In short
Three things decide which suitcase fits: how long you're travelling, how much you're taking, and whether you're flying. For short trips, a cabin suitcase with around 40 litres is enough; for longer journeys, a large suitcase from about 100 litres upwards. If you walk a lot, a travel backpack or wheeled travel bag works better.
Looking for a suitcase test? We don't run our own tests: this selection comes from our range, based on availability, features and product data. From ten reviews onwards we also show the average rating, though it doesn't factor into the selection. How Stiftung Warentest rated cabin suitcases is covered in the article Stiftung Warentest: Cabin Suitcases 2026.
Quick pick: What kind of traveller are you?
Large suitcasesFor trips of a week or more
Cabin luggageFor short trips by plane
Travel bagsFor sport, outdoor use and rough terrain
Travel backpacksFor stairs, alleys and light luggage
Children's suitcasesFor young travellers
Large suitcases for longer trips
For a week or more, or travelling as a family, a large suitcase is worth it. All three are hard-shell cases with four wheels and a TSA lock; you'll find more in our large suitcases collection.
Samsonite
Samsonite Flux 75 cm
- 108 l
- 3.9 kg
- Polypropylene
For longer trips: the expansion is built inwards, with an integrated TSA combination lock. Rated 4.8 out of 5 in our shop (29 reviews).
View
Titan
Titan Upgrade 75 cm
- 100 l
- 3.9 kg
- Polycarbonate
For anyone wanting scratch protection: matte hard shell made of 100% polycarbonate, scratch-resistant according to the manufacturer, with reinforced protective corners.
View
Travelite
Travelite City 77 cm
- 113 l
- 4.5 kg
- ABS
For maximum volume: expandable gusset, TSA lock and height-adjustable telescopic handle. The heaviest of the three.
ViewCabin suitcases for short trips
With some airlines, the trolley costs extra on the basic fare, and each airline sets its own size limits; an overview is available in Dimensions and weight by airline. More models are shown in the cabin luggage collection.
Titan
Titan Upgrade S 55 cm
- 38 l
- 2.7 kg
- Polycarbonate
For short trips with a hard shell: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, four wheels with a 5 cm diameter and an integrated TSA lock.
View
Travelite
Travelite Air Base S 55 cm
- 43 l
- 2.7 kg
- Polypropylene
For extra space on the way home: expandable to 50 litres. Measure the dimensions with the expansion unfolded.
ViewWheeled travel bags
Wheeled travel bags are softer and more flexible than suitcases, making them ideal for sport, leisure and outdoor trips. You'll find more choice among the wheeled travel bags.
Vaude
Vaude Rotuma 90
- 90 l
- 3.95 kg
- Tarpaulin
For long trips with soft luggage: opens up in the middle, water-repellent, with replaceable wheels. Rated 4.8 out of 5 in our shop (29 reviews).
View
Osprey
Osprey Sojourn 60
- 60 l
- 3.7 kg
- Nylon
For rolling and carrying: the back panel with shoulder straps and hip belt can be stowed away, while the aluminium frame and 90 mm wheels help on rough terrain.
View
Travelite
Travelite Kick Off XL
- 120 l
- 2.9 kg
- Polyester
For sport and leisure: large opening and two large external pockets. Rated 4.8 out of 5 in our shop (10 reviews).
ViewTravel backpacks for light luggage
A travel backpack won't let you down on stairs or cobblestones, and the Osprey models open at the front just like a suitcase. More can be found among the travel backpacks.
Osprey
Osprey Farpoint 40
- 40 l
- 1.48 kg
- Nylon
For light cabin luggage: cabin dimensions 55 x 35 x 23 cm according to Osprey, laptop compartment up to 16 inches, adjustable back length (approx. 41 to 56 cm).
View
Osprey
Osprey Fairview 40
- 40 l
- 1.47 kg
- Nylon
With a women's fit: same features as the Farpoint 40, adjustable back length (approx. 36 to 50 cm). Suitable for cabin luggage according to the product data.
View
Osprey
Osprey Farpoint 55
- 55 l
- 1.87 kg
- Nylon
With a daypack: approx. 40 l main backpack plus 15 l detachable daypack. Only the main backpack is cabin-size compliant.
ViewChildren's suitcases
A children's suitcase needs to be small enough to pull and light enough for everyday use. You'll find more choice among the children's suitcases.
Samsonite
Samsonite Dream2Go 52 cm
- 30 l
- 2.1 kg
- Polypropylene
For flying: hard shell with four wheels and 2-point lock, suitable for cabin luggage according to the product data. Rated 4.97 out of 5 in our shop (36 reviews).
View
Travelite
Travelite Minimover 44 cm
- 28 l
- 2.3 kg
- ABS
For weekends and overnight stays: four double wheels, telescopic handle and external pocket.
ViewWhat to look for in a suitcase
Hard shell or soft luggage
Hard shells hold their shape and protect fragile items, while soft luggage flexes and usually has external pockets. More on this: Hard shell or fabric.
