best travel luggage south africa

Best safari luggage – Duffel bags & backpacks for African travels

The best African safari luggage is completely different to the necessary luggage for a city trip or backpacking expedition.

There are some very unique conditions that make it important to choose specific safari luggage. This includes the dusty savanna, cramped buses, and a jam-packed Land Cruiser bouncing into the wilderness.

The single most important part of African travel is having a suitable bag . Everything else you can work out after you have arrived.

But what is the best luggage for an African safari? Is it a duffel bag or backpack? And if so, what are the best safari bags for your trip?

In this guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know .

Best Luggage for Travel to Africa: The Basics

An elephant does not care what you look like. Neither does a lion or even a safari guide .

So put the fancy clothes away and get practical . The wilderness simply isn’t a place for frivolities, and that starts with your safari luggage.

First, take a look at our detailed guide on what to pack for an African safari. In short – pack light and keep it simple .

Why? Well, however you plan to travel in Africa, it’s going to be full, and there isn’t enough space for big safari luggage.

• Light aircraft safari flights have strict 15 kg baggage weight limits.
• Safari vehicles are generally designed for off-roading and don’t have much space for luggage.
• Travel on public transport, and you must be comfortable carrying your own luggage, including walking with it for more than a kilometer.

On an African adventure, you will be moving from place to place. On many safaris, you go to a different camp every day.

So there isn’t even time to unpack everything. Just take the basics and stay practical – this isn’t a fashion statement!

It doesn’t help if you are a wizard at folding safari clothing into crease-free, super-flat, super-organized piles. If your safari luggage is a complete dinosaur, it’s going to be disastrous.

And all the skillful arrangement adds up to nothing if your bag weighs more than King Kong with the Empire State Building in his left hand and a distressed blonde in his right!

What is the Best Luggage for Safari?

It is important to choose the right luggage for your African safari. This way, you can ensure the safety of all your belongings , whether on the plane, bus, or the savanna.

As mentioned above, you will need to pack light. And in addition to sticking to the strict weight limits, the bag should be able to hold all your clothing and gear .

Chances are you’ll need to pack several layers for those warm days and cold nights. You may also need space for your camera equipment .

Luckily, there are many lightweight duffel bags and backpacks that fit the bill. Below is a breakdown of the best safari duffel bags, backpacks, and travel bags for your next African adventure.

Best duffel bag for safari

Soft-sided luggage for safari is a must , and there are many duffel bags that offer exactly that. They are also spacious enough to store up to a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries, along with your other safari gear.

Depending on which African safari you’re visiting, it may help to look for a technical duffel bag .

These travel bags have unique features that can help a ton when out in the wilderness. Common features include a water-repellent shell and detachable straps .

But what is the best duffel bag for an African safari? Top brands to look out for include The North Face, Travelpro, and Red Oxx .

Best backpack for safari

While duffel bags are the preferred pick, backpacks are good too – especially if you’re going on a walking safari through Mana Pools National Park or elsewhere in Africa.

Like duffel bags, backpacks for safari need to be light , durable , and compressible . They also need to have enough pockets and compartments to store your belongings securely.

Backpacks also make for a good secondary bag. As such, opt for a roll-top as these can easily fit into your larger duffel bag during your flight and transfer. This way, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

What is the best safari backpack? Recommended picks include the Saddleback Leather backpack and the Targus Drifter.

Other safari travel bags

In addition to your safari duffel bag or backpack, there are a few other luggage items you may want to bring along.

These items are fanny packs , dopp kits , and camera bags . Each of these can easily fit into a larger bag and can come in hand when on a safari.

Remember to only bring these along if necessary as you might need the extra space.

How to Pick the Best Luggage for African Safari

Let’s recap on the conditions, especially if you haven’t been on a safari in Africa.

On an African safari, you will be driving off-road , often on arid landscapes shrouded in dust. If it’s not dusty, it will probably be muddy.

Take a holiday at an all-inclusive beach resort, and you only use your luggage once – to get from your home to the resort.

In Africa, you will be on the move .

Whether public or private transport, flights or local buses, all that moving means things will spill, and your safari luggage is going to get dirty .

There are usually two options when it comes to what to wear on holiday. Change your clothes every day, or change your destination every day instead.

As you regularly move between destinations, you won’t need lots of luggage . And don’t worry if your clothes are a little sweaty or dust-stained. You will look more out of place in incredibly clean clothes.

It’s going to be hot, probably very hot. You will be battling against humidity. If it’s the rainy season, you and your luggage will get drenched.

These can be tough conditions, so the fundamental principle of all safari luggage is to make it easier for yourself .

In addition to knowing what the best bags for exploring in the wild are, here is how to choose safari luggage . These are sure to make your African adventure easier and packing less challenging.

1. You need quality luggage for safari (but not designer or expensive)

The eternal conundrum is whether to head for an exclusive luggage shop or select the cheapest , most rubbish piece of safari baggage available at a local supermarket.

Airline baggage controllers do not distinguish between designer labels and care not for price tags. Your bags get completely stuffed up, whether you paid a small fortune or got them in the bargain bin.

Your bag will be treated like a bag of potatoes by the majority of the people who handle it, from baggage controllers to local bus boys squashing your carefully labeled luggage next to some chickens and maize sacks.

Be warned – fragile stickers don’t work , especially not when you are on safari.

Spending hundreds or thousands on Louis Vuitton’s finest or the very latest Antler miracle is not a wise thing. And the cheapest safari luggage won’t live up to the demands of traveling in Africa.

So go for a good , middle-of-the-road bag – the “iSpot” duffel bag range from Travelite is a recommended choice. They are durable and inexpensive.

iSpots are soft , relatively light, and have a built-in wheely handle so you can pull them along the road and runway when necessary.

iSpots have concealed zips , which all have locking facilities on them (so many lightweight safari bags only have locking docks on their main zips and not on side pockets).

They are hard-wearing , rugged , and spacious enough for two-week trips in Africa. The seams won’t rip and dispose of half your belongings onto a buffalo -covered savanna.

2. Safari travel bags should be soft

In Africa, there is plenty of space for elephants to charge around. But there is not enough space for luggage.

Keeping your weight below 15 kg is important. Your safari luggage needs to mold and squeeze into any available space.

Solid-state suitcases may be good for European city trips, but they are completely impractical for Africa .

These massive, stainless steel megalodons are too bulky, do not stack neatly, and take up too much unnecessary room.

African safaris require soft , squishy bags that can squeeze into small spaces. As previously mentioned, duffel bags are perfect for this.

Backpacks are also a good choice, provided they don’t have a protruding and inflexible frame.

So let’s recap. The perfect safari luggage is light , squishy , hard-wearing , rugged enough for the dusty African savanna , and spacious enough for the safari essentials.

3. Reduce the volume of your safari bag

That aside, you should also take the volume of your bag into account. A 70-liter capacity is around average.

There are some excellent duffels out there , especially those designed for diving or adventure pursuits, which offer more space.

Coming in at $14.95, you get what you pay for with a duffel bag like this. It may last one trip if you are lucky!

But remember that a tightly packed soft bag is better than a loosely packed one because it keeps your belongings from rolling around and getting damaged.

It also prevents your cosmetics bag from getting a bang and leaking its contents all over your clothes.

Some duffel bags have straps that can compress the contents inside. These are ideal, as you can start light and still compress. Then you can expand it if you end up purchasing half a bag of souvenirs.

4. Other key considerations for the best luggage for safari travel

A wet bag is a great idea for cosmetics. Don’t buy an expensive one. You can use a run-of-the-mill high-street supermarket bag and tie the handles up tight to prevent unwanted spillages.

Consider decanting things like shampoo and moisturizer into small containers, or buy them in small bottles, to begin with.

The Body Shop , for example, has some great small bottles of products that are ideal for traveling. This reduces volume.

Your choice of safari luggage is peculiar to you and your needs , what you want to put in it and where you are going.

Whether you spend a lot of money on it or not, just make sure that it is secure with decent locks or, failing that, cable ties.

When flying, never put anything of value in it (jewelry, cameras, computers, cell phones, etc.).

And if it gets damaged by an airline’s baggage handler, make sure you stand up for your rights and get it either repaired or replaced.

Where to Take Your Safari Luggage

Having the right safari luggage can make or break your trip. But with this guide, you now know what to take and how to take it. So all that’s left is to go out and explore !

There are endless opportunities for a wild adventure in different locations – South Africa , Botswana , Namibia , Zambia , Zimbabwe , Tanzania , Kenya , Uganda , and gorilla trekking in Rwanda .

Hopefully, your safari luggage will keep you returning to Africa and experience as many incredible safaris as possible.

About The Author

Editorial Team

Related posts.

African safari packing list – What to bring on a trip to Africa

Best safari clothing: brands, clothes & tips for African safaris

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Biggest sale this year

Polo Autumn Sale

Up to 30% off Polo Handbags & Suitcases

Polo Limited Sale

Once-off limited Sale

Polo Summer 24'

Endless Summer Soirées

Polo Travel Sets

Travel in Style, Save in Sophistication

Discover our essence

Luxury Travel Collections

Wayfare was born out of a shared love and desire to travel in style, embodying a vision where every trip is an opportunity to express one's personal elegance and adventurous spirit.

