Get packed and go (minus frills)
When it comes to the latest carry-on luggage, manufacturers are getting back to basics. So are travellers.
Integrated electronics, such as charging stations and digital scales, are taking a back seat to simple, no-nonsense designs. This new emphasis on simplicity can be attributed to new airline restrictions on “smart” luggage that went into effect late last year — specifically the models with integrated batteries — and perhaps to “feature fatigue” among travellers who just want a bag that holds their stuff.
Consider the Lifepack Carry-on Closet ($249) by Solgaard (currently sold out until August), a hard-sided spinner with two innovations. This bag has no zippers; it closes like a traditional briefcase. It also includes a shelving system inside that expands and attaches to the handle. If you like to stay organized on the road, it’s a practical alternative to luggage cubes.
And luggage doesn’t always have to be super-heavy. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 (from $169.99), weighs only about 5.4 pounds (2.4 kilograms). I spent the first two decades of my travel journalism career hauling around a Travelpro, so there’s much about the Maxlite 5 that feels familiar, from the inside compartments to the thoughtfully designed exterior. I like the extra side handle, which lets you get a grip on the bag from almost any angle. But its feather weight was its best quality.
You don’t have to give up all the gadgets with the new luggage. Away’s Carry-On with Pocket ($375) includes a battery charger, but it complies with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the new Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) restrictions on lithium-ion batteries by being ejectable.
The Away combines some of the best features of soft- and hard-sided luggage. There’s a rugged exterior, but also a front pocket to store a 15-inch laptop or paperwork. It’s also a spinner, making it extra manoeuvrable.
If you have a larger budget, consider Arlo Skye, a collaboration of Mayur Bhatnagar, a former retail executive at Louis Vuitton, and Denielle Wolfe, a former head of design at Tumi. Its new carry-on (US$450) is a thoughtfully designed polycarbonate bag that’s flexible enough to accommodate a little extra. There’s an antimicrobial interior lining and ample space inside. It also has a removable battery for charging your wireless devices, including a USB-C port for your MacBook.
Good luggage should do just one thing: protect your belongings. Bonus points if you can charge your wireless device or make a fashion statement. But this crop of new luggage keeps things simple. I like that.