I'm a professional travel writer and an avid packer who travels with only carry-on luggage. I hardly need to explain why: it's widely known (and rising) that checked baggage fees can be exorbitant, sometimes rivaling the cost of an à la carte seat. Not only that, but when you check your luggage, it's sent off into the unknown, where it can get left behind in some far-flung city (this has happened to me), stolen, or lost altogether. Plus, I always want to have all my belongings with me in case I need something (and I use my carry-on luggage as a perch to roll through endless airport sections so I don't have to bear the weight).
After years of experience and thousands of miles traveled, I've accumulated a solid system of tools to help me make the carry-on-only travel lifestyle a reality, and I've got my eye on a few more to stock up on. Good news: all of the carry-on essentials I picked are available on Amazon, and most are on sale right now, with prices starting at just $10. Here are the best carry-ons, backpacks, duffel bags, and other essential packing travel accessories to help you pack lighter and save on baggage fees.
Rockland London Hardside 20″ Carry-On Spinner
Amazon
Before we get into the travel gear, let's make sure our carry-on luggage is in good condition. I'm not the only one in my family who only carries carry-ons. I encourage my kids to do the same so we don't have to pay extra fees or wait on conveyor belts (remember: a traveling family is only as efficient as the weakest person in the airport). So, three years ago, I bought my twins a 20″ spinner. It's traveled with us all over the world and is still going strong. It has four multi-directional spinning wheels, a telescoping handle with a push button, and interior mesh and zipper pockets. Now that my kids are 6, they're old enough to handle the 20″ spinner. It's much more practical and durable than the kid's character versions.
Etronic Weekender Bag
Amazon
If you're a fan of the Béis Weekender Bag like I am, you'll love this version from popular Amazon brand Etronik (the price of this bag is a fraction of what I paid for the Béis bag, even during the brand's warehouse sale). I love that it has a completely separate PVC-lined ventilated compartment at the bottom for shoes and dirty clothes. You can also use this bag as your sole luggage or as a personal items bag with enough room to stow under your seat on the plane. It also has a USB interface for easy phone charging on the go. This bag comes in 28 colors (I have the pale pink version) and (unlike my Béis bag) it also comes with a matching pouch for toiletries and in-flight essentials.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Amazon
After noticing the high number of 5-star reviews from Amazon shoppers (nearly 80,500 and counting!), my husband knew the Matein Backpack was the obvious choice for his carry-on and personal items bag for international trips. And now, several years later, he still travels the world with it. The bag is thoughtfully organized, with a separate laptop compartment, a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back, and a front compartment with pen pockets, keychain hooks, and other dedicated spaces. The back is thickly padded, and the adjustable shoulder straps are durable and comfortable. It also has a built-in USB charger for charging on the go.
Wrangler Smart Carry-On Luggage with Cup Holder
Amazon
Traveling with only a carry-on baggage means you have to get used to having one piece of luggage with you at all times at the airport, which means figuring out strategies to use your hands as efficiently as possible. That's why I love that this carry-on roller bag has a built-in cup holder for your inevitable airport coffee. It also has a USB port and phone holder — a trio of handy features that make traveling with only a carry-on bag seamless and convenient. Plus, it has expandable capacity and smooth-rolling multi-directional wheels.
Hamples Travel Backpack
Amazon
The great thing about this backpack is that it opens up completely like a suitcase, so you can enjoy the benefits of traveling with a roller bag while reducing the risk of having to check it in if the overhead bins are full. Even better news is that it fits under the seat as a personal item and weighs just 2.5 pounds. The bag has a thickly padded laptop compartment and an expandable design that provides an additional 5 liters of packing space, and it even has ports for charging cables and headphones.
Coolif 3-piece luggage set
Amazon
If you're new to carry-on-only travel or want to revamp all your luggage in one go, this affordable luggage set has everything you need to avoid checking a bag. It comes with a 20″ spinner bag, backpack, and toiletry bag, all perfectly coordinated (we think the white version with camel piping is super chic). This luggage has a TSA-approved lock and lined interior dividers for organization. Plus, the backpack has a sleeve that fits snugly over a trolley handle for a smooth ride through the airport.
