The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors

Weight: 7.8 lb.
Dimensions: 22" × 14" × 11"
Capacity: 53L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: 100-day trial, limited lifetime warranty

Before Monos launched its expandable collection last summer, commerce editor Meaghan Kenny's most-used, most beloved carry-on was the brand’s original carry-on. And while it got top marks for its durability, smooth wheels, and interior organization, her one qualm was the size. “I overpack every time, so that extra wiggle room means a lot to me.” When an expandable version launched, she couldn’t wait to get her hands on it—and it's lived up to expectations. “I've had this carry-on for over a year now and it's my absolute go-to carry-on,” Kenny says. “There's lots to love about it: For starters, the sleek exterior looks great and can handle a lot. I've thrown it into the back of countless Ubers and overhead compartments and it has few scuffs to show for it.”

It's also nice and roomy, a must for overpackers. “I brought this bag on a summer bachelorette party to Scottsdale, Arizona, and it fit several bathing suits, cover-ups, dresses, pajamas, two pairs of heels, two pairs of sandals, an evening bag, hair tools, and my toiletry bag. While I was there, the bride kindly gifted us a few goodies, including a thick sweatshirt and some accessories. I was worried it might not all fit on the way back, but the expandable zipper came in handy, offering me a few extra inches of packing space when I needed it most.”

Inside, a zippered compartment with a large mesh section lets you keep some items separated, like dirty clothes, damp bathing suits, or liquid products. The other side of the suitcase has a built-in, removable compression pad with a zippered pocket for flat items. “The compression pad really helps keeps items secure, and flattens them so I can fit even more clothing.” At $325, it’s reasonably priced—especially when considering its expandability, durability, and sleek look, Kenny says. “I’ve tried out much more expensive carry-ons that quickly become scuffed up after one trip. This carry-on is sturdy enough to handle some wear and tear and offers lots of internal organization, making it well worth the price point for me.”

Pros: TSA-approved lock, expandable, compression system, dent-resistant, extra-smooth wheels
Cons: Not the lightest carry-on I’ve ever used; bulky to lift when expanded

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Weight: 8.36 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"
Capacity: 49–61L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn't guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It's a favorite of commerce writer Paris Wilson, who calls it her “go-to luggage for the last three years.”

“I keep gravitating back to it,” Wilson says. “The design is sleek, minimal, and just the right size for quick getaways or longer trips where you want to travel light. The interior is incredibly organized with enough compartments to keep everything in its place, and the exterior is not only durable but also looks stylish enough to stand out without being over-the-top. I love how effortlessly it rolls, even when it’s packed to the brim. It’s one of those pieces of luggage that just makes traveling easier, and after all these trips, it still reliable.”

She once used it to pack for her and her fiancé on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads in downtown Manhattan and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. And while it does show some scuffs (Wilson has it in tan), the actual functionality of the suitcase hasn't changed.

“I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean
Cons: Lighter colors get dirty very quickly; opt for a darker color if that bothers you

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Weight: 7.9 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9.5"
Capacity: 47.9L
Expandable: No
Warranty: 100 day trial, limited lifetime warranty

This bag is a longtime favorite of mine—it's without a doubt the carry-on I take out most, thanks to its roomy interior, and has accompanied me on many domestic and international trips. Sure, it's no-frills in terms of additional features, but it gets the job done and can be zipped closed even when I'm really testing the limits of its capacity.

It's also been tested by commerce writer Jessica Chapel, who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York. Of note, Away's Bigger Carry-On is one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it's way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.” This bestseller comes with a laundry bag and features interior compression straps that helps you fit extra clothing.

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps, even clamshell construction
Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Weight: 8.1 lb.
Dimensions: 22.4" x 14.6" x 9.6"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Replacements available for manufacturing defects

Surely the most novel carry-on we've tested, Solgaard's closet-style suitcase is designed to make unpacking a thing of the past. Commerce producer Erik Buckingham took this bag to his sister’s wedding in upstate New York, a weekend trip that involved rolling the suitcase through the New York City streets, onto a train, and through snow and ice once upstate. It fits a weekend’s worth of outfits perfectly, he says, and is fairly lightweight, even with the built-in closet organizer.

It's best for travelers who value function and organization: “This suitcase stands out for its detailed organizational compartments—four accordion-style cubes open up to reveal spacious compartments for each type of clothing you plan on packing,” Buckingham says. “The suitcase leaves no space unused, with fastening straps that double as pockets. You can use these to store extra toiletries, documents, or accessories.”

