The hard-shell models are prone to scuffing. Your answer to those questions will be a good jumping-off point as you decide which brand of luggage is right for you. Even when fully packed, we found it notably easy to lift, roll, and haul across curbs, up stairwells, and into overhead bins. The sub-par exterior zipper kept catching on itself (proving a serious annoyance). It gets points for a clasp closure, rather than a zipper, making it easier to open and shut. Joining Gucci in the ranks of readers favorite designer luggage, Louis Vuitton came in at number seven. Taking the kids to Disneyland would require a very different assortment of carry-ons and suitcases (and sizes) from a couples' trip to hit the slopes at Vail or a solo backpacker adventure through Europe. After all, no matter the tripbe it a safari, cruise, city escape, or weekend in the woodsyou need something to carry your belongings. However, there are a few models that impress us with their functionality and assets, despite relatively lower price points. First, a standard capacity test, cramming everything required for a week's worth of temperate weather travel into each bag. They do the same job but with the added advantage of keeping things light at the rear of the motorcycle. Samsonite UK vs Briggs & Riley: Side-by-Side Comparison The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at. When you're dealing with carry-on luggage, these are two of the most critical items to consider, depending on your intentions for travel. We buy all the products ourselves. No. How can we improve GearLab? We tested underseat luggage, checked luggage, and carry-on luggage and gave each individual bag a score based on its capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and overall value. Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. A few design features set it apart, though, like vegan leather trim and a handle with a release button underneath instead of on top, meaning it sits where your grip naturally does. The Rockland and Amazon Basics models each produced similar results, with some minor scratching (both), a rip to the interior fabric (Rockland), and a detached hubcap (Amazon) after drop testing. It is by far the roomiest piece of luggage we tested, with clothes for 18 days and four pairs of shoes fitting easily inside. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Its light boxy structure and thick single-spinner wheels maneuvered fairly effortlessly given the bag's well-crafted telescoping handle and higher-than-average clearance. Whether you go softside or hard, you can count on reliable durability. If you are a fan, youre in good company: British figures from Queen Elizabeth to Winston Churchill to David Beckham have sported the brand. The other: a removable compression panel, particularly well-engineered to carve out additional capacity within the small compartment, plus two smaller pockets (a single mesh sleeve and a tiny zippered pouch hiding a reusable laundry bag) tucked just behind. So it's no surprise these two bags are impressively durable even under extreme circumstances, with basically bombproof wheels, smooth-glide zippers, numerous user-friendly handles, and a significant investment in structural integrity (including reinforced edging and protective bumpers along vulnerable corners and seams). By Madison Flager November 4, 2022 All products featured on. You're paying for the prestige and the look, but luxury luggage brands rarely match their more affordable counterparts with respect to durability and function. The Best Luggage Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed - Travel Whether it's a bright solid color with contrasting accents, or a crazy pattern that's not likely to be repeated among your fellow passengers, you can usually find a piece that will stand out.. Another factor that will influence your luggage brand choice is your travel purpose. Additionally, despite being among the heaviest in our test group (and therefore more difficult to lift and carry when fully packed), these two cases maintained their high scores thanks to thoughtful designs and the placement of well-made carrying handles all the way around both of their exteriors. Yet again, the Travelpro Platinum Elite proved itself a winner, showing up with a deceptively large capacity and versatile design hidden beneath a streamlined exterior. With spinner wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, and matching carry-on sizes that nest into this bag for easy storage, Away's luggage sets continue to be a great lower-cost, quality option for travelers. She calls it surprisingly roomy, and notes its sturdy shell: This bag looks sleek, but is totally durable. They're also easy to wipe clean and have a sleek, modern appearance. An open-layout clam-shell design can be a real boon when packing oddly shaped items and unusual gear in a standardized case. Our experts test thousands of products each year. The second test is just a ramped-up version of the first, this time including bulkier, oddly shaped, or even fragile items along the lines of what one might take with them for a ski vacation or a climbing trip. With ballistic nylon or shock-absorbing polycarbonate exteriors, Briggs & Riley suitcases can really take a beating. Pros: Great for organization, stylish, secure, Cons: Overall storage is on the smaller side. Follow us! At under $400, it's among the most affordable checked bags on the list. It's really a matter of whether you want to safeguard your packed items from getting crushed or protect the exterior of the suitcase from superficial blemishes (though many softside and hardside models