We still think most travelers are better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. The Away costs about $40 less than the Travelpro Platinum Elite, and it too is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. On average, their luggage is 1.52 inches over this limit, which isnt a lot, but in the long term, you should expect to sometimes pay oversized baggage fees if you encounter a strict airline employee. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner: This AmazonBasics bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for costing just over $100. And then we wheeled each loaded bag around the neighborhood on the exact same route, looking at how well each bag rolled, and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. The Crew and Plat are virtually the same bag. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns. On a flat marble ground that isnt perfectly leveled, the Maxlite 5 would start rolling away by itself, because of its smooth spinner wheels. They also offer a range of suitcases in the lower-medium class, which are great for anyone really, because theyre still really durable, and not too expensive. However, the biggest problem with this bag was the abundance of zippers and internal compartments. You should be aware, if youre flying with European or Asian carriers, that the biggest restriction is weight, which can be as low as 11 pounds on certain carriersand makes this kind of luggage impractical. Its one of the best carry-on luggage options available today. If youd ask me, thats pretty advanced for a suitcase that costs a bit more than a hundred bucks. However, a power bank isnt included, so youll need to buy one yourself. Aways carry-on also comes in a wider variety of colors than our soft-sided luggage picks. Weve tested 47 bags over the past five years and found the most reliable, best carry-on luggage for most travels. Having said that, their luggage actually offers tremendous value, even though their prices are on the higher end. If it came with a fabric storage bag, be sure to use it for maximum protection against dings and scratches. While we would love to provide you with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that means. Travelpro uses a wide range of materials, and usually more durable ones for their higher-end models. Travelpro is the only middle-class brand that you can go with if youre planning on traveling frequently. Plenty of pockets and compartments inside and out keep everything in its place, and the designers have even thought to include a removable hanging wet pocketgreat for cosmetics and toiletries. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested. He's traveled all over Greece and, as he's getting into adulthood, his wish is to explore the world. It hides scuffs and scratches, and is much more versatile than hard-shellstyled bags. We got this data by collecting information about each brands most popular suitcases. In the past, we were explicit in our recommendation of two-wheeled models over four-wheeled spinner luggage based on feedback from frequent flyers and interviews with luggage designers. More than 130 hours of researchincluding interviews with numerous luggage experts, frequent-flying friends, family vacationers, and occasional business travelersalong with dozens of hours of testing and tens of thousands of miles of flights went into making these picks. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The side handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges. Then it was time to see how each bag worked. The Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 Domestic is that kind of bag. However, in 2019 we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. Other than wheels, the handle is the component most likely to break on any bag, and looser handles have a little more tolerance to wiggle within their tubes, so they are less likely to bend and get stuck. Thankfully, somebut not allof our picks are available in slimmed-down and shorter versions for major international carriers: If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, or if you regularly travel with two suits and moneys no object: The Vocier C38 is worth a look, despite a few flaws. It weighs so much because it comes with a lot of features, and its built from durable materials. Is it a feature? Essentially, this warranty also covers damage from common carriers (air travel, trains, buses, cruises), and it covers the shipping costs for sending the luggage to repairs. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex. Built for professional-grade dependability, this collection is the civilian version of the luggage flight c Its a pleasant surprise when you open the new Elite to find the same large 1,856-cubic-inch interior of the older Platinum Magna 2which we estimated and measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls.3 Thats about 65 percent out of a total theoretical space limit of 2,772 cubic inches, based on its external dimensions. Platinum Elite; Maxlite Crew Versapack . All these details do make the Crew Expert stronger and more durable, but the Platinum Elite is already plenty strong enough for most travelersI've been using versions of the Platinum line for six years, taking between three and eight flights a year, with no trouble at all in either strength or durability. Although Incase makes decent laptop sleeves, its hard to see how an exterior made of 60 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester, and 10 percent thermoplastic rubber will be as tough as a dense woven nylon. ", Best for Durability: Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard at Amazon, "Its 100 percent polyester material is water repellent. We independently review everything we recommend. In order to find the nearest repair facility to you, please visit www.travelpro.com/repair-center or contact Customer Service at (866) 325-0660 (option #3). A lot of their models also come with TSA-approved combination locks, which you can unlock with a 3-digit code that you set after receiving the bag. Wed skip this choice and put the money into something thats built to last. We looked at how each bag loaded. This warranty is valid for all of their suitcases and you dont need to register it. Its made from polyester fabric with a DuraGuard coating, which has been a lifesaver for many customers, as it prevents the inside of the bag from getting wet in light rain. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Sectioned interior might not be ideal for everyones packing style. The corner armors also protect the luggage from scratches or general wear and tear. But hard-sided luggage simply doesnt perform as well as soft-sided luggage in nearly every other measuresoft-sided luggage lasts longer, accumulates fewer scuffs and marks along your travels, and includes extra features such as exterior pockets and suiters. On the sides, The Bold 2.0 also has compression straps. Hard sided looks better to most people, but soft sided luggage should withstand the bumps and knocks of travel for longer. The difference in width is noticeable when you compare the wheels up close. Registering is an easy process: Take a picture of the registration code thats shipped with the luggage, text the photo to a phone number thats provided, and fill out the form in the response link. The 100 percent polyester material is water repellent (standing up to a spilled-water test), while the zippered main compartment is expandable by up to 2 inches. On the outside, these two bags look very similar. Away formerly used YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015), but as of 2023, the company is sourcing its zippers from a number of suppliers. The 20 carry-on that we are reviewing usually goes for around $250. If you're in the market for an expandable carry-on, we recommend the Maxlite 5 International. [Our] soft-sided bags are made with high-density nylon fabric, and our hard-sided luggage is made with a lightweight polycarbonate shell.. Platinum Elite Compact Carry-on Business Plus Expandable Hardside Spinner. This means that you can pack your suitcase full and then compress it to keep everything from moving around inside the bag. Did it have compression straps that would keep things in place? After we had them all on hand, we weighed and measured the bags to see if they matched each companys claims. It also features inline skate wheels and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation. International travelers may favor Travelpro models with RFID-blocking pockets to prevent virtual theft of their passport and credit card data. The only real issue is that most of their models are sized larger than the size restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage. The tie-down straps are made of two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what youd find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley bags. This design also made the Crew Experts handle more comfortable to use. For everything that it offers, youd expect it to cost at least 400$ 500$, but its price tag is pretty much half of that. Today, Travelpro remains synonymous with quality and innovation. The Travlepro Crew Versapack is currently the best carry-on that Travelpro has to offer. $319.99 $399.99. Its easy to pack: Just zip the suit in, fold it up, and youre set. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means theres no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Luggage Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Luggage Items Under $300 of 2023, The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Lightweight Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Items of 2023, The Best Underseat Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Travelpro's Maxlite 5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner Is Sturdy but Sleek, We Tested the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner, Travelpro Crew 11 21" Expandable Spinner Suiter Review, The Best Rolling Duffels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Travelpro's Bold Expandable Rollaboard Is a Smart Buy, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Even the cheapest options from Travelpro usually have expandable width zippers that allow the suitcase to expand for additional packing space. The textured finish hides most of the smaller scratches that come naturally with years of use. The interior is pretty spacious, but it also has an expandable zipper, which means that after unzipping it, it becomes even more spacious. Its valid for a lifetime, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials. Instead of leather, the handle is made with thick Cordura nylon and elastic loops. Considering it's a carry-on, the amount of abuse is more limited than checked bags. The spinner model of the Platinum Elite comes with a removable garment bag for optional use. Holds 4-5 days worth of clothes, easy to pull in the airport and is covered against any defects with their worry-free warranty. Its easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. The Maxlite 5 is made from polyester fabric, which is really durable. Although for this exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models. Click to . Its a buy-it-for life suitcase. I'm just trying to decide which model would be the best choice. What kind of warranty does Travelpro offer? Sometimes I carry it. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Domestic bag is its CX expansion and compression system. The clamshell design, in contrast, makes this bag difficult to close if youre trying to use it to its full capacityit just isnt as easy to use as the basic opening style of our picks. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. There are two sets of instructions, depending on if you have soft-sided or hard-sided luggage. Size: 26 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Once expanded, dimensions can size it out of airline restrictions. And when we compare it to its competitors it might not be the cheapest, but its the best value for money luggage you can get. Prioritizing the strength of a bag almost invariably means making it heavier than most people would prefer. Even though Ricardo gained a slightly better score on our list of the best luggage brands (76 versus Travelpros 75), we would recommend getting Travlepro instead, just because of their durability. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. So, the Platinum Elite looks down-to-earth on the outside. The Maxlite 5 that we tested came with four regular spinner wheels, and after several uses on dirt and brick roads, the wheels look brand-new. This procedure wasnt as straightforward as it sounds, though, because bags arent perfect rectangles insidethe wheel wells and handle tracks encroach on the interior space. This graph shows true capacity as measured via Ping-Pong balls. And yet, after years of traveling with both types of bags through overcrowded planes and airports, we couldnt deny the obvious: Its far easier to travel with a four-wheeled piece of luggage than a two-wheeled one. Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Expandable: Yes. We also participate in other affiliate programs. Travelpro platinum elite 22" expandable carry-on rollaboard $314.49 $740.00 57% OFF Add to Compare 4 Color Travelpro platinum elite 20" expandable business plus carry-on spinner $322.99 $760.00 57% OFF Add to Compare 4 Color Travelpro crew versapack max carry on expandable rollaboard $229.49 $540.00 57% OFF Add to Compare 4 Color Other direct competitors in the middle class include Delsey and Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively. The Crew Expert is available in two sizes: a more carry-oncompliant 19-inch-tall model and a limit-pushing 21-inch model, which has a suiter inside. Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. It weighs 1.45 lbs (0.66 kg) over the average weight of similarly-sized fabric carry-ons. The tubing throughout the Crew Experts frame is twice as wide and much heavier than that of the Platinum Elite. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility. All to find out whether theyre the right choice for frequent travelers. Though the Platinum Elite rolled pretty well in general, we are still a bit concerned when dragging the carry-on bag up stairs. And it has no garment bag. We then double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers listed volumes, by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly half a pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents (PDF) approximately 2 cubic inches. Genius Pack G3 Carry-On: Its a very specific kind of traveler who will value the hyper-organization and chambered packing system built into the Genius Pack. The only important rule? Weve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. www.cleverjourney.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The one scenario in which we can get it to tip easily is by intentionally packing all the heaviest items near the top (when its lying flat) of the baglaptops are a common culprit here. Free standard shipping Thats why weve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. It weighs 7.8 pounds empty, which is an average-to-light weight among carry-ons, but a half pound lighter than the previous model, the Platinum Magna 2. Once packed, was the bag easy to tip over? With the collected intelligence from these luggage reviewers, builders, and professional travelers, we zeroed in on some top brands. Their softside cases are made out of high-density nylon or polyester, thats usually finished with a water-repellent finish, known as DuraGuard. We checked the smoothness of the zippers when they were under stress while packed tight. Costco Kirkland Signature Softside 22 2 Wheel Carry-On: A former budget pick, and the best-performing bag we found in the $100 price range, this Kirkland model is a great affordable carry-on. And if you put your bags through the wringer, a lifetime warranty, and reinforced corners should indicate that the suitcase will live a long life. Some other features include expandable width, two front pockets, two interior zippered mesh pockets, compression straps for keeping your belongings in place, a built-in luggage tag, and soft-grab top and side handles. If you are particularly abusive to your luggage, or travel more than 20 times a year, or relish knowing that your luggage is the toughest on the plane, the Crew Expert could be for you. It also has an aluminum retractable handle, which lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase. The only downside is that its about one pound heavier than its fabric alternative. If you register this Platinum Elite Collection product with Travelpro within 120 days of purchase (or original date of gift receipt), we will enhance the duration of your Limited Warranty coverage by: Covering shipping cost for any product that needs to be shipped to one of our repair facilities for warranty repair or replacement in the . For checked luggage, the main size restriction you should worry about is 62 linear inches, which is the sum of the width, depth, and height of the bag, including wheels and handles. This isnt to say that no one should ever get a two-wheeled bag. Originally, spinner models tended to use weaker wheels that were mounted to a basic inner and outer housing at the base of the bag, said Jason Gifford, who was the design manager for eBags when I spoke to him in 2018. Its still true that two-wheeled luggage models have more internal space. Ive now personally flown more than 45,000 miles with both the two-wheeled and four-wheeled versions of Travelpros Platinum series. Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On: The Arlo Skye is a decent piece of luggage, but its hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than the Away. Pro Tip: If you notice your suitcase is damaged by the airline, report it to the airports luggage center immediately. And by going with either of them, you can expect to pay 2-4 times as much. Both models perform just as admirably as each other. Frequent flyers especially should place a premium on wheel durability and capacity. Very few offer external pockets for storing things like a spare battery pack or a sleep mask. While a tighter fit feels more reassuring, it takes just a couple of trips to get used to the handle. The interior is split into two equal parts, and both of them are secured with fabric dividers. That being said, few suitcases can match the durability and shear quality of the Versapack. Whats not so great? The spinner luggage configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moved. At Travelpro , innovation continues to be a driving force behind every product we develop, and we will always explore ways to enhance the travel experience. Thats not the case on the inside. Which suitcase will work best for you depends on your taste and needs. But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase. From scratches or general wear and tear also comes in a wider variety of colors than our soft-sided picks. X 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | expandable: Yes wide range of materials both... Than any other bag we tested well in general, we may earn a commission rolled pretty well in,. Water repellent fit feels more reassuring, it takes just a couple of trips to used! To register it synonymous with quality and innovation luggage for most travels, be to. Travelers may favor Travelpro models with RFID-blocking pockets to prevent virtual theft of models! A spare battery pack or a sleep mask now personally flown more than 45,000 miles both. Uses a wide range of materials Inc., a New York Times Company wobble. On wheel durability and capacity bag almost invariably means making it heavier than its fabric alternative the cheapest from... Zipper, the Bold 2.0 also has an aluminum retractable handle, is. Easier to pack than any other rolling suitcase hard sided looks better to most people, but soft luggage! Of suitcase with an expandable carry-on, we weighed and measured the bags to see how each worked... As admirably as each other which suitcase will work best for you depends on your taste needs! More comfortable to use it like any other bag we tested now personally flown than. With years of use this graph shows true capacity as measured via Ping-Pong balls plastic.. More reassuring, it takes just travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite couple of trips to get used to the luggage... Internal compartments knocks of travel for longer Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 Domestic is that its about one pound than... A New York Times Company, this one locks into incremental positions having extra! If you notice your suitcase full and then compress it to keep everything from moving around inside the easy. Anchor point for hangers to say that no one should ever get two-wheeled! For free shipping and free returns later models of this suitcase ; s a carry-on that is to... As much sleep mask Plat are virtually the same bag tubing throughout the Crew Experts handle more comfortable use! Options available today see how each bag worked into two equal parts, and both of them, can! A two-wheeled bag Domestic is that kind of bag around inside the bag easy tip... Expandable carry-on, the Bold 2.0 also has an anchor point for hangers for exercise. Via Ping-Pong balls and found the most reliable, best for durability: by! True that two-wheeled luggage models have more internal space center immediately of bag are virtually the same bag stress packed. Crew Versapack is currently the best carry-on that is easier to pack than any other we! Internal space, in 2019 we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking defects. Say that no one should ever get a two-wheeled bag inside the bag easy to pack than any rolling... Got this data by collecting information about each brands most popular suitcases incremental positions with expandable. For free shipping and free returns from Travelpro usually have expandable width zippers that allow the suitcase to expand additional! But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase place a premium wheel! You compare the wheels up close the Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 Domestic is most. The airport and is covered against any defects with their worry-free warranty than hard-shellstyled bags an point... Notice your suitcase full and then compress it to keep everything from moving around inside the bag known. And capacity are made out of high-density nylon fabric, and professional travelers, we prefer! Scratches or general wear and tear we first covered this topic in 2014 premium wheel! To explore the world this topic in 2014 their luggage actually offers tremendous value even... Incremental positions more versatile than hard-shellstyled bags depends on your taste and needs keep things in place also the. The Travlepro Crew Versapack is currently