We traveled via plane, train, and automobile with suitcases from Briggs & Riley, Timbuk2, Eagle Creek, Samsonite, and more
Group photo of a few among the many choices: ultralight, ultra-durable, hard-sided, clamshell, softshell, roller-duffel, spinner control, or inline wheels and off-road-ready, and in a wide range of sizes.
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Our globetrotting experts have tested 30 of the best suitcases on the market over the last 4 years with the top 13 in this year's update. We tested this luggage head-to-head for months, stacking them into all kinds of vehicles and packing them with everything from business casual clothes to backcountry gear. We tested every packing feature, bumped them over steps, traveled over cobbled pathways, and even sprayed each one down with the hose. Whether you're seeking a budget bag, a gear locker, or looking for a forever suitcase, we've discovered great options for you.
For avid travelers who prefer to skip the checked baggage lines and instead lean on something a little smaller and more portable, be sure to have a look at our favorite carry on luggage and top travel backpacks. And for those days when you've got time and muscle to carry your gear into the backcountry, we've got all the information you'll need to narrow down the options on a variety of backpacks.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on June 27, 2022, to explore design changes among our previously reviewed suitcases, add in several new contenders, and provide an updated comparative review of current products among top brands in the checked luggage category overall.
Rolling smoothly alongside you, pivoting on a dime across smooth surfaces, and negotiating gravel and cobblestones with average strength, the four-wheel Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner is our favorite premium suitcase. Three loading handles give it an edge when hauling over rougher terrain or grabbing it off a conveyor belt, but what really sets this bag apart is its spot-on organizational features. There's a small external pouch to keep necessities close at hand with a larger front sleeve pocket for entertainment or layers on the go. Inside the backside of the bag's primary zip-flap opens to a tri-fold garment envelope that can be used to minimize wrinkles for important items, while compression panels inside the main compartment are available to keep everything else in place. Combined with the bag's innovative expansion and compression system, you'll be able to pack far more than seems possible without making the bag any bigger.
The downside to this spinner suitcase is its cost. To us, its superior performance and superb design go a long way to justifying the investment. And in the end, it all comes down to the bag's overall durability. Everything we saw during testing indicates it's built to last. Plus, with the company's renowned unconditional lifetime guarantee, you can repair any functional features that may break over time. Unfortunately, the bag did show internal water exposure under testing. So, we wouldn't count on watertight conditions in transit under the harshest conditions. But given nearly all bags in the test group showed similar results, the overall merits of the case far outweigh this single notable risk factor. If you're okay with paying more upfront for gear that will outlast the competition, this could be the right option for you.
While many other bags performed admirably, the Briggs & Riley Expandable Spinner Suitcase made for an easy choice any time our destination was more city than backcountry.
Balances simplicity with adventure-friendly design
Useful organizational and compression features
Substantial carrying capacity for its weight
REASONS TO AVOID
Water-resistant but not waterproof
When simple, reliable, multi-purpose functionality top the list of demands, the REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel 34" reigns supreme. Built out of durable, water-resistant recycled ripstop nylon (a combination of 400-denier with 1,680-denier reinforcements) and complemented by a solid retractable pull-handle, protective zipper flaps, four lift-holds, and a set of burly treaded inline wheels, this long-haul roller duffel is ready to handle any road you can throw it at. The large, easy-access main compartment makes toss-and-go packing a breeze, while several handy organizational features — interior and exterior compression straps, a small side-access outside pocket, multiple daisy-chain lash points, two mesh organizational pockets inside the entrance flap, and a tuck-away piggyback clip for smaller bags while in transit — ensure you've got all the tools you'll need to stay on track whether you're jet-setting around the busy streets of New York or wandering between the cobbled alleys of Nepal and the mountainous sand dunes of Morocco.
Although this adventure-ready bag isn't likely to win many style points among urbanists, it's still pretty eye-catching for anyone with a proclivity toward the outdoors or a mixed-use travel lifestyle. And its substantial size-to-weight volume (one of the best in the test series) means you'll have plenty of room to carry and vary your looks from beachside trail to neon city nights, with room to pick up a few new pieces on the go. This is one of the main downsides to the bag — it's so big it would be easy to overpack well over the 50-pound weight limit for most checked bags if not careful. But if durability and flexibility at a great price are a priority, this bag should be at the top of your list.
