There’s a large number of baggage available in the market this is, to be fair, lovely subpar. I’ve observed a large number of reasonable production, deficient fabrics, and outright dangerous design within the go back and forth business.

Should you’re on a quest to discover a suitcase that doesn’t suck, you’ll have come throughout July, an Aussie go back and forth model who asserts that they’re right here to mend the damaged baggage business. 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 internationally: from little cities in Europe to mountainside villages within the Himalayas to production hubs in Malaysia. Alongside the way in which, I’ve realized a factor or two about what separates excellent suitcases from the remainder of the mediocre pack. I’ve pitted July’s fashions in opposition to one of the most absolute best suitcases within the trade to peer how they evaluate.

I’ll percentage with you what I discovered, how July suitcases carry out in real-world use, and damage down the other fashions they provide. I’ll additionally provide you with a couple of choice manufacturers to take a look at.

July Baggage First Impressions

The very first thing that stands proud to me with those suitcases is the blank minimalist aesthetic. I’m no longer partial to ornate, frilly designs, and I really like the streamlined glance of those circumstances.

The have compatibility and end may be spot-on in the beginning inspection. The German polycarbonate shell feels easy and difficult, the take care of is robust, and the aluminum nook bumpers upload an additional sense of high quality and sturdiness.

The most important standout characteristic after I began taking a look at those circumstances—particularly the July Lift-On—was once the wheels. A couple of years again, I destroyed the wheels on two suitcases via dragging them everywhere Ecu cobblestone streets. Ever since then, I’ve been very cautious of suitcase wheel sturdiness. I have a tendency to be lovely skeptical of spinner wheels usually as a result of I’ve observed such a lot of which are affordably made.

July’s wheels really feel very other from the standard reasonable plastic ones that you simply in finding on finances suitcases. They’re larger than same old suitcase wheels and so they really feel means more potent. July claims that their silent wheels can take care of the cobblestones of Europe, and according to my first influence, I have a tendency to agree.

Who’s July?

July is an up-and-coming Australia-based go back and forth model that was once based in 2018 with the challenge “democratise unbreakable and lifetime design.”

For a go back and forth startup, 2018 was once a lovely horrible time to begin, for the reason that pandemic hit simply as they had been starting to acquire momentum. The truth that July survived the lockdown length and continues to be going robust is lovely spectacular.

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

As a class, the go back and forth equipment business is damaged; it’s steadily make it as reasonable as conceivable, the use of a plethora of shops and vendors to promote, and forget about all reference to the buyer. This ends up in over-priced items bought with a brief product lifespan.

We’re right here to mend this.

That each one sounds glorious, however many manufacturers use high-falutin language of their advertising and marketing data. At the moment, I in finding myself lovely skeptical of claims that businesses make. There’s simply means an excessive amount of bullshit available in the market.

Once I began to dig into the main points on July, I used to be stunned to seek out that their self-proclaimed challenge to mend the bags business is going greater than surface-deep. They appear to be taking that dedication severely.

The primary position I see proof for that is of their design procedure. July began the design in their merchandise via studying hundreds of suitcase opinions to seek out the commonest lawsuits. Then they got down to design a suitcase and trade fashion to mend essentially the most issues they discovered.

That can sound like a lovely excellent (and even perhaps glaring) means, however I’ve labored as a product design engineer, and also you’d be stunned via what number of firms construct merchandise with out exact perception into what other people truly want and wish.

July has additionally selected to do a number of issues the tougher means as a result of they sought after to construct the most efficient product they might. As an example, moderately than the use of same old wheels to be had for bags, they designed their very own wheels from the bottom up as a result of they couldn’t in finding anything else that met their high quality expectancies.

To sweeten the deal, July gives unfastened transport, a 100-day unfastened returns coverage (with paid go back transport), and an outstanding lifetime guaranty.

July Baggage Evaluation

Maximum of July’s suitcase fashions, from the compact July Lift-On to the large Checked Plus, have the similar fabrics, building, and total design. The principle distinction is within the measurement.

