From last-minute getaways to epic multi-week adventures, and buzzing urban streets to the quiet of wilder outdoor terrain. Flying high in the sky or eating up the miles on a road trip. Travel can often involve diverse environments and transport modes, and carry-on bags are great at providing the flexibility to adapt as required.

But to really merit a place by your side, a carry-on bag needs to work hard to make your journeys as hassle-free as possible. Whether that’s providing quick and convenient access to gear, ensuring the load stays comfortable on the move, or providing a trusty barrier against the elements. Our Best Carry-On Bag Finalists are designed to thrive on the move, helping you make the most of your trips. But which one delivers a truly first-class performance? Choose your top pick from 2017/18 below.

VOTING CLOSED

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You don’t have to carry big to carry a lot with the GoBag 2.0, which features a Max Pack vacuum compression system to compactly store clothing on the go. Six different ways to access the pack ensure your gear is always within easy reach, while additional handy features such as stowable shoulder straps and a welded wash bag make traveling that extra bit smoother.

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The nunc Traveler’s Backpack provides a variety of useful features in an adaptable design for work or leisure travel. The clamshell opening allows for easy packing and retrieval of your gear, while an interior divider, laptop compartment, and multiple pockets keep your items tidy and within convenient reach. Additionally, the bag can be carried as a backpack or shoulder bag to suit different settings.

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The Red Oxx Lil Hombre is an exceptionally tough travel companion that moves easily between changing environments thanks to multiple carry options. Use it as a backpack, shoulder bag or carry it by hand to adapt on the go. The bag also prevents a jumbled mess with three compartments and additional pockets for organization. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, this bag will embrace hard adventuring and laidback city explorations equally well.

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Rugged in build and understated in looks, the Macheto Travel Pack works equally well for work and holiday trips. The clamshell main compartment prevents the need to rummage for specific items, while the stowable shoulder straps and multiple grab handles give you flexible portability. There’s also dedicated storage for your tech and a quick-access pocket for travel essentials.

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The Tortuga Setout Backpack delivers a solid set of features for urban traveling, from the clamshell opening for easy packing and access, to multiple interior and exterior pockets for organization. Quick-access storage keeps essentials and tech within easy reach, while the stowable shoulder straps and removable hip belt provide comfortable carry wherever the journey leads. All in a stylish, lightweight, weather-resistant design that helps you blend in to a variety of travel environments.

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The Trakke Storr is a handsome travel backpack made by hand with weatherproof waxed canvas. The clamshell opening lets you easily pack and reach items on the go, while top and side carry handles and stowable shoulder straps let you alternate between carry modes. The bag includes an exterior laptop sleeve and pockets for organizing smaller items, complemented by a sleek design that suits a range of travel settings.

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The hard-wearing GR3 is built to haul gear around the world, whether you’re embracing outdoor adventures or urban settings. Made in the USA and backed by GORUCK’s Scars lifetime guarantee, the bag features a clamshell opening, a rugged laptop compartment, and a choice of pockets and interior and exterior attachment points to organize and secure additional gear. The weatherproof pack is also hydration bladder compatible and includes multiple grab handles for convenient maneuverability.

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Travel can be tough on your tech. But Lander’s Traveler Backpack is designed to shield your tech from the stresses of travel with its Crash Pad compartment. Waterproof and padded, the Crash Pad compartment protects precious tech even during demanding journeys. The separate rolltop Cargo compartment is made with water-resistant, recycled material and features a wide opening for quick and convenient packing and access.

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Tough, low-key and thoughtfully designed, the DSPTCH Travel Pack combines a variety of useful features into one versatile carry-on bag. The wide-opening main compartment and quick-access pockets deliver fuss-free access on the go. There’s also separate storage for shoes or dirty clothing, a padded laptop compartment, and a hip belt that can double as a compression strap. All backed by a lifetime guarantee.

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Sleek aesthetics and great organization go hand in hand with the NOMATIC Travel Pack. Multiple compartments and pockets provide plenty of storage to keep travel items tidy on the go, while the expandable design gives you the flexibility to squeeze in a last-minute souvenir or larger loads. The bag can be carried as a backpack or briefcase, and is accessible from all sides for rummage-free travels.

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Can’t decide between a duffel and backpack? Enjoy the portability of both with the HEXAD Carryall, a durable and weather-resistant travel bag that can do double duty as a handheld duffel or pack. The carryall features a variety of pockets including a leak-resistant toiletry pocket and separate storage for shoes or dirty clothes, along with an easy-access laptop sleeve and wide-opening main compartment.

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Venture outdoors or along urban streets equally well with the Cotopaxi Allpa, a weather-resistant pack that provides a handy clamshell opening, useful interior organization, side access to laptop and tablet sleeves, and side access to the main compartment without having to take the pack off. A stowable harness and four grab handles provide comfortable, convenient carry, while the included raincover brings added peace of mind to your trips.

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Simple and stylishly discreet, the OPPOSETHIS Invisible Carry-on looks equally smart on work trips or weekend getaways. The clamshell opening and a host of handy pockets provide ready access to travel gear, including a dedicated laptop compartment. And for added functionality the bag can be expanded or contracted, allowing it to serve as a day bag at your destination.

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The Osprey Farpoint 40 tackles changing terrains easily with backpack straps, top and side grab handles and a removable shoulder strap. Additionally, the back panel can be zipped away for snag-free storage in overhead bins or other tight spaces. Packing is made easy with front panel access to the main compartment, and pockets for quick-access items and tech keep you tidy on the move.

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A thoughtful collaboration between Quiksilver and Pacsafe, this carry-on pack combines style and function. The clean, urban-friendly aesthetics are complemented by a convenient clamshell opening and a removable dry bag that’s handy for storing wet gear away from dry items. And for added peace of mind the bag also incorporates discreet anti-theft features such as slashguard construction, RFID-blocking storage, a PopNLock security clip and Roobar™ locking system.

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Carry loads change from one trip to the next. But rather than having to use different bags, the Piorama Adjustable Bag A10 handles your needs with just one. The bag expands or contracts to accommodate a variety of loads, and alternates between 31L, 46.5L and 62L as required. It can be carried as a backpack, duffel or shoulder bag, and stores compactly when not in use.

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