Thanks to its super-smooth rolling action and durable softshell case, the two-wheeled Timbuk 2 Copilot is one of our favorite models, and it sells for a very reasonable price. The compact size and good mobility work well for posh adventures via plane and train, or on rougher road trip destinations. The suitcase offers some of the most robust and well-laid-out organizational features in our lineup, including a mesh panel on either side of its clamshell design with an inlaid set of smaller mesh pockets for odds and ends. It even has a unique peek-a-boo u-zip opening to allow access to items in the front half of the bag without having to unzip the entire suitcase, which is a huge bonus. We also love the easy access storage pocket up top and the fact that there's a haul handle on all four sides.
We had a hard time finding much wrong with this reliable bag under most conditions. Sometimes the main zipper gets held up on corners which is a bit frustrating. And, while there's plenty of room to pack what you need for most weeklong trips, this bag isn't great for bulkier items or a lot of gear. If you need more space but like this bag's style, check out its bigger 108-liter cousin. Or, if you want a similar carry-on bag, there are also two smaller options. But take note: while the suitcase is aesthetically and functionally well suited to urban or off-road adventures alike, it is not weather-proof (like nearly all bags we tested), and moisture could find its way into zippered seams under heavy downpour conditions. So maybe don't plan to pack a laptop and leave it out back in a storm. But otherwise, whether you're heading off to wine country for the weekend or planning a long vacation, this case is ready to go anywhere with you.
With a brand reputation built on quality and reliability that has spanned more than a century, it may come as no surprise that the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable 28" was among the top-performing suitcases across nearly all metrics in our test suite. Although the suitcase appears absolutely massive out of the box — a friend offered to hop inside to prove the point — and is oversized for basic travel needs, its simple, attractive, and oh-so-practical design should place this well-priced clamshell spinner up for consideration on any urban traveler's checked luggage list. Constructed of an extra-sturdy and scratch-resistant micro-diamond polycarbonate, the four-wheeled hulk of a bag delivers fairly effortless mobility across smooth surfaces, even when weighted to the airlines' maximum (50 pounds), and shows little wear for use after the harsh conditions in testing. Among all the bags in the series, it was also the single only suitcase to show no signs of interior moisture from water exposure, nor lasting scuff marks from our toss-test. A comfortable telescoping handle, strong zippers, embedded TSA-approved lock, and extra expandability option seal the deal: this bag is ready to pull its weight (and yours) between luxe hotels, airport lounges, family homes, or any city roadway in between.
Although internal organizational features are limited to a single mesh panel enclosure, cross-straps (without compression), and one hanging zip pocket, the remarkably light weight-to-volume ratio of the Omni PC delivers a mighty impressive carrying capacity for any long-haul journey. But as with other bags in the series, the gift of size can also be its greatest flaw as one can squeeze a whole heck of a lot into this 145L suitcase, easily exceeding the checked luggage weight restrictions of most airlines. And while all load and pull handles feel sturdy under average use, an overweight bag could put additional strain on such key features. Self-policing is a necessity unless you are prepared to potentially absorb all risks and fees. Also, as with every other four-wheeled suitcase tested, this Samsonite spinner is not built for mixed or off-road terrain. So, what muscle and energy you save in cruising through the airport and town with ease will now need to be channeled into an awkward two-wheeled drag wherever pavement disappears. But for urban flyers, this seems a small price to pay for a winner of a hard-sided bag in all other categories.
The Amazon Basics 30" Hardside Spinner is a solid utilitarian option for the price-conscious. Though it performed reasonably well across all our tests, its biggest selling point is the low price tag. Four large, rubberized double-spinner wheels won't guarantee the sharpest of turns when navigating busy airports, but they will make for a relatively smooth and stable experience under most flat-surfaced conditions. In comparison, rocky and off-road landscapes prove substantially more challenging, similar to the drag of any of the four-wheel bags we tested. Fortunately, a telescoping rolling handle and two top and side grab options are available to help you load and carry the suitcase through varied environments. And the clamshell design offers substantial storage for large loads, including a couple of bonus organizational extras: two mesh pockets inlaid into one half-clam panel enclosure and a smaller accessory pocket hung on the opposing side. Plus, if you're a shopper, a single zipper expands the bag by another 15% to accommodate bulky souvenirs.
