If you’re in the market for new luggage, you’ve probably come across both CALPAK and Travelers Choice as top options. As frequent travelers ourselves, we know how important it is to find a luggage brand you can count on.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features of CALPAK and Travelers Choice luggage to help you determine which is the better fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | CALPAK | Travelers Choice |
| Materials | Polycarbonate hardside; lightweight fabrics for softside | ABS/Polycarbonate hardside; polyester fabrics for softside |
| Design | Modern, stylish, variety of colors and prints | More classic silhouettes, standard color options |
| Sizes | 21”, 22” carry-ons; 24”, 28”, 32” checked | 20”, 22”, 24” carry-ons; 26”, 29”, 32” checked |
| Weight | Approximately 6-7 lbs for carry-on; 7-10 lbs for checked | Approximately 6-7 lbs for carry-on; 7-12 lbs for checked |
| Durability | Extremely durable polycarbonate hardside | Durable but not indestructible |
| Packing Features | Interior straps, zippered dividers; minimal external pockets | Wet/dry pockets, expansion zippers, lid pockets, more compartments |
| Price | $145-$320 | $60-$120 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Overview of CALPAK and Travelers Choice
CALPAK is a California-based company that designs sleek, modern luggage known for its lightweight and durable polycarbonate hardside shells.
The brand offers both hardside and softside luggage in a variety of colors and prints, as well as backpacks, duffel bags, and accessories.
CALPAK luggage features high-quality wheel systems and TSA-approved locks.
Travelers Choice is a luggage company with over 100 years of experience creating affordable, lightweight, and versatile suitcases.
Their luggage comes in both softside and hardside materials, with options like spinner wheels and expansion zippers for extra packing space.
Travelers Choice focuses on functionality and durability at a budget-friendly price point.
When comparing the two brands, CALPAK emphasizes style while Travelers Choice prioritizes value and versatility. Keep reading as we explore the key factors that set them apart.
Also Read: Differences Between iFLY And Samsonite Luggage.
- Design and Materials
When it comes to design, CALPAK luggage definitely stands out with its sleek, modern aesthetic and fun colors and prints to choose from. Their polycarbonate hardside shells are extremely lightweight yet durable, keeping belongings protected while avoiding adding extra weight.
The lightweight aluminum trolley system makes it easy to maneuver the luggage. CALPAK bags feature stylish TSA-approved combination locks and luxurious-feeling vegan leather top and side carry handles.
Travelers Choice opts for more classic silhouettes with their softside and hardside luggage, available in standard colors like black, navy, and red. Materials are designed to be lightweight yet rugged, although likely not as indestructible-feeling as CALPAK’s polycarbonate.
Travelers Choice focuses functionality with multi-directional spinner wheels, expansion zippers, and TSA-approved locks on some models. They don’t offer the same range of flashy color and print options as CALPAK.
When it comes to design and materials, CALPAK is the clear winner if you want a modern, eye-catching suitcase whereas Travelers Choice offers a more classic, understated look.
- Size Options
CALPAK offers carry-on and checked suitcase options in a range of sizes to meet various travel needs.
For carry-ons, they offer a 21-inch carry-on and 22-inch carry-on in both softside and hardside versions, plus a collapsible backpack that fits personal item requirements.
Checked suitcases come in 24-inch, 28-inch, and 32-inch sizes.
Travelers Choice also provides a range of carry-on and checked luggage sizes.
Carry-on options include 20-inch, 22-inch, and 24-inch suitcases in both softside and hardside materials.
For checked luggage, they offer 26-inch, 29-inch, and 32-inch suitcases. Their suitcases feature expansion zippers for extra packing capacity when needed.
When it comes to size selection, Travelers Choice offers a slightly wider range of carry-on and checked luggage dimensions to choose from. Frequent flyers may appreciate their 20-inch carry-on that fits smaller regional plane overhead bins.
- Weight
When lugging luggage through airports, weight is an important factor to consider. CALPAK prides itself on its ultra-lightweight design. Their polycarbonate hardside shells are extremely durable yet weigh just over 6 pounds for a 21-inch carry-on. Softside versions are equally as light.
Travelers Choice also emphasizes lightweight construction to avoid weighing down travelers. Their hardside carry-on weighs just over 7 pounds while softside versions weigh 6 pounds. Checked luggage starts at 8 pounds for hardside and 7 pounds for softside.
For those wanting the absolute lightest luggage, CALPAK wins when it comes to low weight hardside and softside options. But frequent flyers should have no issues managing the slightly heavier options from Travelers Choice either.
Also Read: Differences Between Monos And Arlo Skye Luggage.
- Durability
Frequent travelers need luggage that can stand the wear and tear of regular use.
