Wheeled suitcases might be the modern standard, but for travelers seeking a blend of vintage charm and robust practicality, nothing beats Travel Trunks Luggage Trunks. Until the late 20th century, before the rise of ubiquitous wheeled luggage, travel trunks were the sophisticated choice for extensive journeys across land, sea, and air. Their durable construction and ample storage space made them indispensable. Today, these iconic luggage trunks are experiencing a resurgence, offering the same benefits with modern upgrades. Imagine spinner wheels, adjustable handles, and compression straps seamlessly integrated into a stylish design that effortlessly stands out from the crowd of generic black suitcases.
Travel trunks are typically taller and deeper than conventional suitcases, featuring distinctive compartments often split in ratios like 70/30, 80/20, or a balanced 50/50 clamshell opening. This unique structure provides exceptional packing versatility and organization.
To guide you in choosing the perfect travel trunk, we’ve meticulously evaluated numerous carry-ons and checked suitcases in the Travel + Leisure lab. Our rigorous testing process, which included stress tests like baseball bat hits and maneuverability challenges, helped us identify the top performers. We further extended our evaluation by sending these travel trunks to editors for real-world travel experiences over six months. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic train ride or a transatlantic flight, our curated selection of the best travel trunks ensures you’ll find an option that matches your personal style and budget.
Our Top Picks for Travel Trunks & Luggage Trunks
Best Overall: Paravel Aviator Trunk
Smoothest Wheels: Away The Trunk
Best Design: Hartmann Reserve Medium Trunk
Best Carry On: July Carry On Trunk
Best Expandable: Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage
Most Stylish: Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Trunk
Most Durable: Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk Spinner
Best Value: Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk
Best Splurge: Carl Friedrik Trunk
Best for Long Trips: Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner
Best Overall Travel Trunk
Paravel Aviator Trunk
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Why We Love It: This spacious travel trunk boasts an exceptional organizational system.
What to Consider: The packing cube system, while highly recommended, is an additional purchase.
The Paravel Aviator Trunk quickly became our top pick for best overall travel trunk after rigorous testing. Its stylish yet robust design, coupled with impressive organizational features and generous capacity, left us thoroughly impressed. The timeless aesthetic, available in six classic color combinations and crafted from durable recycled polycarbonate with chrome and vegan leather accents, is undeniably appealing. However, it’s the interior that truly sets this luggage trunk apart.
A compression board, multiple pockets, and a removable laundry bag ensure effortless organization. For those seeking ultimate order, the optional Trunk Packing Suite, a set of seven custom-fit packing cubes, is a worthwhile investment. Type-A packers will appreciate the pre-filled and customizable labels included with the cubes, perfectly tailored for this ultra-deep 70/30 split travel trunk.
In our durability tests, the Aviator Trunk proved remarkably resilient. It withstood repeated blows from a metal baseball bat with minimal scuffing, and the reinforced bumpers provided excellent corner protection. “From the wheels to the handle, this bag is so hardy and sturdy, but it feels weightless to roll, which really impressed me,” noted T+L Associate Editor Anna Popp. Our only minor drawback was the desire for a slightly higher handle adjustment.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Dimensions: 31 x 16.67 x 13.88 inches | Capacity: 95 liters | Opening: 70/30-split | Materials: Recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, vegan leather details | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Person smoothly rolls a Paravel Aviator Trunk luggage trunk across stone pavers, highlighting its maneuverability.
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Alt text: Close-up view of a person zipping up a Paravel Aviator Trunk, showcasing the secure closure of this travel trunk.
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Alt text: Efficient packing of clothing items into the Paravel Aviator Trunk luggage trunk, demonstrating its spacious interior.
Smoothest Wheels on a Luggage Trunk
Away The Trunk
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Why We Love It: Despite its substantial size, this travel trunk is remarkably easy to maneuver on both two and four wheels.
What to Consider: Even weight distribution is crucial to maintain balance in this 70/30 split trunk.
The Away The Trunk stands out for its exceptionally smooth wheels, a critical feature for quality luggage trunks. Spinner wheels, though small, significantly impact a suitcase’s performance, and Away’s wheels are among the quietest and smoothest we’ve tested. Whether tilted on two wheels or rolling on all four, this luggage trunk glides almost effortlessly. Its tall, rectangular design offers enhanced stability compared to traditional suitcases. We put it through rigorous tests, navigating sharp turns, obstacle courses, and varied surfaces like carpet and gravel. In every scenario, it rolled seamlessly, never catching or feeling cumbersome. Given its 70/30 opening ratio, balanced packing is key to prevent an off-kilter feel.
