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The Best Luggage Brands — And Their Best Products, Too

If you’re in the market for an upgrade, a new check-in bag, or perhaps your first set, then browse the best luggage brands.

best luggagesGear Patrol
Monica Mendal Kevin Cortez

By Monica Mendal, Kevin Cortez, and Adam Hurly

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So much importance is placed on your outfits when packing for trips that you often forget to consider the most important item of all: your luggage. Luggage is undoubtedly the most necessary investment for travelers, yet it’s frequently overlooked. Look at it this way: do you really want to deal with a flimsy zipper or broken wheels when racing to your connection at JFK? Or when your iPhone dies on your train to Rome, wouldn’t it be nice to have a suitcase with a built-in portable charger? (Yeah, that exists––where have you been?)

It’s okay, we get it. With so many options in the market today, deciding which brand is right for you can feel more overwhelming than trip planning, so you’ve given up altogether. Fret not, we’ve got you covered.

Products in the Guide

  • Best Overall: Horizn Cabin M5

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  • Best Check-In: Horizn H&

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  • Best Affordable: Herschel Heritage Hardshell Suitcase

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  • Best Affordable Duffle: Outfitter 30L Duffle

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  • Best Compact Overhead Luggage: Montblanc MY4810 Light Cabin Compact Luggage

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  • Montlanc Meisterstuck Soft Grain Small Duffle

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Types of Luggage

Carry-On

By now, you should know that a carry-on is a must. No matter where you’re headed or for how long, traveling with a carry-on is the easiest way to get around. You never have to worry about waiting in long bag check lines between connecting flights or the airline losing your luggage. It’s simple and by far, the best way to travel. Besides, you know you always wear less than you pack.

Checked Bag

A checked bag is reasonable if you’re traveling for an extended period of time– let’s say, a month or longer. Or if you’re headed on a ski trip or cold weather destination, this will inevitably require more space due to bulkier sweaters and coats. We’ll let you off easy here and allow you the option of a checked bag,judgment-free. Look for lightweight ones or those closer to the ground for better balance and mobility.

Backpacks

Many Gear Patrol staffers trust backpacks over suitcases for short trips. In fact, they’d argue you don’t need a carry-on, just a checked bag, and that some backpacks can take their place.

Duffle Bags, Weekenders

Suitcases aren’t the only luggage to consider when planning your investment. You’ll also want to look into a brand with duffles or weekender bags for short weekend getaways or to use as your personal item in addition to your suitcase. For this, consider bags with a trolley sleeve or padded laptop compartment. Or maybe a separate shoe compartment to keep things nice and tidy. Organization, comfort and easy access are the three key pillars to consider when choosing your personal item.

Pet Carrier

Traveling with a pet? Tons of luggage brands are designing stylish pet carriers for your furry friends that are as comfortable for them as for you to tote around. Seriously, they’ve thought of everything– from side pockets for treats, washable liners, interior leash compartments, and of course, mesh panels for airflow.

Choosing the Right Material

Material is another factor to examine when investing in luggage, with the three most popular being aluminum, polycarbonate or soft shells in either nylon or polyester.

Aluminum

The most durable are hard shells made of either aluminum or polycarbonate. While aluminum suitcases are typically the most sought-after, they’ve become more of a status symbol than anything– thanks to luxury brands like Rimowa or Tumi. While they look great and definitely do their part in protecting your stuff, they’re heavy, expensive and have absolutely no give for the over-packer.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is almost just as durable as an aluminum suitcase (unless you’re planning on running your luggage over with a dumpster truck, your polycarbonate suitcase should be just fine) and can look just as sleek, but it’s lighter weight and more affordable than aluminum, so this would be our pick between the two.

Soft Shell

If you haven’t hopped on the hard shell train, a soft shell, while less durable as it’s typically made of nylon or polyester, can be just as worthy of investment– especially if it comes with a lifetime warranty, as some brands on this list do. There’s also more flexibility in the design of soft-shell suitcases, as many have exterior pockets or offer expandable options.

cabin luggageCourtesy

Best Overall: Horizn Cabin M5

  • Dimensions 15.75 x 21.6 x 9 in.
  • Weight 7.5 lbs.
  • Capacity 33L
  • Warranty Lifetime

The brand’s ol’ reliable remains one of the sleekest, lightweight travel companions. Between the two smooth-as-butter M5 models, we suggest this one with a front-load, water-resistant laptop pocket.

