Last Updated: September 7, 2023
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Briggs & Riley Luggage Review

Briggs & Riley is a luxury luggage brand known for outstanding quality. If you’re thinking about buying their luggage you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed review features the best Briggs & Riley luggage money can buy. 


At A Glance: Best Briggs & Riley Luggage


We’ve covered carry-ons, checked bags, suitcases, and duffel bags, so there are plenty of options regardless of the kind of luggage you are looking for. Read on to learn more about Briggs & Riley luggage, and see what the best options for you are!

Top Product Overview

Briggs & Riley Torq Hardside Luggage, Hunter, Checked-Large 30-Inch
Best Non-Expandable Hardside Luggage
  • Extremely durable exterior
  • Interior pockets, dividers, and a suiter
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Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside International Spinner Luggage, Matte Black, 21-Inch Carry-On
Best Expandable Hardside Luggage
  • Expandable capacity for extra packing space
  • Multiple pockets inside
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Briggs & Riley Transcend-Softside Expandable Wide-Body Carry-on Spinner Luggage, Rainforest, 21-Inch
Best Carry-On For Business Trips
  • Expandable capacity
  • Durable construction
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Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside Medium Upright Rolling Duffle Bag, Black, 27-Inch
  • Multiple compartments and pockets
  • Flat packing section for wrinkle-free clothes
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Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside Cabin Spinner Bag, Black, Underseater 16-Inch
Best Briggs & Riley Softside Luggage
  • Premium materials and hardware
  • Four external pockets
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Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 inch Softside Carry On Luggage with wheels 22 x 14 x 9. Expandable 2 Wheel Suitcase with Compression Packing System, Olive
  • Tough and durable construction
  • Expandable capacity
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Briggs & Riley BRX-Explore Softside Wide-Body Carry-On Spinner Luggage, Blue
  • Durable and water-resistant exterior
  • Internal and external pockets
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Briggs & Riley ZDX, Black, Domestic 22' Carry-on
  • Durable ballistic nylon construction
  • Multiple internal and external pockets
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Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Softside Underseat Carry On Cabin Spinner, Navy, Wide 16-Inch
  • Padded laptop sleeve inside
  • Outsider handle with ergonomic grip
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Top Products


Best Non-Expandable Hardside Luggage

Briggs & Riley Torq Hardside Luggage

Briggs & Riley Torq Hardside Luggage, Hunter, Checked-Large 30-Inch

The Torq hardside luggage from Briggs & Riley is a great option if you need an ultra-durable suitcase for air travel. It’s made from three layers of virgin Makrolon polycarbonate, incredibly durable material with excellent impact resistance.

Polycarbonate is an elastic material that bends upon impact. It’s extremely resilient, meaning that this luggage can take a beating and come out unscathed. The material is also very lightweight, and the Torq luggage is some of the lightest hardside luggage this brand makes.

In addition to the amazing durability and resilience, this luggage also features lightweight spinner wheels and a tough aluminum telescoping handle. The handle is entirely mounted to the exterior of the luggage, so it does not take up any space inside the packing compartments.

The Torq luggage has two packing compartments, but they’re not identical. One compartment is much deeper than the other, similar to the design of softshell luggage. There are pockets, dividers, and a built-in suiter inside the main compartment, which is awesome considering that a lot of hardside suitcases don’t have any pockets at all.

On top of all that, this Briggs & Riley luggage also boasts top and side grab handles, as well as a TSA-friendly lock. The Torq luggage is available in six different sizes ranging from a 21” carry-on to a 32” checked bag, and the specs below are for the 28” suitcase.

Pros

  • Extremely durable exterior
  • Interior pockets, dividers, and a suiter
  • Telescopic wheel handle mounted on the outside

Cons

  • Expensive
  • The capacity is not expandable

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 28.5" x 16.5" x 15.5"
  • Weight: 9.5 lbs
  • Capacity: 110.6 liters
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Best Expandable Hardside Luggage

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Large Spinner

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside International Spinner Luggage, Matte Black, 21-Inch Carry-On

The Sympatico spinner luggage from Briggs & Riley is available in four sizes ranging from a 21” carry-on to a 30” checked bag. Most of the features are identical on all four suitcases, with the exception of a USB power pocket that allows for charging on the go. This feature is present only on the two carry-on bags.