Notable features include the side handle, allowing for smooth carrying even in an NYC walk-up, and the hardy, durable exterior. Room for improvement lies in the wheels, which glided easily over smooth surfaces, but were a bit trickier over roads, sidewalks, and cobblestone.

Pros: Extensive compartments for organization, sustainably made, lock feature, high quality material
Cons: Some may find it bulky; noticeably loud when rolling over non-smooth surfaces

Weight: 8.2 lb.
Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

You probably know Casetify for its scratch- and scuff-resistant phone cases—the brand brought those same qualities to its first piece of luggage, the Bounce carry-on. Wilson has taken it with her on a handful of flights, and appreciates its durability getting down the uneven cobblestone streets of NYC's Financial District. She recommends it for weekend trips (three days tops), and calls it “the perfect size when I don’t want to haul around a bulky weekender or duffel bag.”

She also loves how lightweight the suitcase is, making it easier to navigate through airports or toss in the back of an Uber, yet also durable. “The outer shell feels sturdier compared to my other hard-shell carry-ons, and the bumpers are genius, adding extra shock absorption for peace of mind when you're racing through terminals or tossing it in and out of cars,” Wilson says. Given its customizable nature (add on your initials, a background style, and more with plenty of color and font options), Wilson recommends it for kids who have graduated from cartoon-themed suitcases and backpacks to add a bit of personality to their luggage, as well as for college students. “It's a useful gift that you can add a personal touch to.”

Pros: Scratch-resistant, customizable, dedicated AirTag pocket
Cons: On the heavier side, basic interior design

Weight: 8.6 lb.
Capacity: 40L
Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.5"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

“This suitcase is absolutely gorgeous,” says associate editor Matt Ortile. “The Carl Friedrik tagline really means it: You walk around with this dashing thing, rolling along the way, whether in Montmartre or Union Station, and you fully carry it and yourself with confidence.” Ortile has brought it to Saudi Arabia, Portofino, Washington DC, and Paris. “I am a serial overpacker and this has me covered for anywhere from two days to five days max,” Ortile says. “I think it will be good for much lighter packers, covering them for an average of a week, especially if you’re traveling with just this and a personal item.”

The biggest reason to get this trunk-style suitcase: the way it rolls. “It moves beautifully, smoothly rolling over hard floors and carpet alike.” Also, it's so sturdy, it's basically a chair. “I sit on it whenever I’m waiting in line at the airport and I don’t worry about it caving in or collapsing,” he says. Really, though, it's the kind of suitcase made for a luxury traveler. “It's the kind of bag that will look right at home as the valets at a five-star hotel load it into your Uber Black; someone who doesn’t have to worry about the weight because they’re flying business or first class.”

Pros: Incredibly good-looking and sturdy; moves on all terrain like a dream
Cons: Heavy

Weight: 6.3 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 14.5" x 9.5"
Capacity: 46L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

This expandable carry-on comes highly recommended by Traveler's former associate social media manager Kayla Brock. It has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though for long trips, especially in the winter, she likes pairing it with Travelpro's Platinum Elite checked bag).

“Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the two-plus years that she's been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing and shoes
Cons: Hard to lift when heavy; hard to clean/get scuffs out

Weight: 6.5 lb.
Dimensions: 21.25" x 15.25" x 10"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited 10 year global warranty

Traveler contributor Cleyling Lassalle has used this lightweight Samsonite suitcase twice so far, once on a road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, and once on a weeklong trip to Seattle, Washington. She says it's a great bag for solo travelers using only a carry-on, and works best for weekend trips—or longer if you pack strategically, as she did for Seattle, fitting in clothes and toiletries for a week, plus an extra pair of sandals. “Even when fully packed, it rolled smoothly through the airport,” Lassalle says. Previous suitcases she's used would tip over if overly packed and were unable to roll in all directions, so this one felt like a step up. Other standout features: Extendable straps for the top and side handles, which allow for a better grip, and interior pockets for added organization.

Pros: Sleek, modern look; easy to maneuver and pick up; comes with a TSA-approved lock
Cons: Minor scratches and scuffs after just two trips

Weight: 7.74 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10"
Capacity: 44L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

“This bag looks so good and is so easy to use that I may be officially converted from a stringent duffel backpack proponent to wheeled-suitcase lover,” says associate editor Hannah Towey. She brought the suitcase on a trip to Paris for the Olympics last year, as well as on several train rides between NYC and Connecticut, and more recently, to Cape Cod and St. Tropez. “For how sturdy the suitcase is, it’s incredibly lightweight, with a gorgeous Vermilion interior with dual compartments, compression cross straps, a zippered divider, and a mesh pocket for storing your delicates.”

