Its so hard to keep track. is just as functional as it is adorable! We ultimately considered each bag with all of the above in mind, taking care to determine what factors would really matter to the most travelers. I cover the money side of home-related purchases and improvements: avoiding scams, making sense of warranties and insurance, finding the best financing, and getting the most value for your dollar. Heys has an awesome variety! In addition to the above, we also factored in the price of each bag. An $80 suitcase bested a bag priced at $800. Several of these dont fit the size restrictions for carry-on on international flights. Otherwise, theAway Carry-Onis the hardside suitcase wed reach for most. Putting it in the overhead bin is a breeze when traveling compared to other carryon suitcases I own. At 8.1 pounds, theAwaycertainly wasnt the lightest bag in our testing, but we think the extra (literal) baggage is a fair trade-off given everything else you get. Learn more. Hi Monica, thank you for reaching out! We checked how stable each bag was when rolled or pulled up steps and over sidewalks, curbs, cobblestones, and dirt roads. The Genius Pack also lacks the lifetime warranty of Away, yet is about the same price, and the telescopic handle had more resistance than the other bags. Comfortable handles, easy break system and scuff-proof. We respect your privacy. Why choose hardside over soft? See this tutorial video on how to use carryon packing cubes! This 20 Coollife hard sided suitcase is tiny but mighty at 6.38 lbs! Its small enough to fit in almost any overhead cabin, but its super spacious and packable, with awesome organizational features inside. The Samsonite Omni has a fully polycarbonate shell with a micro-diamond texture that prevents scuffing and keeps the back from feeling bulky. The Delsey Cruise Lite 21 fits this description well! Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21 Hardshell Luggage, Delsey Paris Chatelet 21 Hardshell Carry On Luggage With Brake, Delsey Paris Cruise Lite 21 Hard Case Suitcase, Samsonsite Winfield 20 Hard Sided Luggage, Samsonsite Omni 20 Hardside Spinner Luggage, Travelpro Maxlite 5 21 Hard Case Suitcase Spinner, American Tourister Moonlight 21 Hard Suitcase With Wheels, Coollife Melbourne 20 Hard Suitcase Carry On, Rockland Melbourne 20 Expandable Hard Case Carry On Luggage, Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20 Hard Side Carry On Luggage, Travelers Club Chicago 20 Hard Case Rolling Luggage, Tumi 19 Degrees Expandable 22 Lightweight Hard Shell Luggage, Best Hard Carry On Luggage Comparison Chart, https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-recommendations-20-travel-experts-reveal-top-luggage-brands/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/, We have the Delsey Helium Aero and love it. Its gone to 8 countries and probably around 30 flights, and has made it!, This suitcase has gone through a couple of trips and vacations and has taken everything that TSA, luggage handlers, hotel personnel, and whatever else the world of travel can throw at it in stride. Part of the draw of this case is its looks, but you cant expect it to stay pristine for long. Gorgeous bag with a sleek, monochromatic exterior, a squishy cushioned grip that made for an ultra comfortable carry and exceedingly lightweight. With tons of options to choose from, picking the right bag for your trip can be overwhelming. For instance, a lot of bags also feature clamshell designs with one fully zipped side and one with some sort of strap to hold clothing down. As essential as a good travel pillow, this bag will serve almost all travelers needs for years to come, and will look fantastic while doing it. Its very lightweight! It can expand up to 2 for extra packing space (or to even add the odd souvenir or two), and theres any easy one-button locking system. The flap covering the outer USB port was also flimsy and maddening to close. If youre new to traveling carryon only, this handy guide will help you determine what luggage to choose and what features to look out for. The bargain winner is a hard-shell carry-on spinner bag by Made By Design (Targets house brand). The internal compression-expansion system is pretty cool too. And, of course that product looks fantastic: With a sleek design and nine tasteful color options (plus frequent limited-edition shades), you can pick something that wont look like every other black suitcase on the conveyor belt. Feeling confident and ready for anything with my, Delsey Paris Chatelet 21 Hardside Suitcase, carryon luggage stunning. If you think youll be returning from a trip with a ton of souvenirs, its worth considering grabbing an expandable case like theCalpak Ambeur, or upgrading toAways Bigger Carry-On(bearing in mind the risk that this might meet all international carry-on requirements). Hope this helps and that you find a hard side suitcase which you like. I also just picked up the Away The Carry-On recently just because so many readers say its a reliable, durable suitcase. One traveler reports, Suitcase held up perfectly over four 4-hour flights over the holidays, on two of which