(checked 2026-10-10)Based on about 4,706 ratings; the listing may pool several colors.
Wirecutter's top pick for about a decade and Good Housekeeping's best soft-sided carry-on: roomy, tough nylon and the best airline-damage warranty at its price, but it's pricey, looks old-fashioned to some, and Amazon owners report broken zippers and wheels.
Top complaints
- Zippers and wheels breaking
Amazon's review summary says durability gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting wheels breaking off and multiple reports of zippers breaking. Wirecutter notes a 2019 front-pocket zipper problem that Travelpro fixed.
- Weak skid plate, steering complaints
Wirecutter says the skid protection is small and not very protective when you pull the bag up stairs or curbs. Some Good Housekeeping testers said it was hard to steer.
Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping - Pricey, dated look, clunky warranty claims
Some Amazon owners call it overpriced at about $400, and some Good Housekeeping testers thought it looked old-fashioned. Wirecutter is tracking reports that starting a warranty claim is onerous, though it has not heard of many denials.
What owners love
- Holds five days with room to spare
Wirecutter measured 1,856 cubic inches and packed five days of clothes without using the expansion zipper. Good Housekeeping's packing test fit everything with room to spare.
Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping - Tough nylon that hides wear
Good Housekeeping says the nylon aced its abrasion and drop tests with no signs of wear, and the zippers kept contents dry. Wirecutter has not hit a serious issue in nearly a decade of use.
Source: Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter - Lifetime warranty that covers airline damage
Wirecutter says the warranty covers airline damage and shipping to a repair center if you register within 120 days, which it calls a rarity at any price.
Source: Wirecutter
- You drag bags up stairs and over curbs a lot
- You want a sleek hard-shell look
- You don't want to register a bag for warranty coverage
- Frequent flyers who want airline damage covered
- Packing five days of clothes into a standard carry-on
- Lots of outside pockets (a 2-wheel Rollaboard version holds a bit more)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-07-17): best balance of size, value and durability with magnetic-tracking wheels and a lifetime warranty; flaws are a weak skid plate, an unneeded built-in USB cable and harder warranty claims.
- Good Housekeeping: Best soft-sided (2026-06-16): aced abrasion, drop and water tests with a sturdy, comfortable handle; some testers found it hard to steer and old-fashioned looking.
- CNN Underscored: Tested the 2-wheel Rollaboard version: superior construction and a generous warranty, but slightly heavier and larger when expanded; Briggs & Riley was its top pick.