The Best Hard

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Peak season travel can be a perilous affair—a quality hardside suitcase won't add to the drama.

There are many things that can go wrong during peak season travel. Delays, cancellations, extreme weather patterns, lost luggage, airport mayhem. Why add to all that risk with a suitcase that may or may not reappear on the baggage claim belt torn, pancaked, and looking like it's been tortured in-flight? While there are some die-hard soft-shell luggage enthusiasts out there who would never part with their fire engine red T. Anthonys, the merits of the hard-shell variety are undeniable. Crafted in durable polycarbonate or sturdy aluminum, they are built to protect whatever's packed inside while also being supremely easy to maneuver, thanks to a number of aerodynamic design features.

And even for lifelong members of Carry-On Nation, the hardside suitcase still reigns: the fight for overhead space, as we all know, can often be quite a barbaric affair. Whether you're in search of a sleek designer splurge or care more about color variety, we've rounded up 10 of the best hard-shell suitcases on the market right now.

The preferred stealth wealth suitcases of Succession's masters of the universe now come in sleek all-black models, making it that much easier to lean into the quiet luxury aesthetic. Good looks aside though, the British brand's Carry-On Pro is a favorite of business travelers and frequent fliers alike, thanks to its large front pocket—also a hard-shell construction—perfect for travel documents and electronics, details like silent Japanese spinner wheels and Italian leather trim, and up to an inch of expansion capability.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.7" x 9.6" (10.6" expanded) ; 9.5 lbs.

It always bodes well for a suitcase's credibility when it gets the pilot seal of approval. Such is the case with this carry-on by Sterling Pacific, a new luggage brand based in Reno, Nevada, which has earned top marks with the world's most frequent fliers thanks to details like an all-aluminum construction (even in the handles), an easy-to-use one-sided rectangular trunk design, and—in an industry rarity—a two-wheel construction, which is how the true OGs roll.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 14" x 8.5" ; 11.5 lbs.

One of the greatest advantages of having a heritage automaker get into the luggage business? It knows how to make suitcases that will actually fit into the trunk of a car. That is but one of the selling points of the French brand's new venture (in collaboration with Delsey), not to mention the other details a car enthusiast would appreciate, like TSA locks that sound like a luxury car opening and interior straps reminiscent of seat belts. As for this trunk, its innovative 30/70 shape means it has room to fit bulkier items.

Dimensions: 28" x 16" x 14" ; 11.2 lbs.

Billed as the world's first carbon-neutral luggage, Paravel's suitcases are composed of recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather. It also claims to offset all of the carbon emissions generated by not only making the bag and shipping it to you, but also from the first flight you take with it. Now that's traveling with a conscience.

Dimensions: 18.25" x 28" x 11" ; 11.8 lbs.

We can thank Rimowa for turning hard-shell luggage, especially of the aluminum variety, into a global status symbol. There is also more than a century of innovation to justify its popularity—as legend has it, aluminum became the company's signature material because it was the only thing that survived a factory fire in the '30s.

Dimensions: 26.4" x 17.8" x 9.5" ; 10.4 lbs.

Monos gets high marks for its variety of pretty colors—including this limited edition version in terracotta—as well as its use of vegan finishes and recycled materials. The excellent price point doesn't hurt either. And if you happen to get a check-in bag as well, all carry-ons are designed to fit inside their larger counterparts to maximize storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 14" × 9" ; 7 lbs.

That the Princess of Wales is partial to Bric's luggage may be endorsement enough, but the heritage Italian brand—headquartered in tony Lake Como—has also earned its reputation through 70 years of fine craftsmanship. The signature Bellagio line, constructed in polycarbonate and finished with leather trimmings, is perfect for those who want a hard-shell with a more classic and feminine vibe.

Dimensions: 27" x 19" x 10.5" ; 8.8 lbs.

Not of the camp that luggage should be a splurge? Then the answer is Samsonsite, a brand as established and trusted for its quality pieces as for its great price point. It checks all the boxes required of a durable suitcase: sturdy polycarbonate shell, ergonomic handles, really good wheels, lightweight, and with expansion capabilities.

Dimensions (for the check-in model): 27" x 19.4" x 13"

Classic meets contemporary and nostalgia meets the new with FPM Milano's signature Bank suitcases, designed by the 77-year-old company as modern takes on vintage trunks. All the elements of a heritage Italian brand are there, like the fine leather details on handles and the interior straps, as are the necessary components that make them worthy of 21st century international jetsetting: thick aluminum shells, excellent wheels, butterfly locks.

Dimensions: 19.25” x 29.5” x 11.25” ; 16.3 lbs.

This is probably one of the best deals around on an aluminum shell suitcase, most of which tend to be priced at more than $1,000. That it comes from one of the most popular luggage brands on the market gives it that extra cred. Plus, the fact that it's finished in a unique rose gold hue means yours will never get lost in a sea of silver.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 13.5" x 9" ; 10.1 lbs.

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country, where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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