Best cabin bags for travel in 2024, from small suitcases to overnight backpacks

News flash (particularly for those who associate Thule primarily with ski boxes) – Thule does a mean sideline in cabin bags, too. The aion weighs slightly more than some of the other bags we tested, but it’s also the toughest, thanks to a polycarbonate panel at the rear and a 600-denier waxed canvas shell. For us, though, the highlight is the clamshell opening.

One side (which is also accessible via a zip on the front of the bag) comprises a shallow covered compartment, while the other features a deeper single compartment, covered not with material but compression straps attached to a removable laptop-sized sleeve. The small pocket on the exterior was great for storing smaller items such as keys, and the four oversized spinner wheels moved incredibly freely.

This suitcase is ridiculously, mind-bogglingly light, and it lacks the worrying flimsiness we’ve come across in suitcases with a similarly low weight. The three-point TSA-compliant lock was incredibly easy to use, and it’s another suitcase with wheels that move incredibly smoothly. The two main compartments are covered by mesh sleeves, and we loved the design.

Rather than using fixed covers that zip up, Samsonite has used covers that clip into anchor points on the suitcase’s walls, and the removable nature of these covers meant we could simply unclip them when they weren’t needed. The magnum is also pretty sustainable – it’s made entirely with recycled post-consumer waste.

When we left our laptop case in a hotel room in Goa, we had no concerns about keeping our exposed computer in this bag’s laptop sleeve – like the rest of the bag, it’s exceptionally well padded. The extra-large side handle meant shoving this bag into (and dragging it out of) cramped overhead luggage bins was a breeze, and the enormous main compartment means this is a great bag for weekends away, too.

Our favourite feature? The way in which the elasticated side pocket, designed to hold bottles of water, is hidden by a zippered pocket. This provided extra peace of mind and meant we didn’t have to remove said water bottle from the side pocket before placing it in the overhead locker.

This is a fantastic suitcase that comes with plenty of perks, including an ultra-secure locking system and an abundance of pockets. The spinner wheels roll incredibly smoothly, thanks, partly, to their double-wheel design, and the presence of additional handles on both the bottom and side made it easy to remove from a particularly full overhead luggage bin.

The interior comprises two mesh-covered compartments, and we loved the way additional pockets have been incorporated into these mesh covers – one has enough room for a laptop, while the other is divided into two zippered pouches.

We’ve referred to suitcases as Tardis-like before, but this one really is. This cabin case’s USP is its extendable sidewalls, which can be raised (and then compressed) to provide 22 per cent more space. Other innovative features include the power pack pocket on the suitcase’s rear, the aircraft-grade aluminium telescoping handle system (trust us, this is the smoothest suitcase handle you’ll come across) and the combination of internal compression panels and a soft-touch lining – a double act that left our clothes crease-free, even after a long-haul flight to Singapore.

In a nutshell? Yes, it’s one of the pricier suitcases, but it’s also one that – in our opinion – is worth every penny.

Another suitcase that feels incredibly light but has a surprising rigidity, this graphite grey case from Tripp will stand up to some serious wear and tear. Even the wheels – supersized rollers that glide incredibly smoothly – have exterior components that protect the sides of the wheels from accidental knocks.

The internal design allows for a certain amount of customisation, thanks to the zippered cover over one side of the case and X-shaped compression straps on the other.

‘Black hole’ is an appropriate name for this duffel bag, which is Fair Trade Certified sewn and made entirely of recycled materials. The laminated ripstop fabric feels reassuringly tough, as do the reinforced side handles. It’s another bag with plenty of opportunities for customisation – the straps, for example, allow it to be carried like a backpack and are fully removable – and when the bag’s not in use, it folds neatly into its own carry sack.

The interior is easily accessible, courtesy of a three-sided zip and comprises one large central compartment and a laptop-sized pocket in the lid. A smaller side compartment, accessible from both the interior and exterior of the bag, is perfect for smaller items such as power banks and charging cables, too.

Carl Friedrik has been marrying style and functionality in its travel bags only since 2012, but it’s already grown a cult following, thanks to appearances in both Succession and The White Lotus. Just like the HBO shows, its suitcases scream “quiet luxury” and have the price tag to match.

The premium carry on case comes in three sleek colourways, boasting a robust shell and hardwearing aluminium frame that helps to make sure the case is durable and worth the investment (the brand claims its bags will last you a lifetime of journeys).

We found the carry on far easier to pack than our usual case, thanks to two sets of integrated straps and a removable compression pad, while the 360-degree wheels glided effortlessly and silently across uneven pavements and through the airport. It also felt incredibly light despite the durable shell, and there are handles on both the top and side for easy carrying. Plus, there are two integrated TSA-approved locks, rather than your typical zip, for extra security.

Is there anything this cabin bag can’t do? We suspect not. Then again, perhaps it’s hardly surprising that this offering from Eastpak – a brand famous for its backpacks – works equally well as a duffel bag or rucksack.

When carried using the side handle, the backpack straps slip neatly into their designated pocket, and the clamshell opening, which reveals two roomy, mesh-covered compartments, makes accessing the contents a breeze. We loved the presence of the bag’s side straps – these don’t only serve as compression straps but help to secure water bottles placed in the side pockets, too.