HomeTravelThe Greatest Calpak Baggage of 2024, Examined and Reviewed

The Greatest Calpak Baggage of 2024, Examined and Reviewed


As Journey + Leisure testing editor, an enormous a part of my job includes testing out baggage, and I get requested typically about my favourite suitcases and baggage manufacturers. Although I’ve a rising assortment of journey luggage, there’s one specific suitcase that I’ve been utilizing for practically 20 years, and it’s from Calpak — really, “California Pak” to be precise (it’s lasted me so lengthy that it has the unique branding on it.)

I’ve taken my trusty softside, purple checked suitcase with me on greater than 50 totally different journeys throughout 5 continents. I’ve rolled it over cobblestones in Cartagena, donkey poop in Santorini, and so many different locations, and it’s nonetheless going robust (although it’s gotten very soiled alongside the way in which). Sadly, my suitcase is so outdated that I can’t hyperlink it for you, however I used to be curious to see if the most recent Calpak baggage lives as much as the identical requirements.

Our T+L workforce has examined 18 Calpak suitcases and journey luggage in our official lab and real-world assessments, and I additionally personally personal numerous Calpak equipment together with a water bottle holder and packing cubes. After taking a deep-dive into our workforce’s testing insights and my very own private experiences, I can say that Calpak continues to impress me with their considerate particulars — together with plentiful pockets and compartments to remain organized — and long-lasting designs at affordable costs. These are my favourite Calpak baggage items and equipment price shopping for.

Calpak Evry Medium Luggage

PHOTO: Calpak Journey

Since my beloved checked suitcase isn’t accessible on-line, I discovered a worthy hardside various: the Calpak Evry Medium Baggage. One factor I’ve seen after testing so many suitcases is that Calpak baggage has among the finest organizational options I’ve ever seen. I like suitcases with zippers and pockets inside to retailer smaller gadgets, and this one has loads of totally different sections and built-in pouches that you need to use to group equipment collectively. 

Although it is on the smaller dimension for a checked bag, one facet is deeper than the opposite, which made it deceptively spacious. There are stretchy mesh dividers which you can zip shut to maintain your clothes from spilling out, although you’d need to watch out that any pointy gadgets or heels don’t rip by (I’d suggest a shoe bag to stop that). The suitcase additionally has an expandable zipper so as to add a further two inches of house when you want extra room.

The Particulars: Hardside checked | 24.5 x 15.25 x 11 inches | 9 kilos | 67-liter capability | Polycarbonate | Expandable

Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-On Luggage

PHOTO: Calpak

For many who choose to fly with a carry-on, the Calpak Ambeur Entrance Pocket Carry-on Baggage stands out for its eye-catching metallic coloration choices and entrance pocket that may maintain a laptop computer as much as 16 inches. Not all hardside suitcases have an outer pocket, nevertheless it’s such a helpful characteristic for a carry-on to have so you possibly can have quick access to your belongings with out unzipping the whole suitcase. Once we examined this suitcase in our lab, we seen that the extra we packed contained in the bag, the extra the liner of the entrance pocket began to protrude, so attempt to keep away from overstuffing it (it’s additionally not expandable).

As soon as once more, we liked the entire zippered compartments that saved free gadgets in place, together with a pouch sewn into the suitcase inside that may be helpful for jewellery or small valuables. We liked how simple it was to glide the suitcase by our impediment course, dealing with sharp turns and not using a hitch. Once we threw the bag off a counter a number of instances to check for sturdiness, the bag endured some superficial scratches. You’ll be able to keep away from these when you carry it on the airplane as a substitute of checking it.

The Particulars: Hardside carry-on | 21 x 14 x 9 inches | 8 kilos | 43-liter capability | Polycarbonate | Laptop computer pocket

Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage

PHOTO: Calpak

I’ve been on the hunt for a journey trunk for some time now, and I lastly discovered one I like after we examined the Hue Trunk in our baggage assessments. Some trunks can really feel heavy and weigh you down, however this one felt light-weight and rolled with ease even once we packed it full. It’s spacious but not too giant to deal with because of its tall, skinny design. Nonetheless, it might be good if the deal with had multiple top for individuals who may have a taller setting. The expandable zipper is helpful for including an additional two inches of house (one thing that the majority trunks don’t have!).

The marginally versatile exterior proved to be sturdy after we hit it 4 instances with a baseball bat in other places and not using a dent in sight. There are baggage toes on the facet and backside to carry the trunk in place if you open it on the bottom. In addition they assist information which course it’s best to open the trunk in order that your clothes doesn’t come pouring out, as just one facet of the inside zips absolutely shut. I additionally love the lengthy pockets inside which might be giant sufficient to carry footwear.

