Whether you’re in the market for a new checked bag for a multi-week-long trip through Europe or a sturdy carry-on for a weekend jaunt to the countryside, there’s a reason so many travelers reach for hard-shell luggage to keep their belongings safe. Their sturdy construction, easy-to-clean materials like ultra-durable polycarbonate or aluminum, and exceptional maneuverability mean you don’t have to wonder whether or not your bag will make it from point A to point B without falling apart. These heavy-duty suitcases can withstand everything that TSA has to throw at them (including being thrown around themselves), and often feature perks you didn’t even know you wanted—TSA-approved locks, USB ports, exterior laptop pockets, built-in shelving, spinner wheels that can cover airports as well as cobblestoned streets, and more.
Below, find our editors’ favorite hard-shell suitcases—the ones they’re personally reaching for time and time again—that have helped us travel around the world, from California to Saudi Arabia to Australia to Japan. We’ve tested dozens of options from both our classic favorite luggage brands and other new brands as they hit the market, to bring you the absolute full-proof list of the best hard-shell suitcases for 2025. Read on for our top picks.
Keep reading for all of our editors’ picks of the best hard-shell luggage—or, jump straight to the size you’re shopping for:
To help us recommend the very best luggage to our readers, more than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors and contributors spent months (and in some cases, years) road-testing the most talked-about bags on the market. These bags accompanied us near and far on planes, trains, buses, and cruises, from local staycations to far-flung destinations. We packed these bags to the brim, lifted them into overhead bins, rolled them down cobblestone streets, and trudged through bustling cities with them in hand. While traveling with our luggage, we considered each bag’s weight, capacity, functionality, price point, and how well it has held up over time. We also identified smart design features that make a bag stand out from its competitors, like having weight indicators, separate shoe compartments, or protective laptop sleeves. After careful consideration and inspection, we determined which suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks deserve a spot in our coveted Luggage Week lineup. The results are a mix of innovative newcomers and long-time, reliable favorites from top luggage brands around the world. Read on for our 2025 list of editor-approved luggage.
Commerce writer Paris Wilson with the Arlo Skye check-in and carry-on bags
Andrew Bui
Hard-shell checked luggage
Arlo Skye
The Expandable Check-In medium
Weight: 9 lb.
Dimensions: 27″ x 18″ x 11″
Capacity: 78-92L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited warranty
This bag can take it all: buses, planes, trains, and getting lost by TSA, and still live to tell the tale with nothing more than a few scuffs. “This is a great suitcase for a casual traveler who prioritizes style and practicality in equal parts,” says senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb. “It’ll keep your belongings safe and dry for the long haul and will look chic doing it.” Chubb, who owns the bag in champagne, appreciates how the coloration and sheen of the suitcase make it look like an expensive metal bag, but at a more affordable price point and lighter weight. It’s also expandable, has a three-stage telescopic handle, comes in four colors, and has a removable interior divider panel.
Pros: Spacious, expandable, sturdy
Cons: Pricey
Weight: 14.3 lb.
Dimensions: 17.5″ x 29.7″ x 14.8″
Capacity: 94.4L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Six-month product warranty
Planning a multi-week foray across the world? The Casetify Check-In Trunk is your guy. The well-known phone case company first made its way into the luggage scene at the end of 2024, and the sturdy, reliable construction that shoppers have come to expect from their phone cases has been translated over to their suitcases. Large enough to easily fit multiple weeks’ worth of clothes inside, this bag is ideal for those heading on a serious trek where they need to pack winter gear, multiple pairs of shoes, or other heavy, dense items. “Compared to other bags, this one by Casetify is extremely durable and practical,” says commerce writer Paris Wilson. “The design is a lot more streamlined, and I love how large, open, and simple the interior is.” One of the most distinguishable features of the bag is its sturdy corner bumpers, which help limit the wear and tear over time. Wilson suggests that the bag is best used for air travel, since it can be particularly heavy when packed, which makes it difficult to lug around from trains and cars.
Pros: Smooth rolling, sleek design, sturdy bumpers
Cons: Heavy once packed, limited color options
Weight: 19.1 lb.
