Best Carry-On Luggage in Canada

Our goal is simple and has remained the same for years. We aim to keep track of current trends in consumer products and give people relevant advice to make smarter buying decisions. Many factors matter when buying the best carry-on luggage in Canada.

We give recommendations after evaluating several products in great detail. We collect data, make comparisons, analyze reviews, and look at multiple factors to determine the best use scenario for each carry-on luggage for Canadian consumers.

Here are some indicators we looked at when compiling the list of the best carry-on luggage in Canada.

• Size. Size matters significantly for carry-on luggage. It can determine the capacity and whether you can use it with specific travel methods.
• Material. The material can dictate the level of protection, durability, and longevity of carry-on luggage available in Canada.
• Comfort Features. We looked at handle styles, sizes, padding, and other perks that make carry-on luggage easy to pull and use.
• Design Features. The design is arguably as important as the dimensions. It indicates the number of compartments, zipper styles, organizational potential, etc.

Why Use Carry-On Luggage in Canada?

Canadians use bags, purses, backpacks, and giant suitcases to carry what they need from point A to B. But not all luggage is created equal, and not everyone has the same needs and preferences.

Of all the choices, carry-on luggage might be the most versatile. It can adapt to many situations, and you can find many designs that cater to your needs. Carry-on luggage combines flexibility with capacity and comfort so you can have the best trip without leaving anything behind.

How to Choose Carry-On Luggage for Canadians

If you want to ditch traditional suitcases or your backpack or enjoy more convenience while travelling, carry-on luggage is an ideal choice. They’re designed to provide the ultimate comfort when lugging around personal items regardless of your means of transport.

But how you travel, what you carry, and where you’re going can make specific carry-on luggage inefficient.

Knowing what to look for and how each characteristic can shape your experience is essential for buying the best carry-on luggage in Canada.

Size

Carry-on luggage can have many uses. But many people buy them for air travel. Canadians who need carry-on luggage probably need it to fit overhead airplane compartments. That’s why size is crucial when purchasing carry-on luggage in Canada.

Bags must pass through cages, measuring tapes, or beat various measuring tools. If they don’t meet the requirements, passengers must check their bags, which can be expensive.

Naturally, airlines may impose different size requirements. However, a bag that fits within the 22 x 14 x 9-inch dimensions should be good for most major airlines. It’s important to note that the best carry-on luggage in Canada for air travel must meet those measurements when packed.

That’s something to remember when choosing the bag material and shape and stuffing it with items. Therefore, bags smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches are often preferred.

When checking carry-on luggage, you can opt for something bigger. Most airline carriers accept baggage up to 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches.

But the best carry-on luggage in Canada doesn’t have to meet airline requirements. Not everyone travels by plane, and carry-on luggage is still one of the most versatile methods of carrying items for a trip. Car trunks and trains can accommodate larger luggage. So, it’s essential to choose the size based on your method of transport and item requirements.

If you do plan on travelling by plane, make sure to check with the airline or airport you use most often. They may have different requirements for the size and weight of your carry-on luggage. Make sure to purchase luggage that fits these requirements for the best results.

Material

Picking suitable material is crucial to protecting personal items and meeting carry-on luggage transport standards. For example, flexible materials can allow you to overstuff the luggage. That’s fine for Canadians who check carry-on luggage on airplanes or anyone who doesn’t fly.

But a more robust material with minimal elasticity is preferred for air travel. The best carry-on luggage in Canada for air travel should have a material that doesn’t bulge.

The material choice is situational, like everything else about carry-on luggage. Waterproofing isn’t necessary but highly recommended in all situations. A thicker, more durable exterior shell is recommended when travelling with fragile items and electronic devices. A thicker shell leads to increased durability and better protection for your items.

On the other hand, a more elastic or flexible bag can help you fit more inside the luggage. The give on the sides can be critical if you need to pack a little bit more. Keep this in mind as you shop for the best luggage in Canada.

Weight

While carry-on luggage is easy to move, some can be heavy, even when empty. Ideally, you wouldn’t want weighty carry-on luggage if you don’t need extra protection for your items. You might also consider possible airline maximums when buying carry-on luggage in Canada.

Meeting the dimension requirements while surpassing the weight limit will require you to check the luggage. And depending on the weight, it can cost a lot. 

Having lightweight carry-on luggage is also a matter of convenience. Although it has rollers, dragging along a few extra pounds won’t be easy or comfortable for everyone.

Comfort Features

The goal of buying carry-on luggage for Canadians is to get the most comfort possible, but that depends on several features—for example, the wheel mount style. Having 360-degree wheel mounts means you can pull the luggage around anywhere. It also prevents tipping when changing directions and is less punishing on the wrists.

