The Best Large Hardshell Luggage Options for Your Active Travel Lifestyle

Picture this: You’re heading out on a two-week trip. Normally, you carry just a pack on your back, but because you’ll be traveling with colleagues, you want to appear more professional this time. You also need to have a diverse array of stuff — ranging from loungewear to hiking gear to your work setup. It’s time to face the music: Hardshell checked luggage is your best option.

These suitcases are made from aluminum or durable (and sometimes recylced) polycarbonate which makes them exceptionally strong and resistant to damage. Additionally, most hardshell suitcases come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, offering extra peace of mind. The hardshell design also allows for easy organization as it provides a rigid structure that prevents items from moving around inside the suitcase during transit — this is especially useful if you’re trying to pack fragile items. Finally, these suitcases are available in a range of colors and sizes, so you can find one that looks great — no matter what you’ve packed on the inside.

But which one to buy? The top-selling hardshell roller case checked luggage are detailed below, with itemized specs and a breakdown on which is best for what type of traveler. Let’s get you set to fly.

Shopping for roller bag checked luggage? Check out Matador’s detailed reviews:

• This Luggage Company Lets You Customize a Suitcase Unique To You
• This high-end suitcase is made from near-indestructible airplane-grade aluminum
• Monos Checked Luggage has the world’s best features
• Away’s luggage is the best roller case for your money
• How the July Checked Plus Hardshell roller got me to switch from my carry-on lifestyle
• This carbon neutral roller bag makes packing for two a breeze

We hope you love the hardshell checked luggage options we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Jump to a review:

Roam Checked-In Expandable
Sterling Pacific 80L Check-In Travel Case
July Checked Plus
Monos Luggage Hybrid Check-In
Away Roller Case
Paravel Aviator Grand
Rimowa Essential Check-In L
Samsonite Freeform Spinner
Traveler’s Choice Ultimax II 26″ Medium Trunk Spinner

Hardshell checked luggage: Rundown of top options

Roam Check-In Expandable

Photo: Morgane Croissant

Gone are the days when black or brown suitcases dominated the luggage industry. Today, you can get a suitcase in just about any color you want. Better even, you can customize your own luggage — if you choose to shop at Roam. The American luggage company lets you pick not only the size and style of the suitcase you want, but you can select the color of its every detail, from the polycarbonate shell to the zipper, the handles, the wheels, the lining, and more. That means you can own a case that matches your style and your preference to a T, whether you want something subtle or rainbow-like.

Beyond the customization, Roam luggage are full of great qualities, the most appealing being that they are made in the US. Indeed, each case is assembled by hand in Vidalia, Georgia, creating factory jobs right here at home. On a practical level, the cases have excellent features, such water-repellent shells and zippers (offering peace of mind to travelers when the weather gets wet), and four 360-degree spinning wheels that allow for a very smooth glide across airports, cities, cruise terminals, and more.

Roam’s Check-In Expandable is one model among many from the brand, and it’s one that’s suitable for those who don’t know how to travel light, those who plan extended trips, or for families and couples. With a capacity of 86 liters, and the possibility to expand (thanks to zippers) and compress (thanks to two compression boards), this case can contain an awful lot.

Sterling Pacific 80L Check-In Travel Case

If it’s a durable and extremely sturdy hardshell luggage you’re looking for, few fit the bill as well as Sterling Pacific’s travel cases. The brand has only one model that comes in two different sizes, 35 liters (carry-on size) and 80 liters (check-in size), both of which are on the pricey side, but come with a lifetime warranty. Sterling Pacific’s suitcases are made of nearly indestructible, corrosion-resistant aluminum used in the aviation industry, so you can be sure that your belongings are kept safe inside — and that your suitcase will last forever.

Sterling Pacific’s luggage has a minimalist aesthetic, both outside and inside. The exterior is made of highly polished aluminum, with very few elements of decor and just three leather details (on the three handles) to add a touch of warmth and luxury to a very clean look. Inside, the 80L Check-In Travel Case is equally uncomplicated, with only one mesh zipped pocket to store small items and two shoe pockets, both of which are in the lid. (Note that the 35L Cabin Travel Case does not have the shoe pockets.) The rest of the case consists of one container equipped with criss-cross straps to keep your items in place. The lining of the case is dark shade of brown that matches perfectly the hue of the leather handles.

Sterling Pacific’s 80L Check-In Travel Case measures 33 x 20 x 9 inches and weighs 16.5 pounds. It has two TSA-approved combination latch locks. It comes in only one color: shiny aluminum. It is an extremely solid option for business travelers and stylish solo travelers who like a simple, retro, and elegant design.

