The Best Luggage Sets You Can Buy in 2024, Just in Time for Holiday Travel

Date:

Best Overall

Samsonite Freeform Hardside 2-Piece Set

Freeform Hardside 2-Piece Set

Now 28% Off

Credit: Retailer
Pros
  • Modern, more improved designs now than in the pas
  • Excellent price point
  • Long lifespan
Cons
  • Experts say you might want to go for a tougher suitcase if traveling multiple times a month (like traveling for business)

Despite the boom in direct-to-consumer (DTC) luggage brands in the past decade, the stalwarts at Samsonite are still at the top of the game. The brand has been doing luggage right for decades. The Freeform Hardside luggage is one of our favorite suitcases on its own, but it’s even better in a set. Buying the two sizes together saves you some cash and makes packing for your next trip that much easier.

The brand’s designs have greatly improved from the past—you can now expect to use a Samsonite suitcase for the foreseeable future with no issues, all without breaking the bank. This blend of style, durability, and price makes this set one of the best options in the category when it comes to value.

The set comes in a bunch of solid colors that we really like, the wheels are reliable and sturdy even across varied terrain, and the telescopic handles are the perfect length for almost anyone. If you want a simple, reliable set that’s going to last and will keep some cash in your pocket, your search can start and end here.

Number of Bags 2
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Hard-sided
Sizes 21″ carry-on and 28″ checked
Warranty 10 years

Runner Up

Away Build a Set

Build a Set

Pros
  • Set is customizable—you build it yourself and get exactly what you want
  • Away bags are durable
  • Their simple design is always in style
Cons
  • There is no one-click option to pick up a set

Away is probably the most recognizable luggage company in the category right now—the DTC brand essentially popularized the polycarbonate shell style. You may have even pulled one off the carousel just to realize it wasn’t your Away bag but someone else’s. (This happens to Men’s Health staffers all too often.)

The ssimple, subtle designs are classy without drawing too much attention—they look good in just about any travel situation. It’s not all looks though, as this luggage typically performs. The hard-sided shells are durable and are surprisingly difficult to scratch, even after years of abuse. The wheels roll smoothly and the telescopic handle works each and every time you pull it out—though some can become flimsy over time.

To get a set from Away, just add more than one piece of luggage to your cart and they’ll automatically knock down the price. The more bags you buy, the more you can save. This lets you mix and match colors, sizes, and types of luggage, a freedom you normally won’t have when picking out a luggage set. No matter how you build your set, you can be sure you’re going to save.

Number of Bags 2+
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Both
Sizes Carry-On, Bigger Carry-On, Medium, Large
Warranty Limited lifetime

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Best Softside Set

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 2-Piece Set

Maxlite 5 Softside 2-Piece Set

Pros
  • Sets are budget-friendly
  • Well-loved by thousands of reviewers
  • Comes in a bunch of colors
Cons
  • Can be tricky to find the exact color/size combination you want
  • Soft-sided luggage doesn’t provide the same protection as a hard-sided bag

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 set is a no-brainer when it comes to getting a soft-sided set. It’s affordable, comes in a variety of size and color options, and has a 4.5 rating on Amazon with a whopping 13,000 reviews. We think the Men’s Health seal of approval is a valuable one, but having 13,000 fellow travelers who agree is not something you can ignore.

The set has three size options: 21-in, 25-in, and/or a 29-in. Any combo will be ideal for short to medium-length trips (or longer if you’re a talented packer). The soft-sided bags are easy to stuff full of clothes and gear, and will take up less place on an airplane than a hard-sided case might—plus this makes them a little easier to store at home when not in use.

The contoured grip on the extendable handle makes it easy to control your bag on brisk walks to catch a connection and beefy handles on the sides make it easy to toss the bag in the back of an Uber on your way to the airport.

Number of Bags 2 or 3
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Soft
Sizes 21” and 25”; 21” and 29”; or 21”, 25”, and 29
Warranty Limited lifetime

Best for Flying

Monos Frequent Flyer Set

Frequent Flyer Set

Pros
  • Has your personal item, carry-on, and checked bag covered
  • Hard-sided suitcases keep your gear safe
  • The backpack and toiletry bag make packing small items a breeze
Cons
  • Inner design of carry-on luggage can feel limited on space (hard to pack heavy)

With a sleek minimalist design and optimized internal compartments, Canadian brand Monos produces aesthetically pleasing and highly-functional luggage. The brand has thoughtfully considered common travel challenges and crafted products to address them effectively.

One of our favorite features is a unique fold-out tech pocket that seamlessly integrates into the durable aluminum and polycarbonate hybrid shell without compromising its nearly unbreakable structure.

The set is one of our top picks because it covers every base when it comes to packing for a trip—especially one where you’ll be flying. The toiletry bag makes it easy to keep small essentials organized and tucked away. The backpack and carry-on are the perfect companions for on the plane, and the big checked bag provides ample space for everything that will be meeting you at baggage claim.

