A good suitcase is a travel essential, but whether you’re headed for a two-day business trip or a two-week road trip, it can be a challenge to find luggage that is both enjoyable to use and enjoyable to look at. We get it—things like high-quality locks, zippers, spinner wheels, pockets, charging ports, and weight are all important aspects to consider when selecting a new inanimate travel companion. But hey, so is how it will look in your travel photos.
The trick is finding the right piece of luggage for you when there are so many options. Do you want a wheeled carry-on suitcase? A weekender? A travel backpack? And what size, shape, and color? Although they may be slightly more difficult to find, Holy Grail luggage brands—those that balance high quality, durability, and design—do exist. You just need to know where to find them.
To help you choose your next suitcase, whether it’s a duffel bag or a spinner, here are the best luggage brands worth investing your money in, whether your budget is $100 or $1,000.
Aer
- Shop now: aersf.com
- Afar’s pick: The Aer Carry-On, $319, aersf.com
- Warranty policy: Aer’s lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship throughout the entire lifespan of the product.
Founded in San Francisco in 2014, Aer built its brand on making simple travel backpacks made from durable Cordura ballistic nylon. These sleek, minimalistic bags come with pockets for all the essentials (passport, laptop, etc.) and can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase. In 2024, it launched its first wheeled suitcase made with the same dedication to ultra-durable materials and smart design. Available in five colors, the 48-liter Aer Carry-On has an integrated pocket inside for AirTags, a trolley handle with four height settings, Cordura recycled ripstop interiors, and a Hinomoto wheel brake system to prevent the suitcase from rolling away.
Arlo Skye
- Shop now: arloskye.com
- Afar’s pick: Arlo Skye the Frame Carry-On, $428 (was $475), arloskye.com
- Warranty policy: Arlo Skye offers a five-year warranty on any manufacturing defects related to parts and workmanship on its rolling luggage. (Scratches, nicks, and dents due to normal wear and tear are not covered.)
Founded by Tumi and Louis Vuitton alums, Arlo Skye launched in 2016 with its aluminum carry-on that quickly racked up design awards for its sleek and stylishly industrial look. Since then, the brand has added check-in sizes, lightweight polycarbonate materials, and zippered and unzippered options to its line of rolling suitcases. We’re partial to the Frame collection, which is constructed from a hybrid polycarbonate shell reinforced with an aluminum frame and corners for maximum durability without the bulk of an all aluminum bag. Given that it also comes with whisper-quiet spinner wheels and an antimicrobial lining infused with natural silver fibers to prevent germ growth and odor-causing bacteria, this bag is a steal for under $500.
Away
- Shop now: awaytravel.com
- Afar’s pick: Away the Bigger Carry-On, from $295, awaytravel.com
- Warranty policy: In addition to a generous trial period, in which you can return your bag for any reason within the first 100 days, Away’s limited lifetime warranty covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, and more.
Away is the picture of simplicity in design-minded luggage. Plus, its hard-shell luggage recently underwent a full redesign in 2023, based on customer feedback over the years. At its core, the new Away suitcase is still recognizable with its hard polycarbonate shell with horizontal lines, four Hinomoto spinner wheels, a removable laundry bag, and TSA-approved locks. But it also now comes with an underside grab handle that makes it easier to pull and lift from overhead bins or baggage carousels. Away also redesigned the trolley handles on its suitcases to be more comfortable and stable.
The brand has also expanded its offerings to include weekenders, soft-sided luggage, and packing cubes—all in an ever-changing rainbow of limited edition colors. Affordable yet incredibly functional and well made, Away’s products are ideal for the jet-setter who wants it all: the right price, the right features, and the right look.
>> Read the honest review: Is the Away Bigger Carry-On Worth the Hype?
Baboon to the Moon
Any trip that involves one of Baboon to the Moon’s vibrant bags is sure to be a fun one. The company’s flagship Go-Bag, a duffel built for adventures, comes in three sizes and features plenty of pockets, adjustable straps that can turn the bag into a backpack, and a waterproof shell. Baboon also offers smaller items (fanny packs and dopp kits), all in its bright, bold colors and funky pop-art prints.
Calpak
- Shop now: calpaktravel.com
- Afar’s pick: Calpak Astyll three-piece luggage set, $429 (was $715), calpaktravel.com
- Warranty policy: Calpak bags come with either a one-, twp-, or five-year limited warranty that covers material and manufacturing defects.
Edward and Judy Kwon founded Calpak in 1989 in Los Angeles with a collection of wallets and handbags. In 2013, their children Jennifer and Roy joined the company and rebranded the family business as a line of modern luggage ideal for the savvy 21st-century traveler and suited for weight restrictions and notorious TSA wear and tear. The brand’s signature products are its lines of hardside spinner sets, many in fun colors and patterns. (How gorgeous is this marble design?!) And each suitcase is remarkably lightweight yet impressively tough—the perfect combination for those who travel frequently.
