TRAVEL IS in full force, and whether you’re gearing up for a family road trip, a quick weekender getaway, or finally taking that overseas vacation you’ve been saving your precious PTO for, you’ll need the proper luggage to get you through it all. But choosing the best luggage is not always as easy as it seems. The variety of options on the market can make shopping for a new large suitcase or carry-on feel like driving through a dark tunnel without a navigation system. But this guide will help shine a light on your trek, aiding you in choosing the right luggage for you and your budget.
No matter if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all carry-on or an entire stylish luggage set, these are the best luggage brands on the market that will get you cruising from point A to point B—without the hassle or stress of schlepping that raggedy, old case in the back of your closet. Plus, many of them contain travel accessories and laptop bags to keep you moving and organized during all facets of your trip.
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Ahead, you’ll learn all that the 20 best luggage brands have to offer, all at a variety of price points, highlighting each brand’s star products and best uses to help you choose the ideal suitcase or luggage set that fits your lifestyle, as well as editor-tested favorites.
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Best Overall Luggage Brand: Samsonite
Cons
- Might want to go for a tougher suitcase if traveling multiple times a month (like traveling for business)
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Both |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Samsonite makes the best affordable suitcases and luggage sets in our eyes. While the brand is in just about every major department store, the best place to buy Samsonite luggage is on Amazon. The retailer carries some of Samsonite’s highest-rated products that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. You can score an entire hard-sided set for under $300 or shop the brand’s durable nylon singles. The items might not be as lightweight and advanced as some of the others, but if you’re a few-times-a-year traveler, you will get enough bang for your buck with Samsonite luggage.
What buyers say: “I have one large Samsonite hard-sided suitcase I refer to as my give-zero-f*cks luggage because no matter how I mistreat it, from accidentally dropping down flights of stairs to slamming the trunk lid on it, the case has the durability to withstand it all. I know a lot of people who are a bit too precious with their suitcases, but I appreciate any luggage that can take a beating due to my clumsy mishaps and protect my pricey valuables inside, – Adam Mansuroglu, former Senior Style & Commerce Editor
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Best Hardside Luggage: AWAY
Cons
- Popular colors and styles sell out fast
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Hardside |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
You must be living under a rock if this is your first time hearing about the magic that is AWAY luggage. The simple-yet-modern design makes you actually love to carry the brand’s bags. AWAY’s claim to fame comes from the brand’s built-in battery packs that can power up your devices. The carry-on sizes come in a traditional option and a bigger carry-on for certain airlines that allow it. The brand also innovated on its hard-sided luggage collection, and now makes a full line of soft-sided durable ballistic nylon and outer pocket additions.
What buyers say: “I’m a big fan of AWAY luggage! The brand’s pieces are thoughtfully designed with great attention to detail for travelers looking to commute with ease. The interior of the suitcase has a streamlined design, which offers ample space to fit all your necessary items in an uncluttered and organized way. Plus, AWAY’s suitcases are extremely lightweight, so you can easily maneuver to and from your destination without pulling your muscles or overexerting unnecessary energy—to me, that kind of ease is invaluable (at a price that’s very fair).” – Ted Stafford, Fashion Director
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Best Softside Luggage: YETI
Cons
- No hardside cases, have to worry about your bag getting pressed down when checking or storing in overhead compartments.
- Softside designs are not like traditional softside suitcases
| Price ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or softside? | Softside |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Calling all gearheads! If you’re an adventure traveler, YETI has your back (literally, with the brand’s first Crossroads backpack series). In this line of luggage, you’ll find dry bags for white water rafting, carryalls, and classic rolling luggage and duffels that can withstand just about anything without showing much wear and tear. These bags are made for utility and function with a willingness to get tossed around and dirty with an easy clean. Most are water-resistant while some styles are completely waterproof.
What buyers say: “This is a beast of a bag. Has plenty of compartment and storage. Went on a week ski trip and managed to stash everything but my board. Helmets, boots, full ski suit. It even comes with a small and medium packing cube,” said one YETI reviewer.
