7 Best Carry-On Luggage Bags In Australia For 2026

Reading Time: 25 minutes

Confession time – I have a carry-on bag fetish. I love the sound of a carry-on’s wheels on cobblestones in a foreign city. And travelling with a cabin bag only means I can breeze past the luggage carousel on arrival.

Admittedly, I haven’t travelled much in the past 12 months (due to the arrival of my first child – woot).

But in the couple of years prior, I took 2X trips to Europe, 3X long weekends in Byron Bay, a few Bali holidays and multiple long weekend getaways to the Adelaide Hills – without ever checking in bulky luggage.

I’m no stranger to travelling only with a carry-on.

Who am I?

I’m an Aussie entrepreneur who travels frequently, enjoys excellent products and blogs about my experiences.

I tested each carry-on in this review by packing it with a weekend’s worth of clothes:

But before I unpack (ha) the pros and cons of each carry-on, let me share a few controversial insights you won’t find anywhere else online.

1. Monos Carry-On Pro / Pro Plus.

Best carry-on bag for under $400.

Above: The Monos fit my test load with ease.

The Monos is the newest member of my carry-on collection.

Let me start by saying that I bought the larger Pro Plus variant, which measures a humongous 58/38/24cm and 46 litres of volume.

It’s by far the biggest carry-on bag in this review.

Pros.

The Pro Plus is cavernous.

If you always travel with a lot of belongings – and want to push the definition of “carry-on” to its limits, this is the best carry-on bag for you.

While most airlines in Australia have an official limit of 7kg in economy, my experience is that they’ll turn a blind eye to slight misdemeanours – as long as you’re not taking the piss.

I regularly take trips with about 10kg in my carry-on, without ever having an issue.

Above: The Monos Pro Plus inhaled all my clothes and shoes – with plenty of room to spare.

But I’d think twice about making the Pro Plus my primary weapon – unless my trips were consistently in Business (which they’re not).

Its massive dimensions are just too bulky for overhead bins on domestic routes in economy.

(Related: Best Travel Insurance For Australians).

And if you happen to board late – when most of the bins are full – you’ll be “that guy/gal” trying to squeeze your monster carry-on somewhere. Not a great look.

Features-wise, the Monos carry-on gives you everything you’d expect – hard polycarbonate shell, nice mesh interior, compression straps, plenty of pockets, TSA locks and smooth wheels.

Because it doesn’t have a built-in battery or TSA locks on the front compartment, the Pro Plus weighs in at 3.67kg. The Pro, meanwhile, tips the scales at just 3.54kg – same as the Spectra, below.

Above: Unusually, the Monos has locks on the side – rather than on top of – the bag. While this creates a more minimalist look, I prefer locks to be on top.

The front panel zips open to reveal several safari-style pockets for your digital devices and peripherals.

This entire compartment is a separate space that you can’t access from the inside.

This means you can’t sacrifice any of the pocket’s space to add more internal volume (as you can on the Spectra, by zipping out an inner panel).

These are great for storing things that typically fall to the bottom of the compartment (e.g., AirPods, spare cables, adapters, wallet, etc).

Above: The three zippable compartments inside the side pocket are outstanding.

Monos’ build quality is outstanding.

Unlike the cheap and cheerful mass-produced vibe you get from most other brands (I’m looking at you, Samsonite) – the Monos surprised me with tactile and robust surfaces.

The polycarbonate shell is of high quality, and the inside fabrics feel great to the touch. I have no complaints about the wheels, either – they’re smooth and whisper-quiet.

Cons.

Remember how I said a moment ago that the Monos’ construction is outstanding?

Well, there is one problem – the somewhat el cheapo handle. The plastic doesn’t feel luxurious to the touch, and the shape isn’t as nice as you get on the Victorinox bag.

This is a common issue on mid-range polycarbonate carry-ons, and is one of the reasons I like the Spectra, in 2nd place below. It has a nifty locking system that secures both the main compartment and the front pocket.