“The bag is shockingly lightweight for its large size, making it incredibly easy to glide,” remarked Popp, who also tested this model. With a 107-liter capacity, it readily accommodates over two weeks’ worth of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Organizational features like compression straps and zippered mesh pockets further enhance its practicality.
Despite some scuffing after extensive travel over a year, we found it to be one of the most durable pieces from Away we’ve tested. Personal experience with Away luggage confirms its long-lasting quality.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Dimensions: 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | Capacity: 107 liters | Opening: 70/30-split | Material: Polycarbonate | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Traveler effortlessly pulls the Away The Trunk luggage trunk across paved stones, highlighting its smooth-rolling wheels.
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Alt text: Demonstrating smooth maneuverability, a person pulls the Away The Trunk luggage trunk across a thick rug without resistance.
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Alt text: Interior view of the Away The Trunk travel trunk, showcasing its organizational features like straps and mesh pockets.
Best Designed Luggage Trunk
Hartmann Reserve Medium Trunk
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Why We Love It: This beautifully designed clamshell travel trunk includes packing cubes, removable dividers, and a garment bag, elevating its organizational capabilities.
What to Consider: Leather details may show wear, and the trunk is heavier than some, weighing over 14 pounds empty.
The Hartmann Reserve Medium Trunk excels in design, presenting itself as a true luxury item with hand-painted wheels, waterproof pockets, and timeless leather accents. The telescoping handle is particularly noteworthy – sturdy, stylishly curved, and offering a dozen height adjustments for optimal comfort. Three leather grab handles (top, bottom, and side) enhance portability despite its size and weight. After a trip to Seoul, minor cracking in the decorative leather trim was observed, suggesting maintaining a pristine appearance might be challenging. Crafted from robust polycarbonate, this luggage trunk is somewhat bulky, yet surprisingly maneuverable in lab tests and obstacle courses.
Featuring a 50/50 clamshell design, it prioritizes ease of packing. Three snap-in dividers can be removed to create a large, open space for bulkier items. One half includes two waterproof pockets, ideal for small essentials and toiletries. The other half houses a large, removable garment bag, accommodating two included packing cubes and a shoe bag. Thoughtful extras abound, including leather straps to secure belongings during travel. While the capacity is impressive, the trunk’s inherent weight (14 pounds empty) means it can become heavy when fully packed.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 14.11 pounds | Dimensions: 28.25 x 16.5 x 15 inches | Opening: 50/50-split | Material: Polycarbonate with leather details | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Person smoothly wheels the stylish Hartmann Reserve Medium Trunk luggage trunk through a cone obstacle course, showcasing its design and maneuverability.
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Alt text: Organized travel bags and clothing neatly arranged inside the Hartmann Reserve Medium Trunk, highlighting its thoughtful design for packing.
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Alt text: Close-up of a person placing neatly folded clothing into the Hartmann Reserve Medium Trunk luggage trunk, demonstrating ease of packing.
Best Carry-On Travel Trunk
July Carry On Trunk
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Why We Love It: Customize the handle to 20 different heights, and enjoy the convenience of an ejectable battery for charging devices on the go with this luggage trunk.
What to Consider: The glossy exterior can scuff, but marks are generally buffable.
Light packers and carry-on enthusiasts will appreciate the sleek, ultramodern July Carry On Trunk. Its lightweight polycarbonate exterior makes lifting it into overhead bins effortless, even when fully packed. During testing, we lauded its practical packing features: dividers, mesh pockets, compression straps, and a zip pocket for optimal organization. It utilizes latch closures instead of zippers for a unique touch. Editor Hillary Maglin successfully packed for a five-day trip with room to spare in this carry-on travel trunk. “I love how many subtle pockets it has, it honestly surprised me,” she shared. “While packing, I kept finding more and more pockets and space for my things.”
Maneuverability is a key strength, gliding smoothly on both carpets and pavement, whether on two or four wheels. The customizable handle, offering 20 height settings, is a standout feature, combining sturdiness with adaptability. Charging capabilities are integrated, complete with an ejectable battery. The robust hardside shell proved durable over a year of travel, protecting belongings effectively. Glossy color options, however, tend to attract black scuff marks, especially after baggage claim (despite being carry-on, it was checked a few times). These marks are removable with some effort. Matte finishes, not tested, are likely more scuff-resistant.