The Sympatico luggage is made from three-layer Makrolon polycarbonate, for excellent durability and impact resistance. These suitcases can handle pretty much anything, which makes them perfect for people who travel often.

The luggage also boasts double spinner wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, and a telescopic aluminum wheel handle. The wheel handle is entirely mounted on the inside, so the packing compartment is completely smooth. You don’t have to pack around the handle and the clothes inside won’t get wrinkled as much.

The main compartment is spacious and it has an expandable capacity. This is the brand’s proprietary CX expansion system, which allows you to expand the main compartment and then compress it again when you’re finished packing.

This luggage also has several zippered pockets, cinch-down mesh garment panels, and an extra zippered compartment in the lid.

The specifications below are for the 27” medium checked luggage.

Pros

  • Expandable capacity for extra packing space
  • Multiple pockets inside
  • Wheel handle mounted on the exterior

Cons

  • Single packing compartment

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 27” x 18.5” x 11.5-13.5”
  • Weight: 12 lbs
  • Capacity: 87.2 L - 102.3 L
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Best Carry-On For Business Trips

Briggs & Riley Transcend Expandable Carry-On

Briggs & Riley Transcend-Softside Expandable Wide-Body Carry-on Spinner Luggage, Rainforest, 21-Inch

The Transcend luggage is a great option if you’re looking for a softshell carry-on. This Briggs & Riley suitcase is made from durable ballistic nylon, a material that is resistant to water, abrasion, and dirt. The stylish bag has one main packing compartment, with numerous pockets on both the interior and the exterior of the bag.

The exterior pocket is actually a laptop compartment with an internal sleeve. It can fit a laptop and all your travel documents, and everything will stay easily accessible because of the design of this front pocket.

The suitcase also features zipper pockets in the lid, a suiter compartment, and an open pocket inside the main compartment. The double spinner wheels are smooth and sturdy, while the telescopic wheel handle allows for easy maneuvering. Also, the handle is mounted to the exterior of the luggage, so it doesn’t take away from the capacity of the bag.

Also, it’s worth noting that this suitcase is designed with an extra-wide body, which provides you with extra packing space while ensuring the luggage stays small enough to fit into the overhead compartment on most airplanes. This cabin bag also features expandable capacity with the VX expansion system, which can give you 2.5” extra packing space.

Pros

  • Expandable capacity
  • Durable construction
  • Internal and external pockets

Cons

  • No lock on luggage

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 9” x 15” x 21”
  • Weight: 8.58 lbs
  • Capacity: 41-60.6 liters
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Best Briggs & Riley Duffel Bag

Briggs & Riley Baseline Upright Rolling Duffle Bag

Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside Medium Upright Rolling Duffle Bag, Black, 27-Inch

If you’re looking to get a good wheeled duffel bag, consider buying the Baseline upright duffel bag. It’s a great option for very long trips, especially because it’s packed with innovative features you likely haven’t previously seen in a duffel bag. The duffel is made from sturdy ballistic nylon, which is abrasion, dirt, and water-resistant.

It has several packing compartments that can be accessed in multiple different ways. There’s an opening at the front, which is standard for duffels, but this gives you access to just one of the compartments. This compartment features zippered pockets and garment securing panels that ensure your belongings stay neatly organized.

Then there’s an additional compartment than can only be accessed when you open the duffel suitcase style. It is 4” deep and it’s entirely flat, so it’s great for items that mustn’t get wrinkled in transit. A duffel is a good option even for business travelers, thanks to the dedicated section for fancy garments.

The Briggs & Riley duffel bag also features two in-line skate wheels, an outsider wheel handle, and leather-wrapped front handles. There are also several smaller pockets on the exterior of the duffel bag, which are great for the items you want to have more easily accessible.

