Best Suitcases
14 of the Best Luggage Brands That Are Worth Every Dollar And For Every Trip
Traveling with durable and highly-rated bags is easy thanks to these suitcases.
It doesn’t matter how frequently or for what purpose you travel, you need a luggage that meets your needs. It has to be spacious enough to hold all your stuff, light enough to carry around, and durable enough to last year after year.
The Textile Lab at Good Housekeeping Institute tests all types of luggage, including carry-ons and checked bags. We evaluate in them in the Lab by measuring things like abrasion and scratch resistance, water resistance, weight and size, ease of use, and durability in our drop tests. We also perform packing tests to compare compartments and see how much each can hold. Finally, we have consumer testers test the luggage and provide feedback regarding aspects such as wheel performance, handling, and maneuverability. For our last evaluation we tried 25 different styles. We logged more than 4,000 data points and found the top cases.
After combing through the past 10 years of test data with thousands of additional scores, we’ve selected the best luggage brands based on top-performing cases from our review, our expert favorites that we use when we travel, and newer styles with unique features. Continue reading to find out more about our top choices. In summary, these are the most popular luggage brands you should shop for in 2021.
Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers:
Best Luggage for Infrequent Flyers:
Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Rolling Luggage
Our frequent travellers love Away’s BIGGER Carry-On. Four of our regular travelers voted it their top pick for short- and long-term trips. Kelly Farber is the founder of KF Literary Scouting. She spent a 3-week trip in seven cities abroad using only her Away Bigger Carry On. That thing just would not quit.” Clemence Poles, founder of the style recommendations site Passerbuys was won over by the Bigger Carry-On’s durability, capacity, and streamlined style. The bag has “a sense of sensibility” she said. Nicholas Gill is also a photographer and writer. According to him, “My luggage gets beat up so I’m willing to spend a bit more on one that will last.” It’s lightweight and sturdy, as well as a USB charger that charges my phone enough to get me an Uber. A nylon bag is included inside, so I have something to carry my stuff around in in case of a severe downpour.
the Savvy Backpacker , who historically travels with backpacks is a fan of the carry-on, too, and says that he’s liked it for small trips, “especially the battery pack so we can recharge our phones and iPads,” he says. Stephanie Be (TravelBreak.net BUENA) also loves Away’s TSA-approved lock.
Rimowa
Sunny Chanel/Business Insider When it comes to high-end luggage, Rimowa is a consistent standout that uses premium materials to create long-lasting and recognizable pieces. The ribbed aluminum luggage can be found in many colors, from simple silver to cherry red. It is a popular choice, though the price tag could reach $1,000. But, the heavy-duty, yet light weight construction of these rollers may be worth it, if your budget allows.
Essential Lite is a less expensive option but still quite costly. I especially love this collection. I voted it the best hard-side, high-end carry-on because of its durability and weight (less than five pounds). Rimowa doesn’t make soft-sided suitcases. There are not as many accessories as other brands. But Rimowa does also make weekenders, totes, packing cubes, and luggage tags.
See our Rimowa Essential Lite full review.
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin Suitcase Rimowa Classic Check-In L Suitcase Rimowa Never Still Tote
Briggs & Riley
Briggs & Riley Premium Design is distinguished by its hybrid fiberglass frame, ballistic nylon, reinforced corners and whisper-quiet wheels. Briggs & Riley was our number one choice for high-end, soft-side carry ons. I particularly like the super-smart interior features that truly elevate these suitcases, from a special CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25%, to making sure the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of the bag so no packing room is lost to the poles. The suitcases can be considered investment pieces. However, they are built tough and have a lifetime warranty.
While I find the soft-sided bags to be some of Briggs & Riley’s best options, there are also some nice hard-sided carry-ons and checked bags for those who prefer to go that route. In addition to roller bags, Briggs & Riley also makes backpacks, duffles, weekends, laptop bags, and travel accessories of all types, including packing cubes, travel pillows, adapters, and more.
Our Tested Methods
The suitcases came in a variety of sizes, so we were able take a look at their carrying capacity, durability, and usability. These days, check-in bags should be able to be wheeled easily. Therefore, all nine suitcases we tried had four 360-degree wheels. The average medium size bag is approximately 25 inches high. We tried to test them whenever possible. This is because while you can fit much more in the larger sizes which are normally around 29 inches tall it’s easy to overpack and exceed an airline’s weight limit.
The Paravel Aviator Grand and the Samsonite Maxsum Eco are the only bags we tested that are larger than 25 inches, coming in at 28 inches and 29 inches respectively. You can choose from many other bags we reviewed that have bigger sizes.
A list of all tests that we performed:
Impact: Each suitcase had been packed completely and we then pushed each one down the stairs. After examining each suitcase, we noted how scratched or scuffed it looked and then checked for dents.
Capacity test: After filling the medium Away suitcase up to its brim, we set our standard quantity of contents. To test the capacity of each suitcase, we first packed it. Then we measured how it would fit into that amount.
Everything Else We Tested
Paravel Aviator Grand suitcase is an excellent choice. It almost took the top spot during our testing. This bag holds a lot and is very durable. We also love its smooth rolling. But it was our second largest bag and weighed in at 12 pounds. At 12 pounds (the company’s site lists it at 11.8 pounds), it was more than 2 pounds heavier than the Away and 3 pounds heavier than the Freeform. Extra ounces can really help you to avoid the 50-pound weight limit at airports. Paravel Aviator Grand still makes a fantastic choice if your preference is to be strategic with packing and a lightweight, stylish bag that you can carry around.
