Using the most durable luggage you can find takes a lot of the stress out of traveling. Frequent travelers, in particular, would appreciate a suitcase that can withstand the wear and tear of trips across the country or all over the world. Here, we’ll be focusing on the best durable hardside luggage. While these are generally heavier than their softside counterparts, they provide durability that’s unmatched. They can also be pricey, but as time and frequent use will show, they’re well worth the investment.
How To Choose The Right Durable Luggage
Savvy travelers know that luggage plays a major role in making or breaking a trip. With all the available brands out there, choosing the right type of luggage can be overwhelming. But making a choice becomes easier if you keep the following tips in mind.
Check Out the Brand
There’s a reason why some brands dominate the luggage industry. They have a proven track record of suitcases that you can depend on, ones that last years—even decades. They use best practices such as rigorous stress tests and strict quality control measures to ensure that each piece of luggage is as durable as it can be. However, this isn’t to say that up-and-coming luggage companies should be ignored. With the influx of innovations and technologies nowadays, the quality and durability of suitcases can only improve.
Light Is Right
With airlines tightening baggage weight restrictions, getting a suitcase that doesn’t subtract too much from the allowable weight is an increasing priority. Polycarbonate, in addition to being extremely durable, has the advantage of a lighter weight compared to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)—another material commonly used in the construction of hard side luggage. ABS suitcases tend to be cheaper, hence their popularity, but they’re heavier and less durable than their polycarbonate counterparts.
Don’t Be Pained By Price Points
The saying “you get what you pay for” isn’t 100% reliable. True, choosing a suitcase because it’s the cheapest one available isn’t always a good idea. However, believing that the most expensive luggage in the market is the absolute best isn’t right either. Some suitcases that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars have little more than just brand-name recognition going for them. Conversely, there are plenty of luggage options priced below $100 whose features provide terrific value for money.
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When it comes to durable hardshell luggage brands, Pelican ranks among the best. It features a double-wall polypropylene construction, and these thick walls mean you don’t have to pad your more delicate stuff to keep it from getting crushed. The Pelican Elite Luggage Weekender will hold up admirably under a load of up to 1,500 pounds. So no need to worry if it gets placed under other suitcases, something that’s probable in an airplane’s cargo hold.
Another thing we like about this luggage is that it’s also very secure. With its steel hinges, heavy latches, and a built-in TSA travel lock, you can feel more confident that all your stuff will be just as you packed them. And even if the suitcase becomes wet, your belongings will stay dry because of the watertight O-ring seal. The wheels are quiet and roll along smoothly. Carry handles on the top, bottom, and one side means more ways to transport it comfortably.
What We Love About It:
- The sturdy construction that can take a beating.
- The really secure built-in combo lock.
- The lifetime warranty from Pelican.
Pros:
- The extremely useful Enhanced Travel System that contains a lid organizer, laundry bag, garment bag, zipper shoe bag, and Dopp-style toiletry kit.
- The fabric interior that cushions whatever we put in the suitcase.
- The automatic pressure equalization valve that prevents pressure from building up inside the suitcase.
- The recessed locks prevent snags.
Cons:
- It’s bulky.
- High price.
Pelican Elite Luggage | Weekender with Enhanced Travel System (EL27-27 inch) – Grey/Black
Merax Hardside Spinner Luggage
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There are many reasons why we think the Merax Hardside Spinner is one of the best durable luggage available on the market today. For one thing, it doesn’t make its durability claim lightly. Made of strong and eco-friendly polyethylene (PET), the results of its performance in single-wheel drop tests, handle tests, and rolling tests are commendable. The Merax Hardside Spinner Luggage can also bear the pressure of an enormous amount of weight—up to 2 tons. Another plus: it can withstand extreme temperatures, so we’re confident about using it to travel to either hot or cold destinations.
The interior is very roomy, almost big enough to fit a small human. The latches are sturdy and shut perfectly to keep out any dirt or water. The built-in TSA locks make it easier and faster to go through airport inspections and searches. The wheels are also worthy of praise. In addition to being quiet, they can rotate 360 degrees so maneuvering the suitcase is a breeze. And don’t forget, this handsome suitcase is not only durable, but it also won’t cost you an arm and a leg to buy.
What We Love About It:
- It is lightweight.
- The finish is elegant.
- There are several colors to choose from.
- Value for money because of the great features and low price.
