Choosing the best luggage brands for your trip can make all the difference. It can make your trip smooth or frustrating. When I visit a website that has been reviewed by some of the most experienced frequent flyers, I evaluate how well luggage performs. We travelled with 22 highly rated options to determine which brands truly deliver a great experience. After testing more than 700 pieces of luggage from well-known brands, new companies (sometimes just launched yesterday) and less well-known options, I’m ready to share what travel experts actually use and what I will recommend even to my closest friends.
Samsonite always does well in tests done in labs and by customers, because it makes good products that don’t cost too much. Their luggage is always highly praised for how easy it is to pack, how useful it is, how long it lasts, and how it looks. Also, Travelpro is a good choice for people on a budget. It makes hard and soft rolling suitcases, and flight attendants often recommend it. For luxury travellers, German luggage brand Rimowa is well known around the world for its high quality and new ideas.
Whatever kind of suitcase you’re looking for, whether it’s a carry-on with plenty of packing space like the Away Bigger Carry-On (it weighs less than eight pounds), or a larger suitcase like the July Checked Luggage with its 80L capacity for trips up to 14 days, this guide will help you find the most reliable, functional and stylish good luggage brands available today.
Travel experts have tested lots of suitcases to find out which brands are the best. Here are the best luggage brands that we’ve tried and tested:
Monos
Best for minimalist design
Monos is inspired by Japanese design principles, with a level of perfection that rivals Apple. Their carry-on suitcases are made from a strong and durable type of plastic that is almost impossible to break or dent. They also offer a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty, so you can try them out at no risk [2].
Away
Best for modern travelers
Since it started in 2016 (9 years ago..) , Away has quickly become one of the most well-known luggage brands at airports all over the world. [3] Their suitcases have wheels that spin all around, are lightweight but strong, and are organised on the inside because they asked real customers what they wanted [3]. People who travel with Away’s bags say that they have taken them on trips all over the world, from Paris to Indonesia. [3]
Samsonite
Best all-around luggage brand
Samsonite was first established in 1910 and has since become a well-known and reliable luggage brand. In 2023, Good Housekeeping Magazine said that this brand had the best luggage for travellers [4]. As well as being strong, Samsonite has launched “Our Responsible Journey,” which is all about using materials that don’t harm the environment and reducing its impact [4].
Briggs & Riley
Best for durability and warranty
Briggs & Riley’s “Simple as That” guarantee covers all repairs for free if the product is broken due to normal use. You don’t need your receipt to get this guarantee. [5] Their new features include CX Expansion technology, which increases packing space while keeping the overhead compartment compatible, and shock-absorbing spinner wheels for smooth navigation [5].
July
Best for color and customization
This Australian-born brand offers unparalleled personalization with 28 colors and numerous font options for custom monograms [6]. July’s signature luggage comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects [7]. Their pixel-perfect printing process ensures personalized designs last as long as the case itself [6].
This Australian-born brand offers unparalleled personalisation. You can choose from 28 colours and numerous font options for custom monograms. July’s luggage is guaranteed to last a lifetime [7]. The way they print makes sure that designs that are personalised will last as long as the case itself [6].
Travelpro
Best for frequent flyers
A commercial airline pilot created Travelpro, and it was inspired by the needs of flight crews. This has led to it becoming a brand that many aviation professionals love [8]. During tough testing, their Platinum Elite carry-on bag was hit with a baseball bat lots of times and was not damaged. What’s more, if you’re not happy with your luggage, you can get all your money back within 100 days of buying it [9]..
Calpak
Best for organization and style
Calpak is really good at being organised, with lots of pockets and compartments [10]. Their Terra collection is made from recycled plastic bottles and is durable and water resistant [11]. The brand has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Google [11], and customers have said that it has lasted even after years of travelling across the country [12].
Rimowa
Best luxury luggage brand
Rimowa was founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany. It is easily identifiable because of its parallel aluminium grooves [13] Now part of the LVMH luxury group, Rimowa makes its high-end suitcases in factories across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Canada [13] Rimowa has also worked with some of the world’s most famous fashion labels, like Dior, Supreme and Fendi.
