Asuitcase is like the portrait in the traveller’s attic, accumulating more than its fair share of knocks and scrapes while we refresh ourselves on the road. We trundle them over cobbles, see them tumble from luggage racks on the train – and if we choose to fly, there’s a fair chance they’ll be mishandled before we reunite at the carousel.
For our testing, we pushed eight suitcases to the limit by dropping them on to a hard surface, as if they’d been fumbled by a baggage handler. Air travel is especially tough on suitcases, so you might get away with choosing a less resilient case if you make the climate-conscious choice to travel by rail or sea.
According to one Gatwick worker interviewed by the Guardian, the average baggage handler has to load about 150 bags within 40 minutes to facilitate every landing or takeoff – and that’s one of several stints of intense effort during a shift. It’s only natural, then, that some suitcases are roughly handled or dropped. Sita, a service provider to the civil aviation industry, reports that more than 36 million air passengers worldwide had their hold luggage mishandled in 2023. Clearly, dings, scratches and even breakages are a distinct possibility.
The good news is that many of today’s suitcases are extremely tough. Some of the best are made with highly durable plastics such as polycarbonates, which are also used in hard-wearing items such as safety goggles and windscreens.
There’s more to being a suitcase than getting bashed about, of course. Most travellers want something that looks appealing, provides useful internal organisation, such as storage compartments and pockets, and is easy to manoeuvre with components such as casters and a telescopic handle. I tested eight models – diverse in shape, size, material, style and price – to help you find the best suitcase to be your trusty travel companion.
Best suitcase overall:Away The Large£300 at Away
Best budget suitcase:Tripp Holiday 8£60 at Amazon
Best suitcase forshorter breaks:July CheckedFrom £220 at July
Best small suitcase:Horizn Studios H6 Pro£470 at Horizn Studios
Best for a luxurious look:Carl Friedrik The Trunk£595 at Carl Fredrik
Best wheeled backpack:Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler duffel£179.95 at WildBounds
I’ve been reviewing products since the mid-2010s – long enough to know you can’t assess a product superficially. I’ve tested them rigorously, from the waterproof jackets I’ve worn in the pouring rain tothe sunrise alarm clocks that woke me up every day last winter. But luggage has felt like a special case – to test them to the same degree of rigour, I had to consider the suitcase’s experience when out of the owner’s hands, too.
Whether they’re being dropped at the train station or tumbling from the hold of an Airbus A320, suitcases must prove their mettle. So I stress-tested each case by filling it and dropping it, several times, from a ladder on my driveway. As we’ll see, some cases sustained significant damage as a result of the drop tests, while others emerged with just a few scuffs.
I also assessed each model’s everyday functionality by packing it, carrying and wheeling it, and testing features such as TSA combination locks and telescopic handles. The most impressive models offered durability and travel-ready convenience in equal measure.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given my testing methodology, none of the brands wanted their suitcases back after testing. Review units in saleable condition have been donated for fundraising to theCat Action Trust 1977, a small national charity dedicated to the welfare of feral cats. This charity is close to my heart: I’m currently fostering two adult cats and a litter of kittens on its behalf.
£300 at Away
If you’re happy to shell out on a very well-made suitcase, this would be a good pick. It was one of the best performers in my drop tests, emerging with just a few scuff marks on the sides and scratches on the corners. Using the special “eraser” sponge included with the case, I was able to remove most of these marks after testing.
Why we love itIt’s very nicely finished, with an understated pattern of horizontal grooves on the slightly rough-textured shell, and a silky-soft lining and mesh on the inside. I particularly admired fine details, such as the rubbery trim around the main zip, and a recessed handle on the underside that comes in handy when the case is packed with heavy items.
The Large is a lovely suitcase to use in every respect, from adjusting its glossy compression straps to wheeling it around on its nimble casters. This wasn’t an official part of testing, but it also proved more than capable of supporting a person’s weight during an impromptu joyride around the spare room.
It’s a shame that …considering its imposing size, this suitcase has a middling storage capacity.
