My obsession with Calpak started three years ago when I got my hands on the viral Luka duffel bag. It quickly became my favorite weekender bag of all time, accompanying me on countless getaways to the Jersey Shore, Montauk, upstate New York, and Boston. It’s also my go-to personal item for long-haul flights. It’s still my most-used piece of luggage, and is the bag I recommend most to friends, family, and our readers, of course.
Over the past few years, I’ve tested a variety of bags and travel accessories from Calpak and I have yet to be disappointed. As a chronic overpacker, I look for smart travel gear that offers me ample space, pockets, and ways to stay organized on the go—and Calpak gets it. My fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors agree: Calpak is consistently designing reliable and functional luggage that gets the job done in style.
Something else our editors love: Calpak has luggage for every type of traveler, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast requiring durable, water-resistant bags, a new parent needing room for lots of essentials, or a commuter seeking lightweight carryalls that are just as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing. Even better, Calpak proves you don’t need to buy the most expensive suitcase on the market to get a long-lasting piece of luggage.
As we tested dozens of suitcases and bags for our third annual Luggage Week, Calpak continues to stand out for its clever features, versatility, and affordable price point. I’ve come to reply on the Los Angeles–based luggage brand—not only for long-haul flights, but for day-to-day transit too. Below, our editors gathered the best of Calpak: the essential suitcases, weekenders, backpacks, and travel accessories that are absolutely worth the hype. Whether you’re a new traveler just starting their collection or a seasoned jet-setter searching for the latest and greatest gear, we have luggage recommendations from Calpak you’ll love.
Suitcases
Dimensions: 21.5″ x 14.5″ x 8.75″
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 6 lb.
Warranty: Two year limited warranty
Soft-sided luggage offers travelers the flexibility to pack a little bit extra. Traveler‘s research director Alexandra Sanidad brought Calpak’s Terra carry-on with her on a five-day trip to Woodstock, New York. “Depending on how lightly you like to pack, this can hold a long weekend’s worth of clothing, or up to a week of pants and multiple top combos,” says Sanidad. “I was able to fit several casual tops, a more formal turtleneck, a dress, sweatpants, underwear, sleepwear, and workout clothes inside.” This lightweight, soft-sided bag features internal compression straps and durable grab handles on the top and side of the suitcase. Its smooth 360-degree spinner wheels did a “great job navigating snowy and icy surface’s.” Sanidad’s one complaint with this carry-on is the lack of compartments, particularly one large enough to hold her laptop—but there is an exterior pocket for a reusable water bottle or last-minute add-ins.
Pros: Made with recycled materials, 360-degree spinner wheels, water bottle pocket
Cons: No laptop compartment
Calpak
Ambeur Large Luggage
Dimensions: 30.25″ x 19″ x 11.75″
Capacity: 100L
Weight: 11.2 lb.
Warranty: Two year limited warranty
For international vacations or longer trips when you need extra packing room, this large checked suitcase is a perfect option. The Ambeur large luggage offers a packing capacity of 100 liters, so you have a lot of space to work with. Former editor Lara Kramer was able to pack enough clothes, shoes, and toiletries for her and her husband on a four-day trip to Valley Cottage, New York. “An individual traveler could easily get away with packing a week’s worth of clothes and accessories, possibly even two travelers with the right packing skills,” says Kramer. This checked bag features two spacious main compartments and three additional zippered compartments of varying sizes that are ideal for packing delicate items like jewelry or beauty products. Kramer loves this suitcase for its generous size, chic style, and reasonable price point. And one of its best features: “The luggage is expandable by two inches, so I was able to bring home those extra souvenirs,” says Kramer. It glides smoothly through the airport, features a built-in TSA–approved lock, and is so durable—so you don’t have to worry about handling it too carefully.
Pros: Expandable by two inches, dual spinner wheels, built-in interior organization
Cons: Light colors can show scuffs and scratches
Duffel bags
Dimensions: 16″ x 8″ x 12″
Capacity: 25L
Weight: 2 lb.
