July Baggage Overview: Hype or Price It in 2023?

There’s lots of baggage on the market that’s, to be sincere, fairly subpar. I’ve seen lots of low cost manufacturing, poor supplies, and outright dangerous design within the journey trade.

Should you’re on a quest to discover a suitcase that doesn’t suck, you could have come throughout July, an Aussie journey model who asserts that they’re right here to repair the damaged baggage trade. That’s a daring declare, so the query is that this: how do their merchandise measure up in real-world use?

I’ve traveled broadly the world over: from little cities in Europe to mountainside villages within the Himalayas to manufacturing hubs in Malaysia. Alongside the way in which, I’ve discovered a factor or two about what separates good suitcases from the remainder of the mediocre pack. I’ve pitted July’s fashions in opposition to a number of the finest suitcases within the enterprise to see how they examine.

I’ll share with you what I discovered, how July suitcases carry out in real-world use, and break down the completely different fashions they provide. I’ll additionally offer you a number of different manufacturers to take a look at.

July Baggage First Impressions

The very first thing that stands out to me with these suitcases is the clear minimalist aesthetic. I’m not a fan of ornate, frilly designs, and I really like the streamlined look of those instances.

The match and end can also be spot-on at first inspection. The German polycarbonate shell feels easy and difficult, the deal with is sturdy, and the aluminum nook bumpers add an additional sense of high quality and sturdiness.

The largest standout characteristic after I began taking a look at these instances—particularly the July Carry-On—was the wheels. A number of years again, I destroyed the wheels on two suitcases by dragging them throughout European cobblestone streets. Ever since then, I’ve been very cautious of suitcase wheel sturdiness. I are usually fairly skeptical of spinner wheels usually as a result of I’ve seen so many which might be cheaply made.

July’s wheels really feel very completely different from the standard low cost plastic ones that you simply discover on funds suitcases. They’re greater than commonplace suitcase wheels and so they really feel approach stronger. July claims that their silent wheels can deal with the cobblestones of Europe, and primarily based on my first impression, I are likely to agree.

Who’s July?

July is an up-and-coming Australia-based journey model that was based in 2018 with the mission “democratise unbreakable and lifelong design.”

For a journey startup, 2018 was a reasonably horrible time to start out, for the reason that pandemic hit simply as they had been starting to realize momentum. The truth that July survived the lockdown interval and remains to be going robust is fairly spectacular.

To provide you a little bit of an perception into who July is as a model, right here’s a fast snippet from their about web page:

As a class, the journey equipment trade is damaged; it’s typically make it as low cost as potential, utilizing a plethora of outlets and distributors to promote, and ignore all reference to the shopper. This ends in over-priced items offered with a brief product lifespan.

We’re right here to repair this.

That every one sounds fantastic, however many manufacturers use high-falutin language of their advertising and marketing information. These days, I discover myself fairly skeptical of claims that firms make. There’s simply approach an excessive amount of bullshit on the market.

After I began to dig into the small print on July, I used to be stunned to seek out that their self-proclaimed mission to repair the baggage trade goes greater than surface-deep. They appear to be taking that dedication significantly.

The primary place I see proof for that is of their design course of. July began the design of their merchandise by studying hundreds of suitcase opinions to seek out the most typical complaints. Then they got down to design a suitcase and enterprise mannequin to repair probably the most issues they discovered.

That will sound like a reasonably good (and possibly even apparent) method, however I’ve labored as a product design engineer, and also you’d be stunned by what number of firms construct merchandise with out precise perception into what individuals actually need and wish.

July has additionally chosen to do a number of issues the tougher approach as a result of they needed to construct one of the best product they may. For instance, quite than utilizing commonplace wheels obtainable for baggage, they designed their very own wheels from the bottom up as a result of they couldn’t discover something that met their high quality expectations.

To sweeten the deal, July gives free delivery, a 100-day free returns coverage (with paid return delivery), and a formidable lifetime guarantee.

July Baggage Overview

Most of July’s suitcase fashions, from the compact July Carry-On to the large Checked Plus, have the identical supplies, development, and general design. The primary distinction is within the measurement.

