The RBH Edit: How to Choose Your Luggage — Ricardo Beverly Hills
Ricardo Beverly Hills · Since 1978 · The RBH Edit

The RBH Edit:
How to Choose
Your Luggage.

We've been making luggage since 1978. Here's what 46 years of building bags for real travelers taught us about what to look for — and what to ignore.

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1978Founded
10 YrWarranty
9Collections
30 DayEasy Returns
The RBH Method · 01

Start with how you travel.

The best luggage isn't the most expensive — it's the one that fits your travel style. Before picking a size, material, or price point, ask yourself: how often do I fly, how long are my typical trips, and do I check bags or carry on?

01
Weekend Traveler
1–3 nights. You live out of a carry-on and refuse to check bags. You need something lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver through any airport.
Best Size: 20–21" Carry-On
02
Business Traveler
Frequent flights, suits, and laptops. You need a TSA lock, organized interior, USB charging port, and something polished enough for any boardroom.
Best: 21" Carry-On · Hardside
03
Extended Trips
4–14 days. You're packing for real. You need expandable capacity, durable construction, and enough room for what you're bringing home.
Best: 25" Medium or 28–29" Large
04
Family Travel
A mix of sizes is your best strategy. Give each traveler their own carry-on and consolidate shared items in a large check-in. Everyone stays organized.
Best: Luggage Set or Mixed Sizes
Not sure about sizes? Our Size & Weight Guide breaks down every dimension, weight, and airline limit in detail.
The RBH Method · 02

Why material makes or breaks a bag.

Material is where quality is made or compromised. Ricardo Beverly Hills uses premium materials across every collection, selected for specific performance, durability, and sustainability goals.

Makrolon® by Covestro PolycarbonatePremium Hardside

The same aerospace-grade polycarbonate used in aircraft windshields. Virtually indestructible — it flexes under impact rather than cracking. Textured scratch-resistant finish and protective corner guards.

Impact ResistantScratch ResistantAerospace Grade
Used In: Rodeo Drive 2.0 Hardside
100% PolycarbonateHardside

Excellent impact resistance at an accessible price point. Lightweight, available in a wide range of colors, and built to withstand the rigors of everyday baggage handling.

Impact ResistantMultiple ColorsTSA Lock
Used In: Montecito 2.0, Cambria, Melrose
1680D Ballistic NylonSoftside · Professional

Originally developed for military body armor. 1680D denotes a very dense, heavy-duty weave. Treated with Nanotex® for stain and water resistance. Built for aviation professionals and heavy commuters.

Military GradeNanotex® TreatedTear Resistant
Used In: Flight Essentials
GRS-Certified rPET Recycled FabricSoftside · Eco-Friendly

Made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles — Global Recycled Standard certified. The same durability and water-repellent finish as traditional polyester with a significantly lower environmental footprint.

GRS CertifiedRecycled PET2025 Award Winner
Used In: Avalon rPET Softside
Hardside vs. Softside: Not sure which construction is right for you? Read our Hard vs. Soft Guide for a full breakdown.
The RBH Method · 03

The features that matter when you're 30,000 feet up.

Not every feature on a spec sheet makes a real difference. These are the ones that do — the things you'll notice and use on every single trip.

360° Recessed Spinner Wheels
Dual wheels that glide in any direction. Recessed for stability. The single most important feature for airport comfort — cheap wheels are the #1 reason luggage fails.
Essential
Travel Sentry® TSA Lock
Built-in combination lock. TSA agents can open, inspect, and relock without damaging the bag. No separate padlock needed — and no more arriving to a broken zipper.
Essential
Expandable Capacity
An extra 2–2.5" of packing room. Useless on the way out, invaluable on the way back. Essential for any checked bag — you'll always have more coming home than going.
Highly Recommended
USB Tech-Charging Port
An externally accessible port connected to an internal cord — plug your power bank inside, charge your phone outside. Eliminates the airport outlet hunt.
Recommended for Frequent Flyers
FastAccess™ Front Pocket
A front-opening panel that reveals a flat laptop compartment — grab your device in seconds without opening the main compartment. Exclusive to Montecito 2.0.
Best for Business Travelers
PVC-Lined Wet Pocket
A sealed waterproof compartment for wet swimwear, toiletries, and anything damp. Keeps wet items completely isolated from clean clothes. Standard in Cambria and Avalon.
Best for Beach & Resort Travel
The RBH Method · 04

Built to last. Backed for a decade.

All Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage is backed by a 10-Year Limited Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Flight Essentials bags carry a 3-Year Commercial-Use Warranty.

Care TaskHardsideSoftside / rPET
CleaningSoft damp cloth + mild soap. Wipe dry.Spot clean with soft brush + mild detergent.
What to AvoidBleach, acetone, abrasive cleaners — can dull finish.Machine washing — damages structure and coating.
StorageStore upright in a cool, dry location. Avoid stacking heavy items on top. Away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Wheels & HandlesWipe with a damp cloth. Avoid silicone sprays — can attract dirt. Check screws annually.
Warranty ClaimsContact Ricardo via the online inquiry form with purchase details. Register at ricardo.registria.com to streamline claims.
Crafted in Beverly Hills · Built Since 1978

Ready to find your perfect luggage?

Shop Ricardo Beverly Hills collections — designed for every traveler, built to last a decade.

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