For the primary a part of this assessment, I’ll focal point at the not unusual parts and contours throughout all the vary. If you wish to have data on a particular suitcase, scroll all the way down to the “July Baggage Evaluation via Fashion” phase.

Fabrics

Each and every July bag begins with a graceful polycarbonate shell. Polycarbonate has develop into the gold same old subject matter for purposeful, high-end suitcases as a result of it’s light-weight and difficult.

In July’s survey of suitcase opinions and not unusual lawsuits, they discovered that the most important troublesome areas for hardside suitcases had been the bends and corners. Those spaces are normally weakened right through the thermoforming production procedure, and so they take extra pressure and affects right through use. Consequently, cracked corners and edges are moderately not unusual with hardside baggage, despite the fact that it’s made with polycarbonate.

To unravel this, July advanced the curved design on their suitcase edges and added anodized aluminum bumpers to the corners. The nook bumpers are a large improve over same old suitcases, and no longer one thing you normally see on this value vary.

Past the exhausting shell, July circumstances are made with water- and stain-resistant lining cloth, difficult YKK zippers (the most efficient within the trade), or even leather-based trim detailing.

The fabric possible choices are rather well thought-out and provides July baggage a top rate really feel in addition to excellent sturdiness.

Aesthetic

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

I in my opinion love the total glance of those suitcases. It’s blank, streamlined, and understated. With a impartial colour, a July suitcase for sure doesn’t stand out within the airport, nevertheless it seems to be skilled and delicate.

Should you do need a bit of extra aptitude, they arrive in a terrific array of colours, so you’ll get one thing that fits your character.

Group

Something I’ve beloved concerning the July suitcases is the considerate group options at the within. I naturally love to stay issues arranged and tidy, however that may be exhausting after I’m dwelling out of a suitcase for weeks on finish. The whole lot turns out to develop into a jumbled mess sooner or later.

July suitcases have a zippered mesh divider on one facet to stay the whole lot separated and in position. At the different facet, you will have July’s Y-strap compression gadget, which matches a lot better than the strap compression you in finding in maximum suitcases. You additionally get a hidden laundry bag fabricated from the similar subject matter because the stain-resistant lining to stay grimy garments separate.

General, the internal design could be very easy, however I’ve discovered that it really works lovely effectively. There aren’t any useless frills to complicate issues and a excellent quantity of separation.

I do in my opinion want there have been one or two extra wallet for holding small such things as electronics, books, and toiletries. It might be clean for July so as to add just a little extra group to make those suitcases much more purposeful.

Sturdiness

Given the truth that July explicitly states their objective is to construct “unbreakable” suitcases, my expectancies had been lovely excessive for the sturdiness in their suitcases.

Airline luggage handlers don’t have a name for being mild with baggage, and I’ve observed many suitcases pop out of bags declare with cracks or tears. The aluminum-reinforced nook bumpers give me a large number of self belief that the July Checked suitcases will live to tell the tale the tough abuse.

Lift-on baggage can even take a beating right through go back and forth. The July Lift-On bag has confirmed impressively sturdy. It holds up effectively to being dragged throughout towns and filled into packed overhead packing containers (and perhaps by chance dropped out of them).

Something to pay attention to is that the nook bumpers are prone to display scuffing and put on through the years. July makes use of a fundamental anodize coating for the aluminum. Whilst that’s moderately sturdy, with sufficient use you’ll most certainly see scratches that cross throughout the anodized colour to turn the naked aluminum beneath. It isn’t purposeful, however bear in mind that those circumstances would possibly begin to glance beat up after a number of journeys.

Worth

Let’s face it: while you’re purchasing for a brand new suitcase, value goes to be one of the vital best concerns (if it isn’t, do you wish to have to industry budget?). I at all times suggest making an investment a bit of extra money on tools that may ultimate, however I additionally wish to get the most efficient bang for my greenback. If one thing prices extra, I wish to know why, and I would like it to be value the price.