Pros:
- The built-in UV protection feature protects it from the sun’s damaging rays.
- It has 3 latches to keep the contents secure.
- Two handles make it easy to carry or pull.
- Complies with international flight restrictions.
Cons:
- There’s no gusset to make it expandable.
Merax Hardside Spinner Luggage with Built-in TSA Lock Lightweight Suitcase 20inch 24inch and 28 inch Available (Silver, 28-inch)
Delsey Paris Helium Titanium Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
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It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this Delsey suitcase is a fantastic example of the most durable suitcase that gives you a great bang for your buck. It’s made of high-strength polycarbonate, the same type of material found in bullet-resistant windows and the canopies of jet planes. The finish is scratch-resistant, which means it will keep on looking smart and elegant for a long time.
The Delsey Paris Helium Titanium Hardside Luggage features a total of eight double spinner wheels that don’t make any noise. Plus, the wheels are off-centered for greater ergonomics, putting less stress on your arms when you push or pull the suitcase.
We also appreciate the fact that the main compartment is expandable, enabling us to maximize space. The recessed locks are another great feature. They’re accepted by the TSA, and only TSA agents can open and inspect the luggage without compromising the lock’s integrity.
What We Love About It:
- The streamlined, elegant look.
- The high-quality fabric lining.
- It is lightweight
- Reasonable price
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver even when fully packed.
- It offers packing flexibility because it’s expandable.
- The wheels work well even on uneven surfaces.
- It’s reasonably priced.
Cons:
- It can be rather difficult to remove the adhesive of travel stickers from the shell.
- The corners could be better reinforced.
DELSEY Paris Helium Titanium Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Samsonite Stryde Hardside Glider
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We aren’t surprised to see Samsonite make an appearance several times on this list. It makes some of the best durable luggage around, and the Stryde is evidence of this. The injection-molded polycarbonate shell is tough enough to withstand the rigors of travel. The corner guards reinforce the case’s sides, so there’s no need to worry unduly about any fragile stuff you’re packing.
This suitcase’s low center of gravity makes it easy to push and pull. Also, we found that the wheel system’s steel cartridge bearings made the Stryde so much easier to maneuver.
Another great thing about the Stryde is that you can adjust the handle to suit your height. It doesn’t matter whether you’re tall or petite. You’ll find the suitcase easy to roll.
It’s spacious inside, but if you need more room for your stuff, you can expand it with no problem.
What We Love About It:
- The unique square shape means it’s easier to spot among hundreds of other pieces of luggage on the carousel.
- The interior has various compartments that help you organize your packing better.
- The ergonomic and wide handle
- Value for money
Pros:
- Durable yet extremely lightweight.
- StrideAlign technology for effortless maneuverability.
- Ergonomic handle.
- No keys needed with the built-in TSA combination lock.
Cons:
- The zipper’s pin risks being broken off if it catches on other objects.
Samsonite Stryde Hardside Glider with Double Spinner Wheels
Ben Sherman Nottingham Hardshell Luggage
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Fashion and function combine in this Ben Sherman Nottingham hardshell luggage. The plaid pattern makes it look stylish and high-end, when in fact it isn’t expensive at all. But more importantly, it weathers the abuse that suitcases suffer on a regular basis in airports and planes. And with the reinforced molded corner guards, this piece of luggage can absorb or deflect shock to maximize impact resistance.
There’s a lot of room inside the fully lined interior. And we absolutely love that the zippered compartments keep our stuff where they’re supposed to be.
There’s a good selection of colors to choose from. The Ben Sherman Nottingham collection is also available in a 3-piece set: a 20″ carry-on and the larger 24″ and 28″ check-in suitcases.
What We Love About It:
- It’s lightweight and durable.
- It’s easy to clean.
- The checkered pattern is distinctive and stylish.
- It’s highly affordable.
Pros:
- Multiple compartments in the interior and under the lid.
- Flexible handles on the top and side for effortless lifting.
- Dependable multi-directional 4-wheel spinners.
- 10-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- We wish the zippers were more industrial grade.
- Some type of frame at the bottom would be helpful in connecting and reinforcing the caster wheels.
Ben Sherman Nottingham 28-inch Check-Size Lightweight Durable Hardshell 4-Wheel Spinner Upright Luggage
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Upright Luggage
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For the number of amazing features that it offers at such an affordable price, this Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds suitcase is an amazing bargain. There are many reasons why it’s one of the best durable luggage for travel.
