Key Features to Look for in Luggage

In today’s fast-paced world, the right luggage can make a significant difference in the quality of your travel experience. With countless brands and styles to choose from, selecting the best luggage may seem daunting. This article breaks down the key features you should consider when purchasing luggage, including size, material, construction quality, and useful extras. We’ll highlight some of the top luggage picks across various categories, from the best overall and best carry-on to the best for international travel. Whether you’re on a short business trip or a long international vacation, this guide will help you pick the luggage that matches your needs for both style and functionality. Take a journey through our detailed reviews where we explore the pros and cons of each standout option, ensuring you’re well-informed before your next travel adventure.

Best Luggage Overall

Travelpro: Generously Sized, Durable And Weather-Resistant

Travelpro is known for its combination of durability and functionality, making it a top contender for best overall luggage. The brand’s offerings are generously sized, while also featuring a sleek design that makes traveling not only more practical but also stylish. Made from weather-resistant materials, Travelpro ensures your belongings are protected no matter where your journeys take you, be it a humid rainforest or a bustling urban center.

One of the defining characteristics of Travelpro luggage is its incredible durability. Designed to withstand the rigors of both air and road travel, this luggage can easily endure being handled by even the most overzealous baggage handler. It excels in functionality, featuring expandable compartments and multiple compartments for easy organization, meeting the needs of any traveler who desires straightforward elegance combined with reliability.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On is the epitome of class paired with convenience. As a part of the esteemed Platinum Elite line, this carry-on offers an abundance of advanced features, including precision glide wheels that make for easy navigation through crowded airports, and deluxe interior tie-down systems that keep your items secure during transit.

Beyond its technical features, the Platinum Elite Carry-On is designed for the traveler who cherishes premium aesthetics. With a range of sophisticated color options and a stylish chrome zipper, this luggage stands out, reflecting a refinement that echoes your personal travel style. Its detailed construction with high-quality fabric also assures durability that will last many trips.

Best Carry-On

Away: Sleek, Lightweight And Dependable

Away has quickly become a favorite among frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts due to its sleek, modern design and dependable performance. The brand has mastered the balance between form and function, delivering a lightweight carry-on that doesn’t sacrifice durability. Made from high-quality polycarbonate material, Away luggage is virtually indestructible yet maintains a remarkably light weight.

The thoughtful design of Away carry-ons includes 360-degree spinner wheels for easy maneuverability and a built-in TSA-approved lock for security, making those travel transitions seamless. Their minimalist aesthetic, coupled with an array of color choices, ensures you travel with both style and substance.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On by Away is perfect for travelers who like to pack a bit more without exceeding carry-on size restrictions. Its additional depth compared to the classic versions means you can bring everything you need for a short to medium-length trip. As an added convenience, it features an ejectable battery that can charge your devices on the go, a boon for tech-savvy travelers.

With an interior compression system and hidden laundry bag, the Bigger Carry-On offers savvy solutions for maximizing packing efficiency. This results in an organized interior where each article has its place, allowing you to look put-together no matter how far or long you’re traveling.

Best Checked

Calpak: Ample Packing Space For Lengthier Trips

Calpak luggage caters to travelers who frequently embark on longer journeys where ample packing space is non-negotiable. Known for their stylish exteriors and vibrant patterns, these suitcases are not only functional but visually striking. Calpak’s range offers a compelling balance between practicality and contemporary design, appealing to both seasoned travelers and those new to exploring.

Constructed with lightweight materials, Calpak checked bags provide extensive room for your travel wardrobe, souvenirs, and more, all while being easy to maneuver. The suitcases also feature reinforced corners and secure zippers, providing an added layer of protection against the rough treatment that luggage often receives.

Calpak Ambeur Medium

The Calpak Ambeur Medium is a standout in the realm of checked luggage due to its impeccable style matched with practicality. This suitcase is perfect for those who need a bit more room but still want to maintain a chic travel appearance. The sleek metallic sheen and distinct colors of the Ambeur collection provide an aesthetic edge that sets it apart from mundane luggage options.

Equipped with a spacious interior, the Ambeur Medium allows for easy organization with its multi-compartment configuration. Its dual spinner wheels ensure that even when packed to capacity, navigation is smooth and effortless, saving you the hassle and strain during transit.

