Russell Higham asks whether it’s time you thought about upgrading your luggage to some of the most stylish bags and cases currently doing the rounds on the airport carousel.
Image Credit: Tumi
Whilst you might think that battered old suitcase you’ve had for decades is perfectly fine for yet another trip around the sun, you’d be surprised to find that the kind of luggage you’re seen hauling through airports, down airplane aisles and into hotel lobbies actually says a lot more about you than you realise.
Not only could the right bag affect your chances of being upgraded or at least treated better on your flight, according to cabin crew, or given a bigger room or suite by the hotel receptionist.
But the brand, type and colour of your luggage could also give off signals about your personality and professionalism, and may even make you more attractive to other passengers around you, according to psychologists at the University of Washington.
Choosing the right bag or case for your trip can also make the difference between having a holiday that’s simply plain sailing, and one that’s all up in the air. So if you’re thinking of upgrading your luggage this summer – as well as your travel image – what are the factors to take into consideration, and which are the brands and products you should be seen checking in, checking out and rolling aboard with?
Well, the first thing to decide – assuming you’re going to be checking your main suitcase into the aircraft hold – is whether to go for soft-sided or hard-shelled luggage.
Soft is more malleable and forgiving when you’re trying to squeeze in all those newly acquired souvenirs at the end of the holiday (yes, every one of those fridge magnets, shot glasses and local artworks has to fit in somehow).
Carl Friedrik offer a range of hybrid cases made from a blend of aluminium and polycarbonate. Image credit: Carl Friedrik
The problem is, though, that most soft-sided cases come with zip fastenings. And when you take a look on YouTube at how easy it is to pry that zip open using nothing more sophisticated than a ballpoint pen, you may want to reconsider.
Aluminium and polycarbonate cases, on the other hand, such as those from Carl Friedrik, tend to use clamshell or clasp-style locks that offer greater protection from brutal baggage handlers as well as from the elements themselves.
Carl Friedrik is a relative newcomer to the luxury luggage market but they’ve made quite the mark in a relatively short space of time. Canny product placement in hit shows that resonate with the brand’s target audience, such as Succession and The White Lotus, certainly haven’t hurt.
But there’s a real depth of quality and design to their products too: Japanese Hinomoto wheels (the industry’s elite standard) plus high-grade Italian leather accents, not to mention a lifetime guarantee, all contribute to suave but stealthy looking luggage that’s more than fit-for-purpose.
The London-based company was started by two Danish brothers with an eye for ‘quiet luxury’ style, and I’ve been noticing more and more passengers brandishing their discreetly branded bags and cases as they ‘turn left’ on the plane.
I’ve been using Carl Friedrik’s Core Carry-On which I picked up at their flagship store off London’s Jermyn Street, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I can fit inside its sleek business-like frame. The navy/navy colourway of my case also does a good job of mitigating the scratches and scars that a case will pick up, courtesy of baggage handlers and machinery, no matter how much you spend on it!
Carl Friedrik’s lightweight Core luggage range is the perfect carry on choice. Image credit: Carl Friedrik
Whilst the Core range uses zip fastenings, this shouldn’t be a concern with carry-on luggage as you’re likely to have it within sight, or at least close to hand throughout the journey.
Bear in mind, also, that bags placed in the overhead locker are usually subject to a weight limit of between six and 10kg, so a lightweight option such as the Core makes more sense for carry-on use than a heavier aluminium or polycarbonate case.
Next to consider is what’s come to be known as the ‘personal item’; that’s the bag, tote or rucksack you’re supposed to store under the seat in front of you, even though most people just stuff it in the overhead locker anyway.
As a general rule, you’re going to need something measuring no more than around 40 x 30 x 20cm to avoid being ‘debagged’ by an overzealous gate attendant in exchange for a hefty penalty charge.
My personal go-to in this department is Tumi’s luxurious yet practical Osborn Roll Top Backpack in espresso brown leather. Featuring an L-shaped entry for ease of access, this supremely classy looking bag has enough compartments to secure and protect all my valuables, as well as an add-a-bag sleeve (for attaching to the trolley-handle of a suitcase), a protected compartment for my laptop (up to 16”), and a side pocket with water-resistant lining (ideal for bottles or small umbrellas).
The Osborn Roll Top Backpack from Tumi combines luxury and practicality. Image credit: Tumi
Whilst some backpacks can give off a ‘studenty’ vibe, this thing looks like a grown-up, professional and premium piece of kit.
It pulls duty whether I’m roughing it in the jungles of Belize, pushing through the Mardi Gras crowds of New Orleans, or checking into Europe’s most traditional, ‘old-money’ grand hotels…all of which I’ve been doing over the last few weeks, with the Tumi comfortably on my back.
And I’ve noticed it drawing admiring glances from fellow luggage cognoscenti right around the world – a definite case of IYKYK.
