When it comes to travel luggage we’re unashamedly addicted. In fact our wardrobe is full of carry on bags, and under the bed you’ll find a graveyard of suitcases that we can’t bear to throw out as they’ve served us faithfully on our travels around the world. Whilst I love a shiny new bit of kit, Hubbie prefers his gear to be a bit weather-beaten, showing off the marks and dents lovingly collected during adventures to tropical rainforests and arid deserts.
We’d love to say that after all these years trotting around the globe, we’ve got packing down to a fine art and always travel light. Yet in reality, that’s just not the case. Unless we’re flying by light aircraft on safari in Kenya or to the remote islands of Sao Tome and Principe, we always each have a piece of hold luggage in tow. You know, for all the clothes that we’ll probably never wear because it’ll be too hot, and all the toiletries we inevitably carry with us, just in case the hotels don’t come up trumps in the bathroom department.
But one thing we never compromise on when it comes to hold luggage is a hard shell suitcase. Having a solid, reliable piece of kit that we know is going to protect our gear when it’s undoubtedly thrown around the airport is an absolute must.
We have a penchant for buying awkward and sometimes delicate souvenirs too so it’s super important that we know our new-found handicrafts are going to make it back home in one piece. Packing souvenirs is quite an art, and we’re proud to say we’ve successfully transported everything from glass lamps and pottery to paintings and even a massive wooden giraffe (who only lost an ear in the process, which we thought was quite impressive). And it was all thanks to having a hard shell case rather than a soft holdall.
My current suitcase has been begging for retirement for a few years, so when the lovely folks at Rock Luggage asked if I’d like to test out one of their cases I jumped at the chance.
The Chicago Suitcase
I opted for the Chicago suitcase in medium, which of course was hard shell and came in a range of classy colours. It was a bit like Christmas when it arrived, as I knew this particular gift heralded the start of new adventures. Something that is especially poignant now travel is opening up again after being dormant for so long.
Whilst we weren’t quite jetting off to foreign shores just yet, a week’s self-catering holiday in Devon and Cornwall was perfect to give the case a trial run. Even if we’re just staying in a cottage I like to feel stylish!
The Hard Shell Outer
Made out of ABS/PC material, the outer shell is durable and solid, although there is a bit of flex which is something I’m not used to with my completely rigid existing case. However, this means at 3.7 kg it’s a lot lighter which is great news when it comes to luggage weight limits on planes. Being able to pack even more pants and extra souvenirs is always a bonus, even if the 60-litre capacity is actually plenty big enough for all our travelling needs! Which makes this relatively large suitcase the perfect size for long-haul travel. The only downside is that from now on I’ll have no excuse to get Hubbie to do all the heavy lifting!
The Best Features
One of the gripes I’ve always had about many cases is the wheels. So many suitcases seem to have a mind of their own when trundling across the airport floor, and sometimes the wheels don’t spin in sync. Which is why I was impressed with the Chicago case – it has a grand total of eight wheels rather than just four, which makes it a lot more stable and easy to pull.
The integrated TSA combination lock is really handy too as it’s built into the suitcase, and helps prevent theft at airports and whilst you’re on your travels. No more scrabbling around for misplaced padlocks for us! You can just choose your own unique 3-number combo and slot in the zip handles so everything is secure. There’s an additional hole on the zips if you want to double up with a padlock too, for extra piece of mind.
Handles are something else that can be a bit hit and miss, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one didn’t mess around. It’s one of the sturdiest I’ve come across, and doesn’t rattle as you pull the case along.
The rigidity also meant the case didn’t have a tendency to flip over when in use, which has happened to us on multiple occasions, especially when rushing to catch a flight. There are carry handles on the top and side too, for those annoying times when you have to negotiate steps.
Inside the Case
Despite all these super bells and whistles, my favourite feature was actually the mesh divider inside the case. Not only does it come with a handy pocket for all your little bits and pieces, it also zips around the entire inside of the suitcase, thereby keeping all your gear secure.
So many times have I opened a case and things immediately fall out because there’s just a simple strap to hold it all together. I’m looking forward to having no more embarrassing moments at airport security when dirty clothes try to make a break for it across the floor in front of other passengers.
Yes, that has happened. More than once!