  • Dimensions 20.5 x 30 x 11 in.
  • Weight 10.3 lbs.
  • Capacity 98 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

This large-capacity suitcase is solid for check-ins and international travel. It has a whopping 98 liters of space and it has two mesh dividers to help organize your goods. Grab this for those long travels.

styleKith, Dr. Marten, Herschel

Best Affordable: Herschel Heritage Hardshell Suitcase

  • Dimensions 20.5 x 30 x 11 in.
  • Weight 10.3 lbs.
  • Capacity 98 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

Herschel, a brand better known for its soft-sided bags, debuted a new line of hardshell luggage. It’s simple, sturdy and ready to be stuffed to the brim.

  • Dimensions 11 x 20 x 11.4 in.
  • Weight 3.3 lbs.
  • Capacity 30 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

    Need a duffle bag for your next adventure? Whether it’s the gym or a weekend getaway, Herschel’s Outfitter 30L Duffle bag is large enough to pack everyhing you need, plus a pair of shoes thanks to a zippered compartment. Wear it as a backpack or grip it one-handed.

  • Dimensions 13.8 x 21.6 x 8.27 in.
  • Weight 9.26 lbs.
  • Capacity 34 L
  • Warranty 2-year

One of the few pieces of luggage you can call both lightweight and heavy-duty; the brand’s most core offering still stands out from the crowd. One of its inner sides has a mesh pocket, the other has straps for safekeeping. It comes in blue and black.

Soft-grained cowhide leather provides sturdy but stylish carry-on arm candy.

  • Dimensions 17.91 x 7.68 x 11.61 in.
  • Weight 3.7 lbs.
  • Capacity Unlisted
  • Warranty 2-year

Soft-grained calf-skin leather provides sturdy but stylish carry-on arm candy. It’s also got a lock and key for extra security

  • Dimensions 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 in.
  • Weight 9.5 lbs.
  • Capacity 35 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

The iconic RIMOWA luggage, with its aluminum shell that paved the way for others. (And if fellow travelers don’t know the brand by name, they’ll at least know your taste level at first glance.)

Read our full review of Rimowa’s Carry-On Suitcase.

  • Dimensions 21.7 x 15.4 x 7.9 in.
  • Weight 6.8 lbs.
  • Capacity 34 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

The world’s original polycarbonate suitcase, in a lightweight weekend-sized carry-on. It’s spacious and smart while cutting down unnecessary weight.

  • Dimensions 5.1 x 8.5 x 2.8 in.
  • Weight 1.39 lbs.
  • Capacity 1 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

Never separate from your passport or most valuable totables with this leather-lined and -strapped cross-body bag. (Henceforth it, too, is one of your most valuable totables. Plus—how cute is it?)

bigger carry on aluminum edition blackAway

Best Aluminum Carry-On: Away The Bigger Carry-On – Aluminum Edition

  • Dimensions 21.5 x 13.5 x 9 in.
  • Weight 10.1 lbs.
  • Capacity 35 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

When traveling with Away’s Bigger Carry-On, you feel like you’re gaming the system: Most carry-on luggage fits overhead with room to spare, while this one capitalizes on those extra inches. Plus, this aluminum spin on the product is oh-so sleek.

  • Dimensions 26 x 18.5 x 11 in.
  • Weight 10.8 lbs.
  • Capacity 75.7 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

“Soft-shell” luggage is underappreciated by modern makers, so we were happy to see Away add these water-resistant nylon pieces to their collection. Best of all, it expands to accommodate the souvenirs you accumulate on vacation.

Away The Large SuitcaseAway

Best Check-In for International Travel: Away The Large Suitcase

  • Dimensions 29 x 20.5 x 12.5 in.
  • Weight 12.1 lbs.
  • Capacity 99.2 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

It’s hard to find durable and affordable large check-in bags this big, but that’s precisely what Away is for — much-needed designs for an affordable price. Away claims this suitcase fits 15 to 18 outfits, enough for weeks-long trips or maybe even a month-long stay overseas.

Away F.A.R Duffle 55LAway

Best Affordable Duffle: Away F.A.R Duffle 55L

  • Dimensions 14.2 x 25.6 x 11 in.
  • Weight 2.8 lbs.
  • Capacity 55 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

Padded straps, a trolley sling, an exterior phone pocket and a spacious interior that’ll fit 1-week’s worth of clothes makes this duffle the best option in the market.

bagAway

Best Weekend Trip Bag: Away The Packable Carryall

  • Dimensions 15 x 19.7 x 9 in.
  • Weight 8.8 oz.
  • Capacity 43 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

Water-resistant nylon protects the contents of this carryall, which may start the trip condensed into your bigger luggage. Use it as a beach bag, a laundry lugger, or a last-second carry-on if you overpacked the other bags.

