What to Consider
Price
You want to consider how much you’re willing to pay for 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 you’re looking for suitcase brands that offer the best overall value (for the price you pay), consider makers like Samsonite, TravelPro, and CooLife.
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 wheel or damaged handle. Most luggage brands have pretty good warranties these days (usually five to 10 years), but the best option is always a lifetime warranty.
Warranties are especially important for frequent travelers, as suitcases wear down faster 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 luggage brand that offers a lifetime policy. Premium luggage brands are more likely to provide lifetime warranties, so this can be another reason to invest in an expensive suitcase.
How We Tested
The editors and writers at Men’s Health are constantly on the go. From working assignments in LA to cruising Antarctica to taking tropical vacations in Madeira, we make it a point to test all the best luggage brands. Over the past four years alone, we’ve tested well over 40 different luggage brands to find the perfect pieces. Plus, we consulted with our style team, led by fashion director Ted Stafford, who have tested every major luggage brand on the market. Here, we bring you the five best luggage brands of 2024 in one clean list, with Victorinox commanding our top spot of the best luggage brand overall due to its outstanding durability, clean design, and wallet-friendly price.
No matter if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all bag or an entire luggage set, these are the best luggage brands on the market that will get you cruising without the stress of schlepping some raggedy old case. Ready to see the list?
“/>
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Cons
- Limited colorways
It turns out the maker of the OG Swiss Army Knife makes some pretty fine luggage, too. After testing dozens of luggage brands across a variety of styles, sizes, and price points over the last few years, Victorinox was an easy pick for us here at Men’s Health as the best overall luggage brand of 2024.
Our team overwhelmingly loved the Airox Advanced collection. The hard-shell style features a rock-solid polycarbonate construction that’s built to last. The sturdy dual-tube telescopic handle and dual-caster spinner wheels make rolling it from A to B a dream, even for long-haul airport treks.
The Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on features a just-right 37-liter capacity that’s versatile enough for all but the longest trips. For lengthier vacations, we also like the Airox Advanced Medium Case and Large Case. These two checked bags offer ample capacity, plus expandable zippered designs for extra souvenirs. Elastic X-shaped compression straps throughout the line-up keep your luggage secure. The Werks Traveler 6.0 Weekender makes an excellent companion (or a great standalone option for overnighters) to any of the above luggage pieces. The design slides neatly over the handles of any standard suitcase, plus the roughly 20-inch length is roomy enough for a laptop, a change of clothes, and all your tech essentials.
We especially love the price point of Victorinox’s midrange luggage line. Nearly every bag is affordable, making it a solid option for both frequent and infrequent travelers. Plus, the brand offers a lifetime warranty on all its travel gear.
Read more: Best Travel Gadgets
| Price ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardsided Available? | Yes |
| Softsided Available? | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Cons
- Only a 1-year warranty
- Mediocre looks feel like a budget luggage set
- Limited color selection compared to more premium brands
Amazon’s in-house Amazon Basics line proves that decent wallet-friendly products don’t have to cost a fortune. So, too, with its collection of luggage. The Amazon Basics 3-Piece Hardside Luggage Set ticks all our must-have boxes, including a solid, scratch-resistant construction, smooth-rolling spinner wheels, and a good mix of suitcase sizes for every type of travel(er)—all at a very approachable price point.
The ribbed hardshell features a comparable design to most other budget luggage brand offerings. It’s clean and simple, if a little too basic. It’s not going to win any design awards, especially compared to the sleek hardshell sets from the likes of Away, Calpak, and Tumi. But, we’ve found the cases hold up reasonably well, even for frequent travelers. Ours have survived dozens of trips with limited scuffs, scrapes, or scratches.
We love the variety of sizes, particularly in this three-piece set. The smallest carry-on is great for weekend trips, the largest checked bag for all-out weeks-long vacations, and the middle is “just right” for everything else. Amazon keeps the interior simple, too, with a few zippered pouches and a compression strap to lock everything down in transit.
