Suitcases are one of those purchases that you hope you don’t have to make too often. It’s not necessarily the cheapest travel accessory out there, so it is vitally important that you get it right the first time. Luggage that is built to last is worth its weight in gold, which is why I’ve gravitated to hard-shell suitcases.
If you have a vacation coming up and realize that you need to replace your luggage, I’ve compiled a list of highly-rated hard-shell suitcases you may want to consider. Top-rated brands include Away, Samsonite, and CALPAK, but there are a few other brands to look into as well.
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Why choose hard-shell luggage over a soft-sided suitcase?
- Hard-shell suitcases are more durable and are better equipped to protect your items (especially fragile items) when traveling.
- They’re easier to clean, often only requiring a magic eraser to wipe away scuffs.
- An empty hard-shell suitcase often weighs less than soft-sided luggage, giving you more wiggle room for packing without exceeding the weight limit.
- This one comes down to personal preference, but many travelers like the sleek look of hard-shell luggage over soft-sided suitcases.
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Away’s The Bigger Carry-On
This is my personal go-to suitcase when I travel, so I’m a bit biased in putting this at the top of the list. Away hit the market with this Bigger Carry-On hard-shell suitcase thanks to its ability to fit in the overhead bins on the majority of planes. Not only that, but its sleek design that comes in an array of colors makes it a stylish choice as well as a practical one.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP AWAY’S THE BIGGER CARRY-ON
Away’s The Carry-On Flex
If you want something a little slimmer from Away than its Bigger Carry-On but are still looking for some flexibility, there’s The Carry-On Flex. Its newer design features an expandable zipper that adds 2.25″ of space to your suitcase, perfect for adding souvenirs. Just note that when the suitcase is fully flexed, you may need to check it, but when it’s fully compact, it makes for an excellent carry-on bag.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP AWAY’S THE CARRY-ON FLEX
Away’s The Medium
Away also has a series of great hard-shell luggage to check when you arrive at the airport. The smaller of the two checked bag designs is called The Medium, and I’ve found it to be perfect for my travels when I need extra packing space. Like other suitcases from Away, The Medium comes in several different colors, with customization options available. Stock up on The Medium and The Bigger Carry-On, and you likely won’t need another suitcase for a long, long time.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP AWAY’S THE MEDIUM
Samsonite’s Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels
Samsonite is a tried-and-true travel brand that has stood the test of time when it comes to their luggage. Its Freeform Hardside Expandable suitcase comes in a variety of sizes for both carry-on travel and checked luggage alike. Customers rave about the product’s durability and ability to hold a ton of stuff, with one reviewer noting that the carry-on size was enough for 4 weeks of travel. I’m not sure if everyone can survive that long with just a carry-on, but if that sounds like you, this might be the next suitcase model to consider purchasing.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP SAMSONITE’S FREEFORM HARDSIDE EXPANDABLE
Samsonite’s Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Spinner wheels truly revolutionized the world of suitcases. They’re nearly standard on every suitcase you find these days, but Samsonite’s Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage also features the brand’s durability and reliability. The bags come in 20, 24, and 28-inch models, and you can even bundle them in sets, providing more bang for your buck. If you need a no-frills hard-shell suitcase that gets the job done, check this one out. Over 21,000 customer reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars can’t be beat.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP SAMSONITE’S WINFIELD 2 HARDSIDE LUGGAGE
Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner
Don’t make the mistake of assuming you need to spend top dollar to get a reliable suitcase for your travels. Amazon Basics has a lot of gems in its vast lineup of products (seriously, is there anything that you can’t find an Amazon Basic for?), and that includes the Hardside Spinner. With over 44,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, it’s hard to argue that you would pay any more for luggage, frankly. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner is available in 20, 24, and 28-inch models and multiple color options.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP AMAZON BASICS HARDSIDE SPINNER
CALPAK’s Evry Starter Bundle
If you’ve been wanting to make the switch over to CALPAK, a great way to do so is with its Evry Starter Bundle. This set comes with everything you need to travel in style, including two hard-shell suitcases, packing cubes, and shoe bags. Reviewers on CALPAK’s website highlight the amount of packing space you get, along with the unique variety of colors available and the convenience of having every piece of luggage you need in one transaction.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP FOR CALPAK’S EVRY STARTER BUNDLE
CALPAK’s Hue Front Pocket Carry-On with Laptop Compartment
If your travels often include work, your laptop is likely never too far from you at any given moment. Laptops can be heavy and cumbersome to haul in your personal bag, but it’s not very convenient to pack them in your suitcase in the event that you want to grab them. The solution: CALPAK’s Hue Front Pocket Carry-On. The front pocket can accommodate tablets and laptops up to 16”, as well as some spare interior pockets for other easy-to-grab items.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP CALPAK’S HUE FRONT POCKET CARRY-ON
CALPAK’s Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
If you’re in the market for a truly compact carry-on suitcase, check out the CALPAK Hue Mini Carry-On. Measuring just 16” x 14” x 9”, it can fit beneath the seat on most airlines. If you’re a pro at packing the bare minimum and you’re off on a one to two-night trip, this could be all you need to carry your essentials. Plus, it comes in a ton of adorable colors.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP CALPAK’S HUE MINI CARRY-ON
July’s Carry On Pro SnapSleeve
One of the newer travel brands to arrive on the scene is July, a company that boasts sleek and modern-looking suitcases that also provide convenience as much as they do style. Its Carry On Pro comes in two basic design options: a hardshell front compartment or, my personal preference, a detachable soft front sleeve. It’s perfect when you’re on the go and bringing your laptop or tablet with you. Plus, there are close to a zillion color options. If you want the ultimate cool kid vibes at the airport, look into July’s lineup of products.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP JULY’S CARRY-ON PRO SNAPSLEEVE
