When you feel the call of the wild, you need to know your luggage can hold up. So it’s best to invest in a bag made by a fellow outdoorsy type – like a champion freeskier. Scandi brand Db, founded by Norwegian ski champ Jon Olsson, has been putting out luggage for skiers, surfboarders and snowboarders since 2009, earning multiple ISPO gongs for its bags and cases. Its carry-on has happily accompanied digital assistant Connor Sturges on plenty of trips. Then there’s Horizn Studios, which has worked on several high-profile collaborations, including with NASA astronaut Alyssa Carson. If the suitcase is suitable for a trip into space, it’s good for your next earthly excursion.
Quiet luxury fans
Best luggage brands to shop: Carl Friedrik and Tumi
We’ve spotted a couple of Carl Friedrik pieces being wheeled from luxury hotel to helicopter by the Roy family in TV’s Succession, so you already know what to expect. That’s elegant, understated efficiency matched with good looks – not too flashy, just expert craftsmanship and quality materials that stand the test of time. Tumi offers a slightly different approach, but one no less refined, with its signature fluid-looking designs on both the polycarbonate and aluminium styles, meaning they offer some of the most eye-catching luxury cases on the market.
Private jet flyers
Best luggage brands to shop: Rimowa and Louis Vuitton
If you’re travelling privately, only the most luxe suitcase should accompany you. Naturally, that means going couture – which is where Louis Vuitton comes in. Failing that? Rimowa’s iconic ridged aluminium cases are a mainstay for well-heeled travellers – you’ll see them dotted about the luggage racks across all the world’s best hotels.
Minimalists
Best luggage brands to shop: Away, Monos and July
Away, with its game-changing direct-to-consumer business model, showed everyone that the right luggage can be simple, cost-effective and stylish. Its streamlined selection of bags, suitcases and packing cubes has had many imitators since. However, it’s still one of the best options for those seeking an innovative, intuitive experience when packing, at the luggage carousel and en route home from the hotel (the newer cases even have additional grab handles at the bottom). That’s not to say it’s the only option – Canadian competitor Monos has some of the best compression packing cubes we’ve tried, along with cases in a sorbet array of shades (including commerce writer Charley Ward’s favourite Large Check-In). Aussie brand July, too, has impressed us in our tests – its feather-light carry-on features some of the most impressively engineered wheels we’ve found – whisper quiet with buttery smooth action.
Vintage travel lovers
Best luggage brands to shop: Globe-Trotter, Steamline, Bric’s and Paravel
Old-timey travel just feels romantic – who doesn’t want to don a floaty dress and wide-brimmed hat, pack their travel trunk and head off into the distance on a steam train? Fortunately, plenty of luggage brands still offer this vintage aesthetic at a range of price points. Globe-Trotter and Steamline cases have those classic leather straps to finish (Kate Middleton is reportedly a Globe-Trotter fan, which only adds to its glamorous air), while Bric’s and Paravel combine vintage styling with a modern, hardwearing polycarbonate shell, so your case can equally withstand bumps in the hold and add some serious charm in your Instagram pictures.
