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We traveled by plane, train, and automobile, with 18 checked luggage pieces, to find the best.
In an endless sea of luggage design and function, sometimes buying the right one just comes down to preference. Often, hardshells have the most trendy styles.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 14, 2025
Finding the right piece of checked luggage for your needs can be quite the task. There are so many sizes, features, and construction details that it can make your head hurt. We happen to have a team that travels a lot, so we bought 18 large-sized pieces of luggage, stacked them into vehicles, packed them for business trips, beach vacations, and far-reaching adventures. We put them through the wringer — bumping them over gravel and cobblestones, shoving them down cement stairs, and spraying them with a hose.
For many years in a row now, the best piece of checked baggage is the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29". It's durable, has great organizational features for extended travel, and boasts exceptionally smooth, self-aligning wheels. For a hardshell case, we love the Away The Large, which looks great and is built to last — for less than you might expect.
For less frequent travelers and those with a more modest budget, the Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a no-frills hardsided suitcase with a generous 112.5 L capacity.
If you're not sure you need this much space, our team has also tested a slew of great carry-on luggage pieces that might better suit your travel needs. For those who travel a little less traditionally, an oversized duffel is a great alternative.
Editor's Note: Our luggage review was updated on November 12, 2025 after we retested the latest version of the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29". We also added a new case to the mix, the Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28".
It's big, beautiful, and built to last, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29" continues to be our team's favorite overall suitcase over the past several years. This bag is huge — we calculated the main compartment at 117 liters, and it weighs 12.2 pounds. Even when packed to the gills, the Platinum Elite glides like a speed skater. Its proprietary MagnaTrac spinners self-align using magnets, pointing forward as you roll along. It has smooth zippers, stylish accents, and a very rugged nylon shell. We think both business travelers and family vacationers can appreciate the sleek, stylish aesthetic of this versatile bag. “It's practically a closet on wheels. When I need maximum real estate — like if I'm traveling internationally for several weeks — this bag rules,” said one of our lead testers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
11.7 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
29.5" x 20.5" x 13"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
128.8 L
Opening Style
Top lid
Number of Exterior Pockets
2
The Platinum Elite 29" has great packing and organization options for any type of traveler, including a removable fold-away garment compartment that packs up dresses, blouses, slacks, suits, or a combination of them all. “This bag is great for upscale cruises or other forms of travel, where you need to take more than shorts and T-shirts,” said one tester. Its extra-large size, which is a major pro for some, is also one of the main drawbacks of this suitcase. It's just big. Too big for shorter stays, and the large capacity is too tempting to overfill. The Briggs & Riley Baseline is another high-quality bag with similar organizational features that is a bit smaller, but is far more expensive. If both of these options feel too expensive, the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller is our recommended budget softside case, but keep in mind that it doesn't compare to the Travelpro's quality. No other checked-size luggage we tested matches the price-to-performance ratio of this seriously impressive bag.
Alternate Sizes and Options: The medium-sized Travelpro Platinum Elite 25 and the carry-on sized Platinum Elite 21" both offer the same amenities and features. There is also a hardshell version, though it doesn't offer the same elaborate packing system.
Sometimes you just need something to get you from point A to point B. We think the Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner does exactly this, and does it without draining your budget before you even book a flight. That's not to say it's a cheap bag, we think the Samsonite balances cost and quality very well. It also performs in the areas needed to make it a reliable travel companion for air, car, train, and bus travel. Its polypropylene shell is a little softer than polycarbonate, so it takes on deeper scratches and tends to be a little more pliable than some higher-end bags. However, it still held up against all the carnage we put it through. It has a generous 112 L of storage and it's expandable. It's also one of the lighter-weight checked bags we've traveled with, which makes it easier to stay under airline weight restrictions.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
9.4 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
31.1" x 20.9" x 13.8"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
112.5 L
Opening Style
Half shell
Number of Exterior Pockets
None
This bag is pretty short on features, leaving you to fend for yourself in terms of organization. Additionally, the wheels on the Freeform roll and track well enough, but they just don't seem as tough as other spinners we've tested. The same goes for the trolley handle; it held up during our testing, but it's a bit wobbly. However, we can't fault this bag for not working, and it will serve you well for light to moderate travel. If you are willing to pay a little more, we really like the Away The Large. The Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28" is another solid bag. Both of these cases offer a bit more durability and are more likely to last you through the years.
