July Baggage Evaluation: Hype or Value It in 2023?

There’s loads of baggage on the market that’s, to be sincere, fairly subpar. I’ve seen loads of low cost manufacturing, poor supplies, and outright unhealthy design within the journey trade.

If you happen to’re on a quest to discover a suitcase that doesn’t suck, you will have come throughout July, an Aussie journey model who asserts that they’re right here to repair the damaged baggage trade. That’s a daring declare, so the query is that this: how do their merchandise measure up in real-world use?

I’ve traveled extensively the world over: from little cities in Europe to mountainside villages within the Himalayas to manufacturing hubs in Malaysia. Alongside the way in which, I’ve discovered a factor or two about what separates good suitcases from the remainder of the mediocre pack. I’ve pitted July’s fashions in opposition to among the greatest suitcases within the enterprise to see how they examine.

I’ll share with you what I discovered, how July suitcases carry out in real-world use, and break down the completely different fashions they provide. I’ll additionally offer you a couple of different manufacturers to take a look at.

July Baggage First Impressions

The very first thing that stands out to me with these suitcases is the clear minimalist aesthetic. I’m not a fan of ornate, frilly designs, and I like the streamlined look of those instances.

The match and end can also be spot-on at first inspection. The German polycarbonate shell feels easy and difficult, the deal with is sturdy, and the aluminum nook bumpers add an additional sense of high quality and sturdiness.

The largest standout function after I began these instances—particularly the July Carry-On—was the wheels. Just a few years again, I destroyed the wheels on two suitcases by dragging them throughout European cobblestone streets. Ever since then, I’ve been very cautious of suitcase wheel sturdiness. I are usually fairly skeptical of spinner wheels typically as a result of I’ve seen so many which might be cheaply made.

July’s wheels really feel very completely different from the standard low cost plastic ones that you just discover on finances suitcases. They’re larger than customary suitcase wheels and so they really feel approach stronger. July claims that their silent wheels can deal with the cobblestones of Europe, and primarily based on my first impression, I are inclined to agree.

Who’s July?

July is an up-and-coming Australia-based journey model that was based in 2018 with the mission “democratise unbreakable and lifelong design.”

For a journey startup, 2018 was a reasonably horrible time to begin, for the reason that pandemic hit simply as they have been starting to achieve momentum. The truth that July survived the lockdown interval and remains to be going robust is fairly spectacular.

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

As a class, the journey equipment trade is damaged; it’s usually make it as low cost as potential, utilizing a plethora of outlets and distributors to promote, and ignore all reference to the client. This leads to over-priced items offered with a brief product lifespan.

We’re right here to repair this.

That every one sounds fantastic, however many manufacturers use high-falutin language of their advertising and marketing information. These days, I discover myself fairly skeptical of claims that corporations make. There’s simply approach an excessive amount of bullshit on the market.

After I began to dig into the small print on July, I used to be shocked to search out that their self-proclaimed mission to repair the bags trade goes greater than surface-deep. They appear to be taking that dedication significantly.

The primary place I see proof for that is of their design course of. July began the design of their merchandise by studying hundreds of suitcase evaluations to search out the most typical complaints. Then they got down to design a suitcase and enterprise mannequin to repair probably the most issues they discovered.

Which will sound like a reasonably good (and perhaps even apparent) method, however I’ve labored as a product design engineer, and also you’d be shocked by what number of corporations construct merchandise with out precise perception into what individuals really want and wish.

July has additionally chosen to do a number of issues the more durable approach as a result of they needed to construct the very best product they might. For instance, moderately than utilizing customary wheels out there for baggage, they designed their very own wheels from the bottom up as a result of they couldn’t discover something that met their high quality expectations.

To sweeten the deal, July affords free delivery, a 100-day free returns coverage (with paid return delivery), and a powerful lifetime guarantee.

July Baggage Evaluation

Most of July’s suitcase fashions, from the compact July Carry-On to the large Checked Plus, have the identical supplies, development, and total design. The principle distinction is within the dimension.

