Best Stylish Carry-on Luggage for Travel 2023

by Albert Varkki updated 07-07-2023

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best carry on luggage

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

Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag

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 OptionsAvailable in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more
Laptop SleeveIncludes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
MaterialHandmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather
Convenience FeaturesSmooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets
InteriorDurable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket
Zipper QualityHigh-quality Japanese YKK zippers
SustainabilityCrafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities
Origin CertificateComes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin
Travel-FriendlyCarry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials
Additional FeaturesLuggage tag included for easy identification

Watch the Voyager product video below:

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Our review:

"Extremely popular with male and female travellers alike, this big-selling unisex travel bag is designed to serve you well for years to come. The bag offers a wide range of brilliant features for travellers including the telescopic handle and wheels. It is also carry-on compliant and comes with a luggage tag. There's a special compartment for a laptop up to 16", tough cotton lining and a reliable YKK zipper. The bag makes it easy for you to quickly access travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass and comes with a fold-over magnet closure. Small slots and an interior zipped pocket makes organising smaller items a breeze."
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

Weekender

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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
InteriorDurable cotton lining with compartments for organization
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
ComplianceMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional FeaturesAdjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
PersonalizedOption for custom laser engraving
Use CasesTravel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

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Our review:

"Look no further if you require a unisex bag for travel � this carry-on compliant bag can give you everything you need. The bag is made from premium full-grain leather and comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16". The bag is perfect for overseas travel as well as your next staycation and boasts robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag has been designed to be as practical as it is elegant. It also comes with smooth top leather handles and an adjustable shoulder strap which will make transportation a breeze. Carry clothing, chargers, toiletries and more."
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

10X 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:

Product10X Laptop Travel Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsBackpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width31 cm (12 in)
Height42 cm (17 in)
Depth17 cm (7 in)
Weight2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

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Our review:

"This unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag offers a number of exceptional features that will make your travels a breeze, and these include tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. The bag has been manufactured from elegant premium Italian full-grain leather. It has a front-loading design that makes it so easy to access your holiday essentials when you require them. You'll also get access to a sleeve to protect your 15.6 inch laptop or 16 inch MacBook Pro. You can use this high-selling offering as a travel bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. Organisation is made simple thanks to the canvas-lined internal compartments."
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

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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color OptionsSolid Brown, Classic Tan, Elegant Black
DesignProfessional garment bag for making a statement at work
Lining & ZipperDurable cotton lining with Japanese YKK zipper
Carry On CompliantMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
InteriorFine Italian cotton lining
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
CapacityCan fit suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Additional FeaturesCan be used as a gym bag, spacious design
PersonalizedOptional laser engraving to make it really unique

Watch the Grand product video below:

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Our review:

"This beautiful unisex bag for travel has been designed with longevity in mind. The bag comes complete with a tough YKK zipper and boasts outstanding cotton lining. This popular bag is as spacious as it is functional, giving you enough space to carry outfits, laptops and more. What's more is that the bag is compliant with carry-on rules. Get your most treasured goods from the airport to the hotel in style with our highly elegant and dependable unisex travel bag. The bag has been manufactured by leading Italian craftsmen and is as sophisticated as it is reliable. Take a closer look today."
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

Liberty 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:

ProductLiberty Backpack
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 14 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsAdjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width33 cm (13 in)
Height40 cm (16 in)
Depth12 cm (5 in)
Weight1.4 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Liberty product video below:

Browse more images of the Liberty:

Our review:

"If you require a unisex bag for travel that has a timeless look and can serve you well for years, this bag made from premium Italian full-grain leather could be the ideal match. This big-selling bag comes with a large number of desirable features such as the YKK zipper and durable cotton lining. It also has a sleeve that's big enough to accommodate a tablet or a laptop up to 14 inches. The bag has been designed to withstand the challenges of overseas travel and has been created to carry more than just your bare essentials. It also comes with adjustable shoulder straps and a strong top handle to make carrying a breeze, wherever you're heading to."
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

Prime Backpack

Best for chic city explorations with hands-free convenience - Prime Leather Backpack.

