Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Sided Suitcases: The Final Showdown

The biggest controversy among luggage heads: How do you want to get to your stuff?

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Shengtailuo Case &Bag.

A soft-sided suitcase opens like a trunk, with one big main compartment. Staying in a small space? Suddenly need your sweatshirt at the airport? No problem, just pop open the lid.

That same sweatshirt removal or small-room situation is tougher with a hard-side. Because a hard-side has two equally sized compartments that zip together, it opens like a clamshell and must be splayed totally flat to extract your stuff.

Our luggage expert Kit finds packing a hard-side to be clumsy and awkward. As does Samantha Schoech, a staff writer who is long-term testing Away’s hard-sided carry-on. “Hard-sided cases just take up way too much room when opened,” she says, preferring her soft-side.

But for supervising editor and hard-sided suitcase fan Hannah Rimm, saving space is less of a concern than the packing experience. She’s passionate about traveling with her shoes in a separate compartment from her clothes, especially if she’s doing anything outdoorsy.

Indeed, most hard-sided suitcase lovers I talked to waxed poetic about packing in two equally sized, dedicated compartments. Many use one side for clothes, the other for accessories, toiletries, and so on. With two shallow sides, you can also easily get your eyes on most of your stuff without digging around.

If you frequently travel with bulky items, however, a soft-sided suitcase is the way to go.

Winner: draw

While soft-sides only have one main compartment, they tend to have other interior organizational features that hard-sides lack. For example, in the lid you might find zippered pockets, a garment folder, or slip pockets for shoes. Hard-sides tend to only have small hanging pockets or pockets in their mesh panels, but these vary widely in capacity. If you use packing cubes, a lack of interior organizational features might not be a big deal.

Soft-sided suitcases also have something a hard-sided suitcase can only dream about: front pockets. Like the much extolled dress pockets, it’s a small feature that comes in very handy (especially as you’re wandering around the airport with your carry-on). Stuff the front pockets too full, though, and your bag may not fit in the overhead (a trauma that still sticks with hard-sided suitcase enthusiast Hannah).

Okay, so I lied—but only a little. You may have seen a drawbridge-like front pocket on a hard-sided suitcase. This is a newer phenomenon and not a feature we recommend. “Once you’ve broken the polycarbonate shell, you’ve defeated the purpose of the hard-side,” says Kit. “You’ve added complexity to a thing that’s good because it’s not complex.” What’s more, those front pockets are narrow, inflexible, and useful for little other than a laptop.

While Kit thinks the hard-side’s lack of front pockets is impractical, he admits packing everything in a single brick produces “a peculiar comfort,” inviting you “to believe that there’s one less thing to worry about while you’re traveling.”

That’s exactly why Ria Misra, a supervising editor covering travel, loves hard-sided suitcases. “I like the division of keeping all my travel extras neatly at hand in my personal item, while keeping my suitcase solely for things I won’t need until my destination,” she says. “I’m not an overpacker. For me, the exterior pockets of a soft-side case are just a place for my smaller items to potentially get lost in; I prefer to have a minimalist travel setup, with a satisfyingly efficient number of compartments.”

All to say, not everyone wants organizational features. But if you do, a soft-side is the suitcase for you.

Winner: soft-side

Many hard-sided suitcase lovers tell me they take comfort in the idea that their stuff is extremely protected in a hardshell, an emotional feeling of safety based on an intuitive thought.

But—jump scare!—we aren’t sure your standard stuff is that much safer in a hard-side. If you’re worried about baggage handlers chucking your suitcase around, consider that a hard-sided suitcase can crack.

Soft-sided suitcases don’t simply burst apart after a crash landing. While fabric can tear (if it gets caught in the luggage carousel, for example), it’s less of a concern with a quality soft-side, which is made from hard-wearing, tear-resistant fabric like ballistic nylon.

“I’ve packed tons of fragile things in soft suitcases and have had zero issues,” writer and soft-sided suitcase lover Annie Chou told me. (Her suitcase history includes multiple cracked hard-sides.) “I’ve successfully transported glass items, other fragile souvenirs, and even canned and bottled beers back from Taiwan multiple times.”