Above: Monos could have made this handle with more love.

My final gripe is with Monos’ appearance.

It’s clean and minimalist – almost futuristic – but it could use more detail. The design language doesn’t look as elevated as I’d like.

Overall.

The Monos Carry On Pro / Plus is the best carry-on for people who always carry a lot of gear and don’t want to spend more than ~$400 on their bag.

No other bag in Australia offers better value for money in internal volume per dollar spent.

Above: The leather nametag is a nice touch.

It’s not the most premium-looking carry-on bag, nor does it have the perfect construction.

But it has no nasty habits.

Think of it as a somewhat boring family station wagon. It will do everything you want, except making you feel like you’re 21 again.

Not quite Apple, then.

✔ Huge internal volume
✔ Relatively light at 3.5kg (Pro) and 3.6kg (Pro Plus)
✔ Excellent front pocket
✘ The handle feels a bit cheap
✘ Doesn’t look very interesting

Price.

Monos charges $375 for the Pro and $425 for the Pro Plus version.

It’s a ridiculously well-priced bag, and I expect the company to raise its prices after it penetrates the Aussie market.

Above: As you’d expect, the secondary compartment had plenty of space left – at least 60%.

How Does The Monos Pro Plus Global Stack Up?	Score
Price	5
Build Quality	4.5
Aesthetics	3.5
Weight	5
Convenience	4.5
Warranty & Returns	5
OVERALL	4.6/5

Specifications.

➤ Size: 58cm H x 38cm W x 24cm D
➤ Weight: 3.8kg
➤ Capacity: 46L

2. Victorinox Spectra 3.0.

Best cabin bag for under $800.

Above: The main compartment is the most usable of all bags in this review, thanks to its 40cm width. The secondary compartment is quite shallow – because it donates space to the front pocket.

The #2 on my list of best carry-on luggage bags is the stylish Victorinox Spectra 3.0.

I love this thing. If it weren’t for the bag’s $800-ish price tag, I’d rank it #1.

Pros.

The Victorinox Spectra 3.0 is the best carry-on bag if you travel with multiple airlines and never want to worry about checking in your luggage.

If you keep it unexpanded, it will fit within the size limits of most airlines. Only ultra-low budget carriers typically serving Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America may raise an eyebrow.

Above: The Spectra had no trouble fitting in the test load. It could have easily fit another 20% into the main hold – before expanding. Note, however, that the secondary compartment is almost full.

This is great for scenarios where you fly light outbounds but return heavy – after buying some duty-free presents for the family.

The main compartment is also the widest of all bags in this review, creating a more useful square shape. Notice how my shoes fit into the Spectra without touching the sides.

More attractive than Monos? Absolutely. More attractive than the Carl Friedrik (below)? No.

The carry-on’s outer shell is crafted from hard, matt, scratch-resistant polycarbonate that looks and feels like it will last a lifetime.

Corner guards are a nice touch for minimising damage from rough handling – something that the Monos doesn’t have.

Above: Spectra is a very attractive bag, but mine has done at least 10 big trips – hence the scuffs.

Additionally, each Spectra has a unique ID number to help you locate your luggage, should it get lost or stolen.

Being a Swiss bag, it comes with a hidden pair of tweezers, a phone SIM card remover and a baby screwdriver.

But what’s useful is Spectra’s front pocket. It is outstanding.

It unzips and hinges out to reveal an organisational panel and provides rapid access to your laptop and travel essentials.

Above: This is a great integrated front pocket – second only to the Carl Friedrik in size.

The compartment itself is cavernous. And unlike Monos’ side pocket, it’s also lockable.

A couple of hardcover books, notepads and full-size laptops will fit there without issues. Yes, it does eat into internal space (I’ll talk about that shortly), but the compromise is worth it.

And as you’d expect from a Swiss brand that makes locks, the Victorinox Spectra has proprietary, TSA-approved combination locks.

