Words: Jonathan Wells
Travelling can be taxing. But, with the right luggage, your trip can be transformed into the easy jet-set it should be. Here, we’ve rounded up the finest suitcases around, and discovered exactly what they say about you…
For the serious, means-business traveller...
Tumi know how to put a suitcase together – and no collection epitomises that more than the 19 Degree Aluminium range. Boasting a modern silhouette with fluid looking, strategically contoured angles, this Worldwide Trip Packing Case is sleek, sophisticated and sharp – much like the men who pull it along.
You’re a businessman, a seasoned traveller, and know the departures gate like the back of your hand. The case is conservative, but stands out on the baggage belt. And, as with all metals, wear and tear – including nicks, dings and slight denting – is to be anticipated and carried with pride for a journey well-travelled.
For the old-school, worldly traveller...
After spending years globe-trotting and jet-setting, a traveller comes to know what is important to him. Ease, volume of luggage and appearance number among the most important things to a well-travelled man, and this bag by Brics offers all three.
Sleek, streamlined style with a synthetic suede-effect finish and leather trim, this self-supporting frameless structure offers a lot of room for luggage, and the spinner wheels give easy movement – even in the most bustling departure hall. Italian-designed, this case shows that you know what to look for in luggage but still care about style – a true old-school gentleman traveller.
For the athletic, adventurous traveller...
‘It’s bright yellow’, may be the first thing that springs to mind. But don’t shirk this suitcase on the basis of its colour. Instead, just think about how much time you’ll save at baggage claim, when everyone else is busy sifting through black case after black case. And that’s the type of traveller who would roll this behind them – an adventurer, not scared to stand out from the crowd.
It’s tough, Samsonite, and the cornerstone of the Paradiver Luggage range. Lighter than ever, it’s ideally sized, and comes with the combination of ergonomic backpack straps and a two wheel trolley system, which allows you to adapt to your surroundings seamlessly.
For the tech-conscious, charged-up traveller...
Are you, quite literally, always on the go? If so, then Away are the luggage brand here to be your jet-setting salvation. With integrated TSA-approved ejectable batteries, these cases include a built-in battery that can charge any USB device – so you’ll always be able to check your maps or emails.
Inside, there are two compartments: one designed to store your clothes and another for shoes and toiletries. On the outside, an impenetrable shell that never bends under pressure or breaks is there to keep your valuables safe – even on the roughest of journeys.
For the quirky, spur-of-the-moment traveller...
Paul Smith is a maverick himself. So, when the titan of British fashion partnered with titans of luxury luggage Globe-Trotter, we knew to expect something special. And here it is, the limited edition 20” classic navy trolley case.
Given the ‘Paul Smith’ treatment, the case now features the trademarks colours of Smith’s brand – with each of the leather corners one hue of the signature stripe motif. This pattern also crops up on the webbing strips, handles and chapes. It’s kooky, fun and very unexpected – the type of case owned by a traveller who simply turns up at the airport, and flies out on the first departure.
Want to know more about Paul Smith’s success? Watch as Gentleman’s Journal walk and talk with the designer…
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