5 of the best carry-on luggage bags for compact travel, according to Reader’s Digest

Ditch the checked bag. Keep the overhead bin.

Reader’s Digest tested carry-on luggage bags for compact packing and travel. Editors and testers packed them, rolled them through airports, crammed them into overhead bins and, in some cases, checked them when airlines said no. 

The goal was simple. Find the best carry-on luggage for every budget and travel style.

Size, durability, maneuverability, features and price were all considered. They evaluated lightweight shells and expandable compartments. They tested underseat bags across multiple floor types, over cords and curbs, and through busy terminals. 

Compact does not mean cramped. Several of these picks handle trips lasting more than a night or two. Some stretch to five to seven days of outfits. Others slide neatly under most major airline seats. All were tested by experienced travelers, including Jill Schildhouse, who travels 90 nights a year, and a product testing team that scores durability and functionality in controlled conditions.

Here are five of the best carry-on luggage bags for compact travel, according to Reader’s Digest.

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Reader’s Digest names the July Carry-On Pro the best overall carry-on luggage. It pairs a durable polycarbonate hard shell with a front pocket that fits up to a 15-inch laptop or iPad Pro. The bag includes a detachable padded sleeve, a hidden laundry bag, a TSA-approved lock and an ejectable battery for charging devices on the go. The interior features a water- and stain-resistant nylon lining.

Tester Jill Schildhouse took it on an 18-day excursion of back-to-back European cruises. She reports that it maneuvered easily through multiple airports, held up to scuffs and scratches and fit in overhead bins on domestic and international flights. She highlights the integrated laptop pocket and portable charger as especially convenient for business travel lasting three to four days.

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Reader’s Digest selects the Canway 65-Liter Travel Duffel Bag as the best budget carry-on luggage. At $24.49, it undercuts nearly every hard-shell competitor. It features a foldable and extendable design, multiple pockets including a dedicated shoe compartment, and water- and tear-resistant material. It includes padded straps, a detachable shoulder strap and a trolley sleeve.

Newsletter editor Cameron Songer tested it on a four-day trip to Chicago. He reports that it stored more than enough for a long weekend and still fit in an overhead bin. He fit four to five days of clothing inside. He cautions that bulky clothing could reduce capacity and that the lack of wheels means it can become heavy if overpacked.

Songer describes the straps as durable and fairly comfortable but notes that the plastic connectors feel less secure than metal alternatives and can squeak. He would not recommend dragging it through an airport. He suggests it works especially well for road trips thanks to its flexibility and toughness.

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Reader’s Digest names the Briggs & Riley Global 21 the best expandable carry-on luggage. Its expansion-compression system increases packing capacity by up to 22%, reaching a 52-liter capacity. The polycarbonate exterior is lightweight and resilient. It includes a built-in TSA-approved lock and power bank, four-way spinner wheels and free monogramming.

Shopping editor Madi Koetting tested it on a four-day trip and reports fitting seven outfits inside. She says the interior compression panels make it suitable for overpackers and estimates it can handle five- to seven-day trips. The suitcase endured eight hours of being checked and transported in transit and held up well, with only minor scratches that were easily cleaned.

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Reader’s Digest awards the Monos Carry-On the title of best lightweight carry-on luggage. It weighs 7.01 pounds and measures 22 inches high by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep, with a 28-liter capacity. It features 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, a telescopic handle and a polycarbonate shell described as unbreakable. The interior includes a compression pad, a laundry bag and two shoe bags. The inner lining is antimicrobial.

Senior shopping editor Caroline Lubinsky tested it and highlights how easily it maneuvered through airports thanks to its lightweight design and spinner wheels. She emphasizes the built-in compression pad as a key feature for fitting in extra clothing.

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Reader’s Digest names Béis The Carry-On Roller the best carry-on luggage for overpackers. Its expandable design adds 2 inches of packing space, and its built-in scale indicates when the bag exceeds 50 pounds by turning red. It includes a TSA-approved lock, organizational pockets and a retractable external bag strap that holds up to 15 pounds.

Tester Jill Schildhouse admits initial skepticism about the brand but reports that she loves the suitcase after testing it. She praises the weight indicator, cushioned handle and expandable zippered section. She also highlights the value, noting that it offers many features at a lower price than some competitors.