Known for premium construction, practical innovation and a standout lifetime guarantee, Briggs & Riley is a popular luggage brand among frequent flyers and business travellers.

From the iconic Baseline collection to hardside luggage from Torq and Sympatico, Briggs & Riley offers carry-ons, checked luggage, backpacks, business bags and travel accessories designed for different types of trips.

But which Briggs & Riley luggage is right for you?

This Briggs & Riley buying guide compares the brand's major collections, luggage sizes, materials and features to help you choose the best Briggs & Riley suitcase or travel bag for the way you travel.

Which Briggs & Riley Luggage Is Best for You?

Here's a quick comparison to help narrow down your options.

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Collection is one of the brand's most recognizable luggage families and an excellent starting point for frequent travellers.

Baseline primarily focuses on premium softside luggage and travel bags, with carry-on, checked, garment and cabin options available.

One of its signature features is Briggs & Riley's CX® compression-expansion system.

Baseline vs. Sympatico: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most important decisions when shopping for Briggs & Riley luggage.

Choose Baseline if: You prefer softside luggage, exterior accessibility and a classic business-travel aesthetic.

Choose Sympatico if: You prefer the structure and appearance of premium hardside luggage.

Neither is universally better, the right choice comes down largely to how you prefer to pack and travel.

Briggs & Riley Carry-On Luggage: Which Size Should You Choose?

Briggs & Riley carry-on luggage comes in several sizes and configurations.

Choosing the correct carry-on is especially important because airline baggage requirements can vary.

Global or International Carry-On

A Briggs & Riley Global or International carry-on is generally the better starting point for travellers who frequently fly domestic or internationally or use multiple airlines.

Its more compact dimensions can provide greater flexibility when dealing with different airline carry-on restrictions.

Best for:

• International and Canadian travel
• Frequent flyers
• Multiple airlines
• Business trips
• Travellers who pack light

Essential or Domestic Carry-On

A larger carry-on can provide additional packing capacity for travellers who primarily fly with airlines that permit larger cabin luggage.

Best for:

• U.S. Travel
• Longer carry-on-only trips
• Travellers wanting maximum cabin packing space
• Business travellers carrying additional clothing

Always check your airline's current size and weight requirements before travelling. A suitcase described as a carry-on does not guarantee acceptance on every airline or fare.

Briggs & Riley Checked Luggage: Which Size Is Right?

For longer trips, Briggs & Riley checked luggage provides substantially more packing capacity.

Medium Checked Luggage

A medium suitcase provides a good balance between capacity and manageability.

Best for:

• Week-long vacations
• Business trips
• International travel
• Travellers who don't need an oversized suitcase

Large Checked Luggage

Large luggage provides additional room for longer trips, bulky clothing and travellers who tend to pack more.

Best for:

• Extended vacations
• Longer international trips
• Winter travel
• Family travel
• Travellers needing additional capacity

Extra-Large Luggage and Trunks

Extra-large suitcases and trunk-style luggage provide maximum packing space but require more attention to airline weight restrictions.

They're best suited to extended travel or situations where capacity is more important than portability.

Hardside vs. Softside Briggs & Riley Luggage

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to choose a hardside or softside suitcase.

Choose Softside Luggage If You Want:

• More exterior flexibility
• Accessible exterior compartments
• A traditional luggage design
• Flexible packing
• A business-oriented appearance

The Baseline collection is the obvious Briggs & Riley starting point.

Choose Hardside Luggage If You Want:

• A structured exterior
• Additional protection around packed belongings
• Modern styling
• A shell that's easy to wipe clean
• A more streamlined appearance

Consider Sympatico or Torq.

Briggs & Riley Backpacks: Best for Work and Travel

A Briggs & Riley backpack can work as a commuting bag, business backpack, personal item or companion to your luggage.

The brand offers backpacks across several collections, including Baseline, @work and HTA.

When choosing a backpack, consider what you'll carry most often.

Briggs & Riley Business Bags: Best for Professionals

Business travel is another area where Briggs & Riley has a strong product offering.

Briggs & Riley business bags include professional briefcases and expandable business bags designed around laptops, documents and everyday work essentials.

The @work collection is particularly relevant for professionals looking for dedicated business organization.

What Is the Briggs & Riley Lifetime Guarantee?

One of the biggest differentiators for Briggs & Riley is its Simple as That® lifetime guarantee.

Briggs & Riley states that if your bag is ever broken or damaged, the company will repair it free of charge, including damage caused by an airline.

That makes the warranty particularly relevant when comparing Briggs & Riley with other premium luggage brands.

