Blog

Nov 10, 2024

The Best Kids Luggage for Young Travelers | Condé Nast Traveler

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Investing in the

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Investing in the best kids luggage won’t make traveling with children as easy as traveling without them, but it will make the whole endeavor a lot less chaotic. After all, giving them a suitcase of their very own can make any parent’s load lighter, literally. The trick is to find a suitcase or backpack that your kids love so much, they’ll be delighted to carry it themselves—at least for a while. So what’s the secret sauce? Our favorite brands not only appeal to a younger aesthetic sensibility, they’re also designed to stay organized and survive even the roughest of toddlers (trust us, we’ve road tested these). Ahead, discover the best luggage for children that will house everything from clothes and shoes to beloved stuffed animals (plus several dozen packs of animal crackers, naturally).

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Which are the best kids luggage brands?

While there’s no definitive best brand for kids luggage, the most popular among our informal poll of travel writers with kids is Away. With its reasonable price point, reputation for quality, and numerous colors, its suitcases can appeal to a range of kids, from preschoolers all the way up to college-age. Coming in a close second is Béis, which won points for its punchy colorways, tot-sized pieces that coordinate with the brand’s larger items, and durability.

What is the best kids luggage for toddlers?

Nearly all toddlers or preschoolers will get tired of pushing their own suitcase after just a few minutes, which is why we love Kiddietotes’s scooter luggage line. Kids can exhaust some of their endless energy by scooting and carry all of their own gear, to boot. What’s not to love?

What are the advantages of having kids luggage?

There are numerous advantages to your kids carrying their own pieces. First, it helps keep the whole family organized, because all of your children’s items are contained in a separate bag. Second, if you’re worried about weight restrictions on checked luggage, it helps to spread out all the clothes and travel gear among more pieces. And, finally, it’s an excellent way to teach a bit of responsibility—just make sure your six-year-old doesn’t accidentally leave hers in the airport bathroom.

Weight: 3.9 lb.Capacity: 32LDimensions: 7.5"D x 14.17"W x 21.25"H

One way to cut down on complaints from kids carrying their own suitcase? Make it as light as possible. That’s why we’re huge fans of Aussie brand July’s Carry-On Light, which at just 3.9 pounds, is the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world. Plus, it comes in a range of unique colors like the saturated green moss or shadow lavender, all of which can be monogrammed to keep everyone’s bags with their proper owner. And inside, the 32-liter capacity hard-shell suitcase has two zippered compartments to ensure that everything stays organized.

Pros: Smooth, silent wheels; lifetime warranty; extremely lightweightCons: Some popular colors may be sold out

Dimensions: 20"D x 9"W x 13.5"H

Traveler contributor Erinne Magee swears by this Kiddietotes scooter-bag because it keeps her seven-year-old son both occupied and on time. “It gives him something to do during layovers, and if time is tight, he has no problem keeping up,” she says. The piece also wins points for its retractable suitcase-like handle, the scooter function that locks into place with the press of a button, and the roomy storage compartment, which holds about as much as a backpack. Plus, it’s an eye catcher: “Whenever we’re whizzing through an airport, we are stopped several times by fellow travelers asking where we got the suitcase and how it works,” Magee says. “And it’s held up really well over the past year. We’ve even taken it on domestic and international trips with multiple layovers (as well as countless trips around the living room).”

Pros: Fits in overhead bin on plane; light-up LED wheels; water- and scratch-resistant exteriorCons: Might be too large for children under four

Weight: 6.1 lb.Capacity: 28LDimensions: 8.75"D x 13.75"W x 15.75"H

For maximizing your carry-on capacity on a flight, there may be nothing more genius than underseat luggage. As the name implies, these petite suitcases easily slide under most airplane seats, providing far more storage than a typical tote or backpack. Their small size also makes them ideal for children's bags. Calpak’s version is our favorite for a few reasons: It’s affordable; comes in a variety of bright, kid-friendly hues; and is extremely durable. Plus, when your toddler gets tired of walking through the terminal, its shorter height means it can double as a makeshift ride. Storage-wise, about five days’ worth of my eight-year-old daughter Aveline’s clothing can fit in this, plus her toiletries and some books.

Pros: Super-smooth wheels; cushioned top handle; many color optionsCons: Holds less than a traditional carry-on

Weight: 7 lb.Capacity: 39LDimensions: 9"D x 16.5"W x 17"H

Writer Jamie Smith swears by this petite suitcase for her son, Adam. So far, he’s used it for a nine-state road trip and international trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic; Smith loves that it can easily hold 10 days’ worth of clothing. It also wins points for its durability: “My son is rough on everything,” she says. “He’s banged this suitcase up and down steps and has written on it for every trip. It still looks brand new!” Plus, with colors like olive, pink, or lavender, it’ll stand out on the conveyor belt.

