Reviews of rolling luggage give top ranking to the brands that offer lifetime warranty covers accidental damage on all its luggage lines, however, bags that have handles that tuck into a separate pocket so the packing compartment has a flat bottom. Owners say this keeps clothes from getting wrinkled; in most rolling carry on luggage, the handle makes a lump you have to pack around. Also, in recent tests only the expandable upright earns perfect scores in tests for both water resistance and abrasion, outperforming the bargain brands.Rolling luggage gets high ratings for durability and performance, with ball-bearing wheels spaced wide for maneuverability, plus a quick-release clip for attaching a smaller bag. The 8.7-pound carry-on is sized at 21 x 14 x 8.5 inches (the wheels add an inch).
The 10.2-pound includes a garment hanger, but some owners warn that this bag doesn’t fit as easily in overhead compartments. The Expandable Upright line includes two larger bags and all come in four colors: desert tan, rainforest green, silver and sunset.
Owner-written reviews are mostly positive, but there are some tradeoffs for saving this much weight. The wheels don’t roll as easily as the more typical roller-blade wheels, and some owners complain that the handle (when retracted into the bag) can make it difficult to pack. but are stable and maneuverable” with a sturdy handle, but not as durable or water-resistant as the heavier brands.
Among the three brands, Briggs & Riley has the most advantages in reviews, but its rolling luggage is also expensive. Eagle Creek and Travelpro are also recommended; both brands cost less than Briggs & Riley, but don’t have quite the same combination of assets.