It can be difficult to find high quality carry-on luggage and bags that fit your budget, especially when traveling internationally.
Our favorite hardshell and softside carry-on bags are generally more expensive than $160, but there are plenty of options under $160 that offer durability, functionality and style. These budget-friendly carry-on baggage are designed to provide ample space for essentials whilst meeting the airline’s size requirements.
Drawing from practical reviews and expert recommendations, this summary highlights carry-on baggage options for under $160, showing some of its key features, benefits, and some of the outstanding choices for experienced travelers.
We’ve been a fan of this bag’s durable ABS shell, ergonomic carbon fiber handles and 360-degree spinner wheels, and we’ve “surprised” former contributor Ehsan Haque smoothly. Although they don’t practice the brand’s latest Stratum models, performing as well is a good bet.
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Amazon Basics products are hits or misses, but our reviewers said that retailer suitcases nail the basics. For a $52 price tag, you get a durable ABS shell, 360 degree spinner wheels, and an interior compression system for organized packaging. That said, don’t expect premium features like TSA-approved luggage locks and laundry bags.
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It wasn’t quite the top spot for softside carry-on guides, but it’s a good purchase at this price range. Comes with a frayed polyester fabric and a spacious interior that expands for extra packaging space. There is also a lock push/pull handle and 360 degree spinner wheels. The fully lined interior includes tie-down straps, removable wet bags and multiple pockets for tissue.
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The highlighted readers probably recognize this bag, but it is ubiquitous for a reason. For just $26 on a small 20 liter, this is one of the most affordable travel backpacks we’ve found. And despite its incredibly low price, it is comfortable and durable, spacious for travel, and has earned praise from multiple highlighted staff.
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Test and Update Author Michelle Ray Wie was named the backpack set for this trip. “Not only does it fit well for a long weekend, it also has a suitcase-like 180-degree opening and compression strap, with compartments and tissue pockets,” she said, adding that it can compete with the $200 North bag.
Former CNN highlighted contributor Jason Steele has put the bag together on dozens of trips over the years. I’m not disappointed yet. The organization is its powerful suit, he wrote in a review. Thanks to the numerous external compartments for pens, portable chargers and other accessories.
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For Jaunts and Day Trips, editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna packs all the things you need for the weekend in this backpack wallet, plus essentials in your dog stitching. The interior also comes with a neat anti-theft zipper to avoid pick-up.
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There aren’t many in this backpack, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For just 1 pound, this minimalist bag is perfect for short trips. It compensates for what it lacks: organizational traits, with the charity mission of donating 25 meals to families struggling with every backpack they purchase.
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The editor of Outdoor, Sustainability and Pets, Kyblcult said this well-built 28-liter backpack has plenty of room for a three-day trip, but it also serves as a laptop bag for work.
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Roverpack is a steal of what you get, according to associate writer Maxwellshukya, who uses backpacks for weekend trips. “The quality matches what you might find on Timbuk2, and outdoor style gets lots of compliments,” he said. “More than anything, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty and a repair program.”
Uniqlo’s $40 utility bag with built-in suitcase straps and relatively plenty of storage exceeds its weight. It’s also a favorite of travel blogger Anshula Varma. He said it was spacious enough for a long weekend trip. Despite its characterization capabilities, she said it was compact enough to meet the requirements of budget airlines’ personal items. Her only tip is to wear it like a tote or at the back, as there are no shoulder pads for crossbody wear.
After UY tested the 27-week bag, some of it cost over $600, but this came out as a top pick. “My biggest problem with bags over the weekend is that they’re heavy on their own. This is the opposite, making it easier to carry the shoulder,” Uy said. “We also have plenty of pockets to keep you organized.”
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Although not a suitcase, a half-day clothing duffel is a versatile travel bag that converts from a clothing bag to a spacious duffel. Made from water-resistant 420D polyester, it holds a full suit or dress and several days’ worth of clothing. It comes with trolley sleeves, two interior shoe pockets, and an external zip pocket for convenience and organization.
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Varma, who packs only carry-on luggage while on the trip, said he will look for compressibility, packability and maneuverability. In addition to the ability to suit all travel essentials, luggage will need the ability to support travel, namely a padded laptop pocket, an accessible outer pocket for everyday items, and a suitcase strap when pairing with a wheeled bag.
“Adjustable straps are always a must for weekend and backpack-style carry-on bags, so you can fit the pack into your back, relieve shoulder stress and easily slide it on or on when needed,” she said.
To answer the next FAQ, I turned to travel blogger Anshula Varma.
What brand is the best carry-on baggage on a budget?
Varma highlights four brands.
BAGSMART: Varma relies on blast travel backpacks in particular. Bagsmart Bags has earned praise from test and update writer Michelle Rae Uy. Topo Designs: This outdoor clothing and gear company is also worth seeing, Varma said. She likes that Rover Pack Mini, but writer Maxwell Shukuya loves the brand’s full-size pack. Uniqlo: With spacious, travel-friendly bags, Uniqlo is another destination for budget-friendly bags, Varma said. Jansport: When Varma started as a travel writer, she had relied on Jansport’s backpacks for nearly four years. “I put this backpack in a squeeze hand (a lot of joke flights and bumpy car rides), which proved to be durable and sturdy,” she said.
What are the drawbacks of carry-on baggage budget?
The trade-offs depend on what you are buying, but in general, Varma lists two major drawbacks. It is a material with little habit and lack of shoulder padding.
“Budget Weekenders and Duffle-style bags often don’t have shoulder padding,” she said, but you can invest in add-on cushioned shoulder straps. “I recommend investing in one of them for comfort. I don’t want to arrive at my destination with muscle pain.”
If sustainability is a concern, you might want to rethink your budget as Varma said many affordable carry-on bags are “made from unrecycled polyester and nylon.” Our list includes Quince, Topo Designs and Fjällräven as exceptions to that rule.
How big is your carry-on baggage?
That’s different. Please refer to the guide to carry-on size guidelines to double-check with your airline before traveling and if you have any doubts.
In this guide, we tapped Anshula Varma on her expertise.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled authors and editors with years of experience testing, researching and recommending, ensuring that each article is carefully edited and the product is properly reviewed. If applicable, speak with top experts to accurately test each product, recommend only the best products, and make sure you take into account the pros and cons of each item.
Here, Kyle Olsen from Travel Products Editor and author Maxwell Shukuya from Associate Updates combined practical experiences with expert recommendations to represent an affordable carry-on bag.