Unfortunately, like most four-wheeled spinners, no stopper mechanism exists to keep the suitcase from escaping when left unrestrained, a particular issue when fully weighted or on a slope. You can also expect the bag to rotate outward on a vertical axis when walking uphill (rather than walking with you in parallel). And like many hard-sided bags, the zipper sometimes sticks a bit when coming around corners. So, there are some minor inconveniences to consider. However, the most pressing consideration has to be durability. Both interior and exterior materials appear underwhelming in quality and online reviews call out problems of all kinds (broken handles, lost wheels, and denting even in the very early days of use, along with concerns about an underperforming warranty. But the bag stood up to the rigors of our testing well enough to win notice. So, if a shorter life span is acceptable for your needs, this strikingly affordable and well-sized four-wheel suitcase will do the trick.
Built like a beast, the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 has a distinctly technical look and offers a wealth of organizational features. Although it's advertised with roughly 100 liters of storage, you can fit so much inside it feels like more. And that's just internal storage. It also features external pockets, a tuck-away equipment keeper, and daisy-chain loops to carry anything you need while on the go — well-padded cameras, tripods, adventure gear, the works. You can even separate your stinky adventure boots from your nightlife outfits using an expandable internal compartment meant for wet/dirty gear or yesterday's clothes. Made of 900D Bi-Tech Heather and 1000D Helix Poly Twill reinforced by Bi-Tech Armor (for maximum abrasion and weather resistance), this bag is meant for the long days on rough roads with all the stuff.
A workhorse of a bag, the ORV Trunk is notably tailored to the outdoor enthusiast, not a generalist. It's an ideal bag for those engaging in expeditionary style travel or hauling gear for sports or trip activities and anyone not bothered by a tactical or heavy-adventure look. While you could certainly use it for a business trip or beach vacation, it may feel like overkill on more mellow journeys to visit family or shorter escapes. Plus, the bulky dimensions and technical design can be somewhat difficult to navigate when not packed to capacity (as the compression options only really kick in once full). But the massive treaded wheels ensure it's easy enough to maneuver at an airport or hotel, even if its untamed look isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea. Active travelers and those seeking a utilitarian suitcase with gear capacity and management features will appreciate it best.
Fully packed and easy to roll, the ORV Trunk is bulky but maintains performance on all terrain trips.
Credit: Myrha Colt
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Testing inline wheels versus spinner option at the airport rental car lot.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Why You Should Trust Us
Myrha Colt and Clark Tate are frequent travelers. It is not uncommon for Myrha to be on the road for nearly half (or more) of any given year, between destinations in the US and abroad, and with days spent traveling between mountain hideaways, remote beach villages, city skyscrapers, and all the backcountry roads, trails, museums, waterfalls, and taco stands she can squeeze in between. Clark takes a handful of long trips each year and spends months at a time living out of her van. Both have traveled to five or more continents, exploring big cities, small towns, and rugged high country destinations. Each test gear for a living and know a thing or two about packing their bags and what makes a good one.
To test these suitcases, we explored the rough mountain roads of Central Oregon and the Eastern Sierra, the high mountains of Colorado, and both big cities and small rural towns along California's Coast. We started by researching over 100 candidates before handpicking the best. We then brought these bags everywhere we went over several months. We rolled them along sidewalks, through the airport, over cobblestone pathways, and deep out onto rocky backcountry roads. We traveled with them in the back of trucks, SUVs, and tucked into vans. At home, we set up obstacle courses, rolling them over and around different objects and hucking them down stairwells and onto concrete. We even hosed them down with water to see which could repel light rain. In total, these bags saw at least 2000 miles of travel and close to 100 hours of testing.
Adventure ready wardrobe list ready to be packed in each test suitcase.
Adventure wardrobe packed into the Amazon Basics 30" Hardsided Spinner Suitcase.
The ultralight Osprey Ozone 75L Wheeled holds far more than meets the eye.
Analysis and Test Results
We compared our tested suitcases across five key metrics and evaluated them side-by-side in the field and at home. We packed the same set of clothes and gear in each to compare their storage and organizational capacity. We rolled them around trip after trip to see how easy they were to transport, carry, and load. We pushed them hard to see their reliability, weighed them, and took stock of their style. The winners have the highest overall scores or stand out in a given metric. Read on to learn more about how each performed.
