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Traveling can be a thrilling adventure, but the right luggage is key to a smooth and stress-free journey. Selecting the perfect travel companion from the vast array of luggage options available today is no small feat. It requires a careful balance of durability, capacity, mobility, and style. This guide aims to navigate the complex world of travel luggage, providing you with detailed insights and unbiased recommendations tailored to a variety of travel needs and preferences.
The modern traveler’s luggage must cater to a range of scenarios, from bustling airport terminals to rugged outdoor terrains. We’ve scrutinized an extensive selection of luggage, considering essential factors such as ergonomic design, storage efficiency, material quality, and overall value. Our goal is to present a well-rounded perspective that helps you choose luggage that’s not just a container for your belongings, but a reliable partner in your travel escapades.
In this article, we explore the best travel luggage brands on the market in 2024. Each offers unique features to suit different travel styles and destinations. Whether you’re a minimalist traveler seeking a compact carry-on, a business traveler in need of a sleek suitcase, or an explorer looking for a durable backpack, our guide is here to assist you in making an informed choice.
Best Travel Luggage Brands To Check Out In 2024
- Best Carry-On Luggage: Away
- Best Luggage for International Travel: Briggs & Riley
- Best Luggage for Long Trips: L.L.Bean
- Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers: Hartmann
- Best Fashion Luggage: Calpak
- Best Luggage for Adventure Travel: Eagle Creek
- Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite
- Best Value Luggage: American Tourister
- Best Luggage for Flight Crews: TravelPro
- Best Budget Hardside Luggage: Open Story
- Best Classic Hardside Luggage: Rimowa
- Best Minimalist Luggage: Monos
- Best Printed Luggage: Heys
- Best Under-$100 Luggage: Amazon Basics
Best Carry-On Luggage: Away
The Away Carry-On is a sleek and modern suitcase designed for the contemporary traveler. Weighing around 7.6 pounds with a capacity of nearly 40 liters, it stands out for its high-end components like sturdy zippers and durable materials. This luggage piece is not just about aesthetics. It’s made for functionality, offering a blend of style and practicality. Its hard-shell design is made to endure the rigors of travel, providing a secure and stylish option for those who frequently fly.
Pros:
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
- Smooth Mobility: Features 360-degree Hinomoto wheels for effortless movement.
- Stylish Design: Offers a modern and sleek aesthetic.
Con:
- Price: Higher cost compared to some other carry-on options.
Best Luggage for International Travel: Briggs & Riley
Briggs & Riley luggage is known for its exceptional quality and innovative design, making it a top choice for international travelers. Known for its unique packing features and organizational capabilities, it transforms packing into an efficient and hassle-free experience. The luggage is made with durability in mind. Using materials like ballistic nylon to withstand the demands of frequent travel. Its expandable design is a standout feature, offering flexibility and extra space when needed, which is particularly useful for longer international trips.
Pros:
- Durable Material: Constructed with high-quality, robust materials for longevity.
- Expandable Design: Offers additional packing space, ideal for extended travel.
- Efficient Organization: Features unique packing systems for easy organization.
Con:
- High Price: The premium quality comes with a higher price tag.
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Best Luggage for Long Trips: L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean luggage is renowned for its robust construction and practical design, making it an ideal choice for long trips. Known for their rugged hard-shell and soft-sided options, these bags offer excellent protection against rough handling. The spinner wheels add to the ease of maneuverability, a crucial feature for navigating through airports and hotels. L.L.Bean’s luggage is designed with ample space, accommodating everything needed for extended travel. The brand’s commitment to quality and durability is evident in the construction of each piece, ensuring that travelers can rely on their luggage for many journeys to come.
Pros:
- Durable Build: Constructed to withstand the rigors of extensive travel.
- Spacious Design: Offers ample room for packing necessities.
- Easy Maneuverability: Equipped with spinner wheels for smooth transit.
Con:
- Limited Style Options: May lack variety in design aesthetics compared to other brands.
Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers: Hartmann
Hartmann luggage is synonymous with luxury and durability, making it a preferred choice for frequent flyers. Known for its high-end, robust construction, Hartmann combines elegance with functionality. The luggage is crafted from premium materials, ensuring it withstands the demands of regular travel. With a focus on superior quality, Hartmann luggage offers a blend of style and practicality, featuring thoughtful design elements that cater to the needs of seasoned travelers. Its luxurious aesthetic is matched by its performance, providing a seamless travel experience for those who are constantly on the move.
Pros:
- Luxurious Design: Offers an elegant and high-end aesthetic.