While an uncracked polycarbonate suitcase might offer a slight protection advantage for extremely fragile stuff, hard-sided suitcases still have flex, which means the contents crush slightly under pressure. If you’re traveling with a magic orb (or, you know, lots of photography equipment), you might be better off investing in an aluminum suitcase or “crush-proof” Pelican suitcase. However, these aren’t necessary for the standard traveler.

Worried about water damage? If your soft-sided suitcase sits around on the tarmac during a downpour, it could get soaked. In rare cases, the suitcase itself could get moldy. But water can still get through the zipper of a hard-side, and quality soft-sided suitcases are made of water-repellent fabric that guards against rain in less-drastic circumstances.

Hard-sides also have an edge when it comes to bed-bug prevention, but only if you handle them properly. Dr. Changlu Wang, an entomologist at Rutgers University, told me that hard-sided luggage is less susceptible to bedbugs than soft-sided luggage. Bedbugs don’t have tarsal pads at the end of their legs, making it difficult to climb on hard, smooth surfaces. Bedbugs can, however, still make their way into hard-sided luggage if the zipper area or luggage tag touches the floor, bed, or dirty clothes.

If you’re worried about those little guys, there are lots of measures you can take no matter what type of luggage you own. All luggage is safer on top of something hard—such as a luggage rack or dresser—than on the ground or bed.

Winner: draw

Contrary to popular belief, soft-sided suitcases can be heavier than hard-sided suitcases, though usually by just a few pounds. Soft-sided suitcases are made of heavier fabrics and require framing. Hard-side suitcases are basically just two lightweight polycarbonate shells zipped together. This simple design is also why hard-sides tend to have a slightly larger capacity than soft-sides.

That said, thanks to the flexibility of fabric, you can stretch a soft-side’s capacity by overpacking, something a hard side just doesn’t allow. And many exceptions exist—one of the lightest suitcases on the market, the TravelPro MaxLite 5 Carry-On Spinner, is a soft-sided suitcase.

Weight and capacity differences are likely to be more noticeable in a small carry-on than in a larger checked bag. However, because carry-ons are rarely weighed at the airport, the concern is less about overweight baggage fees and more about the overhead lift.

Winner: hard-side

Style, of all things, is subjective. Still, it wasn’t until Away (following in the footsteps of Rimowa) released their minimalistic, modern line of hard-sided suitcases that luggage became cool on the grand scale. Soft-sided suitcase vibes typically range from anodyne to early-aughts business traveler.

While major brands have recently tried to make soft-sided suitcases look cool, we haven’t yet found one that successfully marries style and function. Soft-sided suitcases are more complicated to make than simple clamshell hard-sides, and we don’t think newer companies have quite cracked the code.

There’s a big caveat here: Hard-sided suitcases tend to show wear more quickly than soft-sides, particularly in the matte finishes, muted pastels, and neutrals that have made them so popular.

India Edwards, a writer for the travel team, says her hard-sided luggage was scuffed and “messy looking” after her very first trip. India’s experience was echoed by other hard-sided suitcase owners I spoke with, one of whom told me that the key to traveling with a hard-side is letting go of the idea that it’ll stay perfect. Honestly, that’s pretty good life advice, too.

Winner: hard-side

Our luggage expert Kit thinks that, on the whole, soft-sided suitcases have more functional features and are more adaptable to all kinds of travelers. They’re also at least as durable as their stylish hard-sided counterparts.

Still, if you think you’ll prefer a hard-side, go for it! “I agree with Kit (and our years of testing) that soft-sided luggage is more durable and flexible,” says Ria, who is nonetheless team hard-side. “However, hard-sided luggage is also very durable (and also does well in our testing), and I prefer the sleeker look and feel of a hard-sided case.”

In the end, choosing a well-designed and well-made suitcase with a good warranty is your best bet for happy travels, regardless of suitcase type. If you need assistance, we’ve tested nearly 100 suitcases and can recommend a few standouts.

If you still can’t decide, this should put things in perspective: I once checked a saran-wrapped cardboard box on an international flight, and everything survived.

This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.

As an experienced globetrotter and senior travel editor, I’ve put a lot of suitcases through their paces. To find the best luggage of , I assembled a panel of Forbes Vetted’s most seasoned frequent flyers—including myself—to travel with 22 highly rated contenders and evaluate their performance. (Plus, we’ll continue to test these and other suitcases, then we’ll update this story throughout the year.) The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On, which we rigorously tested for nine months, came out on top because of its sturdy construction and easy maneuverability. If you prefer a hardside suitcase, I like the Away Bigger Carry-On, which offers impressive packing space in a durable polycarbonate shell.

