A messenger bag is unique from other types of gear we normally see. It’s very versatile and can be used for many different situations that make it a great product to consider.

You can use messenger bags as an alternative to a large purse if you’re a lady, substitute a briefcase if you’re a business professional, switch out that backpack if you’re a student and even use it as your storage for transporting groceries and packages.

I’m sure there are many other reasons you would consider purchasing a messenger bag but if you’ve made it this far then you more than likely know that this is the bag for you, now it’s just a matter of which one.

There are many reasons why someone would consider purchasing a messenger bag. We’ve listed what we consider the top four types of messenger bags below and some options for you to choose from for each category.

Messenger Bag	Dimensions	Purpose	Price	Rating
Timbuk2 Commute	18.5"W 15.75"H 8"D	College	$$	9.7
Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly	18"W 13.5"H 4.25"D	College	$	9.5
Visconti Vintage	15.75"W 12"H 4"D	Business	$$$	9.8
Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business	15.5"W 12.5"H 4"D	Business	$$	9.2
Timbuk2 Command (Medium)	18"W 12"H 7"D	Electronics	$$	9.7
Brinch Oxford	16"W 12"H 3.5"D	Electronics	$	9.1
Chrome Citizen	22"W 13"H 7"D	Courier	$$	9.9

Best Messenger Bags For College

Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag

What is it: This is the Timbuk2 Commute messenger bag. Timbuk2 is a San Francisco original created more than 25 years ago and is consistently a best seller on Amazon. The Commute messenger bag comes in a number of colors to choose from, ten to be exact and 3 different sizes. This is of course if it’s not sold out.

Features: There are a number of great features that this messenger bag has that make it stand out as a great messenger bag for college. These include:

• TSA compliance so that you can lay your bag down flat while it goes through security without having to remove your laptop. Helps when traveling home during the holidays
• A weatherproof flap that keeps everything underneath dry while you’re heading to class in the rain
• A luggage pass through which allows you to attach over the handle of a rolling suitcase or carry-on
• An adjustable and removable shoulder strap which allows you to adjust for comfort or carry it like a briefcase. The shoulder strap is great to use if biking to class
• Features 12 pockets to keep you extremely organized for your classes
• Dedicated area can fit an iPad+13” laptop(S), 15” laptop(M) or a 17” laptop(L)
• Lifetime Warranty

Concerns: While the Timbuk2 Commute messenger bag has many great features there is an area that should be taken into consideration. The material seems just a little thin. While this isn’t that big of an issue if you are hauling around books, you’ll just want to be aware of it while carrying around your laptop. While thin it is a durable ballistic nylon that will provide basic protection.

Last thoughts: Nonetheless, the rest of the bag is extremely well made. It has excellent stitching and the straps, hooks and rings seem to be very sturdy. Timbuk2 backs this up with their lifetime warranty which is what you would expect out of a quality product and company.

All of this functionality, quality and lifetime guarantee comes with a budget stretcher price tag for a college student who’s broke. If you can afford it, this is a great messenger bag, otherwise we have picked an additional option that is much more economical, the Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly Canvas.

Mobile Edge Eco-Friendly Canvas Messenger Bag

What is it: This is the Eco-Friendly Canvas messenger bag by Mobile Edge and is a number best seller for messenger bags and for good reason. Not only is it extremely affordable but it is extremely functional as well.

Features: Now while there aren’t many options to choose from in regards to color, black, green and navy, and it only comes in one size, it makes up for that with a number of features.

• Has a dedicated padded computer area that can fit up to 17” laptops. Perfect for most college sized laptops like the MacBook
• A Velcro backed Id holder that can be mounted both externally and internally allows you to show your id or badge when enter campus buildings.
• Mobile Edge provides multiple interior
• Multiple pockets for excellent organization (7 pen holders in the front, 2 large pockets, a laptop compartment, a smaller “iPad” pocket and a smaller pocket for files)
• An adjustable and removable padded shoulder strap that also swivels
• Lifetime Warranty

Concerns: As with any messenger bag there will be pros and cons and the Mobile Edge messenger bag is no exception. It does a lot right but there are a few design flaws that if fixed would take this bag to the next limit. It’s the odd placement of the carry handle and the fact that it’s not waterproof.

The handle is actually located off center of the bag more towards the back and unless you have it evenly distributed with a laptop in the back it will be awkward when carrying. It’s a small concern but something worth noting.

