The Best Hardside Luggage To Bring On Every Type Of Trip

We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more Forbes Vetted The Best Hardside Luggage To Bring On Every Type Of Trip Astrid Taran Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Claire Epting Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Sep 19, 2023, 03:47pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin After your flights and hotels are booked for that dream vacation, the next most important detail on your travel checklist should be securing a durable suitcase you can rely on—and that’s where hardside luggage comes in. Whether it’s being shoved into a tight underseat space, tossed into a car trunk or propelled down a carousel, chances are high that it will be put through the ringer before you land.

The best hardside luggage can ensure that your personal items are kept safe and secure, meaning you can carry on your suitcase or check it in at the airport with the confidence that everything inside will remain in one piece. The best hardside luggage ensures your belongings are safe and protected. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers Whether you’re seeking a go-to carry-on suitcase or a multi-piece luggage set , hardside luggage has seen a significant rise in popularity.

With stand-out suitcases like the Monos Carry-On Pro and the Away The Bigger Carry-On , the world of hardside luggage has racked up some major style points in the last few years (plus, it’s generally easier to keep clean). And while softside luggage can be great for over-packers, several luggage brands have debuted expandable hardside designs that provide the best of both worlds. So if you’re looking to add a trustworthy hardside suitcase to your travel set-up, we’ve selected the best hardside luggage in both carry-on and check-in sizes that will keep your travels stress-free (at least, partially) in 2023.

Best Hardside Luggage Overall: Monos Carry-On Pro Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage: Away The Bigger Carry-On Best Hardside Luggage Set: Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set Best Hardside Luggage For International Travel: Tumi International Carry-On Most Durable Hardside Luggage: Level8 Gibraltar Carry On Best Hardside Checked Luggage: Monos Check-In Large Best Hardside Luggage For Extended Trips: July Checked Trunk Best Hardside Expandable Luggage: Béis The Checked Roller Best Hardside Luggage With Front Pocket: Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max Best Hardside Luggage Overall Sleek, Sturdy And Thoughtfully Designed Monos Monos Carry-On Pro Buy From Monos Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7. 8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty Monos has quickly become a highly spotted name brand in airports around the globe—not surprising, given that we named it one of the best luggage brands on the market. Its cabin-sized Carry-On Pro is made of airspace-grade polycarbonate, thoughtfully designed with a TSA-approved lock and a convenient front compartment that holds a 16-inch laptop.

With a sturdy telescopic handle and whisper-quiet wheels, it glides through airports like a dream. Not only is the Carry-On Pro designed to fit in the overhead bin on nearly any flight, it can also nest snugly inside any of the brand’s larger check-in suitcases. You’ll find a wide range of signature and limited edition hues to choose from, including Blue Haze and Desert Taupe.

Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage A Reliable Hardside Option Away Away The Bigger Carry-On Buy From Away Dimensions: 22. 7 x 14. 7 x 9.

6 inches | Weight: 7. 4 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty Away’s bigger carry-on is an excellent overall choice for the traveler looking for a reliable hardside suitcase at a reasonable price point. Its durable polycarbonate hardshell is simple to clean and its 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver on days when you really need to book it to your gate.

It also comes with a built-in compression system, an ejectable USB for charging electronics on the go and a foldable laundry bag. The brand is known for its modern, sleek design and has a handful of color options to choose from as well as options for check-in sizes. Best Hardside Luggage Set A Trio Of Suitcases For Any Trip Calpak Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set Buy From Calpak Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches (carry-on); 25 x 16 x 11 inches (medium); 29.

5 x 19 x 12. 5 inches (large) | Weight: 6 pounds (carry-on); 8. 6 pounds (medium); 10.

3 pounds (large) | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty For frequent travelers, few investments are as worthwhile as a luggage set. This trio of hardside suitcases from Calpak will take you from quick work trips to extended vacations. Each piece of luggage features an exterior made of durable polycarbonate and a polyester lining.

A TSA-approved combination lock adds an extra layer of security while the dual spinner wheels make walking through the airport a breeze. Also nice: A zippered panel allows you to expand each suitcase by 2 inches. Sleek and chic, this gorgeous-looking set comes in lustrous shades of Gold, Rose Gold and Silver.

And that price? Unbeatable. Best Hardside Luggage For International Travel A Tough Aluminum Option That You Can Trust Tumi Tumi International Carry-On Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year warranty Tumi is a trusted name for high-quality luggage and its durable aluminum international carry-on suitcase is one of the best on the market. For travelers planning on international travel that could require long flights and multiple layovers, it doesn’t get much sturdier than this hardshell case.

Further, it gets extra points for its uniquely contoured design, bumpers (to shield it from damage) and sturdy compression straps to keep everything in place. To protect your investment, the brand offers a Tracer Product Recovery Program, a complimentary tracking service that allows you to track your suitcase with an ID number that can be registered with Tumi. Most Durable Hardside Luggage A Suitcase That Can Withstand Any Kind Of Environment Level8 Level8 Gibraltar Carry On Buy From Amazon Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 8.

