admin Functionality: Especially in tie-breakers between models, we’ll weight added features like TSA locks, useful interior storage design, expandability.
Ratings: Amazon user reviews aren’t the end-all, be-all deciders of a products worth, but we’ll certainly trust the crowd when positive reviews number in the thousands—or hundreds of thousands.
The Best Spinners & Luggage Sets on Amazon
Best Carry-On Overall: Tumi 19Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On
If the price has you in shock, remember this: Tumi makes exquisitely crafted luggage with quality that you can feel in the way the zippers zip and the wheels roll. Also remember that Tumi makes this same model in an $1,195 aluminum version and a $3,500 titanium version. So in some ways, this one, made from recycled polycarbonate, is almost a deal?
In all seriousness, what you’ll find is that a Tumi always just feels luxe. This one has a smooth 3-step telescoping handle and recessed wheels to keep the bag from getting tipsy. Inside, the main zippered divider is thick nylon instead of mesh, with multiple zippered pockets and an anti-microbial lining to combat the funk of dirty clothes. And while you might not pass on your Tumi bag to your first-born one day, it’s not a totally far-fetched idea, either. Your kid will be happy to get it, too—Tumi’s 19-Degree spinner is one of the most stylish spinners around, too—not just on Amazon.
Best Bargain Carry-On: Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Spinner
Travelpro has carefully developed its reputation as the bag of choice among air travel professionals like stewardesses. Its long-lasting, no-nonsense bags are guaranteed to get you where you’re going without any unnecessary drama. With the Maxilte Air, it also seems to have made magic happen. The spinner offers more interior space than most other carry-on spinners, yet the brand swears its compatible with the dreaded sizer bins used by most major airlines.
Expanded, it’ll give you 46 liters of interior space, which is mini-van-esque—though with the expansion unzipped, it might incur a gate check. Pro tip: once you’ve packed, try to zip the expansion closed, using it as compression. Whether you roll those dice or keep it in the smaller side, you still get a nicely organized inside.
Best Budget Carry-On: Wrangler 20-Inch Spinner Suitcase
Why did a brand known for its denim and western wear license its name to Travelers Club for a line of affordable luggage? We have no idea. To be fair, it’s not the most random collaboration we’ve seen in the past few years, and at this price, we’re not asking any more questions. This compact spinner comes in five neutral colors and features interior compression straps for easy packing. There are some sacrifices, considering the Wrangler carry-on costs less than three cocktails and tip: The casters have one wheel each (not the usual two), and there’s no TSA lock or expansion. The shell’s also made from cheaper ABS plastic, which is less flexible than polycarbonate—meaning a hard hit is more likely to leave a crack. Just don’t go whipping it into the trunk of the Uber, and you should be fine.
Best Soft-Side Carry-On: Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Suitcase
TravelPro’s Maxlite 5 is the rare soft-side spinner that actually has some style, thanks to the sleek tapered design, the tonal panelling, and 12 color options (yes, including all-black) . Maybe more important: that pyramid-style tapered design gives it a wider base, so it’s less likely to tip over while you’re tugging it around Hudson’s, and also lets it slip more easily into overhead compartments. The lighter weight compared to hard-side options helps with all that lifting and pressing, too.
Best Two-Piece Luggage Set: Samsonite Aspire DLX Softside Expandable Luggage Set
Samsonite bags are always popular luggage products on Amazon, especially during Black Friday, and the brand’s Aspire DLX line was made exclusively for Amazon shoppers. This set includes a carry-on and checked suitcase to cover just about every itinerary, and both bags hit all the spinner basics at a price that’s hard to beat when you do the math. Sure, black Samsonite bags aren’t the sexiest purchase you’ll make this year, and they’re a little on the heavy side, but you can count on these bags for a decade of travel. Literally, we mean: Samsonite backs them up with a 10-year warranty.
Best Three-Piece Luggage Set: Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Hard-Side Luggage Set
If you’re the type of person who takes packing seriously, then there’s a lot to love about this Kenneth Cole Reaction luggage set. While it might look pretty basic at first glance, it has a lot going on inside. A zippered compartment allows for double-sided packing, and there’s an additional accessories pocket for toiletries or travel accessories. The shell is cheaper ABS plastic, but we like that it’s designed to stand on its side (when it’s not on the wheels)—it’s a small detail you’ll appreciate when you’re using the side handles to unload them from the trunk of a shuttle or car.
