The Test Winners Among Cabin Suitcases
In the latest cabin luggage test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 was named test winner with a rating of "Good" (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also received a "Good" rating (2.0) — the best-value pick.
View & compare test winners »In short
The most popular models among Markenkoffer customers are the Samsonite Base Breeze 78 cm as a large hardshell suitcase, the Samsonite Citybeat 55 cm as cabin luggage, the Vaude Rotuma 90 as a wheeled travel bag, the Osprey Fairview 40 as a travel backpack, and the Samsonite Dream2Go as a children's suitcase. Stiftung Warentest 06/2026 named the TITAN Upgrade S20 test winner (rated "Good", 1.8), with the travelite Air Base 4w S as the best-value pick.
Suitcases Tested 2026 – The Genuinely Popular Models
Which suitcase is bought most often in 2026? Instead of subjective test verdicts, we show you the most popular models from our shop — from our curated recommendations. Every model featured here is currently in stock and popular with our travellers.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · We update this guide regularly so you only see currently available models.
What Really Matters When Buying a Suitcase
Before choosing a model, make sure these 8 criteria are clear to you. Only then will your suitcase truly suit your travel style.
1. Volume & Size
Cabin luggage 40–55 L, weekend suitcase 60–80 L, holiday luggage from 90 L. More details in our suitcase size guide.
2. Weight
The lighter the case, the more you can pack. Good hardshell suitcases start from 2.5 kg (55 cm) and 3.5 kg (75 cm). Empty weight counts against your checked baggage allowance.
3. Material
Hardshell made from polycarbonate or ABS, soft luggage from polyester/nylon. Details in our material comparison.
4. Wheel System
4 spinner wheels (360°) are now standard. Quiet wheels for smooth floors, rugged wheels for cobblestones. The larger the wheels, the smoother they roll.
5. Lock
A TSA lock is essential for US travel. Details on how it works in our TSA lock guide.
6. Expandable
Many models can be expanded by 15–20% in volume. Ideal for shopping holidays or bringing souvenirs home.
7. Interior Features
Compression straps, divider, wet pocket for liquids, laptop compartment. When choosing a business trolley, look out for dedicated tech compartments.
8. Warranty
Top brands like Samsonite or Titan offer 3–10 year warranties. Check before buying which types of damage are covered.
Suitcases – Large Hardshell Trolleys
OUR PICK
Samsonite Base Breeze 78 cm
Our favourite suitcase: expandable, petrol blue, lightweight · from £119
- 78 cm, 118 L volume, expandable by +10%
- Just 4.6 kg empty weight with high stability
- Polycarbonate hardshell with scratch-resistant surface
- TSA lock included as standard, 4 spinner wheels
- A popular choice for long-haul trips and family holidays
Also available in Black, Red & Dark Green
PREMIUM
Osprey Sojourn 80 – 75 cm
Backpack-trolley hybrid for adventure travel · from £245
- 80 L volume, carry or wheel — your choice
- Removable harness system for genuine backpack function
- Rugged 2-wheel construction for rough terrain
- Premium build quality, 10-year Osprey warranty
- Perfect for round-the-world trips and backpacking
BEST VALUE
Wenger Oryson 75 cm
Swiss best-value hit: expandable, lightweight · from £79
- 75 cm, expandable by +15% volume
- Excellent value for money under £100
- Scratch-resistant surface, quiet spinner wheels
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Swiss quality at a fair price
Cabin Luggage – 55 cm Carry-On Trolleys
OUR PICK
Samsonite Citybeat 55 cm
The cabin luggage bestseller – light, sturdy, in many colours · from £75
- Airline-compliant 55×40×20 cm for almost all carriers
- Just 2.6 kg empty weight – plenty of packing capacity
- 4 quiet spinner wheels with 360-degree rotation
- TSA lock built in as standard
- Fits Lufthansa and Eurowings cabin size limits
FLEXIBLE
Samsonite Base Breeze 55 cm Expandable
More space: +10% volume via zip expansion · from £97
- Standard 55 cm cabin size + 10% expansion
- 41 L base volume, expandable to 46 L
- 2.9 kg empty weight
- Polycarbonate, 4 spinner wheels, TSA lock
- Also fits stricter airline size limits
