When it comes to travelling, you’ve probably heard your fair share of horror stories about airlines and luggage. Sky-high fees, lost bags, damaged belongings, you name it – it’s happened. But with airplanes being non-negotiable in the modern age of travel, you’ve got to get your baggage on that flight on way or another. The best arrangement? A sturdy piece of carry-on luggage. With frequent flyers putting peace of mind into their own hands nowadays, there’s more brands than ever touting their cabin-sized suitcases. Here’s some of our favourite picks to help you sift through all the noise!
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Monos – Expandable Carry-On Pro (Max 54.2L), HKD$2,500
There’s nothing worse than having to completely open up your carry-on luggage every time you need something at the airport. Luckily with Monos’ Expandable Carry-On Pro, a handy built-in front compartment is available for your travel documents, laptop, or even some last-minute items. Fit with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, the whole expandable (almost two extra inches of depth!) suitcase is water and dent-resistant. With your belongings secure behind a TSA-approved combination-lock YKK zipper, you’ll be zipping through terminals on whisper-quiet 360 degrees spinner wheels guided by a telescopic handle.
July – Carry On Light Expandable (Max 40L), HKD$2,200
You’ll have a new favourite month after just one trip with this expandable lightweight hardshell – a mere 4.9lbs when empty! Taking ‘travelling light’ to new heights, July’s vegan-friendly suitcase is perfect for those who don’t want to struggle when stowing their carry-on. With YKK zippers and a TSA-approved integrated lock, the Carry On Light stays secure while whizzing on its 360 degrees double spinner wheels – aided by a twin bar telescopic handle. The aerospace-grade German polycarbonate outer is water resistant while the nylon lining inner is stain-proof – ensuring minimal wear and tear after multiple trips.
Briggs & Riley – Global 21” Carry-On Expandable Spinner (Max 49L), HKD$5,424.11
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more durable yet luxe soft-sided carry-ons than at Briggs & Riley. With a strong ballistic nylon fabric, impact-resistant corner guards, self-repairing YKK zippers, and a TSA-approved combination cable lock, the Global 21” Carry-On is as indestructible as a soft suitcase can get! Meanwhile, Briggs & Riley’s patented CX expansion feature allows for a one-touch expansion or compression, while the built-in garment folder and cinch-down garment panels keep your clothes pristine even while in transit. What’s more, you’re guaranteed a completely flat packing experience with the revolutionary outer-mounted handle design – complete with a convenient PowerPocket that can store a battery pack and phone for on-the-go charging.
Lojel – Cubo Small (Max 42L), HKD$2,800
Access is available anywhere and everywhere with Lojel Cubo Small’s front compartment design. Not only can it be used for on-the-go convenience for laptops, documents, and more, but it also doubles as a quick-access door to the rest of your suitcase’s interior via a magnetic divider. Meanwhile, the expandable body is outfitted with a 50% Recycled Polycarbonate and 50% Virgin Polycarbonate shell, tamper-proof zippers, and a TSA-approved combination lock for premium travel security. Just a push on the enhanced 360 degrees wheels and you’re good to go!
Floyd – Cabin (Max 41L), HKD$3,130
If you’re looking for some carry-on luggage with a little more character, look no further than Floyd. With flashy colourways like Hot Orange, Magic Purple, and Sugar Pink, the compact Floyd Cabin also comes with eight ultra-silent skateboard spinner wheels that glide effortlessly. What makes this Makrolon polycarbonate shell even more unique is its seamless (pun intended) zipperless design – relying instead on an aluminum frame construction that snaps shut with integrated sliding latches, fit with a TSA-approved combination lock. This wickedly-cool cabin case also comes with mesh/recycled poly-satin interior and laptops compartments – plus a handy shoe dust bag for good measure.
Carl Friedrik – The Carry-on X (Max 43L), HKD$6,400
Bringing ‘Quiet Luxury’ to travel, The Carry-on X by Carl Friedrik is an impeccably designed blend of aluminium, leather, and German-engineered Makrolon polycarbonate. The integrated hard-shell front pocket makes reaching for your laptop or travel documents easy, while the suitcase’s streamlined, zipper-less design uses TSA-approved combination locks to seal everything within an aluminum frame with a satisfying click. Inside, a modular layout includes two narrow-zipped interior pockets and two sets of integrated straps with a removable compression pad for maximum space. Completing the experience: ultra-smooth 360-degree Hinomoto spinner wheels that glide silently to your gate.
Antler – Cabin Suitcase Single Stripe (Max 39L), HKD$1,450
A sleek and lightweight hardside, the Antler Cabin Suitcase Single Stripe is a minimalist’s dream for chic travel. The durable polypropylene shell makes for a sturdy hand-carry that features a TSA-approved combination lock, smooth 360 degrees spinner wheels, and a bespoke Antler handle. You’ll have more than enough space in the spacious interior with its integrated packing straps and zippered divider – plus, the streamlined single-stripe design offers the perfect base for a luggage strap when you’re packed to the brim.
Travelpro – Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Spinner (Max 38L), HKD$1,780.80
A fantastic soft-sided carry-on for those on a budget, Travelpro’s Crew Classic Compact Carry-On is a water and stain-resistant suitcase with impressive interior organisation. A true MVP when it comes to optimising packing space, the expandable Crew Classic Compact features ECOFAB interior lining with H2O guard, interior hold-down straps, and a removable compression packing organiser – complete with water-resistant storage as well as multiple accessory pockets. Designed for comfort on the move, it also boasts 360-degree MagnaTrac self-aligning wheels and an adjustable handle with ergonomic palm grips.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
