8 Carry-On Luggage Dupes Half the Price of Their Trendy Counterparts

Technology + Gear Budget Travel
by Suzie Dundas Jan 7, 2025

When I first began traveling, I never considered luggage to be a product for which style or fashion mattered. But with the rise of trendy carry-on bags from brands like AWAY and Monos in the last 10 years, luggage has left the sole realm of practicality, and is now at least dipping its proverbial toe in the world of style and design.

And honestly, I’m into it. Traveling should be fun, and if having a chic suitcase helps you enjoy the experience more, go for it. But as with most products that suddenly become trendy, prices have gone up. A carry-on roller from Away is $275; a similar-sized bag from ultra-luxe brand SteamLine Luggage is closer to $700. Those brands, and many others like them, make truly high-quality bags designed to last decades, if not lifetimes. Our editors have reviewed and tested some high-end luggage brands, and we liked most of them quite a lot (including Monos, Away, and SteamLine).

 

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But you don’t have to spend the equivalent of a round-trip plane ticket to love your luggage. And with news about the faux-Hermès Birkin Bag selling out at Walmarts across the country, it’s clear that for some people, it’s the design that matters, not the brand name. Matador Network always supports buying from brands that do good and make gear that won’t end up in landfills within a year, so we’re not suggesting your entire travel closet should be filled with only budget items. And products from pricier brands often have more thought put into them, often use higher-quality and sustainable materials, and usually offer better warranties and enhanced customer service.

But for now, if you’re looking for a trendy luggage dupe that won’t break the bank, one of the products below could be a good pick. These are eight luggage dupes that are similar to the real thing, but cost half the price (or less).

We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.


Steamline Luggage Dupe: $219


SteamLine Luggage Carry-On

Designer Vintage Trunk Combination

  • Size: 18 x 12.5 x 7 inches (smallest size)
  • Size: 21.7 x 13 x 8.7 inches (briefcase is 12.6 x 9.1 x 5.1)
  • Materials: Fiberboard, vegan leather, metal alloy
  • Materials: Aluminum, polyester, synthetic leather
  • Wheels: Two rollers
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Warranty: Unclear — somewhere between three and 10 years
  • Weight: 8.8 pounds
  • Weight: 8.2 pounds (briefcase is 2.9)
  • Price: $695+
  • Price: $219

The SteamLine Luggage Carry-On is a premium suitcase, priced starting at $695, depending on design. It comes in multiple chic color combos, all of which have vintage-inspired designs and original patterns and prints on the silky inside lining. Depending on the bag, it’ll have accents like gold metal buckles and vegan leather trim. Inside, the bag has zippered pockets and a detachable laundry bag, as well as a canvas storage bag to prevent scuffs when not in use. It’s also undeniably stylish and will attract envious looks from across the airport terminal. They’re reminiscent of the golden days of travel, and I wish I could afford them.

But if you can’t afford the $695-ish starting price tag (larger carry-ons and different patterns can be more than $1,100), consider instead the Designer Vintage Trunk Combination Luggage Sets on Amazon. A two-piece set with a 20-inch carry-on (roughly the same size as the SteamLine Carry-On) and a 12-inch matching carry-on case is $219. It comes in multiple color combos and, like the SteamLine Carry-On, has telescopic handles, silent-glide wheels (four, not two), TSA-approved locks, and interior pockets. It also comes with a protective cover, and while we wish it used more recyclable and sustainable materials like SteamLine, the look is almost exactly the same.

Buy Now: $219

Rimowa Lugagge dupe: $259


Rimowa Classic Cabin

TRAVELKING All-Aluminum Carry-On

  • Size: 21.1 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
  • Size: 21.6 x 14.6 x 9.1 inches
  • Materials: Aluminum, polyester, leather
  • Materials: Aluminum, plastic
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Warranty: Three year
  • Weight: 9.5 pounds
  • Weight: 9.7 pounds
  • Price: $1,525
  • Price: $259

The RIMOWA Classic Cabin is an aluminum carry-on suitcase priced at $1,525. For that, you get a grooved aluminum shell, reinforced aluminum corners, and leather-wrapped handles, plus smooth-rolling wheels and internal, adjustable dividers for easier packing. While it may have a utilitarian look that doesn’t scream “expensive” at first blush, it’ll attract attention from savvy travelers in-the-know — if you know about the luxury brand, you’ll recognize it when you see it on a plane (almost certainly in a first-class cabin). It has an excellent warranty and is one of the highest-rated luggage brands on the market.