Tumi arguably represents the pinnacle of top-end, ‘BIFL’ (buy it for life) luggage. Founded over 50 years ago, their products are exceptionally durable and highly functional, and crafted using high-quality materials in tandem with innovative design,
I’ve seen more business and professional travellers of the kind I’d hope to be associated with, i.e. well-dressed, well prepared for every eventuality and basically just well-travelled, toting Tumi in airline lounges and luxury hotels over the years, than any other premium luggage brand.
Their flagship store in London’s Regent Street offers free personalisation, while you wait, of any Tumi bag or case, no matter how old or where you bought it from, and also offers a repair service (not that I’ve ever had anything go wrong).
The store even has that feel of an airline business class lounge where you know you’re amongst experienced travellers who believe that good luggage is a solid investment.
Antler’s Heritage Overnight Bag oozes old-school class. Image credit: Antler
Antler is a British brand with a solid heritage too. Established in 1914, it makes the kind of luggage you’d expect to be seen being taken out of a Jaguar E-type or vintage Aston Martin by a footman, and brought regally into a stately country home for the weekend.
Their Heritage Overnight Bag oozes old-school class with its durable Oxford-weave canvas and full-grain, scratch-proof leather construction, plus it comes with a lifetime warranty.
A solid, crush-proof frame and protective metal feet means it is as adept at transporting your rackets and trainers to the gym, as it is at accommodating a small capsule wardrobe plus a laptop (up to 14”) and all your essentials for a weekend away.
It also teams well with a larger suitcase (using its rear canvas luggage-strap) for a longer trip – for which I’d recommend also ordering a set of Antler’s excellent packing cubes.
Believe me, if you haven’t started using these things, give them a try – you’ll be amazed at the amount of clothes you can pack into your case whilst keeping them crease-free whilst travelling. Just remember to roll, not fold, trousers and tops, and push socks and underwear into shoes to maximise space.
Once you get to your destination, you’re going to need something nimble and flexible for your EDC (every day carry). I’ve long been a fan of Australian brand Bellroy whose products seem to hit the sweet spot between superior functionality, style and quality.
I’d been using their 6L Venture Sling for many years but decided to upgrade recently to the 9L version to accommodate all the chargers, notebooks, tripods and other kit I have to carry for work trips.
The 9L Venture Sling from Bellroy is a nimble and flexible option for every day use. Image credit: Bellroy
I love the fact that the Venture Sling has an integral soft-lined pouch which keeps my sunglasses scratch-free, and that the adjustable shoulder strap has quick-release magnetic buckles that let me detach the strap easily from either side.
I often notice Bellroy slings being used by other reporters and professional photographers – as well as just savvy travellers – when I’m away on press trips. The brand’s signature double-zips open from either end, giving you ultra wide, unobstructed access to what’s inside, regardless of which side you wear the sling.
The feature makes it as handy for quickly yanking out your Leica on a safari in the African jungle as it is for whipping out your water bottle in the concrete one.
Bellroy, which was founded in 2010, is a Certified B Corporation that claims to be ‘design obsessed’, and I’d certainly have no quarrel with that statement. Their products incorporate innovative features that are genuinely useful to frequent travellers and are made from ethical, durable and sustainable materials.
Bellroy’s stealthily slim and beautifully engineered Travel Wallet is easily the best I’ve ever used – and I’ve tried literally dozens of other brands over the years.
It comes with RFID protection, enough slots to hold ten cards, plus a secret section to store cash, as well as a handy micro-pen (which comes into its own when you arrive at the queue for immigration and suddenly realise you need to fill out a ‘landing form’).
The wallet is available on its own or as part of a ‘Jet Set’ value-bundle which includes their streamline Toiletry/Dopp Kit with its nifty magnetic toothbrush sleeve.
Émigré’s tote bag can be carried by hand, over the shoulder using the detachable strap, or on the back using the rucksack-style straps. Image credit: Émigré
Finally, when you’re back home and dry, it doesn’t mean you should abandon the luxury luggage principles you’ve applied to your travels abroad.
A well-made tote bag is the chameleon of the carry-all world; it makes an excellent ‘daily driver’ for work, a trusty companion for adventures on your day off and, packed carefully, will even see you through an overnight stop away.
Newcomer Émigré’s Tote is aimed squarely at travelling professionals, regardless of gender, and looks as good breezing into a meeting in Bishopsgate as it does rocking up to a brunch in Bangkok.
The team behind this luxury luggage and clothing brand has its roots in Hong Kong, Switzerland, the United States and the UK so it knows a fair bit about the needs of the international nomad.
With an outer shell made from high-tenacity Robic and a lining of durable nylon twill (both 100 per cent recycled), this Bluesign and GRS certified tote can be carried by hand, over the shoulder using the detachable strap, or on the back using the (optional) rucksack-style straps.
So there it is: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine’s guide to the best and latest in luggage. There’s bound to be something here to help make your travels easier and more pleasurable – and to help you enjoy that ‘luxury luggage lifestyle’.
To learn more about the effort and inspiration that went into ChArchi Lab’s Scarlet Thread, and any of their other breathtaking projects, visit their Instagram page at instagram.com/charchilab/