The bag is not waterproof and actually when using the shoulder strap it will end up pulling the sides out from under the center flap exposing the edges to rain, snow or whatever else might fall into your messenger bag.

Last thoughts: Finally for the environmentally friendly the bag is of course, by its name, eco-friendly and made of all-natural cotton canvas that leaves a minimal carbon footprint. All of this at such a great price makes this an easy choice for best messenger bag for college. And to top it all off, Amazon Prime is half off for college students after your 6 months free trial, so you can get your two day free shipping!

Best Leather Messenger Bags

Visconti Leather Vintage Messenger Bag

What is it: This is the Visconti Leather Messenger Bag. It’s the most expensive product on our list and rightly so as it provides exceptional style with superb functionality. We reviewed many leather messenger bags and this one compares equally with bags costing $1000 plus.

Features: The Visconti messenger bag has many fine qualities and the praise on the bag from customers is undeniable. The features of this bag include:

• Push button release of the straps so that you don’t actually have to buck and unbuckle them every time you need to get into the bag
• Excellent organization for all the office paperwork with 4 interior slip pockets, 3 interior zippered pockets, 5 card slots and 2 pen holders
• Vintage vegetable tan brown leather that will be unique to each bag as it may have wrinkles, scratches and scars that are inherent of the natural hide
• Interior lined with luxurious suede
• Adjustable strap is buttoned in place so that it can also be removed and bag can be used as a briefcase

Concerns: A minor feature of the messenger bag that could use improvement is the adjustable strap is just slightly longer than expected. The buttons to snap the strap in place on the ends is also a little tough to button at times but if you don’t plan on removing it or just leaving it off then there’s no issue here.

Last thoughts: Having reviewed the bag, I’m confident this is the perfect messenger bag for any serious professional out there. It can even be converted to be a briefcase for lawyers and businessmen and women who prefer not to use the strap.

If this leather messenger bag just isn’t your cup of tea, a little too fancy for your taste or slightly out of reach of your budget then check out the Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business messenger bag below.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Messenger Bag

What is it: This next designer needs no introduction but we’ll go ahead and provide one anyways. This is the Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business messenger bag. Kenneth Cole is known for offering quality products at reasonable prices and this messenger bag is no exception.

Features: The neat thing about this leather messenger bag is that it’s offered in 5 different colors for you to choose from. As to be expected this Kenneth Cole messenger bag has some great functionality that includes the following:

• Made of 100% genuine leather, each bag will be different from the other as each hide will have a distressed appearance with blemishes and variance in color unique to each one.
• There is the standard removable and adjustable shoulder strap for your convenience
• Padded computer pocket in addition to front compartment that is built to hold 15” laptops
• Separate zippered compartment under flap towards back of messenger bag to hold case notes
• There are also three additional padded open top accessory pockets to hold additional files and folders as well as an open pocket on the back side
• All of the hardware (locks, zippers, rings and hooks) is made of bronzed metal that adds lots of character to the bag
• Fully lined interior can take a beating with pens, books, laptops and more

Concerns: The Kenneth Cole Show Business messenger bag is a great looking bag however just be aware that although advertisements may say full-grain cowhide leather, this appears to be genuine leather which would make more sense for this price range.

Last thoughts: Overall the entire bag looks great; it’s not too casual yet not too formal and can be used in a myriad of situations. With lots of options for organizing your papers, books, electronics and accessories you can easily find what you need when you need it. If you’re not sold on either of these leather messenger bags then check our in-depth review of the Samsonite Colombian Leather messenger bag.

Best Laptop Messenger Bags

Timbuk2 Command Laptop Messenger Bag

What is it: Not one but two Timbuk2 bags in this list, they must be doing something right. This is the Timbuk2 Command laptop messenger bag. It’s offered in 16 different colors and 3 sizes and is made of 100% polyester.

Features: Of course that’s not all there is to this messenger bag. There are some common features that have come to be known with every messenger bag as well as a few unique surprises.