On her trip to Paris, she was able to fit a week’s worth of clothing and three pairs of shoes (loafers, sandals, and kitten heels). It's exceptionally easy to both carry and wheel, she says. “These wheels have survived the potholes and cracks of New York City sidewalks and effortlessly glide across the terminal floor,” Towey says. “As a New Yorker who lives in a six-floor walkup, I almost always prefer a carry-on duffel bag with backpack straps because rolling a suitcase up and down the stairs and over the sidewalk, then down to the subway is a major pain. But with two handle options (one on the top and one on the side), carrying this lightweight carry-on was much less arduous—and saved my back the strain.

Pros: Perfect balance of luxury aesthetics and functionality
Cons: The shell did get a small dent after I checked it on a flight

Weight: 7 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10"
Capacity: 58L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Five year limited warranty

Arlo Skye's zipper-front carry-on has gone on many trips with Spurrell—Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk, to name a few. She describes it as “the perfect carry-on,” and says this of the aesthetics: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.” Associate editor Charlie Hobbs, who has tested out the brand's new-and-improved model, concurs. “This is probably the best carry-on I’ve had,” he says. “It glides on the sidewalk like an Olympic skater on the rink, and the Champagne colorway is so gloriously glamorous, it turns heads; expect compliments.” He's taken it on a summer beach trip and used it to move, both out of his apartment and to another floor in the office, and says it “carries stacks of coffee table books like a champ.” As for its more common use, it can hold a week’s worth of clothing, easy, in part thanks to the interior compression panel. “It’s easy-peasy to carry, with a side handle perfect for flinging the thing into the back of a cab, and so far, has held up extremely well, not a scratch on the thing.”

Pros: Interior organizational compartments, front laptop pocket
Cons: Color range is fairly limited

Weight: 6.53 lb.
Dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 9.5"
Capacity: 34L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: One year limited warranty

This hard-shell carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family.”

Kenny agrees—“I somehow always come back to this one,” she says. “It's the least expensive suitcase I've ever tested, but it is somehow one of the most durable. After three years, the carry-on still looks great, with only minor scuffs and marks visible.”

The standout thing about this one, besides its price, is how much it holds. Kenny calls it an overpacker's dream bag: “Compared to other carry-ons I've used, the expandable zipper is extremely forgiving and even when it's not expanded, it's still pretty wide. It allows plenty of room for a trip as long as a week if you pack on the lighter side.”

And while there aren't a ton of bells and whistles, the price, durability, and spacious size make it an all-around great pick for all types of travelers, young and old. “I loaned it to my dad for a weeklong cruise and he raved about how easy it was to glide around on all types of surfaces, including carpeted hallways.”

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight
Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Capacity: 34L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited warranty

This suitcase, another favorite of Chapel's, is great for city hoppers, short business trips, or style-forward travelers who don’t want the standard clunky roller. It replaced a flimsier spinner she'd been using for years, and “the upgrade felt immediate,” she says. “You can tell it’s built to last—not to mention, it’s my first buckle-close luggage. I thought I’d hate that as a chronic overpacker, but given its spacious design, packing feels more intentional and satisfying.”

She's taken it on about five trips so far, mostly domestic flights and a couple of long weekend train rides. It’s been from Miami to NYC, to upstate New York, and into Vermont for a ski trip (on that last trip, she used it to hold thinner layers, make-up, and hair accessories). “The compact size makes it ideal for carry-on, especially on airlines with stricter overhead bin rules,” Chapel says.

The sleek case has an aluminum frame that makes it feel both more luxe and more secure, and the smooth double spinner wheels make maneuvering it a dream. “I've had this luggage for just over a year now, and it's quickly become my go-to for short trips.” So far, there's been no scuffs that couldn’t be wiped down. “The aluminum frame still clicks satisfyingly shut, interior zippers run smooth, and the spinner wheels glide effortlessly even over bumpy, old sidewalks.”

Pros: Water-resistant exterior, lightweight, smooth gliding wheels, satisfying snap closure with TSA lock
Cons: On the smaller side, prone to scratches in transit

Weight: 8.5 lb.
Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 12"
Capacity: 51L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Mercedes Bleth, Traveler's global associate director of social, has brought this ”gorgeous” Roam carry-on to Michigan, Copenhagen, and Austin, Texas. She sees it as great for both solo and family travel: “A surprisingly large amount fits inside, and that’s before using the zip expander,” she says. “It easily fit all of my daughter's clothes and essentials (including a ton of diapers and toys) for a two-week vacation.” The standard interior has a mesh pocket divider and an additional separator (found in all Roam suitcases). Bleth's favorite feature: a front pocket for easy laptop access. Its looks aren't bad either: “I feel very chic marching around the airport with this suitcase in tow.” It’s a glossy hardshell, so it has picked up some scratches on it after being checked, “but nothing too horrifying.”

