Is a $1095 suitcase worth it? Carl Friedrik makes a convincing case with its new drop
Carl Friedrik’s latest creation just landed.The premium luggage brand has unveiled the Aluminum Check-in, designed for longer trips and international adventures.
The stunning, state-of-the-art, 76-liter suitcase features a hard-wearing anodized aluminum shell, TSA-approved combination locks and smooth-rolling, industry-leading ball-bearing wheels — all for just $1095.According to the brand, it’s “engineered to endure.” It’s a steep price to pay for luggage, but for frequent travelers and anyone who values high-end features, it could very well be worth the investment.The design first debuted in March with a smaller version, the Aluminum Carry-On, which sold out in just eight weeks.I’ve personally tested the smaller carry-on — and can confirm that it’s every bit as durable as it looks.It has survived toddler trips, trunk tosses and can somehow fit a week’s worth of clothing thanks to its intuitive compression packing system, so I can only imagine what the brand-new larger version can handle.Given the high demand for the Carry-On, the brand decided to expand the aluminum line with the new Check-in case.
It’s currently available in silver with a black, cognac or chocolate trim.And design-wise, it shares many identical features with its smaller predecessor.“Not every itinerary can be conquered with a cabin-sized case,” said Niklas Oppermann, the brand’s Co-founder and CEO.“This larger model is our answer to the reality of extended transit, giving seasoned globetrotters the extra space they need without compromising on the collection’s refined Golden Age of Travel aesthetic,” they explained.Maneuverability is one of its strong points.
The Check-In boasts 360-degree rotating wheels developed in collaboration with Honimo of Japan.They’re sturdy and stable yet impressively agile.
My smaller Carl Fridrick Carry-On case somehow glides easily on cracked NYC sidewalks, so I’d imagine the larger version is just as smooth.The case is also...