Carry-on Luggage
Carry-on Luggage
As anyone, who comes near an airport nowadays, knows, air travel has become exceedingly tedious. In most countries, the frustration starts early and ends late, due to congested roads and unreliable public transportation. One might argue for the Heathrow Express, however the fact that you actually have to take a taxi to make a connection from one terminal to another destroys any advantage the train may occasionally bring.
A true exception can be found in Tokyo, where both the Narita Express as well as the proximity and easy access of Haneda Airport are beacons of efficiency.
Anyway, as the title of this post suggests, I am being distracted and will save the tests and tribulations of airports for a future occasion. These are all parts of traveling, where we have little or no influence over. Same can not be said about luggage. Matters, such as congestion, delays, security and customs lines are beyond the traveler’s control, however travel wear and luggage are not, so make them stylish, lightweight, comfortable and functional.
In this post we concentrate on carry-on luggage, which should be all you need for 90 % of your trips.
There are many outstanding pieces out there, both in terms of design as well as functionality, so I will inevitably leave out some top performers as I list my favorites.
It should come as no surprise that also in the luggage department, Japan is the source of top products. An exceptional eye for design and a desperate need for function, combine for pieces that should be in everyone’s travel essentials. I like Kelty x Beams, more for the bags than for the backpacks. These 3 fine units fit nicely into each other and each one serves a specific purpose: toiletries for the small one, electronics in the mid-size one, and the larger unit will hold a pair of loafers or slippers and a sweater.
A more classic brand, with a larger variety of choices is Porter, also from Japan. Established in 1962 by parent company Yoshida & Co., Porter is known for exquisite design and exceptionally built quality. I have traveled over half a million miles with the bag, shown here by my son Vincent, and the smaller one, shown by Charlotte, I use as my daily go-to bag at home.
Our friends at Monocle, who know a thing or two about travel, even have their own collaboration with Porter, which can be found here.
Now, neither these Kelty x Beams nor most of the Porter bags will suffice for any trip in excess of just a few days. Therefore they work best in combination with one of the below bags by Herve Chapelier. Both offer an ocean of space, are very light, and the material is soft enough for easy stowage.
In conclusion, even though air travel can be quite unpleasant, it should be inevitable. Exposure broadens the mind, so next time you think about loading up the kids in the car, or taking that special someone to a nearby city by train, consider something more exotic, which may involve radically different cultures. And little things like functional luggage will make the experience all the more enjoyable.
Safe travels!