Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear skilled and journey photographer based mostly in Southern California.
Selecting the best baggage is all about discovering the suitcase that permits you to journey unhindered. You’re already heading in the right direction should you’re selecting between Travelpro and Samsonite, however that doesn’t make the selection any simpler.
I’ve zigzagged throughout continents, navigating every thing from bustling airports to cramped bus cabins, all whereas holding a eager eye on how my baggage performs. My verdict comes from miles of real-world exams, not simply specs on a display.
Plus, the TravelFreak crew has spent practically 15 years testing and reviewing baggage. We created an in-depth baggage score system, and we now have over 150 suitcases in our testing database. I had a wealth of data and experience to attract on for this comparability.
Travelpro and Samsonite are two of essentially the most well-known manufacturers within the baggage world, they usually have vastly totally different approaches.
You’ll discover Samsonite suitcases in most huge retail shops and each airport world wide, they usually have an enormous vary of merchandise with distinctive types and designs to go well with everybody.
Travelpro, alternatively, is a typical alternative for flight crews and different frequent vacationers. Travelpro leans right into a function-first philosophy and has extra conservative, sensible designs.
As a result of they’re so totally different, it’s vital to grasp the place every model excels so you may make the proper alternative. I promise you an trustworthy, no-holds-barred comparability that digs into the small print that will help you resolve which model most closely fits your wants.
Why You Can Belief Us
The TravelFreak editorial crew has examined dozens of suitcases through the years, and we’ve realized lots about what separates a top quality piece of baggage from an overpriced, overhyped piece of plastic. We’ve examined and reviewed price range baggage, luxurious suitcases, and every thing in between.
We all know how arduous it’s to seek out the proper suitcase, and we wish to make the method simpler for you. So we acquired our crew of drugs junkies and former product engineers collectively to develop essentially the most complete baggage check methodology doable.
We examined and rated 17 Travelpro suitcases and 15 Samsonite suitcases, together with carry-ons and checked baggage, hardshells and softshells from each manufacturers.
We evaluated each one in all these suitcases on 31 metrics throughout eight classes. We gave all of them the identical remedy and rated them on the identical standardized scales. This makes it straightforward for us (and also you) to check the benefits and drawbacks of every.
At a Look
Travelpro vs Samsonite: Fast Solutions
- Sturdiness: Travelpro builds stronger and extra sturdy baggage than Samsonite general.
- Value: Each Travelpro and Samsonite provide baggage in a large worth vary, from budget-friendly to premium.
- Guarantee: Travelpro has a a lot better lifetime guarantee in comparison with Samsonite’s 10-year guarantee.
- Sustainability: Samsonite does extra to cut back their carbon footprint, use sustainable supplies, and assist staff’ rights.
- Supplies: Travelpro makes use of higher supplies general, whereas Samsonite baggage are sometimes comprised of cheaper ABS or polypropylene.
- Design and Fashion: Travelpro baggage has a extra traditional, conservative fashion, whereas Samsonite has extra trendy, techy designs.
- Inside Group: Most Travelpro suitcases have higher inside group and pockets than comparable Samsonite fashions.
- Expandability: Each manufacturers provide expandable suitcases, however Travelpro has extra choices for expandable hardside baggage.
- Wheels: Travelpro makes use of higher-quality, smoother spinner wheels general. The MagnaTrac self-aligning spinner wheels on their higher-end fashions are significantly good.
- Deal with: Travelpro suitcase handles are a bit sturdier and extra adjustable than the handles on most Samsonite suitcases.
- Coloration Choices: Travelpro typically has extra colour selections than most Samsonite fashions.
Travelpro vs. Samsonite: Which Ought to You Purchase?
Purchase Travelpro should you…
- are a frequent flier.
- journey for enterprise.
- are a digital nomad or long-term traveler.
- typically journey internationally.
- desire a suitcase that may final for years (or many years) of journey.