After conducting in-depth research, reviewing our panel testers’ feedback and weighing in with my own hands-on experience, I selected the best pieces of luggage for all your travels.

“Selecting the right luggage really comes down to the type of trip you’re planning, how you typically travel, which features matter most to you, and how you want to express your personal style,” says Raquel Tirado, design director of luggage at Away. Each piece of luggage was evaluated based on its size, weight, warranty, quality of construction and thoughtful features. Our final list includes everything from compact carry-on luggage ideal for short getaways to larger checked bags made for longer excursions. I also included a range of hardside suitcases, softside options and duffel bags—all from established, top-rated luggage brands like Samsonite and Travelpro. Below, check out the best luggage to check (or carry) in .

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite carry-on spinner won high marks from our testers across the board. It’s made from sturdy and weather-resistant material, offers generous capacity and compact design and has smooth-rolling wheels that never snag. “It’s very simple to maneuver around, even on concrete,” one of our testers says. Speaking on its exterior, she says, “I haven’t had any tearing or scuffing yet.” The softside suitcase is also smartly outfitted with compression straps, a USB port, accessory pockets and a water-resistant toiletry bag.

Its contoured-grip rubber handle was one of the most comfortable handles we tested, and it comes with four adjustable heights for travelers of all sizes. Our tester mentions that it’s “not super sleek or minimalist like other trendy luggage brands out there,” but for an excellent, all-around basic suitcase, it scores high marks.

If you prefer extra durability, this suitcase also comes in a hardside version. Those embarking on long-haul trips can also find it in a medium or large checked size.

In terms of distinct style, Carl Friedrik is my choice for the most stylish luggage brand on the market right now. The brand's suitcases first rose in popularity from appearances on HBO's Succession, but this luggage is for more than just the business-inclined (although it would look great being rolled into any boardroom). With its ribbed exterior and leather detailing, the Carry-On provides a sleek and modern feel that will turn heads in any airport. My favorite color combo is the Grey/Cognac, which I've taken on trips to Mexico City and Rome.

Another great thing about the Carl Friedrik Carry-On is its spacious front pockets (which are hard to find in hardside luggage) as well as the brand’s incredible, easy-to-use lock system. The suitcase is also available in a zip version for those who prefer zippers over locks. Just keep in mind that neither version is expandable, so they’re not ideal for overpackers.

Away’s polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and relatively well-priced. Named Forbes Vetted’s top pick for Best Carry-On Luggage, the brand’s Bigger Carry-On can easily be tucked in an overhead bin while offering a bit more extra packing space than the Away The Carry-On. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road. Not to mention, Away’s signature compression system—complete with adjustable straps—allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. As for color variety, there’s something for everyone, from muted Cloud Gray to vibrant Sorbet Orange.

This is a true utility suitcase that I have personally used on over a dozen trips to a wide variety of destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s sturdy enough to get tossed around, has a comfortable grip handle and can be stuffed to the absolute brim without the zippers breaking. If you need a little more room, look into the Carry-On Flex, which unzips to create an extra 2.25 inches of space. Away also offers personalized monogramming, which is handy for identifying your luggage on the carousel. Those looking to help their suitcase stand out can also opt for a brighter color or a customized luggage tag.

Coupons By Forbes VettedThe Best Away Promo Codes | Online Promo Codes, Offers & Discounts

Editor’s note: We tested Calpak’s Ambeur Medium, which is out of stock at the time of publishing. In its place, we’re featuring the Ambeur Large, which has the same features, just in a bigger size.

For more information, please visit PP Luggage.

Clocking in at under $350, the Calpak Ambeur Large is a relatively affordable suitcase with high-quality features: It expands up to two inches for extra packing room, for example, and has easy-to-maneuver dual spinner wheels. One of our testers, who tried the brand’s trimmer Ambeur Medium, notes, “It’s super lightweight and so roomy, and as a chronic over-packer, I never have an issue fitting everything I need.”

