Best Handbags (2026): Away, Rimowa, Tumi

Summer is right Just around the corner. We go on adventures and bring our stuff with us. Here are all the technology and tips Which WIRED Reviews recommend for your travels.

there Surprisingly robust discussion There is a debate among frequent travelers about whether it is better to carry a suitcase or check it. Checking a bag certainly saves you worrying about space constraints and confusing security requirements, having to carry your bag into the bathroom stall with you, and sweating about having torn up overhead bin space once you board the plane. But you only need one truly bad Experience checking luggage to convince you to avoid doing so whenever possible in favor of being a strict baggage handler. My version of this incident happened at the Delta desk at Dulles International Airport and I almost missed my flight. (Actually, I’d rather not even do that Use a carry-on bag! But that’s a whole other story.)

I travel by plane more than I would like on short business trips, cross-country flights to visit family, and international vacation trips. I’ve tested countless handbags and have now enlisted my family members to help as well. These are the best carry-on bags we’ve found that will suit almost any traveler’s needs.

Don’t see anything you like? Payment Our buying guides to Best travel bagsthe Best laptop bagsand Best toiletry bags. Here’s our guide to Pack your bag properly.

Updated May 2026: We’ve completely overhauled this piece with new picks, new writing for existing picks, and an updated FAQ. I’ve also checked the links and prices to ensure the most current information.

Better overall

Does it surprise you that I didn’t choose iconography? It can be carried away from the polycarbonate materialthat wonderful colorful unit that started the entire direct-to-consumer luggage movement from one of the few units Wealthy millennials are crypto Have the companies been able to successfully weather numerous scandals and economic storms since their founding in 2015? Sometimes it surprises me too. Many WIRED employees own the hard-sided handbag because it’s good-looking and affordable. However, I prefer the brand’s Softside Carry-On Bag. In general, I prefer soft-sided luggage because they show scratches less easily, won’t crack, and are more flexible if you overpack.

Regarding this soft case specifically, it also has a bit more flexibility than its hard-shell cousin in terms of organization options. It has external pockets, but they are cleverly hidden. The straps compress the back panel over half of the bag, so your items are evenly compressed. There’s a special internal stabilizer to help keep it balanced — it never tipped over on the front, even when I was trying to slide handbags or backpacks onto the handle while rolling it down a rickety aluminum ramp. It has three external handles, not just two, so you can toss it any way. The side view of the bag and its hardware are also understated. There are no giant shiny logos or ugly plastic zippers, and all the available colors are attractive.

Nylon is also waterproof; Last year, I (sadly) sat with my Softside in the rain in the Philippines, waiting for the ferry, keeping its contents dry. Unlike other carry-ons that misbrand themselves as small enough for international carriers, the Softside’s dimensions are precise. I have traveled on multiple international flights with it to Europe and Asia without a problem.

Best value

In all previous editions of this guide, I recommended the Travelpro bag for this category. But this year, Bagsmart’s newest carry-on bag hit me with its solid value. I chose the 20-inch version to test because it comes in size Mango yellow colour This is just awesome. Although this product may not meet carry-on size requirements on all budget or international airlines, it is available in 19 inch version It must work globally.

Both my 8-year-old and my 11-year-old ran tests of the suitcases and commented on how smoothly the 4-way spinner wheels rolled compared to more expensive suitcases. The Getaway also never projected forward imbalance, which Travelpro bags have an unfortunate tendency to do, in my experience. Storage options are similar to other more expensive travel bags, with several internal zipped pockets and a compression panel. It is expandable and has a TSA combination lock. It also comes with some fun accessories, like a luggage tag and a piece of nylon strap that you can clip to the outside if you have to check it in.

My only complaint is that the telescoping handle is a bit wobbly, but at around $150 it’s an amazing value. (It also comes at a slightly higher price Front opening version ($170) With a padded front compartment for your tech.) If you’re unwilling to ditch your Travelpro, I recommend the Max Lite Air V2 ($160)which comes in at roughly the same price point but weighs about two pounds less. It’s also expandable, the wheels spin smoothly, my hand fits over the handle, and the interior is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles.