Traveling with the right carry-on luggage can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Soft-sided options offer flexibility, lighter weight, and often more organizational features than their hard-shell counterparts.
Choosing quality soft-sided carry-on luggage saves you from checking bags, helps you avoid fees, and keeps your essentials close at hand during your travels.
You’ll find various styles and brands on the market, each with different features designed to meet specific travel needs and preferences for anyone who wants a soft-sided suitcase.
1)Samsonite Solyte DLX
The Samsonite Freeform Spinner is a top choice for travelers seeking reliable soft-side carry-on luggage.
This lightweight option weighs just under 7 pounds, making it easy to maneuver through busy airports.
The luggage features a durable polyester exterior that resists tears and abrasions. Its four multi-directional spinner wheels allow for smooth 360-degree movement, reducing strain on your arms and shoulders.
You’ll appreciate the expandable main compartment that gives you extra packing space when needed.
The organized interior includes cross-straps to keep clothes secure and multiple pockets for smaller items.
The telescoping handle locks at different heights to accommodate your comfort.
Side and top carry handles offer alternative carrying options when navigating tight spaces.
The Freeform Spinner meets most major airline carry-on size requirements at 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″. It comes with TSA-approved locks for added security during your travels.
Samsonite backs this product with a 10-year limited warranty, demonstrating confidence in its durability and performance.
I know Samaonite is not the first to cross your mind when you think of softside suitcases,but believe me their soft carry is as good as their hard side luggage.
2) Travelpro Platinum Elite
The Travelpro Platinum Elite is a premium soft-sided carry-on that stands out for its durability and thoughtful design. Made from high-density nylon fabric with a stain-resistant coating, it holds up well even with frequent use.
The expandable Travelpro Platinum Elite design gives you extra packing space when needed and can also fit well in the overhead bins.
You can fit enough clothes for a week-long trip, along with your essential items.
Its smooth-rolling spinner wheels move effortlessly in any direction. The wheels are mounted with precision bearings and are built to withstand rough surfaces without damage.
The telescoping handle adjusts to multiple heights, making it comfortable for travelers of different heights. The handle system is sturdy and doesn’t wobble like those on cheaper luggage.
Inside, you’ll find a well-organized interior with multiple pockets and compression straps. The built-in USB port lets you charge your devices on the go, though you’ll need to supply your own power bank.
Available in innovative design and a variety of colors, the Platinum Elite comes with a lifetime warranty.
While it’s not the cheapest option, its quality construction justifies the investment for frequent travelers.
3) American Tourister Technum
The American Tourister Technum offers reliable quality at a midrange price point.
This soft-sided carry-on combines durability with lightweight design, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Built with ripstop polyester, the Technum resists tears and abrasions better than many competitors.
Its reinforced corners add extra protection where luggage typically experiences the most wear.
You’ll appreciate the organization features, including multiple exterior pockets for quick access to travel documents.
The interior features cross straps and a mesh divider to keep clothes neat during your journey.
The spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, allowing smooth navigation through busy airports. The telescoping handle locks at different heights to accommodate travelers of various heights.
Available in several color options, the Technum balances professional appearance with personal style.
The carry-on measures 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches, fitting within most domestic airline size restrictions.
For the price, you get American Tourister’s respected warranty coverage and customer service. This practical choice works well for both business trips and weekend getaways.
4) Briggs & Riley Baseline
The Briggs & Riley Baseline soft-sided carry-on is a premium option that stands out for its lifetime warranty. This policy covers all repairs, even if the damage was caused by an airline.
The Baseline features CX expansion technology, allowing you to increase packing capacity by up to 25% when needed. You can compress it back down to standard carry-on dimensions after packing.
The ballistic nylon exterior resists wear, moisture, dirt, and abrasion. This material choice ensures your luggage will last through countless trips without looking worn.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful organization system with garment panels and multiple pockets.
The smooth-rolling spinner wheels make navigation through busy terminals effortless.
While the Baseline sits at a higher price point than many competitors, its durability and warranty justify the investment. You’re essentially buying the last carry-on you’ll ever need.
The outside handle system mounts on the exterior to maximize interior packing space.
This design detail is especially helpful when you need to pack formal clothing that requires minimal folding.
5) Delsey Paris Helium Aero
The Delsey Paris Helium Aero offers a perfect blend of durability and style for your travels.
Made from 100% polycarbonate with a glossy finish, this soft-sided carry-on stands out in any airport.
You’ll appreciate the expandable feature that provides up to two inches of extra packing space when needed.
The double spinner wheels ensure smooth movement through busy terminals, reducing strain on your arms and shoulders.
Inside, you’ll find two large compartments with multiple pockets to keep your belongings organized. The main compartment includes adjustable straps to secure your clothes during transit.
The Helium Aero comes with a TSA-approved lock for added security. This feature allows TSA agents to check your luggage without damaging the lock if necessary.
At just under 8 pounds, this carry-on is lightweight compared to many competitors.
