When it comes to investing in travel gear, a checked bag is often at the top of the list, both in terms of importance and cost. Essential for longer trips—say, anywhere from 10 to 14 days—or anyone needing extra packing space, the best checked luggage is not only a necessity but a long-term investment. With the right bag, you’re readying yourself for the next trip on your calendar and for ones in the years to come. And choosing quality luggage—whether it’s your first or an upgrade from an older model—requires more than just a cursory glance at its features.
To help you find the perfect fit, Condé Nast Traveler editors have traveled far and wide, road-testing checked bags from top luggage brands like Away, Béis, July, Roam, Samsonite, Monos, and more. After months of real-world testing for durability, functionality, and capacity, we’ve narrowed down the best checked luggage on the market to 19 pieces. These bags are designed to withstand the rigors of travel and are built to last—thoughtfully designed, ultra-light, and effortless to travel with. Read on to discover the checked bags we recommend most.
What to consider:
- Material: Hard-sided suitcases usually function as clamshells (giving you space to pack on both sides); soft-sided suitcases often have one large compartment and a few exterior pockets.
- Organizational elements: If you're a packing cube devotee, you might not care about extra pockets; overpackers—or anyone traveling with bulky items—will likely want a bag with compression straps.
- Wheel count: Two wheels are better for speed and rough terrain while four wheels cater to maneuverability. If you go with two wheels, you’ll be pulling your bag from point A to point B; four wheels give you the ability to push or pull, depending on your preference.
- Cost: Checked luggage ranges anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand. A higher price tag can indicate more features and higher-quality materials, but there are occasions when you’re simply paying for the brand name.
How we tested:
To help us recommend the very best luggage to our readers, more than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors and contributors spent months (and in some cases, years) road-testing the most talked-about bags on the market. These bags accompanied us near and far on planes, trains, buses, and cruises, from local staycations to far-flung destinations. We packed these bags to the brim, lifted them into overhead bins, rolled them down cobblestone streets, and trudged through bustling cities with them in hand. While traveling with our luggage, we considered each bag's weight, capacity, functionality, price point, and how well it has held up over time. We also identified smart design features that make a bag stand out from its competitors, like having weight indicators, separate shoe compartments, or protective laptop sleeves. After careful consideration and inspection, we determined which suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks deserve a spot in our coveted Luggage Week lineup. The results are a mix of innovative newcomers and long-time, reliable favorites from top luggage brands around the world. Read on for our 2025 list of editor-approved luggage.
Top picks:
Compare our top picks:
| Suitcase | Dimensions | Capacity | Expandable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| July Checked Expandable | 26" x 19" x 13" | 90L | Yes |
| Away The Softside Medium | 26" x 19" x 11" | 69L | Yes |
| Solgaard Check-In Closet original | 28" x 17" x 14.5" | 91L | No |
| Roam Large Expandable | 30" x 19.5" x 13.5" | 86L | Yes |
| Tumi Rolling Trunk | 34.3" x 16" x 14" | 86L | No |

The electric blue Casetify Bounce suitcase at Fouquet's in New York City
Andrew BuiTravelpro
Maxlite 5 carry-on
Weight: 6.8 lb.
Capacity: 91L
Dimensions: 25" x 18.5" x 11.5"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
As much as she tries not to be, Traveler contributor Lauren Dana Ellman says she is a chronic overpacker. That’s why she prefers soft-sided suitcase when traveling: “It offers more flexibility and, consequently, more space.” She’s been using the Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft-side expandable checked luggage for years: “Funny enough, it was originally a 30th birthday gift for my husband, but I’ve since claimed it as my own,” Ellman says. “This suitcase has accompanied me across the globe—Hawaii, France, Alaska, Italy—and I’m constantly impressed by how much it holds despite weighing just under seven pounds.” She finds the four 360-degree spinner wheels make it “a breeze to maneuver through carpeted airports,” and that the expandable feature “adds an extra two inches of space,” which is especially handy after souvenir shopping. “Plus, with two exterior compartments, an interior pocket, and a side accessory pocket, staying organized on the go is effortless.”