Above: The Spectra expands by 3cm to give you 47 litres of internal space. A word of warning – at that size the bag starts to look like a small trunk than a carry-on. The odds of having to check it in rise exponentially.

Cons.

The Victorinox Spectra has a few downsides.

Price is the first one.

Unfortunately, with RBA stubbornly refusing to cut interest rates, not every Australian can afford an $800 carry-on bag.

But if you’re shopping at this price point, you are probably not very price-sensitive.

Your main dilemma will likely be whether raise your budget and buy the Carl Friedrik instead (below).

Above: A USB 2.0 socket can charge devices from an internally mounted battery – but Victorinox doesn’t include the battery.

Personally, I like stylish and understated accessories, rather than shouty, “look at me” types, so I’d go with the Spectra any day – and allocate the extra $1,000 to my holiday budget.

Above: The front pocket zips away to give unobstructed access to your laptop, accessories and stationery.

This, by the way, isn’t a unique problem to the Spectra – the Monos also suffers from it.

But the Spectra does have a clever party trick – it lets you zip out the internal dividing wall, thus sacrificing side pocket space to add internal volume.

This will, of course, make your side pocket unusable, but #compromises.

Oh, and the charging cable is USB 2.0. Now that USB-C is the norm, I would have liked to see that instead.

Above: the secondary compartment is big enough for a few sets of underwear and a book.

Overall.

The Victorinox 3.0 Expandable Global is fancy without being ostentatious and professional without being stuffy.

This carry-on bag will dress up your business suit during the week and look funky with your sneakers during weekend getaways.

If you have $800 to spend, this is the best carry-on bag in Australia, bar none.

✔ Highly versatile due to expandable case
✔ Unique ID number and 24/7 lost bag hotline
✔ Nostalgic, iconic Victorinox design
✘ Too expensive for most of us

Price.

Between $800 and $900, depending on the retailer and season. It’s a premium product aimed at style-conscious, well-heeled travellers.

How Does The Victorinox Global Stack Up?	Score
Price	5
Build Quality	5
Aesthetics	5
Weight	3
Convenience	5
Warranty & Returns	4
OVERALL	4.5/5.0

Specifications.

➤ Size: 55cm H x 40cm W x 20/23cm D
➤ Weight: 3.5kg
➤ Capacity: 39/47L

3. Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0.

Best carry-on luggage for trendy women.

Above: Like many carry-ons in this review, the Delsey Chatelet has a 50/50 split between the main and secondary compartments.

Delsey Paris luggage range is designed for women. I must confess – I’m a bit jealous – because I really like the Chatelet Air 2.0.

Pros.

Delsey’s gorgeous design is inspired by Euro-chic retro shapes and colours. It’s very Paris, c. 1975.

I love it.

I also love the build quality.

Don’t get me wrong – the other carry-ons I picked for this review are sturdy and robust.

But all of them look and feel like they were vacuum-moulded on the same assembly line that makes car dashboards.

The Delsey, meanwhile, looks like it was handmade by a grey-haired artisan wearing a leather apron and puffing a pipe.

It feels even more expensive than the Monos and the Victorinox. This is a surprise, as it retails for about 20-50% less, respectively.

Above: The Delsey Chatelet struggled to fit all of my items. To be fair, the secondary compartment still had 80% of space left.

As you’d expect, zippers snap into a three-digit TSA lock for extra security.

But unlike any other bag in this review, the Delsey’s lock allows you to increase security by BYOing your own padlock. You can thread it through a clever pair of eyelets inside zipper handles.

As with the Victorinox, you get a nice laundry bag, bulletproof-looking zippers and a smart internal divider system.

While relatively heavy for a 38L bag, it allows you to pack up to 4.1kg of items before reaching the 7kg carry-on limit of Virgin and Qantas international economy.

Cons.

My main gripe with the Delsey is the absence of a separate front laptop pocket. Getting yours out will require unzipping the main compartment.

While most other bags in this review inhaled my items with room to spare, the Delsey’s main compartment was truly full.

