A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
Whether you're going on a weekend getaway or flying around the world, these are the best soft-sided luggage picks that'll make packing easy.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it also poses some logistical hurdles like booking flights, planning activities at your destination and, of course, packing. For difficult travel days, we rounded up the best soft-sided luggage to keep all your documents, electronics and accessories together.
In addition to doing our research and speaking to a travel expert, we put 15 pieces of soft-sided luggage to the test. Our Product Testing Team traveled over to the testing lab where they stuffed the luggage and put each piece through tough, yet realistic, wear-and-tear tests to determine which is the best soft-sided luggage. They landed on 10 pieces deserving of making your next travel companion.
Pros:
Cons:
When it comes to the best luggage on the market, Travelpro has earned a top spot on a few of our lists, including the best underseat luggage and the best luggage brands, thanks to its durability and useful features. So, it comes at no surprise that the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on suitcase was our top pick for the best soft-sided luggage.
“I had high hopes for this suitcase after loving the Travelpro underseater so much, and this superstar delivered—and then some. The flashy hardware and attractive yet durable heathered fabric of the exterior is matched in quality by the ingenious (and cute!) organizational system on the inside. Five stars all around,” raves Annamarie Higley, product testing manager on our Product Testing Team.
Our testers noted that this bag felt sturdier and less wobbly than many others they tested. They were impressed by the bag’s controlled turn radius and by how well it performed across multiple surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, grass, gravel and cobblestone. They were also pleased with how easy it was to lift this bag overhead, thanks to its multiple handles and self-aligning wheels. “This guy sets the ‘gold standard’ for liftability,” says the Product Testing Team.
Although this suitcase is well-made and exceeded our expectations in the lab, our team was disappointed to find a number of scuffs and scratches as a result of their dragging test. “After getting dragged a bit on its face and back, there was a little aesthetic damage to this one. The bumpers were scuffed, the front emblem got scratched up and there was some slight discoloration to the fabric. All things considered, it held up well, but it didn’t take long to create this permanent damage,” explains the Product Testing Team. “It’s one thing to see damage on the bumpers, but it’s a bit of a bummer to already see some visual deterioration on things like the emblem and the zippers after one short little test. We’ve all seen how our luggage gets thrown around at the airport—it’s gonna happen.”
That being said, if you’re not concerned with a few scuffs here and there, then this suitcase is a solid pick. In addition to its durability and easy mobility, it’s packed with extra features that will make your travels a breeze. It includes a removable garment bag, toiletry bag, tag holder, universal serial bus (USB) port and cord and an interior lining that’s made of post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, to name just a few.
Pros:
Cons:
Packing only a carry-on bag is an art form that takes dedication and strategy, but it does allow you to avoid baggage claims and extra travel fees. If your airline allows you to travel with carry-on luggage, the Swissgear Sion fits the bill. Swissgear has a solid reputation for its durable luggage, and this model uses scuff-resistant material. It also includes plenty of storage and even a removable wet bag. The best part? It won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
“Among the cheapest of the bags we tested, this Swissgear suitcase miraculously includes many of the same lovable features as its way-pricier competitors. Think 360-degree wheels, scuff-proof material and a removable toiletry bag,” says Higley. In addition to its affordability and features, our testing team was impressed by this bag’s performance during testing. Our testing team noted that its turn radius was better than average, and they appreciated its ergonomic handle and smooth ride. Plus, it expands in case you pick up souvenirs on your travels. At 21 inches tall, it meets most airline requirements for carry-on luggage.
You can also rest assured that fragile items on your carry-on packing list, like sunglasses and jewelry, are sure to arrive safe and sound. After dragging this suitcase down stairs, tossing it around and dragging it several feet, our testing team found the bag to be relatively unscathed, except for some subtle scuffing on the plastic components. However, you’ll want to be careful when toting this suitcase around in the rain. The team found that water immediately penetrated the fabric fibers, leaving behind splotchy wet marks. “Wouldn’t want this to be sitting outside on the tarmac while it’s raining,” notes the Product Testing Team.
