Best Carry-On Bag – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards

1st Place

Tortuga Setout Backpack

Tortuga is a brand of constant movement and iteration, forever building and improving on release after release, and the Setout is their greatest achievement. It’s everything you could want in a maximum carry-on: ‘usable’ packing space for days, super lightweight at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), supreme comfort, easy packability and access, a subdued aesthetic that blends in and works for any use case, and quality compression to keep things snug and tight. Simple. No bells and whistles. Just a design built from years of traveling and learning and experimenting, that’s evolved into greatness.

Whether you’re traveling for work or play, this bag will make your trip smoother – and ultimately, more enjoyable. And that’s just the kind of travel buddy you want by your side. Congratulations, Tortuga. This is a truly first-class effort.

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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 honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Cotopaxi Allpa

A lot of traveling is about getting from A to B. But it’s important to enjoy the journey along the way. And the Cotopaxi Allpa brings that sense of fun to your trips, standing out from other carry-ons with playful pops of color. And that element of fun is backed up by a highly functional and adaptable design. The burly, weather-resistant build embraces demanding travel use, while the comfy harness takes the schlep out of hauling your gear. With a clamshell opening and multiple interior pockets, you don’t need to worry about undoing all your careful packing in the hunt for a specific item. Plus the quick-access tech compartment keeps your devices at the ready for zipping through airport security. But it’s the little details that really round out the pack, such as anti-theft webbing on the external zippers, multiple grab handles for easy maneuverability, and the stowable hipbelt and shoulder straps for snag-free storage.

All in, this is a tough, practical and versatile travel bag that will suit a range of trips and carry needs. Well done, Cotopaxi!

Trakke Storr Carry On Backpack

The Storr is Trakke’s first foray into travel carry. And the Scottish heritage carry kings have nailed the balance of suave style and rugged functionality. Super minimal, the pack is stripped back to the essential elements of a great carry-on. Convenient packing and access through a clamshell opening. An exterior-access laptop sleeve for your tech. Pockets for smaller items and quick-access essentials. Stowable shoulder straps and convenient top and side carry handles. And an agile 30L size designed to meet every airline requirement, bar none. And that handmade waxed canvas construction is going to age just beautifully. A real canvas that will showcase a lifetime of travel stories.

Handsome, hard-wearing and built for traveling in minimalist style, the Storr gets a solid thumbs-up and recommendation from us. Awesome work, Trakke!

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