• The best improvement on this messenger bag from previous years is the 3 napoleon pockets that you can access while the flap is down. Allowing access to a lot of real estate without having to open your bag up
• Dual aluminum buckles with reflective hits
• Waterproof liner inside the top flap and self-sealing Velcro ears on the side keep water out at all times to protect your electronics
• Can have the flap held down with Velcro or allow it to just hang down on its own to allow for quiet openings
• Easy onehanded pull handle to tighten messenger bag to your desired comfort level
• Big padded handle for easy grip and comfortability
• Pass though slip on the backside of the messenger bag allows you to slide the bag over rolling luggage handles
• Quilted laptop/iPad sleeve inside provides excellent protection for your electronics
• Lifetime Warranty

Concerns: A very small aspect of the messenger bag that is more of an annoyance than anything is the fact that the messenger bag will not stand upright unless it has some contents in it. It’s a small issue but deserves to be mentioned nonetheless.

Last thoughts: Timbuk2 hits another home run with their Command messenger bag and for the price it’s exactly what you expect to get. They don’t do anything crazy or over the top but what they do, they do very well. Aside from a small inconvenience this is a top laptop messenger bag.

If you’re not a fan of Timbuk2, don’t want to spend that kind of money or just curious what else is out there then look below for our summary of the Brinch Oxford messenger bag. It’s part briefcase, part messenger bag and 100% stylish.

Brinch Oxford Messenger Bag

What is it: The Brinch Oxford messenger bag combines functionality with style that is fit for a younger generation. Forget leather and boring black only messenger bags. The Oxford messenger bag comes with 7 different colors to choose from and 4 different sizes to fit laptops ranging in size from 13.6” to 17.3”.

Features: Designed specifically to carry your electronics, namely a laptop, the Brinch messenger bag has lots going for it. Some features of this bag include:

• The bag isn’t waterproof but it is water-resistant and can shed rain fairly easy, just don’t go swimming with it and you’ll be fine
• The messenger bag features a laptop compartment that has thick foam padding and a Velcro strap to close and hold the laptop in place
• Storage also includes main compartment that has two pockets for mouse and power cables and front pocket has multiple card holders for your credit cards or ids, phone holder and two pen slots
• Flap is held down by Velcro
• Pass through strap on the back to fix it to a suitcase or other rolling luggage
• Removable and adjustable padded shoulder strap
• Sturdy dual handles with soft padding for added comfort
• The exterior’s oxford fabric is scratch resistant and does not rip easily keeping your messenger bag looking like new for years down the line

Concerns: There’s not much that we could spot wrong with this bag but we do want to point out that although the hooks and rings are metal and not plastic, they are a cheaper metal that you’ll have to be somewhat gentle with. Basically don’t try swinging from a rafter with the strap and you’re good to go.

Last thoughts: Although we couldn’t find much of anything wrong with this messenger bag just know that it is a relatively inexpensive piece of gear. Brinch is willing to fix issues with a bag or replace if necessary but don’t go looking for trouble!

Best Bike Messenger Bag

Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag

What is it: When it comes to the discussion of best bike messenger bags there are two companies that always come up for discussion. One of them is Chrome and this is the Citizen messenger bag by Chrome.

Features: This particular messenger bag is offered in 6 different colors and made with 1000 denier Cordura outer shell which makes it exceptionally waterproof. Also unlike most of these messenger bags, it’s made in the US! Other features of this messenger bag include:

• Seat belt buckle release that can also be used as a bottle opener; sounds like the perfect bag for college
• Padded shoulder straps with EVA foam to keep you comfortable while you’re riding around town
• Cross chess strap to stabilize heavier loads
• Accessory mounting strap that is held in place by Velcro
• Can hold up to a 17 inch laptop
• Spacious compartment to hold your deliveries with easy as well as a place for wallet, water bottle, books, change of clothes, keys and other small accessories and technology
• Lifetime Warranty

Concerns: The concerns I have with this messenger bag are fairly minor and I don’t believe should be a big issue if this bag is used as a bike messenger bag but there is no integrated laptop sleeve so you may want to add your own to provide extra protection.

The other small concern is that if you decide to go with a buckle that is something other than metal colored just know that it’s painted on and susceptible to the paint scratching off, however, it doesn’t seem to chip off.

Last thoughts: Of course as mentioned there are two types of bags to consider when looking at bike messenger bags and the other is from Timbuk2. This is a well-known debate amongst cyclist and one that I’m sure will continue on for quite some time.

Instead of a small summary of the Timbuk2 Classic messenger bag, why not read our full review on the classic messenger bag and see what we had to say about it when we get more in depth!

What To Consider Before Deciding On A Messenger Bag

Style and Material

When looking for a new messenger bag you have two schools of thought. On the one hand you have the younger group and those looking to stand out and be noticed. On the other hand you have those who want something simple and/or to keep it professional.

