Luggage experts reveal the three best carry-on suitcases on the market – and one costs just $49 from Kmart
- Consumer watchdog Choice have revealed which three suitcases are best value
- Its experts put several through their paces to determine which performed best
- A soft, lightweight case from Kmart ranks among those costing 12 times as much
Luggage experts at Choice Australia have revealed the best three carry-on suitcases on the market – including a $49 version from Kmart.
Leading brands were put through a series of tests by the consumer organisation to see how each stacked up in terms of performance and durability.
Three types of suitcases passed with flying colours including one from the budget retailer, which is 12 times cheaper than a luxury version by Samsonite.
1. Kmart Anko 45.5cm Soft Lightweight Case – $49
Kmart’s 45.5cm soft, lightweight case is priced at an affordable $49 and was awarded an expert rating by Choice of 81 per cent
When it comes to affordable luggage, Australian retailer Kmart has a plethora of options.
However, as Choice revealed, only one suitcase, the Anko 45.5cm soft, lightweight version, was awarded the top spot.
The $49 suitcase was given an expert rating of 81 per cent for its overall performance which included a score of 100 per cent for durability and 73 per cent for ease of use.
The case lifted and dropped from a height of 90cms onto a concrete floor 300 times while packed with 4kg of clothes.
However, the suitcase didn’t perform as well as hoped in a series of tests which included a 10-minute deluge, a puncture test and a stability test.
‘You could buy the Kmart carry-on plus return flights from Sydney to Melbourne and you still wouldn’t have spent as much as the RRP of the Samsonite,’ said Choice luggage tester Matthew Tung.
2. Away The Carry-On – $295
This carry-on case by stylish US brand Away, priced at $295, comes with a built-in charger for charging appliances on-the-go
As well as reviewing a budget-priced product, the consumer outlet also reviewed carry-on luggage with a slightly higher price point.
The Carry-On by Away, priced at $295, is a hard case suitcase, and one that also comes with an in-built power bank for charging appliances on the go.
Experts who put this suitcase to the test awarded it an overall score of 84 per cent. This figure also included a 100 per cent mark for durability.
The suitcase also scored well in performance tests, including puncture and weather testing.
Experts assessing it said the only downside was the power bank made it heavier than other similar items.
Additionally, Choice reminded consumers they would also need to remove the battery before checking in, as batteries can be included in checked luggage.
A luxury carry-on by Samsonite, priced at $625 was awarded an overall score by Choice experts of 87 per cent
3. Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport 55cm – $625
When it comes to the creme de la creme of luggage, American brand Samsonite tends to be at the forefront of most people’s minds.
Which means it’s no surprise its Lite-Shock Sport, priced at $625, has made Choice’s list of best products currently on the market.
The case was awarded solid marks in every category including an overall score of 87 per cent.
It scored 100 per cent in the lift and drop test, 95 per cent in the puncture test and 75 per cent in the rain test.
The experts said the only drawback was the cost, however, in terms of brand reliability and durability, the expense may well be justified.