Travel Gear We Use: best carry on luggage for kids

Welcome back to our Travel Gear We Use series. Today, we’re recommending best carry-on size luggage for kids. When packing for a family trip, we are big fans of using carry-on luggage (here’s an article on flying carry-on only). Why? Flying carry-on only saves money, helps kids become more responsible for their belongings, and keeps ‘baggage’ at a minimum…literally. Our favorite carry-on luggage for kids include models that are high-quality, adaptable, and of manageable weight for kids.

flying carry-on

Eagle Creek Load Warrior:

The Load Warrior is a fully functioning wheeled rollie with the added bonus of super rugged construction. Our teen loves the Flip Switch because he can roll it through airports, then hold it by the oversized grip on the side when hefting into overhead bins. It comes in two sizes–22″ and 28″–and both feature quality ripstop nylon with two-way, lockable zippers and several organizational pockets.

Crumpler Spring Peeper:

The Spring Peeper (as well as the Crumpler Red Dry No 9 shown in photo) is one of the most sturdy, well-constructed rollie bags we’ve seen. It can, as they say, take a licking and keep on ticking. So by all means, hand it off to a kid who will roll it over curbs, hit it against pillars, and roll it over your foot. Inside, the Spring Peeper features multiple organizational panels and pockets, so kids can (hopefully) remember where they put things. The lightweight handle fully retracts, and side panels are perfectly sized for kids’ socks and underclothes The main compartment is roomy enough to store souvenirs on the way home. Best of all, the Spring Peeper is only $210.


L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle:

L.L. Bean classic adventure duffles have served us well for years (and none have needed to be replaced. We opted for the medium size when the kids were very small, and still use them for quick trips and adventure vacations to this day. Kids can pick their own color (and can have their name embroidered), and the padded shoulder strap makes minor commutes no problem for older kids (if you want kids to wheel their own, opt for the large size with wheels and handle). Best of all, the medium is under $50 and the large is under $100 at L.L. Bean.

Timbuk2 Co-Pilot:

Our teens love this rollie, which features skateboard wheels for a smooth, ultra cool glide over airport floors. I love the fact that it has multiple compartments inside: you can separate clean clothes from dirty, or shoes from clothing via two large mesh sections. Open half the bag without disturbing the other half! There are also two smaller compartments, which we use as built-in packing cubes. There’s even an outside pocket perfect for a TSA-friendly toiletry bag. Grab the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller for as low as $144.

More Travel Gear We Use:
Best Overnight Backpacks for Kids and Teens

Photo credit: Amy Whitley, via Go Green Travel Green

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