The Best Hard-Shell Luggage of 2026, Road-Tested by Our Editors

While you could go larger with The Large or The Large Flex, this one got associate editor Charlie Hobbs through two weeks of travel without needing to do laundry; if you need more space, we recommend shifting to a trunk-style bag. Hobbs calls the bag “perfectly light” when empty, with an unassuming interior—one compartment closes, the other side is held in by compression straps. While he’d expect “a smidgeon more durability” at the price point, the bag does exactly what you want it to: rolls well, is easy to haul up and down as needed (especially with the underside handle), and comes with both a dust bag and a laundry bag. If you own a smaller Away bag, it will nest inside this one for more compact storage.

Weight: 10.4 lb.
Dimensions: 26″ x 18.5″ x 11″
Capacity: 68.8L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

This is one of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny‘s go-to checked suitcases. “I really love that its expandable zipper allows me to pack in some extra souvenirs or goodies I’ve picked up during a trip,” she says. Another of her favorite things about this suitcase is how well-designed its interior is. One side of the suitcase features a zippered compartment with a large mesh section that lets you keep your items organized and separated (which is especially handy for dirty clothes or shoes). On the other side of the suitcase, a divider and compression straps help bulky clothing fit neatly, which she found especially useful on a trip to Banff National Park last October, where she packed plenty of cold-weather gear. “I chronically overpack, so having the compression straps really makes a difference,” says Kenny. “The expandable wraparound zipper adds 1.6″ of depth to the luggage, so travelers can easily pack for over a week with this suitcase.” And thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels and adjustable telescopic handle, the bag is easy to navigate through the airport, uneven sidewalks, and even cobblestone streets. “It glides smoothly and effortlessly, and the handle was easy to adjust on the go,” says Kenny.

Plus, “This suitcase feels much more durable than others I’ve tried in the past,” she says. The dent-resistant shell is so sleek and has held up well for her after several trips, although it does show some scuffs and scratches, especially around the corners after checking a few times.

Weight: 10.1 lb.
Dimensions: 26.5″ x 18.5″ x 11.2″
Capacity: 80L–90L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Organized travelers who are quick to unpack the second they arrive will adore this pick, thanks to its built-in accordion clothing organizer. “[The accordion organizer] brilliantly can be packed full, then condensed to fit right into the suitcase,” says senior features editor Megan Spurrell. “When you arrive, you can hang the contraption from [the suitcase] handlebar, or string it up in the closet. It’s genius.” The check-in bag comes in two sizes, medium and large, and aside from the clothing organizer, it also features two shoe pouches and a mesh closure on the other side of the bag to keep everything in place. “The name ‘check-in closet’ is seriously accurate,” says Spurrell. It can easily fit three weeks of clothing and shoes, and the latch closure snaps shut with ease even when packed to the brim.

Weight: 10.7 lb.
Dimensions: 24.8″ x 14.5″ x 11.8″
Capacity: 91L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Rimowa is a big name in the luggage world, and this check-in has a big presence in features director Rebecca Misner‘s home. A favorite of hers, which she’s traveled with for close to a decade, she’s found it to be well worth the large price tag. “It’s hard to beat Rimowa for quality, looks, and customer service,” says Misner. “It’s one of those ‘worth the initial investment’ purchases—the cost stings a bit, but when you’re going on year eight (and your friends have since replaced their luggage twice), you feel pretty pleased with yourself.” With its durable shell, incredibly spacious interiors, and highly maneuverable wheels, it’s a staple piece you’ll keep in your travel arsenal for years to come.

Weight: 9 lb.
Dimensions: 26.4″ x 17.8″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 60L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee

On a recent Bachelorette trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida, Kenny found that this suitcase was able to fit everything she needed, and then some. “It’s a very large suitcase—best for long trips or when you’re packing for you and another person,” says Kenny. “It’s also great if you’re packing extras—like bulky hair tools or long gowns for a destination wedding, or in my case, lots of beach accessories for my friends to share on the bachelorette trip. If you pack a little lighter, go for the medium size. Before getting this new version, I had the original for three years and it held up beautifully.” This spacious suitcase is also easy to maneuver and has wheels that had no trouble braving the cobblestone streets in Florence. “It’s very easy to roll and lift, and the wheels do well on nearly every surface, including carpet.”