- care about having a dependable lifetime guarantee.
Purchase Samsonite should you…
- you might be on a decent price range.
- journey much less steadily.
- want baggage for cruises or summer season holidays.
- primarily take home flights throughout the US.
- care about shopping for extra sustainable merchandise.
Supplies & High quality
The Travelpro fashions we examined scored a mean of 8.3 for Construct High quality, whereas Samsonite solely scored 7.9 on common. Travelpro baggage is persistently well-built and sturdy throughout the board, whereas Samsonite’s sturdiness is extra hit-and-miss.
Travelpro doesn’t use many fancy high-tech supplies. They follow supplies and elements which are dependable and time-tested: high-density nylon and polyester for tender shell suitcases and polycarbonate for hardshells. Even their reasonably priced Maxlite Air suitcases are made with high-quality polycarbonate arduous shells.
Travelpro’s wheels, handles, and zippers are additionally stable, even on their extra budget-friendly fashions.
Alternatively, Samsonite’s high quality varies broadly. Their high-end fashions (just like the C-Lite) use high-quality elements and cutting-edge supplies which are impressively impact-resistant. On the different finish of the spectrum, although, their budget-friendly suitcases use cheaper supplies like ABS and simply don’t measure as much as the sturdiness of similar-priced Travelpro fashions.
I’ve damaged the wheels on just a few low cost Samsonite baggage, however I’ve but to see that occur with Travelpro.
When you’re keen to spend some huge cash, Samsonite’s high-end fashions with the high-tech supplies are a number of the strongest suitcases available on the market, however in any other case, Travelpro wins with regards to sturdiness.
Don’t get me unsuitable, Samsonite suitcases are nonetheless lots sturdy for many journeys, however should you’re a frequent traveler and wish to get years of use out of your suitcase, Travelpro is a better option.
Design & Options
Travelpro baggage is far more conventional and conservative-looking than Samsonite baggage, which tends to have extra trendy, flashy designs.
If you need a professional-looking suitcase for enterprise journey, Travelpro is a better option. Nonetheless, in order for you baggage that may stand out and make an announcement, you’ll have higher luck with Samsonite.
Travelpro baggage typically have extra options and higher group than Samsonite, particularly should you’re procuring at a lower cost level.
Travelpro suitcases have nice pocket layouts to maintain every thing organized, well-designed compression straps, and a few even have folding garment holders to retailer fits or attire. Their baggage is simply actually sensible.
That’s why Travelpro scored 9.1 for performance on common and Samsonite solely scored 8.9.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply all Samsonite suitcases are primary. They’re lower-end fashions don’t have any fancy options, however in addition they promote specialty fashions with progressive designs.
For instance, the Essens Carry-On has two giant packing cubes which are solely detachable so you’ll be able to customise the way you wish to pack the case, and the Stryde 111 has built-in LED lights to maintain you seen whereas strolling metropolis streets at night time.
For many vacationers, the no-nonsense practicality of Travelpro will probably be a greater match. If you need one thing progressive and distinctive, although, Samsonite has far more to supply.
Worth for the Cash
Each Travelpro and Samsonite make baggage for a variety of budgets, from reasonably priced to luxurious. They each scored 8.6 in our Value-to-Efficiency class on common, so you will discover wonderful bang in your buck from both model.
Right here’s the best way I see it.
When you’re looking for the most cost effective suitcase that may do the job and never disintegrate after just a few journeys, Samsonite is the best way to go. Their price range fashions are cheaper than Travelpro, and you’ll typically discover nice offers at brick and mortar shops or on Amazon. For what you pay, these suitcases will serve you very properly.
Alternatively, should you’re in search of an actual high-quality suitcase that doesn’t break the financial institution, you’ll have higher luck with Travelpro. Their entry degree Maxlite 5 and Maxlite Air traces are nice suitcases, and they’re surprisingly reasonably priced.
