An open-layout clam-shell design can be a real boon when packing oddly shaped items and unusual gear in a standardized case. In the modern tech world, the bag has perfect . Budget-friendly cases built with a high clearance, like the SwissGear Sion and the Samsonite Omni PC had an edge during road tests, as their extra height enabled them to keep up with relative ease and stability across most surfaces, without requiring any extra muscle to guide. We were huge fans of their duffels and were super excited to see them enter the luggage space. Softshell bags are where it's at when it comes to external organizational assets, as most hardshells offer virtually nothing in the way of outside features except perhaps a security lock or an ID sleeve. U.S. domestic airlines often limit economy passengers to a single carry-on at no more than 22 x 14 x 9-inches, and all travelers must be able to lift their individual packed bag overhead into the storage compartment, even where weight restrictions aren't clearly specified. A review of the Swiss Gear 1900 Scansmart for travelers with a lot of electronics.Swiss Gear Scansmart 1900 https://amzn.to/2L8ZRusAlso mentioned:Wenger Sy. The built-in fabric handle on the top AND the side accompany the telescoping handle making it a breeze to carry any which way you prefer. Youll note that the Tumi luggage HQ is located in New Jersey; however, their luggage is actually manufactured outside of the US in various factory locations. They are one of the best brands because they offer such a wide range of luggage that will appeal to any traveler with any budget. This lifetime repair guarantee covers the life of a bag for all functional aspects, and many customers think that spending more for these high-quality bags is worth that peace of mind. While we like to focus on gear that performs well, three of the bags in the group all of which are built out of ABS hardshell demonstrated such a lack of durability that we'd be remiss if we didn't mention them at all in this context. How can we improve GearLab? Swiss Gear is part of the Luggage test program at Consumer Reports. American Tourister is one of those flagship brands that you see all over the airport, and the ILite Xtreme is the best of the lot for your money. Luxury and function are paired perfectly in the Away Carry-On, making it our favorite premium hardshell bag. The case's ballistic nylon exterior with reinforced edging and robust easy-glide zippers delivers a durable, protective shell to keep all items safe within, while large shock-absorbing 360-degree spinner wheels and a multi-level telescoping handle provide quiet, effortless navigation and fluid mobility over most surfaces. Our carry-on luggage testing is divided across four rating metrics: Our team of experts is accustomed to traveling near and far, be it logging serious road time or racking up portfolios of hotel points and frequent flyer miles. 4.7 out of 5 stars with 45 ratings. $69.99. No matter which organizational scheme a case offers, we still put each bag through a series of two controlled "packability" tests. This added a degree of annoyance while packing that left us questioning the bag's core strength and long-term functionality. The Kenneth Cole Reaction tops this list of poor performers, as every feature of the case seemed dubious in quality upon first look: unimpressive single caster wheels, a jiggly roller handle, cheap-feeling interior fabric, and small, unsubstantial zippers. Travelers Choice is one of the best luggage brands for that reason among so many others. Partnering with Gena on this round of reviews is long-time adventure travel professional and outdoor enthusiast Myrha Colt, a veritable expert in hitting roads unknown and master of hauling luggage big and small into the far-off abyss, be it the depths of an airline cargo hold bound for New York, a rugged 4x4 journey into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, or the salty crew cabin of a Caribbean dive boat. Having said that, go with the style that you prefer, but we will give the slight edge to the Torq suitcase. This means each half of the main compartment will be fully exposed upon opening, and any items left unsecured to either side may come tumbling out. Please reload CAPTCHA. However, not all wheels are created equal we especially like the handy, automatic magnetic alignment of the. Luggage Luggage Sets Handbags High Tech Backpacks All Brands. With over 50 awards and patents, Delsey should not be overlooked. Aside from looking amazing, the Tegra is famous for being one of the most lightweight luggage offered by Tumi, if not the lightest. So none of the abuse ever detracted from each bag's polished aesthetic. While this is Walmart's first collaboration with