Whether hunting down Michelin-starred restaurants in Norway or exploring the ancient city of Nara on foot, serious travellers need durable, hard case luggage to safely house all of their travel essentials. Enter the hard shell suitcase.
A hard suitcase is more resistant and protective than its soft suitcase counterpart, making hard shell suitcases longer-lasting travel companions. Plus, they help ensure all your valuables arrive undamaged.
But finding the perfect hard suitcase to fit your travel needs can be a journey on its own. Are all hard shell suitcases created equal? Or does one brand prevail?
We’ve taken out the guesswork and curated a list of the best hard suitcase models available in Australia from the top luggage brands we know and love. Now, all you have to do is focus on what’s most important: planning your next holiday – and what to pack in your luxe new hard luggage, of course.
Looking for the perfect carry-on luggage to keep close on the flight? Find what you’re looking for here.
2025’s TOP HARD SUITCASE BRANDS
- Best luxury luggage: Rimowa Cabin Twist (here’s why)
- Best for a short stint: Tumi Short Trip 4 Wheeled Packing Case (here’s why)
- Best for the overpacker: Samsonite Evoa Z (here’s why)
The best hard suitcase models of 2025
01
Rimowa Cabin Twist
from $2590 at Rimowa
Best for: frequent flyers who are ready to lock in a suitcase for life
Rimowa is known for its timeless, sleek designs and suitcases that are built with longevity in mind. Remarkably lightweight and encased in anodised aluminium to withstand even the harshest turbulence, the Cabin Twist is a suitcase that you’ll have for life. And with Rimowa’s lifetime guarantee, that’s not just hyperbole. Plus, Rimowa’s signature grooves are now accompanied by colourful leather handles and a luggage tag. Read: no more mistaking someone else’s suitcase for your own.
Key features:
- TSA-approved locks
- Multi-wheel system
- Adonised aluminium case
- 35L, size appropriate for 4 days of travel
- Flex divider compartments
- Telescopic handle
Get the set:
02
Samsonite Evoa Z 69cm Expandable
from $360 at Samsonite
Best for: the chronic overpacker
Overpackers can breath a sigh of relief. The Evoa Z instantly unlocks an additional 12L when expanded, providing a whopping 94L to play with when you just can’t settle for one (or three) outfits. Aero-Trac™ wheels make it easy to glide through chaotic airport gates with ease, while anti-theft features offer peace of mind when travelling through high-traffic areas. This one is ideal for the frequent flyers, fashionistas and maximalists.
Key features:
- 4.9kg
- 82L without expansion; 94L when expanded
- Cross-ribbons for organisation
- Anti-theft security zipper
- 9.7″ tablet pocket
- Hanging loop/hook for storing
- 10-year warranty
Get the set:
Also available at:
- $599 at The Iconic
03
Icon Stripe Large Luggage
$399 at Antler
Best for: aesthetic-loving jetsetters
The new upgrade to Antler’s Icon Stripe range has these colourful bags lasting longer, functioning better, and packing more than ever before. Typical of Antler luggage, the polycarbonate casing is light but very strong, making this suitcase easy to navigate through bustling airports, but well protected from the hustle and bustle. These suitcases are designed to fit 2-3 weeks worth of your holiday essentials, plus, any treasures you find along the way. And for those who can’t resist a matching set, you can save 20% when you create your own.
Key features:
- Shell is water resistant and made from partially recycled materials
- Comfort grip handle
- Expandable
- TSA-approved combination lock
- Double-spinning wheels
- Lifetime warranty
Get the set:
Also available at:
- $399 at David Jones
Best for: indecisive packers in need of extra room
Maximalist packers, rejoice. The July checked expandable suitcase grows from 80L to 90L with just the flick of a zip. Despite its carrying capacity, its sleek design means that it is slightly more compact than other suitcases of similar capacity, making it ideal for rolling through busy airports and streets. The multi-stop telescopic handles adjust and lock to 20 different heights, making it easy to manoeuvre no matter your height, and smooth SilentMoveTM wheels make hustling for the plane easier than ever, no matter how much you’ve packed.
Key features:
- Unzip and expand for 10L of extra space
- YKK Japanese zippers
- Integrated TSA lock
- July patented SilentMoveTM wheels
- Y-Strap compression strap
- Hidden, odour-proof laundry bag
- Lifetime warranty
Get the set:
05
Tumi Short Trip 4 Wheeled Packing Case
from $1281 at Tumi
Best for: the type-A traveller
Whether for a short business stint or a romantic weekend away, the Tumi Short Trip hard shelled suitcase makes packing a breeze. Dual-compartment pockets and compression straps help to keep your belongings in order, while two built-in TSA combination locks mean double the security. The case also comes with a retractable top and side carry handle to make it extra easy to lift off the carousel.
Key features:
- Two built-in TSA locks
- Telescoping handle with push button to open
- Retractable top and side carry handle
- 4 dual-spinning wheels
- Dual-compartment zip pocket
- 5-year warranty
Get the set:
FAQs about hard shell suitcases
A hard or soft suitcase should be selected based on your travel needs. A soft suitcase has the benefit of weighing less, meaning that it is easier to carry from destination to destination, and also allows you to pack extra items without having to take a heavier suitcase into consideration. However, they offer less protection to your items, and are more likely to be worn down and fray with age and rough handling. A hard suitcase with a durable shell will last in good condition for years. A harder shell also protects your items, preventing leaks and other breakages.
Airlines typically do not have preference over hard or soft suitcases. Airlines are concerned with weight and dimension of your luggage, rather than its physical appearance. A hard shell suitcase is typically less flexible and slightly heavier than a soft shell suitcase, so may be more likely to breach the airline’s specifications. Both types of luggage are commonly used as both check in and carry on, and airlines are well equipped to handle both. Choose a suitcase that best suits your travel needs and provides features that will make your transit most comfortable.
Again, the best suitcase to buy in Australia comes down to your travel cadence and needs. However, the top-rated brands in Australia are often cited as: Antler, Samsonite and July. Assess how long you’re travelling for, what you’re seeking in a hard suitcase luggage, and if it will transport well.
