Pack Your Bags With These Chic and Functional Luggage Brands

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The right luggage is a very important part of any vacation, business trip, or weekend getaway. It keeps you organized and moving efficiently. And, if we’re being honest, it’s an extension of your travel ’fit. There’s a sea of Instagram ads and celebrity endorsements of the best products for travelers, so I’ve narrowed it down to the best luggage brands so you can make a confident investment. To ensure I’ve found the cream of the crop, I’ve consulted experts (who happen to be routine travelers), researched customer reviews, and tested dozens of brands on trips far and near.

Whether your suitcase is being tossed around on a conveyor belt, wheeled through the cobblestone streets of Italy, or packed into a car for a road trip, the luggage brands ahead will support the adventure and the souvenirs. The best luggage is lightweight, leaves plenty of room for packing (bonus points for organizational pockets), is easily maneuvered, and looks stylish. From carry-on bags to under-seat duffles, versatile backpacks, tech packs, extra-large checked options, travel garment bags, and more, we present you with the 14 best luggage brands of 2023 in every category and at every price point. We narrow it down to specific products and collections, but the brands ahead are, without a doubt, the ones to know about. Consider this your sign to start planning that trip you’ve been dreaming of.

Catalina Supreme Tote

The Catalina Supreme Tote does so much more than you could ever imagine. Even if you’re not a “tote girlie” you’ll want to pay attention to everything this magic bag can do. It has a bottom zipper pocket with a removable padded insert that will separate shoes, dirty clothes, toiletries, and other items you want to keep separate for easy access. It also has front velcro straps for a yoga mat, hat, or jacket along with inner adjustable compartments that keep you uber-organized. You name it, this travel tote bag has it. It’s perfect as a carry-on, personal item, or weekend away.

Customer review: “This is a fantastic bag. I traveled in Europe for nine days and it was a game changer! The best feature is the bottom shoe compartment, but overall it’s smooth and sturdy.”

The Zipper Carry-On Max

There are tons of small details that make this carry-on one of the best. One standout upon editor testing and customer reviews is the silent swiveling wheels. Not only are they easily maneuvered in 360-degree rotations on all surfaces, but they’re also whisper quiet so you’ll never cause ruckus rolling around at the crack of dawn leaving to catch a flight. Other great features include an expandable zipper that lets you overpack up to one inch, impact-resistant polycarbonate that is lightly textured to avoid scuffs, and the built-in, removable power charger.

Customer review: “When I ordered this carry-on I was expecting a nice piece of luggage, but now that I’ve been using it I can say that it has exceeded my expectations! Everything about this carry-on is spectacular! From the size to the ease of use to the charging system for my electronics. I am a new fan of Arlo Skye products and will be a long-time customer in the future.”

Go Bag

If you haven’t already been sold by Baboon To The Moon’s Instagram ads, let us convince you. The Go Bag is the brand’s most popular product. While it comes it a few different sizes, we’re fans of the 40-liter option because it’s a large carry-on that can fit three to five days’ worth of clothing and act as a duffle bag or backpack. It’s perfect for road trips, beach days, long weekends, and more. The weatherproof outer shell makes this a great option for adventure travel. Plus, it’s easy to clean and has a secure zipper to avoid theft.

Travel expert and content creator, Nikki Tomlin says, “I wanted to try out Baboon To The Moon bags because I heard they were sustainable and made from recycled materials. I’m so glad I did! The 40-liter size is hands down my go-to ever since I got it. I’m obsessed with it as a carry-on and for its all-around functionality. It can be a side duffle bag or a backpack. The straps are fully adjustable. It’s super comfortable and flexible yet sturdy and durable, allowing me to pack anyway I want for any trip. It doesn’t fall apart or pop open like others, even when stuffed. It’s also super easy to clean. I also have the 60-liter, and I use it for winter trips when I need more gear.”

Customer review: “This is an amazing travel pack! It is so pretty. And made from really strong materials. Also, the zipper on your back ensures that no one can open your back while you are wearing it. I highly recommend this product.”

Dakota Air Mesh Backpack

Dagne Dover bags have been trending for a long time, and it’s safe to say they aren’t going anywhere. Known for its sleek and performance-friendly neoprene, the newer version of the original Dakota bag is made with Air Mesh. It’s a breezier fabric in a new texture with all the features Dagne Dover fans know and love. This backpack is stretchy and padded to provide comfort, protection, and extra room along with a luggage sleeve and fits up to a 16-inch laptop in a separate back compartment. It’s super lightweight and made from 49 recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, the bag comes in three sizes and the large is the perfect personal item or weekender.

Customer review: “This is my second Dakota backpack and the only reason why I got a second one is for the trolley sleeve in the back. This bag is amazing. It holds all of my flight/train essentials. I can grab them easily with all the organization pockets. It’s easy on my shoulders and it’s also amazing for traveling to work or the gym.”