Often, you get what you pay for, and we've rarely come across a high-quality, low-cost roller case. If you want well-made luggage that's likely to last, it will likely be expensive. That said, some of these bags are well-made and reasonably priced. These are the high-value options and we like that about them.
The Timbuk2 Copilot isn't the most or least expensive of the roller suitcases we tested, but it scored very well in our tests and has a middle-of-the-road price as well as the multi-terrain functionality of a two-wheeler. It's still an investment, but we think it's a good one. The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside is about the same price and also offers excellent performance and notable durability for a spinner suitcase. The Omni PC is our favorite hard-sided roller in the test and costs considerably less than the premium four-wheel soft-sided winner.
We also really like the Away The Large. Its price tag seems fair, and it performed admirably in most of our tests, although its lower weight-to-capacity ratio and easy-to-scuff exterior ultimately kept it out of the winner's circle. The Amazon Basics 30" Hardshell Spinner bag is the least expensive in our lineup and still performed quite well in many of our tests. While its composition appears less durable than most of the other options, it still works pretty darn well, especially if you'll only be traveling occasionally.
The good-looking Away Large suitcase with pull handle fully extended.
Credit: Myrha Colt
It's a good idea to check out the manufacturer's warranty to see if you'll have any options for repair or replacement if your bag breaks.
Storage & Organization
We compared each model's volume, compartments, pockets, compression, and organization straps. To do so, we packed, unpacked, and traveled a lot. We rotated through the selection and assessed which bag would work best for that particular trip, noting how and why. We also ran through packing tests at home, filling each with a standard adventure wardrobe, from low-bulk items like city clothes, dresses, and leisurewear to bulkier stuff like hiking boots, snow pants, camping gear, and trekking equipment. Bags that offered either thoughtful organization or ample storage capacity scored higher in this category.
One of our favorites for this metric is the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner. It has just over 104 liters of storage and a unique expansion and compression system that lets you expand the main compartment, pack it full, and then compress the entire bag. It works surprisingly well. There's also a trifold hanging compartment, nicely placed external pockets for day-of organization, and an attachable strap to help you carry a second bag. This is an excellent option for the frequent flyer who likes to easily see and access what's in their luggage.
The Briggs & Riley bag nails the perfect organizational features for business or casual travel.
Credit: Clark Tate
A simpler bag that also scored highly in this category is the Timbuk2 Copilot. It has a clam-style design, unzipping down the middle so you can load gear evenly on both sides. Unlike most similar suitcases, this one has both sides covered with a zippered mesh panel, so nothing spills as you open it, along with a couple of additional mesh pockets for interior organization. You can also access your packed items from a u-shaped opening across the topside, which we love.
The peek-a-boo external pocket of the Copilot allows you to access any items that you might want without having to unzip the entire suitcase. A feature that we love, especially for road trips.
Credit: Amber King
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 29" bag has a very similar setup to the Briggs & Riley, but instead of expanding and compressing, it just has one small zip that expands the front of the bag a bit, which isn't the best place to carry weight. However, its pockets are quite well-organized, and an internal hanging compartment will help keep your nice clothes less wrinkly.
The TravelPro Platinum has a lot of the same storage features as the Briggs & Riley bag at a lower price, including a trifold hanging compartment on the left there.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Eagle Creek ORV Trunk is a great choice for adventure travel, thanks to its many pockets and practical organizational features. This soft-sided case offers a lot of storage, an expandable wet/dry compartment, and easily holds bulky items. This is a great option if you need to bring big boots or camera gear on a long travel mission. It even has a bungee cord and daisy-chain loops to attach a helmet or other gear to the outside of the bag if you run out of space inside.
The Eagle Creek ORV is built like a durable beast. It offers some of the best reliability overall and great organizational features.
Credit: Amber King
A surprising amount of gear can also be carried in the ultra-light Osprey Ozone 75L Wheeled, but it's the extras — an external liquid pocket, laptop-sized sleeve, internal compression panel, and tuck-away tow strap — that truly catch the organizational eye. The rugged REI Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel will hold gear equally well, if not far more simply, with just four small pockets, a tuck-away piggyback clip for smaller bags, and both internal and external compression straps to keep packed items in place.
The Osprey Ozone 75L Wheeled duffel comes with some handy organizational features such as this external sleeve pocket, sized perfectly for a small laptop, magazines, or other documents.
