20 Luggage Pieces T+L Editors Actually Travel With From Weekenders to Trunks

Lambert The Bali Carry-on

View on Designlambert.com

The best types of luggage are pieces that are just as stylish as they are functional — which is why we love Lambert’s Bali Carry-on so much. The spinner rolls beautifully, zips up with ease, and boasts TSA locks for extra security. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main compartment fit for a week’s worth of clothes, as well as three additional pockets, a laptop compartment, and three drawstring bags for shoes or laundry. Plus, there’s something so dapper about the black-trimmed front pocket and brand name emblazoned across the front.  

“This Montreal-based luggage company makes a variety of stylish luggage pieces that are super durable,” writer Anna Popp said. “I love the carry-on with a front laptop pocket for extra storage and the main compartment has plenty of space for a weeklong trip. The color options are my favorite part with sleek black, classy black and white, and a stunning light pink 'strawberry parfait' colorway.” 

The Details: 14 x 22 x 9 inches | Polycarbonate, polyester

Away The Trunk

$435 at awaytravel.com

Need a little (or should we say a lot of) extra space? Consider snagging Away’s The Trunk. At 31 by 17 by 13.7 inches, it’s one of the largest suitcases on our list. Despite its size, though, it never feels cumbersome — its 360-degree wheels glide over all types of surfaces, and at just 12.1 pounds, it's light enough to easily hoist in and out of car trunks and up and down stairs. It’s even equipped with several pockets and a compression pad to maximize space and organization.

“I'll be the first to admit that I never understood the hype of Away until I got The Trunk in the limited edition magenta pink shade,” Popp said. “The 30/70 design has completely changed the way I pack for longer trips and I love it for packing oddly-shaped items like ski gear or bulky clothing. While the magenta shade isn't around anymore, the trunk is available in several permanent colorways, like sorbet orange and coastal blue.” 

The Details: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | Polycarbonate, polyester | 12.1 pounds

Arlo Skye The Weekender

View on Arloskye.com

This is a do-it-all piece of luggage if we’ve ever seen one. It works wonderfully as your sole piece of luggage for shorter trips or gym runs, and it also makes a great carry-on to pair with larger suitcases on longer journeys. It has plenty of pockets, including dedicated compartments for a laptop and a pair of shoes, and a trolley sleeve to attach it to the handle of your wheeled luggage. You can choose between a monochromatic black or a mint color scheme, and then decide if you’d rather carry it by its top handles or detachable shoulder strap.

“I’ve been looking for an upgrade to my carry-on duffel bag that I’ve been using for the past 15 years, and I finally found something I love with Arlo Skye’s The Weekender,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “I like that it has some structure to it, but you can still fit it underneath an airplane seat if you need to. I usually check a suitcase as well, so I use this for my in-flight necessities and valuables that I want within reach. This has a laptop sleeve, a shoe compartment, and side pockets that make it convenient to store important items like your phone, charger, passport, and wallet so you don’t have to go digging around.”

The Details: 20.5 x 9.1 x 11.4 inches | Nylon, polyester, copper, nickel

Béis Check-in Roller

View on Beistravel.com

This is the ultimate check-in bag. It’s the perfect size for the average trip, it’s durable, and it comes in some of the most beautiful colors we’ve seen in luggage, including slate, atlas pink, and olive. It also comes with several useful extras, like compression straps, dividers with pockets, TSA-approved locks, and expandability. We especially love that it’s stain-resistant, meaning it’s a low-maintenance option that’ll look new for years.

“I really can't recommend Beis' larger luggage enough,” senior editor Maya Kachroo-Levine said. “It closes seamlessly no matter how much you pack into it. The compartments are extremely well organized, and the exterior shell REALLY holds up. I've recently learned to love myself and trust the universe enough to check a bag (it's very freeing), and I have to say, Beis' Medium roller is large enough to fit everything — and I mean everything — I need for a long trip, or a trip where I need to bring a ton of winter layers, while still feeling manageable to cart around an airport.”

