Tripp suitcases are one of those brands that’s been quietly dominating the UK luggage market for years. You see their suitcases at airports constantly – the colourful hard shells rolling through Gatwick and Heathrow. They’re not flashy or aspirational, but they do the job at a price point that makes sense.
I’ve used Tripp suitcases for several trips now, and they’ve held up well. Here’s what you need to know before buying.
The Brand
Tripp has been making luggage in the UK for over 20 years. They focus on the mid-budget market – better quality than the cheapest Amazon options, but nowhere near premium brands like Samsonite or Rimowa. Their main selling points are durability, colour variety, and value.
You’ll find Tripp suitcases at Debenhams (online), Amazon, Argos, and their own website. Prices are competitive, especially during frequent sales.
Popular Ranges
Holiday 8
Tripp’s most popular line. Lightweight hard shell cases in various colours, with four spinner wheels and a telescopic handle. The shell is ABS plastic – not the toughest material, but light and adequate for typical travel.
Sizes available: Cabin, medium, large
Price range: £35-80 depending on size and sales
Best for: Casual holiday travel, budget-conscious buyers
Escape
Expandable suitcases with extra packing space when you need it. The expansion adds about 15% more volume, useful for bringing back souvenirs or just having flexibility.
Sizes available: Cabin, medium, large
Price range: £40-90
Best for: Shoppers, those who overpack, longer trips
World/Horizon
More premium options with polycarbonate shells (stronger than ABS), TSA-approved combination locks, and slightly better finishes. Still affordable compared to major brands.
Price range: £50-120
Best for: Frequent travellers wanting something more durable
Retro II
Colourful cases with a vintage-inspired design. Same quality as other ranges but with distinctive styling that makes your bag easier to spot on the carousel.
Price range: £45-100
Best for: Anyone tired of black suitcases
Build Quality
Tripp cases are functional rather than exceptional. The hard shells withstand typical airport handling, but don’t expect them to survive being thrown off a luggage truck. The wheels are decent – smooth and manoeuvrable – though some users report issues after heavy use.
What works:
- Lightweight construction – you’re not wasting your weight allowance on the case itself
- Colour variety – genuinely useful for identification
- Spinner wheels – move well in all directions
- Nested storage – cases fit inside each other for home storage
What doesn’t:
- Zippers can be a weak point over time
- Not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate cases
- Limited interior organisation (basic straps only)
- Some colour finishes show scratches easily
Warranty
Tripp offers a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee covering defects in materials and workmanship. This doesn’t cover airline damage or general wear and tear – for that, you’d need to claim against the airline directly.
The warranty is reasonable for this price range, though actually claiming can be slow according to some customer reports.
Compared to Alternatives
| Brand | Price Range | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tripp | £30-120 | Good | Budget-conscious UK buyers |
| Samsonite | £100-400+ | Excellent | Frequent travellers, durability |
| IT Luggage | £40-150 | Good | Similar budget market |
| American Tourister | £50-200 | Good | Mid-range, reliable |
| Away | £200-500 | Very Good | Style-conscious, premium features |
Tripp competes directly with IT Luggage and the lower end of Samsonite. For occasional holiday travel, they’re perfectly adequate. For weekly business travel or rough handling, consider spending more.
Who Should Buy Tripp
Good choice for:
- Annual holiday travellers who need something reliable but not fancy
- Budget-conscious buyers who want better quality than supermarket suitcases
- Anyone who values colour variety and easy identification
- Families needing multiple cases without spending hundreds
Look elsewhere if:
- You travel very frequently (invest in something more durable)
- You’re checking bags on multiple flights (premium cases handle abuse better)
- You want lifetime warranties and premium customer service
- You need specific features like USB charging or advanced organisation
Verdict
Tripp suitcases are solid middle-ground luggage. They’re not the cheapest option, but the step up in quality is noticeable. They’re not premium, but most travellers don’t need premium. If you’re taking a couple of holidays a year and want something that rolls smoothly, looks decent, and costs under £100, Tripp is a sensible choice.
The Holiday 8 range offers the best value for occasional travellers. If you fly more frequently, consider the World or Horizon ranges for the stronger polycarbonate construction.
