Features

What a carry on

22 Jan 2010 by AndrewGough

All frequent flyers need a trusty cabin bag – but which should you buy? Business Traveller takes some on the road to help you decide


Ailson Van Der Lande - Soft Calf Wheelie Case

ALISON VAN DER LANDE Soft Calf Wheelie CaseThis neat leather suitcase from Alison van der Lande is fairly heavy for a smallish item of cabin baggage and comes in whisky, pink, or denim – some nice alternatives to black.

The overall quality is good but the leather is soft and dirt shows up easily, and I would be a little concerned about it getting wet. Saying that, it fared well in inclement weather on a recent trip. There is a pocket on the front for paperwork, plus one inside for small items, as well as elastic straps to tie across your clothes to help prevent them slipping.

My main criticism of the case would be the shiny gold-coloured metal extendable handle, which not only looks cheap but feels a little flimsy. You also need to be disciplined when you pack as the case is not expandable, but I managed to get everything in it I needed for a three-night trip, bar my toiletries. JS


Samsonite - Cosmolite Spinner

Samsonite Cosmolite SpinnerThe lightest bag reviewed here, Samsonite has crafted this new little roller out of thermoplastic material unique to the brand. It’s a good-looking piece and the curved shell offers solid protection. The mono-tube handle is well thought-out and can be adjusted to different lengths depending on your height. There is also a handle on the side so you can pick it up and go – as it’s so light and small, this is a real option.

The four wheels are multidirectional and easily swap from being pulled along behind to being rolled upright, while the interior comprises two compartments with ribbons to keep clothes in place. There is no specific place for a laptop although you could put it in the zipped pocket in the interior compartment – the solid shell would protect it from any knocks.

It’s small but I managed to pack lightly for four days, although if you are taking suits this would not be the case. Depending on the surface, the case rattles a little when it is not full, but this is the only fault I could find. Available in black, silver, red and blue. RA

  • Contact samsonite.co.uk

  • Size 55cm x 38cm x 23cm

  • Weight 2.3kg

  • Price £229

  • Guarantee Ten years


Vango - Platinum Overnight Case

Vango  Platinum Overnight CaseThis two-wheeled bag is light at under 3kg, and the material is a smart, functional black nylon with lime green piping. There is a sturdy extendable mono-handle with two settings for height, along with two exterior pockets – a small zip pocket that would fit a phone or passport, and a larger one that is deep enough for documents, has spaces for pens and mobile phones, and secures with a zip. Strong padded handles on the top and side of the case allow you to carry it easily. The interior is spacious (40-50 litres), and while there is no specific place for a laptop, you could easily put one in here as long as it is adequately protected (the case is not padded). There are secure straps to keep things in place.

The case is long rather than deep, meaning you don’t have to fold or roll clothes too much, and should accommodate enough for a two- or three-night stay, although suits would have to be folded. Around the edge of the main compartment are useful mesh pockets and a zip section for valuables. There is also a deep zipped panel for smaller items of clothing. Overall, great value for money. FC

  • Contact vango.co.uk

  • Size 53cm x 34cm x 20cm

  • Weight 2.45 kg

  • Price £60

  • Guarantee One year


VICTORINOX - Werks Traveller (WT-20)

VICTORINOX  Werks Traveller (WT-20) This bag comes in red with black detail, as well as in plain black. The build quality is good and the handle swivels so the bag can be pulled at different angles. There are also some straps under the outside pouch that can be pulled up to secure a bag, coat or newspaper on the top, against the handle, along with a built-in clip to hang a bag from the back. Two external compartments can store documents and a small laptop.

Inside, there is a zipped mesh pocket for small items and, my favourite feature, a removable suiter in the lid of the bag. It comes with an ingenious three-way hanger that holds a pair of trousers and a suit jacket (folded around the trousers), helping to prevent wrinkles. There are also straps to hold clothes in place. The downsides are that the mono-handle does not feel as sturdy as those cases with two upright shafts, and I didn’t find it easy to balance my extra bag on it. JG

  • Contact victorinox-bags.com

  • Size 51cm x 36cm x 24cm

  • Weight 3.8kg

  • Price £209

  • Guarantee Lifetime


TUMI - Lightweight Slim International Carry-On

TUMI Lightweight Slim International Carry-On“That’s a nice bag,” someone said as I walked through departures, and Tumi’s lighter option is certainly an attractive piece of kit. Tumi president and chief executive Jerome Griffith says, “Aesthetically, our products are classic, timeless designs that complement an individual’s wardrobe and style rather than overpower it,” and that is reflected in the understated looks and clean lines of this bag.

