Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Carry On Suitcase (Review)
If you’re looking for an Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner carry-on suitcase review that covers its features and will help you decide whether or not it’s worth the spend, then you’re in the right place.
Choosing a new piece of travel gear is kind of like entering into a new relationship – you need to know if it’s going to be a compatible and dependable travel companion before committing. My analogy ends there, but you know as well as I that having the right (or wrong) luggage can make or break a trip!
As someone who regularly travels carry-on only for both business and pleasure, I had to try out the 21” AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner luggage and see what all the fuss is about. And I’m excited to say that I do enjoy the suitcase, but of course, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this review to see if this popular budget carry on suitcase is the right fit for you!
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The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner is a functional carry-on luggage option for those who prioritize low cost and expandability.
Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Review Quick Summary
The AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner is a great straightforward option if you’re looking for an expandable low-cost suitcase. The Hardside Spinner 21” features a fully-lined interior, zippered pockets, four double spinner wheels, a securely mounted short handle, a telescopic handle, and a reliable closure.
This AmazonBasics suitcase comes in four colors to suit your mood, as well as multiple sizes if you’re looking for a full set. The carry-on size fits well within most airlines’ carry-on luggage requirements (although definitely double check with every airline you fly with), and can expand up to 15% if you need some wiggle room.
Though it’s not the highest quality on the market, this suitcase is dependable and the caliber is accurately reflected in the price.
Pros of AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage
- Internal zippered pockets & luggage straps
- 15% expandable exterior
- Dimensions are within most international carry on regulations
- Smooth-rolling mobility
- Relatively affordable
- Scratch-resistant
- Can be purchased as a luggage set
Cons of AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage
- No external compartments
- Not the highest quality
- No TSA Lock
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage is best for:
- Budget travelers
- Travelers wanting extra room
- Organization lovers
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage might not be a fit for:
- Business travelers needing external compartments
- Long-term travelers requiring high durability
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage Full Review
Now that we’ve tackled the summary, let’s get into the details of this AmazonBasics luggage. It has a ton of great features such as internal zippered compartments, expandability, a telescopic handle, and 4 double spinner wheels. Let’s break down the best features of the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21”:
Features
Extra-thick ABS Hard Shell Exterior
A key feature of the Hardside Spinner is that it’s made with extra-thick ABS material (stronger than some competitors). This means that the bag can get reasonably banged up and yet your stuff inside will remain safe.
What this luggage does not claim to be, however, is waterproof. Keep this in mind if you find yourself splashing around in the rain.
👉 Pro Tip: The two most common kinds of hardshell materials are ABS and polycarbonate. ABS is a plastic blend that is lower quality and less impact resistant than polycarbonate, but often cheaper. ABS also tends to be the slightly heavier option of the two. Both are viable options.
Telescoping Handle
The telescoping handle of this Amazon Basics luggage locks in at different heights – meaning you can be comfortable carting it around no matter your height. When fully extended, the handle reaches 40.5” off the ground.
There are also sturdy handles on both the top and right-hand sides of the bag, giving you reliable and stable lifting.
Scratch-Resistant Finish
If you’re after a carry-on luggage option that will look sleek for years to come, then you’ll be happy to hear that the Hardside Spinner has a scratch-resistant finish.
Whether it gets banged around in the overhead bin, kicked under the seat in front of you, or gets rough handling at baggage claim you won’t have to worry about it looking scruffy.
📚 Related Reading: The Best Travel Backpacks, Ranked
Zippered Internal Compartments
Organization is the name of the game with this AmazonBasics luggage, as there are multiple internal pockets waiting to be filled up. Sure, there isn’t an exterior compartment, but this luggage has stretchy compression straps and a small opaque pouch for smaller items on the right-hand side, as well as three zippered pockets (two mesh and one opaque) on the left.
The great interior design will make searching through your belongings a breeze, and rivals even more expensive bags.
👉 Read Next: Carry On Packing Checklist
Expandable Shell
A key feature of the 21” AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner is that it has a double-zippered expandable exterior. Allowing the bag to expand by 15%, these zippers have a rugged strength that keeps this bag from splitting open.
This added convenience means that you can go souvenir shopping in your destination without having to wear layers of clothes on the way home. Hurray!
4 Double Spinner Wheels
Wheels can be the bane of existence for travelers who are regularly on the road – there’s nothing worse than them wearing out or one falling off.
While I won’t say that these wheels feel like the most durable ones on the market, I can confirm that they worked perfectly while I used the bag. Plus, the multi-directional feature makes the bag easy to glide around and Amazon does offer replacements in case of damage.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 7.34 lbs (3.33 kg)
- Dimensions: 14.96” x 10.04” x 21.65” (38 cm x 25.5 x 55 cm)
- Material: Extra Thick ABS Hardshell, Polyester Interior
- Color Options: Black, Navy Blue, Blue, Orange
- Warranty & Guarantee: 30-day refund or replacement eligibility
- Capacity: 39 liters
AmazonBasics Carry On Luggage Alternatives
If you’ve read this far and are having doubts about whether or not the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner luggage is for you, then here are some alternatives to consider which also made our list of the best carry on luggage bags:
Nomatic Navigator 37L Carry On Suitcase
Though it is considerably more expensive compared to the AmazonBasics Carry On, the Nomatic Navigator 37L is the highest rated carry on suitcase we have tested at Travel Lemming. The construction is solid and the bag features several smart features like a laptop compartment. Check out my full Nomatic Navigator 37L Carry On Review for more info.
Level8 Road Runner
The Level8 Road Runner is a premium item that features an external laptop compartment, a polycarbonate exterior, multi-directional spinner wheels, and multiple internal compartments. I highly recommend it for work travel or weekend getaways that require a laptop.
👉 Need More Info? Check out my comprehensive Level8 Road Runner review.
Level8 Textured Carry On
Somewhere between the Road Runner and the Amazon Basics spinner sits the Level8 Textured Carry On. It is a highly organized bag with no external compartments. It’s made out of polycarbonate, is waterproof, and is perfect for those wanting to spend a bit more money on suitcase durability.
👉 Need More Info? Check out my full Level8 Textured Carry On review.
FINAL VERDICT – Is AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21” Worth It?
The AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21” is perfect for budget travelers who are looking for an organized, expandable bag. However, if you’re looking for a premium product with high durability, then you may want to consider an alternative.
FAQs about AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21”
Are AmazonBasics carry-ons worth it?
AmazonBasics carry-on suitcases are worth it for the low price, value proposition, and organizational functions.
Is AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner waterproof?
Amazon does not claim that the Hardside Spinner is waterproof, so it’s best to use caution when using the bag near water.
Does the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner feature a handy divider?
The Hardside Spinner features multiple internal compartments, and a full divider between the right and left sections of the bag.
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Thanks for reading my AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21” review! I hope this made your decision of whether or not to purchase an easier one.
If you’re up for a travel backpack instead of a traditional carry on, then check out these reviews of some popular bags:
Happy shopping!
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21”
The AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 21” is a solid carry on suitcase for budget travelers who are looking for an organized, expandable bag. It lacks the durability of a premium product, but for the price is a solid option.
Product Brand: Amazon Basics
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.7
