This might be a hot take, but Condé Nast Traveler editors love soft-sided luggage. While some travelers prefer the sturdiness of a hard-shell exterior, soft-sided luggage is both flexible and durable, and is made with soft materials that hold up well to wear and tear. The best soft-sided luggage features plenty of internal organization and compression straps that allow you to overpack without checking a bag. Whether you’ve always been team soft-sided luggage or you’re jumping ship from team hard-shell, our editors have long-lasting recommendations for every traveler.
Our editors have tested dozens of suitcases over the years to determine the best of the best. After taking these bags on long-haul flights, cross-country road trips, and cruise expeditions, we’ve narrowed down our list of favorites. Read on for our top picks of the best soft-sided luggage, from tried-and-true brands like Away, Hartmann, Travelpro, and more.
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 since its original publish date.
How we tested
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.
FAQ:
What is the best material for soft-sided luggage?
According to Consumer Reports, soft-sided luggage is often made from woven nylon, but each nylon style has its pros and cons. Cordura has more texture and can hide scuff marks and abrasions better. Ballistic nylon has a smoother texture but can show wear and tear faster, though the slight imperfections won’t compromise the overall strength and durability of the fabric.
Is soft-sided luggage better than hard-sided?
This depends on personal preference and how you travel. Soft-sided luggage can be preferable because of the ample amount of exterior pockets that hard-shell suitcases typically don’t have. The flexible fabric can also be maneuvered into small overhead bins or car trunks more easily. We also love that soft-sided luggage hides scuff marks and wear that often show up on hard-sided suitcases.
Is soft-sided luggage durable?
In most instances, soft-sided luggage is extremely durable. Be sure to look for a suitcase that uses high-strength nylon and has durable zippers to ensure that your suitcase doesn’t rip or open up as it’s tossed around by baggage handlers at the airport. Also look for wheels that are sturdy and have 360-degree rotation for easy rolling through airport terminals and parking garages.
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