BACKPACK PICK
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
A cabin-size backpack instead of a trolley – ideal for multi-modal trips · from £112
- 55 cm cabin-compliant, 40 L volume
- Opens fully flat like a suitcase
- Stowable harness system for flight check-in
- Ideal for backpackers and minimalists
- 10-year Osprey warranty on all seams
Wheeled Travel Bags – The Outdoor Favourite
RECOMMENDED
Vaude New Islands Rotuma 90
Top recommendation: 90 L, doubles as a backpack · from £155
- 90 L volume with rugged all-terrain wheels
- Can be carried like a backpack (removable shoulder straps)
- Waterproof base coating, PFC-free
- Recycled PET fabric, Green Shape certified
- Our most-recommended outdoor travel bag
DESIGN
Rains Hilo 52 cm
Scandinavian design, waterproof, urban style · from £69
- 52 cm, handy weekend format
- 100% waterproof thanks to rubberised outer material
- Clean Scandinavian design, minimalist
- Ideal travel companion for city breaks
- Also accepted as cabin luggage
Travel Backpacks – 40 to 55 Litres
OUR PICK
Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Backpack
Women's-specific travel backpack, cabin-luggage compliant · from £86
- 40 L volume, 54 cm – cabin compliant
- Women's-specific harness (shorter back length, narrower shoulders)
- Full front-zip access like a suitcase
- Stowable straps for flight check-in
- See also our hiking backpack fitting guide
RUGGED
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
55 L men's model – built for longer trips · from £128
- 55 L volume with detachable 15 L daypack
- Combinable as cabin luggage (main backpack) + carry-on bag
- Sturdy aluminium frame for loads up to 20 kg
- Sleeping bag compartment at the base, rain cover included
- Great for trekking, long-haul travel, and hostel trips
HIKING
Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack
Lightweight daypack with rain cover · from £73
- 26 L daypack volume, just 850 g lightweight
- AirScape back panel for excellent ventilation
- Integrated rain cover
- Trekking pole attachment and hydration-system compatible
- Perfect for day trips and weekend hikes
Kids' Suitcases – The Surprise Bestseller
Samsonite's Dream2Go children's range is especially popular with families. With its wide range of designs, Dream2Go is a firm family favourite — sturdy, lightweight, and kid-friendly.
KIDS' FAVOURITE
Samsonite Dream2Go Disney Marvel Spiderman
Disney licence for little heroes · from £60
- 52 cm children's cabin size
- Easy to pull thanks to 4-wheel system
- Official Marvel licence (Spiderman, Mystery design)
- Sturdy hardshell withstands everyday kids' use
- TSA lock included as standard
RECOMMENDED
Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream Van
The classic – playful, retro, popular · from £58
- Most popular children's design in a classic style
- 52 cm, 25 L, cabin compliant
- Lightweight empty weight for children
- Sturdy hardshell, kid-friendly
- TSA lock + name tag panel inside
DESIGN
Samsonite Dream2Go Disney Motorbike
Dynamic motorbike design for little adventurers · from £66
- Motorbike design for motor enthusiasts
- 52 cm, approved for the aircraft cabin
- 4-wheel system, effortless for children to handle
- Polycarbonate hardshell, scratch-resistant
- Ideal holiday suitcase from age 4
All Bestsellers Compared
| Model | Category | Price from | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream FAMILY FAVOURITE |
Kids' 52 cm | £58 | In stock, 4.9★ |
|
Vaude Rotuma 90 TRAVEL BAG |
Travel bag 75 cm | £155 | In stock, 4.7★ |
|
Samsonite Citybeat 55 CABIN LUGGAGE |
Cabin luggage 55 cm | £75 | In stock, 4.6★ |
|
Samsonite Base Breeze 78 SUITCASE |
Suitcase 78 cm | £119 | In stock, 4.7★ |
|
Osprey Fairview 40 WOMEN'S BACKPACK |
Women's travel backpack 54 cm | £86 | In stock, 4.8★ |
|
Samsonite Dream2Go Marvel KIDS |
Kids' 52 cm | £60 | In stock, 4.8★ |
|
Osprey Sojourn 80 PREMIUM |
Wheeled backpack 75 cm | £245 | In stock, 4.8★ |
|
Osprey Hikelite 26 HIKING |
Hiking backpack 51 cm | £73 | In stock, 4.7★ |
|
Wenger Oryson 75 BEST VALUE |
Suitcase 75 cm | £79 | In stock, 4.5★ |
|
Rains Hilo 52 DESIGN |
Travel bag 52 cm | £69 | In stock, 4.7★ |
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Suitcase
Which suitcase is especially popular in 2026?
