Between a Rock and a Hard Case

Your suitcase has to make just as strenuous a journey as you — shouldn't it be indestructable? Go put three carry-ons to the cliff test.

1. SAMSONITE 
The Black Label Cosmolite has a hardside exterior made of woven polypropylene and reinforced composite sheets. That is science-speak for extremely durable. $400, www.samsonite.com

2. PELICAN
1514 CASE Watertight, crushproof and dust proof, this carry-on isn't just for the pros — in fact, we're pretty sure a dozen eggs would make it to your destination without a crack. $290, www../em>pelican-case.com 

3. HEYS 
The Crown Edition carry-on is billed as both durable and flexible, but cracked under the pressure. $400, www.heysusa.com

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1. SAMSONITE 
DAMAGE: Small bent on bottom left corner and slight scratching on top right corner.
CONCLUSION: Very durable for such a light (8.6 lbs.) case. 

2. PELICAN
DAMAGE: Very small indentation on top left corner but otherwise not a scratch.
CONCLUSION: Indestructable but really heavy.

3. HEYS
DAMAGE: Completely shattered bottom left corner but it did land on its wheel.
CONCLUSION: A tough, larger case but not indestructable!