Packing for a trip can be stressful enough without worrying if your luggage is up for the journey. With various brands on the market, it can be tough deciding between SwissGear and TravelPro when it comes to finding the right luggage.
As frequent travelers ourselves, we know the importance of having durable and reliable luggage. After testing out numerous brands over the years, SwissGear and TravelPro have become two of our favorites.
But with so many options to pick from, which brand reigns supreme? We’ve compared the key features of SwissGear and TravelPro luggage to help you determine which is better suited for your next adventure.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | SwissGear | TravelPro |
| Durability | Hardside cases have durable Makrolon polycarbonate shells that flex on impact to prevent cracking. Softside uses resilient ballistic nylon. | Softside cases use high-quality ballistic nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating. Hardside uses lightweight polypropylene composite shell. |
| Maneuverability | 4 multi-directional spinner wheels roll smoothly in any direction. Ergonomic handles have rubberized touchpoints and push-button release. | Dual wheel spinners with sealed ball bearings provide effortless 360° rolling. Aircraft-grade aluminum handles have molded comfort grips. |
| Storage and Organization | Interior divider with mesh pockets and elastic straps. Some models have large front panel pocket. | Zippered interior organizer pockets and garment folders provide more specialized storage. |
| Security | TSA-accepted integrated combination locks built into main zipper pulls allow convenient self-locking. | TSA-approved lock holes allow screening but you must provide your own padlock. |
| Value | Hardside and softside luggage ranges from $80-$350 providing excellent value for the quality. | Ranges from $140-$500 for softsides and $200-$450 for hardsides. Known for excellence but slightly higher prices. |
| Style | Modern color schemes on hardsides. Color blocking on softsides. Embossed logos lend stylish look. | Polished, professional aesthetic with classic colorways and tone-on-tone logos. Luxurious look and feel. |
| Size and Weight Options | Carry-ons and checked bags from 21″-29″. Weights from 6.7-10 lbs for spinners. More limited range. | Broad range of sizes from underseat totes to 29″ checked bags. Weights from 6.4-9.8 lbs for spinners. More variety. |
| Warranty | 10 year limited warranty on softside and hardside luggage. | Limited lifetime warranty on softside collections. |
SwissGear Luggage Overview
Founded in 1860 in Switzerland, SwissGear is a well-known brand most recognized for its durable hardside luggage. SwissGear aims to fuse precision Swiss craftsmanship with innovative design to create luggage that is both stylish and functional.
Some hallmarks of SwissGear luggage include:
- Durable polycarbonate shell: The hardside cases are made of a durable polycarbonate shell that can flex and absorb impact while resisting scratches. This helps protect your belongings from drops or rough baggage handlers.
- Ergonomic handles: SwissGear’s handles are designed for maximum comfort and control when rolling your suitcase. The handles are height adjustable and made of rubberized touchpoints.
- Spinner wheels: All SwissGear luggage features 4 smooth spinner wheels that allow 360 degree movement in any direction. This makes navigating crowded airports a breeze.
- TSA accepted locks: The main compartments have integrated TSA-accepted locks to secure your belongings while allowing TSA agents to open and inspect your luggage during screening if needed.
- 10 year limited warranty: SwissGear offers a 10 year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, showing confidence in their quality.
Some of SwissGear’s most popular checked luggage options include the Sion Softside Spinner and Lucerne Hardside Carry-On.
TravelPro Luggage Overview
TravelPro is another well-known luggage brand founded in 1987 by a Northwest Airlines pilot. Having endured the rigors of frequent travel himself, the founder aimed to design luggage to meet the needs of crew members and frequent flyers.
Some notable features of TravelPro luggage:
- Durable fabrics: TravelPro softside luggage is crafted from durable ballistic nylon fabric with a water repellent coating. This resists abrasion and moisture while maintaining flexibility.
- Smooth rolling wheels: TravelPro spinner suitcases have dual wheel spinners made of sealed ball bearings that roll smoothly in any direction.
- Ergonomic handles: The handles are adjustable and constructed with comfortable rubber touchpoints for easy maneuvering.
- TSA-accepted locks: The main compartments have TSA-accepted zipper locks to help secure your belongings during transit and allow TSA agents access if needed during screening.
- Limited lifetime warranty: TravelPro offers a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, excluding normal wear and tear. This shows they stand behind their products.
Top selling TravelPro luggage includes the Platinum Elite Softside Spinner and Maxlite 5 Hardside Spinner.
Also Read: Differences Between Away And Solgaard Luggage.
Key Differences Between SwissGear And TravelPro Luggage
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s compare them across some key factors:
- Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors when choosing luggage that will last trip after trip. Both SwissGear and TravelPro build their luggage to be durable, but there are some differences.