it actually had to be checked because the flight was very full. The handle and spinner wheels are both super secure and smooth, and the TSA approved zipper locks add protection. Charging, too, is really a matter of preference. Its easy enough to invest in your own packing cubes and then just take them out of your luggage as you see fit, which you cant do here. Itll fit in the overhead bins of most major airlines, and you can fit SO much inside, especially with the mesh zippered compartment on one side, and the compression system on the other. The Travelpro Crew 21 is a sturdy, lightweight option from a trusted brand. All that said, we werent a fan of Genius Packs built-in packing cubes. Photo: Consumer Reports. Its not only more durable, but its also lighter and more flexible than ABS. Its a basic case, and it sure feels like one. Some include the wheels, others dont. The 20 size fits in the overhead compartment of most major airlines, the 360 degree wheel spinners are easy to maneuver, and its scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell will most definitely hold up against all the rigors of a trip. is a top pick, both for domestic and international travel! We dropped them more than 3 feet onto hard flooring after storing at summer and winter temperaturespotentially tough on hard plastic. The 20 size fits in the overhead compartment of most major airlines, the 360 degree wheel spinners are easy to maneuver, and its scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell will most definitely hold up against all the rigors of a trip. A super durable bag that suffered from the same misstep as the Genius Pack Supercharged: Theres just too much going on inside. A great find!, I have been using this one for the last 6 months. What Does a Luggage Warranty Really Cover. Classic and glamorous design with a luxurious-feeling. My favourite of the lot is #10, the Delsey Chatelet. We inflated a large air bladder inside to check how seams held up. Comment below! This Carry-On is available in some gorgeous colors, too. The wheels are smooth and sturdy, and the handle is adjustable, with a comfy, ergonomic grip. If youre on the fence between the two, readers offer insight into the pros and cons. To gauge durability, for instance, we filled each bag with fabric until its total weight was almost 18 pounds, and then wheeled it along an obstacle-studded conveyor belt for the equivalent of 30-plus miles. Its lightweight at only 6 lbs and can easily fit in most overhead compartments, so its a great option for either domestic or international travel. An $800 Tumi bagand other pricey hard-shell luggage models from Briggs & Riley, Delsey, and Hartmannranked in the middle of the pack or below. One reader who has this suitcase says, We have the Delsey Helium Aero and love it. But for this price, wed want something perfect, and unfortunately this isnt. But they differed in ease of use, and in how well they withstood our rigorous simulations of the wear and abuse that make up a travel bags job. The one in the top photo really caught my eye! Putting this one on the wish list. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, PRIVACY POLICY| TERMS & CONDITIONS| DISCLOSURE, because theyre durable when being handled at airports and hauled up and down stairs or over different terrain, and are also known for protecting belongings well like electronics. Itll fit in the overhead bins of most major airlines, and you can fit SO much inside, especially with the mesh zippered compartment on one side, and the compression system on the other. One side is much deeper than the other, which resulted in more layers when packing and meant more digging through our stuff to find anything once the bag was opened. too if you mostly travel domestically and want a little extra space! Ultimately, what you choose is solely up to you! At 7.83 pounds, its ideal for domestic travel and has ample space for your clothes! Thank you, we appreciate your support! 6.71 lbs yet the exterior is tough enough to handle impact and stay looking fab! Feeling confident and ready for anything with my Delsey Paris Chatelet 21 Hardside Suitcase, Ive also owned the Delsey Chatelet and find their carryon luggage stunning. The Omni comes in a variety of colors, including some fun, bright options. I would also recommend that you join TFGs free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best recommendations to share. It has such a sleek look, and its incredible design and functionality allow you to stroll through the airport with style and ease. Some of our readers have reported using this 21 for international travel, but the. The Delsey Helium Aero 21 carry on suitcase hard shell will make you feel like royalty as you glide down the airport with ease. In Consumer Reports recent tests of hard-shell carry-on luggage, an inexpensive bag beat out suitcases costing hundreds more, including one at 10 times the price. Three hard-shell spinnersfrom Amazon Basics, Away, and Monoscome very close. Every bag earns an Overall Score of Very Good. TheAway Carry-Onhas everything you want in a suitcase: durability, thoughtful organization, smart