If you’re looking for a new carry-on bag, consider Carl Friedrik’s Carry On X Luggage. Here’s why I love mine.
Summertime is just around the corner, do you know what that means? The travel season is about to start in full swing. Personally, my summer travel season started a smidge early with a work retreat to Scottsdale, Arizona. Coincidentally, I was also afforded the opportunity to review Carl Friedrik’s the Carry On X.
You might have seen this steel-colored stunner on the big screen. Yes, this is the luggage that makes an appearance on HBO’s Succession. It’s easily spotted towards the end of the Season 3 opener when Logan Roy retreats to his hotel in Sarajevo.
Spoiler alert: this bag is just as beautiful in person as it is on the big screen.
Without further ado, here’s my first-hand experience traveling with the Carry On X by Carl Friedrik.
My First Take
I don’t know if I should admit this or not. I have not refreshed my carry-on, rolling luggage in 16 years. I mean, it wasn’t broken so there was no fixing needed!
When the package arrived on my doorstep I thought it was going to be heavy. Just like my trusty old carry-on.
It certainly was not.
The bag is shockingly light. Specs claim the bag weighs 9.5 pounds but it did not feel like it at all. It was well packaged both inside and out. Inside the box, the luggage came tucked inside a soft dust bag perfect for storing.
I am a fan of subtlety. However, I wanted contrast so I chose the grey and chocolate color combination in a smooth finish.
The chocolate Vachetta leather accent and handles are smooth and supple while the steel grey exterior is striking yet subdued.
One of the best features of this bag is the functional front pocket. There is seriously a pocket for everything. There’s a safe place for your laptop, documents, and passport. You don’t have to worry about digging around for pens. There’s a spot for them too.
The integrated TSA locks are heavy and substantial. You won’t feel like they are going to give out and spill your belongings across the aisle. They are also receded so they lay flush with the sides of the bag. You won’t find a zipper closure on the Carry On X. Instead, Carl Friedrik equipped the luggage with an aluminum lock frame.
It’s apparent that they considered every detail to create a sleek and stylish yet functional piece of luggage.
So, How Does The Carry On X Pack?
Admittedly, I worried that the Carry On X would not hold everything I deemed necessary to bring on my trip. The activity list for the trip was long and this bag does not have much give for extra allowance.
My old bag has an expandable zipper feature, this one does not have any expanding capabilities. The lack of this feature might be troublesome for someone who is always over-prepared and over-packed.
It carried my packing list so well that I can’t even begin to describe my shock. Here’s what I brought:
- A pair of jeans
- Four pairs of pants
- Sweatpants and a tee for sleeping
- Two sweatshirts (It was chilly in Scottsdale)
- Six T-shirts
- A plaid button-down shirt
- A swimsuit
- Undergarments
- A toiletry bag
- Flip flops
- My best white sneakers
- And a partridge in a pear tree… (Obviously just kidding!)
Nothing more was going to fit in the Carry On X. That being said, this bag is best for the minimalist traveler. Or if you’re someone who has perfected the art of just packing travel essentials, Carl Friedrik also sells packing cubes and extra compression pads to help.
The brand includes a compression pad with the luggage. It definitely helped keep everything in its place. It’s also important to note that when the bag is fully packed (overpacked?), you lose functionality of the front pocket.
Personally, I prefer to keep my laptop in my personal items bag anyway. But, it’s definitely something to consider if you plan to travel solely with the Carry On X.
The Carry On X: A Smooth Ride in the Sky
Even fully packed, the Carry On X was a pleasure to travel with. The Hinomoto silent spinner wheels provided smooth push and pull capabilities on hard surfaces and the telescopic handle moved easily.
I flew on a 737-Max 8 for my outgoing flight. The Carry On X fit spaciously in the overhead compartment on its side.
My incoming flight was on something akin to the 737-700 or 737-800 which has smaller overhead compartments. The bag still fits spaciously in the overhead bin.
If you purchase the Carry On X, you’ll never have to worry about whether it fits in the overhead bin.
With travel, bags are bound to receive a scuff or scratch. I am happy to report that my Carry On X returned in brand-new condition. The German-engineered Makrolon polycarbonate shell held up pretty amazingly. I envision this bag to look brand new even with dozens of trips under its belt.
Carl Friedrik Carry On X Specs
Carl Friedrik offers two carry-on-sized luggage options in their lineup: The Carry On and the Carry On X. The X is the ever-so-slightly larger model of the two options.
Here are the specifics:
- 15” (width) x 21.7” (height) x 9.6 (depth)
- 9.5 pounds empty
- 43L
The bags also come in a variety of neutral colors. These include steel grey with cognac leather, steel grey with chocolate leather, steel grey with black leather, and a black-on-black, monochromatic option.
Final Thoughts on the Carl Friedrik Carry On X
The Carry On X is a beautifully made piece of luggage. At $595, it also has a price tag to match.
I had a smooth traveling experience with this luggage and I would highly recommend it if it’s within your budget. It’s definitely easier to travel with than my Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50 (talk about heavy!) And, it’s an immeasurable upgrade from my trusty 16-year-old carry-on.
My love for this bag is not surprising as Carl Friedrik produces well-made, luxurious products. Another writer had a similar experience with their Carl Friedrik Palissy briefcase.
Honestly, I can’t wait for my next trip so I can tote the Carry On X with me again. Let the wanderlust commence.
Have you tried anything from the Carl Friedrik lineup? Let us know in the comments below.
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