Whether you're headed on a bucket list trip across the globe or planning a laid-back staycation in your own city, you're going to need luggage. As travel editors, we know how important it is to have reliable, built-to-last bags accompany us on every journey. Bulky backpacks and flimsy suitcases that fall apart after one trip aren't going to cut it. We expect a lot from our gear—and we think you should, too. With this, we bring you our third annual Luggage Week: a Condé Nast Traveler–vetted guide to suitcases and bags, all carefully tested and reviewed by our team of editors. After selecting our front-runners, we compiled them into lists of our top recommendations, from the best carry-ons and weekender bags to the soft-sided luggage we love. Whether you're a minimalist traveler or a chronic overpacker, we've found luggage to fit every type of adventure. From new and improved luggage from Arlo Skye to trusted heroes from Away, our favorites have earned their spot in Luggage Week.
The testing process:
To help us recommend the very best luggage to our readers, more than a dozen Traveler editors and contributors spent months (and in some cases, years) road-testing the most talked-about bags on the market. These bags accompanied us near and far on planes, trains, buses, and cruises, from nearby getaways to far-flung destinations. We packed these bags to the brim, lifted them into overhead bins, rolled them down cobblestone streets, and trudged through bustling cities with them in hand.
While traveling with our luggage, we considered each bag's weight, capacity, functionality, price point, and how well it has held up over time. We also identified smart design features that make a bag stand out from its competitors, like having weight indicators, separate shoe compartments, or protective laptop sleeves. After careful consideration and inspection, we determined which suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks deserve a spot in our coveted Luggage Week lineup. The results are a mix of innovative newcomers and long-time, reliable favorites from top luggage brands around the world. Read on for our 2025 list of editor-approved luggage. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Our guide to Luggage Week:
The essentials
Checked bags are a staple for longer trips (anywhere from 10 to 14 days) and for anyone who wants or needs more room in their suitcase. We found durable options you won't have to worry about saying goodbye to at check-in.
Every traveler needs a reliable carry-on in their collection. These are the lightweight yet sturdy carry-ons we turn to time and time again.
We take our favorite duffels on weekend getaways, overnight stays, and on long-haul flights as a personal item. These have smart features like separate shoe compartments, trolley sleeves, and adjustable straps.
Whether you're hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free.
The great debate: hard-shell or soft-sided?
Hard-shell suitcases can handle the wear and tear of going through baggage claim. These are the sturdy cases that will last for years to come, from trunks to lightweight spinners.
Soft-sided luggage is extremely durable and usually offers ample amount of exterior pockets that hard-shell cases typically don't have. The flexible fabric can also be maneuvered into small overhead bins or car trunks more easily.
More luggage to consider
Spoiler alert: The most expensive suitcases on the market aren't always the best. After years of testing luggage, our editors have found plenty of budget-friendly bags that stand the test of time.
The next generation of luggage is more high-tech than high-fashion. Here are the brands embracing the latest technology and innovating smart luggage that's designed to make travel easier.
Investing in the best kids luggage won’t make traveling with children as easy as traveling without them, but it will make the whole endeavor a lot less chaotic. These are the bags frequent travelers trust for their little ones.
If you're looking to upgrade your luggage collection, consider investing in a well-made set. Our go-to sets are made up of between two and five bags, each a significantly better deal than if you bought the individual pieces of luggage separately.
From roomy canvas carryalls to sleek leather work bags, a good tote is a travel essential. These are the bags we bring for office commutes, beach trips, and souvenir shopping.
We're breaking down what travelers need to know about size restrictions and airline guidance; plus, our editors' go-to bags. Here are the duffels, totes, and backpacks we bring on every flight.
All things packing
We're sharing our hottest takes on all things packing. Consider these packing rules the ultimate do's and dont's for travelers.
Turns out there are services out there that will ship your belongings for you. This means you don't have to lug your suitcase to and from the airport—or through cobblestone streets in Europe. Read an editor's honest review after trying it first-hand.
These Traveler-tested sets will save space and maintain order in your carry-on. We considered their size, how much they hold, and how compressive they are.
Our long-standing favorites
Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has tested dozens of bags for Luggage Week. She's sharing the favorites she always travels with—and often recommends to her family and friends.
This super-soft duffel is the perfect weekender bag and personal item—yes, it fits under the seat in front of you. It's lightweight, easy to clean, and fits a ton.
It's easy to see why several of our editors trust Cuyana to carry our favorite things each day. The brand's leather goods are timeless and designed with high-quality materials. Favorites like the popular System tote are built to last a lifetime.
Associate editor Matt Ortile has been traveling with Madewell's best-selling Transport Tote for years. The polished leather bag holds a day's worth of essentials and looks better with age.
Few totes are as versatile and functional as MZ Wallace's Metro tote. It's lightweight, comfortable on your shoulder, and has more pockets than you could ever imagine. Whether you're commuting to the office or are headed out for a day of sightseeing, this tote has you covered.
Traveler contributor Samantha Leal has flown over 400,000 miles with Away's original carry-on. It’s held up trip after trip, mile after mile.
Chances are, you've seen Béis's viral weekender bag all over social media. Associate commerce director Madison Flager loves that it features a separate shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve, and a water-resistant lining.
There's something special and nostalgic about Vera Bradley's floral printed travel bags. Associate editor Charle Hobbs agrees—that's why he proudly carries around his grandmother's Vera Bradley tote.
Shop by brand
Our editors have tried out a variety of bags and travel accessories from Calpak and we've never been disappointed. Here's the functional and sleek luggage from the brand that we love most.
Mixing durability, dependability, and style, Away changed the way we look at packing. We rounded up our editors' most-used Away bags and accessories.
Actor and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell's brand Béis has seen continued viral success since first launching in 2018. The brand's signature, sleek suitcases don't just look good—they work well, too. From separate shoe compartments to built-in weight indicators, these suitcases are chock-full of smart features.
Quality luggage usually comes with a hefty price tag, but luckily, you can find some great pieces on Amazon that are both affordable and built to withstand years of wear and tear. Find top-notch carry-ons, luggage sets, weekenders, and more.
We asked, you answered: These are the best luggage brands to bring on your travels, according to Traveler readers. From Béis to Briggs and Riley, here are the brands you trust the most.
We've found our favorites, but we also wanted to know which luggage brands industry experts swear by. Seasoned travelers, adventure seekers, and digital nomads share their top picks.
Travel organizers
With the right toiletry bag, you can avoid spills, simplify your packing routine, and stay organized—no more digging around to find what you need. Even better, Dopp kits make it less likely that you'll forget any of the essentials at home.
The best travel makeup bags keep your beauty and skincare essentials secure and organized while in transit, and help protect the rest of your belongings from accidental spills and leaks. Whether you're looking for a small pouch for a weekend's worth of essentials or a well-organized case for a destination wedding, we have a cosmetic bag that will hold everything you need.
The Parallelle makeup bag is a total game changer for travel; my products have never been more organized, secure, and easy to reach. I finally found a cosmetic case that I actually love.
With these smart tech organizers, you never have to worry about tangled cords or missing chargers ever again.