Pros: Rolls smoothly; the front laptop pocket is life-changing
Cons: The front pocket zippers came off on my most recent trip

Weight: 7 lb.
Dimensions: 10” x 12” x 21” (48" x 19.5" garment bag size)
Capacity: 48L
Expandable: No
Warranty: One year limited warranty

Doubling as a duffel, this super-hero of a carry-on effortlessly rolls through any airport and train terminal—and satisfyingly slides to fit in an airplane's overhead bin. Also tested by Chapel, who has owned the Nova Large for around six months, it immediately became one of her “absolute favorites” for multi-day trips. Using the bag with her partner (another plus: it's a unisex design), the two tend to fit most of what they might need for a weekend destination wedding. “It holds all my dresses for welcome drinks to the wedding itself—as well as his suit and button-downs,” she says. That said, it’s best for organized travelers who hate digging through a jumbled suitcase—and ideal for stylish business travelers, or those who want the function of a duffel and garment bag, with the convenience of rolling wheels. A blend of structure and softness—not quite a duffel, not quite a roller—this piece from Wool & Oak looks (and acts) high-end without being flashy.

“The built-in organization is chef’s kiss—with the brand's Nova Large-tailored packing cubes that slot in like Tetris,” says Chapel. “It opens like a suitcase but carries like a designer bag, and the craftsmanship boasts sleek leather detailing that elevates it way beyond typical soft-sided luggage." According to Chapel, who says the luggage feels like it was designed by someone who actually travels—it's also optimal for storage, given it folds down, flat—which is "more than ideal for a compact NYC apartment.”

Pros: Water-resistant shoe compartment, rolling convenience, garment protection, thoughtful compartments and organized dividers, acts as a duffel weekender, garment, and carry-on
Cons: Semi-shaky wheels on cobblestone streets, stiff zippers at first, button-snapped hanger hooks aren’t the most secure when full (need to use thin hangers and ensure fully snapped when using garment function)

Weight: 6 lb.
Dimensions: 21.5" x 14.5" x 9"
Capacity: 35L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Two year limited warranty

Several Traveler editors are big fans of Calpak's travel gear line-up, from its packing cubes and weekender bags to toiletry bags and totes. So naturally, we had to have someone put its soft-side luggage to the test. Research director Alexandra Sanidad first brought it with her on a five-day trip to Woodstock, and recommends it for casual long weekend getaways like this one—she was able to fit several tops, a turtleneck, a dress, sweatpants, underwear, sleepwear, and workout clothes inside, along with a couple of books, some beauty products, and her extensive vitamin and supplement collection in the outer pouch. It does lack the interior organizational components of other bags on this list, which Sanidad says would give her pause for in-flight travel (since her 13-inch laptop doesn't fit in the exterior pocket, she'd have to fully open the suitcase to grab it, for example).

Some notable strengths include the handle placements, to help you carry it both vertically and horizontally, and the wheels: “I’m particularly impressed with how well this did on icy terrain—I needed to roll it through a mess of snow, ice, and a slush of sand and salt, and it held up well,” she says.

Pros: Waterproof, fun color, 360 wheels are like four-wheel drive for icy and snowy grounds
Cons: Lacks thoughtful interior storage; no exterior pocket big enough to accommodate a small laptop

Weight: 7.17 lb.
Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Capacity: 37L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Traveler's former visuals editor Andrea Edelman has taken this versatile suitcase to and from New York City on several occasions. She appreciates how light it is on its own, and the separate mesh compartments inside that help keep your things organized. It is best sized for three to five days' worth of clothing, with an exterior half-size compartment to holds accessories or small items (though, unfortunately, not a laptop). “So far I have not had any scratches or issues and the material seems very durable,” Edelman says. “The best part about this bag is how smooth the wheels are—it is so easy to wheel around an airport.” It's also easy to pick up, thanks to a discreet side handle.

