High Sierra Luggage Reviews: For Adventurers

High Sierra Luggage Reviews: The Suitcases

High Sierra Rocshell Suitcase

The Rocshell suitcases are available in three sizes. They are made from ABS plastic and feature reinforced corners, for improved impact resistance. This increases the durability of these suitcases and makes them a better fit for checked baggage.

In addition to that, the ribbed shell of these High Sierra suitcases gives them great scratch resistance and makes any existing scuffs barely visible.

These feature four single spinner wheels, which are pretty average. They are somewhat flimsy, so you should avoid rolling the Rocshells on uneven terrain. There is also a retractable wheel handle, with a push-button that locks it into position. The grab handles are spring-loaded and low profile. They are very sturdy and comfortable to hold.

For USA travelers, these suitcases will have a huge downside – the lack of TSA locks. Or any locks for that matter. Instead, the zipper to the main compartment has lockable pullers, but that barely makes up for a combination lock.

The interior of the Rocshell luggage is divided into two packing compartments. Both are fully lined with nylon and have expandable capacity. The top compartment has a full panel zippered divider with a zippered pocket, and the bottom compartment features elastic cross straps.

Additionally, the interior features the same color accents as the exterior, which makes this suitcase a bit easier on the eyes. And the colorful zipper allows you to easily spot this on the luggage carousel.

Check the links below to see the Rocshell suitcases on Amazon:

• Rocshell 20”
• Rocshell 24”
• Rocshell 28”

High Sierra Tephralite Suitcase

The Tephralite suitcases are decent, affordable options. Their design actually reminds me a lot of Samsonite’s Centric luggage – affordable suitcases that appear very tough. The High Sierra suitcases are made from ABS plastic, which has very good scratch resistance. But not the best impact resistance.

Unlike polycarbonate, ABS will crack upon hard impact. The good news is that it’s super easy to repair your suitcase. But the bad news is that the shell of your luggage is cracked, so it’s pretty much useless until you can actually repair it.

Obviously, that depends on what airline you’re flying with (hi Ryanair), and whether you want a carry-on or a checked suitcase. Carry-ons won’t be thrown around by baggage handlers, and they have a longer lifespan.

The Tephralites have two packing compartments with expandable capacity. The top compartment features a full panel zippered divider with a large mesh pocket, while the bottom compartment has elastic cross straps. These suitcases also feature single spinner wheels and a double-barrel wheel handle that locks with the push of a button.

Now, there are no traditional locks on the Tephralite luggage. The zipper pullers are lockable, but you would need to buy a TSA padlock. But, at least you will be able to spot these immediately on the luggage carousel, thanks to their unique design and color accents.

Check the links below to see the Tephralite suitcases on Amazon:

• Tephralite 20”
• Tephralite 28”

High Sierra Braidwood Suitcase

The Braidwood suitcases are the most elegant option, in my opinion. They have a fairly simple design, with color accents that help you spot them easily on the carousel. These suitcases are made from ABS plastic and feature a ribbed and decorated shell for improved scratch resistance.

These are also the smallest and lightest hardshell suitcases by High Sierra. And if that’s exactly what you are looking for, then Braidwood is the best option for you. Especially because they didn’t really hold back on the other features.

The suitcases have four single spinner wheels, as well as a retractable wheel handle with a push-button. The smaller suitcase has one top grab handle, while the larger suitcase also features a grab handle on the side.

There are two packing compartments inside the Braidwoods, and they are separated with a zippered divider. You get elastic cross straps in the bottom compartment and a large zippered mesh pocket in the top one.

The best thing about these suitcases are their prices – you can get the 20” Braidwood for as low as $45. Perfect if you’re on a tight budget and want to get something for very little money. The 28” is a bit more expensive, but you can still get it for some $80 (the Charcoal/Lime version).

Check the links below to see the Braidwood suitcases on Amazon:

• Braidwood 20”
• Braidwood 28”

High Sierra Endeavor Wheeled Underseat Carry-On

The Endeavor is one of the best options for the organized traveler. Especially if you tend to carry a lot of techs when you go away. It is designed as an underseat bag, and can actually fit under most airline seats, thanks to its small size and width.

Because it is a carry-on suitcase, you don’t need to worry about durability too much. It is made from 1680D ballistic polyester, which is a very durable and tear-resistant material. It is not completely waterproof though – remember that if you get caught in the rain with a laptop in the front compartment.

