Dagne Dover Seattle Carry-on Suitcase Evaluate

I’ll always remember my very first encounter with softside baggage: 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 often jammed, two wheels as a substitute of 4, and stitching that step by step unraveled after years of my relentless overpacking. To be honest, I didn’t deal with these luggage gingerly, however I appreciated that they held sturdy by means of each faculty dorm transfer and spring break trip. As soon as I received my first job and began touring often, I additionally graduated to extra modern options. Hardside baggage was the apparent improve… or so I assumed. I had by no means thought of going again to my softside roots till I received my fingers on Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on — a suitcase that fully modified my journey recreation for the higher.

The T+L staff had the pleasure of testing Dagne Dover’s model new baggage assortment 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 devoted journey staple that’s hopped round with me to some continents. I used to be impressed that Dagne Dover not solely discovered a solution to translate their signature aesthetic into baggage kind, however that they managed to make softside baggage look stylish and trendy. A sensible suitcase that additionally appears to be like the half? Had I discovered a unicorn? Possibly, however I needed to put it to the take a look at to know for certain.

First Impressions

I received the chance to check out the 20.5-inch model of the Seattle Carry-on, the smallest in Dagne Dover’s new slate of suitcases. It arrived in type, 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 prime 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 unquestionably heavier than different carry-on luggage 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, very best for weekend and work journeys. The timing couldn’t have been higher, contemplating I had a trip arising that was a little bit little bit of each. Though impressed, I used to be initially nervous that this bag could be too small to switch the 22-inch hardshell carry-on that I swore by. Seems, the inside of the bag proved to be deceptively roomy and in a position to match way more than meets the attention.

Up, Up, and Away

I first used my Seattle Carry-on for a three-day journey to St. Thomas. For a traditional individual, 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 (at the very least 5?), and, properly, you possibly can 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 in a position to pack 5 bathing fits with matching cover-ups, three maxi clothes, two pairs of shorts, 4 shirts, three pairs of sandals, per week’s value of undergarments (once more, simply 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 straightforward to maintain worn clothes and moist swimsuits separate throughout my keep.

Not like 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 should utilize 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 achieved, so I went the clamshell route. This allowed me to put the suitcase out flat and pack each 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 point out this child off. The Seattle Carry-on appeared and carried out not like every other suitcase I’ve ever owned. The 360-degree wheels rolled like a dream by means of the airport, permitting me to shuffle by means of crowds flawlessly. The entrance of the suitcase has not one however two zippered pockets — considered one of which I used to stash my laptop computer, and the opposite I used to retailer my passport and jewellery pouch. Hoisting it out and in of overhead bins and taxi trunks was no sweat because of the handy prime and facet handles, in addition to the baggage ft that saved it propped upright. The bag additionally held as much as the tough and tumble of journey because of 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 one of the best of each worlds. The structured body of the bag, mixed with its trendy material 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. Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile funding when you’re available in the market for a trendy suitcase you received’t have to switch for a couple of years. For longer journeys, I like to recommend going for the 23.5-inch model as a substitute. After taking Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on for a spin on a few journeys, it nonetheless appears to be like shiny and new, and catches a couple of 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 12 months, 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 virtually each journey.

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