Pros

  • Multiple compartments and pockets
  • Flat packing section for wrinkle-free clothes
  • Outsider wheel handle

Cons

  • A little heavy

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 27.01” x 14.02” x 16.5”
  • Weight: 9.7 lbs
  • Capacity: 90 liters
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Best Briggs & Riley Softside Luggage

Briggs & Riley Baseline Rolling Cabin Spinner

Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside Cabin Spinner Bag, Black, Underseater 16-Inch

The Baseline cabin spinner is a good option if you’re looking for smaller luggage that undoubtedly fits into overhead bins. This bag is so compact that it can even fit under seats on most airlines, but it’s not so small that it’s a dedicated underseat bag.

The cabin spinner has all the same features that are loved on the larger Baseline suitcases – shock-absorbing double spinner wheels, an outsider wheel handle, a roomy packing compartment, and multiple external pockets.

The bag is made from durable ballistic nylon, it’s equipped with YKK zippers, and it has a wheel handle made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The handle is mounted to the exterior of the bag so that it doesn’t take anything away from the packing compartment. It’s a height-adjustable telescopic handle with an ergonomic grip, for maximum comfort and effortless maneuvering.

The packing compartment of the cabin bag features zippered and open pockets for easy organization. It’s not a huge compartment, but it’s just big enough to hold your essentials for an overnight trip. The bag also has four external pockets – two side pockets, a Speedtrhu pocket for easy access, and a larger pocket on the front panel. The larger front pocket is padded and it can fit most standard-sized tablets.

Pros

  • Premium materials and hardware
  • Four external pockets
  • Outsider wheel handle with ergonomic grip

Cons

  • Not a dedicated underseat bag
  • Pricey for a small cabin bag

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 16” x 14” x 9.5”
  • Weight: 7 lbs
  • Capacity: 24 liters
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Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 inch Softside Carry On Luggage with wheels 22 x 14 x 9. Expandable 2 Wheel Suitcase with Compression Packing System, Olive

The 22” carry-on is one of five suitcases in the Baseline collection, which includes some of the most popular luggage made by Briggs & Riley. It’s a domestic carry-on because only some airlines in the US will accept it as a cabin bag – it doesn’t fit into the overhead compartment on all airplanes, and you should look into the Baseline International carry-on if you want a more versatile suitcase.

The Baseline carry-on features one packing compartment with plenty of room inside. It’s got dividers, a zipper pocket, and a suiter section in the lid. Also, this suitcase has an expandable capacity, with the brand’s proprietary expansion system, which means no expansion zippers on the outside.

The luggage also features an outside wheel handle, but it’s worth noting that the bag has only two wheels. They’re not quite as convenient as spinner wheels, but they are great because they take up less space, allowing for a roomier main compartment.

In addition to all that, it’s also worth noting that this carry-on boasts several exterior pockets, including Speedthru pockets. These are tiny pockets that keep small gear accessible, so they’re perfect for your phone, wallet, passport, etc.

Pros

  • Tough and durable construction
  • Expandable capacity
  • Great organizational features

Cons

  • No spinner wheels

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”
  • Weight: 8.9 lbs
  • Capacity: 38-50 liters
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Briggs & Riley BRX-Explore Softside Wide-Body Carry-On

Briggs & Riley BRX-Explore Softside Wide-Body Carry-On Spinner Luggage, Blue

The BRX-Explore carry-on bag is an excellent option if you’re looking for a suitcase with a smaller capacity. It’s made from 420D nylon, 600D polyester, and water-resistant tarpaulin, for excellent performance and durability regardless of the conditions. The outer material is resistant to water, dirt, moisture, and abrasion,

This carry-on luggage boasts an interesting design because it’s not rectangular like most suitcases. It’s got rounded corners at the top and it’s more similar to a backpack than a suitcase in design. This isn’t a bad thing – although the bag lacks that extra space in the corners, this makes it a bit easier to fit into overhead compartments, plus it improves the overall durability of the luggage.