July gives suitcases with a large number of top rate options like polycarbonate shells, aluminum nook bumpers, and ball-bearing wheels. They do all this whilst holding their costs a lot less than luxurious manufacturers like RIMOWA, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi.

Should you’re on a good finances, you’ll for sure in finding succesful and sturdy suitcases for considerably much less money, but when you wish to have that luxury-level building, 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 particular options introduced in July suitcases. From ejectable battery banks to a wise compression gadget, the designers paid a large number of consideration to the main points of each and every suitcase.

360-Level Spinner Wheels

When July couldn’t in finding spinner wheels available on the market that have compatibility their top of the range requirements, they determined to design their very own easy wheels from the bottom up. Their ultimate design options double wheels which are larger than same old suitcase wheels and use stainless-steel ball bearings for simple rolling and sturdiness.

Those silent wheels are tremendous quiet and clean to move, and they’re much more potent. I normally am a larger fan of two-wheeled suitcases, however those are one of the most handiest spinner wheels I’d consider for common go back and forth.

Y-Strap Compression Device

July’s Y-strap compression gadget features a compression pad that you simply position over your packed assets and two Y-shaped compression straps that cinch down excessive to provide you with more room. 

The compression straps in July circumstances are means higher than the standard flimsy straps you in finding on maximum suitcases. I don’t in finding the ones to be very useful, however July’s straps are thick, robust, and well-placed to truly tighten down your load.

Bonus? The compression pad has a mesh pocket integrated that’s best for smaller pieces.

Hidden Laundry Bag

All July suitcases include a hidden laundry bag this is odor-resistant and compresses all the way down to stay your grimy clothes break free the remainder of your stuff.

I truly hate having all my stuff begin to scent like grimy garments a couple of days right into a go back and forth, so I admire the integrated laundry bag.

Built-in TSA Lock

July suitcases additionally include an built-in TSA lock to provide you with some further safety and peace of thoughts when you go back and forth. It’s constructed into the facet of the suitcase and locks the primary zipper so thieves can’t get in.

Touring is annoying sufficient. I really like being able to offer protection to my stuff with a bit bit of additional safety. It for sure isn’t foolproof—made up our minds thieves may nonetheless rip throughout the zipper—nevertheless it for sure provides some deterrence.

July Baggage Evaluation via Fashion

Lift-On

The July Lift-On is the emblem’s flagship product. It’s a easy carry-on bag that includes their upgraded building and minimalist design. 

This can be a lovely easy hardside carry-on suitcase, however with July’s upgraded building. It has exterior aluminum nook bumpers that build up the sturdiness and upload some visible pastime to the design.

You additionally get an ejectable battery financial institution beneath the take care of. That is a terrific characteristic for holding your telephone totally charged when you go back and forth.

All of July’s carry-ons are the easiest measurement for world go back and forth, which means you’ll take them on virtually any flight, anyplace on the earth. They have compatibility world measurement restrictions whilst nonetheless offering abundant packing room.

My greatest criticism is that it doesn’t have an exterior pocket. Even supposing it’s a more moderen development, I in my opinion put exterior wallet proper subsequent to the must-have class for a carry-on, as a result of I would like as a way to simply get admission to such things as electronics, passports, and books with no need to hold a separate bag. Monos does a perfect process with their Lift-On Professional line.

It’s lovely same old for hardside suitcases to forgo outdoor wallet (it’s simply extra sophisticated to construct), however I want the July Lift-On integrated one since their objective is to “convey higher design to how we go back and forth.” You’ll improve to the Lift-On Professional and get an exterior zippered sleeve, however I truly assume exterior wallet must be an ordinary characteristic for higher-end suitcases.

Lift-On Very important

The July Lift-On Very important is the dialed-back model of the July Lift-On suitcase. It cuts out the ejectable battery financial institution and doesn’t have exterior aluminum bumpers (although the corners are nonetheless strengthened with aluminum at the within).

