This Is the Only Luggage Brand You Should Be Buying

As someone who travels fairly often, I’ve never put too much thought into my luggage. My travel outfit? Absolutely. It has to equal parts comfy and stylish. But as far as my packing gear was concerned, I relied on a standard suitcase and an old backpack — until recently I upped my luggage game and flying will never be the same again.

At first glance, Calpak luggage stands out for one simple reason: It’s impossibly chic. The original brand behind the elegant and eye-catching marbled bag, its offering now includes rose gold trunks and rainbow carryons with gold handles. But unzip your Calpak luggage and you’ll immediately see why it's first class.

Each piece of Calpak equipment is designed with function at top of mind — without sacrificing on aesthetics. And if you’re buying one piece, you’re going to want to grab the entire line: Each item, from the large suitcase to the carryon to the backpack down to the wallet and the luggage tag, is made with all of the others in mind, creating a system of vessels that all fit seamlessly to into one another and work perfectly in tandem. 

But here’s the very best part and the reason I’m 100 percent sold: the price point. Try to find any other suitcase that’s even comparably chic and convenient, and you’ll be shelling out at least twice the cash. Calpak runs only $135 for the 22-inch carryon and $385 for a 3-piece luggage set, while other well-known brands will charge you $245 for just the carryon. 

Read on to learn about the five items every traveler should have in her arsenal.

The Astyll carryon may appear like any other stylish hardshell multi-directional spinner with TSA-approved combination lock, but here’s what sets it apart: Every element has a dual function. For example, the zippered divider that keeps belongings secured in the larger compartment also has two elastic accessory pockets (perfect for a pair of shoes or two) and another zippered mesh pocket (for odds and ends like your phone charger and sunglasses). On the exterior, the top and side handles are cushioned, and if you think that sounds like an unnecessary feature, try lifting a heavy bag with cushioned handles and you’ll feel the difference. Here’s what it doesn’t have that many other fancy hard shells do: a phone charger, and let me tell you why that’s a good thing. The fact that it doesn't have a battery (which, BTW, many airlines are banning) keeps the bag extra lightweight and gives the main compartment more storage space. But don’t think Calpak forgot about your dying phone. The brand makes a phone-charging luggage tag you’re definitely going to want (more on that below).

If you're going on an extended trip, Calpak's checked luggage set will be your best friend. Lightweight and super durable at the same time, these hardshell bags have one game-changing feature normally reserved for their softer counter parts: expanding sides. Trust me, if you're an over-packer like me, expandibility makes all the difference. All the fun features from the Astyll carryon — the zippered dividers, the accessory pockets, the cushioned handles — are also present in her larger sisters, making this trio a must-have for anyone with a case of wanderlust. 

If there ever was an absolutely perfect travel backpack (especially for lap top-carriers), this is it. Given the fact that it's so stunning visually (that stitching!), you might miss all the genius functional features, so let me break them down. No.1: there's a strap on the back that hooks the backpack onto the handle of your rolling suitcase. Game-changer. No.2: Instead of including the laptop slip pocket in the main compartment, this bag has a completely separate laptop compartment with it's own zipper. So, can you take your laptop out of the backpack and put it right back in without having to reshuffle any of the other things you've packed. Perfection.

Among the reasons to invest in this travel-friendly wallet: a handy slot for your passport, zip-around closure for extra security, two detachable strap options that allow the wallet to turn into a clutch or a crossbody bag, and three chic colorways including black, sky blue, and blush.

Clip this beauty on to any of your bags to give your phone extra juice on the go.