For the primary a part of this overview, I’ll deal with the widespread components and options throughout the whole vary. If you need information on a particular suitcase, scroll all the way down to the “July Baggage Overview by Mannequin” part.

Supplies

Each July bag begins with a glossy polycarbonate shell. Polycarbonate has grow to be the gold commonplace materials for useful, high-end suitcases as a result of it’s light-weight and difficult.

In July’s survey of suitcase opinions and customary complaints, they discovered that the largest downside areas for hardside suitcases had been the bends and corners. These areas are sometimes weakened throughout the thermoforming manufacturing course of, and so they take extra stress and impacts throughout use. Consequently, cracked corners and edges are pretty widespread with hardside baggage, even when it’s made with polycarbonate.

To resolve this, July improved the curved design on their suitcase edges and added anodized aluminum bumpers to the corners. The nook bumpers are an enormous improve over commonplace suitcases, and never one thing you sometimes see on this value vary.

Past the exhausting shell, July instances are made with water- and stain-resistant lining cloth, robust YKK zippers (one of the best within the enterprise), and even leather-based trim detailing.

The fabric decisions are very nicely thought-out and provides July baggage a premium really feel in addition to good sturdiness.

Aesthetic

The styling of July baggage is decidedly minimalist. Their signature suitcases are easy polycarbonate rectangles. The blocky rectangular profile is smoothed out with curved edges and damaged up by a single molded-in line across the middle.

I personally love the general look of those suitcases. It’s clear, streamlined, and understated. With a impartial colour, a July suitcase undoubtedly doesn’t stand out within the airport, nevertheless it appears skilled and refined.

Should you do desire a bit extra aptitude, they arrive in an superior array of colours, so you will get one thing that fits your character.

Group

One factor I’ve liked in regards to the July suitcases is the considerate group options on the within. I naturally prefer to maintain issues organized and tidy, however that may be exhausting after I’m dwelling out of a suitcase for weeks on finish. The whole lot appears to show right into a jumbled mess in some unspecified time in the future.

July suitcases have a zippered mesh divider on one aspect to maintain all the things separated and in place. On the opposite aspect, you’ve gotten July’s Y-strap compression system, which works a lot better than the strap compression you discover in most suitcases. You additionally get a hidden laundry bag fabricated from the identical materials because the stain-resistant lining to maintain soiled garments separate.

General, the inside design could be very easy, however I’ve discovered that it really works fairly nicely. There aren’t any pointless frills to complicate issues and a very good quantity of separation.

I do personally want there have been one or two extra pockets for maintaining small issues like electronics, books, and toiletries. It might be straightforward for July so as to add only a bit extra group to make these suitcases much more useful.

Sturdiness

Given the truth that July explicitly states their purpose is to construct “unbreakable” suitcases, my expectations had been fairly excessive for the sturdiness of their suitcases.

Airline baggage handlers don’t have a fame for being light with baggage, and I’ve seen many suitcases come out of luggage declare with cracks or tears. The aluminum-reinforced nook bumpers give me lots of confidence that the July Checked suitcases will survive the tough abuse.

Carry-on baggage can also take a beating throughout journey. The July Carry-On bag has confirmed impressively sturdy. It holds up nicely to being dragged throughout cities and stuffed into packed overhead bins (and possibly by chance dropped out of them).

One factor to pay attention to is that the nook bumpers are more likely to present scuffing and put on over time. July makes use of a primary anodize coating for the aluminum. Whereas that’s pretty sturdy, with sufficient use you’ll most likely see scratches that undergo the anodized colour to point out the naked aluminum beneath. It isn’t useful, however bear in mind that these instances might begin to look beat up after a number of journeys.

Worth

Let’s face it: if you’re purchasing for a brand new suitcase, value goes to be one of many high issues (if it isn’t, do you wish to commerce funds?). I all the time advocate investing a bit additional cash on gear that can final, however I additionally wish to get one of the best bang for my buck. If one thing prices extra, I wish to know why, and I would like it to be value the price.

July gives suitcases with lots of premium options like polycarbonate shells, aluminum nook bumpers, and ball-bearing wheels. They do all this whereas maintaining their costs a lot decrease than luxurious manufacturers like RIMOWA, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi.

