With summer in full swing, it’s likely that you’re planning a holiday while convincing yourself you need five outfit changes a day, only to end up wearing the same bikini, linen shorts, and oversized button-down you’ve had on since morning. Which is why I’m a firm believer in the power of a small but mighty cabin bag.
As someone who refuses to check in their luggage—partly because I don’t want to lug around my tote on my shoulder and partly because I don’t like to wait at baggage claim—I’ve become a hardshell cabin bag loyalist. They’re easier to wipe down after being dragged through airports than soft suitcases, fit neatly into overhead bins, and are way less stressful to slide through terminals while trying to catch a red-eye flight. Four-wheel spinners, I’ve come to realise, are also easier to manoeuvre down narrow airplane aisles.
The best cabin bags are lightweight but sturdy, functional without looking boring, and smooth enough to roll one-handed while clutching an iced coffee, passport, and boarding pass. Below, the best-looking carry-ons to invest in right now, including a few that are on sale.