The Details: 28.3 x 17.7 x 11 inches | Polycarbonate, PVC, polyester, vegan leather, nylon | 10.2 pounds

Calpak Luka Duffel Bag

$128 at Nordstrom View on Calpaktravel.com $128 at The Container Store

We’d be lying if we said we hadn’t considered using this bag as a pillow during particularly long layovers — that’s how soft and cushioned it is. Made of lightweight yet durable polyester, the Luka is the perfect squishy-yet-structured carry-on. It’s full of pockets, including a subtle shoe space, water bottle slots, and a large hidden pocket on the front exterior. Many of the pockets are paired with amazingly smooth zippers that have never snagged or broken on us. You can grab it in four neutral permanent colors or 14 limited edition shades including gunmetal, plum, and celery.

“Duffels and weekenders are always my go-to carry-ons, and I think I’ve finally found ‘the one’ in Calpak’s Luka Duffel,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “I’ve recommended it countless times in the months that I’ve had it, mainly because I’m obsessed with how soft and squishy yet durable it is. It fits under plane seats and packs down under my bed for storage with zero effort, but it also efficiently protects items like a laptop, shoes, wallets, and more. The cushioned handles mean I can carry it everywhere pain-free. I’ve even had strangers approach me asking where it’s from!”

The Details: 12 x 16 x 7 inches | Polyester | 2.1 pounds

July Carry On Trunk

View on July.com

If you’re searching for a trunk on the smaller side, look no further than July’s Carry-on Trunk. It’s slightly larger than a typical carry-on spinner, but it’s still small enough to bring into the plane cabin with you. Everything about this trunk just feels luxurious — from the high-gloss polycarbonate shell and zipperless closure to the whisper-quiet spinner wheels and personalized handle height. Inside the trunk, you’ll find a stain-proof laundry bag, July’s Y-strap compression system, a water-resistant lining, and a deep main compartment made for stowing larger items. It even comes with an ejectable, quick-charging USB-C battery.

“I’ll admit, the first thing that drew me to this trunk was its sleek appearance (I have the light sand shade, which is more of a light pink in real life),” Maglin said. “But once I started using it, I realized just how durable it is, too. I expected the ultra-glossy exterior to scuff easily, but so far it hasn’t at all, despite being thrown around on a couple of trips. I’m also all about the customizable handle height, being the five foot gal that I am.”

The Details: 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | Polycarbonate, nylon | 8.4 pounds

Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Collection

View on Travelpro.com

We may be biased, but our team believes there’s nothing better than Travelpro’s Travel + Leisure collection, which includes everything from hard-sided checked bags to backpacks to totes. All nine pieces are well-constructed using materials like polycarbonate and leather, while all of the spinners expand and glide smoothly over all surfaces. The spinners and spinner sets are available in three neutral colorways, while the backpacks and weekender bag are available in four. 

“It may be wildly self-indulgent to recommend this luggage set, but hear me out: I've taken these well-built suitcases on a circuit around India, on multiple cruise ships, on short hops, and on road trips,” news director Paul Brady said. “And they're still as solid as the day I got 'em. Even more surprising: The wheels are still spinning smoothly, even on rough sidewalks and down cobblestone streets.” 

The Details: 15.5 x 14.75 x 4.75 to 30 x 17 x 14 inches | Materials vary by bag | 2 to 12.6 pounds

Caraa Pet Carrier

View on Jcrew.com

Traveling with pets may not be the world’s easiest feat, but the Caraa Pet Carrier sure does streamline the process. It’s designed like actual luggage and boasts a trolley strap so you can wheel it atop your spinner suitcase, plus it has multiple external and interior pockets. The lightweight yet sturdy bag also fits dogs and cats up to 18 pounds, features a collapsible frame for storage, and has a removable sherpa lining that can be machine washed. 

“My main complaint with dog carriers is that they don’t have enough pockets for my things,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “Much like other Caraa bags I love, this option has ample large external pockets so I can stay organized, as well as one pocket inside the carrier for my dog Beau’s collar and harness. I personally love the hot pink, but it comes in black too — and at a great price.”

The Details: 8 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches | Vegan leather, nylon | 3.5 pounds

Rimowa Original Cabin

View on Rimowa.com

Rimowa is known for its luxury products, and the Original Cabin is no exception. With this suitcase in tow, you just may feel like the most fashionable person on your flight thanks to an extra-sturdy aluminum exterior and gorgeous monochromatic shades like silver and arctic blue. The interior is equally as impressive — it contains a detachable divider with pockets on each side, which can be adjusted based on the items you pack. Other features we love are TSA combination locks, zipperless closure, side and top handles, and a smooth telescoping handle.  

“No suitcase in the history of suitcases makes me feel fancier than this sleek Rimowa,” Parker said. “I could be in seat 2A or 22A, all dressed up or wearing a matching sweatsuit, and I immediately feel like I have my act together. Despite its relatively small size, it has compression pads on both clamshell halves so I can fit all my essentials and not worry about them flopping out when I open it up. Vibes and functionality: 10/10.”

The Details: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Aluminum, polyester, plastic | 9.5 pounds

Away Bigger Carry-on

$295 at awaytravel.com

A little extra space is the most precious gift you can give yourself on the road. That said, we’re loving Away’s The Bigger Carry-on. Like its standard counterpart, this spinner boasts interior dividers, mesh organization pockets, and compression straps inside of a sturdy, lightweight polycarbonate shell. But unlike the standard version, it can accommodate up to nine outfits and items up to 22.7 by 15.4 by 9.6 inches. And despite its larger size, it still adheres to most airlines’ carry-on size limits. 

“The Away Bigger Carry On has become the MVP of my travel arsenal,” senior editor Jasmine Grant said. “It's stuck by me through various types of trips — from weeks spent island hopping in Thailand to two-day work trips. I've had the suitcase for about four years now, and aside from minor scratches and scuffs, it's held up extremely well. I also find that the size is absolutely perfect. It can fit a surprising amount of clothes — and even when it's been stuffed to the brim, the internal compression features help pack down my stuff so I'm able to close the suitcase without incident.” 

The Details: 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches | Polycarbonate, polyester, leather | 7.9 pounds

Harber London Classic Rucksack

View on Harberlondon.com

If you’re more of a backpack person when it comes to travel, Harber London’s Classic Rucksack is the way to go. It feels high end thanks to leather detailing and a double buckle top closure, but where it really shines is in the organization department: it has multiple pockets both internally and externally including both laptop and tablet compartments, in addition to a spacious main compartment. It even comes with useful extras like a detachable magnetic key chain, swiveling shoulder straps, a trolley sleeve, front carry straps, and anti-scratch zip teeth.

“For me, this is the perfect bag for every occasion, from daily commutes to international vacations,” updates writer Taylor Fox said. “It's handmade with full grain leathers and is thoughtfully designed with magnetic closures, hidden side pockets for valuables, and of course the coveted luggage sleeve. It's the perfect size for a personal item as it fits all travel essentials and has plenty of padded interior pockets, so I can pack both my laptop and iPad knowing they're well-protected.”

The Details: 15.7 x 11.4 x 5.9 inches | Recycled plastic bottle fabric, leather | 3.3 pounds

Glam-aholic Lifestyle Medium Checked Luggage

View on Glamaholiclifestyle.com

Add a little whimsy to your travel style with Glam-aholic Lifestyle’s Medium Checked Luggage. This suitcase comes in three colors (black, brown, and light pink) and each includes the fun phrase, “Travel like a G!” printed across the front. Beyond its eye-catching appearance, we also appreciate its interior compression straps, zippered divider to keep your items in place, and interior pockets for organization. 360-degree wheels, a sturdy telescoping handle, and top and side handles make this luggage pick super easy to maneuver in any situation.

“Glam-aholic luggage can hang with all the other brands when it comes to its durability and functionality,” senior editor Danielle Pointdujour said. “But where it really pops is with its fun fresh colors and ‘Travel like a G!’ branding ensuring that you stand out and that your luggage doesn't get lost in the mix at baggage claim.” 