When deciding on a color for your messenger bag, think about what your intended use of the bag will be. Are you going to class or just want something to carry around town? Or are you going to use it for business.

Take into consideration the material of the messenger bag. Are you looking for something light weight, maybe consider something made of nylon. A professional looking to present the right presentation, consider looking at a leather messenger.

Next consider your personality, choose something that matches you. If you’re bright and bubbly or quite, reserved and like neutral colors then obviously take this into consideration when looking through the available choice.

Many of the messenger bags in this list have multiple options for colors and range from very neutral blacks and greys to loud and bright yellows and pinks. Find what speaks to you and rock it!

Comfort

Comfortability might be one of the more important decisions when deciding on a messenger bag. I believe it really comes down to how you will be using the bag that will help you decide.

For example, if you only plan on carrying the messenger bag by the handle or you will only be using the strap to walk from your car to your office or house then worrying about how comfortable the strap is might not be that big of a concern.

On the flip side of that, if you are biking around all day and delivering packages or you walk pretty much everywhere you go, then choosing a comfortable messenger bag will be very important to you.

Take into consideration how you will be using the messenger bag and you can eliminate or even open up some options that you may have ruled out previously.

Capacity

Capacity doesn’t sound like something you would consider when it comes to a messenger bag but in this instance, bigger isn’t always better.

Of course you’ll want to again consider what you plan on using the messenger bag for as picking a bag that’s too large for your needs will start bothering you soon after purchase and something too small will drive you nuts and make you return your bag.

Make sure to compare the sizes of the bags if multiple sizes are available. One thing to pay attention to is if the bag has a dedicated laptop compartment and if so what size do you need to fit your laptop.

Another consideration is what type of contents you plan on hauling around. If you’re going to be carrying around packages or groceries you may want something a little bigger without any dividers.

On the opposite end of that spectrum, if you’re only going to be taking papers and notepads with you then you may want to stay away from the messenger bags where you simply dump all of your contents into a giant hole. Food for thought.

Water Resistance

Most messenger bags today are waterproof while a few others are water-resistant and even fewer still are neither. Before you blow this off, there are a few things you’ll want to find out.

First, what type of material is the messenger bag made out of? Consider the exterior and the interior. A good waterproof bag will provide at least a water-resistant exterior but it really comes down to the interior.

You’ll want to make sure the inside of the bag is lined with a waterproof liner as this is what really stops the water from getting it. Make sure you also consider where it’s lined. If it’s only the cover and not on the bottom you don’t want you bag sitting in a puddle of water.

Lastly, look to see if when the messenger bag is actually being closed, if there are any cracks or openings where water can still get in. What good is a waterproof messenger bag if it’s not properly covered?

If you don’t need complete waterproof then most bags are at least water-resistant which provides ample protection from splashes and light rain but don’t expect to bike through a thunderstorm and have everything completely dry.

Organization

This is another instance where you’ll want to figure out what you’ll be using your messenger bag for before you actually purchase it. To tie into what was previously said, are you going to be hauling packages and groceries or folders, files and notepads?

If you plan on hauling packages and groceries on your bike then you’ll probably want a messenger bag without any dividers and a bunch of pockets which are basically useless at this point, look for a giant bag to dump everything in to.

If you’re looking to keep your school papers organized or your clients folders in order, consider going with something that provides at least some resemblance of maybe a briefcase under the flap.

Warranty

With any product regardless of what it is, there is always a risk of defects, accidents, and just normal wear and tear that will break it down.

Some messenger bags offer a lifetime warranty, a warranty for a certain number of years or even none at all.

Of course this will depend on many factors but if you know how the bag will be used that will help you decide how long or even if a warranty if needed.

The other big piece of figuring it out is, how much money are you spending? Obviously the more you pay for a messenger the longer a warranty you would like to have so take that into consideration.

Price

Maybe the single most important factor when it comes to deciding what to buy or not to buy. The price of a messenger bag can range anywhere from $20 up to thousands of dollars. This is self-explanatory and you’re smart enough to make the right decision when it comes to your money.

Conclusion

Every messenger bag will have its strengths and weakness. You may not be able to find the perfect bag you are looking for but this is a great place to start to at least get an idea of what suits you best.

Messenger bags are excellent for many different people over various reasons from bikers and students to business professionals and travelers that are using it as a carry-on.

