Carry-on luggage is a lifesaver irrespective of the kind of trip you're looking to embark on.
But there are a lot of carry-on options, so it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you.
In this post, we go over our top picks for a carry-on bag for travel in 2023.
Best Carry-on Luggage for 2023
Here we go over the best carry-on bags for 2023, by type and style:
Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels
Best for effortless business travel with a touch of luxury - Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag with Wheels.
Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Product Highlights:
Color Options | Available in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more |
Laptop Sleeve | Includes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Material | Handmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather |
Convenience Features | Smooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket |
Zipper Quality | High-quality Japanese YKK zippers |
Sustainability | Crafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities |
Origin Certificate | Comes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin |
Travel-Friendly | Carry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials |
Additional Features | Luggage tag included for easy identification |
Watch the Voyager product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and refined appearance | Not completely waterproof |
Built-in wheels and retractable handle for effortless mobility | Not ideal for extremely rough terrain |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not the lightest option for a carry-on bag |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Perfect for business or personal travel |
Weekender Leather Weekend Bag
Best for a stylish weekend getaway with friends, the Weekender leather bag is spacious and durable, perfect for packing all your essentials.
Weekender Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Design | Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization |
Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Compliance | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen |
Additional Features | Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware |
Personalized | Option for custom laser engraving |
Use Cases | Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Watch the Weekender product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays |
10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag
Best for business travel with a touch of luxury. The 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.
10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:
Product | 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 31 cm (12 in) |
Height | 42 cm (17 in) |
Depth | 17 cm (7 in) |
Weight | 2 kg (0.9 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the 10X product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches | |
Designed for easy travel and convenience | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
Grand Leather Garment Bag
Best for business travelers who want to arrive in style with wrinkle-free clothing, the Grand Leather Garment Bag is a must-have.
Grand Leather Garment Bag Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Color Options | Solid Brown, Classic Tan, Elegant Black |
Design | Professional garment bag for making a statement at work |
Lining & Zipper | Durable cotton lining with Japanese YKK zipper |
Carry On Compliant | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Interior | Fine Italian cotton lining |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Capacity | Can fit suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop |
Additional Features | Can be used as a gym bag, spacious design |
Personalized | Optional laser engraving to make it really unique |
Watch the Grand product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and elegant design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories | |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments | |
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport |
Liberty Leather Backpack
Best for chic city breaks with hands-free convenience - Liberty leather backpack is perfect for exploring new destinations in style.
Liberty Backpack Product Highlights:
Product | Liberty Backpack |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 14 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Adjustable Straps |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 33 cm (13 in) |
Height | 40 cm (16 in) |
Depth | 12 cm (5 in) |
Weight | 1.4 kg (0.6 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Liberty product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and versatile design | Not waterproof |
Multiple compartments for organization | May not be ideal for carrying extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to wear | |
Durable and long-lasting | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Can be easily cleaned and maintained |
Prime Leather Backpack
Best for chic city explorations with hands-free convenience - Prime Leather Backpack.
Prime Backpack Product Highlights:
Product | Prime Backpack |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 14 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Adjustable Straps |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 27 cm (11 in) |
Height | 40 cm (16 in) |
Depth | 12 cm (5 in) |
Weight | 1.2 kg (0.5 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Prime product video below:
Browse more images of the Prime:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and versatile design | Not waterproof |
Multiple compartments for organization | Not ideal for carrying extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to wear | |
Durable and long-lasting | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Can be easily cleaned and maintained |
City Leather Laptop Bag
Best for business trips and city travel with a sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptops and documents.
City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Color Options | Solid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red |
Laptop Compatibility | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop |
Inner Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Design | Professional and spacious design for work or travel essentials |
Adjustable Strap | Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap |
Inner Pockets | Stitched 100% cotton canvas lining |
Compartments & Pockets | 1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket |
Personalized | Option to personalize with initials or a special message. |
Watch the City product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space and compartments | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain |
Elegance Leather Tote Bag
Best for business trips with a touch of sophistication. The Elegance Leather Tote Bag is perfect for carrying your laptop and documents in style.
