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We selected the suitcases and luggage on this list based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon. For every category, we chose parameters based on our research and identified the products with the highest reviews and ratings within those parameters.
The Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels from Samsonite is made of scratch-resistant 100% polycarbonate shell and weighs 3.1kg. You can get it in various sizes, ranging from the standard carry-on to a large variation. In addition to 4 oversized multi-directional spinner wheels, this suitcase has a self-retracting handle and a mounted TSA lock to secure your belongings. It has a 4-pocket, 2-sided panel that maximises luggage organisation without being bulky. It is expandable as well for added packing capability.
This suitcase is lightweight even when it's full to the brim, according to reviews. Many customers also said that the oversized spinner wheels made hauling the luggage a lot easier. Others liked the inclusion of the mounted lock, saying that it gives them peace of mind that their belongings are secured inside the suitcase. A few reviews said that the 4-pocket panel helps with organising their items. Some customers praised the luggage for being expandable, saying it helps when they want to bring home souvenirs from their travels. However, a few customers complained about the suitcase's shell, mentioning that it feels flimsy and scratches easily. Others also said that the interior lining rips after only a couple of uses, but this seems to be an isolated issue.
This carry-on is compact and only weighs 2.5kg, according to the manufacturer. It has multi-directional spinner wheels and a built-in USB port for on-the-go charging. However, batteries are not included. Apart from fitting underseat and overhead on most planes, the Samsonite Underseat Spinner II has a 3-height top handle for portability. The handle is ergonomically designed as well. You can attach this carry-on to a larger wheeler-bag using its pass-through band. Its main storage also has a padded compartment for a laptop up to 13.3", while the exterior pockets let you pack smaller items easily.
Many customers said that the Samsonite Underseat Spinner II with USB Port is the perfect travel companion. It fits travel essentials and other personal belongings without being too bulky, according to reviews. Some customers raved about the inclusion of a built-in USB port, saying it is useful for quick device charging. The wheels spin seamlessly as well, making it easy to haul. Several customers also praised how sturdy the luggage is, adding that they have had theirs for years. Some reviews said that they hoped the carry-on comes in bigger sizes to store more of their belongings. Others also criticised the luggage's carrying handle, mentioning that a solid handle would work better than the soft strap it has.
The Cargo Hauler from Eagle Creek is made of Bi-Tech Armor abrasion-resistant material, according to the company. It is lightweight at only 2kg. The fabric also provides maximum abrasion and water resistance. The luggage is designed to be portable despite being a large suitcase. Apart from having padded haul handles, it has a side grab handle and a top pull handle. It has zippered end pockets to protect and organise your items. This luggage can also be folded into a stuff sack for storage.
This luggage is versatile as it can be carried like a normal backpack, according to reviews. Many customers praised it for being lightweight even when it's full to the brim. Others liked that the fabric is sturdy and water-resistant. A couple of customers also raved about the material being reflective, adding it's great for night use. Some reviews also said that its shape is perfect for stacking with a larger suitcase. A few customers also appreciated that it's compact and can be folded when not in use. However, some reviews criticised the bag for not having compartments, mentioning that it's a bit difficult to organise their belongings. A few customers found the luggage expensive but said that the durability of the bag and its size are well worth the price.
We recommend the Out of Bounds 24-inch Hardside Upright Luggage as the best hard-shell suitcase you can get in Australia right now. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 400 reviews.
This suitcase has a hard-side ABS exterior with moulded corner guard reinforcements. It weighs 3.8kg and has four moulded side feet that allow it to stand upright on its side. Apart from being tear-resistant, the Out of Bounds 24-inch Hardside Upright Luggage's interior is fully lined. The compartment has a double-sided packing, a zippered organisation pocket and a strap that keeps your clothes in places. The suitcase also features a multi-directional 4-wheel spinner and a retractable telescoping trolley handle.
