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Get ready for your next trip with the most robust luggage to buy now according to the GHI's expert testers

Summer holiday season is here, and wherever you're headed for your next big adventure, you’ll need luggage you can rely on.

For longer getaways, however, there are a few key boxes the best suitcases have to tick. It must be spacious enough for all your holiday essentials, durable enough to survive baggage handling and light enough when empty to pack everything you need without exceeding your airline's weight limit.

Whether you’re jetting away for a fortnight, consolidating two people’s clothing into one bag or simply don’t do "packing light", the GHI is here to help. Our top picks are:

The type of luggage you should buy depends on the way you travel. Try to consider the practicalities before being enticed by the endless colours and styles available!

Size: Will the suitcase fit in your car’s boot and be easy to lug about? If you think you might struggle, look for a robust yet lightweight option.

Weight: The weight limit for checked baggage varies between airlines; look it up before you travel as excess baggage charges are notoriously extortionate. The lightest suitcases we've featured weighs just 3.1kg when empty, with bulkier options coming in at up to 5.9kg. If you’re a frequent traveller, it might be worth investing in some luggage scales.

Durability: Checked baggage must be able to withstand the rough handling it will inevitably encounter during transit. It should be sturdy enough to handle bumpy terrain and easy to manoeuvre along bustling streets.

Wheels: Most suitcases are four-wheelers, sometimes referred to as spinner suitcases, that can be wheeled alongside you as well as pulled behind. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to have slightly bigger wheels and can be easier to pull up and over kerbs, but we generally prefer the versatility and balance of spinners.

Handles: Most towing handles are telescopic and retractable for comfort. Suitcases with handles on the top and side, in addition to the towing handle, are easier to lift onto luggage racks, airport baggage scales and off baggage carousels.

Expandability: Many suitcases – including five in our round-up – feature an expandable panel that can be unzipped for at least 10% additional packing space.

Storage: Internal pockets can be found inside most hard and soft shell suitcases. Look for small integrated pockets, larger pouches that can fit a laptop, removable laundry bags, and garment sections that help keep suit jackets crease-free. External pockets, usually only found in soft-sided suitcases, are useful for stowing additional items that you want to grab quickly.

Hard-sided suitcases have a rigid exterior that’s most often made from moulded polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS plastic or aluminium; these materials are used to make car bumpers and crash helmets, so you can rest assured that they’re durable. Newer models are lightweight and many have an internal divider for better organisation. They don’t have external pockets, but there are usually one or two inside.

Soft-sided suitcases are made of polyester, nylon or a mix of the two. They tend to feature expandable sides, offering you additional internal capacity. Though generally less water-resistant than their hard-sided counterparts, most soft-sided suitcases have a waterproof PVC lining to keep your belongings dry in light rain. They offer a range of internal and external pockets but remember to padlock any valuables away.

Yes, a padlock is essential wherever you travel. Padlocks that feature the red Transport Security Administration (TSA) logo are highly recommended if you’re travelling to the USA. These TSA-approved padlocks have a universal master key; the TSA has a copy, meaning American airline security personnel can open your suitcase and examine its contents without damaging it.

Every suitcase is put through a series of rigorous real-life tests. We weigh them when empty, then pack a fortnight’s worth of clothing and holiday essentials to see how well each suitcase fits and securely holds its contents.

We test their manoeuvrability across a range of common surfaces, including tarmac, concrete, carpet and cobbles, to check how stable they are in motion and how easy they are to pull. We study the durability of the wheels, casing and corners, and test each suitcase’s water resistance, too.

Need something roomy? Then look no further than our winning soft case. It has ample pockets so everything will pack away neatly, including a shoe compartment that comfortably accommodates four pairs. There’s even a dedicated documents pocket.

Its side handles aren’t padded, so if you’re lifting it when full it can get uncomfortable. Though we found the zip placements made locking a tad fiddly, the external pockets do lock, which isn’t always true for soft cases. The zips also proved outstandingly waterproof, with inside the case remaining water-free.

The case body was sturdy during our drop tests too, but the wheels were more fragile, sustaining damage early on. That said, its accompanying 30-year warranty should give some peace of mind there. Plus, before that test, the wheels proved quiet and smooth across every surface we tried them on. We also liked how it flattens for easy storage at home.

