The Best July Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Carry-on

July Carry On

View on July.com

While July has several carry-on models, the classic option won us over in testing. We were impressed with the sturdy design of the suitcase that proved to be just as durable as it looked after we hit the outside with a baseball bat and dropped it off a countertop several times. The German-made polycarbonate shell features bumpers on the corner and we noticed that the corners didn’t scuff, dent, or scratch at all after our durability tests. The original model also comes with a removable USB port to charge devices on the go — an exclusive feature to the original mode. 

We had no issues filling up the suitcase with our week-long packing list, and everything fit perfectly with the help of the compression flap. The only note of improvement we had is that the interior could use a few more pockets (there’s just one currently) to add more organizational options. Other than that, we felt like this suitcase checked all the boxes (and more) for what we look for in a high-quality carry-on.

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 7.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Polycarbonate, nylon | USB charging port | Not expandable

Best Checked

July Checked Plus Light

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One of the hardest parts of traveling with a checked bag is keeping it under the usual 50-pound limit, but this July suitcase solves that problem. Weighing just a bit over nine pounds when empty, this lightweight checked bag still offers 105 liters of storage space, meaning you can fit more items before hitting the weight limit for flying. In testing, we were able to fit our entire packing list on one side of the suitcase, and it never felt cumbersome to roll or pick up when packed. The lightweight proved to be just as durable as all the other July suitcases we tried after sustaining zero damage during our durability tests. The only note we have is that it would be nice to have stronger or larger compression straps to add even more space, but the bag is still impressively large. 

The Details: 30.32 x 20.87 x 11.22 inches | 9.2 pounds | 105-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Best Set

July Trunk Set

$990 at July.com

Buying a set of luggage can be practical for some shoppers, so we recommend July’s stylish Trunk Set. The carry-on and checked bag duo have similar features that include adjustable handles, aluminum latch closures, and an 80/20 clamshell design that has one larger side for storing bulkier items. In testing, we were able to pack everything on our packing list into the suitcases, but the checked trunk is smaller than other July checked bags at 95 liters, so it was a tight fit (and it's not expandable). Both suitcases held up well against the baseball bat with minimal scuffing and no visible damage to the polycarbonate shell. Like most July bags we tested, we were blown away by the durable materials and sturdiness of both of these bags. The glossy finish seemed to pick up light dust and dirt easily, so we recommend storing these in their dust bags when not in use. 

The Details: 21.7 x 15 x 8.7 inches for carry-on; 28.25 x 16.5 x 14.5 inches for checked | 8.4 pounds for carry-on; 14.2 pounds for checked | 42-liter capacity for carry-on; 95-liter capacity for checked | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Best With Laptop Compartment

July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve

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This July suitcase boasts all the features we love from the classic carry-on with the special addition of a detachable laptop case. The ultra-padded case has a magnetic snap closure that secures it to the front of the suitcase to give travelers easy access to technology while on the go. We tested the white-and-black colorway and were blown away by the durability of the polycarbonate shell. Even with the snow white color, the suitcase didn’t scuff or scratch after we tossed it off a table and hit it with a baseball bat many times. The 42-liter bag was big enough to fit everything on our packing list for about a week’s worth of travel, and the only issue we ran into was with the wheels that didn’t roll as smoothly over rough surfaces like carpet and stone. While it’s a slight inconvenience, the helpfulness of the removable laptop sleeve and durable exterior make this bag well worth the investment. 

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 8.6 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Polycarbonate, leather | Not expandable

Best Large Capacity

July Large Luggage

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If you’re in search of a seriously spacious checked bag, July’s Checked Plus is your best bet. With 110 liters of space, this bag can hold more than enough items for a two-week trip or longer, so it’s safe to say our week-long packing list fit perfectly between the two spacious compartments. One side has a large compression flap, which was helpful for packing down bulkier items like jeans and jackets. Despite its very large size, this suitcase was impressively easy to roll over rough surfaces like carpet and cobblestone, and we could maneuver it through our obstacle course without any issues. Similar to the design of the classic carry-on, it also features aluminum bumpers on every corner to absorb hard impact, so this suitcase is extremely durable as well. 

The Details: 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | 10.5 pounds | 110-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Best Weekender

July Carry All Weekender Plus

$295 at July.com

Minimalist yet functional, July’s weekender bag was a breeze to pack thanks to its clamshell design and spacious interior. It has a whopping 50 liters of room (more than the July carry-ons), so we could fit over a weeks’ worth of clothing, shoes, and accessories into the weekender. This bag also features the most pockets we’ve seen on a piece of July luggage, and we loved the various spots to place undergarments, a laptop, and other smaller items. When the bag was packed full, it was surprisingly lightweight, and it never felt cumbersome to carry or place in an overhead compartment. The twill nylon material looks sleek and stylish, and it’s extremely durable and protective. We wish this perfect-scoring weekender bag came in a few more colors, but the black and navy blue are still sleek options. It also comes in a smaller 28-liter size (below) that would make a great personal item.

The Details: 12.5 x 22 x 9 inches | 4.2 pounds | 50-liter capacity | Twill nylon | 16-inch laptop pocket

Best Personal Item

July Carry All Weekender

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The July Carry All Weekender was an easy pick for the best personal item from July luggage, considering it won best overall in our favorite personal items roundup out of almost 50 other bags. Designed for short trips, this is testing editor Jackie Cucco's go-to bag when she wants something bigger than a tote but more compact than a jumbo weekender. It has a minimalist design with enough space inside for overnights and weekend getaways but is still on the smaller side so it won't feel bulky when traveling. Because of that, you won't be able to fit more than what you need for a night or two, but its compact size makes it easy to travel with and a great personal item, since it can fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane. At 10.5 inches by 18 inches by 8.5 inches, it can hold up to 28 liters, which we found ideal for a laptop, a couple of outfits, and a few other small items. The bag has a deep main compartment as well as a designated laptop pocket, several slip pockets, and a front zippered pocket. Other details we like include the lightweight design, padded shoulder strap, and trolley sleeve to keep the bag in place on top of a suitcase.

The Details: 10.5 x 18 x 8.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 16-inch laptop pocket