Carry-on version available:yes,The Carry-On 39.8l (£220)Capacity:99.2lWeight:5.5kgDimensions:52.1 x 31.8 x 73.6cm (WDH)Colours available:11Outer material:polycarbonateClosure:zipper with TSA combination lockStorage:main compartment with two compression straps, a zippered flap pocket, a mesh storage insert with two zippered pockets and a laundry bag; lid compartment with two zippered pockets in the mesh cover
£75 at Next£60 at Amazon
What sort of suitcase can you get for less than £100? A very good one, it turns out. The Tripp Holiday 8 is an exceptional case for the price you pay, with an expandable design (using a secondary zipper) that bumps its internal storage up to a generous 102l.
Why we love itChoosing an affordable suitcase does come with some trade-offs. There’s no doubt this Tripp case is made with coarser materials than some of its costlier competitors, and it takes a little extra effort to click the telescopic handle into its one and only height position. For the most part, though, the case is a pleasure to handle. The casters manoeuvre fluidly, and the textured outer material should minimise any sliding during transit.
Most of all, the Holiday 8 stands out among affordable suitcases for its durability. While hurling the case from a ladder, I noticed that the material has plenty of give, which may have helped it to stay intact. On a less glowing note, scratches and scuff marks stood out prominently on the case’s shiny material.
It’s a shame that …there aren’t any small storage compartments or pockets to help with organisation.
Carry-on version available:yes,Holiday 8 Cabin 37l suitcase (£47.50)Capacity:102lWeight:4.2kgDimensions:50 x 32 x 76cm (WDH)Colours available:11Outer material:polypropyleneClosure:zipper with TSA combination lockStorage:main compartment with compression straps; zippered lid compartment with mesh cover
From £220 at July£275 at Selfridges
This cool, minimalistic case from Aussie brand July ticks all the boxes for couples on a weekend break or solo travellers taking a slightly longer trip. It has a reasonable weight relative to its toughness and abundant internal storage options. I appreciated the internal mesh pockets and removable laundry bag, which make it simple to keep particular items separate from the bulk of your clothing.
Why we love itJuly produces this case in a jaunty array of colours, including eye-catching clay and shadow lavender versions. Taking hue out of the picture, the luggage has a utilitarian, almost military aesthetic, with a textured surface that holds up well to scuffs and scrapes.
And I should know, as this suitcase proved to be among the hardiest performers during drop testing. Scuffing occurred mostly around the anodised aluminium protective corners, which actually looked pretty good with the extra wear.
It’s simple to move around, with a good telescopic handle for wheeled use and a side handle providing an extra option for hoicking it off the luggage carousel.
It’s a shame that …the casters don’t run quite as smoothly as they might – but that’s me splitting hairs.
Carry-on version available:yes,Carry On 42l (from £196)Capacity:80lWeight:3.8kgDimensions:47 x 29 x 66cm (WDH)Colours available:11ncluding limited edition)Outer material:aerospace-grade polycarbonate; anodised aluminium corner bumpersClosure:Japanese YKK zippers with TSA combination lockStorage:main compartment with Y-shaped compression strap, large zippered mesh sleeve, zippered pocket and removable laundry bag; lid compartment with two mesh pockets
£470 at Horizn Studios£480 at 24S
Given its jet-set pricing, I fully expected the H6 Pro to be something special – and so it proved during my rough-and-tumble testing. Simply put, this case came away with less damage than any other. For the most part, there were just a few light marks, and many of these wiped away easily (except at the corners, which were more deeply scratched). This was a relief, as it’s a fine suitcase, from its weighty casters and abundant internal storage options to the two-position telescopic handle.
Why we love itThe polycarbonate outer shell is light, hardy and lovely-looking. Much like the internal organisation, it’s delightfully smooth to the touch – and there are tough plastic rests on one side of the case to help you keep it that way. The TSA lock and locking zippers feel extremely robust.
One potential downside to this case is that it’s on the smaller side. You wouldn’t be able to use it for a week-long couple’s holiday, but the H6 Pro is a great fit (both practically and aesthetically) for work trips and weekends away. The largerH7 Pro (£520)provides more baggage capacity at a marginally higher price.