SwissTech, you can expect to see even more luggage styles and colorways available next year. Got feedback? SwissGear is a subsidiary of Victorinox, which is best known for its Swiss Army knives. See the pros and cons of Swiss Gear vs Samsonite based on free returns & exchanges, international shipping, curbside pickup, PayPal, and more. Known as "the traveler's brand," SwissTech is completely elevating Walmart's luggage selection with a collection of 25 different bags. Although it ranked among the heavier bags in our test group, with dimensions that just slightly exceed airline compliance standards, we still found it an easy choice when doling out top honors. Aside from Samsonite, American Tourister might be the most popular brand youll find looking around at an airport. However, there are a few models that impress us with their functionality and assets, despite relatively lower price points. Tumi manufactures a wide range of suitcases and bags, giving them quite the catalog. Known as "the traveler's brand," SwissTech is completely elevating Walmart's luggage selection with a collection of 25 different bags. Many owners have said that this will be the last piece of luggage they will buy and would buy again if asked. Reaction The Kenneth Cole Reaction is one of our favorite suitcases of all time for many reasons. The shell is also diamond cut and abrasion resisting, making it an awesome pick if your top priority is durability. Below, shop our top picks of SwissTech bags. The sub-par exterior zipper kept catching on itself (proving a serious annoyance). Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. They dont have the same vast offering as Samsonite, but with the models they do sell, you cant really go wrong for the price. As will the set of innovative easy-glide spinner wheels that magnetically lock into alignment to produce a consistently silent, easily controlled roll no matter what distance you have to cover. We dont see this much in the luggage space so its very encouraging to support a brand with a mission like that. For our purposes, this packing list included such things as a harness, helmet, rope, quickdraws, and a selection of clothing, toiletries, books, and shoes. For our full review, check our Vessel Signature 2.0 luggage review post. Shoppers with a larger budget will really like what they get from Tumi. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-inch $120 at Amazon 76 OVERALL SCORE Ease of Use 8.2 Design 6.1 Packability 8.7 Durability 7.0 Weight: 7.8 lbs | Dimensions: 23" x 14.1" x 10" REASONS TO BUY Many useful features Impressive capacity Accessible price REASONS TO AVOID Heavy Dimensions exceeds airline standards Frontside bulk Material on GearLab is copyrighted. These bags undergo rigorous testing protocols that replicate real-world conditions to ensure they meet quality standards for zippers, fabric, extension handles, wheels, temperature, and water repellency. Founded: 2012Headquarters: Carlsbad, CACarry on price range: $275-$295. Each has a hefty zipper with an exceptionally smooth glide that never stuck or hung up on itself during testing. Definitely check out the Baseline luggage line that they offer if you want a soft-side, and the Torq if youre looking for a hard-sided carry-on. The main body of the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is constructed with 1200D ballistic polyester fabric. Read our Best Tumi Luggage of the year post. Together, these road-trained powerhouses know what gear can make a great trip even better, and they are pumped to channel that knowledge into honing in on the best carry-on luggage available. Since 2015, we've analyzed carry-on luggage from every possible angle, identifying which bags are best for different packing styles and which ones just aren't worth your money. 4.1 out of 5 stars with 63 ratings. Since tackling our first carry-on luggage reviews over a half-decade ago, we have developed a long history of putting together an energized crew of travel experts to poke, prod, roll, and throw our cases from each and every angle. This will most likely not mean much to the consumer. Let us know! However, there are a few small negative factors to take into consideration, as brought to our attention by low-star reviews. Because they can control the supply chain, they are able to offer decent luggage at very affordable prices. Overall were big fans of the Signature 2.0 soft-sided carry on. Wenger has since shifted its focus to offering watches, luggage, backpacks and bags while Victorinox continues to produce the iconic Swiss Army knives. So it would follow that these two bags might score poorly for the design metric. Samsonite comes as the most highly-rated luggage brand when considering an average budget, which is why we consider it to be the best luggage brand for most people. Founded: 1995Headquarters: Commerce, CACarry on price range: $70-$180. Features: Swiss Gear 1900: Swiss Gear 1923: Dimensions: 18.5 X 13.5 X 9 inches: 18 x 13 x 8.5 inches: Material: Ballistic Nylon: Nylon: Volume: 31 liters: . CaseBase Stabilizing Platform keeps the bag standing upright. Founded: 1984Headquarters: Pomona, CACarry on price range: $40-$160. First on the list is a bag's Ease of Use, followed by its Packability. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Victorinox Werks Traveler suitcases come with a removable suit carrier as well as a divider to help your organize your clothes better. Although Amazon customer reviews prove that Samsonite has a lot to offer the luggage shopper, Samsonite can be beat if you are looking for the best quality and are willing to spend more money. We've loved everything we've reviewed from Vessel and hope they continue making new and exciting products, further solidifying themselves as one of the best luggage brands. Learn more . There are certain brands that we personally feel are overrated and overpriced for the quality. In a bag like the SwissGear Sion, you can layout and compress your packable items however you see fit, knowing that no matter how much you compress, cram, or squish, you will ultimately always be re-accessing that same space through the single topside lid (meaning far less chance of launching and losing items upon reopening). A detached suit/dress organizer, four interior pockets, a removable TSA-compliant toiletry case, a discreet power bank pocket with a USB port, and a hidden ID tag are among the handy extras any seasoned traveler will appreciate. But, while such exterior additions can be great for keeping you organized on the go, it can also mean your carry-on becomes extraordinarily bulky once fully packed or the expansion features are engaged. The short answer: Yes. It is possible to take advantage of smart organizational tools at a lower price point as well. B003LPUTGQ $ Brand: SwissGearColor: BlackFeatures: . We are huge fans of luggage innovation, which is why we love Travelers Choice. And all points considered, the respectable Omni PC still easily emerged as the best value option among hardshell carry-ons. The second test is just a ramped-up version of the first, this time including bulkier, oddly shaped, or even fragile items along the lines of what one might take with them for a ski vacation or a climbing trip. And in testing, it held tough just as promised, showcasing a unique combination of versatility and core foundational strength. Similarly, we had no problem tracking over airport carpeting, bumpy sidewalks, or cracks in the road. SwissTechUSA Our Favorite Product Executive 21" Carry On $69 Made from a durable 1680 denier material Integrated TSA lock for added security Oversized 8-wheel 360-degree spinners for ease of movement 2-inch zip-around expansion for added packing space 4 multi-functional pockets that are great for small accessories SWISSGEAR 86 $99.99 When purchased online SWISSGEAR Energie PolyCarb Hardside Large Checked Spinner Suitcase - Black SWISSGEAR 39 $209.99 When purchased online SWISSGEAR Checklite Softside Large Checked Suitcase SWISSGEAR 36 $199.99 When purchased online Add to cart Vera Bradley Women's Hardside Large Spinner Luggage Vera Bradley 76 +4 options Founded: 2009Headquarters: Seattle, WACarry on price range: $40-$70. The lifespan of the Rockland, in particular, was called into question even before we got started, as exterior evidence pointed to a potential failure along one seam of the zipper expansion feature (the sticky glue used to attach the zipper expansion panel to the outer edge seemed to be detaching, allowing the seam to come apart). Although they only started making luggage in 1999, they have quickly caught up to some of the giants in the luggage industry. Another great choice is Travelers Choice, which is one of the best luggage brands weve come across. Features of some Delsey suitcases include surface treatment Easy-Wash, updated looks, handmade bags, and soft-touch finishing. First, a standard capacity test, cramming everything required for a week's worth of temperate weather travel into each bag. We packed each piece full of functions inspired by the Swiss Army Knife. No ads. Go with the style you prefer and you wont be disappointed. Comparison Table: Swiss Gear 1900 vs. Swiss Gear 1923 Backpack. The Travelpro Maxlite is a sift-sided bag with a panel "lid" that flips open to expose the main storage compartment. Tumi suitcases are a step above Samsonite when it comes to overall quality, but also price which may put them out of reach for the average luggage shopper. The faux-leather feels and looks