Best carry-on luggage for travelling anywhere and everywhere

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Travel season is in full swing, so we’re rounding up the go-to carry-on rolling luggage to invest in. From functional finds to fashion-forward designs, these pieces of luggage are the best of the best on the market — for their own unique reasons.

We’ve tried many of the carry-ons by taking them on trips and testing their limits. Even though these are all carry-ons we’ve also checked the ones we’ve tried, as sometimes you’re unable to bring them on the plane due to capacity limits. Once baggage is checked, the quality of the suitcase is really tested, as they’re tossed and turned throughout their very own travel journey.

Ultimately, we’re looking for luggage that is light enough to carry, durable enough to check over and over again, organized enough for neat packing and has wheels that are high-quality and smooth. So, whether you’re heading off on a road trip with friends or jetting overseas for a new adventure, these are the top travel-friendly rolling luggage options to tote with you during your next getaway. 

Summary of the best carry-on luggage

Functional and Canadian: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus
Most colours: BÉIS The Carry-On Roller
Lightweight and durable: Bugatti Brussels Carry-on
Best for long trips: Away The Bigger Carry-On
Budget-friendly: MUJI Adjustable Hard Shell Suitcase
Best for weekend getaways: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner
Best splurge-worthy carry-on: RIMOWA Essential Cabin

Best carry-ons explained

Functional and Canadian: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Features: The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is an upgraded take on the brand’s award-winning Carry-On design. It features generous interior and exterior pockets designed to hold your valuables, a TSA-approved combination lock and high-performance wheels. Plus, it’s made using an aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell that’s crafted from partially recycled materials. This carry-on is perfect for your next getaway because it also includes extra necessities such as an anti-microbial, silver ion-coated laundry bag and two shoe bags, as well as a vegan leather luggage tag. We’ve tested this carry-on time and time again and love that it doesn’t allow you to overpack due to its compact size. We’ve tried the white colour and though it started really nice, it’s now quite marked up. The bag does come with an eraser sponge that works well on scuffs, but perhaps just invest in a darker colour.

What it’s best at: Monos champions the notion of mindful travel and hopes to inspire passionate wanderers with its selection of timeless designs. Built upon a “less is more” ideal, Monos’ clean yet simple silhouettes are made to last and are accessibly priced to accommodate a range of travel budgets. Monos is a Canadian brand based in Vancouver.

Price: $375
Where to buy: Monos

Most colours: BÉIS The Carry-On Roller

Features: Shay Mitchell’s BÉIS travel brand is that girl. You can shop the brand’s iconic Carry-On Roller, which features 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels that are designed for effortlessly carrying capabilities. In addition, the Carry-On contains an interior that actually expands an extra two inches to accommodate all of your travel must-haves, and then some! The best part? You can shop the silhouette in an array of colourways designed to truly make travelling more fun. 

What it’s best at: BÉIS disrupted the travel industry by offering consumers innovative travel-friendly pieces. This is because its carefully crafted collection of trendy travel must-haves doesn’t break the bank. Without compromising on functionality, the brand has developed a fashion-forward selection of accessories and bags designed to travel with you whenever, wherever. Plus, most of the brand’s products are multi-purpose in use, making them ultra-versatile to fit your unique travel needs.

Price: $319
Where to buy: BÉIS | Revolve

Lightweight and durable: Bugatti Brussels Carry-on

Features: The Bugatti Brussels Hardside Carry-On offers a sleek yet contemporary design that’s durable and designed to fit your travel lifestyle. The luggage features an array of helpful integrated components such as a TSA lock, a telescopic trolley handle, and tightening straps inside the main compartment to keep belongings safely stowed. It’s also lightweight, which helps make travelling a breeze.

What it’s best at: Bugatti takes the art of travel very seriously in how it strives to create elevated yet functional accessories for its consumer base. The brand offers affordable luxury for those looking for reliable suitcases they can trust, whether travelling to the office or around the world.  

Price: $180
Where to buy: Bugatti | Best Buy

Best for long trips: Away The Bigger Carry-On

Features: If you’re heading on a longer trip, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is a definite add-to-cart for your next adventure. The spacious design with interior compression allows for all of your essentials to be neatly packed while integrated features — such as the durable, lightweight shell and TSA combination lock — ensure stress-free travel days. This case is truly made to last and includes thoughtful details that make for a seamless trip, every time. Plus, the brand offers a 100-day free trial that you can learn more about on the website.

What it’s best at: Away offers consumers durable cases that are built to last — no matter the destination. The brand also prides itself on providing accessories that are designed by travellers, for travellers. This is because Away utilizes traveller experiences to help pave its ongoing approach to product design and innovation.  

Price: $390
Where to buy: Away

Budget-friendly: MUJI Adjustable Hard Shell Suitcase

Features: The brand’s best-selling travel luggage offers a sleek and functional design that is partially made with recycled polycarbonate from water bottles. The new lightweight design includes a TSA-approved lock as well as an innovative wheel stopper function and adjustable handle. It’s also available in a fun new colourway — light yellow.

What it’s best at: MUJI is a no-frills brand that you can trust when it comes to investing in products that are simple in design yet crafted to get the job done. This is a brand that is committed to offering travel essentials designed to help streamline the process. From innovative additions to affordable price points, travellers can look to MUJI for quality products. 

Price: $199
Where to buy: MUJI

Best for weekend getaways: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner

Features: If you’re heading on a weekend trip with friends or family, this Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner from Samsonite is the perfect addition to your getaway. Since it’s under seven pounds, you can seamlessly move from location to location. Plus, it includes integrated ergonomic features as well as dual spinner wheels that allow for easy transportation across multiple surfaces.

What it’s best at: Samsonite is a trusted brand that offers long-lasting luggage crafted with high-quality standards. As a travel brand that champions timeless designs inspired to move with you through life, Samsonite is a must-try when venturing out into the world. (Check out our review of Samsonite luggage.)

Price: $210
Where to buy: Samsonite | Amazon

Best splurge-worthy carry-on: RIMOWA Essential Cabin

Features: This fashion-forward premium essential cabin luggage is a splurge-worthy must-have for your next destination as it is lightweight yet durable. Featuring a high-tech functional design, it comes equipped with features such as TSA-approved locks, a telescopic handle and a multi-wheel design for comfortable carrying capabilities. As well, it has organized interior compartments designed to hold all of your treasured belongings. This is not just a piece of luggage — it is an icon that will inspire your future travel endeavours.   

What it’s best at: Known for its superior, unparalleled craftsmanship and quality when it comes to developing functional yet fashionable travel accessories, RIMOWA continues to evolve and dominate the market by offering reimagined classic silhouettes and designs. As an iconic brand, RIMOWA is revolutionizing the space with its collection of luxury luggage designed to make travel better. Offering stunning world-class travel solutions, consumers can also enjoy peace of mind while travelling knowing that there is a lifetime guarantee on new suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022.  

Price: $1,250
Where to buy: RIMOWA