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Whether you’re an off-roading adventure traveler, a frequent flier, or a domestic road warrior, travel of any kind requires the right luggage. A broken strap or glitchy wheel might mean the difference between stress-free travel and major frustration. Here are our top picks for the best luggage brands.
What to consider when buying luggage
Before you opt for the most stylish (or the most budget-friendly) set you find, ask yourself a couple questions first to make sure it’s the right fit for you:
What types of trips do you usually take?
When buying luggage, first consider your type of travel. When traveling by air, note that each airline has size specifications listed on their websites, though they’re all fairly standard. You’ll want to choose luggage that fits the size specifications for carry-ons and checked luggage. Weight is also important if you tend to overpack—the lighter the luggage, the more you can pack without potentially going over the weight limit. If you tend to do a lot of cruises, know that they often store luggage below the ship, so flat, sturdy luggage is ideal.
Is it easy to travel with?
Hardside, rolling luggage has become the norm for durability for most travel, but its rigid nature makes it hard to stuff into spaces. While soft luggage is a bit more forgiving, it can be awkward to carry—and it doesn't protect contents quite as well. Duffle bags and totes are options when roller suitcases aren’t ideal, but are a better fit for light travelers, since they can also be a pain in the shoulder when packed to their limits.
Our picks for top places to buy luggage
Best for durability: Travelpro
For over 30 years, Travelpro has been a go-to brand for pilots and crew members in the airline industry. Known for quality and durability, Travelpro luggage ranges from premium hardside sets and weekend bags, to overnight duffle and more.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free for all orders in the contiguous U.S.
- Return Policy: Free returns up to 100 days, no explanation needed. Travelpro pays shipping.
What we like:
- A variety of lifetime warranty options
- Warranty handles shipping and repairs due to damage caused by carriers
- Color and style variety
- Ergonomic design maximizes comfort
What we don’t like:
- Can be costly
Travelpro
Known for quality and durability, Travelpro luggage ranges from premium hardside sets and weekend bags, to overnight duffle and more.
Best for budget: Travelers Club
With a variety of styles and sizes, in addition to prices that run half that of some better-known brands, Travelers Club is the pick for the beginner traveler, families, or travelers on a budget—and it’s conveniently available on Amazon. You’ll find a range of options including five-piece kids luggage sets for $55 to four-piece hardside luggage sets for $114.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free Prime shipping available for most products.
- Return Policy: 30 days, as long as product is undamaged
What we like:
- Lightweight
- Affordability
- Lots of color (and occasionally, pattern) options
What we don’t like:
- 360 degree wheels can occasionally get stuck
- Some complaints about durability
Travelers Club
Travelers Club is the pick for the beginner traveler, families, or travelers on a budget—and it’s conveniently available on Amazon.
Best for discounts: American Tourister
A trusted brand for decades, American Tourister is also a great brand for finding deals. Seasonal sales run annually, offering 30% off select luggage items. Top-rated styles, like the Belle Voyage 28-inch Spinner, can be found in the online clearance selection for 55% off the original retail price. Sign up for emails and receive an additional 15% off your purchase.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping within the contiguous U.S. for orders of $150 or more
- Return Policy: Unused products can be returned within 60 days of the original shipped date.
What we like:
- Affordability
- Trusted name in travel
- Searchable by weight
- Colors and variety, include speciality Disney and Star Wars items, and easy-to spot colors like bright yellow and orange
- Warranties available
American Tourister
Seasonal sales run annually, offering 30% off select luggage items
Best for adventure travel: Yeti Crossroads
Sturdy, sporty and versatile, the Yeti Crossroads line is a solid pick for adventure travel. A three-year warranty and free returns within 30 days means relative risk-free purchases.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free UPS ground shipping over $25 in contiguous U.S.
- Return Policy: Free returns for refund within 30 days of purchase, as long as the product has not been customized and is unused, in original packaging.
