We Flew Over 25K Miles With These Viral Luggage Items—Here's Every Observation We Made
Having the right travel gear means one less thing to worry about on your next trip, and we're here to help.
If you've ever traveled with luggage that doesn't meet your needs, you know that it can make or break a trip—or at least a travel day—and we say this without an ounce of hyperbole. But you can't exactly use luggage for a trip and then return it after determining that it doesn't work for you. Wouldn't it be nice if someone else did the trial and error for you? Luckily, trial and error is something we do best.
Our editors are very frequent flyers, and hardly a week goes by that at least one of us isn't traveling somewhere in the world. So who better to offer up luggage recommendations? We've spent the past month testing checked and carry-on suitcases, weekenders, and toiletry bags from some of the top luggage brands, and we have thoughts. If you're in the market for pieces in any of these four essential categories, we urge you to read on for the IRL photos and honest reviews from picky editors who actually traveled with them.
Away Medium Checked Luggage
Anna's take: "I've had Away's medium-sized suitcase for years, and it's still the only checked luggage I own. I pull it out for ski trips, anything where shopping is the main event, and any travel that's longer than 10 days. It's everything I love about the Bigger Carry-On but with more space. Bonus: The two nest perfectly when in storage, which is necessary for me and my small NYC apartment."
Béis The Hybrid Check-In Roller
Ana's take: "The Béis Hybrid Check-In Roller is an upgrade compared to the original Béis Large Check-In Roller, which my sister has. Just released, the bag features a small hook at the bottom that allows you to connect other luggage from the same hybrid system together, making it easy to take several pieces of luggage with you on the go. The number of people who have a black Béis suitcase is a bit overwhelming, and when returning from and arriving at my destination, I accidentally took someone else' s luggage on the carousel, and they took mine. This can be easily solved with an identifying feature, like a ribbon tied around the handle or a covering, though! Additionally, the lock-in system only works if you have luggage from the same collection, so in order to take full advantage, you'd have to buy two or more pieces of Béis luggage.
"This is the largest suitcase I own by far, so it was definitely overkill for my three-day weekend trip. I was able to pack four days of outfits, three pairs of shoes, and two different bags. All in all, I'd definitely recommend luggage of this size for a two-week trip or for a weeklong trip if you'd like several outfit and accessory choices!"
Amazon Basics Hardside Large Checked Luggage
Nikki's take: "Given its $100 price point, I went in with realistic expectations for a no-frills piece of luggage, and that's exactly what was delivered. This suitcase excels at its primary functions: housing half my wardrobe and rolling smoothly from the Uber to the airport.
"When I took the suitcase out of the box, I was initially hesitant about its weight. As an admitted overpacker, I was concerned that the luggage itself would significantly cut into the 50-pound weight limit for checked bags. However, after packing as usual, I was relieved to find that the total weight was five pounds under the airport limit. Beside that, one feature that required a slight adjustment for me was the internal organization. One compartment relies exclusively on a cross-strap closure, which didn't feel secure enough for some of my items, such as the shoes. Next time, though, I will put whatever I pack on that side in packing cubes to ensure nothing gets tossed around in transit.
"I put the suitcase to the test during a recent 10-day trip that included a work engagement in Mexico followed by a leisure stay in L.A. The Amazon Basics suitcase truly excelled in terms of capacity. Not only did it comfortably fit all the planned outfits for both destinations, but it also provided enough room for substantial overpacking, a welcome luxury for any traveler, especially a fashion person like myself. Even with the generous number of items I brought, I didn't need to use the expandable feature."
Antler Large Luggage
Sierra's take: "I haven't found a checked bag yet that can fit as much as the Antler Large Luggage, so that's what initially attracted me to the bag. It really does carry it all. I have been able to go weeks on end with just this product on hand and am always impressed by how much I can squeeze in. It also has a minimalist, streamlined outward appearance that draws me in and incredible color choices.
