Traveling can be stressful, especially when you have to pack everything you need in a small suitcase. That’s why choosing the best carry-on suitcases is important for your comfort and convenience. In this article, we will review some of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different types of carry-on suitcases and help you find the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Hanke Carry-On Suitcase
Discover the Hanke Carry-On Suitcase – a harmonious blend of simplicity and style. Crafted with a cutting-edge THREE-LAYER Bayer PC material known as “Soft Steel,” this suitcase embodies durability, wear resistance, and a feather-light feel compared to ABS or ABS+PC alternatives. The fashionable and vibrant color options, available in 16in to 28in, cater to diverse travel needs.
Experience silent elegance with the multi-directional spinner wheels, featuring brand new soft TPE rubber and lubricating balls, ensuring a noiseless journey. The thickened TPE wheel minimizes friction with the ground, achieving a remarkable 3 times industry standard lifespan. The ergonomic adjustable aluminum alloy telescoping handle, coupled with a push-button locking system, facilitates easy maneuvering and convenient storage.
Inside, discover spacious fully-lined compartments with an EVA-independent wet zone and privacy curtain, complete with zippered organizational pockets for efficient packing. The YKK zipper, safeguarded by five strands, ensures durability, while the smart TSA lock and customized clear PVC cover provide security and protection against scratches.
With 1500 shock tests and 9000 fatigue tests, the Hanke Carry-On Suitcase promises durability. Embark on worry-free travels backed by a 3-year warranty. Elevate your journey with Hanke – where innovation meets reliability.
Pros:
- Three-layer Bayer PC material for durability
- Fashionable and bright color options
- Silent and smooth multi-directional spinner wheels
- Ergonomic adjustable aluminum alloy telescoping handle
- Spacious fully-lined compartments with organizational pockets
- Top-quality YKK zipper and smart TSA lock
- Customized clear PVC cover for water resistance
- 3-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
- May be relatively heavier at 9 pounds
- Limited size options compared to some competitors
Kroser Carry-On Suitcase
Pack smart and travel with confidence using the Kroser Carry-On Suitcase. Designed for the modern traveler, this 20-inch carry-on fits seamlessly into most airline overhead compartments, ensuring hassle-free boarding. The expandable design provides flexibility, adapting to your packing needs.
Crafted with precision, the durable spinner wheels navigate various terrains effortlessly, offering a quiet and robust performance. The reinforced explosion-proof zipper and TSA-approved combination lock enhance security during your journey. The adjustable ergonomic telescopic handle adds convenience with its multi-layered functionality.
Constructed with a 100% PC hard shell, this suitcase boasts solid durability and resistance to scratches, maintaining its allure trip after trip. The smooth lining ensures your clothes stay in pristine condition, even in transit. The spacious main compartment features cross straps for organized storage, complemented by a waterproof compartment for toiletries and a U-frame zippered section for added privacy.
Travel confidently, backed by the great balance of size and capacity that the Kroser Carry-On Suitcase offers. Elevate your travel experience with this reliable companion, where style meets functionality.
Pros:
- Ideal size for airline overhead compartments
- Expandable design for flexible packing
- Durable spinner wheels for smooth navigation
- Reinforced explosion-proof zipper for added security
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Adjustable ergonomic telescopic handle
- 100% PC hard shell for solid durability
- Smooth lining to protect clothes
- Well-organized internal structure with cross straps
- Waterproof compartment for toiletries
Cons:
- None
Verage Carry-On Suitcase
Unleash a new era of travel with the Verage Carry-On Suitcase, a revolutionary companion designed for the modern explorer. Experience unparalleled mobility with the Innovation Spinner – the sole hardside double spinner luggage boasting X-LARGER rear wheels. Effortlessly navigate 360 degrees upright or gracefully drag your essentials, even on challenging terrains.
Quicky Storage elevates convenience with built-in hooks and a removable mesh bag for seamless access to your travel essentials. Stay organized on the go with the innovative 3/7 lid opening, offering expanded interior capacity that compresses securely to keep your clothes and belongings wrinkle-free.