The Away The Large is an excellent hardsided bag that performs impressively well for the price. We were able to pack our bag and then forget about it, which is a feature we love in a suitcase. “The Away sits on four solid double-wheeled spinners that glide easily over smooth surfaces,” said one our testers who often travels internationally. “I also love its dense polycarbonate shell. It's well-suited to the rigors of baggage tossing.” The Away offers a sturdy trolley handle, tough zippers, and a great packing system. It looks smart enough for professional travel but is burly enough for chaotic global adventures. It measures 62 total linear inches — perfectly matching the majority of airline checked bag dimension restrictions, and the internal compression system is great. A full-sized panel cinches down tightly over clothing, saving space and keeping everything secure in transit. This is the same system used on higher-end models we've tested, like the Rimowa.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
11.6 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
29.0" x 20.5" x 12.5"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
99.2 L
Opening Style
Half shell
Number of Exterior Pockets
None
Empty, it weighs slightly above average at 11.6 pounds and has a lower-than-average capacity of 99.2 L. This forces you to be more conscious of how you pack in order to fit everything in without going over weight. Like most other hardsided luggage, the Away does not have any external storage pockets, which can be nice if you want to keep some things easily accessible while living out of the bag at your hotel or vacation rental. The Away isn't crazy expensive, but if you don't travel that often, you can likely go for something more affordable; we recommend checking out the Samsonite Freeform, although it isn't quite as rugged. But if you're looking for a suitcase that will travel the globe with you for years, the Away is well worth the investment.
More Options from Away: If you need more room, the expandable version of this bag is the The Large Flex. It also comes in a 69-liter medium size and a carry-on size, with both expandable and non-expandable options. All sizes are available in an astonishing array of colors.
The SwissGear Sion embodies the spirit of your favorite soft-sided checked suitcases with its classic softshell design and “back to basics” approach. The Sion has a basic compression system with just two narrow straps and minimal internal pockets. “Despite its relative simplicity, I really like some of its features, like its two external pockets and the detachable toiletries bag,” said our lead testers. “You get what you pay for with the Sion — a good deal that does well enough for less frequent travel.” We don't recommend it for frequent, extensive travel, but it offers a solid balance of cost, quality, and functionality that makes it a great choice for intermittent use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
11.1 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
28.5" x 17.25" x 12.5"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
87.0 L
Opening Style
Top lid
Number of Exterior Pockets
2
The features and amenities are definitely bare-bones, and its wheels aren't as tall as the top-performing spinners and have a tendency to rattle when rushing through the airport. Its fabric shell is thinner and noticeably less sinewy, but this bag is durable enough to get tossed around a bit by baggage claim. “This bag is made from polyester instead of ballistic nylon, but it still holds up better than I expected for basic travel,” said one tester. If you plan to travel more than once or twice per year, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29" is softsided case that we consider well worth the investment. If you prefer a hardsided bag, consider the Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner, which is also reasonably priced.
Great Value Options: SwissGear also makes this bag in carry-on size, as well as a medium, 57-liter size. You can also maximize your dollar and nab the entire three-piece set.
Innovative compression system and smart storage features
Very rugged ballistic nylon exterior
CONS
Expensive
Heavy
The Briggs & Riley Baseline is a luxe soft-sided suitcase. High quality without looking flashy, it rolls smoothly alongside you and pivots on a dime across smooth surfaces. Three loading handles give it an edge when lugging it off the baggage claim carousel, but what really sets this bag apart is its spot-on organizational features. A tri-fold garment envelope accommodates delicate fabric and minimizes wrinkles. An ingenious expansion system in the main compartment allows you to stuff the bag and then compress it without having to fight with expansion zippers. This allows you to pack far more than meets the eye without making the bag any bigger, and can be a lifesaver for habitual overpackers or anyone traveling in multi-week stints. Just be mindful of your bag's weight if you plan to check it.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
13.7 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
29.0" x 20.25" x 12.5"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
92.5 L
Opening Style
Top lid
Number of Exterior Pockets
2
The Baseline Large is smaller than some of the other luggage we tested, and it fits easily within dimensional checked bag restrictions; however, its base weight is above average, and this is where you might run into trouble. It is all too easy to exceed weight limits if you're not mindful of how you pack. Soft-sided bags also don't offer the same level of water and impact protection as hard-sided suitcases. If you are hauling precious cargo, the Tumi 19 Degree and Rimowa Check-In are excellent top-tier options in the hard-sided category. We can't find much to complain about, but the cost of the Briggs & Riley is likely to be the main deterrent for many people. And we'll say, yes, it's pricey, but it continues to be one of our favorites — we've tested multiple iterations, used them extensively, and it just never lets us down.
