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All the best small carry on bags that won’t weigh you down

Leave the big, bulky suitcases at home.

Whether it’s a last-minute overnight trip or a weekend rendezvous, having a big bulky suitcase is not only impractical, but it’s overkill. Travelling in style means packing light and bringing a small carry-on bag for the trip that won’t get in the way. We’ve scoured the internet in search of all the best small carry-on bags from backpacks to suitcases and duffles, here’s our top picks.

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2025’s best small carry-on bags:

  1. Belle and Bloom Wild Heart Weekender Bag, $279.95 at The Iconic
  2. Antler Essentials Collection Tote Bag, $99, at Antler
  3. Coowoz Large Travel Backpack, from $95 at Amazon Australia

The best small carry-on bags 2025

01

Belle and Bloom Wild Heart Weekender Bag

from $279.95 at The Iconic

Best for: Effortless soft leather look

Carry-on luggage doesn’t get much more stylish than the Belle and Bloom Wild Heart Weekender Bag. Made from 100 per cent genuine leather is only slightly bigger than a tote handbag, but it has room to fit enough for a weekend trip away. The bag features internal zippers and external pockets to compartmentalise your belongings. It also comes with a handy crossbody strap for when you don’t feel like carrying the bag by its handles.

Key features:

  • Genuine leather handbag
  • Light gold-toned hardware
  • Detachable leather shoulder strap
  • Printed nylon lining
  • Internal zipper and phone pockets
  • External zipper pockets on the front and back

02

Mahi The Eckhart Doctor Holdall Bag

from $225 (was $250) at Mahi Leather

Best for: a stylish men’s carry-on bag

A stylish take on a vintage doctor’s bag, this Mahi The Eckhart Doctor Holdall Bag makes for the perfect gift for the man in your life. With plenty of room for overnight essentials including the capacity for a 15″ laptop, this is a great, light carry-on bag. If you want to make this an extra-special gift, you can even get initials embroidered onto the bag for a touch of personalisation.

Key features:

  • 100 per cent full grain leather exterior
  • 100 per cent cotton lining interior
  • Extendable detachable shoulder strap
  • Small inside zip pocket

03

July Carry On

from $325 at July

Best for: a seriously sleek carry-on bag

The July Carry On case might just be one of the best small carry-on bags on the market. Weighing just 3.4kg, this bag is not only ultra-light but for its size, it can still fit six to eight outfits. The bag also comes with an aerospace-grade, German polycarbonate shell, a stain-proof laundry bag, and an ejectable battery with USB-C so you can charge your phone at the airport gate. This small but mighty bag is not only light, it has an ultra-modern and sleek design that’ll look stylish wherever you’re travelling.

Key features:

  • Ejectable battery with USB-C
  • Aerospace-grade, German polycarbonate shell
  • Reinforced bumpers
  • 20-height multi-stop telescopic handle
  • Integrated TSA lock

04

Coowoz Large Travel Backpack

from $90.03 at Amazon Australia

Best for: an affordable, light carry-on bag

A great, light carry-on bag doesn’t have to break the bank. Nor does it need to be a duffle or luggage bag either. This Coowoz backpack from Amazon is perfect for a quick overnight trip. Made of waterproof and durable polyester and fitted with two comfortable padded straps, this backpack is ready to be a low-fuss travel companion wherever your next trip may be.

Key features:

  • Waterproof
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Separate shoe compartment design
  • Built-in USB charging port
Best small carry-on suitcases, light teal american tourister

05

American Tourister Curio 2

from $265 at Strand Bags

Best for: an eye-catching carry-on bag

The American Tourister Curio 2 carry-on is so light you’ll forget you have a bag in tow. Not only do they look stylish, but their hard polypropylene shell and 10-year warranty mean that this bag will last you for years to come. It also has a built-in TSA-approved lock for when you travel to the United States.

Key features:

  • 10-year warranty
  • Expandable
  • Cross ribbons
  • TSA combination lock
  • Expandable

06

Antler Essential Tote Bag

from $99 at Antler

Best for: An everyday bag that can double as a carry-on

If you love a minimalist look and are on the hunt for a durable everyday tote, then look no further than Antler’s Essentials collection. The Essential Tote Bag is double-lined and made from fully recycled ripstop fabric, so it can easily be taken from the office to the gym to the airport.

It is also designed to work with the brand’s Essential Wash Bag, Cross Body, and Packing Pouches. Each piece fits neatly in the side the other, making packing a breeze. And perfect for those who love a matching set!

Key features:

  • Made from durable 100 per cent recycled ripstop fabric
  • Adjustable strap and back strap for fastening over suitcase handles
  • Double-layered lining
  • Roomy main compartment
  • Internal hanging pocket with secure zip closure
  • Padded laptop compartment
  • Compatible with Antler’s other travel pouches and wash bags for a seamless packing experience

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