Credit: Myrha Colt
The Away Large, Samsonite Omni PC Hardside, Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside, Amazon Basics, and Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 28" also feature clamshell designs. Of these, we like the Away bag the best for its inclusion of an internal "compression pad" to maximize packing space along with zippered panel enclosures for double-sided packing, a mesh sleeve for laptop storage, and a small storage pocket with a dirty laundry bag. All but the Away case can be expanded for additional storage by unzipping an extra strip of fabric, but the Samsonite Omni PC seems far sturdier than the others. None of the hard-sided clamshell bags offer any external organizational features.
The hard-sided Samsonite Omni PC is large and sturdy enough to haul a full wardrobe halfway around the world but with nominal extra features to help you stay organized on the go.
Credit: Myrha Colt
All of these bags offer enough storage to pack for anywhere from a week to months on end. When you're considering storage and organization, make sure you know if you prefer a simple bag that you can throw everything into, like the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled duffel, or if you'd prefer more built-in organization, like a trifold to keep your suit wrinkle-free.
A look at the high volume Black Hole that offers you the opportunity to simply throw your things in and go. We appreciate the mesh zippered compartment that keeps items you need quickly accessible.
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Transport
Any wheeled luggage should be able to navigate the polished floors of an airport. But, as we all know, your luggage will also come across cracked sidewalks, steep curbs, and gravel-laden pavement. If you're traveling abroad in remote countries or into the outdoors, it's quite possible you'll also encounter dirt roads, cobblestone streets, and rocky trails. To see how our tested products hold up, we rolled each case over all types of terrain, taking note of which provided the smoothest ride.
In general, four-wheeled spinner options are ideal for smooth, hard services since they can pivot and spin around any obstacle. Several of those in our lineup actually have eight wheels, two at every corner connected by an axle. These include the Briggs & Riley, Away, Travelpro, Delsey, and Amazon Basics bags. And several also have grippy rubber around their wheels to help them roll reasonably well. The Briggs & Riley is our favorite since it remains compact and well-balanced no matter how much you pack, with the Samsonite coming in next on the list for control, followed by the Amazon Basics and the Away.
Okay, so no bag is easy to haul up the stairs, but the Briggs & Riley bag did it as well as any of them, and it's excellent on surfaces that are reasonable for four-wheeled spinner bags. It's even okay on gravel.
Credit: Clark Tate
The rest work reliably well on smooth ground, and when you tilt them up on two wheels, they can manage cobblestones and even short gravel stretches. But if you spend any real time on rougher surfaces, you should consider the two-wheeled roller bags. They aren't as responsive and nimble as spinners at the airport since they require wider turns, but they tend to have bigger wheels that fare better in rowdy, uneven terrain.
The Away Large spinner bag moves best over rough terrain when pulled on two wheels rather than standing on all four as one might in the airport or on city terrain.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Shining in functionality, the REI Big Haul is an off-road roller dream, with substantial all-terrain wheels and a selection of grab-and-go load handles that make it among the easiest to handle and load under the most varied conditions. The Eagle Creek ORV is similarly outfitted with a variety of well-placed handles to aid in the transition between asphalt, trail, and vehicle or hotel. You can also haul the The North Face Base Camp Voyager and Patagonia Black Hole duffels by their multiple handle options, even if it is equally important to note all bags will become considerably harder to lift and move over any distance when packed to weight. Luckily, they all feature wheels that work well on the most varied terrain, and the combination should suffice to get travelers through most common transportation scenarios. For those who pack light, the Osprey Ozone 75L Wheeled is an excellent option with its small, ultra-lightweight design, grit-ready inline wheels, and three external lift handle options.
Numerous grab-and-load handles on all sides of the REI Co-op Big Haul Rolling Duffel make the transition between vehicles and storage a breeze, even when fully packed.
Credit: Myrha Colt
If you're seeking a gentle ride that won't vibrate your arm off when navigating between city sidewalks and cobbled streets, check out the Timbuk2 Copilot. This bag uses skateboard wheels that feature a broad, stable base and a very smooth glide. Also, look for a bag with higher clearance. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner is untouchable in this regard, quickly followed by the Samsonite Omni PC and Delsey Paris Titanium among the spinner bags, while the REI Big Haul beats the pack in the rolling duffel category.
