Are you excited about your upcoming travels? Beyond packing your essential travel pants and makeup organizers, selecting the ideal travel bag is the crucial final step to ensure everything fits seamlessly. Unlike bulky, traditional luggage, Great Travel Bags offer enhanced maneuverability, allowing you to navigate security lines and city streets with ease. Choosing the right travel bag not only saves you valuable time and space but also keeps your belongings conveniently accessible throughout your journey.
Rani Cheema, a seasoned culinary travel specialist at Cheema’s Travel, emphasizes the importance of bag selection, stating, “Choosing the right bag is important, and this depends on the trip you’re taking.” To pinpoint the best travel bag for your specific needs, consider the duration of your trip, your personal packing style, and any must-have features you require. A quick overnight business trip might only necessitate a roomy tote for your office essentials and a laptop, while a lightweight roller bag could be more suitable for a longer vacation involving multiple airport transfers. Ultimately, your travel bag should be practical for your travel itinerary, comfortable to carry, and easy to handle in various environments, from bustling airports and train stations to navigating stairs at your accommodation. Cheema further adds a thoughtful perspective, “Think of your bag as self-care and self-love.”
To assist you in your search, we’ve conducted thorough research into today’s highest-rated travel bags and consulted with travel and style experts to curate a list of top recommendations. Our selections also take into account current TSA guidelines, including the standard maximum carry-on dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches accepted by most airlines. Explore our guide below to discover the best travel bags for every type of trip and personal style preference.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag at Nordstrom $185
Jump to Review - Best Budget: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, Zip-Top at L.L.Bean $45
Jump to Review - Best Splurge: The Row Park XL Tote Bag in Nubuck Leather at Neiman Marcus
Jump to Review - Best Weekender: Béis The Commuter Duffel at Nordstrom $138
Jump to Review - Best Tote: Cuyana Classic Easy Tote at Cuyana.com $268
Jump to Review - Best With Compartments: Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Calpaktravel.com
Jump to Review - Best Backpack: July Carry All Backpack 25L at July.com
Jump to Review - Best Roller: Away The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com $295
Jump to Review - Best Mini Roller: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage at Calpaktravel.com
Jump to Review - Best Convertible: MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack at Mzwallace.com
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
PHOTO: Dagne Dover
$185 at Nordstrom View on Dagnedover.com $185 at Shopbop.com
Why We Love It: The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag distinguishes itself with its sophisticated design, diverse color options, and exceptional functionality. Its spacious interior is thoughtfully designed with numerous organizational features, including a padded sleeve for laptops, a mesh pouch, a dedicated water bottle pocket, a key leash, a shoe dust bag, and multiple pockets. These compartments ensure your essentials, including your travel hair dryer and other belongings, remain neatly organized. The exterior is equally impressive, featuring side snaps that expand to provide additional space when needed. Melissa Mash, cofounder and CEO of Dagne Dover, highlights the bag’s practicality: “The large size qualifies as a personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you, and it easily stores over two days’ worth of clothing. The medium, large, and extra-large sizes also have a luggage sleeve so it can sit on top of rolling luggage while you’re maneuvering throughout the airport effortlessly and hands-free.” An easily accessible exterior phone pocket adds an extra layer of convenience and security.
Who It’s For: Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or need a spacious personal item for air travel, the large Landon, with its 29-liter capacity and array of organizational pockets, is an excellent choice. For longer trips, the extra-large size offers even more room and is designed to fit comfortably in overhead compartments. Regardless of the size, you’ll travel with both efficiency and style.
Material: Neoprene shell; recycled polyester lining, shoe bag, and dust bag | Size: 16.5 (L) x 9 (W) x 11 (H) inches | Capacity: 29 liters
Best Budget
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, Zip-Top
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PHOTO: L.L. Bean
Why We Love It: The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote has achieved iconic status for good reason. It’s a practical, durable bag that offers exceptional value for money. Constructed from robust, heavy-duty cotton canvas, this spacious tote is designed to carry a significant amount. The large size, with a 35-liter capacity, is available for under $50. Reinforced handles and double-stitched seams ensure it can handle heavy loads without tearing, while the zippered top keeps your belongings secure. For a small additional fee, you can personalize it with a monogram, adding a unique touch.
