10 Best Zipperless Luggage and Suitcases
Don’t get us wrong—as sometimes overpackers, we definitely appreciate the flexibility an expandable zippered suitcase will give you. But the more time we spend on the road, the more we’ve come to adopt a minimalist mindset, i.e., buying less and investing in quality that will last. Enter the zipperless suitcase: She’s strong; she’s secure; and she’s stylish. Sure, she’s a little bit more expensive than your standard soft-shell, zippered suitcase, but she’s built with quality to stand the test of time.
Here are our 10 favorite picks for the best zipperless suitcases to travel with in 2024 and beyond.
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10 best zipperless luggage for 2024
1. Best carry-on zipperless luggage: Level8
You know our favorite way to travel: lightweight and carefree with an easy carry-on. Made out of aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy, this carry-on zipperless luggage may not be the most lightweight suitcase on the market, but it is one of the most secure—and the most stylish. Available in silver or gray, the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On from Level8 eschews the standard zipper for dual TSA-approved locks to keep your belongings safe and secure from takeoff ‘til landing. Now, time for the bonuses! This carry-on zipperless luggage also comes with Level8’s 4 Pieces Organizer Bag Set, Luggage Tag, and Suitcase Cover Protector.
Price: starting at $429
2. Best trunk zipperless luggage: July
Most zipperless luggage is made out of aluminum, which means you’re left with the timeless (but basic) color options of aluminum and a few different shades of gray. Not the Checked Trunk from July! This trunk luggage features a crush-proof glazed German polycarbonate shell with a rivetless anodized aluminum frame and two integrated, one-click TSA latch locks. Leather finishes lend an air elegance, while water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining adds extra durability. Oh, and it’s available in nine different colors, including Deep Green, Cherry Red, and Coastal Blue.
Price: starting at $545
3. Best vintage-style zipperless luggage: Steamline Luggage
Everything old is new again! Years ago, most luggage actually didn’t come with zippers but sturdy, metal latches. Now, you can combine the best of old-school sophistication with modern security features when you travel with The Architect from Steamline Luggage. Available in luxe Burgundy, Cream, or Navy, this vintage-style luggage upgrades classic metal laches with TSA-approved locks and silent-glide wheels so you can be elegant and efficient at the boarding gate. And there’s more to love inside, too. Zippered lid pockets keep you organized; a detachable door-hanger wash bag keeps your clothes wrinkle-free; and an Art Deco-inspired printed lining keeps you feeling fancy, even in the humblest of hostel rooms.
Price: starting at $895
4. Best zipperless luggage with front pocket: Carl Friedrik
One of the major drawbacks of zipperless luggage is … well, no zippers. While secure latches add an extra layer of security, they almost make it challenging to grab small items from your suitcase in a pinch. That’s why we love the design of The Carry-on Pro from Carl Friedrik. This zipperless, hard-shell suitcase has a special front pocket that includes a laptop compartment, two pen slots, and a smaller pocket for things like travel documents, a notebook, or an external battery. Shop this zipperless luggage with a front pocket in gray or black with your choice of premium leather detailing in cognac, chocolate, or black.
Price: starting at $565
For more insight, read our full review of Carl Friedrik’s Carry-on Pro here.
5. Best luxury zipperless luggage: Sterling Pacific
If you’re a frequent traveler, then you can expect your beloved carry-on suitcase to withstand a few dings and scrapes. But with a full aluminum suitcase, you can transform basic wear and tear into marks of world-traveler pride—at least you can with the 35L Cabin Travel Case from Sterling Pacific. Picture this: A full 5052 aluminum case (with impact bearing ridges) is reinforced with A380 aluminum corners, A380 aluminum wheel housings, an extruded 6063 aluminum frame, an A380 aluminum trolley housing, and even a retractable full-aluminum trolley. Whew, that’s a lot of aluminum bling! To top off all that flash and shine, this luxury zipperless luggage features Italian full-grain leather handles for comfortable, soft-to-the-touch carrying wherever you go.
