Carl Friedrik tests its new aluminium check-in suitcase

Carl Friedrik, a luggage maker known for hard-shell cases, has now added a full-aluminium check-in suitcase to sit alongside its cabin case. The new piece follows the brand's ridged design and comes with twin approved combination locks and leather trim, with no zips at all.

A reviewer took the case on a week-long trip across Vietnam, covering two long-haul flights, an overnight train and a six-hour coach ride. It came off the airport carousel after a journey of more than 12 hours in the cargo hold with almost no marks, and finished the trip with only a few faint hairline scratches. The 76-litre interior has a removable compression pad and a zipped mesh pocket, and its spinner wheels were described as near-silent and smooth on both flat and uneven ground.

The main drawback came when packing heavily. With walking boots, a spare raincoat and a jumper among the items, the reviewer had to push hard to close the latches and could barely fit a few souvenirs. The case is also heavier than the brand's polycarbonate option and costs more, at a reported price of £795 as reported on 28 Oct 2026.

What it means for travellers from India

• The 76-litre size suited a seven-day itinerary of layers, footwear and toiletries, but could feel tight for longer trips, winter packing or heavy shopping.
• If you pack a lot of bulky items or souvenirs, closing the latch locks can take real effort, though the case remains very secure once shut.
• An aluminium case may still pick up small hairline scratches over time, even if this one arrived largely unmarked.