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If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how annoying it can be to wait for your checked luggage to come around the carousel. On the flip side, we’ve all been there when someone tried to fit their giant suitcase in the overhead bin and that’s not fun for anyone.
Finding the perfect carry on is tricky — they have to keep up with you and fit your specific traveling style. Are you the type of person who needs to plan every stop of your trip? Or are you more of a wanderer who lets the road take them where it may? Whatever end of the travel spectrum you fall on, your suitcase is your most important accessory. You need to make sure you have the right one for your lifestyle.
We’ve rounded up five of our favorite carry-on bags that fit most airlines’ specifications for overhead luggage. (As always, you’ll want to make sure to check your airline’s requirements before you fly.) Whether you’re an old-school business traveler or a wanderlust-filled backpacker, we know you’ll find the perfect travel companion.
For the traditionalists — Delsey Spinner Trolley
This sleek hardshell case is made of a sturdy plastic that’s still lightweight enough to lift into an overhead compartment. Plus, the high-gloss finish looks like something out of Mad Men. It comes with dual-spinner wheels, a compression compartment, and TSA-approved lock that are pretty standard on nicer luggage.
For the trendsetters — Away Carry-On
The internet has been going crazy about Away, the luggage startup with tons of neat features. One of the most hyped perks is the TSA-approved battery pack that lets you juice your devices on the go. Equally useful, if not as exciting, is the included compressible laundry bag that keeps your dirty clothes separated from clean ones.
For the hyper-organized — Genius Pack
If you love making itineraries and have your iPad out wherever you go, the Genius pack is as coordinated as you are. A packing checklist is printed on the inside of your case and each pocket is labelled for its particular use. There’s external pockets for magazines, water bottles, passports, and a strap to hold your jacket. Plus you can grab an add-on battery pack or umbrella that fit right into their own compartments.
For the backpackers — Osprey Packs
When the airplane is only the first part of your journey, packing can be annoying. You want to make sure everything is kosher for the TSA, but durable enough for more intense parts of the journey. Osprey’s travel backpack fits the bill on both counts. The backpack straps are padded with a sternum strap and hip belt. When you need to condense things for the plane, the straps are easily stowed in their own pocket. A protected laptop pocket gives you easy access to electronics during security screenings and the compression straps ensure that your bag will fit in the overhead bin.
For the hyper-organized backpackers — eBags
Combining the versatility of a backpack with the compartmentalization of a carry-on, eBags’ MotherLode Convertible is the best of both worlds. The inner compartments are modular, with a removable divider and compression to keep contents secure. A roomy top pocket gives you easy access to the things you’ll need frequently, while the hidden laptop pocket is accessible while remaining discreet. There’s even a collapsible water bottle pocket for when you need to hydrate on the go.
