12 Pieces of Checked Luggage That’ll Withstand the Test of Time

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Yeah, we know we obsess over luggage. We're self-aware, all right. We've covered every product out there—carry-on bags, rolling luggage, duffels, affordable suitcases, hardside bags. Our travel-freak editors have opinions on all of it. The takeaway? We know our stuff in this arena. And today we are tackling one of the most popular travel-product categories out there, checked luggage.

When it comes to choosing your checked bag, you've got quite a bit to consider. Think about the size and weight, as you want to avoid paying extra if it goes over the airline's requirements. Make sure you choose a bag that's durable, ideally coming with a substantial extended warranty. And of course you want to achieve a certain level of aesthetic appeal. Due to the plethora of possibilities, we turn to some of our favorite luggage brands to find quality bags that you can trust.

We've done our due diligence, and now it's time for you to do yours. Below we've rounded up our 12 favorite pieces of checked luggage so that you can travel worry-free for years to come. Whether you have trips on the horizon or just love thinking about your packing optimization, grab one of these best checked suitcases and know you're set.

The Trunk

You might already have Away's popular carry-on, but have you seen its new Trunk?! Designed for extra long trips, you can pack three weeks worth of clothes comfortable into the new design. It comes with a laundry bag and interior compression system to keep your on-the-go organization at its peak.

Baseline Expandable Spinner Suitcase

Perhaps you prefer a soft-sided suitcase. If that's so, here's a spinner style that's built to last. An expansion system makes for ample room while packing, and the strategic pockets give you creative storage solutions. The gliding wheels are offering a smooth and silent ride as you tote this through the airport.

Check-In L Suitcase

Rimowa makes the kingliest of suitcases. We could go on about its premium materials, luxurious appearance, and high-quality design. We've already reviewed the carry-on in depth for you. Consider this suitcase just a bigger version of that one.

Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag

Yes, there are checked versions of the classic duffel. Patagonia makes one of our favorites, particularly because of its extremely durable, water-resistant polyester ripstop. It's the type of thing you'd take with you to base camp.

Oh, and the fact that it's made from 100 percent recycled materials. Sustainability meets functionality in this laminated bag.

73L Wheeled Luggage

You drive a Rivian, wear a Patagonia trucker hat, and most frequently fly out of ATX, DEN, or SLC. You, of course, need YETI luggage.

Jokes aside, YETI has quietly been making incredible luggage for a while now. The wheeled option is the perfect bag for someone that wants the benefits of soft and hard cases. The soft case benefits are that it's lightweight, barely 10 pounds when empty. The hard benefits are on the handle side. Instead of structure from a metal frame, this bag is fully polycarbonate on one side. That gives it even more structure and protects it from yourself and airport staff, whoever is throwing it around.

1615TRVL Air Travel Case

If the YETI and Patagonia cases are not adventure-y enough for you, go for Pelican. It's the preferred brand of DJs, wildlife photographers, and anyone else protecting expensive gear. Made from a Mil-Spec polypropylene material, Pelican cases are waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof. It's as high-protection as you can find.

The 1615TRVL case is the company's checked suitcase. It comes with an organizer on the lid and packing cubes for the base. It's incredibly spacious, and the polymer used in the Air cases is about 40-percent lighter than Pelican's typical stuff.

The Medium Flex

Among the checked sizes that Away sells, the Medium Flex is the most versatile. It's rated for one to two weeks' worth of clothing, but it can extend into the two-and-a-half or three weeks range if you're economical.

It's not a massive bag, though, even when full expanded and packed. It doesn't get heavy on the wheels, and you can maneuver it through a city center somewhat comfortably. Add the ability to flex up in size, and you've just got a great do-it-all checked bag.

Checked

Coming in a variety of colors, July crafts luggage with a personality. The crush-proof shell keeps your belongings safely stowed, and lifetime warranty adds an increased layer of security to your purchase. Even better? The hidden laundry bag that's smell and stain resistant.

Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

Don't worry, we've included options for all budgets. Samsonite's bag doesn't sacrifice quality for affordability. The expandable design allows for maximum packing potential, and interior compression helps to keep it neat and compact. Also, the shell of the case is scratch-resistant, so it will look new longer.

Check-In Large

A protective shell that's dent-resistant and impact-friendly fortifies this piece of luggage. The vegan leather details give a fashionable touch. An anti-microbial lining helps to disinfect your case and prevent against any bacteria it picks up during your travels.

Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case

No luggage round up is complete without a piece from Tumi. The brand is known for its innovative and unparalleled products. Just that this suitcase for example. With a two stage expansion system, hanger bracket, mesh zip pocket, exterior pockets, and molded impact-resistant side panels, we are only scratching the surface of the features this bag has in store.

x Globe-Trotter Check-In

The signature pastel and cream motif of Tyler, the Creator's brand meets Globe-Trotter's handcrafted silhouette to deliver a striking piece of luggage unlike any others on the market. While the exterior needs no further mention of how fabulous it is, the interior follows suit, with a water-resistant canvas in an eclectic leopard print.

Things to Consider When Buying Checked Luggage

Here's how we chose our favorites, and how you should be thinking when buying your own checked luggage.

Size - Even though you're checking it, you still have to live with this bag. You have to roll it down cobblestone streets. You have to pack it economically. Something too big will cause problems.

Weight - We love lightweight soft-sided solutions, like those from YETI and Patagonia. But we also value the pure durability you get from Rimowa's aluminum.

Durability - Which brings us to this one. If you want to bag one bag for a lifetime, go Rimowa. Everything else will give you varying times of use. Everything on this list can at least last a decade.

What are the Size Restrictions for Checked Luggage

Generally, airlines cap you at 50 pounds and 62 linear inches. That means the total length of your height, width, and depth must fall under that. Beyond that, however you get there is up to you.

Why Trust Esquire?

Because we travel more than anyone ever should. Every week out of the year, one of our editors or writers is wheels up to somewhere. We get a lot of miles in, and with that comes an immense amount of travel product knowledge. Plus, we test a lot of suitcases—from top-of-the-line Rimowas to cheap plastic suitcases. If there's a suitcase you're looking at, we've already put it through its paces. Trust our experience.

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