Number of Bags 4
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Hard
Sizes Toiletry Bag, Backpack, Carry-On, Check-In
Warranty Limited lifetime

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Best 3-Piece Set

Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set

Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set

Pros
  • Good combination of style and affordability
  • Size range ideal for long trips
  • All bags are expandable
Cons
  • Two-year warranty is less than most on the list

Calpak’s popularity rivals Away’s; however, a key distinction lies in the organizational approaches. Unlike Away, most Calpak luggage incorporates specialized features such as dedicated shoe sleeves, zippered pockets for smaller items, magazine compartments, and secure straps to ensure the contents remain organized during travel. Importantly, Calpak excels in crafting cohesive luggage sets, offering a comprehensive range of matching accessories to streamline the packing process and enhance the overall travel experience.

The organization and comprehensive size range of this set is what makes it stand out among the pack (no pun intended), providing less organized travelers with a little bit of help getting their ducks in a row before their departure date.

Our favorite color is the silver—it has the looks and allure of an aluminum set, but the polycarbonate construction means the set isn’t nearly as expensive as one. Regardless of what color you choose, though, you’re getting a 3-piece set you can rely on for years to come.

Number of Bags 3
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Hard
Sizes Carry-On, Medium, Large
Warranty 2-Year

Most Stylish Luggage Set

July Classic Checked Set

Classic Checked Set

Now 99% Off

Credit: Retailer
Pros
  • Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shells are tough as nails
  • Reinforcement bumpers keep frequently-dinged areas safe
  • The color options are stellar
Cons
  • Bright colors are prone to marking or getting scuffed

July’s bags stand out not only because of the vast color options, but with little details that matter. Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shells keep your belongings safe on long-haul trips where airport employees and TSA workers’ll toss them around, while reinforced bumpers on the corners provide a tasteful pop of classy looks and additional protection against dings and dents.

The set comes with two bags, a carry-on sized bag and a check-sized bag, both of which provide ample space inside for all of your outfits, shoes, and puffy jackets. We challenge any of you to overfill their combined 122L in volume.

Some other finer details we really like are the high-quality YKK Japanese zippers, hidden laundry bags, and the brand’s signature SilentMove 360° double spinner wheels that roll smooth on all surfaces, whether that’s the long hallway between terminals or the cobbles of a side street in Europe.

Number of Bags 2
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Hard
Sizes Carry-On and Checked
Warranty Lifetime

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Best for Outdoor Adventures

Topo Designs Ultimate Global Travel Bag Kit

Ultimate Global Travel Bag Kit

Pros
  • The set looks amazing, regardless of what color you pick
  • The bags are loaded with pockets and other organization tools
  • Buying the kit gives you a sizeable discount vs. buying a la carte
Cons
  • None of the bags are particularly big
  • Soft-sided bags may not stand up to quite as much punishment as hard-sided bags

You may not know Topo Designs, and if you do, you may not think of it as a luggage company. But one of its absolute best products is this travel kit, which comes with everything you need for road trips to the mountains, business trips across the country, and on adventures abroad.

The bags are super stylish, blending complementary colors in unique ways if you like to stand out, or, if you prefer to stay stealthy, there are some neutrals to go for. The set is one of the more versatile on our list—each one has multiple carry options, can be packed together easily, and make staying organized a breeze.

Both the Briefcase and the Travel Bag have pass-through panels to easily attach them to the roller bag to ease the burden on your back, and the stowable packing cubes are perfect for separating clean clothes from dirty ones, organizing cords and other work essentials, or for keeping your toiletries in one place.

Number of Bags 5
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Soft
Sizes 10L Pack Bag (2), Global Briefcase, 30L Global Travel Bag, 44L Global Travel Bag Roller
Warranty Limited lifetime

Best for Classic Luggage Looks

Paravel The Essential Set Plus

The Essential Set Plus

Pros
  • Solid combo of packing cubes and suitcases
  • The brand is certified climate-neutral
  • We like every color option
Cons
  • One of the pricier sets on our list

Flying is not exactly the most eco-friendly thing you can do, so why not pick up some handsome luggage from a brand that’s doing good for the environment? Paravel is a certified climate neutral company using 100% recycled and upcycled materials to craft its luggage. That’s not all though, as it also offsets all of the emissions from sourcing, assembly, shipping, and delivery and even include the estimated carbon emissions of the first plane trip with the Aviator suitcase.

Not only can you feel good about buying a set for those reasons, but the luggage itself is pretty darn good. The suitcases are well-designed and use a tasteful combination of polycarbonate, leather, and aluminum to craft a durable bag that stands out without looking ostentatious.

The Essential Plus set will outfit you from head to toe (so to speak), helping you stay organized with the four-pack of packing cubes, a spacious duffel, a carry-on, and a checked bag. Plus, you get a couple of leather bag tags to ensure your luggage always returns to you in case its lost (consider throwing an AirTag in there, too).

Number of Bags 7
Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided Combo
Sizes Packing Cubes (4), Soft-Sided Duffel, Carry-On Plus, Checked (plus two leather bag tags)
Warranty 10-year limited

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commerce breaker

Headshot of Ryan Brower

Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.

He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.

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