Who It’s For: The Boat and Tote is incredibly versatile, available in 12 colors, four sizes, and two handle lengths, with extensive monogram options. There’s truly a Boat and Tote for everyone. All sizes comply with carry-on dimensions, with the medium size being particularly suitable as a personal item.
Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 15 (H) x 17 (L) x 7 (W) inches (large) | Capacity: 35 liters
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PHOTO: InStyle
Tester Review: Irene, a frequent traveler in NYC, shares her experience: “Tote bags are essential in NYC, but many are flimsy, unstructured, and look rather messy. The L.L. Bean bag stands upright and securely holds all my items without tipping over, which is a common issue on the subway. I’m always amazed at how much I can fit inside before it feels bulky—like cardigans, a laptop, and even some groceries. Importantly, the design evenly distributes weight, so it’s always comfortable to carry.”
Best Splurge
The Row Park XL Tote Bag in Nubuck Leather
PHOTO: Neiman Marcus
View on Neiman Marcus View on 24s.com
Why We Love It: The Row Park XL Tote Bag elevates the concept of a travel purse to a luxurious level. Perfect as a personal item on flights or for weekend getaways, this extra-large tote is designed for the discerning traveler who appreciates luxury. It’s crafted from premium textured calfskin leather, which is durable and resistant to showing scratches and wear, and the interior is lined with sumptuously soft suede. This tote offers ample space for all your travel necessities and more. The 10-inch handle drop allows for comfortable hand or shoulder carry, providing hands-free convenience. It also includes a detachable leather pouch for organizing smaller, essential items for quick access.
Who It’s For: If you value understated luxury and timeless design, the Park XL Tote is a travel companion you’ll cherish for years. Its simple yet sophisticated aesthetic, generous size, functional design, and impeccable craftsmanship make it a worthwhile investment.
Material: Leather | Size: 14 (H) x 24 (L) x 12 (W) | Capacity: Not listed
Best Weekender
Béis The Commuter Duffel
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PHOTO: BÉIS
$138 at Nordstrom View on Beistravel.com
Why We Love It: For long weekend plans, the Béis Commuter Duffel is an excellent choice for transporting all your essentials effortlessly. This duffel is generously sized and features numerous organizational pockets and compartments to keep your items neatly arranged. Our editors tested this weekender bag and found it could comfortably hold up to four days’ worth of necessities. Made from durable nylon, it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel, while faux leather accents add a touch of luxury without the high-end price tag.
Who It’s For: Ideal for short business trips or romantic weekend getaways, this bag is a reliable option for a few days away. For longer trips, the integrated luggage sleeve makes it easy to attach to rolling luggage, streamlining airport navigation.
Material: Nylon body, polyurethane trim, polyester lining | Size: 12 (H) x 21.5 (L) x 9 (W) inches | Capacity: 24.22 liters
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PHOTO: InStyle
Tester Review: Abby, who enjoys short trips, notes, “Before this bag, my only options were large totes or a carry-on suitcase—the tote was never spacious enough for three days, yet a suitcase felt excessive. The Béis Commuter duffle is the perfect middle ground. It has several internal and external pockets for organization and is large enough to fit sweaters without feeling cramped—a huge plus for winter travel! I appreciate the flat, rectangular base that helps it maintain its structure and feel sturdy.”
Best Tote
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
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PHOTO: Cuyana
$268 at Cuyana.com View on Lyst.com
Why We Love It: Whether for daily commutes or long flights, the Cuyana Classic Easy Tote is a beautifully crafted, functional bag designed to simplify your travels. Made from lightweight, soft leather, this minimalist tote features a large interior that accommodates a 16-inch laptop and other essentials. Top handles and shoulder straps offer versatile carrying options. The ability to customize the interior with various inserts and organizers is a standout feature, allowing you to tailor the bag to your specific needs. It’s also available in a range of attractive colors and comes in tall and small sizes for different capacity needs.