Best For International Travel

Samsonite: Reliable, Smooth-Rolling And Affordable

When it comes to international travel, Samsonite remains one of the most trusted names in the industry. Known for its reliability and affordability, Samsonite offers luggage that features smooth-rolling wheels, essential for quick airport rushes and long treks through any terminal. Their hard-wearing build ensures you can travel across continents without worrying about your luggage failing on you.

Samsonite luggage is engineered with robust security in mind, equipped with features like TSA-approved locks that keep your belongings safe from tampering. With their thoughtfully designed interiors, organizing your travel essentials is quick and simple, making your baggage experience one less worry on international trips.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On

The Freeform Carry-On by Samsonite epitomizes the brand’s commitment to lightweight yet robust luggage. It’s crafted with polypropylene, making it both strong and impressively light. The Freeform is perfect for international travel due to its compact design, crafted specifically to meet size requirements for international flights while providing ample room for all travel essentials.

Designed with both convenience and security as priorities, the Freeform features a recessed TSA lock and multi-stage telescopic handle. It ensures stress-free navigation through international airports, plus, its scratch-resistant surface maintains its sleek look trip after trip.

Best Hardside

Monos: Versatile Design With A Roomy Laptop Pocket

For travelers who prefer hard-sided luggage, Monos offers a compelling choice with their versatile, robust designs. What sets Monos apart is the incorporation of a roomy laptop pocket – a feature rarely seen in hardside luggage. This discrete compartment blends seamlessly into the case’s design while providing the convenience and protection of carrying technology safely through travel environments.

Monos luggage is designed with a minimalist aesthetic, perfect for the trendy traveler looking to make a statement without compromising on functionality. These cases are engineering marvels, providing a standard of protection for your belongings that withstands long hauls and diverse climates.

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

The Carry-On Pro Plus from Monos is as practical as it is stylish, offering a unique marriage of form and utility. The standout feature is its integrated laptop pocket, which allows seamless access to electronics without unpacking the entire suitcase. This feature is a particular boon for digital nomads and business travelers.

With a polycarbonate shell, the case is robust and scratch-resistant, maintaining a professional appearance while safeguarding its contents. Internal organizing compartments and thoughtful detailing, such as compression straps, ensure everything inside stays in place during transit.

Best Softside

Briggs & Riley: Sturdy With Built-In Compression

Briggs & Riley knows the ergonomic needs of the frequent traveler, and the brand’s softside options are perfect for those who want flexibility and functionality. With built-in compression systems, Briggs & Riley offers a unique solution for maximizing packing capacity without damaging your items.

Their durable outer fabric keeps the luggage protected against abrasions and spills, while a well-crafted frame adds structure without bulkiness. Featuring easy-access pockets, travelers can stow everything from boarding passes to toiletries, ensuring that essentials are at your fingertips.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On

The Baseline Essential Carry-On showcases Briggs & Riley’s dedication to quality and innovation. This carry-on boasts a smart design that caters to the needs of business and leisure travelers alike. The CX compression-expansion system significantly increases packing capacity and compresses contents to shipshape form, offering versatility without adding volume.

Crafted with a ballistic nylon exterior, this carry-on resists wear and tear while maintaining an attractive appearance through countless voyages. The combination of quality materials, practical features, and sleek design makes it a go-to choice for savvy travelers.

Best Lightweight

Travelpro: Stain-Resistant and Expandable

Travelpro’s lightweight luggage line-up revolutionizes ease-of-travel without conceding on durability or style. These cases are designed for travelers who value utmost mobility and weight efficiency. Known for their stain-resistant fabric, Travelpro’s lightweight luggage ensures your journey never becomes burdened by unwarranted blemishes or scrapes from rough handling.

An added appeal is the expandability of these cases, providing crucial extra inches of space without tipping the scales at check-in counters. The precision glide system continues to be a highlight, offering seamless movement through any travel environment.

Travelpro Maxlite 5

The Maxlite 5 from Travelpro is one of the lightest suitcases in its category, providing travelers with easy handling and transport. Despite its lightness, it doesn’t sacrifice on features or durability, equipped with an expandable design that extends packing capacity by an additional two inches.

This model is outfitted with ergonomic handles tested for comfort, featuring high-performance ball bearing wheels for a smooth airport experience. The Maxlite 5 redefines the standards of what lightweight luggage can deliver, making sure your trips are less about lugging and more about loving travel.

