If you’re looking for a dependable travel companion that blends durability, functionality, and a touch of Swiss-inspired design, the SwissGear 7366 Hardside Expandable Luggage might be the one. I recently tested the 23-inch version on a multi-leg trip across the U.S. and Europe, and it held up impressively from start to finish.
Build & Materials
The exterior shell of the 7366 is made of ABS plastic. This has been a go-to material for manufacturers in the luggage industry because it’s durable, fairly lightweight, and easy to work with. It’s not the lightest travel suitcase on the market but still not too heavy either. I didn’t treat the case any more gently than I normally would. It went into an overhead bin and back out, got tossed around by a carousel and shoved in a taxi cab. The spinner wheels held up to the impact of the rugged terrain and never slowed down or locked up when rolling. The shell resisted scratches and dents much more than I expected.
The retractable molded lift handles on the top and side are strong and easy to hold on to. The top handle didn’t bend or flex when the case was fully loaded, and the telescopic handle locked in place with a nice solid click. I had no wiggle when extending or retracting.
Interior & Packing
The split-case interior is one of the features I love most about this particular piece of luggage. Split cases make packing super easy and can keep your items a little more organized. The inside is sectioned off with elastic tie-down straps on one side and a zippered divider on the other. I like that it has an additional zipper section that separates the two main zippered compartments. This is a great feature to help section off dirty laundry or travel shoes.
At 23 x 16.75 x 11.25 inches internal capacity, this bag is perfect for about a week’s worth of travel for me. I was able to fit five outfits, one pair of shoes, toiletries and an extra gift for my cousin in Paris all without any trouble. The carry-on version also expands by a couple of inches if you need a little more room for souvenirs or dirty clothes.
Rolling & Handling
As mentioned, this is where this SwissGear 7366 Hardside Standout Edition really shines. It has four 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels that roll smoothly in any direction. The bag felt buttery smooth gliding on even the roughest pavement and navigating in tight airport spaces was a breeze.
The rolling was effortless even when the case was packed full near the 50-lb weight limit for checked luggage. I felt no pull or drag. The upright position of the telescoping handle when rolling also offers a lot of stability and wasn’t a problem rolling on uneven surfaces such as curbs and escalators.
Bonus Features
Fun feature on the carry-on model: there’s a built-in cupholder. I didn’t miss it at all on the checked-size 23-inch model I tested, though (although it would be fun for the smaller carry-on version). The thing is, at the end of the day, this case was in checked luggage about 95 percent of the time, so I wouldn’t have been using the cupholder in any scenario, anyway.
Style & Colors
Function over form and vice versa? It has it all. The SwissGear 7366 Hardside Standout Edition not only has a streamlined, sleek profile but offers up some very cool color options. I’ve been all over the world and rarely have seen someone else’s suitcase garner double takes and I-travel-with-this-person pride in the baggage claim area. Mine was a dusty lavender color called Evening Haze. It helped, too, with spotting my luggage in the sea of black Samsonites and grey duffle bags.
The other color options range from Coral Almond to Green to Black. The options are extensive enough that you can customize your SwissGear luggage to fit your travel style. I know looks aren’t everything, but they also shouldn’t be ignored. Hardshell exterior notwithstanding, this piece of luggage has a sophisticated finish.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
* Lightweight, yet sturdy ABS construction.
* Smooth, 360° spinner wheels allow the bag to glide in any direction.
* Split-case interior with straps and divider for organization.
* Expandable capacity with a few extra inches of packing space.
* Stylish color choices and sleek profile design.
* Backed by 10-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Cons:
* Checked-size models do not have the built-in cupholder.
* Scratches and scuffs show easily (which can happen with any lighter colored hard-shells).
* No small zipped compartments inside.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Customers are generally thrilled with the SwissGear 7366 Hardside Spinner Carry-On Luggage. Below are some comments from verified shoppers.
“Incredible quality and beautiful color.” – Lights, Camera, Groceries
“I Love it. Gorgeous AND works better than any of my previous luggage.” – Loves Shopping
“Took on a trip and shows scuffs easily but I already knew my luggage was not going to be handled with kid gloves.” – M. Verdun
“This is a wonderfully spacious piece of luggage that rolls like a dream even when packed with 45lb of stuff.”
“Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE these suitcases! They are so big and sturdy, and for the price—you just can’t beat it! !”
“I used a hammer and a hairdryer to pop a dent back out—worked like magic!”
The 7366 Hardside Standout Edition had a few negative reviews related to cosmetic damage caused by luggage handlers, but these were the exception rather than the rule. In general, it was frequently mentioned for its excellent value as far as functionality, weight and appearance.
Verdict
I give the SwissGear 7366 Hardside Standout Edition a solid 4.7 / 5 rating. It’s a fine choice for travelers who want a good-looking suitcase that’s easy to roll, has plenty of capacity, is durable, and that offers a good value for the money. Not all suitcases have all of these features, especially at its price point.
The SwissGear 7366 may not be a high-end option when compared to brands like Away or Rimowa, but it offers a hard shell exterior, lots of wheels, and options for both checked and carry-on sizes. Although it might lack some higher-tech features like built-in locks or USB charging ports, it’s also a solid, fairly basic product that doesn’t go above and beyond the call of duty, but it does its job. It also has a 10-year warranty to back it up.
It is worth the money, and a very solid option.
Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5
FAQ
Does the 23-inch size carry-on size?
No, the 23″ is a checked luggage size. 19″ version is for carry-on.
Is there a built-in lock?
There is no built-in lock. However, the zipper can be locked with your own TSA-approved lock.
Does the suitcase scuff easily?
As with any lighter colored hard-shell case, it can scuff and show scuffs, especially if it’s been treated poorly by handlers. A magic eraser or wipe can help clean it up.
Do all sizes come with a cupholder?
No, only the carry-on 19″ version comes with the built-in cupholder.
Have you used the SwissGear 7366 Hardside Expandable Luggage? Let us know in the comments how it worked for you on your trips!
Want to compare other models?
Visit the full review library:
Leave a Comment