Pros: Expandable, water- and stain-resistant, lightweight
Cons: No built-in laundry garment bag, sometimes my handle can get stuck, requires maneuvering
Samsonite
Outline Pro large spinner
Weight: 10.1 lb.
Capacity: 112L
Dimensions: 30" x 20.5" x 13"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited ten year global warranty
Considering its large size, this fabulous Samsonite spinner is decently lightweight at just over 10 pounds when empty. The interior is functional and spacious: One side has a full flap and zipper closure, and the other has two straps along with a compression panel flap on top. Associate social media manager Emily Adler owns the bag in the chic Stone Grey color, and recommends the piece to those looking for a standard, easy to navigate design. According to Adler, this checked luggage can fit up to two weeks of clothing—if you pack strategically—depending on the season. Between the smooth spinner wheels, adaptable interior lining, removable pouch for toiletries, and how easy it is to pick up, it’s one of those luggages that makes transit a bit more sleek and smooth. Not to mention, it’s offered in six versatile earth-toned colors.
Pros: Expansion zipper, smooth rolling dual spinner wheels, built-in TSA lock, eco-conscious Recyclex fabric
Cons: Top handle is sensitive to rough pulls, dings quickly
Béis
The Check-In roller
Weight: 10.2 lb.
Capacity: 78L
Dimensions: 28" x 18" x 11"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
“For the first time ever as an overpacker, I had room to spare,” says Kenny, who traveled with the Béis Medium Check-In Roller on a nine-day trip to Italy. “This checked suitcase is on the larger size, so I reach for it on longer vacations or when I'm traveling abroad.” A large part of that spaciousness comes from the hard-sided suitcase’s many compartments and its ability to expand an additional two inches to accommodate more volume. On one side, a U-zip flap and its two zip pockets keep contents securely packed away; the opposite side uses a detachable compression flap with another U-zip pocket and four-point compression straps to provide security and stability. There are also two more pouches—for small valuables and for dirty or wet clothing—which Kenny likens to having “built-in packing cubes.”
One more handy feature: The suitcase features a weight limit indicator to ensure you don’t go over weight limit specifications when flying. “Given the fact that it holds so much, of course, it becomes heavy if you fill it to the max,” Kenny says. “But even so, I was impressed with how these wheels handle cobblestone streets and uneven ground. None of the wheels broke or got stuck—and trust me, I've put them through plenty. Not to mention, it looks super chic at the airport and the exterior has held up pretty well.”
Pros: Weight indicator, separate pouches included, compression flap, expandable feature adds 2" of extra space
Cons: For two-week trips or longer, opt for the larger 29" style
Carl Friedrik
Core The Large check-in
Weight: 11 lb.
Capacity: 90.9L
Dimensions: 30" x 20" x 11"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
If city escapes or resort vacations are in your future, you’ll do well with the Carl Friedrik Core The Large Check-In. Associate editor Matt Ortile, who has traveled around the world—from Canada to Saudi Arabia—with the bag’s heavier predecessor, tested this version on a six-day trip to Las Vegas and was immediately impressed with its high-quality materials (a polycarbonate shell, vegetable-tanned leather detailing, and recycled polyester lining) and overall slim nature. As for his absolute favorite aspect of the suitcase? It’s all about the structured interior layout. “Even though the clamshells are more shallow than the original suitcase, both sides have entirely zipped compartments (plus pockets on the zip-covers), meaning I didn’t have to wrestle with compression straps to secure my packing cubes,” he says. His final assessment came courtesy of the thick carpet in a Las Vegas casino; the suitcase’s 360-degree Hinomoto wheels rolled over it smoothly.
Pros: Light, maneuverable; design details ensure it’s easy to spot at baggage claim
Cons: Would benefit from added compression straps
Away
The Medium checked luggage
Weight: 10.4 lb.
Capacity: 68.8L
Dimensions: 26" x 18.5" x 11"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Away is known for its minimal yet functional luggage; it’s a reliable go-to for light, spacious suitcases that get the job done. Over the years, the brand has released upgraded versions of several of its classic bags, including The Medium, which associate editor Charlie Hobbs describes as the kind of bag made for “young people on the go.” After bringing The Medium on a trip to Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard, he confirmed it held enough clothes for a full two weeks (without doing laundry), and its four 360-degree wheels ensure the luggage is easily maneuverable. The suitcase’s interior features three mesh pockets as well as a small hanging pocket, so you’ll be able to maintain a certain level of organization—even without packing cubes. The only downside of The Medium is the highly scuffable polycarbonate hard-shell. Frequent travel, particularly air travel, may result in a less-than-flawless look.
