Luggage Test 2026 – The Most Popular Models
Which travel suitcase will be bought most frequently in 2026? Instead of subjective test judgements, we show you the most popular models from our shop – from our recommendation selection. Every model recommended here is currently available and popular with our travellers.
Updated: 23rd April 2026 · We update this test regularly, so you only see currently available models.
What Really Matters When Buying Luggage
Before you choose a model, these 8 criteria should be clear. Only then will the suitcase really match your travel style.
1. Volume & Size
Cabin luggage 40–55 L, Weekend suitcase 60–80 L, Holiday from 90 L. More details in the suitcase sizes guide.
2. Weight
The lighter, the more capacity. Good hard cases from 2.5 kg (55 cm), from 3.5 kg (75 cm). Empty weight counts against checked luggage limit.
3. Material
Hard shell made from polycarbonate or ABS, soft luggage from polyester/nylon. Details in the material comparison.
4. Wheel System
4 spinner wheels (360°) are standard. Quiet wheels for smooth floors, all-terrain wheels for cobbles. The larger, the better they roll.
5. Lock
TSA lock is essential for US travel. Details on operation in the TSA guide.
6. Expandable
Many models expand by 15–20% volume. Ideal for shopping holidays or the return journey with souvenirs.
7. Interior Features
Fixing straps, divider, wet compartment for liquids, laptop compartment. Look for dedicated tech compartments in business trolleys.
8. Warranty
Top brands like Samsonite or Titan offer 3–10 years warranty. Check before buying: Which damages are covered?
Suitcases – Large Hard Shell Trolleys
OUR PICK
Samsonite Base Breeze 78 cm
Our suitcase favourite: expandable, petrol blue, lightweight · from £138
- 78 cm, 118 L volume expandable by +10%
- Only 4.6 kg empty weight with high stability
- Polycarbonate hard shell with scratch-resistant surface
- TSA lock as standard, 4 spinner wheels
- A popular model for long-haul and family travel
Also available in Black, Red & Dark Green
PREMIUM
Osprey Sojourn 80 – 75 cm
Backpack-trolley hybrid for adventure travel · from £284
- 80 L volume, choose to carry or roll
- Detachable carry system for true backpack function
- Robust 2-wheel construction for all terrain
- Premium construction, 10-year Osprey warranty
- Perfect for world travel and backpacking tours
VALUE PICK
Wenger Oryson 75 cm
Swiss value winner: expandable, lightweight · from £91
- 75 cm, expandable by +15% volume
- Top value for money under £100
- Scratch-resistant surface, quiet spinner wheels
- Integrated TSA combination lock
- Swiss quality at a fair price
Cabin Luggage – 55 cm Trolleys
OUR PICK
Samsonite Citybeat 55 cm
The cabin luggage bestseller – light, robust, many colours · from £87
- Airline-compliant 55×40×20 cm for most carriers
- Only 2.6 kg empty weight – generous capacity
- 4 quiet spinner wheels with 360-degree movement
- TSA lock fitted as standard
- Fits in Lufthansa and Eurowings cabin
FLEXIBLE
Samsonite Base Breeze 55 cm Expandable
More space: +10% volume through zip expansion · from £113
- Standard 55 cm cabin + +10% expansion
- 41 L base volume, expandable to 46 L
- 2.9 kg empty weight
- Polycarbonate, 4 spinner wheels, TSA
- Fits even stricter fare types
BACKPACK PICK
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Cabin luggage backpack instead of trolley – ideal for multi-modal travel · from £130
- 55 cm cabin-compliant, 40 L volume
- Completely opens like a suitcase for packing
- Stowaway carry system for flight check-in
- Ideal for backpackers and minimalists
- 10-year Osprey warranty on all seams
Travel Bags with Wheels – The Outdoor Hit
RECOMMENDED
Vaude New Islands Rotuma 90
Top recommendation: sustainable, 90 L, optional backpack use · from £180
- 90 L volume with robust all-terrain wheels
- Carry like backpack (detachable shoulder straps)
- Waterproof base coating, PFC-free
- Recycled PET fabric, Green-Shape certified
- Our most recommended outdoor travel bag
DESIGN
Rains Hilo 52 cm
Scandinavian design, waterproof, urban · from £80
- 52 cm handy weekend format
- 100% waterproof through rubberised outer material
- Clean Scandinavian design, minimalist
- Ideal travel companion for city trips
- Also accepted as cabin luggage
Travel Backpacks – 40 to 55 Litres
OUR PICK
Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
Women-specific travel backpack, cabin luggage compliant · from £100
- 40 L volume, 54 cm – cabin-compliant
- Women-specific carry system (shorter back length, narrower shoulders)
- Complete front-zip access like suitcase
- Stowaway straps for flight check-in
- See also our hiking backpack fitting guide
ROBUST
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
55 L men's model – for longer journeys · from £149
- 55 L volume with detachable 15 L daypack
- Combinable as cabin luggage (main pack) + cabin bag
- Stable aluminium frame for loads up to 20 kg
- Bottom sleeping bag compartment, rain cover included
- Top for trekking, long-distance travel, hostel trips
HIKING
Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack
Lightweight day hiking backpack with rain cover · from £85
- 26 L day volume, only 850 g weight
- AirScape back system for good ventilation
- Integrated rain cover
- Walking pole attachment and hydration system compatible
- Perfect for day hikes and weekend walking
Kids' Luggage – The Surprising Bestseller
Samsonite's Dream2Go kids' range is particularly popular with families. With many designs, Dream2Go is popular with families – robust, lightweight, child-friendly.
