The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men, According to Frequent Fliers
Even in the rare case that it’s not exorbitantly expensive, checking luggage at the airport is a fraught proposition. Worst case, the airline loses it and one is left without a change of underwear. Best case, one spends more time in purgatory staring at a conveyor belt amongst aggravated strangers. Both of these experiences are improved by a piece of carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment, and with more than half of consumers planning on flying this year, a good piece of carry-on luggage is a necessity for the majority.
The good news? Carry-on luggage has come a long way in the past few years with features like USB charging, 360-degree spinning wheels, and environmentally-conscious materials becoming commonplace. Direct-to-consumer luggage companies have also flourished, with an emphasis on design and simplicity, while legacy brands continue to trade on their proven track record of reliability.
Whether new-school or old-school, the best carry-on luggage makes traveling easier. Smooth wheels offer an unencumbered stroll through the airport and the internal divisions allow travelers to stay organized away from home. Consumers should expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for a quality piece of carry-on luggage, but the enhanced travel experience for years to come is worth it.
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Many pieces also come with a warranty, the details of which — what’s covered and how long it’s covered for — can mean the difference between a carry-on that’s worth the investment and one that isn’t. That’s a not inconsequential amount of money, but for years of use, it’s definitely worth it for anyone traveling by plane.
The Best Carry-On Luggage: At a Glance
What the Experts Say
Sources within the travel industry who heavily depend on their carry-on luggage agree on a few crucial criteria for carry-on luggage to be considered high quality. For this story, SPY spoke with Kimberly Davis, a luxury travel advisor with Trouvaille Travel; Sharon Weil Hornstein, a professional photographer who travels regularly on assignment; and Alex Miller, the founder and CEO of travel website UpgradedPoints.com to help sort through the best carry-on luggage available now.
All of the experts agree that durability is paramount. Davis says her current carry-on has survived five trips around the world. “It’s been dropped down stairs, rolled over cobblestones for blocks on end, and bounced over curbs with abandon. Despite the requisite veteran traveler scuffs, it’s no worse for the wear.” Miller recommends polycarbonate, “which can withstand lots of bumps” or aluminum, “which is even stronger in some respects.” And for her gear, Hornstein says that a waterproof, crush-proof, and dust-proof case is a must.
Size is also an important factor. Carry-on sizes differ from airline to airline, especially overseas, but Hornstein says she likes a carry-on that “is small enough that I’m almost never asked to check it” and that “fits really well in the overhead bin on nearly all planes.” Davis adds that she looks for a case that’s “roomy enough for a couple of weeks of international travel” — something that some carry-ons do better than others even when they’re roughly the same size on the outside.
Miller adds that she appreciates it when luggage brands offer repair services. “If you need a repair, you can go to one of their many locations to either get an on-site fix or have it shipped out to a central repair warehouse, which is very convenient.” Along with a robust warranty, it’s the kind of ongoing support that can make a big difference in one’s experience over the life of the bag.
The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Carry-On Spinner
This soft-sided spinner from TravelPro doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it simply does everything a carry-on suitcase should do, and it does it well. Its chunky zippers don’t get stuck, its leather handles and metal hardware won’t come off, and the eight spinner wheels and retractable handle operate smoothly in even harsh conditions. There are a few alterations that set this case apart from vintage luggage, namely a removable TSA-friendly toiletries pouch and a hidden USB charger pocket. From the outside, the overall look and feel of this suitcase is classic.
Experienced traveler and photographer Martin Betch, co-founder of Hivan, says that this carry-on is also beautiful on the inside. He says it “features a deluxe tie-down system and a removable fold-out suiter for hanging clothes and preventing wrinkles.” For non-clothing, the “integrated accessory pockets and a removable TSA-compliant quart-size wet pocket offer easy access and organization.” Warranty-wise, TravelPro will cover damage caused by an airline if it happens to a bag registered within 120 days of purchase.