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Best Luggage Sets: COOLIFE
Cons
- Colors prone to scratching and wearing off
- Not ideal if you’re frequently traveling for business
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or softside? | Hardside |
| Warranty | 2 years |
COOLIFE prides itself on constant innovation. The company was started in the ’80s and has evolved to be as modern and relevant as today’s big players, like AWAY and Calpak. The aesthetic is quite similar to such brands, with minimally-hued hardshell cases that protect your precious goods and spin nicely. While you don’t get the popular brand name, you will get a far better price point, (we’re talking under $200 for a two-piece set), making COOLIFE luggage a major bang for the buck you’re spending. Plus, the Amazon reviews on COOLIFE luggage are exceptional. The three-piece set has over 1,000 five-star reviews. Check out some top-rated styles, below including everything from their best-selling hardshell colors to a soft rolling duffle.
What buyers say: “When I found this set I decided to give it a try. It cost less than a single suitcase in other stores. They are attractive, sturdy and lightweight. The set includes perfect sizes with the largest being expandable. Don’t hesitate to buy these when you need luggage,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Best Luggage for Long Trips: TravelPro
Cons
- Not as style-forward as some might like
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Softside |
| Warranty | 10 years |
What would a best luggage guide be without TravelPro? The legacy brand has been a longtime favorite of frequent travelers, soft luggage fans, and, yes, even pilots and flight attendants. TravelPro sets are wallet-friendly and its bags are constructed with quality and functionality in mind (we especially love how durable the 360-wheels and handles are on its pieces). It might not be the most flashy brand, but there’s something to be said for how sharp an all-black luggage set looks.
What buyers say: “Great carry-on suitcases. Starting off with a very light weight and durable suitcase. Great spinner wheels. The suitcase fits nicely in the over-head. I researched for price and Amazon had the best price,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Best Luggage for Weekend Trips: The North Face
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Both |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Another niche luggage brand pick, North Face makes a few pieces of luggage better than anyone. The brand’s best type of luggage? Duffle bags. You’ve probably seen their famous Base Camp duffle bag waiting for flights, as their signature TNF Red and Summit Yellow colors dominate your brain’s focus when gazing upon the sea of neutral-colored suitcases.
What buyers say: “This bag is excellent! Recently I have been using it as my snowmobile bag. It is large enough to fit my monosuit, helmet, and boots, with plenty of other gear and layers. I also enjoy how small it packs downs, which is nice when you have storage problems in a small place when not in use.” said one The North Face reviewer.
Best Rugged Luggage: Filson
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Softside |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Filson has captured the hearts of travelers who love timeless rugged design. While the Seattle brand doesn’t carry any hard luggage, Filson does make some grade-A soft luggage. Everything from their duffle bags to messenger bags is perfect for short trips and for carry-on duties. The initial investment is a pretty penny, we know, but the quality materials of USA-sourced leather and canvas mean your bags are going to last a long long time (and look better with every new sign of wear and tear).
What buyers say: “Love this duffle. Using it on a 10-day trip to Europe in winter. Paired it up with a carry-on and this was perfect to fit bulkier items like boots, sweaters, and jackets. Easy to carry around between cities and train stations. Quality in zippers, leather, and fabric is exceptional and can see this duffle passing down generations,” said one Filson reviewer.
Best Luggage for Apple AirTag Users: Samsara
Samara’s luggage pieces are as sleek and stylish as they come. And while they look beautiful from a design standpoint, the one area that deserves recognition is their high level of functionality. We’re talking about a strong aluminum frame, 360-degree spinner wheels, and telescopic handles. Plus, all Samsara luggage comes with Tag Smart, which is a unique design configuration made in the luggage to allow for easy placement of your Apple AirTag. Pretty cool, we know.
What buyers say: “Right now, there’s no other brand making such a well design AirTag holder for keeping tabs on its suitcase. The built-in portable charger on the carry-on is also easy-to-use and comes in clutch,“ – John Thompson, Gear and Commerce Editor
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Best Golf Luggage: OGIO
OGIO can transport a wardrobe quite well, but what the brand is truly exceptional at is transporting gear. Whatever equipment you might want to take with you on your next big trip, an OGIO bag will work as a checked luggage option to get your prized possessions from point A to point B. This prior notion is especially true when it comes to traveling with golf clubs, as pieces like their ALPHA Travel Cover help you roll your clubs through a terminal without any snagging or other inconveniences.
