Aluminium Suitcases, Bags & Accessories
It’s lightweight and helps you avoid unnecessary extra charges at the airport. Lastly, it has spinner wheels for ease of movement and a 3-level telescoping adjustable handle made of pure aluminum, which is great for maneuvering. The suitcase’s interior has web straps that keep your items secure and wrinkle-free in the two large compartments. To top it all up, it has detachable bags for laundry and shoes and a hanger for your shirts.
Inside, the black nylon lining claims to be stain-proof, a feature I fortunately haven't had to test. The internal mesh covers on both sides compress your clothes effectively, allowing last-minute additions without fully unzipping the suitcase. It also has a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, a top zippered pocket for stashing your essentials, and carabiner lash loops for attaching suitcase aluminum your coat. The weight-distributing harness system makes the backpack super comfortable . All straps tuck away, too, so you can use the reinforced grab handles on the top and side to carry it briefcase-style—a desirable feature whether you're looking for a carry-on for men or women. Finally, it comes in colors such as blue and amber with a contrasting rain cover.
It was easy to push the suitcase on carpet, flooring, and concrete on its four spinner wheels, although it didn’t roll as smoothly on two wheels or when we needed to push it from side to side. You can trust that this is one durable suitcase; when we threw the fully packed suitcase off a table, it landed upright on its wheels with all that weight on it, and nothing broke. The shell didn’t dent even when we hit it with a metal baseball bat, resulting in just a few scuff marks. We were a little disappointed in the scuffing, which continued to happen during our travels, but felt that the bag held up well otherwise. After six months of regular use, minor scuffing is the only damage we've seen and we've had no problems with our belongings inside the bag staying safe. Most hardside suitcases are made from sturdy plastic of polycarbonate that may scuff but shouldn't crack.
The back pockets are fitted with metal zippers for safety purposes. Combining style and functionality, the Noctis Luggage Set by Olympus is a must-have for every traveler. This nesting 3-piece suitcase set comes with one carry-on and two check-in bags for maximum convenience.
So, we’ve done the research and hard work for you to find some of the best affordable suitcases and luggage brands worthy of carrying you, and your precious cargo, all over the globe. T+L contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in travel essentials, apparel, recreation, and trip planning. For this story, she compiled our extensive in-house testing insights for more than 600 suitcases, then combed through product manuals to craft a comprehensive roundup of today's best hardside luggage. T+L editors will continue to update the article as we test more suitcases.
As AFAR’s gear editor, I own more than half a dozen other wheeled suitcases. Even though my other bags did the trick at a much lower price point, the Rimowa was my holy grail suitcase. For years, I filled Pinterest boards with Rimowa bags laden with stickers, pining after those sleek silver grooves. So when I finally added the Rimowa Original Cabin to my collection in 2022, I was thrilled that it wasn’t all form over function. After using it for more than a year, I whole-heartedly agree it’s worth the investment. Customers who have purchased this exceptional product consistently hail it as the best lightweight luggage available.
As if that is not enough, this smart carry-on case has a dedicated power bank pocket and a USB port for user convenience. So many cars you see out on the trails have nothing on their racks, or just a shovel and some maxtrax. I say, get a 4man split handle shovel and squeeze it in your car, and find somewhere else to mount the maxtrax and/or get the mini clone ones and squeeze them in the car. I am not totally against steel roof racks; just the big, bulky and heavy ones.
As the price of fuel and therefore air travel increases, one way to cut down on costs is to avoid overweight fees by investing in some quality lightweight luggage. Lightweight luggage can vary hugely in price and features, with possible options including smart compression systems, integrated TSA-approved locks and weight indicators, and USB charge ports. The twin combination locks are designed to protect your belongings and open to reveal a spacious twill-lined interior complete with buckle straps and an organizational pocket for your essentials. The Aileron is a particularly fine example of the brand’s craftsmanship.
In terms of lifting this thing overhead, I do wish there were a bottom handle of some sort. Tumi offers an extended high-end range of luggage for short and long trips. But in addition to their classy appearance, they also include features not seen from other brands, such as the option to add a monogram. Designed for luxury and longevity, Rimowa suitcases are engineered for high performance. Their aluminium and polycarbonate ranges feature various colours and finishes as well as a ton of extras such as multi-wheel systems and dual interior organisers.
The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 14 consumers with an average rating of 4.7. Sterling Pacific emerges as a commendable alternative to brands like RIMOWA and MVST Select. While it might not have the same storied history as RIMOWA or the edgy modernity of MVST, Sterling Pacific showcases an undying commitment to quality and design that’s hard to overlook. When it comes to durability, MVST’s modern blend exhibits a slight advantage, offering resistance to a variety of travel-induced wear and tear. RIMOWA, with its longstanding reputation, remains resilient, serving as a dependable travel ally that stands the test of time. While their price point might be on the higher side, with RIMOWA, you’re not just buying a suitcase.
One standout feature of this remarkable luggage is the front organiser, providing a convenient space to store and access your tickets, boarding passes, and important documents. The smooth-rolling wheels ensure effortless mobility, allowing you to navigate through various environments with ease. This exceptional bag also comes with a one-year warranty, providing you with peace of mind. Transporting this luggage is a breeze, thanks to its exceptional mobility. The 360-degree rotating wheels allow for smooth and seamless manoeuvrability, enabling you to effortlessly transport it anywhere you go.
You get all the standard features – the spinner wheels, the TSA locks, and the adjustable wheel handle, but you also get some unique features that you won’t really find on other aluminum luggage. The Gibraltar suitcase is zipperless, with two TSA-approved latch locks for improved security. It also features double-spinner wheels and a height-adjustable wheel handle. One thing to note about this luggage is that the shell is entirely smooth, which is a bit of a downside since scuffs and scratches will be easily noticeable.
Its 36-liter capacity, two spacious compartments, two packing cubes, and two removable dividers make organizing your belongings incredibly convenient. As you may have noticed throughout this review, aluminum suitcases are prone to scratches and dents, particularly when handled carelessly by baggage handlers. Nonetheless, many experts, including Jonathan Evans of Esquire, acknowledge this as an unfortunate but inevitable compromise for aluminum bags. The negative feedback primarily revolves around the plastic TSA latches present on this suitcase. Users express their dissatisfaction with the fact that these latches are made of plastic, which is considered to be of lower quality than an aluminum suitcase. Additionally, some users have reported instances where the TSA-approved locks have broken after only a few trips, further exacerbating their concerns.
This French luggage brand has been finding new ways to upgrade luggage for travelers since 1946. Made with a 100 percent polycarbonate hard shell, the Turenne 2.0 Carry-On is an upgrade of the brand’s hit Turenne Carry-On with even more tech-friendly features. Like the original Turenne, each suitcase includes a USB port , integrated TSA locks, and antibacterial laundry and shoe bags. This redesigned model also offers an interior AirTag holder , an easy-access front pocket for your electronic devices, and a removable lining that can be washed in-between trips.