Whether you’re set on making travel more of a priority in your life, or you’ve finally decided to upgrade that old luggage you’ve been holding on to since college (trust us—it’s time), securing a softside suitcase is always a good idea. The best softside luggage is lightweight, can easily be compressed into tight spaces, and can allow for more flexibility when you’re packing, making it a great investment for trips to come.
The best softside luggage is lightweight, can easily be compressed into tight spaces, and can allow ... [+] for more flexibility when you’re packing, making it a great investment for trips to come. Outdoor Solar Post Lights
There are a number of great softside options, from high-tech carry-ons equipped with USB chargers to large, stain-proof suitcases that are perfect for international travel. Plus, most softside luggage comes with convenient 360 wheels that make it easy to drag them along airport runways and cobblestone streets alike. Below, we’ve selected the best softside luggage for every type of trip.
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Material: Polyester
At just over five pounds, it’s surprising that Travelpro’s ultra light carry-on has a whopping 46 liter capacity. Designed with 360 degree rollers for ease of mobility, it even features a rubber grip with contoured touch points to feel comfortable if you end up dragging it around frequently or for long amounts of time. Expanding up to two inches in capacity, the experts at Travelpro specifically designed the expansion feature to be tapered, so you can maximize on every (literal) inch of extra room you get. The exterior is coated with the brand’s signature water and stain-resistant technology, so even though you’re not really breaking the bank for this option, you can count on it being your handy go-to that looks the way it did when you bought it for a long time. If all that isn’t enough, you’ll appreciate that it comes in 13 versatile color options, too.
Dimensions: 18 × 14 × 8 inches | Weight: 5.9 pounds | Material: Polyester
Samsonite’s aptly-named Solyte Carry-On suitcase packs a serious punch for its value at just $140. Yes, it’ll fit in an overhead bin seamlessly, but it’s especially designed to slide under a seat so you can easily access all your belongings mid-flight—perfect for long-haul flights. Besides that, this suitcase is all about the details. It has a whopping eight height adjustments, a supportive grip handle, and dual spinner wheels to ensure you can roll it around with comfort and ease. The wheels are even designed with ball bearings to minimize frictional resistance, offer durability, and reduce resistance for smooth rolling. Complete with a removable laptop sleeve and a separate padded technology compartment, don’t let the small size fool you: this carry-on is tricked out with organized pockets and zippers galore. There’s even a ten-year warranty, but trust that you likely won’t be using it.
Dimensions: 29 × 18 × 10.5 inches | Weight: 11.1 pounds | Material: Polyester
Available in a range of seven uniquely vibrant as well as neutral hues, SwissGear’s Sion suitcase is one of the most popular pieces of checked luggage out there, and for good reason. In case you happen to find yourself dragging it as you wind through city streets, you’ll be happy to know it’s equipped with an ergonomic push-pull handle and 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels. But, that’s not even the start of it. While softside luggage can admittedly get dirty, Swissgear has equipped the Sion with ultra durable scuff-resistant fabric, so it’s a no-brainer investment piece at just $140. And since it’s really what’s on the inside that matters, you’ll love that it comes with a removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and little packing pocket for your smaller accessories to keep your belongings organized sans extra packing cubes. Speaking of which, the expandable interior features adjustable tie-down straps to secure your things in place, so they’ll land in the same condition as when you took off.
Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds| Material: Post-consumer recycled plastic interior and high-density nylon exterior
Be sure to add this one to your cart if you’re the type of traveler who likes souvenirs or frequently brings lots of gifts home after family vacations. Designed to expand up to two inches, it’s great for international trips on which you’d like to pack a lot and then bring even more goodies home with you especially because the interior has a deluxe tie-down system to compress your belongings and keep them from moving. It even has its own FAA-approved USB port for those times you unexpectedly (yet, inevitably) find yourself waiting in a longer-than-expected cab line, or waiting in your hotel lobby hours before check-in. You’ll of course want to minimize accidents any time you travel, but will especially appreciate that this suitcase is tip-resistant when you find yourself racing to your gate. Lined with 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, this one’s a win for the planet as you trot across it.
Dimensions: 26 × 19 × 13 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Material: Ballistic nylon
Tumi’s ultra luxe suitcase is the very definition of chic. A great gift to a loved one, couple, or yourself, you may come for the sophisticated look that comes in four neutral colors, but you’ll stay for the countless features. Designed for short trips (or you minimalists on international trips), the handle has three convenient height handles as well as a retractable top and side grab handle to make it easy to pick up anywhere from a carousel to a car trunk. Plus, the exterior alone has three zip-front pockets with two security zippers so you’ll easily be able to keep things organized. Made with a built-in TSA combination lock and four dual spinner wheels, people rave about the interior removable garment sleeve that comes with a fiberglass rod to hold your nicest suit or wedding guest dress. Zip that sleeve closed with its own compartment to keep it separate from your other items, where another compartment divides into a large mesh zip pocket and three other zip pockets.
