A carry-on bag can make or break a trip. But our Best Carry-On Top 10 are the kinds of travel companions you’ll want to team up with again and again. Though they may be better suited to some travel environments over others, each of these pieces excels in particular design elements that support smooth journeys, from expandability and modularity, to great access and organization. Choose your favorite travel buddy in our second and final round of voting below.

Log your vote at the bottom of the page!

_________________________________________________________

Aer Travel Pack

Great access, urban-friendly style, and useful organization makes the Aer Travel Pack well suited to both work and leisure trips. A ventilated compartment stores shoes or dirty laundry separately from the rest of the contents, while quick-access pockets and a suspended laptop compartment keep travel essentials and tech within easy reach. And for some added versatility, the bag can also cinch down from carry-on to a daypack.

_________________________________________________________

Tortuga Outbreaker Travel Backpack

The Outbreaker packs plenty of travel-friendly features into its functional design, from a clamshell-style main compartment for easy packing and access, to a lay-flat laptop compartment and a host of pockets for keeping the contents in order. Even better, the adjustable suspension system allows the shoulder straps to move up or down to suit different users and the removable waist belt helps shift the load from the shoulders to the hips for improved carry comfort.

_________________________________________________________

Outlier Ultrahigh Dufflepack

At times travel situations require you to adapt, and the Outlier Ultrahigh Dufflepack helps you do that. Made with Ultrahigh Dyneema Composite, this lightweight bag features an expandable rolltop design that can range from an optimal 15L-35L capacity all the way up to 78L open if you need to carry bulky or awkwardly shaped items. The Ultrahigh Dufflepack also adapts on the portability front, with a choice of backpack and shoulder bag carry options.

_________________________________________________________

Pacsafe Vibe 40 Anti-Theft 40L Backpack

Obvious security features can draw unwanted attention to your travel bag. But the Vibe 40 keeps things understated yet effective with features such as an eXomesh slashguard, Carrysafe slashguard backpack straps, a Roobar Sport locking system to secure zippers, plus a PopNLock security clip for attaching the bag to a secure fixture. Complementing the low-key security features are further handy design elements such as a clamshell-style opening and stowable shoulder straps.

_________________________________________________________

Timbuk2 Jet

The Timbuk2 Jet zips between weekends away, overnight trips and day-to-day use with ease. The clean styling suits a range of environments, and the lay-flat construction means you don’t need to undo your packing efforts in order to reach individual items. A range of pockets keep travel essentials, tech and personal items tidy and accessible, while top and side handles provide further carry flexibility and maneuverability.

_________________________________________________________

Incase VIA

With its understated style the VIA Backpack has no trouble moving between work and play environments. Combine this with a handy clamshell-style main compartment, storage for tech and quick-access items, as well as an expandable design and you’ve got a versatile traveling companion that can adapt to a range of situations and carry loads.

_________________________________________________________

Triple Aught Design Azimuth

Sleek and multifunctional, the Azimuth lends itself to carry-on use as well as day bag duty at your destination. With its lightweight and packable design, the bag is easy to store inside larger luggage until needed. Top and side access helps keep the contents within easy reach, and hydration bladder compatibility makes it a useful companion for outdoor adventures at your travel destination.

_________________________________________________________

Black Ember V4

Weekend adventures, roaming photography trips, overnight excursions and general EDC use are all well within the scope of the V4 backpack. Its versatility stems from its ability to partner with a range of modular cubes, allowing you to easily adjust carry setups for different trips and needs. Maglock attachments enable fast and secure attachment and detachment of the cubes, which can also serve as smaller day bags when you just need to carry the essentials. Bulkier items can be attached externally, while interior items are conveniently accessible through the pack’s clamshell-style opening.

_________________________________________________________

Red Oxx Sky Train

Red Oxx have built up a reputation for solid gear that will take a beating and keep on going. Gear like the Sky Train, which is handmade in Montana and includes a lifetime warranty so you can roam confidently for years to come. The bag’s compartments and pockets keep the contents in order, while a variety of carry options including stowable backpack straps, a shoulder strap, and top and side handles let you move easily between changing travel environments.

_________________________________________________________

G-RO

While wheeled luggage helps to reduce carry strain, it can struggle to navigate challenging environments such as rough ground or steps. The G-RO however offers a thoughtful solution with large diameter wheels that can handle a variety of terrains while also providing structural support and a sleek design that helps to avoid accidental snagging. In addition to separate storage for personal items and tech, the G-RO can be used with an optional power bank and luggage locator to help make traveling smoother and more stress-free.

_________________________________________________________

Vote now!