Check-In L

Rimowa has been specializing in and perfecting designer luggage for over 120 years, and the Check-In L is one of the brand’s bestsellers. It’s constructed from high-end aluminum and engineered with durability and longevity as the top priority. Plus, the suitcase is lightweight for everything it offers. It will last forever and serve as a symbol of class, sophistication, and style. On average, you can fit 10 days of travel essentials and extras inside. Some standout features include TSA-approved locks, organizational dividers, a multi-wheel system, and a telescopic handle for comfort and maneuverability. For a lighter version of this popular style, weighing (almost four pounds less) opt for Rimowa’s polycarbonate version.

Customer review: “This was my first Rimowa purchase, and I am very pleased so far. The look is super sleek, modern, and luxurious. The suitcase itself is highly functional with a few perfect features. The wheels are high-quality, which makes walking with the suitcase extremely easy. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a large (but light) checked bag.”

The 29” Large Check-In Roller

Shay Mitchell sought to create a stylish and affordable luggage brand for gals on the go. She thinks of small details most competitors don’t. The Large Check-In Roller, for example, is made with a built-in weight limit indicator that lets you know when you’ve packed too much. Plus, it’s made with two inches of optional expansion, compression straps for stuffing, and flaps with several pockets. There’s also a TSA-approved combination lock so you can keep your goods safe and secure. It’s easy to roll, modern and stylish, and has a lifetime luggage warranty with each purchase.

Travel expert, editor, and content creator, Kristin Corpuz says, “I love Beis’ suitcases because of how functional they are. I’m typically a carry-on-only kind of girl and the brand’s carry-on never ceases to amaze with how much it can fit inside. I’ve traveled for six weeks through Europe with that suitcase, and plenty of other trips before and after. It’s super sturdy (20+ countries and countless road trips do a lot of damage) and glides easily through the airport. My favorite underrated feature is the padded handle, which makes it super comfortable to maneuver through a crowded terminal.”

Customer review: “This bag is of high-quality design and functionality. I love all the attention to detail like the weight indicator in the handle. How has no other luggage brand come out with this?! I’m always the one that’s overpacking and repacking upon checking my bags in the ticket line. The wheels are well constructed and very smooth like butter. It’s a very good value for the quality of this suitcase.”

For the Minimalist Set

At first glance, you can already tell that anything Monos creates is sleek and high-tech. This set is perfect for the minimalist (as the product name entails) or the business traveler who needs to stay organized and appear professional. The Carry-On features a built-in front compartment for easy access to your travel essentials and documents. The Metro Backpack is made from water-resistant nylon twill for daily commutes and weekend trips and is the perfect fitting personal item to the Carry-On. It even has a unique Modular Kit System that snaps on and off. Lastly, the packing cubes are the icing on the cake, compressing your luggage to fit inside perfectly.

Customer review: “This is a fantastic carry-on suitcase! I am extremely pleased with my purchase. I travel 200,000 air miles per year, so I need a carry-on that is lightweight, durable, and flexible. I also need a carry-on that is compliant with the more strict international carry-on size limits. The Monos carry-on has exceeded my expectations! The interior design of the Monos carry-on maximizes space. I like that the bag opens into two halves. When open, the right side of the bag has a compression pad that reduces the volume of my clothing by about 40 percent. I have easily packed for three or four days on just the right side of the bag by using the built-in compression pad. The entire set makes my business travel experience so much easier.”

31-Inch 19 Degrees Extended Trip Expandable Spinner

Another household name this article would be incomplete without is Tumi. This suitcase in particular is made with the brand’s patent-pending DuraFold construction, which folds and reinforces the corners of the hard case with impact-resistant caps for durability and longevity. The design allows you to fit more inside with a hardtop structure. It’s also expandable (so you can pack even more) and features 360-degree swiveling multidirectional wheels for efficient navigation.

Customer review: “I’ve had this about four years. It allows me to pack SO much. I can’t stand to go on vacation without lots of shoes and beauty products. This fits everything even when I doubt there is any possible way. It’s so easy to push through the airport because it wheels around so very easily. My hubby thought this was unnecessary at first but now agrees it is awesome. Sure, there are scuffs but the functionality is so amazing, I couldn’t care less.”

28-Inch Hardside Spinner

Amazon does it all, and its luggage is actually pretty great if you’re looking for something on a budget. This suitcase checks off all the basic needs of a suitcase. It’s an expandable hard case, has swivel-friendly wheels, is scratch-resistant, and has a full polyester-lined interior. You might not be getting a brand name, but for under $200 and next-day delivery? You can’t beat it. Not to mention, it has over 43,000 near-perfect reviews on Amazon.

Customer review: “Great suitcase for personal and business travel. I made it very well through a two-week stint through Europe and during domestic flights as well.”

Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry On

Soft-shell suitcases aren’t as popular these days, but there are a ton of benefits to them. And Travelpro makes the best on the market. The most notable feature from customer reviews and editor testing is how much you can pack in this carry-on. It’s super roomy and expandable with organizational pockets on the outside and inside. And there are handles for easy lifting and swivel-friendly wheels. The soft-shell fabric allows you to pack more with less weight.

