Hard Shell Luggage – The Safe Choice for Your Gear

Hard Shell Luggage – The Safe Choice for Your Gear

I absolutely love hard shell luggage, from carry-ons to checked bags. No matter where I’m headed or what I’m doing, I always opt for hard shell luggage because of its durability and protective qualities. When selecting a suitcase, my fellow editors and I have discovered that it’s the little details that make all the difference—things like sturdy locks, lightweight materials, interior compartment sizes, and maneuverability truly set exceptional bags apart.

If you’re on the lookout for a checked bag for an extended trip in Asia or a spacious carry-on for a weekend getaway, there’s a good reason why so many people, including myself, choose hard shell luggage to keep our belongings secure. Materials like ultra-durable polycarbonate or aluminum, combined with a robust design and safe transport from point A to point B, are why I keep reaching for my trusty suitcase.

Real Reviews from Our Editors

Our team of editors has traveled all over the globe and gathered some of the best hard shell luggage to make our journeys more comfortable. From lightweight carry-ons to spacious checked bags ready to be filled with souvenirs, these durable suitcases have accompanied us on car trips, train rides, cruises, and flights around the world.

To identify the top models, over a dozen of our editors and contributors spent months (some even a year) testing the most talked-about suitcases on the market. These bags have traveled with us on planes, trains, buses, and cruise ships, from cozy vacations to far-flung destinations. We packed them to the brim, lifted them into overhead compartments, rolled them over bumpy streets, and navigated through bustling cities.

Criteria for Evaluating Luggage

When traveling with luggage, we assessed each suitcase based on weight, capacity, features, price, and long-term durability. We also identified smart design elements that make one suitcase stand out from the rest, such as weight indicators, separate shoe compartments, or laptop protection pockets.

After careful consideration and thorough testing, we’ve pinpointed the suitcases, weekend bags, and backpacks that deserve a spot in our Luggage Collection. The result is a mix of innovative new products and reliable, long-standing luggage brands from around the world.

Favorite Hard Shell Luggage Models

1. Carry-On: Away The Bigger Carry-On – Price: $295

2. Checked Bag: Monos Expandable Check-In Medium – Price: $395

3. Laptop Bag: Roam Expandable Carry-On – Price: $595

4. Trunk Suitcase: Casetify Bounce Suitcase – Price: $899

5. Multi-Feature Carry-On: Nobl All-in-One Carry-On – Price: $536 ($279 after 48% discount)

Calpak Hard Shell – The Ideal Choice

Hannah Chubb, our senior commerce editor, has been a fan of Calpak for years and owns various products from this brand, from tote bags to makeup organizers. “I had high hopes for the Ambeur Medium suitcase when I first used this silver beauty,” she shares. “It’s much lighter than most metal suitcases out there, and so far, it hasn’t scratched or dented despite all the trips.”

This suitcase has accompanied her on many trips to New Jersey. She particularly praises its perfect size for those who tend to pack a lot, along with a design that offers superior appeal for the price. Regarding design details, she says, “I cannot say enough good things about it. The expandable zipper increases capacity, the 360-degree spinning wheels glide effortlessly, and the X-shaped compression system keeps belongings secure.”

Weight: 9.7 lb.
Dimensions: 26.25" x 16.25" x 10.75"
Capacity: 67.2L
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty