Pack Your Bags!

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 SpinnerThe best hard-sided carry-on bag: Away The Carry-OnThe upgrade pick carry-on: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable SpinnerA travel backpack we love: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del DiaThe best duffel bag:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70LThe best packing cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube SetKit recommends: Pat Rawson Surfoards

 

Additional Reading: 

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

 

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