I am a steadfast hard-shell luggage supporter—from my favorite carry-on to my checked bag, no matter where I’m traveling or what I’m doing, the suitcase I always reach for will be hard-shell. So when it comes to picking out the perfect bag, my fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors and I know that its the small details that set the best suitcases apart from the rest: the sturdy closures, lightweight materials, interior pocket sizes, and maneuverability.
Whether you’re in the market for a new checked bag for a weeklong trip through Asia or a spacious carry-on for a weekend jaunt out east, there’s a reason so many travelers—myself included—reach for hard-shell luggage to keep their belongings safe. The easy-to-clean materials like ultra-durable polycarbonate or aluminum, extra layer of protection provided by the sturdy construction, and ability to get everything you need safely from Point A to Point B are all reasons why I find myself reaching for the same bags over and over again. These heavy-duty suitcases can withstand everything that airport security has to throw at them (including being thrown around themselves), and often feature perks you didn’t even know you wanted—TSA-approved locks, USB ports, exterior laptop pockets, built-in shelving, spinner wheels that can cover airports as well as cobblestoned streets, and so much more.
Our editors have traveled all over the world, and we’ve rounded up the best hard-shell suitcases that have helped us make it there more comfortably. From easy-to-lift carry-ons to capacious checked bags ready to be filled with endless souvenirs, these are durable suitcases that have joined us on road trips, train rides, cruises, and flights across the globe. After testing dozens of options, we bring you our list of the absolute best hard-shell suitcases for 2026.
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