The Best Luggage Brands — And Their Best Products, Too

The brand’s ol’ reliable remains one of the sleekest, lightweight travel companions. Between the two smooth-as-butter M5 models, we suggest this one with a front-load, water-resistant laptop pocket.

Horizn’s fall launch has two mantras: 1. Buy something high value that you’re willing to repair rather than replace (not that it’ll need repairs any time soon), and 2) Make it from 100% plant-based, renewable materials (that biodegradable hard shell is a talking point all its own). The first 1,000 orders in advance of the October 2021 launch get free five-year extended care.

If you travel light—or if you carry on to the max—this durable, waterproof, expandable backpack has a padded laptop compartment, plus a hidden rear pocket for anything you want stashed away (don’t get any wild ideas).

One of the few pieces of luggage you can call both lightweight and heavy-duty; the brand’s most core offering still manages to stand out from the crowd.

Speaking of standout, this statement piece turns heads on the (airfield) runway. It’s lined with hexagonal Jacquard and is a collaboration with Pirelli tyres (that’s “tires” in fancy Italian).

Soft-grained cowhide leather provides sturdy but stylish carry-on arm candy.

The iconic RIMOWA luggage, with its aluminum shell that paved the way for others. (And if fellow travelers don’t know the brand by name, they’ll at least know your taste level at first glance.)

The world’s original polycarbonate suitcase, in a lightweight weekend-sized carryon.

Never separate from your passport or most valuable totables with this leather-lined and -strapped cross-body bag. (Henceforth it, too, is one of your most valuable totables. Plus—how cute is it?)

When traveling with Away’s Bigger Carry-On, you feel like you’re gaming the system: Most carry-on luggage fits overhead with room to spare, while this one capitalizes on those extra inches. Plus, this aluminum spin on the product is oh-so sleek.

“Soft-shell” luggage is underappreciated by modern makers, so we were happy to see Away add these water-resistant nylon pieces to their collection. Best of all, it expands to accommodate the souvenirs you accumulate on vacation.

Water-resistant nylon protects the contents of this carryall, which may start the trip condensed into your bigger luggage. Use it as a beach bag, a laundry lugger, or a last-second carry-on if you overpacked the other bags.

Taurillon leather and cowhide trim are but two of the details on this b-e-a-utiful luggage, a work of art by industrial designer Marc Newsom. An extra-wide handle frames the backend, too, allowing for flatter, less puzzle-piecey packing.

A softer, top-down take on the Horizon 55, with Damier Graphite coated canvas and rollable framework—if you tire from toting the chic-est duffel in the terminal.

We may have spoke too soon on “chic-est duffel in the terminal”. The competition comes from inside the legendary house, with this Taiga-leather, monogrammed tote. 

A front-facing pouch holds your laptop and more, while Arlo Skye checks every other box you want in a carry on, from shoe pouches to antimicrobial lining, to removable phone chargers.

Why aren’t more luggage brands on top of making pet carriers? In addition to looking as lavish as your luggage, this foldable carrier gives your pet 360-degree mesh ventilation, plus a memory foam base.

An aluminum frame and dual locks protect your valuables, while the design of this one screams “Eat your heart out, Rimowa!”

This is the perfect expression of what Floyd represents, no matter the color you choose. (We are fans of the Floyd Gold.)

The “Mount Everest of hard-shell suitcases” as the brand describes it, this 82-L Makrolon polycarbonate “trunk” swallows everything in sight.

Round out your collection—but get a different color in each piece. You’ll be the best mis-matched traveler at baggage claim.

A detachable strap sleeve stows your laptop, passport, and other necessities, while a 46L shell fits a long weekend’s wardrobe, with room to spare.

A quick weekend away often begs for a no-frills bag—and July’s doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s got a water-resistant cotton-twill shell and lining, holds 38L, and is detailed with leather trim and straps.

A slightly smaller, more durable spin on the brand’s weekender, for airborne getaways and business travelers alike. A laptop pocket stows your gear, while internal dividers help categorize your carryables.

If you need new luggage, and you want a reliable name without breaking the bank… look no further. Samsonite’s standard has everything that the competition has, plus if you’re prone to beating up your bags, this one can take all of the punches.

For quick business trips, this bag houses your work attire without getting it creased and egregiously wrinkled. It’s minimalist packing done exceptionally right.

Another minimalist essential that fits snug under the seat in front of you. Fits a couple changes of clothes, plus has pouches for your laptop, notebooks, and more.

You can pack or unpack this piece from the top or side—which makes check-in and security a breeze in case you’ve got to take out some electronics or liquids (or excess bulk, which this expandable bag stores with aplomb).

The narrowness and height on this check-in duffel allow for compartmental packing, so that you can separate clean clothes from dirty, or shoes from white button-downs.

An expandable midsection and every kind of pouch or pocket imaginable makes this one of the world’s most universal carry-ons.

Aluminum-reinforced polycarbonate shells remain lightweight while protecting your valuables—in sleek, zipperless style.

All the right straps, zippers, pouches, and vegan-leather detailing that you desire in a check-in bag. Your stuff arrives exactly as you packed it, protected by Monos’ picturesque polycarbonate shell.

Available in nylon or vegan-leather, this lightweight duffel totes all your underseat essentials, and also has an exterior, snap-on kit for your tablet, toiletries, passport, and more.

With both butterfly- and front-open options, this carry-on is lined with pockets and pouches, living up to the Swiss Army brand name.

Two divider walls keep your preciously packed things precisely as-is. A lightweight, sturdy frame protects your valuables without subtracting from your checked-in weight limit.

An oversized weekender that expands as needed, and slides over your luggage handle for easy airport tote-age.

A larger-than-most carry-on that remains lightweight. Classic MUJI minimalism and functionality at accessible price points.

In addition to storing all your overflow clothes and goods for vacation, this soft-shell luggage stores itself when you’re home—in that it flattens and tucks away, so as to not take up added space.

A structured, water-resistant carrying case for your toiletries and prescriptions.

This ultralight carry-on will feel featherweight to frequent flyers, but it certainly doesn't skimp on space.  

You can fit a lot of junk in this polycarbonate trunk, to the tune of 100L (!). 

Bring back the suitcase for work and business travel, and make it this sleek aluminum one.

This carry-on showcases the brand’s signature styling, with Vulcanized fiberboard and leather detailing, and stuns with its gold-on-black-on-black blocking.

This red suitcase deserves to be admired year round, not just by fellow travelers on vacation.

“Is that Globe-Trotter, in Centenary Green?” someone will ask you with a shimmer in his eye. It’s like spotting a Rolls Royce in the wild.