From quick weekend getaways to far-flung adventures across the globe, luggage is an essential travel companion. With so many brands on the market ranging wildly in terms of price, quality and style, choosing the right luggage can be an overwhelming decision.
This definitive guide breaks down the top 10 best luggage brands available today based on key factors travelers should evaluate. We’ll cover luggage highlights for different budgets and needs – from indestructible hardside suitcases built to last to stylish leather weekender bags perfect for short trips. Read on for tips to find your perfect travel match.
History and Reputation
When investing in luggage designed to endure years of travel, travelers should consider each brand‘s legacy and reputation for quality and reliability over time.
Rimowa – Founded in Cologne, Germany in 1898, Rimowa pioneered aluminum luggage and is renowned for exceptional German craftsmanship. Their grooved aluminum cases are icons of luxury travel.
Tumi – Trusted by frequent flyers since 1975, Tumi is revered for technical innovations like lightweight and impact-resistant cases. They design sleek, urban luggage perfect for business trips.
Away – Founded in 2015 by former Warby Parker executives, Away has quickly become a millennial-favorite known for minimalist hardside polycarbonate suitcases designed with smart features for optimized packing.
Eagle Creek – With a focus on adventure since 1975, Eagle Creek’s utilitarian luggage is built to last with innovative features perfect for rugged globetrotting.
Hardside vs Softside Luggage
Hardside suitcases are known for protecting contents from impacts while softside cases flex to maximize packing capacity at the cost of some puncture resistance. Key factors in choosing between them include:
Weight – Hardsides like polycarbonate and aluminum are lighter than canvas or ballistic nylon softsides. Important for travelers subject to airline weight restrictions.
Durability – Hard-shell materials resist abrasion, tearing and moisture while softsides show wear-and-tear over time. Hardsides better shield breakables.
Capacity – Softsides allow more customizable packing solutions good for bulky items. Limited expandability of most hardside cases.
Security – Built-in TSA locks common for hardside luggage provide peace of mind during transit that belongings are secured. Most softsides lack this option.
Top Brands By Budget
With better materials and construction, quality luggage costs more but lasts longer to protect belongings trip after trip. Our top brand picks across price points:
Budget Under $250 – Rockland Melbourne, OlympiaUSA Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel
Mid-Range $250-$500 – Travelpro Platinum Elite, Delsey Chatelet Hardside Spinner
Premium $500+ – Briggs & Riley Baseline, Rimowa Original
Luxury $1000+ – Tumi Vapor, Globe-Trotter Special Edition
Choosing the Best Luggage By Material
Cost closely correlates with materials used. Key characteristics by common luggage fabrics:
Ballistic Nylon – Tough, abrasion-resistant and lightweight. Used by Tumi, Victorinox.
Polycarbonate – Extremely strong yet light plastic cases like Away and Samsonite.
Aluminum – Iconic hardsides handmade by Rimowa. Light, dent-resistant and fireproof.
ABS Plastic – Durable and affordable like Travelpro Maxlite hardsides. Less damage resilience than aluminum or polycarbonate.
Cordura Nylon – Water resistant fabric found in Eagle Creek luggage made to survive rugged adventures.
Other Factors To Consider
- Wheels & Handles – Spinner wheels offer maximum maneuverability. Telescoping handles should be sturdy and the right height for users.
- Size & Weight – Check airline restrictions. Compact carry-ons prevent checked bag fees.
- Warranty – Indicator of durability and customer service. Briggs & Riley offers an unmatched "simple as that" lifetime warranty.
- Design & Organization – Consider ease of packing, compartments, pockets and extras like laundry bags.
- Purpose – Weekenders, business cases, outdoor luggage all serve different primary travel needs. Match accordingly.
When To Buy Luggage For Big Savings
The best deals on luggage closely align with travel trends throughout the year:
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January – Shop end-of-year and post-holiday sales for up to 50% off or more at retailers like eBags and Nordstrom. Stock up on gifts or self purchases after the winter holidays when travel slows.
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June & July – Luggage buying spikes leading into peak summer travel season, so less discounts during this high-demand window. Shop Memorial Day sales in late May instead.
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August & September – As summer ends, luggage prices drop 20-40% off or more during Labor Day sales making early fall the SMART time to buy. Shop brands direct for best discounts later in September after other retailers clear inventory from back-to-school shopping.
FAQs: Your Top Luggage Questions Answered
What‘s the best carry-on luggage? Delsey and Travelpro offer quality carry-ons under $150 while Away‘s polycarbonate case is a sleek splurge under $300. For business travelers, Briggs & Riley‘s International Carry-On is worth the $500 investment.
Are hardside or softside suitcases better? Hardside polycarbonate and aluminum cases are lighter, more durable and offer TSA integrated locks. But ballistic nylon softsides maximize packing flexibility. Choose based on primary travel needs.
What luggage size should I get? Check airline dimension and weight restrictions. Ideal sizes for most travelers are a 21” carry-on and 24-27” medium checked bag. Globetrotters may need multiple sizes.
How much should I spend on a suitcase? Aim to invest 10-15% of your trip budget into quality luggage built to last for years. With regular travel, durable cases in the $300 to $500 range make solid companions. Premium brands offer great options up to $1000+.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Luggage Travel Match
Finding luggage that ticks all the boxes for your needs and budget comes down to evaluating brands across the key factors covered here from materials to warranties. Consider when and how often you typically travel. Investing more upfront in hardside polycarbonate or aluminum cases pays dividends over time for frequent flyers. Opt for ballistic nylon softsides if you pack heavy or require maximum storage flexibility. And don’t forget about compact carry-on cases to avoid checked baggage fees!
We hope this guide gives travelers a trustworthy shortlist to shop the top luggage brands confidently. Safe travels with quality companions along for the journey!
