The Best Softside Luggage, Tested For Compression, Durability And More

Our score: 10 | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Material: Polyester

Best for:

• A lightweight yet durable exterior
• Expandability
• Classic design

Skip if:

• You want a lot of interior pockets and zippers for organization 

Expanding up to two inches in capacity, Travelpro’s ultra light Maxlite 5 was specifically designed to maximize every (literal) inch of extra room you get. I tested this bag on multiple solo trips where no one was around to help with my bags. This suitcase was not only incredibly lightweight, but felt durable enough to withstand my travel throughout different cities and climates. Its exterior is coated with the brand’s signature water and stain-resistant technology, so even though you’re not really breaking the bank for this option, you can count on it being your handy go-to that looks the way it did when you bought it for a long time.

Expert tip: Even though it’s just a carry-on, this is a pretty spacious suitcase for medium-length or even some longer trips if you’re a minimalist packer. If you’re looking for exceptional value and space, and don’t like to check bags, you’ll like the spinner-tote set that the brand offers.

Our score: 8 | Dimensions: 27.5 × 17.5 × 12.4 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Material: Nylon

Best for:

• A reliable suitcase at a reasonable price point
• A classic aesthetic 
• Weight-distributing wheels

Skip if:

• You want compression

American Tourister’s popular 4 Kix Expandable suitcase packs a serious punch for its value at just $121. It offers a whopping 1.5-inch expansion, weighs just under 8 pounds and has dual spinner wheels to ensure you can roll it around with comfort and ease. Its wheels are designed with 360-degree upright rolling to ensure that there’s no excess weight on your arm or shoulder as you use it. Available in three bold and bright colors in addition to black, don’t let the small size fool you: this carry-on is tricked out with organized pockets and zippers galore.

Aashumi Sharma, a bridalwear designer who travels multiple times a month to meet with clients, has used this bag on several of her most recent trips. “This bag is so spacious for a smaller-than-average checked bag,” she says. “I have to pack a lot of different outfits for short trips because I’m usually going to Indian weddings that have lots of different events. This safely carries everything and fits into my small business owner budget, too.”

Expert tip: If you like this but want it in a smaller style, go for the underseater which can easily fit under an airplane seat for easy access to your belongings.

Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 14 × 21.5 × 8 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Material: PVC

Best for:

• A lightweight suitcase
• Chic look with genuine leather details
• Weekend trips

Skip if:

• You want expandability and compression
• You want several color options since this bag is only available in black

Bric’s X-Bag Carry-On suitcase is one of the best-looking pieces of luggage out there. In case you happen to find yourself dragging it as you wind through city streets, you’ll be happy to know it’s equipped with an ergonomic push-pull handle and 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels.  While softside luggage can admittedly look a little less sleek than some hardside options, Bric’s has equipped their X-bag with genuine leather details and a PVC-coated waterproof treatment for a finish that’s just as chic as it is durable. Even then, it’s just over 6 pounds, making it a no-brainer investment piece at $235.

Surbhee Khanna, a consultant who travels three to four times a month, counts this suitcase among her favorites. “I need something that looks good for when I get off a flight and go straight to client meetings,” she says. “This is a good price for how luxurious it looks and it’s lasted me many years. I keep it pre-packed with all my nicest business wear and it’s gone everywhere with me, from Los Angeles to Arizona and India.” 

Expert tip: While this is just available in black, you can check out similar softside luggage on the Bric’s site in different colors, sizes and patterns here.    

Our score: 10 | Dimensions: 29.8 × 20 × 11.5 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Patented recycled fiber blend

If you’re the type of traveler who likes souvenirs or frequently brings lots of gifts home after family vacations, the Samsonite Elevation Plus is a great option. Designed to expand up to two inches, it holds enough for medium-length or even longer trips. It also has its own holder to permanently attach your AirTag device to the interior, so you can easily track your belongings from your phone. Chances are that you already have your own packing cubes, but you’ll appreciate that this suitcase contains a designated laundry bag with a gusseted design that actually expands as you fill it, so you won’t have to worry about it taking up space when it’s not being used. Made with 100% recycled fibers, this one is also a win for the planet as you trot across it.

“Not only is this bag incredibly durable and well-made, but it’s extremely light,” says travel photographer Sean Dalton, who has used this bag on multiple international trips. “Samsonite uses state of the art materials that thoroughly protect my gear without being difficult to lug around. This is one of the key features for me as I travel quite a bit, and a heavy suitcase is not fun to drag around.”

Expert tip: Opt for the grey color if you’re wanting to avoid scuffs, as it’s less prone to showing marks on it than the green color is.

Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Material: Post-consumer recycled plastic interior and high-density nylon exterior

Best for:

• A classic design with a variety of color options
• A USB charging port
• Short to medium-length trips

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget

On a recent two week-long hiking trip with my parents to Banff, I was tasked with stuffing a pair of heavy boots alongside a thick coat in a carry-on bag. This suitcase managed to hold my extremely large puffer, my hiking boots and several thick sweaters with no problem. It even had enough storage for my souvenirs on the trip back. The suitcase features its own integrated USB port to charge devices on-the-go (lest you find yourself stuck in an airport abroad—but these things do happen), while a dedicated power bank pocket provides designated FAA-approved space for your back-up battery. Made to expand up to two inches, it offers large capacity even though it’s designed to fit in the overhead bin on most airplanes. The built-in organization system includes a tie-down system, accessory pockets, and  a removable quart-size wet pocket that’s TSA-compliant for toiletries. 

Expert tip: At $430, this is one of the pricier carry-ons I tested, but it comes with an excellent lifetime warranty. Be sure to track the 100-day trial period that is offered.

Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 31 × 20 × 12.5 inches | Weight: 13.4 pounds | Material: Polyester interior, nylon and leather exterior

Best for:

• A long-term investment 
• A designated garment folder complete with a hanger
• A splurge gift

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget
• A lightweight suitcase is your priority

Tumi’s ultra-luxe suitcase not only provides a sophisticated look that comes in two neutral colors, but it also come with countless features. Designed for short trips, the top and side handles make it easy to pick up anywhere from a carousel to a car trunk. Plus, the exterior alone has two zip-front pockets with protective bumpers and a skid bar at the back so you’ll be able to keep belongings organized safely and easily. Made with a built-in combination lock and four dual spinner wheels, it also offers an interior hanger bracket and tie-down straps that keep special garments secure.

“My wife got this for me as a gift when I celebrated my 20-year anniversar