BAGSMART vs Travelpro Maxlite 5: Luggage War

Choosing the right luggage can make or break a trip. It’s the silent companion that carries your essentials, your souvenirs, and your travel dreams. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of carry-on and check-in luggage to compare two popular contenders: the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside. These two options represent different approaches to travel gear, one focusing on a compact, hard-shell design for carry-on convenience, and the other offering a more spacious, soft-side option for longer journeys.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first big adventure, selecting the perfect piece of luggage is crucial. It needs to be durable, maneuverable, and spacious enough for your needs, all while adhering to airline restrictions. This comparison will break down the features, performance, and overall value of both the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your travel style.

We’ll look at everything from their dimensions and weight to their expandability, wheel performance, and warranty, giving you a clear picture of what each offers. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of which luggage best suits your next journey, whether it’s a quick business trip or an extended vacation.

In-Depth Look: BAGSMART Carry On Luggage

The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is a standout choice for travelers who value compact efficiency and airline-friendly dimensions. Its airline-approved boarding size of 20 inches (measuring 22x14x9 inches) is a critical feature, ensuring that you can confidently place it in the overhead compartment on virtually any flight. This makes it incredibly practical for trips lasting 3-5 days, and it’s also well-suited for train and bus travel. The inclusion of double-ended zippers and a side-mounted TSA-approved lock adds a layer of security and convenience, particularly for smooth baggage screenings. With a base volume of 35 liters and a remarkably light weight of just 6.83 lbs, it’s designed to help you pack smart without exceeding airline weight limits.

One of the most attractive features of the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is its expandable design. A simple zipper pull opens up an additional 1.6 inches of depth, increasing the capacity by 7 liters for a total of 42 liters. This is a game-changer when you need to bring back a few extra souvenirs or simply want more flexibility with your packing. Inside, the buckle compression system is a thoughtful addition, helping to keep your clothes neatly organized and minimizing wrinkles. There’s also a zippered mesh pocket for easy access to essentials and a small built-in pocket for those tiny items that tend to get lost.

The craftsmanship of this hardshell luggage is commendable. It’s constructed from a durable material that offers a great balance of strength, flexibility, and lightness. It has even passed a shock drop test, suggesting a good level of resilience for typical travel wear and tear. The textured exterior is impressively scratch-resistant, helping the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage maintain its good looks trip after trip. This attention to detail in material and construction translates to a product that feels reliable and built to last.

Maneuverability is another strong suit. The 360° swivel wheels are buttery smooth and exceptionally quiet, making it a breeze to navigate bustling airports, crowded train platforms, or even uneven sidewalks. The upgraded four-level adjustable aluminum handle is sturdy and glides smoothly, offering multiple height options for comfortable use. Additionally, the soft silicone handles on the top and sides make it much easier to lift the suitcase when needed, whether it’s into a car trunk or onto a luggage rack.

BAGSMART backs its Carry On Luggage with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which speaks volumes about their confidence in the product’s quality. Each piece undergoes rigorous testing before shipping to ensure it meets high standards. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, coupled with the practical features, makes the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage a compelling option for carry-on travelers.

Pros:

• Airline-approved dimensions for easy overhead storage.
• Lightweight design (6.83 lbs) helps meet airline weight restrictions.
• Expandable capacity (up to 42L) for added packing flexibility.
• Integrated TSA-approved lock for security and convenience.
• Durable and scratch-resistant hardshell exterior.
• Smooth and quiet 360° spinner wheels for excellent maneuverability.
• Comfortable, adjustable aluminum handle with multiple height settings.
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind.
• Stylish design with a good range of color options.

Cons:

• No exterior pockets, requiring you to open the main compartment for quick access.
• The locking mechanism, while functional, has small plastic arms that might appear less robust to some users.
• Hardshell construction can sometimes be less forgiving for overpacking than softside options.

Customer Reviews:
“Pretty color! Wheels fully rotate & move smoothly. Handle adjusts upward smoothly and is the right height (other types tend to be shorter) Middle unzips to allow more storage and still fits easily in Delta overhead compartment. Purchased to use for a week long business trip and held up very well. Lots of space inside for outfits and additional private zippered compartment inside. Arrived quickly in just a few days of ordering. Would definitely order again! They also have lots of color options to”

“I have not used it for packing yet, but the construction appears to be sturdy and the lines make it look like a sleek small suitcase suitable for use as carry-on luggage for flights. The interior looks the same as a typical larger suitcase with belts to hold your belongings and clothing in place and specific areas for smaller items so they are not loose in the case during travel. I am a little concerned about the locking system as the two small arms on the lock stick out, are plastic and look…”

“Love this bag. It is perfect for cruising. It glides easily across carpet and regular floors. It looks very nice and it is roomy inside. The only thing I wish is that it had outside pockets. But other than that it is perfect.”

Best for:
The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is ideal for short trips, business travelers, or anyone who primarily uses carry-on luggage and needs to adhere strictly to airline size requirements. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a lightweight yet durable option with good internal organization and the added security of a TSA lock.