Actually, the Maxlite 5 Carry-On with two wheels is among the best-value carry-ons available on the market.
It’s additionally fairly spectacular that Travelpro presents their Maxlite Air polycarbonate baggage at a lower cost than a lot of the widespread polycarbonate suitcases—like, lots cheaper. Simply examine it to one thing like Away or Monos and also you’ll see the value distinction.
Guarantee and Shopping for Expertise
There’s actually no comparability between Samsonite’s guarantee and Travelpro’s. Samsonite’s 10-year isn’t dangerous, however Travelpro has top-of-the-line lifetime warranties within the enterprise.
Travelpro’s core collections include their “Constructed for a Lifetime Guarantee,” which covers any useful injury to your suitcase. When you break the wheels, handles, or zippers, they are going to restore or substitute it for you.
Travelpro will even cowl the prices of injury brought on by an airline. Most baggage firms (together with Samsonite) received’t try this. In the course of the first 1-5 years (relying on the mannequin) they are going to even pay for transport to have your suitcase repaired.
If you’re a frequent traveler, damaging your baggage (even well-made baggage) is a definite risk. Travelpro’s guarantee presents nice peace of thoughts that you simply received’t need to pay for a brand new suitcase if that occurs.
Model Impression and Sustainability
Our Model Impression rating awards manufacturers that use recycled supplies, take steps to cut back their environmental footprint, are clear and accountable, and have Third-party certifications like Truthful Commerce manufacturing.
Samsonite scored 6.2 for Model Impression, and Travelpro solely scored 5.8.
Each manufacturers use recycled supplies of their merchandise, however Travelpro solely actually makes use of recycled materials for inside linings. The outer shells are all product of virgin materials.
Samsonite, alternatively, launched their “Recyclex” program just a few years in the past and is incorporating extra recycled supplies into their merchandise, inside and outside. Many Samsonite softside fashions (just like the Elevation Plus) use 100% recycled inner and exterior materials.
Samsonite can be extra clear with their influence and sustainability. They launch an annual report, they usually have packages in place to enhance their influence.
Actually, if influence and sustainability are your high priorities, neither of those manufacturers is doing something out of the peculiar. Paravel baggage is perhaps value testing; their entire enterprise is predicated round sustainability (they usually additionally scored the very best for Model Impression in our testing).
General although, Samsonite is a better option than Travelpro with regards to sustainable merchandise.
Remaining Ideas
Travelpro and Samsonite are each nice baggage manufacturers, and selecting one will finally come right down to your journey fashion.
Travelpro’s baggage types are easy, sensible, and really well-built. Plus, Travelpro has top-of-the-line warranties within the enterprise. This makes Travelpro best should you journey steadily and see your baggage as a necessary device to get the place it’s essential to go.
Samsonite suitcases are usually a bit extra flashy, and their higher-end baggage have extra progressive options. If Travelpro baggage are extra skilled and sensible, Samsonite baggage are extra enjoyable.
Plus, you’ll be able to typically discover Samsonite baggage on sale properly beneath retail worth, so it’s an ideal choice should you’re pinching pennies in your subsequent journey.
When you want a sensible carry-on for enterprise journeys or frequent journey, choose Travelpro. When you want a enjoyable checked bag for household holidays, choose Samsonite.
Travelpro vs Samsonite FAQ
Is Travelpro an excellent baggage model?
Sure, Travelpro is among the finest baggage manufacturers within the enterprise.
Is Samsonite higher than Travelpro?
Usually, Travelpro baggage is increased high quality and extra sturdy than comparable Samsonite fashions.
How lengthy does Travelpro baggage final?
Travelpro baggage comes with a lifetime guarantee and might final for years or many years of frequent journey.
Why do pilots use Travelpro?
Many pilots and flight crew members use Travelpro baggage as a result of it’s well-made, dependable, and sensible.
The place is Samsonite Baggage made?
Samsonite baggage is made in China, India, and Hungary.