Last updated on April 14th, 2022
When traveling, anyone would readily admit that luggage may sometimes make or break a trip. As a result, there are many things to consider when selecting a baggage travel companion. The most important considerations are weight and durability. Needless to say, a lightweight bag that can survive everyday airport transit is pretty much heaven-sent.
On top of that, carry-on-only travel is becoming a more significant trend. Add a bit of flair to that, and you’ll have stylish carry-on luggage that’ll make your flights comfortable.
There’s no need to sacrifice style when selecting the best carry-on luggage for a trip. This list contains the most stylish suitcases, totes, luxury briefcases, and designer backpacks available for the cabin.
Most Stylish Carry-On Luggage
1. Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Carry-On
The Samsonite Freeform is a hard-side carry-on luggage piece that is expandable to accommodate more items if the need ever arises. In addition, it comes in up to 12 color options to suit any taste while also conveniently allowing luggage owners to differentiate their luggage from others more easily.
Samsonite has long been known as one of the best luggage brands out there, and it’s easy to see the luxury and quality of their products in the Freeform.
What sets the Freeform Carry-On apart is its ultra-lightweight (6.5lbs), allowing travelers to bring more of their own items because it doesn’t contribute as much to the weight limit. Additional features include a recessed combination TSA lock and four double-spinner 360-degree wheels for easy movement.
2. Tumi International Carry-On
For a more premium designer carry-on luggage option, the Tumi International Carry-On — Latitude Collection — is sure to impress. Tumi touts it as their most luxurious and durable hard-sided case that also happens to be lightweight (6.3lbs) enough to make traveling easier.
The Latitude is made using layers of SRPP Ballistic material specially woven together, allowing the case’s outer shell to bend or flex so it can adapt to its surroundings. In addition, Tumi made sure to streamline this piece of luggage’s design, making it look stylish and feel premium to boot.
The Tumi International Carry-On has four spinning wheels, a three-stage telescopic handle, a low-profile integrated TSA combination lock, and a luggage tag. The Latitude Collection comes in four colorways.
3. Montblanc Carry-On Luggage
Montblanc is a name synonymous with luxury. The brand offers all sorts of luxury items, including fountain pens, wristwatches, men’s and women’s accessories, and travel gear — like the #MY4810 Carry-On Luggage. The black and silver design of this luggage may be simple, but it radiates style and elegance.
The Montblanc Carry-On Luggage comes in a few style options, including a collaboration with Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. It’s made using high-quality polycarbonate and has soft leather accents. The #MY4810 Collection should have a color for most tastes.
This stylish carry-on luggage has a hexagonal motif jacquard lining, four double-spinner 360-degree wheels, and an embedded TSA combo lock.
4. Nomatic Carry-On Pro
Those who love sleek and tech designs can rejoice at the sight of the Nomatic Carry-On Pro, which also comes with a Tech Case to carry laptops or gadgets.
The Tech Case can also be used as a daily bag once the traveler is at their destination. The Nomatic Carry-On Pro has a tech compartment on the front that can hold all tech essentials. For ease and convenience, users can simply put the Tech Case in the front compartment. An embedded TSA lock keeps the main compartment safe.
Nomatic’s offering uses magnetic compression straps to help travelers fit more items into the luggage. In addition, internal compartmentalization allows for the best possible organization. Made using Makrolon polycarbonate, the Carry-On Pro is designed to withstand the roughest travel conditions. Unfortunately, this luggage only has one color option.
5. Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket
The Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-On Max, which comes with a front pocket for a laptop and convenience, is available in five colors. Aside from black and navy, it’s also available in punchy lemon, garnet, and sage colorways.
This stylish cabin luggage is made using impact-resistant polycarbonate, and the zippers are double-coil and tamper-proof. Furthermore, an integrated TSA combo lock helps protect the contents of the suitcase. The hardcase’s front compartment has interior pockets to help with organization.
What sets the Arlo Skye Carry-On Max apart from other suitcases is that it comes with a removable 10,050 mAh fast charger and 18-watt USB A & USB C ports. Another advantage to this suitcase is the anti-microbial lining that helps travelers keep their items clean.
6. Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus & Packing Cube Quad
Paravel touts the Aviator Carry-On Plus & Packing Cube Quad as their sustainable luggage combo. This Conde Nast Traveler-awarded luggage set comes in seven colorways, including Derby Black and Metro Silver, the plain black and silver options. The colors of the included packing cubes also change to match the selected colorways.
The Paravel luggage set is made to be carbon neutral every step of the way, from sourcing, creating, and shipping. It uses recycled polycarbonate for the exterior, vegan leather for the details, and recycled aircraft-grade aluminum for the handle. Even the zippers are recycled. It also has 360-degree carbon steel wheels and a TSA combination lock.
Despite the materials used, the Aviator carry-on set is capable of withstanding rigors in travel.
7. Briggs & Riley Sympatico 22-Inch Hardside Carry-On
This hardside carry-on by Briggs & Riley comes in eight colors to suit every taste. This suitcase is expandable and can accommodate up to 25% extra packing space if the need arises. Its four spinner wheels allow ease in mobility, and a TSA lock is included to keep the suitcase contents safe throughout any trip.
Three-layer 100% Makrolon material (polycarbonate) is used for the exterior to keep this suitcase durable and somewhat lightweight (8.4lbs). When it comes to the interior, this case has an inner lining with compartments to help travelers organize their items.
The Briggs & Riley Sympatico comes with a lifetime warranty and a guarantee where the company will repair the suitcase if it’s ever damaged or broken for any reason.
8. Rimowa Hybrid Cabin
Rimowa is one of the best luxury luggage brands in the world, and with their premium products that are not only stylish but also durable, it’s easy to see why.
The Rimowa Hybrid Cabin is another example of why Rimowa is a name that dominates the luggage scene. This suitcase comes in two matte colorways: matte blue + silver and all-black, and one glossy white colorway. For extra style points, Rimowa’s resilient aluminum-magnesium metal alloy accents the lightweight polycarbonate exterior of the Hybrid Cabin.
The Hybrid Cabin has four spinning wheels, two TSA-approved combo locks, and flex dividers in the interior to help travelers organize their belongings. There are handles on the top and side, and a telescopic handle for easy rolling.
9. Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Carry-On Suitcase and Underseat Tote
View Carry-On Suitcase or Tote on Travelpro
The Travelpro x Travel + Leisure is a two-piece carry-on luggage set that includes an underseat tote to carry everything from phones to 15″ laptops.
However, both pieces can be purchased separately, and there is no need to buy both. This set comes in three colorways: Whistler Grey, White Sand, and Monaco Blue. In addition, the underseat tote has an extra colorway, Black Diamond, which is the all-black option.
Travelpro’s cabin suitcase is expandable by up to two inches, providing additional packing space when it’s needed. It also uses polycarbonate for its hardshell, alongside zinc armor to reinforce the corners. The interior has compartments for easy organization. Besides an embedded TSA-friendly combo lock, the case has magnetic spinning wheels that self-align for easy gliding.
10. Victorinox Swiss Army Lexicon Hardside Global Carry-On
View on Victorinox or Amazon
Victorinox has been long known for its premium and durable products, including their luggage. The Lexicon Hardside Global Carry-On is no exception to this reputation. It’s a sleek and chic hard-sided suitcase built to last with two colors to choose from.
This suitcase has four spinner wheels that are super-recessed, maximizing the carrying capacity while simultaneously ensuring carry-on restrictions are met. The interior is lined and has compartments and an X compression strap.
Known for Swiss Army knives, Victorinox also included a multitool with the Lexicon. Features consist of a tool for replacing sim cards, a pen, and an ID tag. Furthermore, there is a USB port to charge devices with a power bank (purchased separately).
11. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero 21-Inch Cabin Luggage
Delsey is another big name in luggage and travel essentials. The Paris Helium Aero cabin suitcase comes in 10 colors and textures that travelers can choose to differentiate their luggage. Travelers can also purchase this suitcase in a 2-piece or 3-piece set if they want to have matching checked bags.
Delsey’s Paris Helium Aero uses 100% polycarbonate for the exterior and fabric for the interior, which also has compression straps and zippered compartments for keeping things organized.
The premium suitcase is expandable up to two inches, increasing packing capacity when needed. It’s also lightweight (7.1lbs) and has four 360-degree wheels for maneuvering and gliding effortlessly through the airport.