- Robust Construction: Built to endure frequent travel.
- Premium Materials: Made with high-quality components for longevity.
Con:
- Weight: Some models may be heavier, impacting portability.
Best Fashion Luggage: Calpak
Calpak luggage is celebrated for its blend of fashion-forward design and practical functionality, making it a top choice for style-conscious travelers. Known for its aesthetically pleasing and sleek designs, Calpak offers luggage that is not only visually appealing but also provides durable, easy-to-maneuver utility. The brand focuses on creating pieces that are both trendy and robust, featuring lightweight hard shells and multidirectional wheels for smooth navigation. Calpak stands out in the fashion luggage category for its attention to detail in design, offering a range of chic and modern styles that cater to the preferences of fashionable travelers.
Pros:
- Stylish Design: Offers trendy and visually appealing aesthetics.
- Durable Build: Constructed for longevity and resilience.
- Smooth Maneuverability: Equipped with multidirectional wheels for easy movement.
Con:
- Limited Capacity: Some models may offer less packing space compared to more utilitarian options.
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Best Luggage for Adventure Travel: Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek luggage is tailored for adventure travel, offering robust and versatile solutions for the intrepid explorer. Known for its exceptional durability and practical design, Eagle Creek’s luggage is built to withstand the challenges of rugged travel. The brand focuses on creating lightweight yet sturdy bags, equipped with features like oversized wheels for easy navigation on varied terrains. Eagle Creek’s commitment to functionality is evident in its thoughtful design, which includes ample storage space and organizational compartments, making it ideal for those who venture off the beaten path.
Pros:
- High Durability: Designed to endure tough travel conditions.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to carry, reducing travel fatigue.
- Oversized Wheels: Enhances mobility on diverse terrains.
Con:
- Aesthetic Appeal: More functional than fashionable, which might not appeal to style-conscious travelers.
Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite
Samsonite is a hallmark of quality in the luggage industry, offering a blend of durability, functionality, and style. Known for its robust construction, Samsonite luggage is designed to withstand the rigors of travel, making it a reliable choice for all types of journeys. The brand’s focus on innovative design is evident in features like lightweight materials and efficient interior layouts, enhancing the travel experience. Samsonite’s range includes both hard-side and soft-side options, catering to various preferences and travel needs. The brand’s commitment to quality and practicality has established it as a top choice for travelers seeking dependable and stylish luggage.
Pros:
- Sturdy Build: Renowned for its durable and long-lasting construction.
- Innovative Design: Features like expandability and efficient interiors.
- Versatile Options: Offers both hard-side and soft-side models.
Con:
Weight Variability: Some models may be heavier, affecting ease of handling.
Best Value Luggage: American Tourister
American Tourister is recognized for offering value-packed luggage options that blend quality and affordability. This brand is a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers who do not want to compromise on durability and functionality. American Tourister luggage is known for its sturdy construction, featuring expandable designs and secure combination locks. The interiors are well-organized with neat sectioning and durable lining, making packing efficient and straightforward. The brand offers a variety of styles and sizes, catering to both casual and frequent travelers, and is a reliable option for those seeking quality luggage without a hefty price tag.
Pros:
- Affordable Quality: Balances durability with cost-effectiveness.
- Functional Design: Features expandability and efficient interior organization.
- Variety of Options: Offers a wide range of styles and sizes.
Con:
- Handle Sturdiness: Some models may have less robust extension handles compared to higher-end brands.
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Best Luggage for Flight Crews: TravelPro
TravelPro luggage is a top choice among flight crews, known for its exceptional durability, functionality, and ease of use. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of frequent flying, TravelPro offers luggage that combines high-quality build with practical features. The brand is popular for its smooth-rolling wheels and robust handles, ensuring easy maneuverability through airports and aircraft aisles. TravelPro’s luggage is popular for its efficient storage solutions and organizational compartments, making packing and accessing belongings straightforward and convenient for busy flight crews.
Pros:
- High Durability: Built to withstand frequent travel and rough handling.
- Smooth Wheels: Designed for effortless navigation and stability.
- Efficient Organization: Features practical compartments for easy packing.
Con:
- Design Variety: May have limited style options compared to fashion-focused luggage brands.
Best Budget Hardside Luggage: Open Story
Open Story, Target’s exclusive luggage brand, offers budget-friendly hardside luggage that doesn’t skimp on quality or functionality. Known for its durable polycarbonate shell, Open Story luggage provides a sturdy yet lightweight option for travelers. The brand has gained attention for its smooth-running wheels and easy-to-use locking mechanisms, making travel more convenient. While the shell might feel slightly thinner compared to high-end counterparts, Open Story strikes a balance between affordability and durability. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking reliable hardside luggage for their journeys.
