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We Did the Digging: These Are the 10 Best New Travel Items to Hit Amazon This Month—From $6
Amazon has a huge batch of new products that are already climbing its Hot New Releases chart, including compression packing cubes, crossbody bags, and more. To help you stock up on the most important gear, we put together a list of the 10 must-haves that are actually worth bringing on vacation. Keep reading to shop the best picks for as little as $6.
Solo travelers can have peace of mind with the help of this handy hidden camera detector. Simply turn on the device, then sweep your hotel room or Airbnb, and if there are any hidden cameras in the space, an alarm will sound and the LED signal will light up. One traveler said it's about the size of a smartphone and can easily fit inside a jacket pocket.
Featuring a paisley pattern and pretty tassel zipper, this toiletry bag will carry your skincare and makeup essentials in style. It has a smaller pocket inside to help organize your belongings, and even though it looks compact, shoppers confirm that the roomy pouch can hold a lot of stuff.
Overpackers will appreciate how the compression technology of these packing cubes helps optimize suitcase space. The set comes with eight different-sized pieces, including a separate shoe bag to keep them separate from your clothes. Each bag is made from a waterproof material that'll help keep your clothes and accessories dry (even if your toiletries leak).
If you're traveling internationally, you'll need a solid plug adapter, like this one from Epika, to make sure you keep your phone and earbuds juiced up. You can charge up to five devices at once (so you don't have to hunt for more than one outlet), and you can use it in several countries, including China, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
These carabiner clips can help protect your purse, suitcase, travel backpack, sling bag, and other double-zipper bags from pickpockets. They come in a set of 24 with two sizes to choose from. Just attach a carabiner to your bag's zippers, making it difficult to pull them apart.
Whether you're going backpacking in another country or trekking up a local mountain, you need this packable hiking backpack. It's foldable and comes with a small phone pocket and water bottle pocket, so you don't have to take the backpack off every time you need to hydrate or check your texts.
I personally don't own wired headphones, and not every airline offers free ones to watch in-flight entertainment. Thankfully, AirFly has this compact transmitter and receiver adapter that will connect to up to two wireless headphones. Plug it into a headphone jack and enjoy a movie on your long flight without worrying about tangled wires.
These Bluetooth tags give Android users the ability to track checked bags, wallets, purses, and more. It comes in a four-pack and easily pairs with the Google 'Find My' app on your phone, so you can check the location of your bags with just a glance.
This sling bag is compact in size, but has plenty of pockets for storing all of your in-flight and sightseeing essentials. It has three front pockets and a main compartment that's large enough to hold a 12-inch tablet, your phone, portable charger, wallet, airplane snacks, and more. Plus, the two side mesh pockets can hold your umbrella and water bottle, so you can stay hands-free.
It's risky to pack your shoes and clothes without a layer of protection, especially if they're a pair of gym shoes. Rather than open your suitcase up to smelly clothes, use these travel shoe bags to make sure your sneakers or sandals are separated from your outfits, to help keep them clean. The bags are made with a waterproof material that's also transparent, which makes it easy to grab shoes without having to unzip each bag.
