How We Test and Recommend Luggage

Travel + Leisure Editors

Updated 10 April 2023 at 6:42 pm·4-min read

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We've tested hundreds of suitcases and bags — learn more about how we evaluate these products.

<p>Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph</p> — Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

To date, our travel experts and editors have tested more than 500 luggage pieces — both in our New York City lab and traveling out in the world — and we've sifted through insights and reviews of each product to find you the very best gear for your trips. Below are three main types of luggage we have tested and will continue to test regularly. Click on a category below to learn more about how we evaluate items from each category and learn more about our progress.

Be sure to check back, as we'll update this page as we test more.

Carry-on Luggage

Checked Luggage

Duffels and Weekender Bags

How We Test Luggage

All our recommendations are based on rigorous, hands-on evaluation conducted both in our product testing lab in New York and by editors when they travel. We also interview experts in the luggage space — manufacturers, products designers, brand reps, and even pilots and flight attendants — to get their insider advice on what to look for in a piece of luggage. Based on our initial research, we scour the internet for the most popular and top-rated luggage items on the market to purchase those for our testing lab.

During testing, we follow a rigorous and consistent methodology to make sure that all products, regardless of brand, price point, or style, are evaluated fairly. We start by inspecting the bag for surface-level observations, such as any useful features that stand out, the style and aesthetic, and more. Then, we weigh and measure each bag so you know every inch and ounce to account for when preparing for a trip. Next, we pack each bag with all the essentials you may need on a trip. We'll take the packed bags and maneuver or carry them around various surfaces. (Is it easy to roll over cobblestone? Can you easily carry it up the stairs?) Lastly, we test the durability of each by throwing them off of high surfaces and pushing them off tables.

Finally, we analyze all insights and data from each test to recommend the best products for your trip. Only when we decide we really love a product (and that it offers value for your money) do we recommend it to you.

Below, read more about how we test and evaluate each category, and find links to our full reviews.

Carry-on Luggage

What We Test For: Capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, value

Products Tested to Date: 59

Brands Tested: Amazon, Arlo Skye, Away, Beis, Bric, Briggs & Riley, Calpak, Coolife, Delsey Paris, Eagle Creek, Hartmann, High Sierra, July, Kenneth Cole, Kipling, Level8, Lipault, Lucas, Monos, Nicole Miller, Nomad Lane, Paravel, Rimowa, Roam, Rockland, Samsonite, Steve Madden, SwissGear, TPRC, TravelPro, Tumi, Verage

Price Ranges of Suitcases: $59 to $975

Featured On:The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Checked Luggage

What We Test For: Capacity, design, maneuverability, durability, value

Products Tested to Date: 27

Brands Tested: Amazon Basics, Arlo, Away, Beis, Briggs & Riley, Calpak, Delsey Paris, Eagle Creek, July, Kenneth Cole, Monos, Nomatic, Paravel, Patagonia, Rimowa, Roam, Samsonite, SwissTech, Travelpro, Tumi

Price Range: $112 to $1,195

Featured On:The 11 Best Checked Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

<p>Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik</p> — Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Duffels and Weekender Bags

What We Test For: Capacity, design, portability, durability, value

Products Tested to Date: 85

Brands Tested: Away, Baboon to the Moon, Beis, Bellroy, Briggs & Riley, Calpak, Canway, Caraa, Carhartt, Cuyana, Dagne Dover, Dakine, Dare to Roam, Delsey Paris, Eagle Creek, eBags, Eddie Bauer, Gonex, Herschel, High Sierra, HYC00, J.Crew, Kipling, L.L.Bean, Land's End, Leatherology, Lipault, Lo & Sons, Made by Design, Madewell, Mark & Graham, Modoker, Monos, MZ Wallace, Narwey, OGIO, Oiwas, Olympia, Osprey, Paravel, Patagonia, Peak Design, Rains, REI, Rockland, S-Zone, Samsonite, Ted Baker, The North Face, Thule, Travelers Club, TravelPro, Tumi, Vera Bradley, Wrangler, Yeti

Price Range: $12 to $1,050

Featured On:The 7 Best Duffel Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Featured On:The 12 Best Rolling Duffel Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Featured On:The 10 Best Weekender Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

<p>Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao</p> — Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

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How We Test Luggage

Carry-on Luggage

Checked Luggage

Duffels and Weekender Bags

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