July Carry-On
July gives among the highest scoring baggage we’ve examined. This Aussie model makes baggage that’s extraordinarily well-built, fashionable and smooth. It does, nevertheless clock in at a barely increased worth level than a few of its opponents. I nonetheless suppose it’s value it, although.
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Product Specs
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Capability
40 L
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Weight
7.4 lbs
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Dimensions
21.5″ x 15.0″ x 8.5″
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Materials
polycarbonate
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MSRP
$295 (USD)
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Zippers
YKK #8 coil zipper
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Scratch Resistance
scratch-resistant texture
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Wheels
rubber/PU double spinner wheels
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Bearings
SKF or equal sealed stainless bearings
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Rienforced Corners
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Replaceable Elements
manufacturing facility repairable
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Telescoping Deal with
4+
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Variety of Seize Handles
2
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Water-Resistant Materials
hardshell
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Water-Resitant Zippers
uncoated zippers
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Sustainable Supplies
some sustainable supplies
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Transport
free
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Return Price
pay delivery
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Return Window
90 days
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Guarantee
restricted lifetime
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There’s a number of baggage on the market that’s, to be sincere, fairly subpar. I’ve seen a number of low-cost manufacturing, poor supplies, and outright dangerous design within the journey business.
Should you’re on a quest to discover a suitcase that doesn’t suck, you’ll have come throughout July, an Aussie journey model who asserts that they’re right here to repair the damaged baggage business. That’s a daring declare, so the query is that this: how do their merchandise measure up in real-world use?
I’ve traveled broadly internationally: from little cities in Europe to mountainside villages within the Himalayas to manufacturing hubs in Malaysia. Alongside the way in which, I’ve realized a factor or two about what separates good suitcases from the remainder of the mediocre pack. I’ve pitted July’s fashions in opposition to among the greatest suitcases within the enterprise to see how they evaluate.
I’ll share with you what I discovered, how July suitcases carry out in real-world use, and break down the totally different fashions they provide. I’ll additionally offer you a couple of different manufacturers to take a look at.
July Baggage First Impressions
The very first thing that stands out to me with these suitcases is the clear minimalist aesthetic. I’m not a fan of ornate, frilly designs, and I like the streamlined look of those instances.
The match and end are additionally spot-on at first inspection. The German polycarbonate shell feels clean and difficult, the deal with is sturdy, and the aluminum nook bumpers add an additional sense of high quality and sturdiness.
The most important standout function once I began taking a look at these instances—particularly the July Carry-On—was the wheels. A couple of years again, I destroyed the wheels on two suitcases by dragging them throughout European cobblestone streets. Ever since then, I’ve been very cautious of suitcase wheel sturdiness. I are typically fairly skeptical of spinner wheels generally as a result of I’ve seen so many which might be cheaply made.
July’s wheels really feel very totally different from the everyday low-cost plastic ones that you just discover on funds suitcases. They’re larger than commonplace suitcase wheels and so they really feel means stronger. July claims that their silent wheels can deal with the cobblestones of Europe, and primarily based on my first impression, I are inclined to agree.
Who’s July?
July is an up-and-coming Australia-based journey model that was based in 2018 with the mission to “democratize unbreakable and lifelong design.”
For a journey startup, 2018 was a fairly horrible time to start out, for the reason that pandemic hit simply as they have been starting to realize momentum. The truth that July survived the lockdown interval and remains to be going robust is fairly spectacular.
To provide you a little bit of an perception into who July is as a model, right here’s a fast snippet from their about web page:
“As a class, the journey equipment business is damaged; sometimes the purpose is usually to make merchandise as low-cost as doable, utilizing a plethora of outlets and distributors to promote, ignoring all reference to the client. This ends in over-priced items offered with a brief product lifespan.
We’re right here to repair this.”
That each one sounds great, however many manufacturers use high-falutin language of their advertising information. These days, I discover myself fairly skeptical of claims that firms make. There’s simply means an excessive amount of bullshit on the market.
Once I began to dig into the small print on July, I used to be shocked to seek out that their self-proclaimed mission to repair the baggage business goes greater than surface-deep. They appear to be taking that dedication severely.
The primary place I see proof for that is of their design course of. July began the design of their merchandise by studying 1000’s of suitcase evaluations to seek out the most typical complaints. Then they got down to design a suitcase and enterprise mannequin to repair essentially the most issues they discovered.