According to customers, this luggage is quite sturdy. They liked that the hard-shell is water- and scratch-resistant. Many reviews praised the luggage for being effortless to manoeuvre. The multi-directional wheels make it easy to haul the bag, especially when in a hurry. Others said that it is stylish and the colours are fun. Some customers liked that the suitcase is quite spacious, adding that it's ideal for longer trips. A couple of reviews said it is lightweight despite being a larger suitcase. However, there were complaints about it not being expandable. A couple of reviews also mentioned that the zipper is hard to close when the suitcase is full but said it is manageable.
If you're looking for a fun and colourful suitcase for kids, we recommend the Disney Kids Hardside Upright Luggage from American Tourister. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews.
This suitcase for kids is made of lightweight and durable ABS material, weighing only 1.75kg. It has a sleek hardside design and side-mounted skate wheels. The suitcase also has a top grab handle, which makes it easy to lift. The interior is fully lined and has crisscross tie-down straps to keep clothing in place. Apart from having a zip-around divider, the suitcase comes in various colourful designs with popular Disney characters.
According to reviews, the American Tourister Disney Kids Hardside Upright Luggage is lightweight. They said that kids can easily haul the bag despite being full. Others raved about its durability and design. Many customers said the graphics are fun and that their kids loved it. Some reviews mentioned that the compartments make it easy to organise clothes and other belongings. The reviews said the zippers run smooth and the handle goes up and down without any problem. However, a few customers criticised the suitcase's wheels, saying they get stuck easily. Others added that the luggage is only ideal for shorter trips, mentioning they wished that it was expandable to fit more items.
The Travel Gear 6283 Spinner Luggage 29inch is made of polyester material and weighs 4.6kg. It features a locking telescoping handle and four 360-degree, multi-directional wheels. Apart from reinforced carry handles, the suitcase has an ID pocket. Its interior has a zippered mesh pocket, adjustable luggage strap and zippered wet bag. The luggage has two front panel pockets for small items as well. For additional packing capacity, you can expand the bag by up to 2".
Many customers loved how spacious the luggage is, saying it is perfect for long trips. They said they can pack their essentials and trip souvenirs without it being bulky. Other reviews praised its sturdiness despite being a soft-side suitcase. Some customers appreciated that it has a zippered wet bag that they can use for dirty clothes. A couple of reviews also said the wheels run smooth, making it easy to haul the luggage in and out of the airport. There were some complaints about the handle, with several customers saying it gets stuck after just a couple of uses. Others commented that the bag is heavier compared to other medium-sized ones but said it's still manageable to carry.
If you're looking for the best large suitcase, we recommend American Tourister's 107528 Sunside Expandable Spinner Travel Suitcase. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 50 reviews on Amazon.
This large suitcase is made of 100% polypropylene. It is expandable and weighs 4.5kg. It also features lockable zippers and recessed TSA locks. Apart from dual spinner wheels, the luggage has a top and a side handle. For easier organisation, its top compartment has a divider pad, ribbons and pockets. You can also expand the luggage by up to 2" for extra capacity.
This large luggage is quite spacious and makes organising your belongings easy, according to customers. Reviews said that it is lightweight despite its size. They liked that it has a TSA lock, which gives them peace of mind knowing that their belongings are secured. Many customers raved about its sleek design and durability, with a few adding that they have used this luggage for years. Some reviews mentioned that the handles are comfortable to grip and the wheels glide effortlessly. There were a couple of customers who said the zippers aren't smooth and tend to get stuck quite often. Others complained about the hard-shell not being scratch-resistant.
The Hanke Expandable and Foldable Suitcase is made of premium polyester. It is lightweight at only 2.44kg. Depending on your travel needs, you can expand the luggage into three different sizes: 20", 24" and 28". The largest capacity is around 100L. The suitcase is water-repellent and scratch-resistant. Its multi-directional spinner wheels are designed for smooth mobility and all kinds of road conditions, according to the manufacturer. It also has a top grab handle for easy lifting.
Many customers raved about the luggage's versatility. They liked that the bag is expandable into three different sizes, making it ideal for any kind of trip. Some reviews appreciated that it is durable and water repellent. Others also said the spinner wheels are smooth and make hauling the luggage easier, even when it is full to the brim. Several customers praised how compact it is, saying it is easy to collapse and store when not in use. A couple of customers said that the handle is flimsy, adding that it's not comfortable to grip. Others also criticised the luggage for not having compartments, which makes organising a bit of a challenge.
