Whether you’re on holiday or business trip, choosing the right luggage is crucial.
THE right carry-on luggage can make or break your trip, whether it is for business or holiday. Some people do not prioritise it, but choosing the right luggage will make your journey easier and physically less challenging.
Think about it. You need to lift your carry-on onto the overhead compartment, pull it around the airport, carry it up and down the stairs at train or bus stations. You therefore, need to consider weight, capacity and wheel strength.
Other considerations include small or large capacity; two, four or even eight wheels; made from light fabric or is a hard case, and added features such as compartments and expandable sizes.
Here are some carry-on luggage suggestions for different types of travel, styles and budgets.
1. TUMI
19 DEGREE ALUMINIUM CARRY-ON
The lowdown: The 19 Degree Aluminum features a reinforced framecase design, snap closures and die-cast corner caps for additional protection.
The appointed interior features a lightweight lining with embossed diamond pattern that complements its striking exterior.
Plus points: Weighing 4kg, the four-wheeled bag has a retractable handle. The wheels also have a five-year warranty.
Made for: Trendsetters and the sophisticated travellers.
Price: RM4,490. Available in silver, black and banyon leaf colour.
2. AMERICAN TOURISTER
TRIGARD
The lowdown: The colourful and lightweight luggage provides ample space for all travel needs.
The geometric front and textured back design is stylish and practical. It’s also scratch-resistant.
The contrast-colour double spinner wheels allows for easy manoeuvre.
Plus points: The XtraSecu 3 Point Lock system on the top, side and bottom firmly secures the bag, keeping your items safe when they are out of your sight.
Available in black, citron, purple, raspberry pink, scuba blue and white. Comes with a three-year global warranty.
Made for:Anyone who wants a compact-sized bag when travelling.
Price: RM479 (at houseofsamsonite.com.my)
3. CABINZERO
44L CLASSIC SERIES
The lowdown: The brand’s most popular range, the 44L Classic Series consists of backpacks that also come with a comfortable top and side grab handles.
The backpack has spacious room that will fit everything you’ll need on your travel. The bags are light at 0.7kg. Available in five sizes with 10-year warranty.
Plus points: The CabinZero bag has built-in lost-and-found tags for you to trace it in the event it is lost or stolen. The system is linked directly to the airlines’ own baggage tracing system. It has a lifetime protection warranty.
Made for: Travellers on short trips.
Price: RM349
4. MONTBLANC
NIGHTFLIGHT TROLLEY
The lowdown: The collection includes a compact pilot case with two wheels, a four-wheel cabin trolley (either with or without a front pocket) and a medium small cabin luggage.
Crafted in Italy, the bags have Japanese-made ball-bearing wheels with 360-degree rotation that ensures comfortable and smooth motion.
The German-constructed multi-stop bar allows the traveller to adjust the extension of the bar at any height with precision.
Plus points: Personalisation option with initials and retractable badge tag for personal data to always be at hand but well-hidden. One of the pockets has Montblanc shield technology (RFID blocking lining) to increase protection against unauthorised reading, copying and/or tampering of personal data.
Made for: Urban explorers and intrepid adventurers.
Price: Between RM2,840 and RM3,770
5. DELSEY
HELIUM AERO SPINNER
The lowdown: Made of 100 per cent polycarbonate which makes it incredibly light as well as resilient against cracks and fractures, the interior is also roomy and can be expanded by 5cm.
Four twin-spinner wheels allow multi-directional rolling. The industrial-grade aluminium tubes allow two different height settings for a comfortable grip.
The bags have a worldwide 10-year warranty.
Plus points: Two full packing compartments with lined divider and tie-down straps. Exterior front pocket features sleeve that fits up a 40cm laptop.
Made for: Travellers who want a stylish look.
Price : From RM1,100 (at Lazada.com)
6. CASE VALKER
MATRIX HARD CASE LUGGAGE BAG
The lowdown: The bag boasts four 360-degree spinning wheels for smooth motion.
Plus points: Three-digit combination lock for added security. A retractable hook built into the bag’s exterior allows travellers to attach another briefcase or handbag for easier transport.