There’s nothing ground-breaking about this luggage set. But what truly sets it apart—the reason why we love it so much—is the price-to-feature ratio. It offers everything we need (and recommend for you in a good set of luggage), and nothing we don’t, all at a better price than its competition. Our only real gripe? The sad, one-year warranty is the worst in our roundup of luggage brands. (For a softsided alternative, check out Amazon Basics 3-Piece Softside Luggage Set.)
| Price ($-$$$) | $ |
|---|---|
| Hardsided Available? | Yes |
| Softsided Available? | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Cons
- Most popular styles and colorways sell out fast
You’ve no doubt heard about the magic that is Away luggage. The brand’s simple-yet-modern design makes you actually love to carry its bags. Away’s claim to fame comes from its built-in battery packs that can power up your mobile tech gadgets on the go.
Our Fashion Director, Ted Stafford, is a huge fan of Away due to the brand’s attention to detail in the design process. “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,” says Stafford. “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.”
Our go-to Away luggage is the traditional carry-on option or the Bigger Carry-on, for those airlines that allow it. Both offer plenty of capacity with zero wasted space, plus simple organizational features like interior zippered pockets, compression straps, and slim interior laptop/storage pouches. For longer trips requiring checked baggage, The Medium is our go-to option, while the longest trips of two weeks or more call for the aptly named The Large. Like most of Away’s luggage, it features a featherweight design and 360-degree spinner wheels making for easy transport and long-haul airport treks. We also appreciate the underside grab handle and included laundry bag—both nice-to-have’s.
The brand also innovated on its hardsided luggage collection and now makes a full line of softsided durable ballistic nylon and outer pocket additions. We supplement the above luggage with The Weekender—a just-right duffle with room for a 16-inch laptop, generous interior and exterior storage pockets, and a water-resistant shell.
Read more: Long Flight Essentials
| Price ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardsided Available? | Yes |
| Softsided Available? | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Cons
- Very expensive compared to every other bag we tested
- Should include a lifetime warranty at this price point
Tumi is for the slick traveler who appreciates timeless, luxurious design as much as function. Founded in 1975, every new piece of luggage from the brand helps to solve common travel qualms. Tumi’s carry-on bags and backpacks are made with several easy-access zippered compartments to help breeze through TSA lines, and the brand’s add-a-bag sets are cleverly designed to tote around two to three pieces of luggage at a time with one hand.
Our go-to luggage set from Tumi centers around the International Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry On. For longer trips, we’ll take the Short Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case. Despite the name, it’s perfectly sized for most trips longer than a weekend. Both options offer great interior organizational options, including multiple pockets and compartments to wrangle your clothing and essentials. We pair either or both with Tumi’s Double Expansion Travel Satchel, a versatile 13-inch duffel with a large, expandable center compartment and smaller media and zip pockets for phones, keys, passports, and snacks.
It’s no secret Tumi is one of the most expensive luggage brands. But if you’re willing to splurge, you’ll be happy knowing you’ll have a sleek bag that may be one of the last you ever need to buy.
| Price ($-$$$) | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hardsided Available | Yes |
| Softsided Available | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Calpak’s popularity is right up there with Away. But the major difference is in Calpak’s organizational approach. Almost all of its luggage provides separate sleeves for shoes, zip pockets for smaller items, compartments for magazines, and straps to hold it all in place. For travel organization nerds (like many of us here at Men’s Health) or perennial overpackers, it’s a dream. If you’re someone who has to frequently sit on your suitcase to close it, then opting for Calpak will help turn you into an efficient packing pro. The brand’s packing cubes and organizers are excellent at categorizing items, and the suitcases are deep and roomy.
