This story is part of the 2023 Gear Patrol Style Awards. To see the full list of winners, click here.
The right bags and accessories can make or break a trip. Whether heading across town for a business meeting, taking a weekend escape to a scenic locale or catching a flight to a distant city, the last thing you want to think about is your bag.
So make sure you have something you can rely on — a backpack, laptop bag or carry-on suitcase that is structurally sound, easy to carry and simple to pack. The best bags and accessories are the ones that slip seamlessly into the background and let you focus on your life away from home.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Affordable Carry On
July Carry On
A terrific mix of sophistication and simplicity, this crush-proof polycarbonate carry-on is sleek but understated, the way you want your luggage to be. An ejectable onboard battery keeps all your gear topped up, while its 8.4 pound, 46-liter shell fits everything you need for a short trip, at a price that leaves some budget for souvenirs.