For one thing, the ABS exterior is simultaneously durable and lightweight. The reinforced corners provide an added level of protection from the force of any direct impact. The suitcase’s exterior held up very well even after the thousands of miles traveled, something that impressed us.
The interior that Kenneth Cole designed for this piece of luggage is quite roomy. It features a fully-lined design that incorporates zippered pockets and garment restraints. We also appreciate how easy and convenient it is to handle this suitcase. The wheels feel like they can glide over any kind of surface with little or no resistance. Meanwhile, the handle retracts and locks to a respectable length, so it’s easy to maneuver whatever your height.
What We Love About It:
- The side bezels allow you to store the suitcase upright on its side when not in use.
- It’s available in a variety of bright colors.
- The retractable handle system enables superb control over the suitcase’s direction and speed.
- It’s extremely affordable.
Pros:
- Lightweight, so it allows you to pack more and doesn’t put much of a dent into your luggage allowance.
- A zippered cloth lining inside makes spot cleaning easy.
- The handle’s finished steel molding at its base makes it fell well-constructed.
- It’s available in a variety of colors.
Cons:
- More compartments for packing smaller items separately would be more helpful.
- Walking with the suitcase on the side involves a greater degree of difficulty than pulling it behind you.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 28-Inch Check-Size Lightweight Durable Hardshell 4-Wheel Spinner Upright Luggage
Haupstadkoffer Luggage Set
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German precision and craftsmanship are evident in this luggage set. It’s created by Haupstadkoffer, a German brand famous for its most durable hardside luggage. At first glance, it might seem like your everyday hardshell suitcase. But the more we look at it and examine it, the more we appreciate its clean and crisp design.
Polycarbonate and ABS materials account for the shell’s hardness and durability. The multi-directional, double spinner wheels have a strong bearing capacity, so you can rest assured that you can move your luggage with ease even when they’re full. The carry-on luggage has a capacity of 42 liters while the medium and large pieces can hold 74 and 119 liters respectively.
We appreciate the length to which the telescopic handle can be extended. It also has an ergonomic design, which prevents hand and wrist discomfort.
What We Love About It:
- The extra versatility provided by the expansion zipper, allowing us to pack more stuff into the suitcase.
- Interior zip-lined pockets that permit the separate storage of things like toiletries, loose items, and important documents.
- Available in various eye-catching colors.
- The price is budget-friendly.
Pros:
- The suitcases all fit inside one another for space-saving storage.
- The TSA combination lock’s resettable code can only be opened and re-locked by TSA security officers in the USA.
- Fully-lined interior with a flexible divider pad and a separate mesh pocket.
Cons:
- The zippers could be designed better to withstand more strain.
- They’re quite heavy.
HAUPTSTADTKOFFER Luggages Sets Glossy Suitcase Sets Hardside Spinner Trolley Expandable (20′, 24′ & 28′) TSA (Alex Purple)
Samsonite Winfield 2
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Whether you’re looking for the most durable carry on luggage or bigger suitcases that you can check-in, you can depend on Samsonite. The Winfield 2 collection is an example of why the company enjoys a high reputation all over the world when it comes to dependable luggage.
It uses polycarbonate, a material that’s strong and flexible yet lightweight. Like other clamshell designs, the suitcase is easy to pack since it completely opens up in two parts. A nylon lining wraps the interior, with a zippered side pocket at the bottom. The elastic cross straps ensure that all your stuff remains in place. We weren’t worried about having not enough space since the expander allows a few more inches of room inside the suitcase.
The Samsonite Winfield 2 takes almost no effort to roll because of its efficient spinner wheels and user-friendly telescopic handle.
What We Love About It:
- The interior’s top section has a full mesh cover that keeps everything secured when we shut the suitcase.
- Collapsing the handle is quick and easy with the handy button.
- The price is amazing for the quality the suitcase offers.
Pros:
- The exterior flexes while under stress then returns to its original shape.
- It has a side-mounted lock approved by the TSA.
- The seams and expansion fabric are water-resistant.
- Value for money from a respected brand.
Cons:
- Resistance to scratching could be improved.
- Getting the zippers into the lock takes some practice.
- We wish the telescopic handle could be locked in multiple extended positions.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Luggage
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Backed by a reputation for high quality that stretches back for almost a century, American Tourister is a brand to consider if you’re searching for the most durable luggage. Like all its other offerings, the Moonlight series underwent stringent tests to meet high standards of durability, strength, and dependability.
The variety of designs is what immediately caught our attention. You can choose from many colors and patterns to suit your personality. The appreciate looks our luggage received from fellow passengers were an unexpected bonus. But the Moonlight suitcase has more than just good looks going for it.
The mixture of PC and ABS materials means they’re durable, resistant to scratches, and weathertight. The spinner wheels provide easy movement while handles on the top and side make it easier and safer to remove from a carousel. And of course, we must mention the roomy, expandable interior.
What We Love About It:
- The storage space is impressively large even when unexpanded.
- The colors and designs are stylish and eye-catching.
- 10-year global warranty.
Pros:
- The telescopic handle made of aircraft-grade aluminum.
- The spinner wheels are screwed into the frame of the suitcase for extra durability.
- It has an interior lining that reinforces the suitcase’s watertight properties.
Cons:
- It’s rather heavy in comparison to other hardshell brands.
- More organizational pockets and clip-in toiletry compartments in the interior would be better.
American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Coolife Luggage Expandable Suitcase
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Premium quality at a price that’s easy on your wallet is what you’ll get with the Coolife hardside luggage. Each piece is carefully tested to make sure that it meets the highest of strength and durability standards. What are the things that make it one of the most durable luggage options available on the market?
Perhaps most important is the PC and ABS construction, which allows the suitcase to be flexible. It’s also scratch-resistant because of the polycarbonate film covering it. Coolife didn’t neglect the aesthetics; the suitcase comes in several vivid colors, with a streamlined look that’s easy on the eyes.
Inside, we found features that are standard in hardside suitcases. One side has a mesh-lined compartment with several pockets while the other side has an x strap to secure your belongings. The built-in TSA lock also reinforces the security of your valuables.
What We Love About It:
- The spinner wheels are quiet and provide superb maneuverability.
- We loved the zipper’s smoothness.
- There are six colors to choose from.
- It’s fairly priced.
Pros:
- The telescopic handle is pure aluminum and can be adjusted on three levels.
- It absorbs and deflects shock with the molded corner guard reinforcements.
- It comes with a TSA number lock or a standard number lock.
Cons:
- The bright colors can make even small scratches stand out.
- The warranty is only for 2 years.
COOLIFE Luggage Expandable(only 28″) Suitcase PC+ABS Spinner 20in 24in 28in Carry on (White Grid New, L(28in))
Samsonite Omni Expandable Hardside Luggage
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If you’re looking for the most durable luggage of the heavy-duty type, you can’t go wrong with the Samsonite Omni. This hardside case, built from 100% polycarbonate, promises maximum strength and durability.
The clamshell-style means that packing is both secure and convenient. A zippered net sits on one side while an elastic strap secures your belongings on the other side. There are also features that help you better organize your packing, including cross straps, dividers, and a zip interior.
The ability of the Omni to flex under stress and pop back to its original position impressed us. And packing some more stuff posed no problem because of the 2-inch expandable zippers that add more capacity.
The body’s micro-diamond texture makes it resistant to scratches. We also liked the range of colors to choose from.
What We Love About It
- The seriously spacious interior.
- It looks and feels durable.
- The design and form make it look really high-end and expensive.
Pros:
- The combination code is compatible with TSA standards uses an easy-to-remember 3-digit code.
- Pushing and pulling it is effortless because of the multidimensional spinner wheels.
- It has a 10-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- Although it’s lightweight, filling it to capacity can run you the risk of being overweight with your luggage.
- The bright colors tend to enhance the tiniest scratches.
Samsonite Omni Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
GoPenguin Hard Case Check in Luggage
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From carry-ons to mammoth suitcases, GoPenguin makes some of the best luggage for travel. It boasts a plethora of features that are commonly found in more expensive models. GoPenguin uses Makrolon polycarbonate—a material used in bullet-proof glass—for the suitcase. Despite its toughness, we found the luggage pleasantly light. And with the ergonomic telescopic handles and premium Hinomoto spinner wheels, maneuvering it is a breeze.
Inside the suitcase, we appreciated the premium fabric used in the lining as well as the mesh pockets that let our clothes breathe. When it comes to style, the luggage is available in solid colors such as black, white, yellow, red, and green.
