It’s Time to Revamp Your Hard-Shell Luggage. Here Are the Best Sets and Standalone Pieces

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Summer travel is fast approaching. Perhaps you’re looking to refresh all of your suitcases, carry-ons, and what have you, so you can pack better, be more organized, and walk into the airport feeling like a put-together style icon? Or maybe you’re looking for a thoughtful wedding gift for newlyweds about to embark on their honeymoon in need of a refined luggage set for their whirlwind trip? Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say it can be a dizzying experience trying to find the best hard-shell luggage sets to buy online, or even just the best standalone hard-shell pieces. Ahead, we’ve done the research for you on the most hardwearing and best performing luggage.

Best Hard-Shell Luggage

What to Consider

Of course, when shopping for hard-shell luggage, budget matters. Hard-shell suitcases from labels such as TUMI and Gucci can set you back a few thousand dollars a pop. If you're looking for high-quality midpriced luggage, most hard-shell carry-ons and checked luggage tend to run between $200-$500 per piece.

As any road warrior knows, a good set of wheels goes a long way—especially when you’re hustling to catch your connecting flight. 360-degree spinning wheels are key for your carry-on (and important for swiftly transporting checked baggage, too) so scan reviews to ensure customers’ say the wheels glide past their snuff test with ease. Other convenient features include a TSA-approved lock, sturdy zippers, and a shell that doesn’t get all scuffed up, and if it does, is easy to spot clean. If you want to a bag with embedded battery aka “smart” luggage, make sure the battery is removable, as you must remove the battery if you are planning to check the bag; the removed battery can be placed in your carry-on while you travel.

Beyond a hard-shell that’s built to last for the long-haul, we also think the interior matters. We’re talking interior compression pads, a laundry bag, pockets, and even zippered pouches and exterior pockets to round out the deal. Also, it sounds silly, but if bags don’t come with a luggage tag, you might forget to slap one on and then be mightily bummed if your luggage gets lost with no way back to you, so seek out brands that include luggage tags, or at least have matching ones you can purchase separately.

How We Selected

To determine the best hard-shell luggage sets we took a multipronged approach. In addition to first-hand testing of popular hard-shell luggage brands (AWAY and Samsonite are two favorites!), we scanned hundreds of customer reviews to see what people had to say about their experience with various luggage brands and consulted Wirecutter and The Strategist for their insights. We also chatted with brands to get the scoop on the latest and greatest releases on the market. We stored various suitcases in our compact one-bedroom abode to see how readily these pieces tuck away when not in use (Hint: Rollink collapsible luggage is your friend). Oh, and we even locked ourselves out of one of the nifty TSA-approved luggage locks before remembering the magical three-digits that welcomed us back to our mock vacation haul. Speaking of which, half the fun of an epic new luggage set is, you know, getting out there, so book that summer vacation pronto.

Hard-Shell Suitcase

There’s a reason so many people swoon for AWAY. The fan-favorite brand comes with everything you could want in a suitcase running the gamut from USB charger options and interior compression and a laundry bag to a TSA combination lock and monogramming ($50).

Thanks to zipper expansion, you should have no problem stuffing a few extra souvenirs into your bag on the return trip, and the company offers four sizes: The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On Flex, The Medium, and The Large Flex, ideal for those looking to replace their raggedy, frayed floral luggage set circa 1984 with something modern and utilitarian. I love that after several years of use, my AWAY Carry-On in Coast—a dreamy medium blue—still looks good as new (thanks, scuffing sponge). What’s more, the two-way zipper is super sturdy and doesn’t get stuck and a side-handle makes easy work out of throwing your bag into the trunk of a car on the way to the airport.

And did we mention there’s the Aluminum Edition on offer if you’re all about a sleek rose gold, silver or onyx black finish on a double aluminum hard shell? Last but not least, though my way AWAY suitcase is in excellent condition, I travel in comfort knowing that it’s covered by a limited lifetime warranty through which the brand will send you a repair kit or replacement.

Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

So you want a luggage set that’s scratch-resistant, has stellar spinning wheels, and is lightweight? Oh, and how about one that doesn’t break the bank? Samsonite, how we love thee. Currently on offer in several colorways, this trio includes one carry-on sized roller suitcase and a checked medium and large spinner suitcase apiece.