Our 2026 recommendations include: the Vaude Rotuma 90 travel bag, the Samsonite Dream2Go kids' suitcase, the Samsonite Citybeat 55 cabin luggage, and the Samsonite Base Breeze 78 suitcase. Every model is currently in stock.
Hardshell suitcase or soft luggage – which is better?
Hardshell cases protect fragile contents better and are weatherproof, while soft luggage is lighter and expandable. For flights with checked baggage, hardshell (polycarbonate) tends to be the better choice; for car and train journeys, soft luggage is often preferred. Details in our material comparison.
What suitcase size do I need for which holiday?
Short trip, 2–3 days: cabin luggage 55 cm (35–40 L). Weekend trip: 65 cm (65–75 L). One-week holiday: 75 cm (90–100 L). Longer trips or family holidays: 80 cm (110 L+). See our suitcase size guide.
How much does a good suitcase cost?
Entry-level quality from £60 (Samsonite Dream2Go, Wenger Oryson), mid-range £85–130 (Samsonite Citybeat, Base Breeze), premium from £170 (Osprey Sojourn 80, Vaude Rotuma). If you travel several times a year, a mid-range model quickly pays for itself.
Which kids' suitcase is worth buying?
Our favourite for 2026 is the Samsonite Dream2Go (52 cm, from £58) — our family favourite. Available in various designs (Ice Cream Van, Marvel Spiderman, Disney Frozen, Motorbike). Cabin compliant, lightweight, sturdy.
Travel backpack or suitcase – which is better?
For classic package holidays: a suitcase. For multi-modal trips (multiple stops, hostels, stairs, cobblestones): a backpack. The Osprey Fairview 40 (women's) and Farpoint 55 (men's) are our top recommendations among travel backpacks. Details in our backpack guide.
Our Verdict – Data-Driven Recommendations, Not Guesswork
Instead of a subjective test verdict, we show you the models that other travellers actually buy. All suitcases and bags recommended here are currently in stock, have average customer ratings of 4.5 stars or higher, and are proven favourites among our travellers.
- Travel bag favourite: Vaude Rotuma 90 – multifunctional, 90 L
- Suitcase favourite: Samsonite Base Breeze 78 – expandable, lightweight, sturdy hardshell
- Cabin luggage favourite: Samsonite Citybeat 55 – airline compliant, lightweight, TSA lock
- Kids' favourite: Samsonite Dream2Go Ice Cream – sturdy, lightweight, kid-friendly design
- Backpack favourite: Osprey Fairview 40 – women's fit, cabin-luggage compliant
- Best-value pick: Wenger Oryson 75 – Swiss quality under £100
No test models that have been poorly stocked for years. No ranking paid for by marketing budgets. Just honest recommendations based on our real-world experience.
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