The 25 Best Travel Bags to Buy Now and Use Forever

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We can bet that there's one thing in your closet that you haven't replaced in a long time. It's probably worn, torn at the seams, and maybe even sporting some duct tape patches. Yup, you guessed it. It's your travel bag, and it's time for a new one. So say goodbye to your withering duffel or dented carry-on (don't worry, it's them, not you); and start rocking your baggage in style.

Whether it's a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys' weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you've been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one that your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don't go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style. If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

Novel Duffel

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel's Novel bag is, in so many words, is the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there's also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it's less than $100. That's what we call a win-win.

Le Pliage Energy

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp's convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear as a backpack or carry around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from Point A to Point B with ease. It's sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

Cabin S Carry-On Suitcase

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It's got distinctive grooves, an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It's also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

The Everywhere Zip Backpack

For train travel, bus voyages (ooof, we feel your pain), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there's nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, away's backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Vagabond Duffel

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier's duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It's thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

Pro Travel Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn't get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it is made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It's also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Garment Bag Tri-Fold Carry-On

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

The Garment Duffel

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

Landon Carryall Bag

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

Cosimo Garment Duffel

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without. Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks (remember to throw those out before you get to TSA), and a slip-resistant bottom.

The Carry-On Roller

This bag reminds you so your partner doesn't have to—text them when you land! This limited-edition roller by Beis has 360-degree smooth rolling wheels, to make wherever you're getting effortless. It also has a cushioned silicone grip, so your hand never feels tired (even if you are).

Base Camp Duffel

If you're venturing out into the great wide world, this is the only bag you need. The North Face Base Camp Duffel has legendary durability for overnight expeditions (we're not saying you need to scale Everest, but if you are, go you!) and has compression straps that will keep you comfortable wherever your journey takes you.

Compact Weekender

This sleek weekend bag lets the materials do all the talking. Made with premium nubuck leather and silver-finished hardware, it's just as acclimatized to the daily grind as the odd overnight excursion. It's the minimalist bag of your dreams.

Hunter's Tote Bag

If you've ever been to New England, chances are you've seen someone carrying around an L.L. Bean tote bag. While you don't have to take a trip to Maine just to sport one (but you really should visit), this all-purpose option is durable enough to stand up to years of rugged use.

Subterra Powershuttle Travel Case

We know this isn't quite a bag, but hear us out. You might be the type that likes to travel with as minimal bags as possible. A travel case is the perfect accessory for your plane ride, keeping all of your essentials at hand.

What To Consider

Size: When choosing your travel bag, the first thing you'll want to consider is the size—because, in this case, size matters. Think of your primary method of travel; if you're a frequent flyer, you're going to want either a small hard shell case that can be thrown in the overhead bin, a small personal tote that can be tucked neatly under the seat, or a large hard-shell bag that can be checked. If you're using your travel bag during long road trips (hopefully, you have a killer playlist for the journey), look for a bag with a lot of internal storage and larger pouched compartments that can fit everything from laundry bags to last-minute gifts. And always make sure to check any size restrictions before you travel, because you don't want to be that guy in line.

Weight: While the weight limit for different airlines varies, we suggest, along with your travel bag, investing in some luggae scales. This will ensure you always know what you're getting yourself into before making a long trip. If you're going on a shorter excursion, seek out a smaller, lightweight bag that can expand. This way, you'll be able to pick the bag up and down with ease and look like you've hit the gym at least sometime in the last ten years.

Style: Like everything we recommend, make sure your travel bag reflects your personal style. While there are many different options to choose from—plain, patterned, shiny coating—the right travel accessory can make any fit go hard.

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to travel bags, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear.

We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these travel bags are the ones that are simply the best. Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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