Travel Smart, Pack Well, Arrive Inspired

After countless flights, hotel elevators, gate changes, and quick weekend escapes, I’ve finally narrowed down the three bags that will define how I travel in 2026. If you are like me, you want something that is built to last, but also suits your values, your style, and your travel habits. After surveying the top contenders, here are three standout options: the best overall, the most sustainable, and the most spacious yet stylish.

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What to Look for in Carry-On Luggage

Before diving into the picks, a few things to keep in mind when shopping for carry-on luggage in 2026:

1. Durability & Warranty – A carry-on is an investment; look for brands that stand by their gear.

2. Expandability & Packing Efficiency – The best carry-ons make smart use of space, often with expansion or compression systems.

3. Mobility – Spinner wheels, ergonomic handles, and weight all matter when you’re maneuvering through airports or city streets.

4. Sustainability – More travelers now want luggage that reflects eco-conscious values.

5. Style + Practicality – A bag should both look good and behave well, with thoughtful compartments and reliable materials.

Best Overall: Briggs & Riley ZDX Essential 22” Expandable Spinner

My previous suitcase lasted me a decade. I tried a couple others before this and something always felt off. When I finally tried the ZDX, it felt like I was traveling with something meant for the long haul, not just a season.

The first thing I noticed is how balanced it feels. Even fully packed, it glides without that wobbly fishtailing some spinner bags get. The expansion is subtle but incredibly useful — when I visited Costa Rica for eight days, I expanded it just enough to squeeze in two outfits a day without feeling like I was testing gravity. Trust me, it matters. Later, I’ll talk about another luggage that was prone to toppling over even when I did my best to balance it.

What really sold me is the way the interior stays flat because the handle system sits on the outside. It sounds small, but packing shoes and dresses / slacks on a smooth surface instead of around awkward bar channels is a game-changer. I don’t iron; this suitcase makes me look like I do.

If I could only travel with one carry-on in 2026, this would be the one. I love all the pockets in the front and the inside zipper pouch that held my makeup bag and another that I could put my sandals. Plus I got it in the orange color they call, “Canyon” which means if I do check it, which I did both ways on my most recent trip, it is easy to spot at baggage claim. Get it here.

Best Sustainable Pick: Samsonite Paralux Carry-On Spinner

I don’t always shop eco-friendly — but when I do, I want it to feel like a premium suitcase, not a compromise. That’s exactly how the Paralux surprised me. The shell is made from recycled materials, but if you handed it to me blindfolded, I wouldn’t have guessed. It has this smooth, slightly matte finish that feels polished without drawing attention.

The organization is where I really bonded with it. I’m a chronic “everything needs its place” packer, and the built-in cubes make packing feel oddly soothing. There’s even a front opening option that saves me when I need to grab my laptop before security without unzipping the entire bag like a traveling yard sale.

I also appreciate that it’s designed to be repaired, not replaced – especially the wheels and handles. Knowing I can fix it instead of trashing it makes me feel like I’m investing in something that lasts both practically and ethically.

This is the bag I reach for when I have more long-haul flights or anything where I don’t want to feel weighed down by “stuff.” Note: I would recommend getting it in a darker color as the gray looks more cream colored and is prone to get dirty faster. Get it here.

Best for Overpackers & Weekenders: Away Softside Bigger Carry-On (Navy)

This one is my “don’t judge me, I need five outfits for two nights” suitcase.

It’s soft-sided, which means I can stretch the limits a bit more than with hard-shell luggage, and I definitely do. And, the clamshell suitcases aren’t my favorite. They never fit on the luggage stands in your hotel room.

The wraparound expansion zipper gives me extra breathing room, and because the bag has a more flexible structure, I can squeeze in oddly-shaped pieces (boots, rolled jackets, souvenirs I shouldn’t have bought).

One thing I love is how lightweight it feels even when it’s full. The wheels glide easily with that almost effortless push that makes long airport walks tolerable. There’s also enough structure that it doesn’t slump over like a deflated duffle — even when I pack it unevenly (which I absolutely do).

If I’m taking a quick warm-weather trip where outfits are flowy and packing cubes aren’t strictly required, this is the bag I pull out of my closet. Get it here.

Why the it Bag (IT Luggage) Is the Worst for Upright Stability

After my tride and true purple Skyline bag lost a wheel while traipsing through the Atlanta airport, I had little time to find another bag and quickly grabbed the it carry-on at Nordstrom Rack when I saw it. It felt lightweight and that it would do the job.

The biggest issue? This bag does not stand up. Almost every time I set it on a flat surface, it leans and then inevitably tumbles over. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve lost the stiff upright posture I expect from a spinner: at the gate, curbside. It’s poor balance design. The base doesn’t feel wide enough, the wheels don’t anchor it well, and the weight distribution is off. Even when I carefully pack heavy items low, the top-heavy nature of the hard shell gives me zero confidence. In fact, I’ve watched it tip over with almost surgical consistency, particularly when there’s anything in the front or near the edges.

It’s not graceful; it’s almost like the case is begging for a spill, like it doesn’t trust its own foundation. I would NOT buy any suitcase by this brand.

TLDR:

• Briggs & Riley ZDX → polished, durable, and feels like “my forever suitcase”

• Samsonite Paralux → sustainable without sacrificing sophistication

• Away Softside Bigger Carry-On → flexible capacity for quick trips or indecisive packing

Travel has become less about perfection and more about ease and these are the bags that give me that feeling. Just like a passport stamp or a favorite travel app, the right suitcase doesn’t define the trip, but it makes getting there feel a little more like a privilege than a chore.