Pros: Soft front pocket for easy access to books or an iPad; AirTag pocket; retractable bag strapCons: Some popular colors may be sold out

Weight: 7.9 lb.Capacity: 48LDimensions: 9.6"D x 15.4"W x 22.7"H

Travel writer and author Christine Chitnis swears by Away’s larger-sized carry-on when traveling with her three kids, ages 6–14. “It’s a great size for kids, and so smooth, lightweight, and easy for them to roll around themselves,” she says. On a cruise to Greenland with Hurtigruten Expeditions, Chitnis’s 14 year-old son Vijay was able to fit all of his cold-weather active clothing inside it, and for trips that require less bulky items, her kids can “easily get away with two weeks’ worth of clothes, plus a few books, toys, and shoes in the bag,” she says.

Pros: Two height settings on the handle; double-buckle compression pad; comes with a laundry bagCons: May not fit in the overhead compartment on smaller planes

Weight: 7 lb.Capacity: 18.6LDimensions: 6"D x 11.8"W x 16"H

Is this the sort of suitcase you want to risk checking on a plane? It is not. It’s more of a chauffeured car-type of bag, if we’re being honest, thanks to its vintage aesthetic and luxury price tag. But does my daughter insist on bringing hers every time we have a (non-chauffeured) road trip? Indeed she does. And who can blame her? The petite size makes it easy for her to roll, the vegan cream leather detailing is oh-so-chic, and the brightly printed interior is a fun surprise. Did I even steal this for a recent staycation at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park? Sure did. And even though this piece is smaller than an average carry-on, it still fits enough for a long weekend, and the zippered lid pockets help keep everything organized.

Pros: Serves as a decor piece when not in use; two-year warranty; silent-glide wheelsCons: Expensive

Weight: 4.4 lb.Capacity: 39LDimensions: 7.9"D x 14"W x 20"H

No, your child doesn’t need a Rimowa suitcase, but for the chicest young travelers out there, it’s hard to find something cooler than this one. Rimowa’s Essential Lite line is ideal for kids because, like the name implies, the pieces are incredibly lightweight. The smallest model, Cabin U, clocks in at just 4.4 pounds, but can easily accommodate over a week’s worth of clothes and accessories for any well-traveled tot. And with a lifetime guarantee, your kids can be as rough with it as they want: It’ll keep on ticking.

Pros: Three-height adjustment on the handle; extremely smooth wheels; lifetime guaranteeCons: Expensive; limited range of colorways

Weight: 6.4 lb.Capacity: 29LDimensions: 9.45"D x 13.4"W x 18.7"H

One of the best parts about kids’ luggage is how many more fun colors and prints there are to choose from, and no brand embodies this more than State. My daughter adores the brand's Logan carry-on suitcase, which comes in delightful patterns ranging from pink strawberries to lightning bolts. And its light weight means she can truly be in charge of it: On a trip to La Lancha in Guatemala, she was easily able to roll it herself and carry it up the property’s stairs, but it still fit the generous amount of stuffed animals she insisted on bringing with her. As her mom, I also appreciate the separate mesh pocket specifically for dirty clothes.

Pros: Available in 20 different colorways and prints; easily accessible front pocket; side strap for a water bottleCons: Not suitable for kids under six

Weight: 3.1 lb.Capacity: 32LDimensions: 11"D x 11"W x 21"H

As someone who tests dozens of pieces of luggage over the course of a year, it’s rare for me to be surprised by a bag, let alone a duffel. After all, how innovative can you get with a soft-sided bag? But Cotopaxi’s Ligera hits the mark on many levels: a reasonable price point, extremely sturdy zippers and grips, unique colorways, and a clever storage system that allows the bag, when not in use, to zip into a small, packable circle. The 32-liter bag is an ideal for preschoolers and elementary-age kids to handle on their own, while the larger 45-liter version is more suitable for teens and adults. Depending on the climate, you can easily pack five—if not seven—days’ worth of clothes in the latter. And, with all duffels made of deadstock nylon patterns (every bag is different!), you’ll never grab someone else’s by mistake.

Pros: Very lightweight; kid-friendly bright colors; made entirely from leftover materialsCons: If you choose the “surprise me” version, you won’t be able to pick your color

Weight: 5.2 lb.Capacity: 40LDimensions: 12"D x 22"W x 9"H

L.L.Bean and rugged are essentially synonymous, so it’s no surprise that its duffel is a favorite among parent travel writers. But regular duffels can get quite cumbersome, which is why the brand’s rolling version is our favorite out of the entire collection. It’s also been redesigned with a studier base, so the bag now stands on its own without tipping over. Other notable features include a water-resistant coating, cinch straps, and padded grab handles. Finally, with over half a dozen colors available, you can get a different hue for every member of the family.