Weight: 11.33 lb.
Dimensions: 19.69″ x 30.98″ x 12.48″
Capacity: 111L (132 expanded)
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

“Let’s face it—Tumi is one of the few brands that people notice slipping by them on a luggage belt and wish they were the ones picking them off,” says global digital director Arati Menon about her 19 Degree medium expandable checked bag. “But what makes the brand stand apart is that it’s a ‘quiet’ looker—it’s discreet and smart, but doesn’t need to scream to get noticed.” With an expandable zipper that lets you squeeze in those last few souvenirs, a sturdy construction, and wheels that are “exceptionally smooth, quiet, and durable,” there are many reasons to love this case outside of its chic design. While the price point is on the higher end, it’s a piece that will outlive other cheaper options.

Weight: 9.9 lb.
Dimensions: 26.0″ x 17.5″ x 10.0″
Capacity: 67L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Five-year warranty

The distinctive design of this Carl Friedrik check-in is one of the major selling points for this gorgeous suitcase. Available in six elegant color options, this is the type of suitcase you envision taking with you on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, like on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Former Traveler staffer Patrick Gray, found the aluminum frame and polycarbonate shell to be the perfect combo to create a sturdy, gorgeous case that is still light enough to travel with no matter where you’re headed. “On my weeklong trip to Montreal, the Japanese wheels handled the curbs and metro stairways with grace, and the navy blue color I went for is elegant—equally appropriate for Zurich or the Greek Islands,” he says. The distinctive, signature leather band around the suitcase sets it apart from other cases on the baggage carousel and looks particularly glamorous.

Weight: 11.9 lb.
Dimensions: 26.8″ x 18.1″ x 11.4″
Capacity: 76L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Give your Apple AirTag a break with this unique suitcase from July that features its very own built-in luggage tracking device. No need to worry about accidentally forgetting to put your AirTag in your suitcase before you leave, since this bag does it all on its own. From Puerto Rico to Vegas to New Orleans, this bag has accompanied commerce writer Jessica Chapel all over the world. “I can easily fit over a week’s worth of clothes in here, and even when it’s packed to the brim, the wheels glide smoothly on any kind of surfaces,” she says. With 360-degree spinner wheels; a multi-stop telescopic handle; a Y-strap compression system; and water-resistant, stain-proof lining, it makes packing easy. Plus, the tracking function is easy to set up and pairs directly to your phone (like an AirTag) if you want to keep tags on your bag. One thing to keep in mind is that the bag’s white interior can show use/dirt more than other bags.

Weight: 10 lb.
Dimensions: 26.0″ x 18.75″ x 11.0″
Capacity: 80L (90L expandable)
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

For a large check-in suitcase, this option from Antler is fairly lightweight and easy to maneuver. With an expandable zipper, sleek design, and double zip pockets and compression straps on the inside, this bag is ideal for trips between two and three weeks long. “Despite being lightweight, it’s a very sturdy case,” says research associate Anna Gladwin. “The case has 360-degree spinner wheels and glides very smoothly and quietly.” Plus, the top handle can be adjusted to suit people of different heights, while the side handle slots discreetly into the case when not in use, which creates a seamless silhouette.

Weight: 10.8 lb. 
Dimensions: 20.4″ x 30.9″ x 13.4″
Capacity: 122.3L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty; register for warranty online within 30 days of purchase

From Florence to Montauk, this checked suitcase has traveled across cobblestone streets, gravel driveways, and through airport terminals like a dream, according to Chapel. While it’s definitely one of the more expensive suitcases on our list, “the lifetime guarantee makes the price point worth it,” she says. “If at any point the suitcase needs to be repaired, the brand is known to have a true guarantee to fix it, free of charge, with no proof of purchase needed.” Overall, the bag glides around smoothly and features an exceptionally spacious interior (that can be increased by up to 25% with the one-touch expansion according to the brand). “One of my favorite features is the actually effective adjustable garment compression panels that prevent my items from shifting and wrinkling up in transit,” says Chapel. After more than two years of traveling with it, with very little wear and tear to show, this bag has stood the test of time.