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

Scarred by a soggy suitcase from your past? Let this spacious hard shell spinner reassure you. Its waterproof zip largely impressed our testers, becoming slightly damp around the zip but spreading no further. And there are internal pockets for safe storage.

Lightweight for its size, it stays balanced on all surfaces and easily swaps between two and four wheels. It comes in a choice of colours to suit all travellers, but may crack or dent if repeatedly bashed about.

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

This pod-like suitcase from Delsey comes with a generous host of useful features. Everything we packed fitted in easily, with sufficient space for souvenirs. It’s secure, too, with a TSA-approved combination lock, additional top and bottom locks and three interior pockets.

We found it easy to manoeuvre on a variety of surfaces and liked how effortlessly it goes from two wheels to four when navigating narrow spaces. However, it suffered a few bumps and dents on test and, despite its waterproof claims, some moisture soaked through the top.

Key specifications Dimensions (cm): H76 x W52 x D30 Volume: 111.5L Weight: 4.9kg Lock: TSA-approved Casing: Hard-sided polypropylene Expandable: No

If you're after ways to minimise your carbon footprint while travelling, this suitcase is one place to start; it’s made with recycled materials, in Europe. Note the inside isn’t lined, but there was plenty of room for packing and the dividers kept everything secure.

Once on the go, it was easy to manoeuvre, with the wheels moving smoothly and quietly on every surface. In fact, they remained robust throughout all our tests. When full, however, the handles weren’t that comfortable.

Overall, it proved to be a hardy case but some of the corners dented when dropped. We were able to push them out but we'd suggest avoiding doing this too much where possible, as after a few times we noticed stress marks in the plastic. It was extremely waterproof though and comes with a five-year warranty that you can access through simply scanning an attached QR code.

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

This high-end suitcase’s good looks shouldn’t fade over time; it scored nearly full marks on our drop tests, impressing us with how little damage it sustained. Its wheels proved robust too, scoring full marks on our durability test, even after continuous lugging up and down stairs. They glided over most surfaces but were a tad sluggish on carpet. They also made a clicking sound going over anything bumpy, which could get annoying if your destination is heavily cobbled...

It’s all in the detail though with this well-manufactured design; it comes with a dust bag for safe storage at home, a water-resistant toiletries bag, a laundry bag and an identity tag. Adjustable straps helped secure luggage well too.

A minimal amount of water seeped through the zip during our waterproofing test, but nothing got wet inside. Our only other critique was that the side handles may feel tight if your hands are bigger. Otherwise, it’s a reliable and stylish bit of a luggage.

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

This large suitcase from Victorinox is our highest scoring expandable hard shell design, and it's built to last. Inside the tough polycarbonate exterior are a substantial number of packing features, including five pockets, a zippered garment section and a divider. There’s plenty of room for two people’s luggage but, on test, it proved tricky to turn corners once fully packed.

Our rigorous durability tests left little more than a few scuff marks, with no visible damage to the wheels or body. It’s water-resistant but the top zipper absorbs moisture.

Although far from wallet-friendly, it’s certainly secure, boasting puncture-resistant zippers, a bag tracking feature and a TSA-approved lock with a recovery programme if you forget the code.

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

This Antler suitcase has a lot to offer, with spacious compartments, an expandable design and a waterproof documents pocket. But it was its wheels that really stood out on test. They are above average size, so travelled over a variety of surfaces smoothly and quietly. They were agile and robust, too. Plus, the trolley handle moves position when you tilt from four wheels to two for maximum comfort on the go.

We found the zips stiff and they did allow a little water in at the top of the suitcase, but our belongings stayed dry. The side handle squashed our hands a bit too. However, it proved fairly resilient during our drop tests with the odd dent along the edge but nothing that impacted its usability. Handily, it comes with a 10-year warranty too.

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

This spacious suitcase from Samsonite performed well during testing, easily fitting everything you’d need for a two-week holiday inside. The 105-litre capacity is expandable up to 112.5 litres, the internal divider and two sets of elasticated packing straps kept items securely in place, and the padded front pocket offered easy access to documents.

