The Best Zipperless Luggage: Sleek + Thief Proof

Best Zipperless Luggage Brands

Best All Around Zipperless Suitcase: Samsonite
Best Affordable Zipperless Luggage: Andiamo
Best Polycarbonate Zipperless Carry On: Delsey
Best Luxury Aluminum Luggage: Rimowa
Best Value Aluminum Luggage: Travelking
Best Aluminum Zipperless Luggage for Frequent Travelers: Tumi
Most Unique Zipperless Luggage: Calpak

Zipperless Luggage

I’ve always admired Rimowa luggage for its sleek design, but couldn’t wrap my head around the price. What could possibly justify a thousand dollar purchase on a bag that would get dinged the first time you used it?!

That is, until I realized Rimowa makes use of a specific design feature that makes it more durable to wear and tear… and secures your stuff better.

It’s zipperless!

Zipperless luggage locks your belongings like a bank vault, with a latch lock system instead of an all around zipper.

Some zipperless suitcases even have multiple locks with separate security codes and almost all are framed out of aluminum for extra strength.

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Andiamo
Calpak
Delsey
Rimowa
Samsonite
Travelking
Tumi

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Flying in 2021

Before you hop on a plane, make sure to bring along a face mask!

Face masks are still required on all flights in the US, regardless of vaccination status. These Atoms everyday masks are a really comfortable option, especially on long haul flights, as they’re made from a lightweight and breathable polyester.

Best of all, they sit high up enough on the nose to tuck under glasses so you can breathe easier without fogging up your vision!

Best Zipperless Luggage

In general, zipperless luggage hasn’t gone mainstream yet. Of the brands that offer it, most are on the pricier side.

After testing out a couple different zipperless luggage options, we think these are some of the best options (depending on price, weight and looks)

Best All Around Zipperless Luggage: Samsonite

Available in 20″, 25″ and 28″ sizes

Samsonite is one of the few mainstream luggage brands to make zipperless luggage.

They’ve offered a couple different lines over the years, and the latest range is a secure, sleek hardshell suitcase.

It’s built sandwich-style, with multiple interior organization pockets and a handy quick access elastic for storing items you want to grab quickly (like a jacket for chilly flights).

Samsonite is a great all around option. The hardside luggage combines an aluminum frame with polycarbonate, to balance durability and security with less weight.

Plus, the trusted suitcase brand offers a 10 year warranty with purchase.

Samsonite Zipperless Spinner

Available on Samsonite, eBags & Amazon

See all color options & read the latest reviews

Best Affordable Zipperles Luggage: Andiamo

Available in 24″ size

The Andiamo suitcases are yet another aluminum frame option. They look sleek and elegant, and come in 3 different sizes and a variety of cool metal colors.

On the interior, the Andiamo is quite simple. Two roomy compartments, that allow you to stuff more than if they were divided up with organizers. This is a great bag if you use packing cubes to organize your stuff.

The trunk locks are secure, strong and easy to use, and the wheels glide smoothly. Each suitcase is backed by the manufacturer’s 5 year warranty.

Perhaps the main downside is the lack of reinforced corners. But between design and price, there’s a lot to appreciate about the Andiamo!

Andiamo Aluminum Hardside Luggage

Sold on Amazon

See all color options and read the latest reviews here

Most Unique Zipperless Luggage: Calpak

Available in 22″, 24.5″, 28.5″ and 30.8″ size

Calpak offers stylish luggage at a great price.

Their Jen Atkin collaboration line is one of the most unique pieces of aluminum luggage.

It’s available in 4 different sizes, from carry on to as large as trunk sized, and it’s fashionably available in a range of metallic finishes.

The 100% polycarbonate shell includes a clear dust cover to protect your stylish investment, plus tons of fun stickers to personalize the zipperless suitcases to your heart’s content!

Finally, these suitcases are made with silent run Hinomoto wheels, the gold standard in high end luggage. For smooth rolling, hard-wearing zipperless bags, you can’t go wrong with Calpak.

Calpak Aluminum Luggage

Sold on Calpak, Nordstrom, Shopbop & Net A Porter

See all color options and read the latest reviews here

Best Zipperless Luggage for Frequent Travelers: Tumi

Available in 22″, 26″, 30.5″ and 34.25″ sizes

Tumi’s zipperless aluminum suitcases are some of the most innovative on the market.

If you travel frequently, for work or pleasure, you have to check these out!

These zipperless luggages are made from durable aluminum. The exterior design is really striking, with fluid-looking lines and angles. Since it’s crafted from aluminum, they’ll gather some nicks and dings as you travel, giving them a unique well-traveled look.

Tumi also includes some vintage stickers so you can further personalize your bags!

And best of all, these zipperless bags include Tumi’s tracing program so you can stay in touch with your bags throughout the travel process.

Tumi 19 Degrees Aluminum Luggage

Sold on Zappos, Tumi, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks & Amazon

See all color options and read the latest reviews here

Best Zipperless Luggage: Delsey

Delsey has finally released their own version of zipperless luggage!

One of the reasons I like French brand Delsey is because they always offer stylish luggage – with designs you won’t find anywhere else. Their Belfort line is no exception.

Made from injection molded polypropylene, the zipperless case is high impact-resistant, extra strong and lightweight. It’s also waterproof sealed with wheels that glide smoothly. This suitcase is virtually indestructible – you can visit the South of France and bring back all the wine and champagne you want as souvenirs.

The interior is equally well designed, with tie down straps, a lined divider, a large mesh pocket and even shoe storage. There’s also a removable tri-fold organizer, for even more packing flexibility!

Zippers might break and cheap polycarbonate will crack, but the Delsey will outlast them all!

Delsey Zipperless Luggage

Sold on Amazon

See all colors and read more reviews here

Best Luxury Zipperless Luggage: Rimowa

The gold standard in aluminum luggage? Rimowa – by a mile.

The company was the first to make silver trunks from aluminum and polycarbonate, and their classic carry-on line is the only luxe option if you want quality, design and attention to detail – and don’t have to worry about budget.

Their hardshell cases are extremely durable, crafted from aluminum alloy and riveted reinforced aluminum corners. The leather handles are hand made and the brand includes thoughtful features like a compression divider and extendable straps to tote other bags.

They say once you try a Rimowa, you never go back…

Rimowa Aluminum Luggage

Sold on Nordstrom & Bloomingdales

See all color options and read more reviews here

Travelking Luggage

Available in 20″ and 24″ sizes

Want the look of a Rimowa at a fraction of the cost?

This aluminum suitcase is a great alternative. Visually, it’s sleek and sharp looking. The combo locks are easy to set up and the wheels are smooth.

The handle is a touch flimsier and the suitcase frame is a thinner aluminum, but the interior is roomy and waterproof and has just the right amount of compartments for organizing toiletries and accessories.

To most travelers, it’s visually indistinguishable from other more expensive aluminum travel bags.

Travelking Aluminum Luggage

Sold on Amazon

See all color options and read the latest reviews here

Shop Aluminum Luggage

Why Use Zipperless Luggage

It turns out luggage with zippers is actually quite easy to open.

All a would-be thief has to do is force a ball point pen into the zipper. Since zippers are designed to come apart, your bag opens easily, the thief grabs your valuables, and leaves quickly, with your bags looking intact.

So instead, frequent travelers should opt for zipperless bags if they want extra security. Plus, pretty much all of these suitcases click down and are secured with TSA friendly locks.

Rimowa is one of the most famous (and most luxurious) brands to offer zipperless bags, but there are lots of new brands making luggage nowadays that incorporate this feature.

Pros and Cons of Zipperless Luggage

Zipperless luggage isn’t for everyone.

While these suitcases are sleek and secure, they do have one notable downside: weight. Premium zipperless cases are made from aluminum, which is much heavier than the super light plastic luggage that you can find on the market today.

It’s also not for overpackers – without zippers and a soft outer, there’s just no way you can over stuff these suitcases and still close them.

Consider these benefits and trade-offs before buying zipperless luggage:

Pros

Durable, hard outer shell
Best security for your belongings
No chance of zipper breakage – a common weak point!
Sleek, luxurious design

Cons

More expensive
Less choices available
Can’t over stuff like softside luggage or expandable hardsides
Heavier

Polycarbonate vs Aluminum Luggage

Zipperless bags are almost always made from a durable, hard material. Exactly what material often comes down to price. Cheaper options are aluminum frame wrapped in polycarbonate while the more expensive options are entirely aluminum.

Aluminum luggage will acquire nicks and dents over time. Some people love the look, as it’s a lived in look and souvenir of your travels.

If you prefer your suitcases to look pristine, opt for polycarbonate for your checked bags (it’s a bit more forgiving upon impact) and go with alumnimum for your carry on bag.

Read More in my travel packing checklist series:

Best Travel Luggage

The Best Carry on Luggage for 2021

The Best Packing Cubes for a Perfectly Organized Bag

The Best Lightweight Luggage for Overpackers

The Best Hard Luggage Sets for Stylish Travelers

The Best Underseat Luggage for Minimalists

The Best Carry On Bags for Men - Rugged + Durable!

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