The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024

Tired of lugging a large heavy suitcase around? Our team is too, and when it comes to travel carrying less has so many benefits:

  • Convenience
  • Time saving 
  • Reduce costs 
  • Peace of mind 
  • Freedom and mobility 

These benefits are why more people are opting to take carry-on luggage only for their next trip, making travel more efficient and easy so you can spend more time enjoying your travels.

Considering sticking to carry-on luggage only on your next trip? Here is our handy guide to help you find the perfect Carry-On Friendly Bag for your needs.

Farpoint/Fairview 40

Gear Capacity: 40L
Weight: 1.58kg
Best for Comfort and Maximising Volume

Features we love:

  • The specific mens (Farpoint) and womens (Fairview) fit allows for ultimate comfort through the adjustable back length, sturdy hipbelt and loader lifters, making this a great option for those maxing out the weight limit 
  • Built in laptop sleeve 
  • Zip away shoulder and hipbelt for convenience when travelling

Matador Seg28

Gear Capacity: 28L
Weight: 1.43kg
Best for Organisation, Style and Saving Weight

Features we love:

  • Segmented design for full bag optimisation 
  • Sneaky security back access pocket - perfect for your passport 
  • Side compression straps that help keep the weight close to your back 

Matador Globerider*

Gear Capacity: 45L
Weight: 2.04kg
Best for Simplicity, Style and Volume 

Features we love:

  • Cushioned, breathable back panel and shoulder straps
  • Stowable hip belt and shoulder straps
  • Clamshell design with flexible internal organization
  • External access admin pocket with layered organization

Hyperlite Waypoint 

Gear Capacity: 35L
Weight 0.66kg*
Best for Ultralight Travel

Features we love:

  • At only 666g, this is one of our lightest options.
  • Roll top allows flexibility in volume to meet airline requirements but then having flexibility while you travel 
  • Durable Dyneema® construction makes it highly water resistant and more durable against wear and tear

Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 

Gear Capacity: 30L 
Weight: 1.29kg
Best for Commuter, Work and Play Combo 

Features we love: 

  • Three carrying configurations allow the bag to be used as a backpack, a shoulder bag/cross-body bag or a duffel/briefcase.
  • Stowable padded hip belt doubles as the shoulder strap.
  • Built with recycled materials and a recycled TPU-film laminate; meets tighter carry-on requirements
  • Fits smaller framed bodies 

PacerPack Fast 40

Gear Capacity: 40L
Weight: 1kg
Best for Organisation + Lightweight + Value for Money

Features we love: 

  • Large front pocket storage, great for quick access items 
  • Dedicated rear padded laptop/tablet pocket with zip access 
  • Concealable rear shoulder straps convert this bag to a backpack
  • Rear luggage trolley loop helps secure your bag to larger suitcases

PacSafe Go 34L 

Gear Capacity: 34 litres
Weight : 0.75kg
Best for Lightweight Travel and Security 

Feature we love:

  • Anti theft features - RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets and material, TurnNLock security hood, Carrysafe® slashguard strap with Dyneema® Lockable zip sliders (sliders with lock holes)
  • Fits a wide range of users and can be worn 2 different ways, as a backpack or duffel. 
  • PFC-free water repellent shell fabric

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

Gear Capacity: 45L
Weight : 1.8kg
Best for Maximum Security 

Features we love:

  • Can be carried like a backpack, suitcase, or duffle bag
  • Fits a 16” MacBook Pro and most 16” laptops in a padded sleeve for extra protection
  • Anti-Theft features - RFIDsafe™ blocking pocket and material, PopNLock security clip, Carrysafe® slashguard straps with Dyneema and double stainless steel wire, eXomesh® slashguard, Roobar™ Deluxe locking system and Puncture resistant ToughZip

No two trips are alike, and having the right bag can make all the difference. At backpacking light we have a huge range of products to make your travels easier and lighter. Our knowledgeable team is always here to help in store or via email, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and tell us about your upcoming adventure. Shop our Carry-On Travel Collection here.

*Please note that carry-on luggage requirements, including size and weight limits, vary by airline. It is your responsibility to verify these specifics directly with your airline before deciding the best bag for your needs.*