This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Summer Travel Week, a weeklong focus on how to travel smarter and save money during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The best soft-sided carry-on luggage we tested
Best soft-sided carry-on: Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On.
Best affordable soft-sided carry-on:?Delsey Paris Helium DLX Carry-On Plus Expandable Spinner.
Soft-shell carry-on luggage offers travelers the perfect balance of durability and flexibility for navigating airports, cobblestone streets and everything in between. For over two decades, I’ve traveled almost exclusively with soft-shell carry-on luggage, and to find the 2024 top performers, I put five leading soft-sided carry-on bags through the works.
From the sleek craftsmanship of Briggs & Riley to the practical elegance of Travelpro and the latest designs from Delsey, Swissgear and Samsonite, these are the top contenders for soft-shell carry-on luggage.
This carry-on from Briggs & Riley has a suite of premium features, including a trifold garment keeper and an expandable compression system. Plus, it has enough space for weeklong trips if you pack relatively light.
This is the same as the two-wheel variant but with four wheels for those who want a little more maneuverability and don’t mind a slightly higher price.
The Helium DLX Carry-On Plus Expandable Spinner is a lightweight and spacious carry-on with smooth dual-density wheels, expandable capacity and a removable washable lining. It features a durable design, multiple compartments and includes a bonus toiletry bag.
Best soft-sided carry-on luggage: Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Carry-On
After countless trips and rigorous testing, the Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Two-Wheel Expandable Carry-On has earned its place as my ultimate travel companion. This suitcase merges practical features with a touch of luxury to make travel more efficient and enjoyable.
What really sets this carry-on apart is its expandable compression system. The ease with which I can expand and then compress the bag means I can pack more without worrying about space. The trifold garment keeper is another game-changer, allowing me to carry suits and sport coats wrinkle-free. Plus, it has a nearly flat interior, thanks to the exterior-mounted handle, which optimizes space and keeps everything organized.
The CX one-touch system allows easy expansion and compression for overhead bins.
Despite some minor wear and tear and limited color options, the bag’s durability and the unbeatable lifetime guarantee give me peace of mind. I traveled over 200,000 miles last year, and this bag has proven its worth every mile. It’s not just a suitcase; it’s an investment in stress-free, stylish travel. The Briggs & Riley Essential Carry-On is hands down the best travel companion I’ve ever had.
Pros
- Durable ballistic nylon construction.
- Expandable capacity allows for more packing flexibility.
- Exterior-mounted Outsider handle optimizes interior space.
- CX one-touch compression system helps reduce wrinkles.
- Smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handle.
- Best warranty in the business.
- 50-liter interior capacity, making it the largest in our tests.
Cons
- At 9.7 pounds empty, it’s the heaviest of the five bags we tested.
- Exterior-mounted handle shows signs of wear and tear.
- Very high price point at $659 for the two-wheel model and $699 for the four-wheel model.
Best budget soft-sided carry-on bag: Delsey Paris Helium DLX Carry-On Plus Expandable Spinner
If you’re looking for a solid soft-shell carry-on bag at a more affordable price point, I’m convinced the Delsey Paris Helium DLX is the perfect choice for most travelers. The durable ballistic nylon fabric and DuraTec exterior are impressively resistant to scratches and scuffs, which is nice when airline luggage handlers are rough with your bag.
Even better, the smooth-rolling spinner wheels make navigating through busy airports a breeze, and the multiple pockets and compartments keep everything neatly in place and easily accessible. At under 7 pounds, the lightweight design is incredibly easy to lift into overhead bins too.
We’re also big fans of the 2-inch expansion on this bag. Gone are worries about buying too many souvenirs — just expand the bag and check it, if need be.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks. The design is functional but lacks the stylish appeal of premium brands, and the color options are limited compared to competitors offering more variety. Additionally, some reviews noted problems with zippers and components over time.
Despite these drawbacks, the Delsey Helium DLX exceeded my expectations. The durable construction and thoughtful features make it a reliable companion for frequent flyers. At this price point, it’s an unbeatable deal with a strong value proposition of durability and ease of use without breaking the bank. This carry-on proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality, dependable suitcase.
Pros
- Durable, high-quality construction with ballistic nylon fabric.
- Smooth-rolling spinner wheels for easy maneuverability.
- Intuitive interior organization with pockets and compartments.