It’s a shame that …the price will be off-putting, even for frequent flyers.
Carry-on version available:yes, M5 Pro 37l (£470)Capacity:61lWeight:4.1kgDimensions:46 x 24 x 64cm (WDH)Colours available:fourOuter material:aerospace-grade polycarbonateClosure:zipper with TSA combination lockStorage:main compartment with two compression straps, two very small mesh pockets, one large mesh sleeve and a removable clear toiletries pouch; lid compartment with a mesh cover, long zippered pocket and a removable laundry bag
£595 at Carl Fredrik£595 at Harvey Nichols
This suitcase oozes luxury, from its riveted hinges to the satisfying, thumb-wound number dials on the combination locks. It’s fairly heavy but does plenty to make handling easier, with excellent casters that truly glide across hard surfaces, and a height-adjustable telescopic handle with a nicely moulded grip that doesn’t dig into your hand while you pull the case.
Why we love itOpen up the case and you’ll find ample internal storage options, including three removable zippered bags that are ideal for stashing items such as beauty products. The lid compartment is surprisingly deep, thanks to the case’s distinctively cuboidal shape, which could make it an ideal choice for packing a couple’s belongings in separate sections.
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The Trunk sustained some scratches and dents (especially on the corners) during drop-testing, perhaps more so than some of the other polycarbonate cases we’ve featured, but it held up impressively overall. If anything, I think a little wear and tear has made it look better.
It’s a shame that …the polycarbonate shell, although strong and lightweight, is a bit of a magnet for dust and finger marks. And of course, the eye-watering price of this suitcase will rule it out for a large proportion of holidaymakers.
Carry-on version available:not an exact match, but Carl Friedrik sellsThe Carry-on (£325)Capacity:90lWeight:6.2kgDimensions:39.3 x 36.6 x 72.5cm (WDH)Colours available:threeOuter material:polycarbonateClosure:buckle and two TSA combination locksStorage:three removable storage cubes; zippered lid compartment; two compression straps
£179.95 at WildBounds£210 at Rohan
As you can see, this is not your ordinary suitcase. Really, it’s a back-wearable duffel bag on suitcase-style casters – and it’s well worth considering as an alternative to a hard-shell case.
Why we love itI was taken aback when I first saw the Cargo Hauler in its “stuff sack”. The roll-up design of the bag means you can store it in a shoebox-sized space, and it’s surprising to see just how large it becomes when unfurled, with storage capacity comparable to that of a large trunk.
Because the duffel is so light, at 1.93kg, it’ll give you some extra wriggle room in terms of baggage allowance. I’d recommend packing it pretty fully, as the lack of internal storage divisions means it can be hard to keep things from moving around inside the cavernous main compartment.
When it comes to moving this bag, you’ve got plenty of options. You can wheel it by its (non-adjustable) pull handle and excellent pair of casters, unveil its back straps to carry it like a backpack, or popper the straps together to use it as a duffel bag. It’s the perfect compromise for the moderately adventurous traveller.
The Cargo Hauler was practically unaffected by my drop testing, with just a few light scuffs to tell the tale.
It’s a shame that …like any soft luggage, the Cargo Hauler doesn’t protect contents as well as a good hard-shell suitcase would.
Carry-on version available:yes, without wheelsCargo Hauler 40l duffel bag (£119)or with wheelsCargo Hauler 36l wheeled duffel XT carry-on bag (£209.95)Capacity:108lWeight:1.93kgDimensions:35 x 38 x 77cm (WDH)Colours available:fourOuter material:nylon dobby and polyesterClosure:lockable zippers with central lock pointStorage:large main compartment; top compartment with zippered mesh pocket; small flap compartment
£60 at John Lewis£60 at Dunelm
Best for:a lighter-duty suitcase
This case eschews the trending shell material of the moment, polycarbonate, in favour of good, old-fashioned ABS. You might not know what that material is, but you’ll know how it feels – lightweight and comfortingly familiar.
Unfortunately, when it came to drop-testing, this case split at one of the corners. So, if you want a really hardy suitcase, this wouldn’t be our recommendation. If you’re only travelling a few times a year, though, and don’t regularly fly, then this might be less of an issue.
