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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
