Are you going on a trip? Your comfort while traveling depends largely on the suitcase you choose as your traveling companion.
I agree that a broken wheel, a zipper issue, or lifting your suitcase over every curb and step is not a pleasant experience. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the choice of a travel bag. After all, the suitcase is generally purchased not for one or two trips but for much longer.
So, what should you pay attention to first? Pleasant appearance, durability, compactness, convenient transportation, and a reliable locking system? All these characteristics, along with many pockets, capacity, shock resistance, and resistance to dirt, are important for a comfortable suitcase.
There are hundreds of models on store shelves. It is impossible to check each of them in practice. So how do you choose the best one and not regret it? And is there, in principle, an ideal model that combines all the necessary characteristics?
To help travelers, we have compiled a rating with detailed descriptions of manufacturers, models, and their features, based on reviews from those who have already used such suitcases. We hope that it will be useful for you.
Alezar
The models of this Finnish brand, Alezar, are very diverse. They come in different colors and have prints. They are made of fabric, polycarbonate, and plastic. However, the most famous products are durable nylon fabric suitcases with numerous pockets. They are roomy and well-organized. They are suitable for travelers who do not carry fragile things, as they lack impact and compression protection.
American Tourister
Samsonite acquired another well-known brand. The new owners, as always, tried to keep all the company’s features. Today, American Tourister offers simple and reliable suitcases at an affordable price.
There are no extra features or expensive materials, but all the basic functions work flawlessly. This was the goal of the brand’s founder, Sol Kofler – to sell high-quality luggage that every traveler can afford.
The brand’s products are distinguished by bright colors that lift the mood. Most products have a body made of high-molecular polypropylene and are designed for long-term use. Children’s luggage with cartoon characters is also available.
The main series are the life-affirming Palm Valley, the calm Pasadena, and the fabric Lightway.
Away
“Affordable, comfortable, and beautiful” is the company’s main motto, and it entered the market in 2016. Despite its youth, the creations of the two founders already enjoy buyers’ trust. This is unsurprising because, before developing models, the women conducted many surveys to determine buyers’ needs.
This brand’s suitcases are designed for the modern traveler. They include a power bank that allows you to charge up to two devices on the road. Unlike many suitcases, this one has space and three organized compartments for shoes, clothes, and gadgets. There is also a container for used items that need washing. The luggage closes with a secure TSA lock.
One way to make the products more affordable is by having no dealers. The company not only manufactures but also sells its products itself. Buyers can contact the office, share their impressions, and leave wishes about the suitcases. Emotional connection with buyers and feedback are the most important elements of marketing.
Customers will also appreciate the system that allows them to exchange an old suitcase for a new one at all company stores. In addition, if you are unhappy with the new product within three months of purchase, you can return it.
Bric’s
In its 70 years, this Italian manufacturer has mastered both leather and plastic. The company offers luxurious hand-stitched leather goods and elegant models made of high-strength plastic.
Bric’s is always keeping up with the times. Therefore, if you want luggage with technological innovations, pay attention to this manufacturer. The company’s specialists test all modern materials and inventions that affect functionality, durability, and protection, and offer them to buyers.
Reinforced corners, telescopic handles, and four reliable wheels make it easy to move luggage and protect it from unforeseen road situations. The combination of materials and premium design makes Bric suitcases a highlight of the trip.
Briggs & Riley
Many people packing luggage for a trip would dream of owning an invisible expansion spell like the characters in Harry Potter. However, only owners of Briggs & Riley suitcases have such an opportunity. This company’s products can expand by almost a third of their volume during packing. After everything, and even a little more, had fit into the luggage, the special puffs returned it to its normal appearance.
The Outsider handle, which runs the entire length of the back of the suitcase, is also a Briggs & Riley idea. Its rigidity prevents the back of the luggage from deforming. Beautiful, elegant zippers and additional outward-opening compartments adorn the brand’s products, creating a unique design. The interior space consists of convenient compartments.
In 2000, seven years after its founding, the brand was acquired by a competitor. Under its management, it continues to delight fans with technological innovations.
