We've been testing suitcases around the world for a long time. Before our testing process started, we took the time to select key products that are both popular and that have high reviews. Our experts also have their finger on the pulse of new options that are both high quality and top performing. Once our selection was made, we then put each of the chosen cases through the paces to see what each could do. We tested based on the following metrics: storage and organization, ease of transport, reliability, weight, and style. Each metric was weighted based on its relative importance. Below we go into how we did this.
Storage & Organization
For this metric, we packed each bag with both bulky and non-bulky items. We also filled each one with a 7-gallon water jug to look at relative volume.
We noted smart vs. inaccessible storage features, providing you with an overview of what each case has to offer. We also note any elements that might stand out, like an attached lock or compression system.
Ease of Transport
With an assessment of the wheels and handles, we note what type of terrain each can handle. We rolled each case over rocks, gravel, sand, clay, dirt, and cobbled broken sidewalks. We noted which offered the smoothest ride and which vibrated to the point of annoyance. We also look at potential easy-carry features. For example, the beefiness of the grab handles and how easy it is to hoist up and manipulate for loading or carrying through awkward spaces.
Reliability
To test the reliability of each product, we used them for everything we could think of. We took them on all our vacations, flying and road-tripping across the USA, packed them full of city and outdoor gear for international jaunts, and even rolled them along on our climbing and camping trips. We also looked at the craftsmanship of all the parts. Specifically, we focused on the outer material, wheel craftsmanship, handles, and zippers. These are the parts most likely to fail when on a trip. Finally, we subjected each to multiple water tests to see their water-resistance properties. We sprayed each with a hose to simulate a light rain from above. We then sprayed water hard onto the fabric, into the handle, and on the zippers. Based on these results, we were able to determine which could handle a little water and which couldn't.
Weight
We weighed each contender by hanging it from a digital scale when empty. This allowed us to see which suitcases offer more packing space and which have very little.
Style
As a subjective metric, for this category, we simply looked at the features of every case, asked several friends their thoughts, and then assessed the best-use cases based on how each model looks when both packed and unpacked.
