The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men in 2024

In the ever-evolving world of men’s travel essentials, the quest for the ultimate carry-on luggage isn’t just about practicality – it’s a full-blown declaration of personal style. Our meticulously curated guide to the best carry-on luggage for men is a sartorial roadmap for the modern gentleman on the move. We’re talking about pieces that don’t just fit in the overhead compartment but also stand out on the runway (and we don’t mean the one at the airport).

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 2024, we’ve compiled a list of suitcases, backpacks, and garment bags that are both stylish and built to last.

Best Carry-On Luggage for Men in 2024: Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

• Dimensions: 21.7″ × 15″ × 9.6″ (55cm x 38cm x 25cm)
• Weight: 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
• Volume: 43 L

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 X 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. Not only does this bag deserve a spot in our roundup, but also in every great men’s carry-on luggage collection.

For more insights, check out our comprehensive Carl Friedrik Carry-on X review to see why we’re so impressed.

Best for Frequent Travelers: Nomatic Navigator Carry-On 37L

• Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ (55.8cm x 35.5cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 7.8 lbs (3,5 kg)
• Volume: 37 L Standard | 45 L Expanded

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.

Best High-End Carry-On Luggage for Men: RIMOWA Cabin Twist

• Dimensions: 21.7″ × 15.8″ × 9.1″ (55cm x 40.1cm x 23.1cm)
• Weight: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
• Volume: 34 L

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 luggage.

RIMOWA’s carry-on luggage collection combines classic style with modern convenience. Whether you prefer the iconic grooved aluminum cases for a touch of sophistication or the lively polycarbonate options full of character, each piece makes a statement. These are travel companions that catch eyes and smoothly handle trips, adding a stylish touch to every arrival.

Best Designed Carry-On Luggage for Men: Monos Carry-On Pro

• Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ (55.8cm x 35.5cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.53 kg)
• Volume: 36 L

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 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. This feature, highlighted in my long-term Monos Carry-On Pro review, significantly enhances travel convenience.

Best for Organization: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Large

• Dimensions: 22.4″ × 14.6″ × 9.6″ (57cm x 37cm x 24cm)
• Weight: 8.1 lbs (3.6 kg)

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.

Most Durable Carry-On Luggage for Men: YETI Crossroads 22″ Luggage

• Dimensions: 22″ × 15.2″ × 9.6″ (55.9cm x 38.6cm x 24.4cm)
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.4 kg)

For a men’s 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.

Best Carry-On Garment Bag for Men: Briggs & Riley Wide Carry-on Garment Spinner

• Dimensions: 21″ × 16″ × 9″ (53.3cm x 40.6cm x 22.9cm)
• Weight: 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg)
• Volume: 44 L

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.

Best International Carry-On Luggage for Men: Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage

• Dimensions: 21.6″ × 15.7″ × 9″ (55cm x 40cm x 23cm)
• Weight: 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)
• Volume: 33 L

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.

We ranked the M5 among the best carry-on luggage for men in 2024 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!

Best Aluminum Carry-On Luggage for Men: MVST Trek Aluminum Suitcase

• Dimensions: 21.7″ × 14.8″ × 8.7″ (55.1cm x 37.5cm x 58.4cm)
• Weight: 9.6 lbs (4.3 kg)
• Volume: 34 L

Crafted by MVST, a brand renowned for merging innovation with elegance, the Trek Aluminum Suitcase in Silver is a masterpiece that redefines the essence of travel for the modern man. Its sleek silver exterior, cut from high-grade aluminum, is remarkably sturdy, ensuring your belongings are well-protected.

As you can see in my in-depth review of the MVST TREK Aluminum Suitcase, the interior is thoughtfully designed. Lined with a soft, durable fabric, it features compartments that are both spacious and ingeniously organized. This allows for easy packing and quick access to your essentials. The color contrast between the silver exterior and the dark interior adds a layer of aesthetic appeal, making every opening a delightful experience.

Its combination of elegance, durability, and practicality makes it my top pick for the best aluminum carry-on luggage for men. Whether for business or leisure, this suitcase is an investment in travel excellence.

Best Carry-On Backpack for Men: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Dimensions: Standard: 22″ × 13″ × 9.5″ (56cm × 33cm × 24cm) | Expanded: 22″ × 13″ × 11″ (56cm × 33cm × 29cm)
• Weight: 4.5 lbs (2 kg)
• Volume: 35 L Standard | 45 L Expanded

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 for guys that’s as good for one-bag travel as it is for photography adventures.

Best Business Carry-On Luggage for Men: Samsonite Stryde 111 Carry-On Spinner

• Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ (55.8cm x 35.5cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)

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 the handle of their bigger luggage 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 and many others have earned this Samsonite suitcase a spot among our top picks for the best carry-on luggage for business travelers.

Best Compact Carry-On Luggage for Men: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller

• Dimensions: 21″ × 13.5″ × 9″ (53cm x 34.2cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
• Volume: 44 L

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.

Best Designer Carry-On Luggage for Men: Montblanc MY4810 Cabin Compact Trolley

• Dimensions: 21.65″ × 14.96″ × 9.06″ (55cm x 38cm x 23cm)
• Volume: 37 L

With a design that invokes the retro styling of the original luxury suitcases, the Montblanc MY4810 is as functional as it is elegant. Though they swapped the classic aluminum fabrication for more utilitarian polycarbonate, the details have been maximized to convey the brand’s minimal but distinguished aesthetic.

Because it’s made of a lightweight material instead of metal, it’s much easier to stay within an airline’s weight requirements for carry-on luggage. Its compact size makes it perfect for stowing in the overhead bin of almost any commercial airline, which eliminates the need to wait at baggage claim.

Best Budget Carry-On Luggage for Men: Level8 Textured Carry-On 20″

• Dimensions: 21.5″ × 14.5″ × 9.2″ (54.5cm x 37cm x 23.5cm)
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
• Volume: 40 L

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 and 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.

Best Two-Wheeler: Thule Subterra Carry On

• Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9″ (55.8cm x 35.5cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 7 lbs (3.1 kg)
• Volume: 36 L

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.

Best Softside Carry-On Luggage for Men: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Softside Carry-On Spinner

• Dimensions: 21″ × 14″ × 9″ (53.3cm x 35.5cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg)
• Volume: 46 L

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.

Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage for Men: Away The Carry-On

• Dimensions: 21.7″ × 14.4″ × 9″ (55.1cm x 36.5cm x 22.8cm)
• Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
• Volume: 39.8 L

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.