC 20″. International flyer or front-access fan? Pick TUMI Voyageur Leger International Expandable or Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer. And if your gear must survive rain, dust, and knocks, nothing protects like the Pelican ATX 22″.