If you’re looking for the best carry on luggage for men then you have come to the right place, as this guide takes you through everything you need to know when purchasing mens carry on luggage.
When purchasing mens hand luggage you want to ensure you purchase something durable, whilst still being practical in that it’s lightweight and able to carry everything you need for your trip. Consideration needs to be given to your preference for a suitcase or backpack as well as whether practicality or style is your priority.
In this guide I’ll take you through everything you need to consider step by step to ensure you purchase the best mens carry on bag. I will help you understand the importance of size and weight, the type of mens carry on travel bag you purchase and a range of other important factors. Lastly, I’ll take you through various mens carry on luggage reviews, which include some of the best mens luggage brands.
Whether you’re after the best mens suitcase, backpack or duffel bag, or perhaps the best mens business travel bag or best luggage for men’s suits, I have no doubt you will find just what you’re looking for in this guide.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
Our Pick for the Best Carry On Luggage For Men: Hynes Eagle Backpack 
Don’t have time to read the entire mens carry bags guide? Well, my pick for the best carry on for men is the Hynes Eagle backpack. It is one of the lightest carry on’s in this review, which means it doesn’t eat into your precious luggage weight allowance. Some of its other great features include being able to attach it to your wheeled luggage or carry it as a duffle and I love how it opens like a suitcase making it easy to locate things.
Keep reading below for my full review on the Hynes Eagle Backpack.
Travel Bags for Men Comparison Chart
For a quick overview of all the mens cabin luggage contained in this guide, check out the handy table below. Here you can easily compare the various features of the mens hand luggage bags side by side in order to make an informed decision as to which is the best bag for you.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|
EDITOR’S CHOICE  |
1. Samsonite Omni
|
4.2 | Check Price |
RUNNER UP  |
2. Delsey Helium
|
4.2 | Check Price |
 |
3. Road Runner Carry-on with Laptop Pocket 20”
|
5 | Check Price |
  |
4. Samsonite Solyte
|
4.0 | Check Price |
  |
5. Osprey Porter
|
4.6 | Check Price |
  |
6. Hynes Eagle Backpack
|
4.4 | Check Price |
  |
7. Briggs & Riley Baseline
|
4.4 | Check Price |
  |
8. Herschel Novel Duffel
|
4.1 | Check Price |
  |
9. SUVOM Canvas Duffel
|
4.5 | Check Price |
  |
10. Komal’s Passion Leather Duffel
|
4.8 | Check Price |
The Best Mens Carry On Luggage: My Reviews
1. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner 
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside One Size Spinner is a fantastic super lightweight case for men searching for a great quality suitcase at an affordable price.
With an extremely scratch resistant mirco-diamond texture on the exterior of the case, this carry on suitcase is sure to withstand all the usual wear and tear inflicted by harsh airport elements. Not only is this case super durable it also looks stylish too, with 9 colors to choose from.
This bag is also great for keeping your things organized with a full zip interior, divider and cross-straps to ensure everything stays where it is supposed to. With added expansion, all your belongings will fit comfortably in the case while still being able to separate items for extra protection or to make them easily accessible during flights.
Other features include a retractable handle, lightweight spinner wheels and a side mounted TSA lock for extra security while travelling. All this as well as the 360 spinner wheels makes this a great and easy option for carry on luggage.
This case is well recommended for those after a stylish mens carry on luggage with maximum space for their belongings and after the best mens travel suitcase.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.
2. Delsey Helium Aero 
The Desley Luggage Helium Aero is a fantastic hard case bag which is TSA approved and a great choice as one of the best carry on bag men will love.
The Delsey carry on bag is a great size and is reasonably lightweight and durable. Made from 100% polycarbonate which is super resilient to cracking. For the security conscious travellers there is a side mounted TSA lock which is designed for airport personal to open your bag without damaging it.
You’ll love how easy this carry on is to manoeuvre around the airport. The double spinner wheels as well as the two-position handle system make getting around a breeze. Other great features include the 2 inch expandable pocket perfect to store souvenirs purchase whilst travelling as well as the two extra-large fully lined pockets inside the case perfect for organising all your belongings. There are two side handles perfect for carrying the case when required such as lifting it into overhead bins or in and out of the car.
This is a great mid-range carry on bag which also comes with a ten-year warranty for peace of mind. Available in 9 different colors.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.3. LEVEL 8 Road Runner Carry-on with Laptop Pocket
The Road Runner carry on offers a sleek and smart look for everyday use. You can carry everything you need in this 38 litre carry on including your laptop and still fit it into the overhead locker. Weighing only 8.9 lbs, it is made by aerospace-grade bayer Makrolon® Hard Shell, it is lightweight, water resistant so you don’t have to worry about your gear getting wet.