The bag has a spacious packing compartment with dividers and zippered pockets inside. There are also three external pockets on the front panel, for all the items you remember last minute or just the stuff you want to have easily accessible while traveling.

The BRX-Explore carry-on luggage is equipped with smooth-rolling double spinner wheels and an external telescopic wheel handle for easy maneuvering. On top of all that, it’s important to note that the suitcase features external compression straps, just like a backpack. This allows you to cinch it in, so it can fit inside the sizer bins and overhead compartments more easily.

Pros

  • Durable and water-resistant exterior
  • Internal and external pockets
  • Outside wheel handle

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Compression straps are only external

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 14.96” x 9.06” x 20.98”
  • Weight: 8.14 lbs
  • Capacity: 39.7 liters
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Briggs & Riley ZDX-Expandable Luggage

Briggs & Riley ZDX, Black, Domestic 22' Carry-on

The ZDX expandable luggage from Briggs & Riley is another great option if you’re specifically looking for softside luggage. The suitcases are made from ballistic nylon, for excellent durability and great performance in various weather conditions.

This luggage is equipped with spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, and a cushioned grab handle at the top. The carry-on features a USB power pocket in the back, which allows you to charge your electronics on the go.

The carry-on also boasts a flat packing compartment, thanks to the outsider wheel handle. It’s mounted to the exterior of the bag, which allows for more packing space inside the main compartment. This also helps keep the clothes wrinkle-free, a feature appreciated by frequent business travelers.

The main compartment of the suitcase boasts cinch-down mesh garment panels, two zippered pockets on the lid, and expandable capacity. It’s worth noting that this suitcase features the classic expansion zipper, instead of the brand’s proprietary expansion technologies.

In addition to all that, it’s also worth mentioning that this Briggs & Riley bag has three external pockets. Two are zippered and one is an open sleeve that’s perfect for all the items you want to have easily accessible while traveling.

Pros

  • Durable ballistic nylon construction
  • Multiple internal and external pockets
  • Expandable capacity

Cons

  • No built-in TSA lock

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 14” x 9” x 22”
  • Weight: 7.4 lbs
  • Capacity: 42.3 - 51.9 liters
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Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Underseat Spinner

Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Softside Underseat Carry On Cabin Spinner, Navy, Wide 16-Inch

If you’re specifically looking for an underseat bag, the Rhapsody spinner is a great option worth considering. It’s available in 16” and 17” sizes, but we’re focusing on the former because the small form factor means it will fit under the seats of more aircraft.

This is the best overnight bag you can get from Briggs & Riley. It has a roomy main compartment with several pockets and sleeves, one of which is padded and can hold a 15” laptop. There are also lots of smaller pockets, which are perfect for small items you want to keep organized (chargers, toiletries, pens, etc.).

The Rhapsody underseater also features an RFID-safe pocket on the front panel, as well as a water bottle pocket on the side for maximum convenience.

The bag is equipped with smooth-rolling double spinner wheels and an Outsider wheel handle. The wheel handle is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s height-adjustable, and it boasts an ergonomic grip. On top of that, the bag also features two leather grab handles at the top, which feel incredibly luxurious.

There’s even a small leather name tag on the bag, which just goes to show that Briggs & Riley thought of everything when they designed the Rhapsody luggage.

Pros

  • Padded laptop sleeve inside
  • Outsider handle with ergonomic grip
  • RFID-safe pocket

Cons

  • Pricey for an underseater
  • Very small capacity

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 15.5" x 14" x 8"
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Capacity: 21.9 liters
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What To Look For

Type Of Luggage

What kind of luggage are you looking to get from Briggs & Riley? Do you want a suitcase, a duffel bag, or maybe a rolling garment bag?

This brand manufactures excellent luggage of outstanding quality, and no matter what kind of bag you buy, you’ll be able to use it for years to come. But it’s important to know exactly what you are looking for, especially since the brand offers so many different kinds of bags in their luggage collections.

