The Best Carry-on Luggage for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed (2024)

• Our Picks

• Final Verdict

• How We Tested

• Other Carry-Ons We Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust TripSavvy

Samsonite's Freeform Carry-on Spinner checks all the boxes. Four lightweight 360-degree double spinner wheels assure maneuverability, gliding smoothly on hard surfaces and carpets. Our tester loved how easily they could transition from four to two wheels to handle bumpy terrain. The push-button handle provides multi-stage positioning to accommodate travelers of different heights. The Polypro hardshell stood up to our damage tests without incident, so it'll survive rough handling by baggage carriers if you have to check it—while other details, like an integrated ID tag and a TSA-friendly three-dial combo lock, provide added peace of mind. Our testers also loved the color options, which make the bag stand out from the masses at luggage claim.

With just shy of 50 liters of storage space and the ability to expand, the Freeform can carry a lot of clothes, with a cross ribbon and a divider to keep things organized, along with a handful of zippered pockets for things like your shoes. Our tester did wish there was a separate, waterproof section for dirty clothes. The sleek profile will appeal to those with a modern aesthetic, while the outer material is hard enough to protect your gear but not so hard that it'd hurt if you hit your legs with the suitcase while rushing to catch a plane.

Dimensions: 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Capacity: 49.5 liters | Materials: Polypro hardside

The term basic may carry a negative connotation, but Amazon is all-in on challenging that perception. Their Basic 21-inch Hardside Spinner won accolades from our tester based on its value, durability, and storage capacity. The suitcase uses an extra-thick ABS hardshell that stood up to our impact tests, providing effective protection for your gear. The four double-spinner wheels let the suitcase glide smoothly on the carpet and other flat surfaces.

Inside, you get a main storage area with an X-shaped compression strap, along with a 150-denier polyester divider that’s equipped with three zippered pockets to keep things organized and to help separate your dirty laundry or footwear from your clean clothes. If you need more space, the suitcase can expand by up to 15 percent. Our tester also appreciated that the telescoping handle locks into place, and the side handle made lifting the bag pretty simple.

Dimensions: 22 x 14.9 x 10 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds | Capacity: 38.7 liters | Materials: ABS hardshell and 150-denier polyester liner

Constructed of an ultra-strong polycarbonate shell that flexes on impact to prevent cracking, Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner will protect the contents of your suitcase in practically any situation. The 8-pound bag sits on four self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels that are integrated into Travelpro’s PrecisionGlide System, moving smoothly across all surfaces. Meanwhile, the handle's contoured grip and telescoping shaft make it easy to move the suitcase around, whether rolling it across the bumpy tarmac or weaving through terminal traffic.

It also comes with external USB-A and USB-C ports, which work with an exterior battery pocket hidden in the expansion feature for easy access (and FAA compliance). You'll have to buy the power bank separately. Inside, you’ll find two separate sections on both sides of the suitcase, each with a few zippered compartments for smaller items, though our tester did wish there were some larger zippered pockets integrated into the design.

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Capacity: 45 liters | Materials: Polycarbonate hard shell with aluminum corner guards

Unlike hardside suitcases, which typically divide their storage space into two equal sections, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner utilizes one large storage section. This is outfitted with a panel compression system and a removable quart-sized wet pocket, along with zippered storage in the fold-back lid. The suitcase also includes a drop-in, fold-out suiter section, designed to accommodate clothes on a hanger to prevent wrinkling.

The polyester outer has been treated with DuraGuard to help combat dirt and stains, and it stood up well to our impact tests. It also has an FAA-approved USB port (along with a dedicated power bank pocket), though it doesn’t come with the power bank. Our tester noted that moving the Platinum Elite at an angle was slightly cumbersome; however, the eight self-aligning spinner wheels flow smoothly on all types of surfaces, and the multiple heights of the telescoping handle allow for intelligent customization.

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Capacity: 46 liters | Materials: Polyester with DuraGuard coating

Some travelers may question why you'd want to carry your luggage on your back when you can roll it, but for those who like the freedom afforded by a backpack-style carry-on (imagine moving hands-free across any sort of terrain with ease), carrying the weight of the pack and its contents is a worthy sacrifice. The unstructured Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is easy to load thanks to its rectangular shape, which, as our tester noted, lends itself to tucking things into the corners.

The 35-liter pack has an innovative organizational structure: One side features a few different zippered compartments, while the other has a zippered mesh panel and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve to protect your electronics. Our tester also loved how the YKK side zips made it easy to access the bag's contents quickly. The 840-denier ballistic nylon outer stood up to our impact tests and will also stand up to the elements, and it wipes clean with a damp cloth. And comfort—an essential aspect of a backpack-style carry-on—is assured thanks to a weight-distributing low-profile harness and a breathable mesh back panel.

One potential issue we've had over years of testing this bag is that its outer shell might eventually flake off. This doesn't impact the bag's functionality, just its aesthetics.

Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Capacity: 35 liters | Materials: 840-denier ballistic nylon

After Yeti popularized the concept of high-end coolers, they turned their design expertise to luggage, and the Crossroads 40L Duffel is the result. Built to hold a hefty cache of gear for road trips, camping, and flying, the duffel has a structured build that lets its walls stand up when empty. The interior features two divider panels for separating clean and dirty gear, which can be stashed under a bottom flap when not needed. Our tester also appreciated the duffel's small top pockets for items like tools or your cell phone.

TuffSkin Nylon, an expedition-grade 700-denier fabric inspired by motorcycle gear, can take a beating without incident and is both water- and abrasion-resistant. All the straps lining the bag have reinforced stitching and internal anchors, so they'll stand up to the heaviest of loads—although our tester did note that the detachable shoulder strap is only padded in one section, so it may be uncomfortable or awkward if you overpack. That said, the compression straps are removable so you can use them on the inside or outside, which helps keep things secure.

