There are so many benefits to traveling with carry on luggage. First, it will save you time by not checking your bag and waiting for it at the carousel after your flight. Second, it will save you money by avoiding excess airline baggage fees and the risk of the airline losing or damaging your bag.
Recently, friends I know were flying with Aeroflot airlines from Barcelona to Hong Kong with the layover in Moscow. Their backpacks didn’t make the connection which meant losing time at HK the airport filling out paperwork, communicating with the courier company, and then waiting for the bags to be delivered to our hotel. Not a fun way for them to spend their holiday!
Then when they were flying with Cebu Airlines in The Philippines, one of them checked their bag only to have it returned covered in honey. The airline was less than helpful, and eventually, after a long discussion, the staff cleaned the honey off his bag. Another woman’s bag which had been affected was actually damaged. In both these cases, they received no compensation from the airlines.
If you aren’t already traveling with carry-on luggage only, this is your time to improve your travel experience! And if you are but need a new bag, this article will help you choose the perfect lightweight backpack or suitcase.
Best Carry on Luggage for Women (and Men)
Best carry-on luggage for women (backpack or suitcase)
Switching to carry on luggage doesn’t mean that you have to buy a backpack. You can still travel in style with a small suitcase. Personally, I love the Rockland Fashion Luggage set. It’s a carry on with wheels that stows above the seats and a shoulder bag that can go under a seat. And the best part is the price, oh and the tons of color options.
Amazon offers some great Carry On luggage in a variety of colors, and prices. Here are some of my favorite picks.
Best travel backpack for women
A great choice is the Asenlin travel backpack. This large backpack carries 3 custom-made storage bags, which can improve your travel quality. The overall size meets the size standards of the aircraft, and the portable zipper opening facilitates you to quickly pass the airport security check. With built-in elastic bands to keep your clothes from falling out.
You can get the Aselin travel backback with 3 luggage cubes or without them. Either way it’s my top choice.
Best Hand/Shoulder Bags
Being able to have a purse when traveling is very helpful, but also can be a pain. If you are choosing to go with a carry on luggage option, having a purse big enough to house a few extra things is key. An anti-theft messenger bag is a perfect size for all your needed travel items. The Neat Pack Cross Body also has anti theft and is another great choice.
A woman doesn’t want to put her essentials in the carry on luggage that gets stowed over head. A bag that fits under your seat while in flight is nice for things you need, like medications, phone, charger, magazine, lip gloss, snacks, etc.
Baggallini has a wonderful selection of carry on compliant cross body bags.
Best All In One Carry On Luggage
Looking to have something that is easily converted from a bag to a backpack? Look no further and check out the Settra Duffle Backpack. A perfect choice for anyone traveling, but especially for those liking to simplify things. Check out all the features this design offers.
Free shipping, lifetime guarantee and 30 Day return policy. This one bag can be the answer to all your carry on luggage needs.
Ultralight backpacking tips
Packing list for a carry on (summer or winter)
Once you have chosen your carry on luggage, you might need to review your current packing list to get rid of unnecessary items and weight. Choose from the warm weather carry-on packing list or cold weather (for both men and women).
Packing tips for a carry on backpack
Below are my packing tips for any carry on luggage you choose.
- Roll smaller items and store vertically inside pockets first (e.g. tank tops, shorts or men’s briefs)
- Place heavier items like shoes at the bottom of the bag
- Lay any items that need to stay flat on the bottom of the bag (e.g. shorts that don’t roll well)
- Put a larger item (e.g. travel towel or toiletry bag) at the very front of the bag where it is curved.
- Fill up space in between with larger items. Roll clothes first before placing in the bag.
- Place any other flat or bigger items that don’t roll on top
- Store your laptop in the back pocket.
- Put any smaller items that you need easy access to in the front pockets.
Do you prefer backpacks or suitcases? Tell us about it below!
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Kylee says
This is very handy info! I’m always the one lugging the big heavy bag through the airport!
Chantell Collins says
Ha ha sounds like you a more of a maximista than a minimalista 😉
Claire says
I’ve got an Osprey backpack and I love it! I hate checking in luggage it is such a pain, waiting for it to come off the carousel is the worst part of the trip for me, although luckily I’ve never had a problem with damage to my bag like you did with all that honey!
Chantell Collins says
Yay backpack buddies! Yes I agree. Now I get impatient if I have to wait for other people’s bags who I am traveling with. Like – whhyyyyy check your bag? ha ha. And the honey thing was totally unexpected. But hey, that’s how backpacking is right? 😉
Candy says
Wow, that 44L backpack is huge! I didn’t realize how big it was until I saw the photo of you wearing it. I’m not sure if I am even strong enough to carry it. I probably would need to train and workout before I use a bag that big on my back 🙂 You’re so strong!
Chantell Collins says
This comment made me smile so much! I promise you isn’t too heavy or hard to carry. Right now I just have clothing in it so it’s super light. When I was backpacking SE Asia, I used this bag with 3x pairs of shoes, my laptop + accessories, and over a week’s worth of clothing. Still could walk around with it no problem – the Osprey Porter has great shoulder and back support.
Lisa says
I’m a flashpacker rather than backpacker, so the hedgren case and tote bag are perfect for me. Saying that, I always need a light day bag that holds everything when on the move. So, you’ve convinced me; I’ll take a look at the lighter options here!
Chantell Collins says
Yes, I always feel so stylish when I use my Hedgren products. They are Belgium design, durable and easy to clean. I like having options to choose between depending on the trip that I am taking.