Should you’re on a good funds, you may undoubtedly discover succesful and sturdy suitcases for considerably much less money, however in order for you that luxury-level development, aesthetic, and high quality, July suitcases have incredible worth for the cash.

July Baggage Options

Now that we’ve lined the fundamentals, let’s dive into the precise options provided in July suitcases. From ejectable battery banks to a wise compression system, the designers paid lots of consideration to the small print of every suitcase.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

When July couldn’t discover spinner wheels available on the market that match their top quality requirements, they determined to design their very own easy wheels from the bottom up. Their closing design options double wheels which might be greater than commonplace suitcase wheels and use stainless-steel ball bearings for simple rolling and sturdiness.

These silent wheels are tremendous quiet and straightforward to maneuver, and they’re much stronger. I sometimes am a much bigger fan of two-wheeled suitcases, however these are a number of the solely spinner wheels I might belief for frequent journey.

Y-Strap Compression System

July’s Y-strap compression system features a compression pad that you simply place over your packed belongings and two Y-shaped compression straps that cinch down excessive to provide you extra space. 

The compression straps in July instances are approach higher than the standard flimsy straps you discover on most suitcases. I don’t discover these to be very useful, however July’s straps are thick, robust, and well-placed to essentially tighten down your load.

Bonus? The compression pad has a mesh pocket built-in that’s excellent for smaller gadgets.

Hidden Laundry Bag

All July suitcases include a hidden laundry bag that’s odor-resistant and compresses all the way down to maintain your soiled clothes separate from the remainder of your stuff.

I actually hate having all my stuff begin to scent like soiled garments a number of days into a visit, so I recognize the built-in laundry bag.

Built-in TSA Lock

July suitcases additionally include an built-in TSA lock to provide you some further safety and peace of thoughts whilst you journey. It’s constructed into the aspect of the suitcase and locks the principle zipper so thieves can’t get in.

Touring is nerve-racking sufficient. I really like being able to guard my stuff with slightly bit of additional safety. It undoubtedly isn’t foolproof—decided thieves may nonetheless rip by means of the zipper—nevertheless it undoubtedly provides some deterrence.

July Baggage Overview by Mannequin

	July Carry-On	Carry-On Important	Carry-On Professional	Carry-On Mild	Checked	Checked Plus	Carry-On Trunk	Checked Trunk
Exterior Dimensions	21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″	21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″	21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″	21.25″ x 14.25″ × 7.5″	26″ x 18.75″ x 11″	30.25″ x 19.75″ x 12.5″	21.5” H x 14.75” W x 8.75” D	28.25” H x 16.5” W x 14.5” D
Weight	7.4 lbs	6.6 lbs	7.9 lbs	3.9 lbs	8.3 lbs	10.5 lbs	8.4 lbs	13.2 lbs
Capability	42 L	42 L	42 L	32 L	80 L	110 L	42 L	95 L

Carry-On

The July Carry-On is the model’s flagship product. It’s a easy carry-on bag that options their upgraded development and minimalist design. 

This can be a fairly easy hardside carry-on suitcase, however with July’s upgraded development. It has exterior aluminum nook bumpers that enhance the sturdiness and add some visible curiosity to the design.

You additionally get an ejectable battery financial institution underneath the deal with. That is an superior characteristic for maintaining your cellphone totally charged whilst you journey.

All of July’s carry-ons are the right measurement for worldwide journey, which means you may take them on nearly any flight, anyplace on the planet. They match worldwide measurement restrictions whereas nonetheless offering ample packing room.

My largest criticism is that it doesn’t have an exterior pocket. Regardless that it’s a more moderen development, I personally put exterior pockets proper subsequent to the must-have class for a carry-on, as a result of I would like to have the ability to simply entry issues like electronics, passports, and books with out having to hold a separate bag. Monos does an excellent job with their Carry-On Professional line.

It’s fairly commonplace for hardside suitcases to forgo exterior pockets (it’s simply extra sophisticated to construct), however I want the July Carry-On included one since their purpose is to “carry higher design to how we journey.” You possibly can improve to the Carry-On Professional and get an exterior zippered sleeve, however I actually suppose exterior pockets must be a typical characteristic for higher-end suitcases.

