We are big fans of Carry on only travel. It is simpler for security and often saves you some big bucks with not checking any Luggage. Whether we like it or not, charging for checked baggage is here to stay. So if you’re going to go with one “bag to rule them all” then you should be looking for the best, most durable, and most flexible piece of carry on luggage. Right now there is a big movement towards hardside luggage. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it has become extremely light due to improved modern materials.
We have scoured the internet for the absolute best quality hardside carry on luggage. Our major categorization is simply, is this piece of luggage durable? But we also look for more advanced features for business travelers and those that just need a bit extra for the money. Check out our top picks for the following categories: Best four wheel Spinner, Best two-wheel roll-aboard, Best value, Best business carry-on and more! So here it is: our ultimate buyer’s guide for best hardside carry on luggage.
If you’re looking for our overall best picks for best carry on luggage (including soft side models) check out our overall carry luggage buyer’s guide.
Tumi Tegra-Lite Max
Tumi Tegra-Lite Max International Expandable Carry-On, T-Graphite, One Size
- Patterned carry-on suitcase with front U-zip pocket with zip-around opening that expands two inches
- Multi-height telescoping handle
- Four double-spinner wheels
- Two packing compartments, suiter section, hanger bracket, and mesh tie-down straps
- Patterned carry-on suitcase with front U-zip pocket with zip-around opening that expands two inches
- Multi-height telescoping handle
- Four double-spinner wheels
- Two packing compartments, suiter section, hanger bracket, and mesh tie-down straps
- TSA integrated lock
We love Tumi luggage for their insane attention to detail and stylish finishings. The Tumi Tegra-Lite Max is Tumi’s best selling hardside carry on luggage. It features a pull handle made from aircraft grade aluminum, an ultra durable outer shell made from Tegris material, and four of the smoothest spinner wheels we have ever used on a bag. This bag also expands a full 2 inches if you find yourself in need of a bit of extra space while traveling. Overall this is one of our absolute favorite hard-side pieces of luggage on this list. Sure, there are cheaper alternatives out there, but they just don’t have the slickness of a Tumi.
Travelpro Crew 11 hardside spinner
Travelpro Crew 11 21" Hardside Spinner, Navy
- 100% polycarbonate shell with textured surface designed to reduce the visibility of scratching
- Patented magnatrac system has self-aligning magnetic dual wheel spinners that ensure luggage rolls in a straight line
- 100% polycarbonate shell with textured surface designed to reduce the visibility of scratching
- Patented magnatrac system has self-aligning magnetic dual wheel spinners that ensure luggage rolls in a straight line
- External usb port on select models provides access to power on the go
- 9x14x21.5
TravelPro has become a major player in the luggage game in just the past decade or so. But they have really hit the sweet spot in terms of cost as well as quality. Honest to god, we have no idea how they are able to create such high quality luggage for the price they are charging. But we’re not complaining. The TravelPro Crew 11 is an amazing bag. It features a super durable polycarbonate shell that is also very light. An integrated USB charging port and spot for stowing a USB battery allow you to charge your phone or tablet on the go. The wheels on this bag are awesome since they magnetically align to go straight in any direction, allowing you to move the bag through airports with ease. There’s a reason why many airline staff recommend TravelPro bags: they are practical and last a long time under abuse.
Travelpro Maxlite 4 hardside spinner
Travelpro Maxlite 4 21" Hardside Spinner, Dark Purple
- Super lightweight, chromashift hard shell provides durability and visual appeal with color changing aesthetic.
- Telescoping airline-grade aluminum handle system with stops at 38" and extra-tall 42.5" ensure a comfortable roll for users of different heights.
- Super lightweight, chromashift hard shell provides durability and visual appeal with color changing aesthetic.
- Telescoping airline-grade aluminum handle system with stops at 38" and extra-tall 42.5" ensure a comfortable roll for users of different heights.
- 360-degree 8-wheel spinners roll effortlessly in any direction. Roomy main compartment expands 2" to maximize packing flexibility.
- Limited lifetime warranty. Dimensions- 21" x 14" x 9" weight- 6.7 lbs
- 9x14x21
Another entry from TravelPro! Seriously, we really like their bags. The TravelPro Maxlite 4 carry on is their most affordable carry on hardside bag. Extremely light, made of ABS material, this bag is one of the best combos of light weight and durability we’ve seen. This bag even has a few tricks up its sleeve, with an integrated TSA combo lock and multiple hidden accessory pockets in the inside. It’s not an incredibly flashy bag, but it is one of our favorites on this list, especially for the price.
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner Trolley, Titanium, One Size
- Lightweight and Durable: Made of 100% Polycarbonate, which is a material that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking, with a deep metallic finish
- Superior Maneuverability: The double spinner wheels assure exceptional maneuverability and keep ZERO weight on your arm.
- Lightweight and Durable: Made of 100% Polycarbonate, which is a material that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking, with a deep metallic finish
- Superior Maneuverability: The double spinner wheels assure exceptional maneuverability and keep ZERO weight on your arm.
- Largest Capacity: This suitcase expands up to 2 inches for additional packing space. This feature is great for packing sovenirs on return journeys.
- Maximum Comfort: This carry on bag has a comfortable handle system that locks into two positions for ease of use.
- Convenient and Secure Packing: Two large fully-lined compartments with multiple pockets allow easy access and organization for all of your items. Web straps and a zippered divider secure clothing and help minimize wrinkles.
- 100% polycarbonate with glossy finish which makes the case extremely lightweight
- Four twin spinner wheels assuring multi-directional rolling and optional stability with zero weight on your hand
- Recessed "one-button" locking handle system with industrial grade aluminum tubes and molded ergonomic comfort grip handle
- Fully lined interior with two compartments for packing and organizing clothes and travel accessories
- Integrated 3-dial tsa-accepted combination lock
Delsey’s Helium Aero carry on is one of the best deals in the bag industry right now. Its priced like a generic Amazon special, but is so much more. The Aero matches the TravelPro Maxlite 4 in terms of features with a great polycarbonate shell as well as TSA lock on the side. Add in a 10 year warranty and you have a lot of value in this attractive but simple durable carry on bag. Check out our comprehensive review on the Aero here.
Zero Halliburton Air Ii
Zero Halliburton Air Ii 22 Inch Carry-On 4 Wheel Spinner Travel Case,...
- Lightweight shells constructed of impact resistant polycarbonate
- Smooth and silent maneuverability
- Secure and integrated tsar lock system
- Adjustable handle height
- Organized storage
- Lightweight shells constructed of impact resistant polycarbonate
- Smooth and silent maneuverability
- Secure and integrated tsar lock system
- Adjustable handle height
- Organized storage
The next addition on our list is from one of the most respected luggage makers in the world: Zero Halliburton. The Zero Halliburton Air Li is one of the lightest and most durable bags on this list (next to the ridiculous Pelican Elite below). ZH is known for over-engineering their bags so they withstand an amazing amount of punishment. This is no different with the Air Li. A highly durable polycarbonate shell keeps all of your stuff safe while a very well put together inside lining secures your clothes on the inside. Overall, a great pick among the absolute best hardside carry on luggage out there.
Samsonite Black Label Firelite Spinner
Samsonite Black Label Firelite Spinner 55/20, Off White, One Size
- Curv technology is a new concept in thermoplastics and it creates extremely lightweight products that offer exceptional resistance to impact
