The Best Hard Shell Luggage to Buy Right Now, From Checked Bags to Carry

By Madison Flager

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Any frequent traveler knows that when you bid farewell to your bag at check-in, the likelihood of it being treated with the care and attention you feel it deserves is low. That's when you turn to hard shell luggage: sturdy, box-like suitcases with hard sides that are typically made of ultra-durable polycarbonate or aluminum (making them easier to sanitize than fabric suitcases). They can handle the wear and tear of being transported by baggage handlers and have all the perks you'd expect out of high-quality luggage—spinner wheels that can speed through an airport or take on a cobblestoned street, TSA-approved locks, and more often than not, a matching carry-on to consider.

Here, the best hard shell luggage that will last for years to come, from trunk-like Calpak bags to retro-looking Steamline suitcases. Every piece has been road-tested by editors, and reviewed based on the following criteria:

Below, our top-recommended pieces of checked and carry-on hard shell luggage.

Among the most aesthetically pleasing on the list is Paravel's checked-size bag, the Aviator Grand. It's the rare suitcase that can call itself 100 percent carbon neutral—Paravel offsets the cost of the emissions that come from sourcing, assembly, shipping, and delivering the bag to you, as well as from your first trip (based on an average flight). The bag's materials are sourced sustainably, too: It's constructed with a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, recycled nylon lining, and vegan leather trim. Beyond that, it's a handsome and chic bag you'll be happy to roll through the airport on that long-awaited next trip, with plenty of room inside; while testing it out, we fit two weeks worth of clothing inside, plus four pairs of shoes and a Dopp kit, and still had room to spare. Other highlights: a smooth, comfortable handle wrapped in vegan leather, carbon steel bearing wheels, and a sturdy (and easy-to-clean) nylon interior lining.

Pros: Sustainably made, rolled smoothly on uneven surfaces, textured exterior to hide scuffs

Cons: Quite a bit of branding on the exterior and interior, which some may not be a fan of

One problem with hard shell luggage? There's very little wiggle room when you're packing. But this large, expandable spinner from Briggs & Riley gives you that much-needed extra room to bring back extras you may have accumulated on the road—it's kitted out with an expansion-compression system that increases packing capacity by 17 percent (a good two inches of extra space). It also has a less pronounced dip on the bottom of the bag, as the handle sits on the exterior of the case, minimizing wrinkles in clothes packed. Another thoughtful touch: The front of the bag curves in to avoid dents or scratches. This is a solid, functional, and well-designed bag with a streamlined look we love.

Pros: Clean lines and minimalist look, plenty of room inside with and without expansion

Cons: Among the heavier bags at 12 pounds, compression system latch can be finicky (watch your fingers)

For a piece of luggage you'll want to keep around for decades to come, you can't go wrong with Steamline's vintage-inspired luggage. The Diplomat is Steamline's largest four-wheel trunk, mixing the spinner wheels today's travelers have come to expect with a retro style sure to stand out among the crop of minimalist bags popular of late. Available in red, cream, or hunter green (shown above), it has gold hardware and tan leather straps to buckle it closed (as well as more secure latches and TSA-approved locks). Inside, there's more room than you'd expect, though if you're someone who likes a ton of compartments, this might not be the bag for you. If you're an unpacker, though, the large singular compartment (and two zippered pockets) won't be a problem.

Pros: Beautiful design, comes with ripstop protective sleeve for use in transit, sturdy leather handles

Cons: Fewer compartments than most, on the heavier side at 12.1 pounds

As far as trunks go, this Calpak style is a favorite. While we tested the now-sold-out red model designed by hairstylist and entrepreneur Jen Atkin, we're happy to see the style has stuck around as part of a Calpak Hue collection. It is by far the roomiest piece of luggage we tested, with clothes for 18 days and four pairs of shoes fitting easily inside. Unlike the Steamline trunk, this one has compartments on both sides (one much deeper than the other), plus three zippered pockets. The bag's textured exterior stands up to scratches, and it comes with a clear waterproof sleeve for extra protection in transit.

Pros: Incredibly roomy, easy to roll despite bulkier size, three handles (top, front, side), interior compression straps

Cons: Requires more storage space than standard bag; clasps were traded out for a zip-around closure

Samsonite knows how to make light bags. (The absolute lightest we tested, the Lite-Box Medium Spinnner, weighs under six pounds, though it wasn't particularly roomy.) The Tru-Frame is a happy medium; at 9.3 pounds, it's easy to maneuver and ideal for overpackers or winter trips where heavy sweaters and boots are in the mix. Its two sides are even, so it flips open easily and without tumbling to one side; inside, it is very roomy, with pockets to keep you organized and aware of what's where without leafing through each compartment (there are two mesh ones and a clear, half-zip panel). It gets points for a clasp closure, rather than a zipper, making it easier to open and shut.

