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Looking for the best zipperless luggage in the US instead?
The most secure luggage on the market, find the best zipperless luggage across all sizes, from hard shell carry-ons and lightweight checked suitcases to luggage sets and aluminium trunk cases, hard shell. I’ve selected the best rated for all budgets including affordable brand names like Away and Carl Friedrik to luxury names like RIMOWA.
What to consider when buying the best zipperless luggage for you?
Material is the main consideration. Due to the latch locking system, luggage without a zipper tend to be hard shell only. This could be polycarbonate, polypropylene or aluminium. Here are the pros and cons of each:
- Polycarbonate & Polypropylene: The lightest and budget friendly of materials. Polypropylene is lighter, but polycarbonate is sturdier.
- Aluminium: More durable than polycarbonate and polypropylene, it is however heavier and more expensive which should be taken into consideration. Aluminium suitcases are made to dent and scratch too, which may put off buyers who like to keep their luggage looking pristine.
- Aluminium frame: Usually paired with polycarbonate or polypropylene, aluminium frames are a lighter and cheaper version than a full aluminium shell, offering the best of both worlds.
You can filter all of our handpicked zipper luggage choices by price, size and material using the filter below.
Why aren’t there sub £300 suitcases listed?
As with all things, you get what you pay for when it comes to quality and suitcases are no different (be careful of buying some of the unknown brands on Amazon for example).
When recommending luggage, I always advise investing in something that is going to last years of travel and choosing luggage that comes with a lifetime warranty and is made from quality, robust materials. However, there are some affordable basic zipperless options if you need luggage sub £300 that I think would be worth considering:
What size suitcase do I need?
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
Filter the best zipperless luggage by material and size
Monos Hybrid
| Sizes | Carry-on, Larger Carry-on, Medium, Large, Trunk |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell, Aluminium frame |
| Buy from | Monos |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Founded in 2019, July’s mission is to create well designed products at an affordable price. They also speak to travellers to find key pain points around luggage.
Unique Selling Point
The Monos Hybrid features a polycarbonate hard shell which is Aerospace-grade and water-resistant made from partially recycled materials. There’s also vegan leather detailing and the lining is made from 100% recycled polyester and anti-microbial.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
The Monos Hybrid offers similar specs to the slightly more expensive July Trunk and Cal Friedrik and is available in more sizes.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
July Trunk
| Sizes | Carry-on, Carry-on with Front Pocket, Large, Trunk |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell, Aluminium frame |
| Buy from | July |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Founded in 2019, July’s mission is to create well designed products at an affordable price. They also speak to travellers to find key pain points around luggage.
Unique Selling Point
It’s made from crush-proof glazed polycarbonate shell with aluminium frame and also comes with an ejectable battery with FastCharge USB-C, a hidden laundry bag, stain resistant lining, compression pad, a lifetime warranty and an option to personalise with your initials.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
For price and construction, the July Trunk is a serious contender if you’re looking to upgrade your affordable suitcase. There’s also a limited edition version (pictured) which is inspired by the 70’s and features a scuff-resistant matte finish for extra durability.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
Carl Friedrik
| Sizes | Carry-on, Carry-on with Front Pocket, Medium, Large, Extra Large |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell, Aluminium frame |
| Buy from | Carl Friedrik |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Carl Friedrik focuses on design details and premium materials that are made to last – and it shows.
Unique Selling Point
Together with a German-engineered Makrolon® polycarbonate shell, the Carl Friedrik offers premium Italian leather detailing, a durable aluminium lock frame, 5 TSA Approved locks (the most on any in this list) and silent Japanese spinner wheels made by Hinomoto. Inside you’ll find a compression pad with a pocket.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
In terms of weight and price, there isn’t much separating the Carl Friedrik vs the July Trunk. However, the Carl Friedrik is available in more sizes which may sway your purchase decision. The Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro (43L) also has a front pocket for a laptop. I think the aesthetics and materials just puts it ahead of the July Trunk for me which you would find on a suitcase twice its price.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
| Capacity | 40 L | 69 L | 105 L |
| Size | 56.6 x 37.6 x 24cm | 67.6 x 45.2 x 28.5cm | 78.6 x 53.2 x 33.8cm |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | 4.5 kg | 6.2 kg |
| Price | £395 | £495 | £645 |
| Buy link | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik |
Level8 Gibraltar
| Sizes | Carry-on |
| Material | Aluminium shell |
| Buy from | Amazon |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Level8 were founded in 2008, but have quickly developed a reputation for their range of affordable, stylish and practical luggage.
Unique Selling Point
The cheapest aluminum zipperless luggage I can recommend, not only does the Level8 Gibraltar feature two TSA approved locks, but it’s also made from 100% 6-series aluminium-magnesium alloy hard shell (still, it only weighs 4.6kg/10lbs). It’s aviation level material and Level8 has tested with a 100,000km roll test and 1.5m drop test. The corners also have metal corner guards to help keep its shape and frame intact.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
Only available in carry-on size. See the slightly more expensive Away Aluminium Edition for larger sizes
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
| Capacity | 36L |
| Size | 55.4cm x 38.1cm x 21.3cm |
| Weight | 4.6kg |
| Price | £420 |
| Buy link | Amazon |
Away Aluminium Edition
| Sizes | Carry-on, Larger Carry-on, Medium, Large |
| Material | Aluminium shell |
| Buy from | Away |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Launched in 2016, Away already has accolades from Fast Company, TIME, New York Times Wirecutter and Conde Nast Traveler.