Dimensions: 34.3″ x 16″ x 14″
Capacity: 86L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Five-year product warranty
Sleek, shiny, and eye-catching, the Tumi Rolling Trunk is truly a one-of-a-kind way to transport your clothes and accessories from one destination to the next. It’s more like a statement than a simple piece of luggage, and it sets the tone for a chic getaway before you even get to the airport. The built-in shelves mean there’s no need to unpack once you arrive: everything is already organized and easy to find the second you unclasp the center latches. The luxe silver exterior looks like a lavish ice cube that belongs rolling down the streets of Copenhagen, Aspen, or Zurich. While traveling with it, I found that the wheels had no trouble navigating streets, sidewalks, and other city terrains, and the unique, cube-like shape fit comfortably in hotel rooms without protruding. One thing to keep in mind is that this piece is more geared toward road trips or train travel due to its unusual shape (you’ll likely have to check it as oversized luggage), and that it can show a fair bit of scratching after encounters with TSA.
Pros: Gorgeous construction, built-in shelving
Cons: Scratches easily, heavier than other options
Carl Friedrik
Core The Large check-in
Weight: 11 lb.
Dimensions: 29.9″ x 20.1″ x 11″
Capacity: 90.9L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
After traveling everywhere from Canada to Saudi Arabia to Rome with it’s “older, heavier sibiling,” the original Carl Friedrik Check-In, associate editor Matt Ortile is ready to make the switch to this newer version. “After just one trip with this younger iteration, I must say I greatly prefer it,” he says. “The Core is lighter and slimmer (it doesn’t have the aluminum frame of the original), but I still manage to pack just as much.” His favorite part of the bag is the interior compartments. “Even though the ‘clamshells’ are more shallow than the original suitcase, both sides have entirely zipped compartments (plus pockets on the zip-covers), meaning I don’t have to wrestle with compression straps to secure my packing cubes.
Pros: Light, maneuverable, slim design
Cons: Lack of compression straps with the zippered compartments
Briggs & Riley
Sympatico medium expandable spinner
Weight: 11.9 lb.
Dimensions: 27″ x 18.5″ x 11.5-13.75″ in
Capacity: 87L–104L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
From Florence to Montauk, this carry-on has traveled across cobblestone streets, gravel driveways, and through airport terminals like a dream, according to Commerce writer Jessica Chapel. While it’s definetely on the higher-price end for similar check-in luggage of this size, “the lifetime guarantee makes the price point worth it,” she says. “If at any point the luggage needs to be repaired, the brand is known to have a true guarantee to fix it, free of charge, with no proof of purchase needed.” Overall, the bag wheels around incredibly smoothly and features an exceptionally spacious interior (that can be increased by up to 25% with the one-touch expansion according to the brand). “One of my favorite features,” says Chapel, “is the actually-effective adjustable garment compression panels that prevent my items from shifting and wrinkling up in transit.”
Pros: Spacious, easy to wheel
Cons: High price point, not a ton of organizational features
Monos
Expandable check-in medium
Weight: 10.1 lb.
Dimensions: 26.5″ x 18.5″ x 11.2″
Capacity: 80L–90L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
“This suitcase feels much more durable than others I’ve tried in the past,” says commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. The dent-resistant shell is so sleek and has held up well for her after several trips. Kenny’s favorite thing about this large suitcase is how well-designed its interior is. One side of the suitcase features a zippered compartment with a large mesh section that lets you keep your items organized and separated (which is especially handy for dirty clothes or shoes). On the other side of the suitcase, a divider and compression straps help bulky clothing fit neatly. “I chronically overpack, so having the compression straps really makes a difference,” says Kenny. “The expandable wraparound zipper adds 1.6″ of depth to the luggage, so travelers can easily pack for at least two weeks with this suitcase.” This is best for the overpacker who really relies on those extra few inches from the expandable zipper. And thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels and adjustable telescopic handle, the bag is easy to navigate through the airport, uneven sidewalks, and even cobblestone streets. “It glides smoothly and effortlessly, and the handle was easy to adjust on the go,” says Kenny.
Pros: Expandable zipper, TSA-approved lock, compression straps and interior divider
Cons: Somewhat heavy
Antler
Icon Stripe large suitcase
Weight: 10.8 lb.