The Particulars: Hardside checked | 31.5 x 15.5 x 12.5 inches | 11.75 kilos | 108-liter capability | Polycarbonate | Expandable

Calpak Luka Soft-sided Carry-on Luggage

PHOTO: Calpak

You already know that I like my Calpak softside suitcase. Sadly, the model doesn’t provide any softside checked baggage in the intervening time. However they do have an equally-impressive carry-on choice accessible within the puffy, waterproof polyester materials that the Luka assortment is understood for. There’s just one primary compartment inside as a substitute of a clamshell design, and the capability is way smaller than Calpak’s hardside carry-ons — however the payoff is a supremely light-weight bag and compact dimension that may come in useful on flights with tighter overhead bins. The outer pocket may maintain a bigger laptop computer than the Ambeur Entrance Pocket Carry-on above, with house for a 17-inch system. Throughout testing, we thought the puffy materials created good padding for any tech inside, although the suitcase deal with felt just a little flimsier than others we tried. One of many coolest options was the small pocket on the highest outer nook of the suitcase, supplying you with a particular spot to stash your passport, telephone, and keys.

The Particulars: Softside carry-on | 21 x 13.75 x 9 inches | 6.6 kilos | 32-liter capability | Polyester | Laptop computer pocket

Calpak Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-on Luggage

PHOTO: Calpak
Calpak Luka Duffel Bag

PHOTO: Calpak

Although I personal the bigger model of the Calpak Luka Duffel, I feel this 25-liter bag is the proper dimension to make use of as a private merchandise on a flight — and it’s additionally versatile sufficient for on a regular basis use. I like how the scale and weight are smaller than the underseater above, however the capability is definitely bigger. That makes it a extra spacious various when you don’t thoughts toting it round because it doesn’t have wheels (although the padded shoulder straps are extra comfy than the detachable crossbody strap). The shoe compartment is helpful for maintaining soiled footwear separate out of your different belongings, although the pocket eats into the inside of the bag reasonably than sitting beneath. This poofy weekender additionally is available in greater than a dozen totally different coloration choices (and it’s unattainable to decide on only one!).

The Particulars: 12 x 16 x 8 inches | 2 kilos | 25-liter capability | Polyester | Laptop computer pocket

Calpak Terra Laptop Backpack

PHOTO: Calpak

This hefty backpack has a powerful design for journey, that includes a deep primary compartment with well-placed compression straps and a number of methods to open it, together with a high zipper and a handy clamshell opening. There’s a padded laptop computer pocket in the back of the bag that matches as much as a 17-inch system. There are an incredible quantity of pockets in the principle compartment, on the entrance of the bag, on the perimeters for a water bottle, and even hidden behind the bag as an anti-theft characteristic on your passport or pockets. 

We examined this backpack in our lab and located the padded shoulder straps to be extraordinarily comfy, and there’s additionally a sternum strap for further assist. Although it’s giant and spacious, it weighs nearly three kilos when empty which is heavy for a backpack. If you wish to carry it a special method, you possibly can tuck the backpack straps in and use the removable carrying strap to show it right into a duffel bag as a substitute.

The Particulars: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 kilos | 26-liter capability | Recycled ripstop polyester | Laptop computer pocket

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

PHOTO: Calpak

I choose a compact backpack once I’m commuting to work so I can journey mild and never stumble upon everybody on public transportation. Not solely did we check this bag in our lab, however I personally personal it as effectively. I like the way it sits flat in opposition to my again with out the majority whereas nonetheless boasting two reasonably sized compartments, together with one with a laptop computer sleeve that may maintain a 15-inch system. The fake leather-based offers the bag a chic, structured form, nevertheless it’s nonetheless versatile sufficient which you can fold the fabric again to entry your gadgets. Although this bag is smaller than the opposite backpack on this record, it’s simply as heavy, and there’s no padding on the shoulder straps or again of the bag. Nonetheless, I like the oblong form and distinctive stitching, and I feel it’s an ideal value for a trendy backpack that feels sturdy and appears like actual leather-based. There are greater than 20 vibrant coloration choices, together with papaya, honey, spearmint, emerald, and extra.

The Particulars: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.25 inches (primary compartment); 15 x 9.8 x 1 inch (laptop computer compartment) | 3 pound | 11.8-liter capability | Fake leather-based | Laptop computer pocket

Different Calpak Baggage I Like

Calpak additionally makes nice equipment and smaller luggage, like packing cubes and belt luggage. Listed here are just a few extra that I personally personal and love.

Medium Compression Packing Cubes: I used to be by no means a packing dice particular person till I attempted these, after which every thing modified. They arrive in units of two and are so helpful for grouping related gadgets collectively like underwear or leggings. After you fill them, you possibly can shut the compression zipper to assist save house and in the end match extra inside your suitcase.

Water Bottle Holder: I used to only carry my water bottle round by the deal with once I went on my day by day walks — till I found this enjoyable water bottle holder. I can match my 32-ounce bottle or my smaller 20-ounce one with room to spare, and there are further pockets for smaller gadgets like my telephone, sun shades, and keys. Plus, the bag is insulated to stop drinks from getting sizzling within the solar.

