Travelling carry on only is always my ideal. However, often that just isn’t possible – like when we were travelling with babies. Sometimes, I also think its easier to take one big suitcase than mucking around with a whole lot of carry on ones. For these times, it’s essential to have a great bag suitable for check in.
In my experience, that suitcase should have plenty of space for whatever we need to pack and allow easy compartmentalization of our things. The bag should be strong, secure, and of course, lightweight.
Below you will find the best luggage brands and luggage reviews to help you find the best travel luggage for you.
Contents
The best luggage 2022
Best luggage comparison chart
To make sorting through the options of the best travel luggage of 2022 easier we’ve come up with this handy comparison table. It lists all of the main features and specifications useful for picking out the right luggage for you. To sort the best luggage has to offer you can click on any of the column headings.
| Name | Image | Weight (lbs) | Dimensions (in) | Wheels | Our Rating (/5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite 28 Inch Luggage Winfield 2 Fashion HS Spinner |  |
11.1 | 20 x 12.5 x 28 | 4 | 4.5 | See It |
| Travelpro Luggage Platinum Magna 25 Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter |  |
14 | 18 x 11.25 x 25 | 4 | 4.5 | See It |
| American Tourister Duralite 360 Spinner 28 Inch Expandable |  |
9.9 | 20 x11 x 28 | 4 | 4.0 | See It |
| Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 25 Inch Expandable Spinner Trolley |  |
10 | 17.5 x 11.5 x 25 | 4 | 4.5 | See It |
| SwissGear Travel Gear 28 Expandable Spinner |  |
13 | 18 x 14.5 x 29.5 | 4 | 3.5 | See It |
| Travelpro Luggage Maxlite3 25 Inch Expandable Spinner |  |
11 | 16 x 11 x 25 | 4 | 4.5 | See It |
| Samsonite Luggage Fiero HS Spinner 28 |  |
11 | 28 x 20 x 13 | 4 | 4.5 | See It |
| eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini 21" Wheeled Duffel |  |
10 | 15 x 9 x 21.5 | 2 | 5.0 | See It |
 |
9 | 29 x 20 x 14 | 2 | 4.5 | See It | |
 |
varied | varied | 4 | 4.5 | See It |
How to find the best travel luggage
Wheels: 4 vs 2
Bags with wheels generally come with either two or four wheels. Each has their own pros and cons.
Four wheeled luggage allows for much greater flexibility when pulling the bag. They give a 360 degree range of motion, can be pushed down narrow aisles on their side and generally perform well over most terrain. The disadvantage however is that they can be bulky, as the wheel size is taken into consideration when measuring the size of the bag or case. They can also become jammed on certain surfaces like carpet.
Two wheeled luggage allows you to pull the bag from behind you on an angle. Although not anywhere near as flexible as four wheeled bags, the wheels are often hidden close towards the bag, reducing the bag dimensions, and therefore taking up less space.
Size and weight
Perhaps the most important factors to consider when asking what is the best luggage to buy is the size and weight of the bag. Not only will it determine how much you can pack in but also with strict size and weight regulations it is essential that you ensure your bag is appropriate for your favored airlines. This means not only what you pack, but the size of the empty bag is important.
So many soft case bags that give you flexibility are in fact quite heavy. Many of the best bags in 2022 are made of hard case polycarbonate, a great option that is lightweight and durable.
There’s a lot of options with luggage so think about what things are important to you.
You can also read our guide specifically to the best lightweight luggage.
Expandability
A great option in the best bags is the ability to expand the size of the interior with the use of a zip. Not only does this mean you mean pack more in, but for those times when you have less it means you can create a more secure, smaller space.
There are definite advantages to this as not every trip is the same, and some will require more space than others.
Interior compartments
Traveling can be stressful, and so the last thing you need is to be sifting through a pile of clothes to look for important things. That’s why interior compartments, pockets, zips and straps become so important. We find this especially so with 4 people to pack for.
Hard case luggage usually allows you to pack it from both sides, and probably offers the most effective way to pack your luggage. They usually include pockets and straps to keep the sides as one. Soft cases can be a little more hassle in this regard, although the top travel luggage should include some compartments.
Soft/hard case
Usually people have a preference for either hard or soft cases, but the usefulness of each type really does depend on the type of travel you do. If you require added space and flexibility beyond what an expandable zip can do, soft cases can be more appropriate as they allow for awkward shapes and tighter fits.