  • Dimensions 15 x 21.7 x 8.3 in
  • Weight Unlisted
  • Capacity 55 L
  • Warranty Repair service only

Taurillon leather and cowhide trim are but two of the details on this b-e-a-utiful luggage, a work of art by industrial designer Marc Newsom. An extra-wide handle frames the backend, too, allowing for flatter, less puzzle-piecey packing.

  • Dimensions 15 x 21.7 x 8.3 in
  • Weight 6 lbs
  • Capacity 55 L
  • Warranty Repair service only

A softer, top-down take on the Horizon 55, with Damier Graphite coated canvas and rollable framework—if you tire from toting the chic-est duffel in the terminal.

  • Dimensions 12.6 x 21.7 x 9.8 in.
  • Weight Unlisted
  • Capacity 36 L
  • Warranty Repair service only

We may have spoke too soon on “chic-est duffel in the terminal”. The competition comes from inside the legendary house, with this Taiga-leather, monogrammed tote.

  • Dimensions 23.0 x 15.0 x 10.3 in.
  • Weight 8.1 lbs.
  • Capacity 47 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

A front-facing pouch holds your laptop and more, while Arlo Skye checks every other box you want in a carry on, from shoe pouches to antimicrobial lining, to removable phone chargers.

  • Dimensions 7.5 x 11 x 10 in.
  • Weight 4.6 lbs.
  • Capacity 36 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

Why aren’t more luggage brands on top of making pet carriers? In addition to looking as lavish as your luggage, this foldable carrier gives your pet 360-degree mesh ventilation, plus a memory foam base.

  • Dimensions 26.5 x 17.7 x 11.0 in.
  • Weight 10.5 lbs.
  • Capacity 69.1 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

An aluminum frame and dual locks protect your valuables, while the design of this one screams “Eat your heart out, Rimowa!”

  • Dimensions 21.85 x 15.35 x 9.05 in.
  • Weight 9.7 lbs.
  • Capacity 41 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

This is the perfect expression of what Floyd represents, no matter the color you choose. (We are fans of the Floyd Gold.)

  • Dimensions 30.70 x 19.88 x 11.42 in.
  • Weight 16.31 lbs.
  • Capacity 95 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

The “Mount Everest of hard-shell suitcases” as the brand describes it, this 82-L Makrolon polycarbonate “trunk” swallows everything in sight.

  • Dimensions 27.55 x 17.72 x 9.85 in.
  • Weight 12.75 lbs.
  • Capacity 61 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

Round out your collection—but get a different color in each piece. You’ll be the best mis-matched traveler at baggage claim.

  • Dimensions 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 in.
  • Weight 8.6 lbs.
  • Capacity 46 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

A detachable strap sleeve stows your laptop, passport, and other necessities, while a 46L shell fits a long weekend’s wardrobe, with room to spare.

  • Dimensions 20.8 x 9.4 x 8.6 in.
  • Weight Unlisted.
  • Capacity 38 L
  • Warranty 5-year

A quick weekend away often begs for a no-frills bag—and July’s doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s got a water-resistant cotton-twill shell and lining, holds 38L, and is detailed with leather trim and straps.

  • Dimensions 18 x 10.5 x 8.5 in.
  • Weight 2.2 lbs.
  • Capacity 28 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

A slightly smaller, more durable spin on the brand’s weekender, for airborne getaways and business travelers alike. A laptop pocket stows your gear, while internal dividers help categorize your carryables.

  • Dimensions 23 x 24.5 x 12 in.
  • Weight 8.8 lbs.
  • Capacity 93 L
  • Warranty Limited 10-year

Easier to maneuver than your usual vertically-designed rollaway bag, the Samsonite Elevation Plus Medium Glider’s square shape gives the bag a lower center of gravity, enabling you to combine the packing space of a checked bag with the ease of a carry-on.

Learn more about the Samsonite Elevation Plus Medium Glider in our dedicated review of this product.

  • Dimensions 11 x 14 x 9 in.
  • Weight Unlisted
  • Capacity 61 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

Unlike most carry-ons, this one’s big on organization with three removable packing items to keep your things compartmentalized inside. Another fun feature is the built-in VisionGuide™ LED lights on the handles to make you more noticeable in a high traffic city after a late flight.

  • Dimensions 26 X 17.5 X 12.5 in.
  • Weight 11.4 lbs.
  • Capacity 77 L
  • Warranty 5-year

For those that need the option for space but aren’t quite sold on a hardshell look, this Tumi style uses the brand’s timeless ballistic nylon and is optimized for space and accessibility with zipper to zipper expansion and a front-lid or split-case zip entry to the main compartment for easy grab and go.

  • Dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 in.
  • Weight 10.7 lbs.
  • Capacity 35 L
  • Warranty 5-year

You can pack or unpack this piece from the top or side—which makes check-in and security a breeze in case you’ve got to take out some electronics or liquids (or excess bulk, which this expandable bag stores with aplomb).

  • Dimensions 22.5 x 14 x 8.5 in.
  • Weight 11.5 lbs.
  • Capacity 35 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

In a sea of similar suitcases, both in material or design, Sterling Pacific’s 35L Cabin Travel Case stands out — and for obvious reasons. But its deviations from the norm, if you will, aren’t without reason. The two-wheel design reduces the number of possible failure points, and the rectangular shape makes it easier to pack.

  • Dimensions 33 x 20 x 9 in.
  • Weight 16.5 lbs.
  • Capacity 80 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

For those who are going the extra (hundreds of) miles, Sterling Pacific also offers an 80-liter version of its iconically stylish suitcase.

  • Dimensions 23 × 15 × 9.5 in.
  • Weight 9.25 lbs.
  • Capacity 43 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

Aluminum-reinforced polycarbonate shells remain lightweight while protecting your valuables—in sleek, zipperless style.

  • Dimensions 30 × 21 × 11 in.
  • Weight 10.58 lbs.
  • Capacity 99.2 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

All the right straps, zippers, pouches, and vegan-leather detailing that you desire in a check-in bag. Your stuff arrives exactly as you packed it, protected by Monos’ picturesque polycarbonate shell.

  • Dimensions 16.3 x 11.2 x 7.2 in.
  • Weight 3 lbs.
  • Capacity 22 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

The Monos Metro Duffel features a 15-inch laptop sleeve and is designed using sleek vegan leather so you can seamlessly transition from the flight to the office without looking like a scrub.

  • Dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 in.
  • Weight 9.2 lbs.
  • Capacity 41 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

    This stylish hard-shell suitcase by Briggs & Riley is designed to carry-on size specifications. It has the flexibility to expand if you end up buying souvenirs for friends and family abroad, though, and ultimately need the extra room.

  • Dimensions 13 x 15.5 x 8.375 in.
  • Weight 6.5 lbs.
  • Capacity 25 L
  • Warranty Lifetime

For all of those quick business trips, this rollaway features a spacious interior and is easy to stash under your seat or in any overhead compartment. Plus Briggs & Riley’s lifetime guarantee makes it a no brainer.

  • Dimensions 12 x 16 x 7 in.
  • Weight 2.1 lbs.
  • Capacity 22 L
  • Warranty 1-year

Ultra lightweight and functional, the Luka duffel features 9 pockets (even a separate one for your kicks), making it the ultimate weekender bag; one that you’ll use on repeat. It also has a trolley sleeve to sit comfortably on any suitcase.

  • Dimensions 21 x 13.5 x 9.5 in.
  • Weight 8.25 lbs.
  • Capacity 45 L
  • Warranty 1-year

If you want to leave the personal item behind and travel as lightly as possible, consider this Calpak carry-on, whose clever design features a hard-sided front compartment with a laptop sleeve to store all of your essentials because less is more when you’re on the go.

  • Dimensions Various
  • Weight 1.8 lbs (altogether)
  • Capacity Various
  • Warranty Lifetime

Any Earth signs reading this? (They’re famously messy.) This 5-piece packing cube set is the ideal solution to keep you organized – even featuring a water-resistant envelope pouch for special items.

  • Dimensions 1 x 11 x 20.5 in.
  • Weight 4.4 lbs.
  • Capacity 43.7 L
  • Warranty 1-year

Leave it to Paravel to design the chicest pet carrier there ever was out of 38 upcycled water bottles. Monogram it with your pet’s name, because they definitely deserve it.

  • Dimensions 9 x 13 x 16 in.
  • Weight 0.63 lbs.
  • Capacity Unlisted
  • Warranty 1-year

    Available in a variety of colors, the fold-up backpack compresses down and zips into a small pouch when not in use. If you need an extra bag for a day trip, you’ll know where to look.

  • Dimensions 12.75 x 10 x 3.75 in. (feach)
  • Weight 4.3 lbs.
  • Capacity Unlisted
  • Warranty 1-year

Once you buy these Paravel compression cubes, you won’t know how you ever lived without them. Each one fits up to 3-6 sweaters to make your winter travels as seamless as possible.

