Men Should Not Use a Rolling Carry-On
J.L. Rocha Collection
Three Reasons Men Should Not Use a Rolling Carry-On
Menswear Editorial
Before I get attacked by a mob of RIMOWA fans, the answer depends on a number of factors. Here are some reasons rolling carry on bags can be acceptable for men traveling by plane:
You are unable to carry your bags throughout the airport.
You are flying private for longer than 3 nights but shorter than 5 nights.
Your rolling carry-on is a hard case for professional equipment (i.e. a video camera or professional gimbal)
Otherwise, I would recommend leaving the wheels at home or at bag check and opting for a classic and stylish travel bag. This article will cover three reasons why men should not use a rolling carry-on/a carry-on with wheels while traveling.
Rugged, Courteous, Stylish
Three key reasons to choose a leather carry-on.
Summary:
Travel bags are rugged and long lasting: a leather carry-on communicates your style and strength. Beyond looking good: the act of carrying your bag showcases your capacity for resilience, while the malleable leather will last much longer than a standard rolling bag.
Travel bags are more courteous to your fellow flyers: a carry-on with wheels takes up far more space in overhead bins within the cabin of an aircraft. Taking another passengers space is not gentlemanly behavior while a travel bag is more compact and adaptable.
Travel bags are more stylish than rolling bags: a leather travel bag has been a classic staple of menswear for decades. You can tailor your collection to your specific color scheme for the airport, and it automatically elevates your look while walking through an aircraft or airport.
Full Article:
Reason 1: Leather Carry-On Bags are Rugged and Long Lasting
Unless it is made of aluminum (that presents unique challenges such as weight and maintenance), a plastic or cloth rolling bag is subject to more deterioration than a leather travel bag. All our bags are made of calfskin with the exception of the legacy bag (made of thick cowhide to last even longer) and the isla duffel bag (made of a luxe lambskin, but still durable enough for light travel). Leather is more durable against wear and tear due to the nature of the material and its’ treatment, but additionally a leather carry on can bend and mold as needed, so it can handle any journey you throw at it.
A man who uses a bag travel bag against a rolling bag also presents himself as a more rugged entity: stronger, and more resilient. Simply the act of carrying the bag is reminiscent of military personnel that carry duffle bags while traveling. I have never seen a soldier at an airport with a rolling bag.
Reason 2: Travel Bags are More Courteous to Fellow Flyers
I abhor boarding airplanes due to the lack of decorum created by deteriorating social expectations. Travelers will crowd boarding group lines, jump ahead of others despite their group numbers not being called, and on many occasions including my last flight - I’ve witnessed passengers stuffing their rolling bag in the most convenient over-head bin for them, with no concern for seat designation or others. Flagrant disregard and rudeness aside, the airline cabin has become the new storage for an entire trips worth of clothing; as a result: overhead bins are getting larger to accommodate these giant bags, and if airport style wasn’t bad enough - TikTok is even encouraging people to pack clothing within pillows to bring into the cabin.
Traveling with a leather bag makes the experience much more enjoyable. I can get through the airplane isles with ease, I never have to worry about having my bag checked on the jet bridge, or having a lack of space in my overhead compartment because my bag can bend and adjust to my needs. Carry-on bags were originally termed “hand luggage” and were meant to house small items and valuables. This is still my rule of thumb today, my leather travel bag holds small items including: watches (or valuables) I am traveling with, the jacket I wore to the airport, a book or notebook, and accessories for arrival (such as sunglasses, gloves, or a scarf). My bag is never too heavy, never too full, and never bumps someones head when I’m moving it into the overhead bin.
Reason 3: Travel Bags are More Stylish
It’s true they make stylish rolling bags (I’d be lying if I said the Cabin Twist by RIMOWA hasn’t caught my eye), but they can still be limiting when it comes to your wardrobe. Your in-home storage, much like an airplane, needs more efficiency when it comes to suitcases or you risk the dreaded attic or basement full of bags. Leather travel bags can be an integral part of your collection and your airport style. You can have multiple travel bags in your collection due to their lightweight and compact build, but you can also have different bags for different airport looks and different destinations.
When it comes to my selection for air travel carry-ons, here are my top picks:
Favorite all around: The Rumorosa Duffel Bag - fits almost any outfit, style, and destination.
Favorite for tropical, desert, or sea faring destinations: The Celaya Everywhere Bag - tobacco brown and compact design make this bag adventurous.
Favorite for forests, cities, or ski-chalets: The Camino Bag in Black - a classic bag that exudes refined masculinity.
Closing Notes:
Airports have become much more difficult to enjoy, from going through security to premium lounges and in the cabin: every facet of commercial air travel has become overcrowded. When fellow flyers are courteous, respectful, and well mannered the experience can become gratifying again. Any man should strive to be an example for others, and a leather travel bag can be your passport to doing so on your next first class voyage. Clothing sets an expectation, and communicates how you maneuver through the world, keep this in mind the next time you reach for your rolling carry-on when you know you carry greater expectations. Family like you makes for friendlier flights.
Thank you/gracias