Carry-On Important

The July Carry-On Important is the dialed-back model of the July Carry-On suitcase. It cuts out the ejectable battery financial institution and doesn’t have exterior aluminum bumpers (although the corners are nonetheless bolstered with aluminum on the within).

I actually want the Carry-On Important over the July Carry-On. It’s considerably cheaper and nearly a full pound lighter. Whereas the built-in battery financial institution is a useful characteristic, I might personally quite purchase a separate one (for much less cash). Plus, I’ve seen points the aluminum nook bumpers exhibiting scratches and scuffs greater than polycarbonate, so I’d quite not have these.

I feel this carry-on suitcase gives one of the best of July’s upgraded design with out pointless options that simply value extra.

Carry-On Professional

The July Carry-On Professional is certainly probably the most useful carry-on in July’s lineup. It blends the design of the usual July Carry-On and the Important, with an ejectable battery financial institution however no exterior metallic bumpers.

The massive distinction is the addition of a removable laptop computer sleeve on the entrance of the case. This padded sleeve makes use of Fidlock magnetic clasps to simply snap on and off the entrance of the suitcase in seconds. It’s tremendous straightforward to make use of, and is ideal for detaching your laptop computer sleeve to hold with you whereas placing your suitcase within the overhead bin.

That is one of the best resolution for carrying a laptop computer in a suitcase that I’ve ever seen, palms down. Should you journey quite a bit for work and continually must carry a laptop computer on aircraft flights, I feel the July Carry-On Professional is an superior selection.

That stated, it isn’t fairly as versatile as different hardside carry-on baggage which have a hinged pocket as an alternative of a removable sleeve. It really works rather well for a laptop computer, however isn’t fairly ideally suited for different gadgets.

Carry-On Mild

The July Carry-On Mild is probably the most compact and minimalist July bag. Their purpose was to construct the lightest carry-on suitcase on the planet. They managed to make this little hardside suitcase that weighs solely 3.9 lbs—the lightest carry-on suitcase I’ve come throughout.

There have been some sacrifices made to get that weight. The outer shell, supplies, deal with, and wheels are all a bit lighter and fewer sturdy. The largest draw back is that the general capability is simply 32 L (in comparison with 42 L in the usual carry-on.

Whereas the July Carry-On Mild is fairly cool for its sheer minimalism, I personally suppose it feels only a bit too flimsy, and the diminished measurement is an enormous downer. It’s superior in order for you absolutely the lightest bag, however I don’t suppose there’s a lot good about it apart from that.

The July Carry-On Important is rather more sturdy and spacious, and it’s solely a tad dearer.

Checked

The July Checked suitcase has all the identical options and development because the July Carry-On, however in a bigger measurement for checked baggage. You get the identical polycarbonate shell, hidden laundry bag, built-in TSA lock, inner group, and minimalist design.

You don’t get the ejectable battery financial institution, however that’s not likely one thing you want in a checked bag anyway.

With 80L of storage, this huge suitcase has loads of room for longer journeys.

One good characteristic is that any July carry-on suitcase will nest completely inside this huge bag (which in flip matches inside the large Checked Plus).

Checked Plus

The July Checked Plus is… you guessed it: a much bigger model of the Checked. Should you’re packing for a household or touring for an prolonged time frame, this huge 110 L case has room for all the things you want.

Carry-On Trunk

July’s line of trunk baggage is designed to supply the superior sturdiness and basic fashion of trunk-style instances with all the fashionable supplies and upgrades of July’s commonplace baggage.

The July Carry-On Trunk is identical measurement because the basic Carry-On, and it has the identical deal with, wheels, hidden laundry bag, ejectable battery, and group. The primary distinction is that as an alternative of the traditional zipper opening, it has hinges and durable locking clasps. This makes this suitcase sturdier and safer than a typical suitcase.

You additionally get a distinct aesthetic with a glazed polycarbonate end that offers a shocking shiny look. The issue is that over time scuffs and scratches begin to spoil the attraction.

To be sincere, I don’t suppose there’s a lot cause to purchase the Carry-On Trunk. It’s far more costly than the traditional Carry-On, it’s a full pound heavier, and the shiny end is much less resilient.

Until you actually simply need one thing completely different, I’d stick to the Carry-On or Carry-On Important.

Checked Trunk

Whereas the Carry-On Trunk appears completely pointless, the July Checked Trunk has quite a bit going for it, and for particular use instances it might be one of the best factor on the market.

This can be a huge, heavy, bomb-proof polycarbonate field on wheels. It is rather safe with the locking clasps, and it has tons of house.

The Checked Trunk is narrower and deeper than July’s checked suitcases, so I see it being a sensible choice if you must carry cumbersome odd-shaped gadgets (anybody taking a tuba on their subsequent journey?). It additionally gives tons of safety for carrying extra fragile stuff.

July Baggage Equipment

Getting outfitted for journey requires greater than only a suitcase. Happily, July additionally gives a spread of superior equipment to get you totally equipped in your journey. Listed here are a number of of my favorites:

Tech Package

Protecting observe of small digital gadgets like cables, headphones, and chargers generally is a problem. When touring I’m all the time harassed that I’ll lose my cellphone charger or headphones on the aircraft or within the airport.

This little zippered case offers you a devoted place for these small, easy-to-lose gadgets. With room for earbuds, chargers, cables, a USB battery financial institution, and a pen/stylus, you received’t have to fret about dropping something.

Packing Cells

I hate packing a suitcase. It doesn’t matter what I do, it all the time looks as if it simply turns into a jumbled mess in the principle compartment. I’ve discovered that packing cubes can work wonders for organizing a chaotic mess in a suitcase.

These zippered packing cubes are available an array of sizes to suit completely different gadgets. Additionally they have a clear mesh entrance panel so it’s straightforward to see what’s inside. Plus, they’re 100% washable and stain-resistant, so it’s straightforward to maintain them clear.

Baggage Covers

If you wish to maintain your suitcase wanting pretty much as good because the day you purchased it, a very good set of bags covers can go a great distance towards defending it from scratches and scuffs in your travels.

These on-brand baggage covers are designed particularly to suit each measurement of July suitcase and shield it on all sides. Additionally they are available an enormous vary of enjoyable colours and patterns so you will get one thing that can stand out at baggage declare.

July Baggage Alternate options

July vs Monos

Monos is a Canada-based journey model that has quite a bit in widespread with July. Each intention to supply luxury-level suitcases at extra approachable costs. Each construct minimal (however useful) polycarbonate suitcases. Each hit nearly an identical value factors.

Should you’re on the lookout for a hardside carry-on with an exterior pocket, I feel the Monos Carry-On Professional is a more sensible choice than the July Carry-On Professional for most individuals. It has an actual zippered pocket quite than the removable sleeve of the July Carry-On Professional. It’s simply extra versatile all-around (although not fairly as handy in order for you the best possible laptop computer carry system).

Apart from that, I feel it principally comes down to non-public choice and magnificence. The options, performance, and value of those two manufacturers could be very comparable, however there are some aesthetic variations.

July vs Away

Away is without doubt one of the most recognizable and disruptive startup baggage manufacturers, largely due to their superior social media advertising and marketing. Additionally they construct glossy polycarbonate suitcases.

In my expertise, July gives higher efficiency and extra worth in your cash than Away. I’ve seen Away suitcase exhausting shells crack, whereas July’s are a lot stronger with the bolstered corners. July suitcases are additionally cheaper and sometimes lighter weight.

For extra data, learn our full Away Baggage overview.

July vs Béis

Béis is one other small-ish model that’s standard amongst vacationers on the lookout for fashionable hardside baggage. The largest benefit is that Béis suitcases are considerably cheaper than July. Should you’re on the lookout for a stable high-quality polycarbonate suitcase that offers you one of the best bang in your buck, Béis is a superb model to have a look at.

That stated, July suitcases nonetheless have the sting in general high quality and sturdiness. Should you journey continuously and desire a suitcase that can final for years to come back, July stands out as the higher wager.

July Baggage FAQs