Our Top Hardside Luggage Pick Will Look Perfect on Your Instagram Grid

We updated this article in October 2022 to ensure all picks vetted and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute were in stock, available and correctly priced.

You put even the best luggage to the ultimate test with each trip you take – pulling it from the depths of your closet, stuffing it with your new vacation clothes, throwing it in the trunk, rolling it across the airport conveyor belt and finally shoving it into the carry-on luggage compartment. And who knows what actually happens to your suitcase if you decide to leave it at the check-in counter instead? To keep your belongings a little safer from being bent and squished while you're traveling, consider opting for a suitcase with a hard shell.

Hardside or hardshell luggage is made of plastic or metal materials that hold their shape to encase and protect your belongings. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we have tested dozens of models of hardside luggage from well-known brands in our Textiles Lab, analyzing them for factors like durability, water-resistance and ease of use. We've put together a list of picks including lightweight and durable options and hard cases with unique features that we think are worth your buying.

Our top picks:

You can read more about how we evaluate luggage in our lab and consumer tests — plus everything you need to know about shopping for hardside luggage. For more of our top-tested travel gear, take a look at our guides to the best carry-on luggage and the best smart luggage.

Looking for more deals on luggage for Prime Day this month? Check out The Best Amazon Prime Luggage Deals and Early Access Prime Deals.