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Briggs & Riley makes some of the best carry-on luggage money can buy. The Essential 22" Expandable Carry-On from the Baseline Collection is packed with compression, a garment folder, and a lifetime repair warranty. It is also around $875 — a serious investment before you have even booked a flight.
The good news: the things that make Briggs & Riley great — organized compartments, expansion, easy-access pockets, and a thoughtful packing system — are not exclusive to that price point. These five alternatives, all available at Wanderfold, deliver the same organized-carry-on experience without the luxury markup. Here is what to buy instead.
| Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" | $468 | Built-in suiter + USB port |
| Eagle Creek Expanse 22" | $358.80 | Eco-friendly, expandable, 38L |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" | $192 | Lightest budget carry-on |
| Eagle Creek Pack-It system | from $40.50 | Compression and wrinkle-free packing |
| Dagne Dover Arlo + Hunter | $96 / $90 | Tech and toiletries organization |
The Platinum Elite is the carry-on that airline pilots and flight attendants actually use. It shares the Briggs & Riley DNA: a built-in suiter that keeps a suit or dress wrinkle-free, a wet pocket for toiletries, and a USB pass-through so you can charge your phone from a power bank inside the bag.
At $468, it gives you the same “everything has a place” layout for hundreds less. The 8-spinner wheels roll smoothly through terminals, and the 21-inch size fits US overhead bins—even on regional jets where other bags get gate-checked. If you want one carry-on that feels premium without the premium markup, this is it.
Eagle Creek has been making travel gear for adventurers since 1975, and the Expanse 22" shows why. It is made from recycled materials, has self-repairing zippers, and expands to fit a few extra souvenirs. At 38 liters, it is one of the most spacious carry-ons we sell.
It doesn't have a built-in suiter like the Platinum Elite, but it is compatible with Eagle Creek's Pack-It cubes, so you can build your own organization system. At $358.80, it is a smart mid-priced alternative to the Briggs & Riley Baseline, especially if you care about sustainability.
If you would rather spend your money on experiences than luggage, the Maxlite 5 is the answer. At under $200, it is the lightest full-size carry-on in the Travelpro lineup. It has a full-length lid organizer, adjustable tie-down straps, and an expandable design that gives you extra room when you need it.
It won't have premium touches like a suiter or USB port, but for most trips—weekend getaways, business trips, even two-week vacations with packing cubes—it gets the job done. It is backed by Travelpro's warranty, so you are not taking a huge risk.
Part of the Briggs & Riley magic is how it keeps clothes compressed and organized. Eagle Creek's Pack-It system does the same thing—and it works in any suitcase, not just an $875 one.
The Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder XL is the closest thing to Briggs & Riley's built-in suiter. It holds several shirts, a blazer, or a suit and uses compression to keep them wrinkle-free. If you are packing for a wedding or a business trip, this is worth its weight in gold.
The Pack-It Starter Set is a complete kit: a compressible garment envelope, a folding board, and a set of cubes in different sizes. It is perfect for building your own system from scratch—and at $71.10, it is a bargain compared to buying organizers from a luxury brand.
The one thing Briggs & Riley doesn't do well? Dedicated pouches for cables, chargers, and toiletries. That is where Dagne Dover comes in.
The Arlo Tech Organizer (Large) is the best way we have found to stop the tangle of cords in your carry-on. It has pockets for a hard drive, a charger, cables, and even a power bank, and the padded exterior keeps your tech safe. At $96, it costs less than a single checked-bag fee on some airlines.
The Hunter Toiletry Bag (Large) hangs from a hook, has multiple compartments, and features a water-resistant lining so a leaking shampoo won't ruin your clothes. At $90, it is an investment, but it will outlast a dozen cheap toiletry bags.
The Briggs & Riley Baseline is a great suitcase. But “great” doesn't have to mean “most expensive.” The combination of a Travelpro or Eagle Creek carry-on, a set of Pack-It cubes, and a Dagne Dover organizer gives you the same level of organization—usually for half the price. Start with the piece that matters most to you, and build your system from there.
Ready to upgrade your carry-on game? Browse all our travel luggage and find the one that fits your budget.
