Travel Luggage: Top-Rated Picks For Your Next Trip

When it comes to choosing the best-rated travel luggage, there are several factors to consider, including durability, functionality, style, and price. Here are some of the top-rated luggage brands in the market:

- Travelpro: Known for its durability and functionality, Travelpro offers a range of luggage options, from carry-ons to checked bags. The brand is a favourite among airline crew members, with its Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner being a popular choice for its manoeuvrability and spacious interior.

- Away: Specialising in lightweight and durable luggage, Away is a popular choice for travellers seeking a fashionable and functional suitcase. Their Carry-On bag is a top pick for its spacious interior and smooth wheels.

- Samsonite: With over 100 years in the industry, Samsonite is known for its durable and innovative designs. The brand offers a range of hard and soft-sided luggage, with their SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner being a favourite for its spacious interior and organisational features.

- July: Focusing on form and function, July offers lightweight and durable luggage constructed with aerospace-grade German polycarbonate. Their Carry-On Light suitcase is a top choice for travellers seeking a lightweight yet spacious option.

- Amazon Basics: For those on a budget, Amazon Basics provides exceptional value with its hard and soft-sided luggage options. Their suitcases are spacious and easy to manoeuvre, making them a great choice for occasional travellers.

- Briggs & Riley: Known for their innovative designs, Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime warranty on their luggage, which includes a unique built-in closet system to keep your belongings organised. Their Essential 22 Carry-On Expandable Spinner is a top pick for its expandability and smooth wheels.

- DELSEY PARIS: Combining French elegance and quality construction, DELSEY PARIS has been a trusted brand for over 75 years. Their Helium Aero International Carry-On is a favourite for its spacious interior and smooth wheels.

- TUMI: TUMI offers high-end luggage and travel accessories known for their quality materials and performance. Their Voyageur collection is a stylish and functional choice for travellers, with nylon bags that are both durable and sleek.

Hard-shell vs. soft-shell luggage

When it comes to luggage, you have two main options: hard-shell or soft-shell. Both have their pros and cons, and which one is best for you will depend on your travel needs and preferences.

Hard-Shell Luggage

Hard-shell luggage is typically made from high-tech plastics such as ABS and polycarbonate, or aluminium. It is often limited to a standard suitcase shape and size, but its key advantage is that it offers more protection for fragile items. It is also more secure, as it cannot be ripped open and usually has integrated locks. Hard-shell luggage is also generally easier to clean. However, it is rigid, so you can't squeeze in extra items, and it may not be the best option if you're looking for something lightweight. Hard-shell luggage also tends to scuff and scratch easily.

Soft-Shell Luggage

Soft-shell luggage is usually made from fabrics such as woven nylon, and comes in a wider variety of styles and sizes. It is flexible and can be compressed to fit into tight spaces like overhead bins on planes. It often has exterior pockets, giving you easy access to essential items during your journey. However, soft-shell luggage won't protect your belongings as well as hard-shell, and it is vulnerable to ripping if it's not made from high-quality materials.

The best type of luggage for you will depend on your travel needs and preferences. If you're looking for something lightweight and flexible, soft-shell luggage might be the better option. If you want something that will protect fragile items and offer more security, hard-shell is probably the way to go. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose luggage that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Suitcase weight and capacity

When it comes to choosing the right luggage, weight and capacity are key factors to consider. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you make an informed decision:

• Consider your travel needs: Think about the length of your trips and the amount of belongings you typically pack. If you tend to pack light, a smaller carry-on bag may be sufficient. For longer trips or if you need more packing space, consider a larger checked bag.
• Weight restrictions: Keep in mind airline weight restrictions when choosing luggage. Most airlines have weight limits for carry-on and checked bags, so choose luggage that fits within those restrictions to avoid additional fees.
• Material and construction: The weight of your luggage will depend on the material and construction. Hardside luggage tends to be heavier, while softside luggage is generally lighter. Consider the durability and flexibility of the material as well.
• Expandability: If you need extra packing space, look for luggage with expandable features. This can give you the flexibility to pack more items or accommodate souvenirs on your return journey.
• Maneuverability: Choose luggage with smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable, adjustable handle. This is especially important if you'll be navigating busy airports, cobblestone streets, or uneven terrain.
• Organisational features: Look for luggage with compartments, pockets, and compression straps to help you maximise packing space and keep your belongings organised.
• Warranty and durability: Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and indicate the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability.
• Price and value: Finally, consider your budget and the value you expect from your purchase. While more expensive luggage may offer higher quality and durability, there are also affordable options that provide good value for money.

Luggage durability and warranty

Luggage Durability:

• Softside luggage is generally considered more durable in the long run as the fabric is flexible and can withstand wear and tear. However, they are more prone to break-ins and cuts.
• Hardside luggage provides increased durability and resistance to impacts. Polycarbonate hardside luggage is lightweight and impact-resistant, while polypropylene hardside luggage is durable yet lightweight. ABS hardside luggage is affordable but more prone to scratches and scuffs.
• Some notable luggage brands known for their durability include:
• Travelpro: Their luggage is made from sturdy and weather-resistant materials, with smooth-rolling wheels that are easy to maneuver.
• Away: Their polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional, and relatively well-priced.
• Samsonite: With over 100 years in the industry, Samsonite is known for its durability and innovative design. Their products offer a good balance between softside and hardside features.
• Briggs & Riley: Their luggage is made from ballistic nylon, a durable fabric that resists wear and tear. They also offer a lifetime warranty that covers repairs.
• Rimowa: Their aluminum luggage is stylish and durable, with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage.
• July: Their luggage is made from aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, featuring reinforced aluminum bumpers for added protection.

