Dagne Dover Seattle Carry-on Suitcase Review

I’ll always remember my very first encounter with softside luggage: it was a fireplace engine crimson and critically unstylish baggage set that my mother purchased me as a highschool commencement reward (to this present day, we joke that it was her not-so-subtle trace to depart the nest.) The suitcases had wobbly handles that incessantly jammed, two wheels as a substitute of 4, and stitching that progressively unraveled after years of my relentless overpacking. To be truthful, I didn’t deal with these baggage gingerly, however I appreciated that they held sturdy via each school dorm transfer and spring break trip. As soon as I received my first job and began touring incessantly, I additionally graduated to extra smooth options. Hardside luggage was the plain improve… or so I assumed. I had by no means thought-about going again to my softside roots till I received my palms on Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on — a suitcase that utterly modified my journey recreation for the higher.

The T+L group had the pleasure of testing Dagne Dover’s brand new luggage collection earlier than its official launch in our New York Metropolis lab, and we had been instantly surprised proper out of the gate. I used to be already a fan of Dagne Dover’s Neoprene Dakota Backpack — a trustworthy journey staple that’s hopped round with me to a couple continents. I used to be impressed that Dagne Dover not solely discovered a method to translate their signature aesthetic into baggage kind, however that they managed to make softside baggage look stylish and fashionable. A sensible suitcase that additionally seems the half? Had I discovered a unicorn? Perhaps, however I needed to put it to the take a look at to know for positive.

First Impressions

I received the chance to check out the 20.5-inch version of the Seattle Carry-on, the smallest in Dagne Dover’s new slate of suitcases. It arrived in model, nestled in a big field with the Dagne Dover brand on show (I’m a sucker for packaging — sue me!). The recycled polyester materials had a sheen to it that I can solely liken to upholstery in a brand-new automotive, or a luxurious couch. “How did they pull this off?” I puzzled. I couldn’t assist however smile on the plush high deal with, the strengthened corners that give it construction, and the bungee-style zippers that completely match the dusty rose shade of the bag’s exterior. It was evident that Dagne Dover poured over each meticulous element when it got here to design. Weighing simply over 9 kilos, the Seattle Carry-on is certainly heavier than different carry-on baggage I’ve examined, which I didn’t love however discovered to forgive contemplating the bag’s different useful options.

The 20.5-inch Seattle Carry-on has a 33-liter capability, excellent for weekend and work journeys. The timing couldn’t have been higher, contemplating I had a trip developing that was just a little little bit of each. Though impressed, I used to be initially frightened that this bag can be too small to interchange the 22-inch hardshell carry-on that I swore by. Seems, the inside of the bag proved to be deceptively roomy and capable of match far more than meets the attention.

Up, Up, and Away

I first used my Seattle Carry-on for a three-day trip to St. Thomas. For a traditional particular person, a duffel bag or weekender would do the trick for this fast jaunt. For me: each outfit wanted a backup outfit, and each backup outfit wanted a backup pair of footwear, and I can by no means have sufficient cover-ups (a minimum of 5?), and, effectively, you’ll be able to see the place that is going. Suffice it to say, this carry-on is simply what I wanted for a brief stint in paradise. I used to be capable of pack 5 bathing fits with matching cover-ups, three maxi attire, two pairs of shorts, 4 shirts, three pairs of sandals, every week’s price of undergarments (again, just in case), a make-up bag, and a fully-stuffed toiletry bag — all whereas nonetheless having room to spare. I additionally appreciated that this suitcase comes with its personal laundry bag, which made it simple to maintain worn clothes and moist swimsuits separate throughout my keep.

In contrast to most different softside suitcases which have a zippered lid opening, what differentiates the Seattle Carry-on is that it gives two methods to pack: through a clamshell opening, which you principally see with hardside baggage, and likewise through the U-shaped zipper within the entrance which you need to use to top-load your clothes such as you would with a conventional softside. Whereas the top-lid is handy for including last-minute gadgets, it’s a bit too slim to get the job carried out, so I went the clamshell route. This allowed me to put the suitcase out flat and pack either side evenly. The compression straps pressed all my clothes down flat, and the mesh divider housed free gadgets like undergarments and bikinis.

When it was time to hit the airport, I couldn’t wait to indicate this child off. The Seattle Carry-on regarded and carried out not like another suitcase I’ve ever owned. The 360-degree wheels rolled like a dream via the airport, permitting me to shuffle via crowds flawlessly. The entrance of the suitcase has not one however two zippered pockets — one among which I used to stash my laptop computer, and the opposite I used to retailer my passport and jewelry pouch. Hoisting it out and in of overhead bins and taxi trunks was no sweat due to the handy high and aspect handles, in addition to the bags toes that stored it propped upright. The bag additionally held as much as the tough and tumble of journey due to these strengthened corners I discussed earlier, which absorbed the shock of being jostled round.

The Verdict

Softside baggage has a fame for being extremely sturdy and providing extra flexibility for overpackers, whereas hardside baggage is understood to be extra protecting and sleek-looking. With the Seattle Carry-on, I get the most effective of each worlds. The structured body of the bag, mixed with its fashionable cloth building, makes it a pleasure to journey with. The bag at present retails for $595, which is on the steep finish for a small carry-on. Nonetheless, it is a worthwhile funding if you happen to’re out there for a trendy suitcase you gained’t have to interchange for just a few years. For longer journeys, I like to recommend going for the 23.5-inch version as a substitute. After taking Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on for a spin on a few journeys, it nonetheless seems shiny and new, and catches just a few glances at each terminal I’m in. I can say with certainty I’ll by no means depend out softside baggage once more.

Why Belief T+L

Jasmine Grant is a senior editor at T+L who has examined dozens of suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks each within the T+L testing lab and through her private getaways. She catches a minimum of 10 flights per yr, and loves discovering new journey merchandise that streamline the packing course of. Apart from Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on, she additionally swears by her Dakota backpack and brings it on nearly each journey.

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