Alternate Sizes and Options: We also tested and solidly recommend the carry-on size of this bag. You can also get the Baseline as a hardshell suitcase, which has the same expansion system but doesn't include the tri-fold garment storage.
Straightjacket compression system holds gear in place
CONS
Lacks full-length bumper rails
Stiff zippers
Somewhat pricey
Though not your traditional suitcase, the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle excels at gobbling up gear and keeping it snugly in place with its straitjacket compression system. This two-wheeler is specifically designed to carry a wide variety of outdoor gear to just about any corner of the globe. Complemented by a supporting cast of a padded ballistic nylon shell, massive sealed-bearing wheels, and a comprehensive metal frame, this bag is well-suited for rigorous adventure travel. “The fact that it's shaped and compartmentalized like a backpack makes it even more convenient for traveling with gear,” said one of our adventure travelers. “It's also ergonomically bowed, making it extremely suitable for transportation by pack animal, porter, or luggage rack.” Even better, it's super tough and incredibly lightweight; it has one of the highest weight-to-volume ratios on our list.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
8.7 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
30.7" x 19.3" x 17.0"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
99.0 L
Opening Style
Top lid
Number of Exterior Pockets
4
Duffel-style travel is not for everyone. The two-wheeled design is not as convenient to tote around airports, and the smaller opening makes it harder to live out of the bag once you arrive at your destination. It's also very unstructured compared to hard, and even softsided luggage, so can't offer as much protection to your belongings. If you want something geared towards active travelers but still falls within the more traditional luggage category, the Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28" is a more hardsided suitcase with some great adventure-focused features. Not everyone needs the type of mobility that a rolling duffel offers, but if you do find yourself traveling to places a little off the beaten path, the Osprey has got you covered.
Osprey offers a whole slew of checked luggage, so if you don't need the whole gear-hauler thing, the Transporter Wheeled Duffel has a more clean-cut style and a less-complicated packing system. It is also available in 90- and 60-liter versions. For larger expeditions, we recommend the Sojourn Shuttle's larger 130-liter cousin.
This is the first Gregory checked bag we've ever had our hands on, and we love it. The Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28" combines outdoorsy features with everyday travel necessities very well. So well that we think it blurs the line perfectly for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor travel with the occasional city break. What you have with the Gregory is a solid polycarbonate container containing a very useful packing system. Its crown jewel is the ActiveShield storage bag. It's made from recycled auto glass and offers a secure place to chuck muddy shoes, smelly socks, or a wet swimsuit, without crossing paths with all of your clean clothes. “I absolutely love this feature,” said our lead tester, Jason Wanlass. “When empty, it doesn't take up space, but when you need it, boy does it make a real difference.” The ActiveShield is removable, but complements Gregory's cargo straps by acting as a built-in compression panel.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (Measured)
11.3 lbs
Exterior Dimensions
26.0" x 18.0" x 11.5"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured)
88.0 L
Opening Style
Half shell
Number of Exterior Pockets
None
The Gregory has a relatively poor weight-to-capacity ratio, weighing 11.3 pounds and providing about 88 liters of packing volume in the main compartment. 88 liters is on the small side, so we like that it's expandable if you need a little more space. The zippers are smooth, although they don't keep water out very well, so stay clear of heavy rain. Its shell also loves to show off its scratches and dings. Some can be buffed out, but others not so much. Either way, we vibe with this bag, and we feel it serves a niche. If you want to explore other hardshell options, we suggest the Away The Large or the Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner. If you want to go straight to an adventure bag, the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is your best option.
