Packing efficiently is an art, and mastering it begins with choosing the right travel accessories. A well-packed bag isn’t just about fitting everything; it’s about carrying less than you think you need but having everything you truly require. Opting for a carry-on and a personal item setup offers unparalleled freedom, saving you from checked baggage hassles, especially when travel plans deviate. While carry-on only travel might not suit every scenario—think extended business trips or formal events—for most journeys, packing light is the smarter choice.
A person walking through an airport with the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on bag.
Choosing the right travel accessories can significantly enhance your travel experience. Photo: Caleigh Waldman
This guide dives into essential travel accessories, focusing on luggage options from carry-on backpacks to checked bags, alongside must-have accessories like luggage tags, compression sacks, and packing cubes. We’ve rigorously tested numerous bags to bring you top recommendations for 2024, ensuring your travels are as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Carry-on Backpacks: The Freedom of Mobility
For travelers prioritizing mobility and ease, carry-on backpacks are unparalleled. Ditch the rollers and embrace the freedom of navigating airports and cobblestone streets hands-free. We’ve identified two standout backpacks after months of testing 22 different models: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Your Versatile Weekender
Top Pick
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a top pick for carry-on travel backpacks, offering versatility and durability.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L excels in organization and durability, making it ideal for weekend getaways or week-long adventures. Its clamshell design simplifies packing and access, while robust straps offer comfortable backpack or hand-carry options.
Key Features:
- Clamshell Design: Unzip fully for easy packing and organization, like a suitcase.
- Durable Materials: Waterproof TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon ensure resilience against wear and tear.
- Comfortable Straps: Contoured straps provide a comfortable fit for various body types.
- Multiple Handles: Handles on all sides for easy grabbing from any angle.
- Lifetime Warranty: Backed by Cotopaxi’s comprehensive lifetime warranty.
- Updated Design (2024): Includes a luggage handle pass-through and stretch mesh water bottle pocket for added convenience.
Buying Options
$180 from REI
$200 from Amazon
The Allpa 35L is particularly suited for travelers who pack light or those with smaller frames. Its compact yet spacious design makes it a reliable companion for various travel styles.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a customizable and spacious option for longer trips or travelers with specific gear needs.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: Customizable for the Long Haul
Top Pick for Customization
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L stands out for its exceptional customization and expandability, catering to longer trips or travelers with specialized gear, like photographers. Its smart design allows expansion from 30L to 45L and includes tuck-away straps for a streamlined look.
Key Features:
- Expandable Design: Adjusts from 30L daypack to 45L travel bag.
- Photographer-Friendly: Designed with photographers in mind, offering modular accessory cubes (sold separately).
- Multiple Access Points: Back, front, and side access points for easy gear retrieval.
- Durable Fabric: Constructed from 400D nylon and polyester fabrics for robustness.
- Lifetime Warranty: Protected by Peak Design’s lifetime warranty.
Buying Options
$230 from REI
$300 from Best Buy
$300 from Huckberry
While pricier, especially with add-on cubes, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is an investment for travelers who value adaptability and premium features. It’s ideal for those who need a bag that transitions seamlessly from travel to daily use.
A person standing outside in a light blue short sleeve shirt wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, in black with a gray llama-head logo and aqua accents.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a comfortable and versatile carry-on backpack, suitable for various travel needs. Photo: Caleigh Waldman
A tester from behind, wearing the uniformly black, sporty Peak Design bag
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is ideal for travelers needing a larger, more customizable carry-on solution. Photo: Caleigh Waldman
Rolling Carry-on Luggage: Effortless Airport Navigation
For those who prefer gliding through airports, rolling carry-on luggage is indispensable. After extensive research and hands-on testing of 67 models, including flight attendant evaluations, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner emerges as the top choice for most travelers.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner: Premium Features, Exceptional Value
Top Pick for Rolling Luggage
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is a top-rated rolling carry-on, offering a great balance of features and value.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner balances size, value, durability, and high-end features perfectly. It’s designed for frequent flyers who appreciate reliability and robust construction.
