Soft Shell Carry-on Luggage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The alternative to luggage with a hard exterior is a roller bag that’s soft on the outside. These bags are more malleable than hard shell luggage, and tend to be more lightweight as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soft shell luggage is ideal for the overpacker because you’re able to stuff as much as you want in the bag, as long as it closes. The frame isn’t fixed the way it is in a hard shell so you’re able to push it with the maximum capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soft shell cabin luggage is not only limited to roller bags but can include duffels as well! So, if you’d rather throw your bag over your shoulder than drag it behind you, you’re sure to find a soft shell duffel bag that fits your need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only problem with soft shell luggage is it may not be as durable as a bag with a hard shell. That said, quality is the key to durability! If you choose a bag made of top-of-the-line materials, you should be just fine, no matter what kind of shell it has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backpacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Finally, we’ve got the classic backpack. Using a backpack for a cabin luggage is practical and versatile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For world travelers, packing in backpacks is one of the best options. Not only will you be able to navigate hands0free while carrying your luggage, you’ll be able to travel over rough terrain and up stairs more easily than those who are traveling with roller bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there’s a time and place for everything, backpacks tend to be timeless. If you choose the right bag, you should be able to fit everything you need for your trip inside, as well as valuables and other items that are essential to your travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only trick is you need to pack light!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides being limited in what you can take with you, using a backpack as a carry-on luggage can get old fast as you have to lug everything on your back through the airport and to your destination afterwards. No problem if you’re a light packer, but if the bag is stuffed full, you may end up with an aching back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter which type of carry-on bag you choose, here are some key things to look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Look for in Carry On Luggage<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n On most airlines, the standard carry-on bag can’t exceed 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, <\/strong>including the handle and wheels. Now, not all airlines have the same carry-on bag size restrictions<\/strong>, but these are pretty good dimensions to use as a basis if you’re not sure where to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSize is probably the most important factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your bag is too small, you won’t be able to fit what you need — but too big and it won’t qualify as a carry-on. When purchasing a bag for carry-on purposes, it’s imperative to check the size and check it again to be sure you’ll be able to take it on the plane with you.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Weight is another main concern. Besides size, airlines also have restrictions on how heavy your cabin luggage can be. Be sure to check with the specific airline you’re flying to know their specific weight limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having a lightweight carry-on bag is ideal because you’re able to take more along with you. If your bag is particularly heavy, you’re going to run into trouble when it’s full and weighs a ton. Plus, having a lighter bag means less hassle when moving from place to place or storing your luggage in overhead bins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior Set-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n In terms of the luggage itself, it’s important to take the interior of the bag into account. Some of the best roller bags (in my opinion) have more than one compartment for packing, rather than forcing you to stuff everything into the empty shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider opting for luggage that allows you to pack in both halves of the bag, and has a mechanism to secure your belongings so they don’t shuffle around while in transit. This mechanism can vary greatly but the most common ones are an elastic belt secured with clips to hold your clothes in place or a zippered flap that turns one of the sides of the bag into a large pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you choose to use a backpack as your cabin luggage, you should choose one with lots of pockets and compartments so that you’re able to stay organized while on the go. It’s also useful to have a laptop sleeve!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n You should also look for carry-on luggage that has various handles throughout the bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For roller bags, the most obvious is the extendable handle that allows you to move around with the bag with ease. A good telescopic handle is best as it will extend to allow you to pull or push your bag easily but also collapse to be half the height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides the main handle, having a grab handle on top and on the side of the bag is nice for when you have to lift it into the overhead bin or into the trunk of a taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four Wheels vs. Two Wheels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Finally, for rolling luggage, you should decide whether you want a bag that has four wheels or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having a bag with four wheels is more and more common these days, as well as wildly convenient when moving from place to place. Because there are two extra wheels, you’re able to decide whether you want to push or pull your bag along. It also creates a more agile bag as you’re able to maneuver much more easily than you are with a bag that has two wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what’s the downside to having extra wheels? The internal space in your bag takes a hit, as there’s extra room needed for the additional wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If space really is your biggest concern and you don’t mind pulling your luggage along behind you, you can go for a bag that has two wheels. Besides having some extra space inside these bags, they also tend to be a bit less expensive than those with four wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n
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The editor, testing out the Osprey Meridian bag.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMaking Sure Your Cabin Luggage Works for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n There are a couple things to consider when it comes to making sure you have the perfect carry-on bag for your travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first is whether you’re mainly traveling domestically or internationally<\/strong>. The size and weight restrictions of carry-on bags vary based on whether you’re flying across the country or across the world. Thus, it’s important to make sure that you have a bag suitable for the kind of travel you’ll be doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd as always, be sure to check with the individual airline for their specific policies<\/strong> before flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother important factor in making sure that you have the right bag is the unique aspects<\/strong> each provide. Do you need a laptop compartment? A place to pack a suit? Thinking about individual needs is important when it comes to making sure your carry-on bag is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinally, having a bag that offers some