Photo credit: www.apartmenttherapy.com
I have a tendency to overpack whenever I travel. Regardless of the destination, I like to have numerous options at my disposal. However, I find waiting at the baggage claim frustrating and prefer the convenience of carrying my luggage. The challenge I often face is that my carry-on bags don’t seem to accommodate everything I want to bring.
Recently, I came across the Airback Next, a unique carry-on designed with a built-in vacuum system that allows users to compress their belongings, thereby optimizing available space. I decided to test it during my Thanksgiving trip from California to Colorado, and it has quickly become my preferred carry-on luggage. Here’s my experience with it.
What Is the Airback Next?
The Airback Next features a polycarbonate hard-shell design, which is water-resistant, coupled with an aluminum trolley frame and a telescopic handle that extends fully across the suitcase’s width. It boasts two TSA-approved combination locks, high-quality Hinomoto wheels for smoother rolling, and an external pocket for laptops. Notably, it utilizes a metal edge closure instead of a traditional zipper, enhancing durability.
This suitcase is exclusively available in carry-on size, measuring 55 cm in length, 40 cm in width, and 23 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 4.6 kg (or around 10 lbs). The standard volume of the suitcase is 45 liters, but when the compression feature is activated, it can expand to an impressive 68 liters.
Why the Airback Next Is So Worth It
What truly distinguishes the Airback Next from other carry-on options is its innovative compression feature. The suitcase contains two compartments arranged in a clamshell design. One compartment has a zippered panel with multiple organizing pockets, while the other includes a vacuum-sealable sleeve that can significantly compress its contents when used with Airback’s vacuum pump.
I began my packing process by placing shoes, toiletries, and a majority of my clothing on either side of the suitcase. With great anticipation, I was ready to use the vacuum sleeve for the first time. Having never traveled with vacuum-sealable bags before, I was eager to see how effectively this technology worked.
The vacuum sleeve was equipped with a robust zipper design that created an airtight seal, requiring a firm grip to open. I easily fit a medium-sized packing cube filled with clothes and additional items into the compartment. After placing the vacuum pump over the seal and activating it, I was impressed as the air was swiftly removed, creating significant space. The compression straps allowed for even tighter packing.
Thanks to this innovative design, I managed to pack for a five-day trip. In contrast, other carry-on luggage I own typically only accommodates enough clothing for two or three days. While the vacuum feature was remarkably effective, I still needed to refine my packing strategy. After some careful selection, I successfully packed four pairs of pants, several sweaters, pajamas, underwear, shoes, and my toiletries.
Although the vacuum feature was impressive, I found some of the most convenient aspects of the Airback Next weren’t directly related to compression. The metal edge closure secured with a TSA-approved lock eliminated concerns about struggling with overstuffed zippers, offering peace of mind during travel. Additionally, the wide telescopic handle was more user-friendly than those on other bags I’ve used, providing stability while navigating through busy airports. The inclusion of numerous organizational pockets inside the suitcase further minimized the need for multiple toiletry bags.
Things to Consider When Purchasing It
Despite its many advantages, there are several considerations to keep in mind when contemplating the Airback Next. During my flight on a small airplane with a two-by-two seating arrangement, I found that while the suitcase fit in the overhead compartment, it required some maneuvering of the wheels. If I had bulky items in the external pocket, they might have necessitated gate checking, which is always a concern for travelers.
Additionally, it’s crucial to note that the vacuum pump contains a lithium battery, which according to FAA regulations must be carried on board. I chose to keep it in my purse for convenience, but it could have posed an issue had I packed it inside the suitcase and faced an unexpected gate check.
While I relied on the vacuum pump to efficiently pack my belongings, there remains a risk if the device were to be misplaced or if the battery drained before my return trip. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the pump is sold separately and comes at an additional cost of $75 on top of the suitcase’s retail price of $537.
In summary, I strongly believe that the Airback Next represents a worthwhile investment, standing out as one of the most innovative pieces of luggage I own. It offers unparalleled packing capacity for a suitcase of its size, and I hope that future designs might extend to larger checked sizes or enhance the vacuum compartments for even more storage space.
Source
www.apartmenttherapy.com