16 Of The Best Luggage Brands You Can Rely On For Stress-Free Travel

Editor’s Pick

Good Value

American Tourister makes solid luggage pieces at a reasonable price, and their Kix 2.0 softside suitcase is no exception. The 20-inch version of the spinner is the perfect size for a trip under one week and is also carry-on compliant so that you won’t have to check it at the airport. It comes with smooth wheels, a trolley grip that adjusts to your size, and large zipper pulls that won’t rip if you grab them in a rush. Most durable softside luggage clocks in at above $100, so we think this is a great deal for a carry-on on the more affordable side. We also think its subtle and sophisticated finish makes it look more expensive than it is.

Editor’s Pick

Travelpro is a favorite brand of airline professionals, so you know their solid, sturdy bags are ones you can rely on. For those looking to fly with a carry-on bag that will easily fit into any overhead compartment, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner is our favorite choice. Its well-built set of wheels and cemented handle will allow you to maneuver around tight spaces on the plane with ease. It also features plenty of thoughtful features, including an ergonomic handle, external USB ports and a TSA-approved lock. It’s a favorite of Forbes Vetted’s senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, who says “the textured exterior shell is very durable and lightweight, and the four wheels are built for smooth gliding.”

For those who have too many belongings to squeeze into a carry-on, SwissGear is a great choice for checked luggage that is durable and reliable. We love the Sion Softside Expandable Roller, which is high-quality, durable and scuff-proof, meaning you won’t have to worry about its exteriors being damaged when you pass your precious belongings over to the strangers handling your suitcase. With two exterior zippers, it’s perfect for organization, and its interior features adjustable tie-down along with three zippered compartments. For serious shoppers, the suitcase offers an expandable feature that helps make your bag even larger, so none of those souvenirs will get left behind.

Thanks to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell, you won’t have to worry about scuffing the beautiful design when you tote Monos’ great selection of suitcases to your final destination. One of our favorites is the Carry-On Pro, which features a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The Carry-On Pro is outfitted with room for a 15-inch laptop, TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels and vegan leather accents, and it still fits in overhead bin of almost any flight in the world. While many carry-ons come in the same muted colors, we appreciate Monos’ commitment to keeping things fresh with fun hues like Terrazzo and Terracotta.

Timeless and versatile, Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability, and excellent warranties on luggage. If you’re looking for a classic softshell bag, this brand has consistently been named a favorite of flight attendants, pilots, and travel professionals. With a spring loaded handle, a flat interior, and built-in compartment configuration, every feature of a Briggs & Riley suitcase is carefully thought out to make its use as seamless as possible.

Away’s lightweight polycarbonate-shell suitcases are some of the most accessible bags on the market: they’re lightweight, easy to use, and come in a wide variety of fun colors while also being relatively well-priced. For the traveler who is just beginning to expand their travel arsenal, we recommend starting with the brand’s Bigger Carry-On, which is sized correctly for airport overhead bins but offers that much-needed bit of extra space. The bag comes with great features like quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle, a TSA-approved lock and even a laundry bag perfect for storing dirty clothes on the road. You can also select from a number of thoughtful upgrades, like personalized monogramming.

MOST POPULAR

Designed in Germany, the Rimowa Original Cabin is a calling card in the world of modern luggage brands. Durable and lightweight, the brand is known globally for craftsmanship and innovation, and their classic design is instantly recognizable in any airport. The stunning design details, like the high-end anodized aluminum exterior, is timeless, with the ability to transport one back in time to the golden age of travel. Yes, this brand is an investment, but the included lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee will cover any damage to your suitcase, meaning you can breathe easy.

For underseat luggage that is easy to tow along and can easily slide into the airplane seat in front of you, it’s hard to top Calpak’s Mini Carry-On. With 31 liters of total space, it’s roomy enough to squeeze in a pair of shoes along with an outfit for an overnight trip while also being lightweight and taking up very little space. We love the brand’s Ambeur color scheme, which is fun and poppy but also elegant-looking. Its sparkly metallic will ensure that it stands out in any airport carousel if you ever need to check it.

Investing in a solid luggage set simplifies your shopping list and can actually save you money, given that many luggage bundles clock in at a lower price than buying each suitcase individually. Stylish and durable, Australian brand July’s Classic Family Set is the perfect place to begin if you’re looking to rebuild your luggage set-up. The trio of the brand’s Carry-On, Checked bag and Checked Plus bag will have you ready to go for any type of future trip, from a weekend getaway to a medium-length vacation and serious long-haul travel. The suitcases’ spinner wheels offer a buttery smooth glide across the airport floor, allowing you to get to your gate with ease. Use all three for yourself or share with your family or partner.

For those who frequently travel for work, it’s imperative to have a suitcase that is professional-looking enough to hop off the plane and into a board meeting with. Our current favorite is Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On, which features whisper quiet Hinomoto wheels, a luscious cognac trimming and a stylish pattern that will make any scuff hard to spot. It also comes with a password-protected TSA lock and multiple interior zipped pockets for your laptop and documents. The brand also has excellent options in check-in sizes as well as sets of two.

One of our favorite travel backpacks on the market, the Matador GlobeRider45 is an incredibly versatile option for any type of trip. Along with an external laptop pocket, the bag can be used as a carry-on and has top-notch interior organization, including an “admin” pocket that is suitable for small items you need easy access to. The backpack is one of those hard-to-find options that can be used for both a city break and an outdoor adventure. It can also be trusted to remain functional and roomy the more you stuff it, making it perfect for overpackers.

Lugging around your laptop? Dagne Dover’s Neoprene Backpack is well-suited for travelers who want to pack a lot into their backpack without having to lug around something clunky. If you prefer to be hands-free when navigating the terminal, Dagne Dover’s super soft shoulder straps will allow you to travel comfortably. Spacious enough to fit all of your necessities, this backpack is designed with durable materials and features a reliable zipper. If you’re looking for more pockets, we also love Dagne’s large Indi Diaper Backpack (yes, it works for more than just diapers) for travel.

Editor’s Pick

A good convertible travel backpack is hard to find, especially for business travel, when you need a bag that’s durable enough to lug your laptop around from meeting to meeting but also stylish and professional-looking enough to be seen carrying around. Lo & Sons has cracked the code with their Rowledge bag, which easily transforms into a briefcase or tote, but can also be used as a sleek backpack large enough to hold a 13-inch or 16-inch laptop (or both) in one of its many pockets. Its padded straps are comfortable enough to forget just how many tech products and chargers you need to get through the average day, and its multiple compartments, all of which lay flat when not in use, make being organized look easy. It’s a favorite of Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, who says it’s “perfect for days when I know I’m seeing friends or going to a nice dinner after a work event or meeting.”

A weekender bag is essential to have for those quick getaways that don’t warrant bringing anything bulky. Béis has nailed the art of the chic and sophisticated go bag with The Weekender, which features a trusted zip top and full bottom compartment to separate your shoes and toiletries from your clothes. Its neutral color palette makes it perfect for just about any type of trip, from beach to business, and it also comes with one large zip pocket, two slip pockets, a key leash, and a removable shoulder strap.

Patagonia is an excellent brand for the active traveler seeking a dependable duffel, and their beloved Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag is a great place to start. This weather-resistant bag can withstand all of the elements, and its built-in internal compression system will allow you to pack enough clothing for several weeks. If your travels are a bit shorter, the bag is also available in smaller sizes, but those embarking on a long-term active trip can rest assured that their gear will travel safe thanks to the Black Hole’s durable, oversized wheels and study handles.