CALPAK’s 100% polycarbonate hardside shell is extremely impact resistant and helps protect belongings from drops or tumbles.
The aluminum trolley system is durable for smooth rolling, although handles may be more prone to breakage over time.
Travelers Choice uses durable yet lightweight materials like ABS or polyester depending on the model.
Hardside shells resist cracks and impacts while softside models feature stain-resistant polyester with PVC backing.
Both offer sturdy wheel systems and handles designed to withstand baggage handlers and frequent use.
For hardside especially, CALPAK likely has a slight edge for durability. However, Travelers Choice still makes quality luggage designed to hold up well for years. Softside models from both brands will be comparable for durability.
- Packing and Organization
Smart packing features allow you to organize belongings and maximize packing capacity. CALPAK’s hardside luggage offers one large main compartment with crisscross straps and zippered dividers.
The softside versions feature similar interior organization along with some models having exterior zip pockets for extra storage.
Travelers Choice also focuses on smart organization with interior lid pockets, compression straps, and zippered dividers. Many of their softside suitcases also include wet/dry storage pockets.
Unique features like expansion zippers and low-profile pockets maximize packing versatility.
When it comes to packing organization, Travelers Choice offers a wider range of built-in features to keep items in place and make the most of interior space. CALPAK luggage provides sufficient organization but their more minimalist design has fewer specialized compartments.
- Price
When comparing luggage brands, price is often the deciding factor for many travelers. CALPAK luggage ranges from $145 for a softside carry-on up to $320 for a large checked bag. There are frequent sales offered on their website that make these stylish suitcases more affordable.
Travelers Choice prices are consistently lower, with carry-ons starting around $60 and checked bags from $80-$120. As a budget brand, their focus is functional luggage at an accessible price point. Sales can bring prices down even more.
For shoppers on a tight budget, Travelers Choice easily wins for price. CALPAK still offers competitive pricing but bags cost 70-100% more than comparable options from Travelers Choice.
- Warranty
A strong warranty provides peace of mind for luggage that will be put through a lot of wear and tear.
CALPAK offers a 2 year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for bags purchased from authorized sellers.
This protects your investment should any manufacturing issues arise.
Travelers Choice also provides a 2 year limited warranty covering manufacturer’s defects.
They offer fairly simple warranty claims but less style options to choose from compared to CALPAK.
When it comes to warranties, both CALPAK and Travelers Choice offer similar coverage.
Two years of protection is the standard for most luggage brands.
Also Read: Comparison of Samsonite And Traveler’s Choice Luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Calpak is known for making durable, lightweight polycarbonate hardside luggage. Their bags feature stylish modern designs and colors that help them stand out. Overall, Calpak is considered a very good luggage brand among travelers who appreciate their eye-catching suitcases.
For the price, Travelers Choice luggage is impressively good at delivering functional, affordable suitcases. While not as stylish as pricier brands, Travelers Choice bags earn praise from travelers for being lightweight, versatile, and holding up well under frequent use.
Some of the most durable luggage brands include Samsonite, Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Delsey, and Victorinox. Features like 100% polycarbonate shells, aircraft-grade aluminum trolleys, abrasion-resistant fabrics, and reinforced seams ensure these bags withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
Many experienced flight attendants rely on luggage brands like Travelpro and Delsey, which offer lightweight bags with lots of organization to keep belongings secure during life on the road. Brands like Tumi and Briggs & Riley are also popular for their durability to withstand frequent use.
The Verdict
When comparing CALPAK and Travelers Choice side by side, a few key differences emerge:
- Design: CALPAK offers trendy, modern styling while Travelers Choice has more classic silhouettes.
- Materials: CALPAK uses very lightweight yet durable polycarbonate while Travelers Choice opts for affordable but sturdy fabrics.
- Sizes: Travelers Choice has a wider range of carry-on and checked luggage dimensions.
- Weight: CALPAK is slightly lighter but Travelers Choice is still quite lightweight.
- Durability: CALPAK likely edges out for sheer durability, especially the hardside models.
- Organization: Travelers Choice offers more specialized interior storage and packing features.
- Price: Travelers Choice is significantly more budget-friendly.
- Warranty: Both brands offer 2 year coverage.
For travelers who want sleek, lightweight luggage with modern styling, CALPAK is the best choice. If budget is the priority but you still want quality construction, Travelers Choice is the way to go.
Focus on how you’ll use your new luggage most when deciding if the stylish design of CALPAK or the functionality of Travelers Choice is a better investment for you. And remember – you can always buy a budget Travelers Choice bag for routine trips and splurge on a fashionable CALPAK suitcase for special getaways.
Whichever you choose, both CALPAK and Travelers Choice deliver luggage you can depend on trip after trip.
Safe travels!
