The 50 Best luggage
From chic cases for the long-haul traveller to compact baggage for the carry-on commuter, Emma Akbareian packs it all in
Friday 25 May 2012
VIEW GALLERY
Related articles
Rimowa
selfridges.com, £355
Rimowa is a luggage brand with more than a century's experience under its belt. Its new Salsa Air Multi-wheel cabin trolley is its lightest-ever case. Multi-directional wheels make it easy to manoeuvre and a combination lock makes it a secure option.
Kipling
kipling.com, £157
Kipling boasts some of the lightest luggage on the market. Gone are the days of clunky old cases. This Yubin Spin 55 comes with wheels on mounts that rotate 360 degrees, making steering the case through those tricky queues at the airport a doddle.
BHS
bhs.co.uk, £70
When purchasing luggage there's no need to break the bank. The BHS range of luggage is made from a hard-wearing lightweight shell with a TSA approved lock, expander for extra space and a five-year guarantee.
River Island
riverisland.com, £65
For those who like to make a statement with their travel accessories, this gold metallic wheelie suitcase from River Island will do the trick. Not just a pretty case, it includes internal straps to hold packing in place and various internal compartments for organisation.
Mandarina Duck
harrods.com, £274
These Drop Ahead cabin trolleys are a new addition to the Mandarina Duck luggage range. Made from polycarbonate, they are lightweight, scratchproof, shock and heat resistant and come in a stone-inspired pattern. Who said luggage had to be boring?
Tumi
selfridges.com, £595
If you like your luggage practically indestructible then the Tumi Tegra lite case is for you. Made from Tegris, used by the army for body armour and by NFL players for shoulder pads, this is the strongest lightweight luggage on the market.
Eastpak
eastpak.com, £175
This case from the new Cloud 7 range by Eastpak has a few nifty tricks hidden up its sleeve with detachable compartments that turn into backpacks, hidden extra-storage spaces, all in one surprisingly light compact package.
Brics
selfridges.com, £395
Avoid all those hefty checked-in luggage fees with this small but perfectly formed cabin bag from Italian luggage label Brics. It comes in a bright taxi yellow, just the shade to get you in the holiday mood.
Jasper Conran for Tripp
debenhams.com, £119.99
Debenhams' designer collaborations extend to the luggage department with its range of cases designed by Jasper Conran for Tripp. Avoid carousel chaos with this chic black carry-on case in mock croc.
Weekend bag:
Marks and Spencer
marksandspencer.com, £45
Whether you're buying groceries, a cashmere jumper or new duvet, Marks and Spencer is a name you can rely on, which makes its luggage range a safe bet. This chic quilted holdall comes from its newly re-launched collection.
The North Face
thenorthface.com, £90
This Basecamp duffel bag is a bestseller for the leading outdoor company. It may not be the most attractive weekender but, made from durable nylon with reinforced stitching, it is one of the most functional.
Fred Perry
my-wardrobe.com, £80
This deep indigo canvas grip overnight bag by Fred Perry will make a chic addition to any going-away wardrobe. Best for those who like to travel light, it's perfect for a weekend getaway.
Rocha John Rocha
debenhams.com, £135
If you're looking for a weekend bag that's timeless, but doesn't forgo the style factor, then this leather weekend bag in classic tan colour from the Rocha John Rocha designer range at Debenhams should fit the bill.
Crew
crewclothing.co.uk, £65
Get into the Olympic spirit with this Great Britain weekend bag from outdoor clothing company Crew. Nautically themed in blue and white with the GBR logo it's the perfect accessory for the sporty traveller.
Mimi Berry
mimiberry.co.uk, £350
The Zermatt bag from luxury leather goods label Mimi Berry is a bag for a lifetime. Made from quality Italian leather and manufactured in the UK it will make an ideal companion for the discerning traveller.
Accessorize
accessorize.com, £40
This boldly patterned bag has been aptly named the Miami weekender. The colour-block patterns will have you feeling the South Beach spirit even if your destination isn't nearly as glamorous.
Primark
primark.co.uk, £10
With the cost of holidays mounting there's every excuse to hunt out a luggage bargain. Primark have come up trumps with this bowling bag, perfect for a weekend getaway and a steal at £10.
