Our family’s collection of mismatched, hand-me-down suitcases was on its last legs. With a multi-destination vacation on the horizon, the thought of juggling three different brands of wobbly, worn-out luggage was giving me a headache. I needed a unified, affordable solution—a complete set that could handle everything from a weekend car trip to a week-long flight. The promise of four distinct pieces for one low price immediately put the Rockland set on my radar.
- Carry-on Upright: 20"x 12. 5"x 7. 5" (with wheels)
- 24-inch Upright: 24"x16"x10"
Things to Consider Before Buying a Luggage Sets
Before you invest in any luggage set, it’s crucial to consider your travel style. Are you a frequent flyer who subjects your bags to the rigors of baggage handlers, or do you primarily take road trips? Durability is paramount for air travel, where softside materials can be prone to rips and tears. Wheel type is another key factor; traditional two-wheel uprights (like this set) are great for pulling behind you, but four-wheel spinners offer superior maneuverability in tight airport queues. Finally, consider capacity and organization. A good set should offer a range of sizes for different trip lengths and have accessible pockets for travel documents and last-minute items. The ideal customer for a budget-friendly set like this is someone who travels occasionally, prioritizes value over premium features, and needs a versatile collection of sizes without a hefty price tag. For those on a tight budget needing a comprehensive solution, the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set offers a compelling entry point.
While the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Comprehensive Guide to the Best Expandable Luggage Sets for Overpackers
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: Includes carry-on, medium checked, and large checked suitcase to suit every travel need; carry-on measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches; medium...
- 【5 Piece Luggage Set】Luggage sets include a 28-inch large suitcase, 24-inch medium checked luggage, 20-inch carry on luggage, an extended duffel bag,...
- Sleek Durability: Crafted with a high-performance polypropylene shell and sandy-smooth texture for superior impact resistance and long-lasting protection.
The Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set: First Impressions & Key Features
Unboxing the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set, the first thing we noticed was its impressive completeness and light weight. For a single price, you get a 28-inch checked bag, a 24-inch medium bag, a 20-inch carry-on, and a 14-inch tote bag—a truly versatile collection. The pieces nest inside one another for surprisingly compact storage. Each upright features two large front pockets, perfect for stashing jackets, books, or chargers. The material is a blend of polyester and EVA, contributing to its low weight. Our initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; it’s a fantastic value proposition on paper. If you’re looking for a set that covers every possible packing scenario from the get-go, you can explore the full feature list for this luggage set here.
What We Like
- Exceptional Value: You get four functional pieces for the price of one premium suitcase.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to lift and carry, helping you avoid overweight baggage fees.
- Versatile Sizing: The collection includes sizes suitable for everything from a personal item to a long-haul trip.
- Ample Pocket Space: Two large external pockets on each upright provide great organization.
What We Didn’t Like
- Questionable Durability: The thin material and zippers are not built for the rigors of frequent air travel.
- Basic 2-Wheel System: In-line skate wheels lack the 360-degree mobility of modern spinner luggage.
- Handle and Component Issues: We noted, and other users confirmed, issues with flimsy handles and weak zippers.
A Deep Dive into the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set’s Performance
After putting this set through its paces on a family trip that involved both car and air travel, we have a clear picture of its strengths and, more importantly, its weaknesses.
Durability and Construction: The Elephant in the Room
This is where the phrase “you get what you pay for” really comes into play. The shell, made of a polyester and EVA composite, feels thin to the touch. While it held up perfectly fine being loaded into the back of our car, its first encounter with airport baggage handlers left its mark. We noticed a small tear near the handle framework on the largest 28-inch bag after just one flight. This experience was echoed by numerous other users. One traveler noted their suitcase “did not make it through the airport without tearing,” while another stated, “One airline trip and the case has holes in it.” Several people reported receiving the luggage with damage right out of the box, such as broken plastic wheel supports or bent trolley handles. Our conclusion is firm: this set is best suited for gentle use. If you’re planning a road trip or visiting family, it’s a perfectly adequate choice. For any journey involving an airplane, we would proceed with extreme caution.