features and chic design, all at a fair price. This 21 carryon will add a chic touch to your travel look, and its thoughtful design makes it a breeze to carry. Also available as part of a 3-piece, Suitcase held up perfectly over four 4-hour flights over the holidays, on two of which it actually had to be checked because the flight was very full. By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner ($74.99;amazon.com). And as a group, the dozen carry-on bags performed capably in our tests. We werent fixated only on the bags strength. I especially was impressed with the unique brake system so your suitcase doesnt go rolling off, even on a boat! This gem only weighs just over 6.5 lbs, so its quite light, and readers applaud its durability and stability, even over years of wear and tear! This, like the American Tourister case, features a less durable ABS shell that dented quickly and retained lasting marks after our tests. Hello, I am a frequent traveler for my work, in the last 5 years I became very good at the art of packing light, I have been using carry on only, in all of my trips. It has lots of packing space, a simple yet useful internal design and tons color and design options. To add even more confusion, carry-on sizes for luggage in countries vary as well. For longer adventures or if youre traveling with a group and need to check in bags, their luggage sets, be it 2-piece or 3-piece are really popular and look so stylish all together! The simple interior features two handy pockets, and the wheels and handle are of amazing quality that will last over many, many trips! Expandable cases are obviously going to offer you more room, but that comes at the cost of potentially tipping the scale for whats allowed in your carry-on bag (not to mention the fact that the expandable portion of the case is less durable than the rest of the shell). The Out of Bounds 20 carry on hard sided luggage by Kenneth Cole Reaction is quite compact at 6.25 lbs, but is still quite spacious when opened up! The first couple of trips left some marks on the outside that I was able to buff out with car wax, but nothing more. Which one is that one!! I prefer expandable bags, I have the option to pack gifts and check my bag if I have to, on the way back. And those differences can be meaningful when youre on the road. Overall, wed rather shell out for a more expensive case that will last longer and feel nicer to use; travel is uncomfortable enough as it is. The Maxlite 5 comes in a variety of pretty colors, too! I like that each side is packed independently., Very durable and the design was intelligent and user-friendly. The bag also never felt like it was going to tip over, even when fully loaded. Readers have said that Away makes some of the best hard shell carry on luggage, and the Carry-On 21 is a particular favorite. The most Instagrammable hard-shell carry-on luggage, Best affordable hard-shell carry-on luggage, Samsonite Omni PC Hardside 20-Inch Spinner, Briggs and Riley International Expandable Spinner, American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Spinner, Other top hard-shell carry-ons we recommend, separate look at soft-shell carry-on bags. We also loved that the Aviator is made from recycled materials and looks like an old-timey trunk. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Whats the best hardshell luggage that youve found? Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling Europe. But with the Away, that zippered side has a mesh covering, meaning you can actually see what youve packed without having to dig around in your bag. This carryon will keep your belongings safe with a TSA lock and a sturdy shell that can withstand the roughest of handling! A reader shares, I have been using this one for the last 6 months. The case features the best internal design of the bunch a simple yet effective system that will keep your stuff organized without overcomplicating things or clogging up valuable packing space. I thought it was mostly how stuffed the bag is (I have gotten the looks from agent at gates saying the my suitcase is too fat before and I have to compress it), should I return the bag? As an added bonus, hardside suitcases are also lightweight compared to plastic and aluminum shells; some varieties are even lighter than soft case luggage, making them key when trying to keep your baggage weight to a minimum. Learn more. It also has the easiest battery removal process of the cases tested by far, since you can simply pop the battery out of the case while its still shut. If youre headed to Europe, the Delsey Helium 19 version is a great carryon option for European flights! To use the cases full capacity, you have to basically zip it shut, and then pile things awkwardly on top of that zippered compartment (which also oddly wasnt flush with the outer edge of the bag). That means you can often squeeze a few more things into the case, that dents pop out more easily, and that you can trust that your bag isnt going to crack in baggage handling. One reader doesnt hesitate in their love for this suitcase, I love my Rockland! Away really shines, however, when it