Not all rolling suitcases are made equally. Lucky for you, we found the best of the best based on the following criteria:
The Wheels
If you’ve ever found yourself pulling a suitcase with a bum wheel…you know why high-quality wheels are of the utmost importance while traveling. All of the suitcases on this list are equipped with 360° spinner wheels, which means you can glide it along at a quick pace and change directions in a hurry.
The Outer Shell
Most people prefer hard-shell luggage, and for good reason: they’re more protective, durable, waterproof, and easier to clean than soft-shell luggage. All of the suitcases on this list have outer shells made of either polycarbonate or aluminum, both of which are known for their unbreakable qualities.
The Compression System
Packing light isn’t always easy—and sometimes you need a little ~compression~ to get that suitcase closed. All of the suitcases on our list include some sort of internal compression system designed to keep your clothes and other items as compact and secure as possible—whether through compression straps or flaps. They’re basically like built-in packing cubes (though I always recommend using those too!).
The Locks
It’s a wild, wild world out there and you can simply never have enough security. That’s why it’s nice to have locks on your suitcase—especially checked baggage that’s not always in sight. All of the suitcases above feature TSA-approved locks, meaning TSA screeners can open them if required for investigation. This will save you a whooole lot of hassle, because otherwise, an agent has the right to cut your lock straight off in the event of a random search.