It’s a simple fact:
The most valuable asset you will need for your study abroad is reliable luggage. This could be a suitcase, or for those of you who want more mobility and convenience, a backpack.
In this post, I’ll run down my top choices for the best luggage for a semester abroad!
I’ll review the following luggage:
- Thule Subterra Rolling Luggage
- Eagle Creek No Matter What Flatbed Duffel 32, Black, One Size
- Samsonite Solyte Softside Spinner
- American Tourister Fieldbrook II Softside Luggage Set
- Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack
The Best Luggage for a Semester Abroad – My Top 5 Picks
Best Overall Luggage for a Semester Abroad: the Thule Subterra Rolling Luggage
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With secret compartments galore, a durable build and a flexible exterior, we think the Thule Subterra Rolling Luggage is the best luggage option for a semester abroad.
It is amazing!
It has a lightweight frame, which means you can squeeze more of your stuff into the bag without the additional airline charges. This also breaks into two pieces.
It has a detachable rolling bag and duffel, so you won’t have to worry about lugging an extra day backpack at the weekends. It is made of nylon and polycarbonate, so it is highly durable and water-resistant.
The tough, yet oversized wheels and the telescopic handle make transporting this bag very easy. The design of the bag absorbs the impact of travel due to its durable exoskeleton and molded polycarbonate back panel.
Using the external compression straps, you can keep all the items inside the bag in place throughout your journey. There is also a zippered pocket, which means quick and easy access to keys or other small items. This is available in two colors with flamboyant names, but are essentially blue or black.
Want to know more? Check out more info about it over on Amazon!
Best Travel Duffel for a Semester Abroad: the Eagle Creek “No Matter What” Flatbed Duffel
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This Eagle Creek No Matter What Flatbed Duffel 32, Black, One Size is made from Bi-Tech fabric, which means it is water-repellent and abrasion-resistant.
It has bartack reinforcements in high-stress areas, adding up to a high strength-to-weight ratio. For your peace of mind, the exterior zippers are lockable. This wheeled duffel also has heavy-duty, oversized, treaded wheels in a protective housing.
This bag also has a durable kick plate for smooth motion and supreme durability. It easily maneuvers across flat, unpaved, muddy, or bumpy surfaces.
The capacity of the duffel is 101 liters. A mesh door panel affords organization. Both external and internal compression straps are available for convenient and secure packing.
The exterior compression straps have webbing keepers and daisy chains for further gear attachment. Additionally, the bottom, top, and side haul handles give you various options on how to carry this bag.
Looking for a great travel duffel for your semester abroad? Click here to jump over on Amazon to get the best price!
Best Premium Choice for your Semester Abroad: the Samsonite Solyte Softside Spinner 25 Exp
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The Samsonite Solyte Softside Spinner is an ultra-lightweight case which can expand for added packing capacity. The main compartment is deep with a mesh modesty pocket for personal items. The compression straps keep clothing neat and tidy while traveling.
The case has integrated top and side carry handles allowing you to choose how you want to carry it.
The case has a beveled alloy pull handle, large front panel interior pocket and smooth-rolling, “airflow” multi-directional spinner wheels for smooth movement. It also will roll upright so that there is no weight on your arm.
Want to learn more and read reviews from other users of this great piece of luggage? Click here to see more and check out the best price over on Amazon!
Best Budget Pick: the American Tourister Fieldbrook II Softside 4-piece Luggage Set
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Not all of you will have an account at the “Bank of Mom & Dad” – so I’ve included this budget option which has worked well for us also.
The American Tourister Fieldbrook II Softside Luggage Set is a 4 piece luggage set, but is also available as a 3 piece should you so desire. It is made of 100% polyester, with fabric lining and zipper closure. The cases are ultra light-weight.
The set includes a 25-inch Upright (24.5x16x8 inches), Boarding Bag (15x10x8 inches), 21-inch Upright (21x 14x 7 inches) and a Wheeled Duffel (23×11.5×12 inches). You don’t need to bring them all, but depending on how much stuff you need, it’s good to have options!
The corners are reinforced, which defend against the awful travel conditions. There are numerous interior and also exterior pockets to keep you organized. The handle has a push-button locking mechanism.
There is also a smart sleeve on tote for easy travel. This set is available in 3 colors:
- Black
- Purple/grey
- Red/black
I’m a fan of either the Black or Red, but whatever floats your boat!
Want to get this excellent set of luggage for your own semester abroad? Click over to Amazon for more info!
Best Backpack for Semester Abroad: Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Backpack
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If you pack a little lighter and prefer a backpack form factor, I think that the Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack is your best option.
Made of nylon, this bag is strong and durable and has been designed to carry up to 50lbs in weight.
The LightWire frame suspension transfers the load weight from the harness to the hip belt. A mesh back panel improves ventilation while on your back, and the mesh on the harness and hip belt reduce chafing under load strain.
The entire suspension is stowed away under a zippered panel, which creates a sleek profile for transportation. Unzipping the lockable sliders, you will access the main compartment. Inside there is a mesh pocket for smaller items.
This backpack has dual compression straps that keep cargo from bouncing about during transit. It also has a detachable daypack, which provides additional storage and organization – ideal for day trips when you have time away from studying!
You can read more about this product, including real user reviews, over on Amazon by clicking here.
Conclusion
The prospect of studying abroad can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never traveled to a different country before.
Reduce your concerns by selecting one of the bags reviewed here, which are all great choices. Even an online shopping pro will find some useful guidance here.
For me, I’d go with the Thule Subterra Rolling Luggage if you’re looking to roll your stuff or the Osprey Farpoint pack if you’re looking for a backpack.
Now, go off and collect all the must-have items you need to take with you for your trip and transport them overseas in one of these exceptional cases.
Let me know what you’ve chosen by leaving a comment below!
Need some packing advice? Check out this great video: