13 Luggage Brands Designing Suitcases for the Long Haul

Investing in quality travel gear isn’t just about looks – it’s about making each journey easier. So, while the revival of “loud luxury” hints at a comeback for ’00s Louis Vuitton monograms on airport conveyor belts, the best luggage brands focus on durability, practicality and lasting functionality.

From hard-shell cases with whisper-quiet wheels to buttery leather duffles, the right bag can make even a night flight feel more comfortable. If you’re considering an upgrade from a hand-me-down, small details – like smooth wheels, ergonomic handles and organised compartments – can make navigating the terminal much easier.

Here are the best brands to shop in Australia in 2026, and the styles we’re eyeing for our next trip.

Broadsheet’s top picks

• Best overall: Samsonite
• Best for colour: July
• Best for value: Nere
• Best for durability: American Tourister
• Best for soft-shell luggage: Bellroy
• Best for luxury luggage: Aidan, Rimowa

Samsonite

Every seasoned traveller knows Samsonite. And for good reason: one Broadsheet editor has been rolling theirs through airports for 15 years (and counting). With over a century of experience, the label has built a reputation for reliable, well-crafted luggage designed to handle the realities of travel.

A quick scroll through Samsonite’s Tiktok shows just how seriously the brand takes product testing – putting its suitcases up against power tools, a forklift and 200 litres of crushed grapes. (Spoiler: Samsonite always comes out on top.) So, whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets or sprinting through terminals, it’s luggage you can trust to keep your belongings safe.

Our pick

Nere

A newcomer to the luggage world, Nere has quickly gained a following for its lustrous, fashion-forward suitcases that blend function with aesthetics. The brand’s collection is made up of a muted colour palette and stackable, mix-and-match designs that complement your personal style. Alongside the Aussie label’s collection of luggage, there are also backpacks, crossbody bags, duffle bags and other supportive staples for everyday life.

Our pick

American Tourister

Born in Rhode Island in 1933, American Tourister was an early developer of lightweight, hard-shell luggage – quickly becoming a staple for frequent flyers. The brand’s known for its playful colours, practical features and affordability. But sustainability is also a focus: the brand’s Recyclex fabric, made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, has diverted over 68 million bottles from landfill since 2018.

Our pick

Carl Friedrik

Founded by Swedish brothers Niklas and Mattis Oppermann, Carl Friedrik was born from a desire to create travel goods that balance form and function. The UK-based brand is known for its clean, minimalist designs and meticulous craftsmanship, favouring premium materials like full-grain leather, aluminium and impact-resistant polycarbonate. Every piece is designed with longevity in mind with features like reinforced corners, smooth-gliding spinner wheels and thoughtfully organised interiors.

Our pick

July

Melbourne-based July is shaking up the luggage space with its data-driven approach to design. Before launching in 2019, founders Athan Didaskalou and Richard Li spoke with hundreds of travellers and sifted through thousands of reviews to pinpoint exactly what people wanted from their suitcases. The conclusion? Sleek, functional luggage that can handle everything from international trips to weekend getaways – without the premium price tag. And the playful colourways go a long way when it comes to spotting your case on the conveyor belt.

Our pick

Monos

Monos is all about “fewer but better things”. The Canadian brand designs timeless luggage that prioritises both quality and longevity, with a direct-to-consumer model that keeps costs down, while maintaining high-end quality. If it can’t find the best materials, it works with industry experts to create them. And it prioritises timeless design over fleeting trends, intentionally putting pieces into circulation that’ll last for generations to come.

Our pick

Crumpler

Crumpler started as a passion project in the mid-1990s when three bike couriers set out to create the perfect messenger bag – one that was practical, durable and built to last. What began as a solution for cyclists quickly grew into a brand known for its functional yet playful approach to luggage and everyday bags. Today, Crumpler continues to blend rugged construction with a youthful spirit, making bags designed for work, travel and adventure.

Our pick

Antler

Founded in 1914, Antler has been at the forefront of British luggage design for over a century, evolving from handcrafted leather trunks to some of the most durable and stylish suitcases on the market. The brand is known for balancing classic craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation, and developing lightweight materials with smart storage solutions that cater to modern travel.

Our pick

Aidan

Aidan fuses luxury with performance, combining high-end materials like aluminium with an ultra-sleek aesthetic. Designed and patented in New York, the brand is also the official luggage partner of the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, adding a touch of sports-inspired durability to its collections. With a lifetime guarantee on every piece, Aidan offers a blend of style and substance you can trust for your next trip.

Our pick

Explorer

An Australian-owned brand designed with the everyday traveller in mind, Explorer focuses on practical, functional suitcases that make packing (and unpacking) as seamless as possible. Spotlighting lightweight construction and intuitive compartments, the label’s designs cater to everything from quick weekend trips to long-haul journeys at an affordable pricepoint.

Our pick

Bellroy

Born around a kitchen table in 2010, Bellroy is an Australian brand known for blending thoughtful design with everyday functionality. Its name – a nod to Bells Beach and Fitzroy – reflects its Victorian roots and its B-Corp-certified status highlights a commitment to making products that last and a positive impact on the planet.

Travel has always been Bellroy’s signature. Its backpacks and duffels, crafted from durable recycled materials, move easily from a working week in the city to a weekend in the country. Last year, the brand extended that same design thinking to wheeled luggage, in both hard- and soft-shell versions, and the results are just as appealing.

Our pick

Rimowa

A cult fave in the world of luxury luggage, Rimowa is the label collaborating with high-fashion designers like Rick Owens. The German brand’s mainline collection boasts a selection of aluminium, leather and high-quality polycarbonate designs in a myriad of vibrant and understated hues. Renowned for its iconic grooved designs, pieces are as durable as they are stylish, but there’s a lifetime guarantee (just in case).

Our pick

Eastpak

With roots in military-grade gear dating back to 1952, Eastpak has evolved into a global leader in durable, everyday luggage. Blending practicality with a street-smart edge, the brand offers everything from hard-wearing suitcases to woven, rucksack-style exteriors built to withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises of travel. Broadsheet ’s shopping editor swears by hers.

Our pick