Before deciding on what to buy, make sure that you take into account all of the variables that come with a messenger bag and find the one that suits you best!

Let us know what you’ve decided on or what you think are some of the best messenger bags to consider, this will help us refine this post through the years.

The post The Best Messenger Bags Rated – 2017: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide first appeared on Travel Gear Addict.

Trying to find the best carry-on luggage for your next trip? We’ve spent countless hours looking for both hard shell and fabric carry-on suitcases that match everyone’s budget. We have a list of 9 carry-on bags that are categorized by their costs. The carry-ons are separated into sections that include: budget ($), mid-priced ($$), high end ($$$) and luxury ($$$$). We have 2 carry-ons for each section, one hard shell and one fabric. The 9^th bag is a bonus on the list displaying the technological advancement we are making with carry-on luggage and luggage in general. Once you’ve decided on your carry-on bag, check out our list for top spinner luggage as well.

Carry-On Luggage	External Dimensions	Weight (lbs)	Lock	Price	Rating
Traveler's Choice Beverly Hills Country Club Frankfort	22”H 14.25”W 9.5” (+2”)D	7.5	No, but lockable	$	9.3
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds	20”H (22” w/wheels) 13”W 8.5”D	7	No	$	8.8
Samsonite Aspire Xlite	20.5”H (22.75” w/ wheels) 13.5”W 9”D	9	No	$$	9.2
Delsey Helium Shadow	21”H (22.5” w/ wheels) 14.5”W 10”D	8	Yes, TSA Approved	$$	9.8
Tumi Alpha Bravo Kirtland Continental	22”H 16”W 9”(+2”)D	9.5	Yes, TSA Approved	$$$	10
Bric's Bellagio	21”H 14”W 8”D	10	Yes, TSA Approved	$$$	9.9
Bric's Life Pelle Pilot	20”H 15”W 9”D	10	Yes, TSA Approved	$$$$	9.5
Hartmann 7r Master	17”H 15.3”W 9”D	7	Yes	$$$$	9.1
SMART Executive Digital	21.3”H 13”W 8.7”D	6	Yes, TSA Approved	$$$	9.8

Budget Carry-on Luggage

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds carry-on makes its claim for the best hard shell budget carry-on. Now I’ll state the obvious, this carry-on isn’t the best thing to look at even though it’s offered in a number of colors but it’s extremely durable and has excellent interior design to compartmentalize and pack tightly.

This budget hard shell carry-on is made of 95% abs plastic making it extremely durable. It stood up to our tests and we didn’t see any scratches or imperfections after our test. It doesn’t hurt that it includes molded reinforced corners for impact resistance. You might think something of this durability would be heavy but the opposite is true; the construction of this carry-on is built to be light weight as it should be.

The inside of this carry-on has some great designs. It is extremely roomy and comes with a fully lined interior with zippered pockets and restraints to hold your clothes in place. The inside of the lid features a u-shaped zippered pocket that basically treats the lid like a carry-on within a carry-on and allows you to pack as much as you can without worry of it going anywhere since it is zippered, a very neat feature.

The top and side handles of the carry-on are flexible and provide easy lift and it also comes with the crowd favorite, four wheels. Although, it did seem that the wheels were a little stiff, perhaps that will get better with more use. The Kenneth Cole Reaction carry-on comes with a retractable locking handle system which has become standard on any upright.

Dimensions: 20”H (22” w/wheels) x 13”W x 8.5”D

Weight: 7 lbs

Lock: No

Travelers Choice Beverly Hills Country Club Frankfort Carry-on

As far as budget carry-ons go, this Travelers Choice carry-on is one of the best and actually gets our approval as the best buy. Not only does it have a great looking exterior design that stands out from the other black luggage on the carousel but it’s very functional for a budget carry-on.

Aside from the nice design, this Travelers Choice carry-on has an aluminum retractable handle with a multi-stage locking mechanism. I’ll say the handle didn’t feel that sturdy but it got the job done. It’s great for getting through the airport with its 4 free spinning wheels which allows for movement in any direction. I personally like to act like I’m juking out the other passengers as I make my way to the terminal.

One of the roomiest carry-ons on this list, it comes with the ability to expand which increases its packing capacity by 25%!! I was able to pack another day or two worth of clothes in here depending on how thick the clothing was, once it was expanded. To name some other features, this Travelers Choice comes with an assortment of interior pockets, one padded pouch for your smart phone, one for a tablet and another for accessories. There is an exterior zippered pocket for those papers and documents you need last minute while going through security. There are comfortable top and side grip handles to provide you with easy lifting and they are reinforced so they felt pretty sturdy. There is a multi-purpose center divider inside the suitcase and tie down straps that help keep your clothes from shifting around during your travel.

