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Our Verdict
If you’re willing to pay more for a serious suitcase with superior style and construction, this is the one to get. Beyond its quiet luxury vibe and rock-solid materials, the Carl Friedrik Carry-on X can really perform. It glides effortlessly by your side, holds so much more than you expect, and the innovative design allows you to access your laptop and travel documents quickly and easily through a built-in hard-shell front pocket. It’s sophisticated enough to elevate your business trips and perfect for frequent travelers who appreciate both craftsmanship and functionality in their luggage.
- Size: 21.7″ x 15″ x 9.6″ / 55 x 38 x 25 cm
- Weight: 9.5 lb / 4.3 kg
- Volume: 43 L
- Materials: German-engineered Makrolon® polycarbonate, Aluminum, Vachetta leather
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
A Few Words About Carl Friedrik
For anyone new to the brand, Carl Friedrik is renowned for its high-quality luggage and leather goods, which combine refined craftsmanship with a clean Scandinavian design aesthetic. Their products are made from the finest materials, including full-grain Vachetta leather from Tuscany, and executed with meticulous attention to detail.
Founded in 2012 by Swedish brothers Niklas and Mattis Oppermann, the company initially gained recognition for its premium leather bags and accessories, especially the iconic Palissy Briefcase, a sleek office essential that has become synonymous with Carl Friedrik’s commitment to understated luxury and quality. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to include a comprehensive range of luggage designed with the needs of modern travelers in mind.
More recently, several Carl Friedrik pieces have been spotted in popular shows like Succession and The White Lotus, further solidifying its image as a brand for discerning travelers.
A Detailed Look at Carl Friedrik Carry-on X
I have tested over 45 carry-on bags over the last five years. This has taught me a lot about what makes a great one and what features are essential for different types of travelers. It really all depends on several factors, which is why I’ve outlined the specifications, performance, pros, and cons in this detailed Carl Friedrik Carry-on X review to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your journeys.
Aesthetics
Carl Friedrik could not have chosen a better color palette for its luggage collection, which embraces a quiet luxury aesthetic characterized by clean lines, quality materials, and a subtle approach to style.
With a dark gray shell and rich Italian leather trim, the Carry-on X is exceptionally stylish without being flashy, making it a sharp companion for any professional setting. I opted for contrasting cognac-colored details, which look absolutely gorgeous in person and add a sophisticated artisanal touch to the ridged gunmetal exterior. The minimalist design is further accentuated by an exposed aluminum frame, which lends a distinctive industrial edge and reinforces the feeling of durability.
Design and Construction
Beyond aesthetics, Carl Friedrik’s choice of materials translates into functionality and durability. The build quality of the Carry-on X is exceptional. Made from German Makrolon polycarbonate and reinforced with an aluminum frame, it offers a perfect balance of durability and lightweight construction. This is crucial for those who want to maximize their carry-on allowance without sacrificing protection for their belongings.
The Vachetta leather wrapped around the handles not only adds a touch of refinement but also ensures the bag is comfortable to lift and can withstand the rigors of travel. While it may seem a bit rigid at first, I assure you it gets infinitely better with use. It softens and molds to your hand, developing a beautiful patina, much like your favorite well-worn pair of shoes.
At 43 L, this is a large carry-on. It holds a ton of stuff, and it’s perfect for longer trips. However, it may require checking with some airlines’ overhead bin size restrictions. While I doubt this would be a problem, I still prefer to use my smaller Monos Carry-On Pro or Horizn Studios H5 on budget flights around Europe for peace of mind.
Another thing worth noting is that because the Carl Friedrik Carry-on X features an aluminum frame, it’s probably slightly heavier than a classic polycarbonate suitcase of the same size. It’s a trade-off I’m happy to make, though. Overall, the bag is far more solid and secure than one without an aluminum frame and still considerably lighter than a full aluminum case.
Features
Nobody knows what the future holds, but this suitcase has all the features I expect to see in a premium carry-on luggage in 2026: four smooth rolling spinning wheels, a cutting-edge aluminum locking system, a quick-access laptop compartment, and a sturdy telescopic handle that extends to multiple heights.
The integrated front pocket is perfect for grabbing your device at security or on the go. Needless to say, it’s particularly useful for minimalists who rely solely on their carry-on bag as their main travel carrier. The padded sleeve comfortably fits a 16-inch laptop, while extra pockets within the compartment provide space for documents, chargers, a sleep mask, or other quick-grab essentials.
The suitcase utilizes an aluminum frame lock system, which, after years of testing rolling bags, I’ve concluded is infinitely better than traditional zipper closures. This design not only eliminates the risk of a burst zipper mid-trip but also adds structure and rigidity. Plus, it looks really sharp.
For extra peace of mind, set the TSA-approved lock with your own code; it’s really easy. Airport security can still open it easily to check your stuff, but it keeps your things safe and sound otherwise. The locking mechanisms are a delight to operate, and I have never struggled with latching or unlatching them, even when the Carry-on X was fully packed.
Interior
As I mentioned above, this carry-on is deceptively roomy. The interior layout is well-designed, with a compression pad and straps that help maximize space and keep everything organized. The lining is soft and feels premium, and those small leather accents in the same hue as the handles are the perfect finishing touch.
There are two sets of well-made compression straps, one on each side, and they work like magic to minimize the load. I’ve consistently managed to pack for weekend getaways and even some longer trips with careful planning. In fact, I’m convinced light packers will have no problem fitting a whole week’s worth of clothes in the Carry-on X.
I like that you can totally take out the compression pad if you don’t need it. At first, I thought this feature might be unnecessary, but it turned out to be extremely practical when I needed to squeeze in my boyfriend’s bulky winter boots for a trip to Sweden last year.
The suitcase also has a couple of convenient interior pockets, suitable for small miscellaneous bits that you don’t want to get lost in the main compartment.
Additionally, the compression pad includes a zippered full-length pocket perfect for magazines or an electronic tablet.
Maneuverability
Smooth-rolling luggage is a game-changer, and this suitcase delivers.
Made by the world-leading luggage wheel manufacturer, the four Japanese Hinomoto wheels on the Carry-on X are another testament to Carl Friedrik’s commitment to quality. They are silent and glide effortlessly on all surfaces I’ve encountered, from gleaming airport floors to pavement streets.
The telescoping handle is robust, comfortable to grip, and extends to multiple heights, catering to travelers of various statures. It retracts smoothly and locks securely in place.
Even when fully packed, the bag handles sharp turns and maneuvering through crowds like a dream, making navigating busy airports and chaotic sidewalks a breeze.
Durability
The aluminum frame makes the Carry-on X incredibly sturdy. The suitcase has held up beautifully on my adventures so far, and I’m confident it will continue to be a reliable travel companion for many years to come.
After several trips, including some rough handling by airport staff and lots of bumpy cobblestone streets, it only shows minor scratches. The structure is intact, the wheels spin as smoothly as ever, and the inside lining is truly as good as new.
The polycarbonate absorbs impact without denting like aluminum suitcases, and the rich vegetable-tanned leather is only going to look better with time.
Value
This is where things get subjective. The Carl Friedrik Carry-on X is a splurge, no doubt about it. It’s gorgeous and incredibly well-made. If you’re someone who values sophistication, functionality, and long-lasting quality, you’ll love it. But, it’s also one of the priciest suitcases on our list of the best carry-on luggage. So, if you’re on a budget, you might want to look at other options.