Best Large Hard Shell Check-in Suitcases – Big, strong, lightweight luggage that’s great for any trip
Why board with a carry-on when you go check-in. Here are some of the best large suitcases that not only look good but hard wearing and tough for that extended holiday trip or bag free boarding.
If you can walk up to your flight without a single bag, okay maybe a small handbag, won’t it be nice? One of these large suitcases will let you pack everything in the check-in luggage and not have to worry about leaving behind pieces of hand carry bags at the terminal. Better still if your extended trip also happens to be a long-haul with stopovers, you simply hop from plan to plan virtually bag free and stress free. Won’t you like that?
Most hard shell cases are now made from polycarbonate (PC) or acrylnitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). These thermoplastic enclosures offers plenty of protection belongings given its high heat resistance and excellent physical properties, allowing it resist high impact, shocks and bumps. You never have to worry about what happens in the cargo loading bay. Also, unlike its canvas or fabric counterpart, hard shell suitcases comes mainly with 4 or 8-wheel spinner system for easy, zero weight maneuverability. You will never have to worry about having to drag the case around on two wheels when you lightly push it around with its 360 degree multi-directional wheels effortlessly.
All hard shell cases are also lined and have open and covered compartments. Typically one half of the bag is closed, while the other has an X shaped elastic tie down straps. Some modern luggage bags have large zipper pockets to store your laptop. Given that some flights are now banning laptops on-board, it’s a great addition for check-in luggage. With the pocket sandwiched between two halves of the bag and the padded sleeve, your laptop will have all the protection it needs. Other bags like the Tumi V3 Packing Case comes with plastic hanger bracket for storing suits.
For handling, there is typically a top and side handle and a telescopic handle that allows for good control over your free wheeling luggage. All the large check-in luggage bags in our line-up is also equipped with TSA compliant locks for security checks.
Top 10 Best Large Hard Shell (Hard Side) Luggage
These are you choice for big, strong and lightweight suitcases that will take you places. Our line-up includes brands from Samsonite, Delsey Luggage, Merax, Kenneth Cole, Tumi, Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, Victorinox, Antler, Herschel Supply Co. and Nautica with plenty of designs to choose from. These latest crop of large hard shell or sometimes known as hard side luggage is a must have for your next long holiday.
- Samsonite Winfield 3 28-inch
- ALSO: Samsonite Omni PC 28-inch
- Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Expandable 29-inch
- Merax Travelhouse Aluminium Frame Luggage 29-inch
- Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 28-inch
- Tumi Extended Trip Packing Case 28-inch
- Travelpro Maxlite 4 Hardside Spinner 29-inch
- Briggs & Riley Sympatico Large Cx Spinner 30-inch
- Victorinox Etherius Large Expandable Travel Case 30-inch
- Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Hardside Spinner 32-inch
- Antler Juno Large Case
Let’s take a closer look comparing the dimensions, weight and design.
1. Samsonite Winfield 3 28-inch
- Construction: 100% polycarbonate, fabric lining, zipper closure, squared full capacity design, side mounted TSA lock, expandable for added packing capacity
- Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.5 x 28 inches
- Weight: 14.4 pounds
- Wheels: four wheel multi-directional spinner wheels for effortless mobility
- Colour Choices: Deep Blue, Orange, Purple, Charcoal (shown), Black , Dark Blue, Dark Gray, Deep Orange and Deep Purple
ALSO: Samsonite Omni 28-inch
- Construction: 100% polycarbonate, nylon lining, zipper closure, micro-diamond texture for extreme scratch-resistant, keeping the case beautiful after trips. Side mounted TSA lock for security, full zip interior, divider and cross-straps. Expandable on all sides. Available in three sizes, 20, 24, 28-inch and to purchase as a set of 3.
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 20.5 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 14.4 pounds
- Wheels: 4 wheel spinner wheel for effortless mobility
- Colour Choices: Black, Burn Orange, Caribean Blue, Purple, Radiant Pink, Teal and Pink
2. Delsey Luggage Expandable 29-inch
- Construction: 100% Polycarbonate which makes the case lightweight and durable. Modern design with deep metallic glossy finishes. Interior large easy access front compartments with integrated padded sleeve for up to 15.6-inch laptop and 2 zippered mesh pockets for accessories. Integrated 3 dial TSA approved combination lock.
- Dimensions: 29in x 19.5in x12.5in (other sizes available: 18-inch carry-on, 21-inch, 25-inch and 29-inch)
- Weight: 16.1 pounds
- Wheels: 8-wheel Double spinner wheels for extra maneuverability and zero weight on your arms.
- Colour Choices: Cobalt Blue (shown), Emerald Green, Brushed Charcoal, Brick Red, Purple, Teal and Titanium
3. Merax Luggage 28-inch
- Construction: Combined with luxury aluminum frame and extra durable PC+ABS shell, providing long lasting usage and shining appearance. Two aluminium custom TSA lock. Aluminium-magnesium bumper corners for added durability and protection. Fully lined interior with multi-use organisational pockets.
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 19.3 x 11.8 inch. Available in 20-inch, 25-inch and 29-inch
- Weight: 13.2 lbs
- Wheels: 8-wheel Quiet dual airplane spinner wheels for easy and effortless movement and adjustable 3-step telescopic handle.
- Colour Choices: Silver (shown), Light Gold, Wine Red, Tiffany Blue, Rose Gold and Dark Gray
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 28-inch
- Construction: PAP (ABS & Polycarbonate Blend), Lid with two mesh zip pocket and elasticized pocketsmain compartment with expansion zipper, zipper pockets, and garment restraints. Molded corner reinforcements. Handles at to , base and sides. Expandable with zippers. Lid with two mesh zip pocket and elasticised pockets in the main compartment.
- Dimensions: 31.0-inch H x 22.5-inch W x 13.0-inch – 15.0-inch
- Weight: 11.0 pounds
- Wheels: 8 wheel and locking retractable handle
- Colour Choices: Purple, Ocean Blue, Navy, Magenta, White, Rose Gold, Silver, Black, Navy and Red
5. Tumi Extended Trip Packing Case 28-inch
- Construction: Polycarbonate, Retractable top and side carry handle, Zip entry to main compartment, 3-stage telescoping handle, Integrated TSA lock, 4 recessed dual wheels. Multi-layer polycarbonate shell for strength and impact resistance.
- Dimensions: 30.5-inch x 20-inch x 11-inch (great size options, a smaller Short Trip Packing Case is shown below)
- Weight: 14.3 pounds
- Wheels: The four-wheel system ensures effortless maneuverability in every direction.
- Colour Choices: Black, Pacific Blue, Magenta, Merlot
6. Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Spinner
- Construction: ABS. Super lightweight, chromashift hard shell provides durability and visual appeal with color changing aesthetic. Roomy main compartment expands 2″ to maximize packing flexibility. Telescoping airline-grade aluminum handle system with stops at 38″ and extra-tall 42.5″ ensure a comfortable roll for users of different heights.
- Dimensions: 29″ x 19″ x 11.75″
- Weight: 10.2 pounds
- Wheels: 360-degree 8-wheel spinners roll effortlessly in any direction.
- Colour Choices: Black/Green or Dark Purple
7. Briggs & Riley Sympatico Large Spinner
- Construction: Polycarbonate, fully lined interior, zipper closure, self-repairing zipper action; ergonomic, lockable double zipper pulls with gunmetal finish. Built-in TSA friendly combination lock. CX expansion-compression system for increased packing capacity by 17-25 percent.
- Dimensions: 12 x 20 x 30 inches
- Weight: 17.4 pounds
- Wheels: 8 wheel – Double spinner wheels for lower center of gravity and effortless 360 degree navigation, steel components for added durability
- Colour Choices: Black, Burgundy, Marine Blue
8. Victorinox Large Expandable Travel Case 29-inch
- Construction: Constructed of 100% pure polycarbonate, Etherius cases are both ultra-strong and ultra-light.. Expansion zipper for additional packing space. Nylon lining.
- Dimensions: 18.5″ x 29.5″ x 12.2″
- Weight: 13.8 pounds
- Wheels: Smooth 55mm Hinomoto 4 wheels for easy maneuverability
- Colour Choices: Silver, Rose Gold, Gold and Black.
9. Victorinox Spectra Hardside Spinner
- Dimensions: 21.6″w x 32.3″h x 10.6″
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
- Wheels: Dual-caster wheels (8 wheels) feature soft tread offering ideal traction for a smooth roll across any surface while also providing 360 Degree maneuverability and zero weight-in-hand.
- Colour Choices: Terra Cotta Red, Moss Green, Red, Black, Gold
10. Antler Juno Large Case
- Construction: Tough polypropylene material (pp). Strong and durable, the tough durable polypropylene shell ensures this antler juno case is super strong. Lightweight, antler have cleverly designed this range to be as light as possible, making it easy to get around
- Weight 9.7lb Packing capacity 115L Expanded capacity 124L TSA combination lock Lifetime warranty
- Wheels: Lightweight locking trolley system with 360 degree rotating 4 wheels. Complete maneuverability and effortless control.
- Colour Choices: Pink, Orange, Red
