Best Suitcases in the UK for Your Next Holiday, Rigorously Tested
Most suitcases look hardwearing, but which ones actually are? We dropped bestselling brands' luggage from a ladder to find out. A suitcase accumulates knocks and scrapes while we travel, from cobblestones to luggage racks to baggage handlers. For our testing, we pushed eight suitcases to the limit by dropping them onto a hard surface, simulating rough handling. Air travel is especially tough, so you might opt for a less-resilient case if you travel by rail or sea. According to a Gatwick worker, baggage handlers load about 150 bags within 40 minutes per shift, making drops inevitable. Sita reports over 36 million air passengers had mishandled luggage in 2023. Fortunately, many modern suitcases are extremely tough, using durable plastics like polycarbonate. Beyond durability, we assessed appearance, internal organisation (compartments, pockets), and manoeuvrability (casters, telescopic handle). We tested eight models diverse in shape, size, material, style, and price.
At a Glance
- Best suitcase overall: Away the Large (£300)
- Best budget suitcase: Tripp Holiday 8 Large (£75)
- Best lightweight suitcase: July Checked (£275)
- Best small suitcase: Horizn Studios H6 Pro (£470)
- Best for a luxurious look: Carl Friedrik the Trunk (£595)
- Best wheeled backpack: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler duffel (£179.95)
Why You Should Trust Me
I have been reviewing products since the mid-2010s, testing them rigorously from waterproof jackets to alarm clocks. For luggage, I considered the suitcase's experience when out of the owner's hands.
How I Tested
I stress-tested each case by filling it and dropping it several times from a ladder on my driveway. Some sustained significant damage, while others emerged with just a few scuffs. I also assessed everyday functionality: packing, carrying, wheeling, and testing features like TSA locks and telescopic handles. The most impressive models offered durability and convenience equally. None of the brands wanted their suitcases back after testing; review units were donated to the Cat Action Trust 1977.
The Best Suitcases in 2026
Best Suitcase Overall: Away the Large
Price: £300 at Away
What we love: Superb finishing and toughness. It was one of the best performers in drop tests, emerging with just a few scuff marks that were mostly removable with the included eraser sponge. The understated horizontal grooves, silky-soft lining, rubbery zip trim, and recessed handle add to its appeal. The Large is lovely to use, from compression straps to nimble casters. It even supported a person's weight during an impromptu joyride.
What we don't love: Storage capacity is good, not great for its size.
Details: Carry-on version available (Carry-On 39.8l, £220). Capacity: 99.2l. Weight: 5.5kg. Dimensions: 52.1 x 31.8 x 73.6cm (WDH). Colours: 11. Outer material: polycarbonate. Closure: zipper with TSA combination lock. Storage: main compartment with two compression straps, zippered flap pocket, mesh storage insert with two zippered pockets and laundry bag; lid compartment with two zippered pockets in mesh cover.
Best Budget Suitcase: Tripp Holiday 8 Large
Price: from £75 at Next and Amazon
What we love: Excellent quality for the price. Expandable design bumps storage to 102l. The casters manoeuvre fluidly, and textured material minimises sliding. It stood out for durability; the material has plenty of give, helping it stay intact during drops.
What we don't love: Easier to scuff than some rivals; scratches stand out on shiny material. No small storage compartments or pockets.
Details: Carry-on version available (Holiday 8 Cabin 37l, £45). Capacity: 102l. Weight: 4.2kg. Dimensions: 50 x 32 x 76cm (WDH). Colours: 11. Outer material: polypropylene. Closure: zipper with TSA combination lock. Storage: main compartment with compression straps; zippered lid compartment with mesh cover.
Best Lightweight Suitcase: July Checked
Price: from £275 at July and John Lewis
What we love: Built like a tank with a cool, minimalistic design. It has reasonable weight, abundant internal storage (mesh pockets, removable laundry bag), and a textured surface that holds up to scuffs. Among the hardiest in drop tests; scuffing occurred mostly on anodised aluminium protective corners, which looked good with wear.
What we don't love: Casters don't run quite as smoothly as some competitors.
Details: Carry-on version available (Carry On 42l, from £245). Capacity: 80l. Weight: 3.8kg. Dimensions: 47 x 29 x 66cm (WDH). Colours: 11 (including limited edition). Outer material: aerospace-grade polycarbonate; anodised aluminium corner bumpers. Closure: Japanese YKK zippers with TSA combination lock. Storage: main compartment with Y-shaped compression strap, large zippered mesh sleeve, zippered pocket, removable laundry bag; lid compartment with two mesh pockets.
Best Small Suitcase: Horizn Studios H6 Pro
Price: £470 at Horizn Studios
What we love: Superior protectiveness and smart looks. It came away with less damage than any other; only light marks, mostly wipeable except deeper corner scratches. The polycarbonate shell is light, hardy, and lovely-looking. TSA lock and locking zippers feel robust. Great for work trips and weekends away.
What we don't love: Smaller size and high price won't suit everyone. Larger H7 Pro (£550) offers more capacity.
