There are certain brands that we personally feel are overrated and overpriced for the quality. It was founded in 1910 in Denver, Colorado, by Jesse Schweder. Briggs & Riley stands out from the other luggage brands because of their lifetime warranty repair guarantee on all their bags! All three of those companies technically manufacture luggage under their respective names. This, paired with a remarkably uncomfortable set of haul handles and a zipper that seemed designed to catch on itself from the start, left us underwhelmed. One of the most important characteristics of a piece of carry-on luggage is how easy it is to use. Founded: 1982 (began luggage production in 1996)Headquarters: New York City, NYCarry on price range: $50-$120. This is something that is not made clear on the company's labels or marketing materials. Tasmania Maybe were partial to luggage named after places in and around Australia, but like the Melbourne, the Tasmania is an excellent option if youre looking for reasonably priced hard-sided luggage. Below, shop our top picks of SwissTech bags. 4. But when budget and performance rank equally among your top priorities, the SwissGear Sion is worth adding to your shortlist for consideration, just as it did ours. Another style, as seen in all our soft-sided contenders, involves a panel "lid" that flips open from the front side of the bag to provide access to the entire main compartment as just one core storage space. Currently the Maxlite series is in its 4th iteration and has never been better. Look to this brand if you are looking for garment bags, suitcases, computer bags, totes, backpacks, and rolling duffel bags that are durable, functional, and lightweight. They dont have the same vast offering as Samsonite, but with the models they do sell, you cant really go wrong for the price. But somehow it manages to be among the heaviest bags in the group while simultaneously lacking any special organizational tools or upgraded construction materials that might explain the extra weight. When purchased online. In fact, Tumi sales are forecasted to double by end of next year. Samsonite offers luggage for as little as $80 as well as more high-end suitcases to compete with Tumi, mainly the Cosmolite. Many owners have said that this will be the last piece of luggage they will buy and would buy again if asked. Even when fully packed, we found it notably easy to lift, roll, and haul across curbs, up stairwells, and into overhead bins. Swissgear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 9 inches Weight: 3.3 pounds Made from durable 1200D polyester, this smart-looking backpack has enough room to carry everything you need for the daily commute or overnight stay, as well as innovative storage features to keep your much-loved laptop safe on the go. From treks through Sierra Nevada peaks to business meetings among the cobbled city streets of the Andes and cross-continental road trips back here at home, our testing team is built of practiced packers who know how to appreciate a great piece of luggage and can recognize the signs when a case sometimes falls short. SWISSGEAR. Helium Aero After amassing more than 475+ reviews and counting, the Helium Aero luggage line by Delsey is easily their most well liked suitcase and also our favorite of any that they offer. But neither issue was a deal breaker. 45. 5. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Maxlite is the signature line of the Travelpro brand and finds itself being updated and refreshed every so often. We had no issue packing all of our gear in this carry-on, despite the fact that it is one of the only bags we tested that lacks an expansion tool. Inside, each half of the clamshell features a restraint system. Returns/Exchanges. A handy mesh pocket along one side of the compression panel adds to the convenience of packing the Away. If your bag doesn't fit, you're out of luck (at least with the airlines). You'll find most other cases in the clamshell style cannot compete, with cheap fabric liners and simple cross-straps that provide no strength or true option to tighten for compression, limiting their value in practice. Buying luggage is like buying anything else; you can easily get lost in a sea of brand names, not knowing if there is truly any correlation between the price and the quality. It is possible to take advantage of smart organizational tools at a lower price point as well. Similarly, there are times when we need to manhandle bags up and down stairs or across awkward surfaces and into overhead bins, and this is where grab handles come in handy. Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) 24/7 support when you need it. This backpack is a genuine tech-friendly product, allowing a lot of gazettes inside this. Searching for the best piece of carry-on luggage? Luggage & Travel Gear Luggage Suitcases Add to your order . So whether you're taking off for business or adventure, know that wherever you land you can count on Victorinox Travel Gear to protect what's precious to you. It's versatile and durable, with 360-degree wheels and a 2-inch zip expansion. SWISSGEAR. With this option, you are able to upload any custom image that you own the rights to, and it will be printed on a 22 carry on suitcase. You can find a carry-on luggage or travel bag that meets all your criteria, even at budget prices. 