This Sleek, Super Affordable Samsonite Suitcase Is the Last Piece of Luggage I’ll Ever Buy — Here’s Why

Luggage has always been an afterthought for me: For years, I made due with the various gym bags given to me by school sports teams or random duffel bags I found in my parents’ attic. However, as a #FullBlownAdult, I — apparently — can’t really justify using an NYU athletics bag with a missing zipper and gum stuck to the bottom as my primary suitcase anymore. (My girlfriend informed me that, no, just because “nobody can see the gum,” doesn’t mean I was off the hook for a new suitcase.) However, since I wasn’t doing any major traveling during the pandemic, I was dragging my feet for a while. And, I have a sneaking suspicion that she conspired with my folks to get me a new suitcase for Christmas a few years ago — and I’m not complaining, since that resulted in me getting my forever suitcase: the Samsonite Carbon 2 Large Spinner. As long as it doesn’t break (and I don’t think it will!) I don’t see myself ever needing an upgrade. 

This ABS/polycarbonate hardside suitcase is a sturdy, no-nonsense piece of luggage that’s built to last. It features a textured shell that is both scratch- and scuff-resistant (mine looks fine after a few trips through airport baggage) and it’s designed to absorb impact when under stress, then pop back to its original shape, eliminating dents and dings — pretty cool. It also has a large, zippered main compartment with elastic cross-straps for holding your clothes and shoes in place, plus a zippered lid compartment for keeping your gear and toiletries separate. There’s also a Mounted Travel Sentry combo lock if you’re into locking your luggage, and four multi-directional spinner wheels for smooth, upright, 360-degree rolling. 

What I really love most about this suitcase is what it doesn’t have. There are no frills with the Samsonite Carbon 2 Large Spinner, and it just does what it’s supposed to do: It holds your stuff safely and securely, and looks good doing it. Now, if you’re more interested in suitcases with built-in chargers, convertible straps, and all sorts of other bells and whistles, this probably isn’t the piece for you. However, I can give this a full-throated recommendation for being totally reliable, pretty affordable (Psst: It’s on sale right now!), and lightweight — especially for a checked bag. It also comes in three colorways (silver, navy, and red) and has a 4.4-star average rating on the site. Personally, I took this thing from JFK in New York City to Dublin, Ireland, wheeled it over the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar, through fields in the Irish countryside, and in the puddles of the port in Galway, and you’d never be able to tell. 

So, if you haven’t found your forever suitcase, and you’re looking for something reliable, durable, and easy on the eyes, the Samsonite Carbon 2 Large Spinner is the way to go. Just make sure you snag it while it’s still on sale! 

Buy: Samsonite Carbon 2 Large Spinner, $127.99 (normally $159.99)