The 19 Best Luggage Brands Worth Investing In

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Travel is hotter than ever before. You saw the Italy craze this summer. And everyone you know somehow made it to the Côte d'Azur on you Instagram feed. It seems like everyone we know is booking trips to far-flung locations and making reservations at premier boutique hotels and resorts throughout the globe. Before we take that journey, however, we’re going to want to get our hands on some mighty fine suitcases from some of the best luggage brands in the biz.

Get rid of any old baggage and step into 2024 with some new luggage. There are plenty of options, from lightweight, hardshell suitcases that can contend with years of pent up wanderlust, to shiny aluminum rollers to match the shiny new outfits we recently scored with vacation on the mind.

The best luggage brands offer all these kinds and more. This is why you need to know about ’em, the companies you can trust to encase and protect your stuff like travel gadgets during long-haul flights, weekends away, excursions into the unknown, and every other type of travel. And in 2024, there's no skimping on travel style. It's time, people. Get the right luggage, and then get moving.

Samsonite

Editor's Pick: Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage

Samsonite has long reigned as one of the biggest names in luggage. For some brands, that'd be a detriment, bogging them down in old-school looks and tech. But Samsonite's still churning out smart, modern roller bags like this one, which weighs less than 7 pounds and is designed to not show wear on the exterior. For just over $100, you'll get a tough suitcase that'll look great now—and a couple dozen trips later.

Calpak

Launched in 1989, Calpak has been devoted to travel essentials at accessible prices since the founders of some of the brands on this list were still toddling around in diapers. Its best-selling Hue carry-on features a front pocket so you can get to your laptop, passport, and anything else you might need quickly and easily. Clever.

We turn to Associate Commerce Editor Luke Guillory who says: "If I’m using a hard sided carry-on, it’s always going to be a Calpak from the Hue line, with the front laptop pocket. I’ve written at length about why, but essentially it’s the only carry-on that has ever wowed me. It’s functional. It cleans easily. It looks good. And most importantly, it doesn’t try to look like a more expensive suitcase."

Rimowa

Editor's Pick: Classic Cabin Carry-On

Rimowa is the ultimate fashion-person suitcase. The signature silver aluminum is a standout—feel free to slap some stickers on it, and don't fret about the occasional dent or scrape—and the handmade leather handles won't fail you mid-trip.

Take it from our Commerce Director Krista Jones, who says: "Ask anyone who knows me, and they know I stan Rimowa. It’s honestly one of the questions I get asked the most, 'Is it really worth it?!' Sorry to report that it is. It’s lightweight, made to last, and glides like a fucking dream. You can read my entire love letter to it here."

Away

Editor's Pick: The Bigger Carry-On Flex Suitcase

If you're not yet on the Away train, you've clearly been under a rock. The brand's main goal is to make traveling less complicated and stressful. The bags are simple, well-made, and come in a variety of colors and sizes to choose from. There's truly one for everybody.

To convince you even further, Associate Style Commerce Editor Trishna Rikhy says: "I was in London a few months ago, and did a little too much shopping. I had to swap my carry-on for a larger carry-on, and ended up buying this Away bag. The feature that I needed at the time was its size: roomy as hell, but still within carry-on dimension requirements."

Paravel

Editor's Pick: Aviator Carry-On Plus Suitcase

Paravel is relatively new to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. Founded by a Vogue alumn, the brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but made of recycled plastic water bottles, too. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Carl Friedrik

Editor's Pick: The Check-In

Carl Friedrik luggage is designed to be durable, but the brand doesn't skimp on style, either. With 360 wheels on all its suitcases, polycarbonate shells, and plenty of room in the interior, these are pieces of luggage that are built to make your journey as seamless, sleek, and smooth as possible.

Louis Vuitton

Editor's Pick: Horizon 55

You've undoubtedly seen someone carry Louis Vuitton luggage at the airport before, whether it was a tote or a duffel bag, and I'm sure you thought to yourself: "Wow, that looks nice." Well, the French fashion house makes luggage as sophisticated and luxurious as its smaller leather goods. From roller bags of all sizes to shoulder bags and backpacks, the LV monogram is an indicator of a truly high-end travel experience.

July

Editor's Pick: Carry On Pro

July is more of a newcomer, yet it's managed to manufacture suitcases that are nothing short of sleek and glossy—exactly the sort of vibe you want to give off for getting back to traveling in style. But the brand's more than a looker. Take its Carry On Pro, for instance, which is outfitted with a detachable sleeve for stuff like a laptop, and even an ejectable battery with USB. Hence, July is damn nifty as well.

Tumi

Editor's Pick: Alpha Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On

If you're a traveling businessperson, there's nothing more classic than Tumi luggage. The brand's options run the gamut, but it's hard to beat a polycarbonate hardshell case equipped with an expandable section that'll accommodate all the extra stuff you picked up on the road.

Need more of a reason to purchase it? Our Style Director Jonathan Evans says: "I’ve tried a lot of carry-on luggage—I mean a lot—over the years. So, I can say with confidence that Tumi makes one of the very best roller bags on the market. It’s pricier, but less than some luxury options, and it’s truly built to last. It’s also so thoughtfully designed that you’ll appreciate the hell out of it during its many years of service."

