



If you’ve ever found yourself trudging along a busy airport terminal with a travel bag that’s doing nothing but holding you back, it may be time to invest in something that, while expensive, is worth the money.
I appreciate a good affordable product as much as the next person, but there are times when my money-savvy ways led me to spend more in the long run by buying something that costs less, but doesn’t last as long. This is most often the case with bags for travel, which can be incredibly pricey.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve been in touch with tons of frequent travelers, from flight attendants to travel influencers to our very own HuffPost staff, in order to find out what expensive pieces of luggage and bags actually justify their cost.
Their testimonies, along with the help of reviews from other travelers, helped us create the following selection of carry-on backpacks and suitcases, including with larger checkable luggage, that have paid for themselves in traveling performance.
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"I love how it has multiple zipper closure and I especially love the lock that comes with the main compartment," they wrote.
Hidden within its spacious interior is a 15-inch dedicated laptop pocket and two separate main compartments outfitted with several pockets that are ideal for all your smaller items and valuables. Also available in a medium size, the Studio 2 is made with a waterproof and antimicrobial lining and water-resistant exterior so any accidental spills, treks through the rain or leaking water bottles are never an issue.
"I honestly could not believe how great they function! I took my first international trip last week and unfortunately tore my rotator cuff on my dominant arm just before the trip. Pushing, pulling, rolling, escalators, it didn't matter, it was effortless, even with [my] right arm in a sling and having to use my left hand! Everything compresses down so efficiently that I had room to spare even though I was packing for a week long trip. Fantastic! Can't wait to travel again," they wrote.
Away's line of sleek and durable checked bags and carry-ons like this one are designed with the traveler in mind and contain three organizing mesh pockets as well as a double-buckle compression belt to help you pack more into the four- to seven-day-sized interior. Like all their suitcases, this carry-on, which comes in seven colors, has smooth 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth maneuvering and even an underside handle to make lifting easier.
This 40-liter technical backpack is constructed with adjustable chest and torso straps that are considerate of a women's frame, and the design is lightweight enough to use for outdoor hiking treks or for navigating busy airports as a carry-on. The main interior compartment features a clamshell opening and several internal pockets, including an easy-access 16-inch laptop sleeve.
One Béis reviewer said they gifted this iconic tote to a friend who travels from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. often and she highly recommends it. Another happy customer from Béis wrote, "Beautiful bag that lives up to the hype!! Fits in everything needed for my husband and I for a getaway weekend - and still has lots of room to spare!! This bag was definitely worth it - it looks great and holds so much!!"
In addition to the bottom section that's great for shoes or extra toiletries, there's also a designated laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve and several organization compartments throughout. You can currently get this in eight different colors and also a mini size.
One of her favorite brands, Rimowa, has some of the most durable luggage available as well as a unique color selection to help avoid confusion at the luggage carousel. Both lightweight and strong, the Essentials check-in suitcase features stable ball-bearing-mounted wheels for optimal maneuverability and a flexible interior divider to keep packed items secure during transit. (You can get a "cabin" size of this bag for $900.)
Higgins recommended the brand Briggs & Riley. “They’ve got incredible compression technology that a lot of hard-sided luggage does not have," she said. "They’re also durable and have great spinner wheels for maneuverability. Though they’re quite expensive, I’d say they make sense if you travel a lot.”
This medium hard-side rolling trunk is made with three layers of polycarbonate material that's scratch-resistant, lightweight and resilient. The brand offers a lifetime guarantee on all luggage.
(If you're interested in a carry-on bag, Briggs & Riley also offers this style in a 22-inch bag for $549.)
"It has a unique design that allows you to carry your laptop, water bottle, and a built-in toiletry bag all in one. It seriously makes packing soooo much easier! It has the shape of a tote bag, but zips in the middle to open like a suitcase, allowing you to maximize space," Lihas said.
The Bento is available in three colors and hardware options.
"I can easily convert it from a rolling bag to a backpack. This is handy for maneuvering from airports to cobblestone streets while saving my back," Sula said of the durable Osprey, which opens fully to reveal a generous main compartment and has multi-pocket storage for smaller items. It also features a unique compressive design that provides extra padding and allows travelers to pack a little more.