This is also one of Amazon’s top-rated luggage sets, with 12,000+ ratings from Prime shoppers. We recommend buying the complete set if you need all-new luggage, but the bags can also be purchased individually, in 12 different colors.
Best Soft-Side Luggage Set: SwissGear Sion Softside Roller Luggage
You might think of SwissGear as the dorky, dad-approved bag brand that makes those hideously efficient laptop backpacks. (Us, too.) But when it comes to air travel, dads are a paradigm of efficiency, and the brand’s luggage checks the boxes. Each of these three bags is designed to stand tough and give you space for even the most extreme overpacking. SwissGear has also added tons of pockets and zippered compartments (including a handy waterproof zip pouch). SwissGear’s gear won’t win any jealous looks at the baggage carousel, but they’ll make sure your stuff makes it there in one piece.
Best Hard-Side Luggage Set: Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
The Delsey Paris Aero bags are available individually or as a set, and no matter if you order chef’s-menu or a la carte, they’re handsome. These bags have a lot of the premium perks featured in our top overall pick from Tumi: a scuff- and scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, double spinner wheels, TSA combination lock, and a good selection of colors. With a much more affordable price tag, the Aero line is a smart investment for travelers. You don’t get any exterior pockets (though that is available on the international carry-on version of the Helium Aero), but you do gain up to two inches when you expand these bags for your return trip. Delsey Paris also backs its spinners with one of the best luggage warranties, matching Samsonite’s 10-year guarantee.
The Best Duffel Bags on Amazon
The Best Rugged Duffel
The classic duffel bag from The North Face shrugs off rain, snow, and spilled coffee thanks to a polyster body and nylon base with water-repellant treatments. Some of us have been using (and abusing) a Base Camp duffel for almost two decades with no real signs of wear. We love the D-shaped zipper opening up top, which makes (over)packing easier. Plus the integrated backpack straps offset the duffel’s worst feature: having to lug it over one shoulder while your spine weeps. This 50L bag is carry-on friendly—but if it’s not big enough for you, size up to the 71L medium-sized Base Camp duffel, which comes in the same bold colors and prints.
Best Extra-Large Duffel: Osprey Transporter Duffel Bag, 95L
Does your expedition demand a little more room for gear? The Osprey Transporter Duffel is spacious enough for longer treks, but can still be worn as a backpack—helpful when you’re hustling through the terminal or find yourself hiking the half-mile from baggage claim to the car rental desks. Osprey bags are always lightweight yet durable, and this duffel has a sleek silhouette that looks particularly good in the black and silver colorways. The internal pockets can also hold a smart luggage tracker, so you don’t have to worry about this bag getting lost along the way.
Best Simple Duffel: Carhartt Legacy Gear Bag
When Carhartt designs a product, you know it will be able to withstand the rigors of heavy use, whether on a work site or the baggage concourse. The exterior of the Legacy bag is made from a polyester that can shrug off some droplets, with an additional abrasion-resistant base for added protection. The 30-inch version of this bag also has a secondary compartment that can be used for shoes, making it a worthy replacement for your worn-out weekender bag that can also double as an everyday gym bag.
Best Work-and-Weddings Duffel: Briggs & Riley Garment Bag Duffel
This Briggs & Riley duffel is really a transformer in disguise. Unzip it at the “seams” and you’ve got a hanging garment bag that can stash two suits and two dress shirts. Zip it back up, and you can pack the duffel with everything else you need. A roomy 45.7L capacity and a compartment for your dress shoes means you don’t have to leave the important stuff behind—or worry that it’ll get covered in muck and dirty. Plus the internal and external pockets have more than enough space for your EDC items, travel documents, chargers, and back up chargers.
