Best Carry On Luggage | 10 Suitcases for 2025

[@PackHacker]

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[@VirtousStoic]

You should have included the July trunk carry on. It's actually sized for carry on dimensions

[@HugoParedes]

As someone that lives in Europe, one of the most important features for this kind of bags is weight. Most airlines have a maximum weight of 10kgs, some even less. And even if you travel business, most times you can 2 bags, but each with 10kg maximum.

[@Mehaara]

I was just thinking that and had the deep insight that US Americans don't care about weight b/c US airlines have no weight restriction for carry-on luggage. Lufthansa has a 7kg restriction!!

[@rockanroleropr3467]

@@Mehaara I had that experience on a Denmark to Frankfurt flight… $200 for a bag that fitted in the cage but was 19lbs, 3 more than their limit but ok in most other airlines. Even when I took some stuff out they then said it was oversized 🙄😂

[@Mehaara]

@@rockanroleropr3467 😞Yeah, that sucks. I am sorry.

[@DaemonViews]

Yup, Icelandair got me like that as well. We had a bag each and on trip it got mixed more and one was too heavy. Were not allowed to start reorganizing.

[@monicamuller9215]

Love my TravelPro MaxLite 5 21”carryon suitcase I also have their 25” both I used while 3 weeks in Germany. Zero issues super quiet wheels. And the lightweight of the cases allows for more items - mostly overpacking. I highly recommend TravelPro both easy on the wallets without using much muscle to move them around fully packed. Love❤ the new hairstyle Lauren!!!

[@brianlim1845]

Hi I’m interested in your reviews of your Carl Friedrik carry on and I saw it on your thumbnail but you guys didn’t review it. Any reason why?

[@notactuallymyrealname]

Shouting out my Travelpro Maxlite compact hard-sided spinner. I bought this after being super disappointed by the Monos I ordered first -- the wheels on the Monos were groggy and the materials felt overall really cheap to me. the Travelpro cost half as much, weighs a pound less, has wheels so zippy that it almost rolled away from me down my driveway, and it has the same capacity. I took it on its first trip a month ago and it was dreamy, can't wait for summer travel with it.

[@jeffcrissey2222]

Carl Friedrik front and center in your thumbnail but you didn't review it?

[@compromisedssh]

That's right, buddy. You just got PACK HACKED! Owned.

[@asoma64]

Thanks for listening to the community, you guys are the best

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@rowenaclarke9147]

Delsey Clavel expandable is an awesome hard shell carry on bag. Extremely lightweight, solid grab handle & spinning wheels.

[@rockanroleropr3467]

That thumbnail for the video is clickbait… I really thought you were gonna talk about the Carl Friedrik Carry-on X 🤔

[@Rolokid]

Same... watched for the Carl Friedrick review.

[@wasmadeinthe80s]

Pretty easy to report videos as misleading. YT has actually been cracking down on some of them.

[@CraigFels]

I was also expecting the Carl Friedrik carry-on.

[@msimcox2]

Damnit, I have it and wanted to see what they thought of it!

[@koto9x]

don’t report them they are good people and make good faith content i’ve been a fan for a long time and they have helped me? everyone needs to make a living

[@FaerieDust]

I have an old IT brand "world's lightest" cabin suitcase, and I mostly love it. It weighs just shy of 1.6 kg, and although I kind of assumed it'd break pretty quickly I've had it for over a decade and only started to notice significant wear recently. I do think four wheels would be nicer, and my suitcase's handle is super wide (designed to give a completely flat bottom when packing) so luggage passthrough bands on backpacks are pretty useless and if I have smaller bag I can't even rest it on the top of the suitcase without risking that it'll fall through. The handle feels a bit wobbly when the suitcase is packed super heavily, too. But it's held up really, really well, and it weights so little that the cons are worth it to me. When this suitcase finally dies, I'll do everything I can to get something similarly lightweight. When the max carry-on weight is 8 kg, I'd hate to waste 3 kg of it on just the empty suitcase...

