When searching for luggage, Travelpro is one of the most trusted brands among avid travelers and flight crews alike. Two of their popular collections are the Tourlite and Maxlite series. Both offer durable, lightweight suitcases perfect for navigating airports with ease.
But with different size options, weights, and feature sets, how do you choose between the Tourlite and Maxlite?
This comprehensive guide will compare the key similarities and differences between the Tourlite and Maxlite luggage. We’ll evaluate the construction quality, interior organization, weight, sizes, maneuverability, and pricing so you can determine the best option for your travel needs.
Whether you take short weekend trips or extended vacations, let’s explore how to pick the ideal Travelpro luggage collection for you.
Summary Comparison
| Feature | Tourlite | Maxlite |
| Weight | Lighter (5.4-7.3 lbs) | Heavier (7.3-9.2 lbs) |
| Sizes | Smaller (15″-25″) | More options (21″-30″) |
| Interior pockets | Basic organization | More specialized storage |
| Best for | Shorter trips | Maximizing packing space |
Durable Construction and Materials Comparison
Travelpro is known for reliable construction that can withstand the demands of frequent travel. Both the Tourlite and Maxlite collections live up to this reputation using premium materials like:
- 420D nylon fabric – The durable polyester fabric has a tight weave density of 420 denier. This makes it thick and abrasion-resistant while still staying flexible. It also has a water-repellent coating to protect your belongings.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum handle – The telescoping push-button handle is made of strong but lightweight aluminum. It glides smoothly and locks securely at multiple heights.
- High-performance sealed ball bearing wheels – The in-line skate wheels roll extremely smoothly and quietly over varied surfaces. They work well navigating airport floors.
- YKK zippers – The self-repairing zippers are very durable, designed to stay working smoothly across many trips.
Both the Tourlite and Maxlite share these high-quality components that can withstand the rigors of travel.
Several parts like the skate wheels, aluminum handle, and self-healing zippers are engineered specifically based on insights from flight crews.
The Tourlite focuses on keeping these features as lightweight as possible, while the Maxlite adds expandable capacity. But both maintain Travelpro’s reputation for reliable, smooth rolling luggage.
Size Options and Weight
One of the first differences travelers notice between the Tourlite and Maxlite is the variety of available sizes and weights. Let’s look at an overview of the options:
Tourlite Checked Suitcases
- 21” – 6.4 lbs
- 25”- 7.3 lbs
Tourlite Carry-On Suitcases
- 15” – 5.4 lbs
- 18” – 5.7 lbs
Maxlite Checked Suitcases
- 24” – 7.3 lbs
- 28” – 8.3 lbs
- 30” – 9.2 lbs
Maxlite Carry-On
- 21” – 7.3 lbs
With the checked suitcases, the Tourlite tops out at 25 inches while the Maxlite goes up to 30 inches.
The Tourlite ranges from 6.4-7.3 pounds, focused on keeping weight low.
The Maxlite checked bags are 7.3-9.2 pounds to allow the larger capacity.
For carry-ons, the Tourlite spans a petite 15-18 inches and 5.4-5.7 pound weight.
The Maxlite has a 21-inch wheeled carry-on weighing 7.3 pounds.
As you can see, the Tourlite spans smaller, lighter sizes perfect for quick trips or tight storage spaces.
The Maxlite offers more variety in larger bags, but the extra interior space comes with more weight.
Maneuverability and Rolling Performance
Thanks to the high-quality wheels and handles, both the Tourlite and Maxlite deliver excellent maneuverability. The sealed ball-bearing wheels attached via an airplane-grade aluminum chassis roll extremely smoothly in all directions.
The aircraft-grade alloy handle also glides easily with the press of a button, locking securely in place. The Tourlite stands out for feeling especially lightweight and nimble at 6-7 pounds. The Maxlite requires a bit more effort to roll and turn, given the extra weight. But it still performs very well, especially considering the larger volumes.
For those who don’t pack heavy or take shorter trips, the Tourlite’s nimble size works great. The Maxlite maneuvers nearly as smoothly despite the larger packing capacity. So both excel at rolling performance, with the Tourlite having an edge in lightweight portability.
Interior Organization and Features
While the durable exteriors are similar, the Tourlite and Maxlite differ more when it comes to interior organization. Both include straps and basic storage, but the Maxlite adds more specialized pockets.
The Tourlite offers:
- Suiters to minimize wrinkles
- Elastic hold-down straps
- Zippered mesh pockets in lid
- Compression straps in main compartment
The Maxlite includes:
- Suiters and hold-down straps
- Wet pocket for toiletries
- Adjustable lid pockets
- Additional zippered mesh pockets
- Laptop sleeve (carry-on only)
The Maxlite essentially takes the Tourlite’s storage up a notch, with wet pockets for toiletries, dedicated laptop sleeves, and more specialized lid compartments. So the Maxlite offers added organization, while the Tourlite provides efficient basic storage.
Stylish Design
Travelpro is known for combining functionality with attractive styling, and both the Tourlite and Maxlite collections fit the bill.
