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Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Award baggage winners, Previous Travel Gear Award winners, How we chose, Meet the experts, Has your product been featured?

Vivian Le / TODAY

It’s no secret that airports don’t always treat our suitcases with the utmost respect — baggage handlers, we’re talking to you! This means that when you’re traveling, you need sturdy, dependable luggage to get your belongings from point A to B (in one piece, preferably).

However, finding said luggage can be quite the headache given all the options. Do you splurge and buy a fancy hard-shell or throw it back to the ‘90s with a cloth suitcase? Luckily for you, we’ve done our due diligence and brought you the best of the best when it comes to suitcases and carry-ons and more for Shop TODAY’s 2025 Travel Gear Awards. Never again will you arrive at baggage claim only to find your suitcase missing a wheel or a ripped, jammed zipper on your carry-on.

We poured water on top of bags that had waterproof claims, scratched scissors and box cutters over top ones that made scratch-resistant promises, jammed them into walls and sat on top of them to close — all to see which ones would stand out above the rest to earn Shop TODAY’s stamp of approval.

“When shopping for luggage I’m looking for a very large and well built suitcase, especially a hardsided one, to give extra protection to my goods,” says Jonathan Alder, travel adviser. “[The] handle should be rigid and good quality, along with wheels that roll very smoothly. Make sure you don’t just buy something online. It’s best to go into a store where you can physically feel it and try it out. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s going to be great and at the same way if it’s a great value, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be bad.”

Keeping reading to see the suitcases, carry-ons, weekender bags and everyday totes our reviewers themselves will never travel without again.

Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Award baggage winners

REI Co-op Roadtripper 40 Duffel

Roadtripper 40 Duffel

REI

Product Specs

Our team believes REI “nailed it” with this duffel bag due to its ability to store everything we designated for a long weekend, including three stuffed packing cubes.

This is “exactly what a duffel should be,” said our senior social media editor, Kate McCarthy. When testing its water repellant-ness, the water slid right off its exterior — making this duffel perfect for any rainy or rugged locations.

Gonex Canvas Duffle Bag

Canvas Duffle Bag

Gonex

Canvas Duffle Bag $39.99 at Amazon
Canvas Duffle Bag $39.99 at Walmart
Canvas Duffle Bag $44.99 at Gonex

Product Specs

This duffel packs a hidden, expandable feature that is every overpacker’s dream, adding an extra 10 liters of space. What really impressed our editors was the treads on the bottom, so you can set it down at the airport or in the trunk of the car without fear of it dirtying or deteriorating.

Bagsmart Bubble Expandable Travel Tote Bag

Bubble Expandable Travel Tote Bag

Bagsmart

Product Specs

A roomy interior and expandable feature (adding up to six additional liters of space) helped this tote earn the award for best value tote bag, with our editors being able to comfortably fit every essential inside (and more!) with ease.

Wrangler Hardside Spinner Carry-On Suitcase

Hardside Spinner Carry-On Suitcase

Amazon

Hardside Spinner Carry-On Suitcase $40.00 at Amazon
Hardside Spinner Carry-On Suitcase $40.00 at Walmart
Hardside Spinner Carry-On Suitcase $49.99 at Wrangler

Product Specs

An affordable, reliable suitcase is hard to come by these days — which is why we decided to bring back this winner from 2024. It continued to wow us with its 360-degree rolling and how easy it is to lift into overhead compartments.

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Baggu

Medium Nylon Crescent Bag $52.00 at Amazon
Medium Nylon Crescent Bag $52.00 at Urban Outfitters
Medium Nylon Crescent Bag $52.00 at Baggu

Product Specs

We were excited to see what the hype was all about with this trending bag that promises a spacious interior and a waterproof exterior. Baggu sticks to its word, with our editors being able to fit a lot in the bag, including essentials in the inner side pockets. , while two compartments can easily stash an e-reader, wallet, phone, keys and more.

They also noted that the adjustable strap is easy to maneuver, so you can wear it as a crossbody or carry it like a purse over your shoulder.

Hydroflask Slingback Bottle Pack

Slingback Bottle Pack

Hydroflask

Slingback Bottle Pack $56.86 at Amazon
Slingback Bottle Pack $59.95 at Backcountry
Slingback Bottle Pack $59.95 at Hydro Flask

Product Specs

Personally, this has been my [Hoeger’s] go-to bag for days spent in the city bar-hopping with friends, out and about running errands,or when I want to remain hands-free yet still tote my XL water bottle.

Carhartt 55L Classic Duffel

55L Classic Duffel

Carhartt

55L Classic Duffel $79.99 at Amazon
55L Classic Duffel $79.99 at Academy
55L Classic Duffel $79.99 at Carhartt

Product Specs

The word spacious brings with it a promise to hold everything you could possibly need — a strong claim for bags to be making. Our editors found that this duffel could hold double the amount of packing cubes we tested it with (3), meaning this bag could easily be brought during week-long or extra long weekend trips.

Beís The Sport Tote

The Sport Tote

Beis

The Sport Tote $88.00 at Anthropologie
The Sport Tote $88.00 at BÉIS

Product Specs

Best overall tote isn’t an award to be taken lightly — we loved it because of the “perfect” strap length, as well as a full-size water bottle and laptop sleeve to ensure they stay secure and in place.

