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I am a steadfast hard-shell luggage supporter\u2014from my favorite carry-on<\/a> to my checked bag<\/a>, 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 Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em> editors and I know that its the small details that set the best suitcases<\/a> apart from the rest: the sturdy closures, lightweight materials, interior pocket sizes, and maneuverability.<\/p>\n 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\u2014myself included\u2014reach for hard-shell luggage to keep their belongings safe. The easy-to-clean materials<\/a> 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\u2014TSA-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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, train rides<\/a>, cruises<\/a>, and flights<\/a> across the globe. After testing dozens of options, we bring you our list of the absolute best hard-shell suitcases for 2026.<\/p>\n Jump to:<\/p>\n