Hard case luggage has the advantage of being entirely waterproof and offers a more contained enclosure. They are less flexible in regards to shape and something seen in hard luggage reviews is that they scratch more easily. However, they do have the advantage of often being stronger and more durable.
Single/set
With some great deals about, it can definitely be tempting to buy a set of cases. The advantage this offers is one size for each trip. For those that travel frequently, they will know the convenience this can offer. It gives you the flexibility to leave the check in bag at home for shorter trips and to bring it along on the longer ones.
Best luggage brands 2022
There are some standout luggage brands for 2022. These are the brands that I believe have it right in regards to size, durability and usability, and some of the best luggage brands for international travel.
Samsonite luggage reviews are highly requested as it is easily one of the top luggage brands 2022 offers. With an already strong reputation for crafting reliable bags, Samsonite’s range includes both hard and soft cased luggage which are lightweight and durable.
Swiss Gear also offers a great range of suitcases that suit all budgets. Some are definitely better than others, and you do get what you pay for. If you can afford to spend a little more, Swiss Gear offers some fantastic bags.
Delsey Luggage is also a favorite due to their range of hard case bags, with some of the best hardside luggage being from them. They really are experts in this field, and this has resulted in some great suitcases. Delsey also make a range of soft case bags, but I definitely prefer their hard case bags.
Travelpro bags are generally held in high regard among the best travel luggage due to their lightweight and durability. Travelpro have a range of both hard and soft case bags, but their focus is on soft case bags.
eBags offer some great lightweight baggage. Their bags aren’t in the same category as the above brands, with their bags more suitable for those that need extra pockets and compartments. Their bags are also generally flexible with two wheels on the base as opposed to four.
American Tourister crafts both attractive and affordable hard case and soft case bags, and have been doing so for many years. Their bags are known for their solid construction and reliability, and they have a bag to suit everyone. You will find a more in depth American Tourister review below.
2022 Best luggage reviews
Eagle Creek Tarmac 25 Inch Luggage Review
Having gone through several different cases that always let us down, we decided to invest a little more into buying some quality luggage. We settled on the Eagle Creek Tarmac 25 Inch Luggage – and thankfully we did as it’s been absolutely perfect!
The main thing we needed was durability as packing for a family can mean fitting a lot of items into your luggage. For this reason, the soft case design really helps. It’s very easy to pack full and I feel comfortable stuffing it full – it’s also expandable which really helps.
This case has been easy to pack and pulling it around is simple with large wheels. The wheels are also shaped in a way that helps when pulling them over rough or uneven surfaces and the handle is also long and stable when pulling the bag. The water-resistant material and the fabric has also been super easy to wipe clean.
I’m also impressed by the pockets and storage this bag offers. There is plenty of pockets to store additional items both inside and outside of the bag. There is also a net inside used to compress clothes.
The capacity is perfect and made even better by using packing cubes to further compress our clothes.
So far I really can’t fault this bag. It’s been absolutely brilliant especially since we have struggled to find a bag suitable for us. I would definitely recommend it!
You can see the latest prices by clicking here.
Best spinner luggage 2022
Samsonite 28 Inch Luggage Winfield 2 Fashion HS Spinner review
The Samsonite 28-Inch Winfield is the first suitcase in the best luggage reviews. Samsonite have some of the best luggage to buy, and are known for their quality luggage. This hard case suitcase really is excellent.
The case is made of a strong and lightweight polycarbonate material with a 3 digit TSA approved lock, expandable zip to pack more in, high handle bar and four spinner wheels. Combined with all that, this bag just looks great and is very affordable.
The case feels and looks spectacularly durable, as is expected with Samsonite products. The interior of the bag includes straps and several pockets to allow you to organise your luggage.
The bag does tend to scratch easily, but scruff marks can be wiped away equally as easily.
This bag also comes in a three-piece set, which is awesome value with the smallest of the three being able to be used as carry on, making it a top carry on luggage option. This bag has one of the best luggage sets reviews.
This bag is easily one of the top rated luggage options for 2022.
Click for the latest prices for the Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion HS Spinner 28.