63. The Pegasus 17" laptop backpack is equipped with features like air-flow back padding, shock-absorbing shoulder straps and a Triple Protect laptop compartment, ensuring you stay comfortable and your gear stays protected. For every Vessel bag purchased, they buy a backpack for a child in need. The Tegra line has the carbon fiber look and feel that we love, and each year the suitcase seems to be offered in different color options to help keep the look fresh. Swissgear on the other hand offers backpacks and bags in a large variety of styles from travel and business bags to school and urban carry backpacks. From asphalt to gravel, we put some serious miles on all these little wheels. And finally, instead of a traditional zipper expansion, here you'll find an innovative "one-touch" compression/expansion tool that lifts the walls of the case to provide an extra couple of inches of storage depth within. Travelpro Founded: 1987 Headquarters: Paris, France Carry on price range: $70-$340 Travelpro is one of the best luggage brands to revolutionize modern-day travel. We tugged on their telescoping handles and yanked each loading grip, prepped laptops for TSA security checkpoints, and weighed each bag in all its various packed and unpacked stages. One is a thick mesh panel that zips closed to contain your items. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. And two, a single wheel was knocked out of alignment during drop testing, resulting in a jitteriness to the bag's roll immediately thereafter. We've loved everything we've reviewed from Vessel and hope they continue making new and exciting products, further solidifying themselves as one of the best luggage brands. So none of the abuse ever detracted from each bag's polished aesthetic. We also appreciate that even when stuffed full, this carry-on still rolls effortlessly alongside us from hotel to airport and packs easily into trunks and overhead compartments en route. The main issues with Swissgear products seem to be that . Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) 24/7 support when you need it. SWISSGEAR Cascade Hardside Carry On Suitcase. This means each half of the main compartment will be fully exposed upon opening, and any items left unsecured to either side may come tumbling out. Learn more . International Carry On Luggage Size Chart 2023 Update, Where to Buy Luggage Online [Best time and place for good deals], Samsonite Luggage Reviews for 2022 [5 Top Picks], How to Fold Clothes to Save Space in Luggage, Southwest Carry on Size Limits (2023 Update), Virgin Atlantic Carry On Size Limits (2023 Update), United Carry on Size Limits (2023 Update), Jet Blue Carry On Luggage Size Limits (2023 Update), Hawaiian Airlines Carry On Size Limits (2023 Update), Worlds Best Luggage by Premier Traveler Magazine. Depending where you live, there are Tumi stores in some moderate to high-end shopping areas and malls, which is great if you want to go and see the lineup in person. When spending on new luggage, most of us want to make sure our purchase lasts more than a flight or two. Softshell bags are where it's at when it comes to external organizational assets, as most hardshells offer virtually nothing in the way of outside features except perhaps a security lock or an ID sleeve. Our team jammed each bag full of a week's worth of gear and lobbed them into overhead bins, tossed them in trunks, and dropped them onto concrete just to see what would happen. Her work has appeared in. Youll be pleased to know that that is not the case with their affordable luggage line. And with nine color options, you still have the option to stand out in the crowd at the luggage carousel. Product Description. No matter which organizational scheme a case offers, we still put each bag through a series of two controlled "packability" tests. Victorinox Werks Traveler suitcases come with a removable suit carrier as well as a divider to help your organize your clothes better. The affordability combined with the good quality standard weve come to get from AmazonBasics products instantly makes them one of the best luggage brands. Compare Shop.samsonite.com vs Swissgear.com to select the best Luggage & Travel Gear Brands for your needs. Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims. Werks Traveler The Werks has not been around as long as a lot of our top picks from other brands, but you will fall in love with their new premier Werks line. We evaluated these suitcases based on several aspects of their construction and versatility, considering any additional features and add-ons, plus each bag's style and appearance. And with such elevated price tags, most travelers will expect a well-rounded case rather than a master of one. So if you are a frequent flyer, you'll likely want to put a bit of thought into the specs of a bag before making your purchase. You can fit a lot into the Baseline Essential Spinner from the get-go, without the need for overstuffing. The guarantee aligns with the company philosophy that customers are family, and to look out for one another and have integrity. Much like Samsonite, American Tourister is an excellent brand for a moderate budget, and can be purchased in most department stores or online. There arent any crazy features that will blow your mind, simply put this is a bargain pick that offers you the quality of a more expensive suitcase. Tumi suitcases are a step above Samsonite when it comes to overall quality, but also price which may put them out of reach for the average luggage shopper. Surprisingly, the Samsonite Omni also received mediocre results during durability testing. A laundry list of useful interior pockets and features, including a removable toiletry pouch, adjustable compression straps, and a bag-length expansion zipper, ensure there's plenty of space and tools to work with inside. 