“This particular one boasts exterior pockets that I need in my luggage; this keeps you organized and less frantic in line at TSA as all of your important documents are readily available,” says one of our Travel Gear Award experts, flight attendant Brady Schrock.

Decathlon Forclaz Travel 500 40L Backpack

Forclaz Travel 500 Organizer 40 L Backpack

Decathalon

Product Specs

What truly sold us on this backpack was how it opens up similarly to a suitcase, allowing you to see everything packed inside with ease. Plus, it has a 10-year warranty, meaning should any defects occur before it reaches the decade mark, it will be repaired or replaced.

Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage

Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage

Amazon

Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage $92.23 at Amazon
Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage $136.84 at Kohl's
Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage $108.21 at Traveler's Choice

Product Specs

This suitcase is a repeat winner, earning the same award during our 2024 Travel Gear Awards. It outranked others we tried this year, proving its “easy, smooth spin” and ability to pack a lot of items very easily without having to sit on the suitcase itself to zip it shut were winning features to us.

Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry On

Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels

Amazon

Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels $134.80 at Amazon
Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels $179.99 at Macy's
Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels $149.99 at Samsonite

Product Specs

We were able to fit everything designated for a week-long trip inside of this suitcase, and still have it zip without difficulty (a fear among overpackers.)

It’s lightweight, glides well across carpet and concrete floors and the topmost handle has a bit of give, ensuring it you can carry it upstairs or set it in the TSA bin without much effort.

Yardsale Day Bag

The Day Bag

Yardsale

Product Specs

A collective chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ were given in the testing room when showed the cinch feature of this bag — displaying that your items will remain concealed within. Plus, we had yet to see this on a tote bag we’ve reviewed in the past.

This bag was created by a ski gear company, so it’s no wonder that you’re going to need something that will stand up on its own without toppling over — a structured and sturdy bottom helps this bag do so, while a nylon fabric coating the exterior helps it to be “snow-proof,” according to the brand.

Calpak Terra 35L Zippered Tote

Terra 35L Water Resistant Zippered Tote Bag

Calpak

Terra 35L Water Resistant Zippered Tote Bag $155.00 at Dillard's
Terra 35L Water Resistant Zippered Tote Bag $155.00 at Calpak

Product Specs

The first word that came to mind when reviewing this tote bag was multifunctional. Beach days, farmers market hauls or even to use as a diaper bag — this one proves to be perfect for them all.

It has a roomy water bottle pocket and straps that can be clasped together to act as one when wanting to throw it over your shoulder without them falling down.

Away Active Convertible Backpack

Active Convertible Backpack 25L

Away

Active Convertible Backpack 25L $180.00 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Active Convertible Backpack 25L $180.00 at Public Lands
Active Convertible Backpack 25L $180.00 at Away

Product Specs

This bag boasts enough room to pack a day’s worth of items within — from a change of clothes to an extra pair of shoes or activies to do when road tripping to your destination.

A polyester exterior fabric helps this bag remain durable and weather-resistant, while the backpack straps can tuck inside a hidden pocket to be carried like a duffle.

Jeep Large Expandable Spinner Trunk

Large Expandable Spinner Trunk

Amazon

Large Expandable Spinner Trunk $158.94 at Amazon
Large Expandable Spinner Trunk $219.99 at Delsey

Product Specs

Everything you know and love about Jeep, but in a portable, deep and spacious suitcase. While the wheels seemingly dirty easily after one trip outside, they glide smoothly over different textures, from carpet to concrete.

Plus, the carrying handles have a good amount of give and it feels sturdy when lifting into the trunk of a car or sitting on top of to zip shut.

“We are big fans of checked luggage and bringing less carry-on,” says Alder. “Why do you want to drag everything through an airport when you can let the professionals handle it?”

No Reception Club The Getaway Bag

The Getaway Bag

No Reception Club

Product Specs

This ingenious backpack unzips to unveil compartments that can be removed and attached via the velcro on the sides, making room for diapers, stuffed animals, a change of clothes and more.

Plus, there’s an included “soiled items compartment” that’s reserved for spit-up towels or dirty diapers. Our team thought this product is the opposite of one-and-done, noting that it could be used throughout their entire childhood.

“It looks sleek, high-quality and gender-neutral enough that the more masculine dads I know would be proud to pack it on their backs!” says travel expert Katie Jackson.

The FTL Original

FTL

Product Specs

This bag has all the good markings for toting along for a weekend wedding, including a designated shoe compartment, a foldable garment bag and the ability to store other must-haves within like a toiletry bag or jewelry organizer.

We tested its waterproof capabilities and water wipes right off without seeping through to anything on the inside.

Roverlund Ready-To-Roll Cabin Carry-On

Ready-To-Roll Cabin Carry-On

Roverlund

Product Specs

A horizontal design is sure to raise some eyebrows and catch some eyes next time you’re at the airport, but it’s intentional, according to the brand. You’re meant to put a pet duffel or carrying case on top, they say.

