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After years of testing and reviewing luggage, I’ve seen my fair share of travel gear, but RIMOWA consistently stands out. Since 1898, they’ve led the way in luggage innovation, blending timeless design with exceptional functionality. Their products, from the iconic aluminum suitcases to the sleek polycarbonate lines, redefine what travel gear can be. Whether it’s a full-sized suitcase or their impeccably designed carry-ons, RIMOWA’s commitment to quality and innovation is unmatched.
While I appreciate many other aluminum luggage brands, there’s something special about RIMOWA that always stands out. Its remarkable combination of rich heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative design truly sets it apart. The aluminum luggage from RIMOWA, especially, showcases the brand’s dedication to quality, innovation, and style like nothing else.
In this guide, I’m excited to share my tips on how to pick the best RIMOWA carry-on luggage to upgrade your travel game. Whether you have specific travel needs or certain style preferences, I’ve got you covered.
Why RIMOWA?
Throughout my ten years of testing luggage, RIMOWA has never failed to amaze me (and everyone who has ever rolled one) with its perfect mix of style and durability. Those iconic grooved shells, whether polycarbonate or aluminum, look stunning and are tough enough to handle the challenges of today’s travel.
Since its inception in 1898, RIMOWA has become a hallmark of luxurious travel. It leads the way with innovations such as integrated electronic tags or the groundbreaking multi-wheel system, all while holding strong to its commitments to sustainability and outstanding customer service.
On top of everything, RIMOWA has recently added a lifetime guarantee on all new suitcases, covering all functional aspects (except wear and tear).
Our Picks for the Best RIMOWA Carry-On Luggage Pieces
RIMOWA Original Cabin Twist in Silver & Brown
Who Is It For: Stylish business travelers and weekend jet-setters alike.
Crafted from premium anodized aluminum and adorned with color-matched leather details, the RIMOWA Original Cabin Twist is a piece of movable artistry. Its robust exterior belies a surprisingly lightweight frame, making it an ideal choice for both weekend escapes and business ventures.
The suitcase’s interior is neatly organized, featuring a flexible divider system and TSA-approved locks for security and convenience. Its wheels, engineered for stability and ease, make navigating through bustling airports a breeze. The addition of a complimentary leather luggage tag adds a personal touch to an already exceptional piece.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Volume: 9 gallons
Key Features:
- Anodized aluminum with leather details
- TSA-approved locks
- Height adjustable Flex Divider
- Ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axels
RIMOWA Essential Cabin in Petal Pink
Who Is It For: Polycarbonate luggage devotees and those who crave RIMOWA’s trademark grooved look, minus a few pounds and a few hundred dollars.
The RIMOWA Essential Cabin redefines what it means to travel in style. Its polycarbonate shell, designed in Germany, offers an unrivaled blend of strength and lightness, ensuring that your belongings are protected without adding unnecessary weight.
The petal pink color adds a touch of sophistication, making it a standout piece on any luggage carousel. Inside, the suitcase is a testament to RIMOWA’s attention to detail, with a zipped compartment, a large mesh pocket, and an adjustable Flex Divider to keep your items organized and secure. The suitcase’s maneuverability is enhanced by its innovative wheel system, designed for smooth and effortless movement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Volume: 9.8 gallons
Key Features:
- Lightweight polycarbonate shell
- Fully zipped compartment and large mesh pocket
- TSA-approved locks
- Ball-bearing mounted wheels
RIMOWA Distinct Cabin in Black
Who Is It For: Fashion-forward jet-setters who like to stand out.
The RIMOWA Distinct Cabin suitcase blends the best of the brand’s materials – leather and anodized aluminum – into a masterpiece of travel luxury. This piece stands out for its elegant exterior, featuring RIMOWA’s signature grooves, aluminum corners, and protective bumpers, ensuring durability and style. The sophisticated interior, adorned with a jacquard monogram, offers a flat-bottomed packing area and an array of functional details, including a Flex Divider and zipped compartments, facilitating a seamless packing experience.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.6 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
- Volume: 8.72 gallons
Key Features:
- Ergonomic stage-free telescopic and leather handles for easy carrying
- Smooth gliding with RIMOWA Multiwheel® System
- Organized packing with a Flex Divider and zipped compartment
- TSA-approved locks for secure, hassle-free travel
- Rear bumper guards for added durability
- Unique leather-wrapped exterior
RIMOWA Original Pilot Case
Who Is It For: The discerning professional whose office is wherever they are – be it daily commutes or swift, short-haul journeys.
Having traveled through airports around the globe more times than I can remember, I’ve learned just how crucial it is to have carry-on luggage that’s both dependable and fashionable. The RIMOWA Original Pilot Case is a perfect example of this, combining the brand’s signature style with features designed for today’s travelers. Made from silver-grooved aluminum, this statement piece recalls the glamorous days of travel, yet it’s completely in tune with the needs of the present.
