Its fitted with two zippered pockets and another water-resistant one for storing dirty laundry. Were the straps thick enough to avoid adding creases to the clothes? Choose one of two height settings for the telescoping handle with a comfortable patented contour grip. Most lightweight brands usually struggle with durability due to lighter, less-rigid hardware and materials. On the sides, The Bold 2.0 also has compression straps. The Aways polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin, which is more than three times as expensive as the Away. For our finalists, we repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route. Not only are they a dream to wheel around, but theyre also nearly impossible to destroy and, if the impossible does happen, a cinch to replace. When you're not towing your bag behind you, use the neoprene-cushioned grab handles on the top, front, bottom, and side to move it wherever you like. Spinner luggage or two-wheeled carry-on bag? Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I definitely find a clamshell design to be more finicky. The suitcases in those days didnt have wheels, so people had to always carry them when they were traveling. And although 100 percent polycarbonate hard-shell luggage has come a long way compared with the crack-prone ABS-blended suitcases that used to plague moderately priced hard-shell luggage lines, a stronger shell doesnt necessarily mean a stronger overall suitcase. No. The main compartment also has two compression straps inside and an expandable zipper for increasing the total capacity by an additional 15-25%. And if you put your bags through the wringer, a lifetime warranty, and reinforced corners should indicate that the suitcase will live a long life. ", Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard at Amazon, "The suitcase is part of Travelpro's lightest collection. The main potential for failure is the zipper, which binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together. The Maxlite 5 is made from polyester fabric, which is really durable. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock for keeping the contents of the bag secure. If you prefer extra space or wheel durability over maneuverability, then two-wheeled bags are perfect for you. Size: 26 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Once expanded, dimensions can size it out of airline restrictions. Given the trade-off, wed prefer a sturdier feeling handle than one that feels loose. Ive flown with this bag for more than 45,000 miles and havent had an issue, but if youre particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs its something to be aware of. . Does it ruin the bag? While we would love to provide you with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that means. The wheels still had that cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter to them. Thule Subterra 22: Unlike most of the other bags in our test, this opens like a clam, with the zipper cutting along the middle of the side walls. So we called up experts to help us narrow the field. Ive now personally flown more than 45,000 miles with both the two-wheeled and four-wheeled versions of Travelpros Platinum series. These include: TheCrew Versapack and Platinum Elite also have built-in suiter compartments, which keep the suits wrinkle-free. Other ones, like Samsonite, Delsey, Ricardo, Swiss Gear, or Travelers Choice dont stand next to Travelpro in terms of durability. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpros generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we dont advise doing), we felt more scraping than wed like. Keep in mind that the warranty doesnt cover cosmetic wear, and remember to tread carefully on stairs. Our testers reported that packing for a five-day trip was a breeze. If youre planning on traveling with a suitcase and the Maxlite 5 tote, then youll be happy to know that it has a rear strap, which secures it on top of your suitcase by wrapping around the retractable handle. Travelpros luggage prices vary quite a bit, between 120$-400$, depending on which model you choose. We looked at how each bag loaded. From the exterior, its fitted with hand-carry handles on top, side, bottom, and front, so its really easy to lift up to overhead compartments or carry like a duffel. In addition to the expert interviews, we spoke with assorted salespeople, brand engineers, and media-relations folks to make sure we found the best models from each brand. Videos for related products. Arent Samsonite, Delsey, or Briggs & Riley better choices? Two-wheeled suitcases tend to have built-in garment folders, like this one, rather than removable garment bags. Telescoping handles can be a common failure point on luggage, but the Elites aluminum handle is solidly built and has a great track recordweve yet to encounter a sticking or bending problem with any of the Platinum bags weve tested over the years. The tubing throughout the Crew Experts frame is twice as wide and much heavier than that of the Platinum Elite. Hard-shell bags also miss out on a lot of features that are particularly important for a carry-on. Even the cheapest option that I own (Maxlite 5) comes with two exterior pockets, two zippered mesh pockets inside, and compression straps to keep your belongings in place. Instead it feels more like a nudge or subtle push, but thats enough for this bag to stand out from the competition as a top-rated carry-on bag. The Away costs about $40 less than the Travelpro Platinum Elite, and it too is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Size: 20 x 15 x 7.7 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Not as great for fragile items but thats true of all soft-sided bags. We then double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers listed volumes, by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly half a pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents (PDF) approximately 2 cubic inches. ", Best Set: Platinum Elite Carry-on / Medium Check-in Hardside Luggage Set at Travelpro, "This set has taken everything a traveler needs into consideration.". Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. However, you need to register the luggage within 120 days of purchase to activate the coverage. The only other bag that was this good was the Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On. That being said, few suitcases can match the durability and shear quality of the Versapack. This enhancement is valid for 1 year on the Maxlite 5 and the Bold collections, 3 years on the Versapack collection, 5 years on the Platinum Elite Hardside collection, and for a lifetime on the Platinum Elite Fabric collection. Thats when he came up with an idea that would revolutionize the luggage market. www.cleverjourney.com all rights reserved 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of service. The Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on comes in 6 different colors, and our favorites are theRich Espressoand theShadow Black. You can push a spinner bag ahead of you, run it along your side, or drag it behind you like a two-wheeled bag if you prefer; the point being, you get to choose what works best in a given situation, and this is often the difference between a stress-free day of travel and a stressed-out day of agitation, caught corners, and annoyed strangers. "Hard-sided luggage is typically made with 'split construction,' meaning the bag zips down the middle and opens into two shallower main compartments, like a clamshell., If you're basing your decision on durability, you can't go wrong with either. It provides ample space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches if you use the main compartments expansion feature. This is better because theyre pretty much impossible to break off, even if the bag is checked in, so your contact information will always stay on your bag in case it gets lost. There's also a suiter for hanging clothesa perfect addition for business travelers. Additionally, it has a DuraGuard coating that makes it abrasion-free. How many stages did the handle extend to? The listed size of 22 by 14 by 9 inches (although most airline sizers we tested are actually a bit larger than their listed measurements) should be compliant with the vast majority of flights that start within America, regardless of where youre flying to. And it extends to three heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42 inches) to accommodate a variety of body types. Though weve come to prefer the maneuverability of the four-wheeled carry-on luggage design, some people may prefer the extra space (about 400 cubic inches or the size of two rolled-up sweatshirts) and wheel durability of the two-wheeled model. Most of the bags we tested unzip so that only the top opens, allowing you the full depth of the bag to stack your belongings inside along the walls. Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates! ", Best Hard-Sided: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner at Travelpro, "The 100 percent polycarbonate, scratch-resistant shell makes the case durable. By comparison, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic inches or 80 percent of its total conceivable volume. You sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the bag, as well. Size: 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Expandable: No, Price tagbut if youre a frequent traveler, these are worth the money. The tires of the wheels on the Platinum Elite are thinner and firmer but made of the same polyurethane. (A single screw both holds the wheel in place and serves as the axle.) Travelpros luggage comes with some of the best wheels on the market. Also, best built-in suiter I've ever used. The 21 x 14 x 9-inch Travelpro carry-on is also supported by the brand's PrecisionGlide system and a pull handle for smooth mobility. On the exterior, its fitted with four self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels, which have been praised by Travelpros customers for their ability to roll on any surface with ease. It also has reinforced seams on the corners, back skid guards, and protective plastic elements. However, for a limited time (how limited isnt yet clear), Travelprothe maker of our top pick in carry-on luggage for six years now, and a company that built its name and reputation on making luggage for flight crewsis selling a version of its professional model to everyone. This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Expandable: Yes. Whats the best carry-on luggage Ive found? Travelpros wheels are similarly impressive. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. At 5.4 pounds, it's also up to a half-pound lighter than its previous Maxlite 4 collection, making the suitcase part of Travelpro's lightest collection. We also thought the Calpak bags handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces. It also has an aluminum retractable handle, which lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy. Nowadays, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. Its easy to pack: Just zip the suit in, fold it up, and youre set. The Crew Versapack is one of the best choices for people who are planning on traveling frequently. If you tend to shop during your travels, you should consider bags that come with storage expansion. But are they still one of the most durable brands today? The spinner luggage configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moved. There are some exceptionsfor example, the Briggs & Riley Torq collection features an accessible outer panel that can carry a laptop, a tablet, and a few other gadgets for easy access. However, up to this point, I havent had any issues with it being slightly too wide, because the side handle is actually made from fabric and I was able to squeeze it into the test-fitter bins at airports. The spinner model of the Platinum Elite has a unique magnetic locking system, which helps align the wheels along parallel axes. The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Luggage Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Luggage Items Under $300 of 2023, The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Lightweight Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Items of 2023, The Best Underseat Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Travelpro's Maxlite 5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner Is Sturdy but Sleek, We Tested the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner, Travelpro Crew 11 21" Expandable Spinner Suiter Review, The Best Rolling Duffels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Travelpro's Bold Expandable Rollaboard Is a Smart Buy, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Both of them come with all of their suitcases. Travelpro uses a self-repairing nylon coil along with Supra zipper heads throughout its bag, instead of zippers made by YKK. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). We checked the smoothness of the zippers when they were under stress while packed tight. Platinum Elite . Registering is an easy process: Take a picture of the registration code thats shipped with the luggage, text the photo to a phone number thats provided, and fill out the form in the response link. Differences: Maxlite Vs Platinum Elite The first difference between the bags lies in their dimensions, as Maxlite measures 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches. warranty for return, repair, and replacement, Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner, Travelpro Platinum Elite International Carry-On Expandable Spinner, eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Duffel, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022, Elaine Tannous, flight attendant at the time for Virgin America, Mark Davis, then product design manager at Eagle Creek, Georgene Rada, vice president of product design at Briggs & Riley, Sean Harris, former flight attendant at Virgin America, and at that time in Virgins corporate communications department, Kate Siber, writer and reviewer for Outside, Stephanie Pearson, writer for Outside and National Geographic, Jason Gifford, then design manager for eBags, Joseph Guerrieri, suit enthusiast and sales manager for Klein Epstein & Parker, Juan Phillips, vice president, product design & innovation for Travelpro, Cristian Arenas, then the quality control director for Travelpro. You? Today, Travelpro remains synonymous with quality and innovation. Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. Like the rest of Travelpro's soft-sided suitcases, it's made from a durable, stain-resistant, water-repellent fabric exterior, so it'll hold up for many future trips. Platinum Elite; Maxlite Crew Versapack . It provides ample space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches if you use the main compartment's expansion feature. After traveling with 22 backpacks, wed choose to carry the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L or the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45Lbut we offer other great options as well. It weighs a pound less than the Platinum Elite, and it has a similar amount of packing space. It hides scuffs and scratches, and is much more versatile than hard-shellstyled bags. Also, the Crew Experts baseboardthe broad piece of plastic between the wheelsis a solid piece, whereas the baseboard on the Platinum Elite is drilled through with inch-wide weight-saving holes and secured by a multitude of small screws. Its made from polyester fabric with a DuraGuard coating, which has been a lifesaver for many customers, as it prevents the inside of the bag from getting wet in light rain. Samsonite vs Travelpro: Which Luggage Brand Is Better? All of their suitcases are thoroughly tested in test labs before launching. Travelpro platinum elite hardside large check-in expandable spinner This luggage has a high return rate due to the extra large size. productslearn more about Its external pockets, as with all the bags we tested, are nothing to write home about, but they do strike a nice balance between protecting and compressing small items (a shaving/sewing kit, say) without showing much extra bulk. All three bags are usually under $150, and they all come in a variety of colors. And by going with either of them, you can expect to pay 2-4 times as much. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner at Amazon, "Combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag. Available colors include black, blue, and indigo. Its obviously more rigid but obviously heavier as well. Most Travelpro bags come with built-in luggage tags, instead of typical ones that are attached to the exterior. Their hardside models are built from polycarbonate, which is the most durable plastic used in luggage. Its a fairly expensive suitcase, but you can often buy it on sale for under $300. This isnt to say that no one should ever get a two-wheeled bag. If you prefer more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder,2 we also like the two-wheeled 22-inch version, especially for longer trips. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30 percent in a pinchalthough the bag will no longer be carry-on compliant. 6 different colors, and durability, with high-end details garment bag made from polyester fabric, which helps the. Called up experts to help us narrow the field she covers an array of hotels,,. Just zip the suit in, fold it up, and durability, with high-end details bag stairs... Kit travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter mind that the warranty doesnt cover cosmetic,... Carry-On offers the best wheels on the Platinum Elite has a unique magnetic locking system, which binds the halves... Align the wheels on the sides, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic or! And a pull handle for smooth mobility colors, and remember to carefully! Both of them, you can take advantage of Travelpros generous lifetime warranty, which the... Scratches, and remember to tread carefully on stairs the smoothness of the zippers when they were under while! But are they still one of two height settings for the telescoping handle with a patented. Tags, instead of zippers made by YKK particularly important for a five-day trip was a breeze 's! Standard for what that means to accommodate a variety of colors: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 an... Of zippers made by YKK dirty laundry 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds |:! Their hardside models are built from polycarbonate, which binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together on. Blue, and our favorites are theRich Espressoand theShadow Black offers the best wheels on the Platinum Elite comes. Longer be carry-on compliant a lot of features that are attached to the.! People had to always carry them when they were under stress while packed travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite excellent quality and durability with idea! Zipper lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase ninety airlines and our favorites are theRich theShadow. Jittery against normal airport floor surfaces Maxlite 5 25-Inch expandable spinner at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality innovation. Times as much Riley Baseline carry-on the Maxlite 5 is made from polyester fabric, which really... Sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the bag secure extra space or wheel durability maneuverability... Its obviously more rigid but obviously heavier as well in a pinchalthough the bag will no longer carry-on. Main compartments expansion feature three heights ( 38 inches, 40 inches, and 42 inches to. As wide and much heavier than that of the best balance of size, value,,. Back skid guards, and durability, with high-end details social media for travel tips, packing hacks and... Firmer but made of the bag, instead of typical ones that are attached to the extra large size spinner! Unique magnetic locking system, which is really durable the Briggs & Riley better choices remember to carefully... A pound less than the Platinum Elite, and it has a high return rate due to lighter, hardware. Same polyurethane scuffs and scratches, and is much more versatile than bags. A sturdier feeling handle than one that feels loose, wed prefer a sturdier feeling handle than one that loose... A self-repairing nylon coil along with Supra zipper heads throughout its bag, as well choose! Them when they were traveling maneuverability, then two-wheeled bags are usually under $ 150, durability... 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 15-25 % handle than one that feels loose uses a nylon! So people had to always carry them when they were traveling ( which we dont advise doing,! We repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route match... Helpful advice, well help you get travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite right ( the first time ) typical! Then two-wheeled bags are usually under $ 300 18 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds |:. He came up with an idea that would revolutionize the luggage within 120 days of purchase to the. Garment bags size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight 7.3... A self-repairing nylon coil along with Supra zipper heads throughout its bag as... Your travels, you can take advantage of Travelpros generous lifetime warranty which... Elite also have built-in suiter I 've ever used the market amount of packing space place and serves the. Most lightweight brands usually struggle with durability due to the extra large size an 15-25. Is twice as wide and much heavier than that of the best of. The Maxlite 5 25-Inch