The Best Carry On Luggage for Every Traveler

These is a collection of the best carry on luggage for every traveler out there. Whether you're a frequent flyer, an occasional international vacationer, or someone who loves traveling with only a carry-on bag, there's something for you on this list.

I've rounded up the top carry on luggage that's out there. Some of this luggage is equipped with the latest technology, including laptop storage and ways to charge your electronics. Some of this luggage is practically indestructible and comes with lifetime warranties. We've got everything from luxury carry on luggage to affordable suitcases.

Investing in quality carry on luggage is always a great idea. Travel lighter and avoid airline fees! All of these bags will fit in the overhead compartment. Here's a quick roundup my top picks for the best carry on luggage brands all in one place. Continue reading below for more specific reviews and details on each product.

Best Carry On Luggage With Laptop Compartment: Level8 Laptop Carry On
Most Versatile Carry On Luggage: Standard Luggage Carry-On Backpack
Most Affordable Carry On Luggage: Amazon Basics
Best Luxury Carry On Suitcase: Nomatic Carry On Pro
Top Lightweight Carry On Luggage: Monos Carry On
Best Softside Carry On Luggage: Samsonite Softside Carry-On
Best Aluminum Carry On Luggage: Level8 Aluminum Carry-On
Top Hybrid Carry On Luggage: Monos Hybrid Carry On
Best Organization in a Carry On Bag: Solgaard Carry On Closet
Favorite Carry On Backpack: Cabinzero Backpacks
Best Wheeled Backpack: Matein Wheeled Travel Backpack
Best Carry On for Photographers: Peak Design Totepack
Top Garment Bag for Travel: Nomatic Garment Bag
Best Travel Duffel Bag: Monos Metro Duffel

Best Carry On Luggage With Laptop Compartment

Level8 Laptop Carry On Luggage

Size: 21.6" x 14.5" x 9.3"
Weight: 9.3 lbs

The Level8 Laptop Carry On Luggage Bag might be the only carry-on suitcase you ever need. It's award winning hardside luggage that's finely crafted with aerospace-grade Bayer Makrolon.

It's water-resistant, lightweight, and has a durable hard-shell casing. There's a separate padded front pocket that fits a 15.6'' laptop, tablet and magazines.

There's also a built-in USB port, a TSA-approved lock, and ultra quiet 360° durable spinner wheels. This is also a beautifully designed, modern suitcase that you'll absolutely love. Use promo code justinpluslauren10 to receive 10% off!

Most Versatile Carry On Luggage

Standard Luggage Carry-On Backpack

Size: 21.5" x 13.5" x 7.5"
Weight: 3.7 lbs

The Standard Luggage carry on backpack is the ultimate solution for one pack travel, created by travel experts. You can read my full review here.

It has 3-in-1 functionality. Wear it like a backpack, use the shoulder strap to wear it as a shoulder bag, or carry it by the handle like a suitcase. It's great for short trips and long trips alike.

One of my favorite features of the Standard Luggage carry on backpack is the laptop pocket. There's a separate laptop sleeve where you can tuck away both a laptop and a tablet.

Best Affordable Carry On Suitcase

Rockland Melbourne Carry On

Size: 22" X 13.5" x 9"
Weight: 7.5 lbs

To score a carry on suitcase for as low as $60 is an awesome price, and the Rockland Melbourne Hardside Carry On Luggage is incredibly affordable.

It has many of the bells and whistles that you'll find with the more expensive luggage brands, like multi-directional smooth wheels, ergonomic telescoping handle, and an interior meshed zipped pocket.

It's also lightweight but constructed with a durable ABS material. This one fits all of the airline requirements, too (beware as some of the discount carry on luggage do not). You can't beat the affordable price.

Best Luxury Carry On Luggage

Nomatic Carry On Pro

Size: 22" x 14" x 9"
Weight: 8.86 lbs

This is quite possibly the most luxurious and functional carry on luggage ever. The Nomatic Carry-on Pro and included Tech Case give you easy access to everything you need while you travel, as well as a bag for daily use when you arrive at your destination.