There are elasticated straps in the other side of the case, which are really handy to keep packing cubes and larger items of clothing in place.
In a Nutshell
- Hard shell outer that isn’t too heavy
- Sturdy handle for fast wheeling
- Easy-to-use integrated combination lock
- Lots of wheels for a smooth ride
- Internal pocket to keep your gear in place
The GIVEAWAY
Okay, you know I’m a fan, so how would you like to get your own hands on one of these cases for your next holiday? You’re in luck, because Rock Luggage have kindly provided a medium Chicago suitcase (also in the same green as mine) to give away to one lucky winner.
Prize: One medium Chicago suitcase in green (RRP £159.99)
UK entrants only (due to delivery being UK-only).
How to Enter
It couldn’t be simpler. Just use the Gleam widget below to enter, completing as many of the options as you like. If you have previously completed any of the actions (for example if you already follow us on Facebook, Twitter etc) then feel free to have an entry for them!
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Rock Luggage Suitcase Giveaway worth £159.99
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Terms and conditions
No purchase is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. The prize is provided by Rock Luggage and is a Chicago medium suitcase in green.
The giveaway is open to UK residents only. The prize is not refundable or exchangeable for cash. The giveaway will run for 2 weeks starting on Monday 24th May 2021 and end at midnight on Monday 7th June 2021. The winner will be determined on or around the 8th June 2021 by a random drawing of eligible entries received. Your chances of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries. Winners must respond within a week of receiving the notification email, otherwise another winner will be chosen. The winner’s name and email address will be passed to the giveaway sponsor in order to arrange delivery.
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Rock Luggage have kindly provided the prize for this giveaway, as well as our suitcase reviewed in this post. We never work with brands we don’t know and love, and as always, opinions are entirely our own.
I would take this case on my first trip to cornwall.
I would take the suitcase to Cornwall on my first trip.
I would love to take this fabulous suitcase on my next trip to Turkey – once restrictions are lifted.
Hopefully Amsterdam, it’s been a while.
Lake district its beautiful
What a beautiful suitcase. I’d take it to Texas with me ✈️
Our next holiday will be in the Lake District, so this would be great to use then.
Tuscany
We won’t go abroad this year but hopefully things will be more settled for a trip to a cottage we’ve been waiting to stay in close to Toulouse. Our booking just keeps getting pushed to the next year, then the next….. Surely next year!
To Menorca next year, but in the meantime probably nearer home to Devon on a staycation
I’m really hoping to meet up with friends in Manchester later in the year and go to a gig – fingers definitely crossed for that one! Next year I also hope to travel through Germany so that would be it’s first outing abroad. Fab prize!
Malaysia next year
I would love to take this super case to Tenerife!
Hopefully to a cruise to New York from Southhampton next year.
We re going to Scotland for the first time ever In September to do a bit of island hopping, loved your review on this it looks compact, neat and light to push but has plenty of room inside ideal for our adventure
to cornwall i love it there
How fantastic I would absolutely love this case for our adventures first stop would be Montenegro with the family.
Off to London next month with my daughter 🙂
I am off to Scotland with my brother and parents. I have never been before so it will be a huge adventure. I am 60 my parents are 90 but we are fit and healthy and love exploring new places and who knows what tomorrow will bring so we never take life for granted.
I would wheelie love to take this fab new case to our bucket list destination of the Galapagos as soon as we can get there!
We are going to Filey next month
We fell in love with Turkey 10 years ago, and can’t wait to go back, so that’s where we’d take this case!
Dorset later in the year
We would take it to visit family with gifts for those we haven’t seen for so long
Have to staycations planned for this year in Brighton and Poole
and next year we are planning to visit New York and Los Angeles – Covid permitting. x
this lovely suitcase will be coming to Devon x
Going to Scotland in the highlands
I’d like to take it to Cyprus, we had a holiday booked there last year and it would have been the first time my boys went abroad. Maybe next year.
I’ve had a dream for the last twenty five or so years of visiting Iceland, and it’s on the Green List so …..
I would love to take it to the Norfolk coast
I would take it on my mini break that my husband has arranged for our 20th wedding anniversary in October. I have no idea where we are going though as it’s a surprise!
