Luggage

Best luggage

The biggest surprise we found in our research was Eagle Creek luggage, a brand that's better known for its backpacks than standard luggage. In two separate hands-on torture tests, Eagle Creek luggage wins overall, especially for durability, over better known brands like Tumi, Samsonite and Travelpro. What's more, Eagle Creek now has a lifetime "No Matter What" repair or replacement warranty that even covers damage by airlines.

In his review for Money magazine, reviewer Charles Passy calls the Eagle Creek Tarmac ES 25 (*est. $285) an "ideal suitcase." (Passy "dropped, dragged and stomped" on five pieces of tested luggage after packing it.) The 10-pound, 25-inch Eagle Creek Tarmac bag is constructed of scratch-resistant Cordura nylon. An expandable compartment adds 2.5 inches of extra packing space and an auto cinch system compresses the load if the bag isn't totally full. The Tarmac bag doesn't tip over when packed (a problem with many pieces of wheeled luggage). There are two front-zippered pockets and the whole bag opens like a book. Some think the Eagle Creek Tarmac is a little sporty looking, which may or may not appeal to you. The bag is also available in 22-inch (*est. $250) and 28-inch (*est. $310) sizes.

If the sporty look of the Eagle Creek Tarmac luggage doesn't appeal to you, the Eagle Creek Velocity 25 (*est. $335) also performs extremely well in a separate luggage torture test conducted by Budget Travel magazine, beating out bags from REI, Osprey and Tumi. It excelled at stability, handling corners, bumpy terrain, curb hopping and even jaunts through New York's Times Square. Editors also liked the Velocity's big rounded handle and extras like a garment bag and a space-saving folder system for packing items flat.

While the Eagle Creek Tarmac line is made of compressible fabric, the Eagle Creek Velocity line has a molded semi-rigid lid and sides that have a more tailored look. There are two zippered pockets on the outside, as well as dividers and an included garment bag on the inside. Zippers conceal a 2.5-inch expandable section. Oversized wheels and an ergonomic handle add to comfort and a rigid bottom support piece ensures it won't tip forward when loaded. This bag is also covered under Eagle Creek's No Matter What lifetime repair or replacement warranty. The Velocity luggage is also available in 28-inch (*est. $385) , 22-inch (*est. $300) and 20-inch (*est. $270) sizes.

If the lifetime unconditional warranty appeals to you, we found many endorsements for Briggs & Riley, another company that offers such a no-fault repair or replacement warranty. We didn't find many reviews for specific bags, but the Briggs & Riley Transcend 24-inch Expandable Upright (*est. $300) is typical of the company's offerings. To be fair, Briggs & Riley was first to offer this type of unconditional warranty for its luggage. Unfortunately, we didn't see the brand included in any hands-on tests but owner testimonials are excellent, and reviews for customer service are good. The Transcend luggage series can expand by 3 inches, with two exterior zippered sections, and mesh dividers on the inside.

Travelpro luggage has long been recommended. Airline employees who wanted a focus on durability created this brand. The Travelpro Crew6 (*est. $200 for 22-inch rolling carry-on bag) series wins general praise from both expert reviewers and owners. Owners posting on Luggage Online especially like the carry-on suiter, which offers replaceable wheels and an easy to use handle. Experts say this bag works well as both a carry-on or checked bag and, in terms of value, reviews say the Crew6 series is hard to beat. It's less expensive than similar sized luggage from Eagle Creek or Briggs & Riley, but Travelpro does not offer the same kind of no-fault repair or replacement warranty. Damage caused by airlines is not covered. Experts do like the replaceable wheels, however.

The Tumi brand is well known but, in some recent tests, some of its bags don't hold up as well. Money magazine reviewer Charles Passy gives the Tumi Vista Super Light wheeled packing case (*est. $400) a low overall score because it falls apart faster than other luggage in the test. Passy did like luxurious touches such as a shoe bag and leather handles, though. Some owners posting comments on Fodors.com had mixed reviews about the quality of Tumi offerings, saying that luggage from other companies can be just as flexible and not as expensive. Tumi warrants most of its luggage lines for five years. Airline damage is covered for the first year only.

Hartmann, another high-end luggage maker, is known for its eye-catching fabrics, such as the polka dot, leather and tweed bags in its Luxe line. The Hartmann 22" Expandable Mobile Traveler (*est. $625) does have nice features such as a removable garment sleeve, a zip pouch, laundry bag and inline-skate wheels. It has dark antique brass or matte nickel hardware and leather trim, as well as 1050 denier Ballistic nylon material. Hartmann's warranty covers manufacturing defects, but not airline damage.