Pros:
- Affordable Quality: Provides good durability at a budget-friendly price.
- Smooth Mobility: Equipped with wheels that ensure easy maneuvering.
- Lightweight Design: Makes it easier to handle and carry.
Con:
- Shell Thickness: The polycarbonate shell may be thinner than more expensive brands, potentially affecting long-term durability.
Best Classic Hardside Luggage: Rimowa
Rimowa stands as a pinnacle of classic hardside luggage, renowned for its iconic design and exceptional craftsmanship. This brand is synonymous with luxury travel, offering luggage that combines timeless aesthetics with robust functionality. Rimowa’s signature aluminum cases are not only visually striking but also incredibly durable, designed to endure the rigors of travel. The luggage features smooth-rolling wheels, TSA-approved locks, and efficient interior layouts, making packing and transit seamless. Rimowa’s commitment to quality and style has made it a favorite among discerning travelers who seek both elegance and resilience in their travel gear.
Pros:
- Iconic Design: Features a distinctive and timeless aesthetic.
- Superior Durability: Built with high-quality materials for lasting use.
- Smooth Mobility: Equipped with premium wheels for effortless movement.
Con:
- Premium Price: Reflects its luxury status and may be out of reach for budget-conscious travelers.
Best Minimalist Luggage: Monos
Monos luggage epitomizes minimalist design, offering sleek, simple, and functional travel solutions. Renowned for its clean lines and understated elegance, Monos provides a refined travel experience without unnecessary embellishments. The luggage is crafted with durability in mind, featuring sturdy construction and high-quality materials. Monos is particularly noted for its smooth and quiet spinner wheels, designed for optimal maneuverability. The brand’s focus on minimalist aesthetics extends to its efficient interior layout, making packing both straightforward and stylish. Monos is a go-to choice for travelers who appreciate the beauty in simplicity and seek luggage that complements a streamlined, modern lifestyle.
Pros:
- Elegant Design: Features a sleek and understated look.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials for longevity.
- Smooth Wheels: Offers easy and quiet maneuverability.
Con:
- Scuff Visibility: Some color options may show scuffs and marks more easily, affecting the luggage’s appearance over time.
Best Printed Luggage: Heys
Heys is renowned for its vibrant and artistically printed luggage, making it a standout choice for travelers who prefer a touch of personality and flair in their travel gear. Known for its eye-catching designs and colorful patterns, Heys luggage transforms functional travel items into fashion statements. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Heys luggage also gets praise for its practical features. This includes durable hardshell construction, 360-degree spinning wheels, and TSA locks. The brand offers a range of sizes and styles, ensuring that travelers can find a piece that not only suits their storage needs but also reflects their personal style.
Pros:
- Unique Designs: Offers a wide range of vibrant and distinctive prints.
- Durable Construction: Built with hardshell materials for longevity.
- Smooth Mobility: Features 360-degree wheels for easy maneuvering.
Con:
- Price Point: Some Heys luggage pieces can be relatively pricey, especially for the more intricate designs.
Best Travel Luggage Under $100: Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics luggage offers an affordable solution for travelers seeking functionality without a high price tag. Known for its straightforward design and practical features, this luggage line is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers. Amazon Basics luggage typically includes hardside spinners that provide simple yet effective storage solutions, with expandable options for added packing flexibility. Despite its lower price point, the luggage offers durability and ease of use. With features like smooth-rolling wheels and efficient interior compartments. It’s an ideal option for those who need reliable luggage for occasional travel or don’t want to invest heavily in travel gear.
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Offers good value for its cost.
- Functional Design: Simple, effective storage and expandability.
- Durability: Built to withstand typical travel wear and tear.
Con:
- Basic Features: Lacks some of the advanced features and finer details found in higher-end luggage.
Bottom Line
Navigating the vast landscape of travel luggage, it’s clear that there’s a perfect match for every traveler’s needs. From the durability and elegance of Samsonite, ideal for frequent flyers, to the innovative and budget-conscious designs of Amazon Basics, the range of options is impressive. Whether you’re drawn to the artistic flair of Heys, the minimalist sophistication of Monos, or the rugged functionality of Eagle Creek for adventure travel, each brand excels in its niche. The key is to find luggage that not only fits your travel essentials but also aligns with your style, budget, and the nature of your journeys. The right choice in luggage can effortlessly complement your travel experiences, making every trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.