Best Rolling Duffel Bag: Thule Subterra Rolling Duffel Bag
Thule’s largest rolling duffel is actually two bags in one. If you want to pack a single bag for your entire family but end up running afoul of airline weight limits, this extra-large Subterra duffel can divide up into two separate checked bags: a traditional duffel and a rolling duffle. You can also use the built-in compression straps to squeeze it down to size when needed. The outside includes smaller pockets to keep your essentials close at hand, including an ID pocket for sailing through security as quickly as possible.
The Best Backpacks & Travel Accessories
Best Convertible Backpack
Thule’s Subterra system of bags is here twice: above as a rolling duffel and here as a travel pack. Part of that is due to Amazon being a bit of a wasteland for reputable travel backpacks—and part is because Thule knows what it’s doing. Designed specifically for travel, you can open and pack this backpack like a suitcase. The 40L capacity can hold 2-3 days of clothing and (if you’re anything like us) an overstuffed toiletry bag. Ideally you’re ably to go full-OOO, but if not, the removable laptop sleeve will make it easier to get through security. Finishing touches include external quick-access pockets and a pass-through panel if you want to slip this bag over the handle of a rolling suitcase.
Best Carry-On Backpack: Osprey Daylite Plus Everyday Backpack
After you’ve stowed your main bag overhead (or reluctantly checked it), you still need a bag to keep at your feet. The Daylite Plus Everday Backpack is the perfect candidate. From terminal to trail, this travel-friendly backpack is shockingly lightweight, weighing in at a mere 1.29 pounds. Inside, it has a padded sleeve that can be used for a laptop or hydration reservoir. If you’re the truly thirsty type, it has dual water bottle pockets made from stretchy mesh—it’s a small detail, but makes sure that bottles don’t encroach on the interior space. A ventilated back panel and straps stave off sweat, while the front stash pocket makes it easy to easily chuck anything in while you’re on the run. (Hopefully, to hit the beach before the crowd.)
Best Travel Backpack: Troubador Apex Backpack 3.0
The Apex Backpack 3.0 earned a callout in our best backpacks for men guide for a reason: it has a svelte form factor that will make minimalists happy, but enough internal pockets and organization to help the most extreme overpackers. A hidden pocket on the underside of one shoulder strap can hold your passport and/or wallet, keeping them close at hand without leaving them in a place for a pickpocketer’s hand. It can also handle laptops up to 17 inches, in case your office issued you a big boy.
Best Travel Garment Bag: Briggs & Riley Garment Bag
Savvy travelers know that your suits and shirts demand a garment bag to keep them tucked away safely while you travel. (There’s only so much the hotel iron can help with.) This Briggs & Riley garment bag was designed to be as travel-friendly as possible, with a luggage tag compartment, built-in hanging hook, and external pockets for EDC gear. Once you arrive, you can unfold and hang up up the bag, letting those wrinkles begin to fall out without having to do a full unpack the moment you arrive.
Best Dopp Kit: Bellroy Toiletry Kit Plus
What do you prioritize in a dopp kit: style or utility? The Bellroy Toiletry Kit Plus offers both, and its thoughtfully crafted interior contains everything the well-groomed gentleman might need on his travels, including a special magnetic shelf that keeps your toothbrush separate from the rest of your grooming essentials. This bag also features a long zipper that goes from one corner to the opposite, making it open wider for easy access to your face wash, beard trimmer, or body wash without lots of digging.
Best Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Original Pack-It Set
Eagle Creek’s popular set of packing cubes has everything you need to pack your suitcase like a TikTok packing expert. The folding garment bag conveniently includes a clothes-folding board. With these cubes, you can ensure your clothes don’t take up a single square inch of space more than necessary, which should leave you with room to spare (or room to overpack, as you prefer). Travel packing cubes are one of our go-to travel hacks here at GQ, and they’re especially useful for storing dirty clothes during the trip itself.
The Pros and Cons of Buying Luggage on Amazon
Prime members (we assume you’re one) get two-day shipping and free returns, but won’t find most of the brands behind our favorite carry-on luggage: neither the stylish direct-to-consumer brands that have lately dominated overhead bins and carousels, like Arlo Skye, Away, or Roam, nor Rimowa, who make beautiful aluminum-shelled luggage.