If you’re a Mademoiselle who likes to travel with everything but the kitchen sink, the Chatelet might not be up to the task.

Above: The Delsey looks like something Marilyn Monroe would cart around on tour.

The Chatelet is available in a range of light and dark colours – and I suggest you steer away from the former.

The “champagne” hues may seem like a great idea, but will show signs of wear quickly.

Overall.

The Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 is a chic and stylish carry-on bag aimed at female travellers.

It’s best for style-conscious women who want a change from the usual stark, black business cabin bags.

Above: Your laptop must go inside the secondary compartment, as the Chatelet doesn’t have an external front pocket.

At 2.9kg, it’s on the heavier side, but nowhere near the mid-3kg bulk of the Victorinox and Monos bags.

The bag is advertised as a 3-4 day long weekender, but I think it’s more suited to 2-day getaways only.

✔ Chic European styling
✔ Excellent build quality
✘ May be too ostentatious for some businesswomen
✘ No external front pocket

How Does The Delsey Chatelet 2.0 Stack Up?	Score
Price	5
Build Quality	5
Aesthetics	5
Weight	5
Convenience	3
Warranty & Returns	4
OVERALL	4.5/5

Price.

The vintage-looking Chatelet retails for between $280 and $380, depending on the time of the year. It’s great value for money at this price.

Specifications.

➤ Size: 55cm H x 35cm W x 25.5cm D
➤ Weight: 2.9kg
➤ Capacity: 38L

4. Carl Friedrik Carry On X.

Best ultra-premium carry-on bag.

Above: The Carry On X swallowed my clothes, book and accessories with ease.

The Carl Friedrik Carry On X is the classiest bag in this review.

In fact, it’s the best carry-on you can buy – if you want a high-end bag but don’t want to be seen towing a cliché that’s a Rimowa.

Either way, while Rimowa screams for attention, the Carl Friedrik oozes quiet luxury.

But don’t expect to fly under the radar with this thing (pun intended). This is a statement piece, and it will turn heads.

In fact, its vertical ridges echo Rimowa’s trademark stripes – and I don’t think it’s an accident.

Above: Two-compartment clamshell design offers plenty of flexibility. Unusually, the secondary compartment uses straps – rather than mesh – to secure your belongings.

Pros.

Priced at $1,250, the Carry On X is the most expensive carry-on bag in this review.

The most luxurious.

And the most well-made.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s linger on its aesthetics a bit longer.

Damn, it’s pretty. I love how the gunmetal grey contrasts with the tan leather. And how exposed ribbed nails along the edges give the bag a hipster undertone.

Above: Think of the Carry On X as a small trunk, rather than a large carry-on.

The steamer-style combination latches are rock-solid and latch with satisfying precision. I’m sure they were made by a Swiss watchmaker. Or the son of a watchmaker.

Internal compartments, meanwhile, are organised in a way that’s not only intelligent but attractive.

You get chunky stitching, thick lining and stencilled logos everywhere.

Its best feature is its laptop compartment. More mini briefcase than sleeve, it’s the largest of any bag in this review.

While most bags will struggle to fit laptops larger than 15″, this thing will inhale a 16″ model with ease – as well as an iPad, a couple of notepads, passports and your reading material.

It will hold a week’s worth of clothing without any issues.

43 litres of internal storage is second only to the (massive) Monos Pro (46 litres), or the Victorinox in its expanded mode (47 litres).

Above: Two TSA locks on the main compartment, but none on the laptop compartment.

Oh, and Cark Friedrik is the only company in this roundup to offer a trial. You can use the bag for 100 days, and if you don’t like it, you can send it back.

Cons.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

Literally.

The bag is the heaviest in this review. At 4.3 kg, it’s about 1 kg heavier than every other bag in this review.

It also comes with a size penalty. It’s 27 cm deep – about 5 cm deeper than most carry ons – making it look more like a small trunk than a carry-on.

What does all this mean?