Luka Belt Bag: I personal a number of fanny packs from totally different manufacturers, and that is the one I attain for greater than any of them. After I’m not toting my water bottle holder on walks or whereas working errands, I deliver this as a substitute, sporting it throughout my physique like a sling bag. I like that it’s extra spacious than a variety of different fanny packs for these of us who’ve a variety of stuff to hold.

Our Testing Course of

Each single product on the principle record has been examined by both myself or my fellow T+L editors, and I’ve been current for all of these assessments in our New York Metropolis lab. To check suitcases, we pack them full to evaluate organizational options and capability, wheel them by impediment programs and over various kinds of flooring to ensure the wheels and handles work effectively, and throw the luggage off tables to ensure nothing breaks. We additionally check sturdiness by hitting suitcases with steel baseball bats to see how simply they could dent, scratch, or scuff. We constructed an airplane set so we might see how simple it’s to carry carry-ons into overhead bins and to ensure private gadgets can match beneath airplane seats. For weekender luggage and backpacks, we put on them across the workplace for 10-Quarter-hour to ensure they’re comfy and effectively padded. We additionally place a laptop computer within the tech pockets to ensure the luggage really feel sturdy and protecting. After our lab assessments, we long-term check every product for no less than six months to ensure they maintain up in actual journey conditions.

Suggestions for Shopping for

Take into consideration your journey habits

Everybody has totally different packing preferences, however interested by the place you sometimes journey to and for the way lengthy will enable you to discover the most effective bag on your wants. In case you choose fast getaways or lengthy weekends away, a carry-on suitcase or a duffel bag will serve you effectively. In case you sometimes take street journeys as a substitute of flying, you received’t want to fret about dimension restrictions as a lot, however when you go for practice journey or group excursions, you’ll have extra restricted house and will not have room for a checked suitcase — search for a spacious backpack to remain hands-free. In case you’re an overpacker or love planning longer journeys, a checked suitcase or a journey trunk is your finest guess. You will get a baggage set for matching luggage in a wide range of sizes. Calpak additionally has loads of smaller luggage and equipment that may assist make packing simpler, like packing cubes, shoe luggage, journey pouches, beauty instances, toiletry luggage, and tech organizers.

Resolve if you’d like hardside or softside

Some folks choose hardside suitcases for the safety of the inflexible, sturdy shell, whereas others choose softside for the versatile nature and light-weight really feel. Hardside suitcases are extra susceptible to denting or scuffing, however softside cloth will be more durable to scrub. In the mean time, Calpak doesn’t provide any checked softside luggage, so if in case you have your coronary heart set on softside, you’ll have to have a look at the carry-on choices solely. There’s hardside baggage accessible in all sizes.

In case you see a coloration you like, do not wait

Calpak typically releases limited-edition colours, they usually do promote out. In case you fall in love with a bag in a selected shade, don’t hesitate as a result of it might not come again (although Calpak has introduced again fan-favorite shades occasionally, just like the current resurgence of sage within the Luka assortment — my favourite!). 

Incessantly Requested Questions

  • The place can you purchase Calpak?

    You could find the most important assortment of merchandise at calpaktravel.com, the place you too can join the free VIT (“essential traveler”) program to earn factors and rewards when procuring. You can even discover a small number of Calpak luggage and equipment at Nordstrom, and there are generally discontinued kinds at low cost shops like Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, and Saks Off fifth.

  • When is Calpak’s anniversary sale?

    Calpak’s anniversary sale takes place in October, however the model additionally has different gross sales all year long, typically surrounding numerous holidays and procuring occasions like Memorial Day and Black Friday. Calpak generally provides unique reductions throughout reside procuring occasions.

  • Does Calpak have a guaranty?

    Calpak provides a number of totally different warranties primarily based on the product, which could be a one-year, two-year, or five-year restricted guarantee. The warranties cowl manufacturing defects — not incidents brought on by put on and tear, accidents, or airport harm (you’ll must get your personal private journey insurance coverage for that). The warranties solely apply inside the continental U.S., and you will have to pay for transport to return the product. You’ll have to point out proof of buy (bought instantly from the Calpak web site, not one other retailer), and there’s additionally a $24.95 service payment to switch baggage. Calpak will restore or exchange the faulty product with both the identical or an analogous product. 

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Jackie Cucco has usually traveled with the identical Calpak suitcase over the course of 17 years, utilizing it on greater than 50 totally different journeys throughout 5 continents. Because the T+L testing editor, she participates in each baggage lab check, making an attempt out the entire widespread baggage manufacturers. She additionally owns different Calpak merchandise that she usually makes use of, together with a belt bag, a duffel, a laptop computer backpack, a water bottle holder, packing cubes, and extra.

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