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Best Small Carry On Luggage


I think you’ll agree with me that packing light and carrying a small luggage will allow you to travel comfortably and beat stringent limits. Even if you need to carry a large bag for long trips, a small carry-on still comes in handy.

It can contain your laptop and other items you wish not to check. The best thing about them is that they are easy to carry – I guess the name says it all. So let’s look at some of the best small carry-on luggage you will find in the market.

Why Do You Need A Small Carry-On?

If you are an individual who usually travels with a large suitcase, you may know the stresses and cost of checking them. Other more reasons to ditch your suitcase for a smaller one include the fact that they are easier to carry.

Apart from the checking and boarding process, small bags are much easier to carry. Pulling a large wheeled luggage down an uneven street is not easy and it requires much pulling and yanking. With a small carry-on, you can just lift it up and be on your way. Several small carry-ons have both wheels and straps if you need to carry them on your shoulder. A good product always feels light and well-ventilated.

As you may have realized by now, checking your bag is stringent business, especially if you are traveling internationally. A small carry on will allow you to avoid checking your bag making the boarding process quicker, easier and cheaper.

Even if it is important to carry a lot of items, it is still a great idea to have a smaller carry-on such as a durable backpack. With it, you can carry items such as a laptop onto the flight and get work done on long flights.

Upsides And Downsides Of A Small Bag

One of the benefits of having a small carry-on is that they are easy to move whether in an airport or a new city. They are also easy to carry and keep them close to you. That is because losing them is more difficult than losing a bag you check in.

One of the main disadvantages is overhead bin space and is something that may discourage many. However, if you are a frequent traveler, a small quantity bag may prove godsend.

Things to consider when purchasing a small carry-on

  • Price: When it comes to bags, the price is very important. As you are aware, price and quality go hand in hand and the cheapest can prove the most expensive in the long run. However, that does not mean you go all the way and get yourself an over-the-budget item. One in the range of 100 and 200 dollar range is not too shabby.
  • Weight and Size of the Bag: While most small bags will pass the size limit test with ease, the weight also needs consideration. A small but heavy bag will have you packing so as to beat the weight limit of some international airlines. One below 7 pounds is a good starting point.Even if your bag looks small to you, you still need to be sure that it is allowed as a carry on by your carrier. Although one with a length of 20 inches will pass without checking in, it can sometimes be considered too large.
  • Compartments and Features of the Bag: A water-resistive bag when going on a skiing vacation is the best thing. If you get one with a compartment for liquids, then you are in good stead. A bag you can wheel is always a plus and a convenience regardless of the size. The compartments have to be useful to allow you to easily get items in and out.
  • Durability of the Bag: There is no use of acquiring a cheaply-made item that will crumble over time. Invest in quality and you will be glad you did.

Best Small Carry-on Luggage Reviews

#1: Travelon Wheeled Underseat Carry-On


This is one of the most-liked small luggage on the market and it is for a good reason. You have the option of using it as the sole luggage or as an add-on. It also comes along with a backup bag qualifying as a carry-on.

Another good thing about this product is that it is extendable just in case you need extra space. And at only 7 pounds, this is definitely, lightweight. With a size of 14″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″, the item will comfortably pass as a carry-on at all airlines.

Pros

  • Several useful compartments
  • Lightweight in nature beating weight restrictions
  • Compact build allowing you to easily carry it by hand
  • Has wheels for added convenience
  • Stylish and attractive
  • Made with microfiber for strength, water resistance and easiness in cleaning

Cons

  • Does not have a piggy strap

#2: Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside Spinner Boarding Bag


This is an excellent bag with several front pockets for easy packing. These pockets are ideal for carrying extra items that can include a laptop. The product is 100% durable nylon with a 4 multi-directional spinner wheels making it easy to move. And with measurements of 17 x 7.5 x 14 inches, this item will fit into most overhead bins and spaces under the seats on a plane.

Pros

  • The price is excellent for its quality
  • Durable and will last for years
  • It is the perfect size for a carry-on

Cons

  • None that we could immediately identify

#3: Travelpro Maxlite 4 Rolling Tote


Dubbed the rolling tote, this is a smaller version of other Maxlite 4 bags. As such, you should expect the same high-quality workmanship, durability, aesthetics, and practicality. Measuring at just 15.5″ x 13″ x 8.5″, the Maxlite 4 Rolling Tote qualifies as an international carry-on. Its polyester build means it is both waterproof and stain-resistive. At just 6 pounds, this is one of the lightest you can get your hands on.

Pros

  • Like all Travelpro bags, this comes with a limited lifetime warranty
  • It rolls very easily on its spinner wheels
  • Extra protection with extra skins and guards placed in areas of high vulnerability
  • Will fit into any overhead bin

Cons

  • The zippers are not self-repairing

#4: Baggallini Carryon Rolling Travel Tote


Weighing in at just 5 pounds, this is a very light bag. It is made from crinkle nylon and so it is durable. And with a size of 17″ x 14.5″ x 8″, the it is easy to haul.

It will also fit into most overhead bins and under most seats. The product comes with a shoulder strap meaning that you can carry it over your shoulder. And the wheels mean you can easily roll it. The item is also aesthetically appealing.

Pros

  • Wheeling is easy
  • Aesthetically appealing
  • It has a laptop compartment
  • For its size, this is a spacious bag
  • The colors and patterns make it easy to spot

Cons

    • It is a little bit more on the pricey side

#5: Samsonite Silhouette Xv Softside Spinner Boarding Bag


A great carry-on fits perfectly in most overhead bins and this product is no exception. With a measurement of 17″ x 14″ x 7.75″, Ebags.com classifies it as an international carry-on. It has an attractive warranty of 10 years – this is one of the best indications of quality. It is nylon-made and this can only mean that it is strong.

Pros

  • Weighing at just 7 pounds, it is lightweight making it easy to carry
  • For a small bag, it is very spacious and easily accessible
  • It is high-quality
  • It also has spinners and wheeling it makes it even easy to maneuver
  • It also has a padded laptop compartment

Cons

  • It has a single large compartment. While that offers easy access to items, some travelers prefer a bag with several interior compartments

There are many products to choose from when it comes to getting a good small carry-on luggage. Apart from quality, the most important thing to consider is the price. It is best to get a bag that fits your budget. At the same time, you do not want to get one that is too low in price, since a low-priced one may not be of good quality.

Our choice in this review is definitely Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside Spinner Boarding Bag. It has the perfect price quality balance and has a great size too – for a carry-on of course. Another plus is its padded laptop compartment. In case of any drops, you can rest assured that your laptop will be safe.

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