Warranty: One year limited warranty
I’ve waxed poetic about how much I love the brand’s best-selling Luka duffel for weekend trips and as my go-to personal item on flights. And yes, it deserves every bit of hype. It’s that perfect in-between size: small enough to comfortably carry when full and fit under the seat on airplanes, but large enough to hold enough clothes for a full weekend trip. There’s much to love about this duffel, but its ultra-soft and easy-to-clean material make it stand out. Even when it’s full, the top carry handle feels soft on my shoulder. And if you’ve really packed it, there’s also a long adjustable strap that can be worn as a crossbody to better distribute the weight. There’s a zippered compartment on the exterior for essentials like your wallet and phone, and a water bottle pocket. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main section, multiple pockets (including a mesh one), and a zippered compartment. Another one of my favorite features: the separate shoe compartment that holds an extra pair of sneakers or slippers (a complete game-changer when packing for weekend trips). After traveling, I always give it a quick cleaning with a disinfecting wipe or damp towel and it looks good as new. And if you love this bag’s design features but want something for extended weekend trips or short getaways (think three-to-four days), the duffel also comes in a large version. Just note: The larger size is too big to fit under the seat in front of you on a plane.
Pros: Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, easy-to-clean material
Cons: Not large enough for extended weekend trips
Dimensions: 12.75″ x 8″ x 19.25″
Capacity: 25L
Weight: 1.5 lb.
Warranty: No warranty; standard returns or exchanges available
Active travelers, this one’s for you. The Fit gym bag really stands out, not only for its sleek look and fun colors, but for its thoughtful features, like adjustable straps that hold a yoga mat and a stretchy interior strap that’s large enough to hold a large reusable water bottle or a protein powder container. I regularly bring it with me to the gym and Pilates classes, and it holds everything I need without being too bulky or as big as a weekender bag. Unlike other gym bags I’ve use in the past, this one comes with a separate shoe compartment—so I don’t have to toss my dirty running sneakers in the bag with the rest of my things. There’s also an additional water bottle pocket on the outside and a small zippered pocket where I keep my phone and AirPod case. The inside is equally as impressive, with wide mesh pockets for snacks and your wallet, a key leash, and plenty of room for a change of clothes and a jacket. I have it in black, but it’s also available in a gray/beige shade, sage, and a pretty pastel pink.
Pros: Trolley sleeve, yoga mat strap, water bottle pocket
Cons: If your gym locker is small, it may not fit
Backpacks and totes
Calpak
Luka Laptop Backpack
Dimensions: 12″ x 7″ x 16″
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 1.8 lb.
Warranty: One year limited warranty
If you prefer to bring a backpack as your personal item, but still want plenty of room for storing in-flight essentials, the Luka laptop backpack is for you. You get all the comfort and hands-free benefits of a backpack without compromising on space. There are two spacious main compartments: One side features a laptop sleeve with enough room to also fit an iPad, and the other compartment has multiple pockets for your wallet, keys, and chargers. There’s also a spacious zippered compartment on the outside for essentials you want easy access to, like your phone or headphones, and a water bottle pocket. This lightweight bag is a lot roomier than other backpacks I’ve used in the past and is versatile enough to bring to work, on road trips, and on long-haul flights. I love how it stays in such great condition after traveling with it: The scratch-resistant material can be cleaned easily with any disinfectant wipe. I’ve also never had a backpack with a built-in luggage trolley sleeve—a true game changer for navigating through the airport. Plus, the soft, adjustable straps don’t hurt my shoulders even after carrying it for a full day.
Pros: Shoe compartment, laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket
Cons: Adding shoes to the separate compartment will take up much of the bag’s room
Calpak
Kaya laptop backpack
Dimensions: 15.5″ x 11.5″ x 4.25″
Capacity: 11.8L
Weight: 3.2 lb.
