Finding the right hard-shell suitcase takes a lot of trial and error. As a firm believer in the superiority of hard-shell luggage—though always open to having my mind changed—navigating the vast market of travel gear requires thorough testing. Luckily, the Condé Nast Traveler editors have done the legwork, testing dozens of the best hard-shell suitcases over the years to curate a definitive list of top picks.
These suitcases have been taken everywhere from United States national park trips and African safaris to European train excursions, enduring a wide variety of terrains, situations, and trip lengths to ensure the selection is genuinely flawless. True travelers know it is the small details that set the best suitcases apart from the rest: sturdy closures, lightweight materials, intuitive interior pocket sizes, and exceptional maneuverability.
Whether you are headed on a short weekend jaunt up the East Coast or looking for a bigger-ticket item to take you from California to Tokyo, there is a good reason why so many travelers reach for hard-shell luggage to keep their belongings safe. Featuring easy-to-clean materials and rugged surfaces like ultra-durable polycarbonate or aluminum, these bags protect items from Point A to Point B. They also incorporate stylish designs and plenty of modern conveniences—such as built-in luggage tracking devices, USB charging ports, and phone stands, just to name a few.
These heavy-duty suitcases can withstand everything that airport security has to throw at them, including being tossed around on baggage carousels, while often featuring perks you didn’t even know you wanted. From TSA-approved locks and exterior laptop pockets to built-in shelving and spinner wheels that seamlessly transition from polished airport terminals to ancient cobblestone streets, hard-shell luggage has evolved significantly.
To help recommend the very best luggage to readers, more than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors spent months—and in some cases, years—road-testing the most talked-about suitcases on the market. These bags have accompanied staff members on planes, trains, cars, buses, and cruises all across the world. Editors packed these suitcases to the brim, lifted them into overhead bins, rolled them down uneven roads, and trudged through bustling cities with them in hand. Every bag’s weight, capacity, design features, price, and durability were carefully weighed to determine which models reign supreme. After thorough inspection, the results highlight a dynamic mix of innovative newcomers and long-time, reliable favorites from top luggage brands.
Hard-shell checked luggage
When it comes to checked bags, the market offers an array of choices depending on the length of your journey and your personal packing style. For instance, while travelers could opt for larger models like Away’s "The Large" or "The Large Flex," associate editor Charlie Hobbs found that The Medium checked luggage successfully carried him through two weeks of travel without requiring a single laundry run. For those needing even more space, trunk-style bags remain the recommended alternative. Hobbs describes the bag as perfectly light when empty, featuring an unassuming interior where one compartment closes completely while the other is secured by compression straps. While he notes he might expect a smidgeon more durability at this price point, the bag performs reliably: it rolls well, proves easy to haul up and down stairs thanks to its underside handle, and comes with both a dust bag and a laundry bag. Furthermore, owners of smaller Away bags will find that they nest inside this model for more compact home storage. Weighing 10.4 pounds with dimensions of 26 by 18.5 by 11 inches and a 68.8-liter capacity, it offers a sturdy, non-expandable option backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
For travelers who chronically overpack, the Monos Expandable Check-In Medium serves as a go-to favorite for commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. She particularly loves the expandable zipper, which allows her to squeeze in extra souvenirs and goodies picked up during a trip. Another standout feature is the well-designed interior, which includes a zippered compartment with a large mesh section to keep items organized and separated—handy for dirty clothes or shoes. On the opposite side, a divider and compression straps help bulky clothing fit neatly, a feature Kenny found indispensable during a trip to Banff National Park where she packed heavy cold-weather gear. The wraparound zipper adds 1.6 inches of depth, making it easy to pack for over a week. Supported by 360-degree spinner wheels and an adjustable telescopic handle, the bag glides smoothly across airport floors and cobblestones alike. Weighing 10.1 pounds with a capacity of 80 to 90 liters, its dent-resistant shell holds up well, though it can show minor scuffs around the corners over time.
Organized travelers who prefer to unpack immediately upon arrival often gravitate toward the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original. Senior features editor Megan Spurrell praises its built-in accordion clothing organizer, which can be packed full and then condensed to fit directly into the suitcase. Upon arrival, the organizer can be hung from the suitcase handlebar or strung up in a closet. Available in medium and large sizes, the bag also features two shoe pouches and a mesh closure on the opposing side. Weighing 10.7 pounds with a 91-liter capacity, it easily accommodates up to three weeks of clothing and shoes, closing securely with a robust latch system even when packed to capacity.
