15 Finest Baggage Units to Purchase in 2023

As a frequent traveler, I know the importance of investing in high-quality, reliable luggage sets.

In my younger years, stuffing a week’s worth of tank tops and jean shorts into a backpack sufficed. Nowadays, I’m more likely jetting off for a business trip than a week at the beach, so a well-used Jansport backpack just won’t cut it for protecting my necessities.

To help you avoid the mishaps of broken straps, crushed clothing, and cracked devices, I’ve put together this list of the 15 best luggage sets to buy before you set off on your next adventure.

Each has a well-rounded balance of practical features and aesthetics that will appeal to even the most discerning tastes.

1. July Trunk Set: Best Luggage Set Overall

July takes an Aussie approach to travel, creating beautiful but rugged pieces that appeal to aesthetic-minded globetrotters unwilling to compromise on performance.

Their two-piece Trunk Set is the paradigm of their high standards, featuring the luxuriously modern Carry On Trunk and Checked Trunk.

There’s a lot to love about the July Trunk Set, starting with the crush-proof, high gloss German polycarbonate outer shell. The anodized steel detailing adds a metallic flair for undeniable style and eye-catching shine.

Clocking in at a hefty 8.6 lbs for the Carry-On and 10.6 lbs for the Checked Trunk, it is one of the heavier luggage sets on this list.

However, the low-profile SilentMove 360-degree spinner wheels offer a smooth, quiet glide over any surface, helping to mitigate any concerns about needing to lift or carry the pieces.

While on the topic of exterior features, it’s certainly worth mentioning the zipperless access. Instead, the July Trunk Set relies on twin latches with built-in one-touch TSA-approved locks to make opening or securing your luggage a breeze.

Rounding out the external bells and whistles is the 20-step telescoping handle, ensuring a comfortable fit at any height.

Moving to the interior, the July Trunk Set continues to delight. Both pieces include a water-proof, stain-proof nylon lining and Y-shaped compression straps with a leather finish. The odor-proof, removable laundry bags keep your clean clothes fresh and compress down.

The Carry-On Trunk has a capacity of 42L, while the Checked Trunk can hold a generous 95L. Both are divided into an 80-20 split, with a deep, lower section with plenty of space for bulkier items like hats, boots, and heavy coats.

The included shoe bags keep everything in place for effortless packing. With the inclusion of a built-in, ejectable power bank in the Carry-On, July has thought of everything you might need when venturing far from home.

Coolife’s sturdy but affordable luggage set may not be luxury, but it does include a 38L, 60L, and 93L carrying capacity for more space at a lower price point.

It’s an ideal introduction to the world of hardside luggage sets, particularly for those who don’t want to blow their entire travel budget on a more expensive option only to find that they prefer their old softside luggage.

Included in the 3-piece luggage set are 28-inch, 24-inch, and 20-inch lightweight suitcases with an external ABS shell, providing durable impact resistance and shock absorption.

The multi-directional spinner wheels offer a smooth and silent ride, though they tend to struggle over more significant bumps due to their smaller size. However, they’re just fine for handling the smooth linoleum of an airport floor.

The Coolife set also has built-in TSA combination locks, a three-step retractable handle, and a comfortable, rubberized grip in one trunk-style package.

Inside, you’ll find a nylon lining with snap-buckle closure cross straps and a generous mesh pocket for organizing small items such as cosmetics or chargers. One side also has a nylon skirt to help keep clean and dirty clothes separated.

Briggs & Riley Torq Collection is designed to take its fair share of rides around the luggage carousel, thanks to its expertly-engineered construction from the 3-layer Makrolon polycarbonate shell to the built-in mesh suiter with anti-wrinkle cinchers.

As I read through the long list of included features, I couldn’t help but feel I was looking at the Ferrari of luggage sets.

You’ll first notice how surprisingly lightweight the Torq collection is. I opted for the Medium Spinner, a reasonable 8.9 lbs for 83.9 L of capacity, and the International 21″ Carry-On Spinner, clocking in at 6.9 lbs for 38 L of packing space.

The aircraft-grade aluminum handle feels sturdy, with three height adjustments and an ergonomic grip that sits comfortably in hand. 

The integrated ID tag sleeve sits between the handlebars and has a bright orange accent, so you’ll always be able to spot this eye-catching set at the baggage claim.