Weight: 11.9 lb.
Dimensions: 27″ x 18.5″ x 11.5-13.75″ in
Capacity: 87L–104L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

This bag can handle it all—buses, planes, trains, and getting lost by TSA—and still live to tell the tale with nothing more than a few scuffs. “This is a great suitcase for a casual traveler who prioritizes style and practicality in equal parts,” says senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb. “It’ll keep your belongings safe and dry for the long haul and will look chic doing it.” Chubb, who owns the bag in champagne, appreciates how the coloration and sheen of the suitcase make it look like an expensive metal bag, but at a more affordable price point and lighter weight. It’s also expandable, has a three-stage telescopic handle, comes in four colors, and features a removable interior divider panel.

Weight: 9 lb.
Dimensions: 27″ x 18″ x 11″
Capacity: 78-92L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited warranty

Away’s Bigger Carry-On is great for travelers looking to stretch the limits of what a carry-on can usually handle. Commerce director Madison Flager has used the brand’s previous iteration for years (it was redesigned in 2023), packing it on trips as long as 11 days. Chapel is a fan of the updated model, especially for its durable wheels, underside grab handle, and multiple interior compartments. This bestseller comes with a laundry bag and features interior compression straps that help you fit extra clothing. “Away’s Bigger Carry-On is one of those pieces of luggage you reach for when you need a staple bag that you can trust,” says Chapel. “While it’s endured some bumps and scratches in the three or so years I’ve owned it, that’s nothing from what I’ve put it through.”

Weight: 7.9 lb. 
Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 47.9L
Expandable: No
Warranty: 100-day trial, limited lifetime warranty

According to Hobbs, this carry-on “glides on the sidewalk like an Olympic skater on the rink.” Between the front pocket that lets you organize your laptop, books, and essentials, making them easy to reach in the airport, and the 360-degree wheels, travelers will have no trouble taking this bag on planes, trains, and any other form of transportation. Hobbs calls it “the best carry-on I’ve had,” and notes that the champagne color and general design is effortlessly glamorous and chic: “Expect compliments.” This version and its smaller, older brother, The Zipper Carry-On Max, are both favorites of Spurrell as well, and are what she always reaches for when going away, from weekend trips to weeklong excursions. This updated version also features an expandable zipper that lets you fit even more inside. “I’m always amazed at how much I can pack in,” says Spurrell.

Weight: 7 lb.
Dimensions: 23.0″ x 14.7″ x 9.6″
Capacity: 48-58L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited warranty

With a five-year product warranty, a sleek design, and a “practically indestructible” aluminum shell, this Tumi suitcase is a favorite of commerce writer Jessica Sulima, who has brought it along with her on a staycation in the past. She found the construction to be especially sturdy and appreciated the built-in organizational shelves that made it easy to keep her clothes organized by outfit or type. “I love how seamlessly the locks open and close with a simple push button,” she says. One thing to keep in mind is that since it’s aluminum, the bag is on the heavier side, so keep this in mind if you have to go up and down many stairs or have to lift it into an overhead bin. Plus, just look at it—it’s gorgeous.

Weight: 13 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 31L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Five-year product warranty

An affordable price point, large range of color options, and sturdy design—you’re probably asking, what’s the catch? When it comes to the Samsonite Freeform hard-side carry-on, there isn’t one. As contributor Cley Lassale says after testing this case both on road trips and air travel, “this suitcase is easily able to move and maneuver throughout the airport,” thanks to its comfortable handle and ergonomic wheels. It’s exceptionally light as well, at just 6.5 pounds, so you can pack as much as you want knowing that you won’t go over any flight weight limits. The suitcase is also expandable, giving you that precious extra inch of space when necessary. “Even when fully packed, it rolled smoothly through the airport,” says Lassale, who particularly appreciates the different organizational pieces in the bag, like the zippered pouches and compression straps that keep your clothes where they belong.