comes time to actually pack it. Not a single scratch or dent, no signs of wear, and it was easy to travel withrolled smoothly and easily and has a sturdy handle.. I liked the look of #7 but the price tag of $945.00 CAD is way beyond my budget thats the price of a plane ticket. I am ready for a nicer suitcase that will look elegant and it will last longer. New materials mean todays hardside luggage is also often incredibly lightweight and flexible enough to pack to the brim. So if you want to be completely sure your bag will pass muster regardless of the carrier you fly, youll have to stick with one tested carry-on bag, from Briggs & Riley. We also only tested four-wheel spinner cases, as these are generally easier to maneuver than two-wheel cases (and any difference in packing space is negligible). has not only extra room potential without sacrificing size or weight, but also sound safety features. What we didnt like, however, was the disparity in packing space once you open up the bag. Travelers Club also offers this as a part of a, ! Then I changed for hard sided luggage and I love it, I began with Heys 21 and it lasted few years, no problem and great price, my last bag was calpack 21, lasted 2.5 years, never issues with Airlines, but the zipper of the extension broke. Theres no side carry handle, and the single barred telescopic handle, while space-saving, put a major strain on our hand when dragging the case behind us. The inner organizational features are awesome, too. This 4-wheel spinner is highly functional with 360 wheels, locking zippers, and even a built-in tracking device! Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin ($560;rimowa.com). Hi there. !, Ive had a Reaction one that saw a ton of use and held up well., Very spacious, can easily pack for a 5-day trip, rolls great, both handles work great, beautiful color (I get compliments all the time) and overall, just a really great value for what you pay.. will make you feel like royalty as you glide down the airport with ease. Keep an eye out for Tumi at discount stores you can sometimes find them . The inclusion of a hidden, water resistant laundry bag and leather luggage tag are nice touches as well. That bag is a beast. ), One reader shares how they used this popular suitcase, I had that stuffed in May when traveling to Europe and had no issues at all. by Kenneth Cole Reaction is quite compact at 6.25 lbs, but is still quite spacious when opened up! American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Spinner ($104.99, originally $124.99;amazon.com). Users report that its. But dont assume from those labels that they meet the carry-on dimension requirements22x14x9 inches (height by width by depth)of the strictest U.S. domestic carriers. TFG readers love Samsonite suitcases, and the Winfield 20 carry on hard luggage is a top pick, both for domestic and international travel! They also make very popular luggage sets that our readers love, too. The case also has two charging ports, whereas all but one other we tested (the Genius Pack Supercharged) had only a single port. We loaded almost 225 pounds on top and to the side to gauge each bags resilience at the bottom of a cargo pile. Read these tips onhow to pack for 5kg baggage allowance! Away was the only case we tested that actually comes with a battery pack (a 10,000 mAh travel-friendly charger, to be precise). We examined how easy it was for men and women of different sizes to grab handles and straps, and to carry and pull. For CR, I've also written about digital payments, credit and debit, taxes, supermarkets, financial planners, airlines, retirement and estate planning, shopping for electronics and hearing aidseven how to throw a knockout wedding on a shoestring. Samsonites Omni 20 luggage hard shell style makes for effortless travel at only 6.8 lbs! This carryon will keep your belongings safe with a TSA lock and a sturdy shell that can withstand the roughest of handling! Its a CR Best Buy, and among four carry-on bags that Consumer Reports recommends. Its lightweight, with a super-strong exterior, and has reinforced corners that absorb shock for added durability. For more on luggage, CR members also can check out our luggage buying guide and our survey-based ratings of carry-on luggage brands (including soft-sided bags not covered by these tests), checked luggage brands, and luggage retailers. Discovery Company. Suitcases need to be able to withstand a fair amount of abuse, fit a lot of stuff, and roll without a hitch. Travelpro Crew 21 Inch Spinner ($199.99, originally $229;travelpro.com). This is due to the materials its constructed with: The outer shell is 100% polycarbonate, an extremely strong yet lightweight and flexible material thats become the gold standard for hardside luggage. Sorry I could not have been of more help. The durable hardshell opens up into a roomy interior with an accessory pocket, and a compression band keeps everything packed nice and tight. If youre unsure what carryon luggage brands are best, readers (the experts) share the top brands to buy! Even the wheels and telescopic handle match the rest of the case. We also