Carl Friedrik Carry-on X Hybrid review: I think this could be the ultimate luxury cabin suitcase
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From its impact-resistant shell and aluminium frame to its clever front laptop compartment, Carl Friedrik's bestselling Carry-on X Hybrid has made an exceptional first impression. Ahead of putting it through months of real-world travel, here's why this premium cabin suitcase already feels like one of the best I've used.
I've worked my way through more carry-on suitcases than I care to remember over the years, but none has made a stronger first impression than Carl Friedrik's Carry-on X.
From its solid construction to its understated styling, this £495 piece of quality luggage appears meticulously engineered and looks sophisticated without being flashy.
For those unfamiliar with Carl Friedrik, the London-born company specialises in premium luggage and travel accessories, focusing on timeless design and practical features.
This is my first encounter with the brand and it couldn't have got off to a better start. I received the bestselling Carry-on X in the Grey/Cognac colourway in record time. As you'd expect from a high-end product, it was wrapped inside a soft protective dust bag bearing the Carl Friedrik logo.
The muted grey shell is beautifully complemented by rich cognac leather handles and matching leather detailing, giving the suitcase an elegant look that stands out. It probably shouldn't come as a surprise that the Carry-on X has received an iF Design Award - one of the world's most respected product design accolades.
The build quality is obvious from the moment you pick it up. Its impact-resistant polycarbonate shell is paired with an aluminium frame, helping it to achieve the perfect balance between strength and weight. Instead of using a conventional zip, it features two metal clasp locks built into the frame. It’s easy to set the clasp combination - especially when you figure out the tiny switch is on the inside of the lock, not the outside!
The feature that immediately caught my eye (and is the standout feature for many travellers who use the Carry-on X), however, was the front compartment. It's not something you often see on a hard-shell suitcase and provides easy access to essentials such as a laptop, tablet, passport or travel documents, with plenty of pockets. Rather than opening the entire case while waiting at airport security or before boarding, everything you need can be reached in seconds. Inside the main compartment is a removable compression pad that helps keep clothes flat and secure during travel.
The leather handles feel comfortable and substantial in the hand, while the four 360-degree spinner wheels are designed to glide smoothly through busy terminals. Inside, the layout is neat and well organised, with zipped dividers and compression straps that help keep everything securely in place during a trip.
What I particularly like is that the design doesn't rely on oversized logos or unnecessary embellishments. The quality of the materials and thoughtful layout say it all. It feels like a suitcase that's been designed for years of travel rather than just a handful of holidays.
At 56 x 38 x 25cm, it's designed as a true carry-on rather than an under-seat bag and meets the cabin baggage allowances of many full-service airlines, including British Airways and Jet2.
Carl Friedrik also offers a Core version of the Carry-on X, which is slightly cheaper (£395), smaller and around 600g lighter, making it a sensible option for travellers who regularly fly with airlines that have tighter cabin baggage limits. Personally, I'd be tempted to stick with the Hybrid. Its aluminium frame, twin clasp-lock closure and integrated hard-shell front compartment give it a reassuring sense of solidity that immediately makes it feel like the more premium suitcase, while the additional packing space is always welcome.
As well as the Grey/Cognac you can also choose Grey/Chocolate, Dark Olive/Chocolate, Black, Navy/Hackett and Silver/Tan.
Over the coming months I'll be taking the Carry-on X on several trips to see whether those impressive first impressions translate into real-world performance. I'll be paying close attention to how it copes with busy airports, whether the front compartment proves as useful in practice as it appears on paper, how smoothly the wheels perform over different surfaces and how well the shell stands up to the inevitable knocks and scrapes of modern travel. Reassuringly, there’s a lifetime warranty on all Carl Friedrik's cases.
For now, though, I'm beyond impressed. It feels exceptionally well made, thoughtfully designed and refreshingly practical, making it an extremely promising start for what I hope will become a long-term travelling companion.