Calpak Luggage Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Dimensions: 13.75″ x 9″ x 21″
Capacity: 39L
Weight: 7.6 lb.

Every traveler needs a go-to carry-on they can bring just about anywhere. Destinations editorial assistant Kat Chen has been traveling with Calpak’s Hue carry-on all summer, from trains and buses to Massachusetts to plane rides to and from Tennessee. Travelers can easily fit up to a week’s worth of clothing inside—and when you’ve run out of room, it can be expanded by two inches. Chen points out the suitcase’s smooth, dual spinner wheels—“whenever I’m rushing to make a boarding time, flag a cab, or make an appointment, I can just grab onto the handle and not have to worry about babysitting a reluctant bag through the journey.” She also likes the bag’s colorways, ranging from bright, straight-out-of-a-crayon-box shades to deeper gem tones. “The glossiness of the shell and its beveled corners remind me of an ice pop,” says Chen. “But regardless of whether or not that’s your style, it definitely stands out in a sea of lumpy black duffels and suitcases on the baggage claim carousel.” She also loves the bags’s smart organizational features, like zippered mesh pockets for small items like socks or separating dirty laundry; compression straps; and a compartment that can be completely zippered shut to keep shoes or liquids separated from the rest of your clothes “I can really see this for a frequent and adventurous traveler who packs lean and needs a bag that doesn’t make its handling obvious,” says Chen. “I could also see this as a first full-sized bag for kids.”

Pros: Expandable; TSA-approved lock; dual spinner wheels
Cons: No padded pocket for devices

Dimensions: 19″ x 12″ x 30″
Capacity: 103L
Weight: 11.75 lb.

For international vacations or long road trips when you need a little extra room, this large checked suitcase is a perfect option. The Ambeur large luggage offers a packing capacity of 103 liters, so you have a lot of space to work with. Former global director of audience development Lara Kramer was able to pack enough clothes, shoes, and toiletries for her and her husband on a four-day trip to Valley Cottage, New York. “An individual traveler could easily get away with packing a week’s worth of clothes and accessories, possibly even two travelers with the right packing skills,” says Kramer. This checked bag features two spacious main compartments and three additional zippered compartments of varying sizes that are ideal for packing delicate items like jewelry or beauty products. Kramer loves this suitcase for its generous size, chic style, and reasonable price point. Plus, the Ambeur large luggage is covered by Calpak’s two-year warranty, so you can feel extra confident with your purchase. And one of its best features: “The luggage is expandable by two inches, so I was able to bring home those extra souvenirs,” says Kramer. It glides smoothly through the airport, features a built-in TSA–approved lock, and is so durable—so you don’t have to worry about handling it too carefully.
Pros: Expandable; dual spinner wheels; built-in interior organization
Cons: Light colors can show scuffs and scratches

Dimensions: 16″ x 7″ x 12″
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 1.95 lb.

I’ve waxed poetic about how much I love the brand’s best-selling Luka duffel for weekend trips and as my go-to personal item on flights. And yes, it deserves every bit of hype. It’s that perfect in-between size: small enough to comfortably carry when full and fit under the seat on airplanes, but large enough to hold enough clothes for a full weekend trip. There’s much to love about this duffel, but its ultra-soft and easy-to-clean material make it stand out. Even when it’s full, the top carry handle feels soft on my shoulder. And if you’ve really packed it, there’s also a long adjustable strap that can be worn as a crossbody to better distribute the weight. After traveling, I always give it a quick cleaning with a disinfecting wipe or damp towel and it looks good as new. There’s a zippered compartment on the exterior for essentials like your wallet and phone, and a water bottle pocket. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main section, multiple pockets (including a mesh one), and a zippered compartment. Another one of my favorite features: the separate shoe compartment that holds an extra pair of sneakers or slippers (a complete game-changer when packing for weekend trips). And if you love this bag’s design features but want something for extended weekend trips or short getaways (think three-to-four days), the duffel also comes in a large version. Just note: The larger size is too big to fit under the seat on plane.
Pros:  Separate shoe compartment; trolley sleeve; easy-to-clean material
Cons: Not large enough for extended weekend trips

Dimensions:  12.75″ x 8″ x 19.25″
Capacity: 25L
Weight: 1.5 lb.

Sporty travelers, this one’s for you. The brand recently launched The Fit Collection, designed with active days in mind. The Fit Gym Bag really stands out, not only for its sleek look and fun colors, but for its thoughtful features, like adjustable straps that hold a yoga mat and a stretchy interior strap that’s large enough to hold a large reusable water bottle or a protein powder container. I’ve been packing this for all of my recent workouts, from yoga classes to the gym, and it holds everything I need without being too bulky or as big as a weekender bag. Unlike other gym bags I’ve use in the past, this one comes with a separate shoe compartment—so I don’t have to toss my dirty running sneakers in the bag with the rest of my things. There’s also an additional water bottle pocket on the outside and a small zippered pocket where I keep my phone and AirPod case. The inside is equally as impressive, with wide mesh pockets for snacks and your wallet, a key leash, and plenty of room for a change of clothes and a jacket. I have it in black, but it’s also available in a gray/beige shade, sage, and a pretty pastel pink.

Pros: Trolley sleeve; yoga mat strap; water bottle pocket
Cons: If your gym locker is super small, it may not fit

Dimensions: 12″ x 7″ x 16″
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 1.8 lb.

