Purpose of the Review
This section explains why we wrote this review. Our goal is to help you find The Best Carry-On luggage. We know choosing the right bag can be hard. There are many choices, and each one has different features. So, we wanted to make it easier for you.
In this review, we will compare the top options based on performance, value, features, and user experience. We will look at how well each bag rolls, how easy it is to pack, and how much space it offers. Furthermore, we will discuss the price and warranty options.
Whether you travel for work or fun, the right carry-on can make a big difference. Therefore, our recommendations focus on bags that perform well and provide great value. After careful testing and analysis, we found that the TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner stands out as the best choice for most travelers.
Other Luggage Models Being Reviewed
Other luggage models worth considering include several high-quality options.
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our top pick. It offers durability and a lifetime warranty. However, it might feel bulkier than other models due to its dimensions.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is lightweight and more affordable. It sacrifices some features like durability and warranty coverage compared to the Platinum Elite. Still, it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is pricier but offers more space and a robust compression system. However, it’s heavier and may not suit those looking for a lightweight option.
Make sure to consider what you need most in a carry-on before making your choice!
Design and Build Quality
The ‘Design and Build Quality’ section focuses on how well luggage is designed and constructed. It highlights important trends such as the choice between hard-sided and soft-sided luggage, durability, and organizational features. Readers will find that while hard-shell bags offer protection, soft-sided options provide flexibility and extra pockets. This sets the stage for comparisons of various products, helping readers make informed decisions based on their travel needs.
Materials and Durability
When choosing luggage, materials and durability are key factors. Here we compare three popular carry-on options: Travelpro Platinum Elite, Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, and Yeti Crossroads.
Travelpro Platinum Elite is a soft-sided carry-on. Its exterior is made of durable nylon fabric that resists scratches. It features a lifetime warranty, which is a strong point for long-term use. However, it can be cumbersome when dragging it up stairs.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is heavier but very robust. Its ballistic nylon is water-repellent and resists wear. It has a unique compression system that helps maximize packing space. Yet, it’s the heaviest option in this comparison.
Yeti Crossroads offers a blend of soft and hard materials. Its exterior includes tough 700-denier nylon, making it very durable. Additionally, it uses a molded polycarbonate base for added protection and organization. However, it feels heavier than some other options due to its sturdy build.
Storage and Organization
The topic of Storage and Organization focuses on how to effectively store and arrange items for travel. Many luggage options now feature various compartments, pockets, and design elements that make packing easier and more efficient. As travelers look for ways to maximize space and keep belongings secure, understanding these trends can help in selecting the best luggage for their needs.
Interior Capacity and Packing Efficiency
Interior capacity and packing efficiency are essential when choosing luggage. Here’s how three top picks compare.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner holds about 1,856 cubic inches. It has a solid build and expandable options, providing enough space for five days’ worth of clothes. However, its actual dimensions exceed the common 22-inch limit, making it a bit tricky on smaller planes.
In contrast, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner offers a wowing 1,905 cubic inches of packing space. Its unique compression system allows you to expand the bag for more room, making it perfect for trips where you might buy souvenirs. However, it weighs a hefty 10 pounds.
The Yeti Crossroads 35L is designed for rugged travel and checks in at 40 liters. It has a well-organized interior with a main compartment and multiple pockets. However, it weighs 8 pounds, making it heavier than average carry-ons.
Therefore, if maximizing space is your priority, choose the Briggs & Riley. If you seek durability, consider the Yeti. Travelpro is great for general use.
Mobility and Handling
The section on mobility and handling discusses how easy it is to move and manage different luggage options. Many travelers look for bags that offer smooth maneuverability, especially through crowded areas like airports. Overall, choosing between two-wheeled or four-wheeled designs and weighing the benefits of soft-sided versus hard-sided luggage are crucial factors to consider. This sets the stage for detailed comparisons of specific products based on how well they perform in different travel scenarios.
Wheels and Maneuverability
Maneuvering your luggage is essential while traveling. Different products offer unique wheel designs and movement capabilities.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is lightweight yet performs well on smooth surfaces. However, it struggles on stairs due to its lack of protective bumpers. On the other hand, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ carry-on rollaboard features larger, more durable wheels and extra capacity, making it better for rougher terrain but less easy to maneuver.
In contrast, the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L offers a hybrid design with tough materials. It has two large, fixed wheels, allowing it to handle uneven surfaces better than typical spinner models. However, its weight distribution can make it feel heavier when pulled.
Choose based on your travel needs: the Platinum Elite for easy maneuverability, the Platinum Elite rollaboard for extra capacity, or the Yeti Crossroads for durability on tough trips.
Security and Safety
Security and safety are crucial when choosing carry-on luggage. Most travelers want bags that protect their belongings and are also easy to maneuver. As trends show, soft-sided luggage often provides extra pockets for organization and flexibility, while hard-sided options are known for their durability and protection against damage. Understanding these differences helps you make a smart choice for your travel needs.
Locking Mechanisms and Anti-Theft Features
Locking mechanisms and anti-theft features are essential for keeping your belongings safe while traveling. Here’s how three top carry-on options compare.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ is notable for its durable exterior and solid zipper system. However, it lacks a robust locking mechanism, relying more on its sturdy build to deter theft. The two-wheel design offers less maneuverability, but it does have a built-in garment folder for added organization.