- Lightweight at under 7 pounds.
- Good value for the sub-$150 price point.
Cons
- Aesthetic is plain compared to premium soft-shell options.
- Limited color/style options compared to competitors.
- Some reviews indicate quality issues with zippers and components.
How we tested
In the last two years, I’ve traveled over 500,000 miles by plane, and I swear by soft-sided carry-on bags. I’ve always found that compared to hard-shell carry-ons, soft-sided carry-ons offer better expandability, lighter weight and enhanced durability with less scuffing.
So, to test the best soft-sided carry-on, I brought each bag with me on a trip to test its maneuverability, organization and durability. This real-world testing means I got to see how each carry-on actually performed at the airport.
Our tests included evaluating factors like exterior dimensions, interior capacity, weight, material quality, ease of use and value for money. Each bag has its various travel needs and budgets, but most of all, our testing process aimed to help travelers make informed decisions about their carry-on luggage.
How these soft-sided bags compare
| Exterior dimensions | 22 x 14 x 9 to 11.5 in. |
23 x 14.25 x 10 in. |
23 x 14.5 x 9 in. |
22 x 14 x 9 in. |
22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 in. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior dimensions | 21 x 14 x 7.875 to 10.375 in. |
20 x 13.5 x 9 in. |
21 x 14 x 9 in. |
20.3 x 13 x 7.5 in. |
21 x 12.75 x 10.25 in. |
| Empty weight | 9.7 lbs. |
6.7 lbs. |
7.7 lbs. |
8.7 lbs. |
8 lbs. |
| Maximum interior capacity when expanded | 50L |
40L |
43L |
35L |
45L |
| Colors | 3 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
7 |
| Price | $659 | $127 | $314 | $305 | $120 |
What to look for in soft-sided luggage
First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure your soft-sided carry-on meets your airline’s carry-on size requirements. The most common size for full carry-on bags in the US is 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Most of these bags have slightly larger dimensions, but soft-sided bags generally condense slightly.
Speaking of airline restrictions, some airlines limit the weight of your carry-on. Luckily, soft-sided bags are generally lighter than hard-shell options, which can be important if you need to meet weight restrictions.
We recommend soft-sided bags made from resilient materials like nylon, polyester or ballistic fabrics, as they offer enhanced resistance against tears, rips and abrasions while traveling. Although no luggage guarantees complete waterproofing, certain soft-sided options have water-resistant coatings or fabrics. This provides added protection for your belongings, especially if you need to check your carry-on in rainy conditions on the ramp. In our tests, each of our recommended carry-on bags provided varying degrees of water resistance. Finally, a proper soft-shell bag has interior pockets, compression straps and other organizational elements to keep your belongings separated and accessible.
Oh, and a lifetime warranty — though increasingly hard to find — is certainly a plus. This is especially true if you fly 200,000+ miles per year like I do, as your bag is more likely to be damaged on the road.
Other soft-sided carry-on bags we tested
The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Rollaboard, my go-to before switching to the Briggs & Riley, boasts a sleek design, high-density nylon fabric and a generous 53.5-liter capacity with thoughtful organization. Despite being slightly heavier and larger when expanded, its superior construction, generous warranty and traveler-friendly features make it a worthy investment for frequent flyers, and it’s trusted by many flight crews.
The Samsonite Armage II Global Carry-On Spinner is a high-quality, feature-rich bag with smooth Tru-Trac spinner wheels, an organized interior and thoughtful details like an antimicrobial handle and TSA-approved cable lock. Despite its weight and mainstream style, it offers excellent durability and performance.
The Swissgear Sion 6283 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner is a practical and affordable option with ample packing space, an organized interior and a durable, expandable design. Despite limited color options in stock and less smooth wheels, it offers great value for budget-conscious travelers.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a lightweight carry-on that expands and mitigates scuffs, soft-sided carry-on luggage might be right for you.
Leading the pack for 2024 as our top overall pick is the Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Two-Wheel Expandable Carry-On, which combines luxury with practicality with its innovative trifold garment container, CX expansion system and exterior-mounted handle. For those on a budget, the Delsey Paris Helium DLX offers impressive durability with its DuraTec exterior and value without compromising on quality.
Regardless of whether you’re a road warrior or casual leisure traveler, it’s worth investing in luggage that meets your needs, fits your budget and enhances your journey.
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