Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner 20-Inch Review

Built of lightweight, scratch-resistant micro-diamond polycarbonate, the handsome Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner delivers an open layout design paired with a backbone of core strength and versatility that would suit business travelers and globetrotting vacationers alike. It's a great pick for anyone looking for an affordable carry on with stamina and smooth roller flow.

Performance Comparison

Capacity

When it comes to packing, the 6.8-pound Samsonite Omni PC's open layout is standard fare and pretty much exactly what you'd expect from nearly any hard-sided bag.

Its opening zipper splits down the middle, with one-half of its spacious clamshell offering a mesh-enclosed compartment that can be zippered shut to hold items in place — particularly important for opening and closing the bag to transport. The other half shell features a very small –- dare we say, tiny –- hanging accessory pocket plus a pair of cross-body restraint straps to help contain the bulk of whatever belongings you have left. Together, both halves provide 39 liters of packing volume. A color-coordinated zipper-pull then marks the extension panel release along the middle closure, just in case you need additional storage to stash even more.

Although this carry on doesn't offer anything in the way of real compression features, nor does it have an abundance of organizational features, there is a marked amount of room inside to stuff your belongings with confidence in addition to commendable strength in materials among internal organizational elements —- zippers, mesh, straps.

We managed to squeeze every last item from our 7-day Summertime Getaway packing list into this case without great strain and without implementing the full expansion zipper. Once we advanced to the specialized gear category and the many bulky items that particular packing list required, we did have to become a bit more thoughtful in how we approached the task. But the simple boxy structure of the Samsonite Omni was easy to fill, and the expansion option allowed us to add the helmet into the mix without complaint, with even more space available if we'd so desired.

Ease of Transport

Several things surprised us with the Samsonite Omni Carry On. First, this compact hard-sided case is built out of polycarbonate yet is one of the lighter bags in the bunch, making it somewhat easier to roll and maneuver.

Additionally, its four 360-degree wheels were some of the smallest in diameter of any spinners in the test group. They are also built with a single-wheel design, which is often associated with less maneuverability and a bumpier ride once in motion. Yet once again, the Samsonite delivered unexpected results. Although not perfectly smooth, the bag consistently flowed with confidence right alongside us, whether we were rushing to catch a shuttle bus or squeezing between the crowd in a security line. However, when it comes to quick spins or turns, we don't feel the Samsonite's wheels responded very well. They often hesitated or remained frozen in place, requiring a little extra nudge (kick) to get them to correct.

We also noted that the Omni PC boasted some higher-than-average clearance (unexpected given the smaller dimensions of its rollers), which in turn made bumping over stairs or dashing across sidewalks all the less painful.

The Samsonite lacks a side loading handle — a feature sorely missed whenever stairs appear. While many carry ons allow you to flip the case onto its side to shorten its reach and allow for improved weight distribution underarm, the Samsonite requires you to carry it topside up. Not the most comfortable or functional, and a choice we wish they would reconsider.

Construction Quality

The Samsonite Omni PC is an expandable hardshell built for the harsh realities of the road, with materials clearly chosen for their brawn as much as for their functionality and integration into a lightweight design. For this reason, we had high hopes this would be a top performer when it came to the durability testing. But as is so often the case, vulnerabilities present themselves wherever small exposed components are built into the structure.

In this case, the Samsonite withstood all the bang-ups and bumps we served up during the first stages of testing. But, when it came to our drop tests, the single 360-degree caster spinner wheels were ill-equipped to resist such targeted force, resulting in noticeable damage to one of the case's spinner wheels and a much more jittery roll. However, with continued use, the issue did seem to right itself (perhaps movement allowed the wheels to realign within the housing?). So we're glad to report the issues don't seem to be permanent. But the temporary damage cost the Samsonite a few points for durability. The Samsonite performed adequately during our stairwell tests, showing only minor scuffs after being pushed down a flight of concrete stairs twice.

In addition to our drop tests, we also doused the Samsonite with hose water to see how well it would perform in the rain or when accidentally dropped in a puddle. Water did penetrate into the main compartment, but it wasn't substantial.

Design and Functionality

What we love about the lightweight Samsonite Omni PC is its small yet effective footprint and the thoughtful details incorporated into the construction. While not visually trendsetting, the refined micro-diamond polycarbonate exterior is scratch and abuse-resistant and well-equipped to protect your belongings against the traumas of travel without showing the signs of immediate wear.

Matched with a collection of other high-caliber materials –- solid single-wheel spinners, hefty easy-glide zippers, sturdy load and roll handles, and high-grade interior fabric and mesh –- you should feel both polished and confident whenever rolling this bag by your side. And with the added TSA-approved lock embedded into its side, you can move about public spaces with greater ease.

The open layout pairs quite nicely with a set of packing cubes but also provides just enough internal organizational features (an accessory pocket, mesh liner, and restraint straps) to allow for relatively careless packing on the go. A solid variety of contemporary and attractive colorways are available so you can retain a clean, modern aesthetic while still easily eye-balling your bag amid the crowd from across the room. Interestingly, like other cases in the test group, the advertised dimensions of the Samsonite Omni PC exceed U.S. airline compatibility requirements (1 inch too wide and 3/4 inches too deep). But, chances are high it won't stir up any trouble with airline staff as long as the expansion feature remains “closed.”

Should You Buy the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner 20-Inch?

We understand price is a top priority for most shoppers, no matter what product is under discussion. But when it comes to travel, it becomes equally as important to talk about the quality of construction and functionality. How much wiggle room do you have to risk breakage or breakdown on the road? Do you have the patience and muscle to accommodate discomfort when loading, lifting, or rolling our packs between locations? We believe the Samsonite Omni PC Expandable Carry On strikes a good balance between affordability and performance, all within a classically attractive yet modern shell. If you need a solid case that delivers well across the board but won't break the bank, this is a great hardshell carry on to consider. And it would equally suit the needs of any business traveler as well as those heading out on a quick vacation with the family.

What Other Carry On Luggage Should You Consider?

If you're a more frequent traveler who needs a little more durability and more organizational features to keep you put together on the go, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner is one of our favorite options and can frequently be found on sale. If hardshells are your jam, the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch has everything you need for a very similar price point. And for additional savings — though a drop in capacity, durability, and overall performance — the Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner is a solid choice for infrequent travelers.