Travelpro Luggage Platinum Magna 25 Inch Express Spinner Suiter review
The Travelpro Platinum Magna is another great luggage option and has scored well in other travel luggage reviews. This case has a soft case made of nylon, which is tough and leaves near to no scruff marks. The four wheels with magnatrac magnetic wheel alignment is something really special, allowing for a smooth ride and preventing the wheels from locking.
The case has been constructed with one frame to reduce weight, and is noticeably lightweight. Although slightly smaller than other options, the case will be a perfect size for the majority of people.
The interior of the case is very deep and includes several zipped pockets. This suitcase also lives up to its name with a direct suit insert allowing you to take your suit directly from wall to suitcase.
This is the case to take with you around the world as the best checked luggage, and with a lifetime warranty it’s the perfect excuse. The case is a bit steeper in price but certainly a good investment for one of the best rated luggage options.
American Tourister Duralite 360 Spinner 28 Inch Expandable review
Next in the list of top luggage is an American Tourister luggage review of the Duralite 360. This well priced hard case bag has almost everything that you would expect in the best luggage.
Firstly, the suitcase is expandable which is a massive plus. This allows you maximise the use of space when you need it, and to reduce it when you don’t. On the base of the case are four large spinner wheels. The case has a tapered surface for a stylish look, which will at least make it easy to spot at the airport!
The interior of the case includes a pocket and straps allowing you to pack the suitcase from both sides. There are also several interior pockets to organise your knickknacks.
The case is a great option for both longer and shorter trips.
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 29 Inch Expandable Spinner Trolley review
There are certain advantages to having a hard case suitcase, and the Delsey Luggage Helium Aero makes a point of that.
The case itself is relatively simple. I actually love that this suitcase features a simple zipper closure, which can be locked too with the TRA approved 3-digit lock. There are no external pockets or compartments. Four wheels are found underneath for 360 degrees of movement.
The interior, however, is fully lined allowing you to organise your life during you travels.
This suitcase is certainly tough! The polycarbonate makes for a suitcase that is both exceptionally durable and lightweight. The suitcase is also only an inch shy of check in regulations so that you can make maximum use of space. Also note that the bag is available in a smaller 25-inch version, which will be more than enough room for most people.
The only complaint I have is that the lock can be a bit tricky to figure out, as other Delsey Luggage reviews have also pointed out also.
However, I love this bag and it is easily one of the top luggage 2022 options.
SwissGear Travel Gear 28 Inch Expandable Spinner review
The final spinner case in the best travel luggage reviews from SwissGear. SwissGear have a great range of suitcases, and this best luggage review is for the Travel Gear 28” Expandable Spinner suitcase. This well priced case offers a great deal and is one of the largest and lightest cases that meets the standard check in baggage size.
The suitcase is made of a tough material that will endure rough treatment with a scratch resistant surface. There are four 360-spinner wheels, and the case is expandable to allow you more room when you need it. The interior of the case houses zipped pockets for you to organise your luggage.
The main complaint from a Swiss Gear luggage review was poor packaging, but luckily the suitcase is made tough enough to withstand that. However, obviously better packaging would be ideal.
For what it offers, I believe this to be a great suitcase being affordable, durable and lightweight.
Read more and see the latest prices for the SwissGear Travel Gear 28″ Expandable Spinner.
Best luggage sets 2022
Delsey Helium Aero Three-Piece Hardside Spinner Set review
As mentioned above, the Delsey Helium Aero is a simple but fantastic hard case alone, but this case also comes in a set of 3 offering some of the best luggage for international travel for the whole family.
This set offers flexibility in any situation with a 19 inch, 25 inch and 29 inch bag and each bag is expandable. The 19 inch bag offers more compartments for use as carry on, with the 25 inch and 29 inch bags offering more storage space for check in. Each bag has a fully lined interior and double spinner wheels.
The bags are as strong as they look and feel, and are very durable and responsive in use. As above, the locks on these bags can be a bit tricky to figure out, but it only requires an initial use to get used to it. These bags are perfect for either the whole family or for a single seasoned traveler.
Read more reviews and see the latest prices for the Delsey Helium Aero Three-Piece Set here.
Interested in 2022’s best carry on luggage as well? See our reviews of the best carry on luggage. We also have a fabulous guide to the best travel backpack options and best garment bag. Looking to pack better? Read our guide to the best packing cubes.
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