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“Carry-On Son” or “Checked Bag Daughter”?
As the holiday season approaches and we, not-so-proud members of Overpackers & Co., prepare to hop flights home or to holiday getaways, checking a bag can feel more like a hefty headache than a necessity. This year, I am on a mission to alleviate the weight—both mentally and physically—and convert to the carry-on.
Can we all agree that packing a carry-on is an art? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve defaulted to Southwest Airlines just for the free checked bags. Who can say no to guilt-free overpacking, the chance to bring every toiletry in my bathroom, at least five backup pairs of underwear, and—despite heading to a tropical destination—perhaps a rain jacket? I just can’t commit to trusting the weather app.
But I promise you, somewhere deep down in my soul, I am that girl who can ditch the excess belongings and size down the packing list into one compact carry-on. After witnessing my boyfriend stroll past baggage check with nothing but his e-boarding pass, carry-on, and “cool as a cucumber” attitude one too many times, I’m determined to do that too.
To make this transition easy, here are some of our TQE holiday carry-on picks:
July
July is the rising ‘it’ travel brand making its way into the hands of every travel junkie. Don’t let its summery name fool you, July was definitely made to be a year-round star!
With a gorgeous color palette ranging from soothing spring greens to the brightest, most festive cherry red, I was itching to review July for this roundup. Naturally, I couldn’t resist testing out one of the brand’s best sellers, the Carry On Max Expandable. This suitcase comes in a wide array of color options, but I went for Moss—a chic, earthy green that feels equal parts modern and timeless, and let’s be honest, looks stunning next to any holiday travel outfit. Maybe there’s some sort of psychology in choosing this soothing color for the airport zoo.
But what sets the Carry On Max Expandable apart? For starters, its sleek, minimalist design is an aesthetic win, but this bag is more than just a pretty face.
With its expandable feature, it transforms from compact carry-on to an unexpectedly roomy companion—perfect for anyone who swears they won’t overpack but inevitably needs a little extra space! The build’s durable polycarbonate shell feels like it could survive any long-haul journey, and the quiet spinner wheels glide so effortlessly I wonder how I ever lugged clunky suitcases through airports (the sound of squeaking wheels haunts me to this day).
Inside, it’s all about organization. The bag features a large laundry bag and thoughtfully divided compartments, which made packing for a week-long holiday trip feel less like a chore and more like a game of Tetris.
The built-in combination lock? Chef’s kiss. Not only does it offer that much-needed peace of mind, but there’s zero chance of losing a key. Setting it up was ridiculously easy—shoutout to the clear, no-nonsense instructions that came with the bag. Of all four suitcases I reviewed, July came out on top in the roominess department, offering enough space to pack everything and still have room for a “just in case” sweater (or three).
Now, if you’re eyeing the Carry On Max Expandable but feeling like you might need just a little more space, let me direct your attention to the Carry On Trunk. This beauty not only comes in that drool-worthy glossy red color I was gushing about earlier, but it also has a built-in charger. Yes, you read that right. With their trunk in tow, gone are the days of frantically staking out gate outlets or panicking over whether your plane has charging ports. It’s sleek, it’s smart, and honestly, it just makes traveling that much easier.
If you’re looking for luggage that’s as functional as it is Instagram-worthy, July deserves a spot on your holiday wish list. Oh, and did I mention, July luggage comes with a lifetime warranty?
Away:
Away is another media darling brand that travelers can’t seem to get off their minds, and the Carry-On Flex shows us exactly why. This stylish suitcase brings a level of practicality and sophistication that makes it stand out in the crowd. I tried it in Olive Green, a chic and earthy hue that’s as timeless as it is modern. It’s the kind of luggage that looks just as good rolling through the terminal as it does sitting in your hotel room.
What sets the Carry-On Flex apart from Away’s regular Carry-On is the added expansion feature, offering an extra 2.25 inches of space. This small but mighty addition is a game-changer. No more sitting on your luggage and praying the zipper doesn’t give out. With the Flex, you can pack that extra sweater or sneak in a second pair of shoes without breaking a sweat. The interior compression system makes it easy to stay organized while squeezing in just a little more.
The durable, lightweight hardshell and smooth 360° spinner wheels make traveling with the Carry-On Flex feel effortless. And let’s talk about the TSA-approved combination lock. This one did take us a few tries to figure out, but maybe that’s a good thing—it’s a reminder that not just anyone can break in. Once set, it offers both security and peace of mind, a feature we’ve come to appreciate on any trip.
This suitcase is perfect for short trips where you need to pack the essentials and maybe a little extra, but we’d recommend going easy on bulky items.
