There’s a familiar dread that sets in before any trip: the luggage puzzle. Will my old suitcase survive another encounter with baggage handlers? Is it small enough to count as a carry-on and save me from those ever-increasing fees? We’ve all been there, trying to cram a week’s worth of clothes into a bag that feels like it’s either too big or too small. The search for an affordable, reliable, and perfectly-sized travel companion can feel endless, often forcing a choice between breaking the bank or settling for something that might not last the journey.
- Upright: 20" x 13" x 7.5" (with wheels)
- Tote bag: 13.5"x 11" x 5"
What to Consider Before Buying a Luggage Set
The ideal customer for a set like the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set is the savvy, occasional traveler. This includes students heading home for the holidays, families planning a weekend getaway, or anyone who takes a few trips a year and wants to avoid checking a bag. The key factors for this buyer are value, size compliance, and practicality. You don’t need a military-grade case for a trip to grandma’s house, but you do need something that won’t fall apart on the airport concourse. Look for a carry-on upright that meets most domestic airline size restrictions (typically around 22x14x9 inches) and a matching personal item tote that can slide under the seat. Softside luggage offers flexibility and exterior pockets, which are a huge plus for accessing items without opening your entire bag. While durability is important, for the infrequent traveler, an unbeatable price often outweighs the need for a 10-year warranty. This Rockland set is designed precisely for that sweet spot of affordability and function. If you’re looking for a no-frills solution that gets the job done for short trips, this two-piece luggage combo is hard to beat for the price.
While the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece 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:
- 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.
First Impressions: Fun, Functional, and Surprisingly Spacious
Right out of the box, the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set makes a statement. We tested the purple version, and the color is vibrant and fun—exactly the kind of thing that’s easy to spot on a crowded luggage rack. The set feels incredibly lightweight; the 19-inch upright is just 6 pounds and the tote a mere 1 pound. This is a massive advantage when trying to stay under strict airline weight limits. The material is a heavy-duty polyester that feels substantial enough for typical travel wear and tear. The set includes the 19-inch expandable upright and a matching 14-inch flight tote bag. The upright’s main compartment is fully lined, and we immediately appreciated the two large external pockets for stashing travel documents and last-minute items. It’s a thoughtful and practical design that prioritizes convenience and value.
What We Like
- Excellent value for a two-piece set, making travel accessible on a budget.
- Carry-on upright meets most airline size restrictions, helping to avoid checked bag fees.
- Surprisingly spacious with an expandable feature for extra packing room.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to lift into overhead bins.
- Comes in a wide variety of fun colors and patterns.
What We Didn’t Like
- The telescoping handle can feel flimsy and may get stuck.
- The two-wheel design is prone to tipping over if not packed carefully.
- Long-term durability is questionable for frequent or rough travel.
- Zippers require a gentle hand and could be a point of failure.
A Deep Dive into the Rockland Luggage Set’s Performance
We put the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set through its paces on a weekend trip to see how it holds up in a real-world travel scenario. For its price point, we were impressed, but also keenly aware of its limitations.
Design and Packing Capacity
This set’s greatest strength is its clever use of space. The 19-inch upright looks compact, but its 32.4-liter capacity is deceiving. One user noted they could pack a week’s worth of clothing, including multiple pairs of shoes, by using packing cubes. We found this to be true; by rolling our clothes, we fit everything needed for a three-day trip with room to spare. The expandable zipper is a fantastic feature, adding an extra 2.5 inches of depth for souvenirs on the trip home. The two front zipper pockets are perfect for keeping chargers, books, and tablets within easy reach. The smaller tote bag is an ideal personal item, great for toiletries and in-flight essentials, and features a detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Mobility and Handling
The set uses two in-line skate wheels, which roll smoothly on polished airport floors. However, this is not a four-wheel spinner, so you will be pulling it behind you. We found, as many users have, that the bag is prone to tipping, especially when fully packed or expanded. The trick is to pack your heaviest items near the bottom by the wheels to create a stable base of gravity. The telescoping push-button handle extends to a good height, but it does have a bit of a wobble. While it held up during our testing, we can see why some users reported issues with it sticking or breaking over time. The padded top and side handles on the upright are comfortable and feel securely attached, making it easy to lift the bag into an overhead bin or car trunk.