What buyers say: “Great product to carry clubs. Kept everything safe and has lockable zippers,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Best Compact Luggage Design: Monos
You’re probably going to be most impressed by Monos on this list. The Canadian brand makes luggage with a cool minimalist aesthetic that is efficient in packing space thanks to organized internal compartments and packing cubs. It seems as if the brand has thoroughly thought of every travel hiccup and created its products to solve those common issues. The Monos carry-on features a fold-out tech pocket that doesn’t compromise the unbreakable aluminum and polycarbonate hybrid shell. The result of all of this: durable aluminum, lightweight polycarbonate, and soft-sided organization features. Plus, the wheels are virtually noiseless, and the brand’s accessories snap perfectly into place among the entire line of luggage. It all looks and feels expensive, probably because it isn’t cheap—but it will make your travel dreams so much better.
What buyers say: “This is the perfect carry-on. The front pocket is a great addition to the bag for quick access to your travel essentials. It fits your laptop, cords, portable chargers, wallet, passport and a ton more. This way you don’t have to carry a personal item.” said one Monos reviewer.
Best Luggage for Business Travel: Tumi
Tumi is for the slick traveler on the move that appreciates design as much as they do function. Tumi is the industry standard when it comes to testing, so you know a piece of Tumi luggage is well worth the investment.
What buyers say: “I’ve had my Tumi 19 Degree carry-on case for a few years now. Whenever I want to feel a bit fancier and pretend like I live that jet-set life, I make sure to carry that silver stunner. But it not only looks sleek and stylish—it can hold a surprising amount of shoes for a fashion editor who can’t seem to ever travel light.” – Adam Mansuroglu, former Style & Commerce Editor
Best Investment Luggage: Rimowa
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Hardside |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
For over 120 years, RIMOWA has been making hard-sided luggage, first starting with wooden suitcases and then moving to sturdy aluminum bags. Now, RIMOWA uses ultra-lightweight polycarbonate in its bags. The brand is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Though they come in at a luxury price point, these bags will last for well over a decade. The hard-sided shell might look intimidating at first, but once you feel how lightweight and easy this is to the wheel, you’ll wonder why you haven’t invested in it sooner.
What buyers say: “On our first trip using this suitcase, my entire family fought over who got to roll the Rimowa because it was just SO MUCH LIGHTER and maneuverable than our other suitcases. It’s sleek, sturdy, light and has great details and added features.” said one Nordstrom reviewer.
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Best Style-Forward Luggage: July
July is another luggage brand that’s made a splash in recent years. Their attention to detail in design, combined with their stylish silhouettes, has brought forth a line of pieces that look great standalone and even better together. July luggage comes in a ton of colors and, best of all, they offer small personalization services like monogramming and images of your pets. What’s that? Did we just catch your attention, pet parents?
What buyers say: “The suitcase packed a lot of clothes very nicely. I traveled all through the Middle East, France, and Amsterdam. It rolls so easily it rolls so easily it made the whole trip quite enjoyable. It seems very sturdy, and it is great looking,” said one July reviewer.
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Most Customizable Luggage: Roam
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Hardside |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
If you’re looking for unique luggage that will stand out in baggage claim, look no further. Not only are Roam‘s designs multi-colored, the brand even offers the option to make it uniquely yours in their own design studio. Roam makes the best-checked luggage for that reason along with being light in weight, easy to wheel around, and extra secure with a locking system. The carry-on might look small, but it can actually fit more inside it than most others on this list. The only con is that it comes without outer organizational pockets.
What buyers say: “I was an early adopter of the Roam Journey. I traveled all over the world with it. It is light weight and the customization options really make it pop on the conveyor belt. No more episodes of other people accidentally grabbing my mundane black bag,” said one Roam reviewer.
Best Luggage for Organized Packers: Calpak
Cons
- Rolling wheels could be constructed better
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Hardside |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Calpak’s popularity is right up there with AWAY’s. But a major difference is the organizational approach to each brand’s luggage. Almost all of Calpak’s luggage has separate sleeves for shoes, zip pockets for smaller items, compartments for magazines, and straps to hold it all in place. Plus, they make some of the best matching luggage sets around, including a full line of accessories that make packing easier. As someone who used to frequently sit on my suitcase to close it, I can confidently say that Calpak has turned me into an efficient packing pro. I use the brand’s packing cubes and organizers to categorize my items. The suitcases are deep, roomy, and keep me organized at all times.
