The best hard-shell luggage, tested and approved by travel experts
We tried more than 100 suitcases and narrowed it down to the hard side suitcases that will survive any journey without breaking down — or breaking the bank.
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Whether you're jetting off on a far-flung summer getaway, headed out on a business trip or in the midst of a move, take a look around next time you're in the airport — it seems like hard-side luggage is everywhere . It's definitely trendy, yes, but there's more to our collective preference for hardshell carry-ons and checked bags than that. Its durable, rigid exoskeleton means it's less likely to be crushed or otherwise damaged in cargo holds and overhead compartments. It's also weather-resistant by design and can be easily wiped clean, making it some. of the best luggage you can buy.
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Hard-side suitcases aren't without flaws, though. They tend to be heavier and oftentimes offer less expansion than soft-sided pieces, making it difficult to cram in extra items. And when we test luggage , we noticed that our rough-and-tumble tests designed to mimic the perils of air travel revealed that hardshells more easily scrape, scratch and scuff than softer options.
That's why it's crucial to select the best hardshell luggage that actually strikes the balance of capacity, durability and performance — and they do exist. With the help of travel experts, frequent fliers and product-testing experts, we got hands-on and evaluated each of these bags for durability, ease of use, quality, value and, of course, performance. The picks below are the ones that rose to the top after we combed through 22 surveys and over 200 data points from testers who have spent 7+ years testing suitcases.
The best hard-shell luggage of 2026
Exterior dimensions: 21.7" x 14.4" x 9" | Interior dimensions: 20.1" x 13.9" x 7.5" | Weight: 7.5 lbs. | Capacity: 41 L | Expandable: No | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:4 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:None | Colors: 9
Why we love it:If there's one suitcase that catapulted hard-side luggage into the zeitgeist, it's Away's Carry-on. Vogue called it "the perfect carry-on" in 2016 before it was even available for purchase. The New York Times called it "the suitcase of the summer" in 2018. And it's only become more popular, earning its cult-favorite reputation for being luggage that performs and lasts . It's a true team favorite carry-on luggage for its performance, ease of use and ubiquitous look — our full Away review 2 dives into all the juicy details.
What our experts say:The wheels glide like a hot knife through butter, says Director of Commerce Initiatives Jeanine Edwards , who has taken her Away on all her travels over the past six years. "They turn in all directions like a dream," she says. It measures in at just around the recommended size for overhead bin compatibility, so there are "no worries about last-minute bag checks," says Senior Deals Writer Carrie McCabe .
What testers say:The Away bag earned 4s and 5s for its high-quality handles and wheels as well as an overall sleek appearance. And despite its slim size, Senior Commerce Editor Rory Halperin says, "it's incredible how much you can pack in." That's thanks to the brand's signature interior compression system, which testers say more than makes up for the bag's lack of expansion. The Away Carry-On also earned a cool 4.2/5 for ease of lifting overhead even when fully-packed, an essential checkbox for any good carry-on.
Keep in mind:The popularity comes at a cost: The suitcases scored an average of 3.2 for being tough to identify at baggage claim. "Without a distinctive luggage tag (or a few well-placed stickers), it's easy to second-guess which one is yours," writes Editorial Director Lauren Matthews-Ide . Testers also noted that lighter colors can't stand up to wear and tear. Streaming Editor Danica Creahan gave her Away a scorching 1/5 for external durability, writing, "It's a gorgeous piece but it will get scuffed almost immediately."
- Top-rated by travel pros
- Easy to use and pack
- Good interior compression system
- Great wheels that roll easily
- Not expandable
- Lighter colors get scuffed very easily
Exterior dimensions: 21.7" x 14.8" x 10" | Interior dimensions: 20.9" x 13.6" x 9.5" | Weight: 6.8 lbs. | Capacity: 34 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:None | On-board battery:None | Colors: 5
Why we love it: Finding a hard-shell carry-on for around $60 is difficult — add in one with an expansion panel and thoughtful organizational pockets, and it would seem nearly impossible if not for this stout Amazon Basics pick. It's the best lightweight option we tested and an adorable size, making it a great starter suitcase for anyone who doesn't want to splash out on a splurgier option.
What our experts say:This was the lightest carry-on that we tested. It's extremely compact, scoring 5/5s for manageability and ease of lifting, making it appealing for anyone who dreads holding up the boarding line while trying to wrangle an overweight carry-on into the overhead bin. It's sturdier than we expected, with reinforced corners for extra durability. And although it doesn't have any built-in compression features, it is expandable to ensure you have enough packing room.
