Let’s face it—everyone has a carry-on bag that suits them. Whether it’s a four-wheeled or two-wheeled roller bag, a duffel, or a backpack, we’ve all figured out what bag we prefer to keep close to us in the cabin of an airplane. But when it comes to checked bags, I’m constantly getting people asking me for advice.
I carry-on when I can, but when it comes to an extended trip or one that’s extremely gear-intensive and I need to bring a lot of different things, I’m all for checking my bag. On a recent trip to Alaska, my family and I used the July Checked Plus bag, and I think it’s my husband’s new favorite piece of luggage.
The bag is made with 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate and has a curved eggshell design that minimizes damage and optimizes function. The exterior also has anodized aluminum bumpers for extra protection on hard drops.
The 110-liter size of the Checked Plus bag is ideal for extended trips when you can’t pack everything into a carry-on. The SilentMove 360° spinner wheels are extremely quiet, but solid enough to handle cobblestones without falling apart. They also have a lifetime guarantee that covers any defect.
The Y-Strap Compression System provides a heavy-duty strap that pulls down to create more space in your case. All the lining is stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry too much about accidental spills. And each case includes a hidden laundry bag that compresses down to keep worn items hidden.
The multi-stop telescopic handles make it easier to tailor the height to one you prefer. The handle’s soft-touch rubber makes it comfortable to hold for extended trips between the parking garage and the airport. There’s also an integrated TSA lock.
The Checked Plus comes in sand, moss (pictured), forest, Navy, shadow lavender, charcoal, monochrome, and clay (as well as limited edition colors of dark burgundy and red), and lists for $345 on the July site. Get your bag personalized for an additional $50.