Penguin Vs. Samsonite: Which Luggage Brand Is Best For You?

When it comes to luggage, Penguin and Samsonite are two of the biggest names in the game. Both brands offer durable, stylish suitcases and travel bags to meet the needs of all types of travelers.

But which one should you choose for your next trip?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Penguin and Samsonite luggage across a range of factors.

We’ll compare the materials, construction quality, design, features, warranty, and more so you can determine which brand best fits your travel style and budget.

A Brief Comparison Table

Aspects	Penguin	Samsonite
Materials	Polycarbonate hard shells; ballistic nylon or canvas for soft bags	Polycarbonate or polypropylene hard shells; nylon and polyester fabrics
Durability	Very durable materials and construction; 10-year comprehensive warranty	Very durable materials and construction; 10-year limited warranty
Design	Understated, elegant aesthetics with vintage influences	Modern, trendy styles with bright colors and prints
Features	Streamlined organization with key compartments and pockets	Abundant organizational components and tech extras
Sizes	Carry-ons, checked bags, and backpacks in limited sizes	Huge selection of sizes from carry-on to oversized
Cost	$100-$700+ for most pieces	$50-$550+ range from budget to luxury
Travel Performance	Smooth maneuverability; fast packing and accessibility	Easy to maneuver; tech integration for convenience
Reviews	Rave reviews praising quality and design; some complaints about price	Very positive feedback on durability and performance; minor criticisms of lower-end models

An Overview of Penguin and Samsonite

First, let’s start with a quick rundown on each brand.

• Penguin

Founded in the 1930s, Penguin is a London-based company that offers a wide selection of suitcases, carry-ons, duffel bags, and backpacks.

Their luggage features classic, understated designs with leather accents and interior compartments to keep you organized.

Most of their bags use durable polycarbonate shells to withstand the rigors of travel.

Penguin prides themselves on blending timeless British style with innovative functionality. They focus on using high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and Japanese tattoo prints.

Most of their luggage meets airline carry-on size requirements as well.

• Samsonite

Samsonite is an American luggage company launched in 1910. They manufacture suitcases, garment bags, briefcases, backpacks, and travel accessories.

Samsonite is best known for their hard-shell suitcases made of strong polycarbonate and polypropylene materials.

Samsonite aims to make luggage that is both stylish and rugged. They use cutting-edge technology like molded shells and TSA locks across their product lines.

Their suitcases often feature multiple compartments and integrated wheels, handles, and expansion capabilities for enhanced maneuverability.

Now that we’ve covered the basics on each brand, let’s take a deeper look at how Penguin and Samsonite luggage compares across the most important factors for travelers.

Also Read: Differences Between DELSEY And TUMI Luggage.

Materials and Durability Comparison of Penguin And Samsonite Luggage

The materials and construction quality are perhaps the most crucial considerations when choosing new luggage. You want bags that will stand up to years of jetsetting without breaking down.

• Penguin

Penguin uses mainly polycarbonate for their hard-shell suitcases. Polycarbonate is a very sturdy, resilient plastic material. It flexes to absorb impact but retains its shape well over time.

Penguin bags have rigid shells that resist cracking, scuffing, or denting during transit.

For soft-sided luggage, Penguin opts for ballistic nylon or durable canvas with leather trim. These materials are lightweight yet rugged enough for the wear and tear of airline handling.

Overall, customers praise Penguin luggage for its longevity—many bags last over a decade with proper care. The brand offers a 10-year warranty against defects as well.

• Samsonite

Samsonite constructs most of their hard-shell cases out of 100% polycarbonate or polypropylene.

Both are hardy plastics that bounce back from dings and abrasions.

Polypropylene tends to be more flexible while pure polycarbonate has superior break resistance.

Samsonite’s molded shells are extremely resilient and hold up well over years of regular travel.

For fabric bags, Samsonite uses custom-weave nylons, ballistic nylons, or durable polyesters.

The nylon bags feature extra reinforcement at high-stress areas like the corners. Samsonite bags feature cross-straps, interior lining, and extra padding for added durability.

They provide a 10-year limited warranty as well.

