Marisa Cannon puts the latest crop of larger suitcases through their paces to help you prepare for your next long-haul trip.

Tumi V3 Short Trip Packing Case

A new polycarbonate case from Tumi’s lightest hard-side collection, this case weighs only 3.8kg – light given its size, and larger than its “short trip” description suggests. It is easy to handle when filled, requiring little effort to manoeuvre thanks to four wheels. There are two main compartments, with a large zip-up pocket containing a plastic hanger bracket for storing suits. The other section is open and covered with dark grey lining, with X-shaped tie-down straps and a third compartment on the outside of the flap which is useful for storing documents. A three-stage telescoping handle allows for good control when handling. It also has an integrated TSA lock.

  • VERDICT A solid, spacious case that is easy to handle. Best for trips lasting several days.
  • DIMENSIONS 66cm x 44.5cm x 25.5cm
  • VOLUME 59 litres
  • WEIGHT 3.8kg
  • COLOUR Hunter, Pacific blue, magenta, blur print, banana leaf print, black
  • WHEELS Four
  • PRICE £445
  • uk.tumi.com

Victorinox Etherius Medium

Made from Bayer polycarbonate, this hard-shell case is streamlined and sturdy, with four wheels and a retractable handle that can be set at three different positions. Separate grips on the side and top make it simple to lift. It has two zip-up dividing walls made out of mesh and nylon fabric, plus two elasticated Y-shaped compression straps to help keep clothes in place. It also expands to allow up to 27 per cent more volume. A welcome layer of security comes from the Access lock combination recovery programme, whereby owners can register their security codes online and retrieve them if forgotten.

  • VERDICT Stylish and good value for money, with utilitarian interiors that help to keep items in place.
  • DIMENSIONS 67cm x 45cm x 30cm
  • VOLUME 65 litres
  • WEIGHT 4kg
  • COLOUR Rose gold, silver, gold, Evergreen, Deep Lake
  • WHEELS Four
  • PRICE £280
  • victorinox.com

Antler Oxygen Medium

The soft, polyester Antler Oxygen is a new ultra-light case with a strong, rip-resistant frame, as well as corner protectors designed to withstand the ravages of rough ground handling. Along with the expandable zip, the flexible material allows some give. It also has four wheels, top and side grip handles, an outer zip pocket concealed under a flap, plus TSA combination locks. Inside there is a mesh zip-up pocket and X-shaped straps for keeping items in place, although, when full, it can be a little unsteady. Cabin cases from the range come with a removable transparent toiletry bag.

  • VERDICT An extremely lightweight case made with durable fabric, although this picks up dirt easily.
  • DIMENSIONS 70cm x 43cm x 27cm
  • VOLUME 74 litres
  • WEIGHT 2.2kg
  • COLOUR Blue, red, black
  • WHEELS Four
  • PRICE £155
  • antler.co.uk

Briggs and Riley Torq Large Spinner

This hard-shell case is extremely resilient, made with three layers of ultra-strong Makrolon polycarbonate. Inside, the front mesh pocket contains an adjustable loop for hanging suits, while the main compartment has two slender zip-up pockets on either side – good for holding small loose items – and a panel that attaches to the frame with clips, helping to compress the contents. Recessed double spinner wheels provide a decent level of control, while top and side grab points and moulded side feet keep the bag unscathed when placed on its side. It is on the heavier side, but comes with a lifetime guarantee.

  • VERDICT Although weighty, the case is strong, with a number of compartments and panels to keep clothes wrinkle-free.
  • DIMENSIONS 76.2cm x 50.8cm x 30.5cm
  • VOLUME 106.1 litres
  • WEIGHT 5.9kg
  • COLOUR Cobalt, ruby, graphite
  • WHEELS Four
  • PRICE £489
  • briggs-riley.com

Samsonite Fuze Spinner

The name of this collection draws on its combination of hard and soft shell features, with the case boasting a robust, moulded frame alongside soft, woven nylon panels that allow greater flexibility. It has double tube handles, top and side grab points, four smooth-running wheels, and front and back pockets that are handy for holding documents. There are interior straps to keep clothes in place, plus a zip-up compartment with an extra pocket to keep loose items. An outer zip allows the case to expand a further 4cm, with TSA locks and a telescope handle that releases at two levels.

