When it comes to luggage, travelers want something durable yet lightweight with plenty of interior space. Two of the top contenders in the luggage market are Travelpro’s Walkabout and Maxlite collections. But with different features and price points, how do you decide which is best for your needs?
This comprehensive guide compares Travelpro’s Walkabout and Maxlite luggage across factors like durability, weight, size options, and cost. We’ll break down the key differences between the two so you can determine which Travelpro luggage is the better fit for your next trip.
Key Differences At A Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of how Walkabout and Maxlite luggage stacks up:
| Aspects | Travelpro Walkabout | Travelpro Maxlite |
| Materials | Polyester fabric, leather accents | Polyester fabric |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Weight | 7.3-9.6 lbs | 4.5-7.3 lbs |
| Wheels | Spinner wheels | Spinner wheels |
| Sizes | 20-29 inches | 20-29 inches |
| Handles | Adjustable, rubberized tapered | Adjustable, rubberized tapered |
| Warranty | Limited 10-year | Limited 10-year |
| Price Range | $180-$600 | $140-$440 |
As you can see, Walkabout and Maxlite share many similarities as Travelpro luggage collections, but Walkabout tends to use higher-end materials that make it heavier while Maxlite prides itself on lightweight construction.
Now let’s look at each factor in-depth.
Key Differences Between Travelpro Walkabout And Maxlite Luggage
- Durability and Construction
When examining luggage durability, you need to look at the materials used.
Travelpro Walkabout uses a durable polyester fabric shell like Maxlite, but has the added touch of leather accents for aesthetic flair.
The leather trim lends a sense of sophistication while also protecting high-wear areas like the corners.
Both Walkabout and Maxlite collections use a sturdy aluminum frame on all sides to maintain the bag’s shape.
This metal frame allows the bags to take more punishment than luggage with only fabric sides.
For wheels, these two collections feature smooth-rolling in-line skate wheels in a spinner configuration that rotates 360 degrees for maximum maneuverability.
One durability advantage the Walkabout line has is its wider wheelbase—13% wider than Maxlite. This gives the bag more stability when rolling so it doesn’t tip over as easily. The wider wheelbase also helps prevent damage to the bag bottom when going over curbs or up stairs.
Overall, while Maxlite offers solid durability with its polyester shell and aluminum frame, Walkabout edges it out with small touches like leather accents and a wider wheelbase. When properly cared for, both collections will last for many trips.
Also Read: Differences Between Travelpro Roundtrip And Maxlite Luggage.
- Weight
One of the major differences between the Walkabout and Maxlite collections is weight.
For hardside spinner luggage, Travelpro’s Maxlite line prides itself on its lightweight construction.
Maxlite bags typically weigh between 4.5-7.3 pounds depending on the size.
This compact weight makes it easy to maneuver the bag through airports and lift it into overhead bins.
Walkabout bags are significantly heavier, ranging from 7.3-9.6 pounds for the same sizes as Maxlite.
The added weight comes from the extra durable materials like leather used in the Walkabout collection.
While this improves certain elements like durability and appearance, it also makes the bags heavier to transport.
For travelers who pack light or need to lift their luggage frequently, Maxlite is likely the better choice to reduce fatigue. But frequent fliers who want the highest quality materials may prefer to carry the extra weight of the Walkabout.
- Interior Space and Organization
Both Walkabout and Maxlite come in a range of sizes from 20-29 inches to accommodate travelers with different packing needs.
Inside, these Travelpro collections offer similar interior capacity and organization. They have tie-down straps to secure packed items in place as well as a variety of zippered pockets to keep belongings organized and easily accessible.
One difference is that Maxlite features an integrated USB port so you can charge devices from the bag’s power bank—a useful feature for tech-focused travelers.
Overall, while slight variations exist, Walkabout and Maxlite offer comparable interior space and organization. Choosing between them depends more on your desired size and weight than interior elements.
- Styling
The Walkabout and Maxlite collections share a classic, professional style perfect for business travel.
However, a few styling differences exist.
As mentioned earlier, the Walkabout line incorporates upscale leather accents on areas like the trim, handles, and pulls.