And if you’re worried about this best budget carry-on having a soft exterior then don’t fear; Travelers Choice provides a 3-Year manufacturer’s warranty on your luggage. Find out more about this budget carry-on.

Dimensions: 22”H x 14.25”W x 9.5” (+2”)D

Weight: 7.5 lbs

Lock: No, but lockable

Mid-Priced Carry-on Luggage

Delsey Helium Shadow

When it comes to mid-priced luggage the Delsey Helium Shadow is one of the best pieces of carry-on luggage you could own and is our Top Choice for your next carry-on. It doesn’t have much in the way of style but where it lacks in style it makes up for with functionality.

This Delsey carry-on bag basically looks like a giant brick. It’s not flashy and it certainly doesn’t turn any heads. It is also only offered in black or silver so there’s not much choice in that regards. However, its features are pretty great.

This is a hard shell carry-on bag that is made with 100% polycarbonate which is built to be extremely durable and lightweight. Polycarbonate is known for being highly impact resistant and it also has a textured finish which helps prevent the carry-on from getting scratched.

The Delsey Helium Shadow carry-on bag offers quite a bit of space. The main compartment expands allowing you to increase how much you want to take with you on your trip. Its unique feature that makes it stand out is that you actually load your luggage from the top lid which allows you to pack in tight places or even while your luggage is on a rack.

The contents of your luggage will remain safe as well as the Delsey carry-on comes with a TSA approved locking mechanism which allows agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock in any way. Speaking of locks, the Helium Shadow features a dual locking handle as well as four spinner wheels which provide exceptional navigation through the crowded terminals of any airport. If for any reason you need something slightly smaller for the airport, check out the international version here.

Finally if you’re worried about your belongings or the durability of the carry-on itself then don’t be. This is a hard shelled carry-on which will protect your belongings and the carry-on suitcase itself is backed by a 10 year limited warranty!

Dimensions: 21”H (22.5” w/ wheels) x 14.5”W x 10”D

Weight: 8 lbs

Lock: Yes, TSA Approved

Samsonite Aspire Xlite

The Samsonite Aspire Xlite is on the lower end of the price range for our mid-priced category but if you know anything about Samsonite you know they make quality luggage. There is no exception with this Samsonite carry-on bag.

The exterior of the Samsonite upright is extremely attractive and I’m actually a fan of the red version myself. It’s made from 100% polyester so while it is a soft cover carry-on it does lack some of the protection you would receive from a hard shell carry-on!

This Aspire Xlite carry-on from Samsonite comes with everyone’s favorite luggage modification, four multi-directional spinner wheels and they work very well too! We had no trouble when pushing it through the crowds at JAX.

Samsonite’s carry-on’s interior has organization in mind. Not something you see in cheaper bags, this carry-on has a wetpak and mesh pockets to keep everything compartmentalized. The wetpak was a nifty feature that I really enjoyed using. It allowed me to store my toiletries without having to bring a separate toiletries bag. And of course the Aspire Xlite comes with compression straps to hold your clothing down.

The top and side carry handles are nicely padded which provides ample comfort when lifting this upright while it’s fully packed. Samsonite also included an increasingly more common feature, expanded storage to increase your packing capacity.

I have flown with this carry-on on JetBlue without issue but make sure to check your airline’s luggage requirements before purchasing. See what others say about their experience using this as a carry-on.

This carry-on suitcase was great; however, it did seem a tad bit heavy at times. Which is quite odd considering it’s made of polyester. Also the carry-on is not lockable so if you’re worried about your luggage being tampered with then I would look elsewhere but if you’re carrying it on it shouldn’t be a problem.

Dimensions: 20.5”H (22.75” w/ wheels) x 13.5”W x 9”D

Weight: 9 lbs

Lock: No

High End Carry-on Luggage

Bric’s Bellagio

Bric’s is the epitome of designer luggage. This is a brand that anyone who wants to show status turns to. Bric’s is used by a slew of elite socialites and you can join the ranks with this high end yet affordable Bric’s Bellagio carry-on.