Customer review: “The wheels are disproportionately large compared to the bag, and this is excellent because they glide very smoothly and never jam, even when on European cobblestones. The wheels lock in alignment, which means they are smooth on all airport surfaces. I can push and let go and expect the bag to stay rolling with me if I need to switch hands on something I’m carrying. The telescoping handle is super sturdy, which was a relief because that’s what broke on my old bag.”

The Large Suitcase

Away has become a gold standard of luggage over the past decade and the brand re-released its classics this year with major improvements. The refreshed product line was informed by tens of thousands of interviews, reviews, and direct customer feedback to suit the modern stylish traveler. Key upgrades include redesigned handles that are easier to grip and lift upwards, additional underside grab handles to make it easier to pull from baggage claim, an updated trolly system that’s more comfortable and stable, and refreshed slimmer 360-degree spinner wheels to name a few. There are also new colors, finishes (hello glossy!), organization pockets, and a new-and-improved laundry bag. The latest and greatest from Away fits more, weighs less, and is worth the upgrade if you currently own the original.

Customer review: “This bag has helped me through many travel journeys. Upon returning from a recent trip abroad, I discovered that my bag had been damaged due to mishandling by airport staff. Away promptly replaced the bag. Aside from the A+ customer service, the bag is exceptionally roomy, lightweight, and easy to organize.”

Evry Starter Bundle

Calpak makes it easy when you simply need new luggage. From packing cubes to laundry bags, a carry-on, and a checked bag, this set is a great value for how well-made the products are. Major details of Calpak’s luggage include TSA-approved locks, up to two inches of expansion, bottom grab handles, an included luggage tag and packing cubes, and a divider with multiple interior pockets. It’s super stylish when you can strut through the airport with a matching set, and this one from Calpak allows that to happen without entirely breaking the bank.

Customer review: “I love every CalPak item that I own and these were no exception! I’ve been eyeing the starter bundle for weeks and finally went for it when my luggage broke. You get a lot of bang for your buck and the quality is great. I’ve already traveled with the checked luggage and there were minimal scratches from the airline luggage handlers. I really love how functional all of CalPak’s products are!”

Everyday Backpack

Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack has impeccable organization and security, especially for handling precious cargo like cameras, lenses, and other tech gear. It’s made with a unique magnetic latch closure to provide super-fast top access and closure. It also has dual-sided openings, three customizable dividers, and dedicated sleeves for laptops and documents. Its weatherproof shell keeps things dry and protected. Whether you use it for gear or general travel, it’s an investment-worthy versatile bag that fits nicely over a luggage handle.

Tour photographer and videographer, Jacob Brown Bear Laham says, “This backpack has made my life on the road far more efficient, especially when I’m traveling with gear. I’m constantly packing and unpacking, and the customizable organization pockets help me take out only what I need at a time. Whether I’m using it to protect my cameras or store miscellaneous tech and travel items, it’s quickly become my favorite everyday carry. It’s roomy and easily locks in over my rolling luggage with a padded weatherproof coating to ensure protection.”

Customer review: “The magnetic latch (and magnet pockets and shoulder straps) and the origami dividers are what makes this bag for me. The fact that I have the option to either have a ton of different sections or a completely wide open space is amazing. It’s so versatile! The other thing I really appreciate about this bag (and this company), is the attention to detail.”

Aviator100 Carry On Plus

Paravel is a sustainable luggage brand that makes most of its products from recycled materials. The entire line of luggage is great, but the Carry-On Plus is a tried-and-true favorite. This one is a limited-edition version, in a glacial blue color inspired by Icelandic glaciers and the surrounding sea. Paravel has an entire line of colors of the Carry-On Plus—all made with an excellent swivel system, interior compression, organizational pockets, a removable laundry bag, and more. Paravel is a forward forward-thinking travel brand that pays attention to high-tech details, construction, and sustainability, all in classic travel and retro-inspired designs, making it a luggage brand that stands out from the crowd.

Customer review: “My Carry On-Plus easily fits a week’s worth of clothes and is brilliantly and beautifully designed. The wheels make it super easy to navigate through airports and plane aisles. Fits in most overhead compartments. The laundry bag is a nice extra touch. Plenty of inside pocket space. Perfect pairing for my medium tote bag.”

What to Look for in the Best Luggage

Luggage should improve your travel experience, keeping you organized and moving efficiently. The type of luggage you should invest in depends on your type of travel, but generally speaking, the most important things to look out for in the best luggage brands are wheelability, if it’s a rolling suitcase, type of materials, overall weight, and organizational details. Checked luggage shouldn’t weigh more than 12 pounds while carry-on luggage averages eight pounds. Backpacks and duffle bags are easier to store and far lighter. Most of the items on this list check off all of these boxes and more.

Meet the Experts

Vanessa Powell is an avid traveler and product expert who has tested over 25 luggage brands over the last year.

Nikki Tomlin is a travel expert and content creator who has been to 16 countries in the last two years exclusively with carry-on-sized luggage.

Kristin Corpuz is a travel expert, editor, and content creator, and an all-around efficient packer prioritizing photography, style, and outfits.

Jacob “Brown Bear” Laham is a tour photographer, videographer, and content creator who spends 75 percent of his time on the road capturing art for musicians, friends, and various talents.

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