The best softside luggage can easily be compressed and will allow for more flexibility when you’re packing. Here are our top picks for 2024 after rigorous testing.
The best softside luggage is lightweight, can easily be compressed into tight spaces and allows for extra flexibility when you’re packing. We researched the best softside luggage on the market and asked experts to test 12 of the most popular options on trips around the world. Over the course of six months, our testers determined that the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the best softside luggage on the market overall, while the Briggs & Riley 22-inch Baseline Carry-On scored high marks for its expandability. The best softside luggage can allow for more flexibility when you’re packing, making it a great investment for trips to come.
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There are a number of great softside luggage options, from high-tech carry-ons equipped with USB chargers to large, stain-proof suitcases that are great for international travel. Plus, most softside suitcases come with convenient 360 wheels that make it easy to drag them along airport runways and cobblestone streets alike. Below, we’ve selected the best softside luggage for every type of trip.
Best Softside Luggage Overall:
Travelpro Maxlite 5
Best Value Softside Luggage:
American Tourister 4 Kix Expandable
Best Carry-On Softside Luggage:
Bric's X-Bag Carry-On
Best Checked Softside Luggage:
Samsonite Elevation Plus
Best Softside Luggage For International Travel:
Travelpro Platinum Elite
Best Luxury Softside Luggage:
Tumi Extended Trip Expandable
Best Waterproof Softside Luggage:
Rains Waterproof Carry-On
Best Expandable Softside Luggage:
Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Carry-On
Best Lightweight Softside Luggage:
Antler Soft Stripe Large
Best Softside Luggage For Adventure Travel:
Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag
Best Softside Luggage Overall
Ultra Light, Stain-Resistant And Expandable
Amazon Travelpro Maxlite 5
Our score: 10 | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Material: Polyester
Best for: A lightweight yet durable exterior
Expandability
Classic design
Skip if: You want a lot of interior pockets and zippers for organization
Expanding up to two inches in capacity, Travelpro’s ultra light Maxlite 5 was specifically designed to maximize every (literal) inch of extra room you get. I tested this bag on multiple solo trips where no one was around to help with my bags. This suitcase was not only incredibly lightweight, but felt durable enough to withstand my travel throughout different cities and climates. Its exterior is coated with the brand’s signature water and stain-resistant technology, so even though you’re not really breaking the bank for this option, you can count on it being your handy go-to that looks the way it did when you bought it for a long time.
Expert tip: Even though it’s just a carry-on, this is a pretty spacious suitcase for medium-length or even some longer trips if you’re a minimalist packer. If you’re looking for exceptional value and space, and don’t like to check bags, you’ll like the spinner-tote set that the brand offers.
Best Value Softside Luggage
Expandable Space With Weight-Distributing Wheels
Amazon American Tourister 4 Kix Expandable
Our score: 8 | Dimensions: 27.5 × 17.5 × 12.4 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Material: Nylon
Best for: A reliable suitcase at a reasonable price point
A classic aesthetic
Weight-distributing wheels
Skip if: You want compression
American Tourister’s popular 4 Kix Expandable suitcase packs a serious punch for its value at just $121. It offers a whopping 1.5-inch expansion, weighs just under 8 pounds and has dual spinner wheels to ensure you can roll it around with comfort and ease. Its wheels are designed with 360-degree upright rolling to ensure that there’s no excess weight on your arm or shoulder as you use it. Available in three bold and bright colors in addition to black, don’t let the small size fool you: this carry-on is tricked out with organized pockets and zippers galore. Aashumi Sharma, a bridalwear designer who travels multiple times a month to meet with clients, has used this bag on several of her most recent trips. “This bag is so spacious for a smaller-than-average checked bag,” she says. “I have to pack a lot of different outfits for short trips because I’m usually going to Indian weddings that have lots of different events. This safely carries everything and fits into my small business owner budget, too.”
Expert tip: If you like this but want it in a smaller style, go for the underseater which can easily fit under an airplane seat for easy access to your belongings.
