The Carry Awards :: Best Carry-On Results

1st Place

Tom Bihn :: Synapse 25

“Great organizing, excellent build quality, and incorporates the modular system for hanging laptops, tablets and tech.”

This was the most debated category for us, as carry-on has traditionally been treated as ‘maximum legal’ carry-on. The Tom Bihn is more of an overnighter than a week away, but it’s every bit a Carry Awards credentialled winner. Excellent fabrics and zips. Flawless construction. An interesting three-dimensional pattern that grows and shrinks without need for compression. And every organizing pocket you could want. Tom Bihn care about making excellent carry, and it totally shows. Oh, and particularly in this pack, we like the black.

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Highly Commended 

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honour, we bow our heads in the upmost respect and kudos. If this were a dias, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And I’m sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Timbuk2 Aviator

Like the name says, the Aviator is perfect for hitting the skies. It’s kitted out with flexible spaces that can grow or shrink, while still taking wet or dry. It’s equipped with a great load-hauling harness that keeps the weight well distributed, a rain cover, lay-flat loading, and organization for all your work and travel bits. The Aviator has you covered for most adventure travel, all the while being able to carry on (at least within US cabin restrictions).

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Goruck SK40

You’re doing pretty well as a brand when you can take things off a bag and it increases the appeal. While lots of folk love the tactical vibe of the classic Gorucks, the PALS webbing does turn some away. The new Slicks range lets you get the cult bags in stripped back mode for even more incognito travel. This is a great carry-on!