Have a bag that sets you apart. Looking your best gets you better treatment on your travels. This was proven scientifically using only the highest methodological standards during a recent tour when one of our models was upgraded to first class, bumped to the front of every club line and ushered backstage to every show we attended, while our editor was forced schlep it with the rest of the riff-raff. We're sure this was a result of her superior luggage and that alone. Science, bitches.
So get the first-class treatment you deserve and pimp your bags with our picks for stylish, but affordable ways to lug around your belongings.
Hook & Albert
US travel outfitters Hook & Albert have been ensuring dapper wanderers stay stylish between hotel rooms since 2011 – and with each collection they drop, we find another reason to splash our cash. We’re avid jet-setters here in the PH office, and having gone through more dodgy luggage than you can shake a rolled-up Black Label at, we’re well aware that investing in the good stuff goes a LONG way.
Black and gold is a classic combination that says “I am a man” and “I probably have money”, so these examples were an easy choice. Happy travels.
LEATHER TRAVEL DOPP KIT CHRIS PAUL COLLECTION
Leather Garment Weekender Bag
Usually, the last thing blokes consider adding to their collection, a great garment bag is the difference between travelling with nice clothes, and your clothes actually looking nice when you arrive. You’ll wonder how you ever went anywhere without one.
US$585 - hookandalbert.com
Approx. AU $765
LEATHER COMMUTER BACKPACK CHRIS PAUL COLLECTION
Leather Commuter Backpack Chris Paul Collection
Every guy knows the importance of a kick-arse carry-on, especially on any flight longer than six hours. We like one small enough to fit under the seat in front (whatever class you fly), dealing with overhead is a pain in the arse when you’re trying to have a turn at that 200ml duty-free bottle you snuck on. This backpack is all attitude – and will serve your in-flight drinking well.
US$325 - hookandalbert.com
Approx. AU $425
LEATHER TRAVEL DOPP KIT CHRIS PAUL COLLECTION
Leather Travel Dopp Kit Chris Paul Collection
If you’ve ever arrived at your hotel in desperate need of a freshen-up only to open your toiletry bag and find an orgy of toothpaste, shampoo, nail clippers and, most disgustingly, your toothbrush, then you’ll know the importance of a quality dopp kit. Everything nice and organised, so you can spend more time in the bar downstairs. (Priorities, right?).
US $145 - hookandalbert.com
Approx. AU $190
FREITAG
Ever wondered what happens to those giant, draping truck tarpaulins when you pass a semi on the highway hoping to hell nothing slides off it? Us neither. Turns out Swiss designers Markus and Daniel Freitag did, and they now make some of the most durable travelware around, all out of used materials.
While we’re usually fans of all things shiny and new, this is some of the best re-purposing out there, and the fact that each piece is unique (making it easily identifiable on the baggage carousel, for one) is primo.
Zippelin Travel Bag
Hailed as the world’s first inflatable travel bag, it weighs next to nothing thanks to some clever structural choices. There’s no lead in this Zeppelin – this bag’s propped up by a lightweight inner-tube from a standard bicycle. Better still, it folds down to nothing.
Approx. AU $810 - www.freitag.ch
Hilten Travel Bag
Tough as a truck because, as its description says, “it used to be one”, this tote will last a lifetime and you’ll thrash it to death. It comes with all the trimmings of a luxe travel bag, but with the added cool factor that it was basically Optimus Prime in a past life.
Approx. AU $760 - www.freitag.ch