As a travel writer, I’m often on the road, but not every trip is a rugged, multi-continent expedition. I needed a simple, lightweight, and affordable luggage set for those frequent shorter trips—weekend getaways, road trips, and quick business flights. My expensive hardside cases felt like overkill, and I was tired of lugging around a heavy, over-engineered bag. I began searching for a no-frills softside set that prioritized packing space and value over flashy features I’d rarely use.
- Premium Durability & Style: Experience unmatched durability and style with our premium travel set, crafted from rugged 1200D two-tone polyester with PVC...
- Smooth-Rolling 2-Wheeled Design: Equipped with durable inline skate wheels and corner protectors, this luggage glides effortlessly over various surfaces,...
Things to Consider Before Buying a Luggage Sets
Before investing in any luggage set, it’s crucial to assess your travel habits. Are you a frequent flyer who racks up air miles monthly, or do you travel a few times a year for vacations and family visits? The ideal customer for the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set is the occasional traveler who values capacity, simplicity, and affordability. This isn’t the set for a globetrotting executive who needs bomb-proof durability. Key factors to consider are wheel type—this set features a classic two-wheel roller design which maximizes internal space and is often more stable on rough surfaces compared to four-wheel spinners. You should also think about material—softside polyester offers flexibility and exterior pockets, but may not protect fragile items as well as a hardside shell. Finally, consider the handles and zippers, as these are common points of failure on budget-friendly luggage. For those who prioritize practicality and don’t need the latest high-tech features, this set presents a compelling option.
If you’re looking for a dependable and straightforward travel companion for your upcoming adventures, the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece set is definitely worth a closer look.
While the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside 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 Spinner Luggage Sets for Business Travelers
- 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 Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set: First Impressions & Key Features
Upon unboxing the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set, the first thing we noticed was its incredibly light weight. The set arrived nested, with the smaller bag inside the larger one, packed in a simple cardboard box. The 1200D two-tone polyester material felt sturdy for its class, with a professional look in the burgundy color we tested. The zippers operated smoothly, and the retractable handle clicked into its different height positions without any sticking. It doesn’t scream luxury, but it promises practicality and function, which is exactly what we were looking for. For travelers who want a reliable set without a hefty price tag, this Travel Select Amsterdam set makes a strong first impression.
What We Like
- Excellent value for the price point
- Very lightweight, making it easy to stay under airline weight limits
- Spacious interior with an expansion feature for extra packing capacity
- Multiple grab handles (top, side, and bottom) for easy lifting
What We Didn’t Like
- Wheels and handles may not withstand the rigors of frequent, heavy travel
- Two-wheel design is less maneuverable in tight spaces than four-wheel spinners
- Can become front-heavy and tip over if not packed carefully
A Deep Dive into the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set’s Performance
After our initial impressions, we put this luggage set through its paces on a multi-stop road trip and a short domestic flight. Here’s how it held up in key areas.
Design and Material Quality
The set is constructed from a rugged 1200D two-tone polyester with a PVC backing. In our experience, this material holds up well against the typical bumps and scrapes of travel. It offers more flexibility than hardside luggage, which is a bonus when trying to squeeze in that one last item. However, we did notice that like many softside bags, it’s not immune to harsher treatment. Some users have reported significant scuffing and even tearing after rough handling by airlines. For the price, the material quality is more than fair, but it’s best suited for travelers who are generally mindful of their luggage or primarily travel by car.
Wheels and Maneuverability
This set features a classic two-wheel “inline skate” system. We found these wheels to be a major advantage on uneven surfaces. While testing, we rolled the larger suitcase over cracked pavement and cobblestone-style walkways, and it handled them with impressive stability—a feat that often trips up four-wheel spinners. One user confirmed our findings, noting their bag rolled well over “LOTS of stone pavements and up & down many cobble-y streets” on a trip to Italy. The trade-off is maneuverability; you can’t glide sideways down a narrow airplane aisle. Furthermore, the longevity of the wheels is a common concern among frequent travelers. While they are a marked improvement over older plastic wheels, some users who travel constantly report that they can wear down or split over time.
