Review: Muji 87L Hard Shell Suitcase

Overall Verdict: ★★★★☆ The Muji 87L hard shell suitcase is a great option for long haul travel, being both lightweight and high quality. The wheel stopping mechanism is fantastic if you plan on taking public transit during your trip. The only reason I'm taking off a star is because of its high price point and visible scuffing. You can likely get a similar suitcase for cheaper, just not with a wheel stopper.


I had been eyeing the Muji 87L hard shell suitcase for a while due to Muji's reputation for quality. After the wheels on my beloved Swiss Gear luggage stopped working, I took the opportunity to try out the much hyped Muji version.

The primary draws for me were the simple, minimalistic design and the wheel stopping mechanism. One of my pet peeves is when suitcases roll around subways or trains and bang up either my legs or other people's legs, but this wheel stopper seemed to solve the problem.

I bit the bullet when I saw a promotional sale at Muji and took it with me on a recent trip to Asia. Did it hold up to my expectations?! Keep reading to find out.

The Lowdown

Product Options and Pricing

The Muji hard shell suitcase comes in 5 sizes, all named according to capacity (all links are to the U.S. website):

Carry-on Sizes:

• 20L Hard Shell Suitcase, available on Muji (CA)
• 36L Hard Shell Suitcase, available on Muji (CA) or Muji (US)

Checked Bag Sizes: 

• 63L Hard Shell Suitcase, available on Muji (CA) or Muji (US)
• 88L Hard Shell Suitcase (my model), available on Muji (CA) or Muji (US)
• 105L Hard Shell Suitcase, available on Muji (US)

I haven't seen a lot of reviews on the 87L size, which is one of the reasons I decided to make this post.

At the time of purchase, the suitcases came in four colour options: black, navy, beige and light grey. They used to come in red, but this colour was discontinued a couple of years ago.

In terms of price, Muji suitcases aren't particularly cheap. The 35L carry-on size clocks in a little over $200 CAD, which is A LOT to pay compared to the $67.74 CAD AmazonBasics version, as an example. They're much cheaper than a brand like Tumi, but that isn't saying much because most luggage brands are. Overall, I find them pretty overpriced for what you get.

Features

• Measurements: 28.0 in x 18.7 in x 12.0 in
• Weight: 12.3 lbs
• 360 degree spinner with four wheels
• Handle also has a wheel stopper
• TSA-approved lock
• Two lay-flat handles, one on top and one on the side
• Four "feet" on side of suitcase
• Interior organization

Where to Buy

In Canada, you can purchase this suitcase in-store or online $289 CAD regular price for the 88L. It was previously priced at $369 CAD and occasionally went on sale for 30-40% off.

In the U.S., you can get the 36L, 63L, 88L and 105L for $159 USD, $219 USD, $259 and $299 USD respectively. These suitcases can be bought on the website or in-store.

The Pros

• Lightweight
• Simplistic external design
• Good interior organization
• Smooth wheels make it easy to push around airports and streets
• Wheel stopping mechanism is very useful on moving trains and buses and prevents the suitcase from rolling away
• TSA-approved lock keeps belongings secure and easy to find zippers

The Cons

• High price point (almost $300 regular price)
• Scuffs very easily in transit
• Narrow depth means it fits fewer items than expected
• Wheels take up storage space within the suitcase and can make packing non-clothing items awkward
• Not expandable

The Full Review

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Muji hard shell suitcase is made of very lightweight polycarbonate. While it doesn't feel as durable as the AmazonBasics carry-on luggage, it is only 5 pounds heavier.

One of the main downsides I identified right away was that it scuffs easily. Mine came with minor scuffs at the bottom and I noticed suitcases on the shelves had scuffs as well.

THE LOOK AND FEEL

As with all Muji products, the design is simple and features no branding. There are only a few relatively neutral colours to choose from, which can be difficult to tell apart from other brands' suitcases.

I chose the beige colour as I didn't see too many suitcases in this particular shade, and thought it would be relatively easy to spot at the airport. This proved to be true, at least in Asia.

Overall, the suitcase manages to feel lightweight without feeling cheap. The handle doesn't feel nearly as flimsy as the AmazonBasics carry-on luggage. The wheels are very smooth and easy to change direction. Overall, you do feel like you're getting your money's worth.

This suitcase came with me on my Asia trip around China, Korea and Thailand. This meant it was on a bus, a train, or airplane multiple times a week. Since it was checked at the airport over 10 times in 3 weeks, it collected a lot of scuffs. Like A LOT. For a $300 suitcase, you would expect the outer shell to be more durable, especially since aesthetics are so important to a brand like Muji!

My Muji suitcase after 3 weeks and 7 flights in Asia.

Personally, the visible scuffing annoys me quite a bit from a visual standpoint. That said, there wasn't any damage to the functionality of the shell, wheels or handle.

THE FINER DETAILS

Wheel-Stopper: The main reason I bought this suitcase was for the wheel stopping mechanism, which is hidden away and easy to use. I am pleased to say it works exactly as intended, and prevented my suitcase from rolling away on buses, trains and subways. Note that it doesn't completely stop the wheels from moving around, but the suitcase won't budge more then a couple inches.

TSA-Approved Lock: There is a TSA-approved lock which is handy for keeping your belongings secure. I thought this was a nice touch, and also meant you always knew where your zippers were. The lock comes with two keys, which is standard for most luggage locks.

Packing Ability: Since the suitcase is not expandable, you have to find ways to cram your things into the suitcase. The right half of the suitcase is a little hard to pack for because the wheels take up storage space. 12 inches is also not very thick for a large suitcase (it's about 6 inches deep on each side), which I found rather difficult to pack for. The suitcase is well within the limits of the maximum dimensions allowed, so I don't see why they couldn't have added extra depth.


Overall, I am pretty happy with my Muji 87L suitcase! Other than the easily scratched polycarbonate shell and high price point, it's a solid option for a larger suitcase due to its sheer practicality.