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A good carry-on bag would improve the lives of both men and women in equal measure, but that doesn’t mean that some pieces aren’t better suited to guys than others. Not only that, but different types of travelers have different tastes and needs – while a sleek rolling suitcase with smart organization is a must for the businessman on the go, those with a flair for adventure might prefer a rugged backpack overflowing with practical features.
To help you find the best carry-on luggage for men in 2023, we’ve compiled a list of suitcases, backpacks, and garment bags that are both stylish and built to last.
Monos Carry-On Pro
Lightweight, contemporary, and beautifully functional, this is one of the best carry-on suitcases we’ve tested. With an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, a padded exterior compartment for easy access to trip essentials, and the highest quality wheels (Hinomoto) in the luggage industry, this stylish piece really is the full package.
Characterized by noteworthy attention to detail, Monos Carry-On Pro‘s simple, minimalist aesthetic is complemented by quality materials and intuitive features like the soft, anti-microbial fabric lining its interior or the reimagined ergonomic handle with the release button on the underside.
Perhaps the bag’s most brilliant detail is the uber-practical exterior pocket, which can fit a 15-inch laptop, as well as documents, chargers, and other small on-the-go necessities, making it easier to get through TSA checkpoints.
Carl Friedrik The Carry-On Pro
A bag that combines style and practicality is something we just cannot get enough of here at Travel Away, so you can imagine our excitement when the Carl Friedrik Carry-On Pro landed on our door. Rendered in premium polycarbonate and luxurious Italian leather, the suitcase looks great and performs even better.
We’re big fans of the rugged aluminum lock frame, and we absolutely love its robust telescopic handle and spinning Japanese wheels, which we have tested on various types of surfaces and can honestly say are flawless. As if all those awesome details weren’t enough, this high-end piece also includes a front hardshell pocket for quick access to electronics and travel documents on the go. To conclude, not only does this bag deserve a spot in our roundup, but also in every great men’s carry-on luggage collection.
Nomatic Navigator Carry-On 37L
While luggage is generally gender-neutral, we think the features, compartmentalization, and silhouette make the Nomatic Navigator Carry-On 37L one of the best carry-on luggage for men on the go.
This polished two-wheeled bag has room for both your clothes and tech within its neatly organized sections. A separate laptop compartment accommodates 17-inch devices in a padded sleeve, as well as cables, power banks, and other small gadgets, thanks to a combination of mesh and zipper pockets.
Built from water-resistant materials with a hard Makrolon plastic shell, the bag looks like a sleek backpack on wheels but has all the strength and practicality of a suitcase. Complete with built-in compression straps and zippered pockets, the main compartment fits up to 5 days’ worth of outfits and opens wide for easy packing and access to items. Another big advantage is that you can expand its capacity from 37L to 45L whenever you need extra packing space.
RIMOWA Cabin Twist
RIMOWA is synonymous with high-end, innovative hard-case luggage, and this gleaming carry-on bag in anodized aluminum is no exception.
Just like their iconic Original Cabin, the RIMOWA Cabin Twist has all the makings of the perfect wheeled carry-on: a high-end multi-wheel system, a stageless telescopic handle, and TSA-approved locks. Moreover, its anodized aluminum shell is engineered with German precision to offer you the ideal balance of lightness and sturdiness, the patented Flex-Divider system keeps contents organized during transit, and the refreshed color-matched leather details add a refined touch to an already beautifully crafted piece of designer luggage.
Solgaard Carry-On Closet Large
Taking proper care of your precious clothes when on the road is no easy job. But, what about a valise that doubles as a portable closet?
Aptly named Carry-On Closet Large, this creative, cabin-approved hardshell spinner luggage designed by Solgaard has built-in retractable shelves to keep your garments nicely separated and wrinkle-free wherever the day may take you.
Ideal for a 7-day trip, the bag is constructed from unbreakable polycarbonate and comes equipped with a TSA-approved lock, frictionless 360-degree wheels, and a USB port for charging your devices on the go. Last but not least, with this masterfully organized carry-on, you will travel the world in an eco-friendly style, as each Solgaard suitcase sold saves 229 plastic bottles from the ocean.
YETI Crossroads 22″ Luggage
For a carry-on bag that will survive a rugged trip and keep you organized along the way, the YETI Crossroads 22″ Luggage is hard to top.
Covered in water and abrasion-resistant 700-denier nylon and outfitted with a structured polycarbonate base, the outdoor brand’s first-ever softshell suitcases are built to withstand years of abuse. The wide opening reveals a roomy main compartment and an interior divider panel with several pockets for keeping your gear separate and organized, while a pair of two impact-resistant roller wheels make it a snap to pull the bag over rough terrain.