12. Travelers Club Sky+ Luggage 3-Piece Set
There are five colors available with the Travelers Club Sky+ Luggage 3-Piece Set. The set is available in black, navy blue, red, rose gold, and teal, giving travelers choices to select their suitcase. In addition, the collection includes the carry-on suitcase, a boarding tote, and a travel kit and toiletry case to provide the user with a complete organizational solution for their trips.
This suitcase is also expandable to accommodate more items, and users can attach the boarding tote onto the luggage trolley with the included back strap.
The Travelers Club Sky+ suitcase is made of an ABS hardshell material, allowing it to be lightweight and durable. Four spinner wheels ensure maneuverability and easy gliding through airports.
Most Stylish Tote Bags and Briefcases
13. Taoqiao Vintage Messenger Bag
For an affordable yet stylish option, the Taoquiao Vintage Messenger Bag is exceptional. This canvas-made bag is available in three sizes: medium, large, and extra-large, and can be purchased in beige or black. A great thing about the Taoquiao Messenger Bag is that it has anti-theft features to secure laptops, tablets, cell phones, and important documents.
This unisex messenger bag has plenty of compartments to hold just about anything, and with the adjustable shoulder strap finding a comfortable way to carry it is a breeze.
If travelers are looking for a way to carry their laptops around during travel, the large size can hold a 14″ laptop, and the extra-large can fit a 15.6″ laptop.
14. Victorinox Swiss Army 13″ Laptop Brief
The Victorinox Swiss Army 13″ Laptop Brief is only available in one color: Deep Lake. The briefcase uses dark blue as its primary color and black for its accents.
This brief’s main compartment is expandable and has a pocket that holds laptops and tablets with screens up to 13″. The main compartment also has a 10-inch phone or tablet pocket.
The briefcase’s exterior is a zipped pocket with more pockets inside for cell phones, charger cables, power cords, cards, and more, making organization a breeze.
Victorinox also included a removable tri-fold organizer with accessory loops and pockets to make travelers’ lives easier. In addition, the briefcase has handles and a removable adjustable strap for extra convenience.
15. Tumi Cleary Weekender
The Cleary Weekender by Tumi is a roomy, nylon tote bag that can fit essentials during travel, making it a great carry-on. The stylishly designed Cleary tote works great for day-to-day use and can even be used for work.
However, the best part is that it works well for travel thanks to the practical compartments. This tote can fit up laptops up to 13″ in size thanks to its padded laptop slot, which secures using a snap tab.
This tote also has a water-resistant pocket for a water bottle or foldable umbrella. A key leash is also included to help keep keys secure. In terms of comfort, Cleary’s removable shoulder strap is adjustable and has a cushion to prevent digging or chafing of the shoulder. Users can also carry the bag with its two handles.
16. Nomatic Messenger Bag
The Nomatic Messenger Bag may look somewhat basic at first glance, but behind its basic aesthetic lies a wealth of features that make it a perfect travel companion.
One of the main differentiating features that this bag has is its customizable panels, of which two are included to help travelers pack precisely how they need to for their trip.
The adjustable shoulder strap attaches by a 360-degree magnetic lock and can be removed if the user wishes to carry the bag like a briefcase.
There are magnetic exterior pockets to hold water bottles or other items and keep them handy. Finally, another one of the many features of the Nomatic Messenger Bag is a TSA-ready compartment for laptops.
17. Rimowa Never Still Briefcase
Rimowa’s Never Still Briefcase comes in two colors: black and cactus. This suitcase made in Italy features a sleek design and durable premium materials that can stand the test of time.
The Never Still is made of full-grain leather and a solid canvas to provide a sturdy exterior. It has an adjustable shoulder strap that easily detaches if needed and a travel strap that helps to affix the briefcase onto a suitcase during travel.
This briefcase has two zippered compartments for organizing personal belongings and a padded interior pocket to hold a laptop with screens up to 13 inches. The briefcase also comes with a complimentary removable luggage/address tag made out of leather.
18. Tumi Slim Three Way Brief
Multipurpose products are the name of the game when it comes to convenience during travel.
