8 Best Softside Suitcases for Every Type of Traveler

While the Carryall Spinner lives up to its name, it’s worth pointing at that, due to its construction, it doesn’t offer much room to expand, so don’t overpack if you know you plan on shopping while you’re away.

The Best for Outdoor Adventures: Patagonia Black Hole Matte Wheeled Duffel 100L

For explorers whose ideal escape involves getting as far off the beaten path as possible, off-roading and setting up camp somewhere your only neighbor for miles is Mother Nature, meet your new fav travel buddy. Made from recycled materials, including a 100-percent recycled polyester body fabric and a recycled TPU laminate, this duffel is designed to withstand rough handling and diverse weather conditions. Its durable, water-resistant exterior protects your stuff, while the large 100-liter capacity offers plenty of space for extended trips or gear-heavy excursions.

This wheeled duffel is equipped with sturdy, oversized wheels that make it easy to roll over uneven terrain, from airport terminals to dirt paths. The main compartment features a U-shaped zipper opening for easy access, with internal mesh pockets on the flap to help keep your items organized. Multiple reinforced grab handles make it easy to lift and carry, while the bag’s flexible construction allows it to fit into tight spaces when needed.

There’s a lot to love about this duffel, but its lack of rigid structure can make it harder to pack neatly or keep upright when not completely full. It’s like the Uber XL of luggage—you only want to order it if you know you need the extra room. That said, it’s these exact design elements that make it a great choice when you know you need to bring items that don’t typically fit into suitcases with more structured interiors like yoga mats, sleeping bags, collapsible fishing rods, or other camping gear.

The Best Set: Antler Lightest Luggage Set

One of the most trusted names in travel gear, Antler, a British brand with over a century of experience in designing and crafting luggage, is known for three things: quality, innovation, and designs that never look dated—all things you want when investing in a set of suitcases.

This set is made from the Goldilocks of fabrics, meaning it’s not too soft, and not too rigid, offering just the right amount of give to provide some flexibility while packing, while still protecting your stuff. The smooth 360-degree spinner wheels provide effortless mobility, and the bags fit into one another like Russian dolls making them easier to store when you’re not using them.

The expander zippers on these bags are an overpacker’s best friend, and when buying a set, the brand lets you mix and match designs and colors so you can customize yours to your needs.

The only real downside here is the lack of interior pockets for organization purposes, but that’s common in both soft and hard-side suitcases of this style.

The Best Waterproof: Rains Texel Cabin Bag

The Rains Texel Cabin Bag combines Scandinavian minimalism with practical design, offering a sleek and modern option for travelers who want style and functionality in a compact size. Known for its high-quality all-weather gear, this carry-on bag is made from the brand’s signature water-repelling PU-coated fabric. The material not only protects your belongings from the elements but also gives the bag a distinctive, matte finish that stands out in a crowd.