Best Carry-On Bag Champion | Carry Awards X

Highly considered and built to embrace wherever your next trip takes you, our Best Carry-On Bag champion is designed to make your travels as hassle-free as possible…

1st Place

EVERGOODS CTB35

EVERGOODS are no strangers to the Carry Awards finals. So it’s no surprise that the CTB35 (CIVIC Travel Bag 35L) has secured its position at the #1 slot for this year.

The Bozeman-based design team completely reimagined their travel backpack, replacing their discontinued CTB40 via a method that might appear to be extremely simple but is quite difficult to execute in reality. First, it doesn’t hurt that they have a classic previous Carry Award winner backpack with a cult following, the CPL24. This part is very important. If you’re into carry and you’re reading these words here, you’ve probably owned one or more CPL24s in your time. You’re well versed with the layout, the features, and the incredible patterning of the CPL series. Well, EVERGOODS took that same familiar DNA and sized it up, as well as improved it. Now, along your travels you’ve got a pack that you know intimately, that you could recognize blindfolded by feel alone, while also offering more features for a travel-focused mission.

The 35L capacity is the perfect sweet spot, accommodating those who might want to bring a bunch of extra goodies for a short trip and providing all the space for someone who might be traveling internationally for a trip lasting several weeks. Congratulations, EVERGOODS!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Aer Travel Pack 3

Aer continually strives to hone their designs and the Travel Pack 3 is a fine celebration of their design prowess. The brand really knows how to nail the sleek-and-functional vibe and the Travel Pack 3 is a great choice for the traveler who wants discreet carry that will perform like a travel pro without drawing unwanted attention. The minimalist aesthetics fly under the radar, while the tough and weatherproof build comes in a choice of burly materials that will easily withstand the scrapes and scuffs of travel use.

While the aesthetics may be pared back, this bag packs in a bunch of travel-friendly features. The lay-flat main compartment, exterior-access laptop storage, and variety of practical organization options make it easy to pack and retrieve gear throughout your trip. You also benefit from multiple grab handles, a luggage handle passthrough, and load lifters that add welcome comfort during long treks with your gear. Lockable zippers provide added peace of mind and the pack can also compress down through compression straps with magnetic fasteners, making it easy to cinch down for smaller loads and allowing it to do double duty as a day bag at your destination. Highly impressive work, Aer!

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

When you need to haul maximum carry-on loads in supreme comfort, Tortuga comes to the rescue with their Travel Backpack 40L. The exceptionally comfy and height-adjustable harness, load lifters, and removable hip belt make hauling even larger loads a breeze. And when it comes to packing, the convenient clamshell main compartment, exterior-access laptop storage, and front organizer panel make it quick and simple to store or retrieve gear as required.

Made with SHELL200 (a 100% recycled and waterproof sailcloth fabric) and water-resistant YKK zippers, you can rest assured your gear is well protected from the elements and that the pack will stand up to the rugged demands of travel. Wonderfully comfortable, with sleek aesthetics and thoughtful organization, the Travel Backpack 40L is an excellent travel buddy for adventures near and far. Stellar job, Tortuga!

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