However, warranty terms and exclusions can change, so always review the manufacturer's current warranty terms for complete coverage details.

Is Briggs & Riley Luggage Worth It?

Briggs & Riley sits in the premium luggage category, so whether it's worth the investment depends heavily on how often you travel.

It may be particularly worthwhile if you:

• Fly frequently
• Travel regularly for business
• Want luggage designed for long-term use
• Value a strong lifetime guarantee
• Want expandable packing capacity
• Prefer premium materials and construction
• Need organized business travel features
• Want luggage that can handle frequent airport use

For someone who travels once every few years, premium luggage may not be necessary.

For frequent travellers, however, durability, packing efficiency, repairability and warranty coverage become considerably more important because the luggage is being used and handled by airlines far more often.

Briggs & Riley vs. Other Premium Luggage

When comparing Briggs & Riley with other premium luggage brands, its biggest differentiators are its lifetime guarantee and travel-focused functionality.

Rather than choosing luggage based only on price, frequent travellers should consider the total value over the expected life of the suitcase.

What Is the Best Briggs & Riley Luggage for International Travel?

For international travel, consider both your luggage size and the type of trip you're taking.

For Carry-on-Only, Canadian, and International travel: Start with a Briggs & Riley Global or International Carry-On.

For longer international trips: Consider medium Briggs & Riley checked luggage.

For premium softside luggage: Consider Briggs & Riley Baseline.

For hardside luggage: Consider Sympatico or Briggs & Riley Torq.

For business travel: Pair your luggage with a Briggs & Riley backpack or business bag.

Briggs & Riley Buying Guide: Quick Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Briggs & Riley

Is Briggs & Riley a luxury luggage brand?

Briggs & Riley is generally considered a premium luggage brand. Its products emphasize durable construction, functional design, travel-focused features and long-term warranty coverage.

Is Briggs & Riley luggage worth the money?

For frequent travellers, Briggs & Riley can be particularly compelling because of its combination of durability, packing functionality and lifetime guarantee. Occasional travellers should weigh those benefits against the higher upfront price.

What is the best Briggs & Riley collection?

There isn't one best collection for everyone. Baseline is an excellent choice for frequent travellers who prefer softside luggage, while Sympatico and Torq are better suited to travellers who prefer hardside suitcases.

What is the difference between Briggs & Riley Baseline and Sympatico?

Baseline is primarily a premium softside luggage collection, while Sympatico uses a hardside construction. Both are designed around frequent travel, but they provide different packing experiences and aesthetics.

What is Briggs & Riley CX expansion?

CX is Briggs & Riley's compression-expansion technology. On compatible luggage, it allows the suitcase to expand for additional packing capacity and then compress back toward its original profile after packing.

Does Briggs & Riley have a lifetime warranty?

Briggs & Riley offers its Simple as That® lifetime guarantee covering repair of functional damage to its bags, including airline damage. Travellers should consult the manufacturer's current warranty terms for complete details and exclusions.

What is the best Briggs & Riley carry-on for international travel?

A Global or International Carry-On is generally the best starting point because of its more compact dimensions. However, airline baggage requirements vary, so always verify the dimensions of your specific suitcase against your airline's current limits.

Is Briggs & Riley Baseline hardside or softside?

Baseline is a softside luggage collection. Travellers looking for Briggs & Riley hardside luggage should consider collections such as Sympatico or Torq.

Is Briggs & Riley good for business travel?

Yes. Briggs & Riley offers luggage, backpacks, briefcases and business bags specifically suited to frequent professional travel. Baseline and @work are particularly relevant collections for business travellers.

Which is better: Briggs & Riley hardside or softside luggage?

Neither is inherently better. Softside luggage provides flexibility and convenient exterior storage, while hardside luggage provides a more structured shell. Your packing habits and travel preferences should determine which is better for you.

What size Briggs & Riley luggage should I buy?

For short trips, consider a carry-on. Medium checked luggage works well for many week-long trips, while large luggage provides more capacity for extended travel. Always consider airline size and weight restrictions when choosing larger luggage.

Shop Briggs & Riley in Canada

Choosing the right Briggs & Riley luggage comes down to how you travel, how much you pack and whether you prefer hardside or softside construction.

Frequent flyers looking for premium softside luggage should consider Baseline. Travellers who prefer hardside luggage can explore Sympatico or Torq, while business travellers can pair their luggage with a Briggs & Riley backpack or business bag.

Canada Luggage Depot carries a wide selection of Briggs & Riley luggage, carry-ons, checked luggage, backpacks, business bags and travel accessories.

Shop Briggs & Riley in Canada and find the right luggage or travel bag for your next trip.