For the primary a part of this assessment, I’ll concentrate on the frequent components and options throughout the whole vary. In order for you information on a selected suitcase, scroll all the way down to the “July Baggage Evaluation by Mannequin” part.

Supplies

Each July bag begins with a smooth polycarbonate shell. Polycarbonate has develop into the gold customary materials for useful, high-end suitcases as a result of it’s light-weight and difficult.

In July’s survey of suitcase evaluations and customary complaints, they discovered that the most important drawback areas for hardside suitcases have been the bends and corners. These areas are usually weakened throughout the thermoforming manufacturing course of, and so they take extra stress and impacts throughout use. Because of this, cracked corners and edges are pretty frequent with hardside baggage, even when it’s made with polycarbonate.

To resolve this, July improved the curved design on their suitcase edges and added anodized aluminum bumpers to the corners. The nook bumpers are a giant improve over customary suitcases, and never one thing you usually see on this worth vary.

Past the arduous shell, July instances are made with water- and stain-resistant lining material, powerful YKK zippers (the very best within the enterprise), and even leather-based trim detailing.

The fabric selections are very nicely thought-out and provides July baggage a premium really feel in addition to good sturdiness.

Aesthetic

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

I personally love the general look of those suitcases. It’s clear, streamlined, and understated. With a impartial colour, a July suitcase positively doesn’t stand out within the airport, but it surely seems skilled and refined.

If you happen to do desire a bit extra aptitude, they arrive in an superior array of colours, so you will get one thing that fits your character.

Group

One factor I’ve liked in regards to the July suitcases is the considerate group options on the within. I naturally wish to maintain issues organized and tidy, however that may be arduous after I’m dwelling out of a suitcase for weeks on finish. Every little thing appears to show right into a jumbled mess in some unspecified time in the future.

July suitcases have a zippered mesh divider on one aspect to maintain the whole lot separated and in place. On the opposite aspect, you could have July’s Y-strap compression system, which works a lot better than the strap compression you discover in most suitcases. You additionally get a hidden laundry bag product of the identical materials because the stain-resistant lining to maintain soiled garments separate.

General, the inside design could be very easy, however I’ve discovered that it really works fairly nicely. There are not any pointless frills to complicate issues and a very good quantity of separation.

I do personally want there have been one or two extra pockets for conserving small issues like electronics, books, and toiletries. It could be simple for July so as to add only a bit extra group to make these suitcases much more useful.

Sturdiness

Given the truth that July explicitly states their objective is to construct “unbreakable” suitcases, my expectations have been fairly excessive for the sturdiness of their suitcases.

Airline baggage handlers don’t have a popularity for being mild with baggage, and I’ve seen many suitcases come out of bags declare with cracks or tears. The aluminum-reinforced nook bumpers give me loads of confidence that the July Checked suitcases will survive the tough abuse.

Carry-on baggage can also take a beating throughout journey. The July Carry-On bag has confirmed impressively sturdy. It holds up nicely to being dragged throughout cities and stuffed into packed overhead bins (and perhaps by accident dropped out of them).

One factor to concentrate on is that the nook bumpers are more likely to present scuffing and put on over time. July makes use of a primary anodize coating for the aluminum. Whereas that’s pretty sturdy, with sufficient use you’ll in all probability see scratches that undergo the anodized colour to indicate the naked aluminum beneath. It isn’t useful, however remember that these instances might begin to look beat up after a number of journeys.

Worth

Let’s face it: if you’re searching for a brand new suitcase, worth goes to be one of many prime concerns (if it isn’t, do you wish to commerce funds?). I at all times suggest investing a bit more money on gear that can final, however I additionally wish to get the very best bang for my buck. If one thing prices extra, I wish to know why, and I need it to be price the fee.

July affords suitcases with loads of premium options like polycarbonate shells, aluminum nook bumpers, and ball-bearing wheels. They do all this whereas conserving their costs a lot decrease than luxurious manufacturers like RIMOWA, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi.