Durability Comparison

When it comes to durability, Penguin and Samsonite are roughly on par. Both brands design luggage to be long-lasting using very sturdy exterior materials.

Their hard shells and fabric bags will likely endure years of airport runs and hotel transfers while protecting your belongings inside. These pieces are a worthwhile investment for the frequent flyer.

One slight difference is that Penguin offers full 10-year warranties while Samsonite has 10-year limited warranties. Samsonite’s coverage may exclude damage like scratches, dents, torn handles, wheels, etc.

So Penguin provides more comprehensive protection in case you do encounter issues down the road.

Design and Style Comparison of Penguin And Samsonite Luggage

While durability is essential, you also want luggage that looks sharp and stylish. The right travel bags should reflect your tastes and personality. Let’s see how Penguin and Samsonite stacks up when it comes to design aesthetics.

• Penguin

Penguin luggage has an understated, timeless look. Most of their bags come in neutral hues like black, gray, navy, olive, and taupe. They rely on subtle color blocking rather than loud patterns or prints. The embossed Penguin logo adds a touch of flair without being overbearing.

The classic silhouettes and leather accents give Penguin bags an elegant, sophisticated feel. Many collections have vintage vibes reminiscent of old-fashioned steamer trunks. So you get modern functionality blended with old-world panache.

Overall, Penguin bags straddle the line between contemporary and traditional. They work well for business trips or relaxed vacations. You can easily pair them with blazers and suits or jeans and tees.

• Samsonite

Samsonite provides far more variety and modern styling in their luggage collections.

They produce bags in diverse colors like berry red, mint green, lemon yellow, and sapphire blue.

Their patterns range from camo and abstract prints to floral designs.

And they have whimsical collections featuring characters like Minions or Hello Kitty.

Many Samsonite suitcases have a curvy, contoured silhouette for added flair.

Some lines feature glossy metallic or glittery finishes for extra appeal. Samsonite also collaborates with fashion designers like Moncler for limited-edition collections with bold prints and textures.

So Samsonite offers endless options to make a style statement. Their fun colors and patterns are ideal if you want your luggage to be easily recognizable on the baggage carousel.

Design Comparison

Penguin has a timelessly elegant aesthetic while Samsonite leans modern and playful. The brand you choose comes down to personal style preferences.

Penguin’s muted colors and vintage vibe give off refined sophistication. Samsonite’s vibrant hues and trendy prints are better for the fashionista traveler. Kids and teens often love the whimsy of Samsonite’s Disney and character luggage.

But both brands use high-quality materials and reinforced construction for stylish durability. With either option, you don’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality.

Also Read: How Spinner And 2-Wheel Carry-On Stack Up?

Features and Organization Comparison

The right features and compartments make luggage significantly more user-friendly.Interior organization helps you to pack efficiently and access items on the go. Let’s explore how Penguin and Samsonite compare when it comes to functional design.

• Penguin

For hard shells, Penguin luggage comes equipped with interior dividers and straps to secure contents in place. Most bags have two large compartments with a divider flap in the middle and an internal mesh pocket.

Some models have expansion zippers for extra packing space as needed.

For soft bags, Penguin provides ample zippered pockets both inside and out. Backpacks and duffels feature cushioned, adjustable shoulder straps for comfort. Spinner suitcases have sturdy double wheels that glide easily on smooth or rough surfaces.

Penguin bags are functional yet relatively minimalist—they include key features without going overboard on compartments. This streamlined approach makes packing and unpacking intuitive since you don’t have to sort through a maze of pockets.

• Samsonite

Samsonite excels when it comes to features and organization. Their bags have numerous compartments and pockets sized for everything from shoes to toiletries. Interior features include wet/dry bags, expansion zippers, garment straps, and removable toiletry kits.

Samsonite’s organizational features are extremely thoughtful. For instance, their carry-ons have built-in compartments sized specifically for laptops, tablets, chargers, and other tech accessories. Some suitcases even come with portable hooks to hang clothes in hotel rooms.

Spinner wheels provide effortless maneuverability. And extras like TSA-approved locks, luggage scales, and battery packs make Samsonite luggage uniquely functional.

Feature Comparison

Samsonite offers more abundant features for staying organized and powered up on the road. Their bags have a place for virtually every travel necessity.