Dimensions: 20.4″ x 30.9″ x 13.4″
Capacity: 122.3L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty; register for warranty online within 30 days of purchase
For a large check-in suitcase, this option from Antler is fairly lightweight and easy to maneuver. With an expandable zipper, sleek design, and double zip pockets and compression straps on the inside, this bag is ideal for trips between two and three weeks long. “Despite being lightweight, it’s a very sturdy case,” says research associate Anna Gladwin. “The case has 360-degree spinner wheels and glides very smoothly and quietly.” Plus, the top handle can be adjusted to suit people of different heights, while the side handle slots discreetly into the case when not in use, which creates a seamless silhouette.
Pros: Easy to maneuver, lightweight, wheels glide smoothly
Cons: Lighter colors scuff and scratch fairly easily
Solgaard
Check-In Closet original
Weight: 10.7 lb.
Dimensions: 24.8″ x 14.5″ x 11.8″
Capacity: 91L
Expandable: No
Warranty:
Organized travelers who are quick to unpack the second they arrive will adore this pick, thanks to its built-in accordion clothing organizer. “[The accordion organizer] brilliantly can be packed full, then condensed to fit right into the suitcase,” says articles associate director Megan Spurrell. “When you arrive, you can hang the contraption from [the suitcase] handlebar, or string it up in the closet. It’s genius.” The check-in bag comes in two sizes, medium and large, and aside from the clothing organizer, it also features two shoe pouches and a mesh closure on the other side of the bag to keep everything in place. “The name ‘check-in closet’ is seriously accurate,” says Spurrell. It can easily fit three weeks of clothing and shoes, and the latch closure snaps shut with ease even when packed to the brim.
Pros: Built-in organizer, sturdy, easy to roll
Cons: Not everyone is a fan of the latch closure
Béis
The 26″ check-in roller
Weight: 10.2 lb.
Dimensions: 28.3″ x 17.7″ x 11″
Capacity: 78–94L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
This expandable suitcase is another favorite of Kenny’s, who brought it on a nine-day trip to Italy. The Check-In Roller from Béis stands out for its roomy interior and smart compartments. “What I love most is the interior—pockets galore,” says Kenny. There are two separate sides—one for stuffing as many packing cubes in as you can; that side comes with compression straps. The other side can be completely zipped and has two zippered pockets on top. “It was like having two built-in packing cubes: I used one pocket to keep a wedding guest dress safe and the other for my large bottles of sunscreen—just in case anything spilled in transit. For the first time ever as an overpacker, I had room to spare,” says Kenny. “When I repacked before my flight home from Italy, I was able to fit several new shirts and souvenirs for my family and a new thick sweatshirt I bought in Florence.”
Pros: Luggage weight indicator, TSA-approved combination lock, compression straps, two laundry bags
Cons: The beige color shows the few scuffs it left
Weight: 10.4 lb.
Dimensions: 26″ x 18.5″ x 11″
Capacity: 68.8L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
While you could go larger with The Large or The Large Flex, this one got associate editor Charlie Hobbs through two weeks of travel without needing to do laundry; if you need more space, we’d recommend shifting to a trunk-style bag. Hobbs calls the bag “perfectly light” when empty, with an unassuming interior—one compartment closes, the other side is held in by compression straps. While he’d expect “a smidgeon more durability” at the price point, the bag does exactly what you want it to: rolls well, is easy to haul up and down as needed, especially with the underside handle, and comes with both a dust bag and a laundry bag. If you own a smaller Away bag, it will nest inside this one for more compact storage.
Pros: Fits plenty of stuff, fair price point
Cons: Susceptible to very visible scuffing
Senior visuals editor Pallavi Kumar with the Carl Friedrik Core the Large check-in
Andrew Bui
Hard-shell carry-on luggage
Weight: 8.75 lb.