Calpak Luggage
The company Calpak offers luggage made of hard and fabric materials. The products stand out with stylish coloring. Marble, mother-of-pearl, pearl, and massive suitcases with black trim will appeal to the fairer sex, and, as a special edition, travel pillows and cosmetic bags in the luggage tone will be available. For men, there is a line of stylish dark-colored bags with retractable handles.
Crash Baggage
It is almost impossible not to notice this brand’s suitcase. The material has attractive artistic dents and looks very stylish. Even with rough handling at the airport, a couple of extra dents will blend in perfectly with the existing ones.
The durable polycarbonate in bright colors is excellent. The two halves of the suitcase are fastened with a zipper. Inside, there are mesh pockets on the lining. Movable, multi-directional wheels, a retractable handle, and a lock for close inspection of luggage complement the model.
Delsey Luggage
Perhaps no one approached the production of suitcases as responsibly as Delsey. Preparatory work lasted for 20 years. But the result exceeded all expectations. Every year, the company sells about 3 million products worldwide.
Buyers appreciate the suitcases for their lightness and original design. Each series has pleasant additions that make traveling easier. For example, an indicator allows you to determine whether the weight limit has been exceeded or whether each suitcase has a unique serial number. Pluggage line suitcases are even considered smart devices. They are equipped with a scale, a beacon, a locking device, a charger, and a speaker. A smartphone can control all of this arsenal.
The brand name combines the initial parts of the two owners’ last names. They still approach the creation of luggage very meticulously. Before choosing a combination lock for the range, it is tested for 15,000 openings, and the wheels can withstand 64 kilometers of cross-country travel. Four hundred employees work on each product.
The Delsey factory is located in the suburbs of Paris. The products are shipped to 100 countries worldwide, where they enjoy enduring popularity.
Dielle
This Italian brand offers suitcases with elegant shapes and streamlined lines. Leather inserts protect the corners from impact and abrasion. Inside, there are additional dividers and tightening straps. Models are equipped with combination locks and four wheels.
Eagle Creek
When Steve and Nona Barker started production, their main goal was to create comfortable and multifunctional luggage for tourists. Therefore, this brand’s suitcases feature the most additional details and features that travelers will appreciate.
There are various organizers, additional seats, the ability to transform into a backpack or bag, multidirectional wheels with treads and covers, mounts for hanging additional luggage, and numerous handles, zippers, and carabiners. Take time to familiarize yourself with all of the purchase options.
Thoughtful details make traveling with Eagle Creek products convenient and easy. Secure gadget compartments and reflective elements make them safe for belongings and the hiker.
Buyers receive a lifetime warranty and repair in service centers, which are significant bonuses. An additional plus is the products’ environmental friendliness. They do not contain toxic polymers that pollute the environment, so even when the product’s service life ends, disposing of it poses no harm.
Globe-Trotter
The luggage from Globe-Trotter belongs to the luxury class. It has a unique style, reminiscent of vintage suitcases, with modern details. The old-fashioned crocodile clasps that open with a key, the side handle, the strictly rectangular shape, and the unchanged clasp straps that encircle the piece. A restored 19th-century valise seems to come to life. However, adding wheels and a retractable handle indicates a modern product.
The company’s suitcases are distinguished by an unusual manufacturing material: vulcanized plates made from several layers of wood fibers. The raw material resembles cellulose mass, from which cardboard and paper are subsequently made. The pulp is processed and solidified into plates. The material is resistant to abrasion and moisture.
All product corners are reinforced with metal and leather overlays on rivets. Leather is used for additional straps and top handles. Every detail is handmade. The model can be marked with his initials at the customer’s request.
Overall, the suitcases look incredibly stylish in a classic, noble way. No wonder many famous British travelers, including members of the royal family, prefer Globe-Trotter luggage. The first examples of the collection accompanied their owners to Everest and Antarctica.
Hartmann
The company’s founder’s passion for creating the perfect luggage remains Hartmann’s main strategy.
Starting with the production of fashionable chests in the 19th century, the company gradually moved to producing elegant suitcases made of natural and artificial leather. The brand’s trademark is luxurious leather goods. The cost of one product starts from 600 dollars. However, a Hartmann suitcase will be a source of pride on any trip.
The brand is focused on business travelers. Each product has a special removable compartment for transporting suits. Attention is paid to creating sets with bags of different sizes made in a single style.