Pros:
Cons:
No two trips look alike, which is why the Osprey Sojourn travel pack is ready for your itinerary of choice. A quality option when it comes to soft-sided luggage, the Osprey is versatile enough to be rolled through airports or carried like a travel backpack. The bag can accommodate 45 liters of storage while remaining within the carry-on dimensions for most U.S. domestic airlines. The main compartment is an open design, making it ideal for using packing cubes for better organization.
The Osprey bag also features an exterior quick-access area for anything you might want to quickly grab while en route. Internal compression straps and external straps keep the bag compressed, which can be a lifesaver if packing light isn’t your strong suit. But what really makes this one of the best soft-sided luggage picks is this bag’s durability. “Osprey designed this bag for the adventurers in mind. Compact, convenient and ready to take a beating—the Sojourn will make an excellent addition on your backpacking trips,” says Dylan Fischer, associate product tester on the Product Testing Team.
In the lab, our team was initially concerned about the bag’s large, heavy wheels. And while they found that the wheels did affect the bag’s turn radius and occasionally got snagged on things, they were impressed by their overall performance. According to our testers, the wheels easily rolled through grass, gravel and wood chips and took all bumps like a pro. “This bag was definitely made with the assumption that it’s gonna get beaten up—and they took proactive measures to mitigate that as much as possible. The shape of the bag, plus the material, helped it look nearly flawless after being dragged around a bit and dampened up with a cloth,” says the Product Testing Team.
Additionally, the team points out that if you’re going on an outdoor adventure, this is the bag for you. That’s because they found it to be completely waterproof, noting that the material is similar to a raincoat. Water wiped off with ease, leading our testers to believe that it’s a quality weather-proof option. Wherever you’re heading, this is a tough bag that’s ready for adventure.
Pros:
Cons:
Founded by a bike messenger, it’s not surprising that Timbuk2 knows a thing or two about wheels. And while only having two non-swiveling wheels on a suitcase might be a dealbreaker for some, the Timbuk2 Copilot Roller might make you think again. That’s because this suitcase features two gel wheels (similar to what you’d find on a skateboard or scooter) that easily roll over all types of terrain. “While the other suitcases were mostly being dragged through the grass and gravel, these wheels were actually rolling over the bumps and obstacles. They handled all bumps and cracks in the concrete with ease,” says the Product Testing Team.
This soft-sided luggage will set you back $249, which our team deems a fair price given this bag’s gel wheels, waterproof material and overall durability. “Proudly sporting two large gel wheels, this suitcase is ready to be rolled across any terrain—no matter how rough. If you don’t mind sacrificing swivel-action, you can’t go wrong with Timbuk2 at this price,” says Fischer. And if you do happen to take this suitcase over some tough terrain, you won’t have to worry about it looking like it’s been through the wringer. Our team found that after being dropped and dragged, the front of this bag looked a little worse in terms of wear. However, a few passes with a damp microfiber cloth had it looking as good as new and ready for the next excursion.
Pros:
Cons:
If you’re looking to invest in a quality piece of luggage, then look no further than the Victorinox Werks 6.0 Frequent Flyer Plus Softside suitcase. Though not the most stylish soft-sided luggage on the market, you can be sure that this bag will last for years to come. “A minimalistic design paired with high-quality material makes Victorinox an easy pick for our most durable suitcase,” says Fischer.
This suitcase scored high marks for its overall performance, turn radius and sturdy rubber handles that make it easy to lift overhead. Additionally, it passed the quality test with flying colors. Our testing team notes that the scuffing was somewhat minimal to begin with, but a wet microfiber cloth wiped away almost all traces of damage from the fabric. They also point out that the bumpers held up surprisingly well, too, though there were some traces of damage there. According to Fischer, this bag “might not win any awards for style, but it more than makes up for it by just feeling like an incredibly sturdy, incredibly well-made suitcase.”
Other notable features include a tri-fold garment bag, USB-C charging cord and plug, plenty of organizational pockets and nylon buckled tie-down straps. And since this is the brand that created the original Swiss Army Knife, there’s even a dedicated holder for your pocket knife. However, you’ll only want to use that space if you’re taking a road trip since knives are not allowed on planes.