Rounding out the exterior are self-repairing double zipper pulls, dual spinner wheels with metal ball bearings, and a classy leather nameplate to customize with your monogram.

Opening the case, I loved the 70/30 lid, offering a bit of depth in the bottom for handling bulky clothes. It’s also lined in light-colored camouflage, making it easier to hunt down items without the dark nylon of most other baggage sets.

If you’re traveling with business in mind, the Medium Spinner’s built-in mesh suiter is a lifesaver for keeping your clothes crisp. The adjustable foam roll bar holds two suits or four shirts and includes adjustable cinchers to hold everything in place.

Canadian brand Monos is the epitome of chic, toned-down luggage that still makes a statement. What truly elevates them to deserving of high praise is the rigorous set of 40 field tests they subject their bags to, including spinner wheel mileage, handle jerk, and tumbling. 

With so much data behind the design, it’s fair to say that Monos luggage exists at the intersection of art and science. They’ve thought of everything, including the vegan leather ID tag and color-coordinated zippers.

The standard-sized Carry-On bag is very generous, thanks to the built-in compression pad and ballistic nylon straps. These same features carry over to the Check-In Medium and Check-In Large bags for a genuinely envy-worthy set of baggage. 

I also appreciated the hidden laundry bag and the duo of shoe bags, which meant I could easily pack this beauty for a long weekend without fussing with an extra tote bag for my dirty clothes.

Away’s belief that travel makes people better shines through in their flawless designs, intricate details, and approachable price points.

However, their flexible pairing options set them apart as offering the best hardside sets, allowing travelers to pick and choose the components while still getting a bundle discount.

When you choose the “Build Your Set” option, you start by selecting a Set of 2, which includes a Carry-On and The Medium or Large for a $50 discount. The Set of 3, which consists of all three bags, has a $100 discount.

I opted for the Set of 2, with the impact-resistant polycarbonate shell. From there, it was down to sizes and colors. I chose the standard-sized Carry On luggage set with The Medium checked bag.

Each piece of the Away luggage brand has whisper-quiet wheels, a combination TSA lock, and a black leather luggage tag, which harkens to Away’s thoughtfulness for the everyday traveler.

Perhaps best of all, the Carry-On bags can nest inside The Medium, making for easy storage until the next adventure, saving you a lot of hassle and closet space.

I’ve focused heavily on rugged, durable luggage. Still, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Breakaway is my top choice for a softside luggage set thanks to its lightweight size, damage-resistant fabric, and impressive expansion capabilities.

This set includes a 21-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner and a 25-inch Checked Expandable Spinner with a combined carrying capacity of 137 L.

Regarding weight, the Maxlite is practically dainty, at 5.4 lbs and 7.3 lbs, respectively. That means you can cash in on the excess poundage by over-packing to your heart’s content.

The outer fabric is DuraGuard-coated polyester, which offers water- and stain-resistance you won’t find on most fabric baggage. It also means the bag has 2 inches of extra space to accommodate another outfit. The high-tensile zippers can handle the pressure well but lack integrated TSA-approved locks.

There’s plenty of storage, with two exterior front pockets for quick-access items, a single interior zippered mesh pocket in the lid, and a side accessory pocket. The straps are less for compression and more for keeping things in place, as is expected in forgiving fabric luggage sets.

While I’m willing to concede that Travelpro Maxlite 5 Breakaway includes many budget-friendly features, it would be a disservice to readers not to mention the lackluster construction of the spinner wheels.

They provide smooth turning, but I’m constantly worried that one wayward bump will knock the thin plastic roller off my bag.

Like Travelpro’s fabric luggage, the Maxlite Air is surprisingly lightweight, particularly amongst other polycarbonate shell options. 

The three-piece set includes a 23-inch Carry-On at 6.3 lbs, a 27.5-inch Medium Checked at 8.5 lbs, and a 30.5-inch Large Checked at 10.1 lbs. However, these lighter weights come at a cost; the thinner shell tends to hold onto dents. 

If you’re willing to compromise on a few barely-there impact marks, you’ll find that this luggage collection has a lot to love. 

The inner nylon is eco-friendly, consisting of 100% post-consumer recycled bottles. It’s also color-coordinated with the outer shell cover, a lovely detail I find unfortunately rare in many other baggage sets. 