like the real thing and comes in a nice array of colors. In general, four-wheeled bags are easier to roll through a crowded airport or tight airplane aisle. The Cosmolite just feels different than the typical Samsonite bag because of the high-end quality of the hard case. It was founded in 1910 in Denver, Colorado, by Jesse Schweder. If youre looking for a new brand to try out, and have durability as a priority, take a peek at the Tasmania offered by Travelers Choice. Samsonite offers luggage for as little as $80 as well as more high-end suitcases to compete with Tumi, mainly the Cosmolite. With this option, you are able to upload any custom image that you own the rights to, and it will be printed on a 22 carry on suitcase. And once again, three winners - the TravelPro Platinum Elite, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, and the Away Carry-On - outperformed others in this area. Weve heard that noteveryone is a fan of the looks of the Torq, as it looks a little boxy and rugged, but we think it looks great. When it comes to weight, both are heavy. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Its tough to find an entire luggage line that is actually made in the U.S. We consider Tumi to be one of the best luggage brands if you have the money to spend. Cover this product: 4-Year Protection $29.99. $119.99. We first want to see how each bag rolls and assess what it's like to carry and load. You could probably guess that Victorinox has a long and storied history, and youd be right. Product Description. In 2014, Victorinox introduced a new business unit, Victorinox Travel Gear AG which specializes in developing and . Instead, you will find the basics: a standard open-layout clamshell design with simple cross-straps, a strong mesh panel enclosure, and a single small hanging accessory pocket. Take our top performers in nearly every other metric across the board, the Travelpro Platinum Elite and Briggs & Riley. Samsonite knows that Tumi is a great brand on its own, and Samsonite will not try to step in and ruin that. Buying a Reaction might be your best sub-$100 carry on purchase. You may be surprised to hear that Delsey is the second largest luggage company in the world with its distribution network covering over 110 countries. + Vessel is the latest addition to our constantly evolving list of best luggage brands. And when selecting from among rolling carry-on bags specifically, we noticed a correlation between price and performance. Besides its lower clearance and tendency to scratch and scuff, we couldn't find much we didn't love about this carry-on. So, all was not lost and the bag remained useful. If you tend to travel by land instead (or even if you are just comfortable ignoring the technicalities of airline guidelines, knowing enforcement is limited), you'll have a lot more wiggle room and more options. And we compared tools and features to see which add true value and which others just get in the way. Is swiss tech the same as swiss gear Swiss Digital Save on SWISSGEAR travel luggage, laptop & Travel Backpacks and more. The bag has a lay-flat design compartment for the laptop that will keep the laptop in one place and safe with the pad. In fact, Tumi sales are forecasted to double by end of next year. A Reaction carry on will never run you more than $100, yet so many reviewers all over the Internet are infatuated with this little suitcase. Weve seen cheap zippers and they tend to be one of the first parts to break on a suitcase, but these are extremely sturdy and will last you a long time. If you're looking for a great value from a brand that you trust and are looking for something more fun than just another black suitcase, then give this one a shot. A laundry list of useful interior pockets and features, including a removable toiletry pouch, adjustable compression straps, and a bag-length expansion zipper, ensure there's plenty of space and tools to work with inside. We have many luggage reviews from the best suitcase and best travel backpacks to top-tier duffel bags and our favorite backpacks. For one, the price point is virtually impossible to beat for the quality that you are getting. The material is also lined with another layer of sleek polyester, which gives the feeling of better protection for anything . The rattly handle got noisier with use and proved highly uncomfortable underhand. We also appreciate that even when stuffed full, this carry-on still rolls effortlessly alongside us from hotel to airport and packs easily into trunks and overhead compartments en route. Swissgear on the other hand offers backpacks and bags in a large variety of styles from travel and business bags to school and urban carry backpacks. Its light boxy structure and thick single-spinner wheels maneuvered fairly effortlessly given the bag's well-crafted telescoping handle and higher-than-average clearance. Added touches like the handy SmartLink strap, multiple low-profile load handles, a hidden ID tag, a TSA-approved lock, and an exterior power pack pocket solidify this spinner's spot at the top of our list. SWISSGEAR Cascade Hardside Carry On Suitcase. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage, Black, Checked-Large 29-Inch Samsonite Advena Softside Expandable Upright Luggage, Black, Carry-On 21-Inch Price $139.99 Price not available Price $139.99 Price not available Shell Material 600D Polyester 600D Polyester Wheels 4 Multi-directional 8 Multi-directional Dimensions 30" x 18.5" x 12.5" Briggs & Riley listens to their customers, retail partners, and repair experts to engineer their products for the real-world. If cost truly is not an issue, our hands-down favorite luggage brand is Tumi. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. And it will all come wrapped in a simple, lightweight yet surprisingly durable and scratch-resistant shell. We've spent years examining over 30 pieces of carry-on luggage with every possible size, style, and color of luggage under the rainbow. When spending on new luggage, most of us want to make sure our purchase lasts more than a flight or two. Victorinox owns Wenger, and Wenger manufacturers Swiss Gear. Most luggage sets are also cheap, with some even under $150, which is usually the price for a carry-on from brands like Travelpro and Samsonite. We had no issue packing all of our gear in this carry-on, despite the fact that it is one of the only bags we tested that lacks an expansion tool. Delsey luggage designs feature clean lines, vintage selections, and urban inspirations. Luckily it seemed to work itself out and disappeared, but we had to call it out as damage all the same. Read more: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner review. Kenneth Cole may sound like the name of some fancy and expensive designers items; however, the Kenneth Cole Reaction luggage line might be the most affordable luggage on our entire list. But beyond its sleek mid-modern appearance and demonstratively solid construction, we love this clamshell because of its many smart features. We also inspected the high-wear use features and areas, such as the wheels and corner edges. Another style, as seen in all our soft-sided contenders, involves a panel "lid" that flips open from the front side of the bag to provide access to the entire main compartment as just one core storage space. All trademarks property of their respective owners And so do thousands of owners who write reviews all over the Internet. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. But durability points were docked from its score based on this uncertainty. Offering a healthy mix of hard-sided and soft-sided luggage options, Travelers Choice comes well-reviewed by owners all over the Internet. However if you only have around $50 to spend on a suitcase, AmazonBasics is a great budget-friendly choice. For more information on what is covered under is swiss tech the same as swiss gear year extended limited warranty, see eligibility rules in the 2-year and 3-year limited warranty repair or replacement clause. Below youll find the 11 best luggage brands for travelers of all budgets for this year: Founded: 1910Headquarters: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (Originally Denver, CO)Carry-on price range: $80-$500. Time limit is exhausted. The Tegra line has the carbon fiber look and feel that we love, and each year the suitcase seems to be offered in different color options to help keep the look fresh. Easy access to your belongings is another really important part of this metric. The best part is, you can upgrade your entire travel arsenal for the price of that one luxury suitcase you might be eyeing. Cosmolite Samsonite is the luggage brand with the widest range of products for a wide range of budgets. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. In 20 years, you may have bought several bags, when you could have just bought a Tumi bag once that would last you the entire 20 years. Small in stature but surprisingly big on storage space and low in price, the tough micro-diamond polycarbonate Samsonite Omni PC Spinner is built to haul with stability and ease and comes in a broad range of eye-catching colors to suit both bold and subdued tastes. As a classically trained musician, rock climber, and dog mom whose adventures have carried her from the ski runs of New Mexico to the trails of Patagonia and now onto the granite walls of Lake Tahoe, Gena is well familiar with living a life in motion and is no stranger to preparing a perfectly curated bag.