Delsey
- Shop now: delsey.com
- Afar’s pick: Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-On Plus Spinner, $330, delsey.com
- Warranty policy: Depending on the bag, Delsey offers a 2-, 5-, or 10-year warranty, or a lifetime warranty against material or manufacturing defects.
French luggage and travel accessory brand Delsey truly does it all—carry-ons, garment bags, sets, duffel bags, and much, much more. It offers a number of separate collections categorized by style and material, ranging from hard polycarbonate to expandable cloth, and from subdued neutrals to shiny pinks and blues.
Fjällräven
Swedish company Fjällräven embodies the spirit that makes the Scandinavian country one of the happiest on Earth. Seriously, look at these products with their cute little fox logo and try not to smile. But the brand’s merit doesn’t end with its whimsical colors and lightweight material—each bag is also designed for outdoor and active use, with strong fabric made from recycled materials, hefty straps and carry handles, and a variety of clever pockets.
July
- Shop now: july.com
- Afar’s pick: July Original Carry On, $266 (was $295), july.com
- Warranty policy: In addition to a 100-day trial with free returns, July luggage is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that covers any defect on wheels, zippers, handles, nylon compression straps, and specific cracks or breaks in the polycarbonate shell or aluminum bumpers.
July is essentially Australia’s version of Away. The Melbourne-based brand started selling its bags online in the United States in 2021. Made with a crush-proof German polycarbonate shell, the standard July Original Carry On offers lots of space for your belongings (42 liters) while only weighing 7.4 pounds and still meeting domestic carrier size requirements. Available in nearly a dozen matte colors, these bags are made with a multilevel telescoping handle for people of various heights, proprietary SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, and aluminum bumpers to prevent the corners from being crushed. In addition to its rolling luggage, July also sells a full line of travel bags and accessories, including weekenders, backpacks, packing cubes, and more.
Lo & Sons
- Shop now: loandsons.com
- Afar’s pick: Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe small organic canvas weekender, from $125 (was $178), loandsons.com
- Warranty policy: Lo & Sons products come with a one-year warranty that covers product damages and defects.
After struggling to find a travel bag that wasn’t too frumpy, overpriced, or tech-y, Helen Lo founded her own luggage brand in her mid-60s with the help of her two sons. The result is a line of lightweight, yet durable weekend bags, laptop totes, and cross-body purses—like the new Aoyama Bag. Each one comes with pockets in all the right places to keep your belongings organized so you’re never digging for your Kindle in the same compartment as your passport. Plus, the brand is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to manufacturing its products. In 2023, Lo & Sons made 79 percent of its products with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton canvas, plant-based vegan leather, and recycled polyester and nylon.
Monos
- Shop now: monos.com
- Afar’s pick: Monos Hybrid check-in medium, $405, monos.com
- Warranty policy: In addition to a lifetime limited warranty that covers cracks, broken zippers, wheels, handles, and more, all Monos bags include a 100-day trial period in which you can make returns, no questions asked.
Based in Canada, Monos is an eco-conscious company that uses vegan materials and recyclable and reusable packaging; 1 percent of revenues go to nonprofits dedicated to “preserving and restoring the natural world.” Michelle Baran, Afar’s deputy travel news editor, carries the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus in the limited edition Terrazzo colorway that looks just like the beloved tile of the same name. She loves that this super lightweight spinner features an exterior pocket that fits a 15-inch laptop as well as numerous interior compartments (some are removable to make it as segmented or more open as needed). “I was so impressed with the carry-on version, I opted to get the heftier, medium-sized Hybrid checked luggage for when I’m traveling with my kids and have zero chance at being able to do carry-on only,” Baran said.
Paravel
Paravel launched in 2016 with the goal of creating stylish bags that were timeless, long-lasting, affordable, and above all, gentle on the Earth. Since then, the sustainable luggage brand has upcycled more than 7.5 million plastic bottles into materials for everything from its Negative Nylon foldable bags to its Ecocraft Canvas duffels and weekenders. Its line of Aviator hard-shell spinner suitcases comes in three different sizes and about half a dozen colors. Plus, Paravel offsets all of the carbon emissions generated from manufacturing and shipping these suitcases.
Patagonia
- Shop now: patagonia.com
- Afar’s pick: Patagonia Black Hole 55L duffel bag, $169, patagonia.com
- Warranty policy: Patagonia guarantees everything it makes under its Ironclad Guarantee, which includes replacements and refunds at no charge. Damage due to wear and tear can be repaired at a reasonable price.
