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The key to packing like a pro is to invest in packing cubes. With the right set, your items will stay organized and in their place. Shop them here.
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The best hardside luggage: 7 sturdy bags that won’t let you down
Investing in reliable hard luggage will ensure your belongings are kept safe. See our picks for the best hardside luggage now.
The best hard shell luggage pieces are all about functionality.
Not only do they keep your belongings safer, but they also withstand bumps, drops and falls more effectively than other types of travel bags.
This is because the best hardside luggage is designed with a protective shell using sturdy materials, such as polycarbonate and aluminum.
Ready to invest in an impact-resistant suitcase that will last you longer? We’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to discover the strongest bags on the market, featuring a variety of price points and styles.
Read more: Need a new luggage set? Browse here
See our 7 best hardside luggage picks
Best overall
Pros & Cons
The price is right
Tons of storage and organization features
Light and easy to maneuver
Handle can be problematic
Slightly smaller capacity than similar models
Looking for an affordably priced carry-on roller bag? This hand luggage from Samsonite is a fantastic choice. The Just Right Carry-On Spinner has a durable polycarbonate case that helps protect your stuff and also features a padded front compartment for tech storage. A USB port is also integrated to keep your tech gadgets charged during your trip.
Multiple internal zipper pockets help you keep your personal items organized while packing and during your trip. It weighs in at under 8 pounds while boasting over 41 liters of storage space. It’s also expandable for extra storage space when it’s time to return home.
Top sustainable option
Pros & Cons
Tons of space for long trips
Sleek and stylish design
Zippered interior for organization
No external compartments
Side handles feel small and flimsy
Traveling sustainably just got easier with the Maxlite Air Medium from Travelpro. This bag’s interior is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
This checked bag is extremely roomy and lightweight, too. You get up to 89 liters of total space with a bag weight that’s still under nine pounds. This makes it easier to load up your bag and still stay below airline-checked bag weight limits.
The main compartment is expandable and the lining has a waterproofing treatment that helps keep your stuff dry even on rainy days at the airport. Four wheels allow you to roll smoothly when you’re getting from the lounge to check-in, and the polycarbonate shell and durable zipper will protect your things.
Best zipperless option
Pros & Cons
Zipperless closure
Extremely durable design
Tons of storage space
Higher price point
Tends to scratch and scuff easily
Zippers are a common point of failure on both hardside luggage and softside luggage. That’s why this checked baggage from Monos is one of our top picks for the best hardside luggage. It features a zipperless closure as well as an extremely durable polycarbonate and aluminum design.
A high-quality telescoping handle and four smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to maneuver on your travels. A total volume of 97 liters means this bag is great for even the longest trips. It may not be a budget pick, but this Monos checked bag is sure to serve you well for years to come.
Top budget pick
Pros & Cons
Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Tons of unique colors available
Rolls smoothly
Zipper closure isn’t super durable
Not suited to some overhead compartments, according to reviews
If you want a hard suitcase but don’t have a ton of cash to spend, this hard case luggage from Made By Design is a great option. Despite the low price point, it features over 41 liters of storage space, a robust hard shell and several internal storage solutions to keep your stuff organized. It’s available in seven different colors, too, so there’s a shade for every personal style.
This suitcase also expands by up to 2 inches if you need to pack in a little more stuff. Other features include a TSA-approved lock, top and side handles for easy portability and four smooth wheels to keep you rolling. It’s a great overall pick for travelers on a budget.
Best for organization
Pros & Cons
Great built-in storage solutions
High-quality outer shell
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Smaller capacity than some competing carry-ons
If suitcase is too full, laptop may not fit in front sleeve
If you’re looking for the best hardside luggage for keeping your stuff organized on your trip, you’ve found it. This suitcase hard shell from Monos features tons of internal zippered compartments, as well as a front pocket for tech devices, such as laptops and tablets.
The internal storage dividers let you organize your stuff in lots of ways. For example, you can pack a laundry bag full of dirty clothes on one side. This lets you keep your fresh clothes separate from the ones you’ve already worn.
