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Picking out luggage can be a challenge, especially when you take into account all the different options available.
Plus, it’s tough to know how to answer all your questions about suitcases.
How heavy is too heavy?
What features do you need?
Which brands are best?
Soft case or hard case?
But, if you choose a few well-known brands to begin with, you can cut out a lot of the frustration and stress.
Two such high-quality and well-recognized brands are Travelpro and Samsonite. If you can’t find what you need from one of these two luggage manufacturers, chances are you’re not looking hard enough.
While these companies have many of the same choices, they also offer distinct differences that will aid you in making an informed decision.
Bottom Line Up Front Summary: We preferred the multiple handle positions and more durable Samsonite luggage here. That said, TravelPro is still a better option than most other generic luggage brands.
Primary Differences Between Travelpro and Samsonite
- Ultra-light Luggage: Even though Travelpro luggage has suitcases that aren’t very heavy, Samsonite offers a bag that checks in at less than four pounds.
- Handle Positions: Travelpro’s suitcases usually have two positions for its users. However, Samsonite bags have multiple positions, so you can find the one that works best for your height.
- TSA Locks: Many Samsonite suitcases come with built-in TSA combination locks, so you can lock up your luggage and not have to worry about TSA breaking it. Travelpro offers zippers with holes in them, although if you don’t use a TSA approved lock, it may wind up broken.
All products are tested for strength, durability and performance based on the demands of frequent travelers. Orders of $150 or more qualify for free standard shipping, no code needed. Need it sooner? Choose expedited or priority.
Travelpro vs Samsonite
Luggage Piece Types
The first thing you want to look at when you’re looking for luggage is what type of luggage each company offers. Travelpro and Samsonite offer plenty of choices that will meet all your travel needs.
There are several lines available with both brands, each providing multiple styles, and sizes from which you can choose. That means you should have no trouble finding the right travel bag.
Whether you need a garment bag, carry on, duffel bag, or large suitcase, chances are good that either Travelpro or Samsonite will have something that works for you.
No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be there, Travelpro or Samsonite can handle it. They’ve got you covered whether you’re traveling for personal enjoyment or headed out of town for work.
Keep in mind, however, that these two luggage companies focus on large luggage options and carry on suitcases. This is due to the fact that these are the most common types of luggage purchased by customers.
Hardside Spinner Suitcases vs Rolling Suitcases
Are you the type of person who prefers the simplicity of a two-wheeled rolling suitcase or are you super-fancy and have to have a suitcase with four wheels that spins?
Both Travelpro and Samsonite luggage brand have options for both types of suitcases ranging from the biggest suitcases to the smallest garment bags.
Most of the luggage available with these two companies have skate wheels so you can easily navigate through airports, hotels, and any other heavily trafficked areas of travel.
When you’re picking your suitcase you might want to remember that Samsonite really likes the hardside spinner suitcases as most of their offerings are of the four-wheeled variety.
You can also find luggage options with a Tru-Trac system, which uses a v-shaped design to ensure that the wheels are always rolling straight. You can find these on Samsonite’s Silhouette Xv offerings.
You can also get both rolling and spinner wheels with Travelpro, which will often create two versions of the same bag so you don’t have to sacrifice one over the other.
A great example of this is in the TravelPro Crew 11 option, which has both rolling and hardside spinner wheel options. Like Samsonite’s Tru-Trac system, Travelpro has its MagnaTrac technology, which aids in keep the wheels straight as they roll.
Size
In regards to size, there aren’t many differences when it comes to choosing between Travelpro and Samsonite. This makes sense as both companies know exactly what airlines will allow and have been in business long enough to know what their customers expect. As a result, their sizes are almost always with a specific range.
For example, you’ll discover that most carry-on options from Travelpro and Samsonite usually fall in the 20-21 inch range. Since these smaller bags have to meet airline specifications, the luggage companies can’t stray too far outside the lines. Doing so would result in their customers being unable to use their luggage when traveling by air.
Both Travelpro and Samsonite offer mid-size luggage types that fall in the range of 24-25 inches. These are perfect for those short weekend trips when you don’t need to pack a lot but need enough room for a few days worth of clothes and accessories.
The biggest options for these luggage companies come in the 28-29 inch range. You’ll want these larger suitcases for longer trips that last more than a week. They also come in handy if you’re packing for more than one person. You’ll be able to shove more into these types of suitcases without adding so much weight you’re forced to pay for an additional bag.
