Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]

When we think of Samsonite, we think of reliable and durable luggage that won’t break the bank. The company dominates the mid-range luggage market, offering hardside and softside luggage in a variety of materials and designs, as well as offering backpacks, handbags, and accessories.

Samsonite has been broadening its market share by acquiring the likes of Tumi, Hartmann, and Gregory Mountain Products. However, it still produces great value, mid-range luggage like the Pro Travel Softside collection we’re reviewing today.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Luggage

Samsonite’s Pro Travel Softside collection consists of durable and functional luggage designed with business travelers in mind. Although fairly understated in its external appearance, the interior is where this luggage range really shines.

Whether you’re looking for checked luggage with clever packing solutions, such as a trifold suiter or wet pocket, or a carry-on that will protect your travel tech, the Pro Travel Softside range will have you covered.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Luggage Review

For this review, we looked at the carry-on version of the Samsonite Pro Travel collection that opens vertically. It’s a clever little mobile office for those needing space for their laptop, tablet, work files, cables, etc., while providing ample space for a few days of clothing.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Overall Rating

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Style and Look

Whether rolling it into the office or a hotel for a weekend away, this versatile case has a timeless design to suit any occasion.

It’s unlikely that the Samsonite Pro Travel Softside will win any awards for its aesthetics, but we’re fairly sure that this case will look as smart and sleek in 2 years as it does now. Its black nylon exterior and leather trims will resist any scuffs, and the extensive storage options make this one of our favorite carry-ons yet.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Size and Compartments

Weighing 8.7 pounds, it’s on the heavy side for a carry-on, but it’s not surprising considering the case has so many clever features and packing compartments. Some airlines don’t have a weight restriction for carry-on items, so the deciding factor may be whether you’re happy to cart around the extra weight.

Measuring 21.8 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches, including its handles and wheels, this case’s carry-on version slightly exceeds the size requirements for some domestic U.S. and international airlines. Be sure to check the carry-on size requirements of your specific airline before flying, and of course, every airline is different in how strictly it enforces its size restrictions.

The exterior pockets are where this carry-on truly excels, with Samsonite really considering what you need when working remotely. The smallest pocket at the front has a USB port for charging your cell phone, and behind that is a larger pocket with a Velcro strap to attach your power bank.

Within the large pocket are several pen and credit card holders and a small RFID-blocking sleeve. There’s also a zippered pocket and a soft compartment to store a tablet safely. 

A small pocket at the top of the bag keeps your wallet or passport within easy reach.

As this bag is all about organizing your tech, it also comes with a pouch to organize your cables that you can clip inside the bag for safekeeping. 

This clever carry-on has 2 compartments in the main body of the bag. There’s a large tech compartment accessible from the front side that has a padded pocket to fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop. This compartment also has plenty of room for files, notebooks, or other large items.

The large rear main compartment is for your clothing and personal items. It opens like a clamshell and has bracing straps to stop the tech compartment from falling open onto the floor, potentially damaging anything inside.

X-shaped compression straps will hold your clothes neatly in place, and the 3 mesh pockets in the lid are great for stashing smaller items you don’t want rolling around in transit.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside USB Charging Port

The smallest pocket at the front of the bag has a USB port for charging your cell phone on the go. Simply slip your own power bank into the Velcro strap within the larger pocket and attach the built-in cable. Be aware that the case doesn’t come with a power bank, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Durability and Materials

This soft side carry-on is made from strong ballistic nylon, and the leather accents on the pockets and handle add a touch of sophistication.

The water-resistant nylon weave will reasonably protect your belongings but is not fully waterproof. The material feels incredibly durable and is resistant to abrasion, so you can be confident that you’ll have a smart-looking case for years to come.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Wheels

The 360-degree Split Sphere DLX wheels provide excellent glide and maneuverability on a variety of surfaces. While the wheels are not recessed for protection, they are semi-enclosed with guards on either side to protect them from knocks.

Whether rolling on a smooth airport tarmac or uneven surfaces outdoors, these wheels will stand the test of time. They were quiet and smooth rolling; however, we did find that they didn’t respond as well when turning sharply.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Handles

When it comes to lifting this case, there’s only 1 standard carry handle on the top, and we feel a side handle would be useful considering the weight of the case. On the positive side, the leather carry handle is soft and comfortable to use.

Although not a proper handle, there is a sleeve handle on the bottom of the bag to aid in lifting it in and out of the overhead compartment.

The telescoping handle is adjustable to 9 different heights using the button on the handle. It’s pretty smooth to operate and is sturdy, even at the higher settings. 

Retracting back inside the case under the interior lining, the handle takes up a small amount of the packing space inside the clothing compartment.

Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Zips

With this case being purpose-built to carry your expensive tech, we were disappointed to discover no integrated TSA lock on the bag or even interlacing zippers to attach your padlock securely. This feels like an oversight, considering Samsonite made an effort to include an RFID pocket with security in mind.

The zips themselves are smooth running and feel heavy-duty to deter thieves, and the zipper pulls are quite small and don’t jangle around noisily.

Warranty and Customer Service

The Samsonite Pro Travel Softside collection comes with a limited 3-year warranty that is useful if you encounter any manufacturing defects where the case has failed when it shouldn’t. Although Samsonite’s warranty states that it doesn’t cover damage caused by airlines, it’s always worth trying to see if it can be repaired at your local warranty center.

Other Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Luggage

The Samsonite Pro Travel Softside collection also includes a traditional carry-on, 25-inch medium, and 29-inch large checked suitcase. These cases open as a standard suitcase and the checked luggage comes with a trifold suiter and a wet pocket for toiletries or damp clothing.

Final Thoughts

With Samsonite’s 100+ years of experience crafting luggage, the brand often balances durability, packability, and affordability.

The carry-on version of the Samsonite Pro Travel has some incredibly useful packing options if you regularly travel with your laptop, tablet, or other devices. With almost half the case dedicated to your mobile office, it won’t be as useful to those who don’t utilize these compartments.

We were disappointed by the lack of an integrated TSA lock on this case or interlacing zippers, but you could use a thin padlock through the ends of the zipper pulls.

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