The Details: Carry-on | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | Capacity: 42 liters | Opening: 50/50-split | Features: Ejectable battery with USB and USB-C ports | Material: Polycarbonate with leather finishes on nylon straps | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Traveler’s legs beside the July Carry On Trunk luggage trunk in an airplane setting, emphasizing its suitability as a carry-on.
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Alt text: A person effortlessly places the July Carry On Trunk luggage trunk into an airplane overhead bin, demonstrating its convenient size.
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Alt text: Close-up of hands holding the July Carry On Trunk’s adjustable handle, highlighting its ergonomic design and multiple height options.
Best Expandable Luggage Trunk
Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage
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Why We Love It: Multiple zippered pockets allow for easy separation of shoes, clothes, and delicates, and ample storage space even without expansion in this travel trunk.
What to Consider: The trunk is prone to scuffing when checked.
For extended trips or shopping excursions, the expandable feature of the Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage proves invaluable. Already spacious, this travel trunk offers an additional 2 inches of packing depth when needed. It features a 50/50 split, with compression straps ideal for securing packing cubes on one side and a zippered overlay on the other, along with numerous internal pockets and zippered sections for organization.
“As an admitted overpacker, this trunk provided ample space for bulky items on a Jackson Hole trip, including hiking gear, cowboy boots, and a puffer coat,” shared Testing Editor Jackie Cucco. “I didn’t need the expander on the way there, but it was a savior for my return trip after some retail therapy in town.”
Despite its size, the trunk is remarkably easy to maneuver and lift, even when fully packed. The handle offers three height settings, although a slightly taller option would be appreciated. Lighter colors tend to scuff easily when checked, but darker shades may conceal this better. It has remained dent-free after six months of use. Notably, it’s also among the more affordable travel trunk options on this list.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 12 pounds | Dimensions: 31.5 x 15.5 x 12.75 inches | Capacity: 93.9 liters | Expansion: 2 inches | Opening: 50/50-split | Material: Polycarbonate | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: A person skillfully rolling the Calpak Hue Trunk luggage trunk through an obstacle course, demonstrating its maneuverability and smooth wheels.
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Alt text: Smooth rolling demonstration of the Calpak Hue Trunk luggage trunk on carpet, highlighting its easy glide.
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Alt text: Efficient packing process shown as a person places clothing into the spacious Calpak Hue Trunk luggage trunk.
Most Stylish Luggage Trunk
Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Trunk
Why We Love It: Beyond its timeless aesthetic, this travel trunk’s deep compartments are ideal for transporting bulky items.
What to Consider: A taller telescopic handle would be an improvement.
The Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Trunk seamlessly blends fashion and function. Its appeal extends beyond the signature two-tone exterior, available in classic neutrals as well as pink and blue. Roomy enough for a two-week packing list, the 80/20 split design features a deeper compartment perfect for larger items like ski boots or beach towels. The shallower compartment includes two divider flaps with zippered pockets for travel documents or accessories, though more pockets would be beneficial – packing cubes are recommended for optimal organization in the larger section.
Throughout obstacle courses and six months of travel, the wheels glided smoothly in all directions. Durability was surprisingly robust, withstanding baseball bat hits, ladder drops, and multiple flights without dents or scratches. The handle height is the only minor drawback.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 10.87 pounds | Dimensions: 28.75 x 16.5 x 14 inches | Capacity: 91 liters | Opening: 80/20-split | Material: Polycarbonate | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: The stylish Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Trunk luggage trunk displayed on a rug in a room setting, showcasing its elegant design.
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Alt text: Detailed close-up of the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Trunk luggage trunk, highlighting its design details and texture.
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Alt text: A person efficiently adding clothing items into the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 26-inch Trunk luggage trunk, demonstrating its packing capacity.
Most Durable Travel Trunk
Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk Spinner
Why We Love It: Reinforced zinc corners provide superior protection against drops and dents on this oversized hardside travel trunk.
What to Consider: It’s on the heavier side, and inner straps could be more user-friendly.
For ultimate durability, the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk Spinner is unmatched. Built like a tank, this hefty travel trunk easily withstood baseball bat impacts and table throws. “The outer shell is reinforced with metal on the corners to prevent cracks and dents,” noted editor Taylor Fox during lab testing. While inner straps could be easier to adjust, both interior sides zip closed, effectively securing contents. Multiple zippered pockets and a water-resistant pocket enhance organization.
Ideal for long trips or moving, its substantial size and weight (over 12 pounds empty) may incur overweight baggage fees. However, it remains easy to maneuver, even when fully packed, with smooth pushing and pulling. The ergonomic handle offers four height adjustments, but shorter users might find its size slightly unwieldy.
