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July Luggage Reviewed: My Ultimate Carry-On Setup For 2024

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Tom Goward | 01/01/2024

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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.

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

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 Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward) July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

July Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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 Carry On Review (photo: Tom Goward)

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.

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

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Tom Goward

Chief Operating Officer & Aviation Nerd at Flight Hacks

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  1. What do you think k about the pros dimensions as a carry on for most airlines around the world. I was worried it was a little oversized?

    • It would probably be too large if you’re flying smaller jets but for standard-size bins, you shouldn’t have an issue. I’ll see if Tom has had some experience since he’s been using it for his travels.

      • just bought one and agree it looks larger than it should , however ive been told all Australian Qantas , virgin , Jetstar will accept it . will see as I fly almost weekly

  2. So I purchased the carryon pro and the check in luggage. We haven’t used the checkin case but have used the carryon pro. So, I will limit my experience with July as an organization and my experience using the carryon pro.

    Bottom line: I wish I could return it and get a refund.

    If you purchase the luggage, what you may not know because you didn’t go to their FAQ page, is that you can not return the luggage if you personalize it. So, even though they promote how they can personalize your luggage to make it personal to you and that it will “stand out” in the crowd, what they aren’t upfront with it that you lose out on the return policy if you do. That is pretty darn huge to not disclose that detail plainly before you checkout and pay for the luggage.

    Using the luggage was also disappointing. The compartment with the mesh zipped cover will deform the luggage if it stretches the mesh a tad. I put two pairs of shoes on that side and when I zipped it up, with only the highest part of the shoe stretching the mesh about a 1/2 – 3/4 inch (not much) the mesh, when zipped, pulls in the side of the case which sort of of deforms it. For me, that bugs me because I have never had a suitcase that does that and I have filled many suitcases with way more than just two pairs of shoes. So the casing is very flexible and thin. I guess I don’t like my luggage looking like Frankenstein in the airport.

    The computer sleeve is laughable. The sides don’t stretch to accommodate much more than the laptop itself. If you decide to use the pockets inside or want to put your power adaptor in there for convenience, lol, well you will make the sleeve look like an American football. And then, because it is shaped oddly, it will be a bit more difficult to line up the sleeve to attach it to the case.

    I asked July about making a sleeve that has more depth so it doesn’t get all weird looking that can accommodate a power adaptor. If you’re on a long trip, I don’t want to have to open my suitcase to get it for charging. Even if you decide to put in some usb cables and plug in at the airport, it deforms the sleeve. If you don’t care about that, then go ahead and buy. For me, it was simply a poor design and not very thoughtful in their testing on how people would use the product.

    Basically, I would look at other companies. If you don’t care about the things that bothered me, go ahead and buy it, just be aware that you can’t return for a refund if you end up like me – completely dissatisfied. When I look at my Frankenstein case, I will forever remember how crappy my purchase was.

    • Hey Diego. As well as being in the small print, when you personalise a July case a message will pop up that notes adding personalisation will delay delivery and void the 100-day returns policy. Cheers, Tom.

  3. I have just completed my first trip overseas using my July luggage. I love it …with ONE HUGE exception…DO NOT BUY the white (or any lighter colors) …. the stains are huge and exceedingly difficult to remove. The cleaning instructions are of no value, as the stains are so many. I would never buy the lighter colors again…but stick to black. Until July brings out a clear luggage cover, I do not think I can use them again. It is a lot of money to have to store them away.

    • Good advice BJS. I have two July cases in Navy and Forest, they also mark but not nearly as much as light colours. To be fair it’s almost impossible to avoid all marks, but I see them as a sign of all my adventures! Blue skies, Tom.

    • I have purchased numerous pieces of luggage from July and they do make clear covers for the Check in and the Check in plus. And also solid colors.

  4. It is made in China . The Australian- Chinese free trade agreement has been extensively flouted by China, to Australian workers and citizens enormous cost … So for Australia, surely July is a repugnant and indefensible choice.
    A great product for anyone else though.

    • Hi Jane. July cases are designed in Australia and assembled in China, with parts sourced worldwide including from Germany, Japan, and Korea. July customises and ships its products from Melbourne (AU) and Los Angeles (USA). Blue skies, Tom.

    • Hi Sea Hunt. If you don’t wish to purchase a July case, that is your choice. I still love mine and it is both designed and made very well. Cheers, Tom.

  5. I placed an order for a set of these cases yesterday (a dark colour and after reading the comments thankfully not personalised) and am yet to receive a confirmation email of my order. Hmmm…

  6. I have a very pretty carry on in Clay( not the pro) and I’m looking forward to using it on international airlines very soon…I would love more feedback of people’s experience regarding the carry-on aspect…any issues with any airlines or particular aircraft getting the case onboard?

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