In-Depth Look: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside truly lives up to its name, being notably lighter than its predecessors, which is a significant advantage for any traveler. While it’s presented as a large suitcase, its weight of 8.5 lbs for a substantial 142L capacity is impressive. This makes it an excellent option for longer trips where you need to pack more without exceeding checked baggage weight limits. It’s designed to maximize packing power, making it an ideal checked bag for extended vacations.

One of the standout features of the Maxlite 5 is its advanced spinner wheel system. With four wheels that rotate 360 degrees, it provides exceptionally smooth rolling and effortless maneuvering through airports and beyond. The PowerScope handle is another highlight, known for its sturdy construction and comfortable contour grip with rubberized touch points. It extends to two height options, 38 inches and 42.5 inches, allowing users of varying heights to find a comfortable towing position. The unique bottom tray design not only adds to its durability but also contributes to the overall stability of the luggage.

The expandability of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is also a key benefit, offering up to an extra 2 inches of depth to maximize packing capacity. This is particularly useful for those longer trips or when you’re bringing back souvenirs. What sets this softside luggage apart is its array of convenient pockets. It features two well-placed exterior compartments, providing quick access to essentials like boarding passes, travel documents, or a book. Internally, there’s a full-length lid pocket and a side accessory pocket, alongside adjustable hold-down straps to keep your belongings neatly organized and in place during transit.

While the overall dimensions (31 x 21 x 13 inches) push it slightly beyond the common 62 linear inch limit for checked baggage on some airlines, it’s generally accepted as a checked bag by most carriers, making it versatile for various travel types including air, car, and cruises. The suitcase is built with a honeycomb frame system, which provides a strong yet lightweight structure, enhancing its durability without adding excessive weight.

Travelpro backs the Maxlite 5 with a Limited Lifetime Coverage plus a Trusted Companion Promise, which covers repairs for damage caused by airlines or other common carriers for the first year. This warranty, combined with the luggage’s robust construction and thoughtful features, offers great value and peace of mind for travelers.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight for its size (8.5 lbs for 142L capacity).
• Four 360° spinner wheels for superior maneuverability.
• Sturdy and comfortable PowerScope extension handle with multiple height settings.
• Expandable design adds significant packing space (up to 2 inches).
• Multiple exterior and interior pockets for excellent organization and accessibility.
• Durable construction with a honeycomb frame system.
• Trusted Companion Promise and Limited Lifetime Coverage add warranty value.
• Softside construction can offer a bit more flexibility for overpacking.

Cons:

• Does not have an integrated TSA-approved lock, requiring the purchase of a separate lock.
• While generally accepted, its overall dimensions might be a concern for the strictest carry-on size regulations of some smaller airlines.
• Softside exterior can be more susceptible to punctures or stains compared to hardshell.

Customer Reviews:
“Move over Samsonite! Travelpro is now the champion of lightweight and quality luggage! Since the 1970’s, we’ve always opted for Samsonite for their quality and durability. However, my old large sized Samsonite which is still in excellent condition, has become way too heavy for me. Did my research, found this Travelpro and so glad I did! I bought the medium one which is plenty roomy for extended trips (I’ll use my small Samsonite for short overnight trips). I can literally lift my new Travelpro”

“I’ve had my Travelpro for several years now and got one for my husband. It’s the best carry-on luggage I’ve owned. What stands out is its light weight, the functional spinning wheels, convenient handles and especially an oversized exterior pocket that can hold a large laptop, making the laptop accessible without having to open the main compartment. In addition, there’s a smaller exterior pocket where I put headphones, chargers and other small items I typically need while flying, again without”

“So far so good — I got this for a 4 day business trip to replace my very old carry-on and I am quite happy. It’s lightweight, fits easily in the overhead compartment, and I was worried it would be smaller than I expected but it actually felt very spacious and usable for my needs, even though I think my former carryon was slightly larger. The wheels are smooth and it’s so easy to navigate the airport and plane with this.”

Best for:
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is perfect for longer trips, vacationers, and frequent flyers who need ample packing space and value lightweight durability. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of exterior pockets for easy access to frequently needed items.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Carry-On Compliance vs. Maximum Capacity

The most significant difference lies in their intended use. The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is explicitly designed to meet most airline carry-on size restrictions (22x14x9 inches). This means you can avoid checked bag fees and the risk of lost luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside, while still manageable and often accepted as a carry-on by many airlines, is a larger bag (29 inches) designed to maximize packing capacity, making it more of a checked bag or a larger carry-on for airlines with more generous allowances. If your priority is to always travel light and skip the baggage claim, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage has the clear advantage.

Weight and Portability

Both bags are lauded for their lightweight design, but the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage takes the crown for being the absolute lightest at just 6.83 lbs. This is crucial for carry-on where every pound counts. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside, at 8.5 lbs, is still remarkably light for its massive 142L capacity, especially considering its 29-inch size. For those who need to maximize their packing volume and are checking the bag, the Maxlite 5 offers incredible volume-to-weight ratio. For pure ease of carrying and maneuvering through crowded spaces as a carry-on, the BAGSMART has a slight edge due to its smaller footprint and lower weight.