Best Aluminum

Rimowa: Sophisticated Pick That Stands Out

Rimowa sets the standard for luxury and sophistication in luggage, with its aluminum range offering unparalleled style and resilience. For those who travel with both essentials and elegance in mind, Rimowa’s cases are not only statement pieces but also sturdy protectors against the elements of travel.

The durability of aluminum construction means your belongings remain impeccably safe, while the chic design with grooved texture stays perpetually fashionable. Each case embodies a testament to timeless elegance and innovative engineering.

Rimowa Original Cabin

The Rimowa Original Cabin is a showcase of flawless craftsmanship and unmistakable prestige. This high-end option is renowned for its durability and conspicuous design, setting you apart from the crowd no matter where your travels take you. Its aluminum shell is both eye-catching and robust, capable of weathering the toughest travel conditions.

Featuring TSA-approved locks and an innovative Multiwheel system, the Original Cabin harmonizes security with exceptional maneuverability. This sleek piece caters to discerning travelers who demand not merely the best but the extraordinary.

Best Compact

Lipault: Minimalist Space-Saving Suitcase For Short Trips

Lipault is the ideal choice for travelers seeking compactness without the compromise on usability or aesthetic appeal. Their space-saving designs cater to short trips and urban escapes, proving that sometimes less truly is more. Lipault cases exude elegance through simplicity, offering travelers an attractive, minimalist approach to efficient packing.

The streamlined silhouette of Lipault luggage is perfect for overhead compartments and provides space optimization without expanding bulk. The chic exterior belies its utilitarian heart, one that’s keen on solving the complex whims of short-duration travel.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner

The Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner is synonymous with travel efficiency and refined simplicity. This carry-on brings forward a fresh take on travel mobility with a surprisingly spacious interior given its compact size. It’s designed for seamless stowing, whether being tucked into a plane cabin or stored in the trunk of a weekend road-tripper.

Crafted with lightweight material, this spinner also stands out for its durability, offering resistance to daily knocks and scuffs. The subtle approach to design ensures that travelers enjoy both practicality and style in a single, enviable suitcase.

Best Stylish

Paravel: Sophisticated And Eco-Friendly Design

Paravel emerges as a conscientious choice for those travelers who wish to marry sustainability with sophistication. Their designs are as environmentally friendly as they are stunning, creating luggage that speaks to the soul of the responsible but stylish traveler. Opting for Paravel signifies a nod towards sustainable travel without compromising on aesthetics.

The manufacturing process involves utilizing eco-friendly materials, ensuring that every journey supports a journey toward a greener future. Their pieces are not just functional but conversations in style and sustainability, wearing their eco-credentials with pride.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus captivates with its eco-conscious ethos and attractive design. Made from recycled materials, it embodies responsibility and class in equal measure. It features the best-in-class, frictionless wheels and a durable, recycled polycarbonate build, making travel a seamless experience from start to finish.

Available in a spectrum of serene hues, this carry-on makes an assertive style statement. From the inner organization system to the robust outer shell, this piece caters to the meticulously organized traveler who sees each voyage as a manifesto of modern, stylish sustainability.

Best Set

July: Matching Trio Suitable For All Occasions

July offers a comprehensive luggage solution with their matching trio sets, crafted for versatility and elegance. This brand’s luggage sets promise continuity in quality and design, providing sizes that cater to any and every travel eventuality, from local jaunts to extensive globe-trotting adventures.

Each piece in the July luggage set is consistent in style, flaunting superior materials, vibrant colors, and luxurious finishes that shine in both short travels and extensive journeys. They allow travelers to prepare meticulously with their distinctive features in packing and security.

July Classic Family Luggage Set

The July Classic Family Luggage Set offers an insightful blend of size variation and uniform quality, making it a favored option for family travels or those seeking cohesive packing solutions. Each piece beautifully mirrors the others in style and craftsmanship, ensuring travelers embark with confidence and a sense of curated connectivity.

This luggage set is characterized by its sturdiness and spacious compartments, complemented by thoughtful touches such as personalized engraving services — a hallmark of bespoke service that elevates your travel experience to new heights.

Best Duffel

Calpak: Lightweight With Soft, Comfortable Handles

Calpak once again proves its mastery of travel essentials with a stylish yet functional duffel bag. Offering a lightweight solution, these duffels boast soft handles that make hands comfortable during those long travel hauls or quick dashes between connections. Calpak’s duffel bags are a versatile addition to any traveler’s format, merging ease of use with a capability of holding just the right amount of necessities.

