I’ve Tested Away, Monos, and Other Popular Luggage, and This Under-the-Radar Rolling Suitcase Is My New Go-To

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleIs It Worth It?Why Trust PEOPLE?Other Nex Pieces I Love

In This ArticleView All

View All

In This Article

Is It Worth It?

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Other Nex Pieces I Love

Photo:People / Erin Johnson

Nex Hawaii Edition with a lifestyle of the luggage being used and a product stand-alone

People / Erin Johnson

If you’re shopping for newchecked luggage, there’s no shortage of options.

Deal Alert!The entireNex luggage siteis currently 20 percent off. Save on checked luggage, chic weekender bags, crossbody bags, and more when you shop today.

Deal Alert!

The entireNex luggage siteis currently 20 percent off. Save on checked luggage, chic weekender bags, crossbody bags, and more when you shop today.

As a product tester, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing, so when anew luggage companyoffered to send me a piece of rolling luggage to try for myself, I happily accepted. I’ve since traveled 20,000 miles (including several cross-country flights and road trips) with theNex 28-inch Navigator, and I can’t stop raving about it.

Nex Hawaii Edition NavigatorPHOTO: NexView on Meetnex.com

Nex Hawaii Edition Navigator

PHOTO: Nex

Nex Hawaii Edition Waikiki Blue Navigator

View on Meetnex.com

Colors:Light blue, gray, olive green, white |Size:21 x 11 x 30 inches |Weight:10 pounds |Shipping and Returns:Free shipping, 14-day return window with 10% restocking fee, and “Million Mile” trade-in policy

Notable FeaturesSilky, ergonomic handleLarge zippered interior pocketsSmooth-gliding wheelsUnique colorsEasy scuff cleanup with Magic Eraser

Notable Features

Silky, ergonomic handleLarge zippered interior pocketsSmooth-gliding wheelsUnique colorsEasy scuff cleanup with Magic Eraser

A person wearing the Chicos Travelers Jumpsuit holding onto a suitcase

I fell in love with the Waikiki Blue color but was worried it would get scuffed up immediately. However, it doesn’t scuff as easily as I thought it would, and aMagic Eraserbuffs away any marks or residue within seconds. Plus, I can fitso much stuffin this rolling suitcase, making it a great option for overpackers.

Large interior zippered pockets allow for privacy.People / Erin Johnson

The inside of the Nex Hawaii Edition Navigator Luggage in Waikiki Blue filled with clothing

What’s In My Bag?In my latest trip from Honolulu to New York City, I fit the following items in my Nex 28-inch Navigator:3 pairs of shoes (including boots)1 long, wool coat1 down jacket3 wedding guest dresses3 pairs of pants2 bulky sweaters1 jumpsuit1 sweatshirt3 pairs of pajamas1 packing cube of socks and underwear1 packing cube of hair products1 toiletry bag

What’s In My Bag?

In my latest trip from Honolulu to New York City, I fit the following items in my Nex 28-inch Navigator:3 pairs of shoes (including boots)1 long, wool coat1 down jacket3 wedding guest dresses3 pairs of pants2 bulky sweaters1 jumpsuit1 sweatshirt3 pairs of pajamas1 packing cube of socks and underwear1 packing cube of hair products1 toiletry bag

In my latest trip from Honolulu to New York City, I fit the following items in my Nex 28-inch Navigator:

On top of providing a cool, luxurious-feeling bag that reminds me of the clear blue water of Waikiki (it is a part of theNex Hawaii Edition, after all), Nex has some pretty impressive incentives that separate it from its luggage competitors. TheMillion Mile programlets you trade in your luggage even after you’ve traveled with it, andNex Rewardsoffers you a chance to win free travel credits each month.

Nex 28-inch Navigator in Waikiki Blue and Adventure Duffel in Lanikai Amber.People / Erin Johnson

Nex Hawaii Edition Waikiki Blue Navigator on a tiled balcony

Is Nex Navigator Checked Luggage Worth It?

Absolutely. The $185 Nex Navigator is worth it based on value alone. TheAway Medium Check-Inand theMonos Medium Check-In Luggageare both over $300, while theNex Navigatorcomes in at under $200 — and it’s discounted even more right now during the brand’sEnd-of-Year Sales Event. So even if you’re just looking at the price, this luxurious Nex bag is a steal.

Bonus:The generous trade-in policy, the “destination-inspired” colors, and the informativecultural discussionsthe brand facilitates to help educate others on traveling responsibly make this luggage brand stand out, too.

Nex Navigator front exterior.People / Erin Johnson

Nex Hawaii Edition Waikiki Blue Navigator on wood flooring

Erin Johnsonis the associate shopping director for PEOPLE. She tests hundreds of products each year, and when she really loves one, she can’t help but shout it from the rooftops. Since moving to Hawaii in 2024, Erin has found herself traveling more frequently, so she is always on the lookout for the best new travel products, whether that’s acomfy travel pillow,wrinkle-free outfit, or chicweekender bag.

Nex Navigator in Waikiki Blue and Adventure Duffel in Lanikai Amber at the airport.People / Erin Johnson

Nex Luggage inside of the airport

Other Nex Luggage Pieces I Love

A quality piece of checked luggage is imperative, but the following Nex products have also earned spots in my bag rotation.

Voyager CrossbodyView on Meetnex.comNex Adventure DuffelView on Meetnex.comNex Hawaii Edition Pioneer Carry-OnView on Meetnex.comNex Travel TagView on Meetnex.com

Voyager CrossbodyView on Meetnex.com

Voyager Crossbody