We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Is the Away as good as it looks? We have the lowdown

Travel is back at the top of our to-do lists after a long, Covid-induced hiatus, meaning only the most celebratory holiday wardrobes will do. But if cabin bags simply can’t accommodate all the outfits you’ve got planned, it might be time to invest in a hold suitcase that will see you through a longer getaway in style.

From well-established brands like Samsonite and Victorinox to chic relative newcomer Away, our expert has rigorously tested a range of market-leading luggage to find the best large suitcases to jet off with this summer.

Both style and practicality are important when it comes to buying a suitcase; consider its look, but also check that it will hold everything you want to take on your trip. For maximum packing space, try an expandable design.

Weight is also important; if it’s too heavy, it will use up precious weight allowance, and you’ll have to leave those just-in-case jumpers or sandals at home.

While you might treat your luggage like the valuable cargo it is, the same can’t be guaranteed at the airport, so a durable design is key. The same is true of wheels; they need to be able to cross bumpy terrain with ease.

Most suitcases come with padlocks but look for those that are approved by the Transport Security Administration, especially if you’re flying to the USA. TSA-approved padlocks have a universal master key that the TSA has a copy of, meaning they can search your belongings without damaging your suitcase.

Lastly, you’ll need to choose between a hard shell and soft shell design. Hard-sided cases tend to be made from polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS plastic or aluminium, meaning they’re sturdy and your belongings should be well protected. Most are lightweight now, but they usually have fewer pockets than soft shells.

In contrast, soft-sided suitcases are often made with polyester, nylon or a mix of the two. They are more likely to be expandable and have both internal and external pockets for tidy packing. They tend to be less water-resistant, but most have a waterproof lining, meaning light rain is nothing to worry about. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Our expert weighed each suitcase when empty before using it as you would in real life. They packed enough for a two-week holiday to assess its capacity and internal design.

Then, they took the full suitcase and judged how well it moved over a range of surfaces, from tarmac and concrete to carpet and cobbles. They tested the durability of its wheels, casing and corners by dropping it over 50 times. Lastly, they tested its water resistance by staging a downpour in the shower.

Here’s the luggage we’ll be checking in this summer:

Acing our drop test, this is a sturdy case that we’d be happy to show off. Even its wheels were durable; they might make noise if you’re dragging them over Lisbon’s cobbled streets, but they moved smoothly across most surfaces. Its zips proved reliable, too; a little dampness seeped through, but our clothes stayed dry.

The premium design has plenty of thoughtful details, including a water-resistant toiletries bag and a laundry bag. However full your case is, your luggage will also be secure thanks to adjustable straps that keep everything in place.

It even has an accompanying dust bag so you can store it safely and keep it looking pristine. There’s a choice of nine chic colours; pale rose, glossy lemon and night blue are top of our wish lists.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polycarbonate Dimensions (cm): H77x W52 x D28cm Volume: 90L Weight: 4.7kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: No

Thanks to Away's array of on-trend colourways, you can coordinate (or clash) your outfit with your luggage. It’s roomy inside and its attention to detail stands out; think pockets, a water-resistant laundry bag and a melamine sponge to keep its exterior in perfect condition. The leather identity tag is an elegant touch and the trolley handle feels pleasingly soft.

On test, the fiddly zips let some moisture in, but our belongings stayed dry. The wheels announce your arrival on cobbles and are sluggish on carpet, but they’re otherwise agile. Only their protective caps were damaged during our drop test, with no impact on performance, making this large suitcase a trusty investment. We’ll have ours in lilac, please.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polycarbonate Dimensions (cm): H73.6 x W52 x D31.7 Volume: 99.2L Weight: 5.3kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: No

Adventure-seekers, this design should keep your belongings safe, whatever the holiday. The duffel design proved outstandingly sturdy in our durability tests, barely suffering a scratch. Its spacious inside, too, with a selection of compartments for organised packing, including one for shoes. Note the zips were a bit stiff and you’ll need to source your own padlock.

The handles were comfortable even when it was fully packed, and the two wheels moved well, but our tester had to muscle them round corners and they made a noise on cobbles. Its water-repellent fabric should withstand light rain, but don’t use it in monsoon season, as some moisture leaked through the top zip. It’s easier to store than a traditional suitcase, though, and it should last you many years.

Key Specifications Casing: Soft-sided polyester Dimensions (cm): H76 x W40 x D33 Volume: 80L Weight: 4.5kg Lock: None Expandable: No

This spacious, expandable suitcase is designed for serial over packers, with its generous compartments featuring plenty of pockets for organised types. The stiff zips let in some moisture at the top of the case, but this didn’t spread to our clothes.

The trolley handle felt comfortable to pull, even when the suitcase was full, but the side handle squashed our expert’s hand. Its wheels stood out; they were bigger than others on test and navigated every surface quietly and with ease. They looked as good as new after our drop tests, too. In fact, this stylish suitcase proved sturdy all round; it predictably suffered some scuffs and dents after 50 drops, but still functioned impeccably.