Durability and Construction
Here’s where expectations need to be managed. The Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set is constructed from heavy-duty polyester with a PVC backing, which makes it water-resistant and reasonably tough. For the occasional traveler, we believe it’s perfectly adequate. One reviewer mentioned they ordered sets for their kids and were pleased with the construction upon inspection. However, other users reported issues after their very first trip, from a seam on the carry-on bag coming apart to a broken handle. The zippers work, but they don’t feel as robust as those on premium brands; you’ll want to be careful not to overstuff the bag or yank on them too hard. This isn’t the luggage set you buy for a rugged, round-the-world adventure, but for a few planned trips a year, it offers incredible value that’s hard to ignore.
Bonus Features
A simple but appreciated extra is the included lock and keys. While it’s a very basic lock, it’s enough to deter casual tampering. A common point of confusion we saw in user feedback was the location of the keys. We can confirm they are typically attached to the product tags with a plastic tie. It’s a small detail, but one worth knowing to avoid frustration upon unboxing your new luggage.
What Other Users Are Saying
Feedback on this luggage set is a perfect reflection of its market position: a high-value product with some quality control inconsistencies. Many users rave about the unbeatable price, with one exclaiming, “Oh my goodness the quality for the price… You can’t beat that anywhere, brand spanking new too!” However, that same reviewer later updated their post to say their husband’s carry-on bag started coming apart after its first three-day trip. This “gamble” is a recurring theme. Another reviewer wisely noted, “Yes, you do need to be careful with the zippers because you do get what you pay for… Yes, this suitcase is prone to tipping over if you dont distribute the weight properly.” Ultimately, most buyers who understand they are purchasing an affordable set for occasional travel are thrilled with their purchase.
Alternative Luggage Sets to Consider
While the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set excels in the budget category, it’s not for everyone. Depending on your travel frequency and needs, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. American Tourister Westridge 3-Piece Hardshell Luggage Set Expandable
- Complete Travel Solution - The American Tourister Westridge hard-sided luggage 3-piece set features a 20” hardshell carry-on, 24” medium luggage, and...
- Durable & Lightweight - This lightweight luggage set has a durable ABS hard case that is scratch-resistant so your suitcases will continue to look good...
If you’re a more frequent traveler or simply prefer the protection of a hardshell case, this three-piece set from American Tourister is a major step up. It includes a carry-on plus two larger checked bags, all with 360-degree spinner wheels for superior mobility. The hardshell exterior offers better protection for fragile items, though it lacks the external pockets of the Rockland. This is a great mid-range option for those who need more durability and capacity.
2. Samsonite Centric 3-Piece Expandable Luggage Set
- SET INCLUDES 20" Carry On (meets carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 24"/28" Spinners (maximize your...
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty...
For travelers who prioritize brand reputation and top-tier durability, Samsonite is a gold standard. The Centric set is a premium hardside option known for its scratch-resistant texture and lightweight construction. Like the American Tourister, it features smooth spinner wheels and comes in a three-piece configuration for ultimate versatility. It represents a significant investment compared to the Rockland, but it’s built to last for years of frequent flying.
3. U.S. Traveler Rio Expandable 2-Wheel Carry-on Luggage
- Fall in love with our most affordable luggage set, crafted with high-quality polyester construction that exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Glide effortlessly through the airport with our internal deluxe retractable push-button, self-locking handle system that provides easy maneuvering.
This set from U.S. Traveler is the most direct competitor to the Rockland. It’s also a two-piece, two-wheel, expandable softside set aimed at the budget-conscious traveler. It shares many of the same features, including a lightweight design and multiple pockets. If you’re shopping in this category, it’s worth comparing the current prices and color options between the Rio and the Rockland, as they serve a very similar purpose and customer base.
Final Verdict: The Perfect Starter Set for Occasional Travel
After our hands-on testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set to the right kind of traveler. If you fly once or twice a year, take weekend road trips, or need an affordable set for your kids, this luggage offers phenomenal value. Its lightweight nature, carry-on compliance, and surprisingly large capacity make it a practical choice for light travel. While you must be mindful of its durability limitations—particularly the handle and zippers—its low price makes it a risk well worth taking for those who don’t need a fortress on wheels.
If you’ve decided the Rockland Expandable Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set is the right fit, you can check its current price and available colors here.
Last update on 2025-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API