If you’re looking to buy new luggage, then you’re probably getting ready to travel somewhere and that’s super exciting! But finding the best hardside luggage sets is always a challenge. With so many different sizes, styles, and brands on the marketplace, it’s difficult to choose which luggage sets are best. But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place as we have already done the research and homework for you! With our years of travel experience, we will help you choose the best hardside luggage set that suits you and your budget.
Our Top Hardside Luggage Sets
What is Hardside Luggage?
Before we get started, we wanted to let you know that hardside luggage goes by many different names. Whether someone refers to it as hard shell luggage, hard case luggage, or a hardside suitcase, they’re all alluding to the same thing.
Hard sided luggage is typically made of PVC, aluminum, lightweight ABS or durable polycarbonate material. These bags are typically designed to open like a clamshell with a zipper running down the middle giving you 2 equal but shallower main compartments.
Why Choose Hardside Luggage over Soft-Sided Luggage
Hardside luggage has several advantages to it, and so if you’re looking specifically for hardside luggage, then you’re probably looking for luggage that is both rigid and durable. Something that’s going to protect your items from being damaged or broken throughout your travels.
Durable and Protective
No matter where you’re travelling to, you’ll more often than not have something that is either breakable and/or expensive packed. What’s great about hardside luggage is that it’s designed with a rigid frame. This means, that it’s a lot harder to compress and therefore protects its inner contents from breaking. Having a durable exterior is especially nice when your bag is being handled by the airport staff being sent up and down the conveyor belt.
Security
Hardside luggage provides that extra security when it comes to theft. It’s a lot less likely for someone to cut through your hard shell than it is to cut through a nylon or polyester bag.
Weather Resistant
Unlike softside luggage, hardshell luggage provides the added bonus of being weather resistance. Of course, we can’t promise it’ll be 100% protected, but barring a tsunami or tropical storm, you can trust that your inner contents will be safe from any potential rain or snow.
Easy to Clean
Going hand in hand with weather resistance, hardside luggage is also much easier to clean. We can assure you, wiping off a hard shell is much easier than attempting to wipe down a piece of soft luggage made of fabric or canvass.
3 Reasons to Buy a Luggage Set Over an Individual Piece?
You might be wondering, why should I purchase an entire luggage set opposed to just 1 individual case? To explain this, here are our top 4 reasons why:
#1 You Save Money
Choosing to buy a luggage set is a lot smarter financially. Of course, the initial cost may seem high, but purchasing an entire set will turn out to be a lot cheaper than if you were to purchase each piece individually. Ultimately, you get more for your money when opting for an entire set. We would recommend finding a great deal during a big sales event such as Prime Day. Find amazing deals on luggage sets on Amazon.
#2. Versatility
Purchasing an entire luggage set offers amazing versatility. Each set includes a variety of different size options. From smaller carryon’s, to medium sized, to even larger cases made for those longer trips. Whether you’re planning a short overnight business trip where you only require a carry-on bag, or even a long vacation where you need several pieces of baggage for that extra space, having the ability to choose between different size options is always a bonus. You may even require the entire luggage set depending on your needs.
#3. Compatibility
What’s nice about purchasing an entire luggage set is every piece is designed to work together. If you’ve ever tried to carry around mismatched luggage, you’ll know that trying to move them all together can be very frustrating. But with a matching set, each bag is compatible with the other as they are made with the same features and quality making it a lot easier to travel with. Not to mention that an entire matching set looks great too!
The Best Hardside Luggage Sets to Buy in 2024
We’ve saved you from doing the homework! Based on our research as well as public reviews, here are the 5 best hardside luggage sets available today.
Best Overall
For a long time now, Samsonite has been a well-known brand having the reputation of making some of the best suitcases available. With its high quality and durable luggage, Samsonite has created the Omni 2 luggage set. Let’s just say, there isn’t a better option out there which is why we rated it as our top pick for Best Overall Luggage Set. This set includes a 20-inch carry-on that not only meets the airline carry-on size requirements but is perfect for those shorter trips.
Why We Love It:
Made with scratch resistant polycarbonate material. This brushed textured shell reflects light and protects your bag from scratches so it looks just as good as the first time you used it. An all-around solid set of luggage.