SwissGear hardside spinner luggage features a 100% polycarbonate shell that can flex on impact to prevent cracking. The Makrolon polycarbonate material is extremely resilient and scratch-resistant.
This helps protect your belongings from drops, dings, and rough baggage handling.
TravelPro softside spinners use durable ballistic nylon fabric with a DuraGuard® coating to resist water, stains, and abrasions. Though flexible, the nylon can become punctured by sharp objects. TravelPro hardside spinners use a polypropylene composite shell that is lightweight yet impact-resistant.
For checked luggage, SwissGear’s hardside polycarbonate shell is more durable for protecting contents from crushing force damage. But TravelPro softsides resist abrasion and moisture well.
For carry-ons, both brands are sufficiently durable.
- Maneuverability
Being able to smoothly maneuver your luggage through airports and hotels is key. SwissGear and TravelPro both incorporate spinner wheels and ergonomic handles for easy rolling.
SwissGear spinner luggage features four multi-directional wheels that allow effortless 360 degree movement on any terrain. The wheels are designed with stainless steel bearings for smooth and quiet rolling.
The aircraft-grade aluminum handle system is adjustable to different heights and has rubberized touchpoints for comfort. The handles feature push-button release for easy extending and retracting.
TravelPro also uses four spinner wheels on most models that spin 360 degrees with fluid motion. The dual wheel spinners contain sealed ball bearings that are engineered for maximum durability.
TravelPro handles have four height options and are made of aircraft-grade aluminum with molded ergonomic comfort grips.
Both brands perform exceptionally well for maneuverability and have similar wheel and handle designs that allow smooth rolling and control when navigating your luggage.
- Storage and Organization
Being able to efficiently organize all your packing essentials in your luggage is a must. SwissGear and TravelPro both include useful organizational features:
SwissGear hardside and softside luggage contain an interior divider with mesh pockets and elastic straps to secure belongings in place.
Models like the Sion offer a large front panel pocket for additional organization.
TravelPro models contain zippered interior organizer pockets and garment folders to help separate items.
Their softside Platinum Elite spinner has a tri-fold suiter with a padded lid that opens wide for packing suits and dresses.
The Maxlite 5 hardside has a full-length expansion zipper to increase packing capacity when needed.
Both brands allow you to pack efficiently. TravelPro offers more specialized features like garment folders and expandable storage that frequent travelers may appreciate.
- Security
Keeping your luggage and belongings secure while traveling is crucial. SwissGear and TravelPro both incorporate TSA-accepted locks but they function differently.
SwissGear hardside cases feature integrated TSA locks built into the main zipper pulls. These allow TSA agents to open your bag with a master key if it requires screening. You can also use the locks normally with your own combination or key.
TravelPro bags have TSA-approved combination lock holes on the main zipper pulls. This allows TSA agents access by opening the lock with a master key. You would provide your own TSA-approved padlock to utilize this feature.
Both brands allow TSA access according to screening requirements, but SwissGear’s integrated locks are more convenient for securing your luggage yourself.
Also Read: Comparison of Penguin And Samsonite Luggage.
- Value
When comparing SwissGear vs TravelPro luggage, you’ll notice some pricing differences. Here’s an overview:
SwissGear hardside spinner luggage ranges from about $120-$350 for most carry-on and checked suitcase sizes. Their softside luggage is typically priced from $80-$200.
Considering their durable polycarbonate shells, integrated locks, and 10 year limited warranty, SwissGear luggage provides excellent value at moderate price points.
TravelPro softside spinner luggage ranges from about $140-$500 depending on size and specific collections like Platinum Elite or Maxlite.
Their hardside spinners are priced from $200-$450.
Given their quality construction, lifetime limited warranty, and reputation among frequent travelers, TravelPro products are good value albeit at slightly higher price points than SwissGear.
Overall, SwissGear offers very affordable prices for the quality and features.
TravelPro is recognized for excellence with frequent travelers and priced accordingly.
- Style
When investing in a nice luggage set, you want pieces that coordinate and look sharp! Here’s how SwissGear and TravelPro compare for style:
SwissGear luggage features fashionable and functional designs. Their polycarbonate hardside spinners come in glossy solid colors like crimson red, cobalt blue, and matte black. The molded groove texture adds dimension.
For softside luggage, SwissGear uses attractive color blocking with tones like slate blue accented by black trim. The embossed SwissGear logo lends a modern, stylish look.
TravelPro luggage has a polished, professional aesthetic perfect for the frequent traveler. The ballistic nylon fabric comes in classic shades like black and navy accented with leather trim and logos.
Hardside cases are glossy with tone-on-tone logos and stylish metallic finishes. Over all, TravelPro offers smart styling befitting the brand’s reputation.
