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The Best Samsonite Luggage, From Sleek Spinners To Carry-On Backpacks

Producing quality suitcases since 1910, Samsonite is one of the oldest and most trusted luggage brands in the industry. The brand has earned a reputation for sleek, durable designs that incorporate innovative materials, such as Roxkin, a recyclable material that Samsonite has developed and used exclusively. If you’re looking to replace your current luggage, a well-made Samsonite suitcase is a reliable option. Tapping into our extensive experience reviewing luggage and travel gear, we gathered the best Samsonite luggage from their wide range of products.

Whether you’re looking to secure a compact carry-on (like one of our top picks, the Samsonite Maxsum Eco Carry-On Spinner) or an expandable piece that fits perfectly under an airplane seat so it’s always within reach (like the Samsonite Elevation Plus Destination Duffel), we’ve narrowed down the best Samsonite luggage across a variety of different styles and sizes. Before purchasing, make sure to double check the guidelines of whichever airline you typically fly—some international airlines have different size rules for suitcases, which you can read more about in our guide to the best luggage for international travel.

Best Samsonite Carry-On Luggage

A Compact And Durable Option

Maxsum Eco Carry-On Spinner

Dimensions: 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Material: Polypropylene with post consumer recycled material

If you’re looking for a compact, durable and easy-to-maneuver piece of luggage, the Samsonite Maxsum Eco Carry-On Spinner is a great option. This cabin-sized case has some of the smoothest multi-directional wheels we’ve come across and its light, polypropene shell makes it extremely easy to maneuver. Other thoughtful features include the recessed design of the TSA-approved lock, two fabric dividers on the inside and a zippered pocket on one of the dividers for smaller items such as jewelry. It has an additional handle on the side, too—a feature that comes in handy when wrangling cases out of overhead luggage bins on airplanes.


Best Samsonite Checked Luggage

For Extra Space Without The Weight

Elevation Plus Large Spinner

Dimensions: 29.5 x 19.5 x 13 inches | Weight: 10.3 pounds | Material: Polypropylene

This eight-wheeled spinner suitcase sums up everything we love about hardside suitcases, namely that they are generally tougher and easier to clean than soft-sided ones. Prone to overpacking? You’ll love the combination of lightness, flexibility and durability offered by its polypropylene shell—aspects that allow you to squeeze more items into your suitcase without the risk of either tipping the dreaded check-in scales or struggling to do up the zips. 

A recessed TSA-approved lock and heavy-duty zippers ramp up the durability, while the thoughtfully designed interior makes staying organized a breeze—both sides are covered with internal fabric panels with zip closures. One has two large pockets, while the other cover has four smaller ones perfect for separating toiletries. The additional side handle is a nice touch, too.


Best Samsonite Underseat Luggage

A Functional And Thoughtful Bag

Elevation Plus Destination Duffel

Dimensions: 12 x 22 x 9 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Material: Polyester

Samsonite’s Elevation Plus Destination Duffel knocks it out of the ballpark when it comes to usability. It features an expandable design, detachable and adjustable shoulder straps and a side strap that allows the bag to be slipped over the telescopic handles of wheeled suitcases. The rugged polyester does a great job of keeping dirt and dampness at bay, while reinforced stitching at high-stress points—including at the corners, which are often the first places to show signs of wear and tear—means there’s little this bag can’t handle. We also love the fact that the bag can expand by up to three inches, although even when full it slips easily under most airplane seats. Finally, eco-conscious travelers will appreciate that this bag is made with post-consumer recycled PET bottles.


Best Lightweight Samsonite Luggage

Well-Made And Easy To Maneuver

Proxis Large Spinner

Dimensions: 30.7 x 21.5 x 11.4 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Material: Roxkin

The key to the staggeringly low weight of Samsonite’s Proxis Spinner is the use of Roxkin, a proprietary material developed by Samsonite. We’ll avoid overdoing the technical jargon, but in a nutshell, the polypropene-like multi-layered material adds strength and durability without the extra weight. The Proxis range includes four spinner suitcases in varying sizes, ranging from carry-ons to supersized options perfect for long-haul trips. The large spinner, similar to the other bags in the line, has a spacious inner compartment with two fabric dividers and an integrated USB port; simply place your power bank in the dedicated pocket inside the case and you can charge your devices on the go.


