We took the 21″ carry-on through airports, hotels and the world’s narrowest airplane aisles. Here’s why this suitcase under the radar is one of the best values in travel.
DISCLAIMER: I was low on expectations for the SwissGear Sion. At this price, I just thought it’d be a decent, no-frills carry-on. It surprised me with the clever layout, robust polyester shell and nice little touches like the two front-panel pockets with a smart placement and the smooth-rolling wheels. It’s no spectacle, but it’s also not cheap feeling. After a week of traveling with it, I can confidently say this: this bag is a great value.
Design & Durability: Built to Survive a Vacation
Constructed from scuff-resistant polyester and a protective interior lining, the Sion stood up to my poking and prodding with no ill effects. I threw it in and out of cars, bounced it across curbs, used it to get up and down stairs, and checked it once on a short domestic flight (rolled nicely, too). This sucker could take a beating.
Build Features:
- Durable polyester fabric and reinforced stitching
- Four 360-degree spinner wheels glide easily in any direction
- Retractable telescopic handle with push-button locking mechanism
- Three carry handles with padding (top, side, bottom)
The color I got (Teal) not only made it easy to find on the luggage carousel, but it also gave it a smarter, more sophisticated look. If scuffs are a concern, the darker colors will be less visible.
Interior & Organization: Simple, Yet Smart
Inside, SwissGear Sion keeps things straightforward but functional. There’s just enough compartments and pockets to keep you organized without going overboard and making it a hassle to pack.
Inside Features:
- Removable wet bag (perfect for toiletries or wet clothes)
- Large mesh zip pocket in the lid
- Interior packing pocket for accessories or cords
- Adjustable tie-down straps keep garments in place
I found the wet bag to be perfect for keeping my charger and toothbrush separate from my clothes after a water taxi ride on vacation. And the mesh pocket is great for keeping smaller items, like socks, corralled. The compression straps kept everything from shifting around while in transit.
Mobility & Handling: Smooth Roll
SwissGear equips the Sion with four multi-directional spinner wheels that make weaving in and out of tight spaces a breeze. I didn’t need to yank this bag through TSA lines, it just rolled easily. Nor did I have to wrangle it down the narrow airplane aisles. It didn’t drag or try to tip over.
Reviewers have mentioned the telescoping handle can feel a little unstable at full extension, and I agree. It works, but it has a subtle wobble to it. At 5’5”, I was wishing for a middle lock position between the two fixed height settings.
However, the handle never collapsed or stuck and in real-world use, that’s more important than one ergonomic quibble.
External Storage & Access: Nice, Clever Details
The two zippered compartments on the front of the Sion are a fantastic feature. I stowed my wallet and phone in the smaller one for quick access at the airport, and stuck my Kindle and some snacks in the larger one. Unlike many front pockets, which bulge outward awkwardly, these two lay sleek and flat against the body of the bag and don’t get in the way of opening the main compartment.
SwissGear also includes a built-in ID tag and secure, lockable zippers on the front pockets. The zipper pulls slide easily, are resistant to snagging and will accept a padlock if you want to use it.
Customer Reviews
From a traveler with mobility issues: “I’m a paralyzed traveler and I am hard on luggage, and I put it through the wringer with me. It’s a wonderful replacement to my $600 Hartman bag and has exceeded expectations so far.”
From a reviewer who went on a cruise: “My Samsonite hard shell carry on bag cracked open after one cruise. I then purchased this Sion softside and have not regretted the decision since. It’s easy to manage and very well built.”
From a shopper who bought more than one Sion: “I purchased this for vacation and have been so happy with it that I came back and bought another size. It’s an excellent quality and the design is very thought out.”
What Could Be Improved
- Handle wobbles slightly at full extension
- Light colors (grey or sky blue) can get dirty easily, though come clean easily with soap and water
- It would be nice to have a third locking position for the handle
As you can tell from these three small gripe areas, the Sion’s almost perfect. And, for a suitcase that frequently goes for less than $100, those are quite a few fair trade-offs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | SwissGear Sion 21″ | Samsonite Centric 2 | Travelpro Maxlite 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Scuff-Resistant Polyester | Polycarbonate (Hardside) | Water-Resistant Polyester |
| Spinner Wheels | 4 Multi-directional Spinners | Oversized Spinner Wheels | 4 MagnaTrac Spinner Wheels |
| Handle | Locking Push/Pull | Push-Button Telescopic | Adjustable PowerScope Handle |
| Expansion | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Wet Bag | Yes | No | No |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Weight (Carry-On) | ~7.3 lbs | ~10.8 lbs | ~5.4 lbs |
The Bottom Line: A Rugged, Inexpensive Bag You Can Roll with Confidence
SwissGear’s Sion isn’t flashy, and it won’t be winning any tech innovations awards. But after taking it through airports, car trunks, escalators, TSA security checks and one weeklong vacation-I’m actually blown away. It’s well made, smartly designed and easy to handle in the types of situations real travelers face.
If you’re an ultra frequent flier in need of the absolute lightest, most bells and whistles suitcase on the market, by all means, take a look at options like Travelpro or Samsonite. But if you’re looking for a solid carry-on that looks good, handles well and won’t empty your wallet?
I wouldn’t hesitate to pack this suitcase again.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Have you had a chance to travel with the SwissGear Sion? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know how it held up for you.
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