In the luxury segment, Rimowa remains a dominant force. Features director Rebecca Misner has traveled with the Rimowa Essential Check-In Medium for close to a decade, finding it well worth its premium price tag. Praising the brand for unmatched quality, aesthetics, and customer service, Misner notes that while the initial cost stings, watching friends replace cheaper luggage twice over eight years makes the investment deeply satisfying. Weighing just 9 pounds with a 60-liter capacity, dimensions of 26.4 by 17.8 by 9.5 inches, and a lifetime guarantee, it remains a durable and lightweight staple.
For extended journeys or group trips, Béis offers The Large Check-In Roller. During a bachelorette trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida, Kenny found that this oversized suitcase accommodated all her personal belongings alongside bulky hair tools, long gowns, and shared beach accessories. Featuring a capacity of 111 liters that expands to 132 liters, it rolls easily across various surfaces, including cobblestones and carpets, and comes equipped with two dedicated laundry bags.
Tumi’s 19 Degree Medium Expandable Checked bag offers a more discreet luxury aesthetic. Global digital director Arati Menon praises the bag for its "quiet" looker appeal—smart and sophisticated without needing to scream for attention. Boasting an expandable zipper, sturdy construction, and exceptionally smooth, quiet, and durable wheels, the 9.9-pound case offers a 67-liter capacity backed by a five-year warranty.
For travelers seeking classic elegance, the Carl Friedrik Hybrid The Check-in combines an aluminum frame with a polycarbonate shell. Former executive commerce director Patrick Gray found the Japanese wheels handled curbs and metro stairways gracefully during a weeklong trip to Montreal, while the signature leather band distinguishes the case on any baggage carousel. Weighing 11.9 pounds with a 76-liter capacity, it provides a stunning, durable option.
For tech-minded travelers, the July Checked Expandable Suitcase features a built-in luggage tracking device that pairs directly to a smartphone, removing the need for separate tracking tags. Commerce writer Jessica Chapel has traveled extensively with the bag, noting that its 360-degree spinner wheels glide smoothly even when packed to its 80-to-90-liter capacity.
Antler’s Icon Stripe Large Suitcase provides a lightweight yet sturdy option for lengthy trips. Research associate Anna Gladwin highlights its smooth, quiet 360-degree spinner wheels and a generous 122.3-liter capacity within a 10.8-pound frame. Meanwhile, the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Medium Expandable Spinner offers a lifetime guarantee with no proof of purchase needed for repairs. Chapel praises its adjustable garment compression panels, which prevent shifting and wrinkling while expanding capacity by up to 25 percent.
Rounding out the checked selections, the Arlo Skye Expandable Check-In Medium delivers a chic, metal-like aesthetic at a lighter weight and more accessible price point. Senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb notes that it easily handles buses, trains, and flights while keeping contents safe and dry.
Hard-shell carry-on luggage
For overhead bin travelers, Away’s The Bigger Carry-On stretches the limits of traditional carry-on capacity. Commerce director Madison Flager and Chapel both praise its durable wheels, underside grab handle, and thoughtful interior compression straps, making it a reliable staple despite its 47.9-liter volume.
Arlo Skye’s The Expandable Carry-On Max stands out for its front laptop pocket and smooth mobility. Hobbs notes that it "glides on the sidewalk like an Olympic skater on the rink," while offering an expandable zipper for extra storage.
For those leaning toward rugged durability, the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Carry-On features a practically indestructible shell, built-in organizational shelves, and push-button locks, though its 13-pound weight requires careful lifting. On the budget-friendly side, the Samsonite Freeform Hard-Side Carry-On offers a lightweight 6.5-pound design, ample color choices, and a 34-liter capacity at an accessible price point, earning high marks from contributor Cley Lassale.
Additional standout carry-ons include the Carl Friedrik Aluminium The Carry-On with its sleek latch closure, the Monos Hybrid Carry-On, the vintage-inspired Delsey Paris Chatelet 2.0 Carry-On Plus, and the Roam Expandable Carry-On with its convenient front laptop pocket.
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s fourth annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date, with additional reporting by Madison Flager.