Crafted for high-performance travel, this suitcase is equipped with a scratch-resistant textured case, certified lab-tested healthy lining, and an aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle with four-stop heights. The polycarbonate construction ensures extreme sturdiness, combining durability with style.
Meeting most carry-on size restrictions, this suitcase expands your packing potential by 25%, providing ample space for your journey. TSA Lock adds an extra layer of security, with easy-to-follow instructions tucked inside the mesh pocket.
Embark on your adventures confidently with the Verage Carry-On Suitcase – where innovation meets durability for a travel experience like never before.
Pros:
- Innovative double spinner wheels for effortless rolling
- Quicky Storage with built-in hooks and removable mesh bag
- 3/7 lid opening for increased interior capacity
- Scratch-resistant textured case for durability
- Certified lab-tested healthy lining
- Aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle with multiple heights
- TSA Lock for enhanced security
- Meets most carry-on size restrictions
- Expands for 25% more packing space
- Limited 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Initial use requires setting TSA Lock password
- Limited color options
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
Coolife Carry-On Suitcase
Embark on seamless travels with the Coolife Carry-On Suitcase—a compact marvel designed for effortless journeys. Navigate with ease using the ergonomic telescoping handle and four multi-directional dual spinner wheels. Stay connected on the go with the built-in USB port for charging your devices, ensuring you stay powered up throughout your adventures.
Small yet mighty in organization, the main compartment accommodates a laptop up to 13 inches and features two padded pockets for gadgets. Additional mesh pockets offer a designated space for toiletries or other essentials. Access boarding passes and essentials effortlessly with dual front pockets and two spacious side pockets.
Crafted from high-performance 1680D Oxford fabric, this suitcase boasts durability. Smooth, solid zippers with TSA-compatible pulls keep your belongings secure. The compact design is tailored to fit under most airline seats, while the beefy top handle and back sleeve make it a breeze to lift and attach to upright luggage handles. Dimensions of 18.4’’x13.0’’x8.4’’ ensure compliance with most airlines, backed by a reliable two-year warranty. Travel smart with Coolife—your companion for efficient and organized adventures.
Pros:
- Compact and efficient design for easy maneuverability
- Built-in USB port for on-the-go device charging
- Organized interior with padded pockets and additional mesh pocket
- Dual front and side pockets for quick access to essentials
- Durable 1680D Oxford fabric and smooth, TSA-compatible zippers
- Convenient top handle and back sleeve for easy lifting and attachment
Cons:
- Limited capacity, may not suit extended trips
- USB port requires external batteries (not included)
- Under seat space compatibility may vary with different airlines.
Swissgear Carry-On Suitcase
Navigate the hustle of airports effortlessly with the Swissgear Carry-On Suitcase, a travel companion designed for style and convenience. Boasting 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and a secure locking retractable push/pull handle, this rolling suitcase ensures swift maneuverability through crowded terminals and narrow airplane aisles.
Measuring 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches, including wheels and handles, this ergonomically expandable luggage offers ample packing space. Crafted from durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric, it guarantees a secure journey for your belongings. The fully lined interior features adjustable tie-down straps, maintaining garment integrity during travel.
Enhancing packing efficiency, this travel case includes multiple front panel pockets with a built-in ID tag. A removable zippered wet bag, a large mesh lid pocket, and a dedicated packing pocket provide effortless organization for your essentials. Reinforced padded top handle, along with integrated side and bottom handles, ensures easy lifting and carrying of your 8-pound travel companion.
Upgrade your travel experience with the Swissgear Carry-On Suitcase, where style meets functionality for the modern explorer.
