We want to share our knowledge of the best checked luggage of 2023—something every traveller has on their wish list. Hopefully, this guide will help you to make travel easier.
Whether you’ve experienced the dread of a broken zipper minutes before check-in or marvelled at a fellow traveller’s sleek, seemingly indestructible suitcase, you know that not all luggage is created equal.
This guide aims to be your compass in navigating the labyrinth of choices, focusing on durability, style, and functionality. Rest assured, every luggage mentioned here has undergone rigorous real-world testing and scrutiny.
Top Picks for 2023
Methodology
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s talk methodology. Each piece of luggage was put through a series of tests that evaluated durability, style, and functionality. We also scoured user testimonials and expert quotes to ensure our recommendations are theoretically sound and practically proven.
Best Hard-Sided: RIMOWA Original Check-In L
For the hard-sided options, the RIMOWA Original Check-In L stands out for its iconic aluminum suitcases. These cases are not just durable but also hard-wearing travel essentials.
They’re lightweight but durable, strong but also smooth to roll. User testimonials often highlight its durability and stylish design. It’s the epitome of what hard-sided luggage should be—resilient yet elegant.
Best Soft-Sided: Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch Check-In Expandable Spinner
Suppose you’re in the market for soft-sided luggage. In that case, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch Check-In Expandable Spinner is a top contender.
This luggage is made from high-quality materials and withstand rough handling and travel conditions. It’s lightweight and easy to carry or lift. The smooth manoeuvrability comes from its multi-wheel system and integrated handles.
What sets it apart is its Lifetime Warranty, which covers the cost of repair and shipping if needed.
Best Lightweight: Db Hugger Roller Bag 90L/27.5-inch
For those who pack heavily but want to avoid the added weight of the luggage itself, the Db Hugger Roller Bag 90L is a godsend.
This bag is recommended for trips longer than two weeks, especially when packing winter gear. However, be cautious as it’s sometimes marked as “oversized baggage,” incurring extra costs.
Its minimalist compartments are ideal for storing and accessing clothes, making it a functional choice for the long-haul traveller.
Best Large: LOJEL Cubo Large
If size matters to you, the LOJEL Cubo Large is your go-to. Made from lightweight polycarbonate, it’s built for a lifetime but still light enough to pick up comfortably. It comes with a 10-year warranty and has a retro-cool feel with a slightly masculine edge, appealing to both men and women.
Affordable and Durable: Amazon Basics 26-Inch Hardside Spinner
Budget-conscious travellers, rejoice! The Amazon Basics 26-inch Hardside Spinner offers features similar to high-end suitcases but at a fraction of the cost—less than $70 per 26-inch piece. The bag’s interior is fully lined, making it easy to pack and comfortable for travel.
Stylish and Spacious: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
For those who want to make a style statement without compromising on space, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage is a perfect choice. Known for its sturdy design and great features, this spinner-style case is easy to move around. It’s available in three sizes: 20, 24, and 28 inches, catering to various travel needs.
The Travelpro® x Travel + Leisure® Slim Backpack: Your Stylish Sidekick
Ah, the eternal quest for the perfect backpack—stylish yet practical, durable yet chic. Enter the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Slim Backpack, a game-changer that’s as versatile as your playlist.
Made with high-density, textured fabric and a DuraGuard coating, this backpack laughs in the face of stains and scoffs at abrasions. Leather trims? They’re not just eye candy; they’re your comfort zones.
QuickSlip front pocket with magnetic closure? Check. Multiple exterior pockets? Double-check. It’s like having a personal valet but without the awkward small talk.
Inside, a padded sleeve cradles your up-to-15.6-inch laptop like a firstborn. Additional pockets? They’re the Marie Kondo of backpacks—everything has its place.
The rear strap? Think of it as your backpack’s handshake with your Rollaboard. TSA lock? The bouncer lets only the VIP (Very Important Personnel) in.
In just 70 words: This backpack is your go-to for style and substance, from its tough-yet-chic fabric to its valet-like pockets and tech-savvy interior. It’s the ultimate travel buddy, making airport navigation a breeze. So go ahead, make it your daily companion or your globetrotting sidekick. It’s up for the adventure, are you?
Best Duffel Bag: BRIC’S X-Bag 28-inch Rolling Duffle Bag
For those who prefer the flexibility of a duffel bag, the BRIC’S X-Bag 28-inch Rolling Duffle Bag is a top pick.
