Elevate Your Travel Experience with Carl Friedrik's Carry-on Pro: A Review
Product Review Summary
The Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro is as an exceptional travel companion, seamlessly combining style and functionality through its elegant design, meticulous craftsmanship, and enduring quality, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers despite its higher price point.
Ratings
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★★★★★
Crafted with a durable polycarbonate shell and adorned with Italian leather accents, this well-made suitcase instantly impressed me, particularly with its remarkably silent wheels manufactured by the renowned Japanese brand Hinomoto. Furthermore, the inclusion of an aluminum lock frame became my favorite feature, providing both a sense of sturdiness and luxuriousness, addressing the issue of broken zippers caused by overpacking in the past.
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★★★★☆
With its outstanding interior organization, this suitcase sets itself apart from the rest, offering compression straps, a removable compression pad with a pocket, and a thoughtfully designed hard-shell exterior pocket equipped with a laptop compartment, pen slots, and additional storage. While I found alternative uses for the exterior pocket, such as storing a small purse and essential travel documents, I do wish there was a built-in travel laundry bag like those found in Away suitcase bags. Nevertheless, the overall interior organization exceeded expectations, striking the perfect balance between functionality and simplicity.
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★★★★★
The Carry-on Pro impresses with its meticulous attention to detail, showcasing high-quality materials, thoughtful organizational compartments, and a seamless blend of elegance and durability. The inclusion of four small pegs on the side stands out as a standout feature, enabling effortless opening and stable resting of the bag. The clever combination of durable polycarbonate and tasteful leather accents adds a touch of luxury while maintaining practicality and refined opulence.
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★★★★★
Starting at $565, this bag may not be the most budget-friendly option, but its exceptional performance and longevity make it worth the investment. Having withstood multiple trips to different destinations, this suitcase demonstrates its durability, justifying the price tag.
Pros:
Crafted with high-quality materials
Elegant leather accents
Excellent interior organization
Silent wheels and sturdy locking aluminum frame
Cons:
Higher price point
Lacks built-in travel laundry bag
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Carl Friedrik: What To Know About the Brand
Carl Friedrik is a renowned brand that specializes in creating premium leather goods, blending timeless aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship. With a commitment to minimalist design and meticulous attention to detail, Carl Friedrik offers a range of high-quality products, including bags, travel wallets, and accessories. The brand's dedication to using premium materials ensures the longevity and durability of their products, making them coveted choices for those seeking both style and functionality in their everyday essentials.
Carl Friedrik Review: The Carry-on Pro
The following is a review of The Carry-on Pro from Carl Friedrik in the color chocolate.
First Impressions
Arriving in impeccable fashion, my suitcase was elegantly enveloped in a light tan bag, accompanied by a gracious thank you card from the Co-founders. The packaging's simplicity and sophistication felt right in line with the company’s focus on being a ‘quiet luxury’ brand. I recently discovered that certain Carl Friedrik bags had made appearances on the show Succession, which I‘m a huge fan of. This alone made me super excited to test out this suitcase (and secretly hope it would meet the approval of the esteemed Roy family).
Quality of Materials
Made from a polycarbonate shell and accented with Italian leather, I could immediately tell this suitcase was well-made. As soon as I wheeled it down the hall on my first trip to the airport, I noticed how incredibly silent the wheels were. After further research, I learned that the 360-degree wheels are made by the Japanese brand Hinomoto — which is basically the gold standard brand in wheel manufacturing. And my absolute favorite part has to be the aluminum lock frame. I can’t tell you how many suitcases I’ve lost over the years due to overpacking my suitcase and breaking a zipper as I tried to zip it shut. The metal locking frame not only feels sturdy, but luxurious.
Interior Organization
The interior organization of this suitcase has to be one of the best. The interior comes with compression straps, as well as one removable compression pad with a pocket. I also love the details found in the hard-shell exterior pocket which includes a laptop compartment, two pen slots, and a smaller pocket. I typically travel with my laptop in my backpack, however, I ended up utilizing the exterior pocket for a small purse and a few important travel documents. The only thing I wish it has was a travel laundry bag that would snap into the side, similar to those found in Away suitcase bags. Regardless of this small detail, the interior organization was fantastic, without being overkill.
Overall Design
I’ve had issues in the past with overpacked carry-ons not fitting in the overhead bin, causing me to do the walk of shame down the aisle to gate-check my bag with the flight attendant. Since then, I’ve used the overhead cabin space as a litmus test on whether a bag is actually carry-on size. Thankfully, the Carry-on Pro fit like a glove and even in an older style plane with small overhead cabin space.
Overall, there are so many things I love about this bag — from the high-quality materials to the thoughtful organizational compartments — it’s clear Carl Friedrik did their homework. The design of the suitcase seamlessly combines elegance with exceptional durability. A standout feature that I absolutely adore is the inclusion of four small pegs on the side, allowing for effortless opening and stable resting of the bag on the ground. It's a testament to the brand's attention to detail. The clever use of durable polycarbonate, adorned with tasteful leather accents, adds a touch of luxury to the suitcase. It's worth noting that while leather may not withstand the rigors of airport handling, the incorporation of subtle leather elements exudes a sense of practicality and refined opulence.
Value for Money
Starting at $565, it’s not the most affordable bag on the market. But the old adage is true: you get what you pay for. And judging by how it performed during several trips to the Midwest and to the East Coast, this suitcase should last you for years (and years, and years). Therefore I think the $565 price is well justified…it may just need to be something you put on your Christmas list for this year.
The Bottom Line
The Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro is an exceptional travel companion that exudes both style and functionality. From its elegant design to its meticulous craftsmanship, this suitcase captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on it. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the Carry-on Pro's impeccable performance and enduring quality make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers who prioritize both luxury and practicality.