We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Travel & Lifestyle Products The Best Luggage of 2024 Stay organized for any trip by choosing the right luggage. By Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl is a freelance writer who has been writing about home, culture, and lifestyle topics since 2016. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 06, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word For It Photo: Real Simple / Alli Waataja Having the right luggage can make or break your travel experience, resulting in either a hassle-free experience or a stressful one. There are many options to choose from, including small carry-on bags for easy transportation and large, sturdy suitcases for all the essentials. However, the type of luggage you decide on will likely be determined by the type of trip you end up taking. After all, an adventurous, expedition-style trip may require quite different luggage than a luxury cruise or a quick weekend getaway would. When finding the right luggage for your needs, there are several factors to consider, including size, style, and material. To help you come to a sound decision, we researched dozens of different suitcases, tote bags, duffels, and more across a variety of brands, styles, and price points. We also spoke to Hedva Wiener, travel agent with Aladdin Travel Services, for expert tips to help you pinpoint the perfect luggage to take along to your next destination. Best Hard-Sided Suitcases Hard suitcases are a staple for many travelers, thanks to sturdy sides that provide extra protection for your belongings. Wiener notes that they can, however, be a little heavier than other types, and their lack of flexibility means there’s little room for error when it comes to carry-on sizing. That's why we love the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner, which is surprisingly lightweight yet strong enough to withstand jostling. Quince's 21-Inch Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase is another extra-secure choice with a TSA-approved combination lock. For overpackers eager to throw in yet again another pair of shoes, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is designed to help you make the most of your suitcase space. Equipped with a mesh laundry bag, zippered compartments, and secure compression belt, the bag boasts impressive capacity and organization. If you're not willing to splurge, don't worry—the American Tourister Air Move Carry-On Spinner proves you don't need to sacrifice quality for price. The suitcase features a height-adjustable handle, dual spinner wheels allow for comfortable navigation, and the interior includes two packing compartments, a compression belt, and a lining made from recycled materials. Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner $154 at Amazon $140 at Zappos $160 at Macy's Away The Bigger Carry-On $295 at Awaytravel.com American Tourister Air Move Carry-On Spinner View on Americantourister.com Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase View on Quince.com Best Soft-Sided Suitcases Soft-sided luggage is usually made from one of several types of nylon and is a favorite of travelers for whom weight, space, and flexibility are priorities. Because of their malleable siding, these bags are easier to compress into small spaces, whether it be the overhead bin of a plane or a closet shelf at home. On the other hand, Wiener says a soft fabric exterior is more vulnerable to damage and less durable than hard-sided luggage, as it may not provide as much shock absorption. That said, certain soft suitcases are higher quality than others, with one example being the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner. Crafted from a high-quality, ballistic nylon material, the luxurious bag features corner guards, 360-degree wheels, and a well-organized design that makes packing and unpacking a breeze. When embarking on a weekend getaway or overnight trip, you'll need a suitcase that isn't too cumbersome. True to its name, the Travel Pro Maxlite 5 Compact Carry-On Spinner is one of the lighter and more compact options on our list. Weighing just over 5 pounds, it offers a surprising amount of packing space and includes a zippered expander that provides up to 2 inches of extra room. Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner $659 at Amazon View on Briggs-riley.com $699 at Macy's Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact Carry-On Spinner $145 at Amazon $145 at Travelpro.com View on Jcpenney.com American Tourister 4 Kix 2.0 Carry-On Spinner $78 at Amazon View on Americantourister.com $72 at Macy's Calpak Luka Carry-on View on Calpaktravel.com Best Stylish Suitcases A suitcase is your trusty travel companion, so you deserve a stylish one. We found options that are both functional and aesthetic, combining modern designs, vibrant colors, and textural accents with all the durability, maneuverability, and organization that you expect from your most reliable luggage. Whether you're searching for a statement piece or something more discreet, we've got you covered. Available in 18 fun colors and patterns, the American Tourister Moonlight Carry-On Spinner is sure to stand out on the luggage carousel. While our personal favorite is the Cosmos galaxy print, it comes in other solid hues, as well. For those who prefer something a bit more subtle, consider the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-Inch Spinner. Featuring the brand's signature basket weave, the bag offers a stylish, textured look with the strength and protection of a hard-shell exterior. Not everyone wants an attention-grabbing suitcase, though. Sometimes the most stylish options are simple and sleek, like the Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage. This compact yet spacious option comes complete with multiple compartments and dividers for maximum organization—and it's available in nine colors. Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage View on Calpaktravel.com American Tourister Moonlight Carry-On Spinner $114 at Amazon View on Americantourister.com Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus $475 at Amazon $425 at Tourparavel.com $425 at Maisonette.com Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner $282 at Amazon View on Delsey.com $330 at Bloomingdales Best Duffel Bags For times when you need to pack lightly but a backpack isn't spacious enough, a duffel bag is an excellent solution. While duffel bags aren't as organized or shock absorbent as traditional suitcases, Wiener says they're lightweight and can provide plenty of space for all your necessities. "Duffel bags are the best for trips involving small planes or remote areas, because they’re soft and don’t weigh as much when weight is a big factor,” she says. If you're envisioning a classic campground-style bag, don't worry—duffels can be far more stylish. Whether you need a bag for a long commute or are headed for an overnight trip, the Béis Commuter Duffel combines a stylish, purse-inspired exterior with a functional structure. This pick includes multiple different-sized pockets for electronics, water bottles, and more, keeping your essentials organized on the go. We're also big fans of the Paravel Fold-Up Bag, one of the most travel-friendly picks on our list. Made with a super-lightweight, water-resistant nylon material, the foldable bag can be tucked into the accompanying storage pouch, making it easy to bring on the go. Samsonite Detour 29 Inch Wheeled Duffel View on Samsonite.com Briggs & Riley Wheeled Duffel $499 at Amazon $499 at Nordstrom $499 at Macy's Paravel Fold-Up Bag $75 at Amazon View on Tourparavel.com Béis The Commuter Duffel View on Beistravel.com View on Lyst.com $138 at Revolve Best Backpacks If you’re looking for an alternative to purse, tote, or duffel-style bags, backpacks make a great option. Their smaller size means that they're best suited for a quick trip or when used as a carry-on or personal item in conjunction with a larger suitcase. “Strong straps in a comfortable position can help you avoid back pain. Look for a design with multiple pockets, too, so your items don’t tumble around.” Wiener says. Still hesitant to commit to a backpack? The LuluLemon Packable Backpack 32L stands out for its adjustable straps, which give you the option to carry it as a tote or traditional backpack. The exterior pocket also functions as a pouch, making the bag easy to store in the off season. For a more basic option, the Béis Expandable Backpack has a streamlined, luxurious look at a budget-friendly price point. Along with multiple zippered exterior pockets and a tuckable water bottle pocket, it also includes a laptop sleeve and a strap to attach to rolling luggage. Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Slim Backpack $220 at Travelpro.com July Carry All Backpack View on July.com Béis The Expandable Backpack $88 at Nordstrom View on Beistravel.com lululemon Packable Backpack $88 at Lululemon Best Totes Spacious and easy to hold, tote bags are the perfect option for short, overnight trips. Like backpacks, they’re usually too small to use beyond a couple of days or as a personal carry-on, but they’re often some of the most stylish pieces, and many have a surprisingly large capacity for travel. While some totes lack organization, Beis’s The Weekender bag has a zippered bottom compartment to keep essentials separate from more delicate clothing and accessories in the main section. If you prefer a bit more organization, you can't go wrong with the Travelpro Carry-On Travel Tote Bag, which includes multiple interior and exterior compartments to help you keep track of all your items. Unlike duffels and heftier suitcases, totes can serve as both a travel companion and stylish accessory. For those seeking a bag suitable for everyday use, Away’s Everywhere Bag is worth the splurge. Its classic “purse” profile opens up with a luggage-style clamshell opening, and the inside includes multiple pockets. You can even personalize it with an embroidered monogram for an extra special touch. Béis The Weekender View on Beistravel.com $92 at Revolve Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Weekender Tote View on Delsey.com Travelpro Carry-on Travel Tote Bag $85 at Amazon $85 at Travelpro.com $160 at Kohls.com Away The Medium Everywhere Bag $225 at Awaytravel.com How to Shop for Luggage Like a Pro Type Luggage options include suitcases, grab-and-go tote bags, backpacks, and more. Whichever type you opt for will likely depend on the type of trip you’re taking (i.e. a short overnighter or a longer getaway), but generally speaking, larger suitcases are preferable for long trips while smaller bags are more convenient for short ones. If you do end up going for a traditional suitcase, keep in mind that there are both hard and soft variations. Hard-sided suitcases tend to provide more protection for your packed items, but they can also be bulky, heavy, and inflexible. Due to their rigidity, it may be more difficult to stuff those last-minute items. Soft-sided luggage, on the other hand, may have a little more flexibility to fit clothing and compress into carry-on bins. The tradeoff, however, is that they may be more likely to sustain damage due to their fabric exterior. When deciding between these two options, be sure to take into consideration weight restrictions and the fragility of your belongings. Size & Weight While larger suitcases made of heavier materials offer more space and protection from damage, they come at the risk of having to check a bag for going over the weight or size limit. Just note that a hard-sided suitcase isn’t guaranteed to be heavier than a soft-sided option, as many hard shells can be made with lighter materials. Different airlines may also have different weight and size requirements that apply to both soft- and hard-sided suitcases. “Always check every airline’s luggage limitation [policy],” Wiener says. “Remember, it’s not just about the weight, but it’s also the dimensions allowed for overhead luggage.” Features As with size and style, the features to look for in luggage vary based on individual needs and preferences. Travelers on business may prioritize padded laptop sleeves and water bottle pockets, while tourists may be more concerned about extra pockets to bring souvenirs safely home. Wiener does suggest that common features like a separate pouch for laundry and/or shoes, organizational compartments or collapsible dividers, and an external protective compartment for electronics are useful for the majority of travelers. Color Choosing the color of your luggage largely comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for luggage that won’t show wear and tear as much, dark neutral colors will help conceal any dirt and damage. If you want a bag that is easy to spot on the luggage carousel, a brighter color or unique pattern may be beneficial. Warranty Luggage goes through a lot, especially if you travel frequently. Before choosing your next travel piece, look into the brand to see if it offers any warranty or guarantee to give you extra peace of mind. Different warranties also may have certain limits—some may cover defective materials and workmanship but not all damage. Note that these warranties tend to be more common on traditional suitcases than on totes and backpacks. Questions You Might Ask What are standard suitcase sizes? There is no single standard size for luggage, and different airlines will all have their own requirements for maximum carry-on sizes. Always be sure to double-check with all of your transportation providers ahead of time so there’s no surprise when you arrive. That said, most luggage falls into one of three categories: personal items, carry-on luggage, and checked bags. Personal items are smaller items that can fit under the seat, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Comparing most major airlines’ stated guidance, these limits are usually between 16 to 18 inches wide, 10 to 14 inches long, and 7 to 9 inches high. Meanwhile, carry-on luggage are items that fit within the overhead luggage compartments on a standard plane. Again, different jets may have slightly different storage capacities, but most carry-on bags need to be a maximum of 22 to 24 inches tall, 14 to 16 inches wide, and 9 to 10 inches deep. Anything bigger than these dimensions will usually have to be checked, with a majority of these being large suitcases. What kind of luggage is most durable? The best luggage is long lasting, able to endure frequent use with minimal wear and tear. Typically crafted from polycarbonate, hard-sided bags are sturdier and more resistant to impact than soft-sided ones. This means that even if thrown around in baggage claim, they're more likely to keep your belongings safe. Despite protecting your items, hard-sided bags are also more likely to show scuffs or scratches with use. Alternatively, soft-sided suitcases offer a bit more give and don't show as much visible wear. How much should you expect to spend on luggage? Luggage pricing largely depends on its type and style, material composition, features, and size. Day-trip pieces (like totes and backpacks) are cheaper, often coming in at under $100, while traditional hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases can range from budget picks under $100 to more luxurious items over $300. Take Our Word For It This article was written by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. For these recommendations, we researched dozens of luggage pieces in several different categories and from a range of brands, focusing on factors such as size, type, maneuverability, organizational features, visual appeal, and price. We also spoke with Hedva Wiener, a travel agent with Aladdin Travel Services, for further insights on what to look for in luggage.