Top lightweight pick
Pros & Cons
Extremely light
Plenty of storage space
Includes integrated lock
Not fully waterproof
Handle can be prone to jamming
Weighing in at just 6.5 pounds, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is a great option if you want hard-shell carry-on luggage that’s lightweight. And despite its lightness, this hardshell suitcase holds up to an impressive 53 liters. It also expands by an inch if you need to squeeze in a bit more stuff on your return trip.
The durable polycarbonate shell features a unique, ridged appearance. Other features include four wheels, a built-in TSA-compatible lock, an ID tag slot and internal dividers for organizing your stuff during your trip.
Most splurge-worthy option
Pros & Cons
One-of-a-kind design
Two-year warranty
Plenty of storage space for long trips
Heavier than competing models
Significantly higher price point
If you want a hardside suitcase that stands apart from other pieces of luggage wherever you go, Steamline Luggage is one of the best luggage brands for you. It specializes in heritage-inspired hardshell luggage that’s crafted from fine leather.
The Diplomat is a checked bag that comes in a gorgeous green color, complete with natural leather accents and gold-colored hardware.
Although it has a heritage-inspired design, this suitcase has plenty of modern touches. This includes four spinning wheels, as well as a TSA-approved locking mechanism. Other features include a ripstop nylon cover, a hanging travel kit and a durable three-tier aluminum telescoping handle for ease of use.
How to choose your hardside suitcase
Picking out hard case luggage isn’t easy, especially if you’re a frequent flier looking for the right balance of durability, convenience and protection. If you’ve got questions about picking the best hardside luggage for your needs, we’re here to help.
Is it better to get two-wheeled or four-wheeled hardside luggage?
There are pros and cons to both types of luggage. We usually recommend four-wheeled luggage. That’s why the bags we’ve picked above all have four “spinner wheels,” which means they have four wheels that can rotate in any direction. The main benefit is increased maneuverability.
There are also lots of rollaboard options that only have two wheels. Two-wheeled hardside luggage is a bit more space-efficient and also tends to handle rough and bumpy terrain better. However, it can be bulkier and harder to maneuver. In most cases, the convenience of spinners outweighs the benefits of choosing a two-wheeled model.
Is hardside luggage better than softside luggage?
If your primary priority is to protect your belongings, yes! The best hardside luggage is water- and impact-resistant. This is particularly important for checked bags, which get tossed around quite a bit before they end up in a plane’s cargo hold.
The primary drawback of hard-sided luggage is that it can pick up more scratches and dents than soft-sided luggage. This is because plastic and aluminum shells are more susceptible to scratches and damage compared to soft materials like nylon.
Should I go for a carry-on or checked luggage?
For most travelers, a carry-on offers plenty of space for packed items. If you pack properly, you should be able to travel for seven to 10 days with just a carry-on and a personal item. This will save you some cash, too, since carry-ons are free on most major domestic airlines.
Checked bags are a better option if you tend to pack a lot or bring home souvenirs. If you don’t mind paying more to check in a bag, a full-size bag will be a great option.
Which hardside luggage gets our vote?
Wondering which one of our luggage picks will be the right choice for your trip? We vouch for all of the bags recommended above, but to narrow things down further, these two bags would be the overall winners when it comes to the best hardside luggage.
Samsonite Just Right Carry-On Spinner: This hardside suitcase is a great overall pick for most travelers who want a carry-on bag. It’s affordable, yet boasts plenty of features, such as its front tech storage panel, multiple internal pockets and plenty of space for all of your stuff.
Monos Hybrid Check-In Large: If you’re looking for the best hard-case luggage for longer trips, this suitcase from Monos is our top pick. It boasts tons of storage capacity, a zipperless design and a durable polycarbonate shell with a lightweight aluminum frame. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s truly built to last, especially since it’s covered by Monos’ lifetime warranty.
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Prices updated on 10/24/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Eric Liston
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Eric Liston is a freelance writer focusing on consumer product reviews, digital technology — and helping readers find the right items at the right price. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him gaming, cooking or disc golfing.
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