Pros: 100 percent recycled fabric; coated interior for spills; extra-wide opening is great for packingCons: There’s a large brand graphic on the side, which travelers looking for a cleaner look may not love

Weight: 3.1 lb.Capacity: 29LDimensions: 9"D x 16.5"W x 11"H

Dagne Dover has made a name for itself by subtly reinventing travel classics, from its cult-favorite backpacks to its new line of luggage. The brand's popular Landon duffel is no exception: With its futuristic neoprene fabric, included shoe bag and mesh pouch, and loads of interior pockets, this design is a serious glow-up from others in the category. Although it comes in four sizes, I find the large is both big enough to fit about five days’ worth of kid clothes and accessories, while still being manageable for my eight-year-old to carry on her own. Preschoolers might be better off with the medium, which is still more than roomy enough for a long weekend.

Pros: Many colorway options; interior laptop sleeve; lots of interior pockets for organizationCons: May be too large for small children to carry on their own

Weight: 3.5 oz.Capacity: 1LDimensions: 2"D x 4.75"W x 8"H

Don't overlook the advantages of smaller bags when traveling with kids. Writer Andrea Hoag loves these colorful numbers by Patagonia, which her kids have used for nearly a decade. “These packs have grown with my kids from their pre-teen years to college,” Hoag says. “For being small, they carry an impressive amount of stuff, like a small Moleskine sketchbook, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.” And, no surprise considering Patagonia’s reputation for durability, they’ve held up well over the years. “My kids are hard on their stuff and these packs survived years of teenagers tossing them under airline seats, using them as makeshift pillows during marathon road trips, and once, even being used as an improvised bungee cord, cinched tight to shore up a backpack whose zipper broke during the last leg of a transatlantic flight,” she says.

Pros: Very affordable; stows into its own pocket when not in use; durable nylon materialCons: No inner zippered pocket

Dimensions: 5.5"D x 11.5"W x 14.5"H

Perhaps the most ubiquitous travel backpack, judging by both an informal poll of travel writers and, well, just looking around at the airport, is this durable version from Pottery Barn. The Mackenzie comes in a staggering number of prints, from Hello Kitty to Minecraft to monster trucks, and is also available in three different sizes, which means there’s a model for every aged kid. Parents will also sing the praises of the many straps and gear loops, which help to organize things like sweaters or markers.

Pros: Comes in three sizes to suit a wide age-range of children; colorways and prints to suit many interests; exterior straps are handy for looping on extra gearCons: The majority of the designs skew toward tweens

Dimensions: 5.25"D x 13.5"W x 16.25"H

On a trip to Eden Roc Cap Cana, my daughter insisted on bringing this backpack with her, citing its bright color that would match the sun on the Caribbean island. I can’t blame her—one of Stoney Clover’s hallmarks is its wide range of rainbow hues, all in a sturdy nylon fabric. But if you’re familiar with the brand, you’ll know its other draw is how customizable its products are, thanks to a dizzying array of patches that can be sewn to the front. Pro tip: There are a ton of destination patches, which can be fun to collect on your child’s travels.

Pros: Comes in three sizes to suit a wide age-range of children; colorways and prints to suit many interests; exterior straps are handy for looping on extra gearCons: 20-pound weight limit

Dimensions: 6.5"D x 12.5"W x 18"H

Another strong entry in the customizable camp is Becco, which makes duffels, backpacks, belt bags, and more that can all be personalized with patches. The key difference here is that Becco’s bags are fashioned out of a patent-pending hook and loop material (similar to a velcro), which means patches can be swapped out for every trip (or every day, if your kid so chooses). Currently, my daughter has a tropical theme going for her backpack as an ode to our recent trip to Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, but she also loves spelling out her name with letter patches. Apart from its interactivity, I also love the bag’s padded straps and back, which makes lugging it, even when heavy, quite comfortable.

Pros: Super sturdy removable patches; the pack’s travel sleeve comes with a zippered storage pocket; padded laptop compartmentCons: Patches sold separately

Capacity: 21.7 lb.Dimensions: 13.3"D x 7"W x 14"H

Traveler contributor Jordi Lippe-McGraw is also the creator of this smart bag line, which launches this September with a range of products that are perfect for parents and kids (hence, the ‘Pak’). The Companion, the line’s smaller-sized backpack, is the ideal size for kids, but can also be attached to the larger Origin Pak when little travelers need a break from carrying their gear. We also love the luxury touches, like the premium nylon exterior and leather detailing at the high touch points.

Pros: Easy-to-clean wipeable nylon exterior; theft-proof back pocket; back sleeve for suitcase handlesCons: Limited colorways

Weight: 2.6 lb. Dimensions: 6"D x 11"W x 18.5"H

Contributor Juliana Shalcross' tween daughter uses this backpack for double-duty: It’s not only her school bag, but her favorite travel carry-on as well. “It’s a great backpack for tweens and teens as it’s a simple style with plenty of little compartments to stash tech accessories, make-up, and gadgets,” she says. It’s also very durable: The fabric is a recycled polyester that’s also waterproof. And while there are larger backpacks on the market, Shallcross’s daughter makes use of the exterior bungee cords to stash things like a sweatshirt, rather than jamming it inside.

Pros: Wide range of bright colors; very comfortable shoulder straps; front bungee system for external storageCons: Waist belt is very narrow

Looking for more of the best suitcases? Check out our second annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.