Along with a push-button locking handle, TSA-lock and interiors with elastic tie-down straps, a lining pocket, and mesh divider, you’re sure to appreciate that it’s “lightweight, turns on a dime, fits a ton of stuff, and very durable,” to quote one satisfied business traveler. One other superb feature? A built-in USB port with an accompanying pouch inside to hold a USB power bank for charging devices. “This is great because suitcases with built-in batteries are no longer TSA approved,” said one customer who loves this spec.

Flex 360 Collapsible Hard-Shell Suitcase

If you’re anything similar to me, storing your luggage when you’re not on the road is a Tetris-like endeavor involving a precarious stack of pillows, linens, and suitcases in your closet and praying nothing will topple over while you sleep. And even if you’re not dealing with small-space storage woes, this line of luggage punches above its weight.

Speaking of which, in addition to collapsing down to between two and 6 inches thick, these suitcases are incredibly lightweight. For instance, Rollink’s 22-inch carry-on clocks in at just over 6 pounds. Available in several colors, all suitcases in the collection boast some of the lowest carbon footprints in the luggage industry thanks to their compact footprint, and you’ll benefit from features like 360-degree double spinner wheels, TSA-approved luggage locks, and pocketed interiors.

Three-Piece Hard-Shell Luggage Set

First off, for under $200, you can’t do much better than a three-piece luggage set. Second, we love that these suitcases can be stored nested in each other so they take up less room when storing in a small hotel room or in your closet.

They’re also easy to maneuver on your own (one customer even claimed they can move all three suitcases around the airport at once!) thanks to spinner wheels and a telescopic handle. Before you check out on Amazon, buy this three-pack of luggage tags ($8) so you can put your contact information on each of your spiffy new suitcases.

The Luggage Set

Since Carl Friedrik has designs featured in Succession and The White Lotus, you know they’re built for stealth wealth jetsetters. If you consider yourself among those ranks or are antsing for an aspirational big-ticket purchase and you value top-notch customer service, this set is for you.

“Best customer service experience.” wrote one reviewer. “Before I made the purchase, I contacted support and got a thorough walkthrough. I'm really satisfied with the product itself and the employees that helped me!”

The Luggage Set is available in three refined colorways—black, cognac, and chocolate—and you can pair the brand’s The Check-in luggage with either the Carry-on or Carry-on Pro models.

Crafted from lightweight polycarbonate, an aluminum lock frame, leather detailing, and a hard-shell front pocket, The Carry-on Pro is our pick, but the Carry-on has similar specs and is currently 10% off the list price. For both versions of the carry-on there’s the option to add a space-saving compression pad for an additional $45. All three pieces run from around 8.5 pounds to 10 pounds.

Build-Your-Own Hard-Shell Luggage Set

If you want to build your own hard-shell luggage set, we love that July offers up to $100 off for creating your own set. We say opt for the Carry On Light ($245), which bills itself as the lightest double-wheeled suitcase in the world, clocking in at just shy of 4 pounds. The wheels in July’s line of luggage are also winners: Their SilentMove™ Series 2 double wheels are whisper quiet and are more stable than single wheels, to boot.

Last but not least, we’d be remiss in not pointing you towards the Carry On Trunk—complete with an ejectable USB-C power bank—and the Carry On Pro ($345), which has a detachable SnapSleeve for your laptop and an ejectable battery with USB and USB-C. Buying this gift as a present for someone? Splurge on the Personalized Leather Luggage Tag ($65) to spice up the present.

Hard-Shell Luggage Bundle

A three-piece luggage set comprised of The Carry-On Roller, The 26” Check-In Roller, and the 29” Check-In Roller comes out to a reasonable $725.90—certainly an investment but compared to some pricier labels with fashion-forward bags, a veritable steal. Customers can look forward to using these suitcases for years to come with rave reviews noting “the luggage is perfect, lots of room, and moves smoothly!” and “The glide! The color!” With colors running the gamut from maple and atlas pink to orange and green, there’s something to suit a variety of taste preferences.

Plus, we love the functional features like TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, compression straps, expansion functionality, zipper pockets, and pouches for laundry that make these pieces real workhorses when on the road for a while. There’s even a weight limit indicator that tells you when you’ve overstuffed your suitcase.

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