If you’re on the search for the best carry on bag for a woman then you’ve come to the right spot, because this article guides you through what you need to learn about finding the best carry on bags for women. Of course, the best carry on bag for women will both be fashionable and functional while packing in anything you need for your journey. You also need to know whether you prefer a suitcase or a backpack and whether practicality or style is your focus.
Regardless if you choose a sleek and modern, trendy and feminine cabin buddy, or incredibly functional and fitted with a variety of tech features, we are pretty sure you can find just what you’re searching for in the list below. It could be a backpack, a stunning designer brand, or a beautifully hardside spinner packed with all the modern conveniences.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 14 hrs of research
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard+ Hardside Luggage – Best Suitcase
Why is it better?
- The material of the fabric inside is so nice and soft
- There are a lot of pockets for a hard-sided case
- The quality of lining and zippers is great
- Very easy to roll
Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack – Best Backpack
Why is it better?
- Nice fit, hugs weight closer to your bag than other packs
- 4 ways to carry it (by the top with a handle, on the side with a handle, as a backpack, or by a shoulder strap)
- Because it opens fully like a suitcase, it’s very easy to pack and remove items from
- There are tightening straps both on the inside and on the outside
Best Carry On Bag for a Woman – Overview
We realize how hard women are to satisfy when it comes to purchasing a product of some sort. Many of us take so long to decide on our decisions that it’s sort of a foregone conclusion that we’ve ticked all the correct boxes before we actually make a decision. And choosing a bag that looks nice on the outside, though, is not the only criterion to choose the best women carry on luggage. This is why we’ve outlined some important considerations that you should bear in mind before your purchase.
Carry On Bag for a Woman Reviews
1. DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard+ Hardside Luggage – Best Suitcase
Named after the famous central District of Paris, this timeless and elegant spinner luggage, DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard+ Hardside Luggage, offers leather-like accents as well as a deluxe interior. It is made from virgin polycarbonate formulated to achieve the highest standards of extreme temperature and impact resistance. A recessed TSA-approved lock is found on the side of the case that allows only TSA agents to open and inspect your bag without damaging the lock.
Ever been on a moving bus or train and had your suitcase simply roll away from you? This luggage is equipped with an award-winning brake system. Activated with a button, The brake locks the two front wheels of the luggage preventing the bag from drifting away while allowing travelers to roll the bag on the back two wheels. A fully lined, luxurious soft-touch interior offers two packing compartments with tie-down straps on one side and a zippered mesh divider on the other side to minimize shifting of contents during travel. Our handy guide to the best hardside carry on luggage features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Brake system
- Double spinner wheels
- Recessed TSA lock
- Fully lined interior
Specifications:
- Brand: DELSEY Paris
- Dimensions: 20.25″ H x 14.25″ W x 9.5″ D
- Weight: 10.45 lbs
- The material of the fabric inside is so nice and soft
- There are a lot of pockets for a hard-sided case
- The quality of lining and zippers is great
- Very easy to roll
- Can get scratched easily
2. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Introducing a line built to take the harshest travel elements Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage combines scratch-resistant textures with the lightest 100% polycarbonate construction, ensuring your luggage looks as great on the 100th trip as it does on the 1st. This lightweight line offers heavyweight protection riding on effortless 360 spinner wheels.
Don’t pull your case; let Omni PC roll comfortably beside you on your journey. The design includes expansion for added capacity when needed. TSA locks ensure your belongings arrive safely to your destination. Extremely lightweight and visually impactful, this collection takes 100% polycarbonate design to the next level. Love Samsonite? Check out our review of the best Samsonite luggage for our top picks.
Key Features:
- Push-button handle
- 360 spinner wheels
- TSA combination lock
- Book opening case with mesh divider
Specifications:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 15″ W x 9.5″ D
- Weight: 6.81 lbs
- Dragger and carry handles look sturdy
- Attractive and low profile
- Built in TSA approved combo lock
- Rolls really well
- The poly-carbonate seems quite thin and can bend inward easily
3. Travelpro Maxlite 5-Lightweight Underseat Carry-On Travel Tote Bag
This Travelpro Maxlite 5-Lightweight Underseat Carry-On Travel Tote Bag is compact, stackable, and extremely lightweight. The Maxlite 5 soft tote is the perfect under-seat carry on for personal essentials or a small all-in-one suitcase for short excursions. Organized travel is simplified with a quick-access front flap, roomy interior, and built-in pockets for everything from electronics to accessories.
Unobtrusive rear strap fits around the extension handle of a Rollaboard or spinner suitcase for secure stacking and hands-free mobility. This Fit to Fly carry-on spinner has been sizer been tested to accommodate most major US airlines. Backed by Travelpro’s Limited Lifetime Coverage plus a new and expanded “Trusted Companion Promise”, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carriers for 1 year. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best underseat luggage.