Pros: Smooth-gliding wheels
Cons: Outer pocket doesn't fit a laptop

Weight: 9.2 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 9"
Capacity: 43L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: 100 day trial, limited lifetime warranty

Away may be best known for its hard-shell bags, but the brand stepped over to the soft side last year. Senior destinations editor Shannon McMahon put the then-new Softside Bigger Carry-On to the test last summer on two plane trips and one road trip, saying the soft-sided suitcase held up well. “I’d recommend this for a long weekend’s worth of clothes as a rule of thumb,” she says. “I depended on it for some spring weather layers on a weeklong trip to the Pacific Northwest and got by thanks to its expandability—but because of the weight of the bag itself, it can get heavy fast.”

The zippers open and close smoothly, and the wheels are just as effortless. “Its 360-degree wheels swivel and roll seamlessly, and the interior pocket that compresses everything down keeps it from getting front-heavy and toppling over, even with a laptop in the front cushioned sleeve,” she says. A year on, she says it's aging well, and would recommend it to other travelers looking to join team soft-side.

Pros: Style, compartments, stability, and add-ons like the portable charger
Cons: Overall weight, non-waterproof outer

Weight: 6.8 lb.
Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Capacity: 38L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

This is Sanidad's most-used carry-on—she has brought it on a trip to the Bahamas and multiple trips to upstate New York, and says of its size, “there’s ample room to pack options for shorter trips.” Of the construction: “One side has a mesh zippered compartment for flatter items, and the other part is a deep section for clothes,” she says. “It also comes with a removable flap-like organizer with two zippered pouches for storing smaller things like toiletries and rolls of socks.” She describes it as a bag that's “suitable for anyone who wants a sturdy, thoughtful piece of luggage for short trips,” and particularly liked the removable interior flap that can be used to store smaller items and keep them in their own separate space.

Pros: Expandable; durable enough to check
Cons: Only comes in three “traditional” colors; tends to roll away on its own

Weight: 10 lb. 
Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 7.9"
Capacity: 37-48L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional traveler's dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” She's had it for two years now, and calls it her “go-to for short trips.”

“It holds a lot, has some very smart design features, and has held up really well over the years,” she says. One of those features is Briggs & Riley's signature expansion system, which allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.”

Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets
Cons: Doesn't roll as easily when full

Weight: 6.14 lb.
Dimensions: 12" x 14" x 22"
Capacity: 38L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited product lifetime warranty and repair program

Adventure travelers looking for a new soft-sided suitcase will appreciate Cotopaxi's Allpa 38-liter Roller Bag. I brought this suitcase on a weeklong trip to Panama last year, and it fit easily into airplane overhead bins (even on a small inter-country flight), Ubers, and a shuttle bus. Because of the material, I wasn't worried about it getting dirty, even as I rolled it down a few dirt roads. I was able to fit eight days' worth of clothes inside, though to be fair, since it was warm climate, I mostly packed smaller, lightweight pieces like sundresses, shorts, and tank tops. For colder climates, I think it’d be best for three- or four-day trips. The only downside to it was its two wheels—I've gotten used to four-wheel bags, and of placing my backpack or tote bag over the handle while moving through the airport. Since you have to roll this one at an angle, it gets a bit difficult if you try to put something on top. Something I loved: The outside compression straps are great shrinking down the width of the bag.

Pros: Water-resistant exterior; durable; great for adventure travel
Cons: Only has two wheels

Weight: 9.55 lb.
Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10" 
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

In a sea of similar-looking carry-ons, this tweed Hartmann bag stands out. “It’s an incredibly handsome piece of luggage that has gotten me plenty of compliments, whether at the gate or at the airport lounge,” says Ortile. “It has become my go-to carry-on given its good looks and light weight. This is for the look-good-feel-good traveler with some money to spend,” he says.

This carry-on accompanied Ortile to two wedding weekends (in Oregon and western Massachusetts) and on a solo trip to Los Cabos, Mexico. “The interior is a pretty simple but high-quality fabric, but what I do appreciate is that the suitcase comes with a packing cube into which I could fold a suit or two, minimizing wrinkles. It also acts as the compression pad which keeps everything neatly in place.”

Space-wise, Ortile says he can fit enough clothing for three nights (with plenty of outfit changes) and another pair of shoes inside. “It’s held up quite nicely,” he says of the carry-on. “Given its tweedy look, you’d think it’s a bit more on the buttoned up side. But surprisingly, it can take a bit of a beating; the fabric is much more durable than it appears.” Other perks: It rolls nicely on flat surfaces, jet bridges, and carpet; the weight feels evenly distributed; and the handle feels sturdy—it doesn’t twist about when you pull or push it along.

At $800, it is quite pricey for a carry-on. “If you have the cash to spare and it’s absolutely your style, by all means.”

Pros: Fabulous look, nice interior size, comes with a compression packing cube
Cons: High price tag