Best Packing Cubes

Amazon Basics Lightweight Packing Cubes [7] ($22)

Amazon Basics never misses when it comes to everyday essentials, and these packing cubes are no exception. A former PS editor loves their compact design, high-quality fabric, and reinforced double zipper pulls. The finished interior seams are a nice touch, making them way more durable than you'd expec, especially if you're a frequent flier. They even come in a bunch of size options, whether you want a full mix or just slim styles for extra-streamlined packing. For more, read our Amazon Basics Lightweight Packing Cubes review [8].

• Pros: Comes in multiple sizes and colors; machine-washable for easy care.
• Cons: Not the most compressive option if you're packing heavy.
• Material: Polyester
• Dimensions: 13.75" L x 9.75" W x 3" H (other sizes available)
• Colorways: 6
• Extras: Includes a convenient top handle.
• Who it's best for: Anyone looking to level up their travel organization game.

Editor Quote: " I appreciate the variety of available sizes, which ensures I can shop out the packing cubes best-suited to my luggage. Travel cubes I've previously tried have either been too small to fit any practical amount of clothes or too large to really make much of a difference within my suitcase. Fortunately, the medium size works great for a standard suitcase, with some extra room to spare for items I might not want packed away in the cubes — like toiletries or hair styling tools.." — Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor

Best Compression Packing Cubes

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes [9] ($20, originally $30)

While these compression packing cubes don't offer the advantage of being able to see what's in each cube, you can practically double the capacity of your suitcase by using them. The set comes with an extra-large cube, a large cube, a shoe bag, two medium cubes, and a small cube. As another Amazon bestseller, it has more than 3,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating, so it's a safe bet.

• Pros: Includes a good mix of sizes and saves space.
• Cons: It can be inconvenient to unzip to see what's inside.
• Material: 70D nylon ripstop
• Dimensions: 1XL-17.5x12.75x4, 1L-15x12.75x3.5, 2M-14x10x3.5, 1S-11x7x3.5, and 1 Shoe bag-16.9x10.2x4 inches
• Colorways: 19
• Extras: Includes a shoe bag.
• Who it's best for: Someone who needs to pack a lot in a small space.

What Reviewers Say: "These versatile packing cubes enabled me to take only a carry on suitcase and a backpack when I went to Italy in January. I simply filled the cubes with both zippers open, then I zipped the first zipper, and after zipping the second one while pressing down on the cube, the packing became almost 50% smaller. I bought a second set for my husband. I labeled the cubes with the contents and then removed the labels after our trip. This helped us stay organized in those tiny hotel rooms in Italy!"

Best Travel Backpack

Coowoz Large Travel Backpack [10] ($40)

If you prefer to travel light-ish, this travel backpack is currently one of Amazon's bestsellers. The roomy bag opens to a spacious main compartment, a laptop storage spot, a separate spot for footwear, and a bunch of other pockets to stay organized during travel. It's made of waterproof and durable nylon with padded shoulder straps and a built-in charging port.

• Pros: Waterproof material and spacious, well-organized interior.
• Cons: One reviewer notes that the water bottle pocket is a bit small and that the straps could be better padded.
• Material: Nylon
• Dimensions: 7.87 D x 12.99 W x 18.5 H inches
• Colorways: 20
• Extras: It comes with a USB charger port design.
• Who it's best for: Someone who needs to travel hands free.

What Reviewers Say:
"I love this bag. I've taken it on 3 work trips, ranging in length from 2 nights to a full week, and I've pushed this bag to its limits— it hasn't let me down! The zippers are smooth, the buckles really tighten everything up, and the different pouches and sections help keep things organized. When shopping for a travel bag I was having a hard time discerning how the different sized/shaped backpacks would fit on me. I'm 5'4" and didn't want a bag that would tip me over or make look like I'm mountain climbing while wearing. This bag accommodates quite a bit, but still wears comfortably and looks like a regular backpack (for the most part). I love the color and the durable fabric has held up to a bit of a beating getting gate checked on about 6 flights so far— it actually does fit under normal plane seats and in the upper storage compartments with zero issues, I've just been flying on some jumbo puddle jumpers! I have just two complaints: the straps and the water bottle pocket. The straps could use some beefing up, considering the amount of weight you're likely to be carrying and that you're probably going to be carrying it quite a bit walking through airports. The water bottle pocket barely fits my 24 oz. water bottle (which is not jumbo sized or shaped at all). I wish that pocket had some more stretch or girth to it. Highly recommend this bag for shorter trips (maybe not the best option for a trip you'll need to pack multiple daily outfits or shoes, though)."

