Best Carry-On Luggage

One of the most essential things to have on your travels is a reliable, functional, and stylish piece of carry-on luggage. The last thing you want, after a long flight, is your luggage bursting open or a wheel breaking off!

I’ve tested and tried out all kinds of carry-on luggage during my travels around the world.

Since everyone has their own travel styles and preferences, I’ve broken down my best recommendations for carry-on luggage into categories with pros and cons for each luggage.

Here are my best recommendations for carry-on travel luggage:

 

Best Lightweight

My Pick: Brics B|Y Ulisse 21” Expandable Spinner

brics spinner zory thislifeoftravel

This is my wife’s go-to for carry-on luggage - it's colorful, lightweight, and has the Brics quality build we’re so used to!

One side of the suitcase has a stretchable strap to hold everything in place while the other side has a zippered flap that closes shut.

The wheels and handles are top quality and are covered by a 5-year warranty.

Like all our other luggage, we’ve taken it to rough places like India and Southeast Asia - and the Brics luggage has held up like a champ!

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Fun Colors

  • Durable

  • Matched Wheel Colors

Cons:

  • Only 5 year Warranty

 

Best All Around

My Pick: Brics Firenze 22” Carry On Spinner

brics spinner henry thislifeoftravel

My most used piece of luggage during the last 5 years, the Brics Firenze Carry-On Spinner has taken me to India, France, and quick weekend road trips to Napa.

I like that it’s not only stylish, but it’s held up to the rigors of international travel (especially India).

My favorite feature is the front pocket which holds up to a 15-inch laptop and other accessories. I utilize this feature quite a bit when I need to grab my laptop from the overhead bin on long flights.

The wheels and telescoping handle are also still working great, so I’ve never needed to use the excellent 5-year warranty.

In conclusion, if you want a piece of carry-on luggage that will turn heads but be highly functional, this one is a great choice!

Pros:

  • Beautiful Luxurious Design

  • Durable

  • Front Laptop Pocket

Cons:

  • Expensive

 

Most Rugged

My Pick: Briggs & Riley Essential Carry On Spinner

briggs riley

One of the most respected luggage brands in the industry - Briggs & Riley is a durable, high-quality carry-on with a lifetime warranty attached.

It won’t win any style contests, but it wins big time on features such as the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, internal compression system, and exceptional wheels.

If you plan on buying carry-on luggage just once in your life, this would be a great investment.

Pros:

  • Extremely Durable

  • Unique Internal Compression System

  • Exceptional Lifetime Warranty

  • Very Roomy

Cons:

  • Heavy

  • Boring Exterior Design

 

Most Stylish

My Pick: Rimowa Essential Cabin Case

rimowa

These super sleek and high-end carry-on cases from Rimowa are popular among frequent travelers due to their famous durability and extremely good looks.

They are also very lightweight and come in many fun colors such as Azure Blue and Lavender Purple.

The wheel system is mounted on ball bearings making steering this luggage super easy and effortless.

Pros:

  • Super Stylish With Beautiful Colors

  • Lightweight and Durable

  • High-End Wheel System

Cons:

  • Expensive

 

Splurge-Worthy

Moncler Rimowa

moncler rimowa

If you’re looking for a statement piece and have money to spend - the high-end brands Moncler & Rimowa have teamed up to deliver this mirror-like suitcase with luxurious trappings inside like quilted black nylon lining and silver-tone quilted nylon packing cubes.

One thing for sure is that you probably will be the only one on the plane with a suitcase like this!

Pros:

  • Especially Unique

  • Eye Catching

  • High Quality

Cons:

  • Ridiculously Expensive

 

Globetrotter Centenary Cabin Suitcase

globetrotter

This handsome, old-school suitcase comes from the Globetrotter luggage brand. They are known for making high-end, retro luggage and this one is no exception.

Definitely on the smaller side but high on style, this is a great suitcase for a short trip or if you just feel like showing off a bit.

Pros:

  • Beautiful Design

  • Eye Catching

Cons:

  • Very Small

  • Pricey