The Best Suitcases
No matter whether you’re flying to Rio or hopping between luxe hotels and family homes, the best suitcases are easy to pack and roll and tough enough for years of abuse. They also offer great value for the money.
Jet-setters swear by Rimowa, whose bags are as sturdy as they are suave. This particular model’s aluminum frame has a nice matte finish and a number of practical compartments.
1. Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinner
The suitcase for overpackers, this soft-sided bag offers zippered expansion depth to accommodate that extra outfit you just can’t leave home without. What’s more, unlike some other expandable suitcases that feel cumbersome and difficult to open (a pet peeve), Briggs & Riley’s trademarked CX system is smart and easy to use: Two sets of plastic ratcheting slides in the main compartment are released with a press of a button to crank down and compress clothes in a way that allows for more storage space and doesn’t feel like a hassle to pack or unpack.
The Baseline is also equipped with a trifold garment keeper, speedy exterior-mounted pockets, and the brand’s incomparable durability. And although we found the YKK zippers to be slightly difficult to toggle, they’re designed to self-lubricate over time and are lockable for added peace of mind. Plus, all of the company’s bags come with a no-hassle lifetime guarantee—something you won’t find too often from other luggage brands.
2. Paravel Aviator Grand
This sustainable carry-on has a sleek polycarbonate shell trimmed in supple vegan leather, aluminum wheels and handles, and a protective bumper accent that adds protection without the bulk. It opens to a fully lined interior made from post-consumer upcycled water bottles and has a combination lock and two-way zipper for security.
It’s “an organizer’s dream” according to one traveler, with thoughtful features like zip pockets best suitcases and mesh nets to keep everything in place. A telescoping handle and 360-degree rotating wheels make it easy to navigate crowded airports and narrow airplane aisles, and the bag is available in several sophisticated colors. You can also customize your suitcase with monogramming.
Paravel is a sustainably minded luggage brand that strives to create top-quality travel essentials with a timeless aesthetic and forward-thinking sustainability. The Aviator Grand is a great example of this philosophy: It’s made from recycled polycarbonate, trimmed in a post-consumer upcycled plastic, and has a negative nylon lining made from 15 recycled water bottles. Plus, the brand offsets the emissions from your first flight with it, further underlining its commitment to environmental stewardship.
3. Samsonite Freeform
Samsonite is one of the more recognizable luggage brands out there. Hang out at any airport long enough and you’ll probably see someone flying with one of their bags. That widespread recognition brings with it reasonable expectations for quality, and the Freeform doesn’t disappoint.
The Freeform is a hard-sided suitcase with a sleek, modern look. It’s also durable and lightweight. And it’s easy to maneuver thanks to spinner wheels that allow for 360 degree upright rolling. Plus, the interior is well-organized with zippered dividers, cross ribbon straps and multiple pockets for efficient packing.
The downside is that the Freeform doesn’t come with as many built-in storage features as some other suitcases on our list, and it only has a two-color option (black or gray). But it’s still a great choice for those who prefer a minimal design that’s easy to personalize with organizers like tech pouches and packing cubes. Plus, it’s backed by Samsonite’s 10-year global warranty.
4. Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum
This luggage collection is designed to look sleek and modern. Each piece is lightweight with contoured angles that catch the light and stand out from the crowd. This is a metal suitcase so it will pick up dents over time — but TUMI says that’s part of its charm, and shows that your travels have been well-traveled.
The company also designed new additions to this luggage line, including the 19 Degree Aluminum Backpack, Compact Carry-On and Briefcase. These pieces all scale down the signature design of the larger 19 Degree Aluminum collection and are great for business travelers on shorter trips.
A recent campaign for the line starred international football star Son Heung-min. It’s a visually disruptive film that showcases the new aluminum styles and the concept behind them. Its abstract setting and modern textural elements highlight the concept of a journey that never stops evolving. Son and his luggage move through various worlds, illustrating the idea that your experiences are part of the unique character of your suitcase. The farther you travel, the more stamps on your passport and the more character your bag will have.
5. Globe-Trotter Trunk
The Globe-Trotter Trunk is a case that feels like the trunks of old, but it’s made for modern travel. It’s a four-wheel suitcase that is incredibly durable and lightweight. It’s available in a variety of colorways, and it has a telescopic handle and TSA-approved locks for security.
This suitcase has a few clever features that make packing for longer trips easier, including a buckled compression pad to squish clothing tightly together and interior straps for holding purse vendors wholesale your clothes in place. It also has a 30/70 split that allows you to easily stack clothing and provides deep pockets for shoes and toiletries.
“It’s the perfect size for me and my trips,” says Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, a Miami-based travel journalist who’s typically on the road three weeks per month and has been using her Globe-Trotter trunk for six years. The case has enough room for everything she needs for a month, and she uses the narrower side for clothes while the wider one is for shoes, toiletries and other accessories. The trunk also has a handy front pocket for passports and documents.