The 21-inch Freeform carry-on is a deservedly popular hardside suitcase from Samsonite. It has every major modern feature we look for in a suitcase while weighing a paltry 6.5 lbs.
The Good
- Unique modern design with a dozen color options.
- Well-known brand with a good, long warranty.
- Includes an integrated TSA combination lock.
- Expandable and lightweight for an excellent weight to packing volume ratio.
The Bad
- Matte-colored polypropylene exterior is prone to scuffs.
- Sparse interior sorting options.
- Above-average rate of reported wheel failures.
Quick Take
The Samsonite Freeform 21-inch carry-on has every must-have feature and nothing more. This facilitates the bag’s low weight and low price. You won’t find USB charging, a plethora of pockets, laundry bags, and sub-dividers on this suitcase and we think that’s great. Those omissions keep the weight below 7lbs which is impressive for a carry-on.
The Freeform has modern styling and a long list of unique color options. Unfortunately, they are all somewhat scuff prone, beyond what we would consider ‘the norm’. While that may be a dealbreaker for the larger checked bags in the freeform line, this is less of a problem with the 21-inch carry-on. However, it is something to be mindful of when you are moving it to and from the overhead bin.
If you want a lightweight expandable carry on this is one worth considering as it has the 4 pillars of modern luggage; hardside, spinner wheels, long telescopic handle, and a TSA Lock.
(5 votes, average: 4.60 out of 5)
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Samsonite Freeform 21-inch carry on comes in at an ideal size for packrats </span><b>21.25″ X 15.25″ X 10.0″</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for a total linear size of </span><b>46.5″</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This nearly maxes out most airlines’ carry on limits without pushing your luck.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The important number here is the usable interior space which can often be disproportionate in a lot of hard side luggage but the freeform has plenty usable space, exactly: </span><b>19.5″ × 14.5″ × 10″. </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Samsonite did well to maximize the interior volume, in part, thanks to the flat design of the telescopic handle.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Best of all the bag weighs 6.5lbs, which is a figure only a </span><a href="https://www.cleverjourney.com/empty-suitcase-average-weight/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">handful of hardshell carry-ons</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can beat. If you fly often your back will appreciate this.<br />
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<p><strong>Read Next:</strong> <a href="https://www.cleverjourney.com/samsonite-underseat-usb-spinner-review/">Samsonite Underseat Spinner with USB Port Review</a></p>
<h3>Materials & Water-Resistance</h3>
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