Other features include ultra quiet 360° durable spinner wheels perfect for the cobblestones around Europe, and a front laptop sleeve for your laptop that comes with a lock to keep it secure. Also, the main compartment comes with a TSA-approved combination lock.
The Road Runner come with a lifetime warranty that covers any functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that impairs your use of the luggage and is the perfect carry on for a range of environments.
Don’t forget to use code: travelpassionate10 at check out for a 10% discount.
4. Samsonite Solyte Softside Carry On 
Samsonite products are known for their reliability, durability, style and innovative functionality, making them the global leader in travel products. The Solyte Softside Carry On is exactly what Samsonite is known for – excellent quality and value for the money.
One of the best suitcase for men’s suits, the Solyte is a compact carry on with integrated top and side carry handles and a bevelled alloy pull handle. The large front pocket can be accessed from the inside and outside of the bag, and it has an extra front zipped compartment for small accessories. The hangar hook bracket means that you can pack your clothes straight from your closet to your bag – hangars included! And no need to worry about your pants not fitting – the Solyte has an extender panel to fit in longer garments.
One complaint from reviewers is that it is too wide to fit down the aisle of the plane. Keep in mind that you may have to carry this garment bag down the aisle instead of wheeling it.
Available in 2 colors, with a lifetime warranty, the Samsonite Solyte Softside is a great choice if you’re after the best carry on for men’s suits as it can survive the rigors of life on the road and is built to last.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.5. Osprey Porter Mens Carry On Bag 
Osprey are easily one of the best carry on luggage brands in the business and the 46 litre Porter is a popular choice for those after a backpack for carry on luggage.
You can fit a lot of stuff in this backpack, so to ensure it meets the airlines carry on requirements be sure not to over pack it. With the use of the straightjacket compression straps and provided it’s not jam packed, this is one of the biggest packs accepted as carry on luggage. If you return with too much gear from your trip, its great to have the option to fill it to its capacity and check it in.
This bag is not overflowing with various compartments, but it has all the essentials and all the space you’ll need whether you’re travelling for a few weeks to a few months. The main compartment is large and easily fits a few large storage cubes. The reinforced cord loops allow you to attach a day pack and the latest Porter bags have the added edition of a rear padded laptop compartment.
Other features of this backpack include stowaway shoulder straps and hip belt, front panel organisation pocket for easy access to small travel items and the padded top and side handles make it easy to carry when necessary.
This pack comes in a variety of colours including black, grey, teal and red as well as the option of a 30 or 65 litre. For extra peace of mind, Osprey will repair any damage or defect to your bag free of charge – no matter how long ago you purchased it! If they can’t repair it, they will replace it instead.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.6. Hynes Eagle Carry On Backpack
Hynes Eagle Carry On Backpack is designed to fit the maximum size of all IATA (International Air Transport Association) flights, and will fit in the overhead compartment AND under the seat! This waterproof crinkle nylon backpack has a soft exterior for durability, but still protects your belongings from damage and moisture.
This is a great piece of carry on luggage as it has 4 carrying options that transform it from a carry on backpack to a travel duffel – you can slip it over the handles of your wheeled luggage via the back panel, carry it via the contoured backpack straps (which can also be hidden away!), or use the top or the side padded carry handles. The air mesh back support is padded for extra comfort.
A big plus for this carry on travel backpack is the ability to compress it from its 44 litre capacity down to 38 litre via the 4 exterior compression buckle straps and zipper. An adjustable sternum strap and removable waist strap aids in stabilization and maximizes comfort when carrying.
The main compartment opens right up, just like a suitcase! There is 1 large zip mesh compartment in the ‘base’, and 2 small zip mesh pockets and 1 zip compartment in the ‘lid’. The exterior has 2 quick access front zip pockets and a middle zip pocket with several slip pockets for accessories such as your passport, phone or wallet. There is also a side pocket with an elasticized top designed to hold a drink bottle. And if that’s not enough for you, there is an added back compartment for a laptop up to 17 inches! Phew!
The Hynes Eagles Carry On Backpack is a bag that is made to last. Available in 5 colors, and coming with a lifetime warranty, it is a great value mens carry on backpack.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.7. Briggs & Riley Baseline International Carry On 
The Briggs & Riley Baseline International Carry On suitcase may cost the big bucks, but it more than makes up for it with its exceptional quality and an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Available in 2 colors, the outer fabric is ballistic nylon that resists wear, dirt, moisture and abrasion.
The most exciting thing about this suitcase is its expansion-compression system – this allows you to increase the capacity by 34%, and then compress the bag back to its original size, enabling it to fit into the overhead storage with ease! The fibreglass frame makes this carry on suitcase lightweight, flexible and durable, and helps the suitcase hold its shape.