To the Greek Islands
Prague where I was born.
To Texas where my son and his family are living!
We’re looking forward to a family break to the Isle of Wight! We’re skipping the international holidays until the world is a little more normal!
I’d take this lovely suitcase on our upcoming trip to Oxford for the foodie festival x
Spain next year
Cambridge to visit my family
Due a visit to London, where my darling daughter lives, I am going to hug her so hard, I will lift her off the floor.
id take it to greece
Looks great
Since we are unable to travel to many destinations abroad at the moment due to lockdowns I’d take this suitcase to Cornwall for its first trip.
That’s such a great suitcase! I’d take it to Northern Sweden to see the lights.
I’d love a UK city break!
I would take my new suitcase on its first trip to Walt Disney World
I would have to take it on a family trip to Norway
I’d take my fab new suitcase to the Isle of Portland. Portland Bill is one of my favourite places in this country, my “happy place” where I have spent many hours staring out to sea
Great case for any holiday looks so handy
I would love to take it on a long trip to the Antipodes.
Hoping to visit my family in Australia before too long so would love to take this on that long journey
I would love to take this on holiday. There are many ports of call. First on my list would be Rome, I’ve heard its great for sightseeing and has so much history attributed to it. This suitcase would be a stellar companion on my travels.
love the colour
A stylish suitcase that will keep my stuff safe and secure whilst light enough to easily to lug around. Would love to have one.
I’d love to take it on our Disney Cruise staycation next month
Can’t wait to get back to travelling, and would love a new suitcase to take with me wherever I go!
i would take it on our first holiday to london in august x
Hoping to be able to finally get to see my parents by the end of this year if the restrictions ease!
This would be great for my trip to Cardiff.
Would give to my daughter who is about to leave to study at the University of Oslo for a year
I would take this on a holiday to Spain as soon as Corona allows !!!!
To my father-in-law’s house in the south of Spain but only when it’s safe to do so
To visit family in the US as soon we are allowed.
We’re hoping to visit Egypt next year so would take the case there.
To gran canaria
Dunster in Somerset for a staycation this year. Who knows next year!
Probably to Malta
I would love to visit Rome but with all the travel problems at the moment I would most likely try Snowdonia first!
We are going to arran in two weeks can’t wait
The Algarve xx
When we’re able I would take it to Sardinia x
I’d take this suitcase on every trip o have planned for the foreseeable future and beyond!
I would love to take it to visit my friend in Florida!
Thailand!
I am hoping to go to London soon – I was meant to go for my 70th birthday but couldnt because of lockdown. Then hopefully a European trip to somewhere sunny!
I’d love to go on a western Mediterranean cruise
Hopefully take it with us to Donegal!
Would love this for our next holiday
Canary Islands for me.
to the Lake District.
To Cornwall to visit family
Hopefully I would take it to Portugal in September. I am desperate to go and see my family.
Our Suitcases Always Travel to Turkey But are Old and Battered . Every Year we say we are going to get New but always end up taking our Tatty embarrassing Ones .
We Won’t Be Going Away This Year , We will save the Money for hopefully a Lovely Holiday Next Year
We’ll be heading off to Co Durham in a few weeks
Anywhere with sun at the moment! I would love a trip to Spain or Cyprus. I also would lo a trip back to London once the erst end has reopened fully.
Cyprus, to visit my son
Trip to the lake District in July
Canary Islands hopefully
The next suitcase I get is definitely going to be one with four wheels
A trip to the Scottish Isles would be good
Hopefully Switzerland later this summer visiting my family
I have a craving to travel up to Edinburgh for a nice quiet weekend of time to myself, maybe visit a few shops, & walk around just with myself and my thoughts, this would be perfect for such a trip! xx
I’d take it to the Norwegian Fjords – once we’re able to do so
On my first trip away with my boyfriend. We’ve been together for three years now and was planning on going away together before covid struck. Now will be a while before we can plan again.
I’d take this on a rail trip to Scotland. I’d feel much more confident leaving a solid case in the luggage rack than my usual cloth case.