What testers say: Jessica Teich , Senior Style Editor, describes the bag as "a great 'starter' suitcase." She continues: "It's not designer quality but I didn't expect it to be and I don't need it to be. It was reliable and a good size for my four day trip."
Keep in mind: When it comes to hard-shell luggage, lighter weight often correlates with lower durability. We found the suitcase to be somewhat wobbly and imbalanced, which caused it to tip over a few times especially with a heavy duffel on top. It also had fairly noisy wheels. And lastly, the suitcase measures 0.8 inches wider than our general recommendation of a carry-on no bigger than 22" x 14" x 9" for overhead bin compatibility, so it's worth double-checking the specific instructions provided by your airline.
- Our most affordable pick
- Lightest suitcase on our list
- Generous capacity with expansion
- Reinforced corners
- Not as high-quality or well-balanced as others
Exterior dimensions: 23" x 14.75" x 9.75" | Interior dimensions: 21.06" x 14.69" | Weight: 7.62 lbs | Capacity: 48 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock: Yes| On-board battery:No | Colors: 9
Why we love it: If you've graduated beyond a suitcase where you're gambling on whether the wheels and handles make it to your destination and back and want something that's more affordable than simply as cheap as possible, consider Quince's expandable carry-on. It's decent quality with a minimalist, sleek design and solid functionality that outperforms its affordable price point.
What our experts say: This is a efficient, simple, no-frills bag. It's extremely spacious with plenty of room for our standardized packing load, with no sitting on top of the bag required to easily zip it up. A full-size compression panel that's secured by two buckle straps was a standout feature that we found to be extremely effective and easy to use during testing. And it scored a cool 4.78/5 for maneuverability, stability and trajectory, staying upright throughout our entire obstacle course and transitioning over carpet bumps well.
What testers say: "I liked how roomy it was on the inside, you can fit a lot in this," says Senior Operations Analyst Annie Villacis. "The straps for compression on the inside were nice for larger jacket compression. I also liked that the handle was not nested so it was easier to pull up — however, that made it feel more flimsy." Testers also liked its built-in lock that was "easy to set up."
Keep in mind: Many (including Quince itself, who names Away in a comparison chart on this product listing) claim that this bag is an Away dupe. Looking at both side by side, we found that the two bags have a very similar sleek look, but the Quince bag was slightly bendier and not quite up to par with Away's quality — which makes sense, given the fact that it's $100 cheaper. However, one customer wrote: "We own the comparable Away version as well, and honestly they're almost indistinguishable in both look and feel."
- Well-balanced design that rolls nicely and quietly
- Very spacious interior
- Great compression system
- Efficient design that covers all the bases
- Slightly less durable exterior
Exterior dimensions: 21" x 13.75" x 9" | Interior dimensions: 19" x 14" x 9" | Weight: 7.36 lbs | Capacity: 39.2 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:No | Colors: 14
Why we love it: Chic enough to hold its own against designer suitcases five times its price and reliable through dozens of plane rides, Calpak Ambeur won best expandable suitcase for our 2026 Yahoo Travel Awards . The metallic carry-on offers a luxury look for less and accrued minimal scratching/scuffing throughout a year of regular use.
What our experts say: This medium-weight bag is both spacious and durable with a pleasantly standard build and no-nonsense zippers that perform exactly the way you hope — no gimmicks to be found. It earned multiple, perfect 5/5s for packability, spaciousness, scratch-resistance, stability and trajectory (talk about a star student). And in keeping on theme of looking like its far more expensive designer lookalike, one of our biggest takeaways? It outperformed several more expensive suitcases in both maneuverability and performance on different types of flooring.
What testers say: "After using this bag for over a year, the only real 'damage' that I can see is some minor scuffing on the corners," says Hannah Oh , Style Optimization Editor. "The scuffs are primarily just the silver corner coating starting to come off but it's not visible unless you get really close. It packs well and it's been a stylish companion on many a carry-on-only flight."
Keep in mind: While I've always been able to fit in everything I need for a trip, it does skew a bit large, especially when expanded. It also skews a bit off-balance if you have a weekender on top.
- Durable luxury exterior
- Very minor scuffing over time
- Spacious with expandability
- Simple, smooth zippers
- Easy to move and maneuver on various flooring
- May skew large
- Slight balance issues
Exterior dimensions: 30" x 18" x 14" | Interior dimensions: 28" x 17" x 14" | Weight: 12.52 lbs | Capacity: 110 L | Expandable: Yes | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:No | Colors: 4
Why we love it: If you love how easy it is to pack a deep softshell suitcase but are looking for something more durable, meet the Arlo Skye Trunk. The unique checked suitcase packs top-down, rather than clamshell style, combining the spaciousness of a softshell with the protection of a hardside bag. It's ideal for bulky, high volume items and extended trips — think two weeks — thanks to the ergonomic, deep yet narrow design.