Pros:
Cons:
Taking off on a lifelong dream adventure of traveling around the world? You might want to pack more than just a weekend’s worth of clothing. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable Spinner is a rolling soft-sided luggage that can fit from 80 to 97 liters. It features Briggs & Riley’s One-Touch CX expansion system, which expands all four sides of the suitcase with the push of a button rather than a zipper, and you can compress the suitcase easily. A built-in garment area uses a foam roll bar to keep clothes wrinkle-free while two zipped mesh pockets help with packing smaller travel accessories.
On our list of the best luggage brands, Briggs & Riley takes the top spot as the Best Overall brand, offering a lifetime warranty on its durable and thoughtfully designed luggage lineup. You can also add a three-initial monogram at no additional cost. “With its classy exterior, patented expansion technology and handy tri-fold garment holder, Briggs & Riley is an excellent choice for on-the-go business travelers,” confirms Fischer.
In addition to its expansion capabilities and high-quality construction, this bag handled all types of terrain and, thanks to its four dual 360-degree rubber wheels, felt sturdy and less wobbly than luggage with plastic wheels. This best soft-sided luggage piece also features sturdy straps, which make it easy to grab. However, our testing team notes that since this bag weighs over 10 pounds, it’s tougher to lift than some others.
While this bag performed well, proved itself to be water-resistant and is well-made, our testing team was disappointed by how easily it garnered aesthetic damage. According to our testers, the quick dragging test left some very unsightly discoloration on the front of the suitcase. “For a suitcase that seems to be putting a large emphasis on looks, it’s crazy how quickly we were able to make substantial scuffs that completely ruin the look,” says the Product Testing Team. They also noted that the bumpers showed signs of wear and tear, though that’s to be expected.
Pros:
Cons:
If you’re in the market for a suitcase that oozes old-money aesthetics, then the Hartmann Tweed Legend Domestic Carry-On is an excellent choice. “This is made of a very classy, old-school fabric that not only looks nice but is also very practical in that it conceals any scuff marks,” says Fischer. Featuring variegated tweed fabric, luxe interior lining, leather trim and handles and metal hardware, this suitcase is as stylish as it is practical.
During testing, our team found that this suitcase rolled, pushed and pulled well and had a good turn radius, thanks to its four dual 360-degree rubber wheels. They also noted that while the U-shaped telescopic handle was aesthetically pleasing, it wasn’t as ergonomic as straight handles. But they raved about the leather handles, calling them satisfyingly grippable and adding that they make it easy to hoist this bag up into overhead compartments.
After being dragged around for a bit, the team noticed some slight discoloration on the front but found that it was very well masked by the busyness of the fabric. Additionally, they noted that the leather accents remained pristine. They did find some noticeable scuffing on the plastic accents but pointed out that that’s to be expected, and the same thing would likely happen at the airport after one use. Overall, our testers felt that although the price tag is a bit steep, this is among the best soft-sided luggage pieces and will last you a long time. “I could picture my grandpa pulling this suitcase just as easily as I could an Instagram influencer. Looks-wise, it’s a timeless piece that’s worth the price tag,” shares Higley.
Pros:
Cons:
Samsonite has been creating reliable, long-lasting luggage since 1910. In that time, they’ve become experts at incorporating a wide range of useful features into their fairly priced suitcases, making them our top pick in this category. Our team tested Samsonite’s Solyte DLX Softside Expandable suitcase and found it to be a top performer that stood up to their tests. And, of course, it includes plenty of additional features to make travel as easy as possible.
Callout features on this soft-sided luggage include a USB port and charging cord, hideaway tag and wet pack for toiletries. Our testers were also impressed by the bag’s sturdy zippers and handles, including a T-shape zipper pull for increased leverage. They also liked the “Smart Fix” buckles on the elastic interior straps that clip into the sides of the suitcase so they’re not flopping about or in the way, and a Stack It strap that allows the bag to be threaded horizontally onto another larger bag’s telescopic handle.
