Best Hardside Luggage of 2025

The Monos Carry-On has fairly standard interior organization, with compression straps and a few pockets for smaller gear; however, it comes with laundry and shoe bags, which set it apart from the pack, or at least from hard-sided rolling luggage that doesn’t offer those things. The compression pad, which helps compress clothing, doubles as a garment bag, a solid use of space. The button on the telescopic handle is on the bottom, which takes some getting used to; however, some travelers may prefer that after they’re comfortable with it because it leaves the entire top of the handle smooth for a more ergonomic feel. Plus, we think it looks nice!

On the exterior, we’ve given the durability a 6, which isn’t the highest rating we’ve awarded, though it’s more than adequate for frequent travel. The case doesn’t have reinforced corners, but we haven’t had any issues in use that lead us to believe you’ll have durability concerns here. It’s solid all around!

• The compression straps and interior pockets are simple to use
• It includes shoe and laundry bags, which save money for travel

• It doesn’t have reinforced corners, which causes durability concerns
• The body scratches up easier than we expected

The Carl Friedrik Carry-on X scored the highest on our durability rating scale in the first round of testing. The German-engineered Makrolon is famous for good reason—this bag is rugged, even without reinforced corners and a front pocket that adds a non-protected access point. Though most hard-sided rolling luggage is crafted from a similar material, this feels more substantial and, in turn, more durable.

Unlike most hardside luggage, though, this one has a secondary compartment with dedicated space for a laptop. It’s handy for travelers who don’t plan to bring a backpack. In another departure from the standard fare, you access the main compartment with buckles, not zippers, which is fun. Plus, this is one of the most sleek pieces of rolling luggage that we have at Pack Hacker HQ, so you can have a place to stow your laptop and ensure your gear stays safe with a durable exterior while looking good at the same time.

• The German-engineered Makrolon holds up well on rugged terrain
• It looks incredibly sleek compared to other luggage, and it has a laptop compartment

• The secondary compartment technically adds a weak point in the shell
• There isn’t a ton of internal organization, which may deter travelers who love segmentation

Aer entered the rolling luggage space in 2024 with a splash, bringing a few unique features to the field. In addition to offering an incredibly smooth ride, the wheels lock. This feature may seem like a novelty, but it is handy at home or in transit. While in storage, you can lock the wheels so the bag can’t roll around in the closet. Or, while you’re loading your gear into the Uber or taxi, you can lock the wheels so the bag doesn’t roll down the hill. The handle is comfortable, too, with four stopping points, which will work for most heights.

The durability of the Aer Carry-On is quite good, scoring a 7 on our scale. It doesn’t have reinforced corners; however, we feel that the materials and design work to ensure your gear stays safe, whether you carry this bag on or check it. If you plan to carry it on, it’s worth noting that it’s technically too tall for most popular airlines. That said, there’s always the Aer Carry-On Small if you want to be sure you comply!

• The wheels are incredibly smooth
• There is a locking mechanism so the case doesn’t roll away

• It’s slightly too large for some carry on requirements
• The locking mechanism takes up space in the main compartment

The Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage meets most airline carry-on requirements, which is a perk if you plan to take it on board for most of your flights. That said, it’s durable enough to handle being checked, scoring a 7 on our scale. Plus, it has metal-reinforced corners, which add a shield to the most delicate sections of the bag. These don’t look out of place, either—their design fits in with the rest of the exterior, which we dig.

The wheels are smooth and durable, which is essential. A durable case is one thing; however, ensuring the wheels that enable it to function work well is another. There’s quite a bit of organization inside the bag, including a compression system and multiple small pockets for gear. It has a durable exterior, works as a carry on, and keeps you organized without additional packing cubes. What’s not to love about that?

• It has metal reinforced corners, which help with durability
• It complies with most major airlines’ carry-on requirements

• The exterior is glossy, which shows grime and scratches more easily
• When fully packed, it can be challenging to use the internal pockets

The Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner has incredibly smooth wheels, making trips through the airport a breeze. That feeling is bolstered by a telescopic handle with six height adjustment options, enabling most travelers to find one that works well for their height and preference. The carry handles slide out to give your hand more space when grabbing them and back in to lie flat against the bag when you're not, which is ideal for aesthetics and ensuring they don’t get caught on anything when you’re stowing it away or grabbing it to leave. It has a USB-A port for external charging, which feels dated but can be handy in a pinch.

On durability, we rated the Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner a 6, as it’s adequate, and we do not worry about sending it in the air multiple times per month. We feel similarly about the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner, a nearly identical bag, apart from a few minor tweaks inside and a more technical look. Go with the one that better matches your vibe—you won’t regret it!