Rimowa Essential Check-In M ($850;
The Rimowa was our favourite suitcase to roll, thanks to its smooth wheels, strong handle, and excellent maneuverability. The handle was difficult to lift when the suitcase was full. It also didn’t perform well in drop testing. Although it is a very nice luggage piece, it doesn’t seem worth its high price.
Delsey Paris Helium aero 25-Inch (starting from $114.99; originally $231.84.
amazon.com or $149.99, originally $300;
We were impressed with the Delsey’s smooth and sturdy wheels. The handles are very comfortable and make it easy to move up and down stairs. The Delsey performs similarly to Samsonite Freeform.
Samsonite bags are solid and perform well in most of our tests. It actually survived the drops with minimal damage, outperforming all other suitcases. The suitcase is also quite lightweight for its size at only 29 inches high and 9.4 pounds. However, the suitcase has a latching system instead of a zipper, which we found harder to open and close.
Samsonite Omni Pc Hardside Spinner 28
Samsonite suitcases are known worldwide for their great looks and toughness. Omni from Samsonite is no exception. This suitcase’s injection-molded polycarbonate shell makes it look cool, and will withstand any aircraft flight.
With a sleek exterior, and a shiny interior, micro-diamond texture, your case will never look old. It should also remain super easy to maneuver, as the 4 spinner wheels require pretty much zero effort to move around you can practice 360-degree upright turns in any direction with just a light touch of your finger.
TSA locks are standard on all models. This means that agents have access to your bags whenever they need them, while your belongings remain secure from any malicious intrusions.
This case weighs in at 10.5 lbs and will not fit into your personal weight limit. However, it’s one of the most durable and practical cases on the market.
These Samsonite bags are available in sizes 20-24 and 28 inches, as well as a variety of elegant colors.
TSA integrated lock to protect
Explore the 11 Top Luggage Companies and their Finest Suitcases to Travel Style
Get rolling.
Anxiety can lead to worry when your suitcase is being taken away by seemingly inexplicable conveyor belts.
Being separated from your luggage for the flight is not an option. Although you could opt to only bring a backpack or suitcase, sometimes you need even more storage.
While that’s ultimately out of your control, what is within your jurisdiction is your choice of suitcase. To ensure your luggage is safe, secure, and reliable in travel, you need to make sure it’s ergonomic and sturdy.
The need to be safe and secure is recognized by luggage manufacturers.
We recommend luggage with soft and hard shells as well as good handle comfort. This allows you to travel without worry and in style.
Rimowa, the best high-end luggage brand
Whether you’re heading to The Plaza, NYC, or the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, you’re going to want to look the part. RIMOWA is a world-famous German premium luggage brand that elegantly combines luxurious designs with timeless design and innovative engineering.
RIMOWA, which was founded in Cologne Germany in 1898, is part of LVMH. The brand is recognised the world over for expertly crafting some of the best hardshell suitcases to cater for the jet-set and frequent flyers in the known. In 1937, they were the first to create an aluminium trunk. They also introduced polycarbonate luggages in 2000.
RIMOWA suitcases are built to last a lifetime. They come with the highest safety ratings, to make sure that your belongings are protected, and can easily follow you from the hottest Arabian desert to the coldest Icelandic winter.
RIMOWA Original is an iconic design luggage that has stood the test of time.
Made from high-end anodized aluminium, the RIMOWA Original is available in a large variety of sizes and colours. The suitcase is remarkably robust and surprisingly lightweight, testament to the unparalleled level of craftsmanship and innovation delivered by the luxury luggage brand.
TSA-friendly combination locks ensure that the TSA-friendly combination lock does not compromise security.
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Delsey: Best Value Luggage Brand
With nearly a century of expertise on their side, Delsey crafts beautiful, practical and affordable luggage. In fact, Delsey was the first to introduce hard shell suitcases in 1970.
It is overflowing with French Chic, and the company’s purpose d’etre ‘Enable customers travel elegantly while reducing environmental footprint. What’s not to love?
The Helium Aero features a polycarbonate hardshell, which is a hallmark of Delsey’s values: elegance, durability, and comfort.
This deluxe interior has two compartments and a lined partition to minimize unwanted movement. It is secured by the TSA three dial locking system.
Its scratch-resistant, twill texture shell ensures that your bag will arrive at its destination without any marks or scratches, no matter how many tumbles it takes.
These suitcases are ideal for anyone who wants a larger, more spacious check-in bag with the best combination of style and dependability.
Ideal Suitcases To Wear With Toddlers
The journey can be just as important and memorable as the destination on holidays with toddlers, which is why giving your toddler their own luggage to handle can make all the difference. To make it more exciting for toddlers, parents will appreciate their extra luggage.
Imagine all the space you’ll gain in your bag when you no longer have to carry all those snacks around. The one downfall of getting a travel suitcase for toddlers, is the risk of carrying one more piece of luggage yourself! This mini bag will allow you to trust that your toddler is interested in making their own travel suitcase.
Because of all the options available, it can be challenging to find luggage that is suitable for children. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! You can choose from a variety of fun and colorful designs, including ones with cartoon characters that are more appealing to younger kids or simpler options for older children. We’ll take you through all of them with the help of our list of best toddler travel suitcases below.
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View all toddler suitcases at Amazon
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