Traveling to exotic lands and faraway places can be one of the most fulfilling things in life. Trips almost always bring the promise of exciting new experiences, interesting people, and the beauty and culture of the destination. But packing can sometimes cast a dark cloud on travel, when you’re constantly stressing over space and convenience.
Fortunately for us, travel bags have certainly come a long way through the years. Wheels have evolved to being multidirectional and frames are being constructed from increasingly lightweight yet sturdy materials. Here are some of the most innovative suitcases currently in the market to make traveling easier, more comfortable, and truly enjoyable.
1. Cateep Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
This multiway bag from Cateep can be used as a backpack, a flight-approved carry-on, or strapped to the telescopic handles of your wheeled luggage. Its main compartment expands via a side zipper that lets you adjust its depth from 6 to 9.5 inches when you need addtional room for more things. When compressed, the bag can carry up to 20 liters; 35 when expanded. Front pockets offer easy access for smaller items like keys and phones. The small front compartment has one mesh and several interior slip pockets for travel essentials. It also has a USB charging port for juicing up your gadgets, along with padded sleeves to protect your laptop and tablet. Currently on sale at 39% off, get it now on Amazon.
Star Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
2. ECEEN Powered Backpack with Solar Charger
This backpack features an ingenious method of charging its built-in waterproof 2,000mAh battery pack – by making use of a detachable and foldable 3.5 watt solar charging panel. It also comes with a single-watt LED light which can be switched on in three modes – high brightness, low brightness, and SOS/Emergency flashing, useful for hiking, camping, and similar outdoor activities at night. Get this unique piece on Amazon.
Star Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
3. Delsey Pluggage 23” Spinner Upright Smart Luggage
The Pluggage, Delsey’s first fully featured smart suitcase, delivers class-leading features designed for the connected traveler. Made from 100% polycarbonate, it is lightweight yet strong and highly impact-resistant, with a scratch-resistant matte finish. Its dual-position trolley system makes switching from two to four-wheel use a breeze. Its deluxe interior includes soft-touch lining, two shoe pockets, a large mesh pocket, two removable laundry or shoe bags, and zippered dividers for convenient and flexible packing. It also comes with a USB port for charging your devices on the go, and a dedicated sleeve for easy access storage of your power bank.
Opening your Pluggage can be done in three ways: via three-digit combination, by fingerprint, or through a dedicated smartphone application that allows you to operate a host of other functions. Compatible with iOS 9.0 or newer and Android 4.3 up, this dedicated app works with the digital scale integrated in the suitcase, making it easy for you to check if you’re within your baggage limit and keep track of your luggage weight readings. It also documents TSA openings as well as indicates the charge level of your suitcase charging port battery. The app also has an Alert Mode that notifies you when your luggage is 10-65 feet away, or when it’s headed for the carousel at the claiming area. It also includes international tracking via LugLoc’s different subscription packages.
The Pluggage is covered by a 10-year limited warranty excluding electronic and electrical components, which are under a two-year warranty period. Shop this super smart suitcase at Dillard’s.
4. Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-on Expandable Spinner w/USB Port
The Platinum Elite 21” lets you maximize your carry-on thanks to its tip-resistant expansion that can cough up an additional two inches of packing capacity. It has integrated accessory pockets including a TSA compliant quart-size, removable wet pocket for toiletries. It also comes with a drop-in, fold-out suiter specifically designed for hanging clothes to prevent wrinkling. The Platinum Elite is also equipped with a built-in USB port for charging gadgets easily, and a precision glide system with eight magnatrac, self-aligning, 360-degree spinner wheels for effortless rolling. It is backed by Travelpro’s Lifetime Limited Worry-Free Warranty that covers repair of damages from airlines or common carriers. Currently on sale at 15% off, get it now on Amazon.
Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
5. Incase ProConnected 4 Wheel Hubless Roller
“Expanding our portable power offerings with luggage solutions targeting the always connected traveler.” This is how Incase describes its line of suitcases equipped with charging capabilities. And they certainly know how to deliver, because as far as luggage with charging ports go, their ProConnected is a literal powerhouse. With its 20,100 mAh reserve, it can easily charge a MacBook through the built-in USB-C port, while a pair of USB-A ports are also available for other devices. The battery itself is easily ejected via a quick-release mechanism, so you can keep using it during your flight.
The ProConnected has a spacious main compartment accessible through a wide, trunk-style opening. Interestingly, its 360-degree smooth-glide wheels are both hubless and removable. The ProConnected is covered by a limited lifetime warranty except for the battery which carries a two-year limited warranty with it. Get it on Amazon.
