Travelling light is often the best way to get about and having the best carry-on luggage is an ideal way to do it. Without having to check in a bag when you’re flying often means there’s less hassle at either end while a lightweight setup will help make lugging your kit about easier overall. 

But you’re still going to want to rely on some key pieces of luggage that allow you to pack the essentials but keep to that lightweight ethos. Remember, it’s always worth checking out the required dimensions used by the airline you’re planning to fly with before purchasing a certain piece of luggage. Let’s check out some of the best carry-on luggage about. 

Osprey Transporter Duffel – £125

Travelling light is all about maximising space. The Transporter Duffel from Osprey is one of our favourites as it’s got loads of room inside – even in carry-on friendly 40-litre specification – but still feels compact enough to sling over a shoulder when you’re in a hurry. 

It’s got a weather-resistant coating on the outside and there’s a handy end pocket for those essentials. All of the webbing straps have a chunky, robust feeling to them too. 

Yeti Panga 28L Backpack – £300

The Panga Backpack is built with Yeti’s typically no-nonsense approach. With a hardwearing ‘ThickSkin’ shell and a chunky EVA-moulded base, the Panga is a carry-on bag that can really take a beating – be that when it’s packed into an overhead locker or thrown into the storage area of a bus. 

While the Panga might be designed primarily for water-based use due to its waterproof construction, it’s actually one of the best carry-on luggage options and one that’ll keep all of your belongings secure and dry. 

Fjallraven High Coast Duffel – £100

Fjallraven does an excellent range of backpacks but the High Coast Duffel is here for when you need a little extra space. At £100 it’s pretty good value for money and it’s available in a variety of colours to help suit your mood. You can also carry it with the side handles or switch them up to use the High Coast like a more traditional backpack. 

A clamshell opening also helps to give quick and easy access to your gear while a padded back section ensures valuables don’t get crunched. 

Bach Dr Duffel – £145

Looking for a slightly quirkier option? The Bach Dr Duffel comes in with a different approach. It’s designed around a typical doctor’s bag, meaning that it’s free-standing but opens outwards to create a wide access point to the main area of the bag. 

It’s all made from hard-wearing Cordura fabric, too, and has stowable shoulder straps that allow you to carry it like a normal backpack or sling it down at your side to carry it in your hands. 

Travelpro Maxlite Slim – £112

If you’d rather go down the wheel route, then the Travelpro Maxlite Slim could be bang on the money for you. It’s designed to meet all major airline restrictions on carry-on baggage and has a lightweight handle alongside smooth-running wheels to take the strain out of your travel. 

Two exterior pockets are great for the essentials and a clever expandable zipper means you can boost the bag’s capacity when you really need that extra space. 

The North Face Base Camp Voyager – £98

It’s not much of a surprise that The North Face has an option that’ll fit the bill. The Base Camp Voyager is ideal for those adventures which require a compact approach. Two exterior bottle pockets mean that you’ll always stay hydrated and there’s a padded laptop sleeve inside too.

This recycled material-made bag also has a handy pass-through design which means that it can easily be linked to a rolling suitcase to make transportation a little easier again.