Although travel may look slightly different now than it did a few years ago, road trips, international flights, staycations and weeklong AirBnB stays aren’t going anywhere.
With that, suitcases aren’t either. Whether it’s a quick Miami bachelor party or a two week trek through Patagonia, you’ll need the perfect luggage to get you (and everything you own) there in one piece.
Now, choosing luggage is certainly not as easy as it seems. Massive companies have flooded the space with new products and it’s difficult to decide which option’s best.
My two cents, invest in a durable matching luggage set.
As my Dad always said, “Buy Once, Cry Once“.
While it may feel like a big hit to your bank account right now, investing in a high quality set means you likely won’t face this issue again for another decade. I already put together a list of the best Weekender Bags, but now, I’ve compiled a guide to choosing the right luggage set for all budgets.
What To Look For:
While there are advantages and disadvantages to both soft-sided and hard-sided luggage, I strongly recommend buying hard-sided luggage.
Yes, we’ve all heard that you can stretch soft-sided bags to sneak in that extra pair of pants, give it a good shove into the always-too-small overhead bin, and even tuck it neatly into your “Tetrised” car trunk, but it’s just not worth it.
Hard-sided luggage is extremely durable and will last years if treated right and now, with new polycarbonate materials, is lighter than ever before. It also serves as sturdy protection against airport staff throwing your items around while you’re not there.
Also, don’t even bother looking at any luggage without 360 degree swivel wheels. Those are a game changer when you’re hungover walking through a three mile airport terminal on a Sunday morning.
Now, For My Top Picks:
AWAY
Bursting onto the scene a few years ago, AWAY’s known for their simple, sleek design and built in battery packs. This set is great for organizing everything you pack and their backpacks even have a nice little strap that allows you to roll them on top of the carry on.
Definitely on the higher price point, but you can’t go wrong with any of their options. There’s a reason they’ve caught on so fast.
If I had to choose my favorite set, I’d recommend the Aluminum Carry On ($545) and the Large Aluminum Suitcase ($645).
Samsonite
For over 100 years, Samsonite has met the luggage needs of those on-the-go. I’d argue, their products are the most durable on the market and will truly last you forever. They’re slightly heavier than some of the other options, but will survive any tumble, crash or drop while protecting everything inside.
Certainly one of the cheaper products, you can get both their Voltage DLX Carry On Spinner ($119) and their Voltage DLX Large Checked Spinner ($169) for less than most individual carry ons.
AmazonBasics
Shockingly, Amazon manufactures a good amount of quality products through their in-house brand AmazonBasics. I’m skeptical of the long-term durability simply based on the price point, but in general, Amazon products usually deliver.
I personally haven’t owned this set, but with over 25,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars on their AmazonBasics 2-Piece Hardside Spinner ($144), it’s worth rolling the dice.
Paravel
Paravel’s extremely unique because their luggage appears specifically designed for their packing cubes. If you’re someone who’s fully into organization and likes consistency from your toiletry bag to your checked suitcase, this is probably your best bet.
Another cool aspect is the company’s mission roots in sustainable travel so most of their products are made from recycled polycarbonate and are carbon neutral.
Definitely bundle and save when purchasing their Aviator Set ($595 total), $45 cheaper than buying each one separately.
Rimowa
For 120+ years, Rimowa has been the pinnacle of luggage. While extremely expensive, the brand name carries so much weight and trust and the products will last decades.
Their Original Silver Cabin Carry On ($1,150) and Original Silver Check In ($1,320) are the definition of iconic and timeless.
My Recommendation:
Luggage is not something you want to cheap out on, especially if you’re planning on traveling a ton.
I think of these sets as long term investments and therefore recommend not skimping out.
If you have the cash, I’d splurge on the Rimowa set. As a cheaper but close secondary option, I’d recommend Samsonite’s Voltage Line as something that will last forever and not sacrifice much.