What sets this RIMOWA carry-on luggage bag apart is its thoughtful design tailored to the needs of traveling professionals. The case’s top opening grants swift access to essentials, while the removable padded laptop pouch (suitable for devices up to 16 inches) effortlessly transitions from a secure electronics holder to a versatile compartment, making it adaptable for various travel scenarios.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16.54 x 19.69 x 9.06 inches
- Weight: 10.8 lbs
- Volume: 6.82 gallons
Key Features:
- Stage-free telescopic handle and RIMOWA Multiwheel® System for smooth movement
- TSA-approved locks for security without damage
- Customizable interior with removable laptop pouch and multiple organizational pockets
- Stand-out design with a unique top opening
RIMOWA Hybrid Cabin Suitcase in White
Who Is It For: Modern travelers seeking a blend of style and practicality on 3 to 4-day journeys. Those who value the strength of aluminum but prefer a lightweight carry-on.
I’ve come to realize that a suitcase is not just a container for your belongings but a companion that shares in your travel stories. The RIMOWA Hybrid Cabin in a stunning white finish stands as a testament to this belief, marrying the brand’s cutting-edge materials to craft a piece that’s as resilient as it is refined. The fusion of a lightweight polycarbonate shell with robust aluminum corners and frame strikes a perfect balance between weightlessness and durability, ensuring your treasures are safeguarded in style.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 8.4 lbs
- Volume: 9.8 gallons
Key Features:
- The suitcase boasts a stage-free telescopic handle and RIMOWA’s signature Multiwheel® System, providing unparalleled ease of movement.
- TSA-approved latch locks offer peace of mind, while the two height-adjustable Flex Dividers keep your items neatly organized and easily accessible.
- Its pristine white color not only stands out on any luggage carousel but also encapsulates the spirit of modern travel luxury.
RIMOWA Never Still Travel Backpack
Who Is It For: Stylish urban explorers seeking a seamless blend of functionality and luxury on short trips.
Venturing through the bustling streets of new cities, I’ve always valued the hands-free comfort of a backpack. With its durable canvas and rich full-grain leather, the RIMOWA Never Still Travel Backpack, beautifully made in Italy, goes beyond the usual, providing a luxurious and practical option for travelers who want the best of both worlds: durability and a touch of design elegance.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18.11 x 13.39 x 6.69 inches
- Weight: 4.41 lbs
- Volume: 6.87 gallons
Key Features:
- The carry-on backpack features an easily accessible large zipped exterior pocket, perfect for those items you need on the fly.
- Inside, a 16-inch laptop finds its sanctuary in a padded pocket alongside an internal zipped pocket and two phone pockets, ensuring your tech is always within reach.
- The second compartment unfolds flat, mirroring a suitcase designed ingeniously for clothing, making it your wardrobe on the go.
- Comfort is key, with padded back and adjustable straps featuring a unique webbing strap adorned with RIMOWA Cologne coordinates, allowing for seamless attachment to your suitcase.
- It’s finished with palladium-coloured hardware, adding a touch of luxury to its robust functionality.
How We Picked
In choosing our top RIMOWA carry-on luggage pieces, design and style were paramount. However, we also considered factors like airline compliance, durability, storage capacity, and maneuverability. Each recommended piece is a blend of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, designed to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers.
Comparison and Conclusion
Every luggage piece we’ve looked at today shines in its own unique way, crafted to meet a variety of travel tastes and requirements. Whether you’re all about the design, need something that can take a beating, or are on the lookout for the latest innovations, there’s a RIMOWA carry-on that’s sure to make your travels even better.
The Original Cabin Twist, with its sturdy aluminum construction, stands out for its timeless durability and its elegant silver and brown hues, making it the perfect pick for travelers who value both style and toughness.
On the other hand, the Essential Cabin in Petal Pink, crafted from lightweight polycarbonate, attracts those looking for luggage that’s both chic and practical.
Adding depth to the lineup, the Distinct Cabin marries the rich feel of leather with the reliability of aluminum, offering a sophisticated travel experience.
Meanwhile, the Hybrid Cabin suitcase in White blends polycarbonate with aluminum details for a sleek, contemporary look that doesn’t skimp on durability.
The Original Pilot Case is tailored for the business traveler, featuring practical compartments and an easy-access design, while the Never Still Travel Backpack combines canvas and full-grain leather, delivering flexibility and style for quick getaways or everyday use.
RIMOWA’s reputation for quality and innovation shines through in every carry-on option, making your choice a reflection of your savvy travel style. I recommend taking a closer look at these offerings on the RIMOWA website. There, you’ll get a real sense of the unique mix of tradition and innovation that RIMOWA luggage brings to your journeys.