Weight
When you’re traveling, having a lightweight bag is something you can’t live without. This is especially true when you take into consideration the restrictions airlines have on how much you can carry onboard the aircraft with you.
Knowing this, Travelpro and Samsonite have done their part to help you by creating bags that are lightweight yet meet the guidelines.
Travelpro offers lightweight bags through its Maxlite offerings. You can find these suitcases in both soft and hard shells, which means you can pick out your favorite one.
One great example is the Maxlite 4 which is a 21-inc soft side suitcase that weighs less than six pounds. Or go with its hard side version, which comes in at only 6.7 pounds.
Samsonite also has lightweight luggage in its lineup, including its Omni line, which weighs 6.8 pounds. This is an excellent option when you take into consideration that this is a hardshell suitcase.
However, Samsonite has even lighter offerings with its Cosmolite and Firelite options. Or you can opt for their lightest suitcase, the LiteShock, which comes in at 3.7 pounds. Pretty impressive for a hardshell carry on.
Handles
Something many people don’t think about when picking out a suitcase is the handle.
Every bag will have a handle on it, and it’s typically the piece of your suitcase you use to move it from one place to another, so its importance should be stressed, not diminished.
Of course, all handles aren’t the same, so you should take a look at what every suitcase has to offer so you can make an informed decision on which one works for you.
For example, Travelpro handles are typically made out of aluminum on either their spinner luggage or wheeled suitcases. Their telescopic handle settings most often lock in a few places so you can find the position that feels best to you.
Comparatively, Samsonite’s telescopic handles are made out of high-quality materials.
However, where Travelpro only offers a few height positions, Samsonite provides several heights. Some of the handles on their suitcases lock at every inch so you’re sure to find a good fit.
While we’re talking about handles, don’t forget to test the carry handles before you purchase your next suitcase.
Top handles are what you’ll normally find, however, some also include side and bottom handles as well. These types of handles are perfect for lifting your bag over your head an placing it into an overhead bin.
Softside and Hardside Suitcases
Choosing between Travelpro and Samsonite luggage brand in regards to their soft and hard shell materials might prove to be difficult. This is because these two companies use materials that are very similar to one another.
When it comes to hard shell suitcases, both Travelpro and Samsonite use polycarbonate. This material ensures that your belongings are safe during travel. Plus, there are some types of hard shell cases that protect against changes in temperature. They also don’t absorb moisture like soft suitcases will.
As you consider soft shell suitcases, you’re most likely to encounter two materials: polyester and nylon.
While nylon is typically more long-lasting than polyester, however, neither should tear when going through the daily rigors of travel.
Softside bags are better when you want to compress your down (ideally with a compression strap), however, they’ll also expand if you need them to. Trying to do so with a hard side suitcase might result in a dent in your bag.
Luggage Brand Durability
You want a suitcase that is durable, especially if you travel by air. That means you aren’t always the one taking care of your suitcase, and baggage handlers are not known for treating traveler’s bags with a lot of care.
Scrapes and bumps can occur on a regular basis, so you want to be sure you have a bag that isn’t going to tear every time it’s treated roughly. You might expect your hard side case to be the most durable, however, that isn’t always the case. These types of suitcases don’t handle stress very well and have been known to crack or dent when put beneath a heavier bag.
On the other hand, fabric bags handle pressure much better, since they can compress if need be. Although, fabric suitcases can tear if they aren’t handled properly. Be sure the seams are strong enough that they won’t pull apart when you travel.
Wheels and corners take the most beating no matter what type of travel you’re doing, so be sure to check that these areas are protected by some time of rubber housing or plastic. Additionally, be sure that the zippers on the suitcase and high-quality. You don’t want to have to deal with a broken zipper while you’re away from home.
Features and Compartments
Travel Pro and Samsonite luggage are similar in the amount of storage their suitcases have. Depending on what type of suitcase you choose, you’ll get a bigger main compartment and potentially a second one which includes a divider between the two.
You’ll get plenty of pockets and places to store smaller objects inside your suitcase. They’re opaque and made of mesh (mesh pocket). Both Travelpro and Samsonite suitcases also include an exterior accessory pocket for any items you need to quickly and easily access, like your passport or ticket.
Color
Even though the color of your bag isn’t as important as other features, it sometimes helps to have a suitcase that stands out from the crowd. While black remains the most popular color for hardside luggage, it can be helpful to have a bag that is distinct and easy to find. You can accomplish this by choosing a suitcase that is a different color.