Made for: Women who are travelling alone who need a carry-on bag that is easy to handle and manoeuvre.
Price: From RM299
7. OSPREY
OZONE 22 WHEELED TRAVEL BAG
The lowdown: A backpack with wheels, it offers comfort and durability. The large wheels with sealed bearings and a high clearance allow the wheels to roll over rough terrain.
Combined with a comfortable single bar handle, it is one of the lightest luggages in the market.
Plus points: Tuckaway straps that allow you to attach a smaller bag to the front. There are front panel pockets for magazines, back panel pockets for dirty clothes and a top pocket for toiletries or liquids.
Made for: Those who need a simple luggage that maximises interior space.
Price: From RM1,400
8. LOUIS VUITTON
HORIZON ROLLING COLLECTION
The lowdown: The Horizon Rolling Luggage is a hard-sided trunk designed by Marc Newson. It is made from self-reinforced polypropylene composite and features an anodised aluminum extendable cane. It is spacious, durable and lightweight
The collection comes in two versions: the 50 (weighing 2.7kg) and the 55 (3kg)
Plus points: Personalisation such as stripes, printed initials and choice of patches.
The trunks, in seven rainbow colours, come in monogramme canvas, monogram eclipse, Damier Graphite, taiga leather, natural cowhide leather and epi leather.
Made for: Those who have a lot cash to spare.
Price: Prices vary according to materials. This monogram version of the Horizon 50, for instance, is priced at RM11,200.
9. ANTLER
CAMBRIDGE CABIN SIZE HARDCASE
The lowdown: Made from polypropylene, the bag is lightweight, expandable and durable. The Cambridge is all about colour — bold colour options, colour-matched wheels and trolley handle.
Plus points: Recessed combination lock gives added peace of mind. The 360-degree rotating wheels give you effortless control. Also comes with three years’ manufacturer defect warranty.
Made for: Travellers going off to their dream destination in style.
Price: RM395 (at cuirboutique.com)
10. RIMOWA
ORIGINAL CABIN S
The lowdown: Made from high-end anodised aluminium, it is designed and engineered in Germany. Rimowa’s signature luggage is robust and lightweight at 4.2kg. The timeless classic is an example of fine craftsmanship and innovation.
Plus points: The bag comes with hard plastic four ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axels.
The multiwheel system, pioneered by Rimowa, guarantees stable and effortless steering. The wheels have a five-year international global warranty. Available in silver, matte black and titanium.
Made for: Business travellers and those on short trips.
Price: RM4,650.
CAPSULE COLLECTION
TUMI has collaborated with actor Chris Pratt on a capsule collection for Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
The Tumi x Chris Pratt collection, designed by Pratt and Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, features two-in-one backpack duffel, expandable packing case, expandable carry-on, travel laptop case, reno kit and packing cubes.
The idea for the collaboration came about when Pratt, a long-term Tumi user, was filming the brand’s Apac & Me Regional Spring 2019 campaign.
“After using Tumi for the past 10 years, it was really exciting for me to get to design my own line and create my own Tumi. Working with Victor and the design team was an eye-opening experience,” says Pratt.
The backpack duffel comes in two versions — large and small — and is made from recycled nylon and recycled PET materials.
The backpack includes additional features such as a USB port, two waterproof-lined pockets with air vents for shoes, wet clothing or a water bottle. It is the perfect companion for the plane, the daily commute or the gym.
The expandable packing case and expandable carry-on are inspired by the Alpha Bravo collection.
Both cases have dual-access to the main compartment, which is possible through a split case opening and a front lid opening.
There is also a zipper expansion feature on both cases which provides 5cm of additional space.
The case has a removable sleeve for laptop up to 38cm, padded tablet pocket and multiple pockets for accessories, including a water-resistant external pocket for an umbrella or water bottle.
The reno kit can hold personal accessories from shower and skincare products to personal items. Complementing the travel cases are packing cubes in three sizes to keep the items organized.
The signature shade of orange will remain Pratt’s exclusive colour throughout his collaboration with the brand.
The collection will be available at its retail stores and online (tumi.com) next month.
Shop your bags online at discounted price Shopee vouchers.