In all other respects, it was one of my very favourite suitcases. Inside the case, storage options are good, if not dazzling, and the materials feel luxurious relative to the modest price. The casters, telescopic handle and combination lock work perfectly.
It didn’t make the final cut because …other cases proved more durable.
Carry-on version available:yes,expandable cabin case 47l (£50);capacity:104l;weight:4.2kg;dimensions:48.5 x 30 x 70cm (WDH);colours available:six;outer material:ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene);closure:zipper with TSA combination lock;storage:main compartment with two compression straps; lid compartment with one large zippered compartment and two stuff pockets in the cover
£245 at John LewisFrom £255 at Antler
Best for:family trips
Pity the plucky parent who has to haul a family sized suitcase through a busy airport or train station. It’ll never be easy, but really good high-capacity luggage will help. This is just such a suitcase from time-honoured label Antler, with a whopping volume of 135l.
On the outside, this suitcase looks and feels quite similar to some of the other polycarbonate cases I’ve tested for this feature: lightweight, subtly detailed and soft to the touch. The inside is more traditional, with a dark cream lining and accent colour zippers. Dare I say it feels a little more special?
When fully packed, this suitcase will be very heavy. It’s a good job that the telescopic handle (which doesn’t have far to telescope, given the case’s stature) feels very robust, and the casters manoeuvre serenely.
It didn’t make the final cut because …some models proved tougher during drop testing. This case didn’t break, but it accumulated relatively deep scuffs and scratches, especially around the corners. There was also damage to the plastic around the casters.
Carry-on version available:yes,four-wheel cabin case 38l (£175);capacity:135l;weight:4.9kg;dimensions:51.7 x 33.6 x 78cm (WDH);colours available:eight;outer material:polycarbonate;closure:zipper with TSA combination lock;storage:main compartment with X-shaped compression straps and a long, zippered flap pocket; large lid compartment with two zippered mesh pockets in the cover
Among the various factors that play into a suitcase’s durability, its materials, design and construction are particularly important.
Most modern hard-shell suitcases are made of plastic, but this shouldn’t be taken as an indication that their material has similar durability. Some plastics, such as polycarbonates, are particularly tough and lightweight, and you’ll find these types used in some of the hardiest luggage.
Suitcase design also affects durability and the level of protection given to the items inside. Corners are especially vulnerable to splitting, so in some cases, they’re shored up with a hard-wearing guard over the suitcase shell. Joins between the parts of a suitcase can also prove to be weak points.
If you don’t have the luxury of being able to drop several suitcases from a ladder, you might have a hard time determining which suitcases are well constructed with secure joins. Tightly fitting parts and premium fixings such as rivets often bode well, but above all, a generous guarantee should put your mind at ease. Some suitcase brands offer lifetime coverage against manufacturing faults, and we’d recommend seeking a multi-year guarantee at minimum.
The maximum permitted dimensions (and weight) of your suitcase will depend on the airline and options you choose when booking a flight. Bear in mind that budget airlines and short-haul operators sometimes apply tight size limits, so choose a case to suit the stingiest airlines you use. There are often options to pay extra for an increased hold luggage size allocation when booking your flight.
If a suitcase has one or more locks – and most good ones do – then these must be TSA locks, with a special keyhole that will allow customs officials to open the case using a master key. Most large suitcases have these TSA locks, which are denoted by a red diamond symbol. If your suitcase doesn’t have locks and you wish to keep it locked, you can use a TSA padlock such asthis Master Lock model (£8.51).
For this article, we’ve focused on large suitcases that would be placed in the hold of an aircraft, rather than the cabin. Smaller cabin bags can stay with the passenger on certain flights – although restrictions apply, and you should always check the flight operator’s policy.
Pete Wise is ajournalist with more than a decade’s experience covering everything from global development and social causes to technology and music. He’s had some interesting experiences as a product reviewer – setting up a plethora of pet water fountains to discover which one his cat liked best; squinting at severed plant stems to see which secateurs cut the most cleanly – but dropping suitcases from a ladder might take the biscuit