While both brands offer attractive luggage, TravelPro exudes a particularly premium look and feel that matches its quality. But SwissGear also has modern styling at affordable prices.
- Size and Weight Options
Luggage comes in all shapes and sizes to meet different travel needs. Here are some size and weight considerations for SwissGear and TravelPro:
SwissGear offers carry-on sizes ranging from 21″- 22″ as well as medium 23″-25″ and large 27″-29″ checked bags. Hardside spinner weights range from 6.7 lbs for a carry-on up to 10 lbs for a 29″ suitcase.
Their softside luggage is comparably light given the ballistic nylon fabric. Garment bags and duffel bags are also available.
TravelPro has a broader range of sizing options from underseat totes and 21″ carry-ons up to large 29″ checked suitcases. Weights range from 6.4 lbs to 9.8 lbs for the spinner luggage.
In addition to uprights, TravelPro has garment bags, backpacks, and crossbody bags for various trips. The extensive range offers travelers more specialized options.
TravelPro wins out with a larger selection of sizes and styles tailored specifically for air travel and cruises. SwissGear has all the essentials but less choice.
- Warranty
A good warranty provides peace of mind that a manufacturer stands behind their products. Here’s how the warranties compare:
SwissGear provides a 10 year limited warranty on their luggage covering defects in materials and workmanship.
This is an impressively long coverage period that shows confidence in quality.
TravelPro offers a limited lifetime warranty on their softside and hardside luggage collections.
This covers manufacturer’s defects excluding normal wear and tear.
Both brands provide reassuring warranties. For softside luggage, TravelPro’s lifetime limited warranty gives them the edge. But for SwissGear hardside luggage, 10 years is equally as reassuring.
Also Read: Comparison of DELSEY And TUMI Luggage.
FAQ About SwissGear and TravelPro Luggage
Yes, SwissGear is known for making high-quality and durable luggage. Key benefits of SwissGear luggage include:
1. Strong yet flexible polycarbonate shells on hardside spinners that resist impact and scratches
2. Durable ballistic nylon on softside spinners with water-repellent coating
3. Ergonomic aircraft-grade aluminum handles for easy maneuvering
4. Smooth spinner wheels for effortless mobility
5. TSA-accepted locks on main compartments for security
6. 10 year limited warranty backing their quality
For the price, SwissGear luggage provides excellent value while meeting the demands of frequent travelers. The brand is a very good option for your luggage needs.
Absolutely – TravelPro is regarded as one of the best premium luggage brands amongst frequent flyers. Notable benefits of TravelPro luggage:
1. High quality ballistic nylon fabric on softsides resists wear and damage
2. Light yet sturdy polypropylene composite shell on hardsides absorbs impact
3. Sealed ball bearing wheels roll smoothly in any direction
4. Ergonomic aircraft-grade aluminum handles for comfort and control
5. TSA-accepted lock system to properly secure belongings
6. Lifetime limited warranty on softside collections
With their reputation for excellence and smart features for travelers, TravelPro is an excellent luggage brand. Their products live up to the hype.
The most durable luggage brand overall is Briggs & Riley. Key factors that make Briggs & Riley exceptionally durable include:
1. Their patented CX technology that uses a woven hybrid composite material on softsides or 100% virgin Makrolon polycarbonate on hardsides. Both are extremely impact and abrasion resistant.
2. Outsider® handle system with strong aluminum that minimizes damage to the bag.
3. VX® ballistic nylon on softside fabric that is lightweight yet super resilient.
4. “Simple as that” no-nonsense lifetime warranty that covers normal wear and tear.
While priced at luxury price points, Briggs & Riley luggage should last a lifetime even with rough treatment. Other brands like TravelPro and SwissGear also make very durable luggage at lower price points.
SwissTech is a budget brand owned by the same parent company that makes SwissGear luggage. Overall, SwissTech luggage is not regarded as highly as SwissGear in terms of quality and durability. Some downsides to SwissTech include:
1. Their hardside suitcases have a thinner polycarbonate shell prone to cracking.
2. Softside fabrics tend to wear faster and stain more easily.
3. Spinner wheels and telescoping handles aren’t as durable.
4. Limited 10 year warranty vs SwissGear’s 10 year warranty.
While very affordable, SwissTech luggage is made with less premium materials resulting in a shorter lifespan. For better quality, we recommend investing a little more in SwissGear over SwissTech if you can.
Closing Remarks
And there you have it – a comprehensive comparison of SwissGear and TravelPro luggage! While both make great luggage, TravelPro takes the lead when cost isn’t an concern.
For an affordable yet durable option, SwissGear is hard to beat. Use this guide to help select the ideal luggage for your travel style and needs.
Happy packing!
