The right luggage can make traveling easier. We share expert tips for choosing between hard and soft shells, carry-on or checked bags, plus pro packing hacks.

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer Kit Dillon

Products we recommend: 

• The best soft-sided carry-on bag: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner
• The best hard-sided carry-on bag: Away The Carry-On
• The upgrade pick carry-on: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
• A travel backpack we love: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia
• The best duffel bag:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L
• The best packing cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set
• Kit recommends: Pat Rawson Surfoards

Additional Reading: 

• The 6 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025
• The Best Suitcases for Checking
• The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2025
• The 9 Best Duffle Bags of 2025
• The 4 Best Packing Cubes of 2025

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast