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Since launching in 2012, luxury luggage brand Carl Friedrik’s beautiful, high-quality Italian leather bags and accessories have won over countless stylish travellers. The brand’s signature polycarbonate shells, leather details and durable, unfussy designs make each piece of luggage a quiet luxury hero. Case in point: You might have spotted discerning characters such as the Roy family in HBO’s Succession or the boys in The Gentleman using the brand's minimalist cases on screen.
A lifetime warranty on all pieces quashes notions of style over substance, too, ensuring superior functionality for years to come. But with an ever-growing range of leather goods, suitcases, and travel essentials comes the need for a steer on the best buys – and we’re the ones in the know. This is the suitcase brand of choice for multiple Condé Nast Traveller editors, and we’re sharing our knowledge of how these pieces have performed on their travels to help you.
Below are the five key Carl Friedrik luggage pieces that are worth it, for all your long weekends away, far-flung summer holidays and business overnighters. Shop the full edit on the brand's website, or read on for our picks.
Carl Friedrik Core Carry-on
A lot of suitcases come across our desk at Condé Nast Traveller, but few have such a presence. For those seeking a suitcase with real allure, this one is hard to beat. Leather trims, a streamlined body, hinomoto wheels and a smart ribbed finish work together to create something really lovely. All the Carl Friedrik hallmarks are in situ – a quality build, silent spinner wheels, brushed interior lining and polycarbonate shell – but the original carry-on luggage design has been given a couple of tweaks that some travellers may find useful.
Most notable is that the clasp closure has been switched for a more classic zipper, which overpackers may find easier to close. It’s also the lightest carry-on bag in the range, yet – although for this, you do lose an external pocket. Look below for our Carl Friedrik Carry-On X review if this feature is non-negotiable. But for a quality, lightweight suitcase that looks the part, this is a great choice.
According to our editors: “I honestly think this is one of the most elegant hard shell cases on the market, with a build quality to match. This hard-sided carry-on switches the brand’s usual clasp-style lock for a zip, which I prefer; it’s much easier to close when full than the clasp cases I’ve used. The suitcase is easy to handle, and the soft suede-like brushed finish inside is lovely – I’ve never seen anything like it in any other piece of luggage. I have the cream option, which is very stylish but prone to scuffs. Go for a darker colour if you want to fully preserve its chic look for as long as possible.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
Pros: Zipped design may be preferable to a clasp, smart design,and cheaper than the brand’s original carry-on
Cons: No external pocket
Size: 37 x 55 x 23cm
Weight: 3.16kg
Carl Friedrik Carry-on X
We can see why Succession's Roy family was swayed by this – this case especially is a good option for business travellers. That goes all the more so when you’re not jetting off in a helicopter, as the front pocket is seriously handy for keeping your essentials ready to decant them into the security tray. Compression straps and a compression pad ensure you can squeeze as much in as possible – this carry-on should work for trips of up to five days. Hinotomo wheels, a polycarbonate shell and TSA-approved locks ensure it’ll withstand any bumps and scuffs and handles impressively smoothly. This case is zipper-free, instead secured with an aluminium lock frame, which you may or may not prefer.
According to our editors: “I travel regularly with the Carry-on X style, and love the way it looks and navigates. The organisational pockets are really well thought out and designed. What really sets the brand apart is the aluminium lock frame, which feels incredibly safe and secure, although it can be a little tricky to lock in place if the case is really full. Nonetheless, this case has accompanied me on well over 20 trips now, and I’ve never had any issues." Sophie Knight, visuals editor
Pros: Smart, spacious, front pocket
Cons: Can be tricky to lock when very full
Size: 38 x 57 x 27cm
Weight: 4.3kg
Carl Friedrik Hybrid Trunk
While some large check-in cases offer a 50/50 split, Carl Friedrik’s first trunk has an 80/20 split, allowing plenty of space for bulky items. The three complimentary packing cubes, upper zipped pocket and internal dividers are a welcome addition, helping to keep your packing organised in the cavernous space. This is one sturdy case, with a German-engineered Makrolon® shell, aluminium frame, and TSA-approved locks, making it a great lifetime investment. You can also choose your preferred colour for the Vachetta leather accents – black (very 007), chocolate (classic), or cognac (for a brighter pop).
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Editor review: I recently used this case on a luxury train trip around Italy. While only a five-day trip, it required multiple outfit changes to cover a wide range of activities – we had boat trips in Portofino and luxurious dinners in Venice on the cards — and as we were travelling during the off-season, I needed to bring multiple coats to be prepared for all weather conditions. With four deep, roomy compartments, this case comfortably fit everything in with plenty of room to spare, and the included packing cubes (not something I’ve seen before in any suitcase, adding some value for money) made it easy to keep everything organised. I appreciated this as, given I was staying on a sleeper train rather than in a hotel, unpacking wasn’t really feasible. The polycarbonate shell is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre and the square trunk shape worked far better than a regular-shaped suitcase for train travel, as it was much easier to slot into a tight space in my compact cabin. On a style level, it’s totally befitting of a spell on the Orient Express, with its leather trims and scuff-friendly deep grey body – it came away from the trip looking good as new. Lucy Bruton, social media manager
Pros: The 80/20 split offers a huge amount of room in one extra-deep compartment.
Cons: This is a heavier trunk than others, weighing in at 6.2kg.
Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender
We’ve also used the brand’s chic-as-you-like compact weekender. Compact is the word here – it is on the smaller side, working more as an overnighter than a weekend bag unless you forgo bringing additional shoes. We like it most as a smart under-seat cabin bag. Provided you don’t fill it to the brim, it will suit most UK airlines, and there’s space for all your onboard essentials, laptop and an outfit change. The biggest draw is its handsome appearance; the leather straps and understated styling make it one of the most sophisticated options we’ve found.
Dimensions: W46 x H28 x D18cm
Features: Two interior pockets, wide zipped pocket; external slip pocket
Carl Friedrik The Packing Cubes
These packing cubes are as sleek as you’d expect from Carl Friedrik, designed specifically to fit inside the brand’s carry-on cases. They’re sold in sets of four, with cubes sized for trousers, tops, underwear and shoes. These win bonus points for their sustainability credentials – they’re made from 100% recycled PET plastic; not something that all of our favourite packing cubes offer.
According to our editors: I was initially dubious of packing cubes, as I couldn’t see what benefit they’d add. Surely they’d just add more bulk to the case, if anything? However, I’m now a convert, as it keeps my suitcase so much more organised than before. They fit perfectly into my Carry-on X suitcase, and the mesh top keeps it easy to see exactly what’s where. I use the biggest for bulkier items like jumpers and trousers, one for t-shirts and thinner pieces, one as a toiletry bag, and the smallest for underwear. Sophie Knight, senior visuals editor
Pros: Made from 100% recycled PET plastic, mesh tops
Cons: Only available in set of four, not compressible