“It’s a significant investment, but I believe it’s built to last,” Fox commented. “For those willing to invest in luggage for repeated, long-term use, it represents good value.”
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 12.6 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 14 inches | Capacity: 97 liters | Expansion: 2 inches | Material: Polycarbonate; leather detailing | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Stress test of the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk luggage trunk as it’s pushed off a counter, highlighting its durability.
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Alt text: Detailed view of the handle of the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk luggage trunk, showcasing its ergonomic design.
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Alt text: Secure closure of a packed compartment in the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk luggage trunk, highlighting its organizational features.
Best Value Travel Trunk
Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk
Why We Love It: This attractive travel trunk is a great value and includes a built-in weight indicator to prevent overweight baggage fees.
What to Consider: Organization features are basic, but packing cubes are easily added.
Reliable luggage trunks can be expensive, but the Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk offers durability without breaking the bank. Exceptionally spacious, it easily compressed several days’ worth of clothes, including a bulky puffer jacket, using its compression straps. The interior is straightforward, with compression straps on one side and a mesh zippered compartment on the other – packing cubes enhance organization. A standout feature is the built-in weight indicator, which turns red if the trunk becomes overweight, helping avoid baggage fees.
Even when fully packed, it maneuvered exceptionally well, making tight turns with ease. The polycarbonate shell and spinner wheels showed no wear after durability tests. The telescopic handle is user-friendly, though a bit more length would be appreciated. While not overly luxurious, it offers high quality at an affordable price for a luggage trunk.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Dimensions: 29.5 x 16.5 x 14 inches | Capacity: 90 liters | Opening: 80/20-split | Material: Polycarbonate | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: A person skillfully rolling the Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk luggage trunk through a cone course, showcasing its smooth maneuverability.
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Alt text: Open interior view of the Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk luggage trunk, displaying its simple yet functional design.
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Alt text: Hands arranging items inside the Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk luggage trunk, demonstrating ease of packing and ample space.
Best Splurge Luggage Trunk
Carl Friedrik Trunk
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Why We Love It: Dividers and packing cubes offer exceptional organization within this stylish, zipperless travel trunk.
What to Consider: Heavier than most trunks on this list and one of the pricier options.
For a true investment piece, the elegant, zipperless Carl Friedrik Trunk is unparalleled. Ideal for maintaining wardrobe organization while traveling, it includes packing cubes and collapsible dividers in the main compartment. Dividers customize organization, and design details prevent items from shifting during transit. “This was probably the most well-organized piece of luggage I’ve ever tested,” remarked editor Hillary Maglin.
The exterior is built to endure airport handling. Testing revealed only minor scuffing after a baseball bat hit. Premium aluminum latches and a sturdy handle highlight its durable construction. Weighing over 13 pounds, it is heavier than most trunks, feeling somewhat cumbersome on four wheels, but more manageable on two due to its elongated silhouette. After three months of flight testing, white scuff marks appeared on corners but didn’t compromise structural integrity.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 13.7 pounds | Dimensions: 28.5 x 15.5 x 14.4 inches | Capacity: 90 liters | Opening: 80/20-split | Materials: Makrolon polycarbonate shell; aluminum lock frame; leather detailing | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Person smoothly rolling the Carl Friedrik Trunk luggage trunk across a floor, highlighting its elegant design and easy rolling.
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Alt text: Close-up of a person touching the lock mechanism on the Carl Friedrik Trunk luggage trunk, showcasing its premium design and features.
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Alt text: Person expertly packing the Carl Friedrik Trunk luggage trunk, demonstrating its spacious and well-organized interior.
Best Travel Trunk for Long Trips
Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner
Why We Love It: Feels lightweight despite its large size and is spacious enough for multiple people to share, making it an ideal luggage trunk for families.
What to Consider: The exterior dented relatively easily in durability testing.
“This bag is an absolute monster,” remarked editor Sophie Mendel about the Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner. “The trunk is enormous, yet surprisingly lightweight for its size at just 10 pounds – lighter than some suitcases I own.” This colossal travel trunk is essentially a personal trailer, offering more space than any other trunk on this list. Its size and lightweight construction make it perfect for extended trips or for couples/families who prefer to pack together.