The large skateboard wheels of the Timbuk2 Copilot offer great travel, even over more technical terrain. Here we test it while crossing a pine-laden field riddled with rocks and dirt.
Credit: Amber King
Let's face it. There is some terrain that you won't be able to roll any of these bags over. So we also paid attention to how hard they are to carry. We appreciated the spinner bags with at least three haul handles, one on the top, another on the bottom, and one on the side. Only the Briggs & Riley and Delsey bags meet this requirement.
The Delsey Paris Titanium rolls well, whether on smooth floors, over rougher sidewalks like you see here, and even gravel.
Credit: Clark Tate
Reliability
You need reliable luggage. Once you drop it off at the airport, you have no control over how well it's handled. Then you're going to drag it over rough terrain, pull it up and down flights of stairs, and toss it in and out of vehicles. Zippers, handles, and wheels are typically the most vulnerable points where suitcases may break down. We evaluated the craftsmanship of each case in our lineup and tested them with at least two months of travel.
General Wear and Tear
If you're considering dropping hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-line model, you should start by looking at the outer material. In general, suitcases are divided into two categories, hard or soft.
The top-scoring Briggs & Riley Expandable Spinner coming off the luggage carousel.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Counterintuitively, hard cases are generally more susceptible to wear and tear than soft-sided options. The five hard cases in this review are the Samsonite, Away, Delsey, the Amazon Basics, and the Kenneth Cole. The first three are made of 100% polycarbonate, a fairly durable plastic, with Samsonite boasting a particularly scratch-resistant micro-diamond hard-shell exterior. The remaining pair are made of less durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Though all hard-sided suitcases were scuffed and scratched a bit due to the full testing process, the Away bag was notable in that it showed a significant amount of wear beginning day one, while most others were fairly easy to wipe off and return to their previous un-scuffed state. Remember that color also matters when it comes to showing signs of heavy use, and lighter shades are often not as successful in hiding the evidence of dirt and use, whether you choose a hard or soft-sided bag. If a crisp appearance is a priority, darker colors can be a safer bet.
The crisp simple lines of the Amazon Basics Hard-sided Expandable Spinner.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds hard-sided suitcase managed gravel road with satisfactory results, although the spinner wheels just aren't equipped to deliver a comfortable or efficient ride over more than a couple of feet of distance.
Soft cases stand up better to abuse overall since they can flex with impact. They are more prone to break-ins, though, since they are relatively easy to cut or puncture. The soft-sided bags in our test are made of nylon, polyester, or both. To figure out how durable the polyester bags might be, look for the denier, or D, rating.
The Eagle Creek ORV integrates many materials to make it super durable. 1000-denier polyester construction with reinforced plastic bumpers on all corners of the case adds reinforcement for high abrasion areas.
Credit: Amber King
The Briggs & Riley and North Face bags feature ballistic nylon, which was developed during World War II to make flax jackets for airmen. So, that's pretty tough. And the Eagle Creek ORV is suited up in a proprietary and tactically appropriate combination of Helix Poly Twill and Bi-Tech Armor (TPE coated polyester). We know less about the construction of the Timbk2 Copilot, yet we've seen it withstand years of use with very little wear. This leads us to believe all five — REI, North Face, Eagle Creek, Timbuk2, and Briggs & Riley — are all built to last.
Here we see the nylon and polyester combination on the Timbuk2 Copilot that offers good water resistance and overall durability.
Credit: Amber King
Water Resistance
We hosed each contender down on full blast for about three minutes, with another three spent targeting the most vulnerable entry and connection points. The external materials of most test cases were largely impervious to water under testing, but nearly all suffered from moisture infiltrating at handle joints and through zipper teeth or pull connections, leaving various amounts of water pooled toward the back and bottom of each suitcase. Any that kept water out of critical areas, like the watertight Samsonite Omni PC and Timbuk2 Copilot, whose padded front sleeve and liquids pocket remained dry through testing, scored the best overall in this category.
Water testing suitcases along specifically vulnerable access points.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Several of the large rolling duffels in our series — the Eagle Creek ORV, REI Big Haul Rolling Duffel and The North Face Base Camp Voyager — did relatively well against our simulated downpour. The recessed construction and awning-like fabrics help wick water away from vulnerable components, providing the bag with a base amount of protection from the start. But overall, only the Samsonite Omni PC came through testing watertight, and even then, we think it would be a hard sell to claim full waterproof status if challenged against even heavier conditions. The take-away: none of the bags in this test suite can offer guarantees, but if you need decent water resistance for your travels, the Omni PC is a great choice. Or, for more rugged adventures, set your eye on options with protected zippers and water-wicking materials.