This carry-on is a hard shell upright with serious design. It is an extremely impressive looking piece of travel gear and comes with over half a dozen different colors to choose from. The shell itself is flexible yet durable.

The interior of the Bric’s carry-on has an interior double deck zippered compartment meaning it has a zippered compartment stacked on top of another built into the lid allowing you to pack as much as you need in the zippered area without it falling around the bag. There are also compression straps in the other half of the carry-on of course.

A few other features the Bellagio carry-on has are 4 rubber Hinomoto wheels that glide effortlessly over both soft and hard surfaces, water repellent zippers and TSA approved locks.

Just a few final design details, this Bric’s Bellagio is handcrafted and features full-grain Tuscan leather trim belting, again just to emphasize the uniqueness of these uprights.

Dimensions: 21”H x 14”W x 8”D

Weight: 10 lbs

Lock: Yes, TSA Approved

Tumi Alpha Bravo Kirtland Continental

If you have ever seriously researched luggage or owned quite a few pieces in your lifetime then you should be well aware of the awesome brand of luggage gear, Tumi. This Tumi Alpha Bravo Kirtland Continental carry-on is a high end carry-on that certainly shows with its price tag.

The Tumi Kirtland Continental has an interesting style. It’s unlike most soft cover suitcases or carry-ons in the sense that it has grey camo as an option for your color and honestly at first I wasn’t a fan but the more I look it over the more appealing it becomes. It is designed with a ballistic nylon that keeps the weight down but also makes it very durable.

The second thing that stood out to me is the exterior pockets on this carry-on. There are three pockets on the front which allow you to store chargers, papers or other documents that you might need handy while getting your international travel on.

The inside of the Tumi carry-on mimics this as the inside lid also has three divided compartments for efficient organization. There are also compression straps that hold your belongings together so they are not shifted during your travel.

The Tumi Kirtland Continental carry-on is expandable, comes with 4 recessed wheels with wheel skids, a 3 stage telescoping handle and a leather accented top carrying handle that is extremely comfortable to use when you need to actually carry your luggage instead of rolling it.

The Tumi Kirtland also includes a removable lock, an area for personalize with a monogram and even a tracer tag to keep your mind at peace.

One word of advice, make sure you check your airlines carry-on size requirements as some airlines won’t allow this as a carry-on when it is fully expanded.

Dimensions: 22”H x 16”W x 9”(+2”)D

Weight: 9.5 lbs

Lock: Yes, TSA Approved

Luxury Carry-on Luggage

Bric’s Life Pelle Pilot

Once again we come across a piece of Bric’s luggage. This is the Bric’s Life Pelle Pilot. It is a 4 wheeled carry-on that is made of full grain vegetable tanned bovine leather. It comes in one style and that style is awesome, just kidding it’s called Cognac, but still pretty awesome!

The Bric’s carry-on exterior features in-line skate wheels like many of our other carry-ons on this list as well as a luggage tag, lock and a premium leather handle grip on the top for easy carrying.

The interior of the Pelle Pilot carry-on has a zippered compartment inside the main area as well as a removable computer sleeve inside the opening lid.

This is perhaps one of the most expensive pieces of travel gear you can find for the size. It’s a smaller carry-on than the others on this list yet demands such an astronomical amount.

Dimensions:  17”H x 15.3” W x 9”D

Weight: 7 lbs

Lock: Yes

Hartmann 7r Master

This is the Hartmann 7r Master and our pick for best hard shell luxury carry-on bag. This one will set you back a pretty penny but it will surely stand out. It has a unique metal styling that you don’t see anywhere else.

The exterior of this Hartmann carry-on has a virgin aluminum, dual tube pull handle with leather carry handles on the top and side. The 7r Master comes with excellent double spinner wheels to get you where you need to go in style.

Inside you will find the luxury carry-on has a zippered section inside the lid as well as compression straps on the other half for holding down your luggage.

Finally you notice the carry-on has TSA approved lock to keep your belongings secured.

There are no externals compartments and the functionality of this carry-on is fairly minimal but it’s a masculine piece that stands out from the crowd and makes its presence known.

Dimensions: 20”H x 15”W x 9”D

Weight: 10 lbs

Lock: Yes, TSA Approved

Tech Carry-on Luggage

SMART Executive Digital Carry-on

This is the SMART Executive digital carry-on by Numinous London. It’s separate from the rest of this list purely because I wanted to include a type of luggage that is adapting to the digital age.