Its dimensions comply with most major airlines’ carry-on requirements, making it a reliable choice for frequent flyers.
The telescoping handle locks in two positions to accommodate travelers of different heights.
You can choose from several color options including cobalt blue, brushed charcoal, and silver.
6) Tumi Alpha 3 Expandable
The Tumi Alpha 3 Expandable soft-sided carry-on represents luxury travel at its finest.
Made with Tumi’s patented FXT ballistic nylon, this bag withstands the rigors of frequent travel while maintaining its sophisticated appearance.
You’ll appreciate the thoughtful organization system that includes multiple interior and exterior pockets.
The expandable main compartment gives you extra space when needed, perfect for bringing home souvenirs.
This carry-on features Tumi’s patented Omega Closure System that helps prevent zipper damage. The smooth-rolling wheels and telescoping handle make navigating busy airports effortless.
Tumi includes their renowned Global Locator technology, helping you track your luggage anywhere in the world.
The bag also comes with Tumi Tracer, a program that helps reunite you with your bag if it’s ever lost.
While priced as a premium option, your investment provides durability that lasts for years. Business travelers particularly value the professional appearance and functional design.
The Alpha 3 meets most major airline carry-on requirements, giving you confidence when traveling internationally.
The bag weighs approximately 9 pounds empty, leaving plenty of weight allowance for your belongings.
7) Victorinox Spectra 2.0
The Victorinox Spectra 2.0 offers exceptional quality with its polycarbonate shell and soft front pocket design.
This hybrid carry-on gives you the benefits of both hard and soft luggage in one sleek package.
You’ll appreciate the scratch-resistant exterior that protects your belongings while traveling. The expandable front pocket allows quick access to items you need during your journey.
Maneuverability is a standout feature with the Spectra’s 360-degree spinner wheels.
You can glide through busy airports without straining your shoulders or wrists.
Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully designed compartments to keep your clothes and accessories organized.
The compression straps help maximize packing space while minimizing wrinkles.
Victorinox backs this carry-on with their renowned Swiss quality and reliability. The brand’s reputation for durability means this luggage will likely serve you for many trips to come.
While it comes at a premium price point, the combination of protection, organization, and smooth mobility makes it worth considering for frequent travelers.
8) Eagle Creek Gear Warrior
The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior stands out as a durable soft-sided carry-on option for travelers who need reliability.
Made from recycled materials, this bag combines eco-friendliness with practical design.
You’ll appreciate the multiple grab handles that make it easy to lift from any angle.
The oversized wheels roll smoothly over various surfaces, perfect for rushing through airports or navigating uneven sidewalks.
Organization is a breeze with the Gear Warrior. It features several compartments to keep your belongings separated and accessible. The expandable main section gives you extra space when needed.
The water-resistant coating protects your items from unexpected rain or spills. You can pack confidently knowing your clothes and electronics stay dry in most conditions.
Eagle Creek’s renowned durability means this bag will likely outlast many others in your collection.
The reinforced corners and sturdy zippers hold up well against the rigors of frequent travel.
The bag weighs less than many competitors while maintaining strength. This lightweight design helps you avoid airline overweight fees and reduces strain on your shoulders.
9) Osprey Ozone Duplex
The Osprey Ozone Duplex stands out as a versatile soft-sided carry-on that splits into two parts. You can separate the daypack from the main compartment, giving you extra flexibility during your travels.
This 21-inch carry-on weighs just under 5 pounds when empty, making it one of the lighter options in its class.
The lightweight design doesn’t sacrifice durability, as it’s constructed from high-quality ripstop nylon.
You’ll appreciate the thoughtful organization features. The daypack includes a padded laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch devices, plus multiple pockets for your travel essentials.
The main compartment offers ample packing space and interior pockets with compression straps to maximize every inch. Its wide opening makes packing and finding items simple.
The harness system includes comfortable shoulder straps and a hip belt when you need to carry it like a backpack.
When you prefer wheeled luggage, you can tuck away the straps and use the telescoping handle instead.
Frequent travelers value the Duplex for its adaptability across different types of trips.
Whether you’re taking a weekend getaway or a longer business trip, this carry-on keeps you organized without weighing you down.
10) Timbuk2 Co-Pilot
The Timbuk2 Co-Pilot stands out as a practical soft-sided carry-on for frequent travelers. It features a clamshell design that opens flat for easy packing and access to your belongings.
This bag includes multiple compartments to help you stay organized. The separate padded laptop sleeve protects your electronics while traveling.
The exterior is made from durable ripstop nylon that resists tears and abrasions. This material also makes the bag lightweight while maintaining its structure.
You’ll appreciate the comfortable padded handles and removable shoulder strap for versatile carrying options.
The bag slides easily onto your rolling luggage handle for convenient transport through busy airports.
At 20 inches, the Co-Pilot meets most airline carry-on requirements.
It provides enough space for a weekend trip or business journey without forcing you to check bags.
The thoughtful design includes expandable water bottle pockets and quick-access front pockets for items you need during your flight.