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Credit: Amazon $1,050 $800 at Amazon View on REI View on Water-resistant, drop-resistant, and dust-resistant, this durable projector is made to travel wherever you go. With up to five hours of battery life and 1,000 ANSI lumens, it's even strong enough to work in dim daylight (though, like all projectors, it works better the darker it gets.) It has a quick and easy setup: within 10 minutes of opening the box, we already had a movie playing. The picture is sharp and the auto focus worked well. We also love that it has a built-in handle, but you may want to invest in a padded case if you plan to regularly fly with the device. While the sound was loud enough, we didn't have any problems connecting the projector to an additional Bluetooth speaker to give us more of a surround sound experience. It takes just about two hours to fully charge the projector's battery and comes with a backup power cord if you prefer to plug it in for longer viewing. We also appreciated that it has a built-in stand to help you get the right angle for viewing, but do note that it does not come with a tripod, so you may need to invest in your own or plan to stack some other items to optimize your image. As an added bonus, you can charge your phone using the projector. It also has a built-in flashlight to help you get to your campsite. The Details: 6.3 x 10.2 x 9.8 inches | 9.9 pounds | Up to 5 hours of battery life Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Best Buy $798 at Amazon $800 at Target $800 at Samsung I've been using this portable projector for over two years and it still works just as well as the day I opened it. I'm not generally a Samsung user, but it was easy to make a new account in order to log in (and I've never had to use the account since.) It is easy to connect with new Wi-Fi accounts and remembers each one for auto-connection the next time you use it. I love that I can download apps and customize my own home screen to what I use most. While you do have to purchase the battery separately, it's well-worth the investment. It connects to the main projector to become just one item to carry (and pack) and makes the base a little taller. Alone, you can easily watch a full movie on one charge and the battery itself recharges quickly. I've used this projector against indoor and outdoor walls as well as inside of camping tents. The image is always vibrant and crisp. I also appreciate the autofocus and automatic keystone correction, so if I accidentally bump it, it fixes the image without me having to pause. For added convenience, the remote has preset buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Samsung TV Plus, and is also compatible with voice command for faster searching. The Details: 3.7 x 6 x 3.7 inches | 1.8 pounds | Up to 3 hours of battery life Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Xgimi $899 at Amazon View on While most outdoor projectors work fine when projecting onto a wall, side of a building, or even a sheet pinned up, a taut screen can enhance the viewing experience with crisper images. The XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser Outdoor Collection is the only projector we've tested that comes with everything you need for the perfect outdoor setup—including the screen. It also comes with ground stakes to stabilize the screen when camping or sitting in the yard. After turning it on for the first time, it took less than five minutes to set up and log in to both Amazon Prime and Netflix (both have shortcut buttons on the remote.) It was easy to connect to Wi-Fi and we never noticed a lag in connection; plus, the image is incredibly crisp. We love that you can use this with or without the stand and that the stand itself is a backup battery that provides an additional 2.5 hours of play. The full set comes in a fairly large and durable case that works well for car trips, but if you want to bring just the projector without all of the accessories, it could easily fit in most travel totes or backpacks (just be sure to pack it with a bit of padding for protection.) The Details: 14.8 x 19.9 x 7.9 inches for full kit | 10.8 pounds for full kit | Up to 5 hours of battery life Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $799 $550 at Amazon View on Walmart View on If you're looking for a versatile projector that can be used indoors or outdoors and connect to just about any streaming service you could want, this BenQ projector is a great choice. While we do recommend keeping it plugged in for prolonged use, the rechargeable battery pack can last up to 2.5 hours, depending on your settings and usage. It connects quickly to Wi-Fi and also connects to phones via Bluetooth. You can use it as a portable speaker and pair it with other speakers for louder volume and a surround sound effect. We love that it's on the smaller size (especially compared to how powerful it is) and that it comes with its own carrying case that makes traveling with it a breeze. It's also durable, splash-resistant, drop-proof. We used this both indoors and outdoors and appreciated the auto focus and image correction, so your movies and shows aren't warped even if you aren't projecting onto a perfectly flat surface. We were impressed with the image quality in all locations; the picture is crisp and easy to see in pitch black and low light conditions. The Details: 5.75 x 7.32 x 6.06 inches | 5.07 pounds | Up to 2.5 hours of video play battery life Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $400 $380 at Amazon View on While outdoor projectors are a fun travel accessory, they aren't always the most practical since they can be heavy and bulky. This Nebula Capsule weighs under two pounds and features a slim pole-like design that is easy to pack and carry. The system itself is intuitive and looks like most television interfaces, so it's easy to navigate. We were impressed by the sharpness, color quality, and brightness of the images, especially when using the projector at night. The connection was great with phone hotspots and Wi-Fi signals alike. We also like that you can download an app on your phone to use it as a remote for the projector if you don't want (or forgot) to pack the physical remote. We weren't able to use this longer than two hours at a time, so we do recommend plugging it in for watching movies. Still, we found it to be quite sturdy considering how lightweight it is and loved it for taking to hotel rooms and camping trips alike. The Details: 2.7 x 2.7 x 5.5 inches | 1.43 pounds | Up to 2 hours of battery life Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
