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Our Verdict
I’ve seen and tested a lot of luggage in my travels, but nothing quite compares to the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case. It’s built like a tank, looks stunning, and offers a travel experience unlike any other. Part mid-century airline aesthetic, part architectural inspiration, it’s arguably the most spectacular suitcase you’ll find in aluminum. However, the hefty price tag makes it a niche product for discerning travelers who prioritize luxury and durability above all else.
- Size: 22.5” x 14” x 8.5”
- Weight: 11.5 lbs
- Volume: 35 L
- Materials: Aluminum, leather
- Colors: Silver
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty & Repair Service
- Best for: Elite world travelers looking for a statement luggage piece that will last forever
About Sterling Pacific
Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Sterling Pacific entered the luggage scene in 2021 with a bold statement: a near-indestructible aluminum suitcase that doubles as a piece of art. Rather than offering a broad range of products, the company intentionally limits its lineup to a single model available in two sizes: the 35L Cabin Travel Case and the 80L Check-in Travel Case. This focused approach allows Sterling Pacific to refine their designs to a remarkable degree, and their efforts are clearly paying off.
My hands-on review of the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case
You know those cakes that look too good to eat? That’s what I felt about the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case when I first opened up the package and carefully slipped it off of its tailor-made sleeve.
Fashioned exclusively from aircraft-grade aluminum and tanned Italian leather, this suitcase is a work of art, almost too beautiful to use. I say almost because it would be a shame not to. With smooth, extra-large wheels, a TSA-approved, double combination latch lock system, and one of the sturdiest full-aluminum telescoping handles I’ve ever used, its performance lives up to its looks.
The full-aluminum construction feels like it will last a lifetime of adventures. However, it also adds a significant amount of weight compared to standard polycarbonate suitcases. At more than 11 lbs empty, this carry-on suitcase is the heaviest we have ever tested and might not be ideal for travelers concerned about staying under airline weight restrictions. However, for those who prioritize strength and durability, the extra weight might be a worthwhile trade-off.
Style and Aesthetics
I could wax poetic for hours about how beautiful the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case is, but nothing beats seeing it in person. The look somehow reminds me of the classic travel trunks of yesteryear, but its slimmer silhouette and polished satin finish reflect a contemporary edge.
Reinforced aluminum corners and ridges give the suitcase a rugged, industrial vibe, and I love how the handles are adorned in brown full-grain Italian leather for a touch of timeless luxury.
Sterling Pacific speaks a very particular design language, one that’s bolder yet somehow more refined and sophisticated than we’ve seen before from aluminum luggage brands like Rimowa, MVST, and Level8. Be prepared for lots of compliments and curious glances from fellow travelers.
Materials and Build Quality
It’s not just the look that makes the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case stand out on the luggage market, but also the thoughtfulness, meticulous craftsmanship, and premium-quality materials that go into its construction.
This suitcase is a tank, and I really admire Sterling for ditching plastic for metal wherever possible. The body is crafted entirely from 5052 aluminum, known for its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. While it is true that it will acquire its fair share of cosmetic dents and scratches over time, you can rest assured it will never fail to protect your contents.
The brand goes a step further by using an even stronger extruded 6063 aluminum for the frame and die-cast A380 aluminum for the corners, wheel housings, trolley housing, and even the trolley handle itself, ensuring additional protection to the areas most susceptible to impact during travel. Lastly, over one hundred SAE 304 stainless steel rivets hold the entire structure together, eliminating any weak points and creating a virtually indestructible whole.
The Handles
The handles on the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case are so nice they deserve an entire paragraph. Wrapped in top-quality, full-grain leather sourced from a tannery in Italy’s Veneto region, they feel at the same time rugged, luxurious, and extremely comfortable to grip. This type of leather is prized for its strength, suppleness, and beautiful aging characteristics, adding a touch of elegance and comfort to the utilitarian function of the suitcase.
The retractable trolly handle and its housing are all made of aluminum, which is something I have never seen until now. Needless to say, it extends and retracts smoothly and feels far sturdier than anything I have used so far. It adjusts to three heights so it will comfortably suit travelers of different statures.
The Wheels
I must confess I was a little skeptical about the two-wheel design of the Sterling Pacific Cabin Travel Case, but after my very first trip with it, I was hooked. They are not only incredibly smooth and silent, but roll across the uneven cobblestone streets of Europe way better than any spinner wheels on the market. They are larger than average and blend into the case’s body to better absorb and withstand significant impacts. They also prevent the bag from rolling away and are designed to withstand wear and tear better than its multi-directional counterparts. Of course, you will have to pull this suitcase behind you instead of walking alongside it, but I also think this adds a certain elegance to the act itself.
To sum things up, it’s a totally different experience than 4-wheel luggage offers and might not be to everyone’s taste, but I still believe Sterling Pacific made the right decision in outfitting this beautiful suitcase with oversized dual-thru axle wheels. They would probably have been a minus for me in any other context, but here, they just feel like a natural fit.
Inside the Suitcase
You open the Sterling Pacific carry-on using the two TSA-approved, spring-loaded latch locks made entirely of metal. The mechanism is easy to set and operate, and I love the sharp click of the latches when they snap open.
The 80/20 split design is a wonderful plus for me. I find it delightfully retro and easier to pack than the usual 50/50, especially if I want to squeeze in a few bulkier items like shoes or hair tools.
There’s one main compartment for storing your belongings, while the opposite side serves as a lid. A pair of crisscrossing straps with metal buckles holds clothes in place during transit and does a great job compressing the load to maximize space. The lid features a zippered mesh pocket, which I usually use for chargers, belts, and other accessories. It’s quite slim, but really handy. Occasionally, it even accommodates my tablet or a spare pair of flats.
The chocolate-colored interior lining matches the leather handles beautifully and makes it easy to see my items packed. It feels plush, yet durable, ensuring my delicate garments are well-cared for during travel.
In my experience, the 35 L volume is perfect for weekend getaways, but a minimalist packer would probably fit enough in for a week.
Honestly, if there’s one thing that I feel is missing, it’s a beautiful leather luggage tag. However, it’s nice that each bag comes with an Amenity & Care Kit containing an instruction manual, an aluminum pen, leather care wax, and a microfiber cloth.
How it performed during our tests
The Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case passed our real-life testing with flying colors. Impressively for an aluminum case, the shell emerged pristine after several road trips and city breaks and was easy to clean with the included cloth.
Despite its considerable weight and 2-wheel design, we found the suitcase easy to maneuver through bustling airport terminals and on fluffy hotel carpets even when full. However, we were particularly impressed by its effortless performance on cobblestones, outshining other spinner suitcases we have reviewed over the years. The oversized wheels moved smoothly and handled the bumps with ease, avoiding any wobbling or tipping.
We worried a bit about packing efficiency, but the trunk-style interior proved us wrong. Three days’ worth of clothes fit neatly on the flat bottom half, while the top section held toiletries and small essentials secured in a zippered mesh pocket. Packing cubes helped us pack more on certain trips, and the compression straps secured everything in place.
At 22.5″ x 14″ x 8.5″, the case is advertised as meeting maximum carry-on dimensions for major US airlines, but I can confirm it stowed perfectly in the overhead compartment of Norwegian Air.
Value
There’s no denying the Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case is a phenomenal piece of luggage. It’s stylish, superbly built, and feels like it will last a lifetime of adventures.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: the price tag. At a cool $1,950, this case is a significant investment. For frequent travelers who value luxury and durability, it might be worth the splurge. However, for casual travelers or those on a budget, there are excellent polycarbonate or aluminum-framed suitcases that offer good value at a fraction of the cost.