Amazon prices last updated on 28 November, 2023 at 07:01 ameBay prices last updated on 28 November, 2023 at 02:19 am
Methodology
18 Brands considered
45 Products compared
8 Best products chosen
We compared suitcases and luggage from 18 brands and over 40 products.
We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews (as of December 2020) and ratings from Amazon customers.
The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
We considered suitcases from the following brands:
American Tourister
Antler
bebe
Cabin Max
Delsey
Eagle Creek
Flylite
Hanke
High Sierra
Kenneth Cole
Olympia
Rockland
Samsonite
SwissGear
Travelers Club
TUMI
Victorinox
Wanderlite
For this list, we carefully selected suitcases and luggage with more than 50 customer reviews and ratings on Amazon. We ended up with a total of 45 suitcases for comparison.
We then researched each product and its features. We also considered ratings and customer reviews on Amazon (as of December 2020). We came up with what we believe are the eight best suitcases you can buy online in Australia right now.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But Finder may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Types of luggage
Whether you are backpacking around South East Asia, heading out of town for an overnight trip or taking a luxury cruise from Dubai, finding the right type of luggage for your trip is important. You don't want something that's too big or too small, and you need to be able to carry it or wheel it around without too much hassle.
Suitcases
Suitcases come in a range of different sizes, materials and wheel options.
Size
Cabin size. Cabin suitcases are suitable for carrying a few belongings for a weekend or short trip. They fit in the overhead compartment on an aeroplane.
Check-in size. If you need to check your luggage in for a longer holiday, you'll want to look at a larger suitcase. You can find these in medium, large or extra-large sizes.
Material
Soft shell. Made from soft material rather than plastic, soft shell suitcases give more flexibility when packing and usually have exterior pockets.
Hard shell. Hard shell suitcases are made from plastic and are more durable than soft shell suitcases. They don't have pockets on the outside.
Wheels
2-wheel. 2-wheel suitcases are able to be pulled along behind you.
4-wheel. When a suitcase has four wheels on the bottom, you can push it alongside you, reducing the strain on your body.
Backpacks
Backpacks are worn on your back and are suitable for journeys where you want to keep your hands free. There are smaller options for quick trips or for using as cabin luggage, and larger models that hold 60-70 litres and can be used for backpacking trips to hold all your gear.
Duffel bags
Duffel bags are soft bags with a zip down their length. They have handles for carrying with your hands and sometimes a shoulder strap as well. You can find duffle bags in sizes ranging from small to large, and some models have wheels built in so you can wheel them along.
With many luggage options to choose from, there are many points to consider before shopping. As well as taking out travel insurance and booking your tickets, this is one of the most important purchases a traveller can make.
What are you using the luggage for?
Even though you may like the look of one piece of luggage, it may not be practical for what you want to use it for. There's no point in investing in a wheeled suitcase that will be a nightmare to pull over cobbled streets in Europe when you would be much more comfortable with a backpack. It's worth considering buying a few different pieces of luggage so that you have options for the various trips you will take.
Size
While larger suitcases allow you you pack more, they can be awkward to carry. Also, the more you fill them up, the heavier they will be. If you're going to be taking your luggage on a plane, you need to stay within the size regulations of the airline. Check out the different carry-on luggage regulations for Australian airlines.
Weight
Airlines seem to be getting more and more strict with the weight of your luggage. In fact, every Australian airline now weighs your carry-on luggage too. Suitcases weigh more than duffel bags and backpacks, sometimes 3-5 kg, so that's a good chunk of your weight allowance gone. Plus, extra wheels and pockets can add on extra weight. Some suitcase models are advertised as being lightweight, but make sure to double-check the actual weight.
Cost
The cost of luggage varies depending on the type that you choose, the size and any bells and whistles that come with it. Suitcases can range from around $50 to over $1,000, but you should expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a decent product.