Key Features:
- Polyester fabric
- Water repellant duraguard coating
- Rear strap
- Removable padded shoulder strap
Specifications:
- Brand: Travelpro
- Dimensions: 11″ H x 8″ W x 18″ D
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- The bag itself is well made with quality materials and zippers
- The bag holds a lot for its size
- Side pocket is pretty useful
- The zippers are very smooth and the pockets are simply made to work
- There are no little feet on the bottom
4. Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack – Best Backpack
Lightweight and streamlined, the Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack is an ideal travel pack for fast-moving globetrotters. Despite their minimalist weights, these women’s specific, full-featured packs offer plenty of organization and travel-focused features. The stowaway harness and hipbelt disappears for safekeeping when you check your bag, and durable fabrics offer added protection.
A large panel zip provides convenient access to the main compartment, lockable sliders keep your gear secure, dual front compression straps slim down your pack when you carry less, and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve keeps your electronics secure. The Fairview 40’s compact size ensures carry-on compliance on most flights. No matter where you go, the Fairview is backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.
Key Features:
- Stowaway backpanel, harness and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection
- Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in lockable compartment
- Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper
- Two internal compression straps hold contents securely
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3.16 lbs
- Nice fit, hugs weight closer to your bag than other packs
- 4 ways to carry it (by the top with a handle, on the side with a handle, as a backpack, or by a shoulder strap)
- Because it opens fully like a suitcase, it’s very easy to pack and remove items from
- There are tightening straps both on the inside and on the outside
- No water bottle mesh holder at the sides
5. CHESTER Minima Carry-On Luggage for Women
CHESTER Minima Carry-On Luggage for Women is brilliance in simplicity. Perfect for a short flight or a long-haul vacation. The signature polycarbonate shell is engineered to be lightweight, ultra-durable, and water-resistant while being flexible enough to expand and absorb external pressure, eliminating dents and dings.
Inside features two spacious compartments — an interior organizer to store smaller items, and a nylon laundry bag to separate clean and dirty clothes. Comes with premium multi-directional wheels, allowing for a smooth and silent roll in any direction on any terrain with minimal weight on your arm. Our guide to the best carry on luggage for Europe offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Polycarbonate shell
- TSA lock
- Multi-directional spinner wheels
- 3 interior organizers
Specifications:
- Brand: CHESTER
- Dimensions: 21.8″ H x 13.7″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Glides very smoothly
- TSA lock system included
- There’s a good number of smaller pockets for organizing contents
- The inside straps and mesh closure are great features to help with packing efficiently
- Delicate so you have to take extra care
6. Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Dual-Access Hardside Spinner Suitcase
When it’s time to travel the world, the Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Dual-Access Hardside Spinner Suitcase is ready. Engineered to be lightweight without sacrificing durability, these cases feature 100% pure Bayer polycarbonate, a stylish, scratch-resistant matte finish, and protective corner guards. And with its quick-access door, you’re always ready too. Just pick your destination, pack your Spectra™, and dive right into your next adventure. details.
Features include a front zippered, quick-access door with organizational panel and main compartment opening, soft tread offering ideal traction for a smooth roll across any surface while also providing 360 Degree maneuverability. The Dual-trolley aluminum handle system locks into three different positions. You may also be interested in some of the best spinner luggage from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Meets IATA carry-on regulations
- Covered by the global 10-year limited warranty
- Removable 15″ laptop sleeve
- Organizational panel
Specifications:
- Brand: Victorinox
- Dimensions: 21.7″ H x 15″ W x 7.9″ D
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Very sturdy bag that rolls like a dream
- It is well made with strong zippers and a stable, adjustable handle
- Fits in the overhead bin without any issues
- Comes with globally trackable ID (must register online), in case it gets lost
- The inside of the bag could use more pockets
7. eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible
The eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible is everything you wish your wheeled carry-on is but isn’t. It has pockets—tons of strategically placed pockets inside and out so you can organize your life on the go. Need somewhere to put your laptop? There’s a pocket for that. What about your boarding pass? There’s a pocket for that. They’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to stress about anything—at least, when it comes to packing.
It’s also expandable with external compression straps so even when packed to the max just buckle & cinch down to ensure it still fits in the overhead bin. That said, because this backpack is carry-on compliant, you’ll never lose your bag. Ever. Make sure you also check our selection of the best weekender bags for women.
Key Features:
- 2 exterior quick-grab zip pockets
- Zip expansion for an extra 1.5″
- 4 exterior compression straps
- Stowable backpack straps
- Breathable back panel for comfort
Specifications:
- Brand: eBags
- Capacity: 54L
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3.93 lbs
- Great back support, and comfortable to wear
- Incredibly strong; they seem indestructible
- Efficient use of space with compartments and zippered sections
- Carries far more than a regular carry on
- The water bottle holder isnt great and doesn’t fit taller bottles
8. Samsonite Aspire XLite Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Travel with confidence. Travel with Samsonite Aspire XLite Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels. A bold fusion of lightweight construction and durability. Rugged polyester and steel wire construction create a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and capacity. Aspire Xlite’s effortless mobility is enhanced by the use of sleek, smooth-rolling inline skate wheels and multi-directional spinner wheels.