Dimensions: 21 x 12.5 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Capacity: 40 liters | Materials: TuffSkin 700-denier nylon, GroundControl PU-coated base

Away took their classic suitcase design and added a built-in zipper expansion that provides an additional 2.25 inches of storage in The Bigger Carry-On Flex. This means being able to pack all those mid-trip purchases comfortably and confidently. The carry-on glides effortlessly on four 360-degree spinning wheels, while the ample interior organization—including two main compartments, a layered second compartment, a laundry bag, and netted storage—will appeal to travelers who haul lots of gear.

Our tester liked how the compression straps made clothing with thicker fabric smaller and said the suitcase could handle everything you’d need for a long weekend. During the impact tests, our tester noted that the polycarbonate shell scuffed up a bit. However, the suitcase comes with a cleaning sponge, which wipes away any damage. A TSA-approved combo lock adds a touch of security if you have to check the suitcase, while the underside grab handle makes it easy to lift into the overhead bin.

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.55 pounds | Capacity: 47.9 liters, 55.7 expanded | Materials: Polycarbonate shell, leather details

Designed to accommodate the most demanding business traveler, Béis’s The Carry-on Roller leans heavily on organization. It has compartments on both sides of the interior and includes drawstring sections for storing dirty clothes, two zippered bags built into the divider, and an additional cushioned divider that our tester says could easily accommodate a laptop—a rarity in carry-on luggage. The hardside virgin polycarbonate assures ample protection, and it handled our impact tests without issues. We also loved the little details and features, including padding on the extendable trolly handle, a retractable bag attach strap that can carry up to 15 pounds, TSA-approved locks, and a zippered expansion feature that boosts storage up to 61 liters.

Four Hinomoto 360-degree wheels glided smoothly on all surfaces, though our tester found that the bag did tend to orient itself onto the wider edge while pushing. Our tester loved the look of The Carry-on Roller with its gradient 3D stripe design, slim profile, and six colorways from traditional black to beige or pink.

Dimensions: 15.7 x 21 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Capacity: 49 to 61 liters | Materials: Polycarbonate body, PVC and polyester liner, metal hardware, nylon zipper

Built on the premise that capacity requirements vary from trip to trip, Peak Designs’ Travel Pack 45L may be the most versatile carry-on available. You can access the interior from the side, top, front, and rear. It offers quick-access pockets for keys, sunglasses, and passports; two expandable side pockets for water bottles and tripods; and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve. Inside, the main space divides into two sections with a zippered mesh sleeve to help separate and organize your gear. Our tester loved the ample grab handles (one on each side), which made placing the bag in the overhead bin a breeze.

The shoulder straps and waist belt can be stored inside the bag, reducing tangles when sliding the pack under a seat. It’s also very weather-resistant, thanks to weatherproof Ultra Zips, a recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell, and a 900-denier bottom liner, all of which handled our impact tests without issue. But perhaps best of all, the Travel Pack can be compressed for smaller loads, affording a more streamlined fit, or expanded to 45 liters of maximum storage.

Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches standard, 22 x 13 x 9.5 compressed, 22 x 12 x 11 expanded | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Capacity: 35 liters standard, 30 liters compressed, 45 liters expanded | Materials: Weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon shell with DWR, 900-denier waterproof bottom liner, anodized aluminum hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is hardside or softside luggage better?

  When it comes to luggage, better is slightly subjective. Hardside and softside suitcases both have their benefits and cater to different types of travel. Softside cases are typically lighter than their hardside counterparts, and because the fabric flexes considerably, they’re easier to pack to the limit and will compress slightly when you put the suitcase in an overhead bin or under a seat. They are also more likely to have exterior storage pockets. But you may sacrifice some protection, and the fabric can be prone to ripping or stains, though most high-quality softside carry-ons have pretty durable materials with weatherproof treatments to help block moisture penetration.

  Today’s hardside suitcases use ultra-durable, lightweight materials like ABS or polycarbonate and typically feature a 50/50 clamshell opening so that you can pack the suitcase evenly. They’re great if you’re packing fragile items like camera gear, and most boast loads of organization to help keep everything in its place. The rigidity does make it tough to over-pack, and the fixed dimensions can be a pain to store when not in use. But they really stand up to the elements and the inevitable abuse encountered on the open road or when you’re forced to check the carry-on. They can scuff or scratch more easily than softside luggage, although the best ones flex on impact to prevent damage.

• How do you pack a suit in carry-on luggage?

  Whether traveling for business or a wedding, there are several ways to keep your suit wrinkle-free in transit. Some suitcases come with a dedicated suit garment bag. But even if your carry-on doesn’t have that feature, you can still fold the suit in a way that should avoid excessive wrinkling. Lay the jacket down, fold the left shoulder back, turn the right shoulder inside out, and tuck the left into the right shoulder. Fold it in half lengthwise, then fold it horizontally. Then lay the compressed jacket across the length of the pants and fold the pants over to create one compact package, which you then lay flat in your suitcase.

• How do you clean and care for your carry-on luggage?

  Most carry-ons are durable and can handle the typical bumps and scrapes of travel. But if your suitcase does get dirty, there are ways to clean it. You can spot-clean softside suitcases with a damp cloth, and if you have more stubborn stains, you can use a gentle cleaning product—just be sure that the cleaner won’t remove any sort of weather-resistant treatment. Most suitcase manufacturers should provide detailed guidelines. Hardside carry-ons can typically be wiped clean with a microfiber cloth to remove modest scuffs and scrapes, and the plastic materials will also stand up to more rigorous scrubbing. Luggage of all kinds should be stored dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

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