The 80/20 split design creates an ultra-deep side, with a zippered compartment and compression straps for secure packing. Despite its size, wheels glide smoothly in all directions and on various terrains for easy maneuverability. While hardware is durable, the outer shell dented relatively easily in both lab and real-world testing. Briggs & Riley offers one of the best lifetime guarantees in the industry, though cosmetic wear and tear is not covered.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Dimensions: 32.5 x 16.5 x 15.5 inches | Capacity: 123.9 liters | Opening: 80/20-split | Material: Makrolon polycarbonate | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Person easily wheels the Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner luggage trunk, showcasing its maneuverability despite its large size.
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Alt text: Close-up of hands holding the zippers on the Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner luggage trunk, highlighting its robust construction.
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Alt text: Durability test as a person hits the Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner luggage trunk with a baseball bat, assessing its resistance to damage.
Best Rugged Luggage Trunk
Delsey X Jeep Expandable Spinner Trunk
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Why We Love It: Adventure travelers will appreciate the enhanced traction wheels, echoing Jeep’s rugged quality in this luggage trunk.
What to Consider: Wheels designed for rugged terrain may not roll as smoothly on airport floors.
The Delsey X Jeep Expandable Spinner Trunk, a collaboration between Jeep and Delsey, combines Jeep’s rugged aesthetic with Delsey’s reputation for quality and durability. A must-have for adventure travelers, its hardside shell features reinforced corners for harsh conditions, and extra-tough wheels. “I can tell the wheels were designed with traction in mind for tougher surfaces, and they definitely did their job,” noted Senior Editor Lydia Price. While excellent on dirt paths or cobblestone streets, ridged wheels aren’t as smooth on floors or tiles as other Delsey luggage.
This travel trunk is also massive, with a 121-liter capacity and 70/30 design accommodating bulky sporting gear and up to three weeks of supplies, even without expansion. Sturdy front handles facilitate lifting and carrying when packed. Its heavy-duty ABS/polycarbonate blend ensures gear protection and passed durability tests without dents or scratches.
The Details: Checked suitcase | Weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions: 31.5 x 16.25 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 121 liters | Expansion: Expandable | Opening: 70/30-split | Material: ABS/polycarbonate blend | Wheels: 4 dual spinner wheels
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Alt text: Person confidently pulling the Delsey X Jeep JH002B Large Expandable Spinner Trunk luggage trunk across stone pavers, highlighting its rugged wheel design.
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Alt text: Securely zipping the Delsey X Jeep JH002B Large Expandable Spinner Trunk luggage trunk closed, showcasing its robust build.
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Alt text: Interior organizational view as a person opens pockets on the Delsey X Jeep JH002B Large Expandable Spinner Trunk luggage trunk.
Other Travel Trunks We Liked
While our top picks showcase exceptional travel trunks, several others nearly made the cut from our extensive testing of nearly 700 luggage pieces.
July Checked Trunk: The checked version of our top-rated July carry-on trunk. Despite its appeal, it’s prone to scuffs and scratches when checked, making the carry-on version our preferred choice. Consider purchasing them as a set.
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Alt text: July Checked Trunk luggage trunk opened and placed on a bed, showcasing its size and design.
Herschel Heritage Hardshell Large Luggage: This straightforward clamshell travel trunk offers impressive packing capacity and solid lab performance. However, its basic design lacks the unique features of our top picks. Still, a recommended option for those seeking simplicity.
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Alt text: Herschel Heritage Trunk luggage trunk fully packed, demonstrating its large capacity and clamshell design.
Monos Hybrid Trunk: Aluminum bumpers provide excellent security and impact protection. However, a latch opened during baseball bat testing, raising a minor concern.
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Alt text: Durability test of the Monos Hybrid Trunk luggage trunk as a person hits it with a baseball bat, assessing its impact resistance.
Delsey Turenne Medium Trunk Spinner: Lightweight and slim, ideal for shorter trips. However, zippers and wheels were slightly less smooth compared to other tested suitcases.
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Alt text: Person wheeling the Delsey Paris Turenne Medium Trunk Spinner luggage trunk through orange cones, demonstrating its maneuverability.
Delsey Rempart Medium Trunk Expandable Spinner: A solid medium-size checked trunk option. Zipper operation was somewhat stiff, and translucent colorways might not appeal to all travelers.
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Alt text: Person zipping up the Delsey REMPART Medium Trunk Expandable Spinner luggage trunk, highlighting its expandable feature.
Our Luggage Trunk Testing Process
Our team of experienced travel editors rigorously tests nearly 700 travel bags, evaluating every suitcase style in our lab and real-world scenarios. Luggage testing begins with verifying dimensions and weight, followed by a thorough inspection of interior and exterior components, noting features like smooth zippers, multi-stop handles, interior pockets, and weight indicators.
