I’m a habitual overpacker. No matter where I’m going, I like having options. But I dislike waiting at the baggage carousel. I’d much rather tote a carry-on, but they rarely fit everything on my packing list.
Then I heard about Airback Next, a carry-on with a built-in vacuum system that can reduce the volume of the suitcase’s contents and maximize space. I tried it over the Thanksgiving holiday, when I flew from California to Colorado, and it’s now my favorite carry-on. Here’s why.
What Is the Airback Next?
The Airback Next is a water-resistant polycarbonate hard-shell suitcase with an aluminum trolley frame and telescopic handle that is as wide as the bag itself. It has two TSA-approved combination locks, Hinomoto wheels (which are high-quality), an exterior laptop pocket, and a nifty metal edge closure in place of a zipper.
It’s only available in a carry-on size; it measures 55 inches long by 40 inches wide and 23 inches deep, and weighs 4.6 kilograms (or roughly 10 pounds). The volume is 45 liters until you use the compression feature, which scales it up to 68 liters.
Why the Airback Next Is So Worth It
The compression feature is what sets the Airback Next apart from any other suitcase. Inside are two clamshell-style compartments. One is sectioned off by a zipped panel lined with multiple pockets. The other is sealed by a panel that zips tight over that half of the suitcase — it’s actually a vacuum-sealable sleeve that compresses down significantly when using Airback’s vacuum pump.
I first packed shoes, toiletries, and the majority of my clothes on each side of the suitcase. Then I was ready to try the vacuum sleeve. I’d never traveled with vacuum-sealable bags before but with the technology already built in, I was excited to try it out.
The panel was airtight, thanks to a heavy-duty zipper that required two hands to open, and it was large enough to fit one medium-size packing cube of clothes plus a few extraneous items. I held the vacuum pump over the seal, turned it on, and all air was removed in seconds along with several inches of space. Compression straps could tighten it down even further.
I was able to pack for five days. Other carry-on rolling bags I own typically only hold enough for a two- to three-day trip. However, even with vacuum-sealing ability, the Airback Next isn’t magic. Initially I still overpacked and couldn’t close it. But after a bit of self-editing, I fit four pairs of pants, a few sweaters, pajamas, underwear, shoes, and toiletries.
While the vacuum felt ingenious, some of my favorite features surprisingly had nothing to do with compression. I loved that it closed with a metal edge secured by a TSA-approved lock. This meant there was no struggling to force overstuffed zippers or risk a broken one.
I also thought the extra-wide telescopic handle was easier to maneuver than other rolling bags. It never tipped over, and wheeled easily through multiple airports. Additionally, I appreciated the interior organizational pockets, which removed the need for many toiletry bags.
Things to Consider When Purchasing It
The bag greatly impressed me, but there are a few points to consider. For instance, I flew on a small airplane with a two-by-two seat configuration. The Airback Next fit overhead, but only after some finagling of the wheels. If I had bulky items in that exterior pocket, it would have been gate-checked.
This raises an important note: The pump has an internal lithium battery. Per FAA rules, lithium batteries must remain in a carry-on. I kept it separately in my purse, but this could have been a concern had I packed it inside the Airback Next and been met with a surprise gate check.
Likewise, I relied on a vacuum pump to fit everything and close my bag. If I misplaced it or the battery died, I risked not being able to pack everything again for the return flight. Finally, the pump isn’t included in the suitcase’s hefty price of $537; it adds another $75.
Still, I believe the Airback Next is a worthy investment that is easily the most innovative piece of luggage I own with unmatched space in a suitcase this size. I hope in the future they’ll expand to checked size, or make the vacuum-sealable portion larger so I can fit even more.
