Right then. We don’t usually talk about suitcases. We’re more into stuff that goes on your torso, feet, or your legs. But occasionally, something wheeled comes along that earns its place in the conversation – especially when it’s been designed by the team at Peak Design, who have a habit of turning everyday carry into a fine art.
The Roller Pro Carry-On is one such bit of kit. It’s clever. Like, annoyingly clever. The kind of clever that makes you reassess everything you’ve ever packed into a holdall with a broken zip and a prayer.
Let’s start with the handle. Most suitcases go for rattly, clunky telescopic metal that wobbles like a shopping trolley on cobblestones. Peak Design binned that off in favour of a SlimDrive™ system made from carbon fibre. It sits flat, eats up less space, and doesn’t shake like a leaf in a breeze. You barely notice it – until you do, and then you realise how awful everything else is.
The opening mechanism is equally smart: a drawbridge-style lid that gives you access without causing a clothing avalanche. Ideal for rooting around at the gate without baring your boxer collection to Gate 23.
It holds 34 litres as standard but expands to 39 if you’re that person who can’t pack light or wants to return with 8 bars of Toblerone. Inside, it’s all neatly sectioned off with little cords and compartments, so your socks don’t end up spooning your shampoo. And for the travelling photographers (which is what got us onto Peak Design), it integrates with Peak Design’s Large Camera Cube, meaning your lenses will be snugly tucked up, resting ahead of the shoot.
Basically, it’s a suitcase that doesn’t get in your way. It just quietly gets on with it – solid wheels, bombproof build, and a sense that someone’s really thought it through. We have been lucky enough to use a pre-production sample on a number of shoots and can vouch for it’s functional versatility and sightly design. Thanks again to the Peak team. They’ve produced a case that is just clever, usefully designed and neatly executed.
If your current suitcase creaks every time you roll it over grout and has more battle scars than a mercenary, this is your sign. Maybe it’s time to upgrade and take some pride in the thing that carries all of your beloved clothes and gadgets. There are just over two days left on their Kickstarter campaign to get involved with acquiring one of these. The current pledge has blown their goal of £75K so far out the water it’s grown wings.
