Sometimes luggage can get pretty beat up with wear and tear over time and doesn’t hold up. That’s why it’s worthwhile to invest in quality luggage brands that will last (and keep your stuff protected on the go).
We love traveling, and we’ve done our fair share of research and have quite a bit of experience with testing luggage. We reviewed and ranked the best luggage brands on the market with a focus on luggage sets. We used the following criteria: warranty, locks, wheels, straps, compartments, handles, material and more.
Luggage Materials: Polycarbonate vs ABS
Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) are the two most common types of material used to make suitcases. Soft-sided bags are often made from vinyl. Below are some key features of each kind of plastic.
- Polycarbonate is more flexible than ABS, therefore it has higher impact resistance and is a stronger suitcase
- ABS suitcases are generally less expensive than polycarbonate
- Polycarbonate suitcases are typically lighter weight than ABS
- Polycarbonate can bend and dent and should go back to its original shape
- Polycarbonate is difficult to break
As you can see, polycarbonate suitcases are more desirable than ABS for many reasons. However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive set that you won’t use often, you may want to consider ABS since it’s typically less expensive.
Best Luggage By Set And Type
Our best luggage for travel selections give you some specific options for hardside, softside, and carry-on with pros and cons. This section is followed by general reviews of some top luggage brands.
Hardside: Samsonite Luggage Winfield 2 Fashion HS 3-Piece Set Review
This 3-piece luggage set from Samsonite is made of 100% polycarbonate. This has all of the key features you would want in a luggage set. It has a great 10-year warranty, TSA locks, is scratch proof and more. The only “negative” is that the 20″ spinner does not expand, but you may not need it to.
My husband and I purchased this set before our honeymoon and have loved the bags. I especially like that these bags don’t get “front heavy” and tip over when you’re not holding them up (I’ve had bags that do this and it’s super annoying).
I can also fit a lot more in these bags than I can in other bags of similar sizes. I think it’s because the exterior isn’t as bulky as some other luggage brands. I also like that these nest into one another, so they take up less storage space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Limited 10-year global warranty | 20″ spinner does not expand |
| TSA locks | |
| 4 multi-directional spinner wheels | |
| Cross straps and divider on the interior | |
| Expands for additional packing (24″ & 28″) | |
| Handle on the side to assist in moving the luggage | |
| 100% polycarbonate | |
| Scratch and scuff proof |
Pricing
- For the set – $419.99
Tech Specs
- 20″ spinner – 20″ x 13.5″ x 9.5″; 6.7 lbs
- 24″ spinner – 24″ x 16.25″ x 11.5″; 9.3 lbs
- 28″ spinner – 28″ x 19.75″ x 12.5″; 11.13 lbs
Carry-On: Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside Expandable Luggage Review
This Delsey Paris luggage set is made of 100% polycarbonate material and includes a large, medium and carry-on bag. The 19-inch carry-on has a front pocket that can hold a laptop up to 15.6 inches and other pockets for miscellaneous personal items. The rear compartment can hold clothing, shoes and other personal items.
The 25 and 29-inch suitcases open 50/50 and have tie down straps and a zippered divider compartment. All 3 of the bags expand up to 2 inches. Overall, we like this luggage set a lot, but it didn’t take our top spot because of its higher retail price point and fewer customer reviews.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 10-year warranty | Cannot be shipped to Alaska or Hawaii |
| TSA locks | |
| 4 multi-directional spinner wheels | |
| Cross straps and zippered divider | |
| Expands 2″ for additional space | |
| Handle on side for easy carrying and lifting | |
| 100% polycarbonate | |
| Scratch resistant, matte finish |
Pricing
- 21″ Carry-On – $139.99
Tech Specs
- 19″ Spinner – 19″ x 13″ x 9.75″; 7.9 lbs
- 25″ Spinner – 24.5″ x 17.25″ x 11.5″; 9.9 lbs
- 29″ Spinner – 29.25″ x 19.5″ x 12.5″; 11.7 lbs
Softside: Eagle Creek Tarmac Luggage Review
There are no sets available from Eagle Creek, but by purchasing individually, you can build your own luggage set. These bags are soft-sided, so they’re not made of polycarbonate entirely, but we thought they might appeal to some. Soft-sided bags offer a bit more flexibility with outside pockets.
These bags have exterior pockets to hold items like your laptop for you to quickly access. Bags also have a lifetime warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lifetime warranty | Pricier than the competition |
| 4 multi-directional spinner wheels | No built-in locks |
| Clamshell style with cross straps on one side and zippered compartment on the other | |
| CoatKeeper is built into the smaller front pocket to hold your coat or other item | |
| Zippered pockets are accessible without opening main compartments | |
| Expandable option | |
| Side handles | |
| Larger bags have one side made of 100% polycarbonate |
Top Brands Reviewed
These brands are renown for their history of producing quality products backed by strong warranties. They offer a wide selection of luggage from carry-on to softside, hardside, and various types of travel bags and accessories.
SwissGear | TravelPro | Victorinox
SwissGear Review
SwissGear is known for their ScanSmart (TSA approved) backpacks, but they also make luggage. Their luggage is reasonably priced and similar to the Delsey and Samsonite luggage above. SwissGear luggage only has a 5-year warranty.
Travelpro Review
Travelpro has a nice selection of carry-on, softside and hardside luggage. They also offer backbags and bags that are designed with the traveler in mind. Their large selection, color options, TSA compatibility and tech options (think USB charger) keep customers coming back.
Travelpro offers a lifetime limited warranty that covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for the first 5 years after registration.
Victorinox Review
The Swiss company offers not only high quality watches, cutlery, and of course Swiss Army knives, but they produce some very durable luggage sets as well.
While they don’t have as large a variety of options, nor color choices, their luggage should last you a long time and keep your belongings protected. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the luggage pieces are cleverly designed with handles, straps, and zippers in places that make sense.
How Many Flights Per Day?
More than 45,000 flights are in the air every day in the United States alone. That’s a lot of luggage to keep track of and a lot of movement. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a quality luggage set so you can be more comfortable that your luggage and your belongings will arrive at your destination without getting destroyed.
The Best Way To Pack Your Suitcase
Now that you’ve found the best luggage set for you, it’s time to pack for your trip. Check out this video that shares some tips on how you should fold, roll or bundle your stuff for optimal packing space.
Looking For Carry-On Luggage?
Are you only looking to buy the best carry-on luggage? Check out our best carry-on luggage comparison. And need a little inspiration on where to go on your next vacation? Check out our archives of vacation articles. Ready to pack your bags?
Thanks for the review, this is super helpful as I am in the market to buy new luggage since it’s been ages since I purchased any I didn’t know where to start. I’m seeing a lot more popularity on the hard shell bags but am not quite sold on those yet so glad to see the Eagle Creek bag as an option, especially with the lifetime warranty! Seems like a good fit for me given my style too. Thanks!