Pros: Durable and easy to maneuver; the underside grab handle comes in handy when lifting the suitcase
Cons: Scuffs easily
Monos
Expandable check-in medium
Weight: 10.1 lb.
Capacity: 80–90L
Dimensions: 26.5" × 18.5" × 11.2"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has tested a few different luggage styles from Monos over the years and shares how much she appreciates the brand’s consistency and attention to detail when designing the interiors of its suitcases. The Monos Expandable Check-In Medium, remains her go-to for weeklong (and longer) vacations. After owning it for over a year now, it remains in good shape with only a few scuffs on the outside and no dents in sight. What Kenny loves most is that it holds a decent amount inside (with a shout-out to the expandable zipper) without being an overwhelmingly large checked suitcase.
“My problem with many checked suitcases is that they're too big, and become a pain to maneuver in and out of Ubers or through hotel lobbies,” says Kenny. “This one is just right—large enough to accommodate overpackers like myself, and still manageable to carry and lift.” She says the straps, plus the expansion feature (which adds 1.6 inches of depth), gave her “plenty of room to spare” on a weeklong trip. And if your trip is even lengthier? Kenny says you’ll be covered: “You can easily fit several pairs of shoes, bulky sweaters, packing cubes, and even larger toiletry bags and hair tools inside.”
Inside, the two sides are spacious and roomy with compression straps and small zippered compartments to keep things like socks or dirty clothes separate. Another plus for Kenny? It matches the expandable carry-on she owns, which she can nest inside this suitcase, allowing for optimal storage in her minimalist apartment.
Pros: Expandable zipper adds 1.6" of extra space, dent-resistant shell with a sleek design, adjustable telescopic handle with four height settings
Cons: Minimal color options
In the elevator at Fouquet's, commerce editor Meaghan Kenny with the Tumi Rolling Trunk and royal blue Casetify Bounce luggage
Andrew BuiCasetify
Bounce suitcase
Weight: 14.3 lb.
Capacity: 94.4L
Dimensions: 17.5" x 30" x 15"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
This hardshell trunk comes highly recommended by commerce writer Paris Wilson, who has traveled with it twice from NYC to Las Vegas and Utah. Fitting up to two weeks’ worth of clothing comfortably, it’s an overpacker’s dream—and ideal for all kinds of longer trips. The wheels are sturdy, even when completely full: Wilson reportedly had no trouble navigating through airports and uneven surfaces. It’s easy to pick up and maneuver with, probably because the handle placement makes it easy to lift into cars or up stairs without straining. That said, it’s definitely worth the price considering the quality, design, and functionality. As for aesthetics, it’s sleek and modern with a minimalist design. One of its most distinguishable features is the bumpers on the edges, which are a signature from the Casetify brand—catering to the trunk’s unique look, the feature also helps to limit wear and tear. More durable and practical than most, Wilson also says the design is a lot more streamlined: “I love how large, open, and simple the interior is,” she says. “I find that it's best for air travel; when filled, it might be too heavy to comfortably lug in and out the car.”
Pros: 360-degree frictionless wheels, bumpers for impact protection, puncture-proof zipper, removable organizer and magnetic compression system, hidden smart tracker pocket
Cons: Limited colorways, heavy when packed, light scuffs when TSA-checked
Arlo Skye
The Expandable Check-In medium
Weight: 9 lb.
Capacity: 92L
Dimensions: 27" x 18" x 11"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Five year limited warranty
Senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb has traveled with this suitcase twice now, once to the Hamptons and once to Portland, Oregon, meaning it has since survived buses, cars, and a few plane rides. “In fact, it got lost on my way home from Portland and ended up traveling to three(!) states in the course of two days,” says Chubb. “And it lived to tell the tale with just a few scuffs to show for it.” The medium-sized checked bag can comfortably fit a solid week and a half’s worth of clothing—maybe two, if you’re not an overpacker. It’s thoughtfully sized and easy to pick up, whether stuffed or empty, given it’s a lighter weight than most other checked bags on this list.
Another plus for movement? Its 360-degree spinner wheels also boast integrated ball bearings for a smoother ride on carpets. At home, Chubb has kept this at the top of her armoire, and she says lifting it and sliding it down is no problem. In terms of looks, Chubb fancies the bag’s aesthetic most of all, with a champagne sheen on the polycarbonate shell that caters to its elevated look. “It looks like an expensive metal bag, but without the heft or high price point.” It’s a great suitcase for a casual traveler who prioritizes style and practicality in equal parts. Not to mention, thanks to its TSA-approved combination lock, water- and tear-resistant lining, and side bumpers, it’s built to keep your belongings safe and dry for the long haul—and will look chic doing it.
Pros: Spacious, protective, expandable, X-strap compression system, removable interior divider panel, telescopic handle with an enhanced ergonomic grip
Cons: Scratch-prone when checked
Tumi
19 Degree Aluminum rolling trunk
Weight: 19.1 lb.
Capacity: 86L
Dimensions: 34" X 16" X 14"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Five year warranty
Sleek, shiny, and eye-catching, the Tumi Rolling Trunk is a one-of-a-kind way to transport your clothes and accessories from one destination to the next. It makes more of a statement than your average piece of luggage, and sets the tone for a chic getaway before you even get to the airport. The built-in shelves mean there’s no need to unpack once you arrive: everything is already organized and easy to find the second you unclasp the center latches. According to travel bookings editor Jamie Spain, who owns and recommends the piece, “the luxe silver exterior looks like a lavish ice cube that belongs rolling down the streets of Copenhagen, Aspen, or Zurich.”
While traveling with it, Spain found that the wheels had no trouble navigating cobblestone streets, sidewalks, and other city terrains; in fact, the unique cube-like shape fit comfortably in hotel rooms without protruding. One thing to keep in mind is that this piece is slightly more geared toward road trips or train travel due to its unusual shape, and that it can show a fair bit of scratching after encounters with TSA.
It is monogrammable—and sleek at that, with jewelry-like initials etched into premium metal. (A classic monogram is included in the purchase of this bag in particular.) It makes for a sweet touch, whether purchased as a gift for a loved one or as a fun way to spoil yourself.
Pros: Protective bumpers, interior organization shelves, two TSA integrated combination locks with push button to open
Cons: Expensive, on the heavier side, dings easily
Antler
Icon Stripe large suitcase
Weight: 10.8 lb.
Capacity: 122.3L
Dimensions: 20" x 31" x 13"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty; register for warranty online within 30 days of purchase
If you have a few international trips on the horizon, consider bringing along the Antler Icon Stripe large suitcase—which research associate Anna Gladwin describes as a “hard-wearing yet stylish case with a significant amount of storage space.” After traveling with the recycled polycarbonate suitcase to Türkiye, she confirmed it’s fully outfitted with all the most valuable features for a long-haul trip: zippered mesh compartments (which are great for keeping items, like dirty laundry or shoes, separate), a TSA-approved lock, an adjustable top handle, and an expander zip for additional depth.
It isn’t until you’re packed and in transit that you’ll notice its standout factor—the 360-spinner wheels. “It feels far smoother to roll than any other suitcase I have used,” says Gladwin. This capability is particularly important when you’ve stuffed the bag to its full capacity. The only issue she found with the suitcase is one that’s pretty typical for hard-shell suitcases: Expect scuff marks after use, especially if you’re carrying a lighter colorway.
Pros: Wheels ensure it rolls smoothly and quietly, 2" of extra space with expandable feature
Cons: Shell scratches easily
Briggs & Riley
Sympatico medium expandable spinner
Weight: 11.9 lb.