"Because the bag is so large and open, packing cubes are pretty much a necessity to keep things organized and compartmentalized. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to keep in mind when packing. I've taken this bag on several trips now, with the longest being two weeks, and fitting everything was a breeze. The generous capacity made it easy to pack everything I needed without any stress."
Carl Friedrik The Large Carry-On
Allyson's take: "Carl Friedrik is at the head of the new class of buzzy luxury luggage, and I was curious to see if the Swedish brand's pieces would be as functional as they are stylish. My go-to luggage for most trips is a large carry-on, so I selected the new Large Carry-On from the brand. Among other things, I was drawn to the fact that it has the look of an aluminum suitcase but the durability of a polycarbonate one.
"The verdict is that this truly has everything I look for in a carry-on—two sides instead of one deep packing area, a compression pad and straps, built-in locks, pockets for organizing odds and ends, and 360-degree wheels. I was able to pack for a four-day, three-night trip with room to spare. I'm accustomed to soft-sided luggage that I can stuff to the brim, but this Carl Friedrik case offered a surprising amount of space, so I didn't have any issues when packing for this particular trip. It's safe to say that this is the chicest piece of luggage I've ever owned, hands down."
Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On
Anna's take: "Right off the bat, I knew I was going to love traveling with this Tumi carry-on. Aesthetically speaking, the glossy finish just looks so much more elevated, and in this minty green called Thyme, it felt like such a fun way to kick off summer-vacation season. The best part of using it and what sets it apart was, oddly enough, the wheels. It may seem like a small detail, but when you're hauling it to the furthest gate in all of LaGuardia, that matters.
"I packed it for a long weekend trip to Martha's Vineyard and was able to fit enough outfits for the weekend and even a few pieces that nudged me into overpacking territory. What can I say? I like to have options! Size-wise, it was noticeably smaller than my Away Bigger Carry-On, and I found myself having to make a few cuts in order to make sure it closed since I wanted to challenge myself to pack it without expanding the panel. I love that it comes with the option to do so, though, and on the way back, I used that feature to be able to fit my bulky barn jacket and a chunky sweater inside instead of carrying them in my tote. Details like the USB-C charger hidden on the inside, color-coordinated luggage tag, and monogrammed leather panel elevated the entire travel experience."
Rimowa Essential Cabin
Ana's take: "Rimowa is like the Hermès of luggage, so it's no surprise that this piece is aesthetically pleasing. It's also incredibly lightweight and comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock, so there's no fiddling with small luggage keys once I reach my final destination. If I had to do it over, I would have gotten this piece in a darker color! This limited-edition hue is so dreamy; however, it's shown stains and scuffs since I first got it nearly two summers ago. I've heard dents can be hard to get out of the aluminum suitcase, so the polycarbonate version is the way to go.
"The Rimowa Essential Cabin is easily my most-used piece of luggage by far, and it's perfect for long weekends in Miami, international travels as a larger carry-on, or a quick weekend sleepover at a friend's place. This is also the luggage I travel with when I visit family over the holidays, so truly, you can stretch out the space in this one to make it work. I pack five to six outfits or a week's worth of clothes. It also has a flexible divider for packing, which makes it easier to compress my clothes and fit more of my favorite travel essentials in the carry-on."
Away The Bigger Carry-On
Anna's take: "I've had this since 2018, and it could easily be the only suitcase I ever need to own. The longest I've traveled with it was 14 days, and yes, that included five pairs of shoes and a surprisingly low number of repeated outfits. I actually broke it a few years back when it flew across the bus I was on. The handle wouldn't collapse down anymore, and I was surprised that Away swapped it out for a replacement, no questions asked, when I contacted the brand about it. Here are a few details I like about it: the laundry bag it comes with and the generous size for being a carry-on.
"One detail that isn't my favorite is that the interior mesh divider inside tore off from the lining. It's still totally functional, but that's just something to note. Lastly, the size is usually too large to be carried onto most budget airlines in Europe (I had to check it when I flew EasyJet between London and Mykonos), but I have never had any issue carrying it onto any American carriers."
Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote
Anna's take: "I'll be honest. I needed a new travel tote, and when I spotted Jennifer Lawrence carrying her Naghedi St. Barths Tote through the airport, I promptly placed an order. The woven texture feels elevated, but since it's neoprene, it's remarkably durable and lightweight. I don't love the look of a quilted tote (sorry!) and definitely find this to be a much chicer alternative.
"The St. Barths style comes in a range of sizes and colors, and I tested out the large one on my recent weekend trip to Martha's Vineyard. It fit two extra sweaters, jeans, and a pair of sneakers in addition to everything else, such as my laptop, book, chargers, and other tidbits I normally put in my tote for the airport. If my suitcase were to get lost, I wouldn't even be mad about living out of this bag for a day or two. I thought it would also make a great tote for road trips or travel with kids because it just fits so much, and you don't have to be too precious about it. The only downside is that it doesn't come with any kind of slot for a suitcase handle, so it's prone to falling off if you're not careful. While it only has a top-handle carry, the brand offers a shoulder-strap version too."
Away Featherlight Weekender Bag
Allyson's take: "I've been using the same carry-on duffle for years, and I don't like change. However, I'm a huge Away fan and knew it wouldn't do me wrong, so I took my very first trip with the Featherlight Weekender and am glad I did. They're not kidding—it's incredibly light, which is great for someone like me who stuffs a million things into their personal item.
"The bag holds a ton of items, and I was initially wishing for more interior pockets in addition to the laptop sleeve. But after utilizing the outer side pockets and the separate compartment below the bag, I realized I didn't need them. Speaking of the separate compartment, this turned out to be one of my favorite features. I was able to fit a handbag, my makeup bag, and a pair of sandals in there without them getting squished, which was the case with my previous weekender. Because of the compartment, if you stuff too many items into the bag, it might not fit under the seat in front of you, so just keep that in mind. All in all, if you want a roomy, stylish weekender that won't weigh you down, this is an incredible option."
Aspinal of London Hudson Midi Bag
Judith's take: "When it comes to a travel bag that's equally elegant and functional, it doesn't get better than Aspinal of London's Hudson Bag. It's made from a soft and refined milled pebble leather that is not only durable but also incredibly luxurious. The hue is absolutely gorgeous and incredibly versatile, and it looks chic with any travel outfit I wear. Hands down, it's the most sophisticated travel bag I own. I'm obsessed with the size. It's compact enough to fit by my feet on the plane yet feels rather spacious inside. It fits my 13-inch laptop (hooray!), has a zipped front pocket that allows you to keep important items close to hand, and has two internal pockets—one open and one zipped. It has dual carry handles and an adjustable crossbody strap if you prefer to wear it on you. Other features I love? The internal D ring for securing keys and accessories and the charming leather tassel detail that adds a little flair to the elegant design. This is the ultimate travel bag that oozes understated elegance, will last for a lifetime, and will never go out of style.
"I honestly loved everything about this bag. If there's perhaps one thing I'd add, it would be one more internal medium-sized pocket, as I love separating my things. I went away for a long weekend getaway, and everything fit perfectly—my laptop, Kindle, phone, chargers, personal toiletries, makeup, notebooks, extra layer, and wallet. I even had a little room to spare, which is rare for me! The pockets were super handy, and I could get out my personal items quickly and easily."
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50
Ana's take: "I got my vintage Keepall at Casanova Vintage in Tokyo, and honestly, it's my holy grail. The faded, lived-in vachetta leather and monogram canvas mean that I'm not too fussed over keeping it pristine. It moves and lives with me. It's by far the most aesthetically pleasing item I have in my luggage closet.
"As for things that take some getting used to, if you're traveling without a rolling carry-on suitcase, this piece is awkward to carry around in the airport. I've had to stop and place the strap back on my shoulder or skip it altogether. It's definitely on the bulkier and heavier side if you overpack it, which I often do!