The designs are vibrant and contemporary, making a statement about both your journey’s practicality and your eye for superior style. With plenty of pockets, everything you need is just an arm’s length away, from boarding passes to reading materials, ensuring your travel is as seamless as it is chic.

Calpak Luka Duffel

The Calpak Luka Duffel is a standout in the duffel class due to its chic style and thoughtful functionalities. Crafted with durable materials, this duffel is both a reliable and attractive travel companion. Its design features multiple carrying options, allowing for quick grabs or comfortable shoulder slinging, aligned with the traveler’s preference.

Inside, it offers ample room to pack efficiently, keeping everything organized and ready for impromptu plans or well-structured itineraries. This bag is a must for anyone who values adaptable function with a current, stylish twist.

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How We Chose The Best Luggage

In selecting the best luggage options, we emphasized key criteria including durability, design, and user-friendliness. Our research comprised a dual approach of expert reviews and direct user feedback, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of performance in diverse real-world travel scenarios. We meticulously assessed each piece’s construction quality, testing for resilience and ease of use.

Additionally, we considered aesthetics and price, ensuring that our choices offer a balance between utility and style without burdening your budget. Our goal was to identify luggage that not only meets the functional demands of travel but also complements the diverse styles and preferences of modern globetrotters.

What To Consider When Buying Luggage

Size

Size is a crucial consideration when purchasing luggage. It is important to think about the types of trips you typically take and how much you’re likely to pack. While carry-on luggage is suited for short, minimalist trips, larger suitcases are ideal for extended vacations or trips that may require more wardrobe variety. Check individual airline size restrictions to ensure compliance and avoid additional fees.

Material

The material from which your luggage is made can significantly impact its durability, weight, and protection level. Hard-shell luggage often uses polycarbonate or aluminum for a robust defense against accidental knocks, while soft-sided cases usually feature woven fabrics that offer flexibility and external pockets for added convenience.

Quality Of Construction

Look for details like reinforced corners, robust zippers, and high-quality wheels to ensure longevity and ease. Strong seams and ergonomic handles also indicate a well-made piece that can withstand the wear and tear of travel.

Useful Extras

Extras such as built-in TSA locks, spinner wheels, and internal organization compartments may add convenience to your travel. Look for features that cater to your specific needs, such as expandable options for additional packing space or integrated USB ports for tech charging.

Weight

The lighter your luggage, the easier it will be to manage. Consider the weight of the suitcase when empty to avoid extra strain or baggage fees when packed full. Modern materials can provide strength without bulk, so weigh options carefully according to your typical travel needs.

Warranty

A comprehensive warranty often reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability. Look for products with strong warranty offerings as they provide value, protecting your investment against unforeseen defects or damage during regular use.

Other Luggage We Tested

Our comprehensive reviews extended to numerous additional luggage brands, each evaluated for their unique features, design, and price points. Brands like Tumi and Victorinox offered compelling alternatives with innovative technology and aesthetic strengths, though they didn’t make our final cut due to higher costs or specific feature limitations compared to our top picks.

Other Luggage We’re Currently Testing

To maintain our guide’s relevance, we continuously test new models and updated versions of existing luggage lines. Brands currently under review include innovative developers focusing on smart luggage with integrated tech features and eco-friendly materials, like BlueSmart and Solgaard, which are making waves in the travel industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Luggage Brand Is The Best Quality?

Several brands have made a mark for their superior quality, including Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, and Rimowa, each known for specific strengths, whether it’s durability, innovation, or design excellence. Choosing the best brand depends largely on your specific travel needs and style preferences.

Do Airlines Prefer Hard Or Soft Luggage?

Airlines do not officially prefer one over the other; however, personal preference often drives this choice. Hard luggage can offer better protection for fragile items, while soft luggage allows for more flexibility in packing and can be easier to fit into tighter spaces, like overhead bins.

Which Is Better, Hard Or Soft Luggage?

Both hard and soft luggage types have benefits. Hard luggage excels in delivering protection and durability, particularly on longer or more rugged journeys. Meanwhile, soft luggage provides flexibility and can include exterior pockets for additional storage, making it suitable for quick and convenient access to in-flight necessities.

Final Thoughts