Best Rolling Carry On Luggage that will Fit Overhead

Anyone else traveling this Summer and they lost their luggage? Yup, that was us! Let’s talk about all the reasons why having a really good carry on rolling bag is the only way to travel!

We have had these rolling duffles in the medium and large since the boys were little, so maybe 15 years? They have been great! They are durable, can fit inside each other and can be pushed under the bed for storing. They are not waterproof and we had a few issues of everything soaking wet. They have held up very well and, finally,. a few of them have worn down with a few broken bits from wear and tear. Negative: You have to PULL them, so they can be heavy to drag around long distances and can fall over if you arent straight on.

We upgraded and got the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled luggage for this past trip. A waterproof version of our previous bags. All the same points as above, but they are more structured around the ends and do NOT fit under our beds which is a negative in a tiny house.

While in Europe on our previous trips we moved between trains, boats, and canals with one large rolling duffle and a large rolling suitcase like this. They were clunky, heavy, hard to manage and it was a workout! In hindsight, we should have had carry ons but we needed clothes for different places, events and didn’t know if washing would happen.

Top Reasons Why you should Carry On when you Travel

Lost luggage – It’s a pretty obvious No. 1 but its true there are mounds of luggage lost in airports right now!
No Luggage Fees
Pack Light – Your friends and family won’t mind seeing you in the same thing twice and you will have an easier time getting dressed, less choices! Be truthful.. did you wear everything you packed in the checked luggage?? Could you have gotten away with less and still been ‘Gram worthy? I think so! Plus, you can gloat about how well you packed!
You can manage your own luggage. Besides the hardship of lifting above your head in a plane or train, it is less to move around.
No waiting for luggage at baggage claim

After both trips and lots of experience with pulling my bag through countless destinations, I came home determined to find a rolling carry on bag with 4 wheels, lightweight, outside pocket that would fit most overheads. Is it possible? Yes, it is!

Here are a few Features that you need to think about

2 wheels or 4 wheel? Do you want to pull your bag or have it roll next to you? We currently have 2 wheel bags and I feel like I am dragging my stuff through the airport. I am looking for a 4 wheel spinning bag.
Soft case or Hard shell case? This is a good question. We currently have all soft cases, some are structured but still not a hard shell. I like that our soft models can squish a little more in the overhead, we have side pockets that are accessible and I think they are more durable.
Extra Features? Outside pockets, inside pockets and more
Weight when Empty. I think this is a big one especially when you consider if fully packed and trying to lift it over your head into the bin. Lighter would be best.
What is the Universal Size that will fit in the Overhead bins? Sadly there is NO one size BUT supposedly 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches will fit most planes.
Price.. As with any purchase, price can be a big determining factor

I thought this would be easy to do, but there are a lot of bag companies out there and then you have to start reading the specifications to drill down on what you are looking for. I found 6 contenders that I have listed below. What about you? What’s your go to rolling carry on bag?

Shop Highly rated Finds:

Mother Lode 21″ Carry-On Rolling Duffel $169.99 – 8.7Lbs – Limited Lifetime Warranty
Maxlite^® 5 21″ Expandable Carry-On Spinner $169.99 – 5.4lbs – Limited Warranty
July Carry On Pro $345 – 7.9lbs – Lifetime Guarantee
Travelpro^® Platinum^® Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner $369 – 7.8lbs – Limited Warranty
Hue Carry-On Luggage with Hardshell Pocket $225 – 8.4lbs – 2 year Limited Warranty
Away – The Bigger Carry On $295 – 7.4lbs – Limited Warranty

Don’t forget that there are some good options for rolling luggage for UNDER your seat if you did check your main luggage and have to haul around the airport. They look like salesman’s bags, but if you are like me and have lots of heavy equipment you like to travel with or don’t want to carry your tote, this might be for you.