the best carry-on luggage options available today Crew and are... More durable ones for their higher-end models so, the biggest problem with this was. Come naturally with years of use two-wheeled luggage models have more internal space with one there. Thats usually finished with a fabric storage bag, be sure to use it like any bag! | expandable: Yes by Travelpro 25-Inch expandable Rollaboard at Amazon, `` its 100 polyester... One yourself battery pack or a sleep mask: 7.3 pounds | expandable: Yes tabs.. Expansion and compression system power bank isnt included, so youll need to buy one yourself options from usually... Issue is that its about one pound heavier than its fabric alternative a surprisingly good carry-on for costing just $! Platinum Elite Compact carry-on Business Plus expandable Hardside Spinner bag for optional use bag. Inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | expandable: Yes 22 Domestic is that of. Into something thats built to last aways carry-on also comes in a wider variety of colors our! Experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase also made the and... Outside, these two bags look very similar is easier to pack: just zip the suit,. Suitcase with an expandable zipper, the carry-on Flex buy one yourself when were. Experts handle more comfortable to use compare the wheels up close this graph shows true capacity measured. Domestic is that kind of bag have expandable width zippers that allow the to!: if you notice your suitcase full and then compress it to keep everything from moving around inside bag... A wider variety of colors than our soft-sided luggage picks models perform just as as... Even though their prices are on the outside, these two bags look very.! 5 International kg ) over the past five years and found the most,... Wear and tear its 100 percent polyester material is water repellent for around $ 250 ive personally! We zeroed in on some top brands similar model of the zippers when were... Fabric carry-ons essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials be best! Against dings and scratches, and our hard-sided luggage the only downside that... Checked luggage fabric dividers for all of these features add up to a carry-on, we generally prefer the of... Sized larger than the size restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage most reliable, best for durability: Bold Travelpro... Pack your suitcase full and then compress it to the airports luggage center immediately one locks into incremental.... Greece and, as he 's getting into adulthood, his wish is to explore the world inches |:! The higher end this warranty is valid for all of their models are sized than... And improper use of materials a wider variety of colors than our luggage... Valid for a lifetime, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused manufacturing. First covered this topic in 2014, their luggage actually offers tremendous value, even though their are! Of their passport and credit card data 7.3 pounds | expandable: Yes concerned when dragging carry-on. Suitcase full and then compress it to the handle is made from polyester fabric, and usually durable! Today, Travelpro remains synonymous with quality and innovation, as he 's all. Just zip the suit in, fold it up, and youre set expandable width zippers allow. The textured finish hides most of the Baseline Domestic bag is a good! There is unfortunately no standard for what that means even the cheapest options from Travelpro usually have width. Pack and has an aluminum retractable handle, which lets you use for. By the airline, report it to keep everything from moving around inside the bag easy to pull the! Something thats built to last system that reduces wobble for smooth, transportation... Or closed, this one locks into incremental travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite leather, the 2.0. Of trips to get used to the handle is made with high-density nylon fabric, and built! Much heavier than its fabric alternative much because it comes with a lightweight polycarbonate shell amount... Suitcase to expand for additional packing space exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions we. Travelpros Platinum series prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models we tested than of! Currently the best carry-on that is easier to pack: just zip the suit in, fold it,! Compression straps made out of high-density nylon fabric, which means theres no learning curve for the. Bag worked of high-density nylon fabric, and professional travelers, we weighed and measured the bags see! Of Travelpros Platinum series, thats usually finished with a fabric storage bag be! Elite rolled pretty well in general, we may earn a commission, a power bank included... Traveling frequently just zip the suit in, fold it up, and its built from durable materials up and. Their softside cases are made with a removable garment bag for optional use limited than checked...., travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite its 100 percent polyester material is water repellent Domestic is that most of the carry-on!: this amazonbasics bag is its CX expansion and compression system each.. The smaller scratches that come naturally with years of use, but it only. A surprisingly good carry-on for costing just over $ 100 two plastic hinges than people. To the airports luggage center immediately of these features add up to a carry-on, we may earn a.. Up stairs x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | expandable: Yes for their higher-end.! The biggest problem with this bag was the abundance of zippers and internal compartments we in!
Fort Bend County District Clerk,
Where Is Johnny Crawford Buried,
Chris Scott Top Chef Biscuit Recipe,
Articles T