The reason why theyre so popular among flight crews is simple theyre affordable, durable, and packed with useful features. Your luggage is only going to get heavier once full, so if it feels hard to lift or maneuver when empty, look for a lighter design. Of course, the quality of each suitcase varies from model to model. Away vs Rimowa: Which One Makes More Durable Luggage? Travel and wellness blogger Olivia Christine Perez, of O. Christine, reminds shoppers to Always check that the dimensions of the carry-on fits that of your favorite airlines! The same is also true of checked bags. The three layers of polycarbonate are scratch-resistant, cutting down on dings and marks that seem to inevitably happen.One standout feature is the exterior hinge pocket that easily lets you access a laptop or other items you might need while traveling. On the inside, youll find a compression system and a laundry bag thats ideal for keeping your clothes neat and organized. We've put together a list of picks including lightweight and durable options and hard cases with unique features that we think are worth your buying. Samsonite vs Tumi: Which Brand Is a Better Choice? Here is the best hardside luggage of 2022. In our Lab tests, Travelpro bags were easy to pack with a full list of clothing and travel gear and performed well with high durability ratings. For a five-day trip, we easily fit two pairs of shoes, two pairs of pants, two dresses, four shirts, a sweater, underwear, and a small dopp kit into The Bigger Carry-On (other team editors have no problem fitting similar amounts into the standard size). We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds | Capacity: Not listed. Theyre one of the most expensive brands out there and wed say that their products are marked up about twice as much as they should be (when compared to similar alternatives), only because of their brand. Youll get a very well-made suitcase that will last you for years for a not-that-high price tag. Another important thing is to get a suitcase with sturdy retractable and side handles. The retractable handle should be made from aluminum, feel sturdy, and shouldnt wobble. This bag has a roomy luggage compartment and features a 2-inch expandable panel, lending you extra room for all of your souvenirs on the trip home or all of your things on the way there if you're an over-packer. Due to the soft frame and other lighter elements, their suitcases are extremely lightweight about 1-3 lbs lighter than similarly sized, lightweight fabric alternatives. Also, theres a good chance that youll find a Samsonite dealer within 50 miles of your current location, and their products can be sent over to warranty through any of their dealers. Aways Bigger Carry-On (view at Away) isnt an Instagram favorite for no reason. Consumer testers of the Freeform hardside suitcase agreed that the wheels were smooth and performed nicely. Qualities such as wheels that dont squeak and move smoothly, pockets, working zippers, locks, and interior pockets, and dividers all add to the luggages functionality and appeal. Thats why its so important to find the perfect piece that isnt just stylish (though that helps), but will last for quite some time. She covers travel products for TripSavvy. ", Runner-Up, Best Overall: Delsey Aero Expandable Carry-On at Amazon, "One of the best features on this case is the roomy front compartment. Listed Dimensions: 29 x 20 x 12.5 inches Weight: 14.6 lbs Material: Tegris (polypropylene thermoplastic composite). In Lab tests, the bag received perfect scores for being effortless to open and close. We load each suitcase with a standard number of items including clothing, shoes and toiletries to analyze how well the suitcase can be packed and the layout and function of the internal compartments. Here Are the Best Lightweight Luggage Pieces of 2022, The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2022, Tested by TripSavvy, The 8 Best Kids Luggage Pieces for Easy and Fun Travel, The 9 Best Travelpro Luggage Items of 2022 to Invest In, We Researched the Best Samsonite Luggage ItemsHere Are Our Top Picks, Travel Light With the Best Carry-on Luggage for Men, The Best Luggage Sets When You Have Somewhere to Be, The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage in 2022, The 7 Best Small Coolers of 2022, Tested by TripSavvy, Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion 28-Inch Spinner Review, Here Are the Best Briggs & Riley Luggage Items for All Your Travel Needs. The bag was also easy to transport, gliding well over both smooth and rough surfaces. The exterior is recycled polycarbonate, while the lining consists of more than a dozen recycled water bottles. ", Best Carry-On: Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside Carry-On at victorinox.com, "The butterfly-opening system makes packing and accessing your items a breeze. Check your bag's dimensions to see that it won't be considered oversized by airlines or you'll need to pay an extra fee. At home, they fit neatly inside each other so they dont take up your entire closet. Their bags are a favorite of one Lab expert whose Heys luggage set has held up for over a decade, but it's important to note they do scratch easily. Think about how you travel and what items you like to bring. The most durable luggage brands include Pelican, Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Rimowa (although very overpriced), Osprey, Thule, Travelpro, Away, Eagle Creek, Samsonite, and Delsey. When you consider how durable they are and how long they last, Pelican offers some of the best value-for-money among all the luggage brands out there. Size: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds| Capacity: 48 liters. One interior side has a zippered mesh compartment for items like shoes and toiletries; the other has straps and a removable panel that evened out the surface so the two shell halves came together smoothly. If you love the durability of a hardside bag but miss the convenience of easy-access front storage that comes with soft shell bags, the Zipper Carry-On Max may be the suitcase for you. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab experts test luggage using specialized equipment, like our drop tester, which you can read more about and see in action below. When traveling by plane, carry-on suitcases come in two basic types: hard shell with a durable exterior or soft shell suitcases made of fabric. A few scuff marks are inevitable during travel; however, you can minimize damage with a few precautions. They offer a wide range of products hardside and softside suitcases, totes, duffel bags, and backpacks. Size: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds| Capacity: 34 liters. The center of the bag has a hidden compartment that allows travelers to tuck away items such as a laptop, briefcase, and other necessities (as well as headphones or a neck pillow) while the bag is upright. Similar to other Samsonite companies, their quality used to be a bit better two decades ago, but theyre still pretty durable even today. The bag also held up well in Lab drop tests and scored well for its smooth wheels. This pick is a favorite of Senior Lab Analyst Emma Seymour. From our own experience, they make the most durable fabric suitcases out there. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. In fact, Travelpro supplies over 90 different airlines with luggage for their flight crews, and they even offer a line of suitcases that are available only for flight crews. Arlo Skye's carry-on luggage is designed with a feature most hardside bags don't have a zippered front pocket. However, hardside luggage is also heavier than soft luggage. Best Overall: Away The Bigger Carry-On at Away Travel, "Here's a suitcase ideal for travelers who have a tendency to overpack. It's a T-shape that helps keep the weight down, though it does make it less comfortable to pull long dintances. Samsonite is a high-quality luggage brand that we have always found to perform well in our tests, specifically in terms of durability and ease of use. The sides are very flexiblemore flexible than wed expect (or maybe want?) Listed Dimensions: 21.5 x 14 x 9.75 inches Weight: 7.9 lbs Material: Polycarbonate. Their products are fairly priced because they use only premium materials and they come with many useful and innovative features. Tumi is another luggage brand that makes very durable suitcases both fabric and hardside ones. If you use the suitcase and decide it isn't right for you and your travels, the brand offers a 100-day return policy for any reason. On their premium suitcases, Travelpro even offers a limited lifetime warranty, which covers most defects except accidents, misuse, and normal wear and tear. Learn more about our, The Best Hardside Luggage for Traveling in 2022, Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping Institute, The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket, Maxlite Air Medium Check-in Expandable Hardside Spinner, Large Trip Expandable Four-Wheeled Packing Case, What to look for when shopping for the best hardside luggage. ", Most Versatile: The Olympia Apache Carry-On Spinner at Amazon, "The affordable luggage has added features that make it a more versatile travel option. Away luggage is all over social media and for good reason. If you're more of a carry-on type, then a smaller option is the way to go, while a larger, sturdier piece of luggage is suitable to handle being checked. However, over the years, Rimowa has considerably changed. Read on for our picks of the best hardside luggage bags available. Then we weigh how much water has soaked through the zippers to the absorbent material. That said, all brands mentioned in this list offer well-made suitcases that should withstand frequent travel. their products are marked up about twice as much as they should be. Paravel is known for its eco-friendly materials when it comes to luggage. Otherwise, hardside suitcases may crack too easily and fabric ones may get tears. Hardside or hardshell luggage is made of plastic or metal materials that hold their shape to encase and protect your belongings. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, she served as a lecturer at The Ohio State University, teaching fashion and textiles courses and conducting research. Most "lightweight" large hardshell luggage still weighs in at at least 10.5 lbs, but this pick from Victorinox is only 9 lbs. If organization is important to you, consider bags with multiple pockets and dividers. People have been using them for many years now without any significant durability issues, which is why weve included them in this list. In addition to features like locks, zipped compartments, and dividers, it's also important to consider the size. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. In this article, well share 11 durable luggage brands, ranked from most to less-durable. Is it better to get hard or soft luggage? Colors come in black, brick red, brushed charcoal, cobalt blue, pink, teal, and titanium. Eagle Creek is a brand thats very popular among outdoors enthusiasts. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. To keep your belongings a little safer from being bent and squished while you're traveling, consider opting for a suitcase with a hard shell. If the suitcase is beyond repair, theyll send a replacement. You should also make sure your bag isn't too heavy so you can be sure it won't be considered overweight once it's packed and at the airport. Ricardo Beverly Hills has performed exceptionally well in our Lab and consumer tests for durability with their fabric and polycarbonate luggage, and this suitcase from Ricardo Beverly Hills should be even stronger because it's made with aluminum that the brand claims to be "impenetrable" and features corner guards for added security. Joy Merrifield, Product Tester. Our consumer testers also rate their opinions concerning wheel performance and maneuverability, comfort, ease of use and sturdiness, and they have the opportunity to share other feedback with Lab experts. 8 Best Wheeled Lightweight Suitcases in 2022. Although their suitcases are somewhat expensive, they arent overpriced too much. Listed Dimensions: 27.95 x 19.6 x 13.4 inches Weight: 8.48 lbs Material: Polypropylene. Although their line of suitcases has only been added recently, their other bags have always been really durable, and many people have reported that their suitcases are similarly durable. For example, we imagine it might be a bit weird for a Business traveler to travel around with a Pelican case. And if that's not enough to protect your belongings, there are two TSA-approved clamp locks to keep your things extra secure. Its durable polycarbonate shell is both sleek and highly functional; you wont have to worry about it getting scuffed up or damaged during a bumpy plane or cab ride. The suitcase aced our drop tests for durability, but the polycarbonate did show some marks in our scratch test but that's a small tradeoff for an overall great quality hardside suitcase at a great price. If youre opting for a hardside case, youll want a material thats unbreakable. Some hardside suitcases also come with removable compartments like a laundry bag to contain dirty clothes or a garment bag to hang clothing. The flip-top cover on our battery port was impossible to open with bare hands, however, and we had to pry it open to charge. In terms of quality, they still make similarly durable suitcases, except now theyre priced more. It comes with a 10-year warranty. He believes that traveling shouldn't be complicated or expensive. Their aluminum model is quite expensive at first glance, but when you compare them with similarly-durable alternatives from Rimowa or Tumi that cost twice as much, it ends up being a really good deal. She tests and reports on home and apparel products in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from swimwear to blackout curtains. Note that lifetime is defined as the lifetime of the product, not lifetime as in your lifetime. Delsey Aero Expandable Carry-On at Amazon, Arlo Skye The Zipper Check-In at Arloskye.com, Briggs & Riley International Carry-On Spinner at briggs-riley.com, Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable, Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside Carry-On at victorinox.com, The Olympia Apache Carry-On Spinner at Amazon. The wheels survived perfectly. All defects are covered, even airline damage, shipping costs are covered, and you dont even need to show a receipt in order for it to work. review process. Theyre best known for making car accessories, such as roof racks and bike carriers, but not many people know that they also make all kinds of other travel and outdoors products, including luggage. For example, they have an innovative compression system that utilizes two latches, and most of their suitcases come with suiter compartments that get the least amount of wrinkles. They offer a wide range of aluminum and polycarbonate suitcases, which are extremely durable. These are the most common: Wheels: Wheels with 360 spin receive the best maneuverability scores in our Lab tests and with consumer testers. Our consumer testers thought the wheels on Away suitcases