Howdie travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best hardside carry-on luggage cases to stow overhead this year. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, the ability to take ‘carry-on only’ can not only save us time, but often luggage costs as well.
However of course there are quite a number of options out there to choose from so to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent choices below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Hardside Carry-On Luggage Cases
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get travelling without all the carry-on (no pun intended haha), my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Hardside Carry-On Luggage Cases?
As mentioned above, a good carry-on case can provide a number of advantages for those who either like to travel light or on a budget. A hardside carry-on luggage case then is one that is light in weight and with the dimensions allowable by most airlines for on board stowage.
The hardside option simply means that it is made with a hard case for extra protection of internal contents as well as the rigors of travel.
Check out these: Hard Side Suitcases
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good carry-on case for your travel needs.
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Hard case durability
- Internal pockets
- Additions
Dimensions
Let’s get real here. If your case does not match the dimensions set out by most airlines around the world, then its usefulness as a carry on bag is moot. So as part of this post, I took the time to look up allowable carry on bag dimensions for 20 odd of the highest profile airlines around the world and they all outline the following as allowable (or close enough to):
9″ x 14″ x 56″ or 23cm x 36cm x 22cm
Put simply, if your case does not meet these dimensions, then you are taking the risk of being sent to check in. Oh, and don’t forget the wheels – In my experience some airlines include then in the size and some don’t
Weight
The second most important factor when it comes to luggage is weight. As more and more airlines start to police the weight of carry-on, the heaviness of your suitcase can severely reduce the amount of gear you can take.
Many airlines here in Australia restrict carry-on luggage to 7kg (14.4lb) meaning then that the lighter the case, the more you can take with you and still get it into the cabin.
Hard case durability
As we all know, travel can be especially tough on luggage. And whilst carry-on may not get the rough treatment of check in luggage, it will still be bumped and bashed around the plane, car, hotel and airport.
To counteract this, look for a case with lightweight ABS plastic or polycarbonate that is strong, dent proof and scratch resistant as well.
Internal pockets
Even though they are small, many cases come with internal pockets and cross straps for better packing ability and roominess. Some also include padded pockets and satchels for tablets and laptops as well.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Wheels: Some like them, some don’t, but wheeled carry-on bags make it a lot easier to move it around. Just be aware of their influence on bag size.
- Telescoping handle: To be honest, you will hard pressed to find a bag without it but a telescoping handle assists in pushing the bag along on the wheels
- TSA locks: TSA locks are used in the United States to allow the TSA to check inside bags without the need to damage the padlock. Some carry on luggage options have these built in.
- Expandable zips: These allow the bag to carry more via an internal extension panel. This will however increase the dimensions.
Check out these: Softside Carry-on Cases
FAQ
What is the best hardside carry on luggage?
The best carry-on luggage is light in weight, durable and easy to move around. Most importantly, it fits within the dimension limitations of the major airlines. Look for something around 9″ x 14″ x 56″ in size with a scratch resistant ABS or polycarbonate cover.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage
This first option is light weight and durable with dimensions that meet airline dimension requirements even with the wheels. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Rockland
- Dimensions: 22″X13. 5″x9″
- Weight: 7.5lb
- Construction: Lightweight ABS
- Internal pockets: Interior mesh zip pocket and elasticated pocket
Other inclusions:
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Reinforced zipper
- Available in over 30 colors
Why have I chosen it?
With this first option, the multi-directional double spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees for easy maneuverability with strong zippers and an internal chrome telescoping handle. It will fit all airline dimension limitations and allows for maximum packing for little weight. A great option for intermittent and frequent travelers alike.
2. Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner
This second option is another super durable option that can handle anything thrown at it with smooth wheels and fantastic internal organization as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Dimensions: 10″ x 14.9″ x 22″ (including wheels)
- Weight: 7.34lb
- Construction: Lightweight ABS
- Internal pockets: Interior organizer with divider and 3 zippered pockets
Other inclusions:
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Internal elasticized strap
- Available in 4 colors
Why have I chosen it?
This is another great lightweight option with a scratch resistant hard shell with durable zippers. It comes with great internal options for ease of packing as well as double spinner wheels for added maneuverability. It also comes with an expandable zipper setup providing for an extra 15% in internal space as well.
Check out my: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Suitcase Review
3. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
My last carry-on option comes from a well known and trusted luggage brand with everything needed for long lasting use trip after trip. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 19″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″ (including wheels)
- Weight: 6.81lb
- Construction: Lightweight Micro-Diamond Polycarbonate
- Internal pockets: Mesh divider and cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket
Other inclusions:
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Side mounted TSA locks
- Available in 14 colors
Why have I chosen it?
This case is light weight and built to last with a polycarbonate case that is strong and scratch resistant with a TSA lock bult in. The oversized spinner wheels make for excellent mobility at a size that meets all airline limitations. This is a fantastic option for frequent travelers who need quality in their luggage needs.
Check out my: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Luggage Review
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best hard sided carry on luggage cases to meet your in-cabin needs. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
