We tested 20 pieces of Samsonite luggage, and these are our favorites.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Power Wheelchair
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Samsonite has been manufacturing quality suitcases since 1910 as one of the most trusted luggage brands in the travel industry, and it’s one of the oldest luggage brands, too. From carry-ons to backpacks, Samsonite makes a variety of luggage for any type of traveler.
Over the course of several months, our Travel + Leisure testing team tried over 170 pieces of luggage in our New York City lab including 20 Samsonite bags. We evaluated carry-ons, checked bags, backpacks, duffels, and weekender bags based on attributes like capacity, design, maneuverability, and durability to find the best luggage on the market. Ten bags made it on our list of top Samsonite luggage pieces, including carry-on and checked bags, and backpacks, too.
The wheels roll smoothly and the exterior is lightweight, yet durable.
We wish there were a few more interior pockets.
The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on is the best carry-on we’ve ever tried, sweeping the highest scores in every testing category. During our durability tests, the impact-resistant plastic exterior proved to be exceptionally durable after we hit it with a bat several times. We love the simple design of the exterior and there is a TSA-approved lock on the side that’s easy to use. The interior has several pockets and compression straps, but we would have liked to see one or two more pockets for additional organization. We were able to fit enough clothes for a four-day trip without having to use the helpful expandable zippers and, even when it was packed full, the wheels rolled easily and the sturdy handle was comfortable to grip.
The Details: 6.5 pounds | 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | Expandable | Smart
The polycarbonate exterior is lightweight but very durable.
Hardsided suitcases might get scratched easier over time.
Our reigning champion for the best checked bag we tried, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage wowed us during testing in every category. The exterior is made with a lightweight polycarbonate material but, even after hitting the bag with a baseball bat several times, the outside wasn’t scratched or damaged, which leads us to believe it will hold up even if handled roughly in transit. We were able to fit outfits and shoes for nearly a week of traveling and we love the compression straps and dividers on the inside compartments that secure the clothing once it’s packed. Even when stuffed at capacity, the bag maintains its shape and size. We think this is the perfect checked bag for maneuvering busy airports or streets because the wheels work so well you can push the suitcase in an upright position or pull it behind you.
The Details: 11.5 pounds | 28 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | Expandable | Smart
Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik
It can be carried as a backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase.
There are a lot of straps that are a little confusing to use.
The Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack offers travelers a traditional clamshell opening like a suitcase while still having the portability of a backpack. We love that this bag opens like a suitcase, making it easy to access everything inside. We had no issues fitting three days’ worth of clothes in the main compartment and the several pockets on the inside of the opening flap.
Another feature we immediately noticed was the ability to carry the bag as a backpack, duffel bag, or briefcase for versatility. However, there were several straps and pockets that were a bit excessive, but the various pockets did help with organization while packing. Plus, the backpack is comfortable to carry for long periods of time so we think it’s ideal for running through a busy airport without having to lug around a separate suitcase.
The Details: 3.31 pounds | 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches
It can fit enough clothes for a two-day trip and it’s easy to maneuver around obstacles.
The bag fits under an airplane seat but it’s a tight squeeze.
If you’re flying an airline with strict luggage restrictions or traveling for a quick business trip, a piece of underseat luggage like this one from Samsonite is convenient and functional. We were able to fit enough clothes for a two-day trip between the main compartment, the front zippered pocket, and the two side pockets. Plus, there is a USB charging port on the side of the bag so you can easily charge your device in an airport.
During our tests for maneuverability, we wheeled the bag around cones set up as an obstacle course and we were impressed with how smoothly the wheels rolled and turned around tight corners. The extendable handles are incredibly sturdy, so you would be able to transition to different flooring, elevator, escalators, or stairs seamlessly. While it took an extra push to get the suitcase under the seat, it was able to fit without too much effort. Of all the smart luggage we tested, this was our favorite underseater.
The Details: 5.6 pounds | 16.5 x 13.75 x 9 inches
The carry-on weighs just over 6 pounds.
The small wheels made it difficult to spin and turn the suitcase.