However, $1,525 will make a dent in most travelers’ wallets. So if you want a more affordable bag in the meantime, consider the TRAVELKING All Aluminum Carry-On Luggage on Amazon, priced at $259. It has a similar outer material as the RIMOWA (aluminum-magnesium, as opposed to all aluminum), with a grooved exterior and TSA-approved combination locks, plus 360-degree spinner wheels and a telescopic handle for convenient handling. It also has internal dividers, though they’re fixed, not adjustable. With the same size and weight, a similar design, and reinforced corners, it’s extremely similar in appearance to the much pricier RIMOWA bag.

Buy Now: $260

Monos Luggage dupe


Monos Carry-On Pro

COOLIFE Luggage Carry-On Spinner

  • Size: 21.1 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
  • Size: 21 x 14 x 9.5 inches
  • Materials: Polycarbonate, vegan leather, recycled polyester
  • Materials: Polycarbonate
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Weight: 7.8 pounds
  • Weight: 6.7 pounds
  • Price: $295
  • Price: $99

The Monos Carry-On Pro is a modern suitcase for frequent travelers, priced at $295. It has a sleek polycarbonate shell, an easy-access front compartment designed to hold laptops up to 15 inches, and an ultra-minimalist aesthetic. Other highlights include smooth-rolling, 360-degree spinner wheels, a multi-step telescopic handle, and TSA-approved locks. Inside, there’s plenty of room to stay organized, with compression straps and a zippered divider. The laptop compartment is a standout feature, making it ideal for business travelers or anyone who needs quick access to electronics. It’s a stylish and functional choice that balances modern design with utility.

While $295 makes it one of the more affordable bags on this list, the similar COOLIFE Luggage Carry-On Spinner on Amazon is less than half the price, at $99.99. Like the Monos Carry-On Pro, it has a lightweight polycarbonate shell and a fold-out front laptop compartment, so you can grab your laptop and other items without opening the main compartment. The COOLIFE carry-on also has 360-degree spinner wheels and a telescopic handle. While it lacks a few of the refined details, like the matte finish, it still captures a similar modern aesthetic. The internal organization is slightly more basic, but it still includes compression straps and a divider.

Buy Now: $100

Baboon to the Moon dupe


Baboon to the Moon GO Bag

MIER Water Resistant Backpack Duffle

  • Size: 10.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 inches
  • Size:  21 x 13 x 9 inches
  • Materials: BPA-free PVC, polyester
  • Materials: Water-resistant tarpaulin
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Weight: 3.5 pounds
  • Weight: 3.3 pounds
  • Price: $199+
  • Price: $45+

As far as trendy duffel bags go, the Baboon to the Moon Go Bags are pretty reasonably priced, in line with similar options from brands like Patagonia and Eagle Creek. But it’s still a premium bag, priced at $239 for the large size or $199 for the small. The bags are recognizable for their shiny, waterproof exteriors (it’s a rugged, waterproof tarpaulin material), combining extreme durability with a bold aesthetic. The large is 60 liters, making it technically a checked size but it would probably pass as a carry on as long as it’s not full. The small holds 40 liters worth, making it always carry-on ready. It has tuck-away backpack straps that can reconfigure as a shoulder strap, plus internal and external pockets. Its vibrant colors and fun design also make it just plain cool.

But if $200 or more for a duffel bag feels steep, a more budget-friendly option is the MIER Water Resistant Backpack Duffle on Amazon, priced at $49.99. Like the Baboon to the Moon Go Bag, it’s crafted from water-resistant materials (though not BPA-free ones) and comes in bright color options like blue and orange, echoing the playful, eye-catching aesthetic of its pricier counterpart. The MIER duffel comes in a 40-liter or 60-liter option, also with stow-away backpack straps. Design-wise, it’s not quite as glossy as the Go Bag, but it’ll still draw attention (and be easy to find at the luggage carousel, especially in bright orange).

Buy Now: $50

Solgaard Carry-On Closet dupe


Solgaard Carry-On Closet

MIER Water Resistant Backpack Duffle

  • Size: 20.8 x 13.4 x 9 inches
  • Size: 19 x 9.2 x 7 inches
  • Materials: Polycarbonate, aluminum, recycled plastic
  • Materials: Water-resistant ripstop
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty (not wear and tear)
  • Warranty: None
  • Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • Weight: n/a
  • Price: $345
  • Price: $29+

The Solgaard Carry-On Closet is one of the most clever pieces of roller luggage on the market, with a built-in collapsible shelving system, allowing for easy access to all your belongings without the need to really even unpack. It’s particularly convenient for frequent travelers or those staying in multiple locations, as it eliminates the hassle of digging through your bag. You can also hook the shelves to the telescoping handle, so it stands upright without a closet rod to hang it from. It’s super durable, highly rated, and made with recycled ocean plastics. However, it’s more than $300 (though as of publication, it’s on sale for $240). That makes it one of the more reasonably priced bags on this list, but still not inexpensive.