Its tech case fits up to a 15" Macbook Pro, and the tech case is detachable. It's made out of a durable polycarbonate, has silent 360 degree spinner wheels, and fantastic tech organization. If you like bringing your electronics with you, this is the best carry on luggage out there.

Best Lightweight Carry On Luggage

Monos Carry On

Size: 22" X 14" X 9"
Weight: 7 lbs

Monos is often referred to as the "Apple of suitcases" and their luggage has won many awards. They're exceptionally light and practically indestructible. This is one of the very best travel bags on the market.

It's incredibly durable, made from an Aerospace-grade, water-resistant, German polycarbonate hard shell. It has ultra-microfibre vegan leather details, an adjustable telescopic handle, and silent 360 degree wheels. It's also quite affordable for all of the features and technology.

Best Softside Carry On Luggage

Samsonite Softside Carry On

Size: 22.0" x 14.0" x 9.5"
Weight: 6.97 lbs

The Samsonite Softside Carry On is a smart and functional piece of luggage that comes with a 10 year warranty. There are four multi-directional double spinner wheels to allow 360 degree upright rolling.

There's also built-in organization, a spacious packing interior, and a USB port to charge your devices on the go. It's modern, sleek, and might be your favourite new carry on bag. It comes in several different colors, too.

Best Aluminum Carry On Suitcase

Level8 Aluminum Carry-On Luggage

Size: 22" x 15" x 8.5"
Weight: 10.14 lbs

The Level8 full aluminum luggage is among their best selling and most durable, and it's also won awards! It is finely crafted with Aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy.

It has a lifetime warranty, it's keyless and zipperless, a mesh pocket interior divider, and has ultra silent 360-degree spinner wheels. As a bonus, this luggage comes with a 4 piece organizer bag set. Use promo code justinpluslauren10 to receive 10% off!

Best Hybrid Carry On Luggage

Monos Hybrid Carry On

Size: 22" X 14" X 9"
Weight: 8.81 lbs

The Monos Hybrid Carry On is described as unbreakable, light, and resilient. They've taken the best features of aluminum and polycarbonate luggage and merged them in a supremely sleek suitcase.

It features an anodized aluminum frame and corner guards, an aerospace grade hardshell, and silent 360 degree wheels. This luggage also includes an anti-microbial laundry bag and two shoe bags, plus a vegan leather luggage tag.

Bonus: Here's our full review of the Monos Hybrid Check-In Medium Luggage if you're in the market for check-in bags.

Best Organization in a Carry On Bag

Solgaard Carry On Closet

Size: 20" X 13.5" X 9"
Weight: 8.3lbs

This is the most organized carry on suitcase that I've ever seen! It's the Solgaard Carry On Closet, designed by a world traveler who spent three years on the road. It's perfect for international travel.

This suitcase expands to become a six shelf closet that acts as compression cubes to save you space. The Carry-On Closet was recognized by TIME Magazine as the Best Travel Invention of the year.

It also saves 229 plastic bottles from the ocean, has silent and frictionless wheels, and includes a USB charging port. This is one of the best carry-on suitcases I've ever seen.

Best Carry On Backpack

Cabinzero Backpacks

Size: Vary, but within airline specifications
Weight: Vary

Cabinzero backpacks and bags are among my favorite in the world! They're designed by world travelers and made for world travelers. You can check out my full review here.

They are no-hassle backpacks that fit in the carry on compartment or you can stash them under the seat in front of you. They're super comfortable with padded shoulder straps, an air flow system to keep you cool, and they keep all of your belongings safe and secured.

Best Wheeled Backpack

Matein Wheeled Travel Backpack

Size: 19.6" x 13" x 9"
Weight: 4.9lbs

The Matein Wheeled Travel Backpack is a solid choice when you're looking for the best of both worlds: a backpack for your back that doubles as a rolling suitcase.

This backpack has a separate laptop compartment, a large main compartment for clothing or books, two smaller zipped organizational front pockets, and a side pocket for your water bottles.

This bag is water resistant, durable, and it's perfect for that weekend getaway.