It moved over all terrains with ease, staying well-balanced and quiet, even on cobbles. Unfortunately, our water-resistance test disappointed, with moisture soaking through the exterior pocket and leaking through its centre. Rain peril aside, it’s a sturdy and robust model that fully withstands bumps and knocks.

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

Available in a range of colours, this is the case to go for if you’re after luggage that’s as stylish as it is sturdy. Its premium interior has ample space and pockets for your luggage, and it comes with a water resistant laundry bag, a leather identity tag and even a melamine sponge to remove scuffs from its exterior. The trolley handle is soft to use too, but the one on the side may squash bigger hands.

The zips proved a bit fiddly to use and lock, and they let water in but luckily our clothes remained dry. The wheels lagged a bit on carpet too, but they were agile everywhere else, even if they were a little noisy on uneven surfaces.

Impressively their protective caps were the only part of the case that got damaged during our drop test, and this didn’t impact wheeling it along. Plus, the case comes with a 100-day trial and a lifetime guarantee.

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

Our winning hard shell suitcase – the American Tourister Airconic Spinner Suitcase – is a fraction lighter, but using a mere 3.6kg of your weight allowance, this Tripp case is a savvy buy. We fitted everything from our list in with room to spare, and it all stayed in place throughout testing despite its lack of internal pockets.

What’s more, the wheeling handle was comfortable (although the side one was a little tight) and its quiet wheels emerged in almost pristine condition after our durability tests.

Perhaps unsurprisingly for such a lightweight case, it did dent on the corners during drop testing, but we were able to pop them out easily, and the main panels didn’t sustain any damage. Some water entered the case through the zips at the top when testing waterproofing too, but for under £100, this is a great buy.

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

Made for the mountains, it's no wonder this duffel-cum-suitcase proved sturdy on test; it came through our drop, curb and stair tests almost entirely unscathed. We’d suggest keeping it sheltered from heavy rain though – although it’s water-repellent front impressed, the zip and fabric at the top did let some liquid through.

This roomy case is an organisational dream with multiple compartments, including one just for shoes. The zips, however, were stiff and it doesn't come with a lock. You can’t lock the external pockets either.

Our tester found all the handles comfortable and the well-protected wheels moved easily over rough surfaces despite making a clicking sound on cobbles. There are only two of them though, so it requires more effort to navigate around corners than some.

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

For £75, this well-manufactured soft shell case is a steal. There was more than enough room to pack everything and the TSA lock was easy to use. You can lock the large exterior pockets, too.

It impressed during our drop tests, while the wheels remained robust and worked well on stairs. They were more sluggish on carpet though and sounded noisy on uneven surfaces. We’d also be careful with it in rain as water snuck through the front pockets and zips, although the centre remained dry. It’s basic but reliable.

Key specifications Dimensions (cm): H77.5 x W48.5 x D30.5 Volume: 94L Weight: 3.1kg Lock: TSA-approved Casing: Soft-sided polyester Expandable: No

For a hard shell case at an affordable price, try Aerolite. Its large capacity and selection of pockets makes packing easy, and it’s roomy enough for you to pack for every eventuality. The telescopic handle can sit at a range of different heights too, adjusting well to you and the surface it’s on.

Unsurprisingly given its cheaper price, it’s not as robust as many of the pricier cases, sustaining notable damage when bashed around. It wasn’t watertight either, and some of our luggage did get wet. It has a five-year warranty though, making it a nifty buy if you need a substantial case and don’t want to shell out a lot.

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

If you buy this case in “golden yellow”, you’ll spot this case the moment it arrives on the luggage belt. As well as appealing to style-conscious travellers, it will also work for practical ones; the expandable design is robust and roomy. It manoeuvred well on concrete and carpet too, but wasn’t so keen on tarmac and cobbles, making a right din. The outer shell proved mostly water-resistant, but rain soaked through the zipper and dampened a few of our belongings.

It’s super durable, though, surviving our drop tests without any major denting or scuffing. We found the top handle comfortable to hold, but it felt slightly flimsy when pulling along a full case. It’s ideal for a two-week trip.

Key specifications Dimensions (cm): H77 x W51.5 x D29.5/32.5 Volume: 97/110L Weight: 4.2kg Lock: TSA-approved Casing: Hard-sided polypropylene Expandable: Yes