How to Choose the Perfect Luggage: A 5-Point Durability Checklist

Your luggage is one of the most important travel investments you'll make. A great suitcase glides through the airport and protects your belongings, while a bad one can be a source of constant frustration. The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute even have a rigorous testing process dedicated to finding the most durable bags.

Unfortunately, not all luggage is created equal. Based on our experience testing countless bags, here are the five key features that separate high-quality, durable luggage from the rest.

1. The Wheels: The 360° Spinner Difference

This is non-negotiable in modern luggage. Look for a suitcase with eight (four sets of two) 360-degree spinner wheels.

• Why eight wheels? Having dual wheels in each corner provides a smoother, quieter ride and better stability, especially when navigating heavy carpets or bumpy airport sidewalks.
• The Mobility Test: With 360° mobility, you can push your suitcase alongside you, pull it behind you, or navigate tight airplane aisles with ease. It dramatically reduces strain on your shoulders and back.

➡️ Explore our collection of smooth-rolling spinner luggage here.

2. The Material: Hardshell vs. Softshell

The exterior of your bag is its first line of defense.

• Hardshell Luggage: 

  Typically constructed from materials like polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS hardshell suitcases are designed to protect your belongings from external impacts and weather.

  • Polycarbonate is lightweight, highly flexible, and impact-resistant, making it the most durable (and usually most expensive) option. It flexes under pressure rather than cracking, ideal for frequent travelers.

  • Polypropylene is slightly lighter and more rigid than polycarbonate. It's strong and resists deformation but can be harder to mold into intricate designs. It offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is often found in mid- to high-end luggage.

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a more affordable material. It’s less durable and more prone to scratches or cracking under heavy pressure, but easier and cheaper to manufacture and mold into custom shapes.

  • Polycarbonate + ABS Blend:
    Combines the flexibility and strength of polycarbonate with the affordability and moldability of ABS. A popular choice in mid-range luggage, offering a good balance of durability, weight, and cost.

• Softshell Luggage:

  Made from durable woven fabrics like ballistic nylon, Cordura, or polyester, softshell suitcases offer greater flexibility and external storage than hardshell options.

  • Their expandability makes them ideal for overpackers or travelers who like to bring back more than they left with.

  • Exterior pockets allow easy access to travel documents, electronics, or a jacket, something hardshells usually lack.

  • While not fully waterproof, many softshell bags are treated with water-resistant coatings and can withstand light rain or spills.

  • They’re generally more forgiving in tight storage spaces like overhead bins or trunks, as the fabric can flex and compress.

  However, softshells offer less impact protection than hardshells and may not be the best choice for fragile items or rough baggage handling.

   

For maximum durability and protection, we generally recommend a high-quality, flexible hardshell material.

3. The Handle: Stability is Key

A wobbly, flimsy handle is a classic sign of a poorly made suitcase. When you test a handle in-store or watch a review video, look for one that telescopes smoothly with minimal side-to-side movement. A high-quality aluminum handle will be both lightweight and strong enough to withstand the rigors of travel.

4. The Zipper & Expandability

Zippers are a common failure point. Look for bags with robust, self-repairing zippers.

A crucial feature for avid shoppers or long trips is an expandable zipper. This allows you to increase the bag's volume by 15-20%. On our bags, we use a different style of zipper pull for the expansion feature, so you can easily identify it without having to guess.

5. The Unseen Protectors: Corner Guards & Interior Organization

• Reinforced Corner Guards: The corners of a suitcase take the most abuse. Reinforced guards are a small detail that dramatically extends the life of a bag, protecting it from cracks and dents during rough handling.
• A Smart Interior: A great interior makes packing seamless. Look for features like multiple zippered compartments, mesh pockets for visibility, and compression straps that help you pack more while keeping your clothes secure.

Choosing the right luggage is about investing in a stress-free travel experience. By focusing on these five points, you can ensure your bag is a reliable partner for all your adventures.

➡️ Ready to upgrade? Check out our best-selling luggage sets.