Lovevook Weekender Bag with Accessories
Amazon
I like this structured weekender bag with a 30-liter capacity. It can be used as a complement to a roller bag (or on its own for short trips). It has a sleeve that slides onto the handle of your suitcase, so you can stay hands-free and comfortable. The body is made of waterproof canvas, and the bottom is reinforced with PU leather for improved water resistance. The sturdy design with shaping ribs and metal feet at the bottom allows it to stand freely, which is handy when you're packing or searching for contents during a flight. Plus, the main compartment features a wet pocket and a handy tech sleeve, and the outer sleeve has a zipper for your essentials.
Veken Packing Cube Set
Amazon
Once you've got a quality carry-on bag, you'll need to stock it with essential travel accessories. Organization is key when packing a carry-on bag, and packing cubes can really help with that task. This affordable, highly-rated set comes with 8 unique items, including multi-purpose zippered cubes in a variety of sizes, plus a shoe bag, laundry bag, and cosmetic bag. Mesh panels let you see what's inside each pouch at a glance, so you only need to open what you need.
Fyy Travel Cable Organizer
Amazon
Since I typically use both my laptop and phone on planes, I always keep my tech essentials under my seat (and on overnight flights, I also carry an Apple Watch charger to ensure full battery for the next day). Before this, I was using a flashy, gimmick-filled tech organizer that was far too complicated to be of any use, so I bought this simple, practical, compact case at an impulse price to replace it. With spacious see-through mesh panels, smooth zippers, and enough expansion for even the most tech-obsessed people (like me), this case does just that.
Amaski Multifunction USB Charger
Amazon
Speaking of overstuffing your tech cables, there's a better way to travel with everything you need without cluttered cords taking up precious luggage space. This multi-function cable supports simultaneous charging for three devices, eliminating the hassle of handling multiple charging cubes, especially in tight situations like airplane seats where ports are limited. Mix and match as needed to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and other devices without packing unnecessary extra bulk and staying slim in carry-on only situations.
Cadence Capsule
Amazon
If you've followed my articles, you already know that I swear by this revolutionary capsule, which keeps all my toiletries safe, organized, and stored in the most beautiful and streamlined way possible. The set comes with individual magnetic cases that attach to the other cases in a honeycomb pattern, each clearly labeled with its contents. All TSA-approved liquids can be stored in your carry-on luggage without worrying about leaks (freeing up a lot of space in your toiletries bag for other essentials). I use the capsule not only for toiletries, but also for other essentials I like to carry with me, like delicate jewelry and medications.
Amazon has plenty of other travel-friendly sets to keep your toiletries safe, like the leak-proof Bpluma travel bottles, perfect for holding shampoo, conditioner, and more. If you're looking for something more stackable and versatile, like my favorite Cadence capsules, choose the Cosywell Small Travel Containers.
Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Case
Amazon
My husband and I both have one of these toiletry cases, and because it has a hook, we can hang it in tight spaces like airplane bathrooms without the contents rolling around and freshen up on the go. The clear pouch lets you see what's inside at a glance, and the many zippers keep things organized and leak-free.
Hibag Compression Bag Set
Amazon
This set of 12 compression bags is handy if you're only carrying carry-ons and don't want to waste a square inch of suitcase space. The space-saving vacuum-sealing effect (no need to actually vacuum to remove the air) can free up up to 80 percent of your luggage space. I haven't tried this strategy yet, but the 36,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon have me intrigued and ready to give it a try.
Ododos belt bag
Amazon
When you travel with just carry-on luggage, your hands are full. That means you need to have easy access to your most important items like your passport, phone, and credit cards to avoid stalling airport queues. That's why I often travel with a nifty belt bag, which I usually wear across my chest to keep them out of the sight of pickpockets (note: it can also be used as a waist bag or shoulder bag). This belt bag is durable, waterproof, and super affordable, plus it's available in over 40 colors to match any style of travel wardrobe.
AmazonBasics Packable Duffel Bag
Amazon
Even when I pack super compact for a carry-on-only trip, I'm accepting the possibility that I'll come back with more than I left, whether it's souvenirs from a trip or bulky business trip luggage. This 100% nylon bag folds flat for storage and weighs almost nothing (but has a 50-pound capacity so you can bring home any overflowing items). Packing a bag like this means I always have options. And options is my favorite packing strategy in a nutshell.
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