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Your Journey Starts Here: The Perfect Soft-Sided Companion Awaits

Why Choose Flexible Luggage? Editors' Perspective

Conde Nast Traveler's editorial team favors soft-sided baggage for its inherent adaptability and resilience. Unlike rigid alternatives, these cases are crafted from pliable materials that endure the rigors of travel with grace. The finest examples offer abundant interior compartments and compression features, enabling efficient packing without the need for additional checked baggage, catering to both seasoned soft-sided enthusiasts and new converts from hard-shell options.

Rigorous Testing: How We Evaluate Travel Companions

To deliver trustworthy recommendations, our team of editors and contributors rigorously evaluates numerous suitcases over extended periods. These tests span a wide array of travel scenarios, from international flights and cross-country road trips to oceanic cruises and local getaways. Each bag is subjected to real-world conditions, assessed for its weight, storage capacity, practical utility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term durability. We meticulously identify innovative design elements, such as weight indicators, dedicated shoe sections, and protective laptop sleeves, to pinpoint luggage that truly stands out. Our comprehensive evaluation culminates in an updated list of editor-approved travel bags for the upcoming year.

Key Considerations for Soft-Sided Luggage

When selecting soft-sided luggage, material quality is paramount. Woven nylon, a common choice, comes in variations like Cordura, known for its textured surface that cleverly conceals scuffs, and ballistic nylon, which offers a smoother finish but may reveal minor imperfections more readily, though its core strength remains uncompromised. The choice between soft-sided and hard-sided luggage often boils down to individual preference and travel habits. Soft-sided cases frequently boast more external pockets, offering convenient access, and their flexible structure allows for easier stowing in overhead compartments or car trunks. They also tend to mask typical travel wear and tear better than their hard-sided counterparts. Durability, however, is a consistent feature across most soft-sided options, provided they utilize high-strength nylon and robust zippers. Essential attributes also include sturdy wheels with 360-degree rotation, ensuring effortless navigation through busy travel hubs.

Ideal Soft-Sided Carry-On Selections

For those prioritizing sleek design and ample organization, the Dagne Dover Seattle carry-on is a standout. It offers generous pocket space and a protective tech sleeve, praised by our contributors for its capacity to hold multiple outfits and elicit admiring glances. While lighter shades may show scuff marks, its overall functionality is highly rated. Travelpro's VersaPack carry-on, a favorite among flight attendants, is celebrated for its resilience and thoughtful design, including a hidden passport pocket and exceptionally smooth-rolling wheels, making it perfect for weekend excursions. The Hartmann Tweed Domestic carry-on combines sophisticated aesthetics with practical features like a lightweight tweed shell and a wrinkle-minimizing packing cube, justifying its premium price with superior quality. Away's Softside Bigger carry-on, known for its stylish appearance and expandability, is excellent for long weekends, though its weight when fully packed can be a consideration for overhead storage. Thule's Subterra 2 carry-on is lauded for its quiet, smooth-gliding wheels and durable, scratch-resistant material, offering efficient packing for trips lasting several days. The Travelpro Crew Classic Compact carry-on spinner offers versatile storage with mesh compartments and removable organizers, suitable for up to a week's worth of clothing and praised for its durable, easy-to-clean fabric. For the adventurous traveler, the Cotopaxi Allpa 38L roller bag provides a water-resistant and durable solution, ideal for multi-day trips to warm climates or outdoor destinations, though its two-wheel design requires some adjustment when fully loaded. Briggs & Riley's Baseline Essential carry-on caters to the "overpacker" with its innovative automatic expansion system and dedicated SpeedThru pocket for travel documents, blending functionality with a professional aesthetic. Lastly, the Calpak Terra soft-sided carry-on excels in challenging conditions, featuring waterproof material and 360-degree wheels designed for snow and ice, making it a reliable choice for road trips, despite its modest internal organization.

Exceptional Soft-Sided Checked Bag Options

Away's Softside Medium checked bag is highly recommended for its spacious interior and effective compression panel, which prevents bulging and offers ample room for a week or more of clothing. Its water-resistant material and easy maneuverability make it a practical choice for longer journeys. The Herschel Heritage Soft-shell Medium suitcase is appreciated for its minimalist design and robust construction, featuring a large main compartment with garment straps. While it lacks extensive internal organization, its comfortable grab handles and smooth rolling capabilities make it a solid option for general travel. For adventurers, the Thule Chasm check-in duffel is built for demanding expeditions, offering a lightweight yet durable exterior and substantial capacity for extended trips to cold climates. Its simple interior can be optimized with packing cubes for efficient organization. Finally, Tumi's Collapsible duffel stands out for its flexibility and generous storage, accommodating up to 10 days of clothing. Its ability to fold into a compact pouch when empty is a significant advantage, particularly for travelers with limited space, though its two-wheel design might require more effort when heavily packed.