Is Antler as good as Samsonite?

For most travellers, durability is the single most important factor when choosing luggage. When advocacy group Choice ran a series of tests on luggage to determine durability, suitcases from Samsonite, American Tourister and Antler were judged to be the best performers.



In 2026, comparing Antler and Samsonite is a matter of style vs. technical specialization. Samsonite is widely regarded as the industry leader for "frequent flyer" durability and ultra-lightweight engineering. Their top-tier models, like the Lite-Shock Sport, weigh as little as 2.5kg for a large check-in, making them the best choice for those maximizing baggage allowances. Antler, conversely, has successfully pivoted into the "premium lifestyle" space. While their luggage is slightly heavier (the Icon Stripe Medium is about 3.9kg), it offers a more "fashion-forward" aesthetic and often features superior interior organization with high-quality lining and compression straps. Both brands offer 10-year or lifetime warranties in 2026, meaning they are roughly equal in longevity. Choose Samsonite if you want the lightest possible shell for heavy air travel; choose Antler if you want a stylish, well-organized case that stands out on the baggage carousel.

People Also Ask

Swedish pilot Maria Pettersson prefers “half soft-sided” luggage, which offers a bit more support than the typical soft-sided luggage, but provides more flexibility than hard-sided luggage.

MORE DETAILS

Consider hard-shell luggage if you want durable, easy-to-maneuver luggage with a robust exterior to protect your valuables. Soft-shell luggage can be for you if you're seeking versatility, ease of packing, and a big interior.

MORE DETAILS

The company's top executive stepped down this week after being accused by a short seller of falsely claiming to have a doctoral degree. Samsonite said on Friday that it had accurately represented the academic credentials of the executive, Ramesh Tainwala, ever since going public in Hong Kong in 2011.

MORE DETAILS

Samsonite has been manufacturing quality suitcases since 1910 as one of the most trusted luggage brands in the travel industry, and it's one of the oldest luggage brands, too. From carry-ons to backpacks, Samsonite makes a variety of luggage for any type of traveler.

MORE DETAILS

Forty percent of all Samsonite hard luggage is manufactured at its plant in Nashik, India. Samsonite has two assembly plants in Hungary. Samsonite currently has a Better Business Organization rating of 'F', primarily because of Customer Service. In 2022, Samsonite decided to move production to Japan.

MORE DETAILS

Hard case luggage doesn't easily fit into compartments the way soft luggage does. A con of some hard surface luggage pieces is that they can be much heavier than cloth cases. On the other hand, a pro is that many are available with extending handles, bottom wheels and other innovative features.

MORE DETAILS

The main drawback is that hard-shell luggage can't be twisted to fit into a small space. Hard-shell suitcases also require a lot of room to store at home, making them less convenient in this sense.

MORE DETAILS

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On It's no secret that Travelpro is one of the most recommended brands by flight attendants, and this Maxlite 5 softside carry-on is a great example of why.

MORE DETAILS