Best Deals on Carry-Ons, Weekenders, Backpacks, and More

With its relatively low price and admirable test performance, the expandable Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner is a worthwhile pick. In tests of usability, carrying and pulling, construction quality, ergonomics and design, and safety, the Amazon Basics racks up strong scores; however, testers found the telescopic handle to be somewhat wobbly or unstable. This model lacks a lock but does have three internal pockets to help organize smaller items. It’s also available in 26-inch and 30-inch sizes, and as part of two- and three-piece sets, none of which we tested. The manufacturer’s listed dimensions of 22x14.9x10 inches—with telescopic handle stowed—are slightly greater than the carry-on dimension requirements of most domestic airlines.

Why it’s a good deal: If you’re looking for a low-cost option in a pinch, this could be a great choice.

The Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner is the only hard-shell carry-on luggage model in our ratings to earn a top mark for usability. That’s in part because it can be expanded and because its handle can be raised to six positions, a boon to travelers of varying heights. This hardy road warrior also is stellar for durability and performs admirably for opening, closing, packing, carrying, and pulling. Special features include a compartment divider, lock, and built-in USB port for connecting power sources (that you provide) to your electronics. Just note that the manufacturer’s listed dimensions of 23x15x10 inches—with telescopic handled stowed—might not meet the carry-on dimension requirements of some domestic airlines.

Why it’s a good deal: This appears to be more than $200 off the list price at Macy’s, but it typically retails for $200, so you’re actually saving about $40 to $50.

This expandable hard-shell carry-on from Delsey is easy to use and performed well in most of our tests—though it suffered in some of our impact tests. Its 10-year limited warranty is not as generous as some other brands’ lifetime warranties, but it’s not as stingy as some others. It comes in pink, navy, black, and graphite.

Why it’s a good deal: This is nearly 50 percent off the original retail price, though the luggage usually costs a little over $200, so you’re not saving quite as much as it might seem.

The ebags slim backpack is a great choice for flying. Our evaluator noted the clamshell-style opening of the bag was the "most flying-friendly feature." It also has three zipper-close mesh pockets on the front. The one downside is the slim nature of the bag means you can’t overpack. That same quality also makes it great for day-to-day use.

Why it’s a good deal: This backpack hasn’t been on sale in some time, but you can save with the code FRIENDS20.

The Ekster Senate Cardholder features a design that keeps that pop-up switch level with the aluminum cardholder. It includes a cash strap and single cardholder to hold your bills on the outside with the company’s logo emblazoned on the front and keep a card on the outside, such as a public transportation ticket for tap-to-go. Thoughtfully, the company includes an extra strap without the cardholder, to slim things down even further, inside a very beautiful box.

Why it’s a good deal: The current sale price is only $5 more than the low price we saw during the holidays.

This faux leather wallet from Travando features a full-sized nonremovable money clip inside. Its design includes a window sleeve, a front sleeve that exposes part of the card held there, and enough pockets to hold 11 cards.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the same discount we saw during the holidays, and it’s available at this price in every color.

This Nimalist slim wallet accommodates Apple products by incorporating Apple’s puck-shaped, rounded-top tracking device, sold separately, into its design. AirTags aren’t the greatest shape for slim wallets, and the indent is very noticeable when put in the front or back pocket. However, this is an otherwise great wallet, with soft leather and seven very thin pockets that hold up to 12 cards.

Why it’s a good deal: This sale price has been available since before Black Friday.

Looking more like a coin purse than a wallet, Herschel’s Charlie slim wallet offers RFID protection in its four pockets, including a larger sleeve in the middle that opens to reveal a signature white-and-red striped lining, similar to a tiny tag on the side. The wallet feels stiff, but not unpleasantly so; it doesn’t flop or fold easily even when it’s empty. The wide array of styles available for the Charlie is impressive. The only ding on this one is that there are three tags inside the middle pocket, one with branding, one listing materials, and another with a serial number. There’s no easy way to remove the tags that our writer could find without damaging the wallet. The tags got in the way when placing cards in this compartment and were distracting to what is otherwise a simple and very stylish design.

Why it’s a good deal: This is already one of the most low-cost slim wallets, and this discount is a couple of dollars cheaper than during the holidays.