50 Top Luggage Recommendations for 2026 Travel

A good suitcase makes every part of the trip easier, from packing at home to navigating the overhead bin. A great person feels almost invisible. It’s lightweight, surprisingly easy to manage, and tough enough to withstand wear, scratches, and dents that will accumulate on the road. I test dozens of bags on more than 100 annual flights each year, from international long-haul to regional carry-ons, and I’ve learned that there are great pieces available at every price point.

Whether you’re looking for a compact underseater, a rugged duffel that can take a hit, or a smart spinner that actually rolls like it, there’s a bag that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for less. Some seem to hold more than they should, while others open up and stash in strange ways. All of these are performed and available below, neatly organized by budget.

Best stuff under $50

For quick trips or light packing to a low-cost destination, backpacks and duffels are key. The Amazon Basics Travel Bag is built big enough for overnight use, and the High Sierra Travel Bag has straps and a breathable back, making it comfortable to carry for long periods of time. The Norway Foldable Duffel unfolds in seconds when I need extra space, and the Rockland Duffel is a longtime favorite for its side compartments and durable construction. I also keep the Outdoor Products Mountain Duffel on hand for bulkier gear when I hit the roller trail.

• Weekend getaways: Rockland duffel, $18
• Small Small Small: Norwegian Foldable Duffel, $28
• High Sierra Loop Travel Bag, $35 (originally $45)
• Amazingly spacious: Amazon Basics Travel Bag, $28
• Outdoor Products Mountain Duffel, $46
• Jim To Get MVP: Puma Evercat Challenger Duffel, $20 (originally $30)
• Ready for anything duffel: Adidas Defender 4.0 Duffel, $35 (originally $40)
• Jansport Super Brake Plus Bag, $40 (originally $42)
• Lightweight Day Pack: Columbia Trail Traveler 18L Backpack, $34 (originally $45)
• 75 percent off: Rockland Melrose 15-inch Wheeled Underseat Carry-$45 (originally $180)

Columbia Trail Traveler 18 L Bag

Rockland Melrose 15 Inch Wheeled Underst Carry On

Best stuff under $100

The Swissgear Seven 21-inch sofa-side luggage combines expandable packing with smooth, 360-degree wheels that make long airport terminals easy to maneuver. When I’m working on the go, the Samsonite Better Than Basic Bag keeps my laptop and accessories organized with admirable ergonomic comfort. The REI CO-OP Road Trapper 100 duffel has amazing bang for the buck, and the Mitten Rolling Bag is great for backpack-style trips when I still occasionally need to roll a bag.

Swiss Gear Seven 21 Inch Softside Expandable Equipment

American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Hardside Expandable Carry On

Best stuff under $200

I pack the Eagle Creek Migration 110L Wheeled Duffel for moderate adventures, stopping like a champ and handling rough, wet terrain without complaint. When I want something sleek, the Queens Expandable Carry-On glides through airports with compression panels Actually Compress Travel Pro’s MaxLite Air V2 Carry-On is the workhorse I take on mileage runs for its ultra-light body and impact resistance. The Kalpak Luca mini soft-side carry-on feels more like a plush weekender than a spinner, and the bag is smart hard-side carry-on zip-open clamshell style and never fights me in the TSA.

• Love from the T+L editor: Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Hardside Luggage Set, $199
• Flight Attendant-Approved: Travel Pro Maxlite Air V2 20-Inch Hardside Carry-On, 8 158 (Originally $185)
• Eagle Creek Migration 110L Wheeled Duffel, $199
• Queens Expandable Carry-On, $170
• TSA Ready Compartment: BagSmart 20-inch Hardside Expandable Carry-On, $110
• Easy access front pocket: Calpak Luka Mini Softside Carry-On, $185
• Perry Ellis 24-inch Rolling Duffel, 6 136
• Swissgear 7366 19-inch hardside expandable carry-on, $140
• Samsonite Andante 2 32-inch Wheeled Duffel, $120
• Split Pack Organization: Estepic Traverse S42L Softside Suitcase, $160
• Easy to place: Vera Bradley Adair Rolling Duffel, 8 168
• Feather Light Design: Travel Pro Maxlite 5 19-Inch Softside Expandable Carry-On, 6 136 (Originally $185)
• Sherpani Meridian 29 Inch Hardside Luggagefor , for , for , . $170

Travel Pro Maxlite Air V2 20 Inch Hardside Expandable Luggage

Kalpak Loka Mini Suficide Carry On

Best stuff under $300

The Seabag Sail Recycling Sail stands out in a sea of ​​mass synthesis with its recycled sailcloth that is naturally water-resistant and made to take a beating on and off the boat. When I need full carry-on capacity with thoughtful support, I take the Kalkea Cad 44L travel bag, while Simonite’s Uplift Hardside Spinner glides smoothly on massive wheels even when stretched and completely filled by my chronic overpacking. The Cotopexy ALLPA 35L Travel Pack makes access easy with its clamshell zipper and internal mesh dividers.

• Weatherproof Design: Kolkea Cad 44L Travel Bag, 0 280
• Samsonite Uplift Tested Hardside Spinner, 2 282 (originally 330 330)
• Modular packing: Cotopexy ALLPA 35L Travel Pack, 30 230
• Water resistant: Seabag Recycling Sale Cloth Seabag Travel Tote, 0 260
• Eddie Bauer Expedition 22-inch Rolling Duffel, $279
• Tin Pocket: Far 23-inch softside large carry-on, 5 245
• Traveler’s Choice Ultimax II 30-inch Trunk, $255 (originally $300)
• Parisian Style: Delsea Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 24 Inch Hardside Luggage, 4 274
• Organized Entry: Vera Bradley Adair 26-inch Hardside Luggage, $295
• Herschel Supply Company Heritage 32-Inch Hardside Equipment, 4 264 (Originally 330 330)

Samsonite Uplift tested hard side spinner

Far 23-inch soft-side large carry-on

Best stuff under $500

The Lugel Cubo Small Light is the go-to for high-capacity cabin travel, with a front lid opening that allows me to pack even in tight hotel rooms. Twenty large check-in rollers fit a week’s worth of laundry, and then some, with a built-in weight indicator that keeps me from guessing, and a 24.5-inch check-in spinner with anodized aluminum corners and a lifetime guarantee wheel. Boundary Supply’s faux X-PAC works with add-on modular accessories, allowing me to load it up for long-haul adventures or bring it down to near-personal-item size. The Organic 30L stays upright on the carry-on no matter how I inflate it, and the compression system really frees up more space.

Large check-in roller

Osprey Delight 115L Collapsible Wheeled Duffel

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