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Review: Trunkster Suitcase, Overpriced but a Step above the Rest

by Hao Tran
Last updated August 27, 2018

As a usually loyal Rimowa and Tumi luggage traveler, I wasn’t actively looking around for a new suitcase. But in November 2014, I backed the Trunkster Zipperless Luggage Kickstarter campaign, reserving a carry on for the princely sum of $325. After multiple manufacturing and shipping delays, I received it just a few weeks ago, 19 months later. What caught my eye at the time was the headliner feature of the Trunkster: a zipperless sliding rolltop door. Yes, that’s right. No more zippers.

The campaign hit its target after just three days, raising $1.4 million in total. At that number, it’s clear that travelers weren’t satisfied with current options on the market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM6a0jIYAyo

These TSA-compliant suitcases feature USB charging ports with a removable battery and cable, a built-in scale to ensure you keep within luggage weight restrictions, and a built-in GPS tracker. The USB charging capability is only available on the carry-on and the tracking device is an optional upgrade.

After a full-day of using the Trunkster for the first time on my usual San Francisco to Hong Kong run, I can safely say that it has given me a more positive travel experience. But was it worth the price?

Photo Jul 02, 21 41 04

The good:

  • The zipperless sliding rolltop door is game changing. No more fumbling with opening and closing
  • The telescopic, perfectly arm-height, full-width handle is built so that it doesn’t interfere with packing space in the center. So far, it’s been capable of carrying my belongings with little effort on my part
  • Premium construction means a stronger, lighter case, made from 100% virgin, scratch/impact-resistant polypropylene
  • The rubberized spinner wheels are omni-directional, they’ve been rolling silently across flat terrains
  • Its USB charging feature is a workhorrse: the removable 10,400 mAH battery has 3 amps of charging output. It’s capable of charging up to 4 iPhones and so far hasn’t let me down

The bad:

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  • Its purposely designed rubberized edges (meant to protect the suitcase from damage) make it harder to slide across metallic security line tables
  • Hard to grip (and generally unnecessary) built-in digital scale
  • The lack of a built-in locking mechanism and owner name tags is frustrating for the pricetag
  • Simple one container design means packing cubes or travel organizers for some travelers
  • Across carpet, the spinner wheels do struggle a bit and they don’t glide over ramps very well

trunkster_static

For those that are interested in purchasing it at the new price of $435, I have a $30 referral code available. Alternative luggage options that sell on the direct-to-consumer model include Bluesmart and Away.

Overall, it’s an awesome suitcase. At the Kickstarter promotional price it’s decent value, though a nice toy for the active traveler. At the new selling price, I would wait for future iterations of the Trunkster to see if they’ll improve some of its biggest flaws.

Photo Jul 02, 21 41 24

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About Hao Tran

Hao is a veteran points and miles traveler since 2011 who writes from his new hometown of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. He specializes in articles about how to reach Asia with your rewards and what to experience while you're there.

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