When it comes to travel, finding the right suitcase is important. There’s nothing worse than having to worry about whether your suitcase is durable enough, too heavy, or too big for your airline’s carry-on restrictions. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best suitcases on the market for all your travel needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact carry-on or a dependable check-in bag with plenty of room, here are some solid choices to consider.
Best Carry-On: Level 8 Pro Carry-On
For domestic flights, carry-on size restrictions tend to average about 22″ x 14″ x 9″. These measurements may shrink a bit on certain flights, so checking your preferred airline’s carry-on size restrictions is important before you start packing. If you’re on the hunt for a carry-on bag to easily carry all your most important items, check out the Level 8 Pro Carry-On. With a durable casing and built-in USB port, it’s a great choice for keeping your essentials and electronics handy.
Pros:
- 360° durable yet ultra-smooth spinner wheels
- TSA-approved lock
- Water-resistant, lightweight, and durable hardside exterior
- With overall dimensions of 14.5″ x 9.3″ x 21.6″, it should fit in almost any overhead bin
- Zipperless 15.6” padded laptop compartment
Cons:
- At around $200, it’s pricier than some other options
- Exterior surface may scratch
- Not expandable
Other Notable Options:
- July Carry-On Pro: July’s Carry-On Pro is about $300, but it comes with a laptop SnapSleeve and an ejectable battery.
- Samsonite Freeform Carry-On: Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On has fewer features but is incredibly durable and built to last.
Best Lightweight Option: RollLink Collapsable Luggage
When it comes to the best lightweight luggage, RollLink offers a variety of options that come with a genius collapsable feature. When not in use, each piece of luggage folds down to a width of just 2″ for easy storage in your home or hotel room. You can slide it under the bed or even hang it in your closet when not in use.
Pros:
- Easily stored given its collapsibility
- Flexible, water-resistant expanders
- Front storage compartment available on some models
- Has TSA-approved locks
- Super light yet durable due to polycarbonate hardside exterior
Cons:
- Flexible expanders may not be the best choice for storing breakables
- Same for valuables, as the flexible expanders could be ripped open
Other Notable Options:
- Lipault: If you don’t mind a softside option, Lipault offers incredibly lightweight bags that are more like duffle bags on wheels.
- Osprey: Osprey has several options designed with the active traveler in mind, including rolling bags that turn into knapsacks.
Best Low-Cost Luggage: Rockland
If you’re looking for luggage that won’t break the bank, then check out the Rockland Luggage brand. Rockland offers various hardside or softside luggage sets for under $200. It’s a solid brand with unbeatable prices for infrequent travelers looking for a basic suitcase.
Pros:
- For less than the price you’d pay some brands for one bag, you can get an entire 3-piece or 4-piece set.
- Hardside options are made from either Polypropylene or ABS, which helps reduce weight restrictions.
- Lots of different colors and styles to choose from
- Softside options come with multiple exterior zippered compartments.
Cons:
- Won’t last as long as some more expensive options
- No bells or whistles
Other Notable Options:
- Amazon Basics – No frills luggage at great prices.
- CoolLife Luggage – Lots of sleek options at reasonable prices.
Best for Interior Storage: Away
When it comes to getting the most out of your interior storage space, Away is a great brand. Their suitcases are designed with a built-in interior compression system to help you make the most of each inch. Each of their suitcases has two interior compartments- one for clothes and another for toiletries.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable polycarbonate hard shell
- Stylish leather details and tag
- Hidden laundry bag for dirty clothing
- Optional built-in battery for charging your devices on the go
- Smooth, 360° whisper-quiet wheels
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- No exterior compartments
Other Notable Options:
- Solgaard: If you’re looking to make unpacking a breeze, check out a brand called Solgaard, which offers luggage with built-in shelving systems.
- Nomatic: Nomatic offers luxury luggage (at luxury prices) with cool features like a tech case, a magnetic compression system, and tablet/phone pockets.
Most Durable Luggage: Monos
If you’re looking for luggage that will last, check out a brand called Monos. Known as the “Apple of suitcases,” Monos luggage offers high-end luggage made from the same materials used by luxury travel brands but for a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- Variety of different sizes available, from carry-ons to check-in bags
- Unbreakable, water-resistant polycarbonate shell
- Vegan leather detailing
- Ultra-sturdy, adjustable telescopic handle and silent 360° wheels
- Soft 350D anti-microbial interior fabric
- Made with all-premium materials built to last.
Cons:
- Some carry-ons may exceed airline size restrictions
- No exterior compartments
Other Notable Options:
- Samsara: While Samsara’s luggage can be expensive, some of their zipperless luggage options are about as durable as it gets. They also come with “tagsmart technology” that lets you track your luggage as you travel.
- Pelican Air Travel Case: Pelican Cases are designed to carry sensitive equipment like instruments or videography, so their Air Travel Case is heavy but virtually indestructible.
We hope this has helped point you in the direction of some of the best luggage choices for your unique travel needs. Happy travels, no matter which option you choose to go with!