6 And in terms of overall size (without expansion), the Travelpro doesn't even meet dimension requirements straight out of the bag. Founded: 1984Headquarters: Pomona, CACarry on price range: $40-$160. First, a standard capacity test, cramming everything required for a week's worth of temperate weather travel into each bag. Made from a durable 1680 denier material. One of the first things we noticed was just how easy it was to pack, zip, and roll, whether we were hauling a week-long summer adventure wardrobe or a climbing trip's worth of bulky gear. It didn't incite enough confidence in its construction, functionality, or design extras to even compete, regardless of its admirably compact size and the fun range of colorful veneers one can select from. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-inch $120 at Amazon 76 OVERALL SCORE Ease of Use 8.2 Design 6.1 Packability 8.7 Durability 7.0 Weight: 7.8 lbs | Dimensions: 23" x 14.1" x 10" REASONS TO BUY Many useful features Impressive capacity Accessible price REASONS TO AVOID Heavy Dimensions exceeds airline standards Frontside bulk Founded: 2009Headquarters: Seattle, WACarry on price range: $40-$70. Just add in your belongings and cinch down the internal compression panels over your load before zipping the bag back up. The Away Carry-On stands photo-ready and armed with a slew of smart features to make it a favorite among our testers. All in all, Samsonite and Tumi really are the best luggage brands. In a famously successful business pivot, they were able to adapt to the changing world to make travelling cases and suitcases. Founded: 1975Headquarters: South Plainfield, NJCarry on price range: $500-$2,100 (yes, really.). Similarly, we had no problem tracking over airport carpeting, bumpy sidewalks, or cracks in the road. The short answer is that Victorinox is the overall, parent company. swiss tech luggage; samsonite duffle bag; heated lunch box; 17 inch laptop bag; carabiner keychain; . The Maxlite series is a bit unique in that it is offered in both wheel types: spinner and inline. The best luggage brand, Samsonite, has had a significant impact on the luggage industry. Aside from Samsonite, American Tourister might be the most popular brand youll find looking around at an airport. We examined and researched the construction materials of each bag. Now, after rocketing over curbs and bouncing up and down stairs, here's our take on the best carry-on luggage out there no matter what your needs and budget may be. Since 2015, we've analyzed carry-on luggage from every possible angle, identifying which bags are best for different packing styles and which ones just aren't worth your money. Available in plenty of sizes ranging from 21 inches to 30. SwissGear backpacks are well designed, user-friendly, well-made, and durable, which makes them a popular brand for low to mid-priced backpacks for commuting, work, study, and leisure. Weve loved everything weve reviewed from Vessel and hope they continue making new and exciting products, further solidifying themselves as one of the best luggage brands. $19.99. Tumi manufactures a wide range of suitcases and bags, giving them quite the catalog. Read more: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner review. The Cosmolite is offered in the 3 standard sizes: small (20), medium (25), and large (28). How can we improve GearLab? And once again, three winners - the TravelPro Platinum Elite, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, and the Away Carry-On - outperformed others in this area. This class-leading carry-on comes with plenty of exterior pockets to keep items orderly and easily accessible, matched by several clever interior organizational tools to help maximize space and reduce wrinkled fabric or misplaced items. We dont see this much in the luggage space so its very encouraging to support a brand with a mission like that. It's lightweight when empty and comes with . The powerpocket tucked away into the side of the Travelpro Platinum Elite is a brilliant addition, making this carry-on the accessory of choice when heading out to battle any airport. 45. Go with the style you prefer and you wont be disappointed. Below youll find the 11 best luggage brands for travelers of all budgets for this year: Founded: 1910Headquarters: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (Originally Denver, CO)Carry-on price range: $80-$500. The company is owned by Wenger and its products are licensed in North America by Group III International Ltd. [2] SwissGear also sells watches, that are manufactured by Wenger and branded under the SwissGear name, known as "SwissGear Legacy Watches". Some are household brand names, and others you may be hearing about for the first time. That's why we examined the material, construction, and overall sturdiness of each carry-on piece to better understand how a case might hold up when faced with average day-to-day travel activities (think opening and closing zippers and running wheels over cracks in heavy volume) or the eventualities of airline abuse. Learn more . 4.1 out of 5 stars with 63 ratings. Tumi or not Tumi?, that is the question! Is Tumi the best luxury luggage brand? Added touches like the handy SmartLink strap, multiple low-profile load handles, a hidden ID tag, a TSA-approved lock, and an exterior power pack pocket solidify this spinner's spot at the top of our list. It has a great 10-year warranty, TSA locks, is scratch proof and more. From a cost and real durability standpoint, they make our best luggage brands list. And so do thousands of owners who write reviews all over the Internet. Versatility and convenience are a winning combination, and that's much of what earns the SwissGear Sion honors for its excellent value and performance. Samsonite may be on the hunt to acquire even more luggage brands, so stay tuned to see how it all unfolds. Simple pressure applied to the outer edges will then compress the entire suitcase down and you end with a clean rectangular piece of luggage free from bulging. Last updated on September 23, 2022. On the other side of the coin, the lightweight Kenneth Cole Reaction Spinner disappointed us from the get-go, consistently tipping over and proving itself unstable under average travel conditions. Swiss Gear SA1357 Black Backpack. It has a 30-liter capacity. 2014 marked the second year in a row that the brand was voted Worlds Best Luggage by Premier Traveler Magazine. This has all of the key features you would want in a luggage set. However, this set is expandable, and each piece is handily listed as water-resistant. This 17" Swissgear 5977 backpack was made with their signature ScanSmart Technology. The no of compartments available is a plus point and the fact that their size is adjustable makes is a bonus. $19.99. The interior fabric began to tear. A Reaction carry on will never run you more than $100, yet so many reviewers all over the Internet are infatuated with this little suitcase. Secure Storage: This laptop backpack for men and women features an enhanced laptop compartment with zippered access for a 17-inch . However, there are a few models that impress us with their functionality and assets, despite relatively lower price points. U.S. domestic airlines often limit economy passengers to a single carry-on at no more than 22 x 14 x 9-inches, and all travelers must be able to lift their individual packed bag overhead into the storage compartment, even where weight restrictions aren't clearly specified. Affordable Prices: SwissGear offers a wide variety of suitcases at competitive prices, with most of its individual products being priced below $100. Integral to the performance of any carry-on is the base on which it sits, and these 2.5-inch two-wheel spinners on the Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On more than proved their worth. The bags that wholly unimpressed us on the zipper front include the Kenneth Cole Reaction and the Amazon Basics, each of which possesses cheap-feeling zippers that repeatedly hung up and stuck in use. $5 Target GiftCard with $25 Health Care purchase. Despite the exterior's tough micro-diamond polycarbonate construction, sizeable zippers, and thick interior mesh paneling, vulnerabilities within its design materialized during drop testing. Helium Aero suitcases come in fun and unique colors to match your personal style. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Travelpro has received many accolades over the past twenty years. Another advantage to the American Tourister selection is all the great luggage for kids. It's a big world out there - see it all with Victorinox Travel Gear. And even after that, there is plenty of room for more. On the surface, Kenneth Cole may seem like one of those luggage brands that sells way too many different types of products to actually make any of them well. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is our favorite option for overpacking and really cannot be topped when it comes to capacity. The SWISSGEAR 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack is made from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric and is equipped with a large opening main compartment with rugged oversize zippers, adjustable side compression straps, a heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, padded contour shaped shoulder straps with mesh fabric and . The zippers are very high quality and feature the Vessel logo on them. The Tegra line has that quintessential Tumi look and helps make Tumi one of the most recognizable luggage brands because of the elegant styling and features. Its tough to find an entire luggage line that is actually made in the U.S. We consider Tumi to be one of the best luggage brands if you have the money to spend. And in testing, it held tough just as promised, showcasing a unique combination of versatility and core foundational strength. No ads. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Outside, large easy-roll double-spinner wheels, three sturdy handles (two loading and one telescoping), and an embedded TSA-approved lock come standard. When it comes to balancing professional good looks with ease of use and strength in construction, the Travelpro Platinum Elite outshines all the rest in our test suite. While SwissGear does make watches, they are not specifically designed for the military. The wheels have an easy-glide, 360-degree spin and the handles don't get stuck, plus there's a TSA-approved lock if you need it. What you may not know though is that American Tourister is owned by Samsonite. $69.99. Theres a front laptop compartment thats a nice touch for people who want easy access to their computer. Add in the fact that there is a built-in TSA luggage lock and Tumi Tracer location service and youve got yourself one of the best suitcases available today. UPDATE: Tumi has officially been acquired by rival Samsonite to the tune of 1.8 billion dollars, which was officially announced August 1, 2016. Best of all, it's far from the most expensive case in the test group, fast securing it a place of honor as the most high-value carry-on case on our list. This year's testing was headed up by lead luggage-beater Genaveve Bradshaw, who was tasked with simulating the various hotel room demands, roadside abuse, and tarmac traumas that carry-on luggage might encounter on any given travel day. Founded: 1987Headquarters: Paris, FranceCarry on price range: $70-$340. 