[@fernandoalvarez9613]

I’ve been rocking a small Timbuk2 Co-Pilot for 5 years and it’s still going strong.

[@bbaii16]

Weight is the big issue that I would have loved to see addressed directly

[@amberrandolph5589]

Travel pro Maxlite (compact) is my all time favorite. Weight is great for traveling in Europe and handles are great for getting out of/into tight spaces (especially on euro trains). And I can’t imagine going without external pockets.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@markcrowell2727]

Y'all do such an outstanding job with your reviews! I've been wearing out my existing wheeled carry-on, so this was perfect timing! I've used hard and soft shell before; there are advantages to soft when you are trying to fit it into tight spaces!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@hellydavidson7598]

Thumbs up for Level 8: great price and service.

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@smdjuhurr9474]

Hi I just purchased the luminous textured 20” version. From your experience is it accepted on most airlines?

[@amitabhheda]

Insightful. How about your views on the Briggs and Riley (Baseline & ZDX), Level8 (Voyeguer), Tumi, and RedOxx (Skytrain and Air Boss). Thanks!

[@MichaelCMeyer]

I want to see wheel tests. I have broken many wheels on my carry on bags and checked bags over the years. Whether I am in Boston, MA, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, or other parts of the world I break my wheels on rough sidewalks. Cobblestones, potholes, fractured cement, grates, and uneven sidewalks break wheels easily. I end up carrying my broken wheel carry on luggage like a three legged dog. I put all my heavy items in my personal item backpack and only light clothes in my carry on luggage. I also notice that if the clothes are packed tight that the handle cannot elongate fully. I gave up on fabric bags because the zippers break easily and the fabric can get wet or cut. I have broken several American Tourister hardside carry on luggage wheels simply by walking on the sidewalk to catch the train to the airport. The hardside carry on luggage looks sturdy but the wheels are weak. Reviewers should have drop tests, crash tests, pothole tests, and cobblestone sidewalk tests for the wheels.

[@IntriguedLioness]

Wheels are one of the many reasons I dumped rolling luggage years ago. When I flew constantly from NYC to Europe my company paid for my heavy Briggs & Riley and I could tip all the skycaps and that was okay and if a wheel were to ever have been damaged which they don't, there's a little allen wrench in which you can switch them out and also get them replaced at any respectable luggage store. By the time this episode featured Amazon basics, and trust me I am a huge proponent of amazon, I had to chuckle. No one who values their time, their itinerary, or their adventures would ever choose luggage that is going to break down mid-trip so be it zippered hardside luggage or wheels, I forgo.

[@KylePandapatan]

Of all the luggage my family has had over the decades, the American Tourister ones were the most pain in the wallet when it came to wheels, they eventually degraded after 2 years plus in our tropical weather. It’s such a pain in the back to clean and scrub off the black rubber goo chunks that it spreads and leaves behind on the floor. Then a wheel replacement costs maybe $40 where we live, plus the cost of gas and time.

[@KylePandapatan]

A) Wheels that last need to be recessed into the bag. (So that the case protects it from bumps, as opposed to wheels that stick out.) They also need to be made of material that doesn’t fall apart on it’s own just by existing. B) For some reason, they also need to be the 2 separate wheels per wheel, and not the single wheel pain. C) Expensive: For all it’s insane prices, Rimowa wheels have a suspension system and ball bearing. When those basic things were invented, cars could better handle roads. It also has a way to switch out the whole wheel by changing a screw. We know someone who got scolded by his wife for buying something so expensive…only for their wife to use the Rimowa all the time. 😂 Another person we know was carrying 2 Rimowa over bumpy roads without sweating while his companion was struggling with their normal lighter bag over the same surface. It frikkin’ glides through cobblestones or several kilometers of a carpeted airport without you sweating. If we added up all the cheap luggage that needed replacing over the decades, we could have bought a Rimowa Essential/Polycarb and a Briggs & Riley softsided luggage and be stress free. Another family friend had their Kipling check-in luggage through 25+ years of frequent travels and those still look brand new. (Not sure about the wheels.) What I don’t understand is: how come other luggage brands don’t have these basic common sense things (suspension, ball bearings, quick replace system + solid telescoping handle)? So people don’t have to get a Rimowa for these features. D) Cheap: We don’t know if they’re still good, but a Sky Travel large check-in bag we bought for $20 roughly 10 years ago still works. It’s not a spinner so it’s a pain to tug when overpacked, but it’s survived the cobblestones of Europe, several check-ins, and being manhandled through rushed train layovers. Never needed a wheel replacement. It was so cheap we never babied it. (They sell bags for $80 now.)