What buyers say: “Every detail is nicer than my last piece of luggage. From the wheels moving easier and cutting down on my arm fatigue, to room for my laptop and a unique color that can’t be mistaken for anyone else luggage…” said one Calpak reviewer.
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Best Luggage for Transporting Gear: Thule
For over 75 years, Thule has been a leader in gear-specific luggage that comfortably and efficiently houses the most precious goods of any adventure enthusiast (think camera equipment and outdoor equipment). More recently the brand emerged into a greater space of protective luggage that is rugged, versatile, and easy to transport. Thule is all about efficiency—whether it’s a duffle bag on wheels, a carry-on-style travel backpack, or smart organization systems through lightweight and comfortable materials.
What buyers say: “The durable Subterra Wheeled Duffle Bag is a jack of all trades, with separate compartments and a handy zipper system that allows you to choose between one big piece of luggage or two smaller pieces.” -Brett Williams, Fitness Editor
Most Creative Luggage Designs: Bric
| Price Point ($-$$$) | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hardside or Softside | Hardside |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
Bric is constantly doing fun and inventive collabs that look great. We like their luggage to Porsche collection (yes, as in the car brand), as it mirrors that same level of sexy: a sleek technical design with flashy, fast features. The hard-sided items are made of an extremely lightweight polycarbonate that is flexible, resistant, and their products come with a charging USB connection. Each piece has leather handles that marry the worlds of high-tech innovation and timeless style.
What buyers say: “Has very spacious luggage for a weekend or business trip. Really impressed by the colors and the overall material quality. Definitely recommended,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Best Use of Luggage Packing Cubes: Paravel
Paravel makes some of the best luggage sets in the game. And by set, we mean the entire system. Each size suitcase is made specifically for its packing cubes, so all of your goods can seamlessly sit happily next to one another. Plus, the brand is one of the most sustainable luggage brands on the market, making most of its pieces from recycled polycarbonate. From hard shell carry-ons to backpacks, tote bags, and more, you can outfit your accouterments with custom monogramming in their classic, sophisticated line of travel gear.
What buyers say: “Beautiful quality. Perfect size. Great wheels. Stylish too. Nothing compares,” said one Paravel reviewer.
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Best Luggage for Parents: Briggs & Riley
Briggs & Riley makes our list as the best luggage for families. Their sets are full of organizational pockets that can keep everyone’s accouterments organized on the road. Their soft-sided suitcases come highly rated by thousands of customers, especially noting small details, like extra straps for carrying, expandable sections, and multiple inner and outer pockets.
What buyers say: “Great quality. Glides easily. Light and functional,” said one Briggs & Riley reviewer.
Most Fun Luggage Designs: Kipling
Kipling is one of the only expressive luggage brands that doesn’t compromise its quality You’ll find fun styles and colors that set your bags apart from the rest to channel creativity and personal style. These bags are made for all types of weather and are extra roomy for over-packers.
What buyers say: “Suitcases are lightweight, have great compartment space, easy to roll and I love my embroidered monogram,” said one Kipling reviewer.
How to Find the Right Luggage
Like your favorite pair of jeans, your favorite piece of luggage is going to come from a brand that fits your lifestyle. When looking for the best suitcase brand, you’re going to want to write down what quantities you desire in your luggage. Here’s what you should look for:
Frequency of Travel
The right luggage is going to fit how often you travel. If you’re only going out of town a handful times a year, then you don’t necessarily need to splurge on a super expensive suitcase or suitcase set. In fact, we’d recommend going for a wallet-friendly suitcase or set from brands like Samsonite or Coolife if you’re not traveling that often, as these brands will hold up for years with light to medium use and not cost you very much up front. If you’re traveling a lot (for pleasure, business, or both) then you’re going to probably want to lean towards making an investment on a piece of luggage that’s made to handle continuous wear and tear.
How You Travel
After estimating how much you will be traveling throughout the year, you can start to write down your travel habits, or how you travel. Do you pack heavy or pack light? What features do you want or need? This is where features like TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, special laptop compartments, built-in portable chargers, and more are to be considered.