Carry-on suitcases and small garment bags are best if you’re looking to get a sturdy cabin bag. If you need checked luggage for air travel, look for hardside Briggs & Riley suitcases. They’re extremely durable so you should be able to use them for years to come, plus they’re all covered with the brand’s lifetime guarantee.

It’s worth noting that all Briggs & Riley luggage is suitable for business travel. Most bags are equipped with a suiter section, and at the very least there’s a flat packing compartment that guarantees garments will stay wrinkle-free.

Size And Capacity

Do you need a small bag that works as a carry-on or large-capacity luggage for long trips? Briggs & Riley makes bags in as many different sizes as possible, so there are definitely a few great options for you, no matter what exactly you are looking for.

The 21” carry-ons are best for international travel, while the 22” carry-ons work for travel within the United States. The medium-checked suitcases are best for trips up to a week, while the larger checked luggage works for trips up to two weeks. Briggs & Riley offers extra-large cases in some of their collections, and these suitcases have a huge capacity, but they usually end up being over the checked luggage weight limit when they’re fully packed.

In terms of capacity, it’s worth noting that the brand has a proprietary expansion system that works even on hardside luggage. The technology is great because it expands the main compartment by 17%, and it works without an external zipper.

Materials And Durability

Briggs & Riley manufactures their luggage with the best and most durable materials out there, so you can pick up pretty much any bag and you don’t have to worry about its durability. Their softside suitcases are usually made from ballistic nylon, TPU, and durable polyester, while the hardsides usually feature a sturdy polycarbonate construction.

One thing you should think about is whether you want a softside or a hardside suitcase. Softshells usually offer more room inside the packing compartment, as well as external pockets. They’re great for travel by train and car, and they make for excellent carry-ons, but you’re better off with a hardside suitcase if you’re looking to get a checked bag.

It’s no secret that baggage handlers throw luggage around like sacks of potatoes, and a hardside suitcase can handle that impact much better. This is especially true for the Briggs & Riley luggage, which is made from Makrolon polycarbonate – the best lightweight material used in the manufacturing of luggage.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the brand offers a lifetime guarantee for their luggage. The luggage warranty covers all manufacturing defects, and it even covers damage caused by regular use for a certain time period.

Briggs & Riley Luggage Review: Our Top Picks

Still not sure which Briggs & Riley luggage is the right option for you? Then go with one of our top three picks, depending on the size and style of luggage you’re looking for!

If you’re looking for softside luggage, anything from the Baseline collection is a great option. This is the brand’s most popular luggage collection, and it’s equipped with all the features that make Briggs & Riley luggage so unique and great. The Baseline collection includes spinners and uprights in many different sizes, shapes, and forms – there’s everything from a backpack to a rolling duffel bag, with about a dozen of suitcases in between.

Out of all the Briggs & Riley hardsides, the Sympatico luggage is the best option if you want luggage with an expandable capacity. The suitcases are made from extremely durable materials, they’re expandable, and they’ve got the Outsider handle that keeps clothes wrinkle-free. The luggage also features spinner wheels, internal pockets, and a TSA-compatible lock.

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside International Spinner Luggage, Matte Black, 21-Inch Carry-On
  • Outsider handle provides greater interior capacity and a smooth surface for packing so clothes arrive wrinkle-free
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle system with 3 stop heights and ergonomic Outsider handle grip

The Transcend softside luggage is one of the best options for business travel. This luggage boasts a dedicated laptop sleeve, easily accessible external pockets, an internal suiter section, and an Outsider handle that keeps clothes in the main compartment wrinkle-free. The Transcend suitcases also feature expandable capacity, smooth spinner wheels, and internal pockets for easy organization.

Briggs & Riley Transcend-Softside Expandable Wide-Body Carry-on Spinner Luggage, Rainforest, 21-Inch
  • 21 x 15 x 9 inches weighing 8.6 pounds
  • Outsider handle for wrinkle-free flat packing provides greater interior capacity and increased packing space

Head over to Amazon to see more photos and exact prices of all the Briggs & Riley luggage featured in this review. If you still haven’t found the right luggage for you, check out our related posts for even more great options!

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