• The wheels are incredibly smooth, making trips through the airport a breeze
• The side carry handles are treated with an antimicrobial additive to prevent degradation due to bacteria and mold

• It doesn’t have reinforced corners, though the shell does feel durable
• The USB-A port feels dated

Ask around Pack Hacker HQ, and you'll find the consensus to be that July makes the perfect telescoping handle. That's true for the July Carry On, of course, which has 20 stops on the elevator to the top, making it the ideal candidate for those who like things to be the perfect height. Or, if you’re sharing this bag with somebody much taller or shorter than you, both of you can be happy with the height options. The wheels are super smooth, too, which makes airports a breeze (and oddly satisfying).

The exterior of the July Carry On is slightly puzzling. Yes, it has highly durable metal corners, which protect the case from bumps and knocks in travel and on the conveyor belt if you pack the bag. However, the rest of the material doesn’t feel nearly as durable as the others we’ve tested, scoring a 5.5 on our scale. This is still a solid score, and we aren’t worried about taking this on a flight; however, the thinner materials don’t match up with the metal corners and positive design choices we dig on this case from July. If you’re tough on your gear, this might be an issue. Otherwise, it’ll likely be okay.

• It has metal corners for bump and knock protection
• The telescopic handle has 20 height adjustments, which is more than any other luggage we’ve seen thus far

• The polycarbonate shell doesn’t feel as durable as others on this list
• It isn’t the lightest rolling luggage around

The Ridge Carry-On has solid internal organization without getting in your way too much. That enables you to bring larger items, whether a camera cube or that pair of boots you find perfect for hiking or looking tough walking around the city with a black coffee. The telescopic handle only has two height options, and the paint on the zipper pulls started chipping during our two-week testing period; however, those are small issues that won’t affect how most travelers use this case.

The outside of the carry on is quite durable, scoring a 7 on our scale. The corners are reinforced with metal, which adds even more ruggedness to an already durable exterior. The running boards on the front are handy for ensuring the polycarbonate stays clean, though it’s bound to get scuffed up eventually!

• It has solid internal organization that doesn’t prevent you from bringing large gear
• The handle is comfortable and grippy

• The telescopic handle only has two height options, which isn’t the most comfortable for certain travelers
• The paint on the zipper pulls started to chip fairly quickly

The Solgaard Carry-On Closet has metal corners, which protect an inherent weak spot on hard-sided luggage; however, the thickness of the case’s shell doesn't compare favorably to some of the other bags on this list, landing it a 5.5 on our durability scale. Still, we’re more than willing to trust this bag in transit multiple times a month without issue. However, if you’re tough on your gear, you might want to look for something a bit more rugged.

One of the major selling points of this bag is the built-in closet, which makes packing and organizing your gear much easier. Once you’ve arrived, you can hang it in your hotel or Airbnb for easy, organized access to your clothing and other accessories. It has charging ports, too, which are handy while on the move. There’s even a USB-C plug, which isn’t as common in a sea of outdated USB-A options. The wheels are smooth but a bit loud, which may deter travelers who like to fly under the radar. Still, the tech and organizational options make this a great choice for travelers who like their gear to stay sorted and charged up!

• Reinforced metal corners protect your gear
• It has a built-in closet, which helps with organization inside and outside of the case while traveling

• The shell doesn’t feel like the most durable that we’ve tested
• We love the USB-C port, but the companion USB-A port feels outdated and surplus

We dig the exterior of the Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase because of its simplicity and its fun look—almost like the WiFi logo. Plus, it comes in a ton of colorways, so you can get one that matches your vibes. There are four sizes, too, so you can choose the one that works best for your next trip. We’d recommend the 21-inch version for a carry on, though that depends on the carrier you’re flying. The interior is simple, with compression straps, a compression sleeve, and a zippered divider. There’s room for large gear here; however, you can also stow the small stuff safely.

The durability of the Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase feels pretty standard for this list, scoring a 6.5. However, even bags with an average rating on this list will still take you across Asia and back without any issues. It’s durable, though it lacks the corner protection that some of the best hardside luggage sport. Overall, it gets the job done without much fuss, and we appreciate that.

• There are four sizes to choose from, so you can find one that works best for you
• It has vibrant colorways, so you can get a case that matches your vibe, whatever that might be

• The interior organization is functional, but it isn’t anything to write home about
• The wheels aren’t the smoothest on moderately bumpy surfaces