A Luggage worth buying

Travel

16 Sept

I have done my fair share of travelling around the world (though not enough) and what struck me was that while popular state-of-the-art airports do a pretty good job at keeping your luggage dry and in good shape, the run-down airports with very basic equipment often won’t. Well, expect wear and tear that’s all I’m saying. We all want a strong, resilient watertight luggage that never fails to protect our valuable belongings, especially if it gets dropped by the handler, or drenched in the afternoon thunderstorm! So it makes sense that we all want to invest in a quality luggage that will become our trusty companion lasting us a long time. For its strength, durability and impact-resistance, Polycarbonate is a lightweight material of great choice. Here are six recommendations you can consider at various price points. They all have TSA-approved locks, 360 degree spinner wheels and tough and lightweight construction. However they do differ in warranty duration so make sure you are satisfied with the features that matter to you.

1. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage

Why it's great: Samsonite is a trusted brand for durable luggage. The Winfield 3 DLX offers a sleek design, multiple size options, and a strong polycarbonate exterior.
Features:
- Expandable capacity for extra packing space
- Scratch-resistant
- 20” weighs 6.97 lbs / 3.16 kg
  24” weighs 8.90 lbs / 4.04 kg
  28” weighs 10.96 lbs / 4.97 kg

2. Away The Bigger Carry-On, the medium, the large

Why it's great: Away is known for being functional with stylish modern design elements. They have expandable versions available too.
Features:
- Built-in USB charger (removable for airline safety)
- Lifetime warranty
- Interior compression system for better packing
- Minimalist, sleek design
- 22.7” weighs 7.90 lbs / 3.58 kg
  26” weighs 10.40 lbs / 4.72 kg
  29” weighs 12.10 lbs / 5.49 kg

3. Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Luggage

Why it's great: Delsey offers French-designed luggage that combines durability with style.
Features:
- Expandable capacity
- Glossy, scratch-resistant finish
- 19” weighs 8.16 lbs / 3.70 kg
  21” weighs 8.20 lbs / 3.72 kg
  25” weighs 9.13 lbs / 4.14 kg
  29” weighs 11.50 lbs / 5.22 kg

4. Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner

Why it's great: Travelpro is a brand favored by airline professionals for its durability.
Features:
- PrecisionGlide system for smooth rolling
- Expandable main compartment
- Sleek, scratch-resistant exterior
- Interior divider panels and multiple pockets
- 21” weighs 7.90 lbs / 3.58 kg
  25” weighs 11.10 lbs / 5.03 kg
  28” weighs 12.30 lbs / 5.58 kg

5. Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside Luggage

Why it's great: Known for high-end, durable luggage, Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime warranty that covers all repairs, making it a favorite among frequent travelers.
Features:
- Unique CX compression system for more packing space
- Strong yet lightweight polycarbonate shell
- Scratch-resistant matte finish
- 21” weighs 8.60 lbs / 3.90 kg
  22” weighs 8.60 lbs / 3.90 kg
  27” weighs 11.90 lbs / 5.40 kg
  30” weighs 13.60 lbs / 6.20 kg

6. Tumi 19 degree frame

Why it's great: Tumi is a premium brand known for luxurious and functional luggage. This collection features a flexible polycarbonate shell that resists impact and scratches.
Features:
- Impact-resistant design
- High-quality materials with premium craftsmanship
- Lightweight but extremely durable
- 22” weighs 10.30 lbs / 4.67 kg (International 4 Wheel Carry-On)
  26” weighs 13.10 lbs / 5.94 kg (Short Trip 4 Wheel Packing Case)
  30” weighs 15.70 lbs / 7.12 kg (Extended Trip 4 Wheel Packing Case)

final consideration

Another formidable contender is Rimowa, a superior brand known for crafting its luggages from high-end anodised aluminium. However, their Essential line have excellent luggages made from high performance polycarbonate. Designed in Germany. I highly recommend this if having the lightest luggage matters to you. I have a carry-on Cabin size and it is so practical and functional, the zips are well made, and surprisingly quite a large packing volume for its size, to top it off it glides like butter. It is pricey but if you are a regular traveler, it pays itself back for the enjoyable experience you’ll have.

22” weighs 7.10 lbs / 3.22 kg (Cabin)
27” weighs 9.00 lbs / 4.08 kg (Check-in M)
30” weighs 10.60 lbs / 4.80 kg (Check-in L)
Trunk Plus 30.5” weighs 11.90 lbs / 5.40 kg

Ultimately, the Samsonite Winfield 3 and Away Bigger Carry-On are often top choices for value and reliability, while Tumi and Briggs & Riley are premium options.