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Looking for the best zipperless luggage in the UK instead?
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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 Samsonite, Away and Delsey to luxury names like Rimowa and Tumi.
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.
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
Editor’s Choice Awards
- Best zipperless luggage overall: Solgaard Closet – $345
- Best affordable zipperless luggage: Delsey Paris Moncey – $130
- Best zipperless luggage under £/$300: Samsonite Tru-Frame – $209
- Best zipperless luggage under £/$500: Solgaard Closet – $345
- Best zipperless luggage under £/$1,000: Rimowa Hybrid $1,000
- Best zipperless luggage over £/$1,000: Rimowa Classic $1,520
- Most durable zipperless luggage: Level8 Gibraltar $406
Compare the best zipperless luggage at a glance
Filter the best zipperless luggage by size, price and material and in detail
LuggeX
Cheapest aluminium frame
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Durability: Polypropylene
- Locks: 3 (1 TSA-Approved)
- Wheels: 4 double wheels
- Warranty: 5 years
- Trial period: No
About The Brand
Unique Selling Point
vs. Competitors
What to Consider
Delsey Paris Moncey
Best budget choice
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Durability: Polypropylene
- Locks: 3 (1 TSA-Approved)
- Wheels: 4 double wheels
- Warranty: 5 years
- Trial period: No
About The Brand
Unique Selling Point
vs. Competitors
What to Consider
Samsonite Tru-Frame
Best value suitcase
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Durability: Polycarbonate
- Locks: 2 TSA-Approved
- Wheels: 4 double wheels
- Warranty: 10 years
- Trial period: No
About The Brand
Unique Selling Point
vs. Competitors
What to Consider
Monos Hybrid
Best polycarbonate zipperless suitcase
- Polycarbonate
- Aluminium frame
- Carry-on, Carry-on Plus, Medium, Large, Trunk
- Lifetime warranty
If you prefer a brand name aluminium frame suitcase that’s still affordable, I highly recommend the Monos Hybrid. Cheaper than it’s aluminium frame competitors by $100, you’ll still receive a tough polycarbonate hard shell, aluminium corner guards and a lifetime warranty. The hard shell is water-resistant and aerograde, made from partially recycled material. The lining is also made from 100% recycled polyester. Another reason to consider the Monos Hybrid is the huge range in sizes, the most on this list.
The Monos Hybrid also comes with a several nice accessories like anti-microbial, silver ion-coated laundry bag and two shoe bags, vegan leather luggage tag and a compression pad. Get 15% off your first order when you sign up to their newsletter.
Solgaard Closet
Editor’s Choice, Best for storage, Best eco-friendly
- Polycarbonate
- Carry-on, Larger Carry-on, Medium & Large
- Lifetime Warranty
The Solgaard Closet is one of the most unique suitcases on the market. It features a built-in shelving system, meaning you never have to unpack when you reach your destination. The shelving system can be removed from your suitcase and hung from a wardrobe rail too. The shelving system also compresses your clothes to save space (bye bye compression cubes). The Solgaard Closet is also durable with a waterproof and scratch resistant polycarbonate shell and aluminium frame.
It’s one of the most eco friendly suitcases on my list too, with lining made from 100% recycled plastic (Each suitcase sold cleans up 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities). There’s also an integrated USB charging port (powerbank not included), TSA Approved locks and lifetime guarantee. One downside is there are only 2 sizes available, but should satisfy most traveller needs.
The Solgaard is also $100 cheaper than other aluminium frame competitors July and Carl Friedrik which is why it’s my top choice and best value zipperless suitcase too. Solgaard may not be a household name yet, but I guarantee it will in the future.
Level8 Gibraltar
Most durable
- Aluminium
- Carry-on
- Lifetime warranty
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 it’s shape and frame intact. Level8 are so confident in their product, you’ll also receive a lifetime guarantee.
I have the Level8 Voyageur and can attest to the build quality of their suitcases. Level8 have only been around since 2008, but have quickly developed a brand name synonymous with quality. If you travel a lot internationally and want a suitcase that will last you a long time, this is the ultimate zipperless suitcase. Get 10% off with my discount code ETB10.