In 2012, the company was acquired by Samsonite, which continued to produce elite luggage.
Heys
Each Heys suitcase is characterized by a stylish design. Famous artists and designers work on the appearance of suitcases. Therefore, the brand’s products immediately attract attention to the luggage carousel. These are not just bright colors and the material’s various curves, but real paintings and prints. To date, more than 30 image variants have been developed.
The second significant advantage is impact-resistant materials that retain their shape well. Polycarbonates with reinforcing additives are mainly used. The suitcase’s ribbed shape also contributes to its durability. Japanese specialists created an ideal design. The manufacturer purchases the highest-quality polyurethane wheels from abroad.
The whole construction guarantees many years of operation without cracks, chips, and dents.
Each product has a three-dimensional grid. The product’s volume can be adjusted by opening the waterproof material extensions.
There are currently two separate Heys companies. One is based in America, and the other in Canada. They are run by two brothers who split the original company.
Louis Vuitton
The company founded by the suitcase inventor still produces luggage. However, it does so in small batches and only on individual orders. No more than 300 suitcases are produced per year. Therefore, Louis Vuitton products are expensive exclusives.
The brand’s signature elements are the unique print with alternating patterns, plaid patterns, and LV monograms. The rigid frame is made of wood and covered with fabric. Some suitcases are made of polypropylene composite, and soft luggage is made of leather. Each model is covered with a protective layer that prevents water penetration, fading, and scratches.
Most lines include a suitcase and a small bag for miscellaneous items.
Ookonn
Although Ookonn suitcases have a vintage hatbox shape, they are quite modern and functional. They have a combination lock, polycarbonate body, and telescopic handle, all of which make traveling comfortable. Inside, there are small pockets and holders for things. The suitcase resembles a larger version of a lady’s handbag on wheels.
Paravel
The range includes interesting fabric suitcases and hard-shell luggage. The former is not suitable for checked luggage but is lightweight and breathable. The fabric is waterproof and practically does not tear. With proper care, these products can last for many years.
The second option is virtually indestructible and is highly environmentally friendly, as it is made from recycled materials. Large rubberized wheels with carbon steel bearings are comfortable, and the reinforced body is impact-resistant. The internal organization is pleasantly surprising: a dense compression board with tightening carabiner straps on one side, a special removable zippered pocket for documents or a laptop on the other.
Piquadro
The company started producing leather suitcases and bags in 1998, ten years after its founding. Before that, interesting ideas and technologies were sold to other companies. However, as soon as Marco Palmieri decided to use his inventions himself, the company immediately gained fans and loyal customers. In 20 years, 1500 brand stores, boutiques, and outlets have been opened worldwide.
The range of products is made of Tuscan leather and treated to increase durability. Piquadro has patented special cutting and duplicating technologies. Perfectly even and durable patches are supplied for sewing. Each product is given a personalized number. Thus, the company shows that it is fully responsible for the quality of its products.
Piquadro gives preference to functionality. The design of suitcases is strict and businesslike, without numerous decorations and unnecessary details. Therefore, it is suitable for most looks and styles.
Ricardo
Seven thousand stores worldwide offer products from the American company Ricardo. Since its creation in 1978, more than 20 million bags and suitcases have been sold. A team of specialists heads the company with 60 years of experience in travel accessories.
Among the unique know-how is a special Nano-Tex fabric for the case, which is resistant to dirt and moisture. As a result, the luggage always looks neat. Things are packed in the suitcase on two levels, separated by a partition. A nice feature is the built-in scales, which allow you to prepare for boarding the airplane.
The company has a quality control department to ensure all parts are hard-wearing and in good working order. Thanks to the production facilities in China, one of the main advantages is an excellent price-quality ratio.
Rimowa
Every traveler is familiar with the ribbed surface of aluminum and plastic suitcases. This is a patented feature of the German brand’s products. This approach provides lightness and increased resistance to compression. Another company hit is waterproof models. These products are indispensable when transporting gadgets, equipment, and appliances.
Each suitcase is created through a painstaking process, including up to 90 stages. That is why the brand’s prices correspond to about $1,500 per piece. This corresponds to the spirit of the elite LVMH group, which the Morshekov family company joined in 2016, transferring the controlling stake to the new owners.
