The Carry-On I’ve Taken Everywhere

Some travel pieces quietly become part of your routine, and this suitcase is one of those for me.

I’ve had this 20” Samsonite carry-on since 2021, and after countless flights, conference trips, airport mornings, hotel check-ins, and travel weeks, it’s still the one I reach for most often out of the entire luggage set I own.

Part of the reason I originally bought Samsonite — and why I’ve stayed loyal to the brand — is the 10-year warranty. Their luggage is rigorously tested, and this suitcase has absolutely lived up to it. After well over 100,000 miles together, it still rolls smoothly, feels sturdy, and somehow still looks polished despite how much use it’s gotten.

The micro-diamond polycarbonate texture has held up especially well over the years. It’s surprisingly scratch-resistant, which helps it avoid that worn-down look a lot of hard-shell luggage eventually gets after repeated trips.

Back when I used to carry it through airports more often, I loved how easy it was to maneuver. I never had to awkwardly drag it behind me — I could set my Tumi tote right on top and comfortably roll everything in front of me instead.

These days, I usually check it since I get checked luggage included when I fly, and I’d rather not schlep a suitcase around the airport if I don’t have to. But when I do take it through the terminal, the four spinner wheels still glide effortlessly through airports, conference centers, and hotels.

The size has also ended up being perfect for the way I travel: compact enough to stay manageable, but roomy enough for conference trips and shorter travel weeks without feeling oversized.

A few details I’ve continued to appreciate the lightweight feel, and the fact that the hard shell still looks elevated years later instead of beat up.

At this point, it’s one of those purchases that has more than proven itself over time.

Sometimes the most elevated pieces are simply the ones that survive real life beautifully — trip after trip. -LME

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