What we like:
- Functionality
- Durability
- Three-year warranty
- Neutral, earthy color options
What we don’t like:
- Pricey
- Some bags with two wheels could use four
YETI Crossroads® 22"/35L Wheeled Luggage - Camp Green
Best for everyday/frequent use: Samsonite Winfield
A known brand in luggage, Samsonite delivers function and durability in this stylish line. Inside, compartments keep items organized and a TSA locking function helps protect contents from theft.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free shipping on orders over $200
- Return Policy: Full refund within 60 days of shipping date, unused
What we like:
- Sleek, sturdy style
- All-way rolling wheels
- Set is internally stackable for easy storage
- Limited 10-year warranty
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options
- Retail price is steep; can find at a discount elsewhere
Samsonite Winfield 3 Dlx 3Pc Set (202528) - Black - From Samsonite
Best for carry-on: Calpak Hue Carry-On
Whether you’re looking for a standard airline size carry-on or an even smaller mini version, Calpak has you covered when it comes to the best carry on luggage. With its expandability, lightweight design, and combination TSA lock, this suitcase is durable, easy to lift, and keeps items protected.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping on orders of $75 or more
- Return Policy: Unused items may be returned within 30 days
What we like:
- Great size offerings for all travelers
- Lightweight for overhead lifting
- Other bags available to create mix-and-match set
- Flash sales are available periodically
What we don’t like:
- Color is off-line “linen” and may get dinged up or dirty faster
- Pricey
CALPAK Hue Front Pocket Carry-On Luggage in Poppy | 20"
Best for customizable luggage: Monos
From a wide variety of muted colors to limited-edition designs and multiple sizes, Monos makes traveling personal. Alphabet letters are also available for easy monogramming or identification. Plus, with its climate-neutral certifications and touches like vegan leather, sustainability is important to Monos.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Standard shipping is free in the contiguous U.S.
- Return Policy: 100-day trial and free returns on unused items
What we like:
- Sustainability
- Lifetime warranty
- Unique colors for easy identification
What we don’t like:
- Cost
Monos
From a wide variety of muted colors to limited-edition designs and multiple sizes, Monos makes traveling personal.
Best for on-trend luggage options: Beis
With overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, it’s no secret that Beis luggage, though a newcomer to the travel space, has staying power. Bags are durable, versatile, stylish, and trendy.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Calculated at checkout, based on location
- Return Policy: Returns or exchanges allowed up to 45 days, minus $10 handling fee
What we like:
- Fun-loving nature of the brand
- Distinct color options, like maple, olive, and light pink
- Helpful add-ins, like dirty clothes bags, inside rollers
What we don’t like:
- Costly
Beis
With overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, it’s no secret that Beis luggage, though a newcomer to the travel space, has staying power. Bags are durable, versatile, stylish, and trendy.
Best for the details: Away
Away luggage not only covers the main necessities—items are durable, easy to maneuver, and stylish—but it adds thoughtful accents like a laundry bag and mesh interior compartments that let contents breathe and make it easier to find items. With a limited warranty that covers damage to most elements, trying it is risk-free.
Specifications:
- Shipping Policy: Free shipping on all luggage
- Return Policy: Free returns or exchanges on unused items within 100 days
What we like:
- Nesting for easy storage
- Deals on bulk purchases
- Unique shapes and sizes, like the “trunk”
- Personalization available for a fee
What we don’t like:
- Costly
Away
How we selected the best places to buy luggage
We select the best places to buy luggage based on research, personal experience, and customer ratings and reviews.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where is the best place for hard luggage?
Many brands claim to offer the best hardside luggage. Depending on your style, needs, and budget, the highest-rated brands include Away, Travelpro, Monos, and Samsonite.
What month is the best time to buy luggage?
Usually, off-season is the best time to buy luggage. Most people travel during summer months or during the holidays, so aim for August, during Back-to-School sales, or January, after the peak of holiday travel has ended. Also, check websites for sales, clearance sections, and flash sale options when researching.
Is hard or soft luggage better?
The answer mainly depends on the type of traveler you are. Hardside luggage wins for durability, but it can get heavy—and you may not need to worry about durability if you only take occasional trips or only take weekend excursions. Soft luggage is generally more affordable, but it can get worn quickly and it’s not as secure—so if you’re a frequent traveler, you may have to make frequent replacements.
What type of luggage is most durable?
Generally speaking, hardside luggage protects contents the best and is the most durable between hard and soft luggage. However, some brands like Yeti have started offering durable fabrics for soft luggage and bags.
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