When you choose luggage from Rimowa, you get a lightweight, waterproof case, a special electronic tag that facilitates check-in, smooth-running mechanisms, unique styling, and a five-year warranty. The main lines are Original, Off-White, and Hybrid.
Roncato
Roncato is a family-owned company named after its founder. Its owners have extensive knowledge of luggage manufacturing, having been involved in it since childhood. At the beginning of its activity, the company specialized in producing elite attaché cases and, in the 1980s, launched lines for all travelers.
Each of the manufacturer’s collections features patented innovations: flat monolithic retractable handles, coded clasps, additional locking elements on the bottom, four different-sized wheels, two enclosed, uniquely shaped tie-down straps, and more. All these features make the company’s suitcases original and favorably distinguish them from other products in this segment.
Samsonite
If you want to buy a suitcase for life, Samsonite is the manufacturer you’re looking for. The words “reliability and durability” have long been associated with this manufacturer. It’s no coincidence that the company’s name comes from the biblical hero Samson, who had extraordinary strength.
For more than 100 years, the company has emphasized the reliability of suitcase construction. In its first advertising campaign, company founder Jesse Schwider, his three brothers, and his father stood on the suitcase to demonstrate its unprecedented strength.
Since then, the manufacturer has strictly adhered to the chosen course. When purchasing the product, you can repeat the creator’s actions, stand, and jump on the suitcase. Such an opportunity is available in every branded store. The company is 100% confident in quality and provides a lifetime warranty on some models.
As a Samsonite buyer, you can count on innovative solutions and constant model improvement. The company is the discoverer of many popular features. Combination locks, suitcase and bag sets, rubber seals, four wheels that can move in any direction, plastic cases, and many other innovations are the result of the Schwider brothers’ work.
The best-known lines are the lightweight frameless Qyster, the plastic Silhouette, and the ribbed Cosmolite.
Thule
The Swedish manufacturer is focused on travelers. In Thule stores, you can buy car seats, trailers, car mounts for sports equipment, and much more. Suitcases are one segment of the extensive range, added in 2010.
The Thule logo on the products guarantees durability and reliability. Each product undergoes up to 100 tests before hitting the shelves and comes with a five-year warranty, even under active use.
The manufacturer’s suitcases consist of a plastic base or aluminum frame covered with strong, thick, waterproof nylon resistant to tears, stretching, and scratches. Steel bushings on the wheels increase the luggage’s durability when in motion. A telescopic handle complements the luggage.
Nice and thoughtful features include:
- Interior compartments.
- Impact-resistant compartments for gear and gadgets.
- Adjustable straps that turn the entire luggage into a compact unit.
Titan
The brand does not produce titanium suitcases. Its name speaks to the reliability of its products and the manufacturer’s scale. However, the color and material can be chosen to suit any taste.
Bright shades and stylish relief images on plastic make the brand popular among young people. The leading model, Titan Xenon, was noted for its durability. Its features make it suitable for any kind of traveling. Reinforced side guards protect against impacts, and the large, sturdy wheels can withstand off-roading.
Quality luggage from this German brand will not cost a lot. The products are affordable for any budget.
TravelPro
Travelers owe the retractable handle on suitcases to the founder of the TravelPro brand, which is now an integral part of any travel bag. Robert Plath modernized a small suitcase by adding wheels and a handle. This product became the prototype for modern luggage used by flight attendants and pilots when boarding airplanes.
When orders from fellow pilots for his invention poured in like a cornucopia, Robert realized it was time to start his own company and optimize production. Since the company’s inception, some 500,000 pilots have benefited from the inventor’s know-how.
TravelPro models are designed for frequent travel and are known for their durability. The main advantages include balanced luggage, smooth running, and flawless operation of all mechanisms. The company has patented special systems that ensure smooth running (PrecisionGlide).
The company’s offerings include compact carry-on luggage that can be taken into an airplane’s cabin and accommodate the essentials. The main basic model is the Rollaboard.
Trunki
These children’s toy suitcases, made of fabulous animals, immediately attract attention. The little owner can roll his luggage and ride on it. Four sturdy wheels, a recess for a seat on top, a clasp shaped like a nose, and funny horns to hold on to each model are painted and decorated to look more like the chosen character, vehicle, or ship. The interior is organized like any other suitcase.
