That said, the Seattle Carry-On isn’t for everyone. The price tag is a bit steep, and while I love the minimalist Dark Moss color, I get that the limited palette might not appeal to those looking for something more eye-catching. Still, if you’re after a carry-on that’s equal parts functional and stylish, and you appreciate a bag that helps you feel like the most put-together person in the terminal, this one’s a winner. It’s made for travelers who want to stay cool, calm, and impeccably organized on the go.
The Best Expandable Carry-On: July Carry-On Light Expandable
The July Carry-On Light proves that traveling light doesn’t have to mean cutting corners—and after testing it, I’m thoroughly impressed. At just 3.9 pounds, this bag is so lightweight I actually did a double-take when I picked it up for the first time. Yet despite its featherweight feel, it’s made from tough polycarbonate that easily stood up to being tossed into overhead bins and handled with less-than-gentle care. It’s also surprisingly roomy for its size, with an expandable compartment that adds up to 20 percent more packing space—a feature that saved me during a trip when I couldn’t resist adding just one more jacket (and an extra pair of shoes I inevitably never wound up wearing).
The design is minimal, modern, and refreshingly fuss-free. I especially appreciated the whisper-quiet spinner wheels that made power-walking from terminal to terminal as smooth as possible, and the built-in TSA-approved lock gave me peace of mind on-the-go. The interior compression system is another thoughtful touch that kept my clothes in place, even after hours of transit. Plus, the scratch-resistant finish kept the bag looking as sleek at the end of the trip as it did at the start.
That said, this bag is on the smaller side compared to other carry-ons, so if you’re someone who likes to pack everything and the kitchen sink, you might find it a bit limiting. And while I personally love the clean and classic color options, they might not appeal to those looking for something more vibrant or unique.
Still, for travelers like me who value lightweight functionality without sacrificing durability or design, the July Carry-On Light is a standout. Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend escape or packing smart for a longer getaway, this bag makes traveling feel seamless—and a little more stylish.
More Carry-Ons We Love
What to Look for in a Carry-On Bag
Size: According to the TSA, carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, but generally, the dimensions max out at 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Another important number to note regarding carry-on sizes is the capacity, usually denoted in liters. Considering size restrictions, the most capacity you’ll have is around 40 liters, which is good for a week-long trip, but we did find one duffel bag that has a 50-liter capacity but can fly under the size restrictions because of its shape.
Style: Rolling bags, suitcases, luggage—those are probably the most popular style of carry-on bag. They easy to move around and don’t require a rock-hard body to transport around the airport. However, some folks might prefer a lighter-weight duffel bag or backpack to trek into the great outdoors or keep close at home for short weekend sojourns. It all depends on where you’re traveling, how much you’re hauling, and
Two wheels vs. four wheels: Generally, four wheels have become the norm and that’s because they can be both pushed and pulled. It also makes it easier on all four wheels to manage the weight of the luggage, which can ensure that they’re still running smoothly for years. With two-wheeled luggage, you have to pull it, however it does have pegs on the front so that it can stand upright on its own. It used to be the case that larger suitcases would be two-wheeled because it was assumed that it would have to be pulled along. That said, today even larger pieces like trunks and checked bags tend to have four wheels.
How We Tested
We here at GQ have been scanning the wild world of luggage retailers to find the carry-on bags you can comfortably roll up the cobblestone steps of Lisbon, zip-line with through the canopies of Belize, or begrudgingly leave at the gate on the way home for your nephew’s “graduation” from elementary school. We’ve combined our knowledge of the best luggage across a range of prices, styles, and construction types—ones that we’ve taken on planes, trains, and automobiles—to figure out which offer the best combination of solid construction, useful features, and magnificent looks.