Unique Selling Point
The Away Aluminium Edition is the most stylish affordable aluminium suitcase on the market (sorry Level8 Gibraltar). It also comes with leather details, including a leather luggage tag, Dual TSA-approved combination locks, a hidden laundry bag, compression pad and a lifetime limited warranty. You can also add a USB charger.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
The next best aluminium suitcases I can recommend are RIMOWA (scroll down to see those) which are over £1,000 so quite a big price increase.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
RIMOWA Hybrid
| Sizes | Carry-on, Medium, Large, Trunk Plus |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell, Aluminium frame |
| Buy from | RIMOWA |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Founded in 1898, RIMOWA remains one of the most premium luggage makers in the world.
Unique Selling Point
The RIMOWA Hybrid is my favourite zipperless polycarbonate suitcase under £/$1000. Robustness is added from the aluminium frame and metal corner protectors (which makes it different from other polycarbonate options like Carl Friedrik and July).
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
There’s only 2 sizes available (cabin and carry on), but this should still meet the needs of most travellers.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
RIMOWA Original
| Sizes | 11 options including Pilot, Carry-on, Medium, Large, Trunk |
| Material | Aluminium shell |
| Buy from | RIMOWA |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Founded in 1898, RIMOWA remains one of the most premium luggage makers in the world.
Unique Selling Point
One of the most expensive aluminium shell suitcases on the market, the shell is made from high-end anodised aluminium and comes with a flexible divider inside. It’s also available in an incredible 11 different sizes.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
Slightly cheaper than the RIMOWA Classic (below), the Original is also available in more colours.
*there are too many sizes to include in the table, below are dimensions for carry-on, larger carry-on, medium and large. See all sizes on the RIMOWA website.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
RIMOWA Classic
| Sizes | Carry-On, Larger Carry-On, Medium, Large and Trunk |
| Material | Aluminium shell |
| Buy from | RIMOWA |
Product Description, Specs & Prices
About The Brand
Founded in 1898, RIMOWA remains one of the most premium luggage makers in the world.
Unique Selling Point
If money was no object, the RIMOWA Classic would be my top choice. It’s a personal preference but the aluminium shell and leather wrapped handles add a premium touch.
vs. Competitors/What to Consider
The RIMOWA Classic has fewer size options and colours than the slightly cheaper RIMOWA Original.
Luggage size guide
According to Samsonite, these are the best suitcase sizes by trip duration:
- 2 day trip – 55cm/21 inches – Small/Carry-on/Cabin
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches – Extra large
Zipper vs zipperless luggage FAQ
How does zipperless luggage work?
Zipperless luggage uses latches instead of zips to close and secure luggage. The latches are also secured with TSA approved locks. Zipperless luggage tends to have 1-3 latches.
Is zipperless luggage worth it? What are the benefits of zipperless luggage?
The main benefit of zipperless luggage vs traditional zipped luggage is zipperless luggage is more secure. With zipped luggage, the contents can be accessed by cutting with a knife or ball point pen for example.
Are there any disadvantages to using zipperless luggage?
- There are several disadvantages to buying zipperless luggage vs traditional zipped luggage. Zipperless luggage tends to come in hard shell only. Generally speaking, soft shell suitcases are lighter than hard shell suitcases.
- Zipperless luggage tends to be more expensive
- There are fewer zipperless luggage styles to choose from compared to traditional zipped luggage
- There are also fewer options for expandable zipperless luggage models
What materials are commonly used in making zipperless luggage?
Zipperless luggage is mainly constructed from polycarbonate due to its strength and lightweight properties. There are a handful of cheaper options made from polypropylene and more durable but more expensive options made from aluminium.
Is zipperless luggage more durable than traditional luggage?
Broken zips are a common manufacturing fault when luggage is no longer usable so zipperless luggage could be considered more durable in that respect.
You might also be interested in our other luggage buying guides…
- Affordable luggage: best suitcase deals | affordable luggage brands
- Carry-on: carry-on luggage with laptop compartments | easyjet cabin bag |
- Checked luggage: checked luggage for international travel | extra large suitcases | expandable suitcases | trunk luggage
- Durable luggage: most durable luggage | zipperless suitcases | aluminium suitcases
- Luggage brands: luxury luggage brands | European luggage brands | eco-friendly suitcases | luggage with lifetime warranty
- Misc luggage: ultra lightweight suitcases | Tripp suitcases | suitcases for cruises | 2 wheel suitcases | rose gold luggage
- Suitcase reviews: Horizn Studios M5 | Level8 Voyageur | Grams(28) 154 City Pack
- Travel accessories: packing cube alternatives | travel accessories for long flights | compression suitcase packing cubes | GPS luggage tracker | passport covers | travel vanity cases | wine suitcases
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