Monos

Editor's Pick: Carry-On Pro

Monos may not be the biggest name in the luggage game, but the young and masterful brand brings a familiar balance of utility and luxury to its line of carry-on and checked-in suitcases, in terms of looks as well as quality. Its Carry-On Pro, however, is a refresher to those same old silhouettes: A built-in front compartment for quick, seamless access to your travel essentials. And overall, the brand is outfitted with super-tough, super-light polycarbonate shell for good measure.

Filson

Editor's Pick: Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

You already know Filson makes good everyday bags, weekenders, and the like. If you haven't yet become familiar with the brand's proper luggage, now's the time to do it. This duffle-pack is made from a rugged twill that can stand up to all kinds of turbulence, so you can throw it in the car or hand it over to the airline luggage crew without anxiety.

Herschel Supply Co.

Editor's Pick: Heritage Hardshell Carry On Luggage

You might already have—and love—a Herschel duffle bag, which is all the more reason to consider a suitcase. They have the same sort of everyday, sporty feel as the duffles, but don't require a shoulder to lean (okay, hang) on. Sporty and affordable, it's hard to go wrong here.

Boxford L Suitcase

Editor's Pick: Boxford Suitcase L

Did you travel abroad in college during the aughts? Do you frequent terminals at international airports? Have you been to Europe lately? If the answer is yes to one or all three, Longchamp's Le Pliage carryall needs no introduction. But what you might not be familiar with is the brands line of four-wheeled, soft-sided luggage made of canvas in an array of colors. It is built to withstand wear and tear, and will serve as a worthy travel companion for many, many years to come.

Solgaard

Editor's Pick: Checked-In Closet

Solgaard's genius invention is a slap on the face to airlines' luggage sizing requirements; it allows travelers to unapologetically bring their entire closet with them through the TSA, courtesy of the brand's patented shelving system—i.e., a whole closet within the luggage—in each of its suitcases. Solgaard's largest model, specifically, can fit over a dozen outfits. And once you arrive at your destination's hotel, simply open and unpack in seconds.

Roam

Editor's Pick: The Carry-On Suitcase

You won't ever question whether or not a suitcase is yours at baggage claim, because Roam offers a wide range of color options that can mix and match according to you specifications—right down to the color of the zipper. The brand's collection is also lightweight, features a secure locking system, and, though it may look compact, is impressively roomy.

Zero Halliburton

Editor's Pick: Continental Carry-On Case

The brand behind the most iconic of aluminum briefcases also happens to make some damn good luggage. One the coolest features of the Continental Carry-On? The concave edges, which protects against damage by absorbing shocks and helps prevent dents. A little road-worn appeal is great and all, but a busted suitcase isn't.

Arlo Skye

Editor's Choice: The Frame Carry-On Max Suitcase

Arlo Skye's suitcases are as high-quality as they are attractive. First of all, it just looks good. The subtle piping makes it stand out on the conveyer belt, and the durable polycarbonate won't get too banged up. Thumbs up to extra-protected corners, too.

Briggs & Riley

Editor's Pick: Compact Carry-On Expandable Spinner

The brand makes an array of different luggage options, but this expandable carry-on—a signature product from the lineup—is especially well suited to guys who have a tendency to overpack. It gives you extra space when packing, then compresses back down to its original size for overhead storage. Handy.

Victorinox

Editor's Pick: Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

It's no big surprise that the company behind the iconic Swiss Army Knife also knows a thing or two about durable, versatile luggage. Still, it's welcome news. Victorinox's 29-inch checked roller bag is made from polycarbonate that's both break- and scratch-resistant, so you don't need to break out in a cold sweat when you're handing it over to the bag checkers who will, without a doubt, beat the hell out of it. Don't worry; it won't be any worse for wear.

What to Consider When Choosing a Luggage Brand

Of course, luggage brands have many tricks under their sleeves, which might or might not be similar to the other's. Thus, a signature look like that of Monos, Away, or Rimowa can really spruce up one's traveling style. But let's not be shallow here. Luggage is more about practicality. And indeed, there are many factors to consider.

• Softside or hardside: Softside luggage, usually in polyester, nylon, or canvas, can expand to fit a few extra souvenirs or compress into tight spaces in a pinch. It also, more often than not, has more pockets and organizational compartments. But hardside luggage is the winner when it comes to thorough protection and durability. Often made of polycarbonate or aluminum, bags with solid shells are often lighter and much more hardwearing. They are also much easier to clean, too.

• Size: Thankfully, most luggage brands offer both carry-on as well as checked-in dimensions. So, we won't rattle too much on sizing here. Get one for the kind of trip you'll take demands is what we recommend. Or, get a set of suitcases and stack them like Russian nesting dolls, in preparation for all kinds of jaunts you'll trek on in the future.

• Mobility: You should opt for suitcases with wheels—any other kind is going to burden your movements—preferably ones that can swivel 360 degrees for the smoothest maneuvering.

• Extra feats: Attachable/detachable sleeve. Front compartment or pocket. Built-in shelving. TSA-approved locks. Telescopic handle... The list goes on as more luggage brands swerve into the innovative side of things. Even straightforward trimmings like side handle for easy lifting and aluminum outer for the upmost protection are worth considering.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our lifestyle and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to luggage, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own travels. Not to brag, but we've got a lot of jetsetters around here, and as a whole, we’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error—these luggage are the ones that are simply the best, based on our experience and research.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of using different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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