The Quadro Pro Hardcase is unique, tough, and just really cool.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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We used and abused these suitcases for months to find out which ones can survive the baggage system of your standard airport.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
We purchased all of these bags and took them everywhere we went over the course of several months. We traveled across the US, explored Europe, Korea, Nepal, and even Tibet, bringing different bags along on each trip. We've spent more hours in airports and airplanes than we care to count. We rolled them along sidewalks, through the airport, over cobblestone pathways, and deep out onto rocky backcountry roads. We traveled with them in the back of trucks, SUVs, and tucked into vans. Closer to home, we hopped them over curbs, pushed them down stairwells, and onto concrete to push their durability limits. We even hosed them down with water to see which could repel light rain. In total, our bags saw thousands of miles of travel and hundreds of combined hours of testing. Read more in our complete how we test article.
Our comprehensive testing was divided into four testing metrics:
• Capacity (30% of overall score weighting)
• Ease of Transport (25% weighting)
• Construction Quality (25% weighting)
• Design and Functionality (20% weighting)
With so many luggage brands to choose from, it can be a daunting process to wade through all the specifics of each in order to determine value. That's why we took the time to do it for you in our side-by-side comparative testing.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
Our luggage testing is led by GearLab Review Editor Jason Wanlass. Jason loves all things travel and is on the go whenever he can find the time. He hits the international travel scene multiple times a year and loves to explore the good old USA, taking road trips and domestic flights as often as he can. He's been in more airports than he can recall and has flown hundreds of thousands of miles in his life — and hopes to fly hundreds of thousands more.
Joining him is Myrha Colt. It is not uncommon for Myrha to be on the road for nearly half (or more) of any given year, with days spent traveling between mountain hideaways, remote beach villages, and city skyscrapers, stopping by all the trails, museums, waterfalls, and taco stands she can squeeze in between. Each member of our team tests gear for a living and knows a thing or two about packing their bags and what makes a good one.
We packed, unpacked, and then packed again.
Analysis and Test Results
We compared our tested suitcases across four key metrics and evaluated them side by side in the field and at home. We packed the same set of clothes and gear in each to compare their storage and organizational capacity. We rolled them around, trip after trip, to see how easy they were to transport, carry, and load. Read on to learn more about how each performed to help inform your final purchase decision.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Value can wear several hats, but we like to highlight bags that offer a respectable level of quality, features, and performance for a reasonable price. Some of the cases we feel meet this criteria are the Away The Large, the Samsonite Freeform Large, and the Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28". All three are hard-sided cases, and each one caught our attention due to its durability for a spinner suitcase. Any of these will do a great job for most travelers, and in our experience, they have all held up well after multiple years of use. The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller 29" is a very affordable piece of luggage that will do the trick if you only travel occasionally. It doesn't have the quality to withstand multiple trips a year, and it lacks features that many frequent travelers might expect from their bag. However, it has a price well below most other options, making it a decent option for those on a truly tight budget.
Taking the traditional route to the second floor. Our Freeform is well-balanced and fairly easy to lug up a flight of stairs, even when fully loaded.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Capacity
We compared each model's volume, compartments, pockets, compression, and organization straps. To do so, we packed, unpacked, and hand-measured each bag's interior dimensions and weighed each to determine its weight-to-volume ratio. Bags that offered either thoughtful organization or ample storage capacity scored higher in this category.
One of our favorites for this metric is the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29". We calculated its main compartment at 128.8 liters of volume, which is above average for the group. It also has an extensive storage and organizational system, providing an effective way to utilize all that space. The Samsonite Freeform Large is also a standout in this metric, boasting a measured volume of 112.5 liters of packing room, standing tall as one of our most spacious hardshells.
In addition to a massive amount of storage space, the Travelpro has an ingenious way to carry dress clothes and keep them relatively wrinkle-free.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Airline Weight Restrictions
Just because you can fit your entire wardrobe into some of these suitcases doesn't mean you should. Most airlines start charging fees once a bag weighs more than 50 pounds. We found it's very easy to overpack these bags far beyond that weight limit, so perhaps keep a scale handy while you pack.
Rolling duffels like The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28 and the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L have the advantage of having more flexible structures. They can more easily fit oddly shaped items, or, if you don't use all the space, they can be compacted. The Away The Large has a middling weight-to-capacity ratio, but its internal organization and compression system work very well. We never had to leave anything behind for lack of space.
