Handles that break off and wheels that fall apart – a broken suitcase can really ruin your holiday mood. Testfakta has tested 9 different models of medium-sized suitcases and the results are surprising. The best in the test is Rusta, which is also one of the cheapest suitcases in the test. Here, INRIKES begins a recurring collaboration with Testfakta, where we share their test results – the first item on the traveller's must-have list is the suitcase!
AV MALIN HEFVELI

You're about to leave the train station to walk to your hotel – and your suitcase loses a wheel. Or even worse: you're waiting for your luggage at the airport, and suddenly socks, t-shirts, and a toiletry bag that looks suspiciously familiar appear on the carousel. No, a sturdy and durable suitcase is the best insurance against just those travel-related nightmares. But how do you know if a suitcase will last for several years? Price can often indicate quality, but that's not always the whole truth. Therefore, Testfakta had the independent test laboratory PZT in Germany test 9 medium-sized hard-shell suitcases. Where manufacturers had several different models, the top model was chosen.

SUITCASES - HARD, MEDIUM SIZE WITH 4 WHEELS

RUSTA – REGENT PREMIUM
Price899 kr
Guarantee 5 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 9
Sustainability telescopic handle: 10
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Very durable and easy to use, but a somewhat heavier bag. High ground clearance. Not waterproof.
Expandable.
Overall rating: 8,6

AMERICAN TOURISTER – DASHPOP
Price: 1,699 kr
Guarantee 3 years
Selected rating
Sustainability wheel 8
Sustainability telescopic handle: 10
Ergonomics when driving 4 wheels 8
Commentary
Durable wheels and handles but less shock-resistant. Easy to drive and manoeuvre. High
Ground clearance. Few settings on telescopic handle. Some water resistance. Expandable.
Overall rating: 8,5

NORTH PIONEER – SUPERB
Price: 2,699 kr
Guarantee 10 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 8
Sustainability telescopic handle: 10
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Durable and resilient. Easy to operate and handle. Not waterproof.
Overall rating: 8,5

SAMSONITE – PROXIS
Price: 4,999 kr
Guarantee 10 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 10
Telescopic handle durability: 4 (Crime after 48 km)*
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Very easy to operate and handle. Shock-resistant and durable wheels and shell, but the telescopic handle broke after 48 km. The handle has many positions. More waterproof. Weighs the least.
Overall rating: 8,4

Samsonite performs well in the test but is disqualified from Testfakta Verified due to a break in the telescopic handle.

DELSEY PARIS – SHADOW 5.0
Price: 3,450 kr
Guarantee 5 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel: 8
Sustainability telescopic handle:10
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Durable and resilient. Easy to operate and handle but a somewhat heavier bag. Stiffer zip. Few settings on
Telescopic handle. Not waterproof. Expandable.
OVERALL RATING: 8,4

EPIC – GTO 5.0
Price: 2,499 kr
Guarantee 7 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 8
Sustainability telescopic handle: 10
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Durable wheels and telescopic handle. Less damage to the lining (inside) after side lift. Easy to drive and handle but low ground clearance. Some water resistance. Expandable.
Overall rating: 8,3

PRINTISSO – SIGNATURE
Price: 2,699 kr
Guarantee 5 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 6
Sustainability telescopic handle: 10
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Durable telescopic handle and resistant to drops and impacts. Less durable wheel attachments. Easy to manoeuvre and handle. Spacious but weighs the most. Not waterproof. Expandable.
Overall rating: 8,1

Clas Ohlson CABIN SUITCASE WITH WHEELS
Price: 899 kr
Guarantee 5 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 6
Sustainability telescopic handle: 1 (foul after 29 km)
Sustainability telescopic handle: 10
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Withstands bumps and lifting but the wheel attachments are less durable. The telescopic handle broke after 29 km.
The handle has few settings. Holds the least. Not waterproof.
Overall rating: 6,7

Airbox – A Z18
Price: 1,699 kr
Guarantee 3 years
SELECTED SUBGRADES
Sustainability wheel 4
Sustainability telescopic handle: 2 (faults after 35 km)
Ergonomics for driving a 4-wheeled vehicle 8
Commentary
Broken wheel fittings. The telescopic handle broke after 35 km. Less shock-resistant. Easy to drive and handle. Low weight. Not waterproof.
Overall rating: 6,0

If the suitcase breaks
If you discover that your luggage is damaged after, for example, a flight, you should follow these steps:

• Document the damage directly at baggage claim. You can, for example, take photos or videos. The images should show the damage, the baggage tag, and your location.
• Report your damaged luggage to an airport or airline representative immediately at
  Baggage reclaim.
• Ensure you complete a damaged baggage report form, known as a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
• Is it not possible to make a report at the airport? Save your documentation of the damage. Also, take a photo of the baggage claim being closed, if that is the case.
• Keep your flight tickets and a copy of your Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
• Submit your complaint to the airline as soon as possible, but no later than 7 days.
• Has your luggage been damaged on another occasion? Go to the shop where you bought your suitcase or contact the manufacturer online directly, attaching pictures and receipts. You can also receive compensation from your home insurance or any travel insurance if the luggage is damaged.
  Source: The Swedish Consumer Agency

FACTS ABOUT THE TEST
The German laboratory PZT, on behalf of Testfakta, has carried out a comparative test of 9 different medium-sized suitcases. All suitcases are between 65-70 cm high, made of hard plastic, and equipped with four wheels and telescopic handles. They tested, among other things, water resistance, shock resistance, durability during 50 km rolling, 1000 lifts by both handles, and 3000 drops to test the wheels.

.

Facts: Testfakta in May 2025