For example, if you prioritize keeping your laptop and electronics protected, you will want to aim for a hardside suitcase. The strong outer shell will make sure your valuables stay safe from getting smushed or tossed around. Another example: if you like to shop while traveling, like buying souvenirs or new clothes, you’re going to want a softside suitcase. A softside can be packed heavy, as it will expand much more than a hardside, thus ensuring every item you bring back makes it home. These are just a couple of examples of how people travel, but the big picture is you want to think about your habits and what you value most when getting from point A to point B.
Price Point
You also want to consider how much you are willing to pay on your suitcase. Some suitcase brands are expensive because they get grouped into high fashion, but suitcases can also be expensive because they’re known to last a long time (it’s worth mentioning the best luggage brands have a kind of timeless style attributed to them). A few of the best suitcase brands that require a significant investment include: RIMOWA, Tumi, and Filson.
If your looking for the suitcase brands that provide the best overall value (for the price you pay), consider makers like Samsonite, TravelPro, and CooLife.
Type of Warranty
Lastly, take note of each luggage brand’s warranty. A warranty will help get your suitcase replaced or fixed should it have any issues (like a broken off wheel or damaged handle). Most luggage brands have pretty good warranties these days (usually 5-10 years) but the best warranty you can get on a suitcase is a lifetime warranty. Warranties can be huge for frequent travelers, as your suitcase will wear down with high usage. If you are a frequent traveler, or if you’re someone who simply wants the best warranty you can get, go with a suitcase that has a lifetime policy. Premium luggage brands are more likely to have lifetime warranties, so this can be another benefit as to going up and investing in an expensive suitcase.
Is Hardside or Softside Luggage Better?
The most popular luggage comes in either a hard-sided or soft-sided structured bag. Like mentioned earlier, the pros and cons of both depend on what you prioritize when you pack. Soft-sided luggage typically has more room for movement, more organizational pockets, and can compress to fit into tight spaces (like the overhead of an airplane). They open with a top flap zip, placing the bulk of storage at the bottom. Softside luggage offers more packing room, but it can throw off the balance of your goods when it’s tossed around and stowed away by airline employees. Basically, soft-sided luggage does not provide as much protection as hard-sided bags—but they are roomier.
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Due to advances in making polycarbonate more durable and lighter, hard-sided bags started gaining popularity in the past few years Hardside luggage features a 50/50 split opening (also called a book opening), making each side an equal stabilizer with an outer shell of hard protection. Polycarbonate shells are typically better for business travel. They stack easily but are usually rigid with zero room to expand like a soft-sided bag. The latest hard-sided bags look sleeker and are easier to clean and move—but they require you to be more strategic in your packing.
Other features that you’ll want to consider are weight and wheel-ability. Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with four spinner wheels that can swivel 360 degrees to make rolling around the airport, pavement, or hotel floor a breeze.
How Much Should I Pay for a Good Suitcase?
The range on how much or little you can pay for luggage is about as wide as you can imagine. You can pay up to $1,000 for a suitcase and you can pay under $100 for a suitcase, but even though these prices may be telling it’s important to understand the best luggage brands exist in all different tiers of pricing.
We took an exceptionally close at price point when curating our favorite luggage brands above. You will notice each brand we rated on a price point scale of $-$$$, the singular “$” meaning it’s a more affordable brand, while the “$$$” meaning a more expensive luggage brand. If we had to put a price range on how much you should pay for a good suitcase, a solid range is between $200-$600. If you get any lower than $150 for a suitcase, the chances are it won’t hold up as well as you’d like. If you pay anything more than $600, you’re likely going to be paying up for the name that’s on the suitcase.
There are, of course, a few exceptions to buying expensive luggage, especially when buying from any of the legacy brands we listed above. The premium brands we like (Rimowa, Tumi, and Filson) certainly require a significant investment up front, but if you consider how long their suitcases last, and how each one combines the best qualities of function and style together, it’s perfectly reasonable to make a splurge purchase on a good suitcase from a brand that’s widely trusted.
How We Selected
For the past three years, Men’s Health editors and writers have been trying and testing hundreds of luggage brands. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated luggage brands based on their durability, style, price point, and overall value. We also considered luggage brands that had high consumer praise on e-commerce sites we trust.
Deputy Editor, Commerce
As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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