I travel often, so I have taken on the goal as a shopping editor to test out as many suitcases as possible. One particularly tricky category is the carry-on; I want something that fits as much stuff as possible but also doesn’t feel heavy. That’s why I was excited to test out the July Carry On ($245) because it’s known for both of these attributes. The Australian brand has been getting major buzz recently, so I was ready to learn if it’s worth the hype.

When I received my July luggage, I was immediately impressed by the packaging. It came in a sturdy box, and inside it was wrapped in a cloth bag. Upon taking it out, I was amazed by how light it felt. There’s an option to get it personalized (the brand has tons of fonts and colors to choose from), so I put my first and middle name on the side of the roller suitcase.

When you open the bag up, there’s a nylon laundry bag rolled into a pouch, a separate netted pocket, and a compression pad with a clip to hold your items in place. It essentially has all the suitcase features you’d expect to get for the investment. I recently took my July on a trip to Mexico, and I was happy by how many items I could fit inside. It fit in the overhead compartment of the plane no problem, and it was easy to pull around.

Why I Love the July Carry-On Suitcase

Beyond being incredibly light (so important to me!), the suitcase has a couple special features that really impress me. First, by the handle of the carry-on, there’s an ejectable battery that charges both your phone and your laptop — so convenient! If you don’t want to travel with the charger, you simply pop it out and leave it at home. The other feature I love is the 360-degree spinner wheels — they are so smooth and can glide across any surface no problem. I could quickly move through the airport and my hotel without struggling to pull my bag along.

Is the July Carry-On Light?

The suitcase is only 7.4 pounds, which is right in line with its competitors. When it’s empty, it’s so light I could easily toss it up and down in my hands or pick it up with just one hand. If you don’t like extra weight, this is definitely the right pick for you.

Comparison: July Luggage vs. Away

The Away carry-on suitcase weighs 7.1 pounds, so it’s about 0.3 pounds lighter than the July. However, I feel like I can fit way more belongings in the July since there is more space inside. The July is also about $20 more, but the Away does not have a built-in charger already included with it (it’s an add-on with Away), and I find that the July glides a little smoother. Overall, the bags are definitely worthy competitors of one another, but I just prefer the July.

Is the July Carry-On Suitcase Worth Buying?

If you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed suitcase with a modern aesthetic — and you’re OK spending $245 as an investment — then yes, I would say the July carry-on suitcase is absolutely worth buying. I love mine and will be recommending it to friends and family.

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