Well, if you’re a business traveller, you’ll likely get waved through. But if you’re flying on budget airlines, expect questions – and occasional gate-checks.

Above: The laptop compartment is cavernous – you can easily fit a couple of hardcover books in addition to your laptop.

And if you do have to check it, there’s no lock on the laptop compartment. There aren’t even eyeholes in the zipper handles, so you can’t BYO padlock.

The hardshell construction means you can’t overfill the bag.

Unlike cheap softshells, the square Carl Friedrik will not stretch to accommodate your extra pair of pants.

If you’re used to always fitting in “one more thing”, owning one of these may come with a shock.

Finally, I don’t love the handle. It’s certainly above average, but I’d hoped for something that feels more premium on a $1,000+ bag.

Above: The front compartment hinges at the bottom, providing excellent access to items you use most often.

Overall.

Carl Friedrik Carry On X is the quintessential luxury carry-on bag.

It’s both elegant and durable.

In my view, it’s better built than a Rimowa, but costs half the price. It’s also less ubiquitous than a Rimowa.

These days, airports are filled with cheap knockoffs sporting the trademark ribbed aluminium look, but Carl Friedrik’s design is still rare.

If most of your travel was on short-haul flights in economy, or in budget airlines, choose the Victorinox Spectra instead. It’s not as luxurious, but just as cavernous – and you won’t get hassled by airline staff.

But if you do a lot of travel in the pointy end of the plane, this is a great pick.

✔ Classy and elegant
✔ Superb build quality
✘ Front compartment doesn’t lock
✘ Heavy

How Does Carl Friedrik Carry On X Stack Up?	Score
Price	4
Build Quality	5
Aesthetics	5
Weight	3
Convenience	4
Warranty & Returns	5
OVERALL	4.1/5.0

Specifications.

➤ Size: 56 X 38 X 27
➤ Weight: 4.3 kg
➤ Capacity: 43 L

5. Samsonite 73 Hours Spinner.

Best for unpretentious people who need a high payload.

Above: The 38-litre Samsonite managed to fit all my items, but just barely. Keep in mind, I still need to make room for a toiletry kit and a laptop charger.

This carry-on is ideal if you want a lightweight, inexpensive softshell travel bag for around $300.

Pros.

There are only two reasons to buy this carry-on bag:

At 1.9kg, it gives you a massive 8.1kg payload with Qantas on domestic flights. That’s the best carry-on luggage payload figure in this round-up.

Apart from its Herculean payload, the bag gives you all the essentials you ned.

Nice touches, Samsonite.

“No-nonsense” springs to mind when looking at this bag.

Above: The Samsonite 73HR cabin bag offers you only one compartment for your clothes. The lid is very shallow – and designed to hold a book and a laptop only.

The bag is very well-priced at between $250 and $350 – but don’t expect a luxury vibe, expensive materials or a head-turning ability.

But unexpectedly for this price point, Samsonite includes a handy external pocket to make sure that you don’t misplace your boarding pass.

You also get an “emergency bag”, which you are likely use as a laundry bag, to keep your smelly stuff separate from the clean pile.

Even thought the bag is relatively cheap, I think it will endure a lot of punishment. The zippers look solid, the corners are reinforced and the handle feels very robust.

Cons.

Let’s be honest. This little Samsonite is the polar opposite of a fashion item.

It’s boring, grey, and practical.

Think of it as the Toyota Corolla of carry on cabin bags.

Above: The front pocket is handy, but my 14″ MBP doesn’t fit into the dedicated laptop sleeve.

But this is not a flat-out indictment. After all, Toyota Corolla is one of the top-selling cars in Australia – and from a cost/benefit perspective, like the Samsonite 73 Hour Spinner, it represents incredible value for money.

The front laptop sleeve is too small for my MacBook Pro (the small 14″ version).

This means I must carry it in the main part of the front section. Not a biggie, except that the strap designed to secure the laptop is redundant.

After folding out the front pocket to take the photo above, I noticed some creasing on the outside of the bag. It’s not prominent, but I do wonder how it will look after I do it another few dozen times.

