Are Luggage Sets Worth It? A Guide to Building Your Perfect Luggage System

At first glance, a luggage set can seem like a sensible choice. Three matching cases, bundled together and ready to roll. What's not to like? But as any seasoned traveller knows, the demands of travel rarely fit into a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Are luggage sets worth it?" It's a fair question and one that deserves more than a quick answer. The right travelware should do more than simply match; it should meet your unique needs, trip after trip.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at traditional, pre-packaged sets and how they compare to a more thoughtful, tailored approach. We'll walk through what luggage you need based on how and where you travel, and show you how to build a luggage system that suits your style, piece by purposeful piece.

Because at Briggs & Riley, we believe travel should feel considered, not compromised. And that begins with choosing the right tools for the way you move through the world.

The Allure and Limitations of Traditional Luggage Sets

For many travellers, a matching suitcase set represents a tidy solution. Typically sold as a bundle of three (cabin, medium, and large), these sets offer visual cohesion and the appeal of perceived savings. On the surface, it seems straightforward: one purchase, and you're fully equipped.

But the reality isn't always so seamless.

A traditional matching suitcase set is designed to serve the average traveller. The problem? There's no such thing. From quick business trips to extended family holidays, every journey demands something different. Pre-packaged bundles rarely account for that kind of variety.

They also tend to prioritise uniformity over functionality. While three matching pieces may look cohesive in the boot of your car or at baggage claim, they don't always deliver practical value. You may find yourself relying on one suitcase while the others gather dust in storage, or worse, dragging along a size that doesn't suit your trip simply because it's part of "the set."

So, are luggage sets worth it in the long run? For some, perhaps. But for the traveller who values intentional choices, investing in travelware should be less about what's convenient to sell and more about what's genuinely useful.

Why "One-Size-Fits-All" Luggage Sets Often Fall Short

On paper, a pre-selected luggage set promises simplicity. But in practice, it often leads to frustration and unnecessary compromise.

But travel isn't static. It evolves: weekend breaks, extended stays, city hopping, countryside retreats. Your travelware should adapt with you, not the other way round.

The Question of Quality

And then there's the quality question. Bundled sets in the mass market often favour quantity over craftsmanship. For the discerning traveller, that can mean zips that fail under pressure or wheels that wear prematurely.

When you look closely, the promise of convenience begins to unravel. What you really need is a luggage system that works for you, not a preset trio designed for the masses.

Build a Luggage Set That Fits the Way You Travel

Instead of choosing a bundle that assumes how you travel, imagine curating a system that reflects your habits, your destinations, and your style. That's exactly what the Build a Luggage Set experience from Briggs & Riley offers.

What Matters Most

Rather than purchasing a pre-packaged trio, you select the pieces that matter most. You might combine a backpack with a large case for long-haul holidays, or opt for a carry-on and checked bag combo if you often balance business trips with longer getaways. Each choice is purposeful, designed to meet the reality of how you move through airports, train stations, and hotel lobbies.

No Waste

This approach also ensures no piece is wasted. Every suitcase you bring home has a role to play. Whether it's your go-to cabin case for quick flights or a medium spinner that expands effortlessly for family trips, each element complements the others, creating a luggage system as versatile as your travels.

Quality That Counts

And because every Briggs & Riley piece is crafted with enduring quality and backed by the best lifetime guarantee in the industry, you're investing in a collection that will serve you for decades. It's a system built for a life well-travelled and built to last for life.

What Luggage Do I Need?

Every traveller has a different rhythm, and the right luggage reflects that. Here's how to think about building a set around your lifestyle.

The Frequent Business Traveller

Efficiency matters most for those navigating airports weekly. Compact pieces that move easily through terminals and fit in overhead bins make all the difference.

Recommended system:

• A sleek carry-on spinner for frequent flights
• A smart backpack with tech compartments for laptops and essentials
• Optional: a medium checked case for longer conferences abroad

This streamlined carry-on and checked bag combo ensures you can pack light for short trips while still having the flexibility for extended stays.

The Couple Planning a Long-Haul Adventure

Two travellers often pack differently: one may prefer to check a large case, the other to rely on cabin luggage. The key is complementary choices that work well together.

Recommended system:

• One large checked suitcase for bulk packing
• Two distinct carry-on spinners for personal essentials and valuables
• A compact backpack for day trips once you've arrived

This mix ensures balance: shared packing space plus personal control over must-have items.

The Minimalist Weekend Traveller

For frequent short breaks, less is definitely more. The focus here is on agility and compact design.

Recommended system:

• A cabin-sized spinner for effortless navigation during city breaks
• A refined crossbody or tote for travel documents and essentials

Instead of investing in a bulky set, the minimalist benefits most from a flexible duo that covers quick trips without unnecessary weight.

These examples make it clear: creating the right matching suitcase set starts with understanding your own habits. Then, building your set piece by piece ensures every case has purpose, and every trip feels effortless.

Why It's Worth Building, Not Bundling

A traditional luggage set may seem convenient, but convenience fades when the pieces don't align with how you travel. Building your own set ensures every choice is intentional, with each case serving a distinct purpose in your life.

Cases That Earn Their Place

When you create a tailored system, you avoid the wasted space and redundancy that comes with pre-packaged bundles. Instead of storing cases you rarely touch, you invest in pieces that earn their place every time you travel. For some, that might mean a carry-on and checked bag combo; for others, it's a single cabin spinner supported by a versatile companion bag.

Timeless Reliability and Modern Design

At Briggs & Riley, you can craft your system from collections designed to perform. Baseline offers timeless reliability with soft sides and intuitive organisation, while Sympatico delivers a sleek, modern design with resilient hardside protection. Both feature our patented CX® Compression-Expansion system, allowing you to expand the case to fit more and then compress it back to its original size.

Ultimately, building your own set is less about appearances and more about creating a travelware system that will serve you faithfully for decades. It's not a bundle. It's an investment crafted to fit you and your travels.