Dimensions: 14 × 8 × 19 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Material: Nylon
If you’ve never heard of Lipault, it’s a brand you’ll want to know about. An embodiment of Parisian style, it’s meant to be just as functional as it is fashionable. Opt for the deep maroon, olive, black, or navy shades in the Plume Cabin Spinner, or be more of a standout with the rose and pumpkin hues. The totally unique silhouette may be unlike anything you’ve seen before, but Lipault’s unique and lustrous Nylon twill fabric also happens to be ultra durable and lightweight. Weighing in at under five pounds, it’s a great option if you plan on carrying this around with you on a long multi-destination trip, or just have a hard time carrying heavier suitcases. Though it has a sleek style, it’s still outfitted with two exterior zippered pockets and two interior ones. Complete with a TSA-approved lock, it’s great value for what you’re paying.
Dimensions: 21 × 15 × 9 inches | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Material: Ballistic nylon
Complete with a garment folder that’s specifically designed to reduce wrinkles, Briggs and Riley’s softside suitcase is pricey, but absolutely worth the investment if you are a frequent flyer. The stylish luggage comes in a unique olive color that’ll stand out on a luggage cart, but is still neutral enough not to attract undue attention while traveling. Plus, it’s an overpacker’s dream—place all your wants and needs inside, zip the suitcase closed, and press the unique one-touch CX button to increase its capacity and compress your belongings. And, that garment folder? It’s made with foam to hold one to two suits, making it great for the social butterfly who’s always flitting off to weddings, or any frequent business travelers. Complete with a TSA cable lock and shock-absorbing wheels, the ballistic nylon fabric is designed to resist wear, providing exceptional durability to help justify that splurge-worthy price tag.
Dimensions: 31 × 18 × 10 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Material: Polyester
Remember those zippered cargo pants from the ’90s that would turn into shorts with the turn of a few zippers? That’s what Hanke’s collapsible suitcase is to the luggage world, but we promise this one’s a lot more stylish and user-friendly. Don’t be fooled by the low price tag, either—in it, you’ll get the option to use this as a small underseat suitcase, overhead carry-on, or check-in. Just because it’s collapsible doesn’t mean the quality is cheap, though. The ultra durable exterior is water and tear-resistant, making it easy to clean so you can hold on to it for a seriously long time. It’s even outfitted with four whisper-quiet 360° wheels for easy mobility, so you’ll have no issue taking this out on all your most rugged adventures, especially since this also transforms into a duffle bag with a convenient padded shoulder strap. Since it collapses to be just two inches thick, this is a particularly great option for those of you who have limited space to store large suitcases. It makes a great gift for the adventurous college-bound student in your life.
Dimensions: 22 × 12 × 11 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Material: Polyester
Yes, this is technically called a duffel, but the capacity matches that of many carry-on suitcases out there. It even comes with a trolley sleeve, so if you are toting around multiple pieces of luggage, you can easily place this on top of one of them. People especially love the many internal compartments and zippers, in addition to the spacious bottom compartment made to hold your shoes. With two rolling wheels and dual handles, there are endless ways to use it, all with ease and style. Get it in classic pink, black, or olive green, or in one of the more fun limited edition colors and prints. Those are constantly changing, but you can usually find some polka dots and animal prints there. It’s covered by a one-year warranty, but trust that there’s a slim chance you’ll actually use it.
Dimensions: 32 × 18 × 13 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Material: Polyester
If you haven’t heard of Béis, you’ve definitely seen the super luxe totes, duffels, and suitcases on the arms of the most chic people frequenting airport lounges. While some brands lack in functionality where they make up for style, Béis has nailed the holy luggage trifecta of style, functionality, and a good price for the value. Perfectly designed for people who love lots of organization, it has an exterior zipper for easy access in addition to several interior pockets. On the faux leather-trimmed inside, you’ll find a zip flap with two pockets inside of it, side-slip pockets for smaller items, a separate pouch for dirty clothes or shoes, and a detachable compression flap that has its own zip pocket and mesh pocket. Yup, feel free to ditch your packing cubes for this one. It even has a TSA-approved lock, but people particularly love the side carry handle that has a weight limit indicator—no more having to balance your suitcase on a scale or play the guessing game in your pre-travel craze. All that, and it’s even collapsible? It’s truly a minimalist’s dream.
I am a senior reporter for technology, covering venture capital and startups. I am based out of Forbes' San Francisco bureau, where I previously covered tech billionaires as a wealth reporter, and wrote about artificial intelligence as an assistant editor for technology. I graduated from Duke University, where I spent time as news editor for The Chronicle, the university's independent news organization. Follow me on Twitter at @kenrickcai, on Mastodon at @kenrickcai@journa.host and email me at kcai [at] forbes.com.
Follow Kenrick on Twitter, or email him at kcai[at]forbes.com.
I am a senior reporter for technology, covering venture capital and startups. I am based out of Forbes' San Francisco bureau, where I previously covered tech billionaires as a wealth reporter, and wrote about artificial intelligence as an assistant editor for technology. I graduated from Duke University, where I spent time as news editor for The Chronicle, the university's independent news organization. Follow me on Twitter at @kenrickcai, on Mastodon at @kenrickcai@journa.host and email me at kcai [at] forbes.com.
Follow Kenrick on Twitter, or email him at kcai[at]forbes.com.
I’m the Forbes Vetted deputy editor, currently living near Detroit. After serving in the Air Force where I operated satellites and planned space launches, I have had a varied career as a tech journalist, wildlife photographer, scuba instructor and podcaster (including co-hosting the popular Battlestar Recaptica).
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