Above: The front pocket is not generous, but big enough to fit a book and a laptop.

I didn’t mention the wheel quality on the other carry-ons in this roundup because they’re all pretty similar.

The wheels are large, smooth, and quiet, making them effortless to roll — no complaints here!

But I must mention Samsonite’s wheels. While they look reasonably sturdy, they worry me because they’re very small.

These things are strictly for indoor use.

Above: The inside front pocket will hold a book and some small accessories.

Overall.

The Samsonite 72-hour carry-on will happily haul huge amounts of payload everywhere you go.

Its softshell construction may lead to its demise within a season or two of heavy use, but at the $250-$350 price point, it’s hard to complain.

Practical and uncomplicated, this Samsonite carry-on is a workhorse of hand luggage.

✔ Very lightweight thanks to nylon construction
✔ Low price
✘ Softshell not as durable as hardshell
✘ Boring aesthetic

Specifications.

➤ Size: 55cm H x 35cm W x 24cm D
➤ Weight: 1.8kg
➤ Capacity: 36L

6. Antler Clifton.

Best hardshell carry-on for corporate road warriors.

Above: Unlike all carry-ons in this review, the Clifton opens to the right.

I’ll be the first to admit that the Clifton isn’t the most exciting carry-on. It doesn’t look ostentatious and won’t elicit any double-takes. But that’s part of its appeal.

This carry-on is a practical, inexpensive business tool, not a fashion item.

Pros.

Are you an Australian management type who wants a carry-on that is light, durable, smart-looking and secure?

Above: The Clifton managed to contain the test load, but only just. The main compartment was 100% full, but the secondary compartment had 30% of space left.

First, you get 35 litres of internal volume in a bag that weighs 2.8 kilograms. While this is considerably less than Monos’ and Spectra’s payloads, you also get a significant weight reduction.

The pocket’s design is almost as good as Spectra’s. You get laptop and notebook compartments plus a few pockets for headphones and cables.

TSA locks, of course, are standard – and they secure the main compartment as well as the front pocket.

The lack of an internal battery will be a pro to business types with lounge privileges, who can charge their devices at the airport and would rather trade the battery for extra payload and internal space.

Above: The Clifton is a modest-looking bag – and that’s a feature, not a flaw.

On the inside, the Clifton also punches well above its price point. You get elastic X-straps with a robust latch to prevent your belongings from falling out and two more zipped compartments in the lid.

Little details – like three zippable compartments in the middle divider and an internal side pocket – elevate the practicality and appearance of the bag.

Last but not least, the price is outstanding. At $349, it’s almost half the price of the Spectra and about 25% of the price of the Carl Friedrik (below).

Above: No batteries, no tweezers or tools. The Antler is a no-nonsense travel bag.

Cons.

This Antler Prestwick is designed to look smart, professional and safe – not to be obnoxiously loud. If turning heads is what you want, go with the Carl Friedrik.

I could point out that the bag doesn’t include a laundry bag or the option to personalise it, but these criticisms would not be fair in the context of its budget price tag.

It’s also not very big. At 35L, this is a bag for day business trips and overnighters – not for 2-4 night getaways.

And I must point out that the external sleeve isn’t large. My 14-inch MBP is a very snug fit.

Oh, and keep in mind that the Prestwick’s internal lid compartment is only large enough for a small laptop and a notepad. It’s not a bona fide mobile office, like you get with the Monos and the Spectra.

Above: The front pocket zips open to provide convenient access to your laptop.

Overall.

The Antler Clifton is the best budget carry-on in Australia if you frequent domestic airline business lounges more frequently than the coffee shop near your house.

Above: The secondary compartment will house your favourite book (maybe a few pairs of socks). If your laptop is larger than 14″, it will have to go here, too.

It won’t withstand five years of abuse like the Carl Friedrik will, but at $349, can you expect it to?