Who It’s For: If you need a versatile tote that’s functional for various travel scenarios and built to last, the Cuyana Classic Easy Tote is an excellent choice.
Material: Leather | Size: 12.5 (H) x 20.5 (L) x 5 (W) inches | Capacity: Not listed
Best With Compartments
Calpak Luka Duffel Bag
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PHOTO: Calpak
View on Calpaktravel.com $158 at The Container Store
Why We Love It: For those who appreciate ample pockets in their travel bags, the Calpak Luka Duffel is a dream come true. It boasts nine pockets, including a laptop sleeve, a separate shoe compartment, and multiple interior slots and zippered compartments. Summer Cartwright, InStyle’s senior wellness editor, praises its versatility: “I use this as a gym bag, weekender bag, travel bag, and commuter tote. The soft shell material remains comfortable even when fully packed. It feels like a puffer coat.”
Who It’s For: If you value organization and want to keep all your essentials—clothes, laptop, passport, and wallet—in a single bag with easy access to smaller items, especially at airports, the Luka Duffel is ideal.
Material: Polyester shell | Size: 12 (H) x 16 (L) x 8 (W) inches | Capacity: 25 liters
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Tester Review: Krisha, who needed more storage, remarks, “This bag is very spacious with plenty of compartments to separate items… During a 5k race in D.C., the separate shoe compartment was incredibly useful for keeping my running shoes apart from my clothes. It also has a trolley sleeve, which is great for securing it to a suitcase if needed.”
Best Backpack
July Carry All Backpack 25L
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PHOTO: July
Why We Love It: For hands-free travel, a travel backpack is an excellent choice as a carry-on or personal item. The July Carry All Backpack 25L features a streamlined, roomy design with a 25-liter capacity. Made from water-resistant nylon twill and equipped with padded, adjustable straps, it combines functionality and comfort with style. Thoughtful features include a QuickPass hidden pocket, a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, multiple internal pockets and dividers, side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas, and a luggage sleeve.
Who It’s For: Ideal for travelers who prefer hands-free mobility and want to avoid shoulder strain. For those needing less space, a 20-liter version is also available.
Material: Nylon, leather handles and trims | Size: 18.9 (H) x 12.2 (L) x 6.7 (W) inches | Capacity: 25 liters
Best Roller
Away The Bigger Carry-On
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Love It: Sydney Engelhart, a fashion stylist in L.A., calls the Away Bigger Carry-On her “most loyal travel companion.” She notes, “It’s simple and sleek, yet incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver.” Beyond its smooth-gliding wheels and lightweight construction, this carry-on features Away’s signature interior compression system for organized packing and easy-grip handles for effortless maneuvering. The 100% polycarbonate shell is highly durable and withstands airline travel wear and tear. Engelhart adds, “I’ve taken it on numerous trips, and it remains in excellent condition.”
Who It’s For: Perfect for longer trips or those who tend to overpack, this spacious 47.9-liter roller provides ample room. While it fits in the overhead bins of most major U.S. airlines, it slightly exceeds average maximum dimensions, so it may not meet every airline’s requirements. For a guaranteed overhead bin fit, consider the smaller Carry-On size.
Material: Polycarbonate shell | Size: 22.7 (H) x 15.4 (L) x 9.6 (W) inches | Capacity: 47.9 liters
Best Mini Roller
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage
PHOTO: Calpak
View on Calpaktravel.com $165 at Zola View on Net-a-Porter
Why We Love It: For travelers who prefer to keep their luggage close without the bulk of a larger bag, the Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage is ideal. This mini roller fits under most airline seats yet offers a substantial 28-liter capacity. Sounun Tek, Calpak’s senior director of brand marketing, notes, “Its lightweight and durable construction makes it easy to navigate airports and train stations, while multiple interior compartments keep your belongings organized and secure.” The durable polycarbonate shell comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including limited-edition neons, making it easy to spot at baggage claim.
