Travel
We tested out 5 pieces of luggage so you don't have to
We tested 5 pieces of luggage Image by: instagram.com/away
Travel
We tested out 5 pieces of luggage so you don't have to
On our hunt for new luggage, we decided to check out 5 brands and 5 different styles to find something that worked for each of our team's needs. Here's what we found.
Luggage is a big investment. It's not out of line to spend at least a few hundred dollars on a single piece and that number can climb closer to $1,000 if you're interested in certain brands. So when our editor decided she needed to pick some up, she enlisted her coworkers to help her test out some of the hottest picks on the market. We didn't discriminate—some of these picks are carry-on while others are checked luggage. The goal was finding out what was worth the money—and to be honest, our findings were pretty favourable. Here's what we liked, what we didn't like and what are our must-haves when it comes to luggage.
1. Samsonite
I’m typically a carry-on traveller, but a weeklong trip to British Columbia posed a variety of packing needs. These travels would take me from winter activities up in the mountains, then later to the springtime climates on Vancouver’s city streets. I knew I needed luggage that was big enough to hold snowboarding equipment (minus the board), as well as a multitude of clothing options. But above all, I wanted something that would be easy to manoeuvre through the different terrains.
Samsonite Stryde Long Journey Glider, $320, amazon.ca.
Also, as an avid traveller, I’ve invested in handy packing cubes and weatherproof cases for organization and to avoid potential liquids from leaking all over my clothes. However, I found the interior compartments to be large enough to not need my own. Of the three roomy interior pouches, one is a clear plastic zippered pouch that will maintain any potential spills—very handy.
The Samsonite Stryde luggage is designed with StrideAlignTM technology and made of 100% textured polycarbonate—a “highly impact-resistant plastic that is strong and lightweight” according to the website. This new engineering also comes with a wider, contoured handle and new wheel design with hardened steel cartridge bearings. The Long Journey Glider’s overall dimensions measure in at 24.41” x 25” x 13.58”.
Since I’m more of a carry-on traveller, I’d be more inclined to use one of the smaller sizes, but I can’t deny the benefits of Samsonite’s new engineering. With the new handle and wheel designs, the suitcase definitely delivers a sense of ease when travelling from point A to B, and at a more affordable price than some other brands.
Written by Elaine Song, digital content director
2. AWAY
I recently travelled to Arizona with an Away medium bag in tow. For me, luggage needs to be functional. It doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles, but I need it to work reliably and if it looks sleek that certainly helps.
Away The Medium Luggage, $375, awaytravel.com.
WHAT I LIKED
Away definitely checked off those boxes for me. I opted for The Medium, which was perfect for a week-long work trip to Arizona. This was my first experience with 4 wheels (instead of 2) and I have to say, I loved it. It was super easy to manoeuvre through a busy airport, especially with my awkward and overpacked carry-on bag that kept slipping off my shoulder. I liked that the interior was simple—two sections, straps to hold things down, a pouch or laundry bag for anything you want to keep separate, and that’s it. I was also a fan of the lock system, which makes sure that your zippers stay closed and your stuff stays secure.
WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE
Honestly, I wouldn’t change much. I know sizes are pretty standard, but if I could make this just a smidge bigger, that would be perfect.
STATS
According to the brand, this luggage has an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved combination lock, 360-degree wheels and an interior compression system. The exterior measurements are 26” x 18.5” x 11” (including wheels) and it weighs 8.5 pounds. At $375, for most people this is an investment, but it’s a worthwhile one if you travel often and need something reliable. It’s not cheap, but I’m banking on that unbreakable polycarbonate shell lasting me long enough for several vacations over the years.
BOTTOM LINE
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a simple and reliable piece of luggage.
Written by Alexandra Donaldson, fashion & beauty editor
3. RIMOWA
I travel a fair bit for work but usually these trips are quickies, spanning just one or two nights away. So I was on a quest to find a really awesome carry on and I was willing to drop some cash but didn’t want it to bankrupt me. I should mention I’m pretty style-minded so it needed to be aesthetically pleasing but more importantly, it needed to be functional. I was also looking for something that could fit a lot in a small space (chronic over-packer here) with some hot wheels. Enter, Rimowa.
Rimowa Salsa Deluxe 22-inch Cabin Multi-Wheel Carry On, $725, saksfifthavenue.com.
WHAT I LIKED
I’ve tried a lot of luggage brands over the years (Away, Raden, Heys, Victorinox and Samsonite) but I can honestly say Rimowa is the Rolls-Royce of luggage. The German brand is known for their Aluminium cases (they were the first to market with the material in 1937) but it was a little too pricey for me so I opted for a polycarbonate case, the exact one is the Salsa Deluxe 22 inch Cabin Multi Wheel Carry-On. My favourite part is its wheels, they are like nothing else. All you need to do is lightly push the telescopic handle and the case effortlessly starts following, it almost feels like there’s a motor in the case and you can go hands-free… Almost. It’s also extremely lightweight (3.4 kg) and fits a ton thanks to the interior compression straps. The thing I like best—it's durable. I’ve had this pieces of luggage for 5 years and it's showing no signs of distress or wear and tear.
WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE
It has two drawbacks. The first is the price point. I would love to own more Rimowa luggage (truthfully I do have own a larger version) but it’s just so damn pricey. The second—it would be nice to have a portable battery like the Away (carry-on only) or Raden suitcases. One that you could easily remove on the outside (as of 2018 you can’t check luggage with lithium batteries) of your case in the event you need to check your carry-on. Business travellers know those commuter flight overhead bins get filled up real quick, especially now that airlines are charging for checked bags.
STATS
According to the Rimowa website, the Salsa Deluxe is made from the robust material, polycarbonate, and it’s one of the most popular luggage ranges not only from the brand, but in the world. It also has innovative TSA lock that’s recognized around the world and can be opened without damage during security checks. It also has the brand's trademark multi-wheel system, which ensures a smooth-ride with wheels that have optimum manoeuvrability, giving you a smooth ride no matter how heavy your case is.
BOTTOM LINE
If you have money to invest in luggage and only want to buy/own one pieces of luggage that will last you forever I would say Rimowa—any size.
Written by Julia McEwen, fashion & beauty director
4. Victorinox
I don’t travel very often and, when I do, I’m stuck using my ten-year-old piece of luggage (a wedding gift from my parents). In my most recent adventure to Arizona, I was fortunate enough to test out the Victorinox Etherius Illusion suitcase—medium sized—and I realized just how much has improved when it comes to luggage in the 11 years since I got married.
Victorinox Etherius Illusion Medium Luggage, $270, victorinox.com.
WHAT I LIKED
I loved all the amazing features, from the one-touch dual trolley handle system to the four premium hinomoto wheels (which make maneuvering through a busy airport really easy). It also has a zipper expansion system that offers ample space and will keep you well organized with two separate compartments for your clothes. The case is durable and has a combination lock system to ensure your belongings are safe. The pattern is elegant and easily identifiable on any conveyor belt.
WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE
Honestly, it has been so long since I've had new, functional luggage that it was hard to complain about anything when it came to this option. I wouldn't change a thing!
STATS
According to the website, this piece has a comfort grip, one-touch aluminum handle and zippered expansion for more space. The wheels are premium Himomoto (and there are 4 of them) and the size is 30 x 45 x 67 cm. The shell is polycarbonate, so it's made to last.
BOTTOM LINE
Overall, travelling with this gem was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Written by Karen Paddon, creative director
5. AMAZON BASICS
Whether I’m taking off for two weeks or enjoying a quick long weekend away, I always prefer to carry-on rather than check bags. I’m an extremely efficient traveller so my luggage has to be able to keep up with me. Nothing like a flimsy handle or wobbly wheels to throw off my globetrotting groove! With my next adventure booked, I put the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner carry-on to the test as I hopped over the pond to the U.K. for a week and a half.
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage, $62, amazon.ca.
WHAT I LIKED
Right off the bat, when I looked at the suitcase, it seemed smaller than my usual carry-on luggage. In fact, I was a little worried I wouldn’t be able to fit everything in—and I can always make it fit. Well, don’t let this little case fool you, it can certainly handle a packing challenge! I didn’t even need to use the expansion zipper. I packed everything in pretty tight, so I did notice the sides had some flexibility, but that didn’t seem to hinder closing it at all—the zipper was strong and had no problems.
Maneuvring around was nice and easy thanks to the sturdy, extendable handle and spinner wheels. Even on the cobblestone streets, the wheels never seemed to jam or lock up. One important consideration I have with any piece of luggage is also balance. Sometimes I find suitcases can tip or don’t glide as smoothly if not evenly packed. I tested packing more heavily on one side and then the other, but it didn’t seem to affect how it moved as I walked with it.
WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE
The interior elastic straps that contain your items has great stretch to it, but could benefit from being adjustable so you can ensure nothing will shift around as you’re on the move.
STATS
The AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage carry-on size measures in at 20.5” tall, including the wheel height, and the expansion zipper allows for 15% more packing room. Weighing 7.3lbs, the hard shell case is made of an extra-thick ABS with a durable scratch-resistant finish that’s meant to keep it looking new. Its most compelling feature, however, may just be the cost. Competitively priced, the carry-on size goes for $62 on amazon.ca and comes with a three-year limited warranty.
BOTTOM LINE
AmazonBasics proves you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a solid suitcase. While it would be interesting to see how it holds up through long-term wear-and-tear, it handled nearly two weeks travelling through airports, on trains, up and down hills, and across many, many cobblestone streets – and all without a hitch.
Written by Elaine Song, digital content director
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