Best Carry On Bag For Photographers

Peak Design Everyday Totepack

Size: 18" x 15" x 16"
Weight: 2.76lbs

The Peak Design Everyday Totepack is perfect for your cameras and photography gear. You might even be able to get away with using this one as a personal item in addition to your carry on luggage.

I absolutely love the dividers inside this tote bag for all of your camera equipment. The side zippers allow easy access, too. There's lots of space and extra compartments for your other belongings, too.

I regularly bring this bag along for my adventures when I have my DSLR with me, and I can't recommend it enough.

Best Garment Bag for Travel

Nomatic Garment Bag

Size: 21" x 21.5" x 3"
Weight: 3.3 lbs

This garment bag will change the way you travel, especially if you need to keep your clothing wrinkle-free and organized. It's great for business trips.

The Nomatic garment bag holds shoes, accessories, and up to three suits. Alternatively, it can hold a combination of dress shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, or any other hanging clothes you choose.

This bag is durable and water-resistant to ensure your clothes stay dry and protected. It's quite possibly the most functional garment bag ever.

Best Travel Duffel Bag

Monos Metro Duffel

Size: 17.5" X 10.6" X 9.6"
Weight: 3.46 lbs

The Monos Metro Duffel is the perfect multi-purpose companion for everyday travel and weekend adventures. It features a water-repellant and scratch-resistant nylon twill with vegan leather details. It's stylish and functional.

The duffel bag has a spacious and organized interior, with a sleeve that fits up to a 15" laptop. It also has inner side pockets that allow for easy access to your water bottle or compact umbrella. It's a smaller bag that packs a punch!

Airline Specifications for Carry On Bags

While every airline is different, you'll want to check the specifications for carry on bags before you fly. It's important to stay within these restrictions or else you will have to check your bag, which defeats the purpose of bringing the carry-on luggage to begin with.

The standard domestic (USA) carry-on luggage size is 22" x 14" x 9", which includes the handle and the wheels. This will vary by airline. For instance, Air Canada's standard carry-on luggage size is 21.5" x 15.5" x 9".

Often times, there aren't any weight restrictions, as long as you're able to lift the suitcase and put it into the overhead bin yourself. Some airlines have weight restrictions on carry-on bags, which can be anywhere from 22 to 40 pounds.

It's important to go to your airline's website before you fly to make sure your bag has the proper size and weight. All of the products listed in this round-up of the best carry on luggage fit within these specifications, so you can be confident that you can fly with these bags.

From my personal experiences, flight attendants tend to check the carry-on roller bags quite often for their size and possibly weight. When it comes to backpacks, I've never had a flight attendant check the size or weight of the bag that's on my back. You're more likely to get away with an oversized backpack than a hard shell roller bag!

Do Backpacks Count as Carry-On Luggage?

It really depends on the size of the backpack. Out of the backpacks that I've listed above, I would consider those to be carry-on luggage because they fit the size dimensions of something that would need to go into the overhead compartment.

However, if the backpack is small enough that it can fit under the seat in front of you, it can be a "personal item", like a handbag or a purse. This means that you could bring a hardshell carry-on suitcase, as well as a smaller backpack, and still be within the airline requirements.

The typical measurement for a bag that could fit under the seat in front of you is 18" x 14" x 8". With that said, some discount flights have a far smaller space than that. Sometimes there is also a metal case blocking the amount of space you have in front of you, so don't always count on having that much room.

Just remember that you'll need to carry both your backpack and your carry-on suitcase around the airport with you. It's best to travel as lightly as possible to avoid lugging a lot of heavy things around with you.

What to Always Pack in Your Carry On Bag

Whether you're travelling with only a carry-on or you're looking for some organization, I always suggest using packing cubes. You'll be able to keep everything in your bag organized and you'll have quick access to exactly what you're looking for inside your bag.

I also love using a packing cube set to keep my clean laundry separate from my dirty laundry. There are a wide variety of sets online that are inexpensive and durable. Use them over and over again on your travels!

I also suggest investing in a digital luggage scale. It isn't a huge investment at all (you can find ones under $20). I use mine every time I fly. They don't take up much room at all in your suitcase, and they will ensure that your luggage doesn't go over the weight limits.