Hey gents, today we’re going to talk about aluminum luggage, or as the British would say, “aluminium luggage” for under $1000. We’ll talk about what you get for each of the companies, at the different price points, and who this luggage is really for. 

I’m going to talk about the carry-ons since all of these companies offer an international size carry-on and a lot of them are sold across the world like Rimowa and Tumi. If you’ve always wanted a bag that is as premium as a Rimowa or a Tumi, the time has never been better to find alternatives that are nearly just as good.

Who Should Buy Aluminum Luggage?

First, who is aluminum luggage really for? Because it is expensive. You’re looking at about $400-$500 minimum, let alone $1000 for the higher end ones. So aluminum luggage is meant for someone who wants the best tool for the job and frequent travelers. 

If you are on the road a lot, you’re going to want something that can protect your stuff, is going to last through many trips, and is going to be extremely durable. I find that with polycarbonate plastic luggages, there is a certain lifespan to them, especially the fabric ones.

And the difference between fabric luggages and the aluminum luggages is that I don’t think fabric luggages look as good ripped as when aluminum luggages might have a few dings from constant roadwear. 

The thing that I’ve come to love about aluminum luggage is that it isn’t just better with age and it wears really well. My favorite thing about the aluminum luggage is the edges and seams are weatherproof to some degree whereas standard luggages are not. 

So I wanted to talk about the different options you have out there. There aren’t a lot, but I have personally traveled with the Tumi quite a bit. I have put tens of thousands of miles on my Away luggage bag. I’ve traveled with the MVST Select, and I’ve experienced each of the different luggages on this roundup.

I guess the big question, then, is what are you really looking at in the differences in price?

MVST Select ALR Aluminum Suitcase

We’ll start with the MVST Select. This is a carbon-fiber aluminum luggage that is very cool. I’ve traveled this one before and my only downside with this is that yes, it is lightweight and yes, it is aluminum, but it seems to scratch slightly easier than a standard aluminum luggage. 

I also wasn’t crazy about the interior design of the pockets and the fabrics--basically the organization of the inside wasn’t my favorite. But if you’re looking to get something that is slightly nicer than luggage down at that price point, I think that’s a really nice way to go. 

MVST Select ALR Aluminum suitcase

• Silver color model currently sold out

• Price: $375

• material:

  • aluminum alloy hardshell exterior

  • rubber seals

  • zipperless enclosure

• dimensions:  22” x 14” x 8.7”. 9.2 lbs

Carl Friedrik: The Carry-On Suitcase

Now, the next up on our price point is Carl Friedrik. Now, this isn’t aluminum all around. This is polycarbonate, but it has an aluminum frame. I wanted to include this because I think you get the best of both worlds.

This comes in right at $400 which is less than the aluminum Away, but more than the polycarbonate Away. However, you are getting the best of both luggages because of the aluminum frame.

You’re getting a sturdy hinge which is just a really nice fit-and-finish. You also get a weatherproof seal and much nicer latches than you would get with the lower-end aluminum. The polycarbonate shell also cuts the weight in half, compared to standard aluminum luggages.

And so that’s why I think it’s a really nice option. If you don’t want to go quite all the way up in price, but you want some of the premium fit-and-finish features, then I think Carl Friedrik is a really nice option to bridge the two areas.

The luggage also has a built-in USB port so you can charge your electronics and you won’t have any issues with the TSA. 

Carl Friedrik: The Carry-On

• Price: $405

• material: polycarbonate, aluminum lock frame, leather detail

• dimensions: 15x22x9". 7.7 lbs

• extras:

  • monogramming available

  • lifetime warranty

  • Two zip pockets on each side

  • Open compartment on one side with compression strap to keep clothes in place

Arlo Skye and Away Aluminum Carry-On Luggages

Now we have Arlo Sky and Away, which both come in at around the $500 price point. Both of these are very similar. I think that if you want a Tumi or a Rimowa bag, but you don’t want to spend literally double the price, then both of these are incredible options. 

After having traveled with both of them, I can see that both the fit-and-finish and the materials are slightly nicer than the other brands below the $500 price point. If you want to get into aluminum luggage, it’s pretty hard to beat these bags.

They’re really well-made. There are a few things that aren’t quite as nice in the fit-and-finish as you would find in a Tumi or a Rimowa bag, but they are not deal breakers at all. If you want aluminum luggage, Arlo Skye and Away luggage are both amazing options.

They both have built-in batteries, great wheels, and you’re getting all the features of an aluminum luggage without all the hefty prices of traditional brands. Both Arlo Skye and Away also offer really good warranties and customer service whereas Tumi has begun to alter their warranty offers. 

Arlo Skye: The Frame Carry-On Aluminum Edition

• Price: $550

• material:

  • aluminum alloy exterior,

  • full-grain leather handles

• dimensions: 20.0" x 13.4" x 9.0": 9.5 lbs.

  
  

Away Aluminum Carry-On

• Currently Out of Stock

• Price: $538

• material

  • aluminum shell

  • leather luggage tag

• dimensions: 22x14x9". 10.6 lbs.

• also includes TSA-compliant combination locks

  
  

Tumi, Rimowa, and Zero Halliburton Aluminum Suitcases

Now the three traditional brands that are just kissing the $1000 price point that you can go look at are Tumi, Rimowa, and Zero Halliburton. What you’re getting in these bags over the ones at $500 is that extra 10% of fit-and-finish that really gives the bag its prestige.

With Tumi, you have their famous design language and their interior pockets. They engineer their own wheels, so they’re super sturdy, quiet, and easy to use. Their handles are really sturdy as well, so you’re getting that extra sense of fit-and-finish with them there. 

The same goes for Rimowa. They have their wheel-bearing, shock-absorbing wheels, making transportation super smooth. They provide repairs at some major hotel chains along with a five-year warranty 

Zero Halliburton is the same thing. They have amazing clasps, closures, and mechanisms so where I really see the difference in these suitcases is you’re getting 10-15% more fit-and-finish for double the price but you’re also getting the brand name associated with that which, if that matters to you, then that’s great. That’s something you can go for.

Tumi International Carry-On

• Price: $795

• material: 19-degree aluminum

• dimensions: 15.75x22x9". 6.61 lbs

Rimowa Original Cabin

• Price: $1050

• material:

  • aluminum exterior

  • cotton lining and dividers

  • polycarbonate wheels

  • kk metal zippers

  • plastic handles

• dimensions: 16x22x9". 9.5 lbs.

Zero Halliburton Pursuit Aluminum Continental Carry-On

• dimensions: 22.5x9x16". 12.5 lbs. 

• Price: $995

• material: brushed aluminum

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, gents. If you’re looking to upgrade your luggage collection, this is a great way to do it. If you have any experience with aluminum luggage, if there’s a brand that I missed, or if you just want to chime in, then you can reach me down in the comments.

You can always reach out at “The_Kavalier” on Instagram or Twitter. I post stuff when I’m on the road, traveling, packing--that sort of stuff. So if you’re interested in that type of content, then check me out on Twitter or Instagram. 

Until next time, gents…

This is The Kavalier.