Style or Function? Experts Pick the Best Luggage Brands for 2024

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Getting behind the wheel and heading out of town for the weekend (or longer) is one of the pure joys of being an automobile enthusiast. Whether you're driving a minivan full of rowdy preteens to the waterpark or getting away for the weekend with that special someone in a Revuelto, the road trip is perhaps driving's greatest pleasure.

But you gotta pack. Sure, there's a certain romantic spontaneity in just taking off, hygiene and clean socks be damned. But that romance only gets you as far as the next morning's shower. No, a quality piece of luggage is required, be it a weekender duffel or a spinner suitcase.

We travel a lot—but are we getting all we can from our luggage? Are we missing anything? In order to get a better handle on the best luggage brands on the market today, we turned to the experts.

If anyone knows style, it's the editors of Esquire; and if anyone knows about quality, it's the product testers at Good Housekeeping. Both magazines have published curated lists of the Best Luggage Brands over the last few years, so we took a ride to the Hearst Tower in Manhattan to find out their latest recommendations. (Full disclosure: Both magazines, along with Road & Track and its sister publications at Hearst Autos, fall under the Hearst umbrella.)

The consensus? The type and style of luggage you prefer isn't really important—we all have different tastes, after all—but the brand is. Modern tech and materials have revolutionized the luggage industry in the last decade or so, and with startup companies popping up seemingly every week and dozens of unpronounceable brand names on the internet, it can be hard to separate the gems from the junk.

Both of the experts we asked spotlighted a healthy amount of trusted luggage brands like Samsonite, Victorinox, and Tumi. And they introduced us to new and notable luggage from Paravel and Solgaard. Sprinkle in familiar names like Away, Filson, and Herschel Supply Co., and we've come up with a list of 11 quality luggage brands that Road & Track readers should consider tossing in the back of the car the next time the open road calls.

Samsonite

One of the most renowned names in luggage. The venerable Good Housekeeping Institute named Samsonite its "Best Overall" luggage brand because it offers "a wide assortment for every preference—from business travelers to vacationers—and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years." Esquire editors loved the brand too, specifically noting that Samsonite overcomes its heritage reputation by continuing to churn out "smart, modern" luggage.

The Tru-Frame Carry-On Spinner features four multi-directional dual wheels and an ultra-protective security frame with sealed gasket closure. It also has an integrated TSA-friendly combination lock and a deluxe interior with two divider panels, two cross-straps, and plenty of organizational pockets.

Shop Samsonite at Amazon

Solgaard

Solgaard's expanding closet-style spinners are the biggest innovation in carry-on luggage since Away introduced its integrated Li-ion battery back in 2015. Heck, even Time magazine named Solgaard luggage one of its Best Inventions of 2018. The built-in shelving system allows you to organize outfits rather than just toss in a pile of clothes, letting you dial in various looks for particular events and arrive with everything you might need.

The Carry-On Closet is constructed with a tough polycarbonate shell and an aluminum frame and features an integrated USB charging port. Five internal shelves compress when the suitcase is closed, keeping your clothes neat during travel. When you arrive, just open it up and let your travel closet expand. The interior lining is made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic.

shop solgaard at amazon

Filson

Seattle's Filson began as an outfitter for the pioneers of the 1897 Yukon Gold Rush. Today, Filson apparel and gear represent the ultimate in quality to outdoor enthusiasts and tradespeople the world over, combining durability and style in a rugged aesthetic derived from function. Looks good and works great? Sign us up.

The Medium Rugged Twill Duffel is perhaps Filson's best-known piece of luggage. The lightly waxed fabric keeps your gear dry, and bridle leather from Wickett & Craig is used not just for the removable shoulder strap but also for Filson's signature leather wraparound handles, designed to cradle heavy loads. The bag closes with a solid brass YKK zipper that's protected by a snap storm flap. Solid brass hardware is used throughout, and interior end pockets provide organization. It's perfect for throwing into the back seat for a weekend road trip; it even makes an ideal carry-on.

shop filson at amazon

Away

Away burst onto the travel scene in 2015 with a carry-on spinner suitcase that featured an internal Lithium-ion battery—a real game-changer for modern business travelers. Today, Li-ion batteries have proven to be, well, somewhat hazardous and are allowed only in carry-ons—and only under stringent guidelines that usually result in an exhaustive and timely TSA search. Away's battery is now ejectable, making it easy to show to TSA officers or pop out from checked luggage and drop into your carry-on. Unfortunately, it's currently available only in select few suitcases, including The Bigger Carry-On, Aluminum Edition.

Larger and slightly heavier than Away's signature spinners, the Bigger Carry-On is also more durable—and far better-looking, in our eyes. Pricey? Sure. But its convenience, quality, and tech are undeniable for frequent travelers. Not worried about on-the-go charging? The standard Bigger Carry-on Flex costs about half the price but doesn't offer a battery. Neither does the smaller, lighter, and less expensive Carry-On Flex.

shop Away at amazon

Herschel Supply Co.

As Esquire points out, many of us probably already own—and love—a Herschel backpack. The aesthetic carries over to the brand's complete line of luggage. Sporty, hip design cues blended with quality materials and construction make for fantastic suitcases, duffle bags, and more.

The 50L Outfitter Wheelie Duffel features the same casual-but-classy aesthetic as Herschel's ubiquitous backpacks but in carry-on roller-luggage form, with a retractable two-stage locking trolley handle, zippered U-shaped closure, and top and side carrying handles. It's also available in a 70L size for long trips.

Shop Herschel at Amazon

Paravel

We're not as concerned with fashion as we are with style and performance. However, a blend of all three is impossible to deny, and we have to admit this black/white spinner is a stunner. More impressive is Paravel's commitment to sustainability.

The Aviator Carry-On is crafted of sustainably sourced materials including recycled polycarbonate, aluminum, and plastic water bottles. Even the zippers are made with recycled materials, and Paravel's worldwide shipping is carbon offset. The Aviator also comes in a larger carry-on size as well as a Checked size.

While this color scheme is surely a knockout, any white suitcase is bound to get dirty and scuffed up pretty quickly. Thankfully, Paravel luggage comes in a variety of styles and colors to suit any taste.

shop paravel at amazon

Tumi

We agree with Esquire: "If you're a traveling businessperson, there's nothing more classic than Tumi luggage." With everything from hard-sided check-ins to soft-sided spinners, briefcases, and many more options, Tumi luggage hits that sweet spot between stylish and practical like nobody else.

The Alpha Garment Bag Tri-Fold Carry-On is just one example. It can carry up to two suits or gowns, with plenty of room left over for toiletries and business materials—plus all that swag you accumulate at events, conferences, and presentations. Then it all folds up twice into a compact 15 by 22 by 6 inches (L/W/H)—a perfect fit for an overhead compartment. Or just lay it flat in the back seat or trunk. Best of all, it's made of tough ballistic nylon designed to last for years.

buy tumi at amazon

Victorinox