To start this carry-on features a TSA accepted bio-metric recognition lock, meaning it recognizes your fingerprint! It actually allows you to store up to 100 different fingerprints so you’re able to use both hands or allow a loved one or friend to have access to it as well. It’s great because there’s no need for keys or codes!

This digital carry-on not only thinks about its locking mechanism to keep your belongings safe but it also utilizes puncture resistant zippers which are resistant against pen and tool attacks!

The SMART Executive features a 3500MaH built in charger that provides your electronics a charge while on the go. No longer do you need to scour the airport looking for a place to plug in your dead phone.

Additionally the outside includes a 17 inch padded laptop compartment, four spinner wheels, an ergonomic handle on top and an extendable handle to either push or pull your luggage around with you.

This Executive carry-on is designed for business travelers in mind but that doesn’t mean it’s only for business purposes. Inside we do find a section that’s separated just for files and documents and a separate large compartment for your clothing and shoes as well as compression straps which have become a norm.

Many people when initially looking for smart luggage might find the Bluesmart One which we considered for this list but found too many issues with it to add to the list. It has some nifty features that the SMART Executive does not have but unfortunately they seem to be hit or miss if they work. If you’re interested in the details, take a look at the Bluesmart One here.

Dimensions: 21.3”H x 13”W x 8.7”D

Weight: 6 lbs

Lock: Yes, TSA Approved

What to Look for in Carry-on Luggage

When it comes to looking for the best carry-on luggage there are certain things that you want to pay attention to. I take into consideration quite a bit including the durability, functionality, and even the style of the bag in my decision of whether or not to purchase. If you find the right carry-on you could even consider travelling with only a carry-on bag and forgetting the checked luggage.

Style

The least important of the three but still a contributor to my decision, the styling of the carry-on bag has to have a few qualities I look for. In my decision when purchasing a carry-on bag I want something that has sleek lines and not something that’s bulky or obtrusive. This not only looks more streamlined but also helps when trying to fit into the cages that size your luggage or when trying to stuff it into an overhead bin. I like options when it comes to color as well as sometimes I want something other than black. Don’t get me wrong the majority of my luggage is a sleek, crisp looking checkered black but occasionally some color looks good as well. Now while we all want to look our best, this can sometimes extend to your luggage as well but again this is the least important factor. Style maybe accounts for 10% of the overall ranking and doesn’t have a lot of weight on my overall decision of what carry-on bags to include in this list.

Functionality

Functionality is a huge contributor in my decision on what to include in this list. It accounts for 40% of the overall ranking. When it comes to functionality I’m looking for the bag to have something interesting or unique to add in addition to the most basic features that we have come to expect with our carry-on luggage. Now this may be easier said than done for the more expensive carry-on suitcases but even the simplest features on a cheaper carry-on suitcase to help improve my time traveling is what I’m looking for. Traveling can be stressful enough as it is, that’s why I’m always looking for something to improve my experience. Some things I look for are I want there to be compression straps, an extendable handle and a clear sense of organization inside the luggage in addition to its unique features. I also make sure that each of these features work as intended, especially the wheels. To go strolling through the airport only to have a wheel fall off is miserable, especially if you’re in a huge rush at a big airport like JFK for example.

Durability

The most important aspect when it comes to luggage in my mind is its durability and it accounts for 50% of my decision on what to include in this list. What’s the point in having a great looking carry-on with neat features if it doesn’t last you more than a few trips or a few months. When looking at durability, I take into consideration how the exterior holds up to rough handling like you would expect at an airport. I examine how the handles fair through various scenarios and rough housing. I expect the wheels to deal with pavement, cement, carpet and even gravel and if it’s not up to the task for any of those then it doesn’t make the list. Because if you can’t roll the damn thing, then there’s no point in considering the other aspects of the carry-on bag. Along with this one should also consider not just the durability of your carry-on but even the items inside. If you’ve had trouble with lost luggage or missing items in your suitcase before, consider looking for a carry-on that has some sort of locking mechanism or ability to lock, just make sure it’s TSA compliant.

Maximum Carry-on Size

Each airline is going to be a little bit different in their requirements for your carry-on. With most airlines as a general rule of thumb, you can get away with carry-on luggage that is 22″ x 9″ x 14″. Again this will vary from airline to airline and you might have to end up checking that luggage or have room to spare but it’s always best to check ahead so you’re not surprised at the gate with an extra change for having to check your luggage on the spot.

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