If you’re considering sizing up, Away’s The Trunk is my top pick for checked luggage. I tested it in Coast Blue, and its timeless silhouette and impressive capacity won me over. The slimmer top lid and deeper main compartment make packing and unpacking a breeze. Though the piece itself is pretty lightweight, don’t let that fool you. Its durable shell and interior compression system are built to ensure that everything stays protected and organized (unless I open my suitcase in reverse, in which case, that’s on me). The Trunk is a smart, stylish upgrade for those longer adventures or when you just need to bring it all.
Paravel
For travelers who have the wanderlust bug but want to leave a lighter footprint on the planet, Paravel might just be your perfect travel companion. The Aviator Carry-On Plus is the world’s first carbon-neutral carry-on, and it’s making a big statement in a slightly smaller package. I tested it in Sandstone Black and Safari Green (are you also noticing a color-theme?).
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s the foundation of this suitcase. Crafted from recycled polycarbonate, aluminum, zippers, and vegan leather, it even has a lining made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. And Paravel didn’t stop there. They offset every single carbon emission associated with creating, shipping, and delivering the bag—and even the estimated carbon emissions of its first trip with you.
While it’s smaller than the other pieces in this roundup, the Aviator Carry-On Plus is ideal for the traveler who’s serious about editing down their packing list. It can fit around 5-6 days’ worth of clothes, but its smart design makes it so you’re maximizing every centimeter and millimeter. The bag has a star-studded lineup with: interior compression board, smart pockets, and removable laundry bag help keep everything organized. And maybe my favorite part, the scuff-hiding textured finish ensures it stays looking fresh even after repeated use. You can add a personal touch to your suitcase with a free monogram, printed with UV technology. It’s that extra thoughtful touch that makes this piece feel uniquely yours, and makes it easily identifiable just in case you end up having to check your carry-on at the gate.
I also gave Paravel’s Packing Cube Quad set a test drive. These lightweight cubes are incredibly convenient on the go, but they do lack some structure, so I personally prefer to stash accessories like scarves and belts inside them rather than toiletry bottles. Still, there’s something undeniably satisfying about having a matching set for your suitcase. With matching travel sets trending in clothing, why not extend the style coordination to your luggage? This Packing Cube Quad is perfect for creating that cohesive, put-together travel aesthetic.
CALPAK
CALPAK’s Ambeur Carry-On is the kind of luggage that turns heads in the best way. I opted for Silver color that’s sleek, shiny, and practically shouts, “I’ve got my life together” without needing to say a word. At just 7.1 lbs, it’s lightweight enough to lift into those overhead bins without breaking a sweat or an arm, plus the expandable design gives you an extra 2 inches of packing space. Even with the extra 2 inches, I’d say if you like to pack to the brim, some beloved items will be getting the chop. The smooth-rolling carbon steel wheels and TSA-approved combination lock make it feel like it’s got your back every step of the way.
If you’re already considering this suitcase, I personally think you might as well go for the Ambeur 2-Piece Luggage Set, which includes the Ambeur Large Luggage. I tried it and couldn’t help but love how perfectly the pair works together. The larger suitcase is just as sleek, and the set offers great value for travelers who want both a chic carry-on and a roomy checked bag. Why settle for one when you can double up in style?
And if you’re looking to maximize space for your one personal item on the plane, the Luka Duffel is the move. It’s officially become my go-to bag. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a staycation, or your onboard “everything I might need” bag, this duffel truly does it all. With nine pockets—including one dedicated to your shoes—it’s a minimalist’s dream for staying organized. I opted for the Oatmeal color, a perfect neutral that pairs effortlessly with anything.
This bag is basically a home for all your travel essentials: laptop, lipsticks, chargers, face masks, compression socks, protein bars—you name it. It’s surprisingly roomy and even versatile enough to double as a gym bag. Honestly, it might just earn permanent carry-on status.
Ready for Takeoff
July, Away, Paravel, and CALPAK are all beloved for a reason—their ability to seamlessly blend aesthetics with function is unmatched. These brands have set the bar high, making luggage that looks good and works even better.
July took the top spot for its unbeatable combination of size and durability. Its expandable design and effortless spinner wheels made packing (and navigating airports) feel like a breeze. Plus, their easy-to-figure-put built-in combination lock is certainly a standout feature.
While carry-ons might feel like a challenge for those of us used to packing half our wardrobe, it’s reassuring to know that there are stellar options on the market to make the transition smoother. These bags prove that even overpackers can downsize without compromising on style or function.
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