If you happen to’re on a good finances, you possibly can positively discover succesful and sturdy suitcases for considerably much less money, however if you would like that luxury-level development, aesthetic, and high quality, July suitcases have unbelievable worth for the cash.

July Baggage Options

Now that we’ve coated the fundamentals, let’s dive into the particular options provided in July suitcases. From ejectable battery banks to a wise compression system, the designers paid loads of consideration to the small print of every suitcase.

360-Diploma Spinner Wheels

When July couldn’t discover spinner wheels available on the market that match their top quality requirements, they determined to design their very own easy wheels from the bottom up. Their ultimate design options double wheels which might be larger than customary suitcase wheels and use stainless-steel ball bearings for simple rolling and sturdiness.

These silent wheels are tremendous quiet and simple to maneuver, and they’re much stronger. I usually am a much bigger fan of two-wheeled suitcases, however these are among the solely spinner wheels I’d belief for frequent journey.

Y-Strap Compression System

July’s Y-strap compression system features a compression pad that you just place over your packed belongings and two Y-shaped compression straps that cinch down excessive to offer you extra space. 

The compression straps in July instances are approach higher than the standard flimsy straps you discover on most suitcases. I don’t discover these to be very useful, however July’s straps are thick, robust, and well-placed to essentially tighten down your load.

Bonus? The compression pad has a mesh pocket built-in that’s excellent for smaller objects.

Hidden Laundry Bag

All July suitcases include a hidden laundry bag that’s odor-resistant and compresses all the way down to maintain your soiled clothes separate from the remainder of your stuff.

I actually hate having all my stuff begin to scent like soiled garments a couple of days into a visit, so I recognize the built-in laundry bag.

Built-in TSA Lock

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

Touring is anxious sufficient. I like being able to guard my stuff with a bit of bit of additional safety. It positively isn’t foolproof—decided thieves might nonetheless rip by way of the zipper—but it surely positively provides some deterrence.

July Baggage Evaluation by Mannequin

	July Carry-On	Carry-On Important	Carry-On Professional	Carry-On Mild	Checked	Checked Plus	Carry-On Trunk	Checked Trunk
Exterior Dimensions	21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″	21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″	21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″	21.25″ x 14.25″ × 7.5″	26″ x 18.75″ x 11″	30.25″ x 19.75″ x 12.5″	21.5” H x 14.75” W x 8.75” D	28.25” H x 16.5” W x 14.5” D
Weight	7.4 lbs	6.6 lbs	7.9 lbs	3.9 lbs	8.3 lbs	10.5 lbs	8.4 lbs	13.2 lbs
Capability	42 L	42 L	42 L	32 L	80 L	110 L	42 L	95 L

Carry-On

The July Carry-On is the model’s flagship product. It’s a easy carry-on bag that options their upgraded development and minimalist design. 

This can be a fairly simple hardside carry-on suitcase, however with July’s upgraded development. It has exterior aluminum nook bumpers that improve the sturdiness and add some visible curiosity to the design.

You additionally get an ejectable battery financial institution underneath the deal with. That is an superior function for conserving your cellphone absolutely charged when you journey.

All of July’s carry-ons are the right dimension for worldwide journey, that means you possibly can take them on virtually any flight, wherever on the planet. They match worldwide dimension restrictions whereas nonetheless offering ample packing room.

My greatest criticism is that it doesn’t have an exterior pocket. Despite the fact that it’s a more moderen pattern, I personally put exterior pockets proper subsequent to the must-have class for a carry-on, as a result of I need to have the ability to simply entry issues like electronics, passports, and books with out having to hold a separate bag. Monos does an incredible job with their Carry-On Professional line.

It’s fairly customary for hardside suitcases to forgo outdoors pockets (it’s simply extra difficult to construct), however I want the July Carry-On included one since their objective is to “convey higher design to how we journey.” You possibly can improve to the Carry-On Professional and get an exterior zippered sleeve, however I actually assume exterior pockets ought to be a normal function for higher-end suitcases.

