6 of the best suitcases

The most important travel companion of them all; the one that doesn't leave your side no matter where you are in the world; the one that is with you through thick and thin (or check-in and check-out) is undoubtedly your suitcase. Whether you’re heading away for an overnight business trip, a long weekend, or an adventure-laden gap year, your suitcase is your lifeline, the one thing you can't forget.

It is essential that you get your luggage purchase right, because the perfect suitcase consists of a number of factors. We've taken all of these factors into account and come up with a list of the best suitcases for whatever kind of travelling adventure you're embarking on.

To Check In

Briggs & Riley Weekender, £159:

This stylish and sophisticated extra-large weekend bag is as elegant as it is spacious, and perfect for extended weekend breaks. With strong leather handles and an optional shoulder strap the bag is easy to carry around, and the hidden external and internal pockets are a great place to store those important travel documents.

The bag is made of a strong nylon outer fabric which is water and scuff resistant, while the heavy-duty zippers ensure that the contents of your bag are there to stay.

The Diplomat, £370:

The David Niven of suitcases, this vintage-style Diplomat suitcase by Steamline is perfect for the classic English gentleman abroad.

The suitcase reflects the elegance of yesteryear but with a modern-day twist and an astonishingly convenient storage set-up found in the interior of the old-school case. There seems to be a place for every travel essential. The leather case comes equipped with roller wheels, a trolley handle, sturdy locks, and a metal frame to provide extra support - the latter being a perfect addition if you live by the ethos that too much is better than not enough.

Antler Duolite, £105: 

One of the sturdiest lightweight cases out there, the Anter Duolite series comes in four different sizes to suit whatever travel needs you may have. The largest case can pack up to a whopping 100 litres, whilst the smallest, the International Cabin Suitcase, can still swallow up over 30 litres of gear. The case is made from a hybrid ABS/nylon material and is extremely lightweight. It has a padlock with TSA function, two racing-style wheels, large external pocket, telescopic handle, and is fully lined with internal straps, a zipped mesh pocket, and expandable gusset.

To Carry On

Cabin Max, £35: 

The Cabin Max Barcelona Guaranteed Carry-On bag is surprisingly cheap and has the added benefit of being the perfect carry-on size for any airline. The capacity that the bag offers is impressive and will help travellers beat those frustrating baggage fees that inevitably add up if you’re a frequent traveller or on a gap year trip.

The bag has an internal zipped compartment and an exterior pocket that is perfect for travel documents or any other bits and pieces that you may need to access quickly. The bag is extremely lightweight, which adds to the comfort of carrying it, and for this price it is the luggage steal of the century.

Antler Business 100, £125:

Another gem from the popular Antler range of suitcases and travel bags, the Antler Business 100 is the perfect companion for a business traveller, but could also act as a great option for long-term travellers. The array of zips, padded pockets and compartments offers ease when dividing up the contents of your pack, whether it is business documents or gap year tickets in one pocket, and toothbrush or headphones in the other.

The small suitcase comes complete with a combination lock, two wheels for easy manoeuvrability, and even clear plastic liquids bags for removal at security checks. Have the folks at Antler thought of everything? We think so.

Lowe Alpine TT Carry-on, £70:

Nothing gets a travel-minded person excited quite like a 40 litre capacity carry-on bag does. No? Only us? Well let’s see if the Lowe Alpine TT Carry-on can turn you into a luggage geek too. The bag hits the maximum carry-on size, thus allowing a huge capacity to suit every type of traveller. It is the perfect size, coming somewhere between a day bag and a hiking pack, but will still squeeze under the seat in front of you on the plane.

If you prefer your luggage on your back rather than manoeuvring it along the ground, then this bag is probably the best for you. It has two strong, padded and adjustable straps, as well as a carry handle and removable shoulder strap.

The main compartment of the bag opens fully like a suitcase which allows for greater access to your belongings. There is also an array of pockets and zips throughout the interior and exterior of the bag, allowing you to hide trusty items wherever you please...just make sure you remember where you put them!

OK, so you've got your suitcase...now you just need to book your holiday! See where you could be going now!