One suitcase or three? Weighing up the Aristocrat Altitude

Luggage sets are tempting. But if you look at how most people actually travel, one bag does most of the work: the medium suitcase that gets checked in for a week away. Weddings, family visits, a holiday in the hills. The cabin bag comes and goes, and the large one lives on top of the wardrobe.

So if one bag is what you need, buy one good medium bag, and buy it well. The Aristocrat Altitude is a sensible candidate. (If you would rather have all three sizes, as we do, see the end of this review.)

What the listing gives you

A polypropylene hard case, eight wheels, a combination lock, a sturdy zipper, a description of it as lightweight and spacious, and a three-year global warranty. The colour is called Surf Spray.

A long warranty is only as useful as the nearest service centre.

The warranty is the story here

Three years is longer than we usually see at this level, and it is the main reason this bag stands out. Before you count on it, find out three things:

1. What it covers. Wheels and handles are the parts that usually break. Are they included?
2. How you claim. Is there a phone number, a service centre or a courier pick-up?
3. Where you claim. "Global" helps only if there is service near where you live.

If you cannot find clear answers, assume a claim will be a hassle and value the warranty accordingly.

The practical bits

• A combination lock means one less tiny key to lose.
• Eight wheels glide smoothly with a heavy load, at the cost of more small parts.
• "Lightweight" without a number is a description, not a figure. Look for the actual empty weight, because airline limits include the bag.
• Hard cases do not squeeze. If you often cram bags into car boots or overhead spaces, a soft case is more forgiving.

Our take

This Aristocrat, with its long warranty and combination lock, is a good everyday check-in bag on its own.

One bag or a set of three? Your call

This review is about the single medium bag, but you do not have to stop at one. The set of three is also available on Amazon, and it is the option we prefer as editors here: in our own homes, all three sizes get used and the matching bags are easy to spot on the belt.

So the choice is yours. If one checked bag covers the way you travel, the single medium is all you need. If your year includes weekend trips, family holidays and the odd big wedding, look at the set of three on the listing. Our luggage set guide can help you decide.