July Checked Plus

Ready to roll. Photo: Tim Wenger

Multiple pairs of shoes? No problem. Photo: Tim Wenger

Packing for three. Photo: Tim Wenger

My daughter's clothes also arrived in good order. Photo: Tim Wenger

My nicest button down arrived ready to go. Photo: Tim Wenger

Snap dress clothes into the right side separate from casual wear. Photo: Tim Wenger

The minimalist aesthetic blends well in mid-mod hotels. Photo: Tim Wenger

The adjustable handle makes wheeling through the airport a breeze. Photo: Tim Wenger

The July Checked Plus is a large checked luggage that is designed to be lightweight, durable, and stylish. You get 110 liters of capacity in a well-organized case, with its biggest perk being that when you open it at your destination, everything you’ve brought will be displayed in front of you. There’s no need to dig through all of your stuff just to find a shirt to wear to happy hour.

It is made of a 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell that is crush-proof and can withstand even the most rigorous travel conditions. The suitcase also features 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The interior of the July Checked Plus is divided into two compartments, each with its own compression system. This helps to maximize the amount of space in the suitcase and keep your belongings organized. The best way to pack this suitcase is to put clothes and delicates in one of the zipped compartments and work gear or other necessities in the other one. There should be plenty of room left over for shoes and other bulky items for two to three people.

This suitcase also comes with a removable laundry bag, a TSA-approved combination lock, and an integrated water bottle pocket. The July Checked Plus is available in a variety of colors, including black, navy, and charcoal. It measures 28.5 x 19.7 x 11.8 inches and weighs 10.3 pounds. Overall, the July Checked Plus is a great option for travelers who are looking for a spacious and cool-looking roller that is big enough to pack a small family, but easy enough to transport and check that it won’t be a pain in the butt on travel days. It is well-made and features a number of thoughtful design touches. However, it can be pricey, and some users have reported that the interior compartments are not as spacious as some other checked luggage.

Monos Luggage Hybrid Check-In

The Monos Hybrid checked bag: a great looking bag with the practical chops to match. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The medium carry-on holds much more than I expected. Shown on the bottom is a packing cube with three chunky sweaters, a shoe bag with a pair of size 10 hiking boots, and insulated black gloves. And the folded forest green jacket item above? A thick, thigh-length jacket. It's deceivingly large, despite being called the "medium." Photo: Suzie Dundas

Photo: Suzie Dundas

It's bigger than it looks, and almost too large to fit on some luggage racks in hotels. Photo: Suzie Dundas

A jet-lagged mirror selfie, for scale. I'm 5'7" and the medium Monos luggage hybrid checked is thigh-high on me. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Step two: two smaller clips attached to a full-sized soft panel (with pockets)

Step one for compression: a full-length strap. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Can confirm: as waterproof as possible, as tested on a rainy mile-long walk in Munich, Germany. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Photo by Suzie Dundas

Can confirm: as waterproof as possible, as tested on a rainy mile-long walk in Munich, Germany. Photo: Suzie Dundas

A good checked bag should be both light and durable, and the Monos Luggage Hybrid Check-In ticks both of those boxes. This bag can hold up to 70 liters of gear, which is roughly twice the size of a carry-on roller bag. It also has a compression panel to help you make the most of the available space. It’s rather minimalist, which is nice. While it’s not overly designed when compared to checked bags that prioritize style over function, it does feature two zippered pockets on the compression panel, a larger zipper pocket on the inner flap, and a slim pocket for jewelry and other small items. At first, I was concerned that my Monos Hybrid medium checked bag was too small, but after packing it for the first time, our editor had plenty of space left over and wondered if she’d forgotten something.

The Hybrid Check-In is available in a variety of sizes, including the Check-In (27.5 x 20.4 x 11.3 inches), Check-In Large (30 x 21.3 x 11.8 inches). It is also available in a variety of colors, including black, silver, and navy. It’s reliably water-resistant and can handle the rough-and-tumble life of being tossed around by airline personnel without displaying markings from each toss. What you’re getting with this hardshell is durability and a long, useful lifespan. The choice of three very different sizes makes this a versatility option that can work for most travelers.

Away Carry-On Roller Case

Photo: Johnny Motley

Photo: Away

Photo: Away

The Away Carry-On is a hard-shell suitcase that is designed to be lightweight, durable, and stylish. It is made of a polycarbonate shell that is scratch-resistant and can withstand even the most rigorous travel conditions. The suitcase also features 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. While this roller bag is TSA-approved for carry-on (hence the name), we’ve included it in this roundup because it’s a larger carry-on and can carry most everything you need for a week or more on the road. That said, it won’t fit in the overhead bin on many smaller regional jets. If you need a roller case that can serve both the checked and carry-on function, this is it.

The interior of the Away Carry-On is divided into two compartments, each with its own compression system. This helps to maximize the amount of space in the suitcase and keep your belongings organized. The suitcase also comes with a removable laundry bag, a TSA-approved combination lock, and a built-in USB charger. The Away Carry-On is available in a variety of colors, including black, navy, charcoal, and blush. It measures 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches and weighs 8.8 pounds. The suitcase is priced at $275, but you can purchase it with a built-in USB charger for an additional $25.

Paravel Aviator Grand

Photo credit: Brett Braley

Photo credit: Brett Braley

Photo credit: Brett Braley

Photo credit: Brett Braley

The Paravel Aviator Grand is a carbon-neutral checked roller case that is sized for extended stays and far-flung adventures. It is made of sustainably-sourced materials including recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather. The Aviator Grand is designed to be lightweight and durable. It weighs 10.8 pounds and has a capacity of 115L. The suitcase features 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved combination lock, and an interior compression board.

The interior of the Aviator Grand is divided into two compartments, each with its own compression system. This helps to maximize the amount of space in the suitcase and keep your belongings organized. The suitcase also comes with a removable laundry bag and a travel journal. The Paravel Aviator Grand is a great option for travelers who are looking for lightweight, durable, and stylish checked luggage that is as environmentally friendly as a piece of luggage can be. It is well-made and features a number of thoughtful design touches. However, it can be pricey, and some users have reported that the interior compartments are not as spacious as some other checked luggage.

Best of the rest: Checked Roller-Bag Reviews

Rimowa Essential Check-In L

Photo courtesy of Rimowa

The Rimowa Essential Check-In L, available in special editions via Amazon, is large checked luggage designed to be lightweight, durable, and stylish. It’s ultra-luxurious, made of a high-quality polycarbonate shell that is scratch-resistant and can withstand even the most rigorous travel conditions. The suitcase also features 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. It’s pricey, but is actually among the cheaper roller suitcases in the “luxury” level (for comparison, the Globe Trotter’s similar option costs nearly three times as much).

The interior of the Rimowa Essential Check-In L is divided into two compartments, each with its own compression system. This helps to maximize the amount of space in the suitcase and keep your belongings organized. The suitcase also comes with a removable laundry bag, a TSA-approved combination lock, and a Flex Divider. The Flex Divider is a unique feature that allows you to customize the interior of the suitcase to fit your needs. The Flex Divider can be used to create a separate compartment for your dirty clothes, or it can be used to create two smaller compartments for your belongings.

Samsonite Freeform Spinner

Photo courtesy of Samsonite

Photo courtesy of Samsonite

A big name like Samsonite can be the best option for value, as is the case here. The Samsonite Freeform Spinner is a lightweight, durable, and stylish checked luggage that is made from a 100% polycarbonate shell. It is designed to be able to withstand even the most rigorous travel conditions. The suitcase also features 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.

The interior of the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is divided into two compartments, each with its own compression system. This helps to maximize the amount of space in the suitcase and keep your belongings organized. The suitcase also comes with a removable laundry bag, a TSA-approved combination lock, and a water-resistant lining. You can choose from a variety of sizes, including the Carry-On (21.7 x 14 x 9 inches), Medium (25.6 x 16.5 x 11 inches), and Large (28.1 x 19.7 x 11.7 inches). These options are available in a variety of colors, including black, navy, and charcoal.

Traveler’s Choice Ultimax II 26″ Medium Trunk Spinner

Photo courtesy of Traveler's Choice

Photo courtesy of Traveler's Choice

Not all hardshell checked luggage looks the same, and the Traveler’s Chocie Ultimax II 26” is proof. This high-end checked luggage is designed to be lightweight, durable, and stylish — and it pulls it off, with the bonus of allowing you to be that person at the baggage carousel who actually has unique luggage. It is made of a 100% polycarbonate shell that is impact-resistant and can withstand even the most rigorous travel conditions. The suitcase also features 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The two-compartment, compressed interior is spacious (110 liters of packing room) and has a clamshell-side handle so you can easily pick it up without having to wrap your arms awkwardly around the body of the suitcase. It weighs 10.3 pounds, which is lightweight for a large piece of checked luggage. This makes it easy to carry, even when it is fully packed.