The organization inside makes packing a snap, including a wet-pocket to use after that last minute swim. The design includes expansion for added packing capacity when needed. Consumer preferred expansion on all sizes. Wider pull handle combines to provide an exceptionally comfortable grip.
Key Features:
- 4 multi-directional wheels
- Fully featured interior
- Padded top and side carry handles
- Expandable
Specifications:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 20.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Lightweight so it’s easier to not go over airlines baggage weight limits
- Plastic interior pocket for toiletries
- 4 wheels which make is easy to navigate
- Additional handles at the side and at the bottom help with picking up the suitcase
- The framework that supports the retractable handle is on the interior of the suitcases, so it creates that awkward area where you can’t just lay things flat inside
9. Eagle Creek Tarmac Carry On Bag for a Woman
The Eagle Creek Tarmac Carry On Bag for a Woman is the ultimate bag in an ultra-light package, built for security and durability. Expansion zipper increases the main compartment by 15% so you can pack and reach your clothes with ease. Then simply close the zipper when you’re ready to travel to compact your suitcase to the original size. Internal compression straps keep clothes wrinkle-free and secure, while external lash points attach extra gear to the exterior.
Oversized, heavy-duty, treaded wheels in a protective wheel housing and a durable kick plate for smooth mobility and maximum durability. The wheels are multi-directional, making maneuvering in any travel situation effortless. Heavy-duty fabrics provide protection against friction and weather. Shell is a lightweight polycarbonate, so the luggage is safe without adding weight. Lockable zippers with reflective pulls provide security and easy access, even when wearing gloves.
Key Features:
- Compression zipper
- Lightweight polycarbonate shell
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Internal compression straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Eagle Creek
- Capacity: 38.5L
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 7 lbs
- The telescoping handle is sturdy and smooth
- The wheels are also well protected and large and easy to roll
- The pockets are well thought out and provide a degree of organization
- The bag has a coat keeper and built in add a bag strap
- The handle takes up a large amount of space in the suitcase
10. Timbuk2 Co-Pilot Luggage Roller
A favorite among globetrotting Timbuk2 fans, the Timbuk2 Co-Pilot Luggage Roller is lightweight and easy to pack. Its sleek new styling works downtown or way out of town and its bike-inspired handle system and broad-base skateboard wheels yield a smooth roll. Its clamshell structure makes it easy to pack and repack, while always providing the opportunity to quarantine things as needed.
The Copilot features multiple reinforced grab straps for an easy heave-ho into overhead bins, and its expandable top stash pocket is designed for easy access in said bins. Light, organized, and subtly chic, the Copilot is ready to board.
Key Features:
- Integrated ID window
- Internal mesh divider
- Expandable top compartment
- Removable skateboard wheels
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Dimensions: 21.65″ H x 14.57″ W x 9.84″ D
- Weight: 7.58 lbs
- Top opening panel with clam shell design
- The top pouch is excellent
- Zip mesh panels on the inside of each clam shell keep your stuff from falling out
- Outside zippers are solid
- Although every side of the carry-on has a handle, they tend to be on the small size
Buying Guide
Suitcase Vs. Backpack
A suitcase allows you to travel faster in certain cases, although this is not always the case. When you have to take your bag up and down stairs or over broken stones, a backpack becomes far safer to take around busy environments. Clothing and personal items can be found and stored even more easily from a suitcase. Usually, suitcases need only a simple unzip to open, while backpacks require you to remove various straps and compartments to locate items.
Materials
The type of material that you want is based on what you are searching for. Hard bags are perfect to hold valuables secure and there’s a broad variety available that will inspire you more than ever. If you settle on a hard bag than make sure it’s constructed from a sturdy, lightweight material such as titanium, ABS or polycarbonate. On the other hand, soft-sided bags provide somewhat more space because of the fabric. Cordura, nylon, and polyester are the perfect choice for soft-sided suitcases and luggage.
Weight
With airlines being stringent on the weight of carrying bags, finding the lightest carrying luggage that fits the criteria is quite critical. Even some of the best carry on luggage for women can be heavy to eat. When your suitcase meets the cap you may be required to check-in your baggage in which an additional cost may be applied.
Style
The sort of styling you prefer is solely a personal preference. For women, the best carry-on luggage will vary from hard to soft-sided suitcases, under seater bags, duffel bags, or backpacks. A suitcase has the benefit that it certainly helps to organize easier while a duffel bag is simple to put around or squeeze into some kind of room. When you’re always on the run, you’re obviously going to choose a backpack.
Compartments
Suitcases are useful for expandable compartments. The best expandable carry on your luggage helps you to store your different purchases on your journeys. No need to buy an extra bag, you only need to unzip the expandable pocket for more room. With your smaller possessions, some of the better carry on expandable bags comes with different compartments and pockets. A typical option these days is a dedicated laptop compartment built to hold your laptop protected, stable, and readily available when traveling. This is a common feature found in backpacks.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best carry on bag for a woman as well as our guide on features to look for in a carry on bag for a woman. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.