THE GEAR • February 2021

Hot wheels: the best luggage for future travel

To celebrate British Airways’ recent collaboration with luggage specialists, Globe-Trotter, we ask tastemakers from across the UK to nominate their favourite travel companions

Ogio

Says who? Chris Hall, senior watch editor, Mr Porter
For a couple of years now I’ve relied on a suitcase from Ogio for all my business trips (usually back and forth to Switzerland). It’s light and easy to wheel, but where it really won me over was its sheer array of compartments – there’s truly a pocket for everything. No more rummaging through the entire bag for a travel charger or pair of earphones and, of course, there’s an easy-access sleeve for laptops.
Get packing: This isn’t particularly clever, but I always try to remember to pack a zip-up tote bag for dirty laundry and, when I’m packing, I stuff my shoes with socks – it stops the shoes getting crushed and takes up some otherwise dead space.

Globe-Trotter

Says who? Darius Alavi-Ellis, partnership director at Globe-Trotter
I use the Globe-Trotter carry-on, with its iconic leather straps, for virtually every trip. You can hold it like a briefcase or wheel it as a suitcase, and it’s one of the only cases I’ve found that navigates pavements as smoothly as it does airports. Our new BA case, however, is something we were very excited to unveil. Each one has aluminium from a 747 mounted in the lid, and there was only enough available for 150 cases, so it’s a real collectable.
Get packing: I always leave a shoe in or on the hotel safe as a reminder to check it when I’m packing to come home. It has not failed me yet!

Horizn Studios

Says who? Richie MacKichan, editor in chief, Mr and Mrs Smith
I’ve forever had disdain for wheelie suitcases, so I always carried this old Burberry overnight bag with me everywhere. But last year I relented and got a new Horizn Studios case (wheeled) and when I took the train to the Highlands in the summer with it, my accompanying friends accused me of having no principles. I long to use it again.
Get packing: I never travel without a copy of The New Yorker. It’s educational, full of consistently great writing, and is more adept at blocking out the sun than your average paperback.

Horizn is offering 25 per cent off to Executive Club Members with code BAHORIZN25. Ends 23:59 GMT on 15 March 2021.

North Face

Says who? Ally Black, captain on the A320 fleet flying out of LHR
The bag I love is my XXL North Face Duffel. Bought for ski trips, it’s now accompanied me on safari in South Africa, salsa-ing in Cuba, trekking in Peru and even to see Mickey M in Florida. With small children and now pushing pushchairs through the airport, throwing it on my back makes airport life hands free and a lot easier.
Get packing: For long trips take a UK multi-gang extension lead. Then you only need one international adaptor and you don’t run out of sockets. Gamechanger.

Antler

Says who? Kayta Katkova of East London Mornings
Travel is an essential part of my life, but I don’t like to leave home for more than a week. As much as I enjoy exploring new places and cultures, I try not to miss any major happenings in London. That’s why my luggage collection mostly consists of cabin baggage suitcases for quick getaways. My favourites? Horizn Studios’ limited edition in collaboration with Soho House, Away’s The Carry On in Navy and the latest addition from Antler, Clifton in Sage.
Get packing: The trick is to plan everyday outfits in advance, so you avoid bringing unnecessary garments and accessories when luggage space is very limited.

Away

Says who? Matt Richardson, picture editor for High Life
The Bigger Carry-On from Away is the larger of the brand’s two carry-on sizes (yes, you can bring it into BA’s cabins) and is just the right size for a few days’ trip. It’s accompanied me on work trips to Japan and Morocco, a road trip around Puglia and countless weekends away in the UK. Inside there’s an interior compression system that comes in handy if you, like me, struggle to travel light. There’s even a laundry bag that hides in the lining.
Packing tip: One thing you don’t have to worry about packing when travelling with Away is a portable gadget charger, as there’s one built in. It’s proved a saving grace multiple times, and you feel fairly smug using it in the departure lounge.