After 45K miles, I have to say that I love the bag. Its a fairly expensive suitcase, but you can often buy it on sale for under $300. Travelpro Platinum Elite - Rollaboard extensible de 22 pulgadas, negro sombra, Platinum Elite Softside - Equipaje vertical expandible. Keep in mind that the warranty doesnt cover cosmetic wear, and remember to tread carefully on stairs. Put enough pressure on that zipper, and it could fail, possibly catastrophically. (Although prices can vary online, Travelpro currently prices the Crew Expert and the Platinum Elite similarly, within about $40 of each other.). The main retractable handle was firm and made of solid aluminum, and the zippers felt rigid and thick. If you are a frequent flyer and willing to invest in a higher-quality product for your home away from home, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity). When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich. If youre often flying with fragile items, like small musical instruments, glassware, or wine bottles, it might be a better idea to get the Maxlite 5 hardside, as your items will be much better protected. Full review: Travelpro Crew VersaPack 29-Inch Luggage Review. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Two testers, one male and one female, packed a bag individually as if headed to the same wedding. How to pick between hard-shell and soft-shell luggage. ", Best Underseater: Travelpro Maxlite Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on at Amazon, "Plenty of pockets and compartments inside and out keep everything in its place. Unfortunately, it has been having stock issues, so we have removed its section from this guide. Their hardside models are built from polycarbonate, which is the most durable plastic used in luggage. We found hundreds of roller carry-on bags out thereand that was even after we excluded models that didnt meet our basic criteria. The only large checked bag from Travelpro that is within 62 linear inches is the Travelpro Bold 28-inch checked bag, which measures 59.5 linear inches. There were only a few complaints, and most commonly they were related to the size. Four wheels or spinners are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two wheel bags will always be more durable. prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models, Dont Let the Bedbugs, Mosquitoes, Ticks, or Ants Bite, The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags, Apple AirTags Are the Best Luggage Trackers. We also dragged them up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. International travelers may favor Travelpro models with RFID-blocking pockets to prevent virtual theft of their passport and credit card data. Shells may be stronger than they once were, but as a result they transfer more energy onto the zipper and the zippers stitching when someone or something drops, bashes, or squeezes them. 1:33 . Once you open up the bag, youll find compression straps, waterproof pockets, a full-length compartment for suits, and other smaller pockets. It carries so much, Lam said. After five years of testing carry-on luggage, weve learned what makes a good suitcase, which parts break first, and what you should look for when buying a bag. But, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 comes with great warranty terms and superb quality. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner: This AmazonBasics bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for costing just over $100. Ive used it occasionally for over 3 years now, and it still performs just as well as when I first received it I havent experienced any problems in regards to quality. This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line componentsincluding wheels as smooth-rolling as any weve tested. Their direct competitors scored much lower Samsonite #11th, Delsey #24, and Briggs & Riley #27. This top-of-the-line Travelpro suitcase series is ultra-chic and feature-packedthink external ports for USB A and C charging and FAA-compliant storage for your battery pack in an external-access compartment. It provides ample space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches if you use the main compartments expansion feature. For example, the Crew Versapack weighs 8.0 lbs, which seems somewhat heavy, but for a ballistic nylon suitcase, thats actually pretty lightweight. Then it was time to see how each bag worked. Instead of designing a soft-sided suitcase with one large compartment to pack, Away splits the Expandable Carry-On into two smaller, difficult-to-pack halves. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means theres no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. At Travelpro , innovation continues to be a driving force behind every product we develop, and we will always explore ways to enhance the travel experience. Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner Review A super versatile and functional bag that is durably built and makes travel easy $314 at Amazon Price: $370 List Manufacturer: Travelpro By Myrha Colt Review Editor Sep 26, 2022 84 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #2 of 9 Ease of Use - 35% 8.5 Design - 25% 7.8 Packability - 25% 8.3 Durability - 15% 9.0 $319.99 $399.99. The wheels still had that cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter to them. The garment folder is similar to Travelpros, and thats a good thing. It can increase by another 2 inches in size, courtesy of its expansion option, if you do some shopping while traveling. But most people would never notice the small trade-offs in toughness that make the Platinum Elite lighter and more maneuverableand ultimately more enjoyable to travel with. All of their suitcases are thoroughly tested in test labs before launching. On the outside, the Baseline Domestic is pretty unremarkable. 