Our tester’s opinion: My first impression when this bag arrived was that it gave off a classic vintage Louis Vuitton style luggage look.barely. It’s definitely the most recognizable luggage in the group, making it easy to spot on the luggage belt. A variety of interior zippered compartments provide plenty of organization possibilities, and overall the bag feels sturdy and makes a good choice for a trip of up to a week.
Best Hard-Sided Medium Bag: Briggs and Riley Expandable Medium Bag
This brand comes with Kolner’s blessing (he loves that the bags have a lifetime warranty) and we love this expandable medium spinner, in particular. It comes in three colors: green, navy, and black, and there’s an option to add your own monogram to the case. The brand claims that its compression system allows you to pack up to 20% more and is also 25% expandable, meaning this bag is very versatile. It’s a little heavier than the Delsey, which is also a “medium” bag.
Our tester’s opinion: I was able to fit a week’s worth of stuff in this bag, and that was before I compressed and expanded it. I was also immediately impressed with the quality of the zipper hardware and interior lining. The wheels glide easily on both hard and carpeted surfaces, and I liked that the handle has multiple stop heights, a feature I really appreciate (it comes in handy when you’re moving two suitcases through the airport together).
PROPS® 22″ Tote Bag with Legs
If you don’t like carrying your bags on the luggage rack in your hotel room, or maybe you’re visiting friends and don’t have one of those, this Props bag can really come in handy: it has legs that stick out of the back of the bag, allowing you With its support for easy access to your things. It’s a little heavier than other handbags (probably because of that added feature) but that’s not a deal breaker for us. Another slight downside (compared to some of our other picks) is that the warranty is up to five years. On the plus side, it comes in four stylish colors and has a three-stage knob for height customization.
Our tester’s opinion: “I have a Rimowa product that I love, but I always end up reaching for my props,” says Zach Honig, head of product and operations at Rimowa. Chase Travel. “I’m not a bag unpacker, and I love the built-in ‘props’ that lift the bag up in the hotel room,” he says. “My bag also doubles as a desk in a pinch.”
Other hard luggage we like
Like the Spectra 3.0 Large Expandable Case, this case is also covered by Victorinox’s Lifetime Warranty. At 6.4 pounds, this puppy is lightweight yet extremely functional, and fits in nicely with the larger version.
One of our testers immediately said “this is pretty cool” as soon as he opened this case. And it is—the aluminum material gives it the look of a Rimowa but at a fraction of the price ($625), though at 10.1 pounds, it makes it a bit heavier.
If you’re looking to pull off a trifecta and buy a handbag, medium and large bag together, may we suggest this package deal? They are all made of lightweight polycarbonate and the bags come with a 100-day trial period.
How we tested hard luggage
We spoke to five travel experts and frequent travelers to find out the most important factors to consider when choosing hard luggage. They also presented some of their personal favorites. From there, we conducted extensive research into the options available in the market and tested the finalists ourselves.
How to choose the best hard luggage
Consider the following aspects when choosing hard luggage, according to experts.
“Consider luggage made of durable materials, such as polycarbonate or aluminum, that look sharp and can withstand wear and tear,” says Marchant. “While I’ve always loved the look of an aluminum suitcase that produces a nice patina of scratches and dings through use, all of the hard luggage I own is made of polycarbonate, so I can use the allotted weight to fit more wine and cheese in my suitcase.” Peters says.
The material will play a role in how heavy the bag is before you start packing. But another consideration is the size of the case itself, whether it’s a handbag, medium-sized or large. “Larger is great, but you may not necessarily need the larger size,” Kollner says. “Half of my products are the largest version that Away sells, and if we use the term air freight, I often take them out before I take them out of the cube, which means they are so large that I reach the weight limit to check before I can completely fill the case,” he says. . However, if you have the self-control to pack no more than 50 pounds into a large suitcase, this may give you more room to stay organized on the road (versus stuffing everything into a smaller suitcase as tightly as possible).
“Wheels also matter, ball-bearing wheels (or smooth dual-spinner wheels) are great for smooth maneuvering through airports,” says Marchant. Search for terms like “360 degree swivel casters,” “ball bearing casters,” and “dual swivel casters.”
Marchant says a well-organized interior design also deserves attention. Some bags feature double-sided filling while others have a large “opening” through which you can fill the “lid” and close it. One is not better than the other; It’s personal preference.
“Price is always a factor, of course, but a quality hard-sided suitcase can last for decades, especially if you’re able to replace broken zippers and wheels, which can become less flexible over time,” says Honig. Marchant agrees: “It’s worth investing a little more for quality; good luggage is something you want to last through countless adventures.”
Warranty and/or trial period
“Some companies may let you try out luggage for a few weeks and return it if it doesn’t meet your needs,” Marchant says. You should also check the warranty: “Look for brands that offer extended warranties or even lifetime warranties, which can cover repairs for normal wear and tear or damage that may occur while traveling,” says Marchant. “Some brands even offer free cleaning or maintenance services, keeping your luggage looking its best over the years.”
Frequently asked questions about hard luggage
How can you improve packing with hard luggage?
Marchant likes to use Packing cubes. “They keep everything compact and make the most of the hardshell space,” he says, adding that because the hardshell is structured, it’s easy to stack cubes and make use of every inch without the bag bulging out. Peters advises taking advantage of the “awkward spaces” around the edges of the handle. “Roll up socks and sweatpants to fill in those spaces for a flat bottom before putting on other clothes,” he suggests. Although hard-sided luggage offers more protection than its soft-sided counterpart, Honig adds, “If I buy any fragile gifts during my trip, I like to wrap them in clothes, which makes them more secure during the flight home.”
With so many similar bags out there, how can you make your bag easier to identify?
“Everyone has the same bags these days, especially in popular colors, so I recommend decorating your bag with a visual identifier, like a brightly colored luggage tag or a beautifully cut piece of blue tape at the bottom with your name on it,” he says. Peters.
About the experts: Tom Marchant He is the co-founder of Black tomatoesa luxury travel company. Jake Peters is the co-founder and CTO/CPO of Forumsa modern travel agency. Zach Honig is President of Products and Operations at Chase Travel. Matthew D. Upchurch is Chairman and CEO of the company talenteda luxury travel network. David Kollner is Executive Vice President of Virtuoso.
