The Best American-Made Luggage Pieces

If you find yourself asking questions about almost every purchase these days, you’re far from alone. Research indicates that consumers are scrutinizing potential possessions, with one study indicating that a whopping 81 percent of shoppers explore details online before committing to buy. And among the most popular searches: Is it made in the U.S.?

Purchasing anything either made or assembled close to home offers zero downsides. You’re not only supporting American manufacturing, but you’re also earning points for sustainability by focusing on finished products that didn’t make a lengthy overseas trek. Maybe it’s ironic to include luggage in that conversation, but it’s undeniable that it’s easier than ever to source stylish luggage crafted in companies both large and small around the U.S. These five pieces should leap to the top of any frequent traveler’s must list.

Coronado Leather Co.

Coronado Leather Co. / Photo: Courtesy of Coronado Leather Co

Americana Duffel Don’t sleep on the power and style of a leather duffel as the perfect weekender. It’s not only highly durable, but a quality leather duffel also acquires a beautiful, burnished patina with continued use. That’s true of this Americana Duffel by Coronado Leather, which has been crafting most of its leather bags and accessories in a San Diego studio since 1981. This piece is both tanned and constructed at Coronado’s headquarters, with features that include brass hardware, denim cotton lining, a large interior zip pocket, dual top handles and a 44-inch padded shoulder strap.
$899, at coronadoleather.com

Red Oxx Air Boss

Red Oxx Air Boss / Photo: Courtesy of Red Oxx Air Boss

Montana-based Red Oxx created the Air Boss specifically for anyone who spends a lot of time in the sky. The company’s founder spent two decades in the military, with part of his service as a parachute rigger, resulting in deep experience with the lightweight and durable properties of parachute nylon. Fast-forward to 1986, and he created Red Oxx, which today makes multifunction nylon bags designed for a variety of pursuits, from business to camping, aviation and beyond. This Air Boss carry-on bag in a brilliant red weather-resistant nylon weighs less than four pounds and offers three main compartments that can be opened wide so both sides lie flat, allowing the traveler to maximize packing space. Padded exterior panels include roomy pockets that can carry everything from work folders to a tablet and passport.
$350, at redoxx.com

Club Glove Rolling Duffle

Club Glove / Photo: Courtesy of Club Glove

It’s now owned by the same company that oversees Titleist and FootJoy, but Club Glove was already a brand known to every member of the PGA and LPGA for its collection of travel gear, which includes golf bags alongside sleek, stylish rolling pieces perfect for business travelers. Assembled at Club Glove’s headquarters in California, this Rolling Duffle in nylon measures 29 inches high, putting it squarely in checked-luggage territory, yet it only weighs 6.8 pounds and will accommodate a week’s worth of wardrobe with ease. Its two-wheel base, meanwhile, not only makes it easy to travel from the airport curb to your airline’s check-in desk. It’s also one element of a design that enables the user to connect multiple Club Glove bags—including a golf bag—which will roll through the terminal as a single unit.
$370, at clubglove.com

Roam Large Check-In Expandable

Roam Large Check-In Expandable / Photo: Courtesy of Roam

Created by a team that helped build Tumi’s global reputation, Roam brings considerable skills to its collection of hard-shell suitcases, which are assembled in a workshop in Vidalia, Georgia. Another bonus: Roam suitcases are highly customizable, allowing the user to create a personalized look by selecting preferred colors for both the front and back shells, water-resistant zipper, trim and jacquard lining, with several elements crafted of recycled materials. Weighing 10.9 pounds, this Large Check-In Expandable features a polycarbonate shell, 360-degree wheels and a compression system that, when coupled with the expandable zipper, can create up to 35-percent more space.
$725, at roamluggage.com

Tough Traveler Cygnet Convertible Rolling Carry-On/Backpack

Cygnet Convertible Rolling Carry-On/Backpack / Photo: Courtesy of Cygnet

As its name implies, Tough Traveler is an ultradurable collection of luggage, backpacks and accessories, which have been crafted in a factory in Schenectady, New York, since 1970. That includes this Cygnet bag, a convertible carry-on that can be rolled on two wheels. The wheels can also be removed (no tools needed) to carry the piece as a duffel or wear it as a backpack, with the straps designed to be tucked into a pocket when not in use. Main pockets open flat for packing, while the interior also offers a variety of pockets, including a padded compartment to hold a laptop. A leather hand grip and removable shoulder strap maximize the versatility of this piece.
$535, at toughtraveler.com