Although it doesn't offer the same storage volume as our top performers, we were still impressed with the TravelPro Maxlite 5 25", particularly its weight-to-volume ratio. At just 6.7 pounds, its main compartment still provides 74 liters of packing space. With these specs, you're almost guaranteed to stay below the airline's weight restriction.
The feather-weight TravelPro Maxlite in action.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Ease of Transport
Any wheeled luggage should be able to navigate the polished floors of an airport. But, as we all know, one off-kilter wheel, or a front-heavy bag, can lead to a constant struggle as you walk through the airport trying to find your gate. Additionally, your luggage may also come across cracked sidewalks, steep curbs, cobblestone streets, and gravel-laden pavement. In general, you can choose between two-wheeled and four-wheeled spinner options, with four wheels being much more common, and much easier to maneuver. They work best on smooth, hard surfaces, but can be tipped onto two wheels if you encounter cobblestones or uneven pavement.
We looked at each case's tracking ability, wheel smoothness, handle extension, and ability to maintain balance when standing upright, fully loaded. The goal is to find a bag that handles so smoothly that you can forget it's by your side.
Ease of Use of Specific Luggage Features
Product
Tracking Ability
Wheel Smoothness
Telescopic Handle Smoothness
Balance
Travelpro Platinum Elite 29\"
5
5
5
5
Briggs & Riley Baseline Large
4.5
5
5
5
Tumi 19 Degree Expandable
5
5
4.5
5
Rimowa Essential Check-In L
4.5
5
4.5
5
Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28â€
4
3.5
3.5
4
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L
3
3.5
4
4
Away The Large
3.5
3.5
3
4
Showkoo Expandable 28\"
4
3.5
2.5
3.5
Samsonite Freeform Large
4
3
3
3.5
The North Face Rolling Thunder 28
3
3
4
3
Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled
3
3
3.5
3
Delsey Paris Titanium 29\"
3
3
2.5
3
SwissGear Sion Expandable 29\"
2.5
2.5
3
3.5
Amazon Basics 30\"
3
2.5
2.5
3
Travelpro Maxlite 5 25\"
2.5
3
3
2.5
Samsonite Omni PC Expandable
2
2
3
3.5
Coolife Hardside Expandable 28\"
2.5
2
2.5
3.5
Travelers Club Chicago 28\"
2
2
2.5
3
Top rollers include the Travelpro Platinum Elite, Rimowa Essential Check-In, and the Tumi 19 Degree Extended Trip. Unsurprisingly, each of these bags is on the expensive side (some are on the very expensive side), but there is no denying their effortlessly smooth glide. The Travelpro has magnetic, self-aligning wheels that help it stay true to course.
Magnetically aligning wheels keep the Travelpro rolling straight as an arrow.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Another top performer in this metric is the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large. We love it because it remains compact and well-balanced no matter how much you pack. Its superior wheels roll smoothly whether you're cruising through baggage claim, strolling down a city sidewalk, or heading for hotel check-in.
We tested the Briggs & Riley at home and on the road and we loved everything about its wheels.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Luckily, models like the Away The Large and the Samsonite Freeform prove that you don't have to spend a fortune on your luggage to get a smooth ride. Both offer double-wheeled spinners that cruise very well, and trolley handles that extend and retract without getting stuck.
We absolutely love the Samsonite's upgraded, double-wheeled spinners. The Freeform runs fast and vibration-free.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Another favorite in this metric was the Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28". It has spherical wheels that roll well on a variety of surfaces and stay on track, making it easy to push this bag around. It has three grab-handles, one on top and two that are uniquely placed at an angle on the front of the bag. This makes it easier to manhandle in the case that you need to lift and load the case. We also appreciate that the trolley handle is embedded in and, therefore, protected by the side of the suitcase.
