Luggage Test – Which suitcases truly impress

Anyone looking to buy a new suitcase often starts by looking at current luggage tests. But which tests are truly meaningful, and what should travelers pay attention to when comparing?

In independent luggage tests, hardside suitcases, softside suitcases, carry-on luggage, and travel bags are evaluated for stability, wheel quality, workmanship, weight, and suitability for everyday use. Luggage tests by Stiftung Warentest, consumer portals, and travel experts are particularly well-known. Here you can find trustworthy tests, as well as all important information and detailed analyses of the tested characteristics.

Which luggage tests are useful?

Not every luggage comparison is truly helpful. Independent tests, where suitcases are evaluated under realistic conditions, are considered particularly reputable.

Important and well-known luggage tests

• Stiftung Warentest luggage test
• Carry-on luggage tests
• Hardside luggage comparison
• Softside luggage test reports
• Long-term and stress tests

In current tests, luggage is often examined for wheels, handles, zippers, impact resistance, water protection, and harmful substances. Many manufacturers already provide such information in advance.

What does Stiftung Warentest test in luggage?

Stiftung Warentest is one of the most renowned consumer organizations in German-speaking countries. Various luggage tests have evaluated hardside suitcases, softside suitcases, and travel bags.

Typical test criteria in luggage tests

• Shell stability
• Wheel durability
• Load capacity of telescopic handles
• Water resistance
• Handling in everyday use
• Harmful substances in handles and materials

Especially for air travel, the importance of stable wheels and durable materials becomes evident. In several tests, high-quality hardside suitcases made of polycarbonate or polypropylene performed particularly well.

Hardside suitcases in a tough test

Hardside suitcases are primarily tested for impact resistance, scratch resistance, and protective function. Especially for checked baggage on airplanes, suitcases must withstand high stress.

What do luggage tests look for in hardside suitcases?

• Break resistance of the outer shell
• Stability in case of falls
• Load capacity of the wheels
• Resistance to moisture
• Quality of zippers and locks

According to several test reports, premium models particularly impress with high stability and durable wheels.

Softside suitcases in the test

Softside luggage is often praised for its low weight and flexible use. External pockets and flexible packing volume are particularly practical.

Important criteria for softside suitcases

• Tear resistance of the material
• Quality of seams
• Stability of the wheels
• Weight and handling
• Water-repellent properties

In several luggage tests, high-quality softside suitcases showed good results in flexibility and suitability for everyday use.

Are expensive suitcases really better?

High-priced brand suitcases often offer higher quality materials, better wheels, and more durable workmanship. However, a high price does not automatically mean that a suitcase is indestructible. The manufacturer's service, for example, if flight damage is included in the warranty provisions, is important here.

Many frequent flyers rely on well-known brands because these models are often more durable and spare parts are available.

Advantages of high-quality suitcases

• Better wheel quality
• High-quality materials
• Longer durability
• More comfort when traveling
• Often longer warranty periods

Disadvantages of expensive suitcases

• Higher price
• Scratches and signs of wear remain visible
• Even premium suitcases can be damaged

What should you really pay attention to when buying luggage?

Not only test results are crucial. The best suitcase should primarily suit your own travel habits.

The most important purchasing criteria

• Robust and smooth-running wheels
• Stable telescopic handle
• High-quality zippers
• Suitable suitcase size
• Low net weight
• TSA lock for air travel
• High-quality material

Which wheels are the best?

The wheels are among the most heavily stressed parts of a suitcase. Many luggage tests show that high-quality double wheels with quiet running behavior are particularly durable.

4 wheels or 2 wheels?

• 4 wheels offer maximum comfort on smooth surfaces
• 2 wheels are often more robust on uneven paths
• Double wheels usually run more quietly and stably

Hardside or softside luggage in the test?

Many current luggage tests show that both hardside suitcases and softside luggage have their advantages.

• Hardside suitcases: Better protection and high stability
• Softside luggage: More flexible and often lighter

Which option is more suitable depends primarily on the type of travel, amount of luggage, and personal use.

Which materials perform well in the luggage test?

Polycarbonate

• Very flexible and unbreakable
• Ideal for frequent flyers

Polypropylene

• Extremely robust
• High impact resistance

Nylon and Polyester

• Light and flexible
• Particularly popular for softside luggage

Conclusion – Are luggage tests useful?

Luggage tests offer good guidance when buying a new suitcase. Independent tests that evaluate stability, wheel quality, workmanship, and suitability for everyday use are particularly helpful.

Nevertheless, the best suitcase should always match your own travel habits. Those who fly frequently usually benefit from robust hardside suitcases, while flexible softside suitcases can be ideal for car or train travel.

When buying luggage, pay particular attention to high-quality wheels, stable material, good workmanship, and the appropriate suitcase size. This way, you'll find the perfect travel suitcase for holidays, business, or long-distance travel.