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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We select the best places to buy luggage based on research, personal experience, and customer ratings and reviews.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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