Budget luggage

If you are an infrequent traveler, or you travel more often by car than air, durability is less of an issue. The Skyway Sigma 2 (*est. $40 for 22-inch expandable carry-on bag) receives good reviews from owners posting comments to LuggageOnline.com and Amazon.com and it's one of the least expensive carry-on bags we find in reviews. This Skyway bag is made of water and tear resistant polyester fabric. There are two external pockets and it has inline skate wheels, which experts recommended most often. It has a fully lined interior and the main compartment has elastic tie down straps and a mesh pocket on the lid.

American Tourister luggage (*est. $80 for 21-inch carry-on) , made by Samsonite, is less expensive than many bags but still carries a ten-year warranty (no coverage for airline damage.) Editors at The Travel Insider say this bag is a good budget choice, but ultimately recommend spending more for a Travelpro, Eagle Creek or mid-priced bag. However, many reviewers at Luggage Online rave about the quality of the American Tourister luggage. Only a few owners complain, mainly about broken handles.

The Costco Kirkland Signature Executive 22" Carry-On (*est. $110) is worth examining if you have access to a Costco warehouse. It is also available online on the Costco website. Non-members pay an extra 5%. Besides the affordable price, it has a lifetime warranty (which does not include wear and tear or airline damage.) It also has a nice bundle of extras: a suit carrier, two elastic shoe pockets and a removable laundry pocket. The Kirkland is expandable and it has an adjustable cargo strap.

We found some good reviews for the Atlantic Infinity Elite line (*est. $125 to $180, depending on size) . Reviewers especially like the "locker" system that separates clean clothes from soiled laundry. Owners at Luggage Online give the Infinity Elite 25-inch expandable bag (*est. $180) good marks, though the wheels fell off one owner's bag.

Spinner bags

Most luggage pieces come with two wheels. Samsonite introduced its Spinner line of luggage a few years ago and other manufacturers are now copying the design. This type of luggage has four wheels instead of two, allowing them to "spin" 360-degrees on an axis. In hands-on tests, experts say spinner bags do maneuver well and are easier on the traveler's back. However, the extra wheels add weight to the bag – a consideration now that airlines have tightened baggage weight restrictions.

An Atlantic Graphite Lite (*est. $150 for a 25-inch bag) , is recommended in The Wall Street Journal's review of spinner luggage. Reviewer Charles Passy writes, "The real draw was the traditional styling, ruggedness and versatility." There are also lots of exterior and interior pockets that he liked. Passy's main complaint about the Graphite Lite bag is that it lacks a handle at the bottom. We did read a couple of reports on LuggageOnline.com that the wheels fell off, however. The Graphite Lite line of spinner luggage comes in several other sizes.

The Samsonite Silhouette 10 series (*est. $220 for a 25-inch bag) receives positive feedback from users on Luggage Online. Owners say the built-in TSA-approved lock is another nice feature. They also like the four spinner wheels that add stability. Los Angeles Times reviewer Rosemary McClure says that the bag is, "well designed, both inside and out." There are three zippered pockets and a removable toiletry kit. In addition, the Samsonite Silhouette 10 luggage series is also available in a hard-side version for about the same price.

Another Samsonite line, the Sahora Spinner Hybrid (*est. $150) sits somewhere between hard and soft luggage, with a rigid, fabric-covered exterior that still retains some flexibility. However, experts are mixed on this type of semi-hard-sided luggage. Experts say that it's not as protective as true hard-sided luggage, yet you lose the advantages of soft-sided luggage, including expandability.

Titan 360 Degree Four luggage (*est. $400 for a 26-inch bag) also has four wheels. This hard-sided luggage is made of polycarbonate and is ultra-light, according to LA Times reviewer Rosemary McClure. At about ten pounds, it also comes with a TSA-approved lock, a telescoping handle and removable garment and toiletry bags. However, adds McClure, the hard-side (like other similar hard-sides) doesn't have an outside pocket for stashing small items.

Other luggage types

If you're planning a trip to the great outdoors you'll want to look for a durable, rugged bag that is versatile and has options you most likely won't find in a traditional suitcase, such as a large waterproof compartment and sturdy wheels. These types of bags are large enough to carry gear for an entire trip.

Outside Magazine reviews the Eagle Creek Orv Trunk (*est. $250) and called it the Chevy Tahoe of rolling bags: big, tough and practical. Along with the treaded wheels, editors like the zippered waterproof bag, which is "big enough for a pair of hiking boots, and Chacos (sandals), with room left for a snorkel, mask, and swim trunks." It's not called a trunk without good reason; this duffel-style rolling bag has dimensions of 30" x 16" x 15".