I in truth choose the Lift-On Very important over the July Lift-On. It’s considerably inexpensive and virtually a complete pound lighter. Whilst the integrated battery financial institution is a to hand characteristic, I’d in my opinion moderately purchase a separate one (for much less cash). Plus, I’ve observed problems the aluminum nook bumpers appearing scratches and scuffs greater than polycarbonate, so I’d moderately no longer have the ones.

I believe this carry-on suitcase gives the most efficient of July’s upgraded design with out useless options that simply value extra.

Lift-On Professional

The July Lift-On Professional is for sure essentially the most purposeful carry-on in July’s lineup. It blends the design of the usual July Lift-On and the Very important, with an ejectable battery financial institution however no exterior steel bumpers.

The large distinction is the addition of a removable pc sleeve at the entrance of the case. This padded sleeve makes use of Fidlock magnetic clasps to simply snap off and on the entrance of the suitcase in seconds. It’s tremendous clean to make use of, and is best for detaching your pc sleeve to hold with you whilst hanging your suitcase within the overhead bin.

That is the most efficient resolution for wearing a pc in a suitcase that I’ve ever observed, arms down. Should you go back and forth so much for paintings and continuously wish to convey a pc on airplane flights, I believe the July Lift-On Professional is a terrific selection.

That mentioned, it isn’t rather as flexible as different hardside carry-on baggage that experience a hinged pocket as a substitute of a removable sleeve. It really works truly effectively for a pc, however isn’t rather perfect for different pieces.

Lift-On Mild

The July Lift-On Mild is essentially the most compact and minimalist July bag. Their objective was once to construct the lightest carry-on suitcase on the earth. They controlled to make this little hardside suitcase that weighs handiest 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, fabrics, take care of, and wheels are all a bit of lighter and not more sturdy. The most important problem is that the total capability is handiest 32 L (in comparison to 42 L in the usual carry-on.

Whilst the July Lift-On Mild is lovely cool for its sheer minimalism, I in my opinion assume it feels just a little too flimsy, and the diminished measurement is a huge downer. It’s superior if you wish to have absolutely the lightest bag, however I don’t assume there’s a lot excellent about it as opposed to that.

The July Lift-On Very important is a lot more robust and spacious, and it’s just a tad dearer.

Checked

The July Checked suitcase has the entire identical options and building because the July Lift-On, however in a bigger measurement for checked baggage. You get the similar polycarbonate shell, hidden laundry bag, built-in TSA lock, interior group, and minimalist design.

You don’t get the ejectable battery financial institution, however that’s no longer truly one thing you want in a checked bag anyway.

With 80L of garage, this giant suitcase has numerous room for longer journeys.

One great characteristic is that any July carry-on suitcase will nest completely within this giant bag (which in flip suits within the huge Checked Plus).

Checked Plus

The July Checked Plus is… you guessed it: a larger model of the Checked. Should you’re packing for a circle of relatives or touring for a longer time period, this huge 110 L case has room for the whole lot you want.

Lift-On Trunk

July’s line of trunk baggage is designed to provide the superior sturdiness and vintage genre of trunk-style circumstances with the entire trendy fabrics and upgrades of July’s same old baggage.

The July Lift-On Trunk is identical measurement because the vintage Lift-On, and it has the similar take care of, wheels, hidden laundry bag, ejectable battery, and group. The principle distinction is that as a substitute of the standard zipper opening, it has hinges and durable locking clasps. This makes this suitcase sturdier and extra protected than an ordinary suitcase.

You additionally get a special aesthetic with a glazed polycarbonate end that provides a surprising shiny glance. The issue is that through the years scuffs and scratches begin to damage the enchantment.

To be fair, I don’t assume there’s a lot explanation why to shop for the Lift-On Trunk. It’s far more dear than the standard Lift-On, it’s a complete pound heavier, and the shiny end is much less resilient.

Except you truly simply need one thing other, I’d keep on with the Lift-On or Lift-On Very important.