There is plenty of zippered storage on the interior, including a full-size, zippered divider panel for keeping your shoes off your suits. 

My favorite little treat was the cloth zipper panels that expand outward to provide an extra 2 inches of internal packing space. 

Samsonite has long held a title among the best luggage brands on the market thanks to its century-long history of creating rich, elegantly-designed pieces that combine form with function.

That heritage shines through in the Samsonite Winfield 2, their take on a 3-piece, hardside luggage set.

It includes a 20″ Carry-On, 24″ Medium Checked, and 28″ Large Checked suitcase, each of which has an impact-absorbing polycarbonate shell that flexes under pressure to protect your belongings.

Unlike many other poly-shelled cases, Samsonite is exceptionally generous with handling straps on the top and side of the bags, making it easier to maneuver a crowded baggage carousel without watching your luggage slip out of your grip.

While I prefer the latch locks on trunk-style pieces over zipper locks, Samsonite continues to impress me with its durable hardware construction, from the telescoping handle down to the multi-directional spinner wheels.

As a chronic overpacker, I was delighted to crack the Winfield 2 open, discovering an extravaganza of organization pockets for tucking away my last-minute necessities.

While I can take or leave the old-school nylon fabric pattern, all was forgiven, thanks to the sturdy Y-strap compression, skirted separator, and 2-inches of extra space for expansion.

Designed with devices in mind, the Briggs & Riley Torq International Luggage Set takes everything we love about the standard Torq offerings with bonus pockets and protections for your must-have electronics when traveling the globe. 

The International baggage includes a padded sleeve suitable for tablets up to 10.5 inches, a padded laptop sleeve designed to accommodate most 15-inch laptops, and an integrated USB cable in the front compartment’s hook-and-loop closure slip pocket. 

Two more minor details that add a bit of pizazz are the cable-sized slip pocket and elastic pen loop, offering a perfect solution for keeping track of your Apple Pencil and charger. 

Rounding out the list is an RFID-blocking pocket that protects your personal data, credit card numbers, and passports from would-be identity thieves. 

Pair your Torq Internations with a Medium or Large Spinner, and you have an all-in-two solution for your international traveling needs. 

Samsonite joins the ranks again, proving that four wheels are better than two with their Valor 2.0 hardside cases. The coordinating set features a 20-inch carry-on and 28-inch checked bag in a stunning teal color.

The spinner wheels, while seeming too small for the sizeable set, are a joy to use thanks to their 360-degree turn radius. They make navigating crowded airports an almost pleasant experience.

These bags handle corners like a pro and won’t let you down on more treacherous terrain like curbs and jetways.

Though the interior is nothing to write home about, it’s not lacking in amenities. The elastic cross-straps do a solid job of keeping your clothes from jostling around, and the full-size zippered mesh separator is a huge bonus.

July sets the standard again with the Family Luggage Set, an upgraded version of their iconic Trunk Set that includes the Carry On, Checked, and Checked Plus.

The aerospace-grade German polycarbonate has the same durable construction but a curved eggshell design and anodized aluminum bumpers that reduce impact damage.

The Family Luggage sets also feature the same SilentMove 360-degree spinner wheels, providing effortless glide across any terrain.

While it lacks the high-gloss finish of my top choice for best luggage sets of 2023, the fact that this set holds an impressive 232 L and can nest inside one another makes up for it.

You’ll also find it hard to resist the convenience of the built-in laundry bags, integrated TSA locks, and effortless Y-shaped compression straps available in each bag.

These features make the Family Luggage Set ideal for short or long trips, as you’ll never have to compromise on amenities regardless of how many pieces you’ll need to bring along.

Since 2012, Carl Friedrik has demonstrated its knack for traditionally-crafted travel accessories, leather goods, and practical must-haves with an undeniably masculine aesthetic.

The Carl Friedrik Luggage Set – which includes The Carry-On and the Check-In – exemplifies these ideals, offering understated elegance in the form of lightweight, durable hardside luggage sets.

Each of the two bags features a polycarbonate outer shell, vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather detailing, and an aluminum lock frame with side-mounted TSA locks to keep your belongings safe.

The Japanese-made Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels give you easy maneuvering without unwanted noise and are the gold standard for luggage wheels.

