Review: Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage 78 cm – Does This Cheap Suitcase Really Handle Big Trips?
- Gavin P. Tate
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Our full review of the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner uncovers capacity, durability, pros/cons & whether it can handle long-haul travel.
If you're searching for a large, affordable checked suitcase capable of surviving extended travel without costing a fortune, the Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage 78 cm might have already caught your eye.
In this review, we go beyond the specs and tell you what it's actually like after real-world use — especially if you're fine with budget-friendly luggage that still performs.
🎒 What You Actually Get for the Price
Feature | Specs / Benefit |
Size | 78 cm / 30 inch (large checked bag) |
Material | Durable, scratch-resistant ABS shell |
Wheels | 4 double-spinner wheels for easy 360° movement |
Handle | Telescopic handle (3 height settings) + top/side carry handles |
Expandable Design | Up to 15% additional packing capacity |
Interior Lining | Fully lined with divider panel and zip pockets |
Weight & Capacity | ~5.4 kg; about 105 L internal volume |
🧳 Real-World Use: What It's Good At
Smooth rolling on flats: Spinner wheels glide well in airports or smooth sidewalks, though less so on gravel.
Durable ABS shell handles occasional drops or conveyor treatment — scuffs show but no structural cracks.
Great capacity: The expandable shell and 105 L volume packed a week of summer clothes, toiletries, and shoes with room to spare.
Basic interior: Handy sheets and mesh pouch included, though lacks dedicated shoe pockets or compression panels.
🔍 Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Pros
Excellent value for size and features
Tough, protective ABS shell with scratch resistance
Convenient wheels and handles make it travel-friendly
Expandable for extra packing space
⚠️ Cons
Slightly heavy at full size (5.4 kg empty)
Handles wobble under heavy load and may flex over time.
No TSA lock or exterior pockets
Random navigation – may drift at angles.
🧩 What Others Say
OutdoorGearLab rated the 30″ version a solid value pick, noting it offers "great storage capacity but dubious long-term durability" with an overall score of 59/100 (outdoorgearlab.com).
A Reddit user on r/BuyItForLife commented:
“Overall it's pretty good cheap luggage. I bought a few and they have taken a beating.” (reddit.com)
🛎 Who It's Best For
Travellers needing high capacity on a budget
Occasional or short-term vacationers (not heavy business travellers)
Families packing bulky items like jackets, sports gear, or souvenirs
Anyone looking to avoid paying baggage fees for oversized bags
💰 Final Verdict
The Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage 78 cm isn’t luxury — but it delivers huge capacity, solid protection, and enough wheels and handles to make airport sprinting easier.
If you don’t need premium features like TSA locks, high-end materials, or lifetime brand warranties, this suitcase offers fantastic value for big trips. Just be gentle with it, and you’ll likely get several seasons of use.