Penguin takes a simpler approach but still includes essential interior and exterior pockets. This makes their bags less cluttered and easier to pack.

So Samsonite is ideal if you value compartmentalized storage and tech-friendly extras. But Penguin offers a streamlined experience for those who like to pack light. Ultimately, it’s about your packing style and priorities.

Comparison of Size Options

The ideal suitcase dimensions depend on factors like your height, typical packing needs, and whether you plan to use it as a carry-on. Here is an overview of the size choices available from Penguin and Samsonite.

• Penguin

For checked luggage, Penguin offers medium-sized bags around 26 inches and large bags around 29 inches.

Many of their soft duffels come in a standard mid-size as well.

For carry-ons, Penguin provides suitcases in the 20-22 inch range along with backpacks and shoulder bags.

Their sizing adheres to most airline regulations for carry-on luggage.

Penguin also has expansive ranges of briefcases, satchels, and laptop bags for work.

Sizes run a bit more limited than some other brands. But they cover all the basics for short or long trips.

• Samsonite

Samsonite provides an extensive selection of sizes across their luggage lines. Their suitcases range from petite 15-inch carry-on bags up to massive 32-inch checked suitcases for extended getaways.

You’ll also find multiple sizes of backpacks, messenger bags, cosmetic cases, and laptop bags. So Samsonite has you covered for any packing needs.

If you require a particularly large or small bag, Samsonite is likely to have that niche size. Their diverse range gives you more leeway to find the perfect case dimensions.

Size Comparison

Samsonite wins when it comes to sizing options. They simply offer more varied and specific suitcase sizes to cater to all types of trips and travelers.

Penguin keeps things simpler with their focus on medium, large, and carry-on bags. This makes it easy to identify the ideal size you need. But Penguin lacks specialty sizing for longer excursions or petite travelers.

Also Read: How Away Carry-on And Bigger Carry-on Stack Up?

Comparison of Value and Cost

With both Penguin and Samsonite being premium brands, their luggage sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. Let’s see how pricing shakes out for each company.

Penguin

Penguin luggage retails from $100 up to $700 or more. More specifically:

• Carry-ons range from $100-$400
• Checked suitcases run $250-$500
• Backpacks are $100-$250
• Duffel bags cost $150-$400

So expect to invest anywhere from a couple hundred dollars up to nearly a thousand for a set of Penguin bags.

Keep in mind that Penguin products are handmade in England using fine leathers and luxury materials. While not cheap, you are paying for expert craftsmanship and they offer good cost per use over time.

Samsonite

For Samsonite, pricing breaks down as:

• Carry-on luggage from $80-$500
• Checked suitcases from $120-$550
• Backpacks for $60-$200
• Duffels for $50-$250

Samsonite spans a wide spectrum from budget-friendly to premium. Lower-end models like their Core Collection offer quality at reasonable prices. Going up to high-end metallic finishes can run nearly $1000 for an entire set.

Overall, Samsonite provides terrific value at any price point. And you can often catch sales on older collections for extra savings.

Value Comparison

Samsonite wins on affordability since they have very budget-friendly options. Penguin only produces luxury, designer-quality luggage with the price tags to match.

However, Penguin delivers excellent value at the higher price range. Their bags are investment pieces built to last a lifetime. And they hold up impeccably even with heavy use.

So Samsonite is better if you need quality luggage on a tight budget. But Penguin offers outstanding durability and craftsmanship to justify costs for serious travelers.

Warranty and Repairs Comparison

No matter how careful you are, luggage can still suffer wear and tear over time. Let’s look at the warranty coverage and repair process offered by each brand.

• Penguin

As mentioned earlier, Penguin provides a comprehensive 10-year warranty against manufacturing and material defects on all their luggage collections. This shows the utmost confidence in their quality.

If any issues covered under warranty arise, you can file a claim through their website. Penguin will assess and repair or replace damaged items free of charge.

The brand also handles repairs for damage outside of the warranty at very reasonable rates. The process is quick, easy, and affordable.