Exterior of the Samsonite Omni PC after water testing with beaded water all over.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Wheels
In general, two-wheeled options use larger wheels that are simpler and often more durable. Four-wheeled models often have smaller wheels with more complex construction, which means there's just more to break.
Among our favorite wheels in the test are the skateboard rollers on the Timbuk2 Copilot. If they can stand up to skateboarding, you best believe they can roll your clothes around. They're solid, stable, and easy to change out. But it's the beefy 4-inch diameter inline wheels on the REI Big Haul Recycled that impressed us most, with their mix of smooth yet grippy plastic centerlines and treaded outer rims (5/8 inch thick in total), giving every indication they're up to any road challenge combination you can conjure.
The wheels on the Copilot are like skateboard wheels - very durable and maneuverable.
The rugged wheel housing and bottom chassis of REI's Big Haul Rolling Duffel are built thick, wide, and out of heavy plastic to protect your bag and belongings, without becoming overly heavy.
Other two-wheeled options that came close include The North Face Base Camp Voyager, Eagle Creek ORV, and the Osprey Ozone 75L. All are sturdy, oversized, and move easily up and over obstacles. However, they don't offer quite as smooth a ride as the Copilot and the REI Big Haul due to their more heavily treaded designs and the subsequent vibration they can produce.
Heavy treaded inline wheels on The North Face Base Camp Voyager roller duffel.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Of the spinner cases, we appreciate the well-crafted wheels on the Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, Away, Delsey, Amazon Basics, and Travelpro Platinum, more or less in that order. All but the Samsonite have double wheels on a single axle at each corner and a rubber layer that cushions them from the ground. This helps make them more durable with a better grip. The Samsonite notably takes a different approach, with a solid set of four single 2-inch wide, hard plastic wheels that provide a surprising amount of grip, mobility, and control in tight spaces.
Thick, two-inch diameter spinner wheels on the Samsonite Omni PC suitcase to create a smooth, maneuverable glide across flat surfaces.
Each of the four spinner mechanisms of the Away Large suitcase is built of two wheels on a single axis.
Handles
A good handle should retain its strength and shape even under considerable packed weight and average travel use. In our testing, the handles of nearly all cases proved to be impressively resilient during use tests, even up to 50 pounds. Among the burliest are the REI Big Haul and Eagle Creek ORV. The rest of the handles jiggled and flexed more substantially under pressure, particularly when fully extended, but still delivered where it counts: in motion. Disappointingly, the pull handle on the The North Face Base Camp Voyager, which was initially ranked high for sturdiness and comfort in use, broke outright during extended testing when its track dented so severely the handle could no longer extend and retract for use.
A good handle that is comfortable and won't blow out under a heavy load is very important to ensure the reliability of your suitcase.
Credit: Amber King
Traveling Up Stairs
One of the worst things you can do to your luggage, and your stairs, is to drag your case up, banging the backside of the case on each step. It's better to just carry your luggage up if you can. If you can't, look for cases with protective plastic bumpers that run from the wheels up a large length of the case. These also help protect the bag from general wear and tear when laid to rest or shoved across the ground. Cases like the REI Big Haul, Patagonia Black Hole, and The North Face Base Camp Voyager all have this feature. While the Timbuk2 Copilot does as well, it's made of a metal material that becomes quickly scratched. The Eagle Creek ORV and Osprey Ozone cases also do well but rely primarily on their oversized wheels to keep the bag from banging destructively up stairwells in transit.
Hauling the easy-rolling Timbuk2 Copilot up stairs.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Overall, we expect the REI Big Haul Recycled and Eagle Creek ORV Trunk to stand up the best over time. They have super burly outer materials with handles and wheels that are durable and easy to change out. We also expect the Briggs & Riley to last. If durable and reliable are what you seek, these are our favorites. Other well-built options include the Timbuk2 Copilot, Samsonite, Away, Osprey Ozone, and Patagonia Black Hole. All sport larger or well-engineered wheels, material reinforcements, beefy zippers, and varying water-resistance properties.