The aircraft grade aluminium handles (with 4 stop positions) are found on the outside of the bag, which provides a greater interior capacity, as well as none of those annoying internal handle bumps that make your clothes wrinkle. The V-groove handle tubes guarantee less jamming, meaning no more of those embarrassing moments of trying to shove the handles down when in a rush. Reviewers of this two-wheel roller suitcase mention that they have no problems with the bag tipping over, even when packed to capacity.
The main compartment includes a fold-out suit pocket, letting you ‘hang’ your suit inside still on the hanger. The handy SpeedThru pocket allows you to quickly stow items without having to open the compartments, which is handy when you are rushing to repack your deodorant after going through security.
The Baseline International Carry On is the ideal mens business luggage carry on for those who want one bag for both domestic and international travel, with a lifetime warranty.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.8. Herschel Novel Duffel Bag
If you are looking for the perfect male carry on duffel bag for an overnight adventure or weekend away, look no further than the Herschel Novel Duffel Bag. Available in over 40 colors and tones (yes, 40!), Herschel is the coolest name in bags!
This good looking 42.5 litre duffel has double reinforced carry handles with wrap-around bands and a removable, adjustable 55” padded webbing shoulder strap for easy and comfortable transporting through the airport and while boarding the plane.
Made from a washable polyester canvas with a lovely printed nylon lining, this duffel doesn’t get dirty easily. The inside contains one small pocket, and there are no other exterior pockets, which several reviewers complained about. Another issue that has been mentioned numerous times is that the shoulder strap clasps squeak. Loudly.
The highlight of the Novel Duffel is the shoe pocket, or, as Herschel like to call it, the ‘signature shoe garage’. This is a separate pocket on the exterior of the bag, protecting your clothes from whatever muck is on your shoes.
Coming with a limited lifetime warranty, and weighing only 1 pound, the Herschel Novel Duffel is the ultimate in cool mens carry on luggage.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.9. SUVOM Canvas Duffel Bag
This sleek SUVOM Canvas Duffel Bag is a great choice in weekend carry on luggage for men, with space to hold at least 3 days of clothes, along with a laptop and shoes. Made with 100% thick cotton canvas and genuine crazy horse leather (a high-grade leather that gives an antique, vintage appearance), this is a duffel you will use for years.
Lots of handles make this an easy-to-carry bag, with comfortable top and side handles and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. The base of the bag is nice and thick, giving protection to your items inside.
Now, if you like a bag with lots of storage compartments, look no further – this duffel comes with so many pockets! The exterior features the main compartment, 2 side zipper pockets, 2 front zipper pockets (with a magnetic button flap), and an almost invisible back zipper pocket. A shoe compartment is featured only on the blue colored bag. The interior had 1 zipper pocket and 2 small wall pockets for passports, coins or a phone.
This SUVOM Canvas Duffel is the perfect weekend bag and can even double as your gym bag! It will easily fit in the overhead compartments of airplanes. Available in 5 colors, it is a stylish choice that will stand out in the crowd.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.10. Komal’s Passion Leather Duffel Bag 
The Komal’s Passion Leather Duffel Bag is a refined vintage duffel with a 21st century twist. It is an all-purpose bag that can be used for travel, gym, sports and recreation…the list goes on. The 100% genuine goat leather and durable brass hardware make this duffel a stylish piece that gets better with age. And it’s a great price, too.
Lined with durable canvas, the main compartments are quite large, allowing you to fit clothes and accessories for travel, or sports gear for the big game. You can fit a pair of shoes in each of the 2 side zipper pockets, and a small front pocket completes this perfect weekender. Carry via the two top handles or the adjustable should strap (with shoulder pad). Note, the shoulder strap is not removable.
Ideal as carry-on luggage, the classy Passion Leather Duffel can take whatever abuse is thrown at it. It truly is the must-have baggage that will last a generation.
Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.What to look for when purchasing the best carry on for men
What makes the best mens hand luggage bag depends on a few things. Let’s look a bit closer at a few of the things you should keep in mind when purchasing carry on luggage.
1. Size
When purchasing the best travel luggage for men to use not just as a carry on bag, but also as your only travel bag, size really does matter. In fact, that combined with weight (see below) is the most important thing to keep in mind.
Unfortunately, there is no standard maximum size for carry on luggage so I highly recommend you double check your airline’s limits before you go all happy go lucky with your 65L backpack. However, all the luggage I recommend in this guide is generally accepted on most airlines as suitable cabin baggage.
What is the best carry on luggage size really is a personal choice. Some would say that the best carry on size luggage is the biggest carry on bag that meets the airlines requirements. Whilst others prefer to pack super light and so prefer the smallest bag necessary. Before making your purchase, consider how much stuff you like to pack and what size baggage you will need.
In the mens cabin luggage bags reviews below are both large and small carry on luggage options. So, whatever your preference no doubt there is something perfect for you!