[@jstanovic]

We once walked the bumpy streets of Venice, over bridges, etc, for a whopping 5 miles. Our tour leader was lost. That was a world class test for our wheels. They held up and we used the same bags for several years. SWISS Gear luggage. Conversely I hated the High Sierra 🎉carryon wheels on my recent trip to India. That item was almost new.

[@TravelwithIvan]

I would love to see someone post about what the biggest carry-ons that fit on (Delta) regional jets to avoid valet/pink tag check. I know the Away and Monos (not plus) does and so does the Rimowa Cabin carry-ons, but not my B&R Baseline :(.

[@ParkerBinion]

Briggs & Riley Baseline for the win.

[@jz4492]

Having to travel on some airlines where weight restrictions are severe. Knowing the weight of a piece of luggage is critical.

[@MiguelAlarconOwlOnRedBull]

I'm surprised no Thule made it on the list. I've been using my subterra for a few years and it's been great!

[@wazInoz7009]

what is the Lighest? outside US need as light as possible...

[@ShadowDaPk]

People fuss about the luggage getting dings, but that's what it's for: to carry and protect what's inside.

[@dylanhayden2711]

I have the July carry on and the battery system is AWESOME! Have yall seen the new Mous Day Backpack? Im interested in it but they havent released any real content on it hoping you guys can get an early review model and post it here! The colors of it are the main reason im interested as it looks REALLY good!

[@kateforster7100]

I liked to hear Lauren mention the wobble in one handle as that's a rejection point for me. I can't stand cases where the handles wobble add that makes walking around too uncomfortable.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@kenshinhimura3003]

If it wobbles it's bad for your wrist and hand. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and after dragging a wobbly handle I suffered after that day.

[@jundylacuata8634]

Have you guys seen any of the Level 8 luggage line? Some of their products look really well built, would love to see some of those on the channel for testing before committing to buying one! I'm liking the Voyageur (the yellow version looks awesome) and Roadrunner lines

[@AarohMankad]

Would have loved a Rimowa comparison in this list as well. I suspect it wouldn't have done as well considering weight/price, but would be interesting to see nonetheless. (My Rimowa's wheels are still unmatched across all other suitcases I've tried.) Edit: just watched the whole video, and there's no mention of price or weight on any of these suitcases?? Seems like a major oversight.

[@PackHacker]

Prices change frequently-if it is on the screen, we can’t change it! However, it’s always on our site 🤙

[@Xtine728]

No lojel? Love that it’s front access rather than a clamshell opening

[@bella11110]

Yessss, I hope they review it soon, it's the best

[@RealMuperSan]

That Cotopaxi TPU is going to get scratched up beyond recognition if you end up having to check it.

[@shinigamid3ss]

Can you do a series on zipperless options

[@sdophoto1405]

I love my monos. I had also considered Level 8

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@scottwhitt9379]

I have the large version of the Amazon one. It does the job. Luckily I got it on Woot for $35.

[@rev.dennisp.sepulveda5965]

I'd like to see a video comparing zipper closing bags to clasp closing bag (I hope I said that right). I have just purchased the Level 8 Hegent. I'd like a video about that one as well.

[@user-vl8sh7ih8c]

I would like to see a rolling test of some sort to see which bag rolls the best when loaded down. Crappy wheels are deal breaker. I would pay more for a bag that rolls super smooth.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along.