The Briggs & Riley wheels are well-made and sturdy. The company also pledges to repair or replace any working parts that break.
Credit: Clark Tate
Weight
Weight is an important consideration for just about any product we review, but it's particularly critical when it comes to air travel. Airline rules often restrict checked bags to a maximum of 50 pounds, which includes the bag itself. Every pound a bag weighs is thus another pound of gear you'll have to leave behind or pay for. We found that the sweet spot for most bags is right around the 10-pound mark. Any lighter, and you see a real loss of durability and storage capacity. Any heavier, and you're losing valuable payload capacity. To test this metric, we weighed each contender on our own scale. Then we looked at the bag's volume to weight ratio.
The two bags with the best volume per weight ratio were the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside and the Osprey Ozone 75L Wheeled. When durability and organizational features are factored into the assessment, the REI Big Haul Recycled obtained winning marks as well, followed by the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk. When long-term reliability is less of a concern, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner, and North Face Base Camp Voyager will also serve a reasonable balance between weight and volume to meet most needs.
Scale reading of the REI Co-Op Big Haul Rolling Duffel 34".
Credit: Myrha Colt
The lightest piece of luggage in our review, the Osprey Ozone 75L Wheeled, is an ultralight roller duffel featuring several handy organizational features and reasonably tough offroad capabilities. Although you can expect the total storage capacity of this streamlined bag to be well less than what's available with the more cavernous designs of larger options in the test suite, it delivers where it counts: less weight to allow for more of your stuff. Of course, the limited space also assumes bulky gear is not on the packing list, so plan accordingly. The basic Patagonia Black Hole also offers bare-bone features and a simplistic traveling experience. It's a great option for those who can't decide between a duffel bag and a roller bag but would still like to maximize the weight available for their packables. Of these two, the Osprey Ozone offers slightly more storage capacity, even given its small dimensions.
With its soft sides and small size, the Osprey Ozone Wheeled 75L is a great choice for road trips or public transportation.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Style
Because of the subjective nature of this category, it isn't as heavily weighted in the overall scores. Since luggage is such an investment, we mostly gave points for looks we thought would last.
When you approach baggage claim at the local airport, you usually spy a sea of black roller bags that look a lot like the Travelpro Platinum Elite or perhaps the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds (though these come in colors other than black). These are popular designs duplicated in a variety of aspects across many brands. But there are others that we think look better and will certainly be easier to pick out at the airport.
The Out of Bounds with the retractable pull handle extended.
Credit: Myrha Colt
The Away bag stands out as one of the most stylish options, appealing to everyone that tested it. Its matte finish and choice of contemporary color palettes allow you to express yourself. The Timbuk2 Copilot is a lot less flashy, but its compact shape and pulled-together style always made us feel polished. The Briggs & Riley bag has a classic, if not somewhat dull, look. We don't love its aesthetic, but it's a time-tested design. You can tell it's a quality case, so we can imagine it traveling under the radar with ease across many years, even as the fashion world catapults fresh trends into the ring with each new season.
When selecting a bag, it's important to consider all the many features from material and wheel type to organizational extras like pockets and straps, plus overall weight and style alignment with your goals.
Credit: Myrha Colt
Hard cases seem to be a favorite among the fashion-forward, and the Samsonite, Amazon Basics, and Delsey spinner bags don't disappoint, offering striking patterns and bold colors to catch the eye of anyone looking to stand out at baggage claim.
The bright and shiny Delsey has a fun style.
Credit: Clark Tate
Other contenders in this review offered a more outdoorsy or casual look, such as the REI Big Haul, The North Face Base Camp Voyager, or Osprey Ozone. The most technical and tactical-looking bag in this review is the Eagle Creek ORV. This soft-sided option isn't fashionable in an urban city sense, looking instead like the bag you'll take on your next big expedition. Whatever your style, be sure to look at the features you want and make sure the performance won't let you down.
A good suitcase pulls all the important elements together so you can forget about them.
Credit: Clark Tate
Conclusion
There is no end to the suitcase options available to you today. In this review, we take a critical look at some of the best available options. Remember to start by deciding if a roller or a spinner bag will be best for your travel purposes. Then figure out your budget and think about if there are any "must-have" features you need. We hope this review helps you with the rest.
Whether you need a bag for your commute or for your job...
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