What our experts say: The Arlo Skye trunk blew our expectations out of the water. Though it looks large and perhaps even clunky upon first impression — and it is spacious, that's true — it still moves like a dream. Earning all 5s for mobility and its extremely quiet wheels, we found that the 360 spinner wheels spun extremely well. It was easy to push and pull even over carpet bumps. And although it was 49.18 pounds when fully packed, which is very close to the 50 pound weight limit for checked bags, the beautiful weight distribution and helpful helper handle on the bottom made it fairly easy to lift and maneuver.
What testers say: "It looks super sleek and luxe, plus it rolls very smoothly," writes Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity who used it for a six-day trip. "Super easy to maneuver [and] easy to pack since there is a ton of space to work with." She adds, " This thing is huge, which is both a pro and a con ... It's quite large to be schlepping around and I worry it can be too big for European cars. But if you need to carry a lot of stuff, then this is a good option."
Keep in mind: Overall, the Arlo Skye trunk earned excellent scores. It earned several 5s and some solid 4s for durability, smooth wheeling, maneuverability, ease of packing and cleaning, excellent handle quality and much more. The only categories where it earned more middling scores were for the quality of the lining and interior zipper, which oddly lacked a pull and sat backwards within the lining. It's definitely a splurge, but worth splashing out on due to its totally unique design and the way it offers space and protection.
- Extremely easy to pack and great for taller/bulkier items
- Unique design that's easy to spot
- Three helper handles for easy lifting
- Moves and spins smoothly and quietly
- Expensive
- Lining zippers are a little weird
Exterior dimensions: 21.5" x 14.5" x 9.5"| Interior dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 8.5 lbs | Capacity: 34 L | Expandable: No | Shell material:Recycled polycarbonate | Interior pockets:2 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:No | Colors: 3
Why we love it: Cotopaxi's Coraza suitcase is one of the newest players on the luggage scene and yet it's already one of our favorites. It boasts all the things that Cotopaxi fans love about the brand — adorable yet rugged with a functional design, recognizable colors and wheels that can be swapped out if they sustain any damage, reducing the likelihood that you'll have to replace your suitcase anytime soon.
What our experts say: The Coraza bags boast some of the best, strongest construction we've seen. Though it's slightly heavier, it's extremely durable (5/5 for sturdiness!) with reinforced corners and an extremely scratch- and scuff-resistant exterior. It earned 4/5 for resisting scratches after being dragged facedown across a bumpy sidewalk, showing only minor marks on the bottom corners. It's notably the only unlined suitcase that we tested among dozens, giving it a bare-bones feel, but it does come with two full-sized packing cubes that clip into both sides.
What testers say: "I took this on a trip to Copenhagen, checked it in at the gate and was delighted to see that it showed nary a mark when I returned home days later," says Oh. "It's probably the most durable suitcase I've ever owned," Oh adds, which aligns with the 5/5s the bag earned for impact resistance, smooth rolling and exterior durability.
Keep in mind: It's not the easiest to roll. We found that the rubber wheels, while cute and swappable, have a less-than-smooth roll and a tendency to force wider turns than you're aiming for. The sticky texture required a firm hand during our testing, but the shock absorption properties of the rubber make them ideal for rolling along uneven surfaces like cobblestone. And pro tip: If you struggle with the clamp closures like our testers did, make sure the numbers on the locks are lined up. The bag won't close until they are!
- Cute and recognizable colorways
- Compact size
- Extremely rugged, durable exterior
- Very scratch- and damage-resistant
- Interchangeable, customizable wheels with good shock absorption
- Wheels are a little grippy when turning
- Slight learning curve to the clamp closure
Exterior dimensions: 22.75" x 15" x 10" | Interior dimensions: 20.25" x 13.75" x 9.75" | Weight: 7.7 lbs | Capacity: 44 L | Expandable: No | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:2 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:No | Colors: 4
Why we love it: Delsey's Chalet collection boasts one of the most recognizable and gorgeous exteriors that we've seen on a piece of luggage. Don't let the white shell and real leather details fool you — it was much more durable than expected and didn't get dirty throughout testing.
What our experts say: The Delsey Chalet isn't just a pretty face: it's also one of the best movers we tested. It passed our trajectory tests with flying colors and a 4.67/5 score, stayed perfectly upright during stability tests and aced maneuverability tests. We were shocked by its ability to resist damage, too. After enduring repeated tumbles down two flights of stairs, it still looked great. We appreciate that the leather-effect corners are actually made from plastic for that exact reason.
