Most durable luggage in 2020

As wonderful as the idea of traveling may be, let’s face it: Travelling can become stressful when preparing and packing your personal items including clothes. There are many things that you need to consider such as space availability, size of your luggage, and allowable weight, among others. Nobody wants to pay pesky baggage fees. If your luggage goes over the limit, you will have to cough up extra money. Thankfully, the right piece of luggage can make a big difference in your experience. In fact, the best and most durable luggage can make your trips easy and stress-free.

Most Durable Luggage – Comparison Table

We know that choosing the best luggage can be daunting, especially when you are shopping online and can see hundreds of products to choose from, differing in features and asking price. If you have no idea of what to look for in a luggage, you may end up buying mediocre products. For a start, here are our top 3 choices for most durable luggage:

Guide on How to Choose Your Luggage

When it comes to choosing luggage, there are several features that matter most. Knowing the pros and cons of one feature over another can help you make the right decision.

Hard vs Soft Luggage

Either one of these choices can work well, depending on your personal preferences and packing style. Softsided Luggage If you want more flexibility in terms of storage, soft-sided luggage is your best choice as you can use them for checked luggage or carry-on luggage. Aside from their soft shell, they are also generally lightweight, making them easier to squeeze into the tight overhead compartment of planes. Most soft luggage also have exterior pockets that are not common among hardshell luggage. Hardsided Luggage Hardsided luggage is gaining in popularity nowadays as manufacturers continue to upgrade and improve their features. Before, most hardshell luggage are made of metal which is a bit heavy and inconvenient to carry. These days, you can find lightweight hardshell luggage made of polycarbonate and other special plastics. With this great improvement, more and more people are using hard-sided suitcases for their carry-on or checked luggage.

Two or Four Wheels

Two-wheeled luggage, also known as rollaboard luggage, are generally easy to maneuver on uneven surfaces. The wheels are also typically recessed into the case which protects the wheels from damage. The main drawback of a two-wheeler is that you have to drag it behind you. This pulling motion may cause strain to your shoulders and wrist. This is not an ideal choice for those who are prone to have pain in those areas. On the other hand, four-wheeled luggage, or spinner suitcases as they are commonly called, have wheels that rotate 360 degrees. This allows you to turn your bag in any direction, providing better mobility. With four-wheeled luggage, you have the option to push it, pull it or roll it next to you. The main drawback of this type of bag is that the wheels protrude and take up space in the overhead bin. They are also likely to suffer more damage after several trips.

Size

If you are a frequent flyer, check the websites of the company you frequently fly with for more information about the limit for carrying on or checked luggage before deciding on what luggage size to buy. It’s important to note that flight companies have different size requirements, and it would be good to choose a bag that fits most airlines’ requirements.

Luggage Restrictions

The FAA limits what you can carry when flying within the United States. Passengers can have one carry-on bag plus one personal item. As a general rule, your carry-on bag should not be larger than 45 linear inches (or 22 x 14 x 9 inches); Otherwise, you will need to have it checked in. For checked luggage and bags, get one that does not exceed 62 inches when you add the length plus width plus height as this is the standard for most major flight companies in the US.

Weight

The weight of the luggage is an important consideration since most flight companies have weight restrictions for carry on and checked bags and suitcases. If your checked bag is already heavy, this will limit the items that you can carry with it. Nobody wants to pay the hefty cost of extra pounds that goes above the limit.

Material

Checked luggage normally pass through rough handling, that is why it’s important to get a piece of luggage or suitcase constructed from durable materials that do not quickly scratch or break. Even with regular use, leather and fabric suitcases retain their quality with minimal wear and tear depending on your care and handling. They can also withstand rough handling at the airport if you have to check it in. The downside of leather is that it is prone to scratches and are also a bit expensive. As a substitute, a number of luggage brands are now using ballistic nylon. This material is also durable and sturdy, but not as good-looking as leather. If you are looking for soft-sided luggage and don’t care much about aesthetics, ballistic nylon luggage is a good option. For hard-sided suitcases, their wear and tear largely depend on the materials used. Many manufacturers are using metal and hard plastic materials. Metal is a good pick for storing expensive equipment items such as cameras and computers, but they are a bit heavy. Hard plastic is a more affordable option but it is not as sturdy as its metal counterpart.

