BAGSMART Carry On vs Travelpro Maxlite 5: Best Softside Luggage?

When it comes to choosing the perfect carry-on or checked luggage, two names keep popping up in traveler forums and Amazon reviews: BAGSMART Carry On Luggage and Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside. Both promise durability, lightweight design, and airline-friendly dimensions, but they cater to slightly different needs and travel styles. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend getaway enthusiast, or someone who values expandable storage for longer trips, picking the right suitcase can make all the difference in your travel experience.

This article dives deep into a side-by-side comparison of these two popular options. We’ll break down their features, performance, pros and cons, real customer feedback, and who each one is best suited for. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which luggage aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and travel goals—so you can pack smarter, travel lighter, and arrive stress-free at your destination.

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In-Depth Look: BAGSMART Carry On Luggage

The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is a standout in the world of airline-approved carry-ons. Designed with the modern traveler in mind, it delivers a blend of durability, smart storage, and user-friendly features—all while staying under the 50-pound carry-on size limit for most airlines. With dimensions of 22x14x9 inches, it fits comfortably in overhead bins and under seats, making it ideal for short trips, weekend getaways, or as your primary bag for business travel.

One of its most impressive features is the expandable design. By unzipping the main compartment, you gain an additional 1.6 inches of depth, increasing capacity from 35 liters to 42 liters. This is perfect for those spontaneous shopping trips or when you need a little extra space without checking a bag. The expandable feature is paired with a buckle compression system, which helps compress your clothes and keeps everything tidy inside.

Inside, you’ll find a zippered mesh pocket for easy access to toiletries, chargers, or travel documents, plus a built-in small pocket for socks, undergarments, or other small items. This thoughtful interior organization helps prevent rummaging when you’re rushing through security or boarding a flight.

The hard shell is made from high-quality, scratch-resistant material that’s both lightweight and durable. It’s been tested through thousands of drop tests to ensure it can handle the rigors of airport handling. The four-level adjustable aluminum handle offers smooth extension and retraction, with soft silicone grips on the top and side handles for added comfort when lifting.

The 4-wheel spinner system is another highlight. These wheels rotate 360 degrees and roll quietly, even on rough surfaces like cobblestone streets or uneven airport terminals. Many users note how smoothly they glide, even on carpeted floors—something that sets them apart from cheaper alternatives.

Another key selling point is the TSA-approved locks on the sides. These allow you to secure your bag without worrying about damage during inspection. Just flip the arms inward, and you’re good to go. Combined with the double-ended zippers, this design ensures both security and smooth operation.

BAGSMART backs their product with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which speaks volumes about their confidence in build quality. If anything goes wrong—whether it’s a broken zipper or cracked shell—they’ll fix or replace it at no cost. This level of support is rare and reassuring for travelers who invest in long-term gear.

Who Is It Best For?
If you prioritize lightweight carry-on convenience, want maximum airline approval compliance, and value durability and expandability, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is an excellent choice. It’s especially great for frequent flyers, solo travelers, and anyone who wants a reliable, stylish bag that won’t break the bank.

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In-Depth Look: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside

When it comes to large-capacity, long-haul travel, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside shines. This isn’t your typical carry-on—it’s a 29-inch checked suitcase that still qualifies for most airlines’ checked baggage allowances thanks to its 65 linear inches. At 8.5 lbs, it’s surprisingly light for its size, making it a favorite among travelers who want to maximize packing space without sacrificing maneuverability.

Built with softside material, this luggage offers flexibility that hard-shell cases lack. The fabric expands slightly under pressure, which helps prevent cracking in extreme temperatures—a common issue with hard cases in cold environments. The honeycomb frame system reinforces the structure without adding weight, giving the bag rigidity where it counts while keeping it lightweight overall.

The PowerScope handle is a standout feature. It extends to two heights—38 inches and 42.5 inches—and includes a contour grip with rubberized touch points for comfortable pulling. The handle locks securely in place and stops smoothly, reducing strain on your arms during long airport walks.

Like the BAGSMART, it features four 360-degree spinner wheels that roll effortlessly over any terrain. Users rave about how quiet and stable they are, even when fully loaded. The unique bottom tray design adds extra structural integrity, preventing the bottom from sagging under heavy loads.

The expandable feature lets you add two inches to the depth, transforming the already spacious 142-liter interior into even more packing room. That’s ideal for extended trips, family vacations, or when you need to bring back souvenirs.

Organization is well thought out. The low-profile top, side, and bottom handles make lifting easier, while the two exterior compartments provide quick access to essentials. Inside, you’ll find a full-length interior lid pocket, a side accessory pocket, and adjustable hold-down straps to keep clothes from shifting during transit.

While TSA locks aren’t mentioned as standard, the Limited Lifetime Coverage plus Trusted Companion Promise offers peace of mind. This covers repair costs for damage caused by airlines or common carriers for one year after registration—a rare perk that many brands don’t offer.