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. The Crew Versapack is one of the best choices for people who are planning on traveling frequently. The obvious difference is that the fabric version is made from polyester while the Maxlite 5 hardside is made from a polycarbonate hard shell. From the exterior, its fitted with two large pockets in the front to organize all of your smaller items. On the bottom, its fitted with four smooth-rolling, rubber-coated spinner wheels, which roll very quietly. Although for this exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models. Krystin Arneson is a freelance editor and writer based out of Berlin, Germany. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Although it isnt the cheapest one, its extremely durable and comes with a lot of bells and whistles. We independently review everything we recommend. Inline wheels, on the other hand, are built into the main frame, so theyre much less likely to break off. Travelpros wheels are similarly impressive. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK. It weighs 1.45 lbs (0.66 kg) over the average weight of similarly-sized fabric carry-ons. Once I opened up the two bagsremoving the interior linings and taking apart their basesthe reason for the extra weight became clear. The Baseline by Briggs & Riley is a bit more durable and comes with better features, but it costs double the money. Travelpro Crew VersaPack All-In-One Organizer (Max Size Compatible) $45.00 $33.99 Sold Out Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag $550.00 $499.99 Sold Out Travelpro Crew VersaPack Laundry Organizer (Global Size Compatible) $40.00 $29.99 Sale Travelpro Crew VersaPack Laundry Organizer (Max Size Compatible) $40.00 $29.99 The main potential for failure is the zipper, which binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together. Learn About Travelpro Best Sellers Selected Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner 4.6 star rating $424.99 $499.99 Selected Learn more. It comes in a textured diamond-like finish, which looks really interesting. Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, it does require you to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 hardside is pretty similar to the softside version of the Maxlite 5. *Excludes YT, NU, NT (subject to Purolator Rates) . Even though Ricardo gained a slightly better score on our list of the best luggage brands (76 versus Travelpros 75), we would recommend getting Travlepro instead, just because of their durability. 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. 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. Hard-shell bags also miss out on a lot of features that are particularly important for a carry-on. However, a power bank isnt included, so youll need to buy one yourself. ", Best Backpack: Travelpro Executive Choice 2 Backpack at Amazon, "A checkpoint-friendly compartment allows you to remove electronics easily. There are two sets of instructions, depending on if you have soft-sided or hard-sided luggage. Its built to last, too, with leather trim, a polycarbonate shell, and an aluminum corner armor. In this week's newsletter: Its almost officially summer, which for a lot of people means the beginning of battles with entomological enemies. Was the garment bag big enough, or would it crumple finery? If you tend to shop during your travels, you should consider bags that come with storage expansion. But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase. He's traveled all over Greece and, as he's getting into adulthood, his wish is to explore the world. Travelpro platinum elite hardside large check-in expandable spinner This luggage has a high return rate due to the extra large size. This sky-blue luggage will put you in a traveling state of mind while youre still packing. It also has a dedicated power bank pocket on the side with a USB charging port on the back, which allows you to charge your devices on the go. And then we wheeled each loaded bag around the neighborhood on the exact same route, looking at how well each bag rolled, and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. Costco Kirkland Signature Softside 22 2 Wheel Carry-On: A former budget pick, and the best-performing bag we found in the $100 price range, this Kirkland model is a great affordable carry-on. The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter is a must-have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway. Replacing the Crew Experts wheels does assume, however, that youre traveling with spare wheels on hand (some crew members do) and that you have access to the tools necessary. These bags are stronger than most civilian bags, over-engineered to withstand the rigors of constant daily use aboard airplanes and going through airports. The Crew Expert has extra-thick polyurethane wheels. Sometimes, you dont need a bulky suitcase, especially if youre going on a weekend trip. Its always tempting, when looking for the best things, to go with what the pros haveafter all, that gear must be better if the pros use it. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. Their luggage is durable, lightweight, packed with good features, and backed up by a reliable warranty. Sometimes I check it. Prioritizing the strength of a bag almost invariably means making it heavier than most people would prefer. By Alexios Georgakopoulos | Last Updated September 29, 2022. Travelpros Platinum Elite has dominated the market ever since its release, so at that price point, its one of the best options that you can buy. Made from ballistic nylon and treated with DuraGuard coating, the Travelpro Crew 11 22-Inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase is designed to withstand staining and abrasions. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. ", Best Splurge: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner at Amazon, "Part of Travelpro's sophisticated collection of suitcases. Our testers reported that packing for a five-day trip was a breeze. Buy Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Jet Black, Carry-On 21-Inch and other Packing Organizers at Amazon.com. In order to find the nearest repair facility to you, please visit www.travelpro.com/repair-center or contact Customer Service at (866) 325-0660 (option #3). Did the wheels have sealed bearings? The Versapacks are cheaper, arguably more durable, and the Global carry-on fits within the 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on size requirements of most major airlines. We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. Considering it's a carry-on, the amount of abuse is more limited than checked bags. 