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We've Tested Nearly 600 Carry-on Suitcases (Yes, Really) on Flights Around the World—Here Are 15 Must-haves
Credit: Amazon $200 $121 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Samsonite For the past couple of years, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has come out on top as T+L's favorite carry-on—and for good reason. When testing it in our New York City lab, we loved its organization, capacity, and value. We've now tested this bag three times in our New York City lab, and each time we were blown away by its surprising capacity, offering ample packing room for trips up to a week. If you tend to overpack or plan to do some retail therapy during your travels, the expandable zipper unveils an extra inch of depth which gives you wiggle room to fit any shopping hauls and souvenirs you plan to take back home. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags—all without having to use the expander. In terms of maneuverability, it handled tight turns like a champ and went over our simulated concrete curbs without incident. We also gave it a few whacks with a metal baseball bat and noticed that the slight bend of the exterior shell made this suitcase impervious to dents while still protecting its contents (a win if you ever decide to take the gate agent up on the offer to check your bag). Although we did notice the Samsonite Freeform showed a few surface scratches after six months of consistent travel, we still consider it the gold standard for a hardside carry-on suitcase. It may be too large for some overhead compartments, so always check the dimensions of your airline before flying. The Details: Hardside | 23 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.5 pounds | Expandable (1 inch) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Tumi $779 $623 at Amazon View on Coming in right behind our beloved Samsonite Freeform is the Tumi Alpha Dual Access Carry-on. This close contender fell just short of our Best Overall slot due to its heaviness and lack of open packing space, but it's a sophisticated piece of luggage that's in a league of its own when it comes to organization and helpful features. For starters, it has a built-in front access pocket, which allows you to quickly grab items like a light sweater or your in-flight essentials without having to unzip your entire suitcase in the middle of the airport. There's also another small exterior pocket for stashing smaller belongings like a travel umbrella, as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to your own portable power bank. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this suitcase is the removable garment sleeve, which makes this bag the perfect companion for business trips or destination weddings. While the garment sleeve and three mesh zip pockets are no doubt useful, they will eat into the bag's overall capacity, so you'll have to pack strategically. Thankfully, you can always rely on the Tumi Alpha's expandable zipper to grant you 2 extra inches of depth if things get tight. In terms of durability, we couldn't ask for more. T+L associate editorial director and Tumi loyalist Morgan Ashley Parker took this suitcase for a spin in our testing lab, and after hitting it with a bat several times, she noticed there were no scuffs or dents to speak of. 'As someone who owns a Tumi bag that has lasted 16-plus years (and still kicking), I know the durability will extend beyond our lab tests,' says Parker. 'I truly can't imagine a world in which this would puncture or rip.' While Tumi's coveted suitcases are certainly a splurge, they're a worthwhile investment for someone who wants a durable and versatile suitcase they won't have to replace for a very long time. The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | USB port | Ballistic nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Away View on Nordstrom View on Away Travel Stroll through any airport, and you'll see loads of passengers toting one of Away's signature striped suitcases. After personally testing dozens of Away products, I can assure you'll have no regrets hopping on the Away trend. The brand's built-to-last luggage can always be counted on to help overpackers travel more efficiently, and The Carry-On Flex is a testament to that. Offering a generous 2.25 inches of extra packing space with its expandable feature, this is the exact kind of suitcase to bring on trips where you want extra room for those 'just in case' items. Inside The Carry-on Flex, you'll find an open compartment with a mesh divider and another compartment opposite of that with a mesh pocket and compression straps to help you pack down all your belongings for an easier close. We enjoyed floating this compact suitcase through the obstacle course in our testing lab thanks to its easy-gliding 360-degree wheels. It also showed minimal damage after our