Prime Backpack Product Highlights:

ProductPrime Backpack
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 14 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsAdjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width27 cm (11 in)
Height40 cm (16 in)
Depth12 cm (5 in)
Weight1.2 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Prime product video below:

Browse more images of the Prime:

Our review:

"This unisex travel bag is the ideal match for men and women when they are exploring everything that the world has to offer. The bag is designed to withstand everything that modern travel can throw at it and is made from tough, reliable materials including elegant Italian full-grain leather. Other features which have made this bag very popular amongst discerning ladies and gentlemen include the YKK zipper and the durable canvas interior. The bag also comes with adjustable shoulder straps and a wide top handle which make carrying it through the airport or the city a breeze. There are three separate compartments inside the main compartment."
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

City 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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color OptionsSolid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop CompatibilityFits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
DesignProfessional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable StrapAdjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner PocketsStitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
PersonalizedOption to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

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Our review:

"This incredibly elegant unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag is manufactured from outstandingly elegant and dependable materials including Italian full-grain leather. It can accommodate a laptop of up to 15.6 inches and has been designed with longevity in mind. Invest in this bag and receive several years of support as you explore everything that the world has to offer. The bag also comes with tough cotton lining and boasts rounded top handles which make it easy to transport it from country to country. Take a closer look at this exquisite unisex travel bag today."
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

Elegance 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 OriginCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany
Laptop SleeveSpecifically designed slot for up to a 14" laptop
Interior QualityRobust Italian cotton canvas lining, pleasant to touch
Zipper DurabilityRenowned Japanese YKK zippers ensuring longevity
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in family-owned studios in Florence, Italy
Sustainability CommitmentSupports traditional craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices
Leather TreatmentLeather treated with sustainable methods, ensuring quality and origin
Wear ResistanceDesigned for frequent use without excessive wear and tear
Handle StrengthHandles crafted to carry laptops, documents, and books securely

Watch the Elegance product video below:

Browse more images of the Elegance:

Our review:

"Have you been searching online for a reliable, long-lasting unisex bag for travel? If so, this could be the perfect solution. The bag has been designed to support you through trip after trip and gives you a great deal of capacity for all your travel essentials. This high-selling bag is made from elegant Italian full-grain leather and can be carried by hand or over the shoulder thanks to the robust leather straps. Key features of the bag include the zipped pocket for smaller items, three pen slots, a YKK zipper and cotton lining. The bag offers a great deal of longevity and should last for many holidays or business trips before it needs to be replaced."
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

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:

MaterialPremium Italian full-grain leather
ClosureMagnetic snap closure
OriginCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany
CraftsmanshipMade in Florence, Italy by skilled artisans
Inner LiningFine Italian cotton lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK zippers
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
Inner PocketOne zipped pocket inside
Shoulder StrapAdjustable and detachable
VersatilityCan be carried as a crossbody bag or clutch purse
PersonalizedOption to personalize with initials or a special message
Unique and Thoughtful GiftSuitable for any occasion, showcasing thoughtfulness

Watch the Isabella product video below:

Browse more images of the Isabella:

Our review:

"This popular unisex travel bag appeals to men and women alike. The bag is made from exquisite premium grade Italian full-grain leather and can be used as a crossbody or shoulder bag. This popular bag is noted for various fantastic features, and these include the magnetic snap closure, the suede leather interior and the adjustable leather strap. You can use the bag to transport a host of holiday essentials such as your phone, sun cream, books and sunglasses. The bag is made in Florence by highly skilled Italian craftsmen. Expect the bag to last for years to come before you need to replace it."
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.

Related:

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.

Do you also need a luggage tag? Click here

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.

Related:

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.

Related pages:

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.

You can browse related travel pages here.

Related:

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.

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