Features:
- Four 360-degree dual spinner wheels
- Adjustable telescopic handle
- Side mounted TSA approved combination lock
- Full zipped interior mesh divider
- Fully lined robust interior with separate compartments
- 10-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 3
- 20 inch = 9.5″ x 14.75″ x 19.6″ @ 7.5 lbs.
- 24 inch = 11″ x 16.5″ x 24″ @ 9 lbs.
- 28 inch = 12.4″ x 19.6″ x 27.8″ @ 10.8 lbs.
Expandable: Yes
Material: 100% Polycarbonate (scratch resistant)
Best Budget
The Rockland Melbourne’s three-piece set is our choice for the most budget friendly hardside luggage you can buy.
Why We Love It:
Meeting the basic needs of most travellers and available for a great price, this luggage set is both lightweight and durable. Coming in a variety of different colors, you’ll never have to worry about “losing” your baggage on the conveyor belt again.
Features:
- Four 360-degree double spinner wheels
- Telescopic 2 stage push button aluminum handle
- Fully lined interior with separate compartment
- Full zipper divider
- 5-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 3
- 20 inch = 9″ x 13″ x 20″ @ 6 lbs.
- 24 inch = 10″ x 15″ x 24″ @ 8 lbs.
- 28 inch = 12″ x 17″ x 28″ @ 10 lbs.
Expandable: Yes (expands by an additional 2 inches in depth)
Material: ABS (scratch resistant finish)
Best luxury
As mentioned earlier, Samsonite continues to be one of the leaders in the industry, and for good reason, as they consistently make great suitcases. It was for that reason we felt the need to include what we believe is one of Samsonite’s best suitcase sets.
Why We Love It:
The Windfield 2 Hardside Spinner is perfect for all of your national and international travel. Designed as a quality suitcase with great value, this suitcase is made to flex and absorb impact keeping to its original shape. Made for the intention of being extremely lightweight and durable, you won’t go wrong choosing these suitcases as your next go to luggage set.
Features:
- 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels
- Side mounted TSA compatible combination lock
- Retractable push button telescopic handle
- Fully lined interior compartments made with cross straps
- Full zip interior divider
- 10-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 3
- 20 inch = 9″ x 13.5″ x 20″ @ 6.7 lbs.
- 24 inch = 11″ x 16.5″ x 24″ @ 9.3 lbs.
- 28 inch = 12″ x 19″ x 28″ @ 11.5 lbs.
Expandable: Yes (large suitcases expand for added packing space)
Material: 100% Polycarbonate
smart luggage
The 3-piece El Dorado luggage set comes fitted with a cup holder, USB charger, phone stand and is available in 4 colours. A perfect luggage set for the tech needs of the modern traveller.
Why We Love It:
The Wrangler El Dorado is stylish with functional touches that make travelling stress-free. No more panicking that your phone is about to die, or running out of hands to hold your coffee at the boarding gate. It does it all!
Features:
- 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels
- Fully lined interior with accessory pockets
- Retractable push button telescopic handle
- Compression straps
- Patented 3-in-1 cup holder, phone holder and USB charging port
- 5-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 3
- 20 inch = 11″ x 14.5″ x 20″ @ 6.9 lbs.
- 24 inch = 12″ x 17.5″ x 24″ @ 8.9 lbs.
- 28 inch = 13″ x 19.5″ x 28″ @ 9.9 lbs.
Expandable: Yes
Material: 100% ABS
Best storage
Although it isn’t a well-known brand, Coolife seems to be a popular online option that is made with a combination of durable ABS material and PC.
Why We Love It:
If you’re looking for a luggage set that’s both budget friendly and has more pockets and compartments, the Coolife set is it.
Features:
- Silent 360-degree double spinner wheels
- Large easy access front compartment including:
- Laptop sleeve
-
- Several multi-sized pockets
- Telescopic handle
- Built-in TSA lock
- Fully lined and zippered interior with cross straps
- 2-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 2
- 20 inch = 9.5″ x 14″ x 21″ @ 6.7 lbs.
- 28 inch = 11.9″ x 20.2″ x 28.6″ @ 10.5 lbs.
Expandable: No
Material: ABS & Polycarbonate
Amazon BestSeller
Why We Love It:
Rated as the #1 Best Selling suitcases on Amazon is the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner set. With an extra thick ABS hard shell and a scratch resistant finish, this 4 wheel spinner obviously pleases most of its users.