Pros:
- 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels for easy maneuverability
- Locking retractable push/pull handle for added security
- Multiple front panel pockets with built-in ID tag for convenient organization
- Durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric for a long-lasting travel companion
- Expandable design provides ample packing space
- Fully lined interior with adjustable tie-down straps to secure garments
- Effortless organization with a removable wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket
- Reinforced padded top handle, integrated side, and bottom handles for easy lifting and carrying
Cons:
- Dimensions may exceed some airline size restrictions
- Eight-pound weight may contribute to overall luggage limit
- Limited color or design options
- Expandable feature may lead to overpacking
- Spinner wheels may be less suitable for uneven terrain
Best Carry-On Suitcases Buying Guide
Choosing the right carry-on suitcase is an important decision when preparing for a trip. With airline baggage fees and size restrictions, having a reliable and versatile carry-on bag can make travel less stressful. This buying guide will walk you through what to look for when selecting a carry-on suitcase to meet your needs.
Hardside vs Softside
The first decision to make is whether you want a suitcase with a hard or soft exterior. Hardside suitcases are usually made of polycarbonate or ABS plastic and provide rigid protection for your belongings. They resist impact and scratches. Softside bags have an exterior made of fabrics like nylon, canvas, polyester, or microfiber and tend to weigh less. They provide flexibility if you need to squeeze your bag into a tight space. Consider your needs for durability versus packing flexibility. Frequent fliers may prefer a sturdy hard side.
Wheels: 2 vs 4
The next choice is between 2-wheel or 4-wheel spinner suitcases. Two-wheel bags allow you to roll the suitcase behind you like a piece of carry-on luggage. Four-wheel spinners can move easily in any direction, ideal for gliding through crowds. Spinners may require more maneuvering in staircases. Frequent travelers wanting maximum mobility may prefer 4 wheels.
Size
Carefully check airline policies on carry-on size restrictions. Standard dimensions are about 21 x 14 x 9 inches for most domestic US flights. International flights can have smaller size limits. Consider how much packing space you need versus airline regulations. A suitcase on the larger side of permitted may allow extra storage but could risk not fitting in sizing boxes. Prioritize the maximum size you can comfortably lift and roll.
Weight
Look closely at the empty or unexpanded weight of any suitcase. Heavier materials like more rugged plastics, metals, and built-in tech features will add pounds. The total packed weight includes both the empty bag and your packed belongings. Airlines often have weight limits of 40 pounds or less for carry-on bags. A lighter empty weight gives you more flexibility with packing heavier items.
Compartments and Pockets
Well-designed compartments keep your belongings organized and easy to access. Look for interior pockets, garment restraints, and tie-down straps. A separate sleeve for a laptop, tablet, or documents allows for quick scanning at security. Outside pockets are useful for small items you need to access inflight like headphones, chargers, passports, etc. The right configuration of compartments and pockets keeps you organized.
Durability
Check reviews and warranties to evaluate the real-world durability of any suitcase model. Examine the seams, zippers, handles, and wheels closely. Are the zippers smooth and snag-free? Do the wheels glide easily? Does the handle retract with ease? The best bags will withstand baggage handler throwing and rough treatment while keeping your items protected.
Conclusion
Choosing a carry-on suitcase is a balance of size, weight, materials, and design features. Compare hard side versus softside and two versus four wheels. Carefully check dimensions and weight limits for airlines. Look for compartments, pockets, and durability features that make travel smoother. The right carry-on keeps you organized, and compliant with airline rules and provides peace of mind that your luggage will withstand the journey.
Frequently Asked Question
What size should a carry-on suitcase be?
Typically, aim for around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), but always check your airline’s specific requirements.
Hardshell or softshell – which is better?
Hardshell offers better protection, while softshell offers flexibility. Choose based on your needs.
What features are important in a carry-on suitcase?
Look for lightweight, durable construction, smooth-rolling wheels, telescopic handles, and organizational compartments.
Can I use a carry-on for international travel?
Yes, but be aware of varying size and weight restrictions depending on the airline.
How do I maximize space in my carry-on?
Roll clothes, use packing cubes, opt for versatile clothing, and utilize all available space efficiently.