The Bisten trunk by Louis Vuitton is a sleek and iconic masterpiece. That said, your suitcase is still likely to get chucked about a fair bit on its journey, so get a case that has separate compartments to make sure that you dont smell like duty-free vodka for the entirety of your weekend away. has top-carry handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, leather trimmings, and rust-proof brass. The Aero International by Tumi and McLaren is an undeniably slick piece of kit constructed from a hard-wearing thermoplastic composite called Tergis, found in race cars. If you've ever been stuck traveling with a lackluster piece of luggage and thought, Man, I wish my suitcase could do that, chances are Rimowa's can, and masterfully. Tyler Schoeber is a production specialist, photographer, occasional writer, travel style guru, and general Renaissance man. You can keep things neat with the help of packing cubes, which brands such as Away offer in multipacks of various sizes (set of six, 65). The puncture-resistant security zip and TSA lock ensure your belongings are safe and sound, while the 360-degree glide mean you'll be as graceful as anyone who's forked out the extra for a designer name. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Their glossy shells catch the light really nicely, as they float alongside you as you glide through the terminal to your gate. Think about it: If you toss a soft fabric cube back and forth against a wall for a year, it might look a little bit busted on the corners, but its stretchy soft surface would probably have absorbed a lot of the impact. But on the off chance that something should happen to the spinner, the brand offers repairs free of charge. Featuring numerous stylish options and almost 1,000 five-star reviews, this bag is a solid self-buy or gift for a good buddy. in light grey merges the brands grade-A design (complete with a shoe compartment and removable shoulder strap) with its recognizable look and logo, creating a classic weekend duffel bag for men. 2022 Smarter Travel Media LLC. And though vacation destinations might be beholden to ongoing travel restrictions these days (or maybe you're not comfortable venturing much farther than your own state lines), there are at least infinite options for suitcases. Fabric luggage does have one other advantage over hard shell. Like the luggage from Away (more on that below), Arlo Skyes luggage features a removable external charger. Filsons well-designed Medium Duffle has top-carry handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, leather trimmings, and rust-proof brass. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Its H5, H6 and H7 suitcases span the check-in friendly to the excuse me while I move overseas. If you had one 15 years ago, it was probably from a luxury brand like Rimowa. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. From one-way train ridesto trips that involve connecting flights, it's thebag that allows you to move hands-free. Hardside luggage used to be a bit of a novelty. Its. Luckily for you, we love a challenge. This might just be the most beautiful suitcase on the market. All the things you love about Rimowa (dividers and compartments for keeping your gear organized, plus four wheels and a telescopic handle) in an explosive cherry color. You might have been one of the few people in the airport sporting its characteristic sleek shell. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. The company offers pretty basic suitcases with completely customizable color patterns, down to the zippers on the sides. from Uncommon Goods combats my problems by shapeshifting from a tightly packed smaller configuration at the beginning of my trip to an overpacked duffel bursting at the seams when I head home. All the built-tough Americana energy you love in your Filson dufflenow with wheels! It offers an almost magical capacity for expanding to fit a week's worth of clothes, plus multiple layers of zippered exteriorpockets, a USB port, and a lifetime guarantee if it gets mangled on the tarmac. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle toSamsonite. If the answer is yes to all one or all three, Longchamp's Le Pliage needs no introduction. With so many suitcases to choose from, weve compiled a guide to everything you ought to be looking out for when shopping for a trusty travel companion, plus our picks of the best carry-ons and suitcases you can buy for an upcoming trip. It also plants treesthrough Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping. From the makers of James Bond's briefcase. No matter the weather conditions, this bag will get you through it with a water-resistant and sturdy ballistic nylon exterior. Case in point: This classic carry-on, a handsome spinner in a precious leather finish that says, "I don't usually fly commercial, but when I do I always fly first class.". What this suitcase lacks in the ultra-slickness of aluminium-framed Amex lounge-ready luggage, it more than makes up for with the seemingly endless pit of storage space in its double-decker internal compartments. While it may have an old-school look, its design is anything but, with a padded laptop sleeve, adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and an extra wide opening. And if you're used to travelling a lot for work, the M5 boasts all the same features as the cabin variety, but with the addition of an exterior laptop and document sleeve. Briggs & Riley's reputation for high-quality luggage precedes itself, and its carry-on spinner is no different. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Its made out of a scarily durable polycarbonate, lined with water-resistant nylon, and comes with 360-degree spinner wheels, a built-in charging station, and a four-stage telescopic handleall at a price that belies how methodically designed it is. Crafted to be the most dapper and sophisticated of the bunch, this. Aer de Aers ethos is weightless travel, and this shellacked six-pounder is one of its most popular, lightest optionsroomy enough for all the shoe and apparel permutations you've prepped, without tipping the scales. Durable shell? To avoid getting caught out by any exorbitant last-minute handling fees, check that any cabin suitcase you want to store in an overhead locker is no longer than 55cm and is no bigger than the listed requirements on the airlines website. From a classic pebbled leather number to a bag that adjusts to a variety of sizes, these shipshape options will outperform on your next trip. That's what we call a win-win. From backpacks to totes to messenger bags, Herschel Supply Company has been getting peoples stuff where it needs to be since 2009. Of course, if youre travelling within the UK (may we direct you to our guides to the best UK holiday cottages and hotels), just make sure its the right size for your car and/or wont take up too much space on a train. Traveling on a budget this summer? Considering the world feels like its ending these days, you may think its a bit late to get in on the sustainability gamebut I can assure you, it isnt. And Herschel's Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. If you have a suit you're storing, the case comes with a garment bag you can fold and drop into its top area, which will minimize any wrinkling. All of Arlo Skyes carry-on sized suitcases have internal pockets that make them easy to pack, including a few zippered areas for dirty clothes and shoes. Blending a super slick aesthetic with eco-friendly credentials and suitcase smarts like a phone charger and compression pad, Horizn's H Series cases have it all, and at not too scary a price tag. Aerolite's cases are also extremely easy to control thanks to four 360-degree spinner wheels and a double-tube retractable handle. A quality, personalized weekend bag that ships fast and wont break the bank sounds like it would never exist, right? We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Amazon to the rescue. Its Bennett Duffle in light grey merges the brands grade-A design (complete with a shoe compartment and removable shoulder strap) with its recognizable look and logo, creating a classic weekend duffel bag for men. Listen, we're all for splurging on some baller luggage when appropriate. The one silver lining in all this is that Ive become an efficient packer, a master packer even. Ad Choices, The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Budget and Every Trip. I tend to go for the larger, figuring Ill probably pick up an extra item or two up on my adventure, but I sometimes feel silly having such a large weekend bag to carry almost nothing. Not only is it fitted with a central combination lock and TSA lock, but two additional locks at the top and bottom, plus an address door to the rear that should help locate your belongings all the faster should there be a dreaded airline mishap. Samsonite's latest release makes it look like you're travelling with a case full of neatly stacked fifties, an aesthetic that's amplified further still with its integrated TSA function locks. The sad part is that Im a homebody that absolutely detests airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Help your carry-on stand out in a sea of black nylon by copping a skate-inspired (peep the wheels!) Not only is it perfect for stowing any means of specialist kit, but when youre not on the road, itll double as a convenient vessel for your out-of-season wardrobe. This suitcase oozes class, affirmed by its inclusion of a shoe horn and a shoe bag to keep your chic Berluti shoes looking immaculate. Unless your bag is being put in the overhead locker, stay clear of soft cases to avoid damage to your possessions inside. And I can honestly say that Ive tried them all, and swear by them. As an added bonus, for anyone conscious of the impact their wanderlust has on the planet, the lining inside is made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, which should give you an extra eco-friendly spring in your step as you disembark on the other side. At only 2.6kg as a carry-on, Travelpro had every right to name this suitcase as it did. And in its fluorescent yellow colourway, complimented by bright red wheels, this is function at its steeziest. The ruminative designer makes far more than knitwear. Instagram-ready looks? But that hasnt kept it from becoming a favorite of the kind of people that travel a ton. WrongGiftsForGuysCo on Etsy offers exactly that. This, of course, means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class. Briggs & Riley's Sympatico is a case that means business. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. Lightweight, airtight, and done up in that instantly recognizable damier pattern, its a downright ritzy spinner. At 56cm, its the perfect carry-on companion, although we cant guarantee itll fit in the McLaren GT you aspire to own. Well worth the investment, in our humble opinion. Montblanc brings with it an ineluctable edge of refinement, and if the design wasn't enough by itself, you can even have it personalised with your initials. At this point in the suitcase game, we'll always crave four wheels over two, but at 40 for its cabin-friendly option going up to 50 for large, we're more than willing to make an exception here. Aside from a quality virgin polycarbonate build, its Lisof silent tires and Hinomoto wheels give it a real sense of class. Antler doesn't just deal in durable hard shell cases in a selection of palatable pastels. Yes, its a bit of a splurge, but its classic design makes it particularly versatile; its equally at home on a business trip and on a casual weekend away. The TravelPro PlatinumElite suitcase offers the best value of any suitcase weve tested. Continuing what it started, the luggage brand has come a long way since then, applying the technique to its Soundbox suitcase with a dynamic swirling pattern that gives it a half-and-half matte/gloss finish. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Photograph courtesy Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. The Arlo Skye Zipper carry-on is our favorite hard-shell suitcase for a couple reasons. If the TravelPro logo looks familiar, thats probably because youve seen it on the luggage of the flight attendants and pilots that spend most of their lives in the sky. This Le Pliage bag is a masterclass in French elegance, dating back to 1975 but still enduringly stylish today. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Even when they're new, pulling a fabric suitcase behind you makes you look, at best, like someone who knows their way around a day planner. And for an industry that never really did the low-to-mid-tier thing well, that's a very welcome change of pace. And if that doesn't get you, know thatFilson made the bags for miners during the Gold Rush and for every outdoorsmen with style since. That said, basically every piece of fabric luggage (save for the super expensive models from luxury brands) leave a lot to be desired aesthetically. From weekend getaways that Im dragged into joining to weeklong trips to visit relatives I dont want to see to spur-of-the-moment meetings that involve taking way too many connection flights, I have traveled a lotmore than I like to admit. If you only know of Brunello Cucinelli through the label's ultra-soft cashmereall milled in Solomeo, the scenic Italian hamlet the company calls homeyou're missing out. The material is both strong and scratch-resistant, meaning it won't lose its lustre after the first trip you take it on, while a modest weight of 2.6kg for its cabin-friendly size means you'll pack plenty in it before coming close to your weight limit. On the surface, one could be forgiven for thinking this is just a classic polycarbonate hard case suitcase. A classic holdall that is cocooned by a suit carrier ensuring no hard creases are impressed on your shirt and tailoring in transit, James Bond himself was presented a Tom Ford tux in it during his latest turn in No Time To Die. This luxury British manufacturer, which recently collaborated with Tyler, The Creator's Golf Le Fleur for a line of decidedly more eye-catching luggage, has an original range that dates back to 1897. Much like pre-distressed trainers, this suitcase from Crash Baggage has a stylishly pre-worn aesthetic. The best hotels in the UK and Ireland to stay in this year, The best swimming shorts for the post-lockdown poolside, The best sunglasses of 2021: the shades you need this year, 15 years on from Mad Men, the Don Draper effect is dead in menswear, Mick Jagger will never let skinny jeans go, The 25 best hip-hop albums that you should listen to immediately, The best passport holders for greenlit airport style, The ten ultimate style rules to follow in a heatwave. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. Travel Smarter! (People don't forget!) All rights reserved. Available with the e-tailer's Prime delivery, these cost-effective cases in cabin-size, medium and large have all trips covered, no matter how last-minute you've left the packing. The exterior is made from Venezia calf leather and is decked out inside by Black Scritto nylon lining. See above for why why backpacks are the best. Given that its one of our favourite furniture stores, its no surprise that Made also produces great suitcases. Its the rare triangular bag thats roomy but not clunky, and trades the brands signature nylon fabric with soft leatherideal for flexing on red-eye business travel. Lightweight at 2.5kg, this suitcase has been engineered for frequent flyers with a front pocket that'll stow laptops up to 13-inches and four smooth-gliding wheels that'll see you through departures without a hitch. Crafted to be the most dapper and sophisticated of the bunch, this pebbled leather bag is one of the sleekest mens weekend bags on the market. Suitable for anyone in the middle is Aways Bigger Carry-On suitcase, which is compact enough to fit in an overhead bin but also has plenty of room for everything you need and more. 