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A durable suitcase is the number one must for any traveler. Cherene Saradar from the Wandering Redhead travel blog shares her Travelpro Maxlite 3 review. Find out if this popular brand makes the cut!
Travelpro Maxlite 3 Review
by Cherene Saradar
My Travelpro Maxlite 3 international-sized carry-on suitcase is currently my go-to bag for most types of travel. I use it for both long and short-term travel. It is stylish and versatile and meets the standards to carry-on for most airlines, provided you meet their specific weight requirements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 3 22 Inch Expandable Rollaboard
Basics
Suitcase brand and style: Travelpro Maxlite 3
Dimensions: 20″ x 14″ x 9.5″. The depth goes from 9.5″ to 11″ when expanded and the height is 22″ if you include the wheels and handle.
Weight: 6 lbs
Capacity: 44 L
Material: 100% polyester fabric and polyester lining
Opening Type: Standard zip opening
Features: The Travelpro Maxlite 3 has a large front outer pocket with a smaller mesh zipped pocket inside the compartment. In the main compartment, there is a small mesh zipped pocket in the back and a full-length interior lid pocket.
The adjustable hold-down straps help to compress contents and to fit more items. The handles at the top, side, and bottom are well cushioned and comfortable for when you must hold the bag.
The handle has grooved tubes which make it strong enough to support a tote. The patented contour grip makes it comfortable to hold while pushing.
Security: It does not come with its own lock system, but the zippers can lock together with a small padlock.
Travel Type: This bag can be used for virtually any travel where one prefers a wheeled suitcase, including business travel or vacation.
Durability
The honeycomb frame system of the Travelpro Maxlite provides durability without excess weight. The exterior fabric is water-repellent and stain-resistant, which is great for travelers visiting various terrains. Furthermore, it is protected with extra guards in vulnerable areas that are prone to damage.
My bag has been to over 15 countries and I’ve had it for 2 years. This suitcase has been abused, dragged up and down stairs, across rocks, dirt, and sand, and has been checked into many airlines.
It has been tossed in and out of vans, trains, buses, car trunks, and boats. So far, there are no tears and nothing has broken on it. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty, but I’ll likely never need to use it since it’s still holding up so well!
Comfort and Mobility
The Maxlite 3 is very easy to travel with. The spinner-style wheels rotate 360 degrees and roll effortlessly in any direction. The bag can be dragged behind you or pushed in front of you with ease.
A solo female traveler can drag this bag over cobblestone or even gravel without it stopping. The handle locks in 2 positions (38″ and 42.5″), which is great for both average height people and shorter people (like myself).
Spaciousness
The suitcase may seem small, but I was able to to use it for 3 months in Southeast Asia. Of course, the types of clothing I packed were light and for warm weather, but I have also used this bag for 2-week trips in colder climates.
The front pocket is ideal for a laptop or documents or even chargers. You can easily shove a sweater or scarf in there for quick access.
Style
My bag is the blue shade, but it also comes in black, ebony grey, merlot, purple, navy, or ocean blue. The Maxlite 3 is a sophisticated looking suitcase that looks more expensive than it is. It doesn’t show signs of wear easily.
Pros
The suitcase is attractive and easy to use. It is light and easy to lift into the overhead compartments on airlines and fits more than it appears. The wheels and handle are well-designed, durable and easy to manipulate.
Cons
My only complaint about the suitcase is that it seems to get front heavy and can tip over at times, especially if you pack heavier items in the front pocket. This can be offset by compressing items as much as possible with the straps and paying attention to weight distribution.
Verdict
I highly recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 3 suitcase and believe that it is worth the price. This bag has survived quite a bit with me and has fulfilled any requirement I had for a carry-on. It is reasonably priced, stylish, and well worth the investment.
What are your insights on this Travelpro suitcase? Share in the comments below!
For more tips on luggage and backpack, please read:
- Anti-theft Travelon Packable Backpack Review
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- Everything You Need to Know About What Luggage to Buy
- Best Lightweight Luggage Under 5lb
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Author Bio: Cherene Saradar is a nurse and creator of the blog Wandering Redhead, writing about socially conscious adventure travel. She can often be found playing with any animal in sight or chasing after a glass of wine with a view. See more from Cherene.
Disappointed in purchasing these. The handles bend easily and pull-up/down hard. Look for another set of luggage.
Not my favorite —I’ve tried multiple sizes. All have very weak and difficult pull-up/down handles. The pull up handles bend easily and often need to be pushed hard in small increments back in. Not happy with these purchases.
The only drawback on the TravelPro is the pull up handle. While it is comfortable in my hand, the design is very difficult if you are putting a trolley strap on it. I fight with it every time. Very frustrating when I’m in a hurry.
Is there a newer version of this piece, because it’s showing no longer available on Amazon?
Hi Amber, thank you for reaching out. Yes there is, the newer version is the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Expandable Suitcase: https://amzn.to/2LA66EY Or you might like the Travelpro Platinum Elite International Expandable Carry-on Spinner: https://amzn.to/2W48n03 Hope this helps answer your question. Happy travels! ?
The suitcase on Amazon in the link above does not have 360 spinner wheels. The picture is not the same as the picture in the review.
Thanks for letting us know Susan! We’ll look for the correct item.
I have this same suitcase (but an older model) and I agree with everything she stated, including her complaint! Besides the tipping over if you’re not careful, it a great carryon!
Great feedback Julie, thanks!