Who It’s For: Perfect for overnight trips or day excursions. For longer trips, consider the standard Hue Carry-on size for more packing space.
Material: Polycarbonate shell | Size: 16 (H) x 14 (L) x 9 (W) | Capacity: 28 liters
Best Convertible
MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack
Why We Love It: MZ Wallace is renowned for creating stylish, functional, and durable bags from signature quilted nylon, ideal for busy, travel-intensive lifestyles. The Metro Utility Backpack offers exceptional versatility, allowing it to be worn three ways: as a backpack, as a tote using the top handles, or crossbody with a detachable, adjustable strap. It includes eight exterior pockets, ten interior pockets, two detachable pouches, a luggage sleeve, and a compartment for laptops up to 15 inches.
Who It’s For: For travelers who prioritize organization and versatility in carrying options, along with a stylish aesthetic, this convertible backpack is an excellent choice.
Material: Nylon; leather trims | Size: 16.5 (H) x 12.2 (L) x 5.5 (W) | Capacity: Not listed
Best Leather
Mansur Gavriel Large Leather Tote
PHOTO: Shopbop
View on Shopbop.com $655 at Saks Fifth Avenue $645 at Revolve
Why We Love It: Premium leather is both luxurious and durable, making it an excellent material for travel accessories. The Mansur Gavriel Large Leather Tote is a sleek, simple, and stylish bag that elevates airport outfits. It is lightweight, spacious, and compact enough to fit under an airplane seat. Made from high-quality leather that improves with age, it’s designed for longevity and style.
Who It’s For: This chic tote is ideal as a personal item for flights and also functions as a stylish work tote. It’s spacious enough for a wallet, phone, laptop, water bottle, and an extra sweater.
Material: Leather | Size: 11.5 (H) x 19 (L) x 6 (W) inches | Capacity: Not listed
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Tester Review: Summer, who avoids checking bags, raves, “This tote feels like it could fit my entire apartment! It’s incredibly spacious yet keeps everything organized. It even includes an attached pouch for essentials like your wallet, passport, or keys, making them easy to access.”
Best Classic
Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
PHOTO: Longchamp
$155 at Nordstrom View on Longchamp.com $155 at Bloomingdales
Why We Love It: The Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is an icon, known for its simplicity and practicality since the 90s. Celebrated for its capacity and lightweight yet durable design, this bag is an excellent travel companion. The nylon body is adaptable, fitting easily under seats or in overhead bins, and folds flat for storage. Known for its resilience, the Le Pliage is practically indestructible.
Who It’s For: If you need a reliable travel bag to complement larger luggage, the Le Pliage is durable, classic, and surprisingly spacious. It features only two small interior pockets, so it might not suit those who prefer highly compartmentalized bags.
Material: Polyamide canvas; leather trims | Size: 11.8 (H) x 12.2 (L) x 7.5 (W) | Capacity: Not listed
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Tester Review: Heer, who tends to overpack, shares, “This bag is incredibly spacious! It holds all my clothes, toiletries, and extra items. I use it for weekend trips, and the expandable design is perfect for overpackers like me.”
Best Canvas
Kassl East West Canvas Tote
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PHOTO: Bergdorf Goodman
Why We Love It: For a generously sized bag to carry all your travel necessities, the Kassl East West Canvas Tote is an excellent choice. Engelhart describes it as her “favorite travel tote right now—it’s a slightly more refined version of the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, with timeless piping that adds a cool touch to the canvas.” Made from cotton canvas with faux leather piping, it’s remarkably lightweight, essential for a bag designed to carry a lot. It features both top handles and shoulder straps for flexible carrying options. Note that it has minimal internal organization, with just one small slip pocket, so organizational pouches might be helpful for smaller items.
Who It’s For: If you’re seeking an elevated canvas tote, this oversized style is a great option. While pricier, Engelhart recommends it as a worthwhile investment due to its durability and timeless style.