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Best Carry-On Softside Luggage
Waterproof With Genuine Leather Details
Bloomingdale's Bric's X-Bag Carry-On
Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 14 × 21.5 × 8 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Material: PVC
Best for: A lightweight suitcase
Chic look with genuine leather details
Weekend trips
Skip if: You want expandability and compression
You want several color options since this bag is only available in black
Bric’s X-Bag Carry-On suitcase is one of the best-looking pieces of luggage out there. In case you happen to find yourself dragging it as you wind through city streets, you’ll be happy to know it’s equipped with an ergonomic push-pull handle and 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels. While softside luggage can admittedly look a little less sleek than some hardside options, Bric’s has equipped their X-bag with genuine leather details and a PVC-coated waterproof treatment for a finish that’s just as chic as it is durable. Even then, it’s just over 6 pounds, making it a no-brainer investment piece at $235.
Surbhee Khanna, a consultant who travels three to four times a month, counts this suitcase among her favorites. “I need something that looks good for when I get off a flight and go straight to client meetings,” she says. “This is a good price for how luxurious it looks and it’s lasted me many years. I keep it pre-packed with all my nicest business wear and it’s gone everywhere with me, from Los Angeles to Arizona and India.”
Expert tip: While this is just available in black, you can check out similar softside luggage on the Bric’s site in different colors, sizes and patterns here.
Best Checked Softside Luggage
A Pilot-Loved Pick For Medium And Long Trips
Samsonite Elevation Plus
Our score: 10 | Dimensions: 29.8 × 20 × 11.5 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Patented recycled fiber blend
If you’re the type of traveler who likes souvenirs or frequently brings lots of gifts home after family vacations, the Samsonite Elevation Plus is a great option. Designed to expand up to two inches, it holds enough for medium-length or even longer trips. It also has its own holder to permanently attach your AirTag device to the interior, so you can easily track your belongings from your phone. Chances are that you already have your own packing cubes, but you’ll appreciate that this suitcase contains a designated laundry bag with a gusseted design that actually expands as you fill it, so you won’t have to worry about it taking up space when it’s not being used. Made with 100% recycled fibers, this one is also a win for the planet as you trot across it.
“Not only is this bag incredibly durable and well-made, but it’s extremely light,” says travel photographer Sean Dalton, who has used this bag on multiple international trips. “Samsonite uses state of the art materials that thoroughly protect my gear without being difficult to lug around. This is one of the key features for me as I travel quite a bit, and a heavy suitcase is not fun to drag around.”
Expert tip: Opt for the grey color if you’re wanting to avoid scuffs, as it’s less prone to showing marks on it than the green color is.
Best Softside Luggage For International Travel
A Built-In USB Port And TSA Lock
Travelpro Platinum Elite
Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Material: Post-consumer recycled plastic interior and high-density nylon exterior
Best for: A classic design with a variety of color options
A USB charging port
Short to medium-length trips
Skip if: You’re on a budget
On a recent two week-long hiking trip with my parents to Banff, I was tasked with stuffing a pair of heavy boots alongside a thick coat in a carry-on bag. This suitcase managed to hold my extremely large puffer, my hiking boots and several thick sweaters with no problem. It even had enough storage for my souvenirs on the trip back. The suitcase features its own integrated USB port to charge devices on-the-go (lest you find yourself stuck in an airport abroad—but these things do happen), while a dedicated power bank pocket provides designated FAA-approved space for your back-up battery. Made to expand up to two inches, it offers large capacity even though it’s designed to fit in the overhead bin on most airplanes. The built-in organization system includes a tie-down system, accessory pockets, and a removable quart-size wet pocket that’s TSA-compliant for toiletries.
Expert tip: At $430, this is one of the pricier carry-ons I tested, but it comes with an excellent lifetime warranty. Be sure to track the 100-day trial period that is offered.
Best Luxury Softside Luggage
Sleek, Stylish, And Outfitted With A Garment Folder
Tumi Extended Trip Expandable
Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 31 × 20 × 12.5 inches | Weight: 13.4 pounds | Material: Polyester interior, nylon and leather exterior
Best for: A long-term investment
A designated garment folder complete with a hanger
A splurge gift
Skip if: You’re on a budget
A lightweight suitcase is your priority
Tumi’s ultra-luxe suitcase not only provides a sophisticated look that comes in two neutral colors, but it also comes with countless features. Designed for short trips, the top and side handles make it easy to pick up anywhere from a carousel to a car trunk. Plus, the exterior alone has two zip-front pockets with protective bumpers and a skid bar at the back so you’ll be able to keep belongings organized safely and easily. Made with a built-in combination lock and four dual spinner wheels, it also offers an interior hanger bracket and tie-down straps that keep special garments secure.
“My wife got this for me as a gift when I celebrated my 20-year anniversary at the company I work at,” says hedge fund founder Paul Grover, who travels with this bag on multiple work trips to Asia each month. “It’s the only thing that keeps my suits pressed and wrinkle-free so when I have to be at important meetings I can look sharp, even if I just got off a plane.”
Expert tip:
If you like this suitcase but are hesitant about its price, try the Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On. It clocks in at $200 less, but still has enough capacity to hold enough clothes for a long weekend. While it doesn’t have a garment folder, it does feature interior tie-down straps and padded pockets.
Best Waterproof Softside Luggage
A Sleek Exterior With Compression Features
Rains Waterproof Carry-On
Our score: 10 | Dimensions: 22.5 × 13 × 9 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Material: Polyester with polyurethane coating
Best for: Adventure travelers
People on a budget
People with limited storage for big luggage pieces
Skip if: You want a more structured, classic look
Rains has quickly gained a loyal following among adventure travelers. A more sleek take on some of the more rustic options out there, the brand’s Waterproof Carry-On is meant to be just as functional as it is fashionable. The unique silhouette may be unlike a classic duffel or backpack, but Rains’ unique polyester fabric is coated with a waterproof polyurethane that happens to be both durable and lightweight. Though it has a nice look, it’s still outfitted with a hard shell on the back for upright stability, and features compression straps along with two internal compartments and one exterior zipper.
“I’m always planning my vacations around big hikes, marathons or surf trips,” says lawyer Emma Baragiola, who frequently travels with this bag to Spain and Canada. “This is always the bag I travel with for those trips because I can just throw all my gear into it without worrying that anything will get damaged. The straps are nice because it allows me to keep the bag compressed and stored in my tiny apartment really easily.”
Expert tip: This bag has a hard back to it, which makes it a good travel piece, but you might want something that’s less structured all-around if you plan on hiking with it. “I like their Trail Mountaineer Bag,” says Baragiola. “I used it on a week-long hiking trip and even while I was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I have the lime color and it doesn’t hurt that it looks cute too.”
Best Expandable Softside Luggage
An Overpacker’s Dream
Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Carry-On
Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Ballistic nylon
Best for: Built-in compression
Formal travelers who frequently pack their nicer garments
Business travelers who often go on quick trips
Skip if: You’re on a budget
Complete with a garment folder that’s specifically designed to reduce wrinkles, Briggs & Riley’s softside suitcase is pricey, but worth the investment if you’re a frequent flier. This bag is an overpacker’s dream—just place all of your items inside, zip the suitcase closed and press the unique one-touch CX button to increase its capacity and compress your belongings. Its garment folder is made with foam to hold one to two suits, making it great for the social butterfly who’s always flitting off to weddings, or any frequent business travelers. Complete with a TSA cable lock and shock-absorbing wheels, the ballistic nylon fabric is designed to resist wear, providing exceptional durability to help justify that splurge-worthy price tag.
Private jet chef and flight attendant Jamie Gibson has been traveling extensively with this bag and says it’s the absolute best piece of luggage she’s used. “Very few luggage brands give a lifetime warranty, so I love that about Briggs & Riley,” she says. “The built-in garment carrier is also a huge bonus for me.”
Expert tip: If you like this suitcase but want a bit more space, try the brand’s Baseline 26-Inch Medium Expandable Spinner, which we named one of the best checked luggage options on the market today.
Best Lightweight Softside Luggage
Good Value Made With Recycled Fabric
Antler Soft Stripe Large
Our score: 9 | Dimensions: 18 × 33 × 12 inches | Weight: 5.9 pounds | Material: Recycled polycarbonate exterior, recycled polyester interior
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers who will appreciate the use of recycled materials
Anyone who may have issues carrying heavier luggage
Lots of internal organization
Skip if: You want external pockets and zippers
Despite its abundance of features and size, Antler’s Soft Stripe Large suitcase is one of the most lightweight suitcase options out there. Don’t be fooled by the fairly low price tag, either—in it, you’ll find two inches of expandability, a recycled polyester lining, one internal compression strap and two branded reverse coil zips for secure fastening of your belongings.
Luggage Recommendations
The ultra durable exterior is outfitted with recycled polyester and a TSA-approved combination lock. “This luggage has made travel so much less stressful for me,” says entrepreneur Carmen Erickson, who travels multiple times a month with this bag. “I have a bad shoulder, so I need something lightweight. I used to get so stressed about how I would lift my suitcase into an overhead bin or out of a car on my own, but this suitcase solved that for me. Even the handle itself is lightweight.”
Expert tip: If you’re really wanting to overhaul your luggage collection, Antler has many luggage set offerings for great deals. You can get three matching suitcases for under $700.
Best Softside Luggage For Adventure Travel
Features Multiple Internal Compartments
Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag
Our score: 8 | Dimensions: 22 × 13 × 11 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Material: Polyester
Best for: People on a budget
Lots of internal zippers and pockets for organization
Fun color options
Skip if: You want a more classic, mature look
You want exterior pockets or zippers
Yes, the Calpak Stevyn is technically a duffel, but its capacity matches that of many carry-on suitcases out there. It also comes with a trolley sleeve, so if you are toting around multiple pieces of luggage, you can easily place this on top of one of them. It offers many internal compartments and zippers, in addition to a spacious bottom compartment made to hold your shoes. With two rolling wheels and dual handles, there are endless ways to use it, all with ease and style. It’s covered by a one-year warranty, but there’s a slim chance you’ll actually need to use it.
“I was in a long-distance relationship with my now-husband and used this bag for all of my weekend trips, when I’d fly to the west coast from Washington, D.C. to be with him," says college counselor Erica Teich, who still counts the Calpak Stevyn Duffel as one of her favorites. "The bottom zippered compartment is so convenient for packing my shoes or dirty laundry without having to get a big suitcase.”
Expert tip: Take note that this suitcase’s polyester shell is not as durable as some of the thicker options on this list. If you are looking for something more scratch- or scuff-resistant, one of the other more traditional softside suitcase options on this list might be better for you.
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Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published dozens of expertly-researched luggage articles on topics like the best carry-on luggage and best checked luggage. Author of this piece and Forbes Vetted contributor Neha Tandon has over seven years of experience writing about product recommendations. She has tested some of the top picks on this list firsthand. This story was overseen and edited by senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who leads the travel category at Forbes Vetted and has been covering travel for nearly a decade, during which she has traveled to over 35 countries using a wide range of luggage and bags. This story is regularly updated. During its latest August 2024 update, Tandon re-evaluated all selections and added in new selections that were recently tested, such as the Samsonite Elevation Plus and Rains Waterproof Carry-On.
How We Tested The Best Softside Luggage
To narrow down a list of potential options for the best checked luggage, we first researched top brands and took into consideration key factors that make a checked bag superior to others. We carefully examined each one for its size, durability, high-tech features and more. All of these suitcases have been tested first-hand by a variety of travelers, from pilots to business travelers and adventure travelers. Here is the criteria we used to evaluate each suitcase, based upon research and feedback we received:
- Packing capacity: Each suitcase should be able to pack enough belongings for at least a seven-day trip. We took special note of the suitcases that had an expandable feature and organizational compartments.
- Ease of use: We evaluated which handles come equipped with ergonomic features, or if there are multiple side handles for easy lifting out of luggage carousels or cars.
- Durability: Some suitcases show more signs of wear after use than others. We took note of first-hand feedback and also sifted through customer reviews to evaluate how each suitcase looked and felt after several trips.
- Features: Each bag has unique special features, but we paid special attention to which ones would make for a more comfortable travel and packing experience. Our final list considers options like TSA-approved locks, compression features, USB chargers, expandable zippers and pockets for organization.
- Style: While style is a personal opinion, we took into account which suitcases have a more unique and less conventional style.
- Value: Even the most affordable suitcases can be an investment, because you’re likely hoping to keep them for several years. Based on our first-hand experience with each, we judged value based upon if each bag has a price tag that we would justify.
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