When sprayed with water, our testers found that the water immediately beaded with only a slight amount actually soaking into the exterior fabric. They also wiped it off the suitcase’s surface and noted that it seemed largely weather-resistant, especially since none of the water leeched through to the interior fabric of the front pocket.
As they rolled this bag around a variety of surfaces, our team was especially impressed by how easily it rolled over the lips of the uneven sidewalk without getting stuck. And while it had to be pulled rather than pushed over grass and gravel, our testers were impressed by how seamless the transition was.
Overall, the team had few concerns about the longevity of this piece. “It cleaned up nicely, the hardware is great and the wheels were some of the best. For $170, it’s even more durable than you’d expect,” says the Product Testing Team.
Pros:
Cons:
If you’re striving to become a more sustainable traveler, then choosing a suitcase that’s made of recycled materials is a great place to start. This soft-sided suitcase from Eagle Creek is made from 100% recycled fabrics. Not only that, but the brand offers a No Matter What Warranty in order to keep its bags out of landfills. This warranty covers all functional aspects of the product for the life of your gear. So whether your bag is damaged during a flight or tumbles down a flight of stairs, the brand’s repair team will take care of it.
That being said, we don’t anticipate this bag falling apart any time soon. During testing, this bag held up well. It picked up a lot of dirt during the dragging test, but it actually wiped pretty clean with no true scuffing. The backside, on the other hand, picked up some scuffs and scrapes. The team also found a legitimate, yet small, tear in the top corner of the backside, likely from the toss over the ledge, and noted that this is where the lifetime warranty could come in handy.
While the team appreciated this bag’s sustainability and generous warranty, they were seriously impressed by the wheels. This suitcase has four 360-degree wheels with plastic casings and spokes. The wheels themselves are rubber and have legitimate treads, making them ideal for off-road suitcasing. (Is there such a thing? There is if you’re one of our product testers!) Our testing team took this suitcase over several terrains, including grass, gravel, cobblestones and uneven sidewalks, and it performed very well over rough terrains.
When asked for their final verdict, Higley had this to say: “I had a soft spot for this suitcase from the start. The exoskeleton-like design caught my eye (it feels perfect for the adventurous, outdoorsy flyer), and the sustainability of it all just sweetens the deal.”
Pros:
Cons:
Fashion-forward travelers, rejoice! There’s actually luggage out there that’s as trendy and stylish as it is functional and durable. Lipault’s Plume Cabin Size Spinner has a trendy, puffy-looking soft exterior and comes in nine rich colors. Our testing team ordered this soft-sided luggage in Smashed Pumpkin and it did not disappoint. “The Smashed Pumpkin color might be a bit out-there for some folks, but the other colorways of this suitcase are varied—and very attractive. Plus, the chunky block-letter logo printed on the strip of vinyl that encircles the whole bag lends such a fresh, modern touch. Love, love, love,” raves Higley.
Though this suitcase has a smaller capacity than others on our list, our team could still cram their moving blankets in. And in spite of it being pretty stuffed, they reported that the zippers still glided smoothly along the teeth. In fact, our team found that this bag’s zippers were the best out of the bunch! They also awarded this bag five stars for its turning radius. “The lightweight and compact nature of this model make it exceptionally navigable,” says the Product Testing Team.
During testing, our team described this bag’s overall performance as a seamless and pleasant driving experience. They also loved its large, plush top and side handles, but they did miss having a bottom handle to help with liftability. And when dragged around, the team was pleasantly surprised to find that the bag was more dirty than damaged. “The light orange color shows stains easily, but I was able to wipe them away with water and the microfiber cloth,” explains the Product Testing Team.
What did bother them, however, was the fact that the orange wheels looked dirty and grimy after just a few minutes of being rolled around outside. But if dirty wheels won’t bother you, then go ahead and add this stylish bag to your cart.
The debate of hard vs. soft luggage is a hot topic in the travel world. Some travelers opt for the protection and durability of hard-shell luggage—and we admittedly have some favorites (like the Away polycarbonate flex suitcase, Away soft-sided luggage, and the Away Bigger Carry-On—but there are definite perks to the best soft-sided luggage.