The Details: 28 x 19 x 14 inches

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-on

View on Victorinox.com $575 at Macy's

This heavy-duty spinner is just as reliable as it is stylish, and our editors just can’t get enough of its hardside protection and variety of pockets and compartments. It has pretty much everything you’d ever want from a carry-on bag, including a quick-access, locking front compartment, an organization panel, and 20 percent expandability — plus it’s made of recycled polycarbonate, so you can feel good about your purchase and travels. You can even choose to have it engraved for a more personal touch.

“For me, hard-sided luggage has a flair that soft-sided bags can’t compare to,” senior editor Samantha Falewée said. “Another game changer: the exterior zipper pocket on this suitcase is great for storing important, easily-accessible bits like my laptop and earbuds. The color is a deep, eye-catching red — actually a much richer tone than what's shown on the store's website — that feels like a throwback to Victorinox’s classic Swiss Army knife.” 

The Details: 21.7 x 9.1 x 13.8 x 7.3 inches | Polycarbonate | 7.3 pounds

Samsonite Stryde 2 Carry-on Spinner

View on Samsonite.com

Samsonite is one of the most trusted luggage brands on the market. If you’re looking to add a piece from the classic company to your collection, we recommend the Stryde 2 Carry-on Spinner. It’s basically a traveler's dream thanks to a height-adjustable telescoping handle with comfort grip, interior pockets, multiple compression straps, dividers, a WetPak for damp clothing, a snap-in packing cube, and a USB port. The exterior even boasts an interesting wave-like design which helps with durability and identifiability at the airport.  

“My first suitcase was a Samsonite and ever since, I've had a special spot in my heart for these incredibly reliable bags.” write Alexandra Domrongchai said. “Since then, they have only gotten better and one of my latest favorites is this Stryde model that features a durable polycarbonate hardshell to keep my belongings secure and four multi-directional wheels for seamless maneuvering around the airport. Oh, and I always know which bag is mine at the carousel thanks to its unique design.” 

The Details: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Polycarbonate Recyclex | 7.6 pounds

July Carry On

View on July.com

July is quickly becoming the premier new luggage brand (this is its second appearance on this list, after all). The Carry-on is not only stylish thanks to attractive color options and matching chrome corner protectors, it’s also ultra-durable and designed with compression straps, mesh pockets, and dividers, so you know all your items will remain in place through turbulent flights and bumpy car rides. Like many July spinners, the Carry-on features a luxurious click-close rather than zippers, which makes it easier to close and harder to break into.

“This bag has it all: a lightweight build, protective hardshell, and TSA-approved locks,” Domrongchai said. “It also doesn't hurt that this suitcase is incredibly stylish, and it definitely gives me main character energy walking through the airport. And, I can actually pack more in this bag than my other ones thanks to its compressive luggage straps and spacious pockets.” 

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Polycarbonate, nylon | 7.4 inches

Lo & Sons Rowledge

View on Loandsons.com

Not every travel backpack has to be enormous and bulky. The cute and somewhat compact Large Rowledge Backpack by Lo & Sons is perfectly sleek in that it fits all the essentials without taking up too much space on your travels — and it fits effortlessly under a plane seat. In fact, it’s small enough to use as a personal item, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the space department. It boasts tons of pockets both internally and externally, including a dedicated protective laptop sleeve. It’s even convertible, so you can choose to use it as a tote as well. Perhaps our favorite thing about the backpack, though, is the option to choose from four interior colors, including lavender and azure blue. 

“When it comes to personal items, I'm a backpack girl, and I went with the Lo & Sons Rowledge based on a recommendation from a travel writer friend who also happens to be a professional packer,” editorial director Nina Ruggiero said. “She didn't let me down: the Rowledge looks professional enough for a business trip but trendy enough for a girls' getaway, and the smart design means there's a pocket for everything I need. It fits more than I expected, but it also manages to help keep me organized, so I can actually find what I packed.”