Pros: Spacious, lightweight, comes with a hanger and hook inside

Cons: Scuffed fairly easily in transit, but most wiped off with a microfiber cleaning cloth

Monos makes premium, made-to-last luggage at a more accessible price point than most luxury suitcase brands. (The Check-In is just under $400, making it one of the most affordable on this list.) We like the Check-In Large, which comes in 10 mostly neutral colors, and has a design not unlike the Away bag, with less noticeable branding. A few design features set it apart, though, like vegan leather trim and a handle with a release button underneath instead of on top, meaning it sits where your grip naturally does. Of all the bags tested, this is the only one with this more intuitive placement. It is on the lighter side at 10.58 pounds, with one zipped side and an open one featuring compression straps, as well as a cover panel with two large pockets.

Pros: Rolled easily over uneven surfaces (door frames, carpet), wide color range, comes with laundry bag and two shoe bags

Cons: Scuffed easily in transit

Away's trend-setting polycarbonate shell still holds up in its large checked bag, which comes in a dozen shades from blush pink to asphalt gray and sky blue. Like many bags of this material, it scuffs fairly easily, but can be wiped clean with a Magic Eraser or microfiber towel. At under $400, it's among the most affordable checked bags on the list. With spinner wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, and matching carry-on sizes that nest into this bag for easy storage, Away's luggage sets continue to be a great lower-cost, quality option for travelers.

Pros: Broad color range, smooth spinner wheels, interior compression straps

Cons: Smaller than other check-ins tested

Founded by two former Tumi execs in 2018, Roam has quickly established itself as a competitor thanks to the quality of its designs—scratch-resistant shells, super-smooth wheels, and sturdy handles molded to your grip. Bonus: There are almost never-ending options for customization, meaning you can mix and match everything from the wheels to the zipper to create your ideal bag. We like The Journey as a mid-size option; the brand's Expedition is larger, but this one won't feel like a schlepp to bring along on those trips that require more than a carry-on, but not your whole wardrobe.

Pros: Four height settings on telescopic handle, among the lightest at 9.2 pounds

Cons: For indecisive travelers, the endless color options can feel like a chore (though, stylists are available virtually to help you out)

A sturdy yet lightweight bag that's great for longer trips (think one to two weeks), this Arlo Skye bag is especially great when paired with Arlo's Zipper Carry-On if you're short on storage space—the carry-on nests inside the larger bag when it's empty. Inside, you'll find two even-sized compartments; one half zips closed and has a large zippered pocket built in to secure items like hats, bathing suits, belts, or purses. The other side is secured by compression straps, but still has two smaller zippered pockets to hold undergarments or socks.

Pros: Super roomy, lightweight on its own, Arlo Skye carry-ons nest inside for easy storage

Cons: Scuffs pretty easily

Launched this year by a mother-daughter duo, Royce & Rocket wants to change the way you unpack. "The most important feature of this suitcase is the built-in shelves—they fold down flat when not in use and can be snapped into place using built-in straps when you're ready to unpack in place," saying Taylor Eisenhauer, who tested out the suitcase this fall. The second shelf is wider, and best suited for folded sweaters and pants, Eisenhauer says, while the top shelf is ideal for toiletries or smaller accessories, like jewelry or hats. "It's the most unique piece of luggage I've encountered—my friends were blown away by the shelving system," she says. Overall, "I tend to lean toward carry-on bags because they're not as bulky and are usually better designed, but this piece makes me feel like I don't have to sacrifice form or function in order to pack everything I want on a trip."

Pros: Sleek, simple exterior; innovative interior; smooth-rolling wheels, even when full

Cons: On the pricier side, the interior shelving system does add extra bulk while packing

If it's not clear by now, Away's popularity extends to Traveler editors. Former editor Meredith Carey got this bag in preparation for a two-week trip to New Zealand, and says it's been her go-to checked bag ever since. "It's small enough that I can't go over the 50-pound weight limit (though I’ve gotten very close) but thanks to its poly-carbonate shell and compression straps, flexible enough that I can pack to the brim without worrying about breaking a zipper," she says. While she took it for a longer stretch, Carey recommends it for trips of around a week.

Pros: Can be personalized, comes with a laundry bag and dust bag, nests inside The Large Away bag

Cons: No front zipper section, which is handy for storing last-minute packing list additions

Useful for overnight business travelers or anyone looking for a rolling personal item, this compact carry-on from Away still has many of the brand's signature features, from 360° roller wheels to an included luggage tag (which can be monogrammed for $10). Lightweight and portable, the suitcase has an exterior pocket to store up to a 13" laptop, and a removable three-compartment accordion to keep documents organized.

Pros: Fits under an airline seat, easy to roll, great for business travelers

Cons: Not suitable for multi-night trips on its own (unless you're a really light packer)

For a little more space than Away's The Bigger Carry-On, choose the Flex. It gives travelers an additional 2.25" of packing space when needed. Used by Traveler's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer for a one-week vacation to London, it earned points for rolling smoothly across almost any surface, thanks to its 360° spinner wheels.

Pros: Smooth glide, TSA-approved combination lock, the expansion capabilities

Cons: Mistaken identity! Given they’re popular with travelers, make sure to get a unique color or add your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help you identify yours

Another Away fan: Traveler's deputy global editorial director, Jesse Ashlock. "There really is a reason these suitcases have become so ubiquitous in overhead compartments and on baggage carousels: They’re just solid workhorse polycarbonate bags that suit a lot of different trip styles." After three years of use, he is still pleased with this carry-on's durability, amount of flex, and thoughtful internal details, as well as the feeling that it is intuitive to pack.

Pros: Long-lasting, helpful organizational compartments

Cons: Easy to mistake in the airport; scratches are common

Used by Traveler senior editor Megan Spurrell on nearly every trip in recent years, from weekend trips to week-long adventures, this bag has never let her down. She calls it surprisingly roomy, and notes its sturdy shell: "This bag looks sleek, but is totally durable. I’ve checked it on a few occasions, and it always survives being chucked onto the baggage carousel with little to no evidence of the journey."

Pros: Front pocket, a rarity for hard-shell bags, plus more internal compartments; comes with a removable charger

Cons: Not expandable, so less forgiving for overpackers

This suitcase was called "an organizer's dream" by its tester, thanks to the zip pockets and mesh nets that give every item its own place. Light packers can fit a week's worth of clothing inside comfortably, but it's probably best suited for weekend trips. It rolls easily and in all directions, and the built in patterns on the exterior help to hide any scratches. Overall, it is "sleek, unique, and compact," though overall storage is on the smaller side.

Pros: Great for organization, stylish, secure

Cons: Overall storage is on the smaller side

Another gorgeous option when it comes to carry-on luggage: Steamline's The Editor bag. This trunk-inspired carry-on blends vintage details and modern-day touches beautifully, with a durable exterior secured by buckle straps and TSA-approved locks that snap open to reveal fun, bright patterns. Organization is aided by multiple zippered compartments and a hanging organizer, and the three-tiered handle lets you find your perfect height.

Pros: Latch closure, beautiful design, spinner wheels

Cons: One of the most expensive carry-ons on the list

On the other end of the price spectrum, there is this hardside carry-on from Amazon. Thanks to its affordable price, roomy size, spinner wheels, and built-in TSA lock, it has racked up tons of positive reviews on Amazon. Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny agrees with those reviews, calling it "an overpacker's dream bag."

Pros: Lightweight, durable, and easy to move around and lift

Cons: Only available in a few standard colors and there really isn't anything that stands out about it to help you know it's yours.

As with the Aviator Grand, Paravel's carry-on is beloved for more than just its retro Wes Anderson–style designs. It's made using eco-friendly materials, like recycled zippers and a lining crafted out of upcycled plastic water bottles, and comes in beautiful shades like scout tan and safari green. Inside, one half zips fully closed and has an additional zip pocket of its own, while the other is covered by a compression board.

Pros: Smooth, sturdy spinner wheels and a texture finish add to its overall durability

Cons: No charger, could use a few additional pockets

While she admits this bag looked too small for her liking at first glance, executive editor Erin Florio was ultimately impressed by the spaciousness of this Calpak carry-on. Even better, "I actually look forward to packing this thing," she says. "The inner compartments make it really easy to organize all your items, from shoes to laundry to toiletries, which helps you fit in more. This small but mighty rollaboard's design helped me put everything in a proper spot. It made me a better packer by design."

Pros: Lightweight bag, front pocket for laptops (up to 16") or magazines, lots of interior pockets

Cons: Currently out of stock in several classic colors

Tested by associate social media manager Kayla Brock, this expandable roller is best for three- to four-day trips. Brock appreciates the combination lock included with the suitcase, as well as the mix of pocket types inside. "Although it originally looked like my clothes wouldn't fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease," she says.

Pros: Expandable, clean lines and minimalist look, vibrant color, separate compartments for clothes, shoes, and toiletries

Cons: The combination lock dial can be hard to turn, the handle is a little tough to get up and when expanded the handle to grab your luggage isn't centered