table drop and baseball bat tests — a good indicator that the exterior will stand up to the roughest of handling. The only downside of the Away Carry-on Flex is that some international airlines may be strict about bringing it on board once fully expanded. The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity (unexpanded); 44.6-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable (2.25 inches) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon You might have assumed that finding a budget suitcase means you have to sacrifice on the quality front, but Amazon's slate of luggage continuously proves that theory wrong. After testing their 21-inch expandable hardside spinner in the T+L lab, I'm convinced the retailer's wallet-friendly suitcase is the best you can buy on a budget. For starters, it offers the same capacity as suitcases that are more than double the price. Inside, you'll find an X compression strap and a mesh zip divider that makes storing underwear, socks, and swimsuits a breeze. The bag has four "feet" on its right side to keep it propped up horizontally on an airport scale or in the trunk of a car. Though the telescoping handle was a bit wobbly, I was able to adjust between the three handle heights with ease. We do caution that, like other expandable suitcases, it would be at risk of being flagged by airline staff because it looks much wider in its expanded state. We tested the Amazon Basics 21-inch carry-on three times in our lab just to make sure we still loved it over the years. Though it got a bit scuffed from our bat tests during its second round of testing, it proved easy to buff the scratches out by hand. Considering all you get for under $100, you can't go wrong taking the plunge on this affordable yet solid option. The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches | 6.8 pounds | 34-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Delsey $330 $249 at Amazon View on $660 at Macy's T+L editors reach for this timeless carry-on from Delsey Paris again and again, thanks to its vintage charm and useful functionality. The polycarbonate shell is accented with reinforced corners, and with its two-tone colorway, you're guaranteed to arrive at your destination in style. Aesthetics aside, there's also substance. Inside, you'll find a fully zippered compartment on one side of the suitcase and compression straps to keep clothing from shuffling on the other. We also found pockets throughout and even a handy USB port with which you can attach your own battery pack. After inspecting it closely, we found that the zippers all open and close smoothly, and the spinner wheels glide with little effort (even over carpet!). After taking the cream colored version on the road for six months, we observed little scuffs and scrapes to the bag even after it was checked — a pleasant surprise considering light-colored luggage tends to show the wear and tear quickly. Its maneuverability and lightweight profile also makes it a breeze to travel with. 'I had to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs and get it onto a train, and I had no trouble lifting it and moving the handle in and out quickly,' says T+L editor Taylor Fox who brought it on a two-week trip to Egypt. The Details: Hardside | 22.75 x 15 x 10 inches | 7.74 pounds | 44-liter capacity | USB port | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Dagne Dover While softside luggage is more durable and less prone to wear and tear, it isn't known for being the most stylish type of luggage. Dagne Dover completely changed the game when it launched its debut luggage collection last summer. T+L editors were among the first to try them out, and we were enamored by the sheen and elegance of the Seattle Carry-on—a modernized softside bag with the structure and sturdy frame of a hardside suitcase. Its 33-liter capacity and 20.5-inch height is ideal for short getaways (it was the perfect companion on my quick trip to St. Thomas), business trips, and international flights. It also offers two ways to pack: via clamshell opening and a top-loading option. During testing and on actual trips, we couldn't help but notice that the wheels glide like a dream over various surfaces. But with the beauty of this suitcase comes one painful fact: it's heavy for a carry-on. For some, it may feel like a drag schlepping a 10-pound carry-on (plus the weight of your items). However, if that's not a big deal to you, we say it's a great entry point for the softside newcomers. The Details: Softside | 20.5 x 13 x 8.75 inches | 9.13 pounds | 33-liter capacity | Recycled 900D polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels | 13-inch laptop sleeve Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Samsonite View on Samsonite $500 at Macy's View on In case you weren't aware, Samsonite's Proxis carry-on is kind of a big deal. Like, it was sent into space and dropped from 130,000 feet-level big deal. To date, this is the most lightweight and durable suitcase Samsonite has ever released. We brought the Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner into our testing lab for some experimenting of our own and found that this textured, hardside carry-on lived up to its claims of being virtually indestructible. The outer shell of this bag is made of Roxkin—an exclusive recycled material developed by Samsonite that is lightweight and engineered to bounce back into shape. 'Samsonite sent this suitcase to space, and it survived, which is only a small amount of what we did to it with a bat,' says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. 