If you’re looking for budget-friendly, stylish, and functional luggage, the Wrangler Elysium 4 Piece Set might be the right fit for you and your travel needs. Boasting lightweight, durable materials, ultra-smooth spinner wheels, and a simple but useful storage layout, this affordable set is one of the best values in its price range. I recently had the opportunity to travel with this set of luggage for several legs of a vacation, so I’ll dive into my experience with the set below.
What’s Included in the Set?
The 4-piece Wrangler Elysium set includes:
- 25″ Hardside Expandable Check-In Suitcase
- 20″ Hardside Expandable Carry-On Luggage
- 15.5″ x 12″ x 4.5″ Packing Cube
- 12″ x 8″ x 4.5″ Packing Cube
Both suitcases have 360-degree spinner wheels, multiple carry handles (side and top), and expandable design.
The packing cubes that come with this set are a fun little bonus. They’re also incredibly useful if you’re a traveler who prioritizes staying organized when you’re on the road. The two sizes are great for keeping dirty laundry separate from clean laundry or simply compartmentalizing your items.
Build & Materials
As with most luggage in this price range, the hardside shell is not going to feel super-premium, like it is with a Samsonite or Tumi set. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t feel solid and well-made for the price. The polycarbonate blend shell is lightweight (the 25” version is 8.26 lbs and the 20” is 6.5 lbs), flexible, but stayed in great condition through multiple flights and shuttle rides, as well as a few dragging-empties-on-sidewalk-during-rainy-season messes.
I read in several other reviews that they had a similar experience:
Carrying heavy bags at the airport and throwing them around wasn’t an issue. They did great going through 3 different airports and multiple train rides…— Verified Amazon Review
Spinner Wheels & Maneuverability
Each suitcase features 4 dual-spinner wheels, meaning that you can roll the suitcase smoothly and in any direction (360-degree spinning). In my experience, they also roll in super smooth, with almost no resistance. I was able to easily pilot the carry-on suitcase through tight airplane aisles and bustling terminal floors. The handle is a push-button retractable design, which is great for saving space but not the most heavy-duty-looking handle out there. It’s relatively simple, though it feels stable and locks in place securely.
If you’re rolling more than one of these pieces on the same trip, the small packing cube easily hooks onto the retractable handle, which I had to do a few times when bolting between gates at one particularly busy airport.
Storage & Interior Layout
Expandability is a nice bonus on both cases, offering an additional couple of inches of storage space. For me, the extra space was the difference between bringing that extra pair of sandals or not.
The interior of the suitcase is somewhat standard: The fully-lined interior comes with a few tie-down compression straps, a zippered divider, and mesh storage pockets for small items. It’s not the most involved interior in the world, but it’s functional.
Reviewers praised the layout:
Very roomy… The storage cubes were very convenient and made packing much less chaotic.
Nice, lightweight suitcase at a great price (under a hundred for the set). Highly recommend.
Real-World Performance
I used the 25” for a week-long international vacation, while my partner tested out the 20” carry-on for a weekend domestic trip. The luggage held up well in both cases. No problems with wheels, zipper, or handle. The packing cubes were especially handy for organizing accessories, socks, and toiletries.
In terms of durability, I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well the cases handled airport baggage handlers and movers. It was touched on in a few reviews but summed up perfectly in this one:
They held up to the stacking of luggage by the cruise lines without a problem! They were at the bottom in several instances. They are strong enough to not dent. No dents at all, just a few minor scuffs.
Design & Style
Wrangler offers this Elysium set in a few fun and unique colors, such as Amber Gold, Desert Taupe, Burnished Lilac, and Winter Sky. I personally used the Burnished Lilac, which looked gorgeous in person, and stood out amongst the other luggage on the baggage carousel.
It’s not so flashy that it’s distracting, either. The color palette is a great opportunity to show off a little personality without going too far. I think if you’re tired of black and gray luggage, this is a set that offers tasteful style and flair.
Who It’s Best For
This set is ideal for:
- Budget travelers who want value and durability
- Families traveling for a vacation or cruise
- Students or young professionals looking for practical luggage
- Occasional travelers who want a great set without breaking the bank
Not Ideal For:
- Business travelers who want a premium feel or build quality
- Those that need a TSA lock (this set does not include one)
- Travelers that want built-in smart technology or organizational tools
- Travelers that want a larger check-in suitcase (The 25″ feels small for long-haul trips)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Great value for a 4-piece luggage set
- Nice color options to show some personality
- Includes 2 useful packing cubes
- Expandable for extra packing space
Cons:
- Shell is slightly flexible (but it held up well in real-world use)
- Missing TSA lock
- Handle is a bit basic for frequent travelers
Comparison Table
| Feature | Wrangler Elysium | Samsonite Winfield 2 | Amazon Basics Hardside Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | ABS/PC blend | Polycarbonate | ABS |
| Spinner Wheels | Yes, 360° | Yes, 360° | Yes, 360° |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TSA Lock | No | Yes | No |
| Packing Cubes Included | Yes (2) | No | No |
| Weight (25″) | 8.26 lbs | 9.3 lbs | 9.4 lbs |
| Price Range | $ | $$$ | $ |
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Final Verdict
All things considered, the Wrangler Elysium Luggage Set is a solid performer in its price range. With 2 hardside suitcases and 2 useful packing cubes all designed with practical features and ultra-smooth maneuverability in mind, it’s a hard set to beat for the price. You won’t be getting a premium product in the prestige department, but this is where the value is for the money.
If you’re a casual or family traveler, a student or young professional just getting ready to head to college or for a semester abroad, this set is a smart investment. It’s affordable, durable, and ready for travel.
Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5
If you own a Wrangler Elysium set of your own, drop me a comment below! I want to know how it’s held up in real world travel for you after a few trips and adventures—real traveler experiences like yours are what help other travelers make an informed decision!
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