Having dual carry handles can help. Sometimes you may need to carry the luggage like a suitcase. In addition, two handles make it easier to lift carry-on luggage in overhead compartments, taller car trunks, etc.

Some Canadian carry-on luggage buyers may also require cushioned handles. The better the padding, the easier it is to lug your items in airports, on sidewalks, up the stairs, etc.

Other users may prefer longer telescoping handles. Ideally, the handle should come up to your waist. It puts your arm in a comfortable position and makes pulling and turning easier. While shorter users can get away with less, tall users need longer telescoping handles to avoid backaches.

Compartment Design

Few carry-on luggage designs are simplistic these days. The best carry-on luggage in Canada for air travel must have a few exterior pockets and compartments. It makes accessing in-flight items straightforward and efficient.

A flat document pouch may interest people who need to read various materials on business trips. An electronics pouch isn’t hard to find, but its quality can differ. Extra padding for a gadget pouch is preferred, as is an exterior position.

Some carry-on luggage available in Canada comes with umbrella clips and extra gear straps. Neither are mandatory, but they can increase your quality of life and help you carry more gear and accessories easily.

Lastly, you may consider the internal organization of the compartments. A few dedicated interior pouches or compartments for books, shoes, clothes, gadgets and other items can help you pack faster and more efficiently.

Additional Factors

Finding the best carry-on luggage in Canada may come down to additional considerations.

• Brand. Choosing carry-on luggage in Canada from a top manufacturer can give you peace of mind. Premium manufacturers tend to have more efficient designs, use better materials, and ensure longer durability.
• Warranty. Carry-on luggage can take a lot of punishment, especially when checked on an airplane or when travelling through bad weather and harsh terrain. Having a more extended warranty may help offset damage from wear and tear. Another important aspect is the policy. Not all manufacturers cover airline luggage damages. That could be a vital consideration when buying carry-on luggage in Canada for air travel.
• Reviews. Checking user reviews is always a good idea, no matter what you buy. Reading what people with similar needs went through can help you make a more informed decision.
• Dedicated water pouch. An easy-access water pouch can be great for carry-on luggage. However, you might not want one if your goal is to take the luggage with you on a plane.
• Built-in charger. Embedding technology in modern luggage is common practice these days. A built-in charger or battery can help keep your gadgets alive during long trips.
• Hidden compartments. If you lose your carry-on luggage or it gets stolen, chances are you won’t get back precious items and documents. But secret compartments still help you separate certain items from the rest and may even offer faster access to passports, cash, etc.
• Ventilation. Waterproof carry-on luggage for Canadians is excellent for protecting your items. But stuffing luggage without opening it for days can cause your things to get a musty smell. Tiny air vents or mesh panels create ventilation and can keep your clothes fresh.
• Laundry bag. Some carry-on luggage comes with a removable laundry bag. That can be a great feature if you expect to do some laundry on your trip. It can also help when you have no means of doing laundry and lack something to store your dirty clothes without affecting other items. Removable laundry bags can help keep the smell in and are compatible with washing machines.
• Locks. Not everyone needs to lock their carry-on luggage if they keep it close. But it can offer extra protection and peace of mind. Just be mindful of where you’re travelling. The lock should be compatible with master keys, such as those used by the TSA. Otherwise, airline security agents might break the lock to inspect the luggage.

How to Safely Use Carry-On Luggage in Canada

It may seem that anyone can figure out how to use carry-on luggage efficiently. But there are some safety tips to keep in mind for maximizing the service life and protecting your items.

• Wrap carry-on luggage yourself if you plan on checking it on your next flight. It may save you a few bucks, and you can ensure it’s adequately protected from scratching and tearing.
• Familiarise yourself with the 3-1-1 rule. Most airlines won’t let you carry anything over a quart-sized bag with gels, creams, liquids, etc. Furthermore, each item must not contain more than 3.4 ounces. That said, you may want to avoid storing any liquids in carry-on luggage to prevent spills.
• Always keep a close eye on your carry-on luggage to deter thieves.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning the bag. Not all carry-on luggage materials are friendly to synthetic cleaning products.
• Lock the telescoping handle in a position that puts minimum strain on your arm and wrist. Usually, that means getting the handle up to the same level as your waist.
• Beware of special airline restrictions besides the usual involving guns, chemicals, ammunition, alcohol, weapons, flammable liquids, etc.
• Try to lug the carry-on luggage at an angle to prevent tipping and make it easier to pull.