• Samsonite

Samsonite offers limited 10-year warranties on their luggage as well. As previously noted, the limitations exclude certain types of damage like scratches or broken wheels. But manufacturing flaws are covered for the full decade.

Samsonite has a section on their website for starting claims or repairs. You can get price quotes for out-of-warranty damage and arrange for fixes at Samsonite service centers around the country.

The repair process is fairly straightforward. But keep the warranty limits in mind for any preexisting wear issues.

Warranty Comparison

Both brands provide reassuring 10-year warranties and accessible repair services. However, Penguin offers more comprehensive coverage that includes normal wear over the years.

Samsonite’s limitations may exclude common issues like broken zippers or fractured shells.

So Penguin again edges out Samsonite here. Their expansive warranty with affordable repair rates ensures your purchase is protected for the long haul.

Also Read: How Rimowa Cabin And Cabin Plus Stack Up?

Ease of Travel Comparison

Good luggage should make traveling smoother, not more difficult. Let’s see how easy and convenient it is to navigate airports and hotels with Penguin vs. Samsonite bags:

• Penguin

Penguin luggage performs very well for on-the-go usability. The spinner wheels on their suitcases glide seamlessly over floors and sidewalks for quick mobility. You can wheel large cases easily with one hand.

Backpacks and messenger bags have thick, cushioned straps that reduce shoulder strain, even when loaded up. The compact, sleek designs fit nicely in overhead bins and under airplane seats when needed.

For organization, the minimalist interiors prevent rummaging to find items. And exterior pockets give quick access to essentials during transport. Overall, Penguin luggage lets you breeze through travel routines thanks to smart, fuss-free designs.

• Samsonite

Samsonite rolls effortlessly as well thanks to quality spinner wheels and retractable handles.

They focus heavily on mobility and ease of transport. Some cases even have built-in luggage scales to prevent excess weight fees.

The multitude of pockets keep your belongings organized but can make packing a bit lengthy.

People who tend to overpack may find themselves stuffing items into every last corner.

But for those who use the compartments thoughtfully, Samsonite allows customized organization to simplify travels. And extras like mobile charging capabilities provide excellent convenience on long trips.

Ease of Travel Comparison

Both Samsonite and Penguin make transport easy, just in different ways. Penguin takes a simplified approach for fast packing and effortless mobility. Samsonite has more pockets and components for customized organization and tech integration.

Frequent packers who prefer minimalism may find Penguin bags allow smoother airport experiences. But Samsonite enables you to carefully organize gear to have just what you need close at hand while traveling.

Either way, you can’t go wrong for easy transport and accessibility. Both brands excel at functional design to support seamless wandering.

Customer Reviews

Looking at buyer reviews gives helpful real-world insight into the pros and cons of each luggage brand. Here’s a brief overview of customer feedback:

• Penguin

On websites like Amazon, Penguin luggage earns consistently positive feedback. Most reviews praise the durability, stylish design, and ease of mobility. Customers say Penguin bags keep looking pristine and glide smoothly even after years of regular trips.

Some downsides mentioned are the relatively high prices and limited size varieties. A few people report zipper issues after lengthy use. But overall, extremely minor negatives amidst rave reviews.

• Samsonite

Samsonite buyers also express satisfaction with the quality and performance. Many mention the suitcases still look brand new after extensive globe-trotting. Customers love all the pocket options and buttery-smooth spinner wheels.

Complaints focus on the lower-end models having flimsier material. But this feedback is limited to budget collections. Negative reviews are scarce among the higher-tier Samsonite luggage.

Review Comparison

Both Samsonite and Penguin earn stellar feedback for their products’ resilience and travel-friendly designs. Shoppers agree you get what you pay for with these top brands.

The few criticisms for Penguin center on value, while negatives for Samsonite relate to inconsistency among cheaper lines. But overall, both deliver remarkable quality and travel functionality according to thousands of buyers.

Also Read: How Beis And Calpak Travel Bag Stack Up?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Samsonite and Penguin luggage:

Closing Remarks

In summary, Penguin offers timeless style and streamlined functionality while Samsonite provides modern design and maximum features. Both are top-tier brands, so the ideal choice depends on your packing needs and preferences.

Let me know if you would like me to expand on any part of the comparison!