Who Is It Best For?
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is perfect for frequent travelers on longer trips, cruise-goers, or anyone who needs maximum packing space without checking a bag. It’s also a great backup for when your main suitcase is in use. Its durability and smart design make it a reliable companion for international adventures.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

1. Size and Capacity

The BAGSMART Carry On is built for airline-compliant carry-on travel, with a compact 35L unexpanded capacity that grows to 42L when needed. It’s perfect for short trips or as your primary bag for business travel. In contrast, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is a large checked suitcase at 142L—ideal for extended vacations or when you need serious packing power. While it’s expandable, it’s not designed to fit in overhead bins.

2. Weight and Portability

At 6.83 lbs, the BAGSMART is significantly lighter, making it easier to lift and maneuver in tight airport spaces. The Travelpro weighs 8.5 lbs, which is still lightweight for its size but heavier than most carry-ons. If you’re gate-checking or walking long distances, the lighter BAGSMART gives you an edge.

3. Durability and Build Quality

Both use high-quality materials, but in different ways. The BAGSMART features a hard shell that’s scratch-resistant and passed drop tests, ideal for rough handling. The Travelpro uses softside fabric with a honeycomb frame, offering flexibility and resistance to cracking—great for varied climates. However, softside bags can snag more easily on rough surfaces like concrete or airport carts.

4. Wheels and Maneuverability

Both offer four 360-degree spinner wheels, but user feedback suggests the BAGSMART’s wheels are slightly quieter and smoother on carpet. The Travelpro’s wheels are robust and stable, especially when fully loaded. The handle systems differ too: BAGSMART has a four-level aluminum handle, while Travelpro uses a contour-grip dual-height mechanism—both effective, but preference may come down to personal comfort.

5. Security Features

Only the BAGSMART includes TSA-approved locks, which is a big plus for frequent travelers who want to avoid damage during inspections. The Travelpro doesn’t mention locks, so you’d need to purchase them separately if security is a priority.

6. Organization and Interior Design

The Travelpro wins here with multiple exterior pockets—including a large one perfect for a laptop—and adjustable hold-down straps. The BAGSMART has interior organization with mesh pockets and compression buckles, but lacks external storage. If you need quick access to tech or documents, the Travelpro is more convenient.

7. Warranty and Support

BAGSMART offers a lifetime warranty, which is rare and reassuring. Travelpro provides Limited Lifetime Coverage plus a 1-year Trusted Companion Promise for airline damage—also excellent, but slightly less comprehensive in scope.

8. Price

The BAGSMART typically retails for $80–$100, while the Travelpro ranges from $120–$150. The price difference reflects their size and intended use: one is a carry-on, the other a large checked bag.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can both of these luggage fit in overhead bins?

A: Yes, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is designed specifically for overhead bins with its 22x14x9-inch dimensions. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is a checked suitcase at 29 inches and won’t fit in overhead bins—but it’s within airline checked baggage limits due to its 65 linear inches.

Q: Which one is more durable for rough airport handling?

A: The BAGSMART’s hard shell is more resistant to dents and scratches, making it better for rough handling. The Travelpro’s softside material is flexible and less prone to cracking in cold weather, but may snag on sharp edges.

Q: Does either come with TSA locks?

A: Only the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage includes TSA-approved locks as standard. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside does not include locks, so you’d need to add them separately if needed.

Q: Can I use the Travelpro as a carry-on?

A: Technically, no—it’s too large for overhead bins. However, many airlines allow it as a checked bag due to its 65 linear inches. Always check with your airline before traveling.

Q: Which is better for international travel?

A: It depends on your trip length. For short international trips, the BAGSMART is ideal. For longer stays or cruises, the Travelpro offers more packing space and durability over time.

Q: Are both lightweight compared to other brands?

A: Yes. The BAGSMART at 6.83 lbs is among the lightest carry-ons available, while the Travelpro at 8.5 lbs is exceptionally light for a 29-inch suitcase, rivaling premium brands like Samsonite.

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Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

After thoroughly comparing the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside, the best choice depends entirely on your travel needs.

If you’re a frequent flyer, love weekend getaways, or need a reliable airline-approved carry-on, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is the clear winner. It’s lightweight, expandable, scratch-resistant, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Its compact size, TSA locks, and smooth-rolling wheels make it perfect for navigating airports with ease.

On the other hand, if you’re planning extended trips, cruises, or need maximum packing space, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside delivers unmatched capacity and smart organization. Its softside durability, expandable design, and trusted companion promise make it a long-term investment for serious travelers.

Ultimately, both are top-tier options in their categories. The BAGSMART excels in carry-on efficiency and durability, while the Travelpro dominates in large-capacity, long-haul travel. Whichever you pick, you’re investing in a luggage piece that’s built to last, perform well, and make your journey smoother.

For more luggage tips and travel gear recommendations, check out our guides on best travel backpacks for carry-on or lightweight travel backpacks. Safe travels!