TripSavvy Trip Planning The 8 Best Kids’ Luggage Pieces for Easy and Fun Travel By Patrice Williams Patrice Williams Instagram LinkedIn Temple University Patrice J. Williams is a travel and style content creator, fact-checker and author of the thrift shopping book Looking Fly on a Dime. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 07/05/22 Share Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. The best kids' luggage should give junior travelers ample space to store their essentials and parent-dictated necessities like blankets, jackets, and snacks. But the right suitcase will also excite kids by letting them customize the graphics, display their love of a particular character, or even ride their suitcase through the terminal. Finding the right piece of luggage for kids takes into account price, size, and features like padded shoulder straps and comfortable grip handles. Read on for our picks of the best kids' luggage available. The Rundown Best Overall: Sandinrayli Kid Luggage Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Crckt Softside Carry On Suitcase at Target Jump to Review Best Splurge: Mark & Graham Front Carry-On Luggage at Markandgraham.com Jump to Review Most Versatile: Pottery Barn Teen Quarry Recycled Backpack at PBteen Jump to Review Best for Personalization: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Navy Green Trim Spinner Luggage at Potterybarnkids.com Jump to Review Best for Tweens: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Duffle: Lands' End Kids Duffle Bag at Landsend.com Jump to Review Best Backpack: Herschel Little America Backpack Youth at Herschel.com Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look for in Kids Luggage FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Sandinrayli Kid Luggage Set Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Affordable Adjustable, telescoping handle Breathable mesh on the backpack What We Don't Like Kids can quickly outgrow the cutesy design It doesn't get any cuter than the Sandinrayli Kid Luggage Set. The set comes with two bags; a rolling suitcase and a backpack. The exterior of both pieces features a range of fun prints, from an owl to a giraffe to a magical unicorn. The wheels of the suitcase roll smoothly, and the handle is easy for small hands to grip. Also, the backpack can be used for travel or just a day at school. Price at time of publish: $65 Size: 18 x 12 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Material: ABS | Expandable: No Best Budget Crckt Kids' Softside Carry On Suitcase 4.6 Target View On Target What We Like Comes with a removable plush Great exterior organization Easy to spot clean What We Don't Like Only has two wheels, versus four For a kid-friendly suitcase that doesn't break the bank, Crckt gets the job done. The 18-inch carry-on has fun prints, including donuts, a space theme, stars, and dinosaurs. The large exterior mesh pocket is perfect for holding a water bottle or even a small book. Open the suitcase to reveal an ample space suitable for several days' worth of clothes. Plus, it is made out of water-resistant fabric for a piece of mind. Price at time of publish: $45 Size: 19 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 4.85 pounds | Material: Polyester | Expandable: No Best Splurge Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Zip Front Carry-On Luggage 4.3 Mark & Graham View On Markandgraham.com What We Like Can be monogrammed Easy access exterior pocket Easy to clean What We Don't Like Doesn't expand Mark & Graham's Terminal 1 carry-on is a pretty sophisticated piece of luggage, especially for a kid. However, this is absolutely suited for a child who's a world traveler and parents who want to gift luggage with a classic feel. The polycarbonate shell has leather trim that adds a level of sophistication, so this is a carry-on your kid can have for years to come. The fold-down front pocket makes it easy to access must-have items or to remove a laptop when going through security quickly. Price at time of publish: $279 Size: 22 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Most Versatile Pottery Barn Teen Gear-Up Quarry Recycled Backpack Pottery Barn Teen View On PBteen What We Like Made of recycled materials Can be monogrammed Adjustable, padded straps What We Don't Like Limited interior pockets The Gear-Up backpack comes in various sizes (large and extra-large), but the rolling option provides greater use and is easier on a kid's back. Also, there's an eco-friendly aspect as the bag is made from more than a dozen recycled water bottles. The exterior has a standout, marble-like design, and the exterior mesh pockets and straps make it easy to stay organized. Price at time of publish: $70 Size: 18 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Material: Recycled polyester | Expandable: No The 10 Best Travel Strollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Personalization Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Navy Green Trim Solid Spinner Luggage Pottery Barn Kids View On Potterybarnkids.com What We Like Range of design options Water-resistant material Sturdy What We Don't Like Expensive Gifting a piece