Not every good product earns a best-in-class designation, but there are a few other bags we’ve tested that got our thumbs up and deserve a mention.
Solgaard Carrying Closet Plus ($295) Is an Tiny Slightly higher than the maximum size listed by most airlines, but the difference is so small that it is acceptable 95% of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praised its optional clip-in closet laundry organizer, which aids in efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use and there is an internal power bank pocket. This carrying case is included in our guide to favorite upgrades.
Samsonite Outline Pro Carry Bag ($152) is a rigid four-wheel spinner carry-on luggage made from a durable polypropylene shell. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage bag for keeping wet items separate from the rest of your luggage. Product reviewer Medea Giordano, a notorious outer packer, was able to fit an entire long weekend wardrobe in Outline Pro.
Patagonia Black Hole 40L ($129) is another great adventure travel bag with a waterproof fabric coating and backpack straps. Compared to the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler, though, the exterior fabric is a little less water-resistant, and one size is 1.5 inches too thick for domestic carry-on requirements. But it’s a duffel bag, so if it’s not completely full, you can flatten it to fit in the overhead bin.
Paravel Aviator International carry-on ($345) There’s an inner liner made from recycled plastic bottles, a retractable handle made from recycled aluminum and vegan leather trim to help it stand out among all the solid black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Gray really fell in love with its spacious interior and durable, abrasion-resistant hardshell exterior.
North Face Base Camp ($129) It’s a cylindrical duffel bag, unlike most duffel bags these days. If you’re a folder, it’s hard to keep everything straight and wrinkle-free when you put it back in base on the curved bottom, though those who roll up their clothes won’t have any problems. The materials feel less expensive than the other duffel bags in this guide. It’s a regular workhorse for the outdoor crowd, so while the waterproof fabric and handle are durable, they don’t feel great to the touch.
Larger carry-on ($295) Offers the same convenient internal organization module as our top luxury hardshell choice, the Away Bigger Carry-On Aluminum Edition, for less than half the price. You can choose from a range of colors, from understated navy blue to pink, green or lilac. An optional ejectable battery pack is available for an additional $20.