The Endeavor carry-on has two skate wheels, which perform really well even on cobblestone. Of course, they are not as convenient as spinner wheels, since you have to tilt your luggage to get them rolling. But they are a bit more durable and can withstand rougher terrain.

There’s also the retractable wheel handle with a push-button lock. And the sturdy and padded top grab handle.

But the best features of this suitcase are all of the different pockets and compartments. The frontmost pocket has a tablet sleeve, as well as an organizer for all your smaller accessories – chargers, cables, external drives, USB drives, and whatnot. Then, there are also the side pockets – one is zippered, and the other one is made from stretch mesh. Perfect for a handy water bottle.

This suitcase also has a shoe compartment, a dedicated laptop compartment that fits 15” laptops, an internal mesh pocket, and a small external zippered pocket. In addition to that, this luggage also features a strap that allows you to mount it on top of a larger, checked suitcase.

High Sierra AT8 Wheeled Carry On

This High Sierra suitcase is made from Nylon. It is very sturdy and durable, as well as water-resistant. Actually, nylon is the preferred material for softshell luggage, specifically because of its high quality and tear resistance.

It features a clamshell opening, with two main packing compartments. The top compartment features a mesh zippered divider, and you get tie-down straps in the bottom one. The capacity of the AT8 suitcase is expandable. However, when you expand the bag, it won’t fit into overhead compartments anymore. Remember that, if you want to use this as a carry-on.

In addition to the two packing compartments, there are also two external compartments. One of them is lined with fleece and waterproof – like a scratch-free pocket you see on most hiking backpacks. It’s great for your sunglasses, phone, or any items you want to have easily accessible. The other front compartment features a laptop sleeve.

There are in-line wheels on this suitcase, which perform well on all terrain types. But you need to tilt the bag to get them rolling – the recessed wheel handle helps with that. And there is also the soft gel bottom handle, which makes it super easy to pick up this suitcase and place it in the overhead compartment.

The best thing about this suitcase is that you get a backpack with it. The backpack is very compact, and it folds into a tiny pouch. So, you can actually pack it in your suitcase, and then you have a small bag for everyday outings. The Pack N Go backpack has a large main compartment, a mesh water bottle pocket, adjustable shoulder straps, and an add-a-bag strap.

Just like the suitcase, it has daisy chain attachments at the front. Very useful for attaching bulkier gear, that won’t fit well inside the main compartment.

High Sierra Hybrids, Rolling Duffels And Backpacks

In this section, I will show you a few different types of luggage. You will see some hybrids – bags that are a cross between a suitcase and a duffel bag. And, I will also show you some wheeled backpacks and regular duffel bags.

High Sierra Evanston Carry On Upright Luggage

The Evanston carry-on bag is a good example of hybrid luggage. It has several suitcase elements, and then some duffel bag elements as well. The bag is made from polyester, and it has a pretty durable, tear-resistant exterior.

But there is one issue – the Evanston bag is categorized as carry-on luggage, but its overall height is 25”. That will be an issue with some airlines, so make sure to check their restrictions for in-cabin baggage before you commit to this as a carry-on.

The duffel bag elements of the Evanston include the wide compression strap and the grab handle on the front panel. Now, the handle alone is a bit useless, considering just how large this bag is. But, there is an additional grab handle at the bottom of the bag, which makes it much easier to pick up the bag.

And the suitcase elements include two packing compartments with expandable capacity, in-line skate wheels, a telescopic wheel handle with a locking push button, and multiple external pockets. Additionally, this bag also has daisy chain attachments on the front panel, which allow you to attach additional gear/equipment to it with a carabiner.

There are no internal compression straps in the Evanston, but there is a divider in the top compartment. That is a bit of a downside because if you don’t pack enough stuff in the bottom compartment, there’s no way to lighten the load and ensure they won’t get jumbled around. Sure, there’s the external compression strap, but it is not as effective as internal straps.

High Sierra Alameda 2Pc Spinner Set

If you are looking to get more than one piece of luggage, then a luggage set is worth considering. The Alameda set includes two duffel bags/suitcases; a carry-on and a checked bag. However, the smaller bag is nearly 24” tall with the wheels and the handle, so you will definitely have to check if you would like to use it as a carry-on.