Storage Capacity and Organization
On a more positive note, the storage capacity is a major win for the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set. The expandable feature adds a crucial couple of inches, a lifesaver for those of us who tend to overpack or bring back souvenirs. The 28-inch suitcase is cavernous, easily holding a week’s worth of clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The two large external pockets are a standout feature, providing easy access to items you need to grab quickly without opening the entire suitcase. The 14-inch tote is surprisingly useful as a personal item, perfect for carrying electronics, snacks, and travel documents. For a family, having four different sizes at our disposal was incredibly convenient, allowing us to pack for each person and trip length appropriately.
Mobility and Handling
The set features a traditional two-wheel “in-line skate” system. On smooth airport floors, pulling the bags straight behind us was easy enough. However, they lack the effortless glide and 360-degree maneuverability of four-wheel spinner luggage, which becomes apparent when navigating crowded spaces or making sharp turns. We also experienced the balance issue mentioned by other travelers; when fully packed, the larger 24-inch and 28-inch suitcases had a tendency to tip forward if left unattended. The telescoping handles felt a bit rickety, with more play than we’d like. We were fortunate not to have one break, but reports of handles breaking on the very first use are common enough to be a significant concern.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sentiment surrounding the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set is sharply divided, hinging almost entirely on user expectations versus price. Many buyers are initially thrilled, with one commenting, “I got a 4 piece luggage set for $100 what a steal right !?” However, this initial excitement often fades after the first real-world test. A recurring theme is the luggage’s inability to withstand air travel. As one user bluntly put it, “Product already destroyed after 1 trip.” A more nuanced take suggests, “This luggage set will be perfect for a more subtle trip for example…going out of town in your personal car where you know your luggage won’t be thrown.” This perfectly encapsulates the consensus: it’s a bargain, but that bargain comes at the cost of durability.
How the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set Compares: Top 3 Alternatives
If the durability concerns of the Rockland set have you looking for other options, here are three alternatives to consider.
1. Karl home 3-Piece Hardside Luggage Set
- 【Durable & Waterproof】Our family suitcase set features sturdy watertight ABS external, which is easy to clean and long-term use. It can carry a large...
- 【Modern Appearance】The stylish and smooth vertical stripe design of the rolling luggage makes it more resistant to pressure and wear and brings a good...
For travelers who prioritize protection and modern features, the Karl home set is a significant step up. It features a durable ABS hardside shell that can better withstand impacts. Crucially, it comes with 360-degree spinner wheels for effortless mobility and a built-in TSA lock for enhanced security. You get one less piece than the Rockland set (three vs. four), but you gain peace of mind for air travel.
2. Travelers Club Bunny 5 Piece Kids’ Luggage Set
- 5 Piece Children's Travel Set: 18" Hardside Carry-on Luggage, 15" Backpack, 10" Lunch Bag, Neck Pillow, Luggage Tag
- Bright and fun colors: Choose from a variety of vibrant colors to suit your child's personality and make it easy to spot their luggage on the baggage...
If you’re buying luggage primarily for children, this whimsical set from Travelers Club is a fantastic alternative. It includes five pieces specifically designed for kids, including a backpack and neck pillow. While not intended for rugged adult travel, its charming design and kid-friendly pieces make it a more specialized and fun choice for family vacations centered around the little ones.
3. Suitour 3-Piece Hard Shell Luggage Set
- 3 PIECE LUGGAGE SETS: This luggage set comes with 3 sizes: 20" Carry On, 24" & 28" Checked. The travel luggage set is not only perfect for holidays and...
- STURDY CONSTRUCTION: The 3 piece hardshell luggage set is made of ABS material, which is durable and sturdy to protect the cases from deforming. The...
Similar to the Karl home set, the Suitour luggage offers the robust protection of a hard shell, spinner wheels, and a TSA lock. It’s a direct competitor for those who have decided against a softside design. This set is for the modern traveler who values smooth maneuverability and the security of a tough exterior over the extra pockets and fourth bag offered by the Rockland set.
Final Verdict: Is the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set Right for You?
The Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set is a case of managing expectations. If you are a frequent flyer, an adventurer, or someone who needs luggage that will last for years of heavy use, we strongly recommend you look elsewhere. The durability issues are simply too significant to ignore. However, if you are an infrequent traveler, a student heading to college, or a family that primarily takes road trips, the value here is undeniable. For the price of a single carry-on from a premium brand, you get an entire four-piece collection that is lightweight and offers excellent organizational features for gentle use.
If you’ve decided the Rockland 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set is the right fit for your budget and travel needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API