This lends a sleek, sophisticated look.
Maxlite has a simpler all-polyester fabric exterior without leather touches.
While still stylish, Maxlite has a more casual and understated look.
Both collections come in classic colors like black and navy along with some bolder shades like red and teal.
Maxlite offers a few more very bright color choices for travelers who want luggage that stands out.
So while they share an overall classic style, Walkabout’s leather accents edge it out in terms of luxury and sophistication if that’s your priority. But Maxlite works well for those wanting a more low-key look.
Also Read: Comparison of Samsonite Winfield And Freeform Luggage.
- Price
With the higher-end materials used, it makes sense that Travelpro’s Walkabout luggage comes at a higher price point than the lightweight Maxlite collection.
For checked suitcases, Walkabout prices range from $180 for a 20-inch carry-on up to $600 for a 29-inch extra large bag. Maxlite checked bags start at $140 for 20-inch carry-ons and top out at $440 for the biggest piece.
So there is a roughly $40-$150 price difference between comparable Walkabout and Maxlite luggage depending on size. This cost gap reflects the heavier construction and leather accents of the Walkabout line.
Both collections offer great quality and features for the prices. But if budget is a major concern, the more affordable Maxlite line may be the way to go.
- Warranty
One area where Walkabout and Maxlite are equal is the included warranty. All Travelpro luggage comes with a limited 10-year warranty to protect against defects in materials or workmanship.
This decade-long coverage demonstrates the brand’s faith in the long-term durability and performance of both luggage collections. It’s great peace of mind for your purchase.
Pros and Cons of Travelpro Walkabout And Maxlite Luggage
To summarize the key benefits and downsides of each collection, here are the major pros and cons of Travelpro Walkabout and Maxlite luggage:
Travelpro Walkabout Pros:
- Very durable polyester shell with leather accents
- Sophisticated, luxury styling
- Wide wheelbase improves stability
Walkabout Cons:
- Heavier weight from premium materials
- Higher price point
Travelpro Maxlite Pros:
- Extremely lightweight construction
- Integrated USB port for charging devices
- More affordable pricing
Maxlite Cons:
- Not as durable or high-end as Walkabout
- Less stylish leather accents
- Narrower wheelbase less stable
Also Read: Comparison of Travelpro Tourlite And Maxlite Luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Travelpro is known as a highly reputable luggage brand among frequent travelers. They make durable, high-quality suitcases designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. Both their Walkabout and Maxlite collections are regarded as excellent options.
The Travelpro Maxlite 4 comes in a range of sizes: 20 inches tall (carry-on size), 22 inches tall, 25 inches tall, 28 inches tall, 29 inches tall (extra large).
So there are sizes available for all needs from short weekend trips to extended journeys. The 29 inch Maxlite 4 has a substantial interior capacity of over 123 liters.
With proper care and maintenance, Travelpro luggage like the Walkabout and Maxlite collections can easily last 5-10 years or longer. Their durable polyester shells, weather-resistant zippers, sturdy aluminum frames, and smooth wheels hold up well to heavy travel over time. The 10-year limited warranty demonstrates the brand’s faith in their bags’ longevity.
Yes, Travelpro is an American company founded in 1987 in Florida. They design their luggage collections like Walkabout and Maxlite at their US headquarters in Boca Raton. Their bags are assembled in factories in Mexico and China. So while manufacturing takes place overseas, design and engineering happens in the US.
Wrapping Up
When choosing between Travelpro’s Walkabout and Maxlite luggage, key factors to weigh include durability, weight, price, and appearance needs.
Walkabout offers a very durable, high-end suitcase with leather accents and a sophisticated style. But the premium materials make it heavier and more costly.
Maxlite is an ultralight polyester luggage line with a casual style and budget-friendly pricing. But durability is a bit lower than the Walkabout collection.
For travelers wanting maximum quality and luxury, Walkabout is likely the best fit. But Maxlite works well for those prioritizing low weight and affordable cost in their luggage.
Both collections are backed by Travelpro’s lifetime warranty and deliver great performance. So you can’t go wrong with either Walkabout or Maxlite as your companion for adventures around the globe.