[@itsjustashow]

I would love to see the yeti crossroads 22inch vs the Rtic and the cotapaxi

[@tigre9271]

I've got soft and hard sided and 2 wheelers and 4 wheelers. And after my most recent trip where i stayed at 3 different hotels, I've decided that i want a hard shell with the top lid opening (hate clam shell) of a soft sided with 4 wheels. This is hard to find. Usually soft sided have top lid and hard has clam shell. Well, i finally found one that fit the bill. I haven't used it yet, but i did test the wheels and they are smooth as butter.

[@Errr717]

I'd like to see the 24-26" check in luggage.

[@DimachkaS]

Is the Monos Away and July bags made by the same company!? They look identical.

[@108u9]

Hi Pack Hacker, are there any luggage cases that are weather resistant with 4 spinner wheels? (Not counting something like a Pelican). Or any of the suitcases shown are weather resistant? (E.g. rainproof)

[@kateforster7100]

I've been really impressed with my Tumi. A few years old, soft sided nylon. I got soaked in a 30 min walk in the craziest rain and it was pretty dry inside. I had the expansion open so I think the only damp came through that.

[@VirtousStoic]

July hard shell trunk carry on is undervalued

[@kateforster7100]

I would have liked to hear you comment on the longevity and repair guarantees from different companies. That should be be a consideration for purchasing luggage. Frequent travellers are much harder on luggage than occasional travellers so factors like longevity, ability to repair or not needing much repair, along with weight and precise dimensions all become more important.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Was expecting to see Briggs and Riley mentioned here...

[@bnbronstein]

kinda wish Briggs & Riley was reviewed here as well. I know they're pricey but very curious how they compare

[@bjornengq]

All of the bags in the video seem heavy? The ones I’m looking to buy range between 2,2-2,5 kilos.

[@os.diletantes]

Off topic I suppose but I”m interested in that square black packing cube used in each suitcase. Can you share what it is?

[@MahadHirad-vy1ch]

Greeting. Which suit case brand is endorsed by United States airline pilot today? Travelpro was most purchased by pilots. Samsonite was used by travelling passengers. But, what are most popular bands today?

[@Imhim247]

Is level 8 is durable and worth buying?

[@soburlvt]

I haven't flown in decades. How are the locks TSA approved? How can TSA get in but not a thief?

[@PackHacker]

They make a unique key that TSA has. In theory, a thief could have that key, too.

[@asoma64]

You guys needed to add a Briggs and Riley. Also please do a Checked bag video

[@rhondillon5056]

Seems many of these are USA allowable sizes. Other countries may be more restrictive 👍

[@dgdw]

Considering rolling luggage gets scrutinized much closer than backpacks do I would like to see weight and dimensions in both metric and USA measurements included in the review for next one. Maybe also a roundup video for what roller luggage the most stringent airlines will accept as a carryon as well

[@mytrung]

I didn’t hear anything about handle wobble. I have an away and monos and gd those handles feel flimsy

[@Wooster77]

Are louis vuitton carry ons wirth the price?

[@antoniogradilla7933]

I’m very surprised not to see TOPO DESIGN ROLLER on this list …. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

[@PackHacker]

👀👀👀

[@rjeption]

checking this out for 2024 (:

[@julz7753]

I love your blazer. Details, please

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

Whats the best sub 70€ luggage tho 🤔

[@2009bubbaray]

Would be nice to see a video with international-sized wheeled carryons. Sigh.

[@wmupindrop12]

Not gonna lie, I love your content, but I specifically clicked on this video to see your review of the Carl Friedrik carryon, which was prominently front and center on the thumbnail, and was disappointed when it was not in the video at all. Very clickbaity

[@PackHacker]

We’re going to have full reviews of Carl Friedrik bags on the reviews channel very soon 🤙

[@HikerToo]

"American Airlines' carry-on bag size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches" so how come almost NO carry-ons are within those limits?

[@quasimod0]

Y’all need to change your thumbnail that includes the Carl Friedrik luggage. That’s straight up clickbait since I’m sure a lot of people, myself included, watched the video hoping to get Packhacker’s input on that luggage but was nowhere to be found. Expected more of you and reported the video to KZbin for being misleading.