"I use this duffle as my personal item, always making sure that I leave a bit of room so it fits under the seat in front of me. I've also taken it on weekend trips, albeit in a car and not a plane. For a long weekend in the Hamptons, this is the perfect size if I make sure to pack my outfits in advance and focus on pieces I can rewear. I've only used it for weekend-long trips in the summer, so with bulkier items like long pants and chunky sweaters, it may not be enough if you pack more than one type of item for your time away."
July Hanging Toiletry Bag
Judith's take: "I am obsessed with this chic and functional toiletry bag. I already own a July carry-on suitcase, and I know how much attention to detail this brand puts into marrying function with style. The water-resistant nylon case is easy to pack, but it's really all about the storage space for me. The split-pocket system makes it super easy to organize and separate my toiletries and beauty items. There is a clear PVC pocket that is leak-resistant, and there's even a separate toothbrush tab. The hidden hook makes for convenient storage and hanging, but it is not bulky at all when you put it away. I love everything about this toiletry bag, and the only hard part is making sure I don't miss any of the compartments and pockets available to use!
"I went away for a long weekend, and there was more than enough space to fit all my toiletries. I usually take a separate makeup bag, but since I was going light on the makeup, I actually was able to fit my toiletries and makeup into the bag. This is a perfect bag if you're also going for longer trips because the storage space really is second to none. It's very easy to compress into my suitcase because of the soft and durable fabric. I couldn't recommend this more."
Abbode Signature Waffle Pouch
Anna's take: "Every It girl has an Abbode Waffle Pouch, and that's a fact. The soft pouch comes with custom initial monogramming in a pretty scripted font, and the color combinations are virtually endless. It's a toiletry case that's as nice to display in your bathroom as it is to travel with. Apart from aesthetics, though, the pouch is soft and lightweight and fits a lot. It's very roomy, and I can usually pack all my skincare, makeup, and hair accessories in one, which makes it easy to keep everything together. I've traveled with it on trips ranging from a few days to two weeks, and I'd say longer trips are best for this since it does fit so much. I usually downsize to a smaller pouch for quick weekend trips. The one caveat is that there are no compartments within the pouch, so I do have to pack extra ziplock bags to keep items like my hair ties and makeup brushes separate, which takes a few extra steps in the packing process."
Parallelle The Traveler
Allyson's take: "I often come across Parallelle bags on Instagram, and needless to say, I was intrigued, so I decided to put the small and medium Travelers to the test. I typically throw all of my makeup for a trip (and I pack a lot of it) in a simple pouch with very little organization, so the structured Parallelle bags were a big change for me. The bags have detachable sleeves that help your items stand up, which makes everything incredibly easy to find, especially since the sides can also be folded down when unzipped. I even found that I could pack some of my larger items that I usually have to leave at home, such as certain foundations and setting sprays, with ease.
"Before putting the Travelers to the test, I assumed that they'd take up a lot of room given the structured shape, but the material is actually quite flexible, so I could bend them to fit if I needed to. The verdict is that the bags will change your life if you have trouble deciding what makeup to pack and hate rummaging around in search of that specific Rhode Pocket Blush you want to wear while standing over the hotel bathroom sink."
Tumi Alpha Split Travel Kit
Anna's take: "Tumi is the GOAT when it comes to travel accessories. This kit was the first item I ever tried from the brand, and I immediately understood why once I did. Durable, functional, and thoughtful, this toiletry case has held up over countless trips, including when I traveled through Europe for five weeks last summer! It may not be the chicest item ever, but trust me. It doesn't even matter when you've been living out of a suitcase for weeks and everything gets disorganized—except for your toiletries.
"As for the layout, it's split into two sides: one zippered section on one and two smaller zippered parts on the other. The larger compartment is where I store all my skincare and larger products. Yes, it does fit my entire skincare routine (well, the abridged travel version, at least). I split the two smaller compartments up by makeup brushes and lip liners and the rest of my makeup. It fits enough products to where I'm not making any choices about which shades to pack. Apart from keeping me organized, it zips closed into a very space-efficient size that's easy to pack, and the exterior is finished in water-repellant material."