205. Best Selling. Swissgear is a Swiss company that produces travel gear, including luggage, backpacks, and clothing. Both brands of luggage are of high quality and last a long time. The zippers for the main compartments allow for a luggage lock for added security. The SwissTech Exhibition is all you could ask for in checked luggage. Only two gripes emerged in testing. The one exception to this rule is the Away Carry-On, which presents an upgrade option to embed an external USB port. When it is empty, it weighs about 3 pounds which isn't too heavy. Definitely check out the Baseline luggage line that they offer if you want a soft-side, and the Torq if youre looking for a hard-sided carry-on. The Travelpro Maxlite is a great example of a carry-on that is both well-built and lightweight. 10 Read more: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21 review. In general, four-wheeled bags are easier to roll through a crowded airport or tight airplane aisle. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The Rockland and Amazon Basics models each produced similar results, with some minor scratching (both), a rip to the interior fabric (Rockland), and a detached hubcap (Amazon) after drop testing. This lifetime repair guarantee covers the life of a bag for all functional aspects, and many customers think that spending more for these high-quality bags is worth that peace of mind. We also inspected the high-wear use features and areas, such as the wheels and corner edges. 3 interior multi-functional compartments including an oversized wet pouch and removable shoe bag. The Kenneth Cole Reaction tops this list of poor performers, as every feature of the case seemed dubious in quality upon first look: unimpressive single caster wheels, a jiggly roller handle, cheap-feeling interior fabric, and small, unsubstantial zippers. The compression straps in the Sion come in very handy to ensure you're maximizing the space available in the main compartment and that the bag remains stable once filled. First, let's talk about size and weight. Urban Trek 20" Carry On. Youll note that the Tumi luggage HQ is located in New Jersey; however, their luggage is actually manufactured outside of the US in various factory locations. ILite Xtreme There really isnt anything Xtreme about this particular suitcase but we love it anyway. SWISSGEAR. Signature 2.0 luggage The Vessel Signature 2.0 carry on is an exceptional suitcase. All items in our weeklong summertime packing test fit without expansion, with all pockets and compression panels proving useful and only the slightest amount of extra muscle required to seal the master zipper closed. But, while such exterior additions can be great for keeping you organized on the go, it can also mean your carry-on becomes extraordinarily bulky once fully packed or the expansion features are engaged. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Tumi suitcases typically start at around $500 and can go all the way up to $1,000 just for one suitcase. SwissGear is a subsidiary of Victorinox, which is best known for its Swiss Army knives. While some people think that buying a bright color suitcase will help them identify their bag at the airport carousel, the best way to be unique is to put your own custom photo on your suitcase to really make it your own. While we like to focus on gear that performs well, three of the bags in the group all of which are built out of ABS hardshell demonstrated such a lack of durability that we'd be remiss if we didn't mention them at all in this context. Many of our award-winning bags cost as much as a plane ticket. This may seem expensive at first, but if you are a frequent traveler, you know that luggage durability is important. Victorinox is not cheap, as a typical suitcase will run you around $300 or more. . The lifespan of the Rockland, in particular, was called into question even before we got started, as exterior evidence pointed to a potential failure along one seam of the zipper expansion feature (the sticky glue used to attach the zipper expansion panel to the outer edge seemed to be detaching, allowing the seam to come apart). (function(timeout){setTimeout(function(){var notice=document.getElementById("cptch_time_limit_notice_73");if(notice) If you're looking for a great value from a brand that you trust and are looking for something more fun than just another black suitcase, then give this one a shot. Travelers Choice offers one of the most unique things weve seen in the luggage industry: custom print suitcases. What you are paying for is the meticulous quality and durability that is synonymous with the Victorinox name. The only "negative" is that the 20 spinner does not expand, but you may not need it to. SWISSGEAR 86 $99.99 When purchased online SWISSGEAR Energie PolyCarb Hardside Large Checked Spinner Suitcase - Black SWISSGEAR 39 $209.99 When purchased online SWISSGEAR Checklite Softside Large Checked Suitcase SWISSGEAR 36 $199.99 When purchased online Add to cart Vera Bradley Women's Hardside Large Spinner Luggage Vera Bradley 76 +4 options