Product Specs & Prices
| Capacity | 36L |
| Size | 21.8” x 15” x 8.4” |
| Weight | 10lbs |
| Price | $419.99 |
| Buy link | Level8 |
July Trunk
Runner-up
- Polycarbonate
- Aluminium frame
- Carry-on & Large
- Lifetime warranty
For price and construction, the July Trunk is my top pick. 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.
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.
Away Aluminium Edition
Best affordable stylish aluminium
- Aluminium
- Carry-on, Slightly Larger Carry-on, Medium, Large
- Lifetime warranty
The Away Aluminium Edition is the most stylish 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.
The next best aluminium suitcases I can recommend are Tumi and Rimowa which are over £1,000 so quite a big price increase.
Db Journey Ramverk Pro
Best aluminium frame check-in
- Polycarbonate
- Aluminium frame
- Carry-on, Large
- 2 year warranty
The Db Journey Ramverk Pro may not hold many advantages over cheaper aluminium framed suitcases like Carl Friedrik and July, but I’ve included it in the list is case those don’t match your taste. The Db Journey Ramverk Pro does offer a 70% recycled polycarbonate shell, 100% recycled lininig, recycled aluminium frame, laptop sleeve inside (carry-on only) and a system which allows you to easily hook other Db Journey accessories to the front. triple award-winning Ramverk Pro Check-in. You can also get 10% off your first order.
Product Specs & Prices
| Capacity | 36 L | 87 L |
| Size | 55 x 39.5 x 23 cm | 74.5 x 50.5 x 30 cm |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs | 15 lbs |
| Price | $649 | $899 |
| Buy link | Db Journey | Db Journey |
Rimowa Hybrid
Best polycarbonate zipperless suitcase
- Polycarbonate
- Aluminium frame
- Carry-on, Large
- Lifetime warranty
Another beautiful zipperless suitcase, 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). There’s only 2 sizes available (cabin and carry on), but this should still meet the needs of most travellers.
You’ll receive 2 TSA approved locks, flexible packing dividers, free delivery, lifetime guarantee and a choice of gloss or matte finish.
Best zipperless suitcases over $1,000
FPM Bank
The bag’s external construction boasts a predominant composition of 97% aluminium and 3% cow leather, while its interior is skillfully crafted with a blend of 85% polyester and 15% cow leather. Noteworthy features encompass a leather top handle, a rubber side handle, a retractable handle, four sturdy wheels, an appealing ribbed exterior, an incorporated TSA lock for security, two sizable butterfly locks, internal leather belts to secure contents, and a removable lining that provides extra cushioning.
Crafted with precision in Italy, the bag stands at a height of 68cm, spans a width of 45cm, and possesses a depth of 27.5cm. Weighing in at 6.6kg, it offers a spacious volume of 68L, making it capacious for storage needs. Maintenance guidance recommends using a gentle, dry cloth to preserve its pristine appearance.
- $2,275
Tumi 19 Degree Aluminium
- Made from 100% aluminium
- 2 TSA integrated combination locks
- Protective corner bumpers
- 5 year warranty
- $1,195
Rimowa Compact
One feature that is missing from aluminium suitcases is a laptop storage compartment. The Rimowa Compact fits laptops up to 16 inches. The laptop holder is removable so you can change from briefcase to carry-on. If you don’t need to carry clothes, see the Rimowa Pilot Case.
- Made from Aluminium
- Lifetime warranty
- 16 x 16.34 x 9.06 inch
- 9.48 lbs
- 7.6 gal
- $1,475
Rimowa Original
Slightly cheaper than the Rimowa Classic, the Original is available in more colours.
- Made from high-end anodised aluminium
- 3 sizes – cabin, large and trunk
- Lifetime warranty
- $1,430
Rimowa Classic
If money was no object, the Rimowa Classic would be my top choice. While the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminium and FPM provide ample competition at this price point, the Rimowa Classic comes with a lifetime warranty which just swings my vote. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes.
- Made from high-end anodised aluminium
- 5 sizes – small cabin, cabin, medium, large and trunk
- Lifetime warranty
- $1,525
Rimowa Pilot Case
If you’re looking for a robust suitcase that can carry your photography gear or laptop safely on wheels, I recommend this pilot case from Rimowa.
- Made from high-end anodised aluminium
- Lifetime warranty
- 16,54 x 19.69 x 9,06 inch
- 10.8lbs
- 6.82 gal
- $1,550
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.
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