We loved how the Gregory Quadro Pro rolled, slid, lifted, and carried.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
If your travels include lots of time on rougher terrain, you may want to consider a two-wheeled roller bag. This style isn't as responsive and nimble as spinners, but they fare better off the pavement. Among the duffel rollers in our lineup, the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L and The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28 are off-road dreams. They have substantial all-terrain wheels and grab-and-go load handles that make them among the easiest to handle and load in unusual travel scenarios (think strapping your bag to the roof of a 4x4 to reach a remote cabin). We spent several weeks in Nepal and Tibet with our Base Camp Rolling Thunder and fell in love with its smooth ride, sturdy trolley handle, and five easy-to-grab exterior handles. Snagging this bag from the baggage claim carousel is easy peasy.
Cruising the side streets of a small Tibetan town in China and collecting bags in Kathmandu, Nepal. Tons of exterior handles and massive wheels make North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder a great option for adventure.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
When strictly looking at handles, we really liked the multiple high-end handles on the Briggs & Riley Baseline and Travelpro Platinum Elite. They are sturdily attached to the case, and we could easily fit all four fingers underneath, even when the bag was on a moving carousel. And, for a bargain bag, the SwissGear Sion sports some surprisingly comfy handholds.
Some of our favorite handles: Travelpro, SwissGear, Osprey, and North Face (in order).
We also loved the well-placed handles on the Away The Large, TravelPro Maxlite 5 25", Tumi 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable, Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner, and the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable 28". Of the entire bunch, we like the Travelpro Maxlite handles the best because they are super soft and comfortable to hold.
Other favorite handles: Away, Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi (in order).
Construction Quality
You need reliable luggage. You're going to drag it over rough terrain, pull it up and down flights of stairs, and toss it in and out of vehicles. Once you drop it off at the airport check-in counter, you have no control over how well it's handled. Zippers, handles, and wheels are typically the most vulnerable points where suitcases may break down. We evaluated the craftsmanship of each case in our lineup and compared them side by side.
Our best performers were the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner, Rimowa Essential Check-In L, Tumi 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable, and Travelpro Platinum Elite 29". All three cases are made with precision and a high attention to detail. Just looking at them, you can tell they mean business.
The Rimowa is pricey, but it's exceptionally well-built.
The most practical of this bunch is the Travelpro. The others are luxury bags, and while they are made well, they also come with borderline exorbitant price tags. The Travelpro also boasts credible construction quality, and it's built to last, but at a much lower price point. In addition to its durability, we were particularly impressed with the Travelpro's water-resistance.
This timelapse of our water testing shows how we showered our bags side by side. Among the best softshell performers was the Travelpro Platinum Elite.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Away The Large scored just a little lower than our best performers, but trust us, it's no slouch. This bag is solid. We've traveled extensively with it and have been continuously impressed with its dense shell and stellar wheels.
This video speaks for itself (it's even more fun at full volume). The Away can handle contact. In fact, its very resilient polycarbonate shell almost seems to enjoy it - we certainly did.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28" is another well-built bag that we expect to last for years. It has a thick polycarbonate shell and great all-round construction. Its interior is just about as durable as the exterior, and can handle anything from hiking boots to beachwear.
The Gregory is decently water-resistant and its shell is tough (although it tends to show its battle scars.
Among our two-wheeled friends, we think the The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28 offers the most solid construction with the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L nipping right at its heels. Both bags are rock solid. What gives the North Face a slight edge is we think its duffel material is just a little bit tougher.
Making our way through Tibet, China. The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder is built for movement. It's rugged design is perfect for all forms of conventional and unconventional travel.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
What we loved most about the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is its straight-jacket compression system. It sits on the outside of the bag and buckles and cinches firmly around the payload, keeping it bundled and secured even when things get rocky.
Testing our Sojourn Shuttle's straight-jacket system to see how well it holds things together.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
When we consider the more affordable spinners on our list, we were quite pleased with the overall durability of the Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside 29", Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner, and the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller 29". To be fair, these bags aren't really designed for the jetsetter who is off to a new destination every month. They start to show wear more quickly than some of the higher-end options, but if you only travel once or twice a year, they will do the job and last you quite a while.
Pulling our SwissGear Sion on two wheels as we rush to check-in. Although a basic budget spinner, this bag still offers a solid amount of durability.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Design and Functionality
Here, we considered the overall look and the versatility of each bag. Since luggage can be a bigger investment, we lean towards cases that have a more timeless look that won't look goofy or dated next year. We considered the variety of places where the bags would both perform well and look at home, and tested the usability of every internal feature, gauging how much convenience it added to our travels.