What We Love About It:
- It has a capacity of almost 40 liters yet weighs just a shade over 6 pounds.
- The YKK zippers are silky smooth.
- The aviation-grade telescopic handle fits nicely in the palm.
- The price is reasonable for all its features.
Pros:
- It boasts a lighter-than-aluminum hardshell that’s more durable than ABS plastic.
- It has a TSA-approved lock.
- Bottom studs protect the base from dirt and scratches and provide stability.
Cons:
- We wish there was a second zipper for compressing the bag once it’s closed.
- The handle construction can get stuck when the bag is filled to capacity.
GoPenguin Hard Case Check in Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Hardshell PC Roller Suitcase Large 30 Inch Black
Sindermore Aluminum Hardside Luggage, Rolling Spinner Suitcase
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When it comes to extreme toughness and excellent stylishness, this suitcase from Sindermore comes out tops. We mean, just look at it. If the appearance isn’t impressive enough, the features certainly are. It’s made from aviation-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy that resists corrosion. The hinges are likewise aluminum alloy, as is the adjustable drawbar handle. Roll tests, drop tests, high-temperature tests, you name it—the Sindermore passed them all.
Maneuverability and mobility take very little effort because of the efficiency of the double spinner wheels—there are 4 of them in total. And the automatic rebound handle makes it easy to lift when pulling or pushing isn’t an option.
We’re pleased with the amount of space and compartments the interior offers. The dividers and straps are well organized.
What We Love About It:
- It looks so cool, like something out of a spy movie.
- The detachable folding wash bag is helpful and convenient.
- The latches close perfectly and it seals tightly along the edges.
Pros:
- It’s fitted with a combination lock approved by the TSA.
- The waterproof and dustproof seal protects your stuff from the elements.
- It closes via drawbolt latches instead of zippers.
- The carbon fiber texture retains its color even after heavy use.
Cons:
- It’s pricey.
- Dents and deformations can occur after rough handling.
Sindermore Aluminum Hardside Luggage, Rolling Spinner Suritcase With TSA (Carbon Fiber Silver, 25 inch)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hardside Luggage?
As its name implies, hardside luggage—also called hard-side luggage or hardshell luggage—has a hard exterior shell that’s usually made from ABS, polystyrene, or aluminum. These materials are lightweight yet are sturdy enough to withstand impacts such as falls and bumps, protecting the contents of the luggage. They’re also usually weather-resistant, making them ideal for trips to places that are extremely hot, wet, or cold. This is why they’re known as the most durable luggage.
Why Are Hardshell Suitcases the Best Luggage for Travel?
The toughness and hardiness of hardshell luggage make it the choice of many travelers, especially those who go jet-setting frequently. We all know that luggage can undergo rough treatment in airports and airplanes, and using this type of suitcase gives you better odds that your belongings will stay safe and secure throughout your trip. Most of today’s hardshell luggage also comes in a variety of colors and designs that make them distinctive, so identifying your own suitcase quickly among a sea of others in a carousel is much easier.
Is It Necessary To Get A Durable Suitcase?
There are a lot of problems that come with flimsy luggage: two of the main ones are that you risk losing your stuff while you travel and you waste a large amount of money from having to replace your suitcases every so often. Choosing durable luggage is an environmentally-friendly action (less waste) and an economically-sound decision (more money saved). Sometimes it can require a significant initial investment, but it pays off in the long run.
What Are The Features That Make The Best Durable Carry On Luggage?
Keep these elements in mind when shopping for a hardside suitcase since they are key factors in determining how durable your luggage is and whether it will be your trusty companion for the long haul.
- Polycarbonate or aluminum shell
- Chain zippers rather than coil zippers
- Wheels attached with screws instead of rivets
- A handle that retracts completely inside the luggage
Which Is The Best Durable Luggage Bag To Buy?
This largely depends on your personal preference and budget. Do you prefer two wheels or four? Do you often need to check in your luggage when you travel or is a carry-on enough to tide you through your trip? A great variety of durable luggage is available at different price points and with features that will best suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the most durable luggage for travel isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. There’s no one-size-fits-all option; everyone has different needs and preferences when trying to determine the most durable carry-on luggage or suitcases for check-in. What works out great for one might not turn out positively for others. Comparing suitcases from different brands might take a bit of time and effort, but it’s all worth it in the end.