What Makes These Brands Stand Out
Image Source: Travel + Leisure
Premium luggage is of exceptional quality. This is because it has specific technical advantages and thoughtful design elements. These create real benefits for travellers.
Materials used: Polycarbonate, aluminum, nylon
Luggage typically falls into two categories: hardside or softside. Hardside luggage is usually made with polycarbonate or aluminum, offering superior protection against crushing [14]. Polycarbonate—used by Rimowa since 2000—provides excellent impact resistance while maintaining lightness [15]. Comparatively, aluminum ranks as the most durable material though considerably heavier [16]. For softside options, ballistic nylon outperforms polyester, offering exceptional abrasion resistance [16].
Warranty and customer service
Briggs & Riley’s “Simple as That” lifetime guarantee covers repairs at no charge without requiring proof of purchase [17]. Consequently, Travelpro matches this confidence with their “Built for a Lifetime” warranty on premium collections [18]. Meanwhile, Away protects their suitcases with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects [19].
Design and esthetics
Esthetic considerations extend beyond appearance—July offers customizable suitcases with anodized aluminum bumpers [20]. Likewise, Calpak excels in organization with thoughtful compartmentalization.
Expandable and compression features
Briggs & Riley’s patented CX Expansion system increases packing capacity before compressing back to original size [22]. Similarly, Away’s Flex collection adds 2.25 inches of extra space through a wraparound zipper [2].
Weight and maneuverability
Lightweight construction significantly impacts travel comfort. Notably, Rimowa’s Essential Lite weighs just 4.9 pounds, making overhead storage effortless [21].
How Experts Tested and Chose These Suitcases
The ultimate proof of a suitcase’s worth lies in the rigorous testing it undergoes before making expert recommendation lists.
Real-world travel testing
Top luggage reviewers don’t just evaluate suitcases in controlled environments. Forbes Vetted editors tested 22 different suitcases on trips ranging from three to ten days [1]. Wirecutter took their test pieces on multi-stop journeys across Europe, New Zealand, and America [23]. Afterward, testers examined each bag for scuffs, stains, and rips to evaluate durability under actual travel conditions.
Drop and durability tests
Manufacturers subject their products to extreme conditions. Monos runs 40 different quality tests [24], including dropping suitcases on all corners from 90cm after storing at -12°C [24]. Travelpro tests handle strength by subjecting them to 7,500 automated lift tests with 70-pound loads [23].
Ease of packing and organization
Experts evaluate how efficiently each bag stores clothing, measuring capacity in days-worth of outfits rather than just liters. Testers packed and overpacked suitcases with essentials to determine real-world usability [25].
Wheel and handle performance
Quality wheels undergo testing equivalent to 32km of rolling on specialized treadmills with bumps to simulate uneven terrain [24]. Handle durability tests include hundreds of extension and retraction cycles under weight stress.
Expert and editor reviews
Published reviews typically include only luggage scoring 4.5 or higher on expert scales [1], ensuring recommended products truly represent the best suitcase brands available.
Tips for Choosing the Best Suitcase for You
Selecting the perfect suitcase involves balancing personal preferences with practical requirements. I’ve found that understanding a few key factors makes this decision much easier.
Hardside vs softside: Which is better?
Hardside luggage is better at protecting fragile items and keeping your things more secure because it has built-in locks [3]. On the other hand, softside bags are usually lighter and easier to squeeze into tight spaces. They also often have useful external pockets. [26] Hardshell options are better at resisting water and dirt, but scratches are more visible on them. I usually recommend hardside for checked luggage and softside for carry-ons.
Carry-on vs checked: What size do you need?
The standard size for carry-on luggage on domestic flights is around 22x14x9 inches . The size of checked luggage is usually between 24 and 30 inches tall. The best option depends on how long your trip is. Carry-ons are good for trips that are 2-3 days, while medium checked bags (23″-27″) are better for longer trips [28].
What to look for in a good luggage brand
Check the zippers—YKK zippers are the most reliable [3].. Four-wheel spinners are easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces than two-wheelers . Durable materials like polycarbonate for hard cases and ballistic nylon for soft cases make them last [26].
