Ranked #3 in Best Checked Luggage
Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner4.8
$859as of Jul 7Briggs & Riley's Baseline Medium Expandable 26" Spinner stands out for its innovative CX Compression-Expansion system that boosts capacity without increasing exterior dimensions. Reviewers praised its aircraft-grade aluminum frame, reinforced corners, and exterior telescoping handle that maximizes packing space. The built-in garment folder adds convenience, though some testers noted the 10-pound weight and jiggly handle design as drawbacks. Wirecutter's Kit Dillon and Brian Lam both recommend this bag as a long-term investment, with the company's lifetime guarantee supporting its premium positioning.
Strengths
- — Patented CX Compression-Expansion system increases capacity by up to 2.5 inches without expanding exterior dimensions
- — Aircraft-grade aluminum frame with reinforced corner guards for structural integrity
- — Exterior telescoping handle sits on the outside of the frame, providing a flat packing surface and maximizing internal space
Watch-outs
- — Bag weighs 10 pounds empty, which is heavier than most comparable carry-on suitcases
- — Jiggly trolley handle design may give impression of being cheap, though it retracts with a button press