we tested check all the boxes). Pros: Clean lines and minimalist look, plenty of room inside with and without expansion, Cons: Among the heavier bags at 12 pounds, compression system latch can be finicky (watch your fingers). A handy mesh pocket along one side of the compression panel adds to the convenience of packing the Away. And when selecting from among rolling carry-on bags specifically, we noticed a correlation between price and performance. Whether you're traveling near or far, we'll help you get outfitted with all the best travel gear you'll need. . Away Travel Summer Sale: Save on luggage sets for summer vacation. Your features wish list depends on the kind of travel you anticipate doing. This suitcase was called an organizer's dream by its tester, thanks to the zip pockets and mesh nets that give every item its own place. When it comes to buying your next set of luggage, your brand choice depends on several factors. And in testing, it held tough just as promised, showcasing a unique combination of versatility and core foundational strength. Travelpro vs Briggs & Riley for June 2023 | Best Luggage Brands You'll see a range of hardside and softside models when browsing luggage, and many of the best brands offer both. Easy access to your belongings is another really important part of this metric. But it's the highly effective internal compression system (delivering a substantial increase in capacity, well before external expansion is employed) that is likely to excite experienced packers most. That said, most allow suitcases no larger than 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. I've had a Briggs & Riley for almost 3 years and really like it (haven't had to use the guarantee, at least not yet). Amid what you might call the Golden Age of luggage, it can be hard to sift through your offerings. 7 product lines to choose from, about 80 pieces in total; High-end features; Free shipping on orders $99+ Lifetime "Simple as That" guarantee includes free repairs, no questions asked; Briggs & Riley is a premier luggage brand. You'll find most other cases in the clamshell style cannot compete, with cheap fabric liners and simple cross-straps that provide no strength or true option to tighten for compression, limiting their value in practice. The hardside suitcases might scratch under heavy use. See the pros and cons of Briggs & Riley vs Samsonite UK based on free returns & exchanges, international shipping, curbside pickup, PayPal, and more. Learn more. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential is our favorite option for overpacking and really cannot be topped when it comes to capacity. Any frequent traveler knows that when you bid farewell to your bag at check-in, the likelihood of it being treated with the care and attention you feel it deserves is low. Part of our road testing strategy involves taking each carry-on out onto different surfaces to compare how it rolls on all four spinners and on just two, and how that changes based on terrain. We can confidently tell you there's much more to love about this luggage brand than a budget-friendly price tag. We love its flexibility and organizational features particularly the multiple exterior pockets, built-in suiter, "Outsider" roller handle, and clever two-inch CX expansion system. We'd love to have you join our community! Most models are also lightweight, so lifting them into an overhead bin is no problem. These two metrics combined make up 60% of the score. Together, these road-trained powerhouses know what gear can make a great trip even better, and they are pumped to channel that knowledge into honing in on the best carry-on luggage available. The brand garnered top marks in every attribute but the weight of its carry . Made from durable, scuff-resistant polyester, the SwissGear Sion held up relatively well throughout testing, developing just a few minor scratches, some rattling in the handle, and a clicking noise within one wheel well (which interestingly self-corrected shortly thereafter). Besides its lower clearance and tendency to scratch and scuff, we couldn't find much we didn't love about this carry-on. Three of the five bags we tried earned a score above 4, with an average overall rating of 4 out of 5. The 7 Best Suitcases of 2023 | Tested by GearLab Ad Choices. We recommend checking the airline's website if you're not sure whether your luggage will pass as a carry-on. Given theyre popular with travelers, make sure to get a unique color or add your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help you identify yours. All 11 pieces of Travelpro luggage we tested earned overall scores of 4 or higher, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 each. Briggs and Riley is a very good luggage brand that tends to be priced a little higher than the average bag in the carry on category. The Best Luggage Deals to Shop Now: Save On Suitcases from Away, Save on luggage for your summer travels with top brands like Away, Samsonite, and Monos offering huge discounts on best sellers. The two-year warranty is substantially shorter than most other brands. Our review team's favorite piece of carry-on luggage is undeniably the Travelpro Platinum Elite. Keep this in mind if your suitcase has an expander, as the additional inch or two could put it over the allowed size limit. Inside, each half of the clamshell features a restraint system. It checks all the right boxes across all metrics, and although expensive, was an easy choice for a top award as it's hands-down one of our favorite pieces in the suite. Its two sides are even, so it flips open easily and without tumbling to one