They feature sleek, rounded-out shells that come in stylish color blocks.
The Tourlite has a glossy finished look, while the Maxlite has more of a soft-side matte texture.
But both share a modern, curvaceous exterior that looks sharp and resists showing scuffs or dirt.
The leather accents on the handles add sophistication as well.
So while the Tourlite focuses on lightweight portability and the Maxlite emphasizes packing capacity, neither skimp on style. Both collections have modern designs available in colorful varieties to suit different preferences.
Durability and Warranty
Given the premium materials and construction, both the Tourlite and Maxlite offer excellent durability. The 420D nylon fabric resists abrasions, scuffs, and moisture. The wheels, zippers, handles, and hardware also hold up well across repeated trips.
Travelpro backs both collections with their Worry Free Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. This provides peace of mind that your suitcase will provide years of reliable use. Keep in mind airline damage and normal wear-and-tear are not covered.
Overall, the Tourlite and Maxlite are both made to last through years of frequent travel based on insights from flight crews. The Tourlite may inch ahead in long-term durability given the lighter weights it has to bear. But both deliver tremendous quality and their warranties guarantee it.
Pricing Differences
With their excellent construction and features, both the Tourlite and Maxlite represent a strong value. However, the Maxlite bags typically cost $20-60 more for similar sizes.
For example:
Checked Suitcases
- Tourlite 21” – $160
- Tourlite 25” – $180
- Maxlite 24” – $200
- Maxlite 28” – $240
- Maxlite 30” – $260
Carry-Ons
- Tourlite 15” – $140
- Tourlite 18” – $150
- Maxlite 21” – $180
The price difference reflects the Maxlite’s larger sizes, more pockets, and added weight. The Tourlite costs a bit less for travelers happy with just lightweight and basic storage. But the Maxlite provides more versatility, albeit for a higher price.
Recommendations Based on Travel Style
With this overview of size, weight, durability, and features, we can make some general recommendations on whether the Tourlite or Maxlite best fits your needs:
- For shorter trips – The Tourlite’s lighter small sizes work excellently for quick getaways and tight spaces.
- Light packers – The Tourlite offers ample space in a lighter package if you don’t max out packing capacity.
- Carry-on only – The Tourlite has great sized and lightweight carry-on bags.
- Budget shoppers – The Tourlite costs less while still providing great quality.
- Extended trips – The Maxlite’s large sizes and pockets maximize packing capabilities.
- Heavy packers – The Maxlite holds more while keeping the interior organized.
- Checking bags – The Maxlite has ideal checked bag sizes and expandability.
- Premium features – The Maxlite offers more specialized pockets and compartments.
So in general, the Tourlite meets the needs of shorter, lighter trips while the Maxlite caters to maximizing packing space for longer journeys. But keep your specific travel needs and packing tendencies in mind as well.
Also Read: How Travelpro Crew And Maxlite Luggage Stack Up?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Travelpro Maxlite 4 has three checked suitcase sizes – 24″ has capacity of 57.25L, 28″ has 73.75L capacity, and 30″ has 98.25L capacity. The largest 30″ size offers substantial packing space.
Yes, Travelpro is known for making high-quality suitcases that last through years of frequent travel. They use durable fabrics, smooth-rolling wheels, and reliable zippers tested by flight crews. Both the Tourlite and Maxlite collections are built to last.
Check the name printed on the top or side of your Travelpro suitcase – it will say the collection name like Platinum Elite, Crew, Maxlite, Tourlite, etc. You can then match it to the sizing and features on Travelpro’s website to determine the exact model.
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry-on suitcases weigh approximately:
a) 20” Carry-On – 6.7 lbs
b) 22” Carry-On – 7.2 lbs
So they keep their carry-on bags lightweight at 6.7-7.2 lbs while still being durable and spacious.
Summary and Conclusion
To wrap up this comparison, the Tourlite and Maxlite have several similarities but also key differences:
Both offer
- Durable, lightweight 420D nylon construction
- High-performance wheels and aluminum handles
- Attractive, stylish rounded designs
- Travelpro’s excellent lifetime warranty
The Tourlite prioritizes
- Light weights (6-7 lbs)
- Smaller sizes (15”-25”)
- Basic interior organization
- Affordability
The Maxlite emphasizes
- More size options (21”-30”)
- Added interior pockets
- Heavier weights (7-9 lbs)
- Expandability
As you can see, the Tourlite excels at portability for shorter trips while the Maxlite is built to maximize packing capacity for longer journeys. Both are well-constructed using thoughtful insights from flight crews. The choice comes down to your typical travel durations and packing needs.
Frequent travelers who prioritize lightweight and compact packing will get great value from the Tourlite. Those wanting to optimize interior space for extended trips will appreciate the Maxlite’s offerings. With their sleek durability and smooth rolling performance, you can’t go wrong with either of these Travelpro collections.
Whichever you choose, Travelpro’s innovations deliver a reliable, stylish luggage experience designed for navigating airports with ease – just as the pilot founder intended decades ago. So enjoy the journey, and travel on!