Available in Black, Navy, and an arresting Harvest Red, the 22-inch carry-on also includes a small packing cube and removable compression straps that can be used either inside or on the outside.
Briggs & Riley Wide Carry-on Garment Spinner
Men on the lookout for the best carry-on luggage for suits may stop their quest at Briggs & Riley. Pairing function with style, their high-quality Wide Carry-On Garment Spinner keeps hanging items in perfect condition thanks to its integrated hanger bracket and removable zip-in extended panel.
Crafted from durable ballistic nylon and detailed with smooth-rolling 360° wheels, a strong aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle system, and thoughtful interior/exterior pockets for smaller essentials, this is one of the best garment bags for traveling professionals.
Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage
Loaded with tech features, enhanced with a personal travel assistant, and perfectly sized to comply with international carry-on size requirements, you’d be hard-pressed to find a smarter luggage piece for short trips abroad than this tough, beautiful carry-on bag from Horizn Studios.
Designed especially for frequent flyers, the M5 Cabin Luggage is crafted with premium aerospace-grade polycarbonate and features an easy-access water-resistant vegan front pocket – perfect for holding a 15” laptop and other journey essentials.
The M5 is among the best carry-on luggage for men in 2023 because it has it all – smart design, innovative features, and killer looks. Plus, if you want a stylish suitcase that fits the carry-on size restrictions of budget airlines across Europe and beyond, this is it!
Hook & Albert Garment Luggage Carry-On
Carry-on luggage meets garment bag in this ingenious suitcase from Hook & Albert. Made with lightweight Ballistic nylon and stylized with top-grain leather accents, it makes a particularly functional and extremely elegant suitcase for men on a mission. A TSA-approved lock ensures your belongings stay safe throughout the journey, while premium, durable Hursen wheels and YKK zippers reinforce the bag’s durability and strength.
However, the allure of the Garment Luggage Carry-on lies right in its name; the case features an innovative fold-out design with a garment section that wraps around an adjustable compression system meant to keep your other clothing and accessories neat and compact. The integrated garment enclosure fits up to two suits, and, more importantly, it keeps them wrinkle-free while traveling.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Crowning our list of the best carry-on backpacks, this versatile luggage piece fits a week’s worth of clothing plus your photography equipment, all while meeting international carry-on standards. Equipped with rotating shoulder straps & hip belt, a detachable sternum strap, 360-degree grab handles, and one of the most innovative harness systems we’ve come across, it offers the ultimate in carrying comfort on the road.
Able to compress to 35L and even transform into a 30L day bag, Peak Design’s 45L Travel Backpack is rugged, stylish, and gloriously functional, which makes it an ideal companion for digital nomads, traveling photographers, weekend warriors, and pretty much anyone consistently on the move.
The recycled 400D nylon canvas exterior is durable and weatherproof, while the interior is smartly organized, with easily accessible laptop and tablet sleeves, a clever front panel perfect for grab-and-go essentials, as well as all sorts of perfectly placed pockets for gear and accessories. A full-perimeter zip enables a wide opening for easy packing and access to contents, a zippered dividing panel separates the bag into two compartments, and dual side zippers allow for instant camera and other items access.
Its sleek, urban design, expandable capacity, and thoughtful, ingenious features place it amongst the best backpacks on the market. It comes in two colors (Black and Sage) and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Pair that with high-density foam padding throughout and Peak Design’s dedicated travel accessories & packing cubes, and you’ve got yourself a brilliant carry-on backpack that’s as good for one-bag travel as it is for photography adventures.
Samsonite Stryde 111 Carry-On Spinner
One of Samsonite’s most luxurious cases, the Stryde 111 22x14x9 Carry-On Spinner answers the needs of connected, style-conscious business travelers with dual USB charging ports and a dedicated pocket for your portable battery.
The outer shell is made of 100% polycarbonate and comes accompanied by smooth-rolling, dual-spinner wheels, a unique magnetic ID tag, and a keyless TSA-friendly lock. The illuminated pull handle with countless incremental height adjustments makes traveling easier and safer both day and night, while on longer trips, a retractable strap allows travelers to fasten the bag to their bigger luggage’s handle for seamless transport.
Lined with sleek, eco-friendly fabric, the interior is just as neat, with novelties like a space-savvy compression cube, a removable accessory pouch, and thoughtful compartments for wet items. These factors, along with many others, have earned this Samsonite suitcase a spot among our top picks for the best carry-on luggage for business travelers.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller
Team up Topo Designs’ iconic travel bag with a pair of heavy-duty, crush-proof wheels, and you have the perfect softshell carry-on for guys.