Storage capacity is assessed by packing each travel trunk with clothing, shoes, and toiletries – carry-ons for four-day trips and larger trunks for week-long or longer journeys. Organizational features like dividers, pockets, and included packing cubes are carefully considered.
Real-world travel scenarios are simulated to evaluate portability and durability. We maneuver trunks over carpets and concrete, assess wheel performance through obstacle courses, drop bags from tables, and strike them with metal baseball bats for damage resistance. Carry-on sizes are lifted into an airplane overhead bin simulator to evaluate weight and handle sturdiness.
For this article, we selected top-performing travel trunks from our extensive suitcase testing. Post-lab tests, editors travel with luggage trunks for at least six months to ensure long-term functionality.
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Alt text: Demonstrating durability, a person pushes the Calpak Hue Trunk luggage trunk off a platform onto the floor as part of rigorous testing.
Tips for Buying a Travel Trunk
Choose the Right Size and Features for Your Needs
Travel trunks today come in diverse shapes and styles, far beyond traditional bulky rectangles. Options include carry-on and checked sizes, typically in clamshell (center zipper/buckles) or split-size (70/30 or 80/20) designs. Split-size trunks feature one deep compartment for bulky items like shoes, jackets, or sporting equipment. Decide between zipper or latch closures, desired handle heights, and capacity (often in liters). While vintage-inspired trunks are aesthetically appealing, ensure they include modern features like wheels, telescopic handles, and multiple carry handles for practical use.
Prioritize Lightweight Construction in a Luggage Trunk
While most domestic airlines lack carry-on weight limits, international travel often involves restrictions. Low-cost carriers like RyanAir or WizzAir typically allow 10-kilogram or 22-pound bags (compared to the standard 12-kilogram or 26-pound allowance). Checked bags generally have a 50-pound limit in economy class.
Travel trunks can be heavy, so prioritize lightweight construction to maximize baggage allowance and ease of handling. Heavier trunks can be difficult to maneuver, especially on uneven surfaces. If you frequently fly business, first-class, or private, weight might be less of a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Trunks
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How big can my travel trunk be?
Travel trunks come in both carry-on and checked sizes. Carry-on trunks usually measure around 20-21 inches in length (including wheels) to meet most airline requirements, weighing approximately 7-9 pounds. Checked trunks range from 26-31 inches tall and can be heavier. Consider your height and maneuverability when choosing larger options. Most airlines impose a 50-pound weight limit for checked luggage. -
Why should I pick a travel trunk over a checked suitcase?
Travel trunks are ideal for cruises, extended trips, or moving due to their spaciousness and robust build, designed for easy movement even when fully packed. Compared to standard suitcases, they offer deeper compartments for large or oddly shaped items like ski boots or camera gear. 80/20 or 70/30 split designs offer a deep compartment and a shallower side for smaller, fragile, or easily accessible items. Taller and sometimes thinner than standard checked luggage, they can be easier to navigate in crowded areas. -
How do I clean a travel trunk?
Regularly wipe down your luggage trunk after travel, especially after germ-prone airport environments, and deep clean periodically. Most travel trunks are polycarbonate; use standard luggage cleaning products and disinfect with antibacterial wipes. Vacuum interiors with a handheld vacuum to remove dirt, wipe with a damp cloth, and treat stains with soapy water. For odors, sprinkle baking soda inside and air out. Some trunks have removable pockets/linings that can be machine-washed. Ensure everything is dry before storing. Use dust bags or luggage covers between trips for protection. -
How do I know if my trunk comes with a warranty?
Warranty terms vary by luggage company. Always check directly with the manufacturer for specific details. Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Away) to find warranty information, usually at the top or bottom of the page. Warranties typically cover manufacturing defects (broken handles, straps) but not travel-related damage, mishandling, or wear and tear (scratches, dents). Claiming warranties often requires proof of purchase; keep receipts and buy directly from manufacturers, not resellers. Test luggage trunks at home before travel, as returns after years of travel may not be possible.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Writer Sophie Dodd compiled this story using testing insights from T+L editors, who rigorously evaluated numerous travel trunks for design, maneuverability, organization, capacity, and value. Lab and real-world assessments were conducted for each trunk. Dodd supplemented with additional research, highlighting features like spinner wheels, garment bags, and handles. Dodd personally owns luggage from brands tested, including Away, July, and Monos.
Edited by Jackie Cucco, Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure. Jackie Cucco oversees product testing and writes/edits travel product reviews based on in-depth testing.