Burton
burton.co.uk, £26
If bland, generic colours are not your thing then look to Burton for something a little brighter. This nylon weekend bag comes with a pop of orange on the end and a white stripe to give it a sporty vibe.
Beauty bags:
Mulberry
mulberry.com, £175
Carry your travel essentials in style with this cognac coloured wash-bag from quintessential English brand Mulberry. The bag is made from Scotchgrain, a classic Mulberry material, with durability in mind.
Esprit
esprit.com, £15
If it's a practical wash-bag you're after this super-light cosmetics bag should do the trick. It has a hanging device, multiple compartments for organisation and a full-length zip for easy access.
Anya Hindmarch
net-a-porter.com, £225
Travel in style with this vanity kit from British designer Anya Hindmarch. Keep your beauty essentials organised with its numerous compartments. Plus the black cosmetics case comes with chic gold zips and lettering and the brand's trademark bow.
Calabrese
matchesfashion.com, £45
Transport your toiletries in classic style with this timeless nautical-themed wash-bag from artisan Italian bag maker Calabrese, famed for its quality craftsmanship. This wash-bag is made from cotton with a leather trim so it will pack up small.
Gucci
net-a-porter.com, £160
Emblazoned with the iconic GG motif, this is a wash-bag with serious fashion credentials. Invest in Gucci's leather-trimmed canvas cosmetics case for the ultimate luxury travel accessory.
Matalan
matalan.co.uk, £6
Matalan has established a reputation for its range of fashion-forward stock all sold at impressively low prices, so if you're not looking to splash out on a bag for your toiletries this canvas wash-bag is a bargain buy at £6.
Forever 21
forever21.com, £7.40
Bargain seekers will love this cosmetics bag from American fashion chain Forever 21. It comes with two clear compartments and multiple zipped sections to ensure all your beauty essentials stay organised.
Aspinal of London
aspinaloflondon.com, £495
This cream vintage vanity case from Aspinal conjures up a time when travel was an altogether more glamorous affair. If you're feeling nostalgic and willing to splash out there's no chicer way to transport your cosmetics.
Victorinox
victorinox.com, £399
You can expect only good things from luggage by Victorinox, who made the original Swiss knife. The Spectra 32 suitcase comes with a lifetime warranty and a bag-tracking programme in case it is misplaced.
Linea
houseoffraser.co.uk, £90
If there was ever a year to feel patriotic, this is it. Let your luggage help with this Union Jack motif case. More than just a novelty item, this case comes with a five-year guarantee to ensure it goes the distance.
Samsonite
johnlewis.com, £169
The Cordoba Duo Hybrid suitcase is the ideal case for the no-nonsense traveller. It boasts a soft-sided shell made from 600-dernier polyester meaning it's durable without any added weight.
Tripp
debenhams.com, £150
UK-based travel label Tripp, the exclusive luggage retailer for Debenhams, has become the go-to brand for good value, quality cases. This Superlite II suitcase in large is a great long-haul travel solution.
Antler
antler.co.uk, £199
This large suitcase from Antler's Liquis range is designed to outlast even the roughest of baggage handlers with its hard polycarbonate shell and patented wheel system.
Lulu Guinness
houseoffraser.co.uk, £245
There'll be no confusion on the carousels with this suitcase. The hard-shelled case is bright red and emblazoned with the lip motif of British accessories designer Lulu Guinness.
Globetrotter
globetrotter1897.com, £760
An A-list client list: Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill and Captain Scott have all enjoyed the craftsmanship of these handmade luxurious cases.
Globaltrek
matalan.co.uk, £45
For a no-frills option that doesn't cost a fortune but gets the job done then this is a winner. In hard-shelled sleek silver it looks far more expensive than its £45 price tag.
Berghaus
berghaus.com, £100
The Prime II 60 Wheeled Travel Case is a 3-in-1 travel bag solution. With its adjustable straps you can use it as a backpack, a shoulder bag or extend the top handle and wheel it.