'Nuff said. Do you frequent terminals at international airports? It's definitely a worthy investment. A choice of five bright colours doesnt hurt when it comes to locating it either, of which the vivid blue is our personal favourite. Hard shell luggage almost always looks much better than soft shell luggage. Antlers suitcases are both durable and stylish perfect whether youre going on a short weekend break to the coast or taking a long-haul flight. Anodized aluminium is a suitcase luxury that borders on overprotection, but it looks so damn good. A suitcase built for a lifetime of use with a strong aluminium alloy shell that would be difficult to destroy, even if you tried. On the sportier side of things, The North Face goes all-in on space and function. The bag is able to expand up to2.5 inches, allowing for 25 percent more space,and the exterior is made ofballistic nylon that withstands abrasion and dirt. Trusty and affordable, you can count on John Lewis for dependable luggage to see you through city breaks and long-haul bucket list travel alike. The one ding against the TravelPro is its humdrum looks, which evoke the carpeting of one of the airports youre going to drag it through. There are a surprising amount of similarities between what we look for from a suitcase and what we look for in a supercar, and were talking more than just four wheels. Did you travel abroad in college during the aughts? A suitcase brand with all the same clout to it as a top Italian tailor, Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano has dealt in top-tier travel craft since 1946. World's lightest is a big claim, but at only 1.58kg in its smallest iteration, it Luggage makes a compelling case. Collaborations with Supreme, Dior and Off-White have turned fashionistas' heads, but it is the brands famous design that will continue to impress long into the future. Really though, the case's above-and-beyond security measures are what make it stand out from the rest on the luggage belt. This may not be a traditional suitcase, but we just had to include it. When you can refer to your luggage as a trunk, rather than a suitcase, then youre doing something right. A subtle aluminum number from Italian luggage specialists, with a tough-as-nails exterior and plenty of locks (padlocks and combination) to keep your goods secure. And if your battery always seems to run out mid-journey, Away's suitcases also come with the option of a removable battery that can hold four phone charges. Crash Baggage makes artfully pre-dentedand deceptively durablesuitcases you don't have to worry about getting destroyed in the overhead compartment. If you've only ever had one, you might genuinely wonder whether the grass is greener on the other side. This soft-shell spinner, for example, featureswireless charging pockets and compartment for toiletries, and it is made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. In case you experience any defects with said wheels (or the zippers, or the handle), the Platinum Elite comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Its aluminium luggage is a first-class travel companion you'll never tire of packing. Smooth wheels, top and side handles, clothes straps, a mesh zip pocket, a laundry bag, andmaybe most game-changing of alla built-in USB charger so you don't have to screw around with airport outlets? 10 Weekender Bags for Your Next Family Escape. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Barry Samaha is the style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covers all things fashion and grooming. Whether it be an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, a cool, casual overnight bag is key when a short stay is on the horizon. Check. The quest to find the best carry-on luggage shouldnt be as onerous as the quest to find the perfect vacation destinationInstagrammable, but not, like, too Instagrammablebut it absolutely is. It's also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal. The case makes organising your life on holiday easy too, with interior dividers, pockets and straps, and has easy-glide wheels thatll make your trip through the airport as seamless as possible. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. The trunks are handcrafted in Hertfordshire from vulcanised fibreboard, feature two wheels and a sturdy lock. German smart-luggage brand Horizn Studios constructs its cases from aerospace-grade polycarbonate for (inter)stellar durability. Caraa, the maker of the best baby bag, checks all the boxes. A smart and great value case for long weekends and business trips, M&S' Scorpio line has everything you'd want from a sub-100 suitcase. Whether youre an all-black kind of guy or willing to spice it up with a bit of sage, this bag looks great no matter the choice. The body fabric, lining, and webbing are all made out of water-resistant recycled materials designed to keep your valuables dry, while two padded straps make for an easy switch if you'd rather sling it over your shoulders like a carry-on backpack. Available in three suave colourways, this kind of luggage is too good not to opt in for the complimentary monogramming service. If you're a regular long-weekender, Away's bigger carry-on can handle much longer than three nights but won't have you in a sticky situation at the departure desk. The shell is lightweight and tough, while leather trimmings boast an added luxuriousness. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. Hard shell suitcases have a lot less give in terms of packing space, which makes them unideal in case you're someone that tends to accumulate tokens of your trip. The case is fitted with a laundry bag, interior compression system and has a durable shell and 360-degree wheels that make any connections easier than ever. A slick design built for those more inclined to tread the departures floor in a pair of derbies than sneakers, this roomy luggage can expands an extra 25 per cent in size to make space for an extra suit or two, and even boasts a speed-buckle suiter in the lid for up to three shirts, crease-free and ready to change into when you land. From backpacks to totes to messenger bags, has been getting peoples stuff where it needs to be since 2009. *Drops mic*. A GQ-approved list of our favorite spinners, bags, and duffels. At just two pounds, this bag will elevate your look without weighing down your luggage. So do the sensible thing and test all the TSA locks, zips and other appendages that could break before investing. Alongside carry-on and checked luggage are totes, duffles, garment bags and toiletry kits for any travel need imaginable, but the stand-out piece has got to be the Essential Carry-On. Ive gone through my fair share of luggage over the years, and have come to find that the good brands make a wide range of styles, sure, but there is always one thats a cut above the rest. I tend to go for the larger, figuring Ill probably pick up an extra item or two up on my adventure, but I sometimes feel silly having such a large weekend bag to carry almost nothing. It's water-resistant, padded for comfort, and includes top-of-the-line YKK zippers (designed to self-lubricate the more you use em) so you can keep it in rotation for years to come. If you're looking for an alternative to all the DTC startup hard-shells, consider getting one from a company that's been operating in the US since 1975. For adventure-based travels such as ski or cycle holidays, Eastpaks cavernous Tranverz suitcase reigns supreme. Balancing a slick, slate grey hard shell exterior with slick cognac leather trims (also available in black or chocolate), Carl Friedriks luggage is not something youll want to be keeping in the loft between trips. The bags polycarbonate exterior isnt as hearty as the fabric on the TravelPro or the aluminum of a Rimowa, say, but we found the suitcase a bit more capable of withstanding regular use than other hard-shelled suitcases weve tested. First, a short guide on how to shop for the best carry-on luggage, from indestructible aluminum-shell bags to slightly squishier softside luggage that you can squeeze under an airplane seat. Finally, if youre a frequent flyer, think about the extras you actually want from a suitcase, such as easy-accessfront pockets, an extendable handle or wheels. Sign up for our free newsletter. Deciding which size bag is the right one for any upcoming trip is a continuous issue I have that I am not proud of. An American travelware icon, Briggs & Riley debuted its all-new Baseline range in April '22 as a reimagined version of its flagship line. As well as being able to slip through the tightest of airport queues and squeeze into the overhead cabin lockers, a stylish suitcase should add serious verve to your jet-setting look. Delseys Moncey suitcases are a triple-threat when it comes to safety, robustness and manoeuvrability. The sportswear details on Timbuk2's Co-Pilot spare it from looking like every other travel bag: Peep the bike-inspired handlebar grip, plus the removable skateboard-inspired wheels. Im glad my misery could do you some good. Available in two cabin-friendly versions, for a 90 premium you can buy the Stirling in a Lie-Flat option that unzips into two neat packing sections rather than just the one, with a built-in garment carrier that allows you to stow a suit and safely slip-it on without creases when you reach your destination. Deciding which size bag is the right one for any upcoming trip is a continuous issue I have that I am not proud of. Founded in 1952 by Mario Briccola, Brics remains a family-owned operation, boasting the kind of tony pedigree DTC upstarts spend mightily to approximate. Either way, ask to have your luggage marked as fragile and it will be one of the first to come off of the plane. With all due respect to your childhood classmate (who you definitely owe an apology), sometimes carrying your bag just looks cooler than wheeling it around. There should be no unnecessary bells or whistles; all it needs to have arecompartments, a durable material (nylon is a great option), and good looks. Still, I find myself in transit. With Prime shipping? WrongGiftsForGuysCo on Etsy offers exactly that. An open side pocket keeps important items easily accessible while multiple internal and external zipper pockets keep things neatly sorted. Inside, handy storage solutions like a zipped divider and zipped mesh storage pocket make it a dream to pack for those who like to keep things organised on their holidays, while smooth, chunky exterior zippers make it all the easier to secure when you're nearing capacity. Similarly, dont buy a case that is going to look dirty and damaged after one flight stay away from white or cream colours. At just 2.2 pounds, this bag offers great organization without the extra weight. Tapping into the metallics trend, Made has created a stylish suitcase that makes much more of a statement than a plain colour its still simple, but slightly more exciting (and easier to find at baggage collection). Carry this bag two ways, by the 12 handles or the detachable shoulder strap. Paravel is relatively new to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. Crucially, though, the brand manages this feat without compromising any durability, engineered to flex on impact to keep safe from cracks, splits and punctures in transit. Traveling long distances?