It has numerous zip-up compartments on both of the zippered compartments, helping you stow everything you (or your furry friend) may need.

“I love the contrasting colors for the zippers, handle and wheels, and the built-in organization does not go unnoticed,” says Jackson, who notes that she’d bring her 110-pound dog on more trips if she owned this suitcase.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original

Carry-On Closet Original

Solgaard

Product Specs

The handle grip is what truly wowed all of us when reviewing gear for Travel Awards. It has a unique honeycomb texture that makes it comfortable when carting across various floors, lifting it to place into the trunk of a car, or when laying it down to pack or unpack.

It’s also zipper-free, and instead has latches that remain securely shut when performing all the activities above. Another interesting feature is the removable clothing compartments that help keep clothes organized at your destination.

“This carry-on would be perfect for the on-the-go businessperson,” says Schrock. “Its compartments allow you to perfectly store your clothing items in a very neat and tidy fashion. No more wrinkly dress shirts, only sharp and crisp folds. It also eliminates the need for transferring all of your clothes into the (questionable) hotel dresser drawers.”

Thule Chasm

Chasm

Thule

Chasm $399.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Chasm $399.95 at Thule

Product Specs

Production coordinator Camryn Privette has nothing but great things to say about this bag that was able to fit all of her ski gear inside during a recent trip.

A truly waterproof exterior proves it can withstand snowy, ski destinations without impacting anything organized inside the multiple compartments within.

Previous Travel Gear Award winners

Sycnb HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag

Travel Duffel Bag

Product Specs

Award: Best budget carry-on | Category: Carry-Ons/Weekender Bags

Looking for a carry-on that’s under $30, is fashion-forward and roomy? Look no further than this water-resistant duffel. Constructed with “comfortable straps” and a “durable fabric” per our reviewers, you can pack this bag to the brim while still being able to walk from terminal to terminal without tipping over. Coming in 15 various color options, including rose red and taro purple, you have your pick of the litter. Bonus points if you match with your suitcase.

Etronik Portable Travel Duffel Bag

Portable Travel Duffel Bag

Product Specs

Award: Best overall carry-on | Category: Carry-Ons/Weekender Bags

Versatile is the name of the game with this overnight bag from Etronik. Not only can use this as a travel, gym or overnight bag, you can charge your phone with the included USB port. Associate producer Alexa Arent found this bag especially handy saying, “The compartment for shoes at the bottom of the bag is a lifesaver when traveling. It fits everything! I use it every day to travel to my workout classes as well as for weekend trips when traveling back home. I also love that it is water-resistant. The fabric allows water to just roll off the bag so it stays dry and comfortable.”

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

21-Inch Hardside Spinner

Product Specs

Award: Best budget suitcase | Category: Suitcases

Coming in with over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and an almost perfect score from our reviewers, this Amazon Basic carry-on is small but mighty. “I loved how small and light it was. The body is tiny but can fit a lot more shoes and clothes than I thought,” noted senior photo editor Becca Delman. Including three separate zippered compartments, this carry-on is perfect for your next weekend getaway or business trip.

Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag

Weekender Travel Bag

Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag

Weekender Travel Bag $75.02 at Amazon
Weekender Travel Bag $135.00 at QVC

Product Specs

Award: Best splurge carry-on | Category: Carry-ons/Weekender Bags

What goes around comes around couldn’t be more applicable for this weekender bar. Chances are, if you were around during the early-mid 2000s, you owned something from Vera Bradley. Just ask associate editor Shannon Garlin who says, “I’ve had two versions of the weekend travel bag over a decade and each one has lasted me years. I used it as a carry-on/personal item when I moved to and from Asia, and jammed it with things. The fabric is extremely durable and so is the zipper. It also fits under the seat even when it’s packed to the brim.”

Made with 100% recycled cotton, this bag comes equipped with five mesh pockets, a trolly sleeve, a removal strap and two handy exterior pockets, you’ll never run out of space for all your travel essentials.

Beis The Carry-On Roller

The Carry-On Roller

The Carry-On Roller $238.00 at BÉIS
The Carry-On Roller $238.00 at Revolve

Product Specs

Award: Best overall suitcase | Category: Suitcases

Shay Mitchell knew exactly what she was doing when creating this carry-on roller. Equipped with 360-degree rolling wheels, a cushioned handle and secure TSA-friendly locks, this suitcase truly makes traveling a breeze. Garlin went on to say, “I love how pretty and chic it looks. The padded handle makes it easy to hold on to and the wheels are smooth. I could easily maneuver it on the escalator and between people. It also fit perfectly in the overhead bin on a Delta flight.”

Available in nine chic colors, Béis even goes the extra mile and includes a limited lifetime warranty so you’ll never be without your new favorite carry-on.

How we chose

We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 214 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.

Meet the experts

Brady Schrock is a flight attendant for a commercial airline and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, who also served on our panel of 2023 and 2024 Travel Awards experts.
Jonathan Alder is a luxury travel planner and adviser, and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
Stephen Sabato is a United Airlines Captain and has flown with them for the past 20 years. He’s been a pilot for 30 years.

Has your product been featured?

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