Elegance Tote Bag Product Highlights:
Material Origin | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany |
Laptop Sleeve | Specifically designed slot for up to a 14" laptop |
Interior Quality | Robust Italian cotton canvas lining, pleasant to touch |
Zipper Durability | Renowned Japanese YKK zippers ensuring longevity |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in family-owned studios in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability Commitment | Supports traditional craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices |
Leather Treatment | Leather treated with sustainable methods, ensuring quality and origin |
Wear Resistance | Designed for frequent use without excessive wear and tear |
Handle Strength | Handles crafted to carry laptops, documents, and books securely |
Watch the Elegance product video below:
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Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage | |
Stylish design |
Isabella Shoulder Bag
Best for city explorers who want a chic and practical bag to carry essentials, with a versatile strap for cross-body or shoulder wear.
Isabella Shoulder Bag Product Highlights:
Material | Premium Italian full-grain leather |
Closure | Magnetic snap closure |
Origin | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany |
Craftsmanship | Made in Florence, Italy by skilled artisans |
Inner Lining | Fine Italian cotton lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zippers |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Inner Pocket | One zipped pocket inside |
Shoulder Strap | Adjustable and detachable |
Versatility | Can be carried as a crossbody bag or clutch purse |
Personalized | Option to personalize with initials or a special message |
Unique and Thoughtful Gift | Suitable for any occasion, showcasing thoughtfulness |
Watch the Isabella product video below:
Browse more images of the Isabella:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Multiple compartments for organized storage | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Designed for women | |
Stylish design | |
Can be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag | |
Comfortable to wear |
Carry-on Bag Sizes: Domestic vs International
As stated earlier, there are certain traveling rules imposed by airlines concerning luggage size.
So, depending on the airline you fly, you'll need carry-on luggage with a size that suits the requirement of the airline.
For example, most domestic US flights require carry-on bag size to be a maximum of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
However, for international US flights, it's best recommended you stick to a carry-on luggage size of 21 inches and below to avoid any kind of issues when boarding.
Shop all leather carry-on luggage here
Softside v. Hardside Bags
Looking for a flexible bag? Then softside carry-on luggage is a perfect choice for you.
Softside carry-on makes it easy for folks to stuff their belongings (both perfectly shaped and irregular shaped items) in an organized manner effortlessly.
Yes, with softside carry-on bags, you can easily arrange small and large items using internal and external pockets, thus, enabling you to have quick access to your belongings when needed urgently.
Besides, if you're the kind of person who always remembers to add that last-minute item, softside bags will save you the stress of opening the main compartment, instead, you can either squeeze in the items or utilize the external pocket.
Just make sure you opt for a padded one if you're storing your tech.
Hardside carry-on bags, on the other hand, don't give users the room to squeeze more items.
Yes, this is because they are made of aesthetically durable materials, and they tend to be more protective of what's inside them, compared to softside carry-on bags.
Also, hard-side carry-on luggage is available in a wide variety of colors, and they tend to be more protective compared to soft-side bags.
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Two-wheel vs Spinner Wheels vs No Wheels
Two-wheel carry-on luggage just as the name suggests always comes with two wheels, while spinner luggage has four wheels, which is usually arranged in a multi-directional manner.
Spinner luggage is a great option for folks who feel comfortable pushing their bags by their side when walking.
Both of them usually have a retractable handle at the top, however, only spinner bags allow pushing and pulling (Two-wheels bags support only pulling) while walking.
Spinner carry-on luggage has a smaller space compared to the two-wheel carry-on (the space is used by the extra wheels).
You can also opt for a carry-on with no wheels, which means you will be carrying it throughout the airport and your journey as a whole. This will be more tiring, but can be more convenient. If you choose a backpack for example, it allows you to carry your items with two hands free.
Weight Limits
Weight matters when choosing carry-on luggage!
As we all know, airlines have a certain carry-on weight that a passenger must not exceed - most airlines have a maximum weight of 40 pounds per carry-on bag.
Thus, ensure your carry-on luggage doesn't exceed the given weight limit of your airline, so you won't pay any extra fee or go through unwanted stress.
In most cases, you will struggle to pack your hand luggage with enough weight to hit that limit, but it's always best to weigh it just in case.
*One tip if you're over the limit, is to purchase items from the airport in a plastic bag, then transfer some items from your carry-on to the bag, hence reducing the weight - and that plastic bag is allowed as a personal item.