Travel sophistication

Polo Suitcases

Polo's luxury suitcases: a fusion of elegance and functionality, perfect for the discerning traveler seeking style in every journey.

for a new generation of traveller

FOR THE LIFE-LONG TRAVELLER

Bric's Milano

Discover the epitome of luxury and durability in travel, where timeless Italian craftsmanship meets modern wanderlust. Perfect for those who seek to explore the world with class.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

FREE SHIPPING

Free 3-5 day shipping on all orders over R1000

FREE RETURNS

14 Day Exchanges & Returns on orders over R1000

HERE TO HELP

Tel: (011) 787 0672 - Weekdays 9am to 4pm

5 STAR SERVICE

Over 400 Five Star Reviews and counting

Save Big on sets

Your Signature Travel Look

Embark on your journey with Wayfare's Travel Sets. Our travel outfits are designed for the modern globetrotter, ensure your journeys resonate with your unique sense of adventure and style.

The World of Wayfare Awaits You

New Arrivals

Discover the Newest in Travel Chic

Polo Summer 23'

Designer Handbags

Unveil Your Style Statement

Timeless Leathers

Your Companion for Every Journey

Travel Backpacks

Five-Star Experiences

Voices of Our Travel Community

EXPLORING THE WORLD

The Wayfarer Travel Blog

Where every destination becomes a story of beauty and discovery. Join us on a journey through the eyes of seasoned travelers, offering unique perspectives, sophisticated travel tips, and captivating narratives

Navigating the Clouds: South Africa’s Domestic Airlines Ranked for Your Next Trip

Why Two-Wheel Luggage is Dominating European Travel Fashion in 2024

5 Ways to Dress & Pack for Effortless Travel Style

We use cookies and similar technologies to provide the best experience on our website. Privacy Policy

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

Choose the ID of the Quiz you want to render (chat button):

• Suitcases Cleared with ID: ZAHgzG
• tester with ID: DmHAPE
• Tutorial Quiz (copy) (copy) with ID: PMHg4j
• Tutorial Quiz (copy) with ID: 5XH4Vo
• General Quiz with ID: MnHDXy
• Suitcase Quiz with ID: 98Hxrj

Choose the ID of the Quiz you want to render (link popup, external link popup, email link popup):

• Suitcases Cleared #quiz-ZAHgzG (internal) or https://wayfareculture.co.za/#quiz-ZAHgzG (external, email)
• tester #quiz-DmHAPE (internal) or https://wayfareculture.co.za/#quiz-DmHAPE (external, email)
• Tutorial Quiz (copy) (copy) #quiz-PMHg4j (internal) or https://wayfareculture.co.za/#quiz-PMHg4j (external, email)
• Tutorial Quiz (copy) #quiz-5XH4Vo (internal) or https://wayfareculture.co.za/#quiz-5XH4Vo (external, email)
• General Quiz #quiz-MnHDXy (internal) or https://wayfareculture.co.za/#quiz-MnHDXy (external, email)
• Suitcase Quiz #quiz-98Hxrj (internal) or https://wayfareculture.co.za/#quiz-98Hxrj (external, email)

Choose the ID of the Quiz you want to render (automatic popup):

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

•   +27 11 247 8765
•   [email protected]

• Compare Products
• My Wish List
• Create an Account

New arrivals

Click here to view our latest products

Cellini 10 year guarantee

Register your 10 year guarantee

Locate your nearest store

Locate our products at the store nearest to you

Frequently Asked Questions

Lock, guarantee, order and delivery questions

Top ice cream spots in Cape Town

Reasons to visit Vilakazi Street

The quiz that all adventurers need when planning their next holiday

International theatres worth visiting

Things to do in and around Sasolburg

Top adrenaline junkie activities around the world

Best vegan eateries in Johannesburg

Things to do on Freedom Day in Cape Town, Gauteng, and KwaZulu Natal

Case closed: this is the best luggage for air travel.

For a long overseas trip, hard-shell luggage is the way to go. It’s naturally water- and dust-resistant, most have a simple clamshell design (great for separating dirty clothes) and should withstand abuse. It’s also super secure, but often such a case will cost and arm and a leg. Luckily, we did some digging: and we figure we’ve found the best suitcase for air travel. Here’s why.

We think we’ve found the case that holds up

The American Tourister Lock ‘n Roll suitcase  is the best luggage for air travel. It’s made from the same stuff as the iconic Pelican Case  – shock-resistant polypropylene – and has a TSA-approved three-digit lock. The most important feature – instead of a zip it has clips which seal and lock on each of the three opening edges. This means it won’t burst when over-packed and is less likely to be tampered with. ( watch the video mentioned below if you don’t believe us)

Four wheels make the bag easier on the arms and shoulders than a two-wheel case. It’s scratch resistant and the recessed carry handles create a clean square design, reducing the chance of broken bits. Last but not least, it’s eye catching and easy to spot on the carousel. And hey, if bright yellow isn’t your cup of tea, six other colours are available, including black. The price is great for quality and it comes with a five-year warranty.

From R3499, ibags.co.za

Did you know?

The teeth on a zippered bag can be broken with a ballpoint pen. That’s why we chose this bag.  Watch how a ballpoint pen makes luggage locks useless here.

Protect your bag

From R495,  luggagewarehouse.co.za

Airport handling leaves much to be desired – even scratch-resistant cases get scuffed. The protected Luggage Glove goes over a trolley suitcase and can also be locked, doubling security. Rip-stop nylon covers edges and corners (where most damage tends to occur) and neoprene ribbing is designed to stretch over different shapes and sizes.

Related Articles

Daddy’s Deals launches product offering with unbeatable discounts

9 April 2024

Nifty gadgets to pack for your Christmas holiday (or to gift!)

8 December 2022

New concept store for you and your furry companions opens in Cape Town

28 November 2022

Local destinations to consider for a Mother’s Day getaway

Privacy overview.

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

BY MATERIAL

ACCESSORIES

Nuon Spinner (4 wheels) 55cm

C-Lite Spinner (4 wheels) 75cm

DISCOVER THE PROXIS UNIVERSE

Workationist Backpack 14.1″

NEW IN: PRO-DLX 6

PERSONALISE YOUR LAPTOP BAG

Respark Duffle Bag 48cm

Ecodiver Duffle Bag S

LATEST STYLES

BY CHARACTER

Disney Ultimate 2.0 Backpack S Frozen

KIDS' BAGS & LUGGAGE

Rightup Slg Card Holder

C-Lite Toilet Kit Toiletry Bag Hanging

Pro-Dlx 6 Slg Credit Card Holder 6Cc H S

PERSONALISE YOUR SUITCASE

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

SERVICE PORTAL

ECO LUGGAGE & BAGS

STORE LOCATOR

KIDS' BAGS & LUGGAGE

STYLE AND PERFORMANCE REACH NEW HEIGHTS THANKS TO LITE-BOX ALU

ECODIVER STONE GREEN

Be-Her Shoulder bag XS

R 2399 incl. VAT

Major-Lite Spinner 69cm

R 11799 incl. VAT

Pro-DLX 6 Backpack 15.6′

R 5799 incl. VAT

Upscape Spinner (4 wheels) 75cm

R 5699 incl. VAT

Ecodiver Backpack L

R 3299 incl. VAT

Essens Spinner 55cm

R 4999 incl. VAT

Lite-Box Alu Spinner (4 wheels) 55cm

R 16999 incl. VAT

Proxis Spinner (4 wheels) 69cm

R 9499 incl. VAT

More Sustainable Luggage & Bags

OUR ULTIMATE BUSINESS LINE

OUR BEST INNOVATION

BACKPACKS FOR HER

DUFFLE BAGS

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Terms and conditions, introduction.

SAMSONITE SOUTHERN AFRICA (PTY) LTD, 68 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is organising the Samsonite Dream Rider Giveaway, hereafter “the Giveaway”, as described in these terms and conditions.

ELIGIBILITY

No purchase is necessary. The Giveaway is open to all residents of South Africa, that have obtained the legal age, hereafter “The Participant(s)”. Directors, officers, management, employees, other staff, agents, distributors and wholesale customers of SAMSONITE and family members thereof or any of its affiliated companies or any other persons involved in the making of this Giveaway are not eligible to enter this Giveaway. Any participation not complying with these terms and conditions is invalid. SAMSONITE explicitly reserves the right to refuse or remove a Participant, at its sole discretion, in the event SAMSONITE determines a Participant does not comply with all rules and regulations as contained herein. It is not the responsibility of SAMSONITE to ensure that the Giveaway participation requirements and use of personal information do not contravene the laws and regulations of any country of residency of participation, where it is being received or viewed. For the mentioned reason, all responsibilities relating to the participations to the Giveaway will be borne by the Participants who, it is understood, participate under their own responsibility and risk. In the event that any misfortune or damage should be experienced on the side of the Participant(s), SAMSONITE will not be responsible.

ENTRY WINDOW

The Giveaway is open from 25th August 2023 until 7th September 2023 midnight (CET) (hereafter “the Giveaway Period”). Participation is only valid during the Giveaway Period.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The Participants can enter the Giveaway by completing the following steps:

• Follow us, like our post
• Comment and tag a friend
• Share post to your stories
• Follow @therealtekomodise and @samsonitesa
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Follow @samsonitesa and @therealtekomodise on Instagram

WINNER NOTIFICATION

SAMSONITE will announce the winners on 7th September 2023. All participants will be entered in a random draw and the first person’s name drawn will be deemed the winner. SAMSONITE reserves the right to announce the winners via e-mail, Facebook, Instagram & website. The winner will be advised by e-mail sent to the e-mail address given by the participate entering the Giveaway. Any change in e-mail/physical address may be sent to [email protected] . If, having determined the winners, doubts appear over the accuracy of contact details provided by the winner, SAMSONITE reserves the right to ask a copy of the passport/identity card in order to validate the allocation of the Giveaway once and for all. The winner should confirm that they accepts the Giveaway and the conditions for allocating the Giveaway, by replying to the confirmation e-mail within 3 days from receiving it. He should supply his full contact details (name, first name, e-mail and postal addresses). Failure to confirm acceptance of the Giveaway and to provide the required information within the stated timescale will result in the winner losing the right to claim the Giveaway and its reallocation to a new winner. Upon the Giveaway forfeiture, no payment or other compensation will be made to the original potential winner. The announcement date may be delayed due to unexpected circumstances. Decisions made by SAMSONITE are final on all matters relating to the Giveaway. SAMSONITE will not discuss the Giveaway results and will not respond to any requests for comments on this subject.

SAMSONITE will announce the winner on 7th of September 2023, the eligible Participant will receive the Giveaway based on the following criteria: Giveaway will be awarded only if the potential winner fully complied with these Official Rules.

The Giveaway cannot be returned and cannot be taken as cash. Each prize is awarded “as is”, without warranty regarding the underlying services of performance. SAMSONITE is not responsible for direct or indirect damages that occur as the result of the use or loss of the Giveaway, regardless of cause. SAMSONITE reserves the right to substitute the Giveaway with a Giveaway of an equivalent value should the Giveaway become unavailable for any reason. Only the owner of the Facebook, Instagram account or e-mail address will receive a Giveaway.

Giveaway: Samsonite Proxis spinner signed by Teko Modise

PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS

Participants accept that:

•  The participation to the Giveaway must be fully complete and in accordance with the Giveaway’s terms and conditions (The Participants have to fill in all the required fields) and received before the end of the Giveaway Period to be eligible for the Giveaway drawings.
• Use of computer programs and/or other automated devices to enter the Giveaway is prohibited.
• SAMSONITE’s decisions as to the administration and operation of the Giveaway and the selection of the potentials winners are final and binding in all matters related to the Giveaway and is not open for discussion with SAMSONITE.
• At the time of participation, Participants are deemed to have read, understood and be in agreement with the Terms and Conditions of the Giveaway. If they do not agree with them, they should not proceed with the Giveaway. By continuing to participate in this Giveaway, they agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
• SAMSONITE retains the right to exclude Participants from participating in the Giveaway and to delete participations from SAMSONITE’s website www.samsonite.co.za , if these are not in line with these terms and conditions.

TERMINATION OF THE GIVEAWAY

Samsonite has the right to vary these Terms, or terminate the Giveaway, at any time at its absolute discretion without liability to any entrant or other person. Samsonite will not award any product if the Giveaway is terminated.

EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY

Except as specifically set out herein and to the maximum extent permitted by law, all conditions, warranties and representations expressed or implied by law are hereby excluded. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Samsonite hereby excludes and shall not have any liability to any entrant or Giveaway winner in connection with or arising out of the Giveaway howsoever caused, including for any costs, expenses, forfeited prizes, damages and other liabilities, provided that nothing herein shall operate so as to limit or exclude Samsonite’s liability for personal injury or death caused by negligence. By entering the Giveaway, the entrant indemnifies Samsonite against any and all actions, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities suffered or incurred directly or indirectly by Samsonite in consequence of any breach or alleged breach, non-performance or non-observation by the entrant of any agreement, conditions, obligation or warranty on the part of the entrant herein. In the event that any provision of these Terms are held to be illegal, invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, it shall be severed from the remaining provisions which shall continue in full force and effect.

DATA PROTECTION/PRIVACY POLICY

By entering the Giveaway entrants warrant and undertake that the information submitted is true, accurate and complete. It is a condition of entry to the Giveaway that we have the right to communicate to the public the name of prize winner. Entrants hereby agree to such communication of their information. We may use information (including personal data) entrants provide by entering the Giveaway for the purposes of running the Giveaway.

JURISDICTION

Legal relationship between SAMSONITE and the Participants is governed by the applicable laws of South Africa. Any and all legal actions or claims arising in connection with this Giveaway must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in South Africa.

SAMSONITE disclaims any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from participating in, or accessing or downloading information in connection with this Giveaway, and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, modify or suspend this Giveaway should a virus, bug, computer problem, unauthorised intervention or other causes beyond the Organiser’s control, corrupt the administration, security or proper play of this Giveaway. By participating in this Giveaway, Participants agree that no claim shall be asserted against SAMSONITE, its affiliates or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or agents in respect of any damages, rights, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever that result from their participation to this Giveaway and/or acceptance and enjoyment of the prizes. The Giveaway is void where prohibited. To the extent permitted by law, the right to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Giveaway are hereby excluded and any Participant expressly waives any and all such rights.

By entering the Giveaway Participants agree to abide by all rules. The Giveaway terms and conditions are supplied to provide clarity. Please do not hesitate to contact us, via [email protected] , if you have any questions or remarks.

Your shopping cart is empty!

Cellini Origin 53cm Carry On Spinner

R2295 R2995

Polo Large Watch Box with Drawer

R1695 R3795

Cellini Safetech 75cm Large Check-In

Cellini Biz Soft Front Trolley Carry-On Business Case

Cellini Qwest Medium 4 Wheel Trolley Case

R2800 R3295

Cellini Qwest Large Volume 4 Wheel Trolley Case

R3200 R3795

Cellini Qwest 4 Wheel Carry On Trolley

R2550 R2995

Cellini Sidekick Multi-Pocket Laptop Backpack

R1620 R1895

Cellini Sidekick Exec Backpack

R1695 R1995

Cellini Sidekick Exec Crossbody

R1095 R1295

Shop at Diplomat Luggage for your favourite luggage brands

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags

The 11 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

No matter what size or style you want, these are the best luggage brands to fit your needs.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Our Decision Process
• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

No matter where you're going or how often you travel, luggage can make or break your trip. It helps with planning, packing, and staying organized while away — and sometimes determines whether you can bring back souvenirs. There's a wide range of checked suitcases, carry-on bags, duffels, weekenders, underseat bags, and backpacks on the market. Beyond that, you've got hardside and softside options with various organizational features. Amid what you might call the Golden Age of luggage, it can be hard to sift through your offerings.

To figure out what brands stand out from the rest, our Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage ranging from carry-ons and checked suitcases to duffels, weekenders, garment bags, and other types of travel bags — assessing capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design through a series of tests and simulations. We've rolled suitcases through obstacle courses, threw them off tables, and hit them with baseball bats to see how well they'd perform in different travel scenarios like rough baggage handlers. We even recreated an airplane set in our New York City lab to lift bags into real overhead bins and underneath seats. We continue testing each bag in our real-life travels for a minimum of six months to make sure it stands up to planes, trains, automobiles, and anything else life may throw at it.

Our team has tested bags from many different brands, and below you'll find our current favorites. We will continue to update this article as we test even more luggage brands and new bags.

Best Overall

Backed by a 10-year warranty, Samsonite luggage is compact yet spacious, easy to maneuver, and exceptionally durable.

Because Samsonite has such a wide variety of designs and price points, some bags perform better than others.

After our most recent set of luggage tests, Samsonite has risen to the top as our favorite overall luggage brand. Samsonite luggage is generally lightweight and compact on the outside, with spacious interiors to maximize packing and a variety of styles to choose from. We especially love the brand for its versatility, with an impressive variety of bags at different price points so you can find whatever suits you whether you're looking for something affordable or luxurious.

The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on holds the spot as the best overall carry-on we've ever tested, while the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside takes the cake as our favorite checked suitcase . The Samsonite Bartlett Carry-on Softside Spinner earned perfect scores during our tests, impressing us as a solid softside suitcase for under $100. We also loved the organizational features — including multiple tech sleeves and included packing cubes — of the Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner .

Almost all of the suitcases sustained hardly any damage after we hit them with a baseball bat and shoved them off a table. Samsonite luggage also maneuvers without a fuss, even on carpeted floors and gravel. Prices are more than reasonable, and while you'll have to make any returns within 30 days, the brand backs its products with a 10-year warranty.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 10-year warranty

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Overall, Runner-up

The suitcases are durable, smooth-rolling, and spacious, and the brand has a generous 100-day return policy.

Some are harder to pull on two wheels, and the checked models are a bit heavy. 

All Travelpro luggage we tested earned high scores for maneuverability, durability, capacity, and overall design. The brand's hardside and softside models were a hit in the T+L lab, and there are both carry-on and checked options with spacious interiors and expandable capacities. We also appreciated the various organizational features, like zipper panels, cross straps, and pockets.

With self-aligning spinner wheels and sturdy telescoping handles, Travelpro luggage is also easy to maneuver on hard floors, carpet, and even gravel (though some suitcases are slightly harder to roll on two wheels than four, especially when packed full). We particularly love the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner with its sleek wheels and a textured handle that helps maintain a comfortable grip, and we think the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk Spinner makes a stylish investment piece if you're looking for something large, durable, and built to last. Even Travelpro's rolling garment bag impressed with its high capacity for the size. And, while the carry-ons are generally lightweight, one thing to note is that the larger checked models weigh almost twice as much when empty.

After shoving the suitcases off a table and whacking them with a baseball bat, we were pleasantly surprised by their durability. We only noticed a couple superficial marks — no scratches or dents, and nothing that wouldn't wipe clean. Travelpro offers a generous 100-day return policy and backs its luggage with warranties ranging from 10 years to a lifetime, though it can be difficult to connect with their customer service department to initiate returns or repair requests at times.

The Details: 100 day return policy | 10-year to lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best for Staying Organized

Away Travel

Beyond aesthetic appeal, Away flaunts plenty of pockets and compartments that keep all of your items in place.

The hardside suitcases might scratch under heavy use.

Away luggage has a minimalist-modern aesthetic and a sophisticated yet practical appeal. We're huge fans of the brand's suitcases and weekenders and particularly love The Everywhere Bag that's perfect for overnight trips, quick weekend adventures, and use as a personal item on longer trips. The checked baggage and hardside carry-on luggage pieces are light yet durable and easy to wipe clean. They didn't sustain any dents from our baseball bat tests, but there were a few scratches after we shoved them off a table. There are so many sizes to choose from, including one of our favorite trunks we've ever tested. We liked the dual main compartments, compression systems, expanders, and dirty laundry satchels of the roller bags.

The suitcases were a breeze to maneuver on their 360-degree spinner wheels, and carrying The Everywhere and The Garment Bag was comfortable with the padded shoulder straps. The Garment Bag also has interior padding that keeps all of your longer clothing items protected and helps to minimize wrinkles. Away is certainly not the cheapest luggage brand out there, but it's also far from the most expensive. Considering the 100-day return window, lifetime warranty, and stylish designs, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to pretty much any traveler.

The Details: 100 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

A perfect choice for organized travelers, Paravel luggage has lots of added features and a sophisticated appeal.

The suitcases don't expand, and the lighter colors are prone to scuffing.

Perfect for organized travelers , Paravel takes the cake for additional features. We loved the dual compartments, many pockets, dividers, and removable laundry bags. While the suitcases don't expand, the compression pads make fitting everything a cinch. The Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus was one of our top carry-on bags thanks to its sleek design, roomy interior that makes packing a breeze, and slick wheels that were great on every surface. We also love the super cute Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack that earned perfect scores in every category, as well as our pick as best overall mini backpack . Not only does the bag fold up small so you can pack it in larger bags, but it also has a high capacity that can even fit a tablet, making it the perfect eye-catching style to wear on any vacation.

Most Paravel luggage pieces held up well during our durability tests, though the lighter-colored hardside models are prone to scuffing. The suitcases are also easy to pull, push, and roll over various flooring materials. What's more, Paravel luggage is undeniably stylish with a sophisticated appeal and a cool mid-century flair. Prices are somewhat steep, but in the end, we think it's worth the investment.

People / Jhett Thompson

Most Spacious

Delsey Paris

The brand's large-capacity suitcases are impressively spacious yet lightweight, with built-in expanders and smooth-rolling wheels.

The hardside models are prone to scuffing.

Delsey is a go-to for large-capacity luggage . This brand carries both hardside and softside suitcases, including surprisingly spacious carry-ons and checked baggage in multiple sizes so you can find the best design for your needs. We were thrilled by how much they fit, noting that they could easily pack all items on our packing list with room to spare, even without expansion functions.

The suitcases maneuver well on their four spinner wheels, even over carpet, cracks, and bumps. Most models are also lightweight, so lifting them into an overhead bin is no problem. We checked the Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-on and matching Chatelet Air 2.0 Medium Checked bag on four different long-haul international flights and each time they made it to the luggage carousel with only minor scuffs that were easily wiped away. We appreciate Delsey's accessible price points, plus the brand backs its luggage with warranties ranging from five to 10 years.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5-to-10-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Colors

They come in both neutrals and so many colorful designs, including limited-edition options.

Some of the carry-ons are on the smaller size.

You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store with all of the colorful suitcase options from July — and if you tend to gravitate toward neutrals, July has those, too. After we tested over a dozen bags in our lab on on our airplane set, some of our favorites included the July Carry On (includes a portable charger), the July Checked Plus (the largest suitcase in July’s range), the July Checked Plus Light (a great lightweight option), and the July Trunk Set (a stylish, zipperless two-piece set). 

We found the bags to be very durable against our baseball bat tests, although we noticed that the bags with aluminum corner bumpers tended to scuff more easily specifically on the corners. One of our favorite features was that some bags, including the Carry On Pro SnapSleeve , feature a multi-stop telescopic handle that you can adjust to 20 different heights, when many suitcase handles only stop at three heights.

Different bag styles are available in different colorways, and you can choose from delightful shades of blues, greens, pinks, reds, shadow lavender, plum, yellow, sand, and more, most of which will easily stand out on any baggage carousel. We did notice that some of the carry-ons tend to be much more spacious than others, so be sure to check the dimensions to find a size that will fit everything you need.

The Details: 100 day return policy | Limited lifetime warranty on luggage; 5-year warranty on soft bags and accessories; 2-year warranty on small leather goods

Best for Smaller Bags

Calpak luggage is compact yet still spacious enough to hold the essentials, and maneuvering it is a piece of cake.

The two-year warranty is substantially shorter than most other brands.

If you're looking for something you can stash in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, Calpak might be your best bet. We loved the duffles, backpacks, and suitcases with a particular appreciation for the Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage , our best overall underseat bag . We love that it glides smoothly, has a sturdy exterior, and can even fit a laptop, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even business trips.

Even when packed full, we found each Calpak suitcase to roll beautifully on both two wheels and four. We also like the Compakt Small Garment Bag , which is perfect to transport of one or two formal pieces inside a carry-on suitcase. The Stevyn Duffel Bag was very comfortable to tote with its shoulder strap and features a separate shoe compartment to keep your items clean if you're in the market for something smaller. Though the two-year warranty is shorter than most other brands, we think Calpak's prices are more than fair.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 2-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Budget

Amazon basics.

Amazon's luggage is not just budget-friendly but also lightweight and sturdy with unexpectedly large capacities.

Color options are limited, and the suitcases don't have USB ports or other smart features.

We can confidently tell you there's much more to love about Amazon Basics luggage than a budget-friendly price tag. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner also landed on our list of the best lightweight luggage after earning a perfect score in all categories. We especially love that even though it is a light suitcase, it's sturdy with wheels that easily maneuver over gravel and carpeting. More pockets would have been appreciated, but both the carry-on and checked models easily fit everything on our packing list without the expanders, which adds another 15 percent to the capacity.

The hardside suitcases have extra-thick thermoplastic shells that passed our durability tests with flying colors — no scratches or dents in sight. They were generally easy to maneuver, too, albeit a little more difficult on gravel. Color options are limited, and while most Amazon Basics carriers don't have TSA locks or smart features, the designs exceeded our expectations.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 3-year warranty

Best Splurge

This splurge-worthy luggage brand boasts expandable main compartments, ample pockets, impact-resistant exteriors, and smooth spinner wheels.

The price might be hard to justify, and the checked bags are somewhat heavy when empty.

If you want the crème de la crème of luggage, Tumi is where it's at . The suitcases and underseat bags fared better than the duffel we tested, but all in all, we were impressed. Our favorite by far is the Alpha International Expandable 4-wheeled Carry-on that looks compact but includes plenty of organizational compartments and even comes with its own removable garment bag. There was plenty of space to pack everything on our list in every Tumi bag, even without the expanders. This brand also stands out for its organizational, smart, and security features. We're talking ample pockets, removable garment bags, laptop sleeves, USB ports, lockable zippers, and TSA-approved locks.

Whether you go softside or hardside, you can count on reliable durability — we even jumped on the bags and rode on top of them and not one feature broke or dented. We observed virtually no scuffs or scratches after whacking the bags with a baseball bat. Tumi luggage is easy to maneuver, thanks to the spinner wheels, but bear in mind the checked sizes are pretty heavy when empty. If you can swing the steep price, we think the brand is an excellent choice for long trips, frequent fliers , and those who like to stay organized.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Most Durable

Briggs & riley.

Briggs & Riley

With ballistic nylon or shock-absorbing polycarbonate exteriors, Briggs & Riley suitcases can really take a beating.

This is one of the more expensive brands, and the checked models are slightly heavy when empty.

The most durable luggage we tested comes from Briggs & Riley . The brand carries softside suitcases with ballistic nylon exteriors that resist premature wear and tear, as well as hardside models like the Sympatico Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner with shock-absorbing polycarbonate shells that promise to protect your cargo from getting crushed. We were impressed by how well they stood up to our shoves and bat swings — no dents or scratches to speak of.

Durability aside, Briggs & Riley suitcases roll effortlessly on hard floors and carpet, over bumps, and around tight corners. They also have decent capacities, many with built-in expanders. This is one of the more expensive luggage brands, but it's backed by a lifetime guarantee. We wouldn't be surprised if the suitcases last 10 or more years. Not only that, but there are a few options for remedying potential damage, including self-repair kits, authorized repair centers, or shipping back to Briggs & Riley for a tune-up.

The Details: 30 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

People / Tamara Staples

Best Design

Thoughtfully designed, each Béis bag we tried comes with extra, often removable, features so you can customize your packing.

These are large bags and we had a hard time fitting some weekenders under airplane seats.

Shay Mitchell's luggage brand quickly won our hearts with each bag's thoughtful design, customizable inserts, and removable compartments. The bags are certainly large and can fit everything you need for a long vacation or quick weekend getaway — just be mindful that not all of the duffel-style bags will work as personal items. The Weekender is one of our favorites: like Mary Poppins' bag of wonders, this tote seems to expand as you pack it, fitting every item on our list.