Best Lightweight Luggage

Wrangler Hardside Carry-On Spinner Luggage [11] ($40) We're confident you're familiar with Wrangler denim, but what about the American brand's travel accessories? This hard-side luggage, for example, is popular among shoppers because it's ultra-lightweight. Not only that, but it also boasts 360-degree spinner wheels to easily navigate the most complicated transit hubs and a dividing zipper and compression straps to fill it to its full potential.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to navigate, and lightweight.
• Cons: Its simple design doesn't include much beyond the very basics.
• Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• Dimensions: 14 L x 9.5 W x 20 H inches
• Colorways: 9
• Extras: It's hard to find a suitcase this affordable that also has nearly 1,000 five-star reviews.
• Who it's best for: Someone looking for a basic yet well made option.

What Reviewers Say:
"I'm really impressed with the Wrangler 22-Inch Hardside Spinner in Charcoal! This luggage has quickly become my go-to for short trips. The 22-inch size is perfect for a carry-on, fitting into overhead compartments easily while still giving me plenty of space for a weekend getaway or business trip.

The spinner wheels are smooth and make it incredibly easy to maneuver, even in busy airports. Whether I'm running to catch a flight or navigating through crowded terminals, it rolls effortlessly in any direction.

The hard shell feels durable and sturdy, offering excellent protection for my belongings, yet it's still surprisingly lightweight. The interior is well-organized, with a nice compression strap to keep everything in place, and I can fit all my essentials without having to worry about space.

What I love most is the sleek charcoal color — it looks modern and professional, and it stands out just enough to spot it easily on the luggage carousel.

The only downside is that it doesn't expand, so if I'm planning to bring back extra items, I may need to pack a little more carefully. But overall, it's been a fantastic luggage choice that's both stylish and practical. Highly recommend it for anyone who travels light and needs a reliable carry-on!"

Best 3-Piece Luggage Set

Coolife Suitcase Set [12] ($85, originally $100)

If you need a solid travel set for just one person, this trio checks off the essentials. It comes with a 20-inch spinner suitcase with a TSA-approved lock, an expandable duffel bag with a trolley sleeve, and a toiletry bag. It's one of Amazon's bestselling suitcase sets, racking up over 3,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating.

• Pros: Affordable bundle price, high ratings, and deceptively spacious.
• Cons: Some reviewers note that the zipper misfunctioned.
• Material: Polyester, Polycarbonate (PC), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
• Dimensions: 15.7 L x 9.4 W x 22.6 H inches
• Colorways: 7
• Extras: It has a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, an expandable duffle, and trolley sleeve.
• Who it's best for: Someone who needs multiple luggage pieces but is on a tight budget.

What Reviewers Say:
"We got this Coolife luggage set and it's perfect for our family! You get three different sizes, so there's one for everything from a quick weekend trip to a longer vacation. They roll super smoothly, which is a lifesaver in airports, and the hard shell feels really sturdy. Plus, they nest inside each other when you're not using them, which saves a ton of closet space. Definitely recommend."

Best Travel Containers

Cadence Travel Containers [13] ($138)

Traveling with a bunch of toiletries that may or may not be under 3.4 ounces can be a TSA nightmare, which is just one of the many reasons a former PS staffer swears by the Cadence Travel Containers. These reusable capsules come with labeled, interchangeable tiles (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, cleanser, a pill icon, and one blank option). But the coolest part of all is that they're magnetic, so each container snaps together vertically or horizontally to keep everything neat and compact. Genius, right? Learn more about them in our full Cadence Travel Containers review [14].

• Pros: Interchangeable tiles mean you're not locked into using each container for one specific product; 100% leakproof; magnetic design keeps everything neatly together.
• Cons: Some shoppers wish there were more label options.
• Material: Polypropylene and recycled HDPE
• Dimensions: 1.8 W x 2.1 H inches
• Colorways: 5
• Extras: BPA-free
• Who it's best for: Anyone who's tired of chaotic toiletry bags and wants a sleek, stress-free way to travel with their toiletries.

Editor Quote: " The magnetic sides and tops make them easy to keep together and open and close. I can attest from several successful flights that these are truly leakproof, watertight, airtight, and TSA-approved. Small but mighty, the design can hold one to two weeks' worth of product, and the large opening up top makes them easy to scoop from and refill. They're easy to clean and use time and time again." — Krista Jones, former shopping editor

Best Soft-Sided Luggage

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage [15] ($145)

With over 2,000 five-star ratings and the coveted spot as a bestseller in Amazon's suitcase category, it's no secret that this soft-shell luggage is a hot commodity. Shoppers love this option because, unlike hard-shell designs, this one has a bevy of exterior pockets. Two more details unique to this design are that it's scuff-resistant with adjustable tie-down straps for securing garments.

• Pros: It's a highly-rated bestseller with lots of external storage.
• Cons: Some reviewers find the handle to be a bit flimsy.
• Material: Polyester
• Dimensions: 16.75 L x 11 W x 26.25 H inches
• Colorways: 8
• Extras: It features two front pockets and an expandable gusset.
• Who it's best for: Someone who prefers the flexibility and extra storage of soft-sided luggage.

