Carl Friedrik Luggage Review: My Honest Take and Experience

For years, I always bought cheap suitcases.

And for the most part, they worked fine—until they didn’t.

Eventually, they all ended up falling apart. It’s just what happens when you go for budget luggage.

So when my last one gave up on me, I decided it was finally time for a proper upgrade. Something that looked good, worked great, and made me feel proud to stroll through airports with.

After hearing so much hype around the Carl Friedrik Carry On, I decided to test it out on my latest trip to Australia (yes, I’m a carry-on-only kind of girl).

And honestly? I get the hype now.

So in this Carl Friedrik luggage review, I’ll share my honest experience — the good and the not-so-good — and help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

Quick Pros & Cons of Carl Friedrik Luggage

✅ Pros:

• Great material and solid build
• Luxurious feel and stylish details
• Spacious inside
• Lightweight
• Rolls like a dream
• The handle is stable and super smooth

❌ Cons:

• Pricey
• Scratches are noticeable
• Leather spots if wet
• No laptop compartment (unless you get the X model)

About Carl Friedrik

First, let’s quickly talk about who Carl Friedrick is and what they do.

Carl Friedrik is a London-based brand started by two Swedish brothers.

They first made leather goods like wallets and laptop bags before moving into luggage. And you can fully tell their leather roots shine through in every piece they make.

Their suitcases are all about quiet luxury — stylish, minimalist, high-quality.

You’re not buying a logo. You’re buying craftsmanship, which is what I’m completely stoked about.

Their Carry-On is especially popular because it blends smart design, Italian leather details, and a durable frame without being too flashy.

It’s even popped up in shows like Succession and The White Lotus. Not bad company to keep, right?

Carl Friedrik Carry-On Luggage Review

Now that you have an idea of the creators behind the suitcase, let’s jump into the review!

Packing in the Carl Friedrik Carry-On

I was amazed by how much I could fit into this carry-on. It’s super spacious inside, thanks to a smart layout.

Cool features inside:

• Two large compartments for easy organization
• Interior zip pockets for smaller stuff (perfect for chargers, jewelry, or extra little toiletries)
• A detachable sleeve for socks, underwear, or anything you want to separate neatly or not get wrinkled

The design is clean, simple, and practical. No confusing straps or complicated zippers everywhere. Just easy packing that makes sense.

If you’re a minimalist or like to travel light, you’ll love it.

I packed everything I needed for my entire Australia trip without any problems (but I know I’m a little extreme).

What Makes It Feel Luxurious

From the moment you touch it, you know it’s not just another suitcase.

What stands out:

• Aluminium frame: Strong and classy. It closes with a satisfying “click” instead of a zipper.
• High-quality TSA locks: Easy to set and feel very secure.
• Italian leather accents: Handles and trim are real leather, not cheap fake stuff. Adds a beautiful, rich touch.

Small details make a big difference here.

It’s the kind of bag that quietly says, “I care about quality.”

Traveling With the Carl Friedrick Carry On: Smooth, Light, and Sturdy

Traveling with the Carl Friedrik carry-on has been a total game-changer.

Here’s what stood out to me:

• Lightweight: I had no trouble lifting it into overhead bins.
• Rolls effortlessly: The Japanese Hinomoto wheels glide smoothly, even on rough airport floors.
• Stable handle: No wobbling, no sticking. It moves up and down like butter.

In fact, I’ve had so many suitcases where the handles felt loose, shaky, or even jammed.

Not here.

It feels solid and reliable — exactly what you want when you’re running to catch a flight.

Plus, it fits perfectly as a cabin bag. No stress about checking it or getting it tagged at the gate!

Frequenly Asked Questions About Carl Friedrik

Is Carl Friedrik luggage good quality?

Definitely. Carl Friedrik luggage feels like the real deal. You can tell it’s made with top materials — the polycarbonate shell, the Italian leather, the solid locks. It’s sturdy, stylish, and feels super well-built.

After traveling with it, I totally get why people call it a “quiet luxury” suitcase.

Where is Carl Friedrik luggage made?

Carl Friedrik is designed in London but primarily made in Italy. Some components are made in Japan and China. You can feel the European craftsmanship when you use it — everything is clean, minimal, and high quality.

It’s not just about looking good either. It’s built to last through a lot of trips (and airport chaos!).

Does Carl Friedrik have a lifetime guarantee?

Kind of! Carl Friedrik offers a lifetime warranty, but it only covers real functional issues — like problems with the wheels, handles, or locks. It doesn’t cover scratches or normal wear and tear.

So it’s a solid backup if something important breaks, but not if you scuff it up while running for your gate.

What is the most durable luggage brand?

If you want pure durability, a lot of people swear by Briggs & Riley. They even offer a crazy good lifetime guarantee.

But honestly, brands like Rimowa, Samsonite, and Carl Friedrik also make super tough suitcases that are built for real travel life — just depends if you want pure function, style, or both.

Final Thoughts: Is Carl Friedrik Luggage Worth It?

If you’re tired of cheap luggage falling apart, Carl Friedrik is 100% worth considering.

It’s an investment, yes. But it shows in the materials, the design, and how it feels when you travel with it.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely — if you:

• Want a suitcase that’s stylish but not flashy
• Appreciate high-quality details
• Travel often and need something durable
• Are willing to pay more for something that lasts

Just keep in mind:

• It’s pricey.
• It can scratch.
• Leather needs a little extra care.

Overall, after my experience, I can honestly say that this is a great suitcase that has a luxurious feel and will last many trips to come!

Check out the Carl Friedrik website for prices and different models – you won’t regret it!

Also, if you struggle to pack light and need a little inspo, check out: 20+ Trendy & Comfy Travel Outfit Ideas For Women

Happy travels!

//Josephine

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