One thing I really like about the Alameda bags is the spinner wheels. They give you great maneuverability of your hybrid bag, and just make moving around very easy. However, they are not suitable for all-terrain types. So, if you plan to take these bags off-road, you will need to carry them like regular duffels.

Luckily, the bags have pretty good carry handles. There are two of them on the front, and they are joined together with a Velcro strap. Additionally, they are positioned at the center of the bags, so the weight should be evenly distributed.

As for the suitcase features, the Alameda spinners have two packing compartments with expandable capacity, lockable zippers (you need a padlock), a telescopic wheel handle, and a couple of external compartments. But they also lack some features – there are no internal compression straps in these bags, and there’s no bottom grab handle.

Overall, these bags are great if you’re looking for something with a large capacity. And they are currently 40% off – if you like them, make sure to grab them while the deal still lasts.

High Sierra Winslow Wheeled Duffel

The Winslow duffel bags are a good option if you’re looking for a more traditional duffel bag. There are four bags to choose from, and not all of them are exactly the same. The 34” bag is the most unique one, because of its packing compartment.

There are two ways to use the main compartment of the biggest bag. There’s the large U-shape opening, which gives you access to the main compartment from the front of the bag.

If you unzip the divider, you will have one giant main compartment, which can pretty much fit a small person. Or, you can use the zipper in the middle of the bag and have two packing compartments.

All of the bags feature wheels, a recessed wheel handle, a bottom grab handle, and two carry handles on the front. The three smaller bags don’t have a U-zip opening. That’s because they all feature two external front compartments instead. Additionally, only the 29” bag has an expandable capacity – remember that, if that’s one of the features you are looking for.

The Winslow collection of duffel features one extremely interesting bag – a 22” upright duffel with a zip-off daypack (top photo). The daypack zips to the front of the bag when you need additional packing compartments.

But when you only want to take the necessities with you, you can remove the daypack from the rest of the bag and be on your way. I really like this feature – it makes the bag more versatile, and it makes your stuff easily accessible.

Check the links below to see the Winslow suitcases on Amazon:

• Winslow Carry On
• Winslow Carry On With Daypack
• Winslow 29” Upright
• Winslow 34”

High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Laptop Backpack

The Powerglide is a good option for short trips with a lot of techs. It is primarily a laptop backpack, with a sleeve that can fit most 17” laptops. This compartment is also fully padded and provides impact protection to your laptop.

There are several smaller compartments and pockets in this backpack, including one with an organizer panel. Therefore, this backpack is a really good option for people who travel with more tech than clothes. And, apart from being good for travel, this backpack is also great for work or school.

It has a capacity of 38.5 liters – more than enough for an overnight flight. And it is small enough that airlines will gladly accept it as a carry-on.

The Powerglide backpack has wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, and a pair of padded shoulder straps. The wheel handle is hidden in a zippered compartment, and it doesn’t bother you when you are carrying the backpack on your shoulders.

Additionally, the shoulder straps can also be hidden in their compartment, and they won’t drag on the ground when you’re wheeling the backpack around.

Unfortunately, this backpack doesn’t feature s hip belt or a sternum strap, so it won’t be too comfortable to carry on your back. But hey, that’s why you get the wheels!

High Sierra XBT Wheeled Laptop Backpack

If you are looking for small and lightweight luggage for business trips, a wheeled backpack could be a good option for you. It might not look as sleek and professional as a regular carry-on suitcase, but it’s a much more functional option.

For one, everything in the backpack will be easily accessible. And there are compartments, sleeves, and pockets for pretty much anything you would want to pack. The padded laptop sleeve can fit most 17” laptops, and the tablet sleeve can definitely fit an 11” iPad (maybe even a 13” one).

There are also several pockets for all accessories and the main compartment that can fit enough clothes for a couple of days. Oh, and there’s also a compartment with an organizer panel and a key clip.

This backpack is a great option for shorter trips if you want to have easy access to your gear during your flight or ride. But it’s also a good option for camping or similar outdoor adventures – the in-line skate wheels perform well on cobblestone, and you can always just carry it on your back like a regular backpack.

The shoulder straps and the wheel handle both have zippered compartments. And there is also a padded panel that goes over the wheels – very useful when you are actually carrying the backpack and want to be comfortable.

I guess the only downside to this convertible backpack is its weight. The presence of the wheels and handles is very noticeable, and you don’t get features that help transfer that weight away from your shoulders.