“Soft-sided luggage can be manipulated a little more when empty, so they might fit into tighter spaces, like cruise ship closets and at-home storage easier,” says Janice Eckert, a travel specialist at Awaken Travels. Soft-sided luggage also comes in plenty of shapes and styles that often win over the standard shape of hard-sided luggage when it comes to packing smarter.
In contrast to hard-shell luggage, soft-sided luggage comes in many styles, so you can shop for the best one that fits your needs. When shopping for soft-sided luggage, Eckert says to look for options with compartments and pockets for better organization, both on the inside and outside of the bag. “External pockets are a good place to throw tennis sneakers, portable luggage scales, socks or things you don’t mind getting a little tousled,” she says.
One of the most common types of soft-sided carry-on luggage is with wheels, and it either has one set of wheels or two (the latter gives the option to pull and push). “I look for four wheels to give me the flexibility of pushing on four wheels or pulling on two,” says Eckert. If your trip takes you on uneven terrain, you might want to consider a pick that can also be carried as a backpack.
You could opt for a smart bag with features like a USB charging port, built-in scale and biometric lock. Some of the best soft-sided luggage also qualifies as a personal item, meaning it’ll slide under your seat on a plane if the overhead bins are full. It’s also wise to consider the budget for buying new luggage. Some of the best affordable luggage is soft-sided, so you’ll have plenty of options that leave money left over for the trip itself.
Our editors and testers are frequent fliers, weekend trippers, parents and pet owners, and we have plenty of personal experience with bags, backpacks and suitcases for every occasion and type of traveler.
The experts on our Product Testing Team spent around 40 hours conducting firsthand research in our Testing Lab, performing a total of 12 tests on each piece of soft-sided luggage in order to determine which products are worth your hard-earned money. Our goal is to recommend the very best products using honest and fair testing practices and never recommend a product we don’t love, regardless of how popular the brand or model.
In addition to testing the products ourselves, we consulted with a travel specialist from Awaken Travels, a full-service travel agency based in Gilbert, Arizona, that specializes in destination weddings, honeymoons, vacations, group travel, cruises and bespoke travel. Janice Eckert is Awaken’s resident history buff and vacation specialist, seeking historic sites from Boston to Belize.
For this piece, we tested 15 pieces of soft-sided luggage, performing roughly 12 tests on each bag. To test each suitcase’s performance, we stuffed each suitcase with two heavy moving blankets to add weight and bulk before rolling them around various types of terrain.
We also dropped each bag from roughly 4 feet high, tossed them over a barrier and dragged them for a yard or so to mimic the treatment each bag might receive at the airport while being loaded into the lower deck of the plane or thrown onto the carousel.
We spent an estimated 40 hours and collected 600 data points while taking into account maneuverability, turn radius, water resistance and liftability, as well as additional features unique to each bag, such as expandability, USB chargers, tag holders and hardware.
As a result of our testing, only 10 bags made the final cut. Our team categorized the winning pieces based on overall performance, budget and differentiating factors, such as durability, sustainability and versatility.
The best soft-sided luggage can absolutely be as durable as hard-sided as long as it’s made with high-quality materials. “My favorite soft-sided suitcase is one I’ve used for 15 years,” Eckert says, who’s well-versed in business travel. “I traveled on a weekly basis with it for three years and then monthly for another two years. It’s still in great shape, no rips or holes and still sturdy and solid.”
Keeping soft-sided luggage clean is simple. Spot-cleaning with soap and water usually works, but be sure to read the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Travelpro, for example, says using soap on its soft-sided luggage can harm the coating and instead recommends spot-cleaning with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
Eckert says some travelers like to use stain- and water-resistant spray, like Scotchgard, but many of the best soft-sided luggage pieces already repel water.
It’s smart to keep your soft-sided luggage in a dust cover when you’re not using it to keep it protected and clean. While traveling, you can help protect your luggage by using TSA-approved locks or shopping for luggage that already includes them.