Luggage Warranty:

• Travelpro: Offers a 5-year limited warranty that covers the cost of repairs for damage by an airline if registered within the first 120 days of purchase.
• Away: Provides a 100-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty.
• Samsonite: Offers a limited 10-year global warranty.
• Briggs & Riley: Features a lifetime warranty that covers repairs for any damage, free of charge, for as long as you own the bag.
• Rimowa: Includes a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to their aluminum luggage.
• Amazon Basics: Comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
• July: Offers a lifetime limited warranty.
• ROAM: Provides a lifetime limited warranty.
• DELSEY PARIS: Has a limited warranty that ranges from 2 years to a lifetime.

Spinner wheels vs. two-wheeled luggage

When it comes to luggage, the number of wheels can make a big difference in how you travel. Spinner luggage, with four wheels, has become increasingly popular among leisure travellers. On the other hand, two-wheeled luggage, also known as Rollaboard®, was introduced decades ago to help airline crew members travel more easily. So, which is the better choice for you?

Comfort and Handling

The main difference between spinner and two-wheeled luggage lies in how you handle them. Spinner luggage is pushed or steered with your arm bent at a 90-degree angle in front of you, while two-wheeled luggage is pulled behind you with your arm down at your side. This means that spinner luggage is designed to be pushed, while two-wheeled luggage is designed to be pulled. Pushing and pulling use the muscles in your shoulders and back differently, so your personal preference and comfort level with each style are important factors to consider.

Additionally, spinner luggage offers 360-degree motion, making it highly manoeuvrable and agile, especially in crowded spaces like airports. In contrast, two-wheeled luggage tends to have larger wheels and moves in a straighter line, making it faster over longer distances.

Durability

The durability of your luggage is an essential factor to consider, especially if you travel frequently or over rough terrain. Spinner luggage is more susceptible to breakage because the wheels move in different directions, especially on uneven surfaces. The wheels on two-wheeled luggage, being larger and affixed closer to the luggage, are generally more durable and less stressed. So, if you're travelling over cobblestones or other uneven surfaces, two-wheeled luggage might be the better choice.

Companions and Stacking

If you need to carry multiple pieces of luggage, it's worth noting that both spinner and two-wheeled luggage allow for stacking or attaching additional bags. Spinner luggage can have companion bags stacked on top, secured by a strap around the extension handle. Two-wheeled luggage also offers this option, as well as the ability to attach smaller bags using a J-hook fastened to the top handle.

Price

Both spinner and two-wheeled luggage can be found in a wide range of prices, depending on the brand, model, and size you choose. At Briggs and Riley, for example, luggage pieces range from $400 to $800 for both spinner and two-wheeled options.

So, which is the better choice for you: spinner or two-wheeled luggage? The answer depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and needs. If you prioritise manoeuvrability and agility, especially in crowded spaces, spinner luggage might be the way to go. On the other hand, if speed, durability, and a straightforward design are more important to you, two-wheeled luggage could be the better option. Ultimately, the "best" luggage is the one that meets your unique travel needs and makes your journeys easier and more enjoyable.

Luggage sets vs. individual pieces

When it comes to choosing between luggage sets and individual pieces, there are several factors to consider. Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision:

Luggage Sets:

Pros:

• Cost savings: Luggage sets are often priced at a discount compared to buying individual pieces separately.
• Design consistency: Luggage sets offer a consistent style and quality across all pieces, giving you a coordinated look.
• Variety and compatibility: Luggage sets are designed to work together, offering a variety of sizes and types of bags to suit different travel needs.

Cons:

• Upfront cost: While luggage sets can save you money in the long run, the upfront cost of purchasing a set may be higher than buying a single piece.
• Unnecessary pieces: You may end up with pieces that you don't need or use frequently, taking up valuable storage space.

Individual Pieces:

Pros:

• Customization: With individual pieces, you have the freedom to mix and match bags from different brands and styles to create a personalized luggage collection that suits your specific needs.
• Gradual collection: Instead of investing in a full set at once, you can build your luggage collection gradually over time, only purchasing the pieces that you need.
• Flexibility: Individual pieces allow you to choose bags with features and designs that cater to your unique travel habits and preferences.

Cons:

Mismatched set: When buying individual pieces, you may end up with a mismatched set of luggage in terms of color, style, and brand, which may be less aesthetically pleasing to some travellers.

Ultimately, the decision between luggage sets and individual pieces depends on your personal preferences, travel habits, and budget. Luggage sets offer convenience, cost savings, and a coordinated look, while individual pieces provide flexibility, customization, and the ability to build your collection over time.

Frequently asked questions