What Makes the Best Travel Bags and Carry-On Luggage?

Your getaway can be much more relaxing and fun if you have the right travel bag or carry-on luggage. Instead of traveling with multiple small bags that you have to keep track of as you go on your journey, consider looking for one great carry-on travel bags that can fit all your requirements. You can find sustainable carry-on luggage and travel bags at Rothy’s that are stylish, versatile, and perfect for when you’re on the go. For more packing tips, travel essentials, and style inspiration, explore our Rothy’s Travel Guide.

Finding the perfect travel bag for a short getaway can be very challenging. You need a bag that will cater to your every demand while on your adventure, while being light, spacious, and organized. A fashionable touch doesn't hurt, either. Having the best carry-on luggage can make your getaway much smoother. If your carry-on bag isn't reliable and durable, you may encounter some difficulties during travel, such as lost items and even damaged luggage.

When looking for the best carry-on luggage on the market, a simple online search can be overwhelming. There are so many different options out there for all types of travelers. Duffels, backpacks, totes, rolling suitcases, weekenders, and overnight bags are just a few of the different kinds of travel bags that'll come up during your search. To determine which one is right for your upcoming adventures, you'll need to consider many factors, like durability, size, style, and weight.

What is a Carry-On Travel Bag?

A carry-on travel bag is a duffel, suitcase, or backpack that you can take with you and store in overhead bins on your flight. Carry-on bags are compact, and hold your clothes, shoes and travel essentials within easy reach.

There are various types of carry-on travel bags that serve different purposes, and each one may be necessary depending on what kind of trip you're taking and how much you need to pack. For example, you may need a rolling suitcase for longer trips, while a weekender bag is true to its name and is ideal for shorter weekend getaways.

5 Types of Carry-On Travel Bags

Each type of luggage serves a specific purpose, so it's important to know what your needs are before choosing the best type of carry-on luggage for your trip.

Types of travel bags

1. Weekender Bags

A weekender bag, like The Weekender from Rothy's, is a perfect option for a carry-on bag if you're going away for a weekend or two to three days. A weekender bag typically has two to three compartments that can separate your clothing from your shoes, toiletries and any other items you need for the weekend, such as books or chargers.

Weekender bags are considered one of the best carry-on travel bags for short trips, minimizing the amount of baggage you need to carry. A weekender bag is one of the best travel bags for both women and men because of its many compartments and spacious storage. If you are looking for even more organization, throw in some travel pouches to store your toiletries or tech items.

Finding a weekender made with durable materials is important to prevent it from getting damaged in airplane overhead bins. Rothy’s weekender bags are 100% machine washable and made of a combination of sustainable materials, including our very own thread blend made of plastic bottles. Our weekender bag is made of about 1,388 grams of ocean-bound marine plastic.

2. Backpack

Another option for a carry-on travel bag is a backpack. Backpacks are helpful if you're packing light, looking for hands-free convenience or traveling with families or children. Most backpacks hold less than other travel bags, so some travelers will use them as carry-on bags and check in their larger bag, or use them as a personal item to stow away underneath the seat on your plane ride. The Backpack or The Travel Cinch Backpack are great lightweight options to hold your essentials.

3. Overnight or Duffel Bags

An overnight duffel bag, like The Travel Duffel is also a great carry-on travel bag for you if you're taking a short trip or staying somewhere for just one night. An overnight bag is smaller than a weekender bag, but it still has a few compartments so that you can separate your clothing from toiletries. They’re designed to be carry-on items on airlines, so they easily fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. They can even be considered a personal item and fit underneath the airplane seat in front of you some of the time. Overnight duffel bags often come with an adjustable strap so you can convert them into a crossbody bag, or trolley straps to attach to your rolling luggage, so they're hands-free and easy to carry as you travel or navigate a busy airport.

4. Travel Totes

Another option for a carry-on bag is a lightweight travel tote bag. Tote bags are very popular and are helpful for traveling light and carrying your essentials, including during airport days or day trips. Rothy’s travel totes come in both men's and women's designs, and often have a sleeve for a laptop or tablet, making them both practical and stylish for travel. Opt for a travel tote with zippers for the most security, and use them to store your travel documents, boarding passes and tech devices with ease.

5. Rolling luggage 

Lastly, the rolling suitcase is one of the most popular carry-on options, especially for longer trips. While rolling suitcases can be big, bulky, and hard to fit into cars, taxis, and airplanes, they allow for easy movement through the airport and fit the most amount of items. They are also a great choice if you do not want to check in a suitcase, and avoid fears of lost luggage or having to wait at baggage claim. If you’re traveling with rolling luggage, consider adding a backpack or travel tote as your personal item to maximize your luggage space.

what to look for when shopping for a travel bag

What to Look for When Shopping for a Carry-On Travel Bag

There are many factors to consider when shopping for the best carry-on luggage or travel bag, including:

  • Materials
  • Comfort
  • Weight
  • Sustainability
  • Quality
  • Price
  • Type of travel
  • Storage

Shopping for the perfect carry-on bag doesn't have to be complicated. You must know what you're looking for and what features are the most essential for your specific travel needs. Price, size, and storage options are also important to consider when choosing a travel bag.

Additionally, the materials your bag is made from also matters. In today's day and age, we always want to ensure that the things we use are made with sustainable materials and manufactured in ethical environments.

Lastly, your travel bag should be durable, comfortable and easy to maintain, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. If your bag is going to be tossed around in the overhead bin, you'll want one that can withstand being jostled around a little bit and be easily cleaned, like Rothy’s machine-washable travel bags. A good travel bag should also feel good on your shoulders or in your hands when you carry it but be durable enough to withstand transit.

How to Choose the Right Carry-On Bag for You

Ultimately, the best carry-on bag for you depends on your specific needs. By knowing the length of your trip and the type of activities you'll be doing, you should be able to decide what travel bag is best for you. There are many great options from Rothy's that are sustainable, spacious, and comfortable. 

Ultimately, the best travel bag for you depends on your specific needs

For airport days or day trips in which you need a lightweight option, choose The Travel Tote. For a personal item to stow under the seat, opt for The Backpack. If you’re going on a two-night stay in the city, go for The Weekender. No matter your needs, Rothy’s has the perfect carry-on luggage for your trip.

Rothy’s Carry-On Travel Bags: Perfect for Your Next Getaway

The best carry-on luggage and travel bags are sustainable, easy to clean, durable, comfortable, and lightweight. They should also be stylish and large enough to carry all your travel essentials.

Rothy's carries an entire line of carry-on and travel bags that can fit any of your needs. Each and every one is made sustainably and ethically and has a polished and stylish look, available in a variety of colors, patterns and textures. We offer travel bags for both men and women, long and short trips alike.

When considering which carry-on bag you need for your trip, Rothy's is the best choice. Learn more about our travel essentials and packing tips.