Best carry

By Owen Gough, Esat Dedezade and Heidi Quill

Everyone should have at least one trusty carry-on in their travel armoury. From Horizn Studios to Rimowa, shop GQ’s pick of the best carry-on luggage you can buy.

If there's one thing that can instantly put a downer on your pre-holiday hype, it's having to pack all your clothes in a suitcase that simply isn't up to the task of travelling with you. We've all suffered through the “broken zip” fiascos, snapped handles and rickety wheel frustrations that plague airport lounges around the world, but it simply doesn't have to be this way. Investing in quality carry-on luggage can make all the difference between a stress-free journey and a trip from hell.

Considering that your carry-on accompanies you through the entire length of your journey –from frantic packing sessions to blissful rest on the hotel bed– they require a level of durability and easy access that can be tough to nail down. Every time we see someone swan through security with a loosely-looped tote bag or a massively oversized backpack, our heart sinks with sympathy. Especially considering there are plenty of suitcases and bags that are better equipped to glide across the globe without providing constant headaches.

Given your obvious limitations of space, carry-on luggage needs to be smart about how it stores your clothes and travel essentials. For our money, these suitcases need to have speedy-access pockets that are secure enough to slot in passports and plane tickets that you can swiftly present at the gate. It also needs to be lightweight and slimline enough to conform to overhead storage bins, while providing enough room for all you need on your trip. In this guide, we’ll explore the key features to look out for and all the best options that marry lightweight durability with optimised organisation and discerning airport style.

A versatile all-rounder, Horizon Studios’ durable M5 carry-on luggage offers great value for the number of premium features on offer, with ample storage solutions and lots of different designs to choose from.

Practical and handsome, Rimowa’s grooved aluminium carry-on suitcase looks better suited to stowing dollar bills than your holiday wardrobe.

Though its ABC plastic shell might not be quite as durable as other options in our edit, John Lewis’ budget option meets all the essential requirements of a modern-day carry-on for only £45.

Airline rules for carry-on luggage change like the weather, so it’s always worth checking on a carrier’s website shortly before your trip to avoid a surprise at the departure gate. Many airlines now differentiate between hand luggage and carry-on luggage – the former resembling something akin to a tote or small backpack that can be stowed under a seat. For the majority of airlines, carry-on suitcases can measure 55cm high with a maximum weight of anywhere between 6kg and 12kg when packed. The same rules and restrictions apply to both hand luggage and carry-on luggage regarding their contents, including no liquids containers over 100ml.

Carry-on luggage is increasingly becoming the travel norm as airlines raise prices for larger baggage options. Whereas once a carry-on was favoured for short business trips and city breaks, holidaymakers are increasingly packing lighter and utilising carry-on luggage for trips lasting up to a week. Anything longer than that and you might find your travel toiletries are running low and underwear needs turning inside out.

Here to sex up your carry-on options, Tumi's '19 Degree Aluminum' suitcase frees us weary travellers from the constraints of dull and clunky luggage with its insociance and major aesthetic appeal. Not just a pretty face, however, this style-centric standout is fitted with not one, but two TSA combination locks and push-down buttons, three internal zip pockets, and an internal hanger bracket. Simply put – it's no slouch when it comes to storage, and its stylistic appeal speaks for itself.

It comes as no surprise to see that Tumi's special McLaren edition suitcase is forged from premium materials, including durable carbon fibre, and a moulded front panel made from Tegris — an advanced composite material made from polypropylene tape woven into fabric and exposed to heat and pressure to form rigid sheets. Engineering tricks aside, it's a handy bit of kit too, with features like a removable suit/garment holder coming in particularly handy for business trips. Incredibly expensive, but a tantalising luxury option for those looking to splurge.

Antler's entrant is cheaper than some of the other alternatives on our list, while still offering premium features like four 360° Japanese Hinomoto spinner wheels. If you're not au fait with the world of premium luggage wheels, they're highly coveted and regarded to be some of the best around, thanks to their incredibly smooth, slick action. Mobility aside, the Antler's frame is also compact and very light, weighing in at under 3kg. Multiple internal compartments are also a welcome feature for organisation fans, while three stylish colour options round things off rather nicely.

Away's hard shell carry-on has an optional built-in USB-charging option for those looking to top up their tech in between connections, layovers, or untimely delays. Available in a plethora of shades ranging from calm and muted, to retina-searingly bright, its sturdy polycarbonate build is perfectly complemented with 360° spinner wheels, a handy interior compression system, and even a water-resistant laundry bag for a more hygienic flight back.

Horizn Studios’ M5 proudly proclaims itself as featuring the world's first removable smart charger (an optional addition which raises the price, but also offers a level of convenience unmatched by most rivals). Undeniably stylish it'll glide across airport floors effortlessly, thanks to 360-degree Japanese spinner wheels, while a thoughtful water-resistant front pocket provides easy access to a 15-inch laptop and/or other travel essentials. Available in a variety of colours (with customisation options also available), it should serve you well for years to come.

When it comes to first-class airport style, a Rimowa suitcase is the ultimate accessory. So renowned is the German brand’s luggage, it can count Supreme, Louis Vuitton, Off White, Bape and Fendi among its collaborators, to name just a few. Its carry-on luggage features Rimowa’s signature design – a distinctive, grooved aluminium shell that looks better suited to stowing paper money than novelty swim shorts. Smooth-rolling spinner wheels and a slick telescopic handle means it moves as good as it looks, while a TSA-approved lock feels necessary given the attention it warrants. Practical and handsome; there really is a lot to lust after here.