A much more affordable alternative is to stick with whatever roller bag you currently have, and buy something like the Olosar Suitcase Organizer to use inside it. It’s a collapsible shelving system that mimics the functionality of the Solgaard’s built-in design, offering the same pull-out shelving design. It doesn’t stand on it own, so you’ll need a closet rod to hang it from. But otherwise, it’s similar, with multiple shelves, zippered compartments to keep everything in place, and side pockets for smaller items like jewelry and toiletries. It comes in multiple sizes so you can use it in a carry-on or a checked bag.

Buy Now: $26+

Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag dupe


Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag

BAGSMART Weekender Bag

  • Size: 19 x 14.5 x 10.5 inches
  • Size: 18.5 x 8.7 x 11 inches
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Materials: Nylon
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Price: $112
  • Price: $30+

The Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag is designed as a roomy carry-on with a main compartment, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and a large zippered bottom compartment specifically for shoes (or any other items you’d like to separate, like dirty clothes). It has padded top handles and a detachable shoulder strap, plus trendy color options.

If the Stevyn’s price point feels steep, the BAGSMART Travel Duffel Bag is perhaps the most similar dupe of any on this list. Like the Calpak bag, it includes a dedicated bottom compartment and is made with water-resistant polyester that weighs even less than the Calpak bag. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap and multiple pockets, and even a similar one-year warranty. The Stevyn has more padding on the handles and a slightly more rigid shape, but the BAGSMART duffel comes with a small toiletry bag, as well as a top strap for carrying a yoga mat or similar item.

Buy Now: $4

Fjällräven Känken dupe


Fjällräven Känken

Kah&Kee Travel Backpack

  • Size: 14.2 x 10.8 x 4.7 inches
  • Size: 15.7 x 10.6 x 6.7 inches
  • Materials: Vinyl/nylon mix
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Wheels: n/a
  • Warranty: None
  • Weight: .6 pounds
  • Weight: 1.76 pounds
  • Price: $90
  • Price: $29

Matador Network‘s editorial team are big fans of Fjällräven, praising everything from the warmth of the brand’s down jackets to its industry-leading commitment to sustainability, repairs, and recycled materials. And if there’s one product most people know from Fjällräven, it’s probably the iconic Känken backpack, with its square shape and curved tote handles on top. Once you recognize it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere, especially while flying. It’s a great size for a personal item and small enough to double as a day bag while traveling. It has a simple, beloved design: one big compartment, a small front compartment, and basic shoulder straps. It comes in a host of colors, or can be custom designed.

As the only under-$100 item on this list, we fully support springing for a responsibly made backpack like the Känken. But if that’s out of reach for now, the $29 Kah&Kee Polyester Travel Backpack is a similar alternative. It’s comparable in terms of design (without looking like a full-on rip-off of the Känken), and has the same large primary pocket, small front pocket, and simple shoulder straps as the original Känken. Both are water-resistant, but we wouldn’t recommend leaving either sitting out in heavy rain for too long.

Buy Now: $29

Away Luggage Dupe


AWAY Carry-on Flex

Traveler’s Choice Indestructible Hardshell

  • Size: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches
  • Size: 22 x 14.25 x 9.25 inches
  • Materials: Polyester, polycarbonate
  • Materials: Polypropylene plastic
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Wheels: Four spinners
  • Weight: 7.9 pounds
  • Weight: 6.3 pounds
  • Price: $325
  • Price: $96

The Away Carry-On Flex mixes durability, style, and adaptability, with an expandable capacity that can unzip to add 2.5 extra inches of space for longer trips. It has 360-degree spinner wheels, is made with extremely durable outer materials, and has a useful interior compression system. The removable mesh panel has pockets for small items and cinches tight across your clothing to help make as much space as possible. AWAY was one of the first trendy luggage brands out there and is beloved by buyers, as well as Matador reviewers.

But for a more budget-friendly alternative, the Traveler’s Choice Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Carry-On, priced at $139 on Amazon, delivers many of the same features at less than half the cost. That includes an expandable capacity to add an extra two inches of space, similar materials, interior organization, and 360-degree spinner wheels. The main aesthetic differences are the overall sense of refinement — the AWAY dupe isn’t quite as polished looking, but it may be a fair trade off for budget-conscious travelers in need of a new roller bag.

Buy Now: $139

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