There are also four zippered interior compartments (although no exterior pockets), plus a cross compression strap to make sure belongings remain in place, even when transported over bumpy cobblestone streets. Of the suitcases on this list, the Ambeur features some of the most comfortable grip handles made with a rubber lining that won’t hurt your hands as you’re lugging heavy baggage around town.

Our tester does note, however, that darker color versions of this suitcase can be prone to scuffing. “After about a dozen or so trips with it, there are very obvious white scratches in the black exterior,” she says. “It's not enough to make me stop using it—the roominess of the suitcase trumps the cosmetic issue—but I would recommend getting one of the lighter colors so scuffs are not as obvious.”

Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On offers an incredible value for its size and impressive storage capacity. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since , and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch for when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it.

“I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says a member of our testing panel. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”

One thing to keep in mind: While this suitcase’s polypropylene shell allows it to be lightweight and easy to lift, it’s not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. If you need to check a bag on your trip, it also comes in medium and large sizes.

Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus was named the best hardside option on this list. “I was impressed with its durability, size and thoughtful design details,” one of our testers says. It features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. “The easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security,” our she mentions.

The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 16-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck—the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 stylish shades, including Rose Quartz and Olive Green.

Keep in mind that the telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

The Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Another of Forbes Vetted’s top luggage selections, Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability and accommodating lifetime warranty. For those who prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On has a lot to offer. It’s made of a ballistic nylon fabric that resists wear and tear and comes available in four rich shades that maintain their style over time.

After traveling with it on a plane, train and bus, “the spinner rolled like butter,” says a member of our testing panel. “It has no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers, either.”

This pick is definitely an investment, but its compressive technology, built-in garment folder and shock-absorbent wheels warrant the luxury price tag. Plus, Briggs & Riley’s lifetime warranty is one of the best on the market, covering repairs for any sort of damage, free of charge for as long as you own the bag.

The Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

At just over five pounds, Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 scored high marks as the best lightweight option that we tested. Its polyester exterior is flexible (read: great for overpackers) but it still maintains a classic, structured shape. Like the Platinum Elite, it comes coated with a water- and stain-resistant DuraGuard material; it’s also one of the more affordable options on our list. For travelers who want a bag that’s especially easy to lift, the Maxlite 5 has two secondary handles on top and the right side.

Its wheels were among the smoothest we tested, and its ergonomic handle is incredibly comfortable. “I was amazed at how lightweight and easy it was to maneuver,” says one of our testers, who took this bag on a recent trip to Madrid. “The rolling was superior—smooth on any surface. The four wheels allowed for seamless turns, spins and pulls.” This is a suitcase that’s made to be pushed around—light as a feather but durable enough for impact. If you need to check a bag, it also comes in medium and large sizes.

German luggage brand Rimowa is a calling card in the world of luxury luggage. Durable and lightweight, its bags are known globally for their craftsmanship and innovation, and its classic Original Cabin is stylishly recognizable in any airport. It has a high-end anodized aluminum exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage, meaning this is a suitcase you’ll keep for life. Keep in mind that the shell is closed with two TSA-approved combination locks rather than a zipper; for more details, read our full review of the Original Cabin.

I traveled with the Rimowa Original Cabin on a recent trip to Portland, Oregon and found it to have some of the smoothest wheels I’ve tested. I’ve been on many trips where I come home with a sore wrist after struggling to lug my suitcase over carpets and cobblestones, but this suitcase rolled like silk across every surface it encountered. It also has an impressive compression system that allows enough space for at least a week’s worth of clothing and uses heavy-duty Velcro straps instead of the usual buckles; I was able to fit so much more into this suitcase than many of my other carry-on bags.

Those looking for something lighter (and easier on the wallet) should check out the Essential Lite Cabin, which features a polycarbonate shell and T-bar telescopic handle and claimed the top spot on our list of the Best Lightweight Luggage.

Having tried the brand’s larger Carry-On Max (I found it roomy and stylish), I wanted our team to test its Carry-On to see if it met our expectations. Spoiler alert: It did. The Carry-On embodies Aer’s reputation for modernity, both in style and functionality, with rugged zippers, a built-in TSA lock and a hidden interior pocket to discretely tuck your smart luggage tracker. “It’s a really nice looking piece of luggage, and it handles nicely,” says our tester, who toted this pick on an international trip from New Jersey to Germany. “The lock was a cinch to program and the zippers held even when I crammed it full on my return.”