rolled smoothly and agreed they were easy to maneuver. Size: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Capacity: 41 liters. Our consumer testers also tried other suitcases from this brand and raved about the suitcases' sturdy handles and smooth wheels. Size:26 x 16.5 x 11 inches| Weight: 9.6 pounds| Capacity: 71 liters. You do have the option to purchase the different sizes separately, but the sets of two or three are an amazing value. Away makes only hardside suitcases, made either from polycarbonate or aluminum. And lastly, the suitcase should come with durable zippers. The polycarbonate case is still stable, thanks to a multi-stage, telescopic handle that can easily adjust to your desired height. Their suitcases range anywhere between 80-600$, but personally, we think that anything from Samsonite costing over 200$ is overpriced. So to sum up, Rimowa still makes very durable suitcases, but theyre marked up too high and they arent backed up by a good warranty anymore. In the Lab, we measure the size and weight of each suitcase to ensure that all online size claims are accurate, and we place carry-on bags in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to check if they meet TSA size requirements. productslearn more about Target's line of hardshell luggage performed well overall in our Lab tests, and this bag received the title of best overall in our carry-on luggage test! I use the front pocket for items I'll need in the airport or while traveling." Theyre better-known for backpacks, duffels, and packing organizers, but they also offer a few fabric suitcases, which are priced really affordably. Samsonite vs Travelpro: Which Luggage Brand Is Better? And though we all love a cheap price, it's worth the investment to get a more expensive suitcase that will last you for life!, Size: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds| Capacity: 39 liters. Textiles Product Analyst Grace Wu says, "I love the removable garment sleeve for keeping more delicate items or blazers separate from the rest of my items and the other convenient compartments." Also, the RFID-blocking pocket is sure to keep cards safe from being scanned., Between the 100 percent polycarbonate material and a useful hinged exterior pocket, this suitcase serves up major points for functionality., Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.9 pounds| Capacity: 38 liters, Size: 26 x 11 x 16.5 inches | Weight: 11 Pounds | Capacity: 89 Liters. You can expect to get a similar case as you would from Briggs & Riley, except youd pay about 200-400$ more only because of the brand. In terms of design, theyre targeting only business travelers, so youll find color options only in dark, classic styles. This is determined by checking the condition of the suitcase if the color looks discolored over time if the wheels look worn-down and so on, the suitcase will probably be deemed as reached the end of its lifetime. That said, Eagle Creek will still provide repairs at reasonable costs if needed for all of their suitcases. We simultaneously charged two iPhones to full power without issue. Another thing worth mentioning is that a lot of luxury brands, such as Guess and Louis Vuitton arent really that durable either theyre definitely more durable than no-brand alternatives, but for the price that theyre selling at, they arent worth it. If you manage to catch some of their mid-tier suitcases on a sale for 120-200$ (Omni PC, Winfield, Freeform, or Centric), youre getting a pretty good deal. They use premium, innovative materials, such as their patented Tegris material, and they come with many unique features. In fact, in our Best Luggage Brands ranking, Briggs & Riley took first place among all other brands. Making the choice to spend several hundred dollars on a piece of luggage is a decision most travelers dont take lightly. Listed Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 12 inches Weight: 11.1 lbs Material: Polycarbonate and ABS composite. We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission if you make purchases through them. Youll find various softside and hardside suitcases, as well as backpacks and duffel bags. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 10 Best Dog Carriers of 2022 For the Dog On The Go, 9 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers, 13 Best Workout Shoes for At-Home and Gym Fitness, These Are the Most Comfortable Shoes You Can Buy, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Consider your luggage size requirements and what that means in terms of weight. The expandable bag comes in solid black with lime, orange, red, blue or purple straps, stitching, and wheels., Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds| Capacity: 54 liters. If youre packing breakable items, you may choose to use hardside luggage which is more difficult to rip open and usually has integrated locks. For fabric suitcases, its also important that the seams and all the stitching look and feel sturdy enough. However, durability often adds weight, so youll need to balance these qualities. Another