Have you ever considered buying the Carl Friedrik Check-In luggage? Here’s what we think about it and whether you should buy it or not.
A piece of luggage can make or break your travel experience. Luggage that doesn’t move smoothly through the airport is a total pain. So is luggage that is so heavy that you’re constantly repacking at the ticket desk so you don’t have to pay overweight fees. As an admitted overpacker, I have been in both situations more than I’d like to count.
A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to try and give a review on the Carl Friedrik Carry-On X. If you haven’t read it (and you should), the recap is that I absolutely loved it. It was lightweight, easy to pack and had ample space in the plane’s overhead compartment. So when Carl Friedrik allowed me to trial the Carry-On X’s larger sibling, the Large Check-In, I jumped at the chance.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In to determine whether it’s the right luggage for you.
A Little Bit About Carl Friedrik
Before diving into the review, let’s chat about the Carl Friedrik brand. The brand’s mission is to ensure that its customers have a smooth travel experience. One way to accomplish this is through elevated, luxurious travel goods—bags, luggage and accessories that are reliable and worry-free.
Aside from the aesthetic, Carl Friedrik believes in the longevity of their products. They should “perform over a lifetime’s worth of journeys.” Therefore, they only use the most premium materials combined with meticulous attention to detail. This combination gives you durable luggage that looks great, too, so you always look like your best self on the go.
The Check-In: My First Impressions
Since Carl Friedrik previously sent the Carry-On X, I knew what to expect in terms of packaging. Of course, it did not disappoint. The Check-In came packaged in a durable cardboard box and secured in a Carl Friedrik dust bag. The dust bag is excellent for storing your bag between travels.
The size really took me aback. This is likely because the bags I have sampled lately have been carry-on size or less. It really is a big piece of luggage–after all, it is called the Large Check-In. Next, I became enamored by the color. Typically, I prefer matching luggage, but there was something striking about the cream and brown color combination. It stands out in a sea of black bags, but not in an alarming neon kind of way. You’ll easily be able to find your bag as it comes off the conveyor belt.
Last, it’s unbelievably light, considering its size. We’ll cover this again later, but it measures 20.1” by 29.9” by 11”. It’s incredibly light due to its German-engineered Makrolon polycarbonate shell. It’s really the best of both worlds—durable and featherweight.
How the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In Packs
My last review was titled “ Packing Everything and the Kitchen Sink…” I should have saved that title for the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In review. Seriously, I packed both my and my husband’s things for our week-long travel.
One of the things I particularly like about this particular bag is the two separate zippered compartments. I have found that, typically, luggage brands have one zippered compartment and one open compartment with a belt-like closure. Personally, I prefer the two zippered compartments to keep things compressed and separate. You can also use one for clean clothes or new travel purchases and the other for dirty clothes as your trip comes to an end. CF equips both zippered compartments with an exterior zipper pocket. It’s great for keeping things like socks, underwear, ties, etc.
Here’s what I packed for a 5-day trip to Las Vegas:
- Six different outfits
- Swimsuit and coverup
- Dopp kit
- Undergarments
- Two pairs of shoes
- Shark Flexstyle hair dryer/styler and its attachments
- Plus, everything for my spouse!
The large Check-In packed everything we needed and gave me room for extras I picked up on the trip. I was able to keep everything organized and neat, which is always a plus! If you need extra organization, Carl Friedrik also offers mesh packing cubes.
As a side note, I’m a parent of three kids. While I like this luggage for my travels, I also like this bag for their needs. Packing one bag for travel is easiest, and I can keep their things separate and organized.
How Did the Check-In Fare While Checked In?
After I chose the Sand/Chocolate colorway, I was most concerned about how it would hold up when checked in. It’s no secret that bags are often not handled with care at the airport. Plus, with all the conveyor belts and plane belly, I imagined the bag getting destroyed. I once had a pink canvas luggage that was SO dirty after its first trip.
Much to my surprise, the bag held up very well. Sure, it gained a few marks, but nothing I couldn’t take care of with a warm wash rag and Dawn dish soap. Now, it looks brand new again. So, if you’re interested in this color combo but on the fence, I suggest you do it. You won’t regret it!
Key Features of the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In Luggage
If you’re wondering about the key features of the CF Large Check-In luggage, I have you covered. Before making your purchase, you’ll find everything you need to know about it right here.
- Size: 20.1” (W) x 29.9” (H) x 11” (D)
- Weight and volume capacity: 11 pounds empty and 90.9 L
- Dual-zip TSA-approved locks – this is a great feature because they are built-in and don’t protrude.
- 360-degree Hinomoto silent spinner wheels that provide a smooth, effortless push or pull.
- Two separate zippered compartments with zipper pockets.
- Leather detailing that provides an elevated aesthetic and texture.
Should You Buy The Carl Friedrik Large Check-In?
The more time I spend with Carl Friedrik products, the bigger fan I become. Their products look sophisticated and sleek, and they carry so nicely. Both of my Carl Friedrik bags maneuver well through the airport and pack a lot of things in an organized manner.
The Carl Friedrik bag is quite large, almost too large for the kind of traveling I do. If you’re a weekend jet setter, something like the Carry-On X or even the standard Check-In might be a better bet. However, if you travel abroad for weeks at a time AND you are an over-packer like myself, you’ll love the Carl Friedrik Large Check-In.
Seriously, if you’re debating a different piece of luggage, don’t. Carl Friedrik has everything you need in a polished, streamlined package.
Which Carl Friedrik bag is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
