Whether I’m packing clothes for a quick weekend outing or a lengthy getaway, I always have extra closet staples at the ready—even if I have to squeeze them into the teeny, tiny crevices of my carry-on luggage. (Because what if I spill coffee on my shirt, get caught in the rain, or find a cute dinner spot that requires heels?! I digress.)
I just went on a recent trip to Marina Del Ray in Los Angeles, and my itinerary was packed with activities and meals from morning to night. Naturally, I had a lot to bring with me—casual outfits, dinner dresses, bathing suits—and I needed a suitcase that could fit it all.
My luggage of choice? The hard-shell Quince Carry-On, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s incredibly lightweight, roomy, and rolls smoothly (the three things I look for while picking out luggage).
Pros
- Durable polycarbonate shell
- Affordable option
- Roomy interior
Cons
- Scuffs easily
When I think about Quince, clothing comes to mind first: I picture editor-loved linen, top-tested cashmere, and high-quality tees that pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab continue to praise and recommend. I wasn’t familiar with the brand’s suitcases until I gave this one a try.
As it turns out, our Lab experts tested this exact carry-on—and they praised its polycarbonate exterior (which proved to be more durable than plastic), and its comfortable, flexible handles. However, the team did notice that the carry-on showed scuffs in their scratch-resistance tests—a flaw I also noticed mid-transit—and the fact that it’s just small enough to fit general carry-on size limits (which, of course, vary by airline).
Still, it quickly became a favorite of mine. From the moment I laid the open carry-on across my floor, I knew it’d fit my packing list no problem due to its roomy interior. According to the brand, it can hold six to nine outfits, and it fit my five days’ worth of fits seamlessly.
Right side
Left side
Zippered compartment
Compression panel
The suitcase has two large storage sections separated by a slim, yet sturdy compression panel with a built-in pocket. The left side can be zippered shut with a mesh liner, making it easy to hold large amounts of clothing in place. The opposite section has two buckle straps that you can use in conjunction with the compression panel to secure more belongings while saving space.
To help maximize the amount of clothing I could bring, I used Gonex compression packing cubes. Once I filled them up, I stacked them one-by-one into the carry-on like a game of Tetris. (Cat for scale.)
In no time at all, my entire five-day packing list fit into the suitcase. It even zippered up without me needing to apply much pressure (I usually have to lie across my luggage before I get it to close).
My next concern was, of course, its weight. Even though I wasn’t checking the bag, I didn’t want to lug a heavy suitcase through the airport and onto the plane. But I was pleasantly surprised that I could lift it into the overhead storage section without issue. And, thanks to its 360-degree steering wheels and smooth, sturdy handle, navigating the airport was a breeze.
One feature I didn’t use was the carry-on’s TSA-approved lock (with my luck, I would have forgotten the code). Still, it’s a convenient feature in case your bag gets checked at the gate and helps ensure your property stays put throughout the trip.
I had a great little getaway, and that’s partly thanks to my handy luggage. Between its storage capacity, lightweight build, and ease of rolling, I’ll gladly reach for the Quince suitcase for my next trip.