'I also stood and jumped on it. I completely trust this bag to hold up against baggage handlers.' In terms of organizational features, you don't get much with the Samsonite Proxis: just two fully zippered compartments and one mesh zippered pocket. This is actually a good thing if the goal is for your luggage to weigh less and hold more. While it's certainly one of the more expensive options on this list, we think the Proxis is a worthy investment for carry-on loyalists who want the maximum amount of packing space and a durable design that will last for years. The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 4.7 pounds | Expandable (0.5 inches) | Roxkin material | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: July Sometimes, a diminutive carry-on just won't do (especially for longer trips). In these instances, we'd recommend something like the July Carry-on Max. It has a 50-liter capacity that jumps to 62 liters when fully expanded—the largest carry-on we've ever tested. Weighing in around 8 pounds, it's on par with other carry-ons with similar dimensions. However, we noticed that it became a little cumbersome to maneuver around tight corners the more we packed it, and because of its size, you may be forced to gate-check it at the airport. The exterior shell of the suitcase didn't get too banged up when we put it through the wringer of our durability tests. We were also amazed that you can choose between 20 different height handles—another design quirk that helps July stand out from the pack. Inside, there's a Y compression strap and panel on one side, while the other side is secured by a mesh panel with no pockets (a missed opportunity, if you ask us). We would be remiss not to mention that this carry-on comes with its own packable tote bag that fits discreetly inside the suitcase when not in use. You also have the option to personalize this suitcase with a name or initials, with nine fonts to choose from. The Details: Hardside | 23 x 16 x 9 inches | 8.16 pounds | 50-liter capacity (unexpanded); 62-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Packable tote included Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travelpro You won't be short on organization with the Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-on. While it may look small, it's got a roomy interior made even better by all of the useful add-ons, like the included shoe bags, a laundry bag to store used or wet items, and built-in compression packing cubes that strap in to the top of the bag for additional storage. It also features an external laptop sleeve, a small outer pocket, and a luggage lock. If you find that you're running out of space, the bag's tapered extension adds an extra 2 inches of depth. Our chief complaint about Travelpro's VersaPack+ carry-on is its weight. Part of the appeal of softside luggage is that it's lighter because of its fabric construction. And while its nearly 8-pound weight isn't the heaviest we've encountered, we do think it might get bogged down if overpacked. There's also a possibility you'll be forced to check it on smaller airlines because of its 23-inch height, so keep that in mind if traveling on airlines with tighter carry-on restrictions. Though its a bit heavier than we'd like for a softside, we found this spinner to be pretty compact and loved that it wasn't cumbersome to wheel around our obstacle course. The wheels, zippers, and handle also ran smoothly without any snags. The Details: Softside | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 7.7 pounds | 47-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Water-resistant nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Aer $319 at Nordstrom View on If you've ever been on a fast-moving airport shuttle, bus, or subway, you know the struggle of trying to keep your luggage from rolling away while holding on for dear life. Aer, a new kid on the luggage block, saw this common problem hadn't yet been solved by its competitors and created a carry-on suitcase with brakes. Similar to a stroller, the wheels on Aer's Carry-on Max can be locked in place with the simple slide of a button located beneath the handles. 'It's such a unique feature and helpful if on public transport or stopping on an incline with bags since it securely holds the bag in place,' says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, who owns and loves this Aer model. Speaking of the wheels, they're some of the smoothest we've seen on a carry-on. We were able to roll them over our cement pavers with ease, and it didn't lag behind even when packed full. In terms of capacity, Aer really meant it when they said max . The slender profile of this bag allowed us to fit everything on our packing list despite the fact that it's not expandable. Though Aer touts this as a minimalist's suitcase, there are some undercelebrated details about this bag that we found helpful, like the hidden pocket for you to stash a luggage tracker, a Y-shaped compression system secured with an intuitive and sturdy buckle, and puncture-resistant YKK zippers. The top and side handles also have a hole to where you can attach other bags and belongings to it with a carabiner. We tested out the white version, and the initial surface scratches that appeared after we threw it off a table made us suspect that lighter colors might show damage over time. The good thing is it's available in a range of five colors, so you can always choose a more inconspicuous hue. The Details: Hardside | 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches | 8.4 pounds | 48-liter capacity | Makrolon polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Rimowa There's no doubt that Rimowa, a longstanding luxury luggage brand, is currently having a moment. Its classic aluminum suitcases will cost you a pretty penny, but the sleek vertical lines and sterling material will be instantly recognizable at the airport. We couldn't wait to get our hands on their Cabin S version, which did not disappoint. We'll preface our review by confirming that this is definitely not the bag for overpackers, but if you'll have plenty of space to pack for a long weekend trip or a few items to supplement your checked luggage. We were floored that the bag weighed in much lighter than other aluminum suitcases we've tested (9 pounds), and we find comfort in the locks on each latch that provide extra security. "The wheels roll like a dream—they truly roll better than any suitcase I've tried," says associate editor Anna Popp, who also applauded this Cabin S for surviving our durability tests with not a dent or scratch on it. Aluminum luggage is known to accumulate dents and scrapes over time, so we look forward to seeing how this precious gem of a spinner will hold up over the next six months of testing. The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 15.8 x 7.9 inches | 9.3 pounds | 31-liter capacity | Aluminum | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Like Tumi, Briggs & Riley has a best-in-class reputation for luggage. This 22-inch spinner is a classic hardside with some innovative features that allowed us to pack way more than expected. The top lid unzips to reveal a main large compartment which has a built-in compressor pad. While the compressor isn't removable, it did a great job of helping us stuff this suitcase to the brim. Unlike other expandable suitcases that use a simple zipper mechanism, this one has a unique one-touch system: you simply push two buttons on either side of the inner compartment, and raise them up to expose an extra 25 percent more packing space. There's a pouch on the back of the outside of the suitcase with a place to zip up a power bank and pull a charger through the outer pocket. Other fancy accoutrements—like the aircraft-grade aluminum handles, whisper-quiet 360 degree wheels, and drawstring bag storage bag—make the Briggs & Riley 22-inch spinner a justifiable splurge. We thought it rolled well through our obstacle courses. The hardside shell was also well constructed and did not dent after we hit it multiple times with a metal baseball bat. Unfortunately, the very bottom of the bag did get scratched when going over a concrete curb during testing. That said, we still think this carry-on fits the bill for frequent flyers who don't mind shelling out a few extra bucks in exchange for longevity and premium quality. We feel even more confident recommending this Briggs & Riley carry-on because of its lifetime guarantee—you'll be able to have your carry-on repaired for free at any time, no proof of purchase necessary. The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.6 pounds | 41-liter capacity (unexpanded); 51-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Recycled polycarbonate, recycled polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Samsonite There's so much to love about this sleek carry-on from Samsonite, from its smooth gliding wheels to its highly-customized handle that offers tons of handle height options. However, where it really shines is its internal organization. We found packing for a trip to be a joy thanks to its generous spacing, compartments, and accessories. The bag came with a TSA-compliant toiletry bag, a shoe bag which easily fit two pairs of shoes, and then—our favorite part—two packing cubes of varying sizes. The more narrow packing cube perfectly fit in the gap between the handles on one half of the suitcase, which we thought to be a clever, space-saving touch. The fun features don't stop there: this suitcase also features a MagneTag, Samsonite's patented magnetic luggage tag that magnetically snaps into the structure of the bag ensuring it won't get lost. Speaking of lost luggage, you'll also find a built-in AirTag holder in the bag's interior (a great benefit if you ever want to take the airline up on the option to check your bag). We thought it felt a little heavy, at 9 pounds but rolled very smoothly. The Details: Carry-on | 23 x 14.75 x 10 inches | 9.04 pounds | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Casetify Nothing makes a statement at baggage claim like a suitcase that's inscribed with your name. If you're looking to invest in a luggage that you can make your own in every sense, we'd go with Casetify's 21-inch Bounce Custom Carry-on. The brand is widely known for its cushiony and protective phone cases, but it's recently entered its luggage era—and what an entrance it was. Much like with its phone cases, Casetify gives you the option to customize your suitcase using a variety of fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Associate editor Anna Popp picked her carry-on in a stunning cobalt blue and went with a pink-and-white combo for her initial design. Aside from the monogram option, what sets this carry-on apart from the rest are the reinforced bumper corners that give the suitcase another layer of protection from any rough handling it may endure. The capacity of this 21-inch spinner felt like just enough to fit a multiday vacation's worth of items, but we're confident you could fit more with some strategic packing. "I love the organizer flap it comes with since there are tons of little pockets to place various things," says Popp. "I also love that the flap can be taken out when you don't want to use it." While its not the lightest carry-on out there, we were impressed with its style element, and we expect to get tons of compliments at the airport. The Details: Carry-on | 21 x 13.9 x 9 inches | 8.23 pounds | 33.8-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: July There's something about a zipperless closure on a suitcase that instantly makes it feel a tad more luxury. Such is the case with the July Carry On Trunk. Built with