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From flexible softside suitcases to durable hardside options, these are the best luggage pieces for jetting off abroad.
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Away isone of our favorite luggage brands, offering sleek bags that feel just right.
It also rolls smoothly over various surfaces, including carpet and tile.
The organizational features of this carry-on are simple but get the job done.
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you could zip the other compartment closed with a mesh cover that has a zippered pocket on top.
We wish the handle could be adjusted a bit shorter to accommodate travelers of different heights.
It also expands 2 inches so you could give yourself even more room if needed for longer trips.
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We love how easily the wheels glide over any surface.
This bag has an 80/20 lid that opens to reveal two deep compartments with compression panels and zippered pockets.
There is minimal structure, so you have to pack strategically to avoid sagging.
This bag opens like a suitcase, so it’s easy to pack like one, too.
There are several zippered pockets and compartments for organization and help keep everything in its place.
It also has a designated laptop pocket that can hold devices up to 15 inches.
It’s easy to lift at any angle, thanks to handles on all four sides.
The glossy look of the water-resistant exterior may not appeal to everyones sense of style.
Looking for a duffel that can function as either a carry-on orpersonal item?
How about one that also converts into a carry-on backpack for versatile carrying options?
If so, youll love Patagonias Black Hole Duffel as much as we do.
The zippers and wheels could run more smoothly.
We did notice some sticking when pulling the zippers and felt the wheels could roll more smoothly.
The handle can be a bit difficult to adjust.
While this suitcase is rather heavy at 10 pounds, it wasn’t overly cumbersome.
It was easy to pull and push the bag over different surfaces as the weight evenly distributed itself.
It only has two fixed wheels and doesn’t roll as easily as many four-wheel suitcases.
If you want to get serious about your extra bag hack, consider the Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin.
Although this bag can be flattened, it doesn’t feel flimsy.
There is also a large exterior pocket.
It’s fairly large and may not fit in the overhead bins on smaller planes.
Theres also a small hidden pocket ideal for discreetly packing aBluetooth tracking rig.
That being said, we absolutely love it for train travel.
We wish there were more pockets for organization inside.
There aren’t many organizational features though, so we recommend usingpackingcubesto double-check everything has a place.
We wish there were sleeves or pockets on the outside for a water bottle.
All the zippers ran smoothly, and we thought the backpack was comfortable to wear when packed full.
The minimalist design also looks nice and could be worn in a variety of situations.
Overall, it looks and feels like a high-quality backpack with the added bonus of being packable for travel.
Theres no frame to support the bag, so it wont stand up on its own.
You have to pay extra for the packing cubes.
The Paravel Aviator Trunk is a dream for organization.
The suitcases interior features a 70/30 split, with the shallower side featuring two zippered pockets.
The deeper side is perfect for holding the packing cubes.
The exterior is crafted from recycled polycarbonate that overall feels quite sturdy.
It also rolled quite easily, even when fully packed, which is ideal for navigating busy airports.
However, the sporty aesthetic may not appeal to everyone’s sense of style.
That being said, the wheels didn’t roll smoothly, and it was hard to maneuver.
We recreated an airplane set to best test carry-on bags just like we would on a real plane.
We also took careful note of their maneuverability, portability, and how comfortable they are to carry.
The pieces that earned the best feedback in all testing categories were selected for this roundup.
Checked suitcases are slightly heavier, typically ranging from 8-11 pounds.
International flights may have stricter restrictions, so be sure to check your airline.
Check out our list of theBest International Carry-onsfor the most compact suitcases we’ve tested.
Most luggage brands offer warranties, but you’ll want to read the fine print carefully.
within six months of purchasing).
They usually don’t cover damage from mishandling by airlines, cosmetic damage, or general wear and tear.
If you’re worried about your bags getting damaged during transit, we’d recommend purchasing travel insurance.
We will continue updating this article as we test more bags worth recommending for an international trip.
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