This article was originally commissioned and published on StyleCaster in April 2025.
My relationship with Quince’s carry-on suitcase started as a rebound. When a premium piece of luggage let me down (it was just a bit too large for those strict international carry-on sizers), I needed a more affordable replacement — but as a frequent flyer, I wasn’t interested in sacrificing on quality.
Fifty flights, four continents, and one boat rescue later (yes, seriously), what started as a budget-friendly stopgap has surprisingly turned into my luggage equivalent of finding “the one.”
What is Quince?
I first discovered Quince when hunting for affordable cashmere and was surprised to find it makes luggage, too. The brand’s whole deal is pretty straightforward: They make quality stuff without the markup by selling directly to consumers online. No retail stores, no middlemen, just solid products at prices that allow me to splurge more on my actual trips.
When my other luggage failed me, I browsed Quince’s options and was impressed by the range. They offer everything from small 20-inch carry-ons to larger 27-inch check-ins, with options for expandable sides or front pockets depending on your packing style. I settled on the brand’s Small Carry-On Suitcase in Tan — partly because it was in stock, partly because I’m a sucker for simplicity and neutral tones. I was taking a chance on a lighter shade, assuming it might show every scuff, but Quince includes a magic eraser in the package that works surprisingly well at keeping it clean.
At $120 — less than half the price of my previous suitcase — I was initially just happy with the savings. The measurements fit both domestic and international needs: at 20″ tall, 13.5″ wide, 9″ deep and a featherlight 6.2 pounds, I could already imagine the extra pair of shoes I could pack without hitting weight limits. I was also pleasantly surprised by the TSA-approved lock positioned at the top of the suitcase, which I personally found much easier to access compared to the side-mounted locks on most luggage.
These first impressions were all promising, but the real test would come in moments I couldn’t even predict.
Quince Luggage Review: Small Carry-On
I didn’t plan to become a hardcore luggage tester, but life had other plans. My long-distance relationship and freelance lifestyle mean I’ve logged dozens of flights with Quince’s carry-on, trusting it on countless bi-weekly flights across the country and overseas trips in the past year.
Quince Small Carry-On Luggage Specs
External dimensions including wheels:
22″ H x 14.4″ W x 9.1″ D
Internal dimensions excluding wheels:
20.1” x 13.5″
Capacity: 40L
Weight: 6.2 lbs
Colorways: 7
Materials: Lightweight & durable polycarbonate hard shell; Lining: Water resistant 75D polyester pongee
Does the Quince Carry-On fit in overhead bins?
Domestically, I’ve fit it into overhead bins on nearly every major US airline, and it’s never once been flagged for gate-checking. Internationally, it also passes most strict carry-on sizers, even meeting the overhead bin allowance on budget European carriers like EasyJet and Wizz Air. (Quince makes compatibility easy to verify with their airline-specific chart online, but it’s always worth checking directly with airlines for the most updated details.)
Is Quince luggage waterproof?
The true test for Quince’s carry-on came during a 15-day trip to Guatemala. I expected the suitcase to survive normal wear and tear, but not what happened during a boat crossing on Lake Atitlán. Our boat stalled in the middle of the lake during a sudden rainstorm, and another vessel had to come to our rescue. I watched in horror as my luggage — containing everything from my laptop to my only pair of hiking boots — was hurled onto the rescue boat, landing with an unceremonious splash in a pool of rainwater that was already forming on the deck.
When I finally reached my homestay, I opened the suitcase expecting a disaster. But somehow, everything was bone dry and intact. While Quince doesn’t advertise its luggage as fully waterproof — it only claims to have a “water-resistant” internal lining — the suitcase managed to keep everything safe during what became the ultimate extreme weather field test.
How much can you pack in the Quince Small Carry-On?
Durability is just one aspect of what makes this budget-friendly carry-on impressive. As a chronic overpacker, what impresses me most is just how much this small carry-on can hold. All Quince luggage comes equipped with an internal compression system. Combine that with a good set of packing cubes (something I never travel without), and I’ve managed to fit two weeks’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and even those clunky hiking boots into what’s marketed as a three- to five-day suitcase.
Do Quince Carry-On wheels spin smoothly?
Getting around is equally pleasant with this carry-on. The 360° spinner wheels make navigating crowded terminals a breeze, and the telescoping handle has remained sturdy despite my tendency to hang extra bags from it (something the manufacturer probably wouldn’t recommend). The wheels glide effortlessly on airport floors, public transport, and sidewalks, though they do occasionally meet their match on thick carpets and extremely uneven terrain. Still, this is a minor issue I’ve encountered with just about every wheeled luggage I’ve owned and isn’t a deal-breaker by any means.
Final Verdict: Should you buy the Quince Small Carry-On?
After over a year of heavy use, this thing still looks and functions almost exactly as it did when I first unboxed it. The wheels continue to spin smoothly, the handle extends without sticking, and the shell has maintained its integrity despite some truly questionable treatment on my part.
If you’re a frequent traveler, especially one who bounces between domestic and international flights, I genuinely think Quince’s Small Carry-On Suitcase deserves consideration. While I bought this luggage as a temporary solution, it’s officially earned a permanent place in my travel arsenal. It isn’t going anywhere — except, of course, everywhere with me.