Features:
- Four 360-degree double spinner wheels
- Telescopic handle
- Secure side handles for easy lifting
- Fully lined polyester interior
- 3 interior zippered pockets
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 3
- 21 inch = 10″ x 14.9″ x 22″ @ 7.3 lbs
- 26 inch = 11.4″ x 18.3″ x 26.7″ @ 9.6 lbs
- 30 inch = 12.7″ x 21″ x 30.7″ @ 12.2 lbs.
Expandable: Yes (with 15% more packing space)
Material: ABS hard shell and scratch resistant
laptop friendly
As part of Delsey’s best selling collection, the Helium Aero luggage set is the perfect for those looking for some extra features.
Why We Love It:
The carry-on size spinner features a zippered exterior front pocket compartment. This compartment is designed to fit up to a 15.6″ laptop and is equipped with 2 mesh pockets to be used to pack any quick access travel necessities such as computer accessories, travel documents or personal items.
Features:
- Eight double 360-degree wheels
- 2 stage locking telescopic handle
- Large easy access front compartment for easy storage including:
- Integrated laptop sleeve
-
- 2 mesh interior pockets for small accessories
- Fits the overhead compartment
- Separated fully lined main compartment with cross straps for clothes and shoes
- Built in 3 dial TSA-approved lock
- 10-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 3
- 19 inch = 9.5″ x 13″ x 19″ @ 8.2 lbs.
- 25 inch = 11.5″ x 17.5″ x 25″ @ 8.4 lbs.
- 29 inch = 12.5″ x 19.5″ x 29″ @ 12.5 lbs.
Expandable: Yes (expands up to 2 inches)
Material: 100% Polycarbonate with metallic glossy finish
Best Hardside Carry-on
Samsonite luggage is always a great option, they provide peace of mind, easy maneuverability, and is a luggage brand that you can count on.
Why We Love It:
The ideal choice for frequent travelers, the Samsonite Freeform carryon will meet all of your domestic travel needs. For travelers looking to stay light, maximize their packing space, and meet the carry-on size restrictions, this is the right bag for you!
Features:
- Four double 360-degree spinner wheels
- Built-in TSA locks
- Retractable push button aluminum handle
- Multiple fully lined interior pockets made with cross straps
- Built-in ID tag
- 10-year warranty
Pieces Included (Dimensions and Weight): 1
- 21 inch = 10″ x 14.5″ x 19.5″ @ 6.5 lbs.
Expandable: Yes
Material: Polypropylene (an impact resistant plastic that is strong, lightweight, flexible and moisture resistant)
Best Features to Look for When Buying Hardside Luggage
Lightweight
Look for hardside luggage that is lightweight and is easy to transport. The last thing you want is your luggage being too heave taking away from the option of adding additional contents.
Durable
Make sure you choose luggage that is made of durable material. You want your luggage to be able to withstand the wear and tear of airport handling and last you a long time.
Waterproof
Having waterproof luggage is always a bonus especially if you’re planning on being near water or traveling to a wet climate. You want your belongings to stay safe and dry.
Lockable
Look for hardside luggage that comes with a built-in lock in order to keep your items secure. A combination lock is easiest as you don’t have to worry about losing they key. As an added bit of advice, look to ensure the lock is TSA approved so that you don’t have any issues while it goes through security.
Spacious
You want your luggage to be spacious enough to fit your belongings but at the same time, not overly huge where it’s a pain to have to lug around. Look for hardside luggage that is expandable to provide that extra packing space.
Wheels
Gone are the days where travelers are carrying their luggage, so please, always ensure your luggage has wheels. Most luggage nowadays is manufactured with a set of four 360-degree spinner wheels, but you should always make sure before you make any purchases.
Warranty
It’s always nice to have a manufacturers warranty in case your luggage gets damaged while traveling. There may be times where your luggage needs to be replaced or repaired and having that warranty can be a blessing. Just be sure to double check the exact warranty your luggage manufacturer offers.
Conclusion: Our Choice for Best Hardside Luggage Set
When it comes to our top pick, our choice for Best Overall Hardside Luggage is the Samsonite Omni 2 luggage set. With its durable polycarbonate shell, amazing features and Samsonite’s 10-year warranty, there isn’t a better option available.
We hope this list of hardside luggage sets helps you choose the best option that suits your and your needs for your next trip. Happy shopping and enjoy your trip!