Made from ballistic nylon, it has in-line skate wheels and an aluminium and rubber handle that adjusts to two lengths and zips away neatly. There is a large compartment on the outside that could hold a laptop if it was in a sleeve, along with a section for documents. A further compartment in the lid is good for underwear, and there are two smaller zip sections in the body of the bag. It glides along smoothly and can comfortably hold enough for a two- to three-night stay – my only quibble was that I found the nylon marked quite easily. MM

  • Contact tumi.com

  • Size 51cm x 39.5cm x 18cm

  • Weight 3.2kg

  • Price £475

  • Guarantee Five years


RIMOWA - Salsa Air Multiwheel IATA 52

RIMOWA Salsa Air Multiwheel IATA 52This funky metallic suitcase comes from fashion luggage brand Rimowa. The Salsa Air range is made from its lightest polycarbonate yet, and comes in Ultra Violet, Inca Gold and Aquamarine.

At first glance, the bright metallic colour seems a bit gaudy, but you get used to it and once it has been bashed about a bit, I’d imagine it would look a lot better. While it appears completely solid, the structure is actually a little flexible, which makes zipping it very easy. There is a combination lock, and inside, it has a number of compartments, useful for keeping toiletries in place.

Rimowa has patented its wheels, calling the design Multiwheel – they are very responsive, managing corners with ease, but could perhaps do with being a little bit larger, to cope with lumps and bumps in the pavement.

The only real negative was the T-bar handle. It was awkward to grip and felt uncomfortable after pulling it for only a few minutes. Overall, however, it’s very light and the quality is high, which one would expect with the £336 price tag. Stockists include Harrods and Selfridges. ST

  • Contact rimowa.com

  • Size 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

  • Weight 2.4kg

  • Price £336

  • Guarantee Five years


KNOMO - Serra Trolley

KNOMO  Serra TrolleyOnce again, Knomo’s stylish design goes hand in hand with the practical. The Serra looks great (I tested the red bag but it also comes in black) – a nylon quilted waterproof case with patent crimson leather detail – and it turned a few heads as I strolled along. The bag is compact and lightweight, so is easy to pull around – it glides silently behind you and you can gracefully nip between people who are coming your way.

The Serra Trolley does not open out fully, which some people might not like, but for an overnight trip (or two nights if you pack well), it is perfect. There’s a main compartment with organiser pockets as well as a front zipped pouch. Inside it is quilted in pink and has a sturdy padded section for a 15-inch laptop.

The retractable brushed aluminium T-bar handle is wrapped with padded leather and feels solid. There is a magnetic clasp on the grips so you can connect them when pulling the bag along. Knomo bags also have a unique ID code, which after you register it, will help identify your bag if you lose it and someone honest finds it and lets the company know. FC

  • Contact knomobags.com

  • Size 44cm x 36cm x 15cm

  • Weight 2.7 kg

  • Price £195

  • Guarantee Two years


BRICS - Pininfarina case

BRICS  Pininfarina caseA smart nylon bag with leather corners and handles, this Brics bag is short and wide with large solid wheels protected by guards. It has multiple pockets and spaces to store clothes, a laptop and papers.

The external pocket unzips to reveal a mesh zipped compartment and filing space for papers as well as slots for pens, mobile phones and business cards. There is also a luggage tag in here. The next zip opens up to reveal three more fanned sleeves and a full-length mesh zipped compartment, although this was a bit tight when the middle compartment was full. The middle pocket is where you can store a laptop, secured in a padded section with a strong Velcro strap.  

The main cavity has room for clothes. I had enough space to pack for a one-night stay – and this included my gym kit. There is another zipped mesh compartment that’s useful for toiletries, as well as straps to keep your clothes in place, and a padlock.

For an organised person, this bag is a must – but there are so many pockets that you need to be systematic about where you put things. Even with all the sections filled, it felt light and easy to manoeuvre. It’s not so good for carrying suits, though. FC

  • Contact +44 (0)20 8731 3500

  • Size 47cm x 37cm x 24cm

  • Weight 3.7 kg

  • Price £230

  • Guarantee Two years

REVIEWERS

  • FC – Felicity Cousins
  • JG – Julian Gregory
  • JS – Jenny Southan
  • MM – Michelle Mannion
  • RA – Rania Apthorpe
  • ST – Sara Turner


TOP TEN PACKING TIPS

  1. Make a list of what you need and keep it for future trips so you can tick things off easily.

  2. Plan your outfits – don’t take spares – and choose crease-free clothing wherever possible.

  3. Pack the corners – the middle takes care of itself.

  4. Rolling up clothes makes it easier to fit things in, but if you are worried about creasing, fold things neatly and place them in flat.

  5. Place deodorant and bulky items in your shoes to save space. Make use of hotel toiletries rather than packing large bottles.

  6. Pack an extra bag to carry home papers and mementoes.

  7. Don’t lock your checked bags except with TSA-approved locks, as if your bag is selected for random screening, agents will have to break the lock to get inside.

  8. Buy a wheeled suit bag – you can simply hang your suits and shirts inside and then take them out at your destination. They are pricier and have to be placed in the hold, but save a lot of time on folding and pressing. Alternatively, invest in a suit carrier to place inside your luggage, such as Contura’s (visit timothytravelgoods.com).

  9. Let the professionals pack for you. In London, Blossom and Browne’s Sycamore (blossomandbrowne.com) offers a “jet-set travel service”. Hand over the bag of clothes you want to take, and they will return it with its contents laundered, ironed and properly packed. Or try upmarket concierge service Practical Princess (practicalprincess.com).

  10. Use packing cubes (see panel, next page) to separate items. “They create an organised and efficient space,” says Jerome Griffith, president and CEO of Tumi. Visit tumi.com to view Griffith’s video The Business of Packing.


ACCESSORIES

Tumi luggage tagGive your bag the finishing touch with one of Tumi’s smart leather luggage tags. Priced at £25, they hold a business card or other form of ID and you can have them embossed with your initials for free at the company’s London Piccadilly store. And as they come in eight different colours, including topaz, carnelian, green, red and yellow, you’ll have no trouble spotting your bag. Tumi, 170 Piccadilly; tel +44 (0)20 7493 4138; tumi.com

travel-wardrobe-care-packageKeep everything in its place with Travel Wardrobe Care’s packing products. The range fits inside your suitcase and is designed to keep your clothes organised and crumple-free. It includes a set of three packing cubes for underwear and accessories, a large cube for bulkier items and a folding pack for business clothes. The pieces are made of soft grey nylon and are lined in satin with a mesh top for easy visibility. There’s also a wet bag for swimsuits. Prices from £5. Visit travelwardrobecare.co.uk

Skross World Travel Adapter ThreeSlip one of World Connect’s range of Swiss-designed premium travel adapters in your bag to stay plugged in on the road. The Skross World Travel Adapter Three (e39) is suitable for most two-pole, three-pole and grounded plugs of protection classes one and two, allowing you to connect in more than 150 countries. The Skross World Travel Adapter Two and USB charger (e40) enables you to power up two devices at a time. Visit swisstravelproducts.com

AspinalAspinal of London’s Classic men’s wash bag (£89) is a stylish way to store your grooming products. Coming in black, cognac or tan, it is handmade in English bridle leather with contrast saddle stitching and lined in wipeable silk. Visit aspinaloflondon.com or London’s Selfridges store.


Airline allowances

Hand luggage rules are complicated and, as each airline has its own rules, you should check your carrier’s website for more details. The maximum weight and size allowed (and how this is measured – it may include wheels and handles) all differ. Some airlines allow only one bag in business class, while others allow two; some let you take extra items or suit carriers, while others count a laptop as a second piece. As you can see from the tables below, these short-haul offerings vary considerably.

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