July Luggage Reviewed: My Ultimate Carry On Setup For 2024

At a time when checking a bag is becoming less and less appealing, being armed with the best carry-on suitcase can seriously upgrade your travel experience. The problem is that most of the big-name suitcases are barely functional, break easily and are typically garbage.

If you’ve been on a quest to find a suitcase that isn’t awful, no doubt you would have heard of July, an Australian luggage brand that was created to fix the broken luggage industry. The brand was created by friends and frequent travellers Athan Didaskalou and Richard Li, who were sick of boring suitcases in drab colours that were easily damaged and uncomfortable to wheel.

I have personally travelled with July products for several years, long before being asked to test their latest products, and have purchased an embarrassing number of their cases during that time. I’ve also learned a thing or two about mediocre carry-ons, which will get the job done, but are nowhere near as nice to use when you are moving around every couple of days.

Today July’s popularity is skyrocketing, with five physical stores plus another two in the works, alongside respectable brand partnerships including being appointed as the luggage supplier for the Australian Olympic team during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

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Tip: Save on your new suitcase with our July discount codes!

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Each July suitcase comes with a 100-day returns policy and a lifetime warranty, plus free shipping and returns for all Australian customers. There’s also an option to get your July personalised, although this does add delivery time and will void the 100-day returns policy.

July Carry On Pro Trunk

One of July’s latest products is the Carry On Pro Trunk. The case came packed in a sturdy box and wrapped in a branded cloth bag, which can be used to protect your case when stored at home.

At the time of writing, the ‘pro’ version of the Carry On Trunk has only four colours to choose from, but like all July bags, the colourways are exciting and well crafted. If you’re not after the front pocket (more on that below), the standard version comes in nine colours, including three which are limited edition productiuons. I chose the ‘Deep Green’ Pro Trunk, with Grey personalisation added on the top. Remember, this adds shipping time and voids 100-day returns for a change of mind, but you will still be covered by a lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults.

The case features a heritage trunk-style design, with modern fittings. I have to agree with July that the glossy German polycarbonate finish is “delicious”, but will also add that it is rather static and scratches easily. I don’t mind scratches as these show a case that’s seen the world, but I’m not a fan of dust and fingerprints clinging to the exterior. However, July does include a spot-cleaning sponge to remove any scuff marks.

The hard exterior is incredibly strong, with an anodised aluminium frame adding support. If I was checking in, I’d be confident enough to let the baggage handlers do their worst.

The main drawcard of the Pro Trunk level-up is the zippered front pocket, which easily fits my laptop as well as a few charging cords and other accessories I keep at hand. There is no lock on the front compartment, but that’s not an issue unless you regularly walk off on your case. I wouldn’t fill this compartment if checking-in, but that says more about airlines than July.

An ejectable power bank is accessed below the handle and is equipped with two USB-A ports, USB-C and Micro USB. It’s also capable of fast charging, and with 10,000mAh of power, able to charge modern phones two or even three times from flat.

Spinner wheels and a 20-height adjustable telescopic handle allow the case to glide beside you with ease. Even jam-packed over the airline limit, my case feels light and manoeuvrable beside me.

Zipperless access is achieved by two TSA-approved latch locks, which are pretty strong and feel like they’d win against most drops. Inside, the Carry On Pro Trunk is lined with a water and stain resistant nylon lining that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, in case you forget to bag your wet budgie smugglers. I love the black material, which feels premium and is subtly branded.

One half features July’s Y-Strap compression system to help cram in a few extra outfits, with the other secured with pull tabs. Each has a zipped compartment on top, perfect for small items or travel documents.

When closing the case, simply fold it over and push down to lock the latches. The interior netting aims to prevent items from falling out when you do this, but still check that the edge is clear of any straps or clothing that will prevent a tight seal and the latches from engaging.

I do wish July was able to make the Carry On Pro Trunk a little lighter, as 4.5kg empty doesn’t leave much room if you’re the sort of person who prefers not to risk an overweight bag charge. Apart from that, it’s a near-perfect case.

July Daybreak Backpack

The Daybreak Backpack comes in three colourways, with my choice being ‘French Navy’. The bag is made from a water-resistant cotton twill that’s beautifully textured. Leather trims and silver fasteners add a certain luxurious simplicity to the design, with the Vanchetta leather option to naturally patina over time.

There are two bottle holders and a zippered pocket on the exterior for anything you need quick access to. The bucket design features a quick metal fastener and magnetic closure to offer security without annoying zippers. If you need more space, simply loosen the front strap to increase the interior volume.

The cream interior ensures I don’t lose small items at the bottom of the backpack, which would ideally be stored in the zippered interior pocket. A large open pocket is perfect for a laptop, with two smaller pockets below that. From there, you’re free to fill the backpack however you see fit.

With a 20-litre capacity, the Daybreak Backpack is perfect as a carry-on to keep at your feet, while being large enough to store the essentials.

One of my favourite features is the pass-through band that allows the backpack to slip onto a suitcase for easy airport navigation.

July Luggage Accessories

In addition to their carry gear, I am also a huge fan of July’s range of accessories. If you’re an overpacker, or just obsessive-compulsive, the Packing Cells (A$95) are a must. They are made of a similar premium nylon to the suitcase interior, making them durable and even machine washable.

The Camera Protect Bag (A$95) is also a worthwhile purchase, with detachable cushion dividers allowing you to customise your precious cargo from camera lenses to wine. Unfortunately, the bag doesn’t quite fit into the Carry On Pro Trunk, but is still a brilliant edition if you need to check any precious goods.

Summing Up: My Take

While the Carry On Pro Trunk (A$545) and Daybreak Backpack (A$195) aren’t exactly a budget option, they are similarly priced to other quality suitcase brands. In saying that, July offers a superior product that will stand the test of time.

I’m a huge fan of July’s ethos and the overall functionality of every product they create. The Carry On Trunk helps me take more on board, something I’m appreciating while the industry continues to run out of control. Plus, their aftercare is fantastic. I recently had the compression strap on another July snap. That was mostly due to my overpacking, but July still offered a free repair and return postage to their Melbourne workshop. I’m doubtful other brands would be so comprehensive.

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Full disclosure: July sent us some products for testing, but this review is not sponsored or edited by July.