Carl Friedrik
When you’re hauling your earthly possessions on a trip with multiple destinations, you’re going to want to globetrot with ease. Cue: rolling luggage.
While traditional trunks and duffels have their own merits, they do not boast the convenience and manoeuvrability of wheels.
With durability and design in mind, we’ve curated an edit of some of the best carry on and checked rolling suitcases and bags so you can invest in the right set before jetting off on your voyage.
From an Italian-made Gucci trolley to a vegan leather recycled suitcase, here are our top picks to wheel around the airport.
Gourmet Traveller’s 2025 top rolling luggage picks
- Best carry-on overall: Carl Friedrik Core Carry On, $865 at Carl Friedrik
- Best luxury carry-on: Rimowa Original Cabin Twist aluminium luggage, $2535 at Rimowa
- Best tech-friendly carry-on: July Carry On Pro, $395 at July
- Best overall checked bag: Samsonite C-Lite 69cm, $949 at Samsonite
- Best luxury checked luggage: Gucci Savoy medium trolley, $5100 at Gucci
- Best value checked luggage: Antler large suitcase, $279.30 (usually $399) at Antler
You might also like 10 best luggage brands to consider for your next stint away
Best rolling luggage in Australia 2025
Below, we’re curated a guide to the best rolling luggage in 2025, from carry-on to checked baggage. Bon voyage!
Luxe carry on rolling luggage options in 2025
01
July Carry On Pro in Lavender
With a front pocket specifically for your laptop or iPad and an ejectable battery, this lightweight carryon suitcase from July is the perfect travel accessory for business trips.
Style notes:
- 55cm x 38.5cm x 21.5cm
- Strong German polycarbonate shell
- Inner polycarbonate bumpers
- Water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining
- Leather finishes on the nylon straps and hinge
- YKK Japanese zippers
- Nylon stain-proof laundry bag
- Lifetime warranty
02
Rimowa Original Cabin Twist aluminium luggage
The Original Cabin Twist carryon from 1898-founded German brand Rimowa is crafted from high-end anodised aluminium to see your possessions securely through travel in style. Featuring colour accents and matching leather handles and a luggage tag, this rolling suitcase is primed for personalisation.
Style notes:
- 55cm x 40cm x 23cm
- Ideal for three to four days of travel
- Four available colourways
- Multiwheel system
- Flex-divider
- TSA-approved locks
03
Carl Friedrik Core Carry On
Functional elegance is the main theme of Carl Friedrik’s range of luggage. This pared-back yet quintessentially chic carry-on features dual-zip TSA-approved locks, 360° spinner wheels, and an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell for peace of mind when travelling on your merry adventures.
Style notes:
- 55cm x 40cm x 23cm
- Ideal for five days of travel
- Four available colourways
- Multiwheel system
- Ergonomic trolley handle
- TSA-approved locks
04
Guess Logo Affair Under Seat Bag
At first glance, this Guess bag might look like a generous shopper rather than something you’d travel with – until you realise it’s got wheels. This versatile under seat bag has a retractable handle, just like a suitcase, but can also be carried or even looped over a bigger checked bag for those long waits at the airport. It’s also got multiple sections inside and is designed to sit neatly under the seat in front of you on the plane.
“I saw a lady with this at the airport and went straight home to order it,” one verified buyer said in a five star review on Strand. “Smaller than the usual carryon, but it’s all I need. Two wheels to drag it along. A single change of clothes and toiletries for overnight stays. Love it.”
Style notes:
- 38cm x 40cm x 24cm
- Ideal for day trips or 1-2 night stays
- Multiple compartments
- Two wheels and retractable handle
- Shopper-style handles for carrying
- Trolley slide
Luxe checked rolling luggage options in 2025
05
Gucci Savoy medium trolley
Made in Italy, this Gucci medium suitcase features the fashion house’s iconic beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas, brown leather trim and antique gold-toned hardware. Buon viaggio.
Style notes:
- 6.4kg weight
- 45cm x 64cm x 30cm
- Four 360° wheels
- Detachable identification tag and key holder
- Interior zip compartment and one compartment with two elastic straps
- Retractable leather and telescopic top handles and one side handle
- Double zip around closure with lock
06
Samsonite C-Lite expandable 69cm suitcase in Northern Lights
Engineered with a shock-absorbing, self-reinforced design, the C-Lite from Samsonite is in it for the long haul. Available in limited edition Northern Lights colourway – as well as more classic ones – this expandable suitcase should be one you consider for your next sojourn.
Other sizes: 55cm and 69cm
Style notes:
- 69cm x 46cm x 29cm
- Integrated ID tag
- Divider pad
- Integrated three-digit TSA combination lock
07
Antler large suitcase in navy
This polycarbonate cabin suitcase from Antler is hand-finished with meticulous care and relatively light for its size.
Other sizes: carry on with expander, medium, large
Style notes:
- 4.9kg weight
- 78cm x 51cm x 33.6cm
- Comes in 10 colourways
- Innovative, comfort-grip handle
- TSA combination lock
- Lifetime warranty
Luggage dimensions and capacity. Airlines have guidelines around the dimensions and/or total measurements for both checked and carry on luggage. When you’re shopping for rolling luggage, you’ll find these details listed, along with the capacity (usually in litres). This helps you choose luggage that’s fit for purpose.
Weight. The weight of rolling luggage can be as little as 1.5kg for some lightweight carry on options or more than 5kg for heavier-duty checked bags. You’ll need to factor this in to the airline’s weight restrictions for carry on and checked baggage, so lighter bags mean a bit more capacity for the items you want to take with you.
Wheels. A lot of suitcases have four wheels these days, which can make it smoother for you to wheel around. But rolling luggage with two wheels can actually provide a bit more internal space for packing and are often easier to wheel across rough or uneven surfaces. You’re also more likely to find two-wheel designs for under seat and other carry on rolling luggage options. Keep these details in mind so you can choose the type of wheels that are most suited to your travels.
Compartments and storage. As well as a stylish exterior, the best rolling luggage will be designed with convenient and practical interiors. Think separate sections for different items, laundry areas and straps to help secure things in bigger suitcases.
Other features. Check out the locks, handles, material and warranty details. For carry on, in particular, check if it has a trolley slide so you don’t have to wheel two suitcases at the departures or arrivals area of the airport.
The eternal luggage debate; hard or soft. While hard suitcases offer superior protection to your possessions, they are often less flexible and may not expand – should you go shopping on your stint way. Soft suitcases on the other hand are generally more flexible for extra packing but may not provide the same level of security. Ultimately, if you’re after luggage that will stand the test of multiple transits, you might want to opt for hard luggage.
For most domestic flights in Australia, the maximum measurements for carry on are typically 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, or 115cm total. It’s the weight allowance that’s often a bigger issue, and usually ranges from a maximum of 7kg to 10kg. You’re often allowed an additional small handbag or personal item as well but it does depend on the airline. For international flights, the dimensions are typically similar, but with a slightly higher weight allowance.