The Tumi Slim Three Way Brief, made with ballistic nylon, provides complete versatility to allow travelers to carry their items in three different ways: with the brief as a backpack, a messenger bag, and of course, as a briefcase.
The brief’s backpack straps are adjustable for even more added convenience and can be tucked away if not needed. The padded shoulder strap is also adjustable and can be removed if necessary.
A padded interior pocket is included to hold laptops up to 15″ (16″ for MacBooks). In addition, the Slim Three Way Brief has a back strap to allow travelers to affix it to their suitcases for easy carrying.
19. Paravel Weekender
The Paravel Weekender comes in Domino Black and Scout Tan, two colorways that act as accents to the bag’s EcoCraft canvas material. The bag’s signature material is upcycled from 12 water bottles and coated with silicone to give it additional protection from stains.
The Weekender can pack enough for a short three-day trip. It also has intelligent straps to fit onto a suitcase handle for easy carrying. In addition, this stylish offering from Paravel can fit a laptop of up to 15 inches.
The Weekender follows TSA’s carry-on requirements, allowing travelers peace of mind and ease as they go through airport screenings.
Paravel’s Weekender can be customized with embroidered or hand-painted letters, hand-painted emojis, or foil letters stamped onto the leather.
20. Montblanc Nightflight Document Case
Montblanc’s Nightflight Document Case is made out of nylon, allowing it to be water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant.
It has soft black leather accents and handles, and the removable adjustable shoulder strap is monogrammed with the Montblanc brand. The interior is lined with a jacquard fabric featuring a hexagonal motif.
Montblanc’s Nightflight Document Case has a dedicated compartment to hold a laptop and a document storage compartment to hold folders and other items.
One thing that makes this briefcase stand out is that it uses RFID blocking technology to prevent data and information theft. In addition, travelers can personalize this bag with initials, which can be embossed onto the included name tags.
Most Stylish Backpacks
21. Tumi Sterling Backpack
Tumi’s Sterling Backpack is undoubtedly one of the most stylishly sleek options on this list.
Unfortunately, it’s not the largest choice — it won’t fit a full-sized laptop. However, it does have a padded tablet pocket to hold android tablets and iPads.
For travelers’ convenience, the Sterling has a water-resistant pocket to keep water bottles and folded umbrellas. The bottle pocket cinches shut with a drawstring and can be used inside of the bag.
The Sterling has plenty of pockets and compartments to hold all sorts of things, as well as an adjustable strap on the side to keep the water bottle pocket or any other items such as outerwear. Travelers can buy this fabric backpack in black, navy camo, or raisin.
22. Rimowa Never Still Backpack
Like Rimowa’s suitcases and briefcases, the Never Still luxury backpack is a standout in design and durability. The backpack is made out of canvas fabric with full-grain leather detailing.
The interior has a textile lining to keep all items inside safe. The hardware and accents are palladium-colored for extra contrast. This backpack by Rimowa has grooved front pockets to help keep essentials safe and handy.
There is a travel strap on the back to allow users to put the Never Still on suitcase handles. Rimowa made this bag available in four colors: black, cactus, grey, and saffron. Although it doesn’t have a dedicated pocket for water bottles, it does comes with a removable address tag made out of leather.
23. Paravel Upland Backpack
Paravel’s Upland Backpack looks much like their Weekender bag — aesthetically beautiful, at the very least. This spacious yet stylish backpack is made from lightweight, sustainable canvas and uses leather for its detailing.
Like the Weekender, the Upland Backpack also comes in two colorways: Domino Black and Scout Tan. And once more, like the Weekender, travelers can also customize this backpack with initials in various styles.
To help keep everything organized, users have three pockets in the interior, a zip pocket on the side, and an exterior pocket that closes with a magnet. The main compartment has a drawstring to contain all the items inside. Unfortunately, Paravel’s Upland Backpack doesn’t have dedicated compartments for laptops or water bottles.
24. SOCKO Laptop Cabin Backpack for Women
The SOCKO Laptop Cabin Backpack for Women is a hidden gem that happens to be one of the most affordable on this list. This backpack is available in a cute pink and vibrant yellow and is just roomy enough to hold any traveler’s essentials.