Dimensions: 20.5″ x 15.5″ x 10″
Capacity: 35L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
If there’s one thing this carry-on has, it’s gizmos and gadgets aplenty. From the cupholder on the back to the handle that doubles as a phone stand to the bag hooks on the side for your purse, every time you travel with this suitcase, you’ll likely find something new to love about it. “While I personally was a bit hesitant to put a full cup of hot coffee in the cupholder while rolling, the suitcase becomes the perfect catch-all while stationary and waiting for a flight or on the street for a taxi,” says Travel Bookings Editor Jamie Spain. “While using this bag, I found it to feel exceptionally sturdy and to hold up well overall.” The high wheels make it easy to spin around on carpet, sidewalk, and cobblestone, while the front laptop pocket is perfect for stashing your computer (or a book) for easy access. The shell itself is on the heavier, bulkier side due to all of these added features, but Spain was still able to fit it in the overhead bin of a smaller domestic jet with a little bit of shimmying.
Pros: Added features like a built-in cupholder, bag hooks, and a phone stand
Cons: Heavier and bulkier than some other options with a slightly smaller capacity
Arlo Skye
The Expandable Carry-On Max
Weight: 7 lb.
Dimensions: 23.0″ x 14.7″ x 9.6″
Capacity: 48-58L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited warranty
According to Hobbs, this carry-on “glides on the sidewalk like an Olympic skater on the rink.” Between the front pocket that lets you organize your laptop, books, and essentials making them easy to reach in the airport, and the 360-degree wheels, travelers will have no trouble taking this bag on planes, trains, and any other form of transportation. Hobbs calls it “the best carry-on I’ve had,” and notes that the champagne color and general design is effortlessly glamorous and chic: “expect compliments.” It’s smaller, older brother, The Zipper Carry-On Max, is a favorite of Spurrell’s as well, and is the one she always reaches for when going away, from weekend trips to week-long excursions. This updated version also features an expandable zipper that lets you fit even more inside.
Pros: Great organizational compartments, front pocket
Cons: Limited color options
Samsonite
Freeform hard-side carry-on luggage
Weight: 6.5 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 10″ x 15″
Capacity: 34L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
An affordable price point, large range of color options, and sturdy design—you’re probably asking, what’s the catch? When it comes to the Samsonite Freeform hard-side carry-on, there isn’t one. As contributor Cley Lassale says after testing this case both on road-trips and air travel, “this suitcase is easily able to move and maneuver throughout the airport,” thanks to its comfortable handle and ergonomic wheels. It’s exceptionally light as well, at just 6.5 pounds, so you can pack as much as you want knowing that you won’t go over any flight weight limits. The suitcase is also expandable, giving you that precious extra inch of space when necessary. “Even when fully packed, it rolled smoothly through the airport,” says Lassale, who especially appreciates the different organizational pieces in the bag like the zippered pouches and compression straps that keep your clothes where they belong.
Pros: Easy to roll, lightweight
Cons: Shows wear and tear
Weight: 8.5 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14.25″ x 9.75-11.75″
Capacity: 39-51L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
Business travelers, media gurus, and those with an excruciatingly long layover will adore the easy-access front pocket in this carry-on that lets you store your laptop safely without having to dig around for it when you need it. According to the global associate director of social, Mercedes Bleth, who has traveled with this bag both internationally and domestically, this bag was able to fit a surprisingly large amount for a carry-on, even without using the expandable zipper. “It easily fit all of my daughter’s clothes and essentials (including a ton of diapers and toys) for a two-week vacation,” she says. A few other notable features include the gorgeous, chic design, easy-to-maneuver wheels, glossy hard-shell case, and top and side handles that make loading and unloading a breeze. One thing to keep in mind is that the pull zipper on the front pocket did manage to pop off on one of her trips.
Pros: Easy-access front pocket for laptop
Cons: Front-pocket zipper broke after a few uses
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Andrew Bui
Weight: 7.8 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ × 14″ × 9.8″
Capacity: 35L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
A sleek exterior that rarely reflects scratches and scuffs over the years (especially when purchased in a dark color) and an expandable interior that makes it easy to fit in that last-minute purchase abroad, are just two of the many reasons why Kenny says the Monos Expandable Carry-On is her “absolute go-to carry-on.” The expandable zipper makes it easy to fit those extra few necessities, smooth wheels have no trouble traversing over different terrains, and the TSA-approved lock means you can keep your bag secure at all times without worry. The bag also features a sturdy telescopic handle, vegan leather details, and a high-quality polycarbonate shell.