Capacity: 87–104L
Dimensions: 27" x 18.5" x 11.5"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee with repair kits, repair centers, and the option to send in for replacements
Commerce writer Jessica Chapel tested the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Medium Expandable Spinner while traveling domestically to Montauk and New Orleans with her partner, and internationally on a weeklong solo trip to Florence. Her findings: If you’re willing to pay the $739 price tag—which she says is worth it for the lifetime guarantee—you’ll have a spacious, transportable (even on the cobblestoned streets of Italy), and stylish suitcase by your side for years to come. Even when lost in transit (for an entire week) from Florence back to NYC, the bag returned with minimal scuffs and scratches and, to her pleasant surprise, no dents or bumps at all.
The expandable bag comes with a game-changing feature that will be appreciated by every overpacker: one-touch expansion. Chapel says the simple process of pressing the two expander buttons and pulling up the sides of the suitcase is “satisfying and useful.” Along with the extra capacity option, the bag features adjustable garment compression panels that she found to be effective for preventing the contents from shifting or wrinkling while in transit. If you’re searching for one more reason to invest in this style, she also shares that it’s perfectly suitable for a solo traveler on a journey longer than a week, or for a couple who only wants to check one bag.
Pros: Easy expansion system that increases capacity by 25%, can be monogrammed
Cons: High price point, lacking in organizational features
Royce and Rocket
Castle Classic luggage
Weight: 15.5 lb.
Capacity: 103L
Dimensions: 31" x 21.5" x 11.5"
Expandable: No
Warranty: 10 year limited warranty
Traveler contributor Claire Volkman is always looking for a bag that’s both compact and easily organized—which is why the Royce & Rocket Castle Classic caught her eye. “This 31-inch bag isn’t just large, it comes with foldable shelves,” Volkman says. “As someone who rarely unpacks, the built-in shelves have been a game changer when it comes to day-to-day organization.” According to Volkman, the shelves simply prop up when you need them and fold away when you don’t.
She finds the luggage to be a tough bag, with an exterior made of polycarbonate, holding up as her travel companion on over 20 flights. “I got the rich burgundy color, and am constantly complimented on it,” she says, with a note of a few downsides: “At almost $700, this bag is a mega-splurge, and I don’t think it majorly outperforms its cheaper alternatives.” Given the weight, at almost 15 pounds, Volkman says that you do have to be more mindful of how much you pack, so you don’t massively exceed most airlines' 50-pound checked bag limit.
Pros: Built-in foldable shelves, 360-degree wheels, interior pouches
Cons: Expensive, shows scratches and dings quickly
Herschel Supply Company
Heritage hard-shell medium
Weight: 9 lb.
Capacity: 67L
Dimensions: 27" x 16" x 12"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Some trips result in more luggage wear and tear than others—international flights, multiple layovers, and cross-country moves, to name a few. If you’re expecting particularly grueling journeys over the next couple of years, invest in the Herschel Heritage hard-shell. A few European adventures later, the impact-resistant suitcase has “held up very well” for Kenny: Scuffs are minimal, and there were no issues with the zippers or locks. Typically, two wheels are better for navigating cobblestones and less-than-even surfaces, but she noticed that the suitcase’s four inset Hinomoto wheels “rolled easily and quietly” through both the airport and the bumpy streets of Florence.
“Herschel's medium hard-shell suitcase is pretty simple in design—it's not trying to reinvent the wheel here, but that's sort of what I like about it,” Kenny says. “It glides smoothly, features mesh pockets inside that keep your items organized, and compression straps that allow you to pack a little more. Bonus points for it having a lifetime warranty and reinforced corners.” She recommends it to the traveler seeking a practical, durable suitcase that you can rely on trip after trip.
Pros: Wheels glide smoothly, durable, reinforced corners
Cons: No expandable feature

The silver rolling trunk from Tumi, picture-perfect when vanity-side, inside a suite at Fouquet's
Andrew BuiTumi
Alpha Bravo collapsible duffel
Weight: 6.2 lb.
Capacity: 85L
Dimensions: 31.5" x 14" x 12"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Five year product warranty
This collapsible duffel comes highly recommended by global digital director, Arati Menon, who says “it delivers for a safari-goer just as much as it does for a city-slicker.” One of her two trips with the bag so far was to Africa in May 2025, where she traveled to South Africa and Rwanda, involving multiple connections and excursions. She brought it along to comply with luggage rules—you’re not allowed hard cases on most safaris (last-mile connectivity involved puddle jumpers and helicopters). “Because it was a two-week trip, I was in search of a bag that would fit a lot, as well as something practical to travel with—and this bridged those worlds,” says Menon. The other trip was to Fogo Island, Canada, where again, Menon was subject to lots of connecting transportation.