Checked Trunk

Whilst the Lift-On Trunk turns out utterly useless, the July Checked Trunk has so much going for it, and for particular use circumstances it can be the most efficient factor available in the market.

This can be a giant, heavy, bomb-proof polycarbonate field on wheels. It is extremely protected with the locking clasps, and it has lots of house.

The Checked Trunk is narrower and deeper than July’s checked suitcases, so I see it being a good selection if you must deliver cumbersome odd-shaped pieces (any person taking a tuba on their subsequent go back and forth?). It additionally gives lots of coverage for wearing extra fragile stuff.

July Baggage Equipment

Getting geared up for go back and forth calls for greater than only a suitcase. Thankfully, July additionally gives a variety of superior equipment to get you totally outfitted in your go back and forth. Listed below are a couple of of my favorites:

Tech Equipment

Keeping an eye on small digital pieces like cables, headphones, and chargers could be a problem. When touring I’m at all times wired that I’ll lose my telephone charger or headphones at the airplane or within the airport.

This little zippered case offers you a devoted position for the ones small, easy-to-lose pieces. With room for earbuds, chargers, cables, a USB battery financial institution, and a pen/stylus, you received’t have to fret about shedding anything else.

Packing Cells

I hate packing a suitcase. It doesn’t matter what I do, it at all times turns out adore it simply turns into a jumbled mess in the primary compartment. I’ve discovered that packing cubes can paintings wonders for organizing a chaotic mess in a suitcase.

Those zippered packing cubes are available an array of sizes to suit other pieces. They actually have a clear mesh entrance panel so it’s clean to peer what’s within. Plus, they’re 100% cleanable and stain-resistant, so it’s clean to stay them blank.

Baggage Covers

If you wish to stay your suitcase taking a look as excellent because the day you purchased it, a excellent set of baggage covers can cross far towards protective it from scratches and scuffs to your travels.

Those on-brand baggage covers are designed particularly to suit each and every measurement of July suitcase and give protection to it on either side. In addition they are available an enormous vary of a laugh colours and patterns so you’ll get one thing that may stand out at luggage declare.

July Baggage Choices

July vs Monos

Monos is a Canada-based go back and forth model that has so much in not unusual with July. Each purpose to provide luxury-level suitcases at extra approachable costs. Each construct minimum (however purposeful) polycarbonate suitcases. Each hit virtually similar value issues.

Should you’re in search of a hardside carry-on with an exterior pocket, I believe the Monos Lift-On Professional is a more sensible choice than the July Lift-On Professional for most of the people. It has an actual zippered pocket moderately than the removable sleeve of the July Lift-On Professional. It is only extra flexible all-around (although no longer rather as handy if you wish to have the best possible pc deliver gadget).

Rather then that, I believe it most commonly comes down to non-public choice and elegance. The options, capability, and worth of those two manufacturers could be very identical, however there are some aesthetic variations.

July vs Away

Away is among the maximum recognizable and disruptive startup baggage manufacturers, in large part as a result of their superior social media advertising and marketing. In addition they construct graceful polycarbonate suitcases.

In my enjoy, July gives higher efficiency and extra worth in your cash than Away. I’ve observed Away suitcase exhausting shells crack, whilst July’s are a lot more potent with the strengthened corners. July suitcases also are more cost effective and steadily lighter weight.

For more info, learn our complete Away Baggage assessment.

July vs Béis

Béis is any other small-ish model that’s fashionable amongst vacationers in search of trendy hardside baggage. The most important merit is that Béis suitcases are considerably more cost effective than July. Should you’re in search of a cast fine quality polycarbonate suitcase that offers you the most efficient bang in your greenback, Béis is a smart model to have a look at.

That mentioned, July suitcases nonetheless have the threshold in total high quality and sturdiness. Should you go back and forth ceaselessly and need a suitcase that may ultimate for years yet to come, July could also be the easier wager.

July Baggage FAQs