2. Weight
With airlines being strict on the weight of carry on baggage it is super important to choose the lightest carry on luggage which meets your requirements. Some mens carry on suitcase options can be heavy, eating into your precious baggage allowance. If your bag is over the limit you may be asked to check your luggage in which can add an unexpected expense.
In the table above, I have included the weights of all the mens hand luggage suitcase and bag options for your convenience.
3. Suitcase or Backpack
Do you prefer a suitcase or a backpack? There are pros and cons for using either, so it really is a matter of personal preference.
A suitcase can be wheeled and so in some respects is easier to transport, however this is not always the case. If you need to carry your bag up and down stairs or across cobblestones and through crowded areas, a backpack is far easier to transport.
Suitcases often weigh more than a backpack which is not ideal when you are travelling only with carry on luggage. If you are only travelling with cabin luggage, you don’t want to be using precious weight on your baggage.
Clothing and personal items are far easier to find and access from a suitcase. Suitcases usually just require a quick unzip to open, whereas backpacks require you to open various straps and compartments to find things.
4. Wheels
If you decide to go for one of the best mens rolling luggage options, you will want to consider wheels.
When wheeling a bag around a busy airport you want luggage that is easy to manoeuvre. Believe me, if you want the best mens travel luggage it is worth investing a little extra for this. Luggage that doesn’t easily go where you want it to will leave you frustrated and stressed before you even board your plane.
Once upon a time, the standard carry on suitcases just came with two wheels. Now you can also get carry on luggage which come with four wheels.
A two wheel suitcase, also known as rollers, require you to tilt it to wheel it and it doesn’t easily go around corners or through narrow spaces. Even the best wheeled carry on luggage with two wheels tends to fall over when left unaided and it’s impossible to pull more than one.
However there still are some advantages of using one a 2 wheel carry on suitcase over a four or more wheeled one. Two wheel suitcases are usually easier to pull behind you and quite often once you leave the airport you will tend to want to pull your case rather than push it. Two wheel carry on luggage options tend to be able to handle cobblestones and uneven surfaces much better than other cases.
Four-wheel suitcases, also known as spinners, are now becoming the standard and are far easier to manoeuvre around busy airports. 4 wheel carry on luggage easily moves in any direction, including going around corners with ease.
A light push on the handle is all that is usually required to move the suitcase around the airport and doesn’t require you to hold any of the weight. 4 wheeled carry on luggage is also far easier wheeling through a narrow plane aisle than two wheeled suitcases.
Some suitcases even come with eight wheels, these are referred to as double spinners.
5. Compartments
Suitcases with expandable compartments are great as they provide you with a place to store your various purchases during your travels. No need to buy an additional bag, you simply unzip the expandable compartment for more space.
Some expandable luggage comes with various compartments and pockets for your smaller belongings. A common feature these days is a dedicated compartment for your laptop which is designed to keep your laptop safe and secure as well as easily accessible whilst travelling. This is perfect if you’re looking at men’s business travel luggage.
6. Hard or Soft
If you’re after the best suitcase for men, you will need to consider whether a hard or soft cased one is better.
Soft shell bags are more common and are much easier to squeeze into overhead compartments than the hard-shell bags. Soft carryon luggage usually comes with an expandable pocket, although this is also becoming true for hard cases too.
Hard-shell carry-on luggage will provide better protection for your belongings. The disadvantage with a hard-shell suitcase is that it is likely to weigh more than a soft shell case. If you prefer a hard-shell suitcase be sure to look for a lightweight one, as you don’t want to use too many of those precious pounds for your suitcase in lieu of your items.
7. Handles
Regardless of whether you choose a suitcase or a backpack, it’s important that your carry on luggage has an easy to use handle.
On suitcases some handles can be difficult to use in that they don’t retract quickly and easily which is not ideal when you are walking through a busy airport or trying to load your bag quickly on to an airplane. The best telescopic handles are tall enough to allow you to pull your luggage at a comfortable arm length while also contracting to mid-way.
Backpack or suitcase be sure that your bag has top and side handles in order to make it easier when loading into the overhead compartments.
8. Straps
If you purchase a backpack you will need to ensure your pack is comfortable to carry.
The best carry on backpack for men will have a good strap system which will spread the load of the backpack across your back, with most of the weight resting on your hips via the hip belt. Some backpacks come with pockets in the hip belt for snacks or small phones.
Things to consider when looking at straps include padding, breathable fabric, if they are removable, adjustable, if they stow away for plane travel and do they have any pockets.
Backpack straps are adjustable around the hips, the shoulders, and even across the chest to keep the shoulder straps in place regardless of body shape.
9. Water Resistant
A water-resistant bag gives you extra protection when travelling in wet weather. Whilst water resistant bags aren’t designed to be water proof, they do give you that extra bit of time to seek shelter or pull out a rain cover without have your personal belongings getting wet.
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