side; inside, it is very roomy, with pockets to keep you organized and aware of what's where without leafing through each compartment (there are two mesh ones and a clear, half-zip panel). Let us know! Here, the best hard shell luggage that will last for years to come, from trunk-like Calpak bags to retro-looking Steamline suitcases. In this article, we'll find out whether it's really worth it to invest in a Briggs & Riley suitcase. The Omni measures 19 inches by 14.5 inches by 9.5 inches. That's like asking "Coke or Pepsi" . The Details: 30 day return policy | 3 year warranty. No "sponsored" content. Size limits for carry-on luggage vary among airlines. This trunk-inspired carry-on blends vintage details and modern-day touches beautifully, with a durable exterior secured by buckle straps and TSA-approved locks that snap open to reveal fun, bright patterns. The brand has had plenty of practice, making luggage since 1897, with suitcases that are largely made in the same way today. The Details: 30 day return policy | Lifetime warranty. The Details: 100 day return policy | Lifetime warranty. July:While we appreciated the looks of these mid-range bags, we would recommend purchasing darker colored bags that won't likely scuff as easily. Away luggage has a minimalist-modern aesthetic and a sophisticated yet practical appeal. This brand also stands out for its organizational, smart, and security features. We have various Costco variety of bags (Samsonite, Riccardo $199 costco variety for the family trips) as well as 2 eagle creek 21" rollers. The same goes for the color and/or design: almost any brand will give you several options in basic black, but if you want your bags to stand out on the claim carousel at the airport - so that you spend as little time as possible trying to figure out which one is yours - your options may be more limited. Similarly, we had no problem tracking over airport carpeting, bumpy sidewalks, or cracks in the road. First, let's talk about size and weight. Each has a hefty zipper with an exceptionally smooth glide that never stuck or hung up on itself during testing. The hard-sided Away does a particularly great job maximizing its space, using a thick mesh enclosure plus a smart, space-saving compression panel to lock bulky items into place and squeeze additional storage out of this otherwise compact, airline-approved carry-on bag. Pros: Expandable, clean lines and minimalist look, vibrant color, separate compartments for clothes, shoes, and toiletries, Cons: The combination lock dial can be hard to turn, the handle is a little tough to get up and when expanded the handle to grab your luggage isnt centered. Samsonite vs Briggs & Riley for April 2023 | Best Luggage Brands Hit enter to search or ESC to close Friday, April 14th 2023 Luggage Reviews Samsonite Almost 150 pieces to choose from in 50 different lines Hardsided and softsided luggage available In business for 100+ years Theres no question about it: Rimowa fans are passionate about their luggage. In our testing, even a four-year-old was able to roll his own four-wheeled bag through the terminal. The Samsonite NuRoad backpack is excellent for travel or your day-to-day adventures. There's a wide range of checked suitcases, carry-ons, duffles, weekenders, underseat bags, and backpacks on the market. Similarly, there are times when we need to manhandle bags up and down stairs or across awkward surfaces and into overhead bins, and this is where grab handles come in handy. As a classically trained musician, rock climber, and dog mom whose adventures have carried her from the ski runs of New Mexico to the trails of Patagonia and now onto the granite walls of Lake Tahoe, Gena is well familiar with living a life in motion and is no stranger to preparing a perfectly curated bag. Samsonite's wide range of styles, numerous design breakthroughs, and reputation for building luggage that last make it one of the most trusted in the travel industry today. Travelpro offers a generous 100-day return policy and backs its luggage with warranties ranging from 10 years to a lifetime. And if that's not enough space, use the included SmartLink strap to easily attach a purse or laptop bag to the top of your case as well. Head here to cast your ballot for your all-time favorite hotels, cruises, resorts, islands, and more. Securing A Briggs And Riley Sleeve Tote Over Samsonite Luggage: A They also have decent capacities, many with built-in expanders. We had no issue packing all of our gear in this carry-on, despite the fact that it is one of the only bags we tested that lacks an expansion tool. Inside, you'll find two even-sized compartments; one half zips closed and has a large zippered pocket built in to secure items like hats, bathing suits, belts, or purses. We also appreciate that even when stuffed full, this carry-on still rolls effortlessly alongside us from hotel to airport and packs easily into trunks and overhead compartments en route. The Details: 30 day return policy | 510 year warranty. Yes, usually. ( Fashion ) May 29, 2023 Petite in Women's Pants: A Guide to the Perfect Fit ( Fashion ); May 28, 2023 High Rise in Women's Pants: Understanding the Trend and Its Significance ( Fashion ); May 28, 2023 Best Women's Snow Pants: Stay Warm and Stylish in the Snow ( Fashion ); May 26, 2023 "Decoding Women's Pants Sizes: Is Size 7 . Partnering with Gena on this round of reviews is long-time adventure travel professional and outdoor enthusiast Myrha Colt, a veritable expert in hitting roads unknown and master of hauling luggage big and small into the far-off abyss, be it the depths of an airline cargo hold bound for New York, a rugged 4x4 journey into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, or the salty crew cabin of a Caribbean dive boat. We tested two suitcases and one backpack from Amazon Basics. Durability aside, Briggs & Riley suitcases roll effortlessly on hard floors and carpet, over bumps, and around tight corners. Products Available at Briggs & Riley. Briggs & Riley and Rimowa take the first place in the durability. Already have bad experiences with Rimowa and Samsonite (dented corners, broken zippers/locks). Color options are limited, and the suitcases don't have USB ports or other smart features. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Briggs & Riley. Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and editor specializing in lifestyle, beauty, apparel, and more. The 5 Best Carry On Luggage of 2023 | Tested by GearLab For a little more space than Away's The Bigger Carry-On, choose the Flex. Briggs & Riley has become synonymous with the highest quality in luggage, and we were not disappointed with the Baseline Essential Spinner, our choice for the best premium softshell bag. But in reality, both cases stand out from the crowd quite significantly in other highly valuable ways: demonstrating significant durability in materials, sophisticated aesthetics, and many smart extra features that raise them both well to the top of the list for this metric, despite the deficiencies noted upfront. No matter where you're going or how often you travel, luggage can make or break your trip. Though most don't come with laundry bags, we appreciated the zippered compartments, compression straps, shoe separators, and easy-access pockets. According to numerous flight attendants, the main components that tend to wear out on carry-on luggage are exterior handles and zippers so we paid close attention to these areas. And if you need a piece in a hurry, know that many of its bags are available on Amazon and at department stores like Macys and Belk. Compare Samsonite.co.uk vs Briggs-riley.com to select the best Luggage & Travel Gear Brands for your needs. Below, find your fellow readers favorite luggage brands, plus a few of each brands most popular pieces of luggage, should you be looking to add a new weekender or roll-aboard to your collection. There was plenty of space to pack everything on our list, even without the expanders. This class-leading carry-on comes with plenty of exterior pockets to keep items orderly and easily accessible, matched by several clever interior organizational tools to help maximize space and reduce wrinkled fabric or misplaced items. The interior fabric began to tear. Ad Choices. When it comes to researching a new luggage brand, you're already well on your way. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should also think about maneuverability. What you purchase really comes down to personal preference. Luxury and function are paired perfectly in the Away Carry-On, making it our favorite premium hardshell bag. Each piece was also pushed off a table and whacked a few times with a baseball bat to test for potential wear and tear. The brand's hardside and softside models were a hit in the lab, and both carry-on and checked options have spacious interiors and expandable capacities. The brand's large-capacity suitcases are impressively spacious yet lightweight, with built-in expanders and smooth-rolling wheels. This year's testing was headed up by lead luggage-beater Genaveve Bradshaw, who was tasked with simulating the various hotel room demands, roadside abuse, and tarmac traumas that carry-on luggage might encounter on any given travel day. The Travelpro Platinum Elite stood out in both our "summer vacation" and our "bulky item" packing tests. Preparing the Rockland Melbourne for its big drop test, mimicking the kind of treatment any suitcase might receive behind the scenes at an airport. Briggs & Riley. Outside, large easy-roll double-spinner wheels, three sturdy handles (two loading and one telescoping), and an embedded TSA-approved lock come standard. The brand's suitcases are generally lightweight and compact on the outside, with spacious interiors and built-in expanders. Pros: Can be personalized, comes with a laundry bag and dust bag, nests inside The Large Away bag, Cons: No front zipper section, which is handy for storing last-minute packing list additions. Tumi vs Briggs & Riley. Business travelers or the tech savvy might appreciate a carry-on with a built-in USB port. Six of the eight pieces we tested earned a score of 4 or above, with an average overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. The only downside is that the hardside models are prone to scuffing, but this may not be an issue with darker colors. Both brands have three main sizes for their suitcasesa size small enough to be a carry-on, a medium-sized one that is perfect for a one-week trip, and a larger . We were impressed by how well they stood up to our shoves and bat swings virtually no dents or scratches to speak of. Where the Samsonite Omni PC will stand out is on the road. And should something happen to it, the service and repair policy is generous; one reader says theyre confident their Samsonite luggage will outlast them because of it. With $2.5 billion in sales, Samsonite owns a lot of luggage brands whose names you might vaguely recognize. Briggs and Riley Torq Carry On [2022 Review] - The Luggage List $75.00 Current Price $75.00 (1) Briggs & Riley. Paying more for your luggage tends to get you smarter packing tools, better rolling performance, and higher durability. Another thoughtful touch: The front of the bag curves in to avoid dents or scratches.