Best known for the Swiss Army Knife, Swiss brand Victorinox has a new range of fashion-conscious luggage on the market. Launched last November, the Etherius Metallics Collection has suitcases in four sizes (from carry-on to check-in) in Gold, Rose Gold and Silver (it’s since added Evergreen, Deep Lake, which is navy blue).
Carsten Kulcke, CEO of Victorinox Travel Gear, said: “With the Etherius Metallic Collection the goal was to further the modern aesthetic established by the original collection while maintaining the Victorinox essence. At the same time, Etherius brings substance along with style as travellers know they have an ultra-lightweight case that provides superior protection.”
The hard-shell cases are made from 100 per cent Bayer polycarbonate meaning they are durable, streamlined and light. For easy maneuvering there are four 50mm Hinomoto wheels (made in Japan), and a retractable handle that can be set at three different positions. (I liked how well the case glided when wheeling it beside me rather than behind me at an angle.) Separate grips on the side and top make lifting it simple too.
I found the Etherius Medium the right size for a five-night trip, with two zippered dividing walls made out of mesh and nylon fabric, plus elasticated Y-shaped compression straps to help keep clothes in place. There is also an expansion system to allow you to squeeze a few more items in (up to 27 per cent more volume in the global carry-on).
I tried out the silver case, which came back quite marked after checking it in with my long-haul airline. When I opened it after my return journey, I also found a note from US customs saying they’d had to open the case and check inside. Nothing was really disturbed luckily (I think they had been interested in the bottle of Death’s Door gin I bought in Washington DC) and because the case had a TSA combination lock they were able to open it without breaking anything.
A welcome additional layer of security comes from Victorinox’s Access Lock Combination Recovery Program, whereby owners can register their security codes online at victorinox.com and retrieve them if they have forgotten them.
VERDICT The new metallic colours might mark but they make a welcome change from black and are easy to spot on the conveyor belt. I liked the space age-design and utilitarian interiors. Stylish and good value for money.
DIMENSIONS 30cm x 45cm x 67cm
VOLUME 65 litres
WEIGHT 4kg
COLOUR Rose Gold, Silver, Gold, Evergreen, Deep Lake
WHEELS 4
PRICE £280
CONTACT victorinox.com