Its range of six beautiful colours includes sage, port and blush.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polycarbonate Dimensions (cm): H80 x W51 x D34cm Volume: 121/132L Weight: 5kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: Yes

If you’re the sort of packer who needs a pair of shoes for every eventuality, then you’ll appreciate this soft shell case's shoe compartment. It's got plenty of room and pockets to accommodate a generous capsule wardrobe, and our tester liked its dedicated documents pocket.

It’s thoughtfully designed so that you can lock the external pockets, and its zips kept all water out. Some padding on the side handles would have been appreciated, and the wheels could be sturdier – one had broken off by the end of our admittedly hardcore drop tests – but they navigated every surface quietly and with agility. The body of the case proved robust, showing minimal signs of damage, and it flattens well if storage is tight at home. It comes with a 30-year warranty.

Key Specifications Casing: Soft-sided polyester Dimensions (cm): H79 x W40 x D33 Volume: 121L Weight: 3.3kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: Yes

Hard shell suitcases can be heavy, but grab that extra pair of shoes, as this spinner is ultra-lightweight. It’s spacious inside, with internal pockets that will keep everything neat and safe. It moves fluidly on all surfaces and smoothly swaps between two and four wheels.

The zip got damp during the waterproofing test, but our clothes remained dry. One corner dented from all our dropping, but given it only weighs 3.2kg, this wouldn’t put us off, especially as its wheels merely scuffed slightly. Available in navy or black, it will look timeless for holidays to come.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polypropylene Dimensions (cm): H77 x W49 x D31 Volume: 101L Weight: 3.2kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: No

Conscious about the environmental impact of your travel? Consider this eco suitcase. It's made in Europe from recycled plastic, so while it may not lower the carbon footprint of your holiday, its own is smaller than most. It’s roomy with secure dividers, but isn’t lined inside, losing it luxe points.

It moves quietly and effortlessly, whether on carpet or cobbles, but our tester would have welcomed more comfortable handles. It proved entirely watertight but obtained a few dents during drop testing; these easily pushed out but doing so too often can cause stress marks. Overall, it’s a reliable all-rounder. Choose from three understated colourways.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polypropylene Dimensions (cm): H75 x W51 x D32cm Volume: 104L Weight: 4kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: No

If waving your suitcase off at check-in makes you anxious, this suitcase should give you peace of mind. As well as a TSA-approved lock, it has puncture-resistant zips and a bag tracking feature. It proved impressively durable too, with little more than the odd scuff mark left after drop testing.

It's expandable, and with five pockets inside, including a garment section and a divider, there’s more than enough room for a two-week getaway. Once full, it required some effort to turn corners, but otherwise moved smoothly. It was waterproof as promised, with only the top zip absorbing some water, none of which seeped inside.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polycarbonate Dimensions (cm): H75 x W50 x D31 Volume: 105L Weight: 5.7kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: Yes

This soft shell Samsonite is the lightest suitcase on our list. It’s expandable, so if you’re not packing anything fragile and like to pack enough beach reads to stock a library, it's a must buy. Its internal divider and elasticated packing straps help you to pack neatly.

It showcased smooth moves, gliding across all terrains without clacking, and stayed in good shape after being thrown about by our expert. In fact, only its waterproofing let it down; on test, moisture soaked through the front pocket, dampening the insides slightly. Pack those books at the bottom if the forecast is looking dubious, and you’ll be good to go.

Key Specifications Casing: Soft-sided polyester Dimensions (cm): H78 x W48 x D31/34 Volume: 105/112.5L Weight: 3.1kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: Yes

If lightweight luggage appeals but you need to protect your Dyson Airwrap, look to this vibrant Tripp. It’s purse-friendly and boasts enough space to fit the longest of packing lists, but it lacks internal pockets.

On test, its comfortable trolley handle and quiet, durable wheels shone. Some corners dented after extensive dropping, but they pushed out easily and the main panels emerged unscathed. During our water-resistance test, a small puddle gathered at the top and some moisture made its way through the zip. But for sunny destinations, this shouldn’t pose a problem.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided polypropylene Dimensions (cm): H77 x W51 x D32 Volume: 102L Weight: 3.6kg Lock: TSA-approved Expandable: No

This affordable suitcase is a smart pick if you’re planning on refreshing your luggage and your holiday wardrobe. It’s available in a few colours, including rose gold, and it offers one of the biggest capacities on our roundup. Plus, internal pockets will keep your new summer clothes safe and tidy.

Our tester appreciated the different heights of the telescopic handles and found its wheels adjusted well to all surfaces. Understandably for the price, it doesn’t take well to repeated bashing and is best kept out of heavy rain. Its five-year warranty is a welcome bonus, though.

Key Specifications Casing: Hard-sided ABS plastic Dimensions (cm): H79 x W58 x D31 Volume: 127L Weight: 4.85kg Lock: Combination Expandable: No