Living Travel 10 Carry-On Bags That Make Packing Easier and Save You Time in the Airport Skip the checked luggage: From spinners and backpacks to spacious duffles, these carry-on bags are perfect for every type of trip and traveler. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Published on May 10, 2023 02:29PM EDT We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon, Solgaard While you may think you need a spacious suitcase when packing for a vacation, you shouldn't underestimate the convenience of a quality carry-on bag. This travel essential can eliminate the need for checked luggage altogether, saving you money and time spent at baggage claim (or worse—stressful hours spent trying to locate a lost suitcase). Carry-on bags also make accessing items you might need mid-flight a breeze, so you can be prepared for just about anything. Choosing the perfect carry-on bag, however, is easier said than done. There are a lot of options to choose from, from shoulder bags and backpacks to larger rolling styles. But no matter what type of vacation you're planning, there's a carry-on bag on our list that fits your travel needs. The Right Way to Pack Your Suitcase: Here's How Many Garments You Really Need to Bring and Where to Put Them 01 of 10 Coowoz Large Travel Backpack Courtesy of Amazon Planning a weekend getaway? This travel backpack has room for everything on your packing list. "It's a great choice for freeing up your hands—and is especially useful if you are pushing a stroller or traveling with a pet," says Darla DeMorrow, a certified professional organizer, the owner of HeartWork Organizing, and the author of the best-selling book series SORT and Succeed. It has a zipper pocket on the back of the bag for storing things you'll need while you're on a plane, like your cell phone or e-reader. Price at time of publish: $33.99 Buy on Amazon 02 of 10 Solgaard Carry-On Closet Courtesy of Solgaard Carry-ons can be just as spacious as a real suitcase. Case in point is this award-winning luggage designed with six spacious, collapsible shelves for neatly storing clothing. It was also engineered with an indestructible polycarbonate shell and integrated USB port for on-the-go charging. Price at time of publish: $295 Buy on Solgaard.co 03 of 10 Béis The Weekender Courtesy of Beis This bag streamlines the packing process. Its easy-access opening makes getting everything in and out a breeze; the bottom compartment was designed to keep your shoes and toiletries separate. If you are also planning on checking a bag, this carry-on has a trolley sleeve on the back, so it fits conveniently over your luggage handle. Price at time of publish: $108 Buy on Beistravel.com 04 of 10 Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Courtesy of Martha Stewart Martha is no stranger to travel, which is why you can always trust her travel gear picks. She carries this weekender bag from Steele Canvas in her shop. The spacious interior gives you ample room to stow away clothes for your trip, while the exterior slip is the perfect size for any technology you're bringing with you. The adjustable cross-body strap will keep your hands free as you move through the airport. Price at time of publish: $144.95 Buy on Martha.com 05 of 10 Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Luggage Courtesy of Amazon If you prefer a classic-style carry-on, this one is a safe bet. "These smaller suitcases are chic and easily hoisted into overhead compartments," says DeMorrow. "The TravelPro brand is preferred by flight attendants and road warriors." This one has self-aligned magnetic wheels for precise control. Price at time of publish: $369.99 Buy on Amazon 06 of 10 Calpak Luka Duffel Courtesy of Calpak You'll want to use this bag as more than just a carry-on—it's that stylish. It comes with nine separate pockets—including a bottom compartment for shoes and toiletries—so you can keep all of your necessities organized. Digging through your luggage to find one item is officially a thing of the past. Price at time of publish: $128 Buy on Calpaktravel.com 07 of 10 Samsonite Freeform Carry On Courtesy of Amazon As one of the most beloved luggage manufacturers, Samsonite offers a 10-year warranty on all of their luggage offerings. This suitcase, which comes with a TSA combination lock and ultra-light shell, maximizes your packing space while still adhering to carry-on size restrictions. Price at time of publish: $179.99 Buy on Amazon 08 of 10 MOSISO Women Laptop Tote Bag Courtesy of Amazon The ideal size for electronics and an extra outfit, this bag is perfect for the light packer or a quick business trip. "Polished and professional, the zippers will hold everything in place through security," says DeMorrow. "And it works as a tote once you get to your destination." Price at time of publish: $56.49 Buy on Amazon 09 of 10 Briggs & Riley Carry-On Expandable Spinner Courtesy of Briggs & Riley Need more room? No problem. This carry-on is expandable, so you can store extra items inside without needing to level up to a checked bag. Simply press the side buttons to make it expand, put your garments inside, zip up the suitcase, and collapse it back down to return to carry-on width. Price at time of publish: $699 Buy on Briggs-riley.com 10 of 10 Lululemon City Adventurer Duffle Bag Courtesy of LuluLemon The ultimate on-the-go bag, this waterproof duffle has a top compartment for clothes and a bottom compartment for shoes, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The exterior padded pocket fits a 16-inch laptop and has an additional easy-access pocket for your phone, keys, and wallet. Price at time of publish: $168 Buy on Lululemon Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit