How can I assess the quality of a suitcase without relying on brand name?

This websites gives great advice.

Choosing A Bag

The Walls

High-denier industrial nylon fabrics are the way to go: in top quality luggage, the main choices are ballistic and Cordura® nylon, differences between the two being largely cosmetic in nature. Ballistic is a filament yarn, thus smooth and slick, with a very synthetic appearance, which some consider a "high tech" look (and which doesn't dye easily, so is often sold only in black). It is also two-ply, which gives it a slightly "nubby" texture. And it is the heavier (by 5%) of the two fabrics: 1050 vs. 1000 denier (be aware that denier is a measurement of weight, not strength or durability).

The Doors

The most failure-prone components of a bag are its zippers (replacing broken zippers is by far the most common task at luggage repair facilities); consequently, they provide a good place to begin inspecting luggage for quality. There are two basic types: chain and coil (compare photos at left). Modern chain-type zipper teeth are made from injection moulded resins (such as polyacetal and polyethylene), fused directly onto the zipper tape; they are incredibly strong (thus much more durable), more resistant to dirt & sand, and more secure (see "Luggage and Security"). Coil zippers (the coil is made from extruded polyester and sewn onto the zipper tape) are less expensive and more flexible (thus easier/cheaper to install.

One proxy for quality is the warranty offered with it, or more specifically, the following criteria:

• Any warranty at all? Yes/No
• Length of warranty
• Warrantor: Manufacturer/Store
• Warranty covers: Everything/some of the parts
• Compensation on failure: New suitcase of same kind / another suitcase / store credit / your money back

I was out buying a suitcase yesterday, and that's how I ended up choosing between two options.

Now, it's true that this does not actually guarantee quality, but that's at least something quantifiable, sort of.