It weighs just over six pounds unpacked, which makes it one of the lightest checked bags on this list. Acting as a large cavity, the bag offers two stability straps that add some structure on the base, two compression straps to hold everything in, and one zippered pocket.
“It fits around 10 days' worth of clothes; and I think that if it were a summer trip (and I didn’t have to pack trekking boots and jackets and such), I could’ve kept it going for 14 days,” says Menon. “Given that it’s a soft case, made of ballistic nylon, it’s rare to find any scratches in sight and is tough to boot.”
It looks impeccable even after Menon’s Africa safari sojourn: “I cleaned it with a wet cloth and soap—easy peasy,” she says. The one qualm? Rolling it along could be harder than most, because it has just two wheels, rather than the now-common four. (According to Menon, it’s harder to drag it along at an angle if and when overstuffed.) However, the wheels are good quality, and it boasts a design that’s easy to pick up with a handle on the top and two side carry handles with leather wraps. And because this bag folds up so easily into its own zipped pouch, rolling it up is enjoyable and allows for neat storage after unpacking—both in a hotel and at home. “The compactness of it makes this neatness fanatic very happy,” says Menon. “It’s certainly a leader in its pack.”
Pros: Collapsible (packs into included zip pouch for easy storage), two side zip pockets, compression straps
Cons: Difficult to wheel when overstuffed, expensive
Thule
Chasm wheeled suitcase
Weight: 10.2 lb.
Capacity: 110L
Dimensions: 15" x 17" x 32"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty (must be claimed and reported)
This suitcase feels primed for big adventures, so naturally, Spurrell took it on a two-week expedition sailing around Greenland (even more fitting, Greenland was once home to the Thule people). “There’s not too much bag to it, thanks to a thin but durable fabric exterior—which is great, meaning the bag itself isn’t very heavy, though it does have a sturdy skeleton with smooth-as-silk wheels and a handle,” says Spurrell. It’s this combination, indeed, that makes it superb and convenient for longer trips: Spurrell was able to fit over two weeks’ worth of clothes for a cold-weather destination inside. Thanks to its oversized wheels, top and side handles, and adjustable packing size, this checked luggage is easy to heave into boats, onto bush planes, or into the back of taxis, without taking up as much space as a huge trunk might.
The interior compartments are simple, Spurrell says, with just a couple mesh pockets and a side pocket, so you’ll want to use packing cubes to stay organized. This bag is made for the adventure traveler who has the good gear—the latest Arc'teryx jacket or Salomon shoes—and wants a bag that is equal parts rugged and polished. “I can already tell I’ll be using it for many years to come,” says Spurrell.
Pros: Weather-resistant, external compression straps, oversized rear wheels for durability and smooth glide
Cons: Minimal internal structure or organization (packing cubes recommended)
Away
The Softside Medium
Weight: 12.6 lb.
Capacity: 69L
Dimensions: 26" x 19" x 11"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty; we recommend reaching out two-to-three weeks prior to travel for replacement orders
When Away debuted its brand-new line of soft-sided suitcases in 2024, we immediately got to work testing the bags’ functionality. Global audience development manager Abigail Malbon brought the Softside Medium on a short train trip, and she shares that the material was surprisingly durable. “It’s made from a handy wipe-clean fabric that’s also water-resistant, so if you get stranded in the rain you don’t need to worry about your belongings getting wet,” she says. The inside of the suitcase is also thoughtfully designed; it’s outfitted with a compression pad system, which Malbon “found useful to stop the case from bulging so much,” a laundry bag, and two accessible pockets on the front of the suitcase.
Available in five classic Away colors—coastal blue, black, navy, cloud gray, and clay pink—it easily fits a week’s worth of clothes and shoes. “There’s an option to unzip and extend the size of the case, which means most people could probably travel for two weeks with it,” says Malbon. And with time, she’s actually gotten to love the suitcase even more. On a trip early this year, she took it to Mexico for two weeks. "My partner and I shared the luggage, so we did manage to fit in a lot,” Malbon says. “It expands really well and I’ve found the wheels to be pretty hardwearing.” While she confessed that the suitcase did get absolutely filthy in the hold of the plane recently, she finds that is what comes with having a lighter color and softer fabric, in general.