Briggs and Riley International Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Coolest Feature: As a medical flight coordinator for AirAmbulance.com, Ben Carothers is responsible for dispatching doctors and nurses around the world. “We’ve tested almost every carry-on you can find in the last 35 years of doing so,” he says, and he names Briggs & Riley the most reliable luggage system. Where it really stands out is in the internal CX compression system, which Carothers says means “you can fit more into this bag as any other with the same dimensions because of the proprietary compression system.”
ROI: This isn’t the cheapest bag on the market, but it does come with a guarantee that “if your bag is ever broken or damaged, we will repair it free of charge, no proof of purchase needed, no questions asked.” That’s hard to beat.
Away Aluminum Edition
Made For: Travelers who want an even better take on the trendiest suitcase around. Away suitcases are arguably the luggage brand of the moment, which makes this all-aluminum version of their typical polycarbonate larger carry-on suitcase a superb way to both take part in and stand apart from the trend. Wayward travel blogger Alyssa Nelson, a loyal Away user, says that “it may feel like everyone else at the airport has the same suitcase. Well, there’s a reason for that. It’s simply that good.”
Why It Stands Out: Away advertises that the aluminum will get dinged up as you use it, scuffs and dents that will give your bag a unique look. That’s obviously not everyone’s cup of tea, so if you want a bag that looks more or less like it did the day you bought it, this isn’t the bag for you.
Monos Carry-On
Coolest Feature: This well-designed hard-shell suitcase comes in black and grey, sure, but there’s also a dusty pink, hazy blue, terrazzo, and a line of colors inspired by Magnolia Bakery confections like banana pudding and purple icing.
ROI: This is the suitcase Davis, the travel advisor, relies on. She says it’s survived some pretty harrowing travel experiences and come out (nearly) unscathed. “Despite the requisite veteran traveler scuffs, it’s no worse for the wear,” she says. “The wheels, zippers, and handles perform perfectly. The polycarbonate is stronger than some other brands, and the wheels are far better quality than more well-known ones.”
Rimowa Original Cabin
Made For: Serious travelers. The iconic grooved aluminum construction is a striking aesthetic choice that’s hard to beat, but it also makes for a suitcase that’s strong enough to last for years of heavy use. Rimowa is a 125-year-old brand and this (admittedly, very expensive) suitcase is what it’s known for.
Why It Stands Out: Miller, who personally uses a slightly larger, polycarbonate version of this carry-on, raves about the brand’s customer service: “Rimowa has service centers throughout the world in major cities, so if you need a repair, you can go to one of their many locations to either get an on-site fix or have it shipped out to a central repair warehouse, which is very convenient.”
Level8 Road Runner Carry-On with Laptop Pocket
Why It Stands Out: Laptop pockets are standard on backpacks and messenger bags, but they’re not as common on rolling luggage. Underneath a hard exterior, the front pocket opens to reveal a laptop pocket that keeps the most important item any business travel carries safe and secure. Travel blogger Megan Starr says “I have traveled to over 100 countries and always have difficulty making everything work in one suitcase without toting along an additional backpack for my laptop, so this has been my saving grace.”
Made For: Budget-conscious travelers. With an MSRP of $200, it’s a relatively inexpensive option made of the same kind of material, polycarbonate, as much more expensive carry-ons. The trade-off is a warranty that only covers manufacturer defects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carry-On Luggage
Do I really need a dedicated carry-on bag?
A duffel bag or spacious backpack can make for a fine travel bag, with the caveat that they still need to be carried. A dedicated, wheeled carry-on suitcase gives an air traveler the ability to glide through the airport painlessly with handles that mean it can still be carried on rougher terrain. For all but the most infrequent of fliers, it’s worth the investment.
Are hard-shell or soft-shell suitcases better?
Much like with crabs, this question comes down to personal preference. Hard-shell suitcases look sleeker and offer sturdier protection, but they don’t have as much give for getting that last item in. Soft-shell suitcases can be more durable, but they have a decidedly old-fashioned look in an era where all of the latest and greatest luggage startups seem to be cranking out hard-shell carry-ons.
What’s wrong with cheaper carry-ons?
They’re usually cheap in more ways than one, and a broken bag far from home is a travel headache even if it’s not as bad as an O’Hare-bound flight diverted to Wichita two days before Thanksgiving.
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