What Reviewers Say:
"I'm so glad to have found this large quality soft side luggage at a very affordable price! I had used Samsonite soft side luggage before, but bought a large hard shell when the soft side was wearing down after a decade of use. The hard shell turned out to be a mistake. It was harder to pack, suffered damage to its wheels because of its oversized height, and finally was shattered at a corner that included one of the wheels! Fortunately the Oceania cruise ship had someone who could expertly glue it back enough for the return flight. So I bought a Swissgear unit for checked baggage. I couldn't be happier! On a recent trip it suffered no stress or damage through six airports and 3 cruise ship handlings. It was easily maneuverable, easier to pack, held as much if not more than the hard shell, and included a waterproof pouch for sundries."

Best Duffel Bag

Nomad Lane Carry On Luggage Duffel Bag [16] ($298)

Looking for a compact yet lightweight duffel bag? Consider this one, suitable for using an everyday commuter bag, a weekender, or a personal item-carry-on hybrid. It opens down the middle like a suitcase and has a spacious interior complete with a key leash, water bottle holder, two quick-access top pockets, and a designated spot for your laptop. Read our complete review of the Nomad Lane Carry On Luggage Duffel Bag [17] for more.

• Pros: Cleverly designed interior with lost of organizational compartments.
• Cons: It's on the smaller side.
• Material: Nylon
• Dimensions: 17 L x 10 W x 8 H inches
• Colorways: 2
• Extras: It includes a bonus toiletry pouch.
• Who it's best for: Someone who is looking for a small yet efficient duffel bag.

Editor Quote: "The two security-friendly pockets that can be accessed from the top of the bag are perfect for stashing the toiletry and tech pouches that come with it. Having to fumble through a traditional suitcase during this process always makes me feel flustered and slightly exposed, so I appreciate that I can quickly pull them out without displaying the inside of my suitcase." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Luggage For International Travel

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage [18] ($284, originally $308)

Despite its hard shell composition, this luggage set is actually expandable, so you can maximize on interior traveling space and get the most out of your next trip — without having to skimp on what you pack. The bundle has thousands of rave reviews on Amazon's site, with shoppers praising the luggage set for everything from its durability and functional design to its practical spinner wheels which make commuting through the airport or in between destinations that much easier.

• Pros: Comes with a 10-year warranty and includes both a carry-on and a larger check-in suitcase.
• Cons: Some reviewers mention that the TSA lock is tricky to figure out.
• Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
• Dimensions: 31.1 L x 20.95 W x 13.78 H inches
• Colorways: 15
• Extras: The set features double spinner wheels and a recessed TSA lock.
• Who it's best for: Someone looking for a carry-on and check-in suitcase combo that's built to last.

What Reviewers Say:
"Just picked up this suitcase and I'm happy with it so far. Not my first Samsonite and not my first quality suitcase either, but this one stood out. Yeah, there are cheaper options out there, but in my experience those last maybe 2 to 4 years max. This one comes with a 10-year warranty for manufacturing defects. I know that doesn't cover everything, but it does give me a little peace of mind.

I had this side-by-side with another suitcase and went with this one because of the build. The outer shell feels tough but still has some flex to it, which I like. The TSA lock, handle, zippers: everything felt smooth and solid. Even the inside fabric was noticeably better than the other one I was comparing it to.

I travel a handful of times each year for work, and I could easily see this lasting me 5 years or more. Feels like the right mix of durability, function, and style. Glad I went with it."

Best Stylish Luggage

Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheel [19] ($361, originally $390)

Undeniably chic, this neutral-colored hard-shell luggage is bound to garner compliments from strangers. It features faux-leather accents, double-spinner wheels, a TSA-approved dial combination lock, and a soft-grip handle. It comes in various sizes, and there's even a backpack to match. And last but not least, it's editor-approved. Read our complete review of the Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels [20].

• Pros: Elegant design, durable build with corner protectors, and zippered interior compartments
• Cons: Some reviewers noticed scratches after a couple of uses.
• Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
• Dimensions: 16.5 L x 14 W x 28.75 H inches
• Colorways: 6
• Extras: It comes with a matching backpack as well as built-in odor control, and laundry and shoe bags.
• Who it's best for: Someone who appreciates sharp-looking luggage and wants an easy duo to wheel around.

Editor Quote: "I love how spacious this carry-on feels, despite the fact that it's — well, a carry-on. So much of this has to do with the smart design of the piece. The interior of the luggage is fitted with two lined compartments that are deep and easy to fit a variety of different styles in at once — including everything from bulky seasonal coats and sweaters to thick jeans and even a couple pairs of boots." — KW

What to Look Forward to

We're looking forward to a couple of new options for our next update. These include: the Amazon Basics Premium Travel Garment Bag [21] for anyone who needs to travel with a suit and the Lovevook Travel Duffle Bag [22] for a compact weekender that has a separate shoe compartment.

—Additional reporting by Kyley Warren and Angela Elias