Plus, Calpak makes some of the best matching luggage sets around, including a full line of accessories that make packing easier. Our go-to pick over the last year has been the Evry Starter Bundle, which includes a carry-on, a large check-in bag, a five-piece packing cube set, and a luggage tag. True to its name, it’s the perfect “starter” pack for anyone looking to upgrade his existing luggage collection. Bonus: We love the handsome retro-modern aesthetic of this set in Pistachio!
Christen Nicole, a FORA Travel Advisor and travel blogger, told us the Astyll 3-Piece Luggage Set has been her go-to for years. “I’ve loved how the polycarbonate shell has kept my belongings secure, and how the spacious interior pocket dividers have kept everything in its place,” she says. When it comes to naming her favorite bag in the set, she finds the carry-on to be the best piece overall due to its combination of generous 45-liter capacity and lightweight (just six pounds!) build.
Calpak’s prices, especially for its luggage sets, make it a great value brand. They often fall on the low side of “midrange,” making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Our only real gripe is that five-year warranty. It’s good, but not great compared to many of the brand’s competitors offering lifetime warranties.
| Price ($-$$$) | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hardsided Available? | Yes |
| Softsided Available? | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Why You Should Trust Us
In order to keep up with new innovations and product releases, Men’s Health editors and writers continually test the latest travel gear, including everything from the best luggage brands. Aside from covering travel gear in our evergreen roundups, we also highlight the best new travel gear in our gift guides and annual Travel Awards.
For luggage brands, in particular, we line up real-world testing opportunities anytime we’re on assignment or traveling for pleasure. Then, we bring the luggage back to our office to thoroughly inspect each bag to determine what design notes surprised us, and what could use more work. We also consider how each luggage brand appeals to specific types of traveler, as opposed to making generic assumptions that every traveler’s needs are the same. We take into account everything from checked bags and carry-ons to duffel bags and travel backpacks. Travelers who come to us will gain a full understanding of the luggage landscape and how it fits their lifestyle.
Read more: Learn How Men’s Health Tests Products
What Else to Consider
Frequency of Travel
The right luggage should fit with how you travel. If you’re only going out of town a handful of times a year, then you may not need to splurge on a pricey suitcase or luggage set. In fact, we’d recommend opting for a wallet-friendly 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 (think: every other month) and save you money upfront. If you’re traveling frequently, say every month, then you’ll probably want to invest in a luggage brand that’s built 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 should be considered.
Another note: If you’re into adventure travel, a bag that’s more flexible, lightweight, and made with weather-resistant materials is your best option.
Is Hardsided or Softsided Luggage Better?
The most popular luggage comes in either a hardsided or softsided structured bag. The pros and cons of both depend on what you prioritize when you pack. Soft-sided luggage typically has more room and flexibility for movement, more organizational pockets, and can compress to fit into tight spaces (like the overhead of an airplane). It usually opens with a top flap zip, placing the bulk of storage at the bottom. Softsided 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, softsided luggage does not provide as much protection as hardsided bags—but it is usually roomier.
Due to advances in making polycarbonate more durable and lighter, hardsided luggage has gained popularity in the past few years. Hardsided 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 softsided bag. The latest hardsided 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 wheelability. Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with telescoping handles and 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?
Luggage brands offer products at a wide variety of price points these days. You’ll find entry-level options from the likes of Amazon Basics for under $100, while ultra-premium brands like Tumi and Rimowa offer suitcases and bags that run well north of $1,000. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to secure a good luggage set.
We looked closely at the price points when curating our roundup of the best luggage brands below. We rated each brand on a price point scale of $-$$$ with a singular “$” meaning it’s the most affordable, budget-friendly brands, while “$$$” indicates a more premium, more expensive alternative. 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 pay 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 shelling out a premium for the nameplate on the side of the suitcase (we’re looking at you, Tumi).
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 upfront. But if you consider how long their suitcases last and how each one combines the best qualities of function and style, it’s perfectly reasonable to splurge on a premium suitcase from a brand that’s widely trusted.
Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Read the full article here