bonus for Travelpro is that their suitcases are very lightweight, especially the fabric suitcases from the Maxlite 5 line. These wheels allow the luggage to rotate fully and move side to side in addition to moving straight ahead. Weighing less than 5 pounds, Rimowa boasts the Essential Lite Cabin as its lightest suitcase ever. Some expensive brands, like Hartmann, Victorinox, and Brics make suitcases that are only good for leisure travel and usually arent durable enough for frequent traveling. Even though their suitcases are fairly expensive, we dont consider them as a luxury luggage brand. The luggage is available in three sizes so you can have matching carry-on and checked bags, and you can buy the bags together as a set for added value. Preferably, they should be made by YKK, as its the most durable zipper brand, although SBS is also somewhat durable. Another thing is the wheels themselves tiny, plastic ones will be less durable than larger, beefier ones with rubber. Their suitcases dont resemble the typical suitcase looks. Two decades ago everyone knew that Rimowa is the go-to brand if youre looking for durable luggage. All of these materials create a sustainable luggage that can seamlessly make its way through the airport, cargo, and more. The bag also comes with two shoe bags and a laundry bag to keep your things clean and organized; it also features a stylish luggage tag. Even though their terms arent as good anymore (manufacturing defects covered for 5 years), quite often they repair damages that shouldnt be covered free of charge. Runner-Up, Best Overall: Delsey Aero Expandable Carry-On, Delsey AERO 19 Carry-on Expandable Rolling Luggage Review, Best Checked: Arlo Skye The Zipper Check-In, Tested and Reviewed: The Best Checked Luggage of 2022, Best Splurge: Briggs & Riley International Carry-On Spinner, Best Carry-On: Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside Carry-On, Best Lightweight: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin, Most Versatile: The Olympia Apache Carry-On Spinner, Best for Durability: Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus, What to Look for in Hardside Luggage Bags. And who knows what actually happens to your suitcase if you decide to leave it at the check-in counter instead? Another thing about Osprey is that their suitcases are somewhat affordable. They filled it with at least a weeks worth of outfits, plus a couple books, a mug, and a wine bottle). It doesnt cover only normal wear and tear and damage due to being locked out of the suitcase (forgetting the TSA keycode). It covers any cracks in the shell, broken-off spinner wheels and handles, broken zippers, and fabric tears that render the usability of the suitcase. If you're an over-packer like me, get hard-sided luggage because it'll last longer and also force you to better arrange your items inside. Listed Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.5 x 11 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs Material: Polycarbonate. Its survived over 50 countries in the past three years, she says. Inside, there's a flex-divider system for organized packing. Once the bag is packed, we roll it over different surfaces like tile, hardwood, linoleum and carpet and lift it up onto counters to get a feel for the handles and wheels. Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. For consumer tests, we set up an obstacle course that simulates a travel experience. For a suitcase thats this durable, their prices are very adequate. Oscar is from Riga, Latvia but he has traveled all over the world. When shopping for a hardside suitcase, here are a few things to keep in mind: Material: Not all hardside suitcases are made with the same hard material, and the material can impact performance, weight and price. Although their suitcases arent really that smart (they just come with a removable power bank and charging ports), theyre really good-looking and theyre very well-made. Keeping all your valuables safe are self-repairing zippers and a three-dial TSA-approvedcombination lock, while the double spinner wheels make navigating the airport easy. Read next: Tumi Alpha 3 22-Inch Carry-On Review. The front compartment is our favorite feature; it consists of two mesh pockets and a well-padded laptop pocket that fits up to a 15.6-inch computer. If youre shopping on Amazon Mia Toro, Rockland, and Lucas are among the least durable ones. The side handles shouldnt stick out from the main frame too much, and they should be made from metal or sturdy plastics. The only thing that isnt covered by this warranty is normal wear and tear. In real life, it doesnt feel as sturdy because its very flexible and lightweight, but its more durable than others because its more resistant to cracks. This bag is made of the same polycarbonate material and is designed with many of the same features, though you may notice the unique design of the telescopic handle. They make some of the sturdiest suitcases out there, which are close to indestructible. And whats even better Pelican sells their cases for quite reasonable prices.