Storage Capacity and Organization
This is where the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set truly shines. The main compartment is deep and spacious. The expandable zipper, which provides up to 25% more packing space, is a lifesaver for bringing home souvenirs. Inside, we found the organization to be simple but effective, with compression straps to hold items down and dedicated side shoe pockets—a thoughtful touch. The two large front pockets are perfect for stashing items you need to access quickly. A clever design feature we appreciated, also highlighted by another user, is the zippered lining inside. This allows you to pack small, soft items like socks or t-shirts between the channels of the retractable handle, maximizing every square inch of space.
Handles and Portability
The set is equipped with a variety of handles that make lifting and carrying much easier. There are grab handles on the top, side, and even the bottom, which is incredibly helpful for hoisting the suitcase into an overhead bin or the trunk of a car. The main retractable push-button handle is functional, offering multiple height settings for user comfort. However, this is an area where we advise caution for heavy packers. Several users reported that the top carry handle’s attachment points were a weakness, sometimes breaking under the strain of a fully packed bag. For light to moderate use, we found the handles to be perfectly adequate, but if you consistently push the 50-pound airline limit, this could be a potential point of failure.
What Other Users Are Saying
The consensus among other travelers is that the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set offers incredible value for its price, particularly for infrequent travel. Many users praise its light weight and surprising capacity. One reviewer, who used a single case for a year-long mission in Ireland involving constant packing and moving, reported that it held up remarkably well with no busted zippers, even when packed with over 60 pounds of gear. On the other hand, several frequent flyers noted durability issues, with handles breaking or fabric tearing after just a few trips. This confirms our assessment: it’s a fantastic choice for occasional journeys but may not be the workhorse a weekly business traveler requires.
How the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set Compares: Top 3 Alternatives
While the Travel Select Amsterdam set is a strong contender in the budget category, it’s wise to see what else is available. Here are three alternatives that might better suit your needs.
1. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Luggage Set
- Set includes 20" Carry On (meets carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 25" Spinners (maximize your...
- Industry leading expanded capacity in all sizes.
If your priority is maximum durability and protection for your belongings, the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX is a significant step up. This is a hardside set made from tough polycarbonate that resists scratches and dings. It features four multi-directional spinner wheels for effortless 360-degree maneuverability, a built-in TSA lock for security, and a more premium interior. It comes at a higher price point, but it’s an investment for the frequent traveler who needs luggage that can withstand the abuse of constant airport handling.
2. Coolife 3-Piece Expandable Luggage Set
- 3 piece small, medium and large luggage set made from extra strong ABS material.
- Mounted TSA combination lock provides peace of mind when checking cases through security.
For those looking for a complete set with modern features at a competitive price, the Coolife 3-Piece Set is a compelling option. This set includes three pieces (20″, 24″, 28″) and also features spinner wheels for easy movement. Unlike the Travel Select, it includes a TSA-approved lock for added security. It’s a hardside set, offering different protection than the softside Amsterdam. If you need more pieces and prefer the agility of spinner wheels and a hard shell, this Coolife set offers great value.
3. Travelers Club 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 traveling with little ones, a specialized kids’ set might be the best choice. The Travelers Club 5-Piece Kids’ Luggage Set is designed specifically for children, with fun patterns and sizes that are manageable for them. The set includes a rolling suitcase, a backpack, a lunch bag, and other accessories. While the quality is geared towards children’s use, it makes travel more exciting for them and gives them ownership over their own packing, making it a better alternative for family-specific travel needs.
Final Verdict: Is the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set Right for You?
After thorough testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set to a specific type of traveler: the budget-conscious, occasional adventurer. It is an outstanding choice for road trips, weekend getaways, and the annual family vacation. Its light weight, impressive capacity, and straightforward design provide exceptional value. However, if you are a weekly road warrior or frequent international flyer, you may find its long-term durability, particularly with the wheels and handles, to be lacking. For its intended purpose, it’s a smart, economical purchase that gets the job done without any fuss.
If you’ve decided the Travel Select Amsterdam 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set is the right fit for your travel style, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API