Could this be the smartest suitcase yet? I tested July's CaseSafe luggage
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I tested July's Checked Suitcase with CaseSafe, the world's first suitcase with a tracker built into its TSA lock. Here's whether it's worth the £305 price tag.
Losing a suitcase must rank among the most stressful ways to begin a holiday. Each year, around 33 million suitcases are lost or delayed, and although luggage trackers provide some reassurance, you have to buy an additional device and find somewhere secure to hide it inside your case.
Now Australian luggage company July has come up with a very clever solution. The Checked Suitcase with CaseSafe, £305, features what the brand describes as the world's first TSA-lock-approved tracker built directly into a suitcase. There is no separate AirTag to purchase, attach or remember to pack. Instead, the tracking technology is integrated into the TSA lock and connects to either Apple's Find My network or Google's Find Hub.
I put the case through its paces on a long weekend away and struggled to find fault with it. Admittedly, an 80-litre case is larger than I'd normally need for three nights away, but travelling light has never been a strength! The trip gave me the chance to test its packing space, manoeuvrability and, of course, its headline tracking feature.
Setting up the CaseSafe functionality was incredibly easy. I simply opened the Find My app on my iPhone, tapped the '+' symbol, selected Add Other Item and connected the case in less than a minute. From then on, it appeared alongside my other devices, allowing me to check its location without needing another accessory rattling around inside my luggage.
Although my suitcase remained safely with me throughout our journey, it was good to test the tech. I can see it really coming into its own on trips abroad, whether you're waiting at the baggage carousel, wondering if your luggage has made the flight or leaving it with a hotel concierge.
So what else does this smart suitcase have to offer? The curved shell is made from aerospace-grade German polycarbonate and reinforced with anodised aluminium corner bumpers, giving it a robust feel that's clearly designed to cope with the inevitable knocks and bumps of airport travel. The premium feel continues with smooth-gliding YKK Japanese zips, an integrated TSA lock and subtle leather detailing on the interior straps and hinge that give the case a more luxurious finish than many rivals. Despite its robust construction, the case weighs just 4.7kg.
Inside, the attention to detail is equally impressive. The heavy-duty Y-Strap compression system keeps everything securely in place, while the zipped divider, water-resistant, stain-resistant lining and hidden laundry bag make it easy to separate clean clothes from worn items. I particularly liked the laundry bag as it's one of those simple ideas that makes a real difference when you're packing to come home.
The SilentMove 360-degree spinner wheels are another highlight. The case glided effortlessly across pavements, car parks and hotel floors, while the telescopic handle can be adjusted through 20 different height settings, making it easy to find a comfortable position whatever your height.
One of the other things I like about July is that it doesn't just stick to the usual black and navy. The Checked Suitcase with CaseSafe is available in a wide range of colours, including Charcoal, Moss, Forest, Navy, Shadow Lavender, Blush Pink, and Dark Brown. I was tempted by the Shadow Lavender which is quite an ususal shade and would stand out on an airport carousel but I chose Charcoal which strikes a nice balance between looking smart and understated while also doing a good job of disguising the inevitable scuffs and marks that come with regular travel.
Delivery and packaging is superb - my case came quickly and was beautiully packaged, and came complete with protective cover.
So should you buy one? No suitcase is cheap at £305, but this feels like a product that's been built to last. The quality of the materials is evident throughout, and July backs that up with a lifetime warranty, 100-day returns and free UK delivery. Add in the genuinely innovative CaseSafe technology and this is far more than just another stylish suitcase. It's one of the smartest (in both senses of the word) pieces of luggage I've travelled with and that, for me, justifies the price tag. The brand’s slogan - Nothing to lose, and a world to see - feels perfectly fitting.