The Case For Going Carry-On Only
If you're travelling, just keep walking
I RECALL CAREENING CLUMSILY TOWARDS THE entry gates. The terminal would be bursting at the seams. One half of my body used up in manoeuvring the unwieldy luggage trolley. After two incorrect dashes at the right check-in counter, I’d discover my queue to be a 30-foot anaconda stuffed in a 25-foot crocodile’s mouth. The damned check-in suitcase. The two suits in there were two too many.
The realisation that my thirties have brought is that among the few actually joyful luxuries of modern travel is not having to fuss over luggage. I don’t have to just throw everything in there—I’m not a teenager. I’m a sexy five-foot-something who’s got better things to fuss over than go mad looking for my neon glasses that I might need to wear at that sundowner.
There’s nothing a mid-size carry-on will not take care of. Why, carry three pairs of clothing instead of six (don’t skimp on laundry, you stingy weasel). Invest in a vacuum sealer. Stuff socks inside your footwear, roll up your T-shirts. And your suede Chelseas? They don’t need to go everywhere with you.
The thing is, going check-in baggage-free has got everything to do with attitude. Self-assuredness over nervous wreckage. The swagger of just you and your trusty overnighter against the world, like Clint Eastwood and his mule in the Dollars trilogy. And that formidable silver trunk bearing the weathered witnesses of travels past? It’s a thing of, well, the past. Just Marie Kondo it—and walk out of the terminal without the buzzkill baggage belt stopover. You’ll be a different guy.
Our picks:
Rimowa Classic Cabin
Sturdiness meets heritage craftsmanship. Anodised aluminium, leather finish for the handles. A signature Multiwheel System, TSA-approved locks and adjustable Flex Divider make this an instant Esquire pick.
Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-On
This sleek polycarbonate overnighter comes with an anti-scratch pocket for your iPad and spare phone. An expansion system allows about 4cm of extra space. So don’t fret about slipping in that Rushdie you were reading.
TUMI 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On
The sculpted contours make it perfect for those who travel in style. A built-in USB-C charging port, integrated TSA lock, 3-stage telescoping handle and the TUMI Tracer feature to recover lost bags among other specs.
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