Made from 100% polyamide fabric, it’s PVC coated and water-proof treated. The handles and details are made from vegetable-tanned leather, and the lining is polyester, making it a stylish yet functional choice.
Best Wardrobe: Briggs & Riley Baseline Deluxe Wardrobe Spinner
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to have a place for everything and everything neat and organized, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Deluxe Wardrobe Spinner is for you.
This extra-spacious suitcase is designed for easy packing and transport, featuring multiple compartments and pockets for all wardrobe items. The zip-around closure features self-repairing YKK zippers with lockable double pulls, and an included TSA cable combination lock keeps your possessions extra secure.
Best for Adventure: Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L
The adventurers’ go-to luggage is the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L. Designed to withstand the rigours of the great outdoors while offering ample space, this bag is as rugged as they comes.
A bag that’s not just a bag but a weather-resistant fortress on wheels? Meet the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L. This gear hauler effortlessly glides through airports and laughs in the face of rainstorms.
Crafted from 100% recycled materials, it’s the Leonardo DiCaprio of luggage—charming and eco-conscious. Fair Trade Certified™? You bet. This bag’s got ethics stitched into every seam.
Unzip its cavernous main compartment and behold—a universe for your belongings. Toss in that extra pair of socks; there’s room for small luxuries here. And for your keys or passport? A zippered side pocket plays the perfect host.
Reinforced haul handles and a moulded back panel ensure this bag can take a beating and still come out smiling. It’s like the Rocky Balboa of duffel bags, only more stylish.
Criteria for Selection
Importance of Durability
Durability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline when you’re thousands of miles from home. According to a report by Travel and Leisure, a staggering 24.1 million pieces of luggage were mishandled in 2019 alone. So, what makes for durable luggage? Think of high-quality materials like polycarbonate and ballistic nylon, reinforced corners, materials, and robust zippers. A Briggs & Riley article highlights the evolution of hard shell luggage, which now employs 3-layer, 100% virgin Makrolon® polycarbonate material. This material is high-strength and lightweight, providing elasticity and resiliency. It can withstand anything from rain puddles to being thrown onto the baggage drop. So, when investing in luggage, think of it as buying insurance for everything you’ll pack inside.
Style and Aesthetics
Let’s face it; your luggage is an extension of you. It’s not just about what’s inside; it’s also about how those insides are encased. Whether you’re a minimalist who loves sleek black or a bohemian at heart who prefers vibrant patterns, your luggage can reflect your personality. And let’s not forget, stylish luggage can also be a conversation starter at the baggage claim or even the hotel lobby.
Functionality: The Concept of Travel Ergonomics
Beyond durability and style, functionality is the cornerstone of great luggage. We’re talking about compartments that make sense, wheels that glide like a dream, and handles that feel like an extension of your arm. The concept of “travel ergonomics” encapsulates all these features. It’s the science of making your travel not just tolerable but enjoyable.
Buying Tips: Making an Informed Decision
So, you’ve got your eye on a few options, but how do you make the final call? Here are some tips to guide you through the labyrinth of choices.
Size and Weight
First things first, size does matter! Airlines have strict regulations on the dimensions and weight of checked luggage. Always check the airline’s guidelines before making a purchase. A handy tip is to opt for luggage with an expandable feature, giving you that extra room for those inevitable holiday purchases.
Material Matters
We’ve touched on this before, but it’s worth reiterating. The material of your luggage can significantly impact its durability and weight. Polycarbonate is a popular choice for hardshell cases, offering a good balance of durability and lightness. For softshell options, ballistic nylon is your best bet.
Lock it Up
Security should never be compromised. Always opt for luggage with TSA-approved locks. TSA agents can open these locks using a master key, ensuring your bag can be checked without damaging the lock or the load.
Test the Waters
Give your shortlisted options a test run at the store if that is an option. Wheel them, open and close the zippers, and adjust the handles. Hands-on experience can go a long way in making an informed decision.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Travel Companion Awaits
There you have it, folks—the ultimate guide to the best checked luggage 2023. Whether you’re a luxury seeker, a budget traveller, or an adventure junkie, there’s something here for everyone. Remember, your luggage is more than just a bag; it’s your travel companion, your confidant, and sometimes, your saviour. Choose wisely, and may your journeys be as smooth as your spinner wheels.
