REASONS TO BUY
Large
Good packing system
Tough zippers
Steady trolley handle
Water-resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
Average construction
Softer shell material
Could be over-packed; shell wobbles with heavy payload
Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large Review
Not a bad option if you need basic performance at an appealing price
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 14, 2026
RELATED: The Best Luggage of 2026
Our Verdict
At first glance, we often can tell if a lower-priced bag is cheaply built. That was not the case with the Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large. This checked luggage's value for the money definitely caught our attention, especially when we tested it against other models in our lineup. The Pagosa is not on par with other top hardshells we've used, but we feel it's solid enough to gain some of our trust. This is an excellent choice if you're trying to outfit the entire family with their own suitcase. It's also great for college students who need something to pack up to take to the dorm. And, if you're just wanting something to fill the gap for a last-minute trip, we think you'll be pleased with this bag's abilities. However, we don't recommend it for your next world tour.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Hardshell for Less | Best Value for a Softshell Suitcase | |||
| Price | $160 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $300 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $160 List Check Price at Amazon | $195 List Check Price at Amazon | $180 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Not a bad option if you need basic performance at an appealing price | A solid choice for travelers who need decent quality, tons of packing space, and a reasonable price | A softshell that is also soft on the pocketbook, but durable enough to handle basic air travel with moderate frequency | Not a bad cost-effective option from a well-known luggage brand — it doesn't weigh much, packs well, and looks great | An oversized yet lightweight mega-bag with spinner-tight roll and control over smooth surfaces and surprisingly tough exterior construction |
| Rating Categories | Traveler's Choice Pa... | Samsonite Freeform L... | SwissGear Sion Large... | TravelPro Maxlite 5 25" | Samsonite Omni PC Ha... |
| Ease of Transport (30%) | |||||
| Design and Functionality (30%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Capacity (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Traveler's Choice Pa... | Samsonite Freeform L... | SwissGear Sion Large... | TravelPro Maxlite 5 25" | Samsonite Omni PC Ha... |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs | 9.4 lbs | 11.1 lbs | 6.7 lbs | 10.3 lbs |
| Exterior Dimensions | 30" x 20" x 12" | 31.1" x 20.9" x 13.8" | 28.5" x 17.25" x 12.5" | 25" x 18" x 11" | 30.5" x 20.5" x 13.0" |
| Main Compartment Volume (Measured) | 96.5 L | 112.5 L | 87.0 L | 74.0 L | 108.0 L |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Limited warranty on manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. | Limited warranty on manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. | Ten-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. | Limited lifetime on manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. | Ten-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. |
| Available sizes | Traveler's Choice Medium Checked | Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner | Sion Softside Medium Checked Spinner, | Maxlite 5 Large | Omni PC Hardside Expandable 24" |
| Opening Style | Half shell | Half shell | Top lid | Top lid | Half shell |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | None | None | 2 | 2 | None |
| Exterior Material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene | Polyester | Polyester | Polycarbonate |
| Number of Wheels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Pull Handle Heights | 3(36", 39", 41") | 2 (36", 40.5") | 2 (37", 41") | 2 (38” and 42.5”) | 2 36", 41") |
| Locking System | Combination/TSA lock | Combination/TSA lock | Zipper loop | Zipper loop | Combination/TSA lock |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Large, inexpensive, and reasonably tough, we think the Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large is better than other bags in its same price range.
Trying to understand the self-check kiosk -- not succeeding. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Likes
We liked this bag's packing volume. The Traveler's Choice Pagosa Large is a standard clam-shell case that offers nearly 100-liters (we calculated 96.5) of space for clothes, souvenirs, shoes, essentials, and more.
The interior of the Pagosa isn't half bad. Most bags at this price point don't offer a lot when it comes to straps, panels, or pockets. Although not perfect, we were still very pleased with this case's overall packing system. In particular, the main compartment offers two fold-down soft panels that buckle together to hold your payload in place.
The Pagosa's interior. The left side has two fold over pouches that buckle and cinch to hold your cargo in place. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Both fold-downs have zippered mesh pockets for organizing smaller items. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The left half has two additional zippered pockets on the outside of the zippered enclosure. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Rubber-tread spinner wheels and a well-placed bottom cup handle offer a bit of ease when it comes to transporting this bag.
The wheels tend to roll smoothly and quietly with little vibration. And, if the Pagosa is inconveniently positioned on the baggage carousel or the backseat, the bottom handle is better than grabbing onto dirty wheels.
We loved the well-placed cup handle at the bottom of the case. We also found the rubber-treaded spinners to be quite smooth and vibration-free. Credit: Jason Wanlass
During our water tests, we were impressed with this case's ability to fend off gallons of hose water. We lined our Traveler's Choice with sheets of industrial paper towel in order to detect any seepage. After dousing our bag from two angles, we were pleased to find its interior virtually dry.
Like most hardshells, the Traveler's Choice's shell is watertight. The problem is not the exterior, it's the zipper that allows water to penetrate. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Spraying down the Pagosa (right) along with two other bags in its grouping. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We lined each bag with a blue paper towel in order to detect water. The Pagosa's main compartment showed a small amount of water (water spots on the case liner in front of the paper towel). Credit: Jason Wanlass
The top compartment was completely dry. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Pagosa also performed well in our drop and tumble tests. Its polypropylene shell is softer than polycarbonate, so it is more pliable. This translates into a more cushioned tumble because the shell absorbs collision, often resulting in less dents. Conversely, the softer shell is also more susceptible to scratches or deeper gouges which are nearly impossible to buff out.
Rolling our Traveler's Choice down a cement staircase to test its resilience to bumps and bruises. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The softer shell more easily tends to scratch and gouge. After testing this bag and traveling with it once, we already have several scratches like these. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Dislikes
We really didn't like this bag's grab handles. Both the top and side handles are very tight and a bit too small. Our testers found it difficult to pry them up, and found it equally as challenging to needle their fingers and hands into place. Even after completing a firm grasp, the handles were uncomfortably tight, making for an unpleasant carry.
Showing the tightness of the topside grab handle. The side handle is similar in size. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We found the Pagosa Large easy to overpack. Its larger volume, combined with an expansion zipper, made stuffing it to the hilt an accident waiting to happen. In addition to the bag exceeding weight limits, we also found that the flexibility of the polypropylene shell made the case feel oddly stretchy or bendy under the strains of higher poundage. This affected how it moved and how well we could pick it up or carry it. Although we didn't experience any serious breakdowns, we also began to wonder about this case's resilience if chronically over-packed.
Showing the flexibility of this bag's Polypropylene shell. It flexes a little too much and tends to bend and move when the bag is heavy. Credit: Jason Wanlass
What Other Luggage Should You Consider?
The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner also uses a polypropylene shell, but we feel it is a few levels up when it comes to overall construction quality, while remaining decently affordable. Our favorite general-purpose hardshell is the Away The Large. We've dragged this bag everywhere and have loved how it consistently performs. If you're open to a softshell bag, the SwissGear Sion Large Spinner is the same price as the Pagosa, but is a step up in quality, and isn't quite as oversized.
Dropped off the rental car, now headed for the check-in counter. The Pagosa rolls well on cement and it's easy to maneuver into place when walking onto an escalator. Credit: Jason Wanlass
For a less-expensive bag, the Traveler's Choice actually has a nice look. Credit: Jason Wanlass
—Jason Wanlass
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