Made with recycled materials, the Global Travel Bag Roller has stowable backpack straps, a telescopic handle, and padded grab handles on three sides so you can carry it in whatever way feels comfortable.
With front zippered slip pockets, spacious internal compartments, and mesh pockets for small gear, this versatile hybrid suitcase will fulfill all your organizational needs. Designed with one-bag travel in mind, it also features a rugged molded back and PackFast attachment clips for easily rolling two (compatible) bags at once.
Level8 Textured Carry-On 20″
Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you; this handsome rolling luggage piece is made from strong, high-quality materials and comes with all your favorite features.
A textured Makrolon polycarbonate shell keeps the Level8 Textured Carry-On 20″ lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to scratches, while on the inside, two zippered compartments, complete with tie-down straps and pockets for accessories, lead to efficient packing and organizing. The durable 360° spinner wheels with an anti-shock design, coupled with an aluminum alloy telescopic handle, ensure a smooth ride, and there’s also a TSA-approved combination lock for peace of mind.
Throw in a choice of seven colors, including black, gray, and olive, and you have one of the best affordable carry-on luggage pieces around.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Softside Carry-On Spinner
Designed with pro travelers in mind, the Platinum Elite 21″ Softside Carry-On Spinner from Travelpro is the epitome of practicality. Equipped with a fold-out suiter and a variety of pockets for fitting in all your essentials, it helps you pack like a flight attendant and stay organized while on the road.
This versatile, high-quality travel bag comes with a variety of intelligent features too: think patented 360-degree dual spinner wheels, a dedicated power bank pocket, and an external USB port to power up your devices on the go.
While not a carry-on bag for men per se, this is one of the best cabin bags for frequent travelers, and we think its rugged stain and abrasion-resistant ballistic nylon exterior, along with the premium leather top & side carry handles, expandable zipper section, and a PowerScope extension handle that adjusts to multiple heights, will suit them well.
Zero Halliburton Pursuit International Carry-On Case
Zero Halliburton’s original suitcases were used to carry rocks back from the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, so to say their International Carry-On Case is sturdy and well-made would be an understatement.
Part of the new Pursuit collection, this badass travel case is crafted from premium anodized aluminum with a matte finish that minimizes scratch marks, as well as premium ball-bearing controlled wheels and draw-bolt latches with two TSA-approved combination locks. Each luxurious suitcase comes with a unique serial number and is enhanced by patent-pending ZH Concave Edging architecture for added strength and durability.
Thule Subterra Carry On
Men who prefer two-wheel luggage will fall in love with the Thule Subterra Carry On, an award-winning cabin bag designed to maximize packing space on short trips.
Mixing robust, water-resistant materials with a sleek, urban-inspired design, the bag is lightweight and fits in most overhead bins. Its oversize wheels and V-tubing telescoping handle provide smooth maneuverability, while grab handles on the side and top mean it can be easily moved or lifted as needed.
The wheeled duffel comes completed with a molded polycarbonate back panel for added strength and has a divided main compartment to keep clean clothes away from dirty laundry. The exterior quick-access pocket and piggyback strap attachment loop are other features you’ll be thankful for.
Away The Carry-On
With its light and sturdy polycarbonate shell, smooth 360° spinner wheels, strong YKK zippers, and a choice of handles for easy lifting and sliding, the Away Carry-On remains one of our favorite hardside pieces.
The flexible exterior has a matte texture that makes scruffs and scratches less visible and is designed to absorb any external pressure and spring back into shape, while the built-in TSA-approved locks give you peace of mind while flying. Equally well thought out, the inside features a clamshell design with a roomy zippered compartment and a compression system for efficient packing on the other side.
Then there’s the aesthetic part: Away is the brand that has made stylish luggage available to all. With their clean lines and minimalist look in contemporary matte colors, their bin-friendly suitcases are among the most beautiful on the market. On top of that, they come with a 100-day trial, a limited lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers, and are sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines.
Samsonite Eco Advance 22 x 14 x 9 Carry-On Spinner
Samsonite makes some of the most reliable luggage out there, and the Eco Advance 22 x 14 x 9 Carry-On Spinner is no exception.
This durable, feature-packed suitcase is made of Recyclex, has a built-in USB Port for charging on the go, and a smart top pocket perfect for storing your phone, wallet, and toiletries. Apart from that, the comfortable handle allows the suitcase to be adjusted in 1″ increments, the interior lining is made from 100% recycled bottles, and its buttery smooth wheels make the trolley a joy to roll around.