Best affordable luggage options
Instead of focusing solely on initial cost, consider “cost per use” [29]. Quality mid-range brands like Travelpro or Samsonite offer durability without luxury pricing [29].
How to match luggage to your travel style
Business travelers often prefer softside bags with external pockets for quick access [26]. For adventure travel, softside luggage works better in small spaces like safari jeeps [29]. In essence, your typical destinations and activities should guide your choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right luggage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when travelling. In this guide, we’ve seen how well-known brands like Samsonite, Rimowa, and Travelpro get their reputations by testing their products a lot and designing them well. After exploring lots of options at different prices, it’s clear that durability is the most important thing, smart organisation makes travelling better, and the right warranty gives you peace of mind.
The best suitcase for you depends on your travel style. People who travel for work often like soft options with pockets, while people who like adventure might prefer hard ones that are more durable. If you fly a lot, you should look for shoes that are made of lightweight materials and have smooth wheels that can take you on long journeys.
There are lots of new luggage brands on the market, like July and Away, which are shaking things up by coming up with new ideas and offering customisation. Even so, well-known brands like Briggs & Riley are still respected because of their excellent guarantees and durable construction.
The best suitcase is one that is good value for money and will last a long time. So, think of premium luggage as an investment, not an expense. If you buy a well-made piece from one of these recommended brands, it will likely last you a long time and save you money compared to buying cheaper, lower quality pieces that you will have to replace more often.
Whether you go for minimalist designs from Monos, colourful customisation from July, or classic reliability from Samsonite, your luggage should make your travels easier, not harder. The right suitcase is so good that you hardly notice it’s there. You only notice it when someone asks where you bought it.
References
[1] – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-luggage/
[2] – https://www.awaytravel.com/products/carry-on-flex-jet-black?srsltid=AfmBOorNcldursrrkFXBvpovLK2vbvld2nJQwSD70MZGZyCWJ6fu2VFC
[3] – https://www.consumerreports.org/money/luggage/buying-guide/
[4] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsonite
[5] – https://www.briggs-riley.com/pages/the-briggs-riley-difference
[6] – https://july.com/us/personalisation/
[7] – https://july.com/us/
[8] – https://travelpro.com/
[9] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-travelpro-luggage-6741116
[10] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-calpak-luggage-8673721
[11] – https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/calpak-luggage-review/
[12] – https://www.calpaktravel.com/collections/luggage?srsltid=AfmBOorPBZY7zOk7j_r6nl9Ln14SPSxJLAQDnXvWxT_ah_vkS0U7JLI5
[13] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rimowa
[14] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-expandable-luggage-8619423
[15] – https://www.worldtraveler.com/pages/luggage-materials
[16] – https://uuhluggages.com/blogs/news/luggage-set-materials-explained-which-one-is-the-most-durable?srsltid=AfmBOop0qbofelcO36tWh9SrVVxO9-Qo4xVOvnMpw-SeYZYNjOEd-nP4
[17] – https://www.briggs-riley.com/pages/lifetime-guarantee
[18] – https://travelpro.com/pages/main-warranty
[19] – https://www.awaytravel.com/pages/warranty?srsltid=AfmBOorvHwD7KvEE3x5Hlxkd9OWzk1HIuo4rc5IbSa_SyIeJrRmC-AYA
[20] – https://july.com/us/luggage/checked-expandable/
[21] – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-lightweight-suitcase/
[22] – https://www.briggs-riley.com/collections/expandable-carry-on-luggage-cx-expansion
[23] – https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-checked-luggage/
[24] – https://monos.com/pages/quality-testing?srsltid=AfmBOoqW0-r3g-FNlJPbSAB8jrtMOif_T12crg6fGIPV90A5y669EPkm
[25] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-we-test-luggage-7108336
[26] – https://travelpro.com/blogs/the-travelpro-blog/how-to-choose-between-softside-vs-hardside-luggage
[27] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-luggage-sets-6744274
[28] – https://www.calpaktravel.com/pages/luggage-sizes?srsltid=AfmBOorl5GUes3NMdd8SrDZBfmrizddALGun7-MhKQf0W3-m1cCnK9AD
[29] – https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-affordable-luggage-7372622
Leave a Reply