How Does The Antler Prestwick Stack Up?	Score
Price	5
Build Quality	4
Aesthetics	4
Weight	4
Convenience	4
Warranty & Returns	4
OVERALL	4.2/5

Specifications.

➤ Size: 55 x 35 x 23cm
➤ Weight: 2.8kg
➤ Capacity: 35L

7. Horizn Studios M5 Pro.

Great hardshell carry-on.

Above: The M5 Pro is perfect for a 2-3 day getaway. All my items fit without issues.

The Berlin-based brand recently sent me an example of their M5 Pro carry-on.

It’s aimed at a business traveller who wants all the usual features (front laptop pocket, light weight) but doesn’t mind paying a bit extra for a premium product.

Pros.

Let’s start with aesthetics – because the M5 Pro has this in spades.

Remember how I criticised the Monos for looking too bland? This is what I’d hoped it would look like.

The folks at Horizn Studios did a great job of creating a bag that’s understated, yet elegant.

It doesn’t deviate from “polycarbonate box” aesthetic in the way that Carl Friedrik does, but it looks far more classy than the Monos.

Above: Two-tone front pocket with a mesh bottom and leatherette top. The zipper guard flap is a nice design detail, too.

The front pocket is outstanding. Very similar in execution to the one you’ll find on the Monos and the Victorinox bags, it offers plenty of space for a large laptop, passports and knick-knacks.

The M5 Pro is the only bag in this line-up to offer an additional zippable pocket on the exterior of the front pocket, though I doubt I’d ever use it.

First, putting something in there would ruin the beautiful sleek front wall of the bag. Second, it doesn’t do anything that the internal pocket doesn’t.

The Germans kept the M5 Pro on a diet, because it tips the scales at 3.5kg – again, in the similar territory to the Monos and the Victorinox.

Above: Compression straps tightened, the M5 Pro swallowed all of my belongings with ease.

Cons.

I’m confused by Horizn Studios’ pricing. It’s .. unusual.

I don’t see an option to purchase any Horizn Studios gear directly from an Australian-based store.

But their website quotes all pricing in Euro, and slaps on a hefty (250 Euro) delivery fee on top of all orders.

With the retail price of 490 Euro, the M5 Pro, landed here, will cost well over $1200.

Even though I like the bag, that price is too high.

This is disappointing, because if it sold here in Australia for roughly $600, it could give the incumbents a run for their money.

It looks and feels more premium than the $400 Monos, but isn’t in the same league as the $800 Spectra.

But if you really like it, you could pick one up next time you’re in Europe. With the Aussie dollar hitting nearly all-time highs, you’ll get some change from $800.

Above: The M5 Pro’s front pocket has two zippable compartments, one document pocket, and one laptop sleeve.

Overall.

The Horizn Studios M5 Pro is an outstanding bag. Attractive, well-built and packed with features, it has the potential to be #1 in this review.

But the unattractive pricing, inflated by hefty shipping charges, let it down.

How Does The Horizn Studios Carry On Stack Up?	Score
Price	3
Build Quality	5
Aesthetics	4.5
Weight	4
Convenience	5
Warranty & Returns	4
OVERALL	4.1/5

Specifications.

➤ Size: 55 x 40 x 23cm
➤ Weight: 3.5kg
➤ Capacity: 37L

What Carry-On Luggage Size And Weight Limits Do You Need To Know About?

The world of airline cabin bag limits is frustratingly inconsistent. Each airline imposes its own rules and limits, and you better obey them to avoid checking in your luggage.

See the table below to ensure your cabin bag works for your specific travel habits.