Key Features:
- Smooth Spinner Wheels: User-replaceable wheels for effortless maneuvering.
- Telescoping Handle: Solid and comfortable handle for easy pulling.
- Durable Nylon Exterior: Hard-wearing nylon exterior with a sturdy internal chassis.
- External Pockets: Two zippered exterior pockets for quick access items.
- USB Pass-Through: Includes a USB pass-through for on-the-go phone charging (battery pack not included).
- Lifetime Warranty: Comprehensive lifetime warranty, even covering airline damage (with registration).
Buying Options
$365 from Amazon
$365 from Travelpro
The Platinum Elite enhances previous models with a streamlined handle design and added pockets, all while being lighter. Its high-quality components and comprehensive warranty make it a standout in its price range.
A person sitting in an airport chair with our pick for best carry-on luggage in front of them.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is pictured in an airport setting, showcasing its convenience for travel. Photo: Caleigh Waldman
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner: For the Frequent Flyer
Upgrade Pick for Rolling Luggage
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is an upgrade pick, ideal for frequent flyers needing premium features.
For frequent flyers logging over 25,000 miles annually, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is worth the investment. It boasts unique features, superior construction, and expandable capacity.
Key Features:
- Expandable & Compressible: Unique expansion-compression system for maximum packing capacity.
- Spacious Interior: Cavernous interior to fit more clothing than comparable bags.
- Premium Quality: Built with high-quality materials for exceptional durability.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Briggs & Riley guarantees customer satisfaction.
Buying Options
$699 from Briggs & Riley
While a significant investment, the Baseline Essential is designed for heavy use, offering unmatched packing flexibility and durability for serious travelers.
Personal Items: The Underseat Essentials
Personal items, often referred to as underseat luggage, are crucial for keeping essentials accessible during your flight. The ideal personal item is subjective, but the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag and the Monos Metro Duffel stand out.
Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag: Tech-Savvy and Stylish
For tech-savvy travelers, the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag excels as a tech organizer with ample space for a change of clothes. Its professional aesthetic transitions seamlessly from plane to office.
Monos Metro Duffel: Luxurious and Organized
The Monos Metro Duffel offers a touch of luxury with detailed organization and travel-simplifying add-ons. It’s a stylish shoulder bag designed for comfort and convenience.
For more personal item options, explore our comprehensive guide to underseat luggage.
Checked Luggage: When You Need to Pack More
While carry-on only is ideal, checked luggage becomes necessary for longer trips, formal wear, or specialized gear. When checking bags, durability and capacity are key.
Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 55: Travel Backpacks for Checked Bags
Top Pick for Checked Backpacks
The Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack is ideal for checked luggage when you need backpack comfort and capacity.
The Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack offers the same features as the Farpoint but is designed for shorter torsos.
For travelers anticipating walking on varied terrains, the Osprey Farpoint 55 (for taller torsos) and Fairview 55 (for shorter torsos) travel backpacks are excellent checked bag choices. They combine comfort, adjustability, and ample storage.
Key Features:
- Comfortable Backpack Design: Easy to carry for extended periods, even when fully loaded.
- Suitcase-Style Opening: Main compartment unzips fully for easy packing and access.
- Detachable Daypack: Includes a detachable daypack for daily excursions.
- Durable Recycled Polyester: Made from heavy-duty recycled polyester for long-lasting use.
- Lifetime Warranty: Osprey’s lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.
Buying Options (Farpoint 55)
$220 from REI
$179 from Amazon
Buying Options (Fairview 55)
$220 from REI
$173 from Amazon
These backpacks are built to withstand rigorous travel, with one tester using a Farpoint 55 for years across numerous countries without damage.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner: Best Checked Bag for Most
Top Pick for Checked Rolling Luggage
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best checked bag for most travelers, offering luxury features at a reasonable price.
