I'm a Shopping Editor and These Are My Favorite Pieces of Luggage to Travel With

When I tell someone I work for Condé Nast Traveler as a shopping editor, I'm always met with the same question: “So, what's the best luggage brand? What do you recommend most?” This question always gives me pause, as I imagine they are expecting me to call out one great brand that does it the best. I try to give a quick and simple answer like, “I love Calpak,” or “Away is great,” and while those are both brands I love, the truth is my answer isn't so clear cut.

After years of testing dozens of suitcases, duffel bags, and travel accessories for Traveler's annual Luggage Week, I've found that each of our favorite luggage brands brings something unique to the table. Some brands excel at producing indestructible suitcases that stand the test of time (and lots of wear and tear), while others have a knack for designing clever features that travelers could once only dream of, like built-in weight indicators and pop-out cup holders.

My real answer is that my favorite luggage comes from quite a few different brands—and together, they create my elite luggage collection. They're the type of pieces I return to trip after trip, even after taking something shiny and new on the market for a spin. Reliable, durable, and thoughtfully designed, these pieces of luggage stand out all on their own. They're the ones I recommend to strangers at the airport, friends over dinner, and buy my family members as holiday gifts. And today, I'm sharing my favorites with you. Read on for the very best pieces of luggage I've tested so far.

The Monos expandable carry-on inside Fouquet's in New York City

The suitcases

A well-made, long-lasting carry-on is arguably the most essential piece of luggage in any traveler's collection. It's the suitcase you'll reach for the most—and the one you'll be lifting into overhead compartments on planes. With that in mind, I recommend finding something extremely lightweight. If it's heavy before you even add clothes inside, it's going to be way too bulky to travel with. And just because you want something lightweight doesn't mean you need to sacrifice space or durability—the best carry-ons let you pack plenty without the weight of an impossibly large suitcase. Expandable carry-ons, like my go-to from Monos, offer you a few extra inches of space when you need it most. On the inside, there's enough room for up to five days' worth of clothes and there are a few small pockets for separating dirty clothes or wet bathing suits. The outside of this hard-shell carry-on is sleek yet durable, with only minor scratches on it despite having countless flights under its belt. One of its best features is its smooth wheels that glide effortlessly on airport floors and hotel carpet alike. (If you often travel with your laptop in tow, you might want to upgrade to Monos's Expandable Carry-on Pro that features a large zippered pocket on the front.)

Checked suitcases require a durable exterior that can handle being thrown around in transit. t's inevitable that after checking a bag a few times, it will acquire some bumps and bruises. While I'm okay with a scratch here and there, I draw the line at dents or any greater damage. The Monos Expandable Check-In Medium has held up well over the past year and a half without any dents, sticky zippers, or broken wheels. I'm able to buff out scuffs with a cloth or damp wipe easily. As for size, this medium bag is ideal for trips that are a week or longer in length. I've always had enough room for several outfits and pairs of shoes, but the suitcase isn't overly large—meaning it's not difficult to wheel around when full. I love that after a trip, I can nest the carry-on inside of the checked bag to save on storage space.

I quite literally won't shut up about Calpak's Luka duffel. I've had it for over three years now and it's still my most-used piece of luggage. It's my go-to duffel for weekend trips and overnight stays, and accompanies me on most flights as a personal item. From cozy escapes in upstate New York and beach trips down the Jersey Shore to destination weddings in Tuscany and 10-day cruises through the Baltic Sea, this super-soft, lightweight duffel bag does it all. My favorite thing about it is how soft and easy to clean the puffer-like material is. Also, even when it's stuffed to the brim, the soft top handles go easy on my shoulders and don't dig into my skin.

The Luka duffel has all the bells and whistles you expect of a great weekender bag, including a separate shoe compartment, an exterior pocket for small essentials like your passport and wallet, a trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, and lots of interior compartments to keep clothes and toiletries organized. I'm able to fit a few pairs of clothes, a change of shoes, a makeup bag, Dopp kit, and my bulky noise-canceling headphones inside. And somehow, it's still pretty small—it can even fit underneath the seat on the plane and rest nicely on top of a normal size carry-on.

Kenny's favorite carry-on has enough room for up to five days' worth of clothes and accessories.

