The Best Carry-On Luggage: 5 Picks for Every Trip

The Maxlite 5 is the carry-on we recommend first for most travelers. It is a softside bag, so it flexes into overhead bins and gives you some forgiveness when you pack a little too much. The 21-inch version is built around the common US domestic carry-on limit, and the expandable main compartment adds room for souvenirs. Four spinner wheels and a telescoping handle make it easy to move through airports, while the fabric construction keeps the bag light. It is not as protective as a hard shell, and soft fabric can show wear over time, but it is a practical, well-rounded choice for frequent flyers and occasional travelers.

Away's Carry-On is the hardside bag most travelers picture when they want a clean, modern suitcase. The polycarbonate shell protects clothes and keeps its shape, and the 22 x 14 x 9-inch size is designed around the standard US domestic carry-on limit. Inside, a compression system helps you fit more into the main compartment, and the bag has a TSA-friendly combination lock. The four 360-degree wheels are easy to steer. The trade-off is that a hard shell has less give than softside luggage, so you need to pack to its dimensions rather than squeezing it shut. It is a strong choice for city breaks and short business trips.

The Baseline Essential is the pick for travelers who want a softside bag built to last and are willing to pay for it. The ballistic nylon exterior is tough, and the CX compression system lets you expand the bag for extra room, then compress it back down. That is useful on trips where you bring home more than you left with. The spinner wheels and sturdy handle make it easy to maneuver, and the interior is organized for business travel. Briggs & Riley's lifetime warranty is one of the strongest in luggage, though the bag is a serious investment up front. It is best for road warriors who want one carry-on to last for years.

The Freeform is a sensible pick if you want a hard-shell carry-on without paying premium prices. The polypropylene shell is flexible enough to absorb some impact, and the 21-inch size is aimed at domestic carry-on limits. It has four dual spinner wheels, a telescoping handle and an expandable main compartment. The interior is simple, with cross straps and a zippered divider rather than elaborate packing modules. It will not feel as refined as an Away or Briggs & Riley, and the wheels are not as smooth over rough pavement, but it covers the basics for casual travelers and occasional trips.

If you prefer to travel with a backpack, the Farpoint 40 is a proven choice. It holds 40 liters, which is within the carry-on range for many airlines, and it opens flat like a suitcase so you can pack and unpack without digging. The padded shoulder straps and hipbelt help carry the load on trains, stairs and rough streets, while compression straps keep the bag compact. It is not a wheeled bag, so you carry the weight on your back, and the soft structure offers less protection than a hard suitcase. For hostel hops, rail trips and destinations with cobblestones, it is far easier than dragging a spinner.