Durable Handles
The best carry-on luggage will have a handle at the top and by the side for lifting.
Also, an extra sturdy telescopic handle should be available to enable you to push and pull the luggage easily (when wheeled).
Note: A good telescopic handle is long enough to enable users to easily pull or push luggage at their comfortable arms length, so check the measurements of the handle and compare to your height when standing.
Compartments and Interior Size
The interior construction of carry-on luggage consists of two types.
The deep compartment with an outer flap (typical of a softshell bag or backpack), or the ‘sandwich’ (also known as clamshell) compartment where the suitcase is split into 2 equal halves (usually a hardshell bag with no outer pockets).
You will often find that it's useful to have a carry-on with some exterior pockets, as they're useful for storage things you need to get quickly, such as your boarding pass or passsport.
Laptop Storage
Carry-on luggage with laptop compartments is a decent option for folks whose main purpose of traveling is work.
This kind of luggage gives your laptop maximum protection, and besides that, it makes it easy for you to access your laptop at security checks or anywhere when it's being needed.
Backpack vs. Duffel vs. Wheeled Carry-on Suitcase
Are you the type of person who likes to over-pack when embarking on a trip? Then a carry-on duffel bag is a perfect option. Yes, this is because the carry-on duffel is larger and has more space for you to add different items, and usually has a soft side that can accommodate extra items last minute.
Carry-on backpacks, on the other hand, have lots of compartments for you to keep your travel accessories. Plus, it has even become a better option since US airlines introduced the Basic Economy fares. It allows you to keep both hands free for your boarding pass and passsport, as well as other essentials like holding onto an escalator handle.
A carry-on suitcase with wheels is best for those who don't want to carry their bag around with them the whole time. Resting the bag and rolling it on the wheels helps to save your energy, which is important, as traveling can be a stressful experience, so anything that helps you lower that stress is a good thing.
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Pros and Cons of a 22 inch Carry-on Bag
Pros:
- Carry-on suitcases save you extra fees charged by the airline for checked-in luggage.
- With a carry-on suitcase, you'll have instant access to your belongings.
- Your valuables are safer and you don't tend to experience any kind of lost luggage scenario.
- A carry-on suitcase saves you the time wasted on waiting for luggage.
- Carry-on luggage gives you more flexibility in moving around. You don't need to go through the stress of dragging your bag.
Cons:
- Carry-on luggage reduces stress, however, it can be very difficult to move with carry-on luggage up the stairs.
- When handling carry-on luggage, it gets difficult to carry extra things like food, travel documents, or petty things you might want to get at the airport.
Key Features to Look Out For
A perfect carry-on suitcase satisfies your needs in terms of size, color, etc.
However, don't forget that your carry-on luggage must suit the airline restrictions on luggage size (height x width x depth). And in case you're unaware, most airlines include handles and wheels when measuring carry-on bag size.
In all, just make sure you acquire a suitcase you can vibe with when travelling. The handle shouldn't be hard to or sticky, the wheels shouldn't be cheap, etc.
Do you need a new toiletries bag as well? Click here
What is Smart Luggage?
Smart Luggage gives you more functionality other than just space to keep your items. It boasts elegant extra features ranging from electronic baggage, power banks to charge phones, TSA approved locks and a GPS tracker.
With smart luggage you have more peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are 100% safe and secured. Plus, even if your luggage gets missing, the GPS tracking installed on it makes it easy to find.
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Are smart carry-on bags allowed on flights?
No! In 2019, lots of airlines such as; Delta, Alaska, American, etc, banned the carrying of lithium-ion batteries found in smart luggage.
Thus, instead of acquiring a smart suitcase, you should just get an external charger for your mobile device.
There are certain bags that may be allowed, but you should check the airline guidelines for more information.
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What to pack in a carry-on bag?
Your carry-on suitcase should consist of the most important items you need on your journey. From clothes to medications, jewelry, toiletries, etc.
Just make sure you pack all you need in case your checked luggage gets delayed.
Final Thoughts - A Bag That Works for You
We hope you enjoyed our post on the best carry-on luggage for 2023.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, or contact Von Baer on info@vonbaer.com.
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