Its compact size is compatible with the requirements of nearly every international airline. In fact, the Aer Carry-On has the smallest dimensions of all the hardside suitcases on this list (the softside Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On is slightly smaller), if only by a sliver. If you want a hardside option—and you’re headed on an international trip where every fraction of an inch counts—this slim model is worth the consideration.

Luggage sets are smart choices for families or those who hit the road a lot, since you’ll spend less up front than buying each piece separately. Australian brand July’s Classic Family Set won as the top overall pick in our best luggage sets round-up and includes the Carry-On, Checked and Checked Plus suitcases. The variety of sizes can accommodate everything from weekend getaways to medium-length vacations to serious long-haul travel. The entire set is outfitted with smooth-rolling wheels, retractable handles, laundry bags and TSA locks.

I traveled with July’s Carry-On suitcase on trips to San Antonio and North Carolina and found it to be slim, lightweight and easy to maneuver. The set is available in several unique hues, including Clay and Forest. Another bonus: These suitcases are designed to nest inside one another, so you only need enough storage space to stash one piece of luggage, not three.

When it comes to a travel-friendly duffel bag, Calpak’s popular Luka Duffel checks every box. It’s lightweight and made from weather-resistant polyester that protects your belongings in various climates. “I love this bag as both as a weekender or carry-on item,” says our tester, who has used it on multiple trips. It features nine pockets, including a spacious shoe compartment that makes it easy to stash in an extra pair of sneakers or boots when your suitcase is at capacity. “I am a big fan of the pockets, as they help keep everything so organized and easy to reach for through the hustle of airport travel,” she adds. And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in. “The soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” she says.

And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in. “The soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” says our tester.

Aside from being relatively affordable, this bag also comes in a variety of stylish colors, ranging from eye-popping Dragonfruit and Pistachio to classic Chocolate and Matte Black.

Other Luggage We Tested

Our editors test a wide variety of top-rated luggage. While the options below didn’t make the final cut for the best luggage of the year, they each offer specific features that could make them a good fit for certain travel styles and preferences.

• Away The Softside Carry-On: Since Away is an editor favorite, I was excited to test out the brand’s softside version. While I liked its durable, water-resistant nylon exterior and zipper expansion feature, this pick was just too heavy—oddly, heavier than the brand’s signature hardside style—so it didn’t make the cut on this list.
• Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-On: I really liked this suitcase, which features an FXT ballistic nylon exterior and two zippered entries to the main compartment. However, it’s extremely expensive at over $1,000, and if you’re going to splurge on a high-end softside bag, I’d stick with my recommendation of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On, which is incidentally less expensive.
• Horizn Studios M5 Pro Cabin Luggage: This hardside suitcase from Horizn Studios features a really great pocket that is made of silicone and can fit a lot into it. But I didn't think the handle was that comfortable and I wouldn't say it really stood out to me as superior in any other way, especially for the price.
• Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On Spinner: “This suitcase is well-designed, durable and attractive,” says one of our testers, who traveled with it on a recent trip to Seattle. However, “Its wheels are fairly maneuverable but definitely not the most user-friendly of all of the spinners I've used.”
• Quince 21-inch Carry-On Hardshell: “This is a nice bag to look at and stroll with,” says a member of our testing panel. “Ultimately, there just aren't many extras to make this carry-on stand out from others I’ve used.”
• Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage: “I think this product was very thoughtfully designed—I kept discovering new pockets and storage spaces as I used it,” says a tester who traveled with this bag on a work trip to Las Vegas. To note, it may not be best for overpackers: “It did feel a touch too small at times, so I used the front zippered pocket to fit additional stuff.”
• Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case: This is a beautiful luxury piece made with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and Italian leather—and I loved rolling it around the airport. However, I did find it to be very heavy: It's 12 pounds when empty, so after I packed it to the brim, it required some endurance to hoist into the overhead bin.
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch Medium Check-In Spinner: “I was shocked at how lightweight it is, considering its generous size,” says one of our testers, who flew to Colorado Springs with this bag. ‘This made a difference in overall weight—I'm an overpacker and often have to pay extra for checked bags.” To note, the design was “pretty standard” overall: “There's nothing special about it, but it has everything the average person probably needs.”
• Samsonite Elevation Plus Softside Large Spinner: “The suitcase felt sturdy, but I wish it had been hard-shelled, as I have found that to be sturdier for longer trips that involve multiple modes of transportation,” says one of our testers, who used this model for a 10-day road trip.
• Delsey Clavel Hardside Spinner: “This bag is very large yet lightweight,” says a tester. “Despite it's large size, this was fairly easy to maneuver and roll around. I did find the zipper to be a bit tough to open and close, though.”