When it comes to rolling bags, the 29-inch Large Check-in Roller is our best checked bag for organization . Similar to its weekenders, carry-on bags, and backpacks, Béis' check-in bag is huge and can fit everything you need and more. All of the Béis suitcases we tested also sported durable wheels that smoothly navigated different types of surfaces without gettings tuck, as well as easy-to-use handles that make running through the airport a breeze.

The Details: 45 day return policy | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure/

Other Luggage Brands We Liked

Even though these brands did not make our main list, they still have some worthwhile suitcases and bags to consider.

Monos :  Monos items have a nice, sleek look that are generally easy to maneuver. However, when we tested its large check-in suitcase, we found that it carried less items than some of its competitors.

Arlo Skye :  We love this brand's smooth design and stand-out colors, but considering the higher price-point, these bags don't roll quite as smoothly as some other brands.

Roam : We're big fans of Roam's The Check-in hardside suitcase as well as the designs of other Roam bags; however, after one-month of real-world travels, we found these luggage pieces to be more prone to scratching than other brands we tried.

The T+L team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage, including carry-ons, checked suitcases, duffels, weekenders, garment bags, backpacks, and more in our New York City testing facility. We've tried at least six models from many top-rated brands, performing a range of assessments to evaluate the capacity, maneuverability, durability, design, and overall value. We weighed each bag, then packed it with enough clothes and personal items to get through a four-day trip (more for the larger checked bags).

To see how the luggage would perform in a real-life environment, we rolled them on different flooring materials, across gravel and carpets, over bumps, and around corners. We also threw each piece off a table and whacked it a few times with a metal baseball bat to test for potential wear and tear and how prone it was to scratching or denting. In addition, we recreated an airplane set in our lab, where we hoisted the carry-on suitcases into real overhead bins and stuffed them underneath seats to see how easy they were to lift and how portable they felt.

After lab testing, each suitcase and bag was sent out for real-world testing, and our T+L editors brought the bags on vacations, weekend trips, and overnighters. To test each bag's true durability, convenience, and longevity, we tested each bag on planes, trains, buses, and even cruise ships, checking in after one month, three months, and six months to give our feedback. Considering standout features, size, and price, we created categorized ranked lists of every luggage piece we tested. The luggage brands with the highest average ratings were ultimately chosen for this list of our favorites, which we will continue to update as we test eve more luggage.

How We Chose These Brands

The T+L team tested at least six bags per brand on our winners list to ensure a broad sample size. We tested underseat luggage , checked luggage, and carry-on luggage as well as duffel bags, garment bags, and backpacks, and gave each individual bag a score based on its capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and overall value.

Next, we created rankings based on the total average scores of all the bags we tested for that brand. We also thoroughly read through all of the tester insights on each luggage item from these three tests to evaluate each bag's details and features. Finally, we determined whether or not we would recommend a bag and its overall brand.

Tips for Buying Luggage

Get to know the brand.

When it comes to researching a new luggage brand, you're already well on your way. For more information on a specific brand, you can check out its website, read customer reviews on products you like, or even take a peek at the items in person. Buying new luggage (whether a singular piece or luggage set ) can be a pricey investment, so be sure you like a brand's style, warranty options, and overall quality before you make that purchase. This is especially important when it comes to splurging on luxury luggage pieces .

Know your organizational preferences

Material and size are important, but some of the best luggage brands stand out for their organizational features. This may include dual main compartments, various pockets, a shoe separator, zippered sections, a toiletry bag , a removable laundry bag, a garment bag, a laptop sleeve, and maybe even a USB port with a power bank pouch — some Arlo Skye luggage includes the power bank itself. While it's not a top priority for all travelers, this can make packing and accessing your belongings much easier.

Look for durability

The best luggage stands up to wear and tear for several years to come. Both softside and hardside luggage options can be very durable. It's really a matter of whether you want to safeguard your packed items from getting crushed or protect the exterior of the suitcase from superficial blemishes (though many softside and hardside models we tested check all the boxes).

Think about mobility

You should also think about maneuverability. When you're running into the airport to check your bags before heading to security, you'll want a suitcase that doesn't hold you back. Four-wheel spinner suitcases tend to be easier to pull and push over different surfaces compared to suitcases with just two wheels, and they're even better if they have a sturdy telescoping handle. Grab handles and padded straps are ideal for other types of luggage, and a lightweight design will make your travel experience much easier.

You'll see a range of hardside and softside models when browsing luggage, and many of the best brands offer both. What you purchase really comes down to personal preference. Some people appreciate how crush-resistant hardside suitcases protect their belongings. They're also easy to wipe clean and have a sleek, modern appearance.

On the other hand, softside suitcases are typically (but not always) lighter in weight and more flexible, so you can often pack more in them. After testing both types, we can tell you they're often just as durable as hardside options, and they won't dent like hardside bags do. Although a textile exterior might be trickier to clean, it can be better at concealing scuffs and dirt. Regardless of the type of luggage, you can find several effective products to clean suitcases available.

Size limits for carry-on luggage vary among airlines . That said, most allow suitcases no larger than 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Some are a little more strict, with limits set around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Keep this in mind if your suitcase has an expander, as the additional inch or two could put it over the allowed size limit. We recommend checking the airline's website if you're not sure whether your luggage will pass as a carry-on.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, commerce writer Theresa Holland pored over our in-house testing insights, checked return policies, read the fine print for warranties, and evaluated price ranges to create a comprehensive roundup of the best luggage brands out there today.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Comfort. Quality. Design.

Discover and shop online for the latest trends in travel accessories with The Luggage Company for a wide range of travel and business bags and luggage from well-known brands such as Gino de Vinci, Troop London and BESTLIFE.

Best Sellers

The Luggage Company Terms & Conditions Product Warranty Privacy Policy

• Bags & Backpacks
• Travel Accessories

• Find a Store | FREE DELIVERY over R1000 (3-5 BUSINESS DAYS) & RETURNS ANYWHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA
• Customer Service
• Login / Register

No products in the basket.

Return to shop

• Products search

Sign up for Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

• Find a Store | FREE DELIVERY over R1000 (3-5 BUSINESS DAYS) & FREE RETURNS
• 19 Degree Aluminium

Our Iconic Collection

SHOP BY CATEGORY

ACCESSORIES

Recommended just for you.

SHORT TRIP PACKING CASE 66CM 19-Degree-Aluminum

SHORT TRIP DUAL ACCESS PACKING CASE Arrivé

BONN BACKPACK Arrivé

AERO INTERNATIONAL EXPANDABLE CARRY ON TUMI-|-McLaren

WHEELED DUFFEL CARRY-ON 55CM Alpha Bravo

CONTINENTAL DUAL ACCESS CARRY ON Alpha-3

EXTENDED TRIP EXPANDABLE PACKING CASE Alpha-3

WORLDWIDE TRIP PACKING CASE 19-Degree-Aluminum

CONTINENTAL DUAL ACCESS CARRY ON Arrivé

MEDIUM TRIP EXPANDABLE PACKING CASE Alpha-3

TALL DUFFEL PACKING CASE Alpha-3

PADDOCK BACKPACK McLaren

EMBOSS YOUR TUMI

Personalise your luggage and make it your own.

THE TUMI DIFFERENCE

Innovation is our obsession.

We seek it. We study it. Yes, we obsess over it. From aeronautics to automotives to sports—we’re constantly inspired by the world’s most innovative industries. And with 125+ patents to our name, our fervor for forward thinking is what keeps us ahead of the curve.

Exclusive Innovations

Omega Closure System®

Our patented system reduces the risk of damage to the zipper and makes replacing one unnecessary.

TUMI Tracer®

A complimentary program that reunites TUMI customers with their lost or stolen bags.

This construction method reinforces the corners of hardside cases with heavy-duty stitching and impact-resistance caps.

Aircrafted Grade Aluminium Extensions Handle

The tubing of our telescoping handles is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making them both lightweight and extremely sturdy.

Easy Glide Wheels

Our state-of-the-art in-line wheels incorporate sealed steel ball bearings and are mounted on solid steel axles in custom-designed, shock-absorbing bushings. They roll smoothly and quietly for hundreds of miles.

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

Store locator.

Your TUMI store

With over 260 locations around the globe, we’re here to help you no matter where you are in the world. Stop by any store for timesaving services like zipper pull and handle repairs, immediately completed on-site – we’ll have you on-the-go again in no time.

Personalise your TUMI

Make your mark

Your personal style speaks volumes about who you are. Stand out from the crowd with complimentary personalization, monograms & colorful accent kits. Perfect for gifting or to keep for yourself. Available in 2 styles and 12 colors.

World-class Customer Service

Yes, the answer is always yes

Customer service doesn’t even begin to cover it. We go above and beyond. When you purchase a TUMI, you purchase a promise; if something goes wrong, we’ll fix it. If it breaks, we’ll repair it. If it’s lost, we’ll help you track it down.

LUGGAGE

• Carry-On Luggage
• Checked Luggage
• Duffels and Satchels
• Garment Bags
• What’s New
• Best Sellers
• Personalisation Shop
• Aluminium Luggage
• Travel Backpacks
• Laptop Backpacks
• Leather Backpacks
• New Arrivals
• Briefcases & Portfolios
• Wheeled Briefcases
• Duffles & Satchels
• Crossbodies
• Messenger Bags
• Waist Packs
• Wallets and Card Cases
• Electronics
• Mobile Accessories
• Travel Essentials
• Luxury Umbrellas
• New iPhone 8, 8 Plus & X Cases
• Product Care
• Backpacks & Slings
• Cosmetic Cases
• Wallets & Card Cases
• Umbrellas for Women
• Alpha Bravo
• Tegra Lite®
• TLX Collection
• TUMI Accents
• TUMI DIFFERENCE
• FIND A STORE

Cookie Notification

Privacy overview.