Tumi
Everything that Tumi produces is worthy of the attention of the gods. The company was named to honor the Peruvian knife, used to prepare offerings for the gods. The best materials, thoughtful details, and patented innovations make the manufacturer’s products luxurious. The company’s clients include famous artists and politicians such as Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt.
The company’s first successful step, founded in 1975, was covering suitcases with ballistic nylon, which competitors did not use. Padded suitcases, like bags, were in high demand. Now, this nylon has been perfected. The FXT brand is known for its maximum durability and is highly regarded in the travel accessory market.
The main advantages of Tumi products include maneuverable, silent wheels, locking clips on the handles that keep the piece in place, a convenient zipper-replacement system, an electronic tag for luggage tracking, and metal-threaded material in pouches for money and gadgets. All this makes the company’s suitcases practical and convenient.
The main collections are Alpha Bravo for young and active, Alpha for business and representative, and T-tech for extravagant and dreamy.
Victorinox (Luggage & Suitcases)
One hundred fifty years ago, the company was known as a successful manufacturer of knives, and now bags. At the same time, excellent Swiss quality distinguishes both directions. The brand is named after the founder’s mother, Victoria, and the stainless steel (INOX) from which the knife blades are made.
Victorinox suitcases have many of the advantages of modern luggage. They have a special compartment for documents and laptops, the ability to expand the interior space, telescopic handles, and plastic corners that protect luggage from scratches and deformations.
Cast silicone wheels deserve a special mention. This accessory’s main advantages include increased durability, quietness, and traction. Wheels will help transport luggage over rough terrain without shaking or breaking.
The fabric surfaces of suitcases are treated to protect against moisture, and polycarbonate is strengthened. So, even in bad weather and heavy loads, your luggage stays safe, and your bag doesn’t lose its neat appearance.
Wenger
Before starting to produce travel bags, the company changed its business direction several times. It changed its name four times before Theo Wenger named the company after himself and focused on army knives. The manufacturer quickly became associated with Swiss quality and received 50% of the army contracts.
Since 2005, Wenger has merged with its main competitor in knife manufacturing, Victorinox. After the merger, the brand’s steel products ceased to exist, but watches and luggage continue to please customers. They are made of fabrics, plastics, and polycarbonate. The main feature of luggage is its lightness. A large volume bag (up to 100 liters) weighs no more than 11 pounds.
Travelers note that the luggage remains undamaged even when handled roughly by airport employees. Cracks, chips, and scratches are not formed. The design of the products is modern, with all the usual suitcase details: wheels, retractable handles, and additional side legs.
The Wenger brand marks the company’s products manufactured in America. For European consumers, the manufacturer uses the Swissgear brand.
Xiaomi
Want your suitcase to follow you on its own? With Xiaomi, it’s possible. The company turns everything it touches into a “smart” gadget, and luggage is no exception. Most Xiaomi products are equipped with useful additional devices that make life for a modern traveler as easy as possible.
The robotic luggage has a built-in camera and several sensors to move after the owner. Thus, the product determines the direction and speed of the owner’s movement. For the device to work, charging is required. However, in addition to battery consumption for movement, the suitcase will charge the owner’s gadgets in the future. One charge is enough for 20 kilometers of travel.
The suitcase is made of the most modern materials. Its three-layer composite shell with a honeycomb structure resists shocks, scratches, and temperature changes. The paint remains bright even in sunlight, and even fire can’t reach the interior compartments.
The rubber wheels rotate 360 degrees and are virtually silent. The anodized aluminum handle can withstand heavy loads without sagging, allowing you to fit extra luggage. TSA locks make it easy to get through customs. The interior is divided into two zones by zippered dividers. Additional pockets for gadgets are built into each zone, so they are in the center of the suitcase and protected from shaking and bumps of soft objects.
Each suitcase is available in several sizes and colors.
Other Brands
Among others, many fashion houses and car manufacturers produce luggage. Their models are also worthy of attention and are characterized by decent quality. Michael Kors, Audi, Vivienne Westwood, BMW, and Guess designer models stand out for their individuality. They attract attention with their shapes and colors. Car brands prefer the most modern materials, ensuring suitcases’ high durability.