Carry-ons can be difficult to hoist into an overhead bin so consider using a lightweight suitcase like Samsonite’s Omni PC Expandable Carry-on. Weighing a little over 6 pounds, this 20-inch suitcase is made out of a micro-diamond polycarbonate material that proved to be very durable during testing despite the lightweight feel of the carry-on. After hitting the exterior with a baseball bat several times, there weren’t any scratches or scuffs. The simple clamshell design of the inside of the suitcase made packing intuitive and easy with just the right amount of pockets and space for storing several outfits and shoes. Similarly to other Samsonite suitcases we’ve tried, it’s easier to wheel this one on two wheels rather than on four due to the smaller wheels but we still think it can get around an airport without any major issues.
The Details: 6.1 pounds | 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Expandable | Smart
The capacity was generous even without the expanding zippers.
The suitcase was slightly difficult to maneuver around obstacles.
If you’re trying to avoid checking in your suitcase, the Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-on Spinner has handy expandable zippers that will give that extra space to fit everything you need. In testing, we were able to fit four outfits, several pairs of shoes, and a toiletry bag without using the expandable zippers so we were thoroughly impressed with the capacity of the suitcase. Packing all of the items into the suitcase with the two main compartments, various interior pockets, and compression straps was a breeze and we appreciated the organization features, especially for overpackers.
The only downside is that the suitcase was slightly difficult to turn around tight corners, but we noticed that it was easier to get around the obstacles on two wheels rather than all four. However, we think the large capacity and organizational features make this suitcase the best one for travelers looking for helpful expandable zippers on a bag.
The Details: 6.39 pounds | 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Expandable | Smart
The backpack has a variety of pockets for organizing your belongings and the exterior is sleek and professional.
We wish the capacity was a little bigger.
Whether you’re commuting to the office or flying on an airplane, the Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack is a versatile laptop backpack that impressed us during testing. The design of the bag is sleek and professional with soft leather accents and sturdy silver zippers. We discovered that the backpack has a variety of pockets for organizing everything from a laptop to a phone charger with easy access to the main compartment and zippered laptop sleeve in the back. The laptop pocket has enough padding to not only protect a computer or tablet when we dropped the backpack from a tabletop, but it also provided comfort and cushioning while wearing the pack for extended periods of time. We think this bag has superior craftsmanship with durable materials and stitchwork that will hold up well for traveling often or daily commuting.
The Details: 2.43 pounds | 16.5 x 12.25 x 5.5 inches | Expandable | Smart
It's spacious yet folds down into a compact pouch for easy storage.
The shoulder strap lacks padding and the handles don't clasp together.
This lightweight duffel is perfect for weekend getaways, overnight trips, or storing in larger checked bags to use to carry souvenirs on the route home. During tests, we were able to fit everything inside the main compartment with plenty of room to spare. The foldaway design features an external zipper pocket that is the perfect size for a wallet or passport and two additional open pockets that are great for snacks and other loose items. Packed completely full, this duffel may be less comfortable to carry as there isn't a lot of padding on the shoulder strap or handles, but the strap is adjustable and sits well against the body. Despite the light materials, this unisex duffel held up well against all of our durability tests. We also love how easy it is to store the Foldaway when you get home — perfect for apartment life or smaller homes.
The Details: 0.55 pounds | 8.26 x 11.81 x 21.65 inches
Travel & Leisure / Conor Ralph
Travel & Leisure / Conor Ralph
Travel & Leisure / Conor Ralph
The velour-lined zip pockets are perfect for storing jewelry, ties, or other small accessories.
When the bag is packed to capacity, it can be difficult to zip.
This garment bag is everything you need and more. Not only can it store more than three hangers of clothing, it also includes three large zipper pockets that can be used for shoes and even your toiletry bag. In addition, there are two smaller, velour-lined pockets at the top of the garment bag, which is perfect for storing delicate accessories that need a bit more protection. The bag itself is very comfortable to carry thanks to the short handles and crossbody strap, both made of padded leather, so it's soft to the touch. When fully packed, it can get a bit heavy, but the handy luggage strap helps you out if you're pairing this bag with rolling luggage. We love the thick outer fabric of the garment bag that feels high-quality and sturdy enough to protect all of your items without snagging or ripping.
The Details: 3.37 pounds | 22 x 16 x 2.25 inches
There is enough space to pack everything you need for a weekend trip.
It can't stand up on it's own because it only has two wheels and the weight of the bag makes it fall over.
This compact rolling duffel is the perfect option for overnight and weekend trips. We love the matte black fabric that looks chic and feels thick and long-lasting. It's also very lightweight so you can comfortably utilize the carrying handle or adjustable shoulder strap if you're running through the airport. If you opt to roll the bag, the two-wheeled design is smooth to move and works well over both gravel and carpet without any issues. During our lab tests, we hit the duffel with baseball bats and the material absorbed the blows without showing any marks or damaging packed items. This smart bag is also designed with two USB chargers as well as a padded compartment to store your laptop, so you can bring this bag on a business trip or quick weekend getaway with ease.
The Details: 4.81 pounds | 22 x 12 x 11.75 inches | Smart
These Samsonite bags almost made the cut for our list of top performers, but fell short during testing due to some minor inconveniences.
Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack: The backpack has a spacious interior and it’s made with soft and sleek leather material. However, the leather can scratch or scuff easily if it’s not handled carefully.
Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Rolling Duffel Bag: We love the size of this bag, as well as the durable handle, for week-long trips. However, after our lab tests, the corners of the bag were already showing signs of scuffing from being dragged along the ground.
Over the course of several testing days spent in our New York City lab, we tried a variety of carry-on, checked, and underseat luggage, as well as backpacks, duffel bags, and weekender bags, too. Of the 170 pieces of luggage we tried, there were 15 Samsonite bags that were evaluated based on traits like capacity, durability, design, and maneuverability.
Depending on the size of the piece of luggage, our testers packed each bag with items from a designated packing list to judge capacity and organization solutions like pockets, compartments, or compression straps. Suitcases and bags scoring highly for capacity and design were able to fit the perfect amount of items for the intended use of the luggage and there were the ideal amount of pockets and storage solutions throughout the bag.
Arguably the best part for our testers is the durability test where we pushed the bags off of a ladder or tabletop, and then whacked each suitcase with a baseball bat several times. Top-scoring luggage for durability showed little to no signs of damage after the tests, leading us to believe that the bag would have a long lifespan for travelers. We also set up obstacle courses with cones, carpets, and gravel to simulate different types of obstacles a traveler could encounter with a suitcase or bag. Our favorite pieces of luggage for maneuverability were easy to push, pull, or carry through the course and over a variety of surfaces thanks to a sturdy handle and tough wheels.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the type of material a suitcase is made with and it’s ultimately up to personal preferences. Softsided luggage might hide scuffs or scratches better than hardside luggage, but if you spill something or the fabric gets wet, it could be harder to clean. Whereas, checked luggage can easily repel water or stains but you might encounter more scuff marks from baggage handling.
A luggage set can be the most cost-effective route if you’re looking to upgrade all of your luggage. However, multiple suitcases can be harder to store, especially if you live in a smaller space. If you’re interested in trying multiple different brands of luggage, mixing and matching suitcases could be the better option for variety.
Whether you’re an underpacker or overpacker, be sure to consider the type of trip you’re taking since a carry-on or weekender bag might be better for a short trip versus a checked suitcase or large duffel bag that’s better suited for longer trips. And, if you like to be extra organized while traveling, opt for a suitcase with plenty of storage solutions like pockets and other compartments for separating your items.
Samsonite luggage is sold by a variety of retailers including Kohl’s, Amazon, Macy’s, Walmart, Bloomingdales, JCPenney, and directly from the Samsonite website. However, if you’re looking to scoop a suitcase for a discounted price, Amazon, Macy’s, and JCPenney usually have year-round deals on select Samsonite luggage pieces.
It depends on how often you travel, what kind of transportation you take, and your organizational preferences. If you’re a light packer, opt for a carry-on or underseater, whereas overpackers should consider getting a checked bag with plenty of storage solutions to optimize space. For weekend getaways, stick with a duffel bag or carry-on backpack so you don’t have to lug a suitcase around.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best Samsonite luggage based on a series of tests completed by testers in our New York City lab.
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