Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Carry-On Review

1. Introduction

One of the main things we look for in a carry-on is whether it matches up with the way we organize our packing.

For some nomads, the ideal layout consists of many different compartments for digital devices, cables, toiletries, and so on. For others, it’s better to have an open space that provides flexibility for them to organize their items however they want.

The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX is the latter kind of carry-on. Its design is all about open space, so that you can customize the capacity however you want to.

Created by one of the world’s largest luggage companies, the Winfield range has been a consistent seller for Samsonite, which has more than a century of experience on the market.

In this post, we’re going to look at what sets the Winfield 3 DLX apart from other carry-ons, as well as areas where we feel it needs improvement.

2. Size, Capacity & First Impressions

We ordered our Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Carry-On as part of a three-piece set, all in Navy (though they also have colors like Black, Blue, Silver, and Burgundy). When we opened the box, our first thoughts were: it looks smart, but it’s not in the same league style-wise as the Away or the Monos carry-ons that we’ve tried.

We should mention that Samsonite have been developing some models that aim to emulate the look and feel of brands like Away, but the Winfield range is an older stalwart for the company.

At 22.5” H x 14.5” W x 9.5” L (about 57cm x 37cm x 24cm), it’s oversized for most airlines by about half an inch on every side. We didn’t have any problems getting away with that, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with an airline that’s notoriously stingy with baggage allowances.

If you use the 1.5” expansion zipper, which adds to the length, you will go over the limit of airlines like United, Delta, and Lufthansa by 2” – roll the dice at your peril.

As for weight, it comes in at 7lbs (just a bit over 3kg), which is pretty light as carry-ons go.

FYI, if you do want the full set, there’s a medium checked luggage that is 27” x 17” x 11.4” (69cm x 44cm x 30cm) and weighs 8.9lbs (4kg), as well as a large checked that that is 31” H x 20” W x 12.75” L (78cm x 51cm x 32cm) and weighs 11.5lbs (5kg).

The design of the carry-on and the two checked bags are almost exactly the same, just in different sizes.

3. Features & Functionality

With the basics out the way, let’s take a closer peep under the hood of the Samsonite suitcase.

Storage & Interior Design:

The suitcase is divided into two roughly equal sections, each with an X-shaped compression strap to cinch down your items. One side also has the 1.5” zipper expansion, creating a greater amount of space.

The most unique feature here is the middle divider, which can be flipped to either side of the suitcase. This has two zippered mesh pockets on one side and two fabric pockets on the other for small items, such as underwear, cables, or notebooks.

Wheels & Handling:

The Winfield 3 DLX rolls on four 360-degree single spinner wheels. These aren’t as responsive as some double spinner wheels we’ve tried, but they are just fine for the usual airport surfaces and street pavements.

The telescopic handle seems robust, although it also isn’t quite as smooth going in and out of the body of the carry-on as some models we’ve tried.

Security:

Boasting a polycarbonate shell, the Winfield 3 DLX feels durable enough to survive the kind of knocks you’d expect a carry-on to encounter.

There’s a TSA-approved lock with a three-digit combo on the side of the case. We don’t really like that the zips click in sideways rather than flat, since it gives them more chance to catch on things.

Tech & Smart Add-ons:

There are no smart add-ons to speak of – this isn’t the suitcase for techie travelers.

Mobility & Ease of Use:

One thing you can definitely say for the Winfield 3 DLX is that it’s well balanced. Even stuffed to the brim, it doesn’t ever feel in danger of toppling over.

The retractable handles on the top and side are smart and practical. They’re not the most comfortable we’ve experienced, but you won’t be using them all the time so it’s not a huge issue.

4. Durability & Travel Performance

The most notable thing for us about the Winfield 3 DLX’s durability is its grooved surface, which prevents and hides scratches. That’s not to say it’s completely immune to this kind of superficial damage, but we’ve found that scuffs don’t show up as much as on some other hardshell carry-ons.

We’re not quite as keen on the zippers. A lot of the luggage we’ve tried recently boasts stylish, high-quality YKK zippers. The ones on the Winfield 3 DLX, on the other hand, feel a bit flimsier. They held up during our testing, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they caused problems longer term.

Of course, that might not be a disaster, as any zipper defects are covered by Samsonite’s 10-year warranty. This guarantee also covers the handles and wheels, although any cracks or dents to the shell are all on you.

We should mention that 10 years is one of the less generous warranties out there, which factored into our calculations about how much we’d be willing to spend on a Samsonite. Then again, the fate of a carry-on is much more in your hands than a checked piece of luggage, since you don’t have to worry about baggage mishandling.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Grooved shell to avoid scuffing
• Good capacity

Cons:

• May be too big for strict airlines
• Limited warranty
• Zippers feel a bit flimsy

6. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX vs. Monos Carry-On Plus vs. Away Bigger Carry-On

So, how does the Winfield 3 DLX stack up against the competition?

Generally speaking, Samsonite tends to be more affordable compared to challenger brands like Away and Monos. The Winfield 3 DLX costs just $189.99, compared to $295 for the Monos Carry-On Plus’s and the Away Bigger Carry-On.

The counterpoint to that is that the Winfield 3 DLX doesn’t look as chic as the Carry-On Plus or the Bigger Carry-On. It also doesn’t have the lifetime guarantee that Monos and Away offer.

All three suitcases are slightly oversized with a better-than-average capacity, give or take an inch/liter or two. There’s not much to choose between them in the department, although the Winfield 3 DLX has a simpler design than the Away and the Monos, without extras like a laundry bag.

For eco-conscious shoppers, Monos makes a much bigger deal of its sustainable initiatives than Samsonite. For instance, Monos is a certified B Corp, partners with Veritree’s reforestation initiatives, and makes its Carry-On Plus from recyclable materials.

7. Who It’s For (And Who It’s Not)

Perfect for: travelers looking for quality at an affordable price point, long weekenders

Not ideal for: style seekers, people who like tech features

The Winfield 3 DLX is ideal for a long weekend, as we easily managed to fit four different outfits, two pairs of shoes, a toiletry bag, and our laptop into the carry-on. We would have appreciated a front pocket to make it easier to access our device, but there’s no denying there was plenty of space for it inside.

8. Final Verdict & Rating

There’s always a balance to be struck between quality and cost. For us, there is a noticeable difference in the level of design between the Winfield 3 DLX and competitors like Away or Monos, but is that difference worth $100?

That’s basically a question only you can answer. For some people, having a stylish piece of luggage with a lifetime warranty justifies a little extra expense. For others, a more sensibly priced option that still delivers on maneuverability and packing capacity is ideal – and in that scenario, the Winfield 3 DLX perfectly fits the bill.

Final rating: 3.5/4

9. FAQ Section

Does the Winfield 3 DLX fit under airplane seats?

No, the Winfield 3 DLX is designed for storage in the overhead locker. It’s a hardshell suitcase, so you’d have a very hard time try to cram it under the seat in front!

What’s the warranty policy?

All Samsonite luggage comes with a 10-year warranty that covers the zips, the handles, and the wheels. The warranty does not cover airline mishandling or damage to the shell.

Is the luggage waterproof?

The Winfield 3 DLX is not advertised as waterproof, but given it has a polycarbonate shell, you can rest assured that it will be fine in a light drizzle. Any rain heavier than that and you probably won’t want to be outside with a suitcase anyway!