What testers say: "It's actually really beautiful," says Senior Home Writer Kristin Granero . "The exterior has leather details and a chrome, extendable handle that lends a polished touch (the zipper hardware is chrome as well). The fabric and colors used in the interior feel really elevated. For being so lightweight, I was concerned the suitcase might look cheap or be less sturdy but I had no issues from my initial testing. It seemed well-made from my experience."
Keep in mind: The hardshell exterior has a micro-hatch texture that helps prevent scuffing and scratching, but it does make it harder to wipe it down (it shredded the paper towel we used to wipe dirt from it; a rag would be a more effective choice). We also found that the wheels were fairly noisy.
- Chic, easy-to-recognize design
- Leather details and chrome hardware
- Very stable and good at traveling in a straight line unassisted
- Scratch- and damage-resistant
- Micro-hatch texture is harder to wipe
- Wheels are a little noisy
Exterior dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 8.5" | Interior dimensions: 20" x 14.5" x 8.5" | Weight: 7.4 lbs. | Capacity: 42 L | Expandable: No | Shell material:Polycarbonate | Interior pockets:3 | Exterior pockets: 0 | TSA lock:Yes | On-board battery:Yes | Colors: 12
Why we love it:Lost luggage is a rite of passage into a club no one wants to be a part of: According to one report , around 33.4 million bags were "mishandled" in 2024. That's why I love and appreciate the integrated, trackable TSA lock on July's CaseSafe line, which pairs directly with Apple and Android devices. It's also one of the only suitcases on our list that comes with an on-board battery.
What our experts say: It's hard to believe this is the first suitcase that features an on-board tracker. In my opinion, all luggage should come with built-in tracking. (Disclaimer: I've lost multiple suitcases). As for the usability, July "has exceeded my expectations in both craftsmanship and design," said Moriba Cummings, a former Yahoo shopping writer. "It looks and feels just as luxe as it does in the photo. I also love that this hard-side suitcase is crush-proof with aluminum bumpers to protect it from hard drops."
Keep in mind:Several reviewers called this luggage "heavy," and they "wish it was lighter," with one adding, "You can pack a lot and the size meets regulations, but it falls apart if they weigh your carry-on!" (Note that this carry-on is an inch wider than the dimensions we generally recommend — 22" x 14" x 9" — for maximizing your chances of overhead bin compatibility on most airlines.) That said, its listed weight is the same as our top pick, the Away Carry-on, and overhead bin size varies by airline. Finally, the CaseSafe doesn't expand or have exterior pockets.
- Integrated tracking device
- High-quality construction
- Our only pick with an on-board battery
- Expensive
- May be heavy for some
| Suitcase |
Price* |
Dimensions |
Weight |
Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ |
21.7" x 14.4" x 9" |
7.5 lbs |
41 L |
|
| $ |
21.7" x 14.8" x 10" |
6.8 lbs |
34 L |
|
| $$ |
21" x 13.75" x 9" |
7.36 lbs |
39.2 L |
|
| $$$$ |
30" x 18" x 14" |
12.52 lbs |
110 L |
|
| $ |
23" x 14.75" x 9.75" |
7.62 lbs |
48 L |
|
| $$ |
21.5" x 14.5" x 9.5" |
8.5 lbs |
34 L |
|
| $$$ |
22.75" x 15" x 10" |
7.7 lbs |
44 L |
|
| $$$ |
21.5" x 15" x 8.5" |
7.4 lbs |
42 L |
*Based on the following breakdown:
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$ = $0-200
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$$ = $201-300
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$$$ = $301-400
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$$$$ = $401+
How we chose the best hard-side luggage
In order to compile this definitive list of the best hardshell suitcases, our team of editors and professional product reviewers embarked on a multi-week research and testing journey. You can find an in-depth breakdown of on how we test luggage here, but to give you a preview of our process:
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We spent more than 40 hours researching brands, vetting user reviews and scouring Reddit to better understand the market.
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We spent 5 hours interviewing experts and used our own expertise gained from reviewing travel accessories for more than a decade to come up with an initial list of 20+ products to test.
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We sought insight from leading travel experts to find out what factors they prioritize in their own luggage shopping as well as any specific product recommendations they stand by after years of travel.
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We acquired each of the suitcases and set up a testing course to see how each one packed, rolled and withstood damage.
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After crunching the numbers and considering the insights — over 200 data points from 22 surveys that testers filled out after dozens of hours of real-life testing — we came to this list of luggage that we have, would and will continue to recommend even to our closest family, friends, parents and, of course, you.