That will sound like a fairly good (and possibly even apparent) method, however I’ve labored as a product design engineer, and also you’d be shocked by what number of firms construct merchandise with out precise perception into what folks actually need and wish.
July has additionally chosen to do a number of issues the tougher means as a result of they wished to construct the very best product they might. For instance, moderately than utilizing commonplace wheels accessible for baggage, they designed their very own wheels from the bottom up as a result of they couldn’t discover something that met their high quality expectations.
To sweeten the deal, July gives free delivery, a 100-day free returns coverage (with paid return delivery), and a powerful lifetime guarantee.
July Baggage Overview
Most of July’s suitcase fashions have the identical supplies, development, and general design. The primary distinction is within the dimension.
For the primary a part of this assessment, I’ll deal with the frequent components and options throughout the complete vary. If you’d like information on a selected suitcase, scroll right down to the “July Baggage Overview by Mannequin” part.
Supplies
In July’s survey of suitcase evaluations and customary complaints, they discovered that the most important downside areas for hardside suitcases have been the bends and corners. These areas are sometimes weakened throughout the thermoforming manufacturing course of, and so they take extra stress and impacts throughout use. In consequence, cracked corners and edges are pretty frequent with hardside baggage, even when it’s made with polycarbonate.
To resolve this, July improved the curved design on their suitcase edges and added anodized aluminum bumpers to the corners. The nook bumpers are an enormous improve over commonplace suitcases, and never one thing you sometimes see on this worth vary.
Past the exhausting shell, July instances are made with water- and stain-resistant lining cloth, robust YKK zippers (the very best within the enterprise), and even leather-based trim detailing.
The fabric selections are very effectively thought-out and provides July baggage a premium really feel in addition to good sturdiness.
Aesthetic
I personally love the general look of those suitcases. It’s clear, streamlined, and understated. With a impartial shade, a July suitcase undoubtedly doesn’t stand out within the airport, but it surely appears to be like skilled and refined.
Should you do desire a bit extra aptitude, they arrive in an superior array of colours, so you may get one thing that fits your character.
Group
One factor I’ve cherished concerning the July suitcases is the considerate group options on the within. I naturally wish to preserve issues organized and tidy, however that may be exhausting once I’m dwelling out of a suitcase for weeks on finish. All the things appears to show right into a jumbled mess in some unspecified time in the future.
July suitcases have a zippered mesh divider on one aspect to maintain all the pieces separated and in place. On the opposite aspect, you might have July’s Y-strap compression system, which works significantly better than the strap compression you discover in most suitcases. You additionally get a hidden laundry bag fabricated from the identical materials because the stain-resistant lining to maintain soiled garments separate.
Total, the inside design could be very easy, however I’ve discovered that it really works fairly effectively. There are not any pointless frills to complicate issues and an excellent quantity of separation.
I do personally want there have been one or two extra pockets for retaining small issues like electronics, books, and toiletries. It might be straightforward for July so as to add only a bit extra group to make these suitcases much more practical.
Sturdiness
Given the truth that July explicitly states their purpose is to construct “unbreakable” suitcases, my expectations have been fairly excessive for the sturdiness of their suitcases.
Airline baggage handlers don’t have a fame for being light with baggage, and I’ve seen many suitcases come out of bags declare with cracks or tears. The aluminum-reinforced nook bumpers give me a number of confidence that the July Checked suitcases will survive the tough abuse.
Carry-on baggage can also take a beating throughout journey. The July Carry-On bag has confirmed impressively sturdy. It holds up effectively to being dragged throughout cities and stuffed into packed overhead bins (and possibly unintentionally dropped out of them).
One factor to pay attention to is that the nook bumpers are more likely to present scuffing and put on over time. July makes use of a fundamental anodize coating for the aluminum. Whereas that’s pretty sturdy, with sufficient use you’ll in all probability see scratches that undergo the anodized shade to point out the naked aluminum beneath. It isn’t practical, however remember that these instances could begin to look beat up after a number of journeys.
Worth
Let’s face it: while you’re looking for a brand new suitcase, worth goes to be one of many high issues (if it isn’t, do you need to commerce funds?). I all the time advocate investing a bit additional cash on gear that can final, however I additionally need to get the very best bang for my buck. If one thing prices extra, I need to know why, and I would like it to be value the fee.
July gives suitcases with a number of premium options like polycarbonate shells, aluminum nook bumpers, and ball-bearing wheels. They do all this whereas retaining their costs a lot decrease than luxurious manufacturers like RIMOWA, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi.
Should you’re on a decent funds, you’ll be able to undoubtedly discover succesful and sturdy suitcases for considerably much less money, however if you would like that luxury-level development, aesthetic, and high quality, July suitcases have improbable worth for the cash.
July Baggage Options
Now that we’ve lined the fundamentals, let’s dive into the precise options supplied in July suitcases. From ejectable battery banks to a sensible compression system, the designers paid a number of consideration to the small print of every suitcase.
360-Diploma Spinner Wheels
These silent wheels are tremendous quiet and simple to maneuver, and they’re much stronger. I sometimes am an even bigger fan of two-wheeled suitcases, however these are among the solely spinner wheels I’d belief for frequent journey.
Y-Strap Compression System
The compression straps in July instances are means higher than the everyday flimsy straps you discover on most suitcases. I don’t discover these to be very useful, however July’s straps are thick, robust, and well-placed to essentially tighten down your load.
Bonus? The compression pad has a mesh pocket built-in that’s excellent for smaller gadgets.
Hidden Laundry Bag
All July suitcases include a hidden laundry bag that’s odor-resistant and compresses right down to preserve your soiled clothes separate from the remainder of your stuff.
I actually hate having all my stuff begin to odor like soiled garments a couple of days into a visit, so I admire the built-in laundry bag.
Built-in TSA Lock
Touring is disturbing sufficient. I like being able to guard my stuff with somewhat bit of additional safety. It undoubtedly isn’t foolproof—decided thieves might nonetheless rip via the zipper—but it surely undoubtedly provides some deterrence.
July Baggage Overview by Mannequin
| July Carry-On | Carry-On Important | Carry-On Professional | Carry-On Mild | Checked | Checked Plus | Carry-On Trunk | Checked Trunk | |
| Exterior Dimensions | 21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″ | 21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″ | 21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″ | 21.25″ x 14.25″ × 7.5″ | 26″ x 18.75″ x 11″ | 30.25″ x 19.75″ x 12.5″ | 21.5” H x 14.75” W x 8.75” D | 28.25” H x 16.5” W x 14.5” D |
| Weight | 7.4 lbs | 6.6 lbs | 7.9 lbs | 3.9 lbs | 8.3 lbs | 10.5 lbs | 8.4 lbs | 13.2 lbs |
| Capability | 42 L | 42 L | 42 L | 32 L | 80 L | 110 L | 42 L | 95 L |
Carry-On
The July Carry-On is the model’s flagship product. It’s a easy carry-on bag that options their upgraded development and minimalist design.
It is a fairly easy hardside carry-on suitcase, however with July’s upgraded development. It has exterior aluminum nook bumpers that enhance the sturdiness and add some visible curiosity to the design.
You additionally get an ejectable battery financial institution underneath the deal with. That is an superior function for retaining your telephone absolutely charged when you journey.
All of July’s carry-ons are the excellent dimension for worldwide journey, which means you’ll be able to take them on virtually any flight, wherever on this planet. They match worldwide dimension restrictions whereas nonetheless offering ample packing room.
My greatest criticism is that it doesn’t have an exterior pocket. Though it’s a more recent development, I personally put exterior pockets proper subsequent to the must-have class for a carry-on, as a result of I would like to have the ability to simply entry issues like electronics, passports, and books with out having to hold a separate bag.
It’s fairly commonplace for hardside suitcases to forgo outdoors pockets (it’s simply extra sophisticated to construct), however I want the July Carry-On included one since their purpose is to “convey higher design to how we journey.” You may improve to the Carry-On Professional and get an exterior zippered sleeve, however I actually suppose exterior pockets needs to be a regular function for higher-end suitcases.
Carry-On Important
The July Carry-On Important is the dialed-back model of the July Carry-On suitcase. It cuts out the ejectable battery financial institution and doesn’t have exterior aluminum bumpers (although the corners are nonetheless strengthened with aluminum on the within).
I actually favor the Carry-On Important over the July Carry-On. It’s considerably cheaper and virtually a full pound lighter. Whereas the built-in battery financial institution is a helpful function, I’d personally moderately purchase a separate one (for much less cash). Plus, I’ve seen points the aluminum nook bumpers exhibiting scratches and scuffs greater than polycarbonate, so I’d moderately not have these.
I feel this carry-on suitcase gives the very best of July’s upgraded design with out pointless options that simply price extra.
Carry-On Professional
The July Carry-On Professional is unquestionably essentially the most practical carry-on in July’s lineup. It blends the design of the usual July Carry-On and the Important, with an ejectable battery financial institution however no exterior steel bumpers.
The large distinction is the addition of a removable laptop computer sleeve on the entrance of the case. This padded sleeve makes use of Fidlock magnetic clasps to simply snap on and off the entrance of the suitcase in seconds. It’s tremendous straightforward to make use of, and is ideal for detaching your laptop computer sleeve to hold with you whereas placing your suitcase within the overhead bin.
That is the very best resolution for carrying a laptop computer in a suitcase that I’ve ever seen, palms down. Should you journey rather a lot for work and always must convey a laptop computer on aircraft flights, I feel the July Carry-On Professional is an superior alternative.
That mentioned, it isn’t fairly as versatile as different hardside carry-on baggage which have a hinged pocket as a substitute of a removable sleeve. It really works very well for a laptop computer, however isn’t fairly supreme for different gadgets.
Carry-On Mild
The July Carry-On Mild is essentially the most compact and minimalist July bag. Their purpose was to construct the lightest carry-on suitcase on this planet. They managed to make this little hardside suitcase that weighs solely 3.9 lbs—making July among the many greatest light-weight baggage manufacturers.
There have been some sacrifices made to get that weight. The outer shell, supplies, deal with, and wheels are all a bit lighter and fewer sturdy. The most important draw back is that the general capability is just 32 L (in comparison with 42 L in the usual carry-on.
Whereas the July Carry-On Mild is fairly cool for its sheer minimalism, I personally suppose it feels only a bit too flimsy, and the lowered dimension is an enormous downer. It’s superior if you would like absolutely the lightest bag, however I don’t suppose there’s a lot good about it apart from that.
The July Carry-On Important is far more sturdy and spacious, and it’s solely a tad costlier.
Checked
The July Checked suitcase has all the identical options and development because the July Carry-On, however in a bigger dimension for checked baggage. You get the identical polycarbonate shell, hidden laundry bag, built-in TSA lock, inside group, and minimalist design.
You don’t get the ejectable battery financial institution, however that’s probably not one thing you want in a checked bag anyway.
With 80L of storage, this massive suitcase has loads of room for longer journeys.
One good function is that any July carry-on suitcase will nest completely inside this massive bag (which in flip suits inside the large Checked Plus).
Checked Plus
The July Checked Plus is… you guessed it: an even bigger model of the Checked. Should you’re packing for a household or touring for an prolonged time frame, this huge 110 L case has room for all the pieces you want.
Carry-On Trunk
July’s line of trunk baggage is designed to supply the superior sturdiness and traditional model of trunk-style instances with all the trendy supplies and upgrades of July’s commonplace baggage.
The July Carry-On Trunk is similar dimension because the traditional Carry-On, and it has the identical deal with, wheels, hidden laundry bag, ejectable battery, and group. The primary distinction is that as a substitute of the conventional zipper opening, it has hinges and durable locking clasps. This makes this suitcase sturdier and safer than a regular suitcase.
You additionally get a unique aesthetic with a glazed polycarbonate end that offers a shocking shiny look. The issue is that over time scuffs and scratches begin to destroy the enchantment.
To be sincere, I don’t suppose there’s a lot purpose to purchase the Carry-On Trunk. It’s far more costly than the conventional Carry-On, it’s a full pound heavier, and the shiny end is much less resilient.
Except you actually simply need one thing totally different, I’d follow the Carry-On or Carry-On Important.
Checked Trunk
Whereas the Carry-On Trunk appears completely pointless, the July Checked Trunk has rather a lot going for it, and for particular use instances, it might be the greatest checked baggage on the market.
It is a massive, heavy, bomb-proof polycarbonate field on wheels. It is extremely safe with the locking clasps, and it has tons of house.
The Checked Trunk is narrower and deeper than July’s checked suitcases, so I see it being a sensible choice if it’s important to carry cumbersome odd-shaped gadgets (anybody taking a tuba on their subsequent journey?). It additionally gives tons of safety for carrying extra fragile stuff.
July Baggage Equipment
Getting outfitted for journey requires greater than only a suitcase. Fortuitously, July additionally gives a spread of superior equipment to get you absolutely equipped to your journey. Listed below are a couple of of my favorites:
Tech Equipment
Retaining monitor of small digital gadgets like cables, headphones, and chargers is usually a problem. When touring I’m all the time careworn that I’ll lose my telephone charger or headphones on the aircraft or within the airport.
This little zippered case provides you a devoted place for these small, easy-to-lose gadgets. With room for earbuds, chargers, cables, a USB battery financial institution, and a pen/stylus, you received’t have to fret about dropping something.
Packing Cubes
I hate packing a suitcase. It doesn’t matter what I do, it all the time looks like it simply turns into a jumbled mess in the primary compartment. I’ve discovered that packing cubes can work wonders for organizing a chaotic mess in a suitcase.
These zippered packing cubes are available in an array of sizes to suit totally different gadgets. Additionally they have a clear mesh entrance panel so it’s straightforward to see what’s inside. Plus, they’re 100% washable and stain-resistant, so it’s straightforward to maintain them clear.
Baggage Covers
If you wish to preserve your suitcase wanting nearly as good because the day to procure it, an excellent set of baggage covers can go a great distance towards defending it from scratches and scuffs in your travels.
These on-brand baggage covers are designed particularly to suit each dimension of July suitcase and defend it on all sides. Additionally they are available in an enormous vary of enjoyable colours and patterns so you may get one thing that can stand out at baggage declare.
July Baggage Options
July vs Monos
Monos is a Canada-based journey model that has rather a lot in frequent with July. Each goal to supply luxury-level suitcases at extra approachable costs. Each construct minimal (however practical) polycarbonate suitcases. Each hit virtually equivalent worth factors.
Primarily based on our July vs. Monos comparability, if you’re on the lookout for a hardside carry-on with an exterior pocket, I feel the Monos Carry-On Professional is a more sensible choice than the July Carry-On Professional for most individuals. It has an actual zippered pocket moderately than the removable sleeve of the July Carry-On Professional. It’s simply extra versatile all-around (although not fairly as handy if you would like the best possible laptop computer carry system).
Apart from that, I feel it largely comes down to private choice and elegance. The options, performance, and worth of those two manufacturers could be very comparable, however there are some aesthetic variations.
July vs Away
Away is likely one of the most recognizable and disruptive startup baggage manufacturers, largely due to their superior social media advertising. Additionally they construct smooth polycarbonate suitcases.
I’ve reviewed Away baggage, and primarily based on my findings, July outperforms it in each high quality and worth for cash. I’ve seen Away suitcase exhausting shells crack, whereas July’s are a lot stronger with the strengthened corners. July suitcases are additionally cheaper and sometimes lighter in weight.
For extra data, learn our July vs Away comparability.
July vs Béis
Béis is one other small-ish model that’s in style amongst vacationers on the lookout for fashionable hardside baggage. The most important benefit is that Béis suitcases are considerably cheaper than July. Should you’re on the lookout for a stable high-quality polycarbonate suitcase that offers you the very best bang to your buck, Béis is a good model to have a look at.
That mentioned, July suitcases nonetheless have the sting in general high quality and sturdiness. Should you journey steadily and desire a suitcase that can final for years to come back, July stands out as the higher guess.
July Baggage FAQs
What’s so good about July baggage?
July gives an excellent stability of high-end supplies and high quality at a lower cost than luxurious manufacturers.
Is July baggage made in China?
July suitcases are assembled in China, however the polycarbonate shells are made in Germany.
What baggage is akin to July?
Monos is a Canadian journey model that gives sturdy polycarbonate instances akin to July.
Does July baggage scuff?
July baggage is prone to scuffs and scratches, particularly on the anodized nook bumpers.
What are the disadvantages of hardside baggage?
Hardside baggage might be tougher to pack, typically has no outdoors pockets, and may crack with influence.