Details: Carry-on version available (M5 Pro 37l, £470). Capacity: 61l. Weight: 4.1kg. Dimensions: 46 x 24 x 64cm (WDH). Colours: four. Outer material: aerospace-grade polycarbonate. Closure: zipper with TSA combination lock. Storage: main compartment with two compression straps, two small mesh pockets, one large mesh sleeve, removable clear toiletries pouch; lid compartment with mesh cover, long zippered pocket, removable laundry bag.
Best for a Luxurious Look: Carl Friedrik the Trunk
Price: from £595 at John Lewis and Carl Friedrik
What we love: Fabulous materials and standout style. Riveted hinges, thumb-wound number dials, excellent casters that glide, height-adjustable telescopic handle with moulded grip. Ample internal storage with three removable zippered bags and a deep lid compartment due to cuboidal shape. Sustained scratches and dents during drop tests but held up impressively; wear and tear improved its look.
What we don't love: Polycarbonate shell attracts dust and finger marks. Eye-watering price rules it out for many.
Details: Carry-on version not exact match; Carl Friedrik sells Carry-on (£345). Capacity: 90l. Weight: 6.2kg. Dimensions: 39.3 x 36.6 x 72.5cm (WDH). Colours: three. Outer material: polycarbonate. Closure: buckle and two TSA combination locks. Storage: three removable storage cubes; zippered lid compartment; two compression straps.
Best Wheeled Backpack: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel
Price: £179.95 at Wildbounds
What we love: Well suited to adventure travel. It is a back-wearable duffel on suitcase-style casters. The roll-up design stores in a shoebox-sized space; unfurled, it has capacity comparable to a large trunk. At 1.93kg, it gives extra baggage allowance. Multiple carrying options: wheel by pull handle, backpack straps, or duffel mode. Practically unaffected by drop testing; only light scuffs.
What we don't love: Provides limited protection for contents compared to hard-shell cases. Lack of internal divisions means items can shift.
Details: Carry-on version available without wheels (Cargo Hauler 40l duffel, £76.13) or with wheels (Cargo Hauler 36l wheeled duffel XT, £199.99). Capacity: 108l. Weight: 1.93kg. Dimensions: 35 x 38 x 77cm (WDH). Colours: four. Outer material: nylon dobby and polyester. Closure: lockable zippers with central lock point. Storage: large main compartment; top compartment with zippered mesh pocket; small flap compartment.
The Best of the Rest
It Luggage Legion Medium Plus
Price: £60 at It Luggage
Best for: lighter-duty use. Uses ABS plastic, lightweight and familiar. However, it split at a corner during drop testing, so not for regular flying. In other respects, it was a favourite: storage options good, materials feel luxurious for the price, and casters, handle, and lock work perfectly. Did not make final cut due to durability.
Details: Carry-on version available (expandable cabin case 47l, £45). Capacity: 104l. Weight: 4.2kg. Dimensions: 48.5 x 30 x 70cm (WDH). Colours: six. Outer material: ABS. Closure: zipper with TSA combination lock. Storage: main compartment with two compression straps; lid compartment with one large zippered compartment and two stuff pockets.
Antler Icon Stripe Large
Price: from £204 at John Lewis and Antler
Best for: family trips. High capacity of 135l. Looks and feels similar to other polycarbonate cases: lightweight, subtly detailed, soft to touch. Inside has dark cream lining and accent colour zippers, feeling more special. Telescopic handle robust and casters serene. Did not make final cut because it accumulated deeper scuffs and scratches during drop tests, especially around corners and caster plastic.
Details: Carry-on version available (four-wheel cabin case 38l, from £148). Capacity: 135l. Weight: 4.9kg. Dimensions: 51.7 x 33.6 x 78cm (WDH). Colours: eight. Outer material: polycarbonate. Closure: zipper with TSA combination lock. Storage: main compartment with X-shaped compression straps and long zippered flap pocket; large lid compartment with two zippered mesh pockets.
What You Need to Know
What Makes Some Suitcases More Durable Than Others?
Materials, design, and construction are key. Most hard-shell suitcases use plastic, but polycarbonates are especially tough and lightweight. Design affects durability; corners are vulnerable and sometimes reinforced with guards. Joins can be weak points. Tightly fitting parts and premium fixings like rivets bode well. A generous guarantee, ideally lifetime, offers peace of mind.
Are All Suitcases Suitable as Hold Luggage?
Maximum dimensions and weight depend on airline and booking. Budget airlines often apply tight limits, so choose a case to suit the stingiest airlines you use. Locks must be TSA locks (red diamond symbol) for customs access. If no locks, use a TSA padlock. This article focuses on large hold suitcases; cabin bags stay with passengers but restrictions apply.
The Best Way to Pack a Suitcase
Rolling clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. For smarter clothing, fold at seams or natural pivot points. Use packing cubes to keep items neat. Utilise internal pockets for worn clothing or toiletries. Weigh your packed case before leaving to avoid overweight surcharges. Lighter packing reduces carbon footprint.
What to Do With Your Old Suitcase
Repurpose for storage at home (Christmas decorations, spare bedding, documents). Donate to charities working with young people in precarious housing, refugee charities, or homelessness charities. If no direct use, donate to a charity shop for resale.
This article was originally published on 18 May 2025 and updated on 30 April 2026 with additional buying guide information and updated prices.
