When shopping for travel gear, how do you know what is the best luggage for you? Should you have just one bag that fits your needs or a set of luggage that works together? Which luggage set is best for your particular needs? This guide will help answer these popular questions and a whole lot more, so you can choose the perfect luggage for every trip you plan to take.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Luggage Set
Your individual needs, lifestyle, and the length of your trips should be key factors in deciding whether to travel with a suitcase or set–and which set to choose. As you search for the best-rated luggage and sets, consider:
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Exterior construction – Regardless of size or shape, there are basically two types of exteriors–hard-sided and softside luggage. Either type is good, as long as it is well-built and has the right features for you. Some luggage sets come with a hardsided suitcase and a soft bag that serves as a companion piece. Read abouthard-sided versus soft-sided to determine which fits your needs the best.
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Size – From a small personal item to a large check-in bag, size hinges on how much you need to pack. This is led by how long your trip is, activities that require special gear, and how many people are sharing the bag. If you take long and short trips or travel as a family, buy luggage sets that combine carry-ons and check-in sized luggage. Keep in mind that airlines have size and weight restrictions. Check out theultimate guide to luggage size and weight to avoid surprise luggage fees.
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Pieces – While it may seem easier to just carry one suitcase with everything in it, sometimes it is better to travel with more than one bag. Dividing your contents between your checked or carry-on luggage and atote, backpack, or other personal item-sized bag keeps you organized and all your inflight needs handy.
Luggage sets come in various sizes and a number of pieces. You may want to buy a set of luggage that combines a carry-on with check-in suitcases to use together or separately. Other sets pair one or more rolling suitcases with companion bags designed to stack on top. The combinations are endless, but what matters most is choosing what you will use most.
Matching Your Luggage Set to Your Travel Style
Do you thrive on organization or don’t care whether you’re packed tidily as long as there is space for everything you might need? Luggage with custom organizers or lots of compartments maximize your packing space and make finding things easy. Sets that coordinate well should have varying features to accommodate your various needs.
Do you pack your schedule and hit the ground running or prefer to settle into your destination and regroup before exploring? Carry-on luggage saves you from waiting for baggage, and bags with removable components, like the Platinum® Elite Drop-Bottom Weekender, serve double duty throughout your trip. For more space, choose a set with a medium check-in bag and a soft totewith a convertible size.
Air travel has changed a lot in the past few decades. The best luggage and sets in 2025 are made to withstand lots of abuse, have quality guarantees, and are rigorously tested. Look for features you need, like built-in security, places for your laptop and other electronics, or compartments that separate laundry, shoes, or toiletries.
Travelpro's Top Picks for Luggage Sets
While a single bag may hold all your stuff, luggage sets are fantastic for traveling with everything you need in organized, coordinating bags that work together and keep what you need handy. Sets that combine several suitcases are also great for families and keeping track of everyone’s bags at a glance. Here are some of our top picks for the best luggage sets this year:
Looking for lightweight luggage with loads of packing space?
Maxlite® offers both hardsided sets and softsided sets in various colors and sizes that can’t be beat for value and convenience.
For luxury, Platinum® Elite is a great bet. Thisthree-piece, soft-sided set includes small, medium, and large spinners. If you prefer hardsided luggage, Platinum® Elite has a greattwo-piece combo with a carry-on and large check-in spinner. And the Platinum® Elitecarry-on + backpack pairis a dream for the modern business traveler.
Gear Patrol, an award-winning product review publication selected VersaPack+® as top pick for looks and functionality. If you thrive on order, VersaPack+® offers a two-piece set that lets you customize lets you customize the interiors with a variety of zip-in organizers.
Ultimately, the best choice—a complete luggage set or individual pieces—depends on your unique travel needs and preferences. Consider your trip lengths, travel style, and organizational desires, then shop luggage setsthat will serve you best.