  • Dimensions 21.5 × 14.8 × 9.1 in.
  • Weight 7 lbs.
  • Capacity 37 L
  • Warranty 10-year

Glide into the future using this ultra-secure, ultra-sleek carry-on by Lojel. A large latch, a combination lock and two small latches replaces the usual flimsy zipper you’ll find on most brands, plus the bright color options make it easy to find in a sea of suitcases.

  • Dimensions 25.6 x 17.7 x 11.8 in.
  • Weight 8.6 lbs.
  • Capacity 70 L
  • Warranty 10-year

Optimally designed for small hotel rooms, the Cubo medium uses a flat top system to keep your suitcase compact. And if it’s more interior space you’re after, it also features an expandable body.

  • Dimensions 17 x 11.4 x 6.5 in.
  • eight Unlisted
  • Capacity 18 L
  • Warranty 5-year

We love a 2-in-1 over here. A backpack for travel days equipped with a sling pouch for exploring the city upon arrival– why didn’t we think of that?

  • Dimensions 19 x 9.8 x 15.7 in.
  • Weight 3.86 lbs.
  • Capacity 49 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

This stylish weekender bag with a trolley sleeve also features a leather base compartment that unzips for shoe storage, where you can fit not one but two pairs of kicks.

  • Dimensions 14.5 x 21 x 9.8 in.
  • Weight 8.36 lbs.
  • Capacity 49 L
  • Warranty Limited lifetime

You can’t fully appreciate the cushioned handle on this carry-on until you’ve gripped it gliding through a crowded terminal. Trust us when we tell you it’s a feature you never knew you needed.

  • Dimensions 9.1 x 13.8 x 21.7 in
  • Weight 7.3 lbs.
  • Capacity 37 L
  • Warranty 11-year

A follow-up to the Spectra 2.0, this spacious and convenient carry-on also happens to be the proud recipient of a 2022 Red Dot Design Award — and that’s nothing to scoff at.

  • Dimensions 18.1 x 11.4 x 27.2 in.
  • Weight 8.7 lbs.
  • Capacity 74 L
  • Warranty 11-year

Two divider walls keep your preciously packed things precisely as-is. A lightweight, sturdy frame protects your valuables without subtracting from your checked-in weight limit.

Muji Adjustable Handle Hard Carry Suitcase 36LCourtesy

Best Minimalist Suitcase: Muji Adjustable Handle Hard Carry Suitcase 36L

  • Dimensions 21.3 x 14.6 x 9.4 in.
  • Weight 6.4 lbs.
  • Capacity 36 L
  • Warranty 2-year

A larger-than-most carry-on that remains lightweight. Classic MUJI minimalism and functionality at accessible price points.

Muji Adjustable Handle Hard Carry Suitcase 88LCourtesy

Best Minimalist Check-In: Muji Adjustable Handle Hard Carry Suitcase 88L

  • Dimensions 29.5 x 19.3 x 11.4 in.
  • Weight 10.6 lbs.
  • Capacity 88 L
  • Warranty 2-year

This Muji suitcase is suitable for a week of travel and features a wheel lock function so you won’t worry about it rolling away.

  • Dimensions 22 x 16.5 x 9 in.
  • Weight 7.9 lbs.
  • Capacity 42 L
  • Warranty 5-year

This ultralight carry-on will feel featherweight to frequent flyers, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on space.

  • Dimensions 17 x 14.8 x 30 in.
  • Weight 11.6 lbs.
  • Capacity 88 L
  • Warranty 2-year

You can fit a lot of junk in this polycarbonate trunk, to the tune of 100L (!).

  • Dimensions 18 x 13 x 3.5 in.
  • Weight 5.6 lbs.
  • Capacity 12.5 L
  • Warranty 2-year

Bring back the suitcase for work and business travel, and make it this sleek aluminum one.

  • Dimensions 16.5 x 22 x 8.25 in.
  • Weight 9.25 lbs.
  • Capacity 40 L
  • Warranty 5-year

This carry-on showcases the brand’s signature styling, with Vulcanized fiberboard and leather detailing, and stuns with its gold-on-black-on-black blocking.

  • Dimensions 18.8 x 29.9 x 10.23 in.
  • Weight 13 lbs.
  • Capacity 83 L
  • Warranty 5-year

“Is that Globe-Trotter, in Centenary Green?” someone will ask you with a shimmer in his eye. It’s like spotting a Rolls Royce in the wild.

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