The Best Carry-On Luggage Tested on an Assault Course in Leeds
In an unconventional review, a seasoned traveller put the best carry-on luggage in the UK to the test by dragging them over an assault course at the West Leeds Activity Centre. Dressed for Hawaii but braving the Leeds mud, the writer assessed seven top cabin bags for manoeuvrability, durability, and packability, aiming to find the ideal companion for air and rail travel.
Why Choose a Cabin Bag?
Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global carbon emissions, with projections suggesting these levels could double or triple by 2050. While avoiding flights is ideal, when flying is unavoidable, opting for a cabin bag over hold luggage can reduce your carbon footprint by encouraging lighter packing, thus requiring less fuel. Additionally, cabin bags often incur lower airline fees and are designed to fit neatly into overhead bins on planes or racks on trains, such as those operated by LNER.
Cabin bags come in various forms, including hard-shell suitcases, hybrid soft-shell models, and versatile duffels, many featuring telescopic handles, casters, and integrated power banks for device charging.
Testing Methodology
The writer, with extensive product-reviewing experience for titles like the Filter, initially tested 11 bags in real-world conditions, packing them and wheeling them over tarmac. The worst performers were weeded out, and the remaining seven were subjected to an assault course with obstacles and mud to evaluate their performance under duress. Factors like manoeuvrability, packability, and durability were prioritized, with attention to varying airline baggage limits.
After testing, leftover cabin bags were donated to the West Leeds Activity Centre, which supports young people in challenging circumstances.
Top Picks for Carry-On Luggage
Best Cabin Bag Overall: July Carry On Luggage
- Price: From £245 at July and John Lewis.
- Highlights: Combines toughness, style, and practicality with a polycarbonate shell, metal corner guards, and 20-position telescopic handle. Features a 42-litre capacity, internal storage options, and a power bank with multiple ports.
- Drawback: Borders on oversized for some budget airlines.
Best Budget Cabin Bag: Tripp Holiday 8 Cabin Suitcase
- Price: From £45 at Amazon.
- Highlights: Offers great style and quality for the price with a durable polypropylene shell, TSA lock, and smooth casters. Lightweight and balanced, it performed well on the assault course.
- Drawback: Limited internal storage options.
Best Luxury Cabin Bag: Carl Friedrik the Carry-on X
- Price: £495 at Selfridges and Carl Friedrik.
- Highlights: Sensationally stylish with ample storage, including a removable sleeve and pen pockets. Features a polycarbonate shell and aluminium lock frame, but is heavy at 4.7kg.
- Drawback: Expensive and difficult to carry over obstacles.
Best Expandable Cabin Bag: Away the Carry-On Flex
- Price: £265 at Away.
- Highlights: Excellent expansion capability from 41 to 46 litres, with tough construction and thoughtful extras like an extra handle and cleaning sponge. Performed admirably on the assault course.
- Drawback: May be oversized for some flights when expanded.
Other Notable Options
Ogio Pace Pro Hybrid: Priced from £249, this hybrid case offers sporty style with hard polycarbonate and soft fabric, but is heavy and borderline for airline size limits.
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 32L: From £97.75, this water-repellent duffel doubles as a day bag but is risky for flights due to size constraints, making it better for train travel.
Mous Hard-Shell Carry-On Suitcase: At £359.99, it boasts cool design and incredible toughness, though storage capacity is lower and it may be too wide for some airlines.
Essential Considerations
Size Guidelines: For air travel, cabin bags typically range from 55-56cm in height, 35-45cm in width, and 20-25cm in depth. Always check specific airline policies to avoid fines or hold placement. Rail operators are generally more lenient.
Material Choices: Polycarbonate offers durability and easy cleaning but is expensive. Polypropylene is a cheaper, lighter alternative for hard-shell bags. Soft-shell options often use woven polyester for affordability and practicality.
This rigorous testing highlights that the best carry-on luggage balances durability, style, and functionality, whether for eco-conscious travel or navigating busy terminals.