The REI Stratocruiser 25" (*est. $230) is the best pick for adventure travelers in Outside Magazine's 2007 Buyer's Guide. This bag converts quickly to a backpack, complete with padded shoulder straps, adjustable load lifter and a well-padded waist belt. It also features a removable daypack with 1200 cubic-inches of carrying capacity, a water bottle pocket and two zippered panel sleeves. Weighing in at 9 pounds and 11 ounces, the bag is relatively light. A padded top handle, shock-absorbing wheels and bottom luggage feet complete the package. Owners posting comments at Fodors.com recommend this bag. It also comes in a smaller carry-on version, the REI Stratocruiser Wheeled Pack 22-inch (*est. $180).

The Osprey Meridian 22" (*est. $280) garnered the 2006 Gear of the Year award winner at Outside Magazine. The bag also converts easily to a backpack, with the "best adjustable suspension I've seen in convertible luggage", writes Outside Magazine's luggage reviewer Ted Stedman. Its zip-out day pack has dual-water holders, a front zipper pouch and a zip-away back panel. After hauling the bag on a 3,000-mile trip to India, Stedman did not "find one sign of seam stress or hardware malfunction." He credits the bag's ballistic-grade nylon fabric, Hypalon-reinforced wear points and ABS plastic case for the durability.

Outside Magazine also liked the non-wheeled Patagonia Shuttle Duffel (*est. $120). Among its best features is its heavy-duty nylon fabric that editors say is "virtually impervious to weather" and foam padding on the bottom and side panels to protect fragile contents. A reflective lining helps when searching for items at night, editors add.

Important Features: Luggage

Here's what the experts say to look for when purchasing luggage:

• Construction. Choose woven nylon or polyester over less sturdy leather. Look for screws, rather than rivets, for easier repairs. A soft-sided bag is more likely to fit in compartments than a hard-sided bag.

• Packing aids. Look for a suit carrier, a zippered waterproof compartment for holding toiletries or soiled laundry, expandable compartments and external pockets.

• Weight. Less expensive luggage can often be heavier and, of course, larger bags weigh more. With airlines becoming increasingly strict regarding baggage weight, it pays to look for a lighter bag. Soft bags weigh less than hard-sided luggage, but experts advise that nylon on travel packs and duffel bags should be at least 1000-denier Cordura nylon.

• Handles. Look for handles on top and on the side for easier lifting. A helper handle on the bottom is especially handy.

• Balance. Look for a bag that isn't "side heavy." These bags tend to tip easily, especially when clipping on a briefcase or smaller luggage.

• Look for hooks or webbing attachments for a briefcase or smaller luggage. These let you clip on a smaller bag and wheel them both together.

• Stair sliders minimize damage and help negotiate steps and curbs.

• Expandability. Look for a zippered expanding compartment that allows for more packing flexibility.

Most reviewers we found focus on the most common size of wheeled luggage that fits within airline carry-on standards. Every airline has its own size standard, often depending on the type of aircraft. Our research shows the most common maximum size is a 22" x 14" x 9" bag. (See our Best Research section below for a list of airline baggage carry-on standards.) Luggage restrictions on Amtrak trains are a bit more lenient. Each traveler may carry two bags, each of which may weigh no more than 50 pounds and may not exceed 28" x 22" x 14" in size. Most cruise ships don't have a limit on luggage size or the number of bags, but if your trip also includes air travel, you'll be subject to the airline's restrictions.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Eagle Creek: Pilot EXP (Discontinued) Tarmac ES 25 (*est. $285) Velocity 25 (*est. $335)	details
2	Samsonite: Sahora Spinner Hybrid (*est. $150) Silhouette Spinner (*est. $260 for 29")	details
1 each	Briggs & Riley 21" Transcend Expandable Upright , Travelpro Crew5, Costco Kirkland, Atlantic Graphite Spinner , Rimowa Salsa , Titan Xenon , REI Stratocaster, Osprey Meridian 22

We weren't surprised not to find a bit of consensus on individual pieces of luggage simply because few reviewers test the exact same bag. However, some interesting patterns emerge in our research. In two separate torture tests, Eagle Creek luggage comes through with flying colors, although each review tested a different bag. Two Samsonite spinner bags are also recommended; though they aren't subjected to the same torture tests, experts say this type of bag is easier to maneuver.

Additionally, we found a large number of general recommendations, which aren't included in the chart above. For example, Travelpro luggage is often recommended in general. Frequent fliers and airline personnel also like Briggs & Riley luggage in general because of its lifetime no-questions-asked, free-repair warranty, which even covers damage caused by airline baggage handling.

Reviewers also generally say luggage from Costco's Kirkland line is a cut above other inexpensive luggage from Wal-Mart or Sears.

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