When you approach the airport baggage claim, you usually spy a sea of black roller bags, all with similar designs, duplicated across many brands. If you want it to be easier to find your bag, our first piece of advice is don't choose black. But there are some that we think look better and will certainly be easier to pick out at the airport.
Choosing a color other than classic black will help you find your bag at the carousel more easily.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our highest scorers were the are all quite different from one another, but the thing they have in common is that they offer some unique features that make traveling and living your of your suitcase that much easier. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner and the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29" both offer special suitpackers, made to keep your dress clothes wrinkle-free. The Rimowa Essential Check-In L features a basic yet effective internal organization system that keeps belongings secure, while allowing you more freedom in how and what you pack. Plus, it's just a good-looking bag.
A few of the best performers: Rimowa, North Face, Travelpro, Osprey, and Tumi, all in a row.
The Away The Large and the Samsonite Freeform also stand out as stylish, modern options, appealing to everyone who tested them. Specifically, the Away The Large's matte finish and choice of contemporary color palettes allow you to express yourself. It has a similar internal organization system to the Rimowa, which we love.
We think the Samsonite Freeform is one of the more stylish bags Samsonite has produced in the last few years.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
It didn't take us long to fall in love with the style and function of the Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase 28". It has distinguishable lines, an outdoorsy vibe, and it is very versatile, thanks to its internal packing features. The removable wet bag is one of our favorites.
Our favorite function of the Gregory is the ActiveShield bag that lets you separately store wet clothes and muddy shoes.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Pick the Best Luggage for You
The luggage you buy will (hopefully) be with you for quite a while. It's important to evaluate your travel style in order to choose the one that will make your life away from home that much easier. Here are four key considerations to help narrow down your next luggage selection based on size, organization, material type, and features.
The first step in finding a suitable piece of luggage is to consider the typical length of trips you take and how many clothes you wear in a day. Buying the biggest bag you can find will ensure that you never run out of space, but keep in mind that bringing an oversized bag can become a hassle to an otherwise great vacation or trip, especially if you're changing hotels often or taking public transportation after your flight. It's also important to consider weight restrictions, as the larger your bag, the more likely you are to exceed the allowable weight. We prefer to travel with the smallest bag that will hold all of our necessities, and if you're only going for a quick weekend trip, we highly recommend skipping baggage claim and traveling with just a carry-on.
Different luggage will offer various levels of organization to provide easy access and maximize space. From barebones boxes to complex pocket configurations and compression systems, you have a variety of options to choose from. Luggage with well-placed pockets, both inside and out, can make a significant difference when you need to keep track of smaller items. Features such as internal dividers, removable toiletry bags, and suitpackers are all helpful built-in features to consider for those needing plenty of organization.
When deciding on luggage, a hardshell will provide increased durability and resistance to impacts. If you plan on checking your bag, a hard shell will provide extra peace of mind when it's not in your possession. However, softshell bags are often lighter weight and have greater capacities on average, especially when you factor in the external pockets. If you go to any airport, hardshells are overwhelmingly more common, but ultimately, the items you travel with and the type of travel will dictate what style is best for your needs.
For travelers who plan on navigating high-traffic hubs such as airports and train stations, luggage with smooth-rolling wheels, telescoping handles, and ergonomic features will keep you moving fast and efficiently, and can provide a convenient place to rest a backpack or handbag if your shoulders need a break. That said, if you travel unconventionally, two-wheeled duffel rollers can be stuffed, tossed, and crammed into spaces where traditional luggage won't fit. They aren't as convenient for city breaks, but if your travels take you far off the beaten path, there's no comparison.
IMPORTANT: Airlines each have their own limits on checked baggage dimensions and weight (generally, 50 pounds and 62 linear inches). To avoid paying oversized or overweight baggage fees, check your specific airline requirements.
Cruising through the airport with the Gregory Quadro Pro by our side.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
There is seemingly no end to the luggage options available to you today. In this review, we take a critical look at some of the best available options. Remember to start by deciding if a roller or a spinner bag will be best for your travel purposes. Then, figure out your budget and think about if there are any “must-have” features you need. We hope this review helps you narrow down the details to find the luggage that best fits your travel plans.
