THE GEAR • July 2023
Whether you favour a spacious holdall, fast-moving four-wheeler or bolstered backpack – the travel retail space caters to us one and all. However, only the truly put-together sport matching pairs. Here are some of our favourite duos this season…
From the Australian suitcase specialist who brought you the world’s lightest cabin case – at just 1.8kg – July is at once fun, flirty, and functional, with hallmarks that include scratch-proof shells, reinforced corners and a multi-stop telescopic handle that stops wherever you want it. And while a set of gorgeous colour options mean just about any of the pieces can constitute a match (moss – a light military green – is our favourite) it’s the retro-modern Trunk Set, made up of a 95-litre checked trunk and 42-litre cabin trunk (above), which makes the most envy-inducing set. Better yet, the entire range (including the Carry On Pro with a magnetic laptop sleeve) is available to personalise, so you’ll always know which one is yours.
Tipped as one of its most unique collaborations to date, Globe-Trotter’s Golf Le Fleur suitcase and small attaché are playful twists on the brand’s distinctive style courtesy of Grammy Award-winner Tyler, The Creator, whose luxury label, Golf Le Fleur, played chief architect on the project. Bringing leopard print lining and eye-popping colour to the outer shell, it’s made with vulcanised fibreboard (lighter than aluminium, tougher than leather), with touches of fibreglass and steel, making it incredibly durable while remaining chic on the conveyer belt. To secure your spot as the envy of your fellow passengers, the delightfully matching London Square is the final piece of the puzzle.
Sustainably focused Stow is expanding its travel offerings with a number of pretty and practical accessories. The Seeview onboard travel pouch means you can say goodbye to fumbling blindly for your passport as you hurry through the airport transit. With this classy little number, you merely need to take a look through the see-through side to quickly see what you have, and locate what you need. Store your phone, sunnies, passport and other necessities neatly, and – if you’re being really smart – enjoy doubling it up as an extra compartment in the brand’s everyday totes, which come in matching tones.
Who needs a wheely suitcase when there’s a sturdy, comfy and water-resistant 30-litre backpack just waiting to go? For those wary of wheels, consider this comprehensive option from luggage masters at Horizn Studios, which brings Stockholm’s sleek Scandi style to the travel sphere. Owners of said backpack also get to bask in the knowledge that it is vegan, carbon neutral and produced 99 per cent waste-free. Fancy 20 per cent off? Simply add another item to the basket for a generous discount. We’d also recommend the Gion cross-body bag, which is made from waterproof tarpaulin to retain its shape and colour for years to come.
Partially made with recycled water bottles, the latest version of Japanese design house Muji’s checked luggage is all smooth lines and rounded edges. Out of the four size options available, the largest is the 105-litre hard trolley case, easily big enough to fit in both your and your loved ones’ possessions if you fancy doubling up, while the 36-litre case is ideal for the solo traveller on a short-haul foray. TSA locks, four minimalist colours, uber-silent wheels and garment cases for your bits and bobs come as standard. Pair it with Muji’s multi-compartment slim passport case, capable of holding far more than just your passport.
Designed by British luggage brand Cabin Max in conjunction with travel blogger extraordinaire Monica Stott from The Travel Hack, this distinctly roomy piece maximises every centimetre of your cabin bag size limit. Two wheels rather than four might mean marginally less manoeuvrability, but it more than compensates with lots more space inside, including a cleverly integrated handbag section so you can pop away your personals before easily retrieving them on board later down the line. Inside, a couple of rose gold Travel Hack compression packing cubes will keep things organised.
Born out of lockdown by Belfast-based artist Carrie Neely, Myrtle and Mary is a young company boasting seriously show-stopping luggage. Carry-ons come with characters: pick Myrtle, who ‘always wore lipstick and pearls’ or Barbie, who spends her time hanging out with flamingos. Elsewhere tigers, snakes, zodiac and circus-inspired prints ensure you’ll always stand out from the crowd, wherever in the world you might find yourself. The brand’s signature prints also extend to bum bags, duffel bags, camera bags, cross-body bags – and more.
This article has been tagged Technology, Wellbeing