  • VERDICT  A good-sized check-in case with plenty of pockets to help you stay organised. Black is best for hiding stains.
  • DIMENSIONS 82cm x 53cm x 34cm
  • VOLUME 122 litres
  • WEIGHT 4.1kg
  • COLOUR Blue Nights, black
  • WHEELS Four
  • PRICE £215
  • samsonite.co.uk

Thule Subterra 3-in-1

An inventive case that splits into two, with a zip-on outer bag that detaches to create a cabin-size rolling duffel. A clip-on strap also allows the outer section to convert to a separate over-the-shoulder bag. Although confusing at first, the design is impressive, with segments attaching and detaching via a series of zips and fastenings. When all parts are attached to the trolley, plastic clips help to compress the contents. It has two wheels, a telescoping handle, top, side and bottom grab points, plus internal straps to keep clothes in place. An interior mesh pocket along the length of the bag is good for carrying keys and currency.

  • VERDICT The case holds just enough for a three to four-night trip, but its design is great if you want a number of bag options.
  • DIMENSIONS 55cm x 37cm x 36cm
  • VOLUME 56 litres
  • WEIGHT 3.5kg
  • COLOUR Mineral, Dark Shadow
  • WHEELS Two
  • PRICE £260
  • thule.com

Delsey Montsouris

This expandable trolley case has a hard-shell underside and a soft top, with two capacious compartments inside. Available only in black, it’s not the most attractive of the bunch, although it is roomy and durable, with a patented Securitech expandable zip (apparently 41 times more resilient than conventional zip fasteners), two interior horizontal straps, and heavy-duty outer clips for extra compression. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for in practicality, with anti-tilt stability feet, two large outer pockets, hardwearing wheels, TSA locks, Smart zip pullers and a soft-touch side handle for a smooth grip.

  • VERDICT A robust case with a number of useful storage features and plenty of expandable space.
  • DIMENSIONS 68cm x 43cm x 29cm
  • VOLUME 76 litres
  • WEIGHT 3.9kg
  • COLOUR Black
  • WHEELS Two
  • PRICE £189
  • delsey.com

Bric’s Life Rolling Duffel

This lightweight duffel markets itself as being environmentally friendly, made with synthetic suede and vegetable-tanned Tuscan leather finishes. Alongside its trolley handle, the case’s two wheels and anti-tilt feet are useful if you don’t want to use it as a holdall. If you do, the handle can be hidden with a zip closure, and the two slender grips can be joined with a button fastening for easy carrying. Inside, the duffel has two zip-up compartments and compression straps made from durable ribbon, while the top of the case has another pocket for extra storage.

  • VERDICT Elegant and functional, if perhaps not the most hardwearing. Great for a weekend trip.
  • DIMENSIONS 72cm x 37cm x 32cm
  • VOLUME 73 litres
  • WEIGHT 3.9kg
  • COLOUR Camel, olive, blue, brown
  • WHEELS Two
  • PRICE £570
  • brics.it

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Ted Baker Ricase textured laptop case

This polyester case has a padded main compartment plus three external pockets suitable for holding travel documents. Available in red with a textured finish, it can hold a 13-inch laptop.

Smythson Mara currency case

Made from crocodile and calf leather, the Mara has four zip sections with a satin-finish lining. Available in Ocean Blue and Poppy, you can personalise it with gold lettering and monograms.

Samsonite Cityscape Tech laptop backpack

The Cityscape’s RFID-protected pocket guards against skimming and identity fraud thanks to a blocking material placed between the outer layer and internal lining. It comes in three sizes, with the largest able to carry a 17-inch laptop.

Tumi Patrol packable travel puffer jacket

Made from water-resistant nylon, this puffer jacket converts to a travel pillow thanks to a hidden pouch in the collar. Available in navy, green and black, it is filled with down insulation and has a number of hidden pockets.

Trace Me luggage tracker

In partnership with the SITA global bag-tracing system, this luggage tracker contains technology so that if your case is lost or stolen, it can be identified by its serial number. Once the number is entered into the SITA system, you will be informed where your bag is and who to contact by text or email.