After traveling to 100 countries without checked luggage, I know a thing or two about traveling light and packing efficiently. However, you don’t need to be a world traveler to know that traveling with a high-quality carry-on bag also plays a huge role in getting around.
With so many luggage options, choosing the best hard-shell carry-on bag for your needs can be overwhelming. However, we think we may have an excellent bag for most people.
The sleek and minimal American Tourister Stratum 2.0 Carry-On Spinner may just be the best sub-$100 carry-on bag I’ve used to date.
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 provides the functionality and maneuverability that we’ve come to expect from the American Tourister brand. But it comes at a fraction of the cost of many other well-known brands.
Let’s take a closer look at the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 and why you should consider it for your next carry-on bag.
The American Tourister Startum 2.0 carry-on bag is a super-affordable option for those looking to pack a few days’ worth of clothes. The carry-on bag’s outer shell is made of an ultra-durable material, ensuring you can use it for many trips to come.
What we liked about it
American Tourister is a well-known and respected name in the travel community. Widely regarded as one of the best all-around budget companies in the game, they hit the mark again with the American Tourister Stratum 2.0.
The Stratum 2.0 clocks in at 20 inches; however, there are also larger 24-inch and 28-inch versions available if you plan to check a bag. We tested the smallest 20-inch version, which comes in at just under 7.5 pounds unpacked, making it a convenient travel option.
Here is what we liked about the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 after using it for a trip.
The design is minimal yet practical
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 boasts an incredibly sleek and minimal design.
The bag comes with a textured, shiny ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) shell, making it highly durable and designed to be long-lasting. Better yet, the bag is easy to spot, thanks to its distinctive design.
The trolley-styled handles are made of an ergonomic carbon fiber and can adjust to different heights. The handles are smooth, and they extend and retract easily.
It’s easy to pack
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 is divided into two main sections: a side with a zippered mesh divider and a side with elastic compression tie straps.
The carry-on bag was perfectly designed with packing and organization in mind. The compartments ensure that your clothes and other personal items remain separated.
Smooth ride
In addition, the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 features four wear-and-tear-tested 360-degree spinner wheels, which allow for easy movements in any direction. These robust ball wheels impressed me equally on both smooth and uneven surfaces.
I was particularly astonished by the smooth glide of the wheels across the floor. This aspect is immensely significant, as there’s nothing more exasperating than wrestling with a bag that refuses to cooperate with your intended direction.
Lots of colors
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 comes in various colors, allowing you to pick something that matches your style and aesthetic. These colors include Jet Black, Charcoal, Slate Blue, Papaya, Lavender and Pink Blush, among others.
With such a wide range of options, you’ll likely find a color that suits your taste.
The price is incredible
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 truly stands out with its affordable price point, starting at just $90 for the smallest size. This is an excellent option for travelers looking for a deal on a solid carry-on bag.
What we didn’t like about it
Although the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 has a lot of excellent qualities, the bag has some drawbacks.
No laptop compartment or quick-grab compartments
Many more premium roller carry-on bags feature a separate compartment or sleeve for your laptop. Unfortunately, the American Tourister Stratum 2.0 does not have a dedicated pocket or compartment for a laptop.
This is a drawback as anyone traveling with a laptop would need a separate personal item bag unless they want to risk just loosely placing a laptop inside their carry-on bag.
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 does not have any quick access pockets for smaller personal items either, like a passport or battery bank.
No TSA lock
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 does not have an integrated TSA lock. However, the zippers do interlock to accommodate a TSA-approved lock.
How it compares
| Weight (empty) | 7.3 lbs. |
7.5 lbs. |
7.1 lbs. |
6.8 lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 x 9.5 x 22 in. |
21.7 x 14.4 x 9 in. |
21 x 14 x 9 in. |
9.5 x 15 x 22 in. |
| Warranty | Limited |
Limited |
2 year limited |
10 year limited |
| Carrying capacity | 42.8 L |
39.8 L |
43 L |
41 L |
| Colors | Jet Black, Charcoal, Blue, Bright Teal, Slate Blue, Papaya, Lavender, Pink Blush, Plum, Jade Green, Sky Blue, Purple Haze |
Black, Navy Blue, Coast Blue, Olive Green, Wave Blue, Orange, White, Garnet |
Rose Gold, Black, Gold, Silver |
Black, Caribbean Blue, Navy, Purple, Red, Teal |
| Price | $90 | $275 | $195 | $130 |
Bottom line
The American Tourister Stratum 2.0 is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a new carry-on bag. Whether you are taking a quick weekend trip or heading across the country for a week, it’s a solid choice for under $100.
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