When I travel, the last thing I want to worry about is checking a bag. Having extra room for clothes is nice, but is it really worth the hassle? Checking luggage comes with the risk of lost items, additional fees, and long waits at baggage claim. I used to accept that uncertainty, but after my bag was mistakenly put on the wrong flight, leaving me with a weekend of ill-fitting hand-me-downs, I decided it was time to make a change.

Initially, adapting to a new way of packing was a challenge. When you’re used to bringing five pairs of shoes for a three-day trip, it’s tough to be selective. To make things trickier, I was limited to a standard duffel bag for all my travel essentials. While that might work for a quick overnight stay, it certainly wasn’t ideal for a longer vacation. Fortunately, I discovered that carry-on options had significantly improved. While I was lugging around a 50-pound suitcase, luggage companies were busy creating more compact alternatives. Nowadays, you can enjoy ample space, style, and durability with a carry-on — and thanks to these three incredible bags, I haven’t checked luggage in years. Keep scrolling to shop my tried-and-true travel bags for every trip length, including traveler-loved picks from Béis and Away.

Trip Length: 2 to 3 Days

Béis The Weekender Bag

I absolutely adore this bag — so much so that I now have three in my rotation. Over the years, the Béis Weekender has repeatedly sold out thanks to its stylish colorways, spacious interior, and hidden shoe compartment. When I finally got my hands on one, I knew I struck gold. 

After a year of using the beige bag, I added the black colorway to my collection, and most recently, I received the miniature version. The smaller option is perfect for an overnight bag, but the original Weekender carries enough for a longer trip. You can fit two to three pairs of shoes in the zipper compartment, and up to three days’ worth of clothes in the main compartment. The bag also has a handy laptop sleeve, a key leash, and functional pockets to keep your items organized.

Though the Weekender is roomy by nature, packing cubes can maximize its space even more. Overall, my favorite feature is its versatility. The original Weekender can fit in an airplane’s overhead compartment, while the smaller version tucks nicely under your seat.

Trip Length: 3 to 4 Days

Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Small Duffel

The Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag is my favorite travel hack. It looks like a backpack but holds the same amount as traditional luggage. Thanks to the thick straps, you can carry this bag on your back or shoulder. Both options are comfortable, making it easy to get around the airport without straining your muscles (if my travels exceed four days, or I simply need a little extra packing room, I’ll wear the Go-Bag as a backpack and carry my Béis Weekender on my shoulder). 

The exterior of the Go-Bag is made of durable PVC fabric that’s weatherproof and easy to clean. The interior is made of durable polyester and has ample space for clothing, shoes, and accessories. There’s also a large internal compartment, a separate zipper section, and external pockets. As a bonus, the bag has an external passport fold so you can easily access your travel documents. 

With three sizes available, you can choose a bag that’s suitable for your travel arrangements — but it’s important to note that only the mini and small Go-Bags abide by TSA check-in regulations. Once you find your perfect fit, you can rest assured that you’ve made a wise investment given the bag’s lifetime warranty.

Trip Length: 5 to 7 Days 

Away The Carry-on 

My Away Carry-on has been around the world — from Chicago to Paris, London, Mexico, New York, Hawaii, and more — and it’s never let me down. It’s durable and spacious, yet compact enough to adhere to international guidelines. Aside from a few scuffs (that buffed out quite easily, might I add) this bag has held up over the years and is my go-to for longer trips. 

Inside, you’ll find two deep compartments that easily store a week’s worth of clothes. There’s also a separate zipper compartment, which I like to use for undergarments and pajamas. I’ve found it’s easiest to pack clothes in one half of the suitcase and shoes in the other, but no matter how you organize your items, you can rest assured that this suitcase will keep everything in place. The carry-on comes with two compression buckles which allow you to pack to your heart’s content without items shifting around during your journey.

It also includes a TSA-approved combination lock by the top handle, which prevents others from opening your luggage without your permission. Typically, using a carry-on means you’ll have your bag near you while traveling, but if you’re forced to gate-check your luggage, you can do so knowing no one can rifle through your belongings. What’s not to love?

When a trip calls for more than seven days away from home, I mix and match these carry-ons to fit everything I need. The Away carry-on acts as my primary luggage, while the spacious Béis Weekender Bag and Baboon to the Moon duffel make excellent personal bag items. 

Keep scrolling for more top-rated carry-ons that ensure you have packing space for all your travel essentials — without needing to check a bag, of course.

More Carry-on Bags to Shop: 

Taygeer Travel Backpack

Etronik Weekender Bag

Wrangler 22-inch Hardside Carry-on

Bagsmart Duffel Bag

Travel Select Amsterdam Softside Carry-on

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