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.

• We have extensive experience covering all kinds of suitcases and travel gear, including the best weekender bags, travel totes, carry-on backpacks and more.
• This story was written by Forbes Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a seven-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries and travels at least twice each month. She has used all types of suitcases on her journeys—including many on this list—and tested them on planes, trains, buses and boats.
• Many of the picks on this list have been tested by Forbes Vetted writers and editors including senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, editorial director Brinda Ayer, executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, branded content editor Luke Fater, deputy editor Jane Sung and more.
• To gain more insight into what to consider in a luggage purchase, travel writer Claire Epting tapped Raquel Tirado, design director of luggage at Away and Jeannie Shin, vice president of marketing at Calpak.
• This story is routinely checked to ensure that all prices and information are current, and is updated regularly with new testing insights. It was most recently updated in July by Epting.

How We Tested The Best Luggage

Forbes Vetted editors and staffers—including myself—tested 22 different suitcases (and counting) from established luggage brands. Each suitcase was taken on at least one domestic or international trip, which ranged from three to 10 days. We provided detailed feedback on the luggage they felt truly stood out and scored each piece on a scale of 1 to 5. We narrowed down our final selections by focusing on the luggage that scored a 4.5 or higher.

Design Features

We closely evaluated common variables in luggage, such as size, build quality and safety features. Our testers evaluated each suitcase’s number of pockets, zipper construction and lock placement. In addition, we took note of how well each suitcase’s handle felt in-hand and dragged each suitcase through different types of terrain to evaluate maneuverability. All of our picks are designed with TSA-approved locks so you can travel with peace of mind.

Capacity

To gauge capacity and construction, our editors packed each suitcase to the brim, tugged on every zipper and weighed every suitcase to determine how heavy or light it is. We determined how many days’ worth of luggage would fit into each suitcase, based on the length of our own personal travels, which ranged from weekend trips to two-week vacations.

Durability

After each trip, our testers examined their suitcases, making note of any scuffs, stains or rips. If any markings were acquired on the luggage, we evaluated how easy each piece was to clean. We also tested the durability of the luggage’s hardware, noticing how the zippers and handles held up when the suitcase was fully stuffed.

Aesthetic

The overall look of the suitcase was also taken to account by each tester. Our team provided observations on how each piece of luggage presents in person, and specified whether or not the luggage feels stylish. Color selection was also taken into account; our testers made note of suitcases that come in particularly appealing hues.

How To Pick The Best Luggage For Your Trip

Should you choose a softside or hardside suitcase? Do you need lots of room, or tend to pack light? Here are some things to consider when choosing the best luggage for your travels.

Size

The size of the luggage you buy varies with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase needs to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.

Material

It’s worth looking into the benefits and drawbacks of each suitcase’s material. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common options:

• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a type of impact-resistant plastic that’s often used in hardside suitcases. “For hardside luggage, polycarbonate is the gold standard—specifically, durable yet lightweight polycarbonate that offers both flexibility and impact resistance,” says Tirado. However, polycarbonate doesn’t have the ability to expand like fabric does, so you won’t be able to stuff it to the brim.
• Aluminum: Another hardside material option is aluminum, which is even tougher than polycarbonate. An aluminum suitcase is a worthwhile investment for a seasoned traveler, but it’s typically more expensive than polycarbonate options.
• Nylon: This strong, smooth fabric is Tirado’s top choice for softside suitcases. “It offers excellent abrasion resistance while remaining flexible enough to fit into tighter storage spaces and pack more in,” she says. Keep in mind, though, that nylon is harder to keep looking clean than a polycarbonate or aluminum suitcase.
• Polyester: Softside suitcases made of polyester tend to be more affordable than nylon ones, making them great for travelers on a budget. However, polyester is generally less water resistant and durable than nylon. To address this, Jeannie Shin, vice president of marketing at Calpak, recommends suitcases made of tear-resistant ripstop polyester with a water-repellent TPU coating. Similar to nylon, a suitcase with a polyester shell weighs less than a hardside suitcase when emptied (which is great for those concerned about checked luggage weight restrictions), but its soft exterior may not be as good at protecting fragile items.