Carry-On Important

The July Carry-On Important is the dialed-back model of the July Carry-On suitcase. It cuts out the ejectable battery financial institution and doesn’t have exterior aluminum bumpers (although the corners are nonetheless bolstered with aluminum on the within).

I truthfully favor the Carry-On Important over the July Carry-On. It’s considerably cheaper and virtually a full pound lighter. Whereas the built-in battery financial institution is a useful function, I’d personally moderately purchase a separate one (for much less cash). Plus, I’ve seen points the aluminum nook bumpers exhibiting scratches and scuffs greater than polycarbonate, so I’d moderately not have these.

I feel this carry-on suitcase affords the very best of July’s upgraded design with out pointless options that simply price extra.

Carry-On Professional

The July Carry-On Professional is unquestionably probably the most useful carry-on in July’s lineup. It blends the design of the usual July Carry-On and the Important, with an ejectable battery financial institution however no exterior metallic bumpers.

The massive distinction is the addition of a removable laptop computer sleeve on the entrance of the case. This padded sleeve makes use of Fidlock magnetic clasps to simply snap on and off the entrance of the suitcase in seconds. It’s tremendous simple to make use of, and is ideal for detaching your laptop computer sleeve to hold with you whereas placing your suitcase within the overhead bin.

That is the very best resolution for carrying a laptop computer in a suitcase that I’ve ever seen, palms down. If you happen to journey loads for work and consistently have to convey a laptop computer on airplane flights, I feel the July Carry-On Professional is an superior selection.

That stated, it isn’t fairly as versatile as different hardside carry-on baggage which have a hinged pocket as an alternative of a removable sleeve. It really works very well for a laptop computer, however isn’t fairly excellent for different objects.

Carry-On Mild

The July Carry-On Mild is probably the most compact and minimalist July bag. Their objective was to construct the lightest carry-on suitcase on the planet. They managed to make this little hardside suitcase that weighs solely 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, supplies, deal with, and wheels are all a bit lighter and fewer sturdy. The largest draw back is that the general capability is barely 32 L (in comparison with 42 L in the usual carry-on.

Whereas the July Carry-On Mild is fairly cool for its sheer minimalism, I personally assume it feels only a bit too flimsy, and the lowered dimension is a giant downer. It’s superior if you would like absolutely the lightest bag, however I don’t assume there’s a lot good about it aside from that.

The July Carry-On Important is far more sturdy and spacious, and it’s solely a tad costlier.

Checked

The July Checked suitcase has all the identical options and development because the July Carry-On, however in a bigger dimension for checked baggage. You get the identical polycarbonate shell, hidden laundry bag, built-in TSA lock, inner group, and minimalist design.

You don’t get the ejectable battery financial institution, however that’s not likely one thing you want in a checked bag anyway.

With 80L of storage, this huge suitcase has loads of room for longer journeys.

One good function is that any July carry-on suitcase will nest completely inside this huge bag (which in flip suits inside the large Checked Plus).

Checked Plus

The July Checked Plus is… you guessed it: a much bigger model of the Checked. If you happen to’re packing for a household or touring for an prolonged time frame, this monumental 110 L case has room for the whole lot you want.

Carry-On Trunk

July’s line of trunk baggage is designed to supply the superior sturdiness and traditional type of trunk-style instances with all the fashionable supplies and upgrades of July’s customary baggage.

The July Carry-On Trunk is identical dimension because the traditional Carry-On, and it has the identical deal with, wheels, hidden laundry bag, ejectable battery, and group. The principle distinction is that as an alternative of the conventional zipper opening, it has hinges and durable locking clasps. This makes this suitcase sturdier and safer than a normal suitcase.

You additionally get a unique aesthetic with a glazed polycarbonate end that provides a surprising shiny look. The issue is that over time scuffs and scratches begin to wreck the attraction.