[@VirtousStoic]

The away has such low usable volume for clothing etc, its too comptarmentalized. So saying the away is unique compared to july and monos is perplexing

[@DaemonViews]

Weight (ie, non plastic) and 2 wheels (lighter and more luggage space as the 4 wheels take up more space and count against sixey) are what I prefer for EU airlines. So none on the list. Also the wheels on a 2 wheeler handle rougher streets better than the 4 wheels, which are only comfortable on the smooth airport floor.

[@RITPA]

Aluminum

[@Roybernat]

What is the vendor ?

[@LeRoyVanek]

I have been looking at the Mono's Carryon on Pro Plus to replace my 10yr old soft sided samsonite

[@Dr.Schlitz]

My Travelpro spinner is poorly balanced - the expanding pocket is essentially cantilevered from the base, making the bag prone to tipping over. Not recommended.

[@Dracomies]

The best suitcases are no suitcases :P jkjkjk.

[@catsmao5313]

the best suitcase Is the one someone else brings for you

[@Dracomies]

@@catsmao5313 Right?! :D

[@PackHacker]

😂😂😂

[@rossipremier]

Level8 left out is a huge miss, they are an amazing value, certainly not the best but a big step up from Amazon or even Sampson without paying the influencer tax on July/Monos/Away

[@CERnoriVELO]

Rimowa cabin

[@cwestwater]

When I hear Samsonite I think Dumb and Dumber!

[@demck85]

Samsonite! ... I was way off

[@naolicious543]

So you just bring one jackets to travel with no socks or underwear ?

[@pandah-powah]

did not expect the false click bait of Carl Friedrik from you guys...

[@AbhijitSar]

Not a single soft side carry on suitcase. I love the Briggs and Riley 21” Baseline. It’s the best. So much versatile. There is an added advantage when you have all your stuff on one side rather than having on both sides in a clamshell design. And who says, “ soft side does not look cool?”

[@NikCan66]

This as great

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@JJ31]

Rimowa

[@AdVitamAeternamInfiniti]

these luggages have just one issue: these are only good for 2 days travel. not a week long travel.i need more space for much of my shirts,shorts and other garments.

[@zerocarbdoc]

Tom?

[@PackHacker]

Does this look like Tom?

[@MostSignificantBite]

why do you keep changing your outfit for every segment ??

[@bubbalawrence1]

I hate TSA locks, why would I want a random worker to have access to my luggage? If they need to check something they can come find me and check it in front of me

[@PackHacker]

This would make airport security lines take hours! If they need to open it and can’t, they’ll likely break it open, so the lock solves that issue.

[@jcloiseau]

No Samsonite?!

[@sao9995]

I'll just say this, Away sucks. The worst customer service, don't honor their warranty, fragile design falls apart. I rate them zero.

[@JohnBeebe]

Carl Fredrik in the front of the thumbnail and not part of the review... shady

[@Justgregular88]

i only came here to say that suitcases are the most stupid form of luggage in the history of mankind

[@PackHacker]

😢😢😢

[@IntriguedLioness]

Initially I was shocked at the title and the thumbnail. Then, I questioned whether or not pack hacker had sold out to a polycarbonate manufacturer. By the time you got to the bag with a silly gimmicky accordion "closet" that you can usually only see on late night television infomercials (if there was even still exist)...... you lost me and I was starting to wonder if I should unsubscribe. When Rick Steves started considered cruise ships (as daytrippers are hated in the industry) because he had been in the travel industry for decades. But pack hacker has not been around long enough to start to appear this touristy. Lesson learned after constant travels both personal and professional: If you want to stick out like a tourist, be susceptible to pickpocket and other thieves, and have the clunk clunk clunk clunk of wheels disturb the quietest cobblestone streets do, by all means, pick one of these.

[@choazimuthafuca]

PACK HACKER!! TOM! Please review the Gregory Alpaca 60L!!!