liked that the handle itself is black rather than the brushed steel color typical of most cases, as this better matches the trim and detailing on the bag. Readers agree that the best tool for organizing and compressing clothes is by using packing cubes! If I had the bucks Id go for a Tumi! Getting ready for my TravelCon speaking gig with the Away Carry-On, And guess what? The wheels are smooth and sturdy, and the handle is adjustable, with a comfy, ergonomic grip. Thats not to say that some bags arent significantly better bets than others. to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space. I especially was impressed with the unique brake system so your suitcase doesnt go rolling off, even on a boat! Readers have recommended this, saying its a great, dependable carryon. Its worth every penny.. I really like your blog!Thanks! Have a look at this article for our roundup of the best luggage brands according to travel experts: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-recommendations-20-travel-experts-reveal-top-luggage-brands/ I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question about study luggage there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their recommendations for products. We left the bags, zipped, in a sprinkler-induced downpour to see what would seep through their zipper fabric. That said, Away claims the handle is meant to be this flexible to better absorb shock, and no issues with the handle actually arose in our testing. We will always advocate for simple internal organization so youre never limited in exactly how you want to pack your bag. Should you need more assistance on what is the best suitcase for you, check out these comprehensive resources: Tip: Remember to always check the baggage requirements for your specific airline when traveling carryon only. The bad thing at the moment is that there isnt one carry-on limitation across the board making it confusing. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. If youre on the lookout for a hardside option, here is the best hard case luggage as voted by readers! Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? This hardside also available as a part of a highly rated 3-piece luggage set. I like that each side is packed independently.. The wheel area on a Delsey, $480, cracked in our drop tests, earning that spinner only a Fair score for impact resistance. I took it with me to speak at TravelCon and feel free to head to the TFG Facebook Group to watch my first impressions! Some cool features also have downsides. Thanks for your help =). The Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry on luggage hard shell comes highly rated and recommended by our readers. Our stringent measurements showed that only four bags were actually within that limit after accounting for protrusions such as feet, handles, locks, wheels, and zippers, Regan notes. Its just to remind you to think about how youll actually be using a piece of luggage before getting too bogged down in very minor differences that probably arent going to affect your travel experience. polycarbonate hard shell rarely shows any signs of use, even after lots of rigorous travel. This roundup is helpful when deciding what is the best size and type of luggage to travel around European cities that involve restrictive budget airlines, train travel, and navigating endless stairs, and the infamous cobblestone streets! Notably, some high-end bags didnt do quite as well. The outer coating quickly crinkled up, and marks remained quite visible after any dents were popped back into place. One reader shares their review, Ive had a Reaction one that saw a ton of use and held up well.. And check out the Bigger Carry-On too if you mostly travel domestically and want a little extra space! Awayalso utilizes smooth YKK zippers, an aluminum telescopic handle and the Rolls-Royce of luggage wheels: four double Hinomoto spinners, which in our testing glided seamlessly on pavement, hardwood and grass alike. (I was shocked that it didnt move with some small but rocky waves when I traveled on one! In Consumer Reports tests, we put twelve small, hard-shell carry-on bagsbasic modelsfrom as many brands through 31 different evaluations of use, durability, ergonomics, safety, and other aspects of ownership. The interior divider zips fully so nothing will fall out when you open it, and the outer zipper locks keep your belongings safe. This is a very lightweight bag made from excellent materials and which fits a lot. If youre in the market for a hardside, review these top reader recommendations for the. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Users rave about the quality and security due to the TSA side mounted locks! It can expand up to 2 for extra packing space (or to even add the odd souvenir or two), and theres any easy one-button locking system. Use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests. ), The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Its lightweight and the spinner wheels make for a smooth ride. Remember to always check the baggage requirements for your specific airline when traveling carryon only.