To be sincere, I don’t assume there’s a lot purpose to purchase the Carry-On Trunk. It’s far more costly than the conventional Carry-On, it’s a full pound heavier, and the shiny end is much less resilient.

Except you actually simply need one thing completely different, I’d stick to the Carry-On or Carry-On Important.

Checked Trunk

Whereas the Carry-On Trunk appears completely pointless, the July Checked Trunk has loads going for it, and for particular use instances it could be the very best factor on the market.

This can be a huge, heavy, bomb-proof polycarbonate field on wheels. It is rather safe with the locking clasps, and it has tons of area.

The Checked Trunk is narrower and deeper than July’s checked suitcases, so I see it being a good selection if it’s a must to carry cumbersome odd-shaped objects (anybody taking a tuba on their subsequent journey?). It additionally affords tons of safety for carrying extra fragile stuff.

July Baggage Equipment

Getting outfitted for journey requires greater than only a suitcase. Happily, July additionally affords a spread of superior equipment to get you absolutely equipped in your journey. Listed here are a couple of of my favorites:

Tech Package

Holding monitor of small digital objects like cables, headphones, and chargers could be a problem. When touring I’m at all times confused that I’ll lose my cellphone charger or headphones on the airplane or within the airport.

This little zippered case offers you a devoted place for these small, easy-to-lose objects. With room for earbuds, chargers, cables, a USB battery financial institution, and a pen/stylus, you received’t have to fret about dropping something.

Packing Cells

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

These zippered packing cubes are available in an array of sizes to suit completely different objects. Additionally they have a clear mesh entrance panel so it’s simple to see what’s inside. Plus, they’re 100% washable and stain-resistant, so it’s simple to maintain them clear.

Baggage Covers

If you wish to maintain your suitcase trying pretty much as good because the day to procure it, a very good set of baggage covers can go a good distance towards defending it from scratches and scuffs in your travels.

These on-brand baggage covers are designed particularly to suit each dimension of July suitcase and defend it on all sides. Additionally they are available in an enormous vary of enjoyable colours and patterns so you will get one thing that can stand out at baggage declare.

July Baggage Alternate options

July vs Monos

Monos is a Canada-based journey model that has loads in frequent with July. Each purpose to supply luxury-level suitcases at extra approachable costs. Each construct minimal (however useful) polycarbonate suitcases. Each hit virtually equivalent worth factors.

If you happen to’re searching for a hardside carry-on with an exterior pocket, I feel the Monos Carry-On Professional is a more sensible choice than the July Carry-On Professional for most individuals. It has an actual zippered pocket moderately than the removable sleeve of the July Carry-On Professional. It’s simply extra versatile all-around (although not fairly as handy if you would like the very best laptop computer carry system).

Aside from that, I feel it largely comes down to non-public choice and elegance. The options, performance, and worth of those two manufacturers could be very related, however there are some aesthetic variations.

July vs Away

Away is likely one of the most recognizable and disruptive startup baggage manufacturers, largely due to their superior social media advertising and marketing. Additionally they construct smooth polycarbonate suitcases.

In my expertise, July affords higher efficiency and extra worth in your cash than Away. I’ve seen Away suitcase arduous shells crack, whereas July’s are a lot stronger with the bolstered corners. July suitcases are additionally cheaper and infrequently lighter weight.

For extra data, learn our full Away Baggage assessment.

July vs Béis

Béis is one other small-ish model that’s well-liked amongst vacationers searching for fashionable hardside baggage. The largest benefit is that Béis suitcases are considerably cheaper than July. If you happen to’re searching for a strong high-quality polycarbonate suitcase that provides you the very best bang in your buck, Béis is a superb model to have a look at.

That stated, July suitcases nonetheless have the sting in total high quality and sturdiness. If you happen to journey regularly and desire a suitcase that can final for years to return, July often is the higher wager.

July Baggage FAQs