Star Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
6. ShelfPack Revolutionary Suitcase with Built-in Shelves
If 1) your itinerary is just too tight and you know you’ll always be on the go, or 2) you think you’ll be short on cabinet space because you’re sharing the room with a lot of people, or 3) you’re just picky and prefer to keep your stuff in your suitcase, then fear not. The ShelfPack is the answer to your problem/s. Its revolutionary design actually lets you bring your own portable closet. You simply arrange your things on its built-in shelves and front pockets, drop the shelves into the case, lower the supports, and zip it all up. Once you get to your destination, do the reverse. Unzip, raise the supports, lift the shelves, and simply pick out the items as you need them. Isn’t it great? It’s incredibly convenient, efficient, and organized. Change the way you travel now. Grab this on Amazon.
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
7. Genius Pack 21″ Aerial Hardside Carry On Spinner
With its minimalist design, the Genius Pack 21” Aerial may seem like any other hard shell piece of luggage. The genius of it however, lies within. This is the suitcase you need if you want someone or something else to make your packing list for you. No need to stress your grey matter as the Aerial already comes complete with a permanently embedded packing checklist. Not only that, it actually points out where to put your things thanks to interior category compartments for socks, undergarments, and chargers. Its maximum carry-on size is compliant with domestic and international requirements and can hold up to 43 liters, even as the case itself is extremely light at just 6.2 lbs. Comes with 100% aluminum telescope handle, durable 360-degree spinner wheels, and reinforced impact-resistant corners. Take the guesswork out of packing and get this Genius now on Amazon.
Star Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
8. Samsara Smart Aluminum Carry On with USB and App
Similar to the Delsey Pluggage earlier in this list, this 20-inch smart suitcase from Samsara also works with a mobile app. The app alerts you when the case opened out of sight, stolen, or even moves away from you. It also controls the LED light inside the bag that’s useful in the dark, and keeps track of the battery percentage. You can connect your laptop, tablets, mobile phones, and similar devices to this battery via USB-C charging ports. Apart from its high-tech features, the Samsara suitcase also comes complete with nice-to-have accessories such as five packing bags, toiletries bag, garment bag, and even a folding gym bag in case you want to squeeze in a few workouts. All of this is packed in a sleek design made of aviation aluminum alloy that is lightweight, durable, fireproof, and even eco-friendly since aluminum is endlessly recyclable. It even has an ergonomically shaped flat top you can use as portable table to work on. The Samsara Smart Luggage is a wonderful blend of style and substance, fashion and function, classic looks and cutting-edge technology. Get yours now on Amazon.
Star Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
What they’re saying:
“The best travel tech.” – Forbes
“A smart suitcase that fictional British superspy James Bond – known for his love of quirky gadgets and high tech hardware – would surely snap up.” – Newsweek
“Smarter than the rest.” – Wired
“Samsara is for travelers who want to stay productive while they’re on the road.” – Travel and Leisure
9. Multifunction Rideable Smart Luggage
Here’s a suitcase that’ll not only carry your things but you as well, if you need it to. This could prove to be a deal breaker when you find yourself dog tired in a vast airport. Made of an ABS/polycarbonate shell and an aluminum alloy frame, this multifunction smart luggage easily converts to a scooter. It can carry a maximum load of 90kg, move at a rate of up to 10km per hour, and accommodate gear up to 29.3 liters. So if you want your bag to double as your ride, get this now on Amazon.
10. Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase and Carry-On Luggage
Here’s the kiddie equivalent of the multifunction rideable smart luggage above. This one’s so cute, adults may actually want a big version for themselves. This award-winning British design provides a fun and effective way to entertain kids, thus reducing stress on them and their parents during travel. Its generous 18 liter capacity lets children pack their favorite belongings from games, toys, books, to spare clothes. Mommy or daddy can carry it by the handles or slung over their shoulder. Or they can also tow it along while their child rides on it. Trunki even comes with a passport that can be registered online and filled with travel-friendly activities. With a five-year warranty, Trunki’s lightweight yet durable design is meant to provide years of fun and play. Get it on Amazon.
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
They say it’s not how you get there, but the destination that matters. But let’s face it, if you get there in comfort, you’re more likely to enjoy your destination. And thanks to smart suitcases like the ones on this list, it’s increasingly possible to travel in ease, stay connected, and be productive on your way to your dream adventure.
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
