Introduction
If you’re in the market for a new set of hard-shell luggage, our testing process can help you find the best one. We test more than two dozen hard-side luggage sets, including ones from Briggs & Riley, Away, Delsey, and Eagle Creek.
We test how much the bags can hold with the TSA-approved scale from Travelon. We test the durability of the shell of each suitcase by dropping it from various heights onto a carpeted floor.
We put each piece of luggage through our standard testing for carry-on suitcases. We also open and close each suitcase many times during testing to check for ease of use.
Pros:
✅ It is very lightweight.
✅ It has four wheels for easy transportation of your luggage.
✅ There are two front pockets, one on each side of the case.
Cons:
⭕ The interior lining could be better quality.
Pros:
✅ Expandable
✅ Spinner wheels
✅ Durable hardside construction
Cons:
⭕ Not as lightweight as some other luggage
Pros:
✅ Expandable for extra packing space
✅ Roller wheels for easy maneuvering
✅ Durable material
Cons:
⭕ None
Pros:
✅ Travelers Club luggage is stylish, durable, and comes in a variety of colors.
✅ The 4-piece set includes a carry-on, duffel bag, garment bag and underwear case.
Cons:
⭕ The hardside suitcases can be difficult to roll through airports.
We’ve tested more than two dozen hard-side luggage sets, including ones from Briggs & Riley, Away, Delsey, Eagle Creek, and Samsonite.
We’ve tested more than two dozen hard-side luggage sets, including ones from Briggs & Riley, Away, Delsey, Eagle Creek, and Samsonite.
We spent hours researching the best hard-sided luggage on the market. We looked at dozens of options based on size (from carry-on to checked), durability, and features such as wheels and expansion capabilities. Our top pick is the Osprey Porter 46 (starting at $258). It has a large packing capacity along with durable materials for long trips, plus it’s just about as light as any other piece in this category thanks to its innovative design!
We test how much the bags can hold with the TSA-approved scale from Travelon.
We tested the best luggage sets by weighing them on a TSA-approved scale. The Travelon luggage scale is small and easy to use, which makes it perfect for taking along on your travels.
It’s also accurate to within 1% of the weight of the bag, so you can rest assured you’re getting an accurate reading. The scale has a 10-year warranty and is TSA-approved!
We test the durability of the shell of each suitcase by dropping it from various heights onto a carpeted floor.
To test the durability of each suitcase, we drop it from various heights onto a carpeted floor. The goal is to see how far it falls before it breaks open or starts to crumble under its own weight. We do this test with each suitcase set twice: once when standing up straight and once on its side.
Though you probably don’t plan on dropping your luggage off a cliff during your next trip, there are plenty of times when you’ll be pulling your bags through airports and train stations places where they could get jostled around more than usual.
Because we want to make sure our top picks can handle whatever comes their way, we evaluate them by having them fall from heights ranging from 4 feet (two stories) all the way down to the floor (just one story).
We put each piece of luggage through our standard testing for carry-on suitcases.
We put each piece of luggage through our standard testing for carry-on suitcases. We test each bag’s dimensions, weight, wheels, handles, zippers, clasps, construction, and materials.
The dimensions of a suitcase are important for air travel because airlines have strict limits on the size of bags that can be brought aboard as carry-ons. Most airlines will measure the maximum dimension from corner to corner (height plus length), but others measure only width when calculating total volume and still others use both measurements when deciding whether a bag is within regulation size limits or not.
It’s also important to note that some airlines allow two pieces of baggage per passenger while others permit one piece only so if you plan on checking your luggage, you may want to consider purchasing two smaller bags instead of one large one because it could save money since many airlines charge by weight rather than size alone (this can vary by carrier).
While carrying your bag around in airports or bus terminals doesn’t require much effort you just need something sturdy enough so it doesn’t tip over while walking around wheels are essential when maneuvering over uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets or slippery sidewalks during rainstorms.
This is especially true during the winter months where snow may cover sidewalks outside train stations, making them treacherous for pedestrians trying to walk upright without falling face first onto frozen pavement!
We also open and close each suitcase many times during testing to check for ease of use.
We check for zippers, latches, and other closures; wheels and handles; durability of the shell; weight, balance, and maneuverability.
If you are looking to buy a new set of hard-shell luggage, here’s some advice:
- Make sure that you have enough space for your trip. You don’t want to buy a set of suitcases only to find out that they won’t fit inside the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you on the plane!
- Look at the material is it durable? If so, how long will it last?
- Check the warranty is it long enough? Most standard warranties are 1 year, but there are some exceptions (more information below).
- Lastly, check the weight (or better yet, weigh it yourself!). The average hard-sided suitcase weighs between 5 and 10 pounds, but there are some exceptions if they include wheels and handles (which add more weight).