Both Travelpro and Samsonite offer various colors so you can choose one that works for you. Some suitcases even have hard side and soft side options that have patterns so your bag has a little extra flair and style.
As you look through the Travelpro and Samsonite lineups, be sure to take a moment and check out which colors are available. While it’s not the most vital feature on the list of items for your suitcase, it could be the tiebreaker for two evenly matched bags.
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick glimpse at what Samsonite and Travelpro have to offer along with how they compare with one another.
|
Travelpro |
||
|
Available Sizes (inches) |
21,25,29 |
20,21,24,25,28,29 |
|
Materials |
Polycarbonate and Nylon |
Polyester and Nylon |
|
Expandable |
Yes |
Yes |
|
TSA Lock |
No |
Yes |
|
Colors |
Black, Blue, Purple, Olive, Merlot |
Black, Charcoal, Teal, Blue, Orange, Purple, Pink |
Our Favorites
Travelpro and Samsonite both offer solid suitcases, so sometimes it’s tough to know which one is the right one. Here are a few of our favorites in the Travelpro and Samsonite lineup:
When it comes to cost, your best options are the TravelPro Maxlite 4 and Omni suitcases. You’ll get plenty of features with these bags but won’t spend a lot of money.
Omni PC combines scratch-resistant textures with the lightest 100% polycarbonate construction, ensuring your luggage looks as great on the 100th trip as it does on the first.
If you’re more concerned with how much your suitcase weights, then we would recommend sticking with the TravelPro Maxlite. While the Liteshock is the lightest suitcase these two manufacturers offer, the TravelPro Maxlite offers the most features for its weight.
From a protection standpoint, most people like the soft cases since they typically last longer than a hard case. That’s because the hard cases are prone to cracking and breaking due to repeated impact. Of course, more durable bags are also going to run on the more expensive side, so bear that in mind.
That being said, we’d go with the Magna 2 since it’s made of Ballistic Nylon. This offering from Travelpro is strong and durable, so you know you’ll get plenty of use out of it.
The epitome of style, Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 luxury performance luggage is crafted with premium, ultra-durable fabrics and intelligent design innovations, making it ideal for frequent business travel and personal trips.
However, if all you want is the most features a suitcase can give you, then you should strongly consider the Silhouette. You’ll get plenty of pockets, a foam grip comfort on the handle, sturdy and reliable wheels, and a TSA lock.
The Samsonite silhouette series has historically embodied our newest innovations to meet the most current, yet ever changing needs of the frequent traveler. Our latest edition, silhouette XV, takes ease of use for today's road warrior to a whole new level.
These bags aren’t perfect, but no suitcase is. That’s why they come with warranties. However, these offerings from Travelpro and Samsonite will provide excellent features and durable quality, so you won’t have to run out and buy a new one in a few years.
Do your research, read reviews, and find a bag that makes the most sense for you and your travel needs. Chances are good that you won’t find the perfect suitcase, but Travelrpo and Samsonite offer great options.
Travelpro vs. Samsonite – Which Bag is Best for You?
Hopefully now you have a better idea of what Travelpro and Samsonite have to offer. You know best which one of these high-quality pieces of luggage makes the most sense for you. There is no shortage of choices when it comes to these two hardside luggage companies.
You can even find a bag that has a USB port on the outside so you can charge your phone while you walk through the airport. Both offer great features and plenty of comfort so you don’t have to worry about your belongings when you travel.
These two luggage companies have many of the same features and qualities, so you’ll have to determine what is most important to you and make your decision accordingly. For us, we like the additional positions that the Samsonite handles have to offer.
No matter which piece of luggage you choose, if you go with either Travelpro or Samsonite suitcase, you’re sure to get a bag that is well worth the money. No matter what your mode of travel, you’ll find an option that fits within your budget.
Bottom Line Summary: We preferred the multiple handle positions and more durable Samsonite hardside luggage here. That said, TravelPro is still a better option than most other generic luggage brands.
All products are tested for strength, durability and performance based on the demands of frequent travelers. Orders of $150 or more qualify for free standard shipping, no code needed. Need it sooner? Choose expedited or priority.
Further Reading on the Best Suitcase & Best Carry On Luggage Options:
- Samsonite vs Riccardo Luggage Set Options
- Best Samsonite Lightweight Suitcase Travel Backpacks Guide