If you prefer to bring a backpack as your personal item, but still want plenty of room for storing in-flight essentials, the Luka laptop backpack is for you. You get all the comfort and hands-free benefits of a backpack without compromising on space. There are two spacious main compartments: One side features a laptop sleeve with enough room to also fit an iPad, and the other compartment has multiple pockets for your wallet, keys, and chargers. There’s also a spacious zippered compartment on the outside for essentials you want easy access to, like your phone or headphones, and a water bottle pocket. This lightweight bag is a lot roomier than other backpacks I’ve used in the past and is versatile enough to bring to work, on road trips, and on long-haul flights. I love how it stays in such great condition after traveling with it: The scratch-resistant material can be cleaned easily with any disinfectant wipe. I’ve also never had a backpack with a built-in luggage trolley sleeve—a true game changer for navigating through the airport. Plus, the soft, adjustable straps don’t hurt my shoulders even after carrying it for a full day. It’s available in a variety of bright limited-edition colors and classic colorways including rose quartz, chocolate, oat, and black.

Pros: Shoe compartment; laptop compartment; trolley sleeve; water bottle pocket
Cons: Adding shoes to the separate compartment will take up much of the bag’s room

Dimensions:  20″ x 7″ x 14″
Capacity: 28.8L
Weight: 1.75 lb.

The Luka expandable laptop tote is another great personal item for long-haul flights or day bag for busy commuters. I bring this with me on my trek into the office and the super-soft top handle never digs into my shoulder. It’s roomy enough to store my laptop, water bottle, lunch bag, notebook, and a cosmetic pouch. Inside, there are several pockets to keep items like my wallet and sunglasses organized and the laptop sleeve holds my 15″ computer securely in place. There’s also a hidden side zippered pocket where I keep my phone and work badge for easy access. I’ve always struggled to find a tote bag that’s durable enough to hold a full day’s worth of essentials and is still stylish. This laptop tote does it all: It’s lightweight, stain-resistant, and looks chic. Beyond my office commutes, I’ve taken this with me on day trips to the beach and on flights (it has a trolley sleeve, too). And saving its best feature for last: It’s expandable by two inches, so just when you think you’ve run out of space, you haven’t. Most days I don’t utilize its expandable zipper, but on days where I’m lugging extra items into the office or taking it on a flight with me, I simply unzip the bottom and take full advantage of all that extra space.

Pros: Expandable; super-soft shoulder straps; laptop sleeve; available in a ton of fun colors
Cons: When expanded, some might find it to be too large for an everyday tote

Dimensions: 7.75″ x 5″ x 9.75”
Capacity: 6L
Weight: 1.3 lb.

Calpak also designs some of our favorite cosmetic bags for travel. The medium clear case is ideal for travelers who wouldn’t dare skip a step in their skincare or beauty routines—it can fit a lot of product. The case unzips fully so each side can lay flat and products can be separated into its different compartments. There’s also an extra mesh interior pocket for smaller essentials and a top handle that makes it easy to carry or store on a bathroom door hook. Our editors love this makeup bag for its large size and transparent material that makes finding your products easy. I usually pack all of my makeup products on one side and either hair or skincare essentials on the other. Its also quite sturdy—I never worry about any products getting squashed or broken while in transit. Calpak’s clear cosmetic cases are also available in a small and a large size (made for the serious overpackers or long-term travel).

Pros: Transparent; durable exterior protects your products; fits a ton
Cons: It’s a little bit bulky to pack in a carry-on

Dimensions: 9″ x 7″ x 10″
Capacity: 10.3L
Weight: 0.4 oz.

I adore this cute and compact insulated lunch bag—and it earns me compliments every time I bring it out. From office lunches and picnics in the park to summer pool days and camping adventures, this insulated bag has never let me down. Its water-resistant, fully insulated interior keeps food and drinks cold for hours and is easy to wipe clean whenever I accidentally spill something inside. It’s roomy enough to fit your lunch, snacks, and a few cans of soda or a water bottle (I’ve even fit my large 32-oz. Hydro Flask inside). I’m always surprised at how much it holds without becoming too heavy or bulky. There are three pockets on the outside for sunglasses, your phone, napkins, or any other personal items you’ll need for the day. It features a top carry handle and a drawstring closure, which helps me pack a little bit extra inside since there’s not a tight zipper.

Pros: Insulated interior; several side pockets; easy to clean spills
Cons: Can’t be zippered fully closed

Dimensions: 4″ x 4″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 2.4L
Weight: 0.4 oz.

This travel must-have comes highly recommended by senior commerce editor Madison Flager. For light hikes, bike rides, or beach days, Calpak’s water bottle sling bag is a smart choice to hold your hydration essentials hands-free. The lightweight bag keeps your water bottle cold for hours, thanks to its insulated interior. There’s also multiple pockets on the exterior: One zippered pocket to hold your phone, AirPods, or cash, and two others for small items like sunscreen or lip balm. Wear it as a sling bag with its detachable shoulder strap or hold it by the top carry handle. It takes up virtually no room in your suitcase or weekender bag and definitely comes in handy on hot, active days. It’s available in more than a dozen fun colors, too.

Pros: Insulated interior; made of water-resistant material; detachable shoulder strap
Cons: Has room for only the essentials