Price: starting at $1,950
6. Best rugged zipperless luggage: Pelican
Checking a bag at the airport can be scary because some people worry about 1) the airline losing their bag; 2) someone breaking into their bag; 3) their bag getting squished in the hold. While going zipperless won’t do anything (unfortunately) to prevent your bag from getting lost, it does add an extra layer of security against would-be thieves and rough-and-tough wear and tear. It’s all about having the right suitcase—and there are few more durable and secure than the Pelican Air 1615 Travel Case. This rugged zipperless luggage is crushproof, dustproof, and watertight, giving you the best line of defense when you need to pack cameras or other delicate devices. A retractable extension handle makes it eas(ier) to tout this behemoth of a suitcase through the airport, while packing cubes and zipped storage compartments add organization inside. Finally, these rugged luggage-makers get bonus points for offering this sturdy suitcase in seven bright colors—much appreciated.
Price: starting at $510
7. Best zipperless luggage with shelves: Solgaard
For the overpackers who rely on that expandable zipper to help them organize their travel load, this one's for you. The Check-In Closet from Solgaard opens to reveal a built-in shelving system. (Don’t worry—you can also remove it if you ever feel like flying old-school style. Although, after giving it a try, we bet you won’t.) With a one-pinch opening mechanism, this zipperless luggage with shelves opens its polycarbonate shell to reveal five shelves, plus compression straps to give you maximum storage for your trip. Best of all, this intelligent design was made with love for the planet: For every item sold, Solgaard saves 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities.
Price: starting at $425
8. Best non-aluminum zipperless luggage: Samsonite
Most zipperless luggage on the market is made out of aluminum or at least features an aluminum frame—which is nice for style and security but not so gentle on the arms. If you still want to take advantage of a zipperless suitcase but don’t want to drag a literal metal box through the airport, try this option from Samsonite. The Spinner 69 is made out of Flowlite—what Samsonite calls their revolutionary material because it’s extremely lightweight without compromising on weight. Here’s what else you get: a three-point closure for extra security; cross ribbons and a zippered divider for extra organization; and 12 color options for extra flair. We’ll take it.
Price: starting at $264
9. Best budget zipperless luggage: LUGGEX
There’s a lot to love about zipperless luggage—except the price tag. If you want to glide through the airport like a Rimowa-touting celebrity without dropping four figures on a suitcase, meet your new travel BFF: the Aluminum Frame Luggage from LUGGEX. Appropriately named, this budget zipperless luggage houses its polycarbonate shell in an aluminum frame, along with aluminum corner protectors for even more durability. The wear-resistant, flexible latches are TSA-approved, and the eight rolling wheels mean you can coast from security to the gate without ever missing a step. We also like the interior zippered pockets, including a designated waterproof area, for easy packing.
Price: starting at $200
10. Best zipperless luggage with locked compartment: Bamboo Wolf
Running late to the gate and fumbling with your suitcase, travel water bottle, and boarding pass? Bamboo Wolf has got you covered. Their zipperless luggage comes with a unique exterior locked compartment where you can store your travel documents, a small water bottle, your phone—whatever you need within arm’s reach. Meanwhile, the dual TSA-approved locks give you peace of mind that all your travel gear remains secure, and the protective bumper corners and aluminum-magnesium alloy frame help keep unwanted dings and scrapes at bay. To top it all off, Bamboo Wolf’s Aluminum Carry-on Suitcase with Locked Compartment comes with an adjustable handle to ensure comfort throughout the day—no matter how far you have to travel.
Price: starting at $290
Common FAQs
What is a zipperless suitcase?
A zipperless suitcase uses a series of latches to close instead of a traditional zipper. Usually, a zipperless suitcase has one or two latches—and it's best if they come with TSA-approved locks.
Are zipperless suitcases more secure than traditional zipper suitcases?
A zipperless suitcase can be more secure than a traditional zippered suitcase because it usually features latches with locks—which can be harder to break into than a traditional zipper. For extra security, consider looking for a zipperless suitcase that’s made out of aluminum, which is a more robust option than the typical plastic.
Are there any disadvantages to using a zipperless suitcase?
Because of the latch and lock system, most zipperless suitcases are hard-shell suitcases, which makes them a lot heavier than their soft-shell counterparts. Plus, unlike many zippered suitcases that you can unzip to expand for extra space, there is no way to expand a zipperless suitcase—what you see is what you get.