Upon opening the 8.6 lb Carry On and 9.9 lb Check-In luggage, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the modular layout, light grey polyester lining, two sets of compression straps, and removable zippered compression pad designed to help you stay organized on the go.

The Carl Friedrik luggage set pairs beautifully with the brand’s Packing Cubes, a four-pack of compressible mesh cubes ranging from Small (26 x 11 x 10 cm) to Extra Large (32 x 26 x 10 cm).

With its stunningly subtle metallic finish and feminine shape, Calpak’s Ambeaur collection has a well-earned spot as the best luggage sets for women.

It’s deliciously sleek in gold, black, rose gold, or silver and generously spacious, with a combined total capacity of 158 L between the Carry-On and Large Check-In. Both pieces set the standard for hardshell luggage, as the polycarbonate and ABS are lightweight and expandable up to 2 inches.

Both pieces feature four 360-degree spinner wheels, a telescopic aluminum handle, and built-in TSA-approved locks to give you peace of mind wherever you roam.

However, the Ambeur set’s real draw is the extra roomy interior compartments offering far more storage space than most other hardside luggage set options.

Both pieces have four interior pockets, including a large zipper that entirely separates the two halves of the trunk-style design.

One of my favorite extras, though, is the detachable accessory bag. It has just the right amount of extra storage space for tucking away last-minute additions to your packing list without digging out your cosmetics bag or tech sleeves.

Calpak also offers a 3-piece Ambeur Luggage Set, which includes the Carry-On, Medium Check-In, and Large Check-In for the globe-hopping gals who need even more extra space.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly striking hardside luggage set, TUMI’s 19 Degree Aluminum is the travel companion for you. The fluid, sculpted design with gently lapping contours is more like ocean waves than aircraft-grade aluminum.

That dedication to durable, reliable construction extends to the 3-stage telescoping handles, which include a cushioned grip, push-button lock, and smoothly gliding poles. The four dual-spinning recessed wheels maintain the modern profile without adding extra bulk.

My favorite aspect of the big-budget luggage sets in the 19 Degree Aluminum collection is the hanger bracket, perfect for keeping crepe garments or linen dresses from looking messy when you’re ready to breeze around your latest locale.

While certainly on the upper end of luggage prices, it’s tough to beat the reliability, form, and function of the Tumi brand.

Monos offers another luggage collection called “Hybrid,” which adds anodized aluminum and bumper guards for even more resilience. It even has a metallic finish to match. 

The Hybrid collection drops the zipper for an aluminum frame with integrated latch locks, a move that endeared me to the Canadian brand even more so than before. I love having quick, easy access to everything I need, something that complicated zipper locks don’t allow. 

From there, it’s business as usual, with the other features matching the classic collection. You’ll still get the compression pad, antimicrobial inner liner, vegan leather details, and dreamy performance. 

Why Trust Us

What makes us the experts in the best luggage sets of 2023?

The folks at TravelFreak are just that. We’re nomads on a quest to forge connections, discover the world, and experience new cultures firsthand.

With that comes the need to invest in high-quality accessories that facilitate our adventures rather than hinder them.

Our Testing Process

We take each recommended bag on the road, putting them to the test to learn what we like, what we don’t, and whether they’re worth dipping into your travel funds.

Our favorites sit at the intersection of aesthetics and practicality, which is why we spend so much time rounding up something for everyone. From young adults needing a cheap luggage set that lasts to the more discerning business person with sophisticated tastes, we put products to the test with you in mind.

The Research

In addition to our real-world trials with recommended bags, we rely on customer reviews, manufacturer specs, and videos to get a more comprehensive overview of the little details we might have missed. 

Luggage Sets FAQ

Buying a luggage set is an investment in your jet-setting lifestyle, offering small comforts and much-appreciated convenience as you wander the world.

To ensure you have all the insights you need to make an informed decision, I’ve covered a few of the most frequently asked questions about buying matching baggage.

Final Thoughts: The Best Luggage Sets

With such a wide range of features available on the best luggage sets, it can feel almost impossible to choose just one. Remember that the goal is to choose baggage that suits your travel style and keeps your stuff safe. Luggage is an investment, so spending a little extra for worry-free travel is more than worth it.

The folks at TravelFreaks encourage you to do extensive research to discover what features speak to you and designs that suit your style. From there, it’s as easy as clicking “Add to Cart.” Happy travels!