I chucked 9 luggage brands down the stairs and the budget buy won the 4-piece set is $107

We kicked it, dropped it, tossed it and rolled it down the stairs — and it lived to tell the tale.As part of our first-ever Made It Here Luggage Awards, we put nine top suitcase brands through some of the toughest tests in New York City: subway rides, packing challenges, tight bodega maneuvering, and, of course, the official drop test.To test their durability and scratch resistance, we decided to chuck them down the stairs not once, not twice, but five times — replicating the repeated tossing a suitcase undergoes when you check it at the airport.And, the brand that came out on top might surprise you.It wasn’t the aluminum Rimowa, nor was it esteemed Carl Friedrik (which retails for over $1,000), but the under-$100 Amazon Basics Hardside Suitcase.Even after five intense drops, the Amazon Basics luggage survived, more or less unscathed.Even better: That very same suitcase is sold in a set of four on Amazon for just $107.

It includes a travel case, tote, hardside carry-on and hardside checked suitcase to cover all your travel needs.According to many reviewers, it’s an exceptional value buy and surprisingly hardcore.This simple, sleek and exceptionally durable set is ideal for travelers who care about luggage longevity — plus, it packs impressively well.

The suitcases are expandable by up to 15% for added packing space and feature a smart sleeve system that connects the tote to the suitcases for easy transport.Our official Amazon Basics tester, senior social media manager Michelle Moezam, said she was impressed by how well it held up on the streets of NYC and also loved how organized the interior design was.“It has a very wide open,” she pointed out.“And the bands holding the clothing together are always helpful, with the one-side compartment completely closing so shoes don’t mingle with clothes.”It might not have as many bells and whistles as some of the bigger-name brands, but the Amazon Basics set does come in an array of bright, easy-to-spot c...