We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Travel Products I’ve Tested Away, Monos, and Other Popular Luggage, and This Under-the-Radar Rolling Suitcase Is My New Go-To It's ideal for overpackers like me By Erin Johnson Erin Johnson Erin Johnson is Editorial Director at PEOPLE with over 9 years of experience in the digital media space. She covers the best and newest home, kitchen, travel, and outdoor products to help make your life easier, including the most affordable vacuums, space-saving kitchen gadgets, clever travel gear, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 8, 2024 08:15AM EST In This Article View All In This Article Is It Worth It? Why Trust PEOPLE? Other Nex Pieces I Love Photo: People / Erin Johnson If you’re shopping for new checked luggage, there’s no shortage of options. I live in Hawai’i and travel by plane at least every two months, so a durable piece of check-in luggage is a must-have. I’ve tested ultra-popular Away luggage and Monos bags, and I’ve also traveled with my fair share of off-the-rack luggage from T.J. Maxx. Deal Alert! The entire Nex luggage site is currently 20 percent off. Save on checked luggage, chic weekender bags, crossbody bags, and more when you shop today. As a product tester, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing, so when a new luggage company offered to send me a piece of rolling luggage to try for myself, I happily accepted. I’ve since traveled 20,000 miles (including several cross-country flights and road trips) with the Nex 28-inch Navigator, and I can’t stop raving about it. Nex Hawaii Edition Navigator PHOTO: Nex View on Meetnex.com Colors: Light blue, gray, olive green, white | Size: 21 x 11 x 30 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping, 14-day return window with 10% restocking fee, and “Million Mile” trade-in policy Notable Features Silky, ergonomic handleLarge zippered interior pocketsSmooth-gliding wheelsUnique colorsEasy scuff cleanup with Magic Eraser Author Erin Johnson holding Nex Navigator's silky ergonomic handle. People / Erin Johnson This might sound like an odd thing to rave about, but anyone who touches the handle on this bag comments on how good it feels. It has a silk-like finish, and my hand never cramps while wheeling this suitcase across cobblestone sidewalks, gritty sand, or crowded airport terminals. Béis vs. Away: Which Carry-On Suitcase Is Better? I fell in love with the Waikiki Blue color but was worried it would get scuffed up immediately. However, it doesn’t scuff as easily as I thought it would, and a Magic Eraser buffs away any marks or residue within seconds. Plus, I can fit so much stuff in this rolling suitcase, making it a great option for overpackers. Large interior zippered pockets allow for privacy. People / Erin Johnson What’s In My Bag? In my latest trip from Honolulu to New York City, I fit the following items in my Nex 28-inch Navigator:3 pairs of shoes (including boots)1 long, wool coat1 down jacket3 wedding guest dresses3 pairs of pants2 bulky sweaters1 jumpsuit1 sweatshirt3 pairs of pajamas1 packing cube of socks and underwear1 packing cube of hair products1 toiletry bag On top of providing a cool, luxurious-feeling bag that reminds me of the clear blue water of Waikiki (it is a part of the Nex Hawaii Edition, after all), Nex has some pretty impressive incentives that separate it from its luggage competitors. The Million Mile program lets you trade in your luggage even after you’ve traveled with it, and Nex Rewards offers you a chance to win free travel credits each month. Nex 28-inch Navigator in Waikiki Blue and Adventure Duffel in Lanikai Amber. People / Erin Johnson Is Nex Navigator Checked Luggage Worth It? Absolutely. The $185 Nex Navigator is worth it based on value alone. The Away Medium Check-In and the Monos Medium Check-In Luggage are both over $300, while the Nex Navigator comes in at under $200 — and it’s discounted even more right now during the brand’s End-of-Year Sales Event. So even if you’re just looking at the price, this luxurious Nex bag is a steal. Bonus: The generous trade-in policy, the “destination-inspired” colors, and the informative cultural discussions the brand facilitates to help educate others on traveling responsibly make this luggage brand stand out, too. The 9 Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested by PEOPLE Nex Navigator front exterior. People / Erin Johnson Why Trust PEOPLE? Erin Johnson is the associate shopping director for PEOPLE. She tests hundreds of products each year, and when she really loves one, she can’t help but shout it from the rooftops. Since moving to Hawaii in 2024, Erin has found herself traveling more frequently, so she is always on the lookout for the best new travel products, whether that’s a comfy travel pillow, wrinkle-free outfit, or chic weekender bag. Besides her own experience with the luggage (gifted by the brand), Erin also spoke to the founders to learn more about why they created Nex and what’s on the horizon for the brand. Spoiler alert: Refurbished pieces and a Japan-inspired collection are on deck. Nex Navigator in Waikiki Blue and Adventure Duffel in Lanikai Amber at the airport. People / Erin Johnson Other Nex Luggage Pieces I Love A quality piece of checked luggage is imperative, but the following Nex products have also earned spots in my bag rotation. Voyager Crossbody View on Meetnex.com Nex Adventure Duffel View on Meetnex.com Nex Hawaii Edition Pioneer Carry-On View on Meetnex.com Nex Travel Tag View on Meetnex.com