Pros: Made of water-resistant, wipe-clean fabric, expandable feature adds 1.75" of extra space
Cons: Slightly heavier than other similarly sized suitcases
Solgaard
Check-In Closet original
Weight: 12.3 lb.
Capacity: 91L
Dimensions: 28" x 17" x 14.5"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty; product warranty registration required
Associate articles director Megan Spurrell gave the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original a “big yes” after testing it on a three-week trip to Peru and a weeklong trip to Mexico. The “genius” built-in shelving system is incredibly effective for keeping the contents of your suitcase orderly and neat. On one side, the removable accordion clothing organizer (similar to what you’d hang in a closet) holds folded shirts or sweaters. In Spurrell’s experience, it can be “packed full, then condensed to fit right into the suitcase.” Upon arrival, she says, “you can either stand the suitcase up and hang the contraption from the top of the handlebar, or string it up in the closet wherever you’re staying (my preferred method).”
The other side of the suitcase is just as convenient; it features two shoe pouches and a mesh closure, plus room for other items that didn’t fit on the “closet” side. Sturdy, smart, and spacious, this bag is ideal for someone who appreciates organization—and having a variety of outfits to wear on their travels. “It’s my go-to for big trips,” Spurrell says. “The wheel has gotten a little loose but it can be fixed with a screwdriver.” Otherwise, it’s “super durable” and she “loves how all of [her] stuff fits in it.”
Pros: Clever shelving system, range of muted but fun colorways
Cons: A bit bulky to move around (though the side handle is helpful for carrying the bag up steps)
July
Checked expandable luggage
Weight: 9.9 lb.
Capacity: 90L
Dimensions: 26" x 19" x 13"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime warranty for manufacturing faults
If you’re in the market for a perfectly sized check-in, Spain recommends this expandable July case—whether you’re traveling abroad, moving to a new apartment, or headed to see family for a few weeks. Spain found it exceptionally easy to wheel around and carry since it is so lightweight: “It’s perfect for traversing the cobblestone streets of Europe (if you insist on bringing a checked bag) and you are nervous about having to carry something up and down a number of steps,” she says. It has all the usual bells and whistles: locking zippers, an expandable section to help you fit more, interior dividers for keeping things organized, as well as sturdy wheels and an easy-to-grab, smooth handle. The only gripe she usually has with July suitcases, in general, is that they’re on the smaller side—but in this particular case, Spain says the size also helps it to be super lightweight, and thus incredibly easy to carry up and down metro stairs, down rural streets, and through hotel lobbies without breaking a sweat.
Pros: Water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining, lightweight, spacious
Cons: On the smaller side compared to other checked luggages
Roam
Large expandable check-in
Weight: 12.5 lb.
Capacity: 86L
Dimensions: 30" x 19.5" x 13.5"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Lightweight for a larger-sized (and expandable) piece of checked luggage, this Roam bag boasts a standard interior with classic mesh pocket dividers and compression straps, as well as an additional separator (found in all Roam suitcases). Ideal for traveling duos, it comfortably fit two weeks of summer clothing for two when global associate social media director Mercedes Bleth brought it to Copenhagen with her husband this summer. “Easy breezy with a standard zip, we expanded it to fit the new sweaters and pottery I bought while there and everything made it home in great shape,” says Bleth.
With 360-degree wheels, it rolls smoothly even when filled and expanded. That said, it’s easy to both pick up and manage thanks to its top, side, and bottom handles. It’s worth the price point— “She’s gorgeous, I feel very chic marching around the airport with this suitcase in tow,” says Bleth. “It’s probably best for family travel and/or winter vacations, with lots of room for coats and sweaters.”
Pros: Chic design, spacious with expandable zip, military-grade nylon thread stitching, built-in TSA combination lock
Cons: Expensive, glossy hardshell prone to scratches
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler's third annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.






























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