Organization and Accessibility

Here, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside shines due to its external pockets. Having two easily accessible exterior compartments is a significant convenience for storing items you need to grab quickly, such as your passport, phone, boarding pass, or a snack. The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage, being a hardshell with an integrated lock, foregoes external pockets, meaning all access is through the main compartment. While it has internal organization like compression straps and mesh pockets, quick external access is absent. If frequent access to items is important, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is the better choice.

Durability and Material

The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage features a hardshell exterior made from durable, flexible, and lightweight material that’s also scratch-resistant. Hardshells generally offer better protection against impacts and moisture. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside uses a robust, yet lightweight, softside material constructed with a honeycomb frame system. Softside luggage can sometimes be more forgiving for overpacking and may absorb minor impacts better. However, hardshells typically offer superior protection against the elements and can be easier to clean. For pure protection, especially against water, the BAGSMART might have an edge. For a blend of flexibility and resilience, the Travelpro is excellent.

Security Features

The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage comes with an integrated TSA-approved lock, offering built-in security for your belongings. This is a significant convenience as you don’t need to purchase a separate lock. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside, on the other hand, does not include a built-in lock. While it’s common practice to purchase separate TSA-approved locks for luggage, the absence of an integrated one means an additional purchase and something else to keep track of. For travelers prioritizing integrated security, the BAGSMART is the clear winner in this category.

Maneuverability and Handling

Both brands excel in this area, but they achieve it slightly differently. The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage features excellent 360° spinner wheels and a four-level adjustable aluminum handle, along with soft silicone top and side handles for easy lifting. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside also boasts four 360° spinner wheels and its renowned PowerScope handle, which is known for its robust construction and comfortable grip. User reviews for both indicate smooth rolling and easy navigation. It’s largely a tie, with user preference potentially leaning towards the specific feel of the handle and wheel engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which bag is better for a weekend trip?

A: For a typical weekend trip where you plan to use it as a carry-on, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is often the better choice due to its airline-compliant dimensions and lighter weight. Its 35L capacity (expandable to 42L) is usually sufficient for a few days’ worth of clothing and essentials.

Q: Can the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside be used as a carry-on?

A: While its overall dimensions (31 x 21 x 13 inches) are larger than standard carry-on limits, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is frequently accepted as a carry-on by many airlines, especially in the US. However, for stricter airlines or smaller aircraft, it might need to be checked. If you want guaranteed carry-on compliance, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is the safer bet.

Q: Which luggage offers better protection for my belongings?

A: The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage, with its hardshell exterior, generally offers superior protection against impacts, punctures, and moisture compared to the softside Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside. If you’re carrying delicate electronics or are concerned about weather, the hardshell is a good choice.

Q: Do I need to buy a separate lock for either of these bags?

A: The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage comes with an integrated TSA-approved lock, so no extra purchase is needed for basic security. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside does not have a built-in lock, meaning you would need to purchase a separate TSA-approved lock if you wish to secure your belongings.

Q: Which bag is better for international travel?

A: For international travel, especially if you are visiting countries with smaller aircraft or tighter airline regulations, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is often more reliable due to its strict adherence to common carry-on sizes. If you plan to check your luggage internationally, both are capable, but the larger capacity of the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside might be more suitable for longer stays.

Q: How does the warranty compare?

A: The BAGSMART Carry On Luggage offers a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, covering manufacturing defects. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside comes with a Limited Lifetime Coverage plus a Trusted Companion Promise, which includes a 1-year coverage for airline damage. Both offer good warranty support, but the BAGSMART’s lifetime warranty on the product itself is extensive.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside ultimately hinges on your travel style and priorities. Both are excellent pieces of luggage, but they serve different needs.

If your primary concern is adhering to strict carry-on size regulations, traveling light for shorter trips, and having integrated security, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is your champion. Its lightweight design, compact dimensions, and robust hardshell protection make it a reliable and stylish companion for frequent flyers and business travelers who want to avoid checked bag hassles. The included TSA lock is a significant convenience, and its lifetime warranty offers great peace of mind.

On the other hand, if you’re embarking on longer journeys, need to pack a significant amount, and value exceptional organization with easy access to your belongings, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside is likely the better fit. Its massive capacity, impressive lightweight construction for its size, and smart external pockets make it incredibly practical for extended vacations. While it might require checking on some flights, its maneuverability and durability are top-notch, backed by Travelpro’s trusted warranty.

Consider this: Are you a minimalist packer who wants to breeze through airports with just a carry-on? Go for BAGSMART. Are you a vacation packer who needs to bring half your closet and appreciates having everything accessible? The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside awaits.

For those seeking a dependable carry-on that meets all the rules and looks good doing it, the BAGSMART Carry On Luggage is an excellent investment. Check its latest price on Amazon here.

For travelers who prioritize space, lightweight design for larger loads, and convenient access, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside stands out. View its specifications and price on Amazon here.