Warranty: One year limited warranty
It’s rare that I board the subway or PATH train without seeing a stranger carrying Calpak’s Kaya backpack. This bestseller is a stylish upgrade to the traditional laptop backpack—and it’s sure to get you compliments on your way to and from the office. “The thing I like the most about this bag is its shape, which it’s able to maintain even when completely empty,” says travel bookings editor Jamie Spain. “The shape makes it easy to slide in your laptop and a book or two to the back section, while the large main pouch area fits your charger, a few snacks, a wallet, and anything else you may need when heading to catch your flight or train.” It features a trolley sleeve, adjustable back straps, and lots of zippered pockets. “The only downside is that it can get pretty heavy quickly, and it isn’t terribly easy to organize on the inside since it’s basically just one large catch-all,” says Spain. “With that in mind, as long as I packed it with intention, I was able to fit everything I needed.”
Pros: 15″ laptop compartment, luggage sleeve, lots of internal pockets
Cons: Can get heavy quickly
Calpak
Luka expandable laptop tote
Dimensions: 20″ x 7″ x 14″
Capacity: 28.8L
Weight: 1.75 lb.
Warranty: One year limited warranty
The Luka expandable laptop tote is another great personal item for long-haul flights. It’s roomy enough to store my laptop, water bottle, lunch bag, notebook, and a cosmetic pouch and has soft straps that never dig into my shoulders. Inside, there are several pockets to keep items like my wallet and sunglasses organized and the laptop sleeve holds my 15″ computer securely in place. There’s also a hidden side zippered pocket where I keep my phone and work badge for easy access. I’ve always struggled to find a tote bag that’s durable enough to hold a full day’s worth of essentials and is still stylish. This laptop tote does it all: It’s lightweight, stain-resistant, and looks chic. Beyond my office commutes, I’ve taken this with me on day trips to the beach and on flights (it has a trolley sleeve too). And saving its best feature for last: It’s expandable by up to four inches, so just when you think you’ve run out of space, you haven’t. Most days I don’t utilize its expandable zipper, but on days where I’m lugging extra items into the office or taking it on a flight with me, I simply unzip the bottom and take full advantage of all that extra space.
Pros: Expandable, soft shoulder straps, laptop sleeve
Cons: When expanded, some might find it to be to be too large for an everyday tote
Travel accessories
Patrick Cox
Calpak
Medium clear cosmetic case
Dimensions: 7.75″ x 5″ x 9.75”
Capacity: 6L
Weight: 1.3 lb.
Warranty: One year limited warranty
Calpak also designs some of our favorite cosmetic bags for travel. The medium clear case is ideal for travelers who wouldn’t dare skip a step in their skincare or beauty routines—it can fit a lot of product. The case unzips fully so each side can lay flat and products can be separated into its different compartments. There’s also an extra mesh interior pocket for smaller essentials and a top handle that makes it easy to carry or store on a bathroom door hook. Our editors love this makeup bag for its large size and transparent material that makes finding your products easy. I usually pack all of my makeup products on one side and either hair or skincare essentials on the other. Its also quite sturdy—I never worry about any products getting squashed or broken in transit. Calpak’s clear cosmetic cases are also available in a small and a large size (made for the serious overpackers or long-term travel).
Pros: Transparent, durable exterior protects your products, fits a ton
Cons: It’s a little bit bulky to pack in a carry-on
Calpak
Insulated lunch bag
Dimensions: 9″ x 7″ x 10″
Capacity: 10.3L
Weight: 0.4 oz.
Warranty: No warranty; standard returns or exchanges available
I adore this cute and compact insulated lunch bag. From office lunches and picnics in the park to summer pool days and camping adventures, this insulated bag has never let me down. Its water-resistant, fully insulated interior keeps food and drinks cold for hours and is easy to wipe clean whenever I accidentally spill something inside. It’s roomy enough to fit your lunch, snacks, and a few cans of soda or a water bottle. I’m always surprised at how much it holds without becoming too heavy or bulky. There are three pockets on the outside for sunglasses, your phone, napkins, or any other personal items you’ll need for the day. It features a top carry handle and a drawstring closure, which helps me pack a little bit extra inside since there’s not a tight zipper.
Pros: Insulated interior, several side pockets, easy to clean spills
Cons: Can’t be zippered fully closed; I wish it had longer carrying straps
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s third annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
