The great HTSI guide to luggage

For the long-haul

Defining features These sleek brushed aluminium cases feature reinforced corners, three closures to keep contents secure, an ergonomic, four-height adjustable handle, speedy wheels and a quilted taffeta lining for extra luxe.

Perfect for Chronic over-packers, and anyone who won’t mind inevitable scrapes and dings from the cargo hold.  

See also The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder bag (£360).

For weekend getaways

Defining features Lightweight and durable, with a multi-wheel system that assures agility when running late.  

Perfect for Art-world heavyweights, C-suiters who don’t want to overthink it.

See also The Vérité weekend bag by Métier (£3,850) in double-faced water-resistant linen has multiple pockets for SPF, books and a 16-inch laptop. See also the Bennett Winch Weekender (£975): waterproof cotton canvas, leather trim and brass finishes.

For the beach

Defining features A soft structure as well as interior and exterior pockets make it ideal for organising drinks and towels. Each bag is made in a factory in the Philippines that’s committed to fair labour and environmentally sound practices. 

Perfect for Extroverts who enjoy a little virtue signalling. Bonus: the fabrics are del día – chosen from what’s available “of the day” – so every bag is one of a kind. 

See also Loewe Large Basket bag in palm leaf and calfskin (£495).

For boating

Defining features The ultimate dry bag for sailors and yachtspeople due to its airtight seams, a protective roll top and a removable shoulder strap. 

Perfect for Practical seafarers who care about protecting devices from salt air and prefer a streamlined aesthetic. 

See also LL Bean’s Boat and Tote (from £42) is a classic made of thick canvas, with a genius flat bottom that keeps everything upright – whether on deck or in the office.

For alpine adventures

Defining features A minimalist pack for summer hiking with an ultra-light frame, easy-access pockets, compression straps, trekking pole loops and a whistle.

Perfect for Shorter treks – think rifugio to rifugio in the Dolomites as opposed to summiting Everest.

See also Alpine Luddites, a one-man shop in Vermont with an 18-to-24-month waiting list, makes the ultimate colourful climbing packs and expedition luggage. 

For the flex

Defining features A rolling, old-school objet d’art, with bold colourways, hand-moulded corners and polished- chrome carbon-steel locks.

Perfect for Anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship.

See also Berluti’s Formula 1005 Scritto rolling leather suitcase (£6,850) is Italian perfection, while the Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 suitcase (£3,300) by Marc Newson in Epi cowhide is the height of functional design.

For the eco-conscious

Defining features This carbon-neutral roller made of recycled materials is both fashionable and feelgood (the company offsets its emissions). The lining has multiple pockets and a laundry bag. 

Perfect for Hamptonites and the Hawaii-bound who favour the brand’s collabs with pro packers like Marie Kondo.

See also Berlin-based Horizn Studios makes 97 per cent recycled hard shell luggage and accessories and offers a lifetime warranty (worth it for that alone). 

For cycling

Defining features A narrower silhouette than a typical daypack, plus breathable back pads, makes this a hit with hardcore cyclists. Waterproof zips, a duffel-like opening for easy access, and an optional drinking system set it apart too. 

Perfect for Gear heads, hedge-fund managers, weekend warriors and anyone obsessed with efficient packing. 

See also Rockbros handlebar bags, from £19.

For fishing

Defining features This crossbody/hip pack has zipped pouches that won’t corrode and can hold everything from flies to phones, while embedded magnets secure nippers. 

Perfect for Hardcore anglers, banker bros and lay adventurers after bonefish in Harbour Island or salmon in the Scottish Highlands. 

See also Yakoda Supply and Simms, and Yeti for the MacGyver-like Sidekick Dry gear case ($70). 

For mountains (or Milan)

Defining features Made by an indie San Francisco brand, this backpack is weather-proof and cabin-compliant but can also expand to haul gear. Tablet sleeves, mesh pouches and a sturdy construction mean it can work both in the city and the great outdoors.  

Perfect for Alpinists and/or architects. 

See also Carl Friedrik 72-Hour backpack in navy nylon (£395) for Gstaad or the gym; Sease Mission-Led Solar backpack (£580).