Patagonia is so much more than a luggage brand. This environmentally conscious outdoor gear company makes everything from fleece vests to snow pants and wet suits. But its collection of Black Hole duffel bags are iconic for a reason. A durable water-repellent finish protects your equipment, padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and plenty of pockets keeps everything organized no matter how much you stuff in there. Available in a carry-on friendly 30-liter size up to a massive 100-liter version with wheels, each Black Hole bag is now made with 100 percent recycled polyester body fabric and nylon webbing crafted from repurposed water bottles.
Rimowa
- Shop now: rimowa.com
- Afar’s pick: Rimowa Original Cabin suitcase, $1,430, rimowa.com
- Warranty policy: All new Rimowa suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022, now come with a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee that covers all functional aspects of the suitcase. It does not apply to cosmetic wear and tear, misuse or abuse, damages caused by negligence or accident by any third party, particularly flight or transport damages.
With the motto “handmade meets high tech” leading the way, Rimowa has effectively helped to revolutionize the way high-quality luggage is designed since the company was founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany. Suitcases come in aluminum or polycarbonate hard shells; aluminum lines are reminiscent of futuristic flights, while the polycarbonate models have an additional flair of color and style. In 2018, the brand updated the engineering of its classic cases, making them even more durable and resilient than before.
>> Read the honest review: Is Rimowa Aluminum Luggage Actually Worth the Price?
Steamline
Reminiscent of vintage trunks, Steamline Luggage products make us want to wear a fancy hat and jump on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The brand offers more than a dozen different sets, ranging from two pieces to nine pieces each, available together or individually. Products include hat boxes, stowaways, carry-ons, vanity cases, and spinners in a variety of styles and classic colors.
Tortuga
- Shop now: tortugabackpacks.com
- Afar’s pick: Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L, $350, tortugabackpacks.com
- Warranty policy: The Tortuga warranty guarantees against defects in materials and craftsmanship. If your product fails due to a defect, the company will repair it, replace it, or refund your money, depending on product availability.
For travelers who eschew wheels but don’t want to look like they’re about to hike the Inca trail, Tortuga Backpacks combine the portability of a backpack with the practicality of a suitcase. Unlike traditional top-loaders, Tortuga’s travel backpacks—available in 30L and 40L sizes—unzip on three sides to allow for easy access and come with lots (and lots) of pockets. Inside, you’ll find three separate storage areas: a central compartment for clothes, an outer section for electronics and miscellaneous essentials, and a laptop compartment located closest to the shoulder straps. Even the hip belt offers organization in addition to load support. Its two zippered pockets are perfect for stashing a passport, phone, and wallet—things travelers typically want within immediate reach. Instead of standard nylon, the Outbreaker uses a waterproof sailcloth that is extremely durable and flexible, keeping the bag as supple as a grocery tote.
Travelpro
- Shop now: travelpro.com
- Afar’s pick: Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on spinner, $365 (was $430), travelpro.com
- Warranty policy: In addition to a 100-day trial period in which you can make returns, no questions asked, all Travelpro bags come with a limited warranty that covers things like broken zippers, wheels, handles, and more.
Travelpro excels in the realm of usability and is clearly designed for travelers, by travelers. It’s no wonder you see these bags rolling alongside flight attendants and pilots at airports around the world. The suitcases feature expandable zippers, removable dividers, and resilient soft-shell fabric. The brand offers a huge selection of products and product lines, and its bags range in weight, wheels, color, and size, so it’s easy to find the perfect bag for your next trip.
Tumi
- Shop now: tumi.com
- Afar’s pick: Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On, $750, tumi.com
- Warranty policy: Tumi’s limited warranty covers all repairs and replacements due to manufacturing and material defects like broken handles and zippers for five years, plus any damage sustained from airline handling in the first 12 months you own your bag.
The words “reliable,” “universal,” and “beloved” sum up Tumi, a company that offers a wide range of luggage, backpacks, and bags in a variety of designs and durable materials like polycarbonate and ballistic nylon. While it is always releasing new colors, patterns, and materials, Tumi really sets itself apart with the classics—the soft duffel, garment bag, and wheeled carry-on. Ideal for business travelers, Tumi bags are made with both convenience and longevity in mind.
“Whether alone or together, Tumi’s 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On and 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case are currently my go-to suitcases,” says Paul Rubio, Afar’s points and loyalty contributor. “They’re stylish and lightweight, but more importantly, they’re highly functional and bring an element of familiarity and excitement (versus anxiety) to packing for my next trip.”
>> Read the full review: Tumi’s 19 Degree Expandable 4-Wheeled Suitcases Are My Go-To Luggage—Here’s Why
Jessie Beck and Kelly Bastone contributed reporting to this article. This article originally appeared online in 2016; it was most recently updated on June 12, 2024, to include current information.
