6 Stylish Carry-on Bags for Men

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Men have needs, you know? I won’t get into most of them now, but when it comes to going on vacation, we often travel with items that are a little difficult to pack, from suits to size 12 shoes. And the reality is that while most guys will make do with any old suitcase (or that tattered duffel bag from college), carry-on luggage isn’t always designed with the traveling man’s needs in mind.

Here are a few general factors to consider when shopping around for a masculine and man-friendly carry-on:

Men’s Shoes are Big and Clunky: Whether you’re packing running shoes or chunky boots, not all bags are big enough to accommodate your size 11s.

Simplicity Goes a Long Way: Guys run the gamut, but it’s fair to say that most of us both care about organization and often pack at the last minute. So a bag with plenty of pockets for cramming and ad hoc organization is key.

It’s OK to Care About Style: Lots of guys claim to prioritize function over form, but it’s possible to have both, so why not? Get something that looks good and that you’ll be excited to see it with each new trip.

Not All Luggage is Designed for Tall People: If you’re 6 feet tall or more, be warned that some extendable handles may not come up to a comfortable height for you. Test drive your luggage if possible, or check the return policy before you order.

Fortunately, several companies sell carry-on bags with innovative guy-friendly features. Here are a few we think should be on every man’s radar.

If You Take Shoes Seriously

With two large dedicated shoe compartments, the HEX Sneaker Duffel boasts plenty of space for dress shoes, boots, or sneakers. Best of all, the compartments are sealed off from the main area, meaning your shoes and clothes won't mix. Other features include a mesh pocket perfect for chargers and other small items, a small watch pocket, and an exterior pocket for your passport and travel documents.

If You Take Shoes Seriously

If You're Tall

The great all-around North Face Overhead comes with numerous features men will find handy. First off, one of our testers (a 6'4" gentleman) noted that the longer handle meant he didn't have to hunch over to steer it through the airport. The Overhead accommodates a 15-inch laptop in a built-in padded sleeve along with sturdy, lightweight construction and durable custom wheels.

If You Say "Ciao" Every Time You Board a Plane

Italian style plus rugged construction? I mean, I guess that sounds good if, you know, you don't mind being mistaken for a GQ model next time you're in O'Hare. The Vespa Fairing Trolley Suitcase also features a lightweight plastic construction and a built-in TSA-approved lock, plus internal compartments to keep your gear organized.

If You Need a Ton of Pockets

What, no corkscrew? (You thought I'd miss the chance for a Swiss Army knife joke?) The feature-packed Swiss Army CH 20 has compartments galore, including a zippered hanging pocket, a large interior door pocket and an internal mesh zippered pocket. Need more pockets? Thereâs an additional exterior pocket for keys, passports, and any other small items you might want close by. This bag is perfect for organization freaks, business travelers, or guys who simply need a lot of pockets.

If You're an Uncomplicated Sort of Guy

Sometimes all you want is stylish simplicity. The Campaign Luggage carry-on from Herschel Supply delivers that in spades, with clean lines and utilitarian features. This bag is a split design with two zippered compartments along with a pleated exterior compartment for additional storage. The bag comes in several color options.

If You Just Want to Grab and Go

Sometimes you just need something you can throw it over your shoulder, right? And yeah, it helps if it looks like a million bucks and turns heads in the terminal. The Hartmann Weekender is made from PVC-coated canvas with tidy leather accents and comes packed with features, including padded technology storage and zippered interior pockets.

Carl Unger never brings more than three shirts when he travels, so he never pays a bag fee. Follow him on Twitter @porchsitter38.

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