5 Best Zipperless Luggage Pieces, Tested in Airports and Beyond

Closing a suitcase can be quite a feat, especially if you’re an overpacker. And if you’ve ever had to throw all of your weight onto a suitcase so that you can wrangle the zipper closed, then you know all too well how fragile those zippers can really be. It turns out there’s another solution: zipperless luggage. The best zipperless luggage is constructed of durable materials like aluminum or polycarbonate and is equipped with built-in latches and Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved combination locks instead of zippers. In addition to being incredibly durable, this zipperless system is more likely to deter thieves who want to rummage through your bags.

We did our homework and found some of the best zipperless luggage on the market. Then, our shopping editors and testers packed them up and took them on planes, trains and automobiles to see if they lived up to the hype. We tested a variety of zipperless, hard-shell luggage, including large suitcases and carry-on bags. We even tested some smart luggage for tech-savvy travelers. Here are our top picks for the best zipperless luggage.