As a Pro Gear Reviewer, I’d Never Buy Luggage Without Considering These 7 Factors

Before you invest in a new luggage, think about your travel style and destination. Do you prefer packing light or bringing multiple outfits? Are you visiting an urban area or an off-road location where dragging a suitcase might be challenging? If it’s a work trip, will you need a bag with a laptop sleeve?

Most importantly: Does the luggage fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane? This is a key consideration given the rising fees for checked baggage. Keep these features in mind when selecting your next piece of luggage, whether it’s a large checked bag, a rolling carry-on, or a travel backpack.

Soft shell versus hard shell

For rolling suitcases, you can opt for either hard-shell polycarbonate or aluminum varieties, or choose soft-sided options generally crafted from durable nylon. Soft-shell luggage often includes more compartments and expandable zippers, whereas hard-shell models are typically more water-resistant and robust.

Backpacks and duffel bags can be crafted from nylon, canvas, leather, or a mix of these materials. Nylon stands out as the most durable and waterproof choice, while leather, though stylish, tends to be heavier.

Wheel count

A four-wheeled spinner carry-on glides effortlessly through airports and rolls smoothly down city streets without adding extra weight. However, some travelers prefer the comfort of dragging a two-wheeled suitcase. If your journey takes you to more secluded areas or you need to tackle train stations with many stairs, a backpack or duffel bag that you can carry on your shoulders might be more practical.

Opt for a smaller carry-on for international trips

Carry-on size limits differ by airline, but most domestic ones permit bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches in the overhead bins. (International flights usually restrict bags to 20 inches in length.) Anything larger must be checked, while bags smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches can typically fit under the seat in front of you. For capacity, carry-ons ranging from 30 to 50 liters are usually ample for your essential items while remaining compact enough for overhead storage.

The total weight of the bag

Modern rolling carry-on luggage is much lighter than it used to be, thanks to the use of polycarbonate shells. However, if your airline has strict weight restrictions for carry-ons, you might want to forgo wheels in favor of a travel backpack or duffel bag, both of which tend to weigh less than a suitcase.

The return policy and warranty

You won’t know if your new bag is a perfect fit until you try it out. If shopping online, check if the brand offers a trial period with free returns. Also, review their warranty policy; you don't want to spend hundreds on a bag that can't be replaced if it gets damaged.

For instance, Away provides a limited lifetime warranty covering damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers of its suitcases. I personally tested this warranty after a three-inch crack appeared in my Bigger Carry-On due to stacking it with other luggage in the car. This could have been a significant drawback, but when I contacted Away’s customer service, they responded within 20 minutes and arranged for a replacement within a week.

Extra features like pockets and water resistance

If you’re a business traveler needing to stay connected, look for a carry-on suitcase with a dedicated laptop compartment. Traveling to a wet area? Opt for a water-repellent bag. And if you want to make a statement at the luggage claim, choose a brand that offers vibrant color options for their bags.

For those considering a backpack or duffel bag instead of a suitcase, seek out travel-friendly features such as a clamshell opening—unlike the traditional top-down openings found in hiking packs—and hip straps to help balance the weight. Some brands, like Tortuga Backpacks, offer removable hip straps, while popular duffel bags from Patagonia do not, making them less suitable for anyone with back or shoulder issues.

Eco-friendly materials or buying secondhand

The most sustainable choice is to purchase a carry-on secondhand (try websites like eBay, Poshmark, and REI’s used gear section for online options). Additionally, many luggage brands are now using repurposed materials, such as nylon made from recycled water bottles. Brands like Paravel have even gone a step further by offsetting carbon emissions from their production and shipping processes.