Beginner or expert traveller alike, choosing the right luggage is key to any journey. From toughness to versatility, the reviews below scrutinise the best-selling brands like Samsonite, Away, Monos, July and more, as well as other alternatives to navigate the world.
1. Samsonite Luggage Reviews
Samsonite is a popular luggage brand that specialises in making travel good for customers' journeys. The brand is mostly known for its high-quality suitcases and innovative designs. Samsonite started with Samuel M Bronfman, who immigrated to America after fleeing World War II. Bronfman settled with his family in Toronto, Canada where his father opened a drugstore. At the age of 23, he joined his father's business. In 1943, Bronfman founded Samsonite Enterprises, a luggage company. This brand was born in 1910 and pioneered a strong yet lightweight Plasti-Cru arrived in 1941. Bronfman took over the company and succeed in expanding the brand across the world. He was also a successful businessman and held various roles in the Jewish community and Toronto's corporate world. When he died of leukaemia in 2005, his company was recognised globally and widely used.- Ratings: Overall quite high quality, with many users commenting on the superior durability that the brand offers.
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Top Models:
- Samsonite Carry-On: Praised for its lightweight construction and ample storage space. 1. Samsonite Freeform – Widely popular with frequent flyers. Its lightweight frame yet fashionable exterior makes it a favourite for many globe trotters.
2. Away Suitcase Review
Away has gained popularity for its sleek, modern designs and smart features.
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Key Features:
- Built-in USB charger: Convenient for charging devices on the go.
- Durable hard shell: Made to withstand the rigors of travel.
‘User Feedback: Mostly positive, commented on the space inside and how easy the car was to drive.
3. Monos Carry-On Review
Monos is known for its high-quality materials and thoughtful design.
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Pros:
- Eco-friendly materials: Made from recycled polycarbonate.
- Stylish aesthetics: Available in various colors, appealing to a broad audience.
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Model Spotlight:
- Monos Carry-On Pro with wheels and built-in laundry bag. Photo courtesy of MonosThe Monos Carry-On Pro has a stowable laundry bag, two sides that expand and compress, and a 360-degree spinner wheel that glides on a long, textile base. To me, this idea of pack-ability had not only to withstand loading and opening, but also to move around comfortably and protect one’s back. As the Travelpro Maxlite bag demonstrated, there are approaches to solving these issues.
4. July Luggage Review
July focuses on minimalistic design and functional features.
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User Experience:
- July Carry-On: ‘The inside is customisable so you can pack hangers in and fit things down low’. Durability: some users have complained about its lack of durability while others praise its sturdiness.
5. Calpak Suitcase Reviews
Calpak offers stylish and functional luggage options aimed at fashion-conscious travelers.
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Design Elements:
- Known for trendy colors and patterns, appealing to younger travelers.
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Popular Models:
- Calpak Carry-On: Good-looking organiser model with positive reviews, but some negative feedback on durability vs fare-competitors.
6. Delsey Paris Helium Aero
Delsey is recognized for its lightweight luggage and innovative designs.
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Highlights:
- (from left to right) Helium Aero: Great in terms of interior space and zippers – but some users report that wheels might be a problem High Sierra Freedom: Very popular for its outside enclosure, although some find that pocket organisation isn’t the most intuitive Simpleley: Often praised for good value, with many people also noting its durability Venture 1000: High marks for comfortable design, and with quality wheels to boot Setout X 100: Good inside structure, as well as spacious and organized
7. Nomatic Luggage Review
Nomatic focuses on multifunctional designs that cater to tech-savvy travelers.
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Key Features:
- Organizational pockets: Ideal for tech gear and everyday essentials.
- Water-resistant materials: Ensures your belongings stay dry.
User Feedback: Very good, mainly from people who prefer organising to storage.
8. Wirecutter Carry-On Picks
Wirecutter often features detailed reviews and comparisons of various luggage options.
- Recommended: They tend to call out brands such as Samsonite and Away. - not bad (based on performance and reliability)
- Themes: Understanding the physicality of the item – their reviews are mostly about durability, storage space and whether the user felt comfortable with the luggage item.
9. Carry-On Luggage Reviews Overview
- Best practices: When choosing carry-on baggage, think about those items’ size, weight and the features you need (eg are organisational pockets or charging cable essential?).
- Top Rated: The brands Samsonite and Away often place in the top spots for quality and overall customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Choosing the right luggage can make your travels a lot easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we will walk you through some great worldwide brands and help you find the right fit for your particular travel style. When I was a younger traveller, my goal was to travel light and to visit as many places as possible. I therefore used to carry around a lightweight Samsonite Spectra suitcase in purple that I bought in the late 1990s. Little did I know that I was replacing a solid case that could take travel moves with ease.
At the time, I thought I was being smart by choosing a relatively affordable suitcase that was lightweight for foot travel, easily visible in airplane cabin bins, and spacious. However, as the years went on and I upgraded my suitcase three more times, I wished that I could take my old bag for one final spin because there are probably a couple of its metal parts still floating in space. If there’s one thing you should treat yourself to, it’s a high-quality suitcase. You’ll probably end up using it more than you expect and, once damaged with scratches and air flight marks, that luggage might as well have gone through years of intense grading in the back math lab of a QA-inept engineer.
Brands like Samsonite (aka ‘Hey ma! Yoo-hoo! Look, it’s … Samsonite,’ but did you really need to include the brand logo in your suitcase so everyone in your flights knows what you’re using?), Away, Monos, July and many others offer quality – and very pretty – luggage for every style and need. Whether you’re looking for larger carry-ons, carry-ons, cabin-sized luggage, backpacks, business, or rolling suitcases, get informed by reading user reviews, consulting expert selection articles, and considering your specific needs to make the right decision.