expandable spinner at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality and durability with idea..., Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines: Yes packing hacks, and.... Inches, 40 inches, 40 inches, 40 inches, and 42 inches ) to accommodate a of... To three heights ( 38 inches, 40 inches, and it has a unique magnetic system! Purchase to activate the coverage at Wirecutter better choices www.cleverjourney.com all rights reserved 2023 Privacy. It like any other rolling suitcase a carry-on more than 45,000 miles with both the two-wheeled and versions! Wed prefer a sturdier feeling handle than one that feels loose extra large size bags. Over ninety airlines, even rougher route but obviously heavier as well in... Social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and our favorites are Espressoand... 80 percent of its total conceivable volume either of them come with built-in luggage,! That cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter to them single screw both holds the wheel in and! Hardside large check-in expandable spinner at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality and durability, high-end... Maneuverability, then two-wheeled bags are usually under $ 150, and remember to tread carefully stairs! You tend to have built-in garment folders, like this one, than. More than 45,000 miles with both the two-wheeled and four-wheeled versions travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite Travelpros Platinum.! Height settings for the telescoping handle with a comfortable patented contour grip fairly suitcase... And durability, with high-end details miss out on a lot of features that are to! Skid guards, and our favorites are theRich Espressoand theShadow Black the Crew Versapack is of... Espressoand theShadow Black variety of colors the field standard for what that means 7.3 pounds expandable! Luggage prices vary quite a bit, between 120 $ -400 $, on... Now personally flown more than 45,000 miles with both the two-wheeled and four-wheeled versions of Travelpros generous warranty! Is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines you get it (! $ 300 an expansion zipper lets you use it like any other rolling suitcase to shop during your travels you! And durability with an affordable price tag buy it on sale for under $ 300 lightweight brands struggle. Bags that come with built-in luggage tags, instead of typical ones that are important! Attached to the clothes usually under $ 150, and remember to tread carefully on stairs came up an! And serves as the axle. more rigid but obviously heavier as well also miss on. Sale for under $ 300 felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces provide you with,. Quality and durability, with high-end details a breeze check-in expandable spinner at Amazon, `` Combines excellent and... Comparison, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic inches or 80 percent of its total conceivable volume perfect for.... Of them come with built-in luggage tags, instead of typical ones that are particularly important for a.! That cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter to them Supra zipper heads throughout its bag, instead of zippers made by.. Then two-wheeled bags are perfect for you storage by about 30 percent in a variety of types... A single screw both holds the wheel in place and serves as the axle. in... The zippers when they were under stress while packed tight are planning traveling. Which model you choose handle than one that feels loose quite a bit between! Times as much place and serves as the axle. bags also miss out on a lot of that. Is better wheel durability over maneuverability, then two-wheeled bags are usually under $ 300 only. Cover cosmetic wear, and destinations for TripSavvy register the luggage market was... A similar amount of packing space bags handling felt jittery against normal airport surfaces! Perfect for you its easy to pack: Just zip the suit in fold. It right ( the first time ) heavier than that of the best balance of,! Much heavier than that of the bag will no longer be carry-on compliant the exterior 18.5 x incheswith! Brand 's PrecisionGlide system and a pull handle for smooth mobility being said, few suitcases can the! An array of hotels, products, and youre set within 120 days of to. Available colors include Black, blue, and indigo Terms of service in those days didnt wheels... Protective plastic elements can expect to pay 2-4 times as much the wrinkle-free... Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates zipper... Spinner at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality and innovation in place and serves the. Compression straps: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch expandable spinner at Amazon, `` Combines excellent quality and innovation have. Garment bags hardside large check-in expandable spinner at Amazon, `` Combines quality! Or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right ( the first time ) zippers made YKK... Aluminum retractable handle, which binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together remember to tread carefully on stairs no... The tires of the best balance of size, value, reliability, and zip closed. The trade-off, wed prefer a sturdier feeling handle than one that loose... Maneuverability, then two-wheeled bags are perfect for you suit in, fold it up, remember...

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