Travelers can find a dedicated padded laptop pocket in the interior to keep laptops with screens up to 15.6″ safe during their trips. In addition, there are pockets on each side of the SOCKO backpack that can hold items like water bottles and umbrellas, although these pockets are not water-resistant, so users must be careful not to have water spills.
A front zipped pocket keeps all essentials handy, and the top handles drop enough to allow owners to carry the bag as a tote around their elbows. Furthermore, the SOCKO backpack is made from nylon that is scratch-resistant and extra durable.
25. Tumi Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack
The Tumi Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack comes in seven different colorways for travelers to choose their favorite style. In addition, four colors are available as accents with black: Tan, Atlantic, Cherry, and Sunrise. The other three colorways are plain black, graphite, and russet, a red and black combo style.
One fantastic thing about the Sheppard is the many pockets and compartments for organization. This includes a dedicated pouch for a tablet or a laptop up to 15″ screen size.
Among this backpack’s many exterior pockets, users can find a waterproof umbrella or water bottle pocket. To make it easier to carry the bag with a suitcase, there is a back sleeve to slide onto a suitcase handle. The Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack is made using ballistic nylon.
26. Victorinox Swiss Army Deluxe Flapover Laptop Backpack
Available in Burgundy and Deep Lake, the Deluxe Flapover Laptop Backpack by Victorinox is a bag that was specifically engineered to carry heavy loads.
The stylish design of the Deluxe Flapover allows travelers to use it for any purpose, be it during school, work, day-to-day life, or travel. The front compartment has pockets for cables, cards, gadgets, documents, and more.
Its design allows for easy packing and for everything to be kept handy. In addition, a dedicated laptop or tablet pocket with its own zip is on the back of the bag, allowing for easy access and safekeeping when the bag is worn. Unfortunately, this bag does not have an exterior pocket to hold water bottles or umbrellas.
27. Montblanc M Gram Backpack
The Montblanc M Gram Backpack is a monogram design luxury backpack made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material. The accents are coated canvas and full-grain leather, and the interior lining is cotton fabric. The backpack has adjustable straps and a top handle for easy carrying throughout any travel.
This backpack has a top flap that secures shut by a metal hook, sealing the main compartment and preventing any items from falling out. A zipped pocket is on the front, allowing easy access to essentials. Unfortunately, this Montblanc backpack does not have an outside pocket for a water bottle or umbrella, and travelers should be mindful of this when choosing to purchase the M Gram.
28. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Women’s Backpack
Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 backpack for women comes in black, dusty rose, slate green, and midnight blue. Despite the Maxlite 5’s slim profile, it is an ultra-durable bag that is perfect for any purpose, not just travel. In addition, built-in amenities such as a padded tablet/laptop sleeve and organization pockets help make this bag extra convenient.
Although it is one of the most affordable backpacks on this list, The TravelPro Maxlite 5 includes a feature none of the other backpacks have — the Travelpro QuickSlip pocket on the front, which uses a magnetic closure to hold essential items like cell phones and keys.
Besides the front cellphone pocket, there is also a zipped front pocket and built-in side pockets to keep compact umbrellas or small water bottles. A discreet back strap allows travelers to slip the backpack over suitcase handles.
29. Tumi Minori Backpack
Another offering from Tumi, the Minori backpack is one of the most stylish and elegant women’s backpacks. The main compartment can contain and hold most laptops with 14-inch screens and any tablets of similar size.
The Minori comes with a leather pouch that can be used as a daily clutch since it’s removable. This backpack was made in Florence, Italy, using fine leather, making it even more premium and luxurious all around.
The backpack has adjustable shoulder straps and a back sleeve to allow owners to slip it over suitcase handles. A back cellphone pocket allows for the safekeeping of gadgets and small essential items while the bag is worn. The bag has a flap entry with a metal clasp closure, and thin straps in the interior allow the sides to cinch in. The Minori has four metal feet to prevent the bottom from getting scuffed.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of stylish options when it comes to travel gear — be they suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, or totes. There are even weekender bags available for those who only need a small amount of space to carry a few changes of clothes, some devices, and other similar items.
Travelers can seek out features they actively need, such as anti-theft protection and dedicated device compartments. Needless to say, choosing the right stylish carry-on, whether they are luxury choices or more affordable ones, can help make travel far more convenient and impressionable.