I would take it to Cornwall as I’m off to visit my dead husbands side of the family in the summer holidays
I’d take it when we go on holiday this summer – hopefully Cardigan Bay, Wales
T the USA to visit my daughter and grandchildren hopefully soon
I would take it to Malta when we go on holiday also when we go to the Peak District
We are going to Eastwood Hall, so hopefully there. Thank you
I would love to take this suitcase on our family cruise. Hopefully it goes ahead next year fingers crossed
I would love to take this suitcase on our family cruise. Hopefully it goes ahead next year
always Portugal !!!
I’m planning to go to Edinburgh in September and this case would give me room for lots of sweaters and room to bring back lots of shortbread.
Somewhere on the coast in the UK
On a cruise when we are able to
I would take it on a much needed weekend break to York, I cannot wait!!!
Would love to win this & take it to visit my best friend on the beautiful Isle of Wight
Portugal to see my family and friends that I haven’t seen in over a year.
To visit my Dad, he went into residential care last year and I havent seen him for a year now as he lives so far away
I would take it to Russia next year, which has been rearranged twice, so I’m hoping for third time lucky
Hopefully South of France as soon as things are better
I am hoping to take it to my apartment in North Cyprus which I have not visited since November 2019.
To visit my in-laws in July! It’s my fiancé’s 30th, and he wants us to go visit his parents. So that’s what we’re doing ♥ looking forward to it xx
Would love to take it to the Lake District
I have a trip booked to Gibraltar for July for my mum’s 70th birthday so this would be perfect for that 😀
hong kong when i visit my mum
I hope we will manage a trip to London and Harry Potter studios this year.
Grand Cayman as soon as we can get there!
Cornwall or Newquay
To Milan with my son in September
I would take it to Edinburgh for my first trip to see my family
id love to take my new suitcase with me when i go to spain next year
I would take it on my holiday to fort William.
hopefully devon
To see my family in Yorkshire
We are going travelling for six months – when we are allowed – would love to take this suitcase wit us!
I would go to cork in ireland then dublin as I haven’t been to those two areas of Ireland
would take it to Mauritius 🙂
London – we are way overdue for a short break and its our favourite UK destination.
Would love to win!
We have a booking for a France for September carried forward from last year but not sure if it will be allowed yet.
The Gower in Wales. So beautiful!
I would use it when I travel back to Norfolk to visit family & friends.
wE are hoping to be able to visit the Channel Islands this summer, the case would be wonderful to use on a trip to Jersey
I am hoping to go on holiday to the Bahamas in December so would take this case with me there
Hopefully won’t be long til I can travel again and this would be perf ect
I’d take it to France, as soon as it’s safe and allowed, to see my grandchildren who I’ve not seen since Christmas 2019. And I’d cram it full of all the toys and treats I’ve not been able to spoil them with since then!
would love to take it to Krakow
I would take it to Yorkshire to visit family
I’d love to take it on a late summer holiday to Majorca
Have missed travelling so much, cant wait to steart exploring again as soon as its safe again
Trip to the Peak District in July
I would love to take it to Falmouth in Cornwall, I went to uni there and hope to revisit it soon!
The suitcase looks perfect!
a trip to prague
My fave place is the canaries but I’ve always wanted to try crete.
hopefully—-istanbul
I would love to win this having had some not so good experiences with luggage in the past, a good sturdy suitcase is essential.
The first trip would be to North Wales
Hopefully to USA
I would take it on a trip to Cornwall
First big trip would be to Bulgaria, via half of Europe on the way. Can’t wait for freedom to travel safely, In the meantime I would take up to Yorkshire and down to Cornwall.
Italy ! LOVE the country
Superb quality
Thinking about Cornwall this year.
On a staycation to Bude in Cornwall deferred from 2020
We are hoping to visit my in-laws in India once the current wave of infections there is under control.
I am very excited to be going away for a night with my husband to celebrate our anniversary!
I’m going to Costa Rica !!
It would be coming to tenerife with me
Goa
Up to Scotland! I don’t quite fancy flying abroad just yet!
I would love to take my case on my family staycation holiday to Swansea in Wales
I would love to take this fabulous suitcase to visit Orlando and I’m sure it would help me bring lots of goodies back!
We will hopefully be going to Mexico in october , so this would be perfect
Due to Covid, I’m only travelling within the UK this year and the first place I’d take the case is to The New Forest