Cotopaxi Coraza luggage review: I got a first look at the brand's new hard-shell suitcases

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When it comes to sustainable, colorful outdoor gear, no one does it better than Cotopaxi. Best known for its color-blocked bags (and the iconic llama logo), Cotopaxi is one of my team's favorite places to shop for trusty, spacious travel backpacks.

I've tested dozens of suitcases over the years, so it takes a lot to impress me. I got a first look at Cotopaxi's take on hard-shell luggage, and the brand-new Coraza line — including checked and carry-on luggage — blew me away. I can confidently say these suitcases are unlike anything else on the market.

The interiors feature removable, machine-washable liners.

Arguably, the most important part of the best luggage— whether it's a checked or carry-on bag — is its capacity, and I was impressed with the available packing space in both bags. The clamshell interior includes a removable, machine-washable liner on both sides, which function like two giant packing cubes in the suitcases. You can even pop out both liners once you arrive in your destination, if you need to save space in a small hotel room.

Although the compartments don't have compression, I was immediately impressed by how much I could fit on both sides. I had no issue fitting my extensive packing list into either bag, and I easily fit a week's worth of shirts, pants, underwear, pajamas, and socks in a single compartment.

You might be tempted to pack clothes underneath the liner, but in my experience, this actually does more harm than good. You maximize your packing space when using the two zippered liners, but it can be difficult to fit awkwardly shaped items, such as shoes.

It's a rugged luggage line that prioritizes durability.

Much like the brand's best-selling backpacks and duffels, the exterior of the Coraza luggage is made with 100% recycled materials. The shell is surprisingly lightweight, with a textured design that gives it a rugged look. Even fully packed, I never struggled to lift or maneuver either bag.

To test durability, I channel my inner airline baggage attendant and toss each bag onto concrete five times, checking for damage to the exterior shell, like scuffs or dents.

Both Cotopaxi Coraza bags held up better than any other bag I've ever tested. There were only a few scuffs, and I easily wiped them away with a damp washrag. There was absolutely no damage to the hardware, and the suitcases looked basically as good as new after five huge throws. A corner of the carry-on did cave in during a particularly heavy toss, but I easily popped it out.

I love that the bags close with two latches instead of a zipper.

Rather than relying on a traditional zipper to keep your contents safe and sound, Cotopaxi's luggage closes with two locking latches. As a chronic overpacker, the lack of a zipper is a complete lifesaver. Instead of using all my might to force a zipper around a stuffed suitcase, I pop the locks into place.

A lack of a zipper isn't only handy for opening and closing a suitcase, though. In my experience, zippers are among the first pieces of hardware to fail during durability testing. Numerous times, I've seen a zipper pop open, become detached from its track, or lose its slider.

I was initially worried about the zipper-free design during durability testing — I had visions of the latches popping open and spilling my clothes all over the driveway. Thankfully, these fears were unfounded. The suitcase held its shape and stayed shut, even when I tossed it onto the latches. I chose to test luggage on a rainy day, too, and didn't see any water seeping into the suitcase itself.

You can mix and match the wheels, too.

As a maximalist and lover of all things colorful, I was most excited about the mix-and-match wheels. You can purchase an additional set of two wheels to update the look of each suitcase. I customized my lavender suitcase with bright blue and pink wheels, and I love the way it looks compared to my other luggage — and I trust it'd stand out amid the sea of black at the baggage claim.

The mixing and matching is about more than aesthetics — it extends the suitcase's longevity by offering a simple way to replace a wheel if it needs repair.

I'm not the handiest person in the world, so replacing the wheels took a bit of trial and error (and my own Allen wrench). Once I figured it out, though, it was quick and easy. After switching out the wheels, I was pleased to discover that it moved just as smoothly as it had with the original hardware. The wheels are built for durability, so they don't have the smoothest glide I've ever tested, but I trusted them to go across concrete, grass, and gravel with minimal damage.

The bottom line

I've been testing luggage for years, so it's rare to find something truly unique — but the Cotopaxi Coraza line is unlike anything I've ever seen.

The carry-on and checked bag have everything I look for in a good suitcase — a roomy interior, smooth hardware, and impressive durability — and a few things I never knew I needed, like interchangeable wheels and secure, locking latches in place of a zipper. I'm confident that both of these pieces of luggage will last for years, thanks to the tough exterior and sturdy details.