Best Carry-On Finalists (Pool B) – The Fifth Annual Carry Awards

Whether you want the freedom to roam with just one bag or a companion to complement your check-in luggage, our Best Carry-On Finalists are just the ticket. Ease of movement with portability options. Suitable organization to prevent content chaos. Minimal weight to reduce carry slog. Adaptability to a range of settings and changing needs. Each of our finalists brings something to the table to help make your travels easier and more enjoyable. But only one will get that first-class upgrade. Check out our final contenders in Pool B below.

Log your vote at the bottom of the page!

_________________________________________________________

Timbuk2 Jet

With its clean aesthetics and functional design, the Timbuk2 Jet transitions well from work to play environments. The bag lays flat for easy packing and retrieval of items, and includes a padded laptop pocket that fits up to a 15″ device. A mix of further pockets help prevent a jumbled mess, and the top and side handles are great for grab-and-go portability and maneuverability in tight spaces such as overhead luggage bins.

_________________________________________________________

Samsonite Stryde Carry-On Glider

The Stryde is more than just about turning heads. It’s designed to make movement easier too thanks to a low center of gravity, an extra-wide handle, and multidirectional spinner wheels. Complementing the eye-catching exterior is useful interior organization including compartments, pockets and compression straps.

_________________________________________________________

Osprey Meridian 60

The Meridian 60 packs plenty of travel-friendly features into its functional design. It can be rolled as wheeled luggage or carried as a backpack and includes a variety of pockets for organization. An added bonus is the detachable 16L daypack that serves as a handy daily carry item for the essentials, allowing you to leave the majority of your gear at your accommodation.

_________________________________________________________

Red Oxx Sky Train

Built tough as an ox, the Sky Train is made by hand in Montana and comes with a lifetime warranty. A choice of compartments and pockets help separate and organize your gear, while multiple carry options keep you moving smoothly. Carry it as a backpack, shoulder bag or by hand with the top or side handles which also come in handy for maneuvering the bag in small and awkward spaces.

_________________________________________________________

G-RO

Wheeled luggage works well on smooth surfaces such as airport floors, but can struggle on rougher terrain and steps. The G-RO tackles this problem by rethinking luggage wheels. The bag features a large diameter wheel that travels over a range of terrains easily while maintaining a sleek silhouette and strengthening the sides of the bag. The G-RO provides separate compartments for personal items and tech and can also be partnered with an optional power bank and luggage locator.

_________________________________________________________

Betabrand Weekbender Bag

Carrying both a weekend and garment bag can get tricky. The Weekbender however is a single-bag solution that combines a duffel and garment bag in one. The bag zips out to lay flat for easy packing, with a choice of pockets for organizing clothing, accessories and shoes. Once the garment bag is filled, the Weekbender can be zipped closed to form a duffel for further carry storage.

_________________________________________________________

QWSTION Simple Holdall

The stylish and multifunctional Simple Holdall lends itself to overnight trips, weekends away, or even day-to-day use. The extendable volume helps you fit in a little extra when needed, or you can secure the bag into a more compact form for smaller loads. In addition, the versatile carrying system lets you sling the bag over your shoulder, carry it by hand or use it as a backpack.

_________________________________________________________

Gregory Ascend 3-Way

The Ascend 3-Way puts carry flexibility and organization front and center. A variety of pockets and compartments keep gear tidy and conveniently accessible, while three carry options including backpack straps, a shoulder strap and carry handles help you adapt to changing environments. Plus with its understated aesthetics, this piece can move easily between business and leisure use.

_________________________________________________________

Ready Carry-On

The Ready Carry-On merges smart luggage with chic style that suits work and leisure trips equally well. An inbuilt luggage scale helps you avoid excess baggage fees, USB device charging keeps tech juiced on the go, while further useful features include a proximity sensor and an exterior strap for securing a coat or smaller bag.

_________________________________________________________

Black Ember V4

The V4 is a sleek and durable travel backpack designed to work in tandem with a range of modular cubes, allowing you to easily and quickly tailor carry setups to different needs. The cubes are secured in place with convenient Maglock attachments and can double as day bags for use at your travel destination. The pack’s clamshell-style opening enables easy packing and access to interior items, while external straps secure bulky items such as tripods or sleeping bags.

_________________________________________________________

Triple Aught Design Azimuth

The Azimuth works well as both a carry-on bag and daypack at your destination thanks to its versatile design. Weighing in at just 0.8 lbs (around 362 grams), the bag provides both top and side access, hydration bladder compatibility, and a highly packable design that fits easily within larger luggage and stores compactly when not in use.

_________________________________________________________

Fjällräven Travel Pack

The Fjällräven Travel Pack stands out for its sleek fusion of access, durability and protection. The clamshell main compartment makes accessing items simple and quick, while padding around the entire bag helps protect the contents against bumps and scrapes. There’s also plenty of pockets including a top pocket that can be accessed from both the exterior and interior of the pack. Constructed with G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco fabric, the bag handles demanding use while looking stylish enough for business trips and quick getaways alike.