of personalized luggage will appeal to the creative kids in your crew. The Mackenzie Solid Spinner Luggage from Pottery Barn Kids is an excellent choice because of the range of options available. You can opt for either a small (equivalent to most carry-ons) or larger size and choose your color or design. You can also opt for a hard-sided version of the luggage with the same personalization features, including your kid's name or a fun monogram. Both sizes come with a water-resistant 600-denier polyester exterior and are lined with PEVA—an environmentally friendly and chlorine-free vinyl. To ensure you and your kid are traveling easily, the bags all sit on four in-line, smooth-rolling wheels for easy movement, have a spacious interior, light-reflective threads and piping, and heavy-duty metal handles. Size: Small: 13 x 8 x 17 inches, Large: 14 x 9 x 22 inches | Weight: N/A | Material: Polyester | Expandable: No The 10 Best Travel Strollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Tweens Fjallraven Kanken Backpack Urban Outfitters View On Amazon View On Fjallraven.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Almost a dozen color options Carry by the handle or straps What We Don't Like Only one exterior pocket Tweens will appreciate the Fjallraven backpack's range of color options, and parents will appreciate the durable design and material, which means it can last for a few years. And because the design is pretty simple, with no bold prints or patterns, kids won't outgrow the look. The backpack would make a great personal item when flying but is also lightweight enough for daily use. The back panel even has removable foam padding. Price at time of publish: $80 Size: 14.9 x 10.6 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Material: Vinylon F | Expandable: No Best Duffle Lands' End Kids Duffle Bag Lands' End View On Landsend.com What We Like Comfortable strap and handles Can be monogrammed Large capacity What We Don't Like Limited colors For shorter trips, a good duffle bag can be all kids need. And this is specifically designed with a kids' size and frame in mind. While some duffle bags can lack organization, this one from Lands' End has interior and exterior pockets to keep smaller items contained and organized. There's even a zipper shoe compartment. Price at time of publish: $70 Size: 12.5 x 19 x 11 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Expandable: No Best Backpack Herschel Little America Backpack Youth Herschel View On Herschel.com What We Like Mesh pocket for a water bottle Padded straps What We Don't Like Only fits up to a 13 inch laptop Backpacks can put a strain on anyone's back, especially kids. Luckily, this Herschel option is designed specifically for kids ages 8-12. Besides looking great with three different colors and prints, the 18L bag is proportional to the bodies of most kids and has contoured straps, and there's even a removable sternum support strap. Stash enough clothes for a weekend trip or supplies for a camping adventure. Size: 17 x 11 x 5.25 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Polyester | Expandable: No What to Look for in Kids Luggage Size Like all luggage, especially carry-on, it's vital to look at the dimensions of a bag. This is important for kids to make sure they can carry their luggage without struggling and even have supportive features like a telescoping handle and easy-to-maneuver wheels. The actual weight of the bag should also be considered. Material Great carry-on luggage should be made of durable polycarbonate or nylon. Both can withstand the wear and tear of going from trip to trip and can be wiped down or spot cleaned. Frequently Asked Questions How do you clean kids luggage? Most kids luggage is pretty easy to clean. A polycarbonate hard shell can just be wiped down and a nylon or polyester exterior can be spot cleaned. How much money should you spend on luggage for kids? For a trendy piece of luggage that a kid is most likely to outgrow, it's understandable to not spend a lot of money. And with many budget friendly options, you don't have to. However, if your budget allows, there are a few designs that have adjustable handles and a classic feel, so they can be worn and carried for years to come without looking dated. How long does kids luggage last? Well designed luggage can last years or even decades. For a piece of kids luggage that has a trendy design, it's reasonable to get a few years worth of use out of it. Opting for a more neutral, classic style, especially from a quality luggage brand, means the gear will have a chance to last a bit longer. Why Trust TripSavvy Patrice J. Williams is a travel, home, and leisure writer based in Richmond, Virginia. Besides TripSavvy, her work has been published in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and Fodor's. Williams is also the author of a top-rated thrifting book, Looking Fly on a Dime, and has been an on-air expert on the Today Show and WEtv, sharing her expertise on lifestyle hacks and product recommendations. The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2023 Was this page helpful? 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