Quality Of Construction

Any suitcase you choose should be able to be tossed around the baggage carousel and slid into the overhead bin without falling apart. Zippers should feel heavy-duty and sturdy, according to Tirado. In addition, she says to “look for smooth-gliding, 360-degree spinner wheels; they should roll silently and effortlessly even on uneven surfaces.” Our testers were impressed by the zippers on the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On, the durability of the ballistic nylon on the exterior of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On and the smooth rolling wheels of the Rimowa Original Cabin.

Useful Extras

Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. “TSA-approved locks are a baseline as they keep your belongings secure while still allowing airport security access if needed,” says Tirado. Shin agrees that this feature is essential. (All of the suitcases on our list are designed with a built-in TSA-approved lock.) Remote workers may find an external zippered front pocket to be useful, providing easy access to a laptop or charging cables while waiting in the airport. “Expandable zippers are incredibly useful, especially for return trips when you’re inevitably bringing more back,” Tirado adds.

Weight

If you’re traveling on an airline that has weight restrictions for carry-on or checked bags, you’ll want to factor in the weight of your suitcase before you commit to it. Keep in mind that certain hardside materials, like aluminum, tend to be heavier than others. If you already know you’re going to be stuffing your suitcase with heavy items like shoes or hair tools, you may want to opt for a lightweight softside bag, like the Travelpro Maxlite 5, which is just over five pounds.

Color

If you’re concerned about your suitcase showing signs of wear and tear, you can’t go wrong with a black suitcase—the dark hue helps hide scuffs and dirt markings. However, if visibility is your main priority, Tirado suggests buying luggage in a bright, noticeable shade so you can quickly identify your bag in a crowd. “While neutral tones are timeless and versatile, opting for a distinct color or finish can make your suitcase easier to spot at baggage claim and more reflective of your style,” she says.

Warranty

To make sure you’re able to enjoy your suitcase for years to come, several companies offer warranties on their products. “A brand that stands behind its products can make all the difference in ensuring your luggage lasts trip after trip,” says Tirado. While each policy is different, these warranties generally cover the cost of repairs should your suitcase become damaged within the designated window. Depending on the brand, warranties may last two to five years; some, like Briggs & Riley’s, will cover your suitcase for a lifetime. A suitcase with a lifetime guarantee may cost more up front, but you can be confident that you won’t have to replace it every couple of years.

Hardside Vs. Softside Luggage

If you’re stuck between choosing a hardside suitcase and a softside one, consider what you’re packing and which features you prioritize most. Below, we break down the features, pros and cons of each.

Hardside Luggage

In general, hardside luggage is the better choice if you’re traveling with delicate items. “Durable polycarbonate shells, known for being both lightweight and impact-resistant, are perfect for handling the wear and tear of travel while keeping your belongings protected,” says Shin.

Pros:

• Durable and water-resistant
• Best protection for belongings (especially delicate items)
• Hard material is easy to wipe down

Cons:

• Can dent or scratch; some scuff easily
• Can be heavy (especially if they’re aluminum)
• Don’t often have exterior pockets
• Not expandable

Softside Luggage

However, if you’re looking to pack your suitcase to the brim with non-breakable items, softside luggage is more forgiving due to its flexible fabric exterior. Softside suitcases also have the added benefit of an external pocket, a feature typically not seen on hardside suitcases (the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is an exception). Aesthetically, softside suitcases read more traditional and functional compared to the sleek, modern silhouette of hardside suitcases.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Expandable (ideal if you plan on coming home with more items)
• Most have exterior pockets

Cons:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Wholesale Luggage Sets. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

• Fabrics are more prone to tearing or ripping
• Can be difficult to clean
• Flexibility means interior items may not be protected as well
• Fabric may not be water-resistant in very wet conditions