Cost

As they say, you get what you pay for, and this is generally true for travel luggage. The most durable and stylish ones with many add-on features are typically not very affordable. If you frequently travel and you know that you will be using the luggage for many years, consider investing in a good quality product. If you get a cheap one that you have to replace after several uses, the replacement cost will add up and may cost you more in the long run. On average, you can get good quality luggage at $300 to $400. You are lucky if you can find an affordable piece of luggage with the best features that you are looking for.

Extra Features

Think about the features that can make your life easier. They can be your deciding factor especially if you are comparing two products that share many similar features.

• Handles – The best handles are sturdy and feels comfortable to use. Handles that are built into the inside of the bag are a good find as this design protects the handle from damage. Moreover, the handle’s height is also an important consideration because if it is too short for your height, it will leave the suitcase jabbing you at the back.
• Piggyback clip – This is also a good-to-have feature as the looped piggyback clip allows you to clip on your carry-on bag or other personal items, giving you a free hand.
• Extra durable zippers – It’s important that the zippers of your luggage are extra tough to withstand heavy use and abuse of travel. The best zipper for a luggage is made of metal instead of plastic, and it should be easy to open and close.
• TSA-approved locks – TSA-approved locks provide extra security. Although you can buy a separate TSA-approved lock, it’s a good-to-have feature if it is already incorporated in your luggage.
• Pockets and organizational systems – The construction of a hard sided luggage does not allow for extra pockets at the outer compartments. If you like more pockets for organizing your stuff, you should go for softsided luggage.
• Charging ports and battery pack – Some newer models are called smart luggage for a reason. Some of them come with a built-in battery pack for conveniently charging your devices while on the go. Some models also feature built-in pouches for storing toiletries and wet clothes. Make sure that these additional features in the luggage are PackSafe for passengers.

FAQ

1.Who is responsible if my checked luggage gets damaged? When the damage occurs while the bag is checked in and is under the airline’s control, the airline is responsible for fixing or reimbursing the passengers for the cost of repairs. This is according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection division. If the luggage or bag can’t be fixed, the company should replace it with a like bag or reimburse the passenger. The reimbursement will be based on the value of the bag, less its depreciation, subject to liability limits. For flights within the US, the maximum liability for a lost, delayed or damaged luggage is set at $3,500, while for international flights, the limit is about $1,600. 2. Which durable luggage has more space capacity? 3. Which luggage has the most ergonomic and practical design? The Travelpro Platinum Elite Luggage has an ergonomic design and many practical features, which makes it ideal for frequent travellers. It has features like TSA lock, USB port and numerous compartments, which are not available in many other luggage. There are seemingly endless considerations when choosing a durable luggage for your next trip. Ultimately, you have to choose one that works for your travel preferences and unique needs. If still undecided, you could check out our top 10 most durable luggage in 2020.

10 Most Durable Luggage in 2020

1. Travelpro Platinum Elite Luggage

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Luggage is one of our top choices for softsided luggage because of its ergonomic design and durability. Made of stain and scuff-resistant nylon fabric, it also comes with leather accents and chrome zippers, which make it look more stylish. This luggage is a perfect choice if you are always on long business trips. It has a huge capacity and comes with a fold-out suiter and interior tie-down system to prevent your business suits from wrinkling during the trip. It also has numerous accessory pockets to organize and store your other essentials. If you want more extra space, you can also take advantage of its tip-resistant tapered expansion which can give you 2 inches more of packing space. Moreover, this luggage is one of the several models that have integrated locks for TSA authorities to unlock and lock the suitcase for inspection. When it comes to mobility, you can rely on its precision glide system for effortless movement. The glide system features eight magnatrac self-aligning spinner wheels that move 360 degrees for easy and convenient movement.

2. Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage, Brushed Anthracite

Samsonite is one of the most iconic brands when it comes to innovating bags, suitcases, backpacks and other travel accessories. With more than 100 years of experience in the industry, you can only expect nothing but the best from this brand. One of their best sellers when it comes to luggage is the Samsonite Winfield 2 Luggage. This luggage is a perfect choice if you prefer a heavy-sided luggage with a built-in TSA compatible locking system. Not too many models have this feature. It also weighs less than 10 pounds when most of its counterparts weigh more. A lighter bag gives you extra weight capacity for other things that you want to bring. What’s good about this product is that it is made from durable polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is one of the popular materials for hard-sided luggage as it can absorb impact by flexing instead of breaking, then it goes back to its original shape. Unlike other glossy hard luggage, this one is not prone to dents or scratches, which also helps maintain its aesthetics. Looking at the interior, you can also see that this luggage is fully lined to provide additional protection for your personal items. It also has cross-straps and zippered pockets to organize your things. The best thing about this Samsonite luggage is that it is fitted with 360-degree spinner wheels. This kind of wheels makes it really easy to move the luggage forward, backward or sidewards with less efforts.

3. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Luggage

Another perfect product if you are looking for a hardsided luggage is the DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Luggage. It is made from 100% polycarbonate material which is extra durable and tough. It is also one of the best materials for hardsided luggage as it is extremely resilient to breaking and cracking. You’ll also love the bright color options for this luggage which include brick read, plum purple, peony pink, teal, and blue among others. Choosing any of these colors allows you to quickly identify your luggage from a far distance. Aside from its stylish looks, this luggage also comes with many great features which include the silent core double spinner wheels that allow for optimum mobility in all directions with no noticeable noise. This polycarbonaye luggage is robust and with huge capacity, which makes it ideal for international or long travels. It can expand up to 2 inches if you need additional room. It also features MaxPack unique top-lid opening which is convenient if you want to pack in one large main compartment. Moreover, it also has handles on the top, side and bottom to give you flexibility when lifting it. The handles are also rubberized and non-slip for additional comfort.

4. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage

Measuring about 63.25 linear inches, this luggage is definitely not for carry on. It is huge and spacious, allowing you to carry more stuff. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage is a perfect option for you if you are after durable hard suitcases and travelling bags for checking in. Just like other polycarbonate hard case luggage, this product is also extra durable and lightweight. It also absorbs impact better than other materials. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your luggage will survive rough handling. What’s interesting about it is that it has an ergonomic handle with patented rubberized contour grip which makes it comfortable to hold. On top of that, it also locks at 38″ and 42.5″, for users of different heights. This double lock feature is helpful in ensuring that the lock is not too long or too short for its users. Moreover, it has four smooth and sturdy wheel spinners that rotate 360-degree for effortless maneuverability in all directions. This is seemingly an insignificant feature, but if you are prone to back or shoulder pain, you’ll appreciate it since it helps you prevent any strain in those areas.

5. Briggs & Riley Transcend Spinner Luggage

Briggs & Riley is also a popular manufacturer of luggage and this product is one their Transcend collection. The best suitcases and luggage in this collection have one thing in common – customizable capacity to give you that extra room which matters especially if you are traveling for extended number of days. This luggage can expand up to 2.5 inches, when most luggage are limited to 2- inch expansion. If you are looking for soft-case luggage for your long trips, this product is perfect for you. What’s notable about the Briggs & Riley Transcend Spinner Luggage is that it uses a proprietary two-tone nylon twill as the outer fabric. This nylon material has a very fine weave for a sleek touch. Moreover, it is also durable and is resistant to moisture, dirt, and abrasion. And to keep the fabric abrasion free, it is also fitted with Permasquare in abrasion-prone areas. The best part about this luggage are its multiple interior pockets and straps that help you organize your items. It also has an outer pocket where you can keep your gear for a quick access.

6. Samsonite Stryde Hardside Glider

This is another great product from one of the leaders in travelware. The Samsonite Stryde Hardside Glider redefines luggage maneuverability by utilizing the StrideAlign technology which is engineered to make quiet and effortless rolling in all directions. The 360- spinner wheels have individual hardened steel cartridge bearings to increase mobility. Moreover, the wheels have a lower center of gravity for a more fluid movement and ease of control. For convenience in handling, this luggage also comes with a push-button handle with eight handle stops to accommodate different heights of users. This is a great feature to have as most luggage just have 2 to 3 handle stops. If you always travel and you refer a durable hard case suitcase large enough for all your belongings, the Samsonite Stryde is a perfect match. It is extra durable and can handle multiple trips in a month due to its use of 100% polycarbonate material. It also does not get scratched easily so you can keep its stylish and shiny looks for a long time. Moreover, it has already an integrated side-mounted TSA lock to ensure that your belongings will stay safe wherever you go.

7. Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 Frequent Flyer Softside Carry-On

Inspired by the Swiss Army Knife, the Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 Frequent Flyer Softside Carry-On incorporates numerous smart functions and details to make your trips as convenient and worry-free as possible. This luggage is perfect and ideal for those who love to travel in a practical and sophisticated way. This luggage is made with ballistic nylon, a tough and durable material that does not easily stain. It also has a solid construction so you can be sure that it is durable. A main drawback is the limited color options, so if you prefer bright-colored luggage, it is not for you. Due to the nature of its material, you can easily expand this luggage for extra packing capacity. It also comes with two exterior pockets where you can store your electronics or last minute items. As the Swiss Army Knife is known for its multi-functionality, so does this bag. It comes with a USB port hidden under the pull-out ID tray so you can easily charge while on the go. The ID tray also holds two other tools, the SIM card changer and the ballpoint pen. Plus, it has a garment sleeve and multiple interior pockets that can help you organize your things. As for mobility, this luggage uses 60-mm dual-caster Hinomoto wheels that rotate well. The silent tread of the wheels lets you move it with minimal noise. For security, it also comes with a TSA combination lock.

8. Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 inch Softside Carry On Luggage

Don’t care for a bulky bag but want a spacious luggage? The Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 inch Softside Carry On Luggage is a perfect product for your travel style. It comes with a patented CX system that allows it to expand up to 2.5 inches, increasing its capacity by about 25% more. What’s great about this bag is that it also includes a garment carrier to keep your suit from wrinkling, huge interior pocket for keeping your stuff, and wide garment compression straps to keep your garment in place during your trip. Another good thing about this durable luggage is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. This means that if your luggage gets damaged or broken even by an airline, the manufacturer will fix it for free. Moreover, Briggs & Riley is confident that this luggage will last long without much repairs needed. It is made from ballistic nylon outer fabric with high-grade and extra tough rubber spinner wheels that can last for many years of use. Moreover, its handle is made with aircraft-grade aluminum with 4 stop heights to meet the height requirement of its users.

9. Tumi Tegra-Lite® Max International Expandable Carry-On

This durable luggage is another perfect option for those who prefer expandable hard-sided suitcases. The Tumi Tegra-Lite® Max International Expandable Carry-On has a spacious compartment with an additional easily accessible exterior front pocket for quick access to your important stuff and gear. The interior is fully lined and features two packing compartments, a hanger bracket, two zip pockets, a mesh zip pocket, and tie-down straps. With its numerous pockets and compartments, it gives you more flexibility in organizing your stuff. Plus, the hanger bracket will hold your suit while ensuring it stays wrinkle-free. If you are one of those flyers who often have last-minute items to pack, the expandable feature really helps. As the Tumi Tegra-Lite can expand up to 2 inches, you’ll be able to bring more items for your trip. Moreover, its other notable features include bottom- and top-side handles and a multi-height telescoping handle to ensure that the handle is not too long or too short for your needs. The Tumi Tegra-Lite is also fitted with protective bumpers to avoid scratches, TSA integrated lock, and double spinner wheels for mobility.

10. Travelers Club 3 Piece Polaris Metal Accent Hardside Expandable Luggage Set

Want a bright-colored hard-sided bag? The Travelers Club 3 Piece Polaris Metal Accent Hardside Expandable Luggage Set may be for you. This product is a set of three, which makes it a great option for families. Color choices include copper, pale gold and bright silver, which are easily distinguishable from a distance. The main compartment of this luggage is expandable, giving you up to 25% additional packing capacity. The interior is also fully lined with a huge mesh pocket and cross-straps to keep your clothes in place. As for its outer shell, it is made of 100% ABS hardshell material which is designed to absorb impact. What’s unique about ABS is that it tends to flex back into its original shape after impact. Since the outer shell is textured, it reduces the appearance of scratches and abrasions. After comparing the 10 most durable luggage, our top choice in terms of the overall construction, ergonomic design and usability is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Luggage. It is the best suitcase for those who travel multiple times a year and those who prefer a soft-sided piece of luggage. This one is extremely versatile as you can use it as a checked luggage or carry-on luggage. With an overall dimension of 44 linear inches, it meets most airlines’ carry-on limit. It is also lightweight and roomy, giving you extra space and weight capacity for your personal things. Moreover, it does have several practical features including a TSA lock for security and USB port for convenient charging. Most importantly, it is backed with a limited lifetime warranty which means that its manufacturer can vouch that this product will last long. The durable Travelpro Platinum Elite Luggage will give you a big bang for your buck because in spite of its long list of great features, it is not as expensive as most of its counterparts with similar features.