How to Choose a Carry-On Bag: 9 Things to Check Before You Buy
Size, weight, material, wheels, organization and more: a simple buyer's guide to picking the best carry-on travel bag for how you travel.
To choose the best carry-on bag, check that it is within 22" × 14" × 9" (the common US limit), light when empty, big enough for your usual trip (20–35 L covers a weekend to a week), easy to carry or roll, organized, made of durable water-resistant material, and backed by a return guarantee. Voyagers™ ticks every box: 20.5" × 9.8" × 12.6", 2.1 lb, 20–35 L, opens flat, rolls on an optional trolley, 30-day guarantee.
A good carry-on is the most useful travel purchase you can make. A bad one ends up at the gate being checked anyway. Here are the nine things worth checking, in order of importance.
Size: will it fit the airline limit?
Most US airlines allow 22" × 14" × 9" including wheels and handles. Europe and the Middle East can be stricter. Soft bags flex, which helps. See our full carry-on size chart.
Empty weight
Every pound the bag weighs is a pound you cannot pack (and a pound you carry). Hard suitcases are often 6–9 lb empty; soft bags can be 1–3 lb. Voyagers™ is 2.1 lb (0.96 kg).
Capacity for your usual trip
About 20–30 L is right for a weekend, 30–40 L for a week. Expandable bags give you both.
Soft or hard?
Hard shells protect fragile things. Soft bags are lighter, squeeze into sizers and bins, and are easier to store at home. Read the full garment duffel vs suitcase comparison.
Soft, light and carry-on size. See Voyagers™.
Shop Voyagers™ — $99.90Free shipping · 30-day money-back guaranteeWheels, straps or both
Wheels help in big airports; a shoulder strap helps on stairs, trains and cobblestones. The best bags give you a choice. Voyagers™ includes a shoulder strap, slides onto a suitcase handle, and rolls on the optional trolley.
Will your clothes arrive neat?
If you travel with dresses, blazers or a suit, look for a bag that opens flat like a garment bag. It is the single biggest difference to how your clothes look on arrival.
Organization
Inside pockets for toiletries and tech, space for shoes away from clothes, and an easy-to-reach spot for your liquids bag.
Material and finish
Water-resistant fabric or PU leather, smooth sturdy zips and reinforced handles. A bag that looks good also works for a business trip or a wedding.
“Love it so far! You can definitely feel the premium PU Leather when you touch it - feels the same as some designer bags that I have at home.”Amelia · US
“Amazing Quality PU Leather!”
Evelyn · US
Guarantee and support
Buy from a store that lets you return it if it does not work for you, and that answers emails. Voyagers™ comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and we reply within one business day.
The 9-point checklist, scored
| What to check | What good looks like | Voyagers™ |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Within 22 × 14 × 9 in |
✓ 20.5 × 9.8 × 12.6 in |
| Empty weight | Under 5 lb |
✓ 2.1 lb |
| Capacity | 20–40 L |
✓ 20–35 L |
| Soft / flexible | Fits tight bins |
✓ soft PU |
| Carry options | Wheels and strap |
✓ strap + trolley |
| Keeps outfits neat | Opens flat |
✓ garment section |
| Organization | Pockets, shoe space | ✓ |
| Material | Water-resistant |
✓ PU leather |
| Guarantee | Easy returns |
✓ 30 days |
“Perfect for plane rides. Had zero issues getting it through Spirit Airlines as a carry-on bag and I fit everything I needed!”
Margaret · US
“Works great to store about a week of clothes or two adults clothing for a long weekend trip. Photos show accurate product features. Quality stitching and material.”
Jennifer · US
Voyagers™ Convertible Carry-On
★★★★★ 4.9 · 162 reviews
- Opens flat like a garment bag — outfits arrive neat
- Carry-on size: 20.5" × 9.8" × 12.6"
- Holds 20–35 L — about a week of outfits
- Slides onto your suitcase handle, or add the trolley
- Shoulder strap included · 3 colors
$99.90$179.90
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a carry-on bag?
Size within the airline limit (usually 22" × 14" × 9"), low empty weight, the right capacity, comfortable carrying options, organization, durable material and a return guarantee.
Is a soft or hard carry-on better?
Soft bags are lighter and fit tight spaces; hard bags protect fragile items. For clothes-focused trips, a soft bag that opens flat is usually better.
What is the best size carry-on?
One close to but under 22" × 14" × 9". Voyagers™ is 20.5" × 9.8" × 12.6" with 20–35 L capacity.
How much should a carry-on weigh empty?
Ideally under 5 lb. Voyagers™ weighs 2.1 lb (0.96 kg).
What is the best carry-on bag for women?
One that keeps outfits neat, looks good and is easy to carry. Voyagers™ opens flat like a garment bag, comes in Pink, Black and Beige, and can roll on a trolley.
Reviews are quoted word for word from the Voyagers™ product page.
