Not every good product can claim the title of best in class, but we’ve tested several other bags that get our nod.
Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On $200:This is a four-wheeled hardside spinner suitcase made from a durable polypropylene outer shell. Its standout features include an interior fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” organizer pocket to keep wet items separate from the rest of your luggage.
Osprey Ozone 40L for $280: At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It’s also made from Bluesign-approved 400D recycled nylon and is treated with a DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist over my head and has also been checked in multiple times.
Gregory Alpaca Duffle Bag $40-$140: This duffel weighs just 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily sturdy (albeit plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventures. There’s an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack’s shoulder straps don’t stow away for storage—you have to unsnap them—but they’re perhaps the best-padded and most comfortable straps I’ve encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive list of features.
Land’s End Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag for $180:Most duffle bags these days are made of nylon, and while it’s hard to call a material that’s been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don’t have the old-school charm of this waxed canvas bag.
Eagle Creek 40L Cargo Truck for $107: This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is barely heavier than air. It also features backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.
Skyway Epic Carry-On for $80: At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is average in weight. The handle is a bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro’s wheels slide a bit better. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.
Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81:Feeling like a cross between a duffel bag and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can get too full, so keep that in mind if you plan on taking it on a plane as a carry-on. She does, however, appreciate its durability and plenty of interior pockets for organization, as well as its rather lengthy five-year warranty.
Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus Rolling Suitcase for $275: It’s a tiny The dimensions are slightly larger than what most airlines list as maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it’s accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-on clothing organizer for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there’s an internal pocket for a power bank. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.
