Rimowa Luggage vs Briggs & Riley Luggage: Which is the Better Buy?

Rimowa vs. Briggs & Riley: Which High-End luggage brand is right for you?

Traveling can be life changing. We truly believe it broadens the mind through experience. The end destination is the goal, however part of the adventure is the journey to.

How do we get to our end destination with the right belongings safely? Our belongings are part of the shared experiences. That means finding a great luggage set. It is hard to figure out which one is the right one for you with so many options.

There are a lot of brands to chose from, but we are reviewing two that are top tier.

Rimowa and Briggs & Riley.

So what happens when these two are paired against each other? Well, in truth, both could come out on top as it depends on what you are looking for.

We thought we would help you make that decision. We have held both brands up to each other and will give you the rundown of everything you need to know about each. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between these two options, as well as their pros and cons to help you decide!

Side by Side Comparison:

Briggs & Riley

PROS

• amazing quality
• more modest and low key design
  
• fantastic reviews
• durable and functional
• lifetime warranty when registered
• have a hardside luggage line as well (Sympatico series)
  

CONS

• basic lower key design
• price point is still higher than others on the market

Table of Contents

Rimowa vs Briggs & Riley: Comparing the Two Luggage Sets

When putting both side by side, it doesn’t take a genius to see how different they are.

Perhaps it’s easier to classify these two in terms of a movie. Rimowa luggage is your futuristic sci fi, while Briggs and Riley luggage is more of a seamless classic. Please watch the below videos from Youtube to get a better sense of these two luggage companies and what they feature.

Rimowa

Briggs & Riley

Rimowa VS. Briggs & Riley

Rimowa Suitcases

Rimowa is one of the most sought after luggage brands in the world. Their aluminum suitcases have a reputation of being precision engineered to perfection. All this of course comes at a price. The initial sticker shock might be difficult to swallow, but understanding the value and years of potential use will perhaps make this easier to deal with.

It’s certainly worth mentioning that Rimowa suitcases can be customized with colour choices for the handle, luggage tag, wheels, and suitcase shell. Rimowa luggage is also backed by a 5 year warranty. Once purchased and registered, repairs can be done online through their local store services.

Let’s dive into more of the popular Rimowa Suitcases on the market.

Check-In Large (Essential collection)

A first in class for a polycarbonate suitcase, this German design is known as top of the line in high tech functionality. Customizable in colour, this Rimowa suitcase is also lightweight, durable and strong. Recommended for travelers heading for a work trip or vacation of up to 10 days.

Item Specs:

• weight – 10.6 lbs
• volume – 23 GAL
• height – 30.6 in
• width – 20.5 in
• depth – 11.1 in

Pros:

• polycarbonate shell and wheels
• adjustable interior flex divider
• telescopic handle with leather grip
• TSA approved built in locks
• 5 yr warranty

Cons:

• quality, design, function come at a cost

It’s unlikely you will find a higher end suitcase or luggage collection that can boast the same look, durability, function and style as Rimowa. Owning a luggage piece from Rimowa is not just about the status  of elegance and taste, but also the practicality of function for frequent travel needs. If budget is not an issue, than we highly recommend this brand. Travelers would do well to sport any pieces from Rimowa while knowing their contents are as safe and secure as possible.

Briggs & Riley Suitcases

Briggs Riley has been around since 1970, and with over 40 years in the travel and luggage business, this company has stayed current with the changing travel market. Their philosophy is ‘Engineered for Reality’. How to create a high end suitcase that is all practical, durable, functional and not a full on budget breaker.

 One amazing benefit of Brigg and Riley luggage, is the lifetime guarantee. And they mean just that. We challenge you to find another luggage company that provides this same gaurentee. It’s worth noting this life time warranty covers the repairs of all functional aspects of your Briggs & Riley suitcase. Normal wear and tear is just that, normal. Obvious damage by an airline would first have to be sorted out by the airline.

 Let’s take a look at some of Briggs Riley more popular luggage pieces.

Medium Expandable Spinner – Baseline Series

This is the perfect size suitcase for that mid range trip which holds 3-6 days worth of capacity. Popular with the traveling business person, it boasts a cinch down mesh garment panel for keeping suits or business wear wrinkle free. Gliding through airports might feel effortless with the four double wheel swivel wheels.

Item Specs:

• weight -11 lbs
• volume -21.9 GAL
• height – 25 in
• width – 18 in
• depth – 11 in

Pros:

• outstanding reviews
• CX compression technology
• ballistic nylon fabric is water repellent
• cinch down mesh garment panel
• built in tri-fold garment folder
• seamless navigation with 4 dual pivoting wheels
• life time warranty

Cons:

• Limited complaints about the return policy not being valid
• quality comes with a price

Comparing The Two Brands

Rimowa is known through and through for their futuristic aluminum designed suitcases. They come in all various sizes you might be looking for. From a quality and durability stand point, they are second to none. Their luggage is as much a beneficial travel tool as it is a statement piece. Giving off the aura of sophistication and a veteran traveler who knows what works.   Rimowa also offers all the usually travel accessories one might be looking for.  The 5 year warranty is something expected at this price point, but please remember it only qualifies if you register your luggage upon purchase.

Briggs and Riley is a fantastic option for the more ‘low key’ traveler so to speak. We believe Briggs and Riley produce high quality luggage that is certainly at a higher end price than your average run of the mill suitcases you might find in a department store. While they have amazing quality, their baseline collection is certainly not flashy. It’s worth noting that for those who really prefer hardshell luggage, Briggs and Riley does offer a hard shell series called Sympatico. This is worth checking out if Rimowa is above your price point. Perhaps our favorite feature of Briggs and Riley is their lifetime warranty.

Both Rimowa and Brigss & Riley offer more than just standard suitcases. These companies specialize in all things travel related from backpacks to passport holders to neck pillows. While there are hundreds of luggage companies out there that offer travel products, these two have stood the test of time and are still around for a reason. Any serious traveler looking for quality pieces would do well to own products of either.

Decision Time?

Truth be told, we paired these two luggage brands against each-other for the obvious appeal in differences.  Purchasing a good set of luggage should come down to one’s budget, travel style, and personal needs. Both brands offer something often forgot: sense of adventure. Let the anticipation build in purchasing knowing your new luggage will have to be put to good use through exploring the world.

We wish you the best in your travels.