Colour
Many brands have brightly coloured and patterned options. Even though black shows dirt less easily, your suitcase can blend in with everyone else's, so it may be hard to spot it when it comes out on the conveyor belt. A unique looking bag can also be helpful if your luggage is lost and you are trying to describe it to the airport staff.
Compartments and pockets
The main body of your bag is where you will keep the majority of your things, but compartments to separate your items can make it easier to grab what you need. Pockets on the outside of your luggage are handy for things that you need easy access to like snacks, documents, your camera or toiletries.
Material and durability
The quality of the material and workmanship is important, especially since baggage handlers at the airport are known to be less than gentle. Oftentimes, the more you pay for your luggage, the more durable it will be, so consider buying luggage from a brand that has a solid reputation if your budget allows it. Some brands even offer a 10-year or even a lifetime guarantee on workmanship, which means that they will replace your luggage if it starts falling apart. Hardshell bags are generally more durable and waterproof.
Handles and straps
Make sure the luggage that you choose has suitable handles. Suitcases should have a handle at the end and at the side, and backpacks should have a handle at the top. If you are tall, check how long the telescopic handle is on a suitcase is to ensure that it will be comfortable for you to manoeuvre. For backpacks, make sure that there are adjustable shoulder, chest and waist straps so that you can carry it without hurting yourself.
Locks
Keeping your belongings safe and secure while travelling is crucial, so your luggage should be able to be locked. Some suitcases come with their own built-in lock, while for others you will need to use your own personal lock with a key or number pad. Duffel bags and backpacks can also be secured with a lock, but this may not include all compartments. For added security, you may want to invest in a bike lock so you can attach your bag to something to reduce the risk of theft.
Airline and other transport carrier regulations
If you are traveling by plane, you will need to comply with the size and weight allowances that the airline provides on its website, otherwise you will be charged extra fees. However, do keep in mind that airlines have different weight and measurement allowances, so you may be faced with varying regulations if you use your luggage on a number of different airlines.
Although some airlines differ in their allowances, you can still get a sense of what sizes and weights are acceptable for checked and cabin luggage. To do this, visit the websites of three or four different airlines and find the smallest allowance, then make your purchase based on that. It's also a good idea to carry a set of luggage scales with you so that you can ensure you are not overweight when you get to the airport.
Trains and buses may be more lenient with the size and weight of your luggage, but check their allowances first to understand what you can take.
Best rated suitcases and luggage brand award breakdown
Brand
Design
Durability
Ease of use
Value for Money
Overall rating
Recommended
Total Score
Samsonite
4.53
4.51
4.53
4.18
4.57
98%
8.34
Big W
4.36
4.34
4.53
4.49
4.43
91%
8.14
Paklite
4.33
4.5
4.5
4.25
4.33
100%
8.1
Antler
4.31
4.31
4.41
4.25
4.41
84%
7.99
American Tourister
4.28
4.26
4.43
4.11
4.32
89%
7.91
Flylite
4.22
4.14
4.35
4.19
4.32
89%
7.88
ALDI
4
3.77
4.23
4.35
4.08
96%
7.6
Kmart
3.92
3.72
3.9
4.1
3.82
92%
7.19
Brand
Build Quality
Design
Durability
Ease of use
Stability
Value for Money
Overall rating
Recommended
Aldi
3.88
4.1
3.79
4.36
3.9
4.38
4.05
90%
American Tourister
4.16
4.15
3.99
4.25
4.06
3.98
4.04
90%
Antler
4.42
4.25
4.31
4.43
4.39
4.18
4.28
90%
Big W
3.48
3.64
3.36
3.98
3.6
3.95
3.57
75%
Flylite
3.99
4.07
3.78
4.25
3.94
4.14
4.04
93%
Kmart
3.61
3.91
3.67
4.11
3.72
4.07
3.71
88%
Samsonite
4.37
4.35
4.28
4.42
4.29
4
4.26
94%
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
Finder and Generation Entrepreneur, have announced the winners of School Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 – a national business-building competition for high school students.
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