Aluminium Suitcases, Bags & Accessories
Carry-on backpacks are another choice that will leave your hands free while you keep your essentials on hand. Wheeled suitcases are a great option thanks to the ease of transporting them over long distances, like the airport causeway. All airlines have their owncarry on requirements, and there’s no standard size for carry-ons so make sure yours fits for your airline. Front-mounted organiser pocket keeps you on the go while the luggage strap allows you to connect it to the trolley with ease. The Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On is stylish enough for luxury hotels like the Peninsula Paris and durable enough to withstand unpaved roads in Indonesia .
That’s why Sterling Pacific outfitted their 35L Cabin Travel Case with Italian full-grain leather handles to give you the feeling of luxury and comfort on every step of your journey. The trolley handle also retracts into a die-cast aluminum housing—something most manufacturers just make from plastic. Inside, the sophistication continues with ring-spun twill weave lining aluminum luggage set and an Amenity & Care Kit, which includes an amenity bag, leather care wax and cloth, and an aluminum pen. The best type of bag to travel with depends on the length and type of trip you’re embarking on – as well as how cutthroat you are with your packing principles. Like Monos, which sells “hybrid” suitcases, Rimowa sells its own polycarbonate-aluminum blend.
With an internal capacity of just 31 liters, you won’t be able to fit too many items inside this carry-on luggage. This luggage features two packing compartments with height-adjustable Flex Dividers inside. Rimowa luggage is some of the best in the market in terms of build quality and durability. This brand came up with the first aluminum metal suitcase, so it’s not surprising that it’s at the top of our list. If you want extremely durable luggage that will last you for decades to come, consider purchasing a Rimowa suitcase. Some of the best suitcases money can buy are silver because they’re made from metal.
As for packing it, heftier, more helpful dividers would’ve been nice, they say, to keep everything in its correct place. One of our testers wished the aluminum shell was slightly thicker, though, which would help deter dents. They were upset that the suitcase returned from its first journey with a sizable wound, even though that’s a part of the art of aluminum suitcases. (Shhhhh… this bag is actually polycarbonate. How else could it be this affordable?) OK, the secret’s out. This option isn’t aluminum and as such, we debated whether it should be even included in this list.
There was easily enough room for double the amount of stuff on our packing list — and that's without the expander, which adds another 2 inches to the depth. Beyond the enormous 112-liter capacity, the internal pockets and removable pouches helped us keep things organized, while the zippered compartment and compression straps ensured everything stayed in place. This suitcase also comes with a laundry bag for keeping your dirty clothes separated while you're away and a retractable strap to make carrying another piece of luggage easier.
With a 35L capacity, it can comfortably hold everything you need for a few days away, but not much longer, and that’s the primary complaint from reviewers. Aluminum luggage is generally heavier than plastic luggage, but I would say that it’s fairly easy to carry. The weight difference is usually no more than 3-4 lbs, so it’s not that much heavier to carry than plastic luggage. Some aluminum cases are so lightweight that you’ll barely notice the difference between them and PC luggage, but they’re usually the most expensive options.
The Titanium is also budget-friendly, so it’s one of the best mid-range options. The interior of the Centric luggage is fully lined and split into two packing compartments. The top compartment features a full panel divider with a zippered pocket, while the bottom compartment has elastic cross-straps. You don’t get any other pockets inside this suitcase, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s the worst thing about it. Also, the carry-on case weighs 9.7 lbs, which is still lighter than most other aluminum suitcases featured here.
The hidden compartment in the upper lid was very difficult to find, which was a good thing for anyone trying to hide valuables. I also liked the snap closure in favor of the zipper for the main compartment, which manages to lock down the lid while adding a touch of class to the bag. The Carl Friedrik Carry-On is yet another suitcase that we fell in love with looks-wise before even exploring its cool features. This suitcase is a sight to behold and one of the most unique options you’ll come across from an aesthetic point of view. The leather trim is totally superfluous but also makes you wish more bags had this.
While the weight of the bag makes it a little clunky to maneuver, it’s a fair trade-off for the rock-solid durability. Each side in the interior of this straightforward carry-on features a flat compression divider with two large zippered pockets. You can buckle the flat dividers down to hold items in place, and they serve as a compression board, too, though you won’t be able to buckle them if you have too much packed inside. Some people may prefer the Tumi carry-on on this list for higher levels of organization to help you pack more artfully. This compact carry-on is lightweight and stylish, with a nice amount of pockets inside to help with packing.
Aluminum-magnesium alloy bumper corners for enhanced overall durability to protect your belongings. Ideal for the frequent traveler, it is designed to meet most domestic carriers' carry-on guidelines and offers a roomy interior for several days of travel. On a recent trip, we found the Crosslight to be agile, sturdy and well made. Smooth-running wheels (also found on the fantastic Spectra 3.0 range) and a dual telescopic handle make it easy to manoeuvre, even when it’s fully packed.
The last thing we want is to break a handle or lose a wheel while on the go because we put our precious pennies towards a dud. It doesn’t have an expander, and we wish there were more internal pockets for additional storage. This compact bag holds a lot thanks to its compression straps, zippers, and an expansion feature. "I brought this to Egypt and ended up checking it more than once, and it still looks beautiful and surprisingly clean," says Travel + Leisure editor Taylor Fox. "We carried it on planes, trains, and boats, and it was easy to lift and maneuver throughout every situation."
Its minimalist design offers a spacious interior with double-sided packing and removable pockets for optimal organization. The TSA-approved locks provide added security and make passing through customs a breeze. The silent 360-degree spinner wheels allow for smooth and effortless maneuverability.
These materials are used to make car bumpers and crash helmets, so you can rest assured that they’re durable. Newer models are lightweight and many have an internal divider for better organisation. They don’t have external pockets, but there are usually one or two inside.
The elasticated Y-straps buckle securely to keep your belongings in place. Read our insightful travel blog for tips, inspiration, and expert advice on travel essentials, packing tips, and trends in luggage solutions. We understand that every traveler is unique, with different preferences and requirements. That’s why our team works with you to identify your specific needs and recommend luggage solutions that best fit your needs. A satisfied traveler, originally a loyal Rimowa owner, was compelled to switch teams due to the sheer awesomeness of Sterling Pacific. Despite experiencing some falls, his Away suitcase hasn’t shattered on him.