In contrast, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ features a unique CX expansion system. This model also provides a solid locking mechanism with quality zippers. While it is heavier than some others, its design helps keep clothes wrinkle-free, making it ideal for business travelers.
The Yeti Crossroads 35L stands out for its hybrid design, combining soft and hard materials. It has robust zippers and a strong aluminum frame for added protection. However, its warranty is quite limited at three years, which may concern some users compared to the lifetime warranties of its rivals.
Overall, the best choice will depend on your travel habits and security needs.
Zippers, Closures, and Build Strength
Zippers, closures, and build strength are important features in choosing a carry-on. Here’s how a few popular options compare.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner has a tough nylon exterior. Its zippers are reliable, and it has smooth-rolling wheels. However, it may struggle when lifted over curbs and stairs.
In contrast, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner offers a luxury feel with robust construction. It features a unique compression system, but the exposed rails could use more protection from wear.
The Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage is designed for durability. It includes large fixed wheels and is made of strong materials. However, its warranty is shorter than some competitors, which may be a concern for frequent travelers.
Travelpro offers better value, while Briggs & Riley focuses on premium quality. Yeti is Best for Tough Conditions, but may not be as easy to store on smaller planes.
Airline Compatibility
Airline compatibility is crucial when choosing a carry-on. Each airline has specific size restrictions.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ is ideal for most airlines. However, it can be slightly taller than the typical 22″ limit. Therefore, on smaller planes, you might have to gate-check it.
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ offers more space but is also slightly larger. This makes it suitable for longer trips, but you may face similar gate-check issues.
On the other hand, the Yeti Crossroads 22″ is well-equipped for tough conditions. Its hybrid design provides durability but may exceed size limits on some flights. Overall, all three options are solid, but be mindful of the airline’s requirements.
Smart Features and Additional Functionality
Smart features can make a big difference in luggage performance. Here’s how three products stack up against each other in terms of their smart features and additional functionality.
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner includes a USB-A pass-through cable for charging devices. However, some users feel this feature adds a potential point of failure. It also has a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage, providing peace of mind for travelers.
In contrast, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ carry-on is known for its unique CX expansion and compression system. This allows travelers to add extra space and compress their belongings without sacrificing packing efficiency. It also includes a built-in garment folder, adding to its organizational capabilities.
Lastly, the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L wheeled luggage features a hybrid design with a tough, weather-resistant exterior. However, it lacks an extensive warranty, only offering three years of coverage. It does have well-placed pockets for organization, which can be beneficial during travel.
Each bag has its strengths, so your choice depends on your travel needs.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance and durability are crucial when choosing luggage. Here’s how three popular carry-on options compare.
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ is our top pick for a soft-sided carry-on. It features a hard-wearing nylon fabric and smooth-rolling replaceable wheels. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage. However, while it handles well, the skid plate may not be as protective on rough surfaces.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ is an upgrade pick with a robust design and a built-in compression system. This suitcase offers a higher proportion of usable space and features a lifetime warranty too. However, at 10 pounds, it’s heavier than some alternatives, which might be a concern for some travelers.
Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L combines tough materials with a rugged design for durability. It has a two-wheeled design that is often more durable than four-wheeled luggage. Nevertheless, its warranty is limited to three years, which is shorter compared to others in its class.
User Experience and Feedback
User experience and feedback are essential when choosing the right luggage. Here are comparisons of three notable products based on user insights to help you decide.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is praised for its durability and smooth-rolling wheels. However, it may pose challenges when lifting onto stairs. In contrast, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ carry-on rollaboard offers slightly more room but is bulkier and less maneuverable. Users appreciate its robust construction, but some noted it might be too large for smaller flights.
Next, we have the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ carry-on expandable spinner. Users love its high-quality materials and the unique compression system. However, at 10 pounds, it is heavier than many other options. Its warranty is also a standout feature but can be costly compared to the other picks.
Lastly, the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L wheeled luggage is known for its rugged design and durability. Users say it withstands tough conditions but can feel heavier, especially with its two-wheel design. While it offers great organization, the warranty is shorter than those of competitors.
Therefore, consider what features are most important to you in terms of weight, durability, and organizational capabilities when making your choice.
Value for Money and Final Verdict
The TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner truly stands out as the best choice for anyone looking for great value in their carry-on luggage. First, it combines durability with style, making it perfect for frequent travelers. This bag is not only light but also includes plenty of well-thought-out features. You can easily pack a week’s worth of clothes without concern.
Moreover, it has smooth-rolling wheels that make navigating busy airports a breeze. Additionally, its spacious design includes various pockets for organization, helping you keep your items tidy. It also offers a lifetime warranty, which means you can trust it to last for years. Therefore, if you’re searching for a reliable and stylish carry-on, the TravelPro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner offers the best value for your money.
In conclusion, this is the ideal luggage option for anyone who travels frequently or simply wants an efficient and durable carry-on. So, if you plan to travel soon, consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite for your next trip!