Material: Cotton, polyurethane; polyester lining | Size: 13.7 (H) x 24.4 (L) x 8.1 (W) inches | Capacity: Not listed
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing Great Travel Bags
- Material: Travel bags are typically made from hard or soft materials, each offering distinct advantages. Hard-shell bags, common in roller suitcases, provide superior durability and protection, especially for fragile items. Sounun Tek from Calpak points out, “Sturdy materials like polycarbonate are durable and resist abrasion, breaking, and water damage, ensuring your belongings are protected throughout your journey.” Soft bags, such as duffels and soft rollers, especially those made from nylon, offer flexibility. Rani Cheema notes, “They are easier to overstuff, particularly on return trips. The flexible material also makes them easier to fit into overhead bins and they are generally lighter.”
- Size and Weight: Size and weight are critical, especially considering airline guidelines. Tek advises, “Check the bag’s dimensions to ensure it fits in overhead bins or under seats. Also, consider the empty bag’s weight to avoid exceeding airline weight limits when packed.” Comfort during travel is also affected by size and weight. Engelhart says, “There’s nothing worse than carrying a heavy bag through an airport, so I prefer lightweight and practical options that still match my personal style.”
- Functionality: Functionality is paramount. Bags with multiple compartments and pockets help organize and provide easy access to belongings. Tek recommends features like laptop sleeves, zippered mesh pockets for toiletries, and external pockets for phones or passports.
- Your Full Luggage Combination: Melissa Mash of Dagne Dover emphasizes considering your entire luggage setup—carry-on and personal item—for optimal travel efficiency. “Your carry-on and personal item should be versatile, working well individually and together to handle packing challenges. This combination should maximize capacity and usability both during flights and throughout your trip.”
Your Questions, Answered
How do you pack a carry-on-sized bag for a multi-night trip efficiently?
Efficient packing is essential for carry-on travel. Melissa Mash recommends organizational skills and packing cubes. “I use packing cubes for all clothing and shoe bags for shoes, placing them in the carry-on’s bottom compartment. Bulky items like hair dryers go in the top.”
A solid packing formula helps prevent overpacking. Engelhart’s formula for a week in cold weather includes two pairs of pants, two sweaters, three to four tops, and two pairs of shoes. “I wear my coat, with an extra sweater and boots on the plane to save space for toiletries and gifts.” Cheema suggests a similar approach: one pair of boots, two pairs of pants, six versatile tops, and two sweaters. For warmer climates, substitute shorts for pants and dresses for sweaters. “You only need a few shoe options on vacation,” she advises.
How do you safely transport makeup and liquid toiletries in great travel bags?
Transporting liquids requires care to comply with TSA limits (3.4 oz) and prevent spills. Tek recommends packing liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag for easy inspection. “This keeps everything identifiable and contained.” Place this bag in a leak-proof pouch to prevent spills. “Keep the pouch in an accessible carry-on compartment for easy retrieval,” says Tek.
To minimize liquid transport, consider reducing your liquid toiletries. Engelhart suggests, “Minimalism is key. I simplify my skincare and makeup routine and avoid glass bottles. Ries refillable travel containers are incredibly useful.” Cheema opts for solid alternatives: “I prefer bar products—shampoo bars, shaving bars, facial cleansers, powdered dry shampoo, and even solid deodorant and toothpaste tablets. Fewer liquids mean fewer hassles.”
Why Shop With Us
Jenna Igneri, a freelance fashion writer and editor with bylines in Refinery29, Byrdie, Who What Wear, and more, curated this guide. With over a decade of experience, she has extensive knowledge of travel accessories. As a frequent traveler, she understands the qualities of great travel bags.
For this article, she selected bags from trusted brands and researched top-rated styles, consulting travel experts: fashion stylist Sydney Engelhart, culinary travel specialist Rani Cheema, Dagne Dover CEO Melissa Mash, and Calpak senior director of brand marketing Sounun Tek.