KIDS' FAVOURITE
Samsonite Dream2Go Disney Marvel Spiderman
Disney licence for little heroes · from £70
- 52 cm children's cabin format
- Easy to pull thanks to 4-wheel system
- Official Marvel licence (Spiderman, Mystery design)
- Sturdy hard shell withstands children's daily use
- TSA lock as standard
RECOMMENDED
Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream Van
The classic – playful, retro, popular · from £68
- Most popular kids' design in classic style
- 52 cm, 25 L, cabin-compliant
- Lightweight empty weight for children
- Robust hard shell, child-friendly
- TSA lock + name tag inside
DESIGN
Samsonite Dream2Go Disney Motorbike
Dynamic motorbike design for little adventurers · from £77
- Motorbike design for motor fans
- 52 cm, approved for flight cabin
- 4-wheel system, child-friendly to handle
- Polycarbonate hard shell, scratch-resistant
- Ideal holiday suitcase from age 4
All Bestsellers Compared
| Model | Category | Price from | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream FAMILY FAVOURITE |
Kids 52 cm | £68 | Available, 4.9★ |
|
Vaude Rotuma 90 TRAVEL BAG |
Travel bag 75 cm | £180 | Available, 4.7★ |
|
Samsonite Citybeat 55 CABIN LUGGAGE |
Cabin luggage 55 cm | £87 | Available, 4.6★ |
|
Samsonite Base Breeze 78 SUITCASE |
Suitcase 78 cm | £138 | Available, 4.7★ |
|
Osprey Fairview 40 WOMEN'S BP |
Women's travel backpack 54 cm | £100 | Available, 4.8★ |
|
Samsonite Dream2Go Marvel KIDS |
Kids 52 cm | £70 | Available, 4.8★ |
|
Osprey Sojourn 80 PREMIUM |
Backpack-trolley 75 cm | £284 | Available, 4.8★ |
|
Osprey Hikelite 26 HIKING |
Hiking backpack 51 cm | £85 | Available, 4.7★ |
|
Wenger Oryson 75 VALUE PICK |
Suitcase 75 cm | £91 | Available, 4.5★ |
|
Rains Hilo 52 DESIGN |
Travel bag 52 cm | £80 | Available, 4.7★ |
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Luggage
Which suitcase is particularly popular in 2026?
Our 2026 recommendations include: Vaude Rotuma 90 travel bag, Samsonite Dream2Go kids' suitcase, Samsonite Citybeat 55 cabin luggage, Samsonite Base Breeze 78 suitcase. Every model is currently available.
Hard shell suitcase or soft luggage – which is better?
Hard shell protects fragile contents better and is weatherproof, soft luggage is lighter and expandable. For air travel with checked luggage prefer hard shell (polycarbonate), for car and train travel often soft luggage. Details in the material comparison.
What suitcase size do I need for which holiday?
Short trip 2–3 days: Cabin luggage 55 cm (35–40 L). Weekend trip: 65 cm (65–75 L). 1-week holiday: 75 cm (90–100 L). Longer trips or family holidays: 80 cm (110 L+). See suitcase sizes guide.
What does a good suitcase cost?
Entry-level quality from £70 (Samsonite Dream2Go, Wenger Oryson), mid-range £100–150 (Samsonite Citybeat, Base Breeze), premium from £200 (Osprey Sojourn 80, Vaude Rotuma). For frequent travellers, a mid-range model pays for itself quickly.
Which kids' suitcase is worth it?
Our 2026 favourite is the Samsonite Dream2Go (52 cm, from £68) – our family favourite. Available with various designs (Ice Cream Van, Marvel Spiderman, Disney Frozen, Motorbike). Cabin-compliant, lightweight, robust.
Travel backpack or suitcase – which is better?
For classic package holidays: suitcase. For multi-modal travel (multiple stops, hostels, stairs, cobblestones): backpack. The Osprey Fairview 40 (women's) and Farpoint 55 (men's) are our recommendations among travel backpacks. Details in the backpack guide.
Our Conclusion – Data-Driven Recommendations Instead of Guessing
Instead of subjective test judgements, we show you the models that other travellers actually buy. All luggage and bags recommended here are currently available, have customer average ratings from 4.5 stars and are established with our travellers.
- Travel bag favourite: Vaude Rotuma 90 – sustainable, multifunctional, 90 L
- Suitcase favourite: Samsonite Base Breeze 78 – expandable, lightweight, stable hard shell
- Cabin luggage favourite: Samsonite Citybeat 55 – airline-compliant, lightweight, TSA lock
- Kids' favourite: Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream – robust, lightweight, child-friendly design
- Backpack favourite: Osprey Fairview 40 – women's specification, cabin luggage compliant
- Value pick: Wenger Oryson 75 – Swiss quality under £100
No test models that have been poorly available for years. No ranking paid for by marketing budgets. Only honest recommendations from our experience.
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