• Your online luggage and travel bag store
• Terms & Conditions
• Shipping & Returns

Sign up for our Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about promotions and new products.

Email address:

• All Accessories Business Handbags Luggage School Bags Specials Wallets & Purses Search for:

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

Accessories

• Toiletry Case
• Travel Accessories
• Vanity Case
• Laptop Bags
• Laptop Trolley Bag
• Leather Handbags
• Fashion Handbags
• Duffle Bags
• Duffle Bags on Wheels
• Garment Bags
• Hard Shell Luggage
• Soft Luggage
• Luggage Sets

School Bags

• School Backpack
• School Trolley Bag
• Pencil Cases

Wallets & Purses

• Ladies Purses
• Mens Wallets
• Travel Wallet
• Card Holders
• American Tourister
• Bella Bianca
• Christin Leather
• David Jones
• Cotton Road
• Gino De Vinci
• Jekyll & Hide
• Paolo Rossi
• School Mate
• Troop London
• 016 421 1458

Featured Products

Cotton Road Vintage Mill Small Sling Bag

Pergalo Small Leather Purse

Cotton Road Stride Sling Bag

Pergalo Multi Color Leather Card Holder

Pergalo Leather Card Holder

Pergalo Medium Size Leather Purse

David Jones Quilted Bowling Bag

Workmate Laptop Backpack | A-2055

Pergalo Leather Card Holder With Flap

David Jones Small Ladies Handbag

Cellini Allure Small 4 Wheel Suitcase

Travelmate Delux Large Suitcase

Travelmate Urban Vibe Suitcase Set

Samsonite Base Boost 66CM Spinner

Travelmate Platinum Medium Suitcase

Small Suitcase | Travelmate Urban Vibe 48cm

Travelmate Delux Small Suitcase

Travelmate Rolling Duffel Bag | 48cm

Cellini Allure Large 4 Wheel Suitcase

Travelmate Deluxe 3 Piece Luggage Set

Travelmate Platinum 3 Piece Luggage Set

Travelmate Platinum Large Suitcase 

• Document Bags
• Crossbody Bag

Privacy Overview

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address  *

• Quality Lightweight Luggage Since 1961
• Find a Stockist

• Search for:

Vintage london

Explore Paklite’s range of hardside luggage. Incredibly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre!

Explore Paklite’s range of hardside luggage. Incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver!

HARDSIDE LUGGAGE

Softside luggage, business bags, leisure bags, international designs since 1961.

At Paklite we aim to create luggage for business & leisure travellers, designed with South Africans in mind.

Luggage has evolved to become more than just a suitcase to carry your belongings.

Travel today is more demanding and the experienced traveller is seeking lightweight luggage that does not compromise strength along with added security features like twin zips and TSA locks. Some of these features can be found in our latest collections.

BEST SELLERS

Stealth Large

Vintage Large

Evolution Large

Atlantis Large

• Patrol Blue

Ridge Large

TSA LOCK® is a global security system which allows passengers to lock their luggage, while permitting security authorities to inspect them without damaging your luggage.

SMART SLEEVE

Smart Sleeve is another Paklite feature on all soft side cabin cases that gives travellers extra mobility by allowing you to place your cabin bag over the trolley tubes of a larger bag.

TWIN ZIP SECURITY

The security conscious traveller will appreciate the extra strength that a twin zipper offers, preventing thieves from piercing the zip and stealing your belongings. 

EXPANDABLE LUGGAGE

The expandable zipped panels on our softside luggage increase the packing space of your bag easily when you need it most. Giving you the choice between expanded or compact.

• Business Bags
• Hardside Luggage
• Leisure Bags
• Softside Luggage
• Laptop Luggage
• Trolley Bags
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Privacy Overview

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Subscribe to our newsletter > Dismiss

• Search for:
• NEW ARRIVALS – HARDSIDE & SOFTSIDE SUITCASES
• Hardside Suitcases
• Softside Suitcases
• See all Suitcases/Checked Luggage

• Cabin Luggage – New Arrivals
• Hardside Cabin Luggage
• Softside Cabin Luggage
• See All Cabin Luggage

• Laptop Backpacks
• Laptop Bags
• Duffle Bags
• All Backpacks & Bags

• Disney Cabin Luggage
• Disney Range Suitcases
• Disney Backpacks
• Disney Collection
• Marvel Collection

• Luggage Sets

Sign up for Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

• Products search

No products in the basket.

Return to shop

FREE DELIVERY(3-7 BUSINESS DAYS) & Returns for orders over R1000, ANYWHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA

• 3-7 Days for Safe, FREE Delivery & Returns for orders over R1000

MIX A LITTLE, TRAVEL A LOT

Luggage, Suitcases and Backpacks

HARD SUITCASES

SOFT SUITCASES

CABIN LUGGAGE

OUR FAVOURITES

Airconic Spinner TSA 55cm

Summer Hit 3 Piece Set

Soundbox 67cm Spinner Expandable

Hello Cabin Spinner TSA 55cm

Starvibe Spinner Expandable TSA 77cm

Urban Groove Laptop Backpack 15.6′ Uni

LiftOff 3 Piece Set

Urban Track Duffle with Wheels Limited Edition 68cm

Mickey Clouds Spinner Expandable TSA 66cm

LUGGAGE COLLECTIONS

URBAN TRACK

WAVEBREAKER DISNEY

URBAN GROOVE

We ❤️ your style

#thefutureisbright

Get ready for the future of travel. Picture this: Flights zooming you to your dream destinations in record time, eco-friendly initiatives making your journey greener, and virtual reality adding a whole new dimension to trip planning.

The world is your playground, inviting you to explore discover and create unforgettable memories with your luggage by your side. Pack your bags and get ready for a fun time because the future is looking bright.

How to choose the perfect hand luggage!

Are you planning a weekend trip or a plane-hopping adventure? Don’t forget that your cabin luggage is your best friend! You can bring all your essentials and you don’t have to pay extra to check in a large suitcase. Now, how do you choose the perfect carry-on?

• Check the cabin luggage dimensions of the airlines you fly with most often. All airlines have varying size and weight rules for cabin luggage . If your carry-on is too large, you might have to pay a fee.
• Do you want to travel with a hard case or a soft case? A hard case provides better protection for your belongings. A soft case on the other hand is more flexible and offers multiple pockets for your travel essentials.
• Choose your style from our awesome range of cabin cases Do you like red, green or blue? We have a colour that fits every outfit or any mood.
• Every gram counts! Make sure you pack within the airline’s weight limit. Choosing one of our lightweight cases is definitely the way to go.

SEE ALL OUR CABIN LUGGAGE OPTIONS >

• Discover Our Luggage Sets
• Lightweight Cabin Luggage
• Backpacks: Urban Groove

Cookie Notification

Privacy overview.

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address  *

Subscribe to our newsletter

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

43 Famous People on Their Favorite Travel Bags

In our column “What I Can’t Live Without,” we’ve interviewed hundreds of famous people about their favorite products — and here, we’re going deep into their favorite travel bags . Whether they’re traveling for their new movie, jetting off to their next location on tour, or flying to their next gig, many celebrities we spoke to are always on the go and need a durable bag to hold all their belongings. (In fact, one celebrity told us that he sees his suitcase more than his own bed.) And while the list includes some pricier prestige brands like Rimowa, Globe-Trotter, and Tumi, as well as the more affordable Away, there are plenty of lesser-known makers among their picks as well. To help you scan through their favorite travel bags, we’ve organized this list by type — carry-on luggage , personal carry-on bags , checked luggage, and weekend bags — and in cases where more than one celebrity has recommended the piece of luggage, we’ve included all of their quotes.

Carry-on luggage

Julia Quinn “The suitcase rolls nicely and has the middle-divider compression strap that helps push everything down. That’s part of why you can fit so much.” — May 2023

Daniel Martin “I use it as a makeup kit because it’s very secure and solid. None of my tools or makeup get damaged inside whether I’m on a flight or just lugging it around. It has gone everywhere with me, from Marrakech to Miami to L.A. to Paris to London to Singapore and beyond. I’ve never had to replace any parts, but I did have to replace the suitcase once. My first one was stolen by an Uber driver, with all of my makeup products inside. The police didn’t believe me when I told them how much all the makeup was worth. It cost more than the suitcase itself.” — May 2021

Sarah Cooper “These are hard-shell and really light, and each one fits so much stuff. Away also sells a matching dog carrier — you can put it right on top of the carry-on so that you can just walk with both.” — November 2020

Daniela Soto-Innes “I travel so often that I have a suitcase packed at all times. Away makes the most straightforward suitcases; I like the Bigger Carry-On because I don’t have to check it. The hard shell is sturdy, and there’s no extra zipper that allows you to expand the thing to fit more stuff inside (which always seems like a helpful feature until you get to the airport and are told your carry-on bag is too big to fit in a compartment).” — May 2019

Bobbi Brown “I went to Paris and Amsterdam with my husband, and this luggage was so awesome and light and easy to pack. I’m going to buy it for my kids for Christmas. I actually had the Rimowa for a while, and it’s so cool, but it’s a little heavy. It’s also a little embarrassing. It’s like the Range Rover of suitcases.” — October 2018

Melinda Stevens “They’re so light. They’re so flexible. People always laugh at me because even if I’m going somewhere for 24 hours, I have a massive Away bag. I can’t help going for the massive Away suitcase because I just literally chuck everything in, but I have got all of the different sizes.” — April 2019

Lois Lowry “I’m currently in a love-hate relationship with this luggage. I needed new luggage, and I saw that these have great wheels, plus all those things you want suitcases to have. What I really loved was that it had a built-in locking mechanism, which is just the best. I have a whole history of suitcases on which dangle those little padlocks, to which I can no longer remember the combination. ” — January 2018

Steve Aoki “I mean, Rimowa luggage is durable. It can withstand a beating. It’s stylish, too. Because I’m a fashion guy, I want even my luggage to look good. But one of my favorite things about it is that it rolls super well. People don’t realize how important the actual rolling is. When you travel as much as I do, efficiency is super important. I don’t want to use more space or energy than I need. Their luggages have four wheels, so I barely have to pull it. I can glide through the airport. And, I can stack my backpack on top of it.” — March 2024

Bridget Everett “When I started going on the road a lot more and traveling for work, I had shitty suitcases that would just fall apart and fall apart and fall apart. So I finally invested in a Rimowa suitcase. I put a sticker on it from my favorite donut shop in my hometown, Varsity Donuts. I love the way they roll, and I know that seems like not a big deal, but if you’re in a hotel that has carpet in the hallways and you try to drag a bag with shitty wheels down them, it’s a small thing. But if you’re doing that every fucking weekend, a nice roll really puts you off on the right foot.” — January 2024

Beverly Nguyen “This suitcase is extremely important to me. I pretty much use it every day. I’ve been traveling so much for work and for summer, I’m also still styling, or I’m moving things from the store. I’m constantly filling up this suitcase because it’s so easy to carry around and nothing can break in it. I’m even putting chicken in it [for a food event]. I’m cooking out of a different kitchen and I need to store these compact Tupperware. I’m just going to pile them into the carry-on bag because it’s going to go into an Uber and it needs to be sitting a certain way.” — September 2022

Sofía Sanchez de Betak “I have to confess: I was a Globe-Trotter girl for the longest time, but I decided to try Rimowa and fell for it. My poor Globe-Trotter has been in the closet for a while now. I travel so much that it’s a killer for my back to be using those two-wheelers (they’re not the easiest to drag), but the four-wheel Rimowa just flies across the floor like a dream. I don’t think I can go back. I think it’ll last a long time, too.” —  March 2019

Miss Fame “Usually I’m not comfortable spending that kind of money on a suitcase. But, I realized that when I’m traveling WITH?? my essentials for Miss Fame, I’d rather protect them in a hard case. And for fashion, I stay in gorgeous hotels, so I really want to show up. Miss Fame is a whole experience, from me walking in the hotel to leaving. There’s a sense of pride attached to the way you carry yourself when you enter spaces with your items. My work items — my wigs I’ve invested in, my heels, my custom-made corsets, my makeup — that’s all part of my job. I wanted to place them in a beautiful, protective environment that was a showgirl in a box. Rimowa has that whole status.” —  May 2022

Antoni Porowski “I prefer hard cases , and a lot of hard cases are really heavy, but the Rimowa is super lightweight. There is also something kind of funny and ridiculous about the fact that they’re a pricier bag and they get scratched up so easily. But other than that, they’re durable. I’ve had other cases that just kind of fall apart. The wheels are sturdy and you can knock them around. I’ve put mine through hell. Mine is covered in stickers that I collected and they stick perfectly to it. I’ve been in my new apartment for probably about ten months, and I’ve only spent about two and a half months total living in it. This suitcase has become a sentimental piece because I see it more than I see my own bed these days.” — October 2019

Eric Ripert “When I travel, I don’t like to check my luggage. It takes time, and they very often lose it. But still, sometimes I need a suit or to carry my chef jacket. The trifold lets you hang that so it doesn’t get as wrinkled, and then there are still lots of pockets for underwear, socks, shirts, and sweaters. I carry it on my shoulder, I put it up top, we land, I’m out.” — October 2023

Gracie Abrams “I’ve been using this since I started touring at the beginning of last year. It’s easy to bring around, is lightweight, and looks great, but the best part is that this luggage is so durable. I’m lucky enough to travel frequently, so when I’m out for many months of the year, it’s nice to know there’s no concern about whether my bag is going to tear or rip. There are so many compartments and a built-in hanger bracket, so it feels like I have a little closet anywhere I go. Plus, it expands, so when I collect more shit on the road, I don’t have a crazy pile of mess just floating around. The shift has been really noticeable, and there’s no going back.” —  January 2023

Corinne Bailey Rae “Tumi is great because it has a warranty. As long as it’s within warranty, you can take your suitcase into the shop and be like, ‘Hey, this got beat up. Can you help me?’ They swap it out for another if it’s really in bad shape, which is amazing, or they send it away to be fixed. But truthfully, none of my Tumi luggage has actually gotten badly messed up. I’ve sat my kids on it while walking through the airport or the train station, and it’s been thrown on lots of conveyor belts all over the world but it always comes back to me in one piece. I like how it has two halves with all sorts of zippy compartments. Nothing ever leaks or breaks. It’s soft and light, but at the same time, it’s hard so it doesn’t really get punctured by anything.” — January 2022

Shaq “I like Tumi because they don’t mind going crazy. I’ve got the gray and black camouflage, the green camouflage, the rustic silver. And they make big suitcases. With a regular suitcase, I can’t even fit two pairs of shoes in it. With a Tumi, I can fit six, seven pairs of shoes, underwear, other things. I can go on a five-day trip with one suitcase.” — March 2019

Eileen Fisher “I’ve been carrying this luggage for years. It has four wheels and is solid but not heavy. It also opens in the middle, which is so smart. So it has two compartments, and when I’m only traveling for a couple days, I won’t unpack — I just know I have my pants on one side and tops on the other, which is so much easier than a suitcase you have to dig into. I try to make it work with just the carry-on usually.” — October 2018

Editor’s note: The original version of Tumi’s international carry-on is no longer available, so we included the updated version here.

Aryna Sabalenka “I’ve spent most of my life traveling and living out of suitcases. I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to luggage. And you can ask my team: I don’t travel light. I push the limits. This is the best suitcase I’ve ever used. It’s super light and that gives me a few extra kilograms to work with, which means a few extra cute outfits and sneakers. And it saves from having to pay the airlines for overweight luggage.” — September 2023

Grigor Dimitrov “Being on tour, I travel nearly every week. At the end of November, beginning of December, we start to go and play some exhibitions or little tournaments around the world. And then January 1 to early November, we’ve got tournaments every single week. So I’m always traveling. I’ve been using Samsonite luggage maybe for ten years now. They’re very light, and I love that they move all four wheels, and they fit a lot of stuff. Plus, I’m a very organized packer, so I like things to be very nicely packed, and I like their compartments.” — August 2023

Heather Morris “I teach dance, so I’m constantly traveling. I try not to check a bag, and I love my terracotta Monos carry-on bag. The color’s very neutral, and the case cleans really easily. I’ve had mine for four years. I think I came across their ads on Instagram. The brand has a newer model with a laptop section, but I haven’t updated mine since it hasn’t broken.” — August 2023

Shangela Laquifa Wadley “My three requirements for luggage are: a hard case, a good amount of storage, and 360-degree spinner wheels. This Delsey bag has all of those — and more. I’ve taken these suitcases to six out of the seven continents I’ve performed on, and they always come back unbroken.” —  June 2020

Alexander Chee “My roller isn’t available anymore, but this one is similar. I’ve had mine since maybe 2010, and I liked it as a limit of how much I could pack because anything I could bring had to fit in the case. It kept me honest about what I would wear and use on a trip. I have a tendency on a trip to bring 10 books and way too many T-shirts. I’ll use it sometimes when I’m teaching to bring my laptop, and one of my students told me they call me the big man with the little case.” —  July 2018

Ana Gasteyer “There are a few areas where people can get overwhelmed, and carry-on luggage is definitely one of them because it’s hard to visualize how a bag will work for you through the internet. I love JetBlue (I’m hoping you print that) and am a Mosaic member, and so I’m always in the JetBlue terminal. There’s a Muji store in that terminal, which is another one of the great pleasures of traveling JetBlue besides the comfy seats and snacks. Anyway, I go to Muji and it’s like a moment of soft porn before getting on the plane. The carry-on rolling luggage they sell is incredibly efficient. I can fit my entire act in it — it’s a garment bag with two gowns, shoes, a stack of chargers and pajamas, and a great pair of shoes. The wheels go in every direction.” — November 2017

Editor’s note: The original version of Muji’s hard carry suitcase is no longer available, so we included the updated version here.

Todd Snyder “It’s my ultimate travel suitcase. It’s made of tarpaulin, which is camp-tent-material, so it’s ultra-weatherproof. Not a lot of people have it, so I can identify it quickly anywhere I go — it’s small enough just to be an overnight bag, too. I travel to Japan three or four times a year and found it there.” — May 2018

Alexa Chung “I am constantly traveling, and it’s lovely and a luxury, and I’m happy to do it. That said, I’m only ever in a place for a few days and then head back to London, so I never get around to unpacking because it seems illogical since I’d have to repack, so more often than not my luggage is at the front door. And for years it was an unattractive suitcase. But when I found the Globe-Trotter, it changed everything because the trolley could be a piece of slightly chic furniture. If you put a lamp on it, it could be a nice coffee table.” —  March 2018

Personal carry-on bag

James Kennedy  “I’m always on the go, and I try not to travel with luggage. This backpack does it. I can throw all of my DJ equipment in here for a one-night gig: my laptop, headphones, wires, USB chips. And I can also fit in a spare T-shirt and even a wash bag. (There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a place without that.) It’s stylish and lets me have all my essentials on me.” — July 2023

Ken Jeong “I bring this with me wherever I go, whether it’s personal or professional trips. If I’m on set or I’m traveling, it doesn’t matter. It has all the pockets I need. If I’m doing a day trip and having to carry a change of clothes, I put everything in my backpack just so I don’t have to carry a suitcase. I’ll even do a cross-country trip with just this. When I’m constantly on the road, less is more. I pride myself on economizing my travel, and my Tumi does the trick.” — July 2023

Andrew McMahon “I probably got my first Tumi backpack around the time I got married, which would have been in 2006. In all that time, I’ve only had to replace it once. I wear it everywhere. I carry my notebook, pens, computer, phone — all the various accoutrements of being a writer in the world. I’ve carried that thing through all kinds of weather and never had a problem. I’ve had the brown color for about six years or so, and it still looks brand-new. Anytime that I’m working or traveling, whether I’m going to a session or a show or getting on an airplane, my backpack is always with me.” — October 2021

Baz Luhrmann “This backpack has been around at least 20 years. I continue to always use it for travel because it’s made of a really tough canvas, it has several internal pockets, and it’s really simple. When I travel, my team packs everything the exact same way, so I know when the Yves Saint Laurent boards with me that all my essentials are close by. It’s like my security blanket.” —  June 2023

John Derian “I’ve had this tote for a decade, and I am a schlepper: This is my Mary Poppins carpetbag. I schlep stuff in and out and around the city in it; it goes from home to work and hangs around the shop. I don’t have a desk — this bag is where everything lives in various compartments. I take the tote to France twice a year — it works as my carry-on for flights. It’s what I use when traveling back and forth from Cape Cod. I go on a nine-seater plane, and they take it into the wing, so I have to remember to tie the top closed in that situation. The staff at the small airport recognizes this bag now. Last time, I remember a stranger was like, ‘Hey, your parsley is falling out!’” — May 2023

Julia Quinn “I’ve had Away’s carry-on suitcase for a long time, probably from when the company first started. I just recently got the Everywhere bag [now called the Overnight Bag] too. If you use them together, you can pack an astonishing amount of stuff and still carry on everything. I’m on a two-week tour right now, and I managed to pack without having to check in anything, which is incredible. I was like, Woo-hoo, I get a master’s in Pack-ology . The suitcase rolls nicely and has the middle-divider compression strap that helps push everything down. That’s part of why you can fit so much.” — May 2023

Rachel Zoe “This looks so expensive, but it’s very reasonably priced in the world of luggage. I have the carry-on and a larger suitcase, and I just had a custom bag made for my dog. It’s monogrammed with her name, Goldie. The bag is super-spacious. Along with Goldie, a few of her toys, her harness, and her leash can fit inside. I love that it’s 100 percent sustainable, but it doesn’t look like it. It just looks luxurious. I’ve traveled with it several times, and it all still looks brand-new.” —  February 2023

Ottessa Moshfegh  “This bag is huge. I could bring it on a plane as a carry-on, and it could hold the entire contents of my suitcase. It’s seriously spacious and beautiful. I love the texture of the weave; it’s very flexible and really chic. More important, the practicality of this thing, without it looking like an ugly beach bag or something, is fantastic. It’s nice because the straps aren’t that long, so it’s not swaying around. It just sits there, and you can tuck your elbow against this little leather piece that looks like a tiny purse. Sometimes with these bags, the straps are so thin that they dig into your shoulder, but these are very comfortable.” — June 2022

Yara Shahidi “I’m big about utility, like the fact that I can wash this backpack because I travel with it everywhere. Other bags that I’ve had in the past, you can just kind of see the wear and tear. My backpack is something that I have on the ground a lot of times, and it’s on me personally, so having something that I can wash and reuse is so great, and it’s cute. My navy-blue one is kind of my everyday bag that I use for everything. I really like the lime-green one for travel because at the airport I don’t want to have the same bag as everybody else.” —  May 2022

Hasan Minhaj  “It has been around the world and back with me — every New York subway, international airport, every trip to Europe, India, Asia, even South Africa. People ask me, ‘Why don’t you get something more high-end or stylish?’ I will admit I have thought about it. But I only want this one because it has the perfect amount of compartments. It fits everything, but in an organized way. I don’t want my stuff to be all loose and wiggling around in my backpack. It’s like cargo pants: People may hate on them, but there are few things that are as functional as cargo pants.” —  October 2021

Jamie Chung “This bag can fit a lot and I love that it has a separate section where you can put dirty clothes or shoes or even wet things. It has a latch you can clip your keys to so you don’t lose them. It has a side pocket that can also be used as a sleeve to slip over the handle of rolling luggage. The bag is simple but designed so well. It’s kind of a perfect carry-on.” — August 2021

Halima Aden “In addition to losing ID cards, I’m also the queen of leaving purses and bags on airplanes. I’m on my fourth passport because of that. One thing I like about this Rothy’s bag is that, because it’s so bright, it’s very hard to miss. I haven’t forgotten it anywhere yet. The bag also fits a lot — it’s not one of those itty-bitty handbags that everyone carries. My bags also tend to get dirty from use, but I can just throw this in the wash, and boom, it looks brand new.” — September 2020

Justin Peck “I’m a really light traveler and I use this a ton. I hate checking a bag. I just like to be agile and fast-moving so I don’t have to waste too much time at airports. The Filson backpacks are great because they have so many compartments and they’re set up so you can pack a computer really safely, but they’re not ugly. I find that a lot of computer backpacks can be pretty hideous. So they’re a slightly more stylish bag. My wife actually bought me this one — a splurge, I think, for my birthday — and I love it. I use it every day in New York, too, so not just for traveling.” — May 2019

Roxane Gay “I have TSA Pre-Check, and I’ve gotten used to just breezing through security without taking my laptop out of my bag. But this bag is great because on those occasions when I do have to put my bag through the machine, I still don’t have to take out my laptop. I can just unzip the back half, lay it flat, and put it through. It’s convenient and looks nice and I could almost use it as an overnight bag on quick trips.” — July 2018

Editor’s note: The original version of Timbuk2’s commute messenger bag is no longer available, so we included the updated version here.

Checked luggage

Aly Michalka “Four years ago, we were going on tour for the first time in a long time and needed new luggage. We got the rolling suitcases from Paravel and have used them every time we go on trips or tours ever since. Even with the hard shell, the luggage is really light. I’ve since bought a couple more pieces — totes and weekender bags. I know I’ll use all of them for years and years.” — May 2021

AJ Michalka “Mine is silver — I call it the silver bullet. It’s really sleek and still looks nice even after getting a bit beaten up. We also use the suitcases to transport stuff to video shoots. We’ve been styling our own videos and these help us keep everything we bring organized.” — May 2021

Roxane Gay “I don’t really not check bags because I just wanna take what I wanna take. I need options. I don’t want to wear variations on one outfit for five days. I’m not a Transformer. So I use this for long trips and short trips — it’s expandable, so if people give me things, which inevitably happens on tour, there’s room to put stuff in there. It’s ridiculously overpriced but well made. It rolls nicely, too.” — July 2018

Weekend bags

Bridget Everett “After I pack my suitcase, there’s my sort of whoopsie bag. Like, ‘Whoopsie, forgot that!’ I just throw in whatever sweater or extra T-shirt or shoes I like into my whoopsie bag. I like to have things that feel nice and practical and will last a long time. It also makes me very happy to see my orange bag. I just feel like I’m a lady who’s got my shit together when I’m carrying my Clare V.” — January 2024

Ruth E. Carter “It’s a true weekender. It’ll hold a pair of tennis shoes, dress shoes, and two outfits. It’ll hold your cosmetic bag. It has side pockets for any kind of things you need to slide in there. It has the front compartment, if you really think you might want to bring your passport. You could get a small book in there. And the suitcase is the perfect size to go in the overhead or under the seat in front of you. I never check a bag when I bring it. I’ve had mine since I went to South Africa — one of the bags I brought with me — and that was in 2017. There’s nothing wrong with it still. It’s not stained. It’s not broken. It really does withstand the travel abuse of getting shoved around.” —  May 2023

Ashley Tisdale “I love everything from Beis and am a big fan of Shay Mitchell (one of the brand’s co-founders). Its suitcases are great, but the weekender bag is the best to travel with. It’s spacious and has tons of little compartments, so I can fit and organize all my stuff and my baby’s stuff really easily. Obviously, I haven’t been traveling too much lately, but when I have, I’ve brought this bag every time. I also love how chic it looks. I have the tan one but plan to get another in black.” —  August 2022

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• celebrity shopping
• famous people on
• travel accessories

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• The 17 Very Best Protein Powders
• All the Best Walking Shoes We’ve Ever Written About
• All of the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
• 23 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Bathing Culture to Bose
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos

Today’s Top Clicked