The travel backpacks

When I want a lightweight laptop backpack for an overnight stay or to bring as a personal item, MZ Wallace's Metro backpack is my first choice. The super-soft, quilted material of this backpack is gentle on my shoulders and back—even when it's full with a laptop, Kindle, and makeup bag. I've been carrying this to the office, airport, and on overnight trips for the last year and it still looks good as new, thanks to its durable fabric that can handle some spills well. There's a laptop sleeve, hidden interior pockets for your wallet or passport, and an front zippered pocket for your phone, AirPods, and lip balm. I'm able to fit a change of clothes and a toiletry bag inside, but not much more than that, keeping the backpack lightweight and easy to carry in transit.

If you're headed out for a weekend or want to travel hands-free, I recommend Bagsmart's under-$40 backpack. It opens in a unique clamshell design that allows it to be packed like a suitcase, but still zipped up and carried on your back. It fits a ton—and while I typically reach for a duffel bag for a two- or three-day trip, it's nice to have a smaller, easy-to-carry option when I need it. I'm always surprised that it can hold two daytime outfits, a pair of pajamas, a bathing suit, and some socks and underwear. It's a great weekender option for those who travel light or need a little extra room in addition to their carry-on.

Weight: 1.3 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5" x 12.2" x 6.9"

MZ Wallace’s products are distinct due to the brand’s signature super-soft, quilted material. While the Metro Backpack Deluxe is small enough to serve as a personal item on a plane, its overall polished appearance makes it appropriate for the office or work trips. Against the competition, “it’s much more lightweight and stylish,” says commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. “When empty, it's practically weightless.” Inside, the main compartment fits a few changes of clothes, a 15-inch laptop, a water bottle, and toiletries. It’s been Kenny’s go-to backpack all summer long, accompanying her on weekend trips to the Hamptons and the Jersey Shore, and for an overnight stay visiting family. Between car and train rides, there hasn’t been any wear or tear shown on the plush material—a testament to the quality and craftsmanship.

Pros: Comes with a removable pouch, luggage sleeve, multiple interior pockets, laptop sleeve, and double water bottle pockets; adjustable straps; sleek look
Cons: It’s a bit pricey

$275, MZ Wallace. Get it now!

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Metro Backpack Deluxe

$275.00, MZ Wallace

“It's almost like a mini suitcase thanks to its lay-flat packing design,” says bookings editor Jamie Spain. “It came with two packing cubes and a shoe bag, making it the perfect companion for weekends or overnights.” There’s plenty of storage compartments that can fit small toiletry bottles, pens, journals, and phone chargers. There is a dedicated laptop sleeve on the back of the bag that keeps it safe from scuffs and scratches, and helps to add to the versatility of the bag, especially for commuters who have long days ahead. Whether you’re headed to the office, the gym, or the airport, this affordable backpack has you covered.

Pros: It comes with packing cubes and a shoe bag
Cons: Unnecessary straps and zippers

$43, Amazon. Get it now!

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Travel backpack

$39.00, Amazon

The best tote bag I've ever used also comes from MZ Wallace. Soft quilted straps, a roomy interior, and its lightweight feel have made the Metro tote a long-time favorite of mine for city commutes, day trips, and flights when I want a slightly smaller personal item than Calpak's Luka duffel. From the outside, it's pretty simple in design and classic-looking, so you don't need to worry about it going out of style. Where this bag really stands out, though, is the pockets. It almost has too many pockets—if that's even possible. Type-A travelers like me will appreciate the thoughtful compartments that keep you organized on the go, giving everything from your laptop, Kindle, water bottle, cosmetic pouch, snacks, and sunglasses a home. It can also be laid nearly flat when empty in a carry-on if you want to pack a tote just in case.

Rounding out my list of luggage favorites is the makeup bag of all makeup bags. Meet Parallelle's Carry-On makeup bag—a traveler's dream cosmetic case with a genius design that allows your products to stand in an upright position, minimizing the risk of accidental spills and saving you from spending precious vacation time rummaging through a disorganized pouch. After you unzip the bag, each side can be pulled down to lie flat, allowing you to see all of your products at once. It has saved me so much time when I'm getting ready in a hotel bathroom or an Airbnb. My brushes, foundation, lipstick, and everything in between are right there where I can see them—there really is a place for everything. The exterior is sturdy while still being lightweight, so products stay protected without it weighing down your suitcase or backpack. Its one con is the price: At $105, it's not cheap—but if you're looking for something that's a smart upgrade from the traditional makeup pouch, this will definitely impress you.