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 first group of contenders in Pool A below.

Log your vote at the bottom of the page!

_________________________________________________________

Tortuga Outbreaker Travel Backpack

There’s far better things to do on your travels than endure excess baggage fees, lengthy luggage check-ins, and time-consuming baggage carousel collections.So Tortuga created the Outbreaker Travel Backpack to help you avoid all that. Available in 35L and 45L options, this carry-on bag packs in plenty of pockets for organization, a lay-flat laptop compartment, and a clamshell-style main compartment for easy packing and access. The suspension system can also be adjusted for a tailored fit and better comfort on the go. Plus with a weatherproof sailcloth construction, the elements won’t break your stride.

_________________________________________________________

Outlier Ultrahigh Dufflepack

Highly versatile and lightweight, the Ultrahigh Dufflepack is a premium piece that caters to a range of carry needs while keeping weight to a minimum. The optimal rolltop capacity is 15L to 35L, but the bag can expand to 50L closed or 78L open when you can’t resist picking up a few souvenirs. Crafted with Ultrahigh Dyneema Composite, the bag comes with two Double Action straps and weighs in at 1045 grams (including the straps). The Ultrahigh Dufflepack can be carried as a backpack or shoulder bag to suit different settings and includes an exterior zip for quick access into the main compartment.

_________________________________________________________

Aer Travel Backpack

Aer’s Travel Backpack delivers on both sleek urban style and useful organization. The clamshell-style opening enables fast packing and retrieval of items, while a separate ventilated compartment provides handy storage for shoes or dirty laundry. A range of quick-access pockets keep travel essentials at the ready and a suspended laptop compartment helps protect your tech against bumpy rides. For some added flexibility, the compression straps can also be used to cinch the bag into a daypack for use at your destination.

_________________________________________________________

Eagle Creek Converge Weekend Bag

The Eagle Creek Converge Weekend Bag lends itself to both work and leisure trips, with a range of handy features that help make the journey smoother. Top and side handles make it easier to maneuver the bag in tight spaces, while a shoulder strap and stowable backpack straps add further carry flexibility. The bag also provides ample organization with quick-access front pockets, a separate padded compartment with a laptop sleeve, and a clamshell main compartment with compression straps. And for a little extra reassurance the bag comes with Eagle Creek’s No Matter What™ Warranty.

_________________________________________________________

Pacsafe Vibe 40 Anti-Theft 40L Backpack

Theft can really put a dampener on your travels. The Vibe 40 however offers a host of clever tricks to confound opportunistic thieves, all in a low-key design that doesn’t draw unwanted attention to itself. Security features such as eXomesh slashguards, RFIDsafe blocking pockets, a puncture-resistant zip, and Roobar locking system all help to thwart sticky fingers and keep your gear safe on the go. The clamshell-style main compartment enables easy access and the backpack straps can be stowed away for a clean exterior during transit.

_________________________________________________________

Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole Duffel

When you’re trying to stay within your carry-on weight limits, sometimes every gram counts. Coming in at just 453 g (1 lb), Patagonia’s Lightweight Black Hole Duffel helps prevent your bag from eating into your weight allowance. Complementing its light weight is a highly packable design that stuffs into its own pocket, making it simple to store within a check-in bag or out of the way when not in use. The diagonal zipper opens wide for convenient access into the main compartment, and water-repellent construction helps keep your gear safe from the elements.

_________________________________________________________

Tom Bihn The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey is a highly adaptable, two-in-one carry system that consists of a main bag and Top Pack. The main bag suits maximum carry-on dimensions, while the smaller Top Pack can be used as a personal carry-on item. Zip them together for a large bag at your destination or alternatively utilize the Top Pack as a day bag and leave the majority of your gear in the main pack at your accommodation. With multiple carry and organization options, this versatile piece handles diverse travel environments with ease.

_________________________________________________________

Bugaboo Boxer

Inspired by Bugaboo’s stroller expertise, the Boxer sets out to rethink luggage with a design featuring interlocking cases that can be easily pushed or pulled by the user for strain-free maneuverability. The Bugaboo Boxer can be configured for a variety of travel needs using different components. A quick-access exterior Organizer attaches to the chassis and keeps items such as a laptop, passport and toiletries within easy reach. The system can be used with either the carry-on Cabin Case, check-in Travel Case, or both at the same time.

_________________________________________________________

Porter 2Way Boston Bag 

The 2Way Boston Bag exudes Porter’s signature understated practicality, with features such as multiple carry options and a wide-opening main compartment for convenient packing and gear retrieval. Exterior pockets provide handy storage for frequently used items, while the shoulder straps can be tucked away to reduce the potential for snagging or dangling straps. With its durable, made-in-Japan construction and low-key aesthetics, this bag adapts well to regular use for business and leisure travel alike.

_________________________________________________________

 Incase VIA

The VIA Backpack is designed to carry tech and travel essentials in clean, city-friendly style. The clamshell main compartment enables hassle-free packing and is also expandable, giving you the freedom to squeeze in a little extra if you need to. The pack also offers a dedicated laptop compartment for your tech, plus a handy quick-access top pocket with a soft lining for scratch-free storage of items such as a phone.

_________________________________________________________

Vote now!