	Domestic Economy	Domestic Business	International Economy	International Business
Qantas	1 x 115cm bag, up to 10kg OR 2 x 105cm bags, one piece up to 10kgs, 14kgs total	1 x 115cm bag, up to 10kg OR 2 x 105cm bags, one piece up to 10kgs, 14kgs total	1 x 115cm bag, up to 7kg	1 x 115cm bag, up to 10kg OR 2 x 105cm bags, one piece up to 10kgs, 14kgs total
Virgin	1 X bag, up to 56 X 36 X 23, up to 7kg OR 2 X bags, 48 X 34 X 23, 7kg total	1 X bag, up to 56 X 36 X 23, up to 7kg OR 2 X bags, 48 X 34 X 23, 7kg each	1 X bag, up to 56cm long, 36cm wide, 23cm deep, up to 7kg OR 2 X bags, 48cm long, 34cm wide, 23cm deep, 7kg total	1 X bag, up to 56cm long, 36cm wide, 23cm deep, up to 7kg OR 2 X bags, 48cm long, 34cm wide, 23cm deep, up to 7kg + 7kg each
Air New Zealand	1 x 118cm bag, up to 7kg	2x 118cm bags, with 1 bag up to 10kg and the other bag up to 7kg	1 x 118cm bag, up to 7kg	2x 118cm bags, with 1 bag up to 10kg and the other bag up to 7kg
Etihad	N/A	N/A	1 X bag, up to 56cm long, 36cm wide, 23cm deep, up to 7kg	1 X bags, up to 56 X 36 X 23, up to 12kg total
Emirates	N/A	N/A	1 X bag, up to 55cm by 38cm by 20cm, 7kg	1 X bag, up to 55 X 38 X20, 7kg AND 1 X briefcase, up to 45 X 35 X 20, 7kg
American Airlines	N/A	N/A	1 X bag, 56 x 36 x 23, no weight limit	1 X bag, 56 x 36 x 23, no weight limit

This is far less of an issue if you travel with one airline.

But if you tend to catch international flights with connections, remember that the magic size for your cabin bag is 55 x 35 x 20 cm. Keep to this limit to ensure that your carry-on luggage does not trigger any alarms with any airline in the world.

This is easier said than done – because 20 cm of depth is quite restrictive. It limits you to a pair of shoes, a change of clothes, a laptop and a few other small bits.

In our review of the best carry on luggage, only the Victorinox Spectra Global Carry On meets this requirement (but can also expand by 3 cm).

Note that some airlines take the “cm bag” approach to measure bags, which simply gives you a maximum number that the sum of your bag’s width, depth and length should not exceed.

For example:

Other airlines give you concrete maximum dimensions for each side of your bag.

In almost all cases, you’ll get away with bringing on a laptop sleeve or a small handbag in addition to the above items.

Which Factors To Consider When Choosing A Carry-On Bag?

Road warriors care about privacy, security, weight and style.

1. How Much Payload Do You Need?

The lighter the bag, the higher its payload.

Most airlines impose a 7kg per item limit on carry-on luggage (with Qantas being a rare exception at 10kg), and the weight of the bag itself is a “dead weight” that cuts into this allowance.

If your bag weighs 3.5kg, you’re left with 3.5kg of payload (assuming you’re not flying with Qantas).

The relationship between the carry-on bag’s weight and payload is mediated by its build quality.

But if the maximum payload is what you need, you’ll need to sacrifice the durability of a hardshell by opting for a soft-sided suitcase.

2. Hardshell Or Softside?

Most people will make this decision based on aesthetics.

While looks are very important – especially in the context of business travel – you’re better off prioritising payload (see above).

There’s very little benefit in buying a good-looking bag that matches your image but can’t support you on a business trip by carrying your essential gear.

3. How Long Is The Warranty?

Carry-on luggage is a very competitive space. As a result, manufacturers offer very generous warranties that typically extend past 5 years.

Realistically speaking, you’ll be replacing your carry-on due to wear and tear long before the warranty runs out.

4. What Size Limits Do I Need To Abide By?

I’ve already covered carry-on luggage sizes in detail, in the section above. The easiest option is to fly with one airline and purchase a carry-on bag that fits within its limits.

If that option does not work for you, I suggest you buy an expandable carry-on bag that fits under the limit of the airline with the most restrictive limits when it’s not expanded.

 Steven