Weight
Empty weight counts against your baggage allowance. Here: cabin luggage 2.7 kg, large suitcases 3.9 to 4.5 kg, travel backpacks 1.47 to 1.87 kg. The lightest suitcases.
Volume
For expandable models, the product page states whether the litre capacity applies with or without the expansion. On trip length: Suitcase sizes at a glance.
Wheels
Four spinner wheels roll alongside you and suit smooth floors. Two wheels are designed for uneven paths, with the suitcase tilted and pulled along.
Lock
A TSA lock can be opened by US security staff with a master key without being broken. More on this: TSA lock.
Expansion and interior
An expansion creates room for souvenirs: built inward on the Flux, via an expandable gusset on the Travelite City and Air Base. Also look out for a divider and packing straps.
All models compared
| Model | Litres | Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Flux 75 cm | 108 l | 3.9 kg | Polypropylene |
| Titan Upgrade 75 cm | 100 l | 3.9 kg | Polycarbonate |
| Travelite City 77 cm | 113 l | 4.5 kg | ABS |
| Titan Upgrade S 55 cm | 38 l | 2.7 kg | Polycarbonate |
| Travelite Air Base S 55 cm | 43 l (expandable to 50 l) | 2.7 kg | Polypropylene |
| Vaude Rotuma 90 | 90 l | 3.95 kg | Tarpaulin |
| Osprey Sojourn 60 | 60 l | 3.7 kg | Nylon |
| Travelite Kick Off XL | 120 l | 2.9 kg | Polyester |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | 40 l | 1.48 kg | Nylon |
| Osprey Fairview 40 | 40 l | 1.47 kg | Nylon |
| Osprey Farpoint 55 | 55 l (approx. 40 l main backpack + 15 l daypack) | 1.87 kg | Nylon |
| Samsonite Dream2Go 52 cm | 30 l | 2.1 kg | Polypropylene |
| Travelite Minimover 44 cm | 28 l | 2.3 kg | ABS |
Dimensions, material and weight come from the product data, ratings from our shop reviews. Check the product page before buying for current colours and sizes.
This selection comes from Samsonite, Titan, Travelite, Vaude and Osprey: Samsonite and Titan make the large hard-shell suitcases, Travelite covers hard shells, children's suitcases and travel bags, while Vaude and Osprey stand for wheeled travel bags and travel backpacks.
Frequently asked questions about this suitcase comparison
Hard-shell suitcase or soft luggage: which suits me?
A hard shell encases its contents rigidly and is made from polycarbonate, polypropylene or ABS, as with the Titan Upgrade, Samsonite Flux and Travelite City. Soft luggage and wheeled travel bags such as the Vaude Rotuma 90 usually have external pockets and squeeze more easily into tight storage spaces. Fragile items and air travel favour a hard shell, while car and train journeys with lots of smaller items favour soft luggage.
What suitcase size do I need?
For short trips, a cabin suitcase with around 40 litres is enough, like the Titan Upgrade S with 38 litres. For longer trips or if you're taking a lot with you, the large suitcases in this article offer 100 to 113 litres. Which size suits which trip length is covered in our guide on suitcase sizes at a glance.
Which suitcase counts as cabin luggage?
Each airline sets its own rules, so check the dimensions and weight before booking. The two cabin suitcases in this article are 55 cm tall. For the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40, the manufacturer states cabin dimensions of 55 x 35 x 23 cm for most airlines. For expandable models, it's best to measure with the expansion unfolded.
Do I need a TSA lock?
It's not mandatory. A TSA lock can be opened by US security staff with a master key without breaking it. It's therefore worth having if you're flying to the US or transiting through it. TSA locks are listed in the product data for the Samsonite Flux, Titan Upgrade, Travelite City and Travelite Air Base.
Travel backpack or suitcase?
A suitcase rolls along and protects its contents rigidly, while a travel backpack can be carried up stairs, over cobblestones and through narrow alleys. Travel backpacks such as the Osprey Farpoint 40 open at the front like a suitcase and weigh 1.48 kg. If you're mainly travelling from hotel to hotel and taking a lot of gear, a suitcase is the better choice.
Is there an overall winner?
We don't test the suitcases ourselves, so we don't name an overall winner. This selection is a comparison based on availability, features and product data, not a test verdict. How Stiftung Warentest rated cabin suitcases is summarised in our article on the Stiftung Warentest results.
Conclusion
A cabin suitcase is enough for short trips, a large hard-shell suitcase for long journeys, and a wheeled travel bag or travel backpack for uneven terrain. Compare volume, weight, wheels and lock against your travel plans. You'll find more choice among the suitcases and trolleys and business trolleys.
Discover suitcases: Cabin luggage · Hard-shell suitcases · Large suitcases · Luggage sets. More choice: Buy suitcases at Markenkoffer