No carry-on luggage ticks as many boxes as the Horizn Studios M5. This is as durable as cabin-friendly luggage gets – not only is its polycarbonate shell pretty much turbulence-proof, it also features an aerospace-grade aluminium handle that will withstand plenty more than cheap and flimsy alternatives. Its spinner wheels take to departure lounge floors like a GQ editor takes to complimentary in-flight G&Ts, and a choice of 14 colourways will keep you looking fly en route. While a waterproof front pocket on the exterior of the case means any important documents and tech can be stowed separately to your travel wardrobe, its main compartment is lined with a high-quality fabric, also including a mesh pocket and compression straps to keep things neatly organised.

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Taking Horizn Studios’ all-rounder appeal and injecting some sustainable credibility into the mix. The Circle One is constructed largely from flax, Europe’s strongest renewable fibre that just so happens to boast a tensile strength three times higher than that of aluminium when suspended in resin, like so. More than just an eco-friendly outer shell, the Circle One is also finished with recycled lining and zips, with handles made from seed and nutshell. For an additional £90, an Extended Care plan secures repairs for five years, and even factors in a carbon neutral pick-up and shipping service. Credentials like this will be appreciated by anyone looking to offload some of the carbon footprint-related guilt of air travel, though we should note that there are definitely better roads to this than your choice of luggage.

James Bond’s luggage brand of choice; Globe-Trotter’s suitcases are the ultimate jet-setting accessory. Timeless and iconic, the British brand produced this particular limited version of its carry-on case to commemorate 125 years in the business, taking on a slick navy blue hue with black accents and glistening silver-toned metal hardware. While it carries the sophistication of old-school leather trunks you’d expect to have seen lugged onto the Orient Express, it’s full to the brim with contemporary functionality including four easy-gliding spinner wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle. Two compartments don’t come short on organisational options either, including plenty of zipped pockets to keep things prim and proper on the inside – a must for a bag of this prestige.

The carry-on suitcase for aesthetes, Floyd’s luggage takes on a minimalist look with a distinctive '70s appeal lent by bold colour combinations and stand-out typography. The perfect city break companion, beyond its ability to instantly turn the heads of your destination’s locals, its polycarbonate shell is durable and lightweight while 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to traverse smooth airport floors and uneven sidewalks alike. Inside, the colour continues via a high-quality fabric lining, with a zipped divider and compression straps making things easy for meticulous packers. When not in transit, it comes with a characteristically bold dust cover that doubles as an on-the-go laundry bag. We love!

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By opting for cheaper carry-on luggage, you sacrifice some level of durability. In this instance, premium scuff-resistant materials are swapped for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. It’s not all bad, though – while it may be more susceptible to scratches than polycarbonate shells, it does make John Lewis’s Anyday Girona carry-on one of the lightest suitcases in our edit at only 2.6kg. And, at only £45, it doesn’t skimp on the features required of modern luggage. Four wheels — though a tad stiffer than more expensive options — do a fine job of getting from A to B, while zipped dividers and compression straps give myriad organisational options. Plus, just think of all the extra euros/dollars/rupees saved to actually enjoy your holiday with.

Carl Friedrik’s carry-on is one of the most sophisticated and practical out there. Its cognac-hued leather accents are handmade by artisans, boasting a smooth surface that’s a joy to carry. That said, a big part of this suitcase’s appeal is how it rolls, elevated by Hinomoto-made 360-degree spinner wheels that barely make a whisper on the ground below. The metal frame gives this suitcase a hard-wearing feel that’s backed up by two secure combination locks for added security, and unusually, the same sturdy hard shell extends to an exterior pocket for devices and documents. Inside, it's as efficient as one would expect, with a modular design that keeps things flexible for different kinds of trips. As well as handy compression straps, it also comes with a removable compression pad, with the option to add another for £35.

Amazon’s Basics range probably won’t be the accessory that convinces cabin crew to upgrade you to business class. That said, it will do a valiant job of stowing your belongings on shorter trips. Made from scratch-resistant ABS, it's slightly less durable than the more luxurious carry-ons out there, but is sturdy nonetheless while shaving valuable grams off the average weight. A telescoping handle and four double spinner wheels keep it up to speed with the carry-on luggage gold standard, while a TSA lock lends it a layer of security not always guaranteed at this price. Adding to its convenience factor, an expandable design allows for 15 per cent extra packing space, perfect for squeezing in last-minute airport souvenirs.

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The fact that Briggs & Riley’s Torq 2.0 carry-on looks like the kind of casino safe the cast of Ocean’s Eleven would struggle to crack speaks volumes. Resistant to impact, scratches and adverse weather conditions, this suitcase is practically indestructible. But beyond its tough, three-layer polycarbonate shell, the Torq 2.0 has plenty more going for it. Notably, a patented Outsider handle system gives it a completely flat packing surface while maximising interior space, making it easier to keep clothes neat and folded. Making a strong case for business travel, there are also nifty storage solutions for tailoring inside, while an exterior pocket means laptops and documents can be transported safely. And, for those who like to revise all-important presentation decks en-route, a USB port will keep you juiced right through to your first meeting.

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