If rolling luggage is preferred for checked bags, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner Suiter mirrors the carry-on version’s excellence. It offers a luxury feel, ample capacity, and robust reliability.
Key Features:
- Spacious Capacity: 25-inch size provides ample room without exceeding airline weight limits.
- Organizational Features: Excellent internal organization for efficient packing.
- Exceptional Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of checked baggage handling.
- Superior Warranty: Industry-leading warranty for its price range.
Buying Options
$416 from Amazon
$416 from Travelpro
This checked bag offers the same benefits as the Platinum Elite carry-on, making it a reliable choice for checked luggage needs.
Essential Travel Accessories: Luggage Tags, Compression Sacks, and Packing Cubes
Beyond luggage, certain accessories are crucial for organized and efficient travel. Luggage tags, compression sacks, and packing cubes are game-changers for any traveler.
Luggage Tags: Ensuring Your Bag Finds Its Way Back
A durable, discreet luggage tag is essential for quick luggage identification and return. The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag stands out for its robustness and visibility.
Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag: Strong and Visible
Top Pick for Luggage Tags
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag is durable and brightly colored, making it easy to identify your luggage.
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag is incredibly durable, simple to use, and discreet enough to protect your personal information while ensuring your luggage is easily identifiable.
Key Features:
- Rugged Silicone Body: Nearly indestructible silicone for maximum durability.
- Metal Cable: Secure metal cable attachment.
- Discreet Information Card: Conceals personal information while allowing easy access when needed.
- Bright Colors: Available in various colors to make your luggage stand out.
Buying Options
$8 from Amazon(pack of two)
The Ovener tag’s durability ensures it will likely outlast your luggage, providing long-term peace of mind.
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag, our pick for the best luggage tag, shown on a wooden background
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag is shown in detail, highlighting its durable silicone construction and metal cable. Rozette Rago/NYT Wirecutter
Compression Sacks: Maximizing Space Efficiency
Compression sacks are designed to minimize the bulk of clothing, especially items like socks, underwear, and fleeces. The Osprey StraightJacket (8L) offers a unique side-zip design for easier access.
Osprey StraightJacket (8L): Easy Access Compression
Also Great for Compression Sacks
The Osprey StraightJacket (8L) compression sack features a side zipper for easy access to contents.
The Osprey StraightJacket (8L) stands out with its side zipper, allowing access to contents without unpacking everything. While it may not compress as tightly as traditional sacks, its convenience is a significant advantage.
Key Features:
- Side Zipper Access: Full-length side zipper for easy access to all contents.
- Sideways Compression Straps: Less prone to tangling than traditional straps.
- Carry Handle: Can be used as a last-minute carry-on to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Buying Options
$28 from REI
The StraightJacket is ideal for travelers who value accessibility over maximum compression, offering a practical solution for organizing and condensing clothing.
Packing Cubes: Revolutionizing Luggage Organization
Packing cubes are transformative for luggage organization, acting like drawers within your suitcase. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is a top pick for its quality and accessibility.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set: Organized and Accessible
Top Pick for Packing Cubes
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is a top choice for packing cubes, offering excellent organization and easy access.
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set simplifies packing and unpacking, keeping clothes organized and protected. Its durable construction and easy-access design make it a must-have travel accessory.
Key Features:
- Durable Polyester: Made from strong 300-denier polyester.
- Mesh Windows: Tight mesh windows for visibility and ventilation.
- Full Unzip Access: Cubes fully unzip for easy access, even when placed in drawers.
- Various Sizes: Set includes full, half, and quarter cubes for versatile organization.
Buying Options
$40 from Amazon
These packing cubes make packing and repacking effortless, ensuring your clothes stay organized and protected throughout your journey.
Choosing the right travel accessories, from durable luggage to organizational aids like packing cubes and compression sacks, is essential for smart, efficient travel in 2024. Invest in quality gear to enhance your travel experiences and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventures.