two TSA-approved latch locks, a German polycarbonate shell, and a removable power bank, we'd say this pick serves equal parts style and function. We found an abundance of helpful organization on the interior of the bag: there are two dividers on each side of the bag with mesh pockets on each, clips to keep the dividers in place, Y compression straps on each side, and a cylindrical zip pocket on one side. We also noticed that the bag opens evenly as opposed to the 30/70 design that we typically see in other travel trunks. The wheels were so smooth, they practically rolled themselves through our testing lab floors and in airports. However, our favorite thing about the bag, as with all July luggage, was the handle which has 20 different heights and can be customized down to the exact millimeter. The one small drawback noted by T+L editor Hillary Maglin is that this carry-on tends to get black scuff marks from the baggage carousel conveyor belt after every trip. 'While most of the scuffs come off pretty easily using the included sponge, I noticed a few small scuffs are harder to get out,' she says. Aside from slight cosmetic damage that occurs with most hardside luggage over time, Maglin still attests that 'it's probably the sturdiest and most smooth-rolling spinner I've ever used.' The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Ejectable USB-C battery | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Though these carry-on suitcases were strong contenders, they were just shy of making the list due to a few shortcomings. However, they do possess a few redeeming qualities we feel are worth mentioning. Rains Texel Cabin Trolley: We love the puffy exterior of this waterproof carry-on, though it does add bulk to the suitcase. We noticed that when fully packed, it just barely fit in the overhead compartment in our testing lab. Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket: This bag had slightly weak scores in the maneuverability category since it didn't glide as effortlessly as other carry-ons we tried. However, we appreciated its helpful features, like its protective front pocket for laptops and removable power bank. Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on Luggage: For under $300, this metallic option offers the sleek look of an aluminum suitcase without the heaviness. Upon first glance, the capacity seemed standard for a carry-on. During packing, we struggled to fit everything on our list. We also noticed that the laptop compartment protruded the more we packed it. Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on: The durability on this suitcase was top notch. In fact, it's one of the most solid suitcases we've ever tested. Ultimately, we preferred the Rimowa bag in our main list for an aluminum option, and we wish this one had more internal organization. Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus: After toting the bag on trips over six months, we came to appreciate the built-in compression board that made it easy to pack in as many items as possible. Still, we would've appreciated an expandable feature here. Miamily Carry-on: We loved how easy it was to navigate a busy airport with a toddler placed on top of this ride-on suitcase. We just wish the luggage was lighter when empty. Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: This affordable bag has lots of impressive features. It even held strong after we whacked it with a metal bat about 10 times. The Amazon Basics hardside spinner ultimately won as our favorite budget option because it offered slightly more in terms of organization, but this is another excellent affordable carry-on that will last for years. Frequently Asked Questions Accepted carry-on dimensions vary by airline, according to the TSA. However, standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines will differ give or take a few inches, which is why larger size carry-ons made this list. As a rule of thumb, always research your airline's carry-on rules before your flight to avoid having to involuntarily check your bag. Again, this varies. Some airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines currently don't have any weight restrictions for carry-on bags, while some international airlines limit carry-ons to 22 pounds. In our experience, carry-on weight limits are not always enforced as much as dimension size, but as a rule of thumb, your carry-on is likely too heavy if you can't lift it on your own. If you're concerned about the weight of your bag, grab an inexpensive luggage scale so you can check before heading to the airport. According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. No liquid in your carry-on or personal item can exceed 3.4 ounces. Any amounts larger than that will need to be checked or will be disposed of. Solid toiletries like powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant should pose no issue. Yes, AirTags and other luggage trackers are allowed in carry-on luggage. For GPS trackers that utilize a higher level of battery power, you should check with your individual airline to make sure it's allowed on board. T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant covers luggage and travel accessories. She owns roughly 35 different suitcases, backpacks, and tote bags, and rotates between her favorites for different trips around the world. She is a carry-on loyalist and enjoys the challenge of finding creative ways to pack weeks worth of clothing into a compact suitcase. She frequently utilizes clever accessories like compression packing cubes, hanging toiletry bags, and travel pouches to maximize space. Right now, her favorite carry-ons come from brands Away, Dagne Dover, and Samsonite. Love a great deal? 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