The internal compression straps help maximize packing space. A great luggage for a road trip for a business traveller who needs easy access to their stuff.
Material Considerations
When choosing soft-sided carry-on luggage, the materials used significantly impact durability, weight, and protection from the elements.
High-quality materials can mean the difference between a durable suitcase that lasts for years and one that falls apart after a few trips during your holiday travels.
Durability of Fabrics
Nylon and polyester dominate the soft-sided luggage market, but they’re not created equal.
Ballistic nylon offers exceptional tear resistance and is often used in premium luggage. It’s typically identified by its 1680D rating, indicating dense fabric construction.
Cordura nylon provides excellent abrasion resistance while remaining lighter than ballistic nylon. This makes it ideal for travelers who prioritize weight savings.
Ripstop nylon contains reinforcement threads that prevent tears from spreading. You’ll recognize it by its distinctive grid pattern.
Polyester options are more affordable but generally less durable. Look for higher denier ratings (600D or above) for better-quality polyester luggage.
Pay attention to reinforced corners and stress points. These high-wear areas benefit from extra protection like rubber or leather patches.
Water Resistance Features
Few soft-sided bags are completely waterproof, but many offer substantial water resistance to protect your belongings during unexpected rain.
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings cause water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking through the fabric.
This treatment wears off eventually but can be reapplied.
PVC or TPU coatings provide stronger water protection by creating an impermeable barrier on the fabric’s surface.
These coatings add weight but offer significantly better protection from downpours.
Look for covered zippers with flaps or weather-resistant treatments. Standard zippers often become the weak point for water entry.
Some premium models include removable rain covers that slip over the entire bag during heavy precipitation, offering complete protection when needed.
Remember that “water-resistant” isn’t “waterproof.” Even with these features, avoid exposing your luggage to prolonged moisture.
Design and Usability
Soft-sided carry-on luggage combines style with practical features that make travel easier.
The best options offer thoughtful designs and an expansion zipper, and convenient pockets that maximize space while remaining comfortable to maneuver through busy airports.
Storage and Organizational Pockets
Soft-sided carry-ons excel with their flexible storage options. Most top models feature expandable main compartments that give you 1-2 inches of extra packing space when needed since hand luggage has weight limits.
Look for luggage with multiple exterior pockets for quick access to travel documents, electronics, or snacks.
The best designs include dedicated laptop sleeves that fit devices up to 15 inches and any other external pockets.
Interior organization is equally important. Mesh dividers help separate clean clothes from worn items, while compression straps keep folded garments neat during transit.
Some premium models offer waterproof pockets for toiletries or wet items.
Others include removable pouches that can serve as makeshift day bags at your destination.
Ergonomic Handles and Wheels
The handle system dramatically affects your comfort when rushing through terminals.
Telescoping handles with multiple height settings accommodate travelers of different heights.
Top-quality handles are typically made from aircraft-grade aluminum for durability without adding excess weight.
Many feature cushioned grips to prevent hand fatigue.
Wheel systems vary widely among soft-sided options.
Spinner wheels (four multidirectional wheels) offer 360-degree movement and upright balance, requiring less effort to maneuver.
In-line skate wheels (two wheels) provide better stability on uneven surfaces and take up less space.
They’re ideal if you frequently navigate cobblestone streets or rough terrain.
Side and top handles should be reinforced and padded for comfortable lifting when placing your bag in overhead compartments or carrying it up stairs.
Security Features
Protecting your belongings during travel is essential, especially when using soft-sided luggage that might seem more vulnerable than hard cases.
Modern designs now incorporate several key security elements to keep your items safe.
TSA-Approved Locks
TSA-approved locks provide a crucial security layer for your soft-sided carry-on luggage.
These specialized locks allow airport security personnel to inspect your bag without damaging the locking mechanism.
You’ll recognize these locks by the red diamond logo that identifies them as TSA-compatible.
Most premium soft-sided luggage brands now integrate these locks directly into their designs rather than requiring separate attachments.
When purchasing luggage with these locks, look for reinforced zipper pulls that connect to the locking system.
This prevents anyone from simply piercing the zipper to access your belongings.
Some advanced models even offer combination locks with user-resettable codes, eliminating concerns about lost keys.
Others include electronic notification systems that alert you via smartphone if your lock is opened.
Remember that while these locks deter opportunistic theft, they shouldn’t be your only security measure.
Always keep valuables like electronics, medication, and important documents in your personal items that stays with you at all times.
The best soft-sided luggage pieces should meet YOUR needs, check for any additional features like a laptop pocket.
Overall design, and storage capacity, higher price tags do not always mean quality.
So if you’re looking for a piece of soft-sided rolling luggage. This is the right place. We tested all sorts of luggage, from German Makrolon-shelled bags to packable ones.
Remember the best sellers may not always be the best soft suitcases for you.
It`s not every day that you need a bigger carry-on; city streets differ, and you may want a spinner luggage that you can pull along.
I hope you found this review useful if you feel we missed something, please leave a message below.
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