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These softside suitcases feature innovative designs and durable shells.
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Its on the larger size for a carry-on and may not fit in all overhead bins.
The handle has four different heights, and the wheels glided smoothly at all times.
If you still prefer a checked bag,there is a larger versionthat we also loved during testing.
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This bag is a little heavy considering its compact size, and it’s not expandable.
There is also a second large pocket on the front of the bag.
It’s pretty heavy and large for a carry-on and may not fit in all overhead bins when expanded.
The compression pad has mesh pockets for smaller items.
There is also a small front pocket that could fit a passport, wallet, or phone.
The impact-resistant exterior also held up to multiple baseball bat hits and shoves off a table.
This is one of the more pricey options on the list, but its more of a luxury piece.
The hefty size and handle can make it hard to lift and maneuver.
We especially loved the waterproof pocket for toiletries and the expandable laundry bag.
Even when packed full, this suitcase zipped closed without too much elbow grease and wasn’t overly cumbersome.
All in all, this is a high-quality suitcase made from durable materials, especially the thick exterior fabric.
We think the price is more than reasonable for the size.
It’s quite small, and the handle is somewhat flimsy.
It rolls back and forth just fine but does not roll side to side like suitcases with 360-degree wheels.
The carry-on may be too large for some overhead bins, especially when expanded.
This comes in handy to keep the weights low when filling these spacious bags.
Just keep in mind that this means the carry-on may be a little too big for some overhead bins.
When the front pocket is packed full, it eats into the main compartment.
If you like the finer things in life,Tumi luggage delivers luxurious detailswith a price tag to match.
The shoe pocket digs into the main compartment.
We appreciated the extra packing space and ability to organize all our belongings.
Although this suitcase doesn’t have an expander, the zipper was easy to close once packed full.
This suitcase has a rugged polyester exterior and a semirigid frame that stands out among other softside luggage.
While it rolled nicely on hard flooring and concrete, it wasn’t quite as smooth on carpet.
Still, we were all-around impressed with the design and think the price is on point.
This personal item is the smallest bag on this list.
We also tested a more compact version of theCalpak Luka Soft-sided Carry-onabove, and it’sour favorite softside underseater.
Besides making sure everything fit, we wanted to see how well the luggage safeguarded the cargo.
When purchasing a softside suitcase, look for sturdy materials like ballistic nylon or polyester.
I also prioritize outer pockets for organization, which are much more common in softside suitcases.
Some suitcases also have removable, machine-washable linings.
I always wipe down my entire suitcase with a disinfectant wipe as well.
All luggage brands offer different warrantiesand some don’t offer any at all.
I recommend purchasing travel insurance to get the most protection.
Always secure your proof of purchase in case you gotta return anything or make a claim.
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