The Details: 11.5 x 6.75 x 16.5 inches | Nylon, Nappa leather | 3.2 pounds

Antler Clifton Cabin with Pocket

$315 at Amazon View on Antler.com

Instead of awkwardly unzipping your whole suitcase on the floor of your concourse when you need something out of it, keep an option like this in your luggage collection. Thanks to an extra-large front pocket, you can easily grab a few essentials out of your bag without causing a scene. The pocket has multiple slots, including a dedicated spot for your laptop, tablet, travel documents, and other small gadgets. On top of that, this spinner is durable, packed with interior pockets, and designed with reliable, TSA-approved locks. And at just 7.27 pounds, it’s easy for any traveler to bring with them from points A to B.

“This London-based brand makes some of my favorite luggage, and the Clifton is its best seller,” Ruggiero said. “To me, a hardside suitcase with an outer pocket (in this case a waterproof, padded outer pocket) is the best of both worlds — you get the protective shell, a sleek look, and easy access to your laptop, passport, and other essentials.”

The Details: 23 x 35 x 56 inches | Polycarbonate | 7.27 pounds

Wm. J. Mills & Co. Executive Cambridge Bag

View on Millscanvas.com

Are you a rough traveler? If your bags tend to come back from each trip a little more scuffed and tattered than they were before, you need something extra-durable, like the Cambridge Bag. It’s a spacious, no-frills option that’ll keep your belongings in place and intact, sans the scratches and tears another bag might receive. You’ll love using it as a carry-on, a weekender, and even an elevated gym bag thanks to its sturdy top handles, padded shoulder strap, and antique brass zipper and hardware.

“This handsome bag recently replaced the beloved (but falling apart) canvas weekender I’ve been using for the past 30 years,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit said. “I’m usually a carry-on only traveler, and while the Cambridge’s overall dimensions are a hair larger than allowed, it should easily slide into any overhead bin unless you’ve really overstuffed it (and there's also an equally handsome, slightly smaller Boston model if you prefer to size down). I fully expect this bag to hold up for at least the next 30 years of travel.”

The Details: 22 x 14.5 x 11 inches | Canvas | 1 pound

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 28-inch Large Checked Spinner

View on Delsey.com $840 at Macy's $840 at Bloomingdales

Delsey luggage is classic, reliable, and inspired by vintage styles of yore. If you’re looking to get your hands on a Delsey piece, we suggest the Chatelet Air 2.0 Large Spinner. Beyond its gorgeous appearance, we’re obsessed with just how user-friendly it is. It rolls effortlessly, it zips open and closed smoothly, and it seems to have a spot for everything due to its spacious interior and abundant pockets. It even has an eye-catching coral-hued interior to set it apart from other suitcases in your collection. If you love the Large Spinner, you can also cop the Chatelet Air 2.0 in five other sizes ranging from an underseater to a trunk. 

“As a senior editor at T+L, I get plenty of opportunities to test luggage, but I’ll never give up this checked Delsey’s spot in my closet,” senior editor Lydia Price said. “Huge zippered compartments on each side make it easy to stay organized or pack in a hurry, and it glides like a dream when you’re running through an airport. I’ve taken it on a city-hopping trip to India and a ski trip to Japan, and it’s proved sturdy enough to protect all my clothes and gear on multiple journeys to baggage claim. Laundry bags, a TSA-approved lock, and odor-controlling fabric top it all off to create a true traveler’s dream.” 

The Details: 30 x 20.75 x 12.75 inches | Polycarbonate | 11.11 pounds

Paravel ‘I Like You Even When I'm Hungry’ Medium Cabana Tote

View on Tourparavel.com

This fun tote works just as well as your carry-on item as it does your beach bag, shopping tote, or commuter carry-all. The spacious, spill-proof bag holds multiple days’ worth of clothing and shoes, and unlike many canvas totes, it even features a handful of interior and exterior pockets to keep smaller essentials organized. We love the vegan leather detailing and the striped handles (which are available in four bright colorways), and you can even choose to add a shoulder strap for an additional fee. 

“Paravel makes some of the best totes out there — they are super roomy, with a handy exterior pocket for stashing last-minute essentials,” editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said. “I also love how they can be monogrammed. This limited edition bag is emblazoned with some serious words to live by.” 

The Details: 17.75 x 12.25 x 7.5 inches | Canvas, vegan leather | 2.4 pounds