5 inches | Weight: 10. 14 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty For those traveling with valuables or who want to be extra extra sure their belongings won’t get jostled to and fro, Level8’s Gibraltar Carry On is a no-brainer. The suitcase’s aluminum-magnesium alloy hardshell can resist temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and is durable enough to still keep everything in place no matter how hard it’s tossed, bumped or rattled.

Its reinforced metal corner guards and side bumper give the suitcase extra protection and the brand offers an unlimited lifetime warranty, meaning it’s an investment worth making. Best Hardside Checked Luggage A Sleek And Stylish Heavy Hitter Monos Monos Check-In Large Dimensions: 30 × 21 × 11 inches | Weight: 10. 5 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime For those looking to secure a sturdy and dependable checked baggage option, Monos’ large Check-In is made out of aerospace-grade polycarbonate, known for its extreme durability, and features tough YKK zippers that can withstand every type of pull.

The Check-In also features 360-degree silent-run spinner wheels that are easy to maneuver and an internal compression pad that will allow you to squeeze in multiple extra outfits. Monos also offers a chic and stylish color selection including hues like Teracotta and Rose Quartz. Best Hardside Luggage For Extended Trips A Sophisticated Alternative To Bulky Trunks MOST POPULAR July July Checked Trunk Buy From July Dimensions: 28 × 16.

5 × 14. 5 inches | Weight: 13. 2 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime Buzzy Australian brand July is another name that made our list of best luggage brands and its lightweight and trunk design is perfect for travelers who are packing for an extensive trip—in style.

With a multi-height, softly padded handle, whisper-quiet spinner wheels and a glazed polycarbonate shell, the brand’s Checked Trunk will make a suitcase packed with items for a multi-week trip feel as light as a cloud. July is inarguably making the best-looking trunk luggage on the market right now and we’re fond of its Light Sand color, which recalls the shade of ballet slippers. Best Hardside Expandable Luggage A Great Option For Overpackers Béis Béis The Large Check-In Roller Dimensions: 18.

75 x 12 x 30. 5 inches | Weight: 11. 8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty on manufacturing defects Chronic overpackers, look no further than Béis for hardside luggage.

The brand’s Large Check-In Roller allows for 2 inches of extra expansion so you can stuff in what you need (extra souvenirs included). When you’re finished, you can triple check that your bag is good to go with a built-in weight limit indicator that will keep you in check—when you lift the suitcase by the side-carry handle, a red mark will appear if the luggage is over 50 pounds, the standard weight limit for checked bags. Best Hardside Luggage With Front Pocket Perfect For Organization Arlo Skye Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max With Front Pocket Buy From Arlo Skye Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.

6 inches | Weight: 7. 1 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year warranty on manufacturing defects For travelers looking for that extra mile of organization, Arlo Skye’s Zipper Carry-On provides a large front pocket roomy enough to fit a laptop or tablet, alongside forgiving zipper technology that stretches up to an extra inch. In addition to this eye-catching sunshine yellow shade, the Carry-On Max is equipped with a TSA-approved lock and a blazing fast built-in charger which promises to fill a phone battery halfway in 30 minutes.

If you’re looking for a zipperless option, The Frame Check-In is also an excellent choice. forbes. com Bloomingdale’s Promo Codes | 15% Off In September 2023 | Forbes MORE FROM FORBES VETTED The Best Cordless Vacuums For Pet Hair That Are Powerful And Effective By Camryn Rabideau Contributor The Best White T-Shirt For Women: The Ultimate Guide To Crewnecks, V-Necks And More.

By Jamie Ueda Contributor Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted team has published a number of travel stories and luggage guides that provide detailed information on which pieces are well-suited for all types of voyages. This article was written by senior travel editor Astrid Taran , who has 7 years experience writing and editing stories on luggage, travel accessories, hotels and cruises. In addition, Taran is an experienced globetrotter—she has visited 30 countries, establishing herself as one of Forbes Vetted’s trusted travel experts.

We regularly update our articles to guarantee the best product selection and prices available. The latest September 2023 update was written by Claire Epting , Vetted’s travel updates writer, who is an experienced lifestyle product writer and researcher. The story’s newest version includes the Monos Carry-On Pro as the best overall pick and a three-piece luggage set from Calpak as the best hardside luggage set.

How We Chose The Best Hardside Luggage When selecting the best hardside luggage, we took into consideration the factors that separate one piece of luggage from the next. This includes not only common variables such as size, weight, build quality and features, but also how you intend to use your luggage, the kind of trip you’re going to take and what you’ll be packing. For this reason, we’ve included suitcases with expandable panels, convenient front pockets and more—there’s truly something for every traveler (and budget).

We also took special care to select reputable brands that offer warranties on their products. Finally, customer reviews were accounted for; all of our picks earned an average rating of least four out of five stars. Coupons Houzz Link to Coupon Astrid Taran Claire Epting Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.