Paul Smith
paulsmith.co.uk, £165
The Parachute backpack from Paul Smith does not contain a parachute. Instead, its name derives from the sturdy fabric and superior build of this impressive backpack that makes it an ideal purchase for longer journeys.
Vaude
vaude.com, £60
This backpack in an eye-catching yellow is a great option for those wanting a hybrid backpack/suitcase. The Rails 60 style from Vaude also has the benefit of a zip that opens all the way around, so you can pack it like a suitcase.
APC
mrporter.com, £60
Those in the know will have already fallen for the urban cool of cult French brand APC. Pick up its two-tone backpack made from lightweight nylon and with a capacity of 27 litres: it's made with portability and practicality in mind.
Kathmandu
kathmandu.co.uk, £169.99
This hybrid trolley bag from the outdoor clothing and equipment company is a popular bag for those who enjoy a more active vacation. Easily handled either on your back or as a trolley case, it's lightweight and durable.
Sandqvist
my-wardrobe.com, £125
If you're looking for an uncomplicated bag that is both durable and comfortable, then this navy canvas bag from Stockholm-based bag designer Anton Sandqvist may be just the thing: practical with a minimalist design.
Karrimor
karrimor.com, £120
Adventure brand Karrimor's Global Meridian bag will suit those who like their holidays on-the-go, with its range of convertible handle options, lockable zips and a book style main opening section.
Vango
This Challenger bag is ideal for business travellers or those on shorter trips. It can be worn on your back or pulled along as a trolley. It has just enough room for a change of clothes and a compartment for your laptop.
Gadget bags:
Michael Kors
net-a-porter.com, £30
As the gadget total in your hand luggage tallies up, avoid potential technology disasters with a suitable storage solution. This bright blue neoprene case will ensure your iPad is stowed away safely.
Orla Kiely
johnlewis.com, £99.95
Keep your gadgets safe in this laptop bag in a quaint acorn print from Orla Kiely, a brand that counts the Duchess of Cambridge as a fan. With a padded internal pocket it's suitable for a 13inch laptop.
Smythson
smythson.com, £330
You can't get a more stylish accompaniment for your iPad 2 than this luxury, zipped case. It comes from the new Rose collection inspired by the rose garden in London's Regent Park.
National Geographic
johnlewis.com, £24.95
No holiday is complete without the obligatory photos to document your trip. Ensure yours stay safe by keeping your camera well wrapped in this padded camera pouch.
M-Edge
dixonstravel.com, £29.16
With books a thing of the past, ensure your e-reader travels in style with this M-Edge Kindle jacket. Its classy red cover holds your Kindle in place while allowing easy access to buttons.
Temium
comet.co.uk, £34.99
Not all laptops are of the itsy bitsy slip into your hand luggage type. For those with a larger laptop this classic black bag will fit a screen size of up to 18 inches.
KG Kurt Geiger
kurtgeiger.com, £40
Your iPad will be the envy of all others in this snake-patterned case from premium high street retailer Kurt Geiger – and its turquoise colour means you'll never lose it in your bag.
Case Logic
comet.co.uk, £24.99
This padded camera case will safely carry your SLR camera in its discreet black holster. The wide-opening front zip ensures quick access so you won't miss any camera-worthy moments.
- 1 Gay couple beaten in park urge MPs to moderate language on gay marriage
- 2 Swedes set up 'ultimate Viking movie'
- 3 After woman sells virginity for $780,000, here are the results of our prostitution survey
- 4 China agrees to impose carbon targets by 2016
- 5 Far-right French historian, 78-year-old Dominique Venner, commits suicide in Notre Dame in protest against gay marriage
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Independent Dating
iJobs General
Senior IP Associate / Partner - Manchester
Excellent Salary Package - £60K to £120K: Austen Lloyd: We have an exciting op...
Java Developer
£200 - £250 per day: Progressive Recruitment: Java Developer - Urgent Requirem...
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ARCHITECT, SAP
£70000 - £95000 per annum + Bonus, flexible working hours, remote work: Progre...
SAP BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SENIOR CONSULTANT
£50000 - £56000 per annum + Benefits package, flexible working hours: Progress...
How to say ‘I’m a sellout’
Why clubs are keen to take a stand


Comments