Pros: Durable and sleek exterior, expandable zipper, nests inside checked size
Cons: Lack of exterior pocket
Delsey Paris
Chatelet 2.0 Carry-On Plus spinner
Weight: 7.74 lb.
Dimensions: 22.75″ x 15″ x 10″
Capacity: 44L
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
The visuals for this bag are simply sublime, with an elegant, timeless design that manages to not be too over-the-top. “The lines and details are reminiscent of vintage luggage, while still having all the modern bells and whistles,” says transportation and travel news associate editor, Hannah Towey, who took the bag with her on a flight to Paris for the Olympics. “The interior is a gorgeous Vermillion color with dual compartments, compression straps, a zippered divider, and a mesh pocket for storing your delicates,” says Towey. “I was able to fit a week’s worth of clothes and three pairs of shoes.” We also appreciate that it comes with a luxe shoe bag and laundry bag. For the traveler who knows how to pack light and wants to look good while doing so, this is the bag for you.
Pros: Luxury aesthetics, USB port, TSA-approved lock
Cons: The shell got a small dent after being checked on a flight
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Patrick Cox
Weight: 8.36 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ x 10″
Capacity: 49–61L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Béis’s popular carry-on suitcase is worth the hype. “I would recommend this for a traveler who is an exclusive team carry-on member,” says Wilson. She managed to fit 14 outfits, four pairs of shoes, and two purses on a trip to the Florida Keys. The bag itself is easy to pick up—“I was able to bring it down from the overhead bin myself as well as move it in and out of the trunk of the rental car easily”—and it’s easy to look at: “I got so many compliments on how pretty the carry-on was while in the airport and on vacation.” The color is beautiful, the size is ideal, and the ribbed exterior adds some really cool dimensions.
Pros: Weight indicator, comfortable handle, interior zippered pockets
Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I recommend a darker color
Weight: 7.9 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 15″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 47.9L
Expandable: No
Warranty: 100 day trial, limited lifetime warranty
Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is great for travelers looking to stretch the limits of what a carry-on can usually handle. Flager has used the brand’s previous iteration for years (it was redesigned in 2023), packing it on trips as long as 11 days. Chapel is a fan of the updated model, especially for its durable wheels, underside grab handle, and multiple interior compartments. This bestseller comes with a laundry bag and features interior compression straps that help you fit extra clothing.
Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps
Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity
Weight: 8.23 lb.
Dimensions: 21″ x 13.9″ x 9″
Expandable: No
Warranty: Six month product warranty
A scratch-resistant shell, easy-to-roll wheels, and sturdy design show that Casetify’s debut into luggage is a slam dunk. Known for its scratch and scuff-resistant phone cases, the brand has applied its knowledge of creating sturdy, protective cases to suitcases as well. “The outer shell feels sturdier compared to my other hard-shell carry-ons, and I appreciate the covered edges,” says Wilson. “I feel like the edges and wheels are some of the most telling points if a luggage’s lifecycle is coming to an end.” While its rugged configuration is a bit on the heavier side, it will certainly protect the goods you have inside. Another fun aspect is the ability to customize the case with three colors and the option to include a monogram, perfect for older kids or college students.
Pros: Scratch-resistant, travelers can customize it, features an Airtag pocket
Cons: Heavy, basic design
Solgaard
Carry-On Closet suitcase
Weight: 8.1 lb.
Dimensions: 22.4″ x 14.6″ x 9.6″
Expandable: No
Warranty: Replacements available for manufacturing defects
This Solgaard carry-on makes it possible to travel with your closet—shelves included. With a built-in organizer, you’ll be able to keep all of your clothes, accessories, and shoes in order, making it easy to grab and go without having to dig through your suitcase every time you open it. Commerce producer Erik Buckingham recently brought this suitcase along to his sister’s wedding on a weekend in upstate New York. “This carry-on stands out for its many inside compartments,” he says. “Four accordion-style cubes open up to reveal spacious compartments. The suitcase leaves no space unused, with fastening straps that double as pockets that you can use to store extra toiletries, documents, or accessories.” A durable shell and great compartments make up for the bulkiness and slightly less easy process of rolling it around.
Pros: Extensive pockets, high-quality material, easy organization
Cons: Bulky, noticeably loud when rolling over less smooth surfaces
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s third annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Madison Flager.