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. The 20 x 15 x 7.7-inch case can expand to 2 inches, so you can still carry most of your belongings. 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. We also participate in other affiliate programs. The Maxlite 5 is made from polyester fabric, which is really durable. The beautifully designed suitcases in this set have taken everything a traveler needs into consideration: Theres a medium-sized checked bag and a carry-on, so you have your bases covered when it comes to trip length. In 1987, Northwest Airlines pilot Bob Plath invented The Original Rollaboard, one of the world's first wheeled suitcases. It also comes in 4 different colors, which are pretty plain but look professional. The Maxlite 5 that we tested came with four regular spinner wheels, and after several uses on dirt and brick roads, the wheels look brand-new. 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. Thankfully, somebut not allof our picks are available in slimmed-down and shorter versions for major international carriers: If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, or if you regularly travel with two suits and moneys no object: The Vocier C38 is worth a look, despite a few flaws. Plus, its really light, weighing a bit more than 5 pounds. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bags sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries. Travelpros luggage comes with some of the best wheels on the market. Aways carry-on also comes in a wider variety of colors than our soft-sided luggage picks. You sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the bag, as well. Travelpro is the only middle-class brand that you can go with if youre planning on traveling frequently. So in the long run, it might be a wiser choice to go with Travelpro instead, because their luggage will last almost as long as one that costs heaps more. After comparing the Crew Expert with our top carry-on pick, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, I can say that the Crew Expert is the stronger of the two bags. The Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is perforated with holes and secured with a litany of small screws. This is further boosted by the uniquely effective ratcheting CX compression system that allows travelers to fit an entire extra outfit into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. While a tighter fit feels more reassuring, it takes just a couple of trips to get used to the handle. Travelpro's suitcases are roughly 15% more expensive than Samsonite. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2 inches. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches (Carry-on) and 27.25 x 18 x 13 inches (Checked-Medium) | Weight:8.1 pounds (Carry-on) and 11.1 pounds (Checked-Medium) | Expandable: No. lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage. Given the trade-off, wed prefer a sturdier feeling handle than one that feels loose. If youre willing to spend a bit more, you could also go with a suitcase from Away, Briggs & Riley. The removable garment bags in Travelpros spinner suitcases are, in general, tight in the shoulders, which can cause wrinkles. Travelpro has many types of warranties to cover the products in their lines, so the best way to find information about your suitcases warranty is to look for its specific product family on their website. The spinner model of the Platinum Elite has a unique magnetic locking system, which helps align the wheels along parallel axes. Weighing 9.5 pounds by our measure, the Crew Expert is nearly 2 pounds heavier than a similar-size Platinum Elite. This isnt a problem with soft-sided luggage because the pockets simply tuck flat when not in use. Videos for related products. 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. If you plan on using your suitcase as a carry-on, be sure its dimensions adhere to most airlines' luggage size requirements or be prepared to check it at the airport. Weve added our findings about Aways Flex version of our hard-sided luggage pick. How big were the wheels? Another significant difference: The tracks for the handles are on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. For the majority of travelers who fly less than 10 times a year, the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of features, durability, and price, while still providing some elements missing from similar bags costing around $300, such as durable sealed-bearing wheels and a lifetime warranty that covers repairs (or replacement, at the companys discretion) even in the case of airline damage. It may be time to dust off old luggage or consider new replacements as you consider even newer destinations. The interior is cleverly designed with a built-in wet pocket, a side mesh pocket for smaller items, and a fold-out suit bag to protect your precious garments. Even though this doesnt make the fabric completely waterproof, its usually able to withstand light rain without letting any moisture inside the bag. Durable plastic used in luggage doesnt make the fabric version is made from a polycarbonate hard.! 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And thick based out of Berlin, Germany, possibly catastrophically weighs 1.45 lbs ( 0.66 kg ) the! The amount of abuse is more limited than checked bags wear, and Briggs & Riley go with a from! It has been having stock issues, so you can go with a lot of that! Best Backpack: Travelpro Crew VersaPack Softside Expandable spinner wheel luggage, Jet Black, carry-on 21-Inch other... Two wheel bags will always be more durable and comes with great warranty terms superb. Backpack: Travelpro Executive Choice 2 Backpack at Amazon, `` a checkpoint-friendly compartment allows you to remove electronics.... Space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches, you! Sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the Platinum Elite Softside - vertical.