Factors to consider when choosing hard-side luggage
✓ Size: Whether it's a carry-on or large checked bag, you'll first have to make a selection based on your needs.
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"Carry-onsare perfect for quick weekend trips," said Catarina Mello, travel creator at Professional Traveler . You'll want a "carry-on to be reliably allowed across all the major airlines," said Madison Blancaflor , managing editor at The Points Guy . "Some bags may be labeled as carry-ons but won't actually fit in an overhead bin on some airlines," she added, so do your research.
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While airlines have various guidelines for acceptable sizes, we recommend a carry-on size of no larger than 22" x 14" x 9", which is the smallest allowance for domestic flights. For international travel, you might want to opt even smaller depending on the airline you're taking.
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"Medium luggageis a good option for trips that are a week or two," Mello added. If you're flying, bags of this size will have to be checked.
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"A large suitcaseis ideal for longer trips or trips to cold destinations where you might have to pack heavy jackets, thick layers and bulky shoes," Mello said. Don't exceed the maximum checked luggage size of 62 linear inches (the sum of the length, width and depth).
✓ Weight: Pay attention to how much the piece of luggage weighs when empty. You'll need to be able to lift it and remove it from your vehicle, the baggage claim carousel or, in the case of carry-ons, the overhead bin. Checked bags can't exceed 50 pounds fully packed, and while a lighter hard-shell suitcase will allow you to add more of your belongings, it that may be less durable than more substantial construction or thicker materials.
✓ " Durability [and material]is crucial for withstanding rough handling during transit," said Ritesh Raj, CEO of travel website CuddlyNest . Added Blancaflor: "I want something I can confidently toss around (and let get tossed around by airport baggage workers) without worrying it'll break or let anything inside break. I want it to be easy to carry around. For me, that means a hard-shell roller bag." We like polycarbonate best for hard-shell luggage. It's highly durable, crush-resistant and long-lasting.
✓ Maneuverabilitycan greatly impact your travel comfort," Raj says. Make sure the luggage rolls smoothly and stays upright whether it's packed full or light. It should be easy to pull and push, and the handles (both the telescopic and side helper handles) should be comfortable to use and adjust.
✓ Built-in battery: Peter Hamdy , owner of Auckland and Beyond Tours, recommends looking for options that have built-in charging ports for peace of mind and convenience; you never know when you'll need to juice up on a long flight or unexpected delay. July is the only luggage on this list that features a built-in battery. If you plan to bring your own, make sure that the battery is under 2 grams of lithium per lithium metal (non-rechargeable) battery or 100 watt hours (Wh) per lithium ion (rechargeable) battery to stay compliant with TSA standards .
✓ TSA-approved lock: "A built-in combination lock is another desirable feature that adds security and peace of mind," said Jeremy Tarr , digital editorial director at Fodor's Travel . Neither our most affordable checked or most affordable carry-on hard-shell luggage have TSA locks; the rest of the picks on our list have them built in.
✓ Expansion capability:Having the ability to expand your luggage can be extremely helpful, but expansion capability isn't a given on hard-shell luggage. Interestingly, the more affordable bags on our list feature expansion while the luxury options don't. Of the ones that do, you can gain up to two inches of extra space — just be sure the expanded measurements still fit the airline's size restrictions if you're traveling by plane.
✓ Aesthetic:You should like the way your bag looks! "I like my luggage to fit my style (something I won't mind being in photographs with me)," says Blancaflor. Opting for standard black may not be in your best interest, she says. It should "be just unique enough that I can easily pick it out on a baggage carousel at the airport."
Hard-side luggage FAQs
Is hard-shell luggage better than soft-shell?
"Hard-shell luggage weighs more, but it is far more durable and has a tough exterior, which will offer more protection, keeping your things safe," said Meg Jerrard, travel writer at Solo Female Travelers . "It's a far better choice if you want something that's easy to move around, and if you're traveling with breakables or valuables. Hard-shell suitcases particularly come in handy if you get caught in the rain or snow, as they are much more weatherproof than softshell options, giving your stuff protection from getting wet."
Meet our experts
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Madison Blancaflor , managing editor at The Points Guy
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Peter Hamdy , owner of Auckland and Beyond Tours
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Meg Jerrard, travel writer at Solo Female Travelers
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Catarina Mello, travel creator at Professional Traveler
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Ritesh Raj, CEO of travel website CuddlyNest
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Jeremy Tarr , digital editorial director at Fodor's Travel
Update, Jul. 9, 2026: We updated this story to ensure it reflected accurate pricing and current inventory, adding selections from Away, Calpak, Arlo Skye, Quince, Cotopaxi and Delsey. Our top pick after additional testing is now the Away Carry-On.