Best Durable Samsonite Luggage

Unbeatable Protection From Dirt, Dust And Damage

Tru-Frame Medium Spinner

Dimensions: 27.9 x 18.5 x 11.6 inches | Weight: 9.3 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate 

Everyone has experienced witnessing their suitcase take a direct hit from another passenger’s case as it makes its way around the luggage carousel or watched it tumble to the floor from an overloaded luggage trolley. For an ultra-durable option that can withstand just about anything, opt for Samsonite’s Tru-Frame Medium Spinner. It features a hard shell made from 100% polycarbonate and multi-directional dual-spinner wheels for gliding through the airport. Users say it’s sturdy, reliable and easy to organize inside.


Best Samsonite Backpack

A Top Pick For Pain-Free Portability

Detour Travel Backpack

Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 9 inches | Weight: 1.96 pounds | Material: Polyester

This well-made backpack has it all—a simple, compact design that is incredibly durable (thanks to its water-resistant polyester) and a lightweight construction that is comfortable to wear. There’s no shortage of space, either. It has mesh pockets, elasticated side pockets, zippered stash pockets and a large internal sleeve for laptops (or anything else that needs a bit of extra padding). Comfort was a top priority for Samsonite—the wide padded straps do a great job of reducing shoulder strain, while carry handles on the front, top and side allow it to be carried duffel-style as well.


Best Samsonite Weekender Bag

Ideal For Short, Stylish Jaunts With Minimal Baggage

Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Material: Polyproplene

This is a simple and sturdy suitcase that has more than enough room for your essentials but also comes with a few unexpected extras, like a handy USB port. The internal pockets far exceeded our expectations, too. Both fabric dividers have two large pockets, while one side has two sturdy horizontal compression straps for extra security. This is also one of the more tactile cases we’ve come across. To be clear, tactile isn’t a word we use regularly when it comes to luggage, but it’s perfectly suited to this suitcase, thanks to its ultra-smooth spinner wheels and its slick telescopic handle, which can be easily adjusted to eight different heights.


Best Samsonite Garment Bag

A Bag That Delivers Crease-Free Perfection

Silhouette 17 Spinner Garment Bag

Dimensions: 22.8 x 22.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Material: Polyester

If you’re traveling with a suit for weddings or business events, Samsonite’s Silhouette 17 Garment Bag is well worth the money. Unlike traditional garment bags, this option resembles a soft-sided suitcase. Despite being surprisingly compact, it’s a bag for travelers who want to carry more than just a single suit; there are dedicated pockets for belts, shirts and even shoes. Hard-sided internal pockets are positioned in a way that prevents larger garments from shifting in transit, while built-in rotating hangers allow you to hang your suitcase from hooks in cramped hotel rooms. The retractable ID tag is a nice feature, too.


Best Samsonite Duffel

A Versatile Pick That Opens Like A Suitcase

Silhouette 17 Split Case Duffel

Dimensions: 20.5 x 13 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 3.09 pounds | Material: Polyester

Samsonite’s Silhouette Split Case Duffel offers the best of both worlds—it looks like your typical duffel bag, but internally it resembles a suitcase with two central compartments. However, it’s versatility that really sets this pick apart. It can be carried as either a backpack, shoulder bag or briefcase, and the various straps are surprisingly easy to adjust. On the inside, the pockets include a TechKit pouch which doubles as a port for a power bank but can also be used for small electronic items, a Wet-Pak pocket for damp clothing and a padded laptop sleeve. All of these compartments can be removed when not in use.


Best Samsonite Wheeled Duffel

A Lightweight And Portable Option

Detour Wheeled Duffel

Dimensions: 35 x 16.2 x 15.4 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Material: Polyester

It can be difficult to find the right wheeled duffel, but Samsonite created one that is lightweight, spacious and portable. If you prefer bags with internal compartments for organization, this might not be the best option for you, simply because it consists of one large compartment with two pockets at either end. However, the rigid sides and boxy shape allow you to fit bulkier items that might be tough to squeeze into a traditional duffel or weekender. The Detour Duffel’s wheels have a reassuring rigidity and over-packers will appreciate how the carry handles double as compression straps and can be tightened across the bag’s exterior.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

  • The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of luggage stories, covering the best suitcases, backpacks and duffel bags on the market.
  • This story was overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries and traveled with all types of bags, totes and suitcases on planes, trains, buses and boats.
  • This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in March 2024.


How We Chose The Best Samsonite Luggage

A luggage brand that has been a travel industry darling for over a century, selecting just a few of Samsonite’s best bags was a challenge. That’s why we tapped Tamara Hinson, a UK-based freelance travel writer who has been using Samsonite luggage for years. Hinson has traveled all over the world, from Japan to India and Zambia, and has tested countless suitcases and bags on her journeys. To select the top products from Samsonite’s hefty offerings, she used her first-hand knowledge of each bag and considered its durability, versatility, design and style.