Weight: 6.5 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 10″ x 15″
Capacity: 34L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Another favorite of Gray’s, this aluminum case with the classic Carl Friedrik design is equal parts elegant and sturdy. Gray noted that it was particularly well-constructed and found that the interior was roomy enough for several days of travel, featuring a clamshell design with one side that fully zipped closed and another side with clip locks to help keep your belongings organized throughout the duration of your trip. The exterior closes with two latches rather than the usual zip, which helps elevate it even further and looks particularly sleek.

Weight: 10.8 lb.
Dimensions: 21.7″ x 15″ x 9″
Capacity: 41L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime warranty

An upgraded alternative to the Monos expandable carry-on, which Kenny still uses and adores, this hybrid carry-on is a new favorite of Chapel’s. “Its purple color is stylish, and the hybrid aluminum shell protects all of my goodies inside, making it a trustworthy piece for my hair dryer, makeup, and essentials that I’m otherwise wary about traveling with,” she says. While she did find it to be on the smaller side compared to similar carry-ons by other brands, she appreciates that it fits easily inside her checked bags for at-home storage. “I’ve taken it to New Hampshire, Montauk, and beyond—it’s gotten compliments all over the Northeast,” she says.

Weight: 9.7 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 34.2L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

This budget-friendly suitcase is a sleeper favorite of Kenny’s. “It’s the least expensive suitcase I’ve ever tested, but it is somehow one of the most durable,” she says. After nearly five years, it remains one of her favorite suitcases, with plenty to love about it. While at a remarkably affordable price point, it’s still managed to hold up well over the years “with few scuffs and scratches and no issues with zippers or wheels.” It also has deceptively spacious interiors and holds quite a bit. “If you want something practical, fuss-free, and affordable, this is a solid pick,” she says. While you won’t find the crazy bells and whistles that are present in some other bags, that’s part of its charm (and the spectacular price makes up for it).
Dimensions: 14.8″ x 10″ x 21.7″
Capacity: 34L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited warranty

The visuals for this bag are simply sublime, with an elegant, timeless design that manages to not be too over-the-top. “The lines and details are reminiscent of vintage luggage, while still having all the modern bells and whistles,” says news editor Hannah Towey, who took the bag with her on a flight to Paris for the Olympics. “The interior is a gorgeous Vermillion color with dual compartments, compression straps, a zippered divider, and a mesh pocket for storing your delicates,” says Towey. “I was able to fit a week’s worth of clothes and three pairs of shoes.” She also appreciates that it comes with a luxe shoe bag and laundry bag. For the traveler who knows how to pack light and wants to look good while doing so, this is the bag for you.

Weight: 7.74 lb. 
Dimensions: 22.75″ x 15″ x 10″
Capacity: 44L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Business travelers, media gurus, and those with excruciatingly long layovers will adore the easy-access front pocket in this carry-on that lets you store your laptop safely without having to dig around for it when you need it. According to the global associate director of social, Mercedes Bleth, who has traveled with this bag both internationally and domestically, this bag was able to fit a surprisingly large amount for a carry-on, even without using the expandable zipper. “It easily fit all of my daughter’s clothes and essentials (including a ton of diapers and toys) for a two-week vacation,” she says. A few other notable features include the gorgeous, chic design, easy-to-maneuver wheels, glossy hard-shell case, and top and side handles that make loading and unloading a breeze. One thing to keep in mind: “We have had a couple of mishaps after heavy use (lost front zippers, broken internal strap), but Roam’s customer service has been speedy in offering repairs by mailing the parts with detailed instructions for self-fixes or sending the full suitcase in for repair.”

Weight: 8.5 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14.25″ x 9.75-11.75″
Capacity: 39-51L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty