Integrated Luggage Tracking and a Durable Shell Make This July Suitcase the Best Carry-On of 2026
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Airlines may be stricter than ever about carry-on sizes, but a great suitcase can still make travel far less stressful. For the 2026 Men's Journal Travel Awards, I set out to find the best carry-ons across a variety of categories, including durability, maneuverability, and smart features.
During testing, I prioritized suitcases that could handle the abuse of frequent travel while remaining easy to roll through crowded terminals and tight airplane aisles. Interior organization, materials, security features, and extras like removable batteries or built-in tracking also played a major role in my evaluations.
After comparing a wide range of options, one model stood above the rest. With integrated luggage tracking, exceptionally smooth wheels, and a durable polycarbonate shell, the July Carry On With CaseSafe ultimately proved to be the best all-around carry-on of 2026.
Why July Carry On With CaseSafe Is the Best Carry-On of 2026
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What if you could track your carry-on with a built-in TSA lock so you knew precisely where your luggage is in real-time? With what’s billed as the world’s first suitcase featuring such integrated technology, CaseSafe™, now you can. The luggage-tracking feature built into the July Carry On With CaseSafe is compatible with Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find Hub network, so you don’t need to purchase additional AirTags or other external tracking accessories, or panic if your bag gets misplaced or stolen.
Beyond this nifty feature, there’s a lot more to love about your July Carry On. First, the wheels are virtually silent and spin 360 degrees for maneuverability. Then, the Y-strap compression system helps you maximize space in the interiors, while the 100% polycarbonate shell can be tossed around without breaking. There’s also a removable power bank with USB-C docks so you can charge phones, tablets, and laptops wherever you are. Choose from four colors, with the charcoal color available for preorder now.
July Carry On With CaseSafe Specs
- Materials & Build: Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell with reinforced bumpers, water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining, leather finishes on nylon straps and hinge, YKK Japanese zippers
- Mobility & Handling: SilentMove™ 360° spinner wheels, 20-height multi-stop telescopic handle
- Security & Tracking: Integrated TSA lock with built-in luggage tracking compatible with Apple Find My and Google Find Hub networks
- Battery & Charging: Ejectable power bank with USB-C charging; removable for airline compliance (power bank allowed wherever mobile phones are permitted, though it does not carry China’s 3C certification)
- Interior Organization: July Y-Strap compression system and hidden stain-proof laundry bag for optimized packing
How I Tested the Best Luggage of 2026
To evaluate the pieces on this list, I tested as many carry-on bags as possible. I considered factors like bulkiness, maneuverability, durability, laptop padding, packing space, interior layout, and ease of opening. I also coordinated with brand representatives to learn more about the specs of each carry-on suitcase and pored over dozens of customer reviews to see what real-world users had to say about their experiences.