Horizn Studios M5 Essential Carry-On Review

1. Introduction

One of our least favorite things about being a digital nomad is the air travel. Sure, occasionally you get to go through stunning airports like Changi in Singapore, but most of the time traversing the check-in counters, the security area, and so on is exhausting. Any way we can reduce the stress of it all is a bonus.

Horizn Studios is a luggage maker that attempts to do just that, using savvy design to solve a lot of a regular traveler’s problems. Europe’s answer to businesses like Away and Monos, it was founded in 2015 as the continent’s first direct-to-consumer luggage brand.

The company has several carry-on designs, from the super lightweight Air to the sustainably manufactured RE.

We decided to test out the company’s foundational product range, dubbed Essential, which features all the brand’s signature style.

2. Size, Capacity & First Impressions

The Essential carry-on comes in a couple of different versions, one that has a front compartment for laptop storage (the M5) and one without (H5). We went for the M5, which is a bit more expensive, but we prefer having easy access to our PC where possible.

At 21.5″ H X 15.5″ W X 9″ (55cm x 40cm x 23cm), it’s a bit on the wide side for airlines like KLM and Virgin Atlantic, but we were perfectly fine on Lufthansa and Norwegian.

It weighs 7.5lbs (3.4kg) empty, which is on the lighter side of the carry-on spectrum. We could do with a little more packing space, but the 37l was just about enough for our clothing, shoes, and cables.

Pulling the M5 Essential out of its fabric bag, we were immediately struck by its minimalist chic look. We went with the matte Light Quartz Grey color, which oozes class, but it also comes in equally understated yet suave Night Blue, Dark Olive, and All Black.

We also love the feel of the polycarbonate shell, which is lightly grooved, and the smooth surface of the soft, nylon-based front compartment.

3. Features & Functionality

While the M5 Essential creates an instant impression with its appearance, it also has some useful functionality that sets it apart from its competitors.

Storage & Interior Design:

The most unique part of the M5 Essential is its front compartment, which is an unusual feature for a hardshell suitcase. It’s designed to fit a laptop and contains smaller mesh pockets for cables, a power bank, and other small bits and bobs.

There’s also a smaller zippered pocket on top of the front compartment that can house flat items that you might want to access quickly, like a passport or a book.

The interior has two zippered compartments and no compression pads. Neither side is especially large, because one side is partly occupied by the front compartment and the other contains the telescopic handle – hence the 37l capacity.

Wheels & Handling:

The M5 features four 360-degree spinner wheels that roll beautifully, complemented by a four-stage telescopic handle with a smooth release. It’s all irreproachably designed.

Security:

The zippers to the main compartment lock into a TSA-approved lock on the side. It would be nice if the locking mechanism could accommodate a second set of zippers, as some other suitcase models do, so that the laptop compartment could also be secured.

Tech & Smart Add-ons:

The Essential doesn’t come with any smart features, although other Horizn Studios models do.

Mobility & Ease of Use:

There are retractable handles on the side and front that make it easy to lift the suitcase into the airplane overhead lockers. We had no problems at all, even when the bag was stuffed to the brim.

One issue we did have when the bag was overfilled though was with the balance. The front tends to bulge, causing it to tip forward.

4. Durability & Travel Performance

We had a great time using the M5 Essential, and it’s hard to think of a major complaint. The wheels have a wonderfully easy rolling motion, whether you’re dragging the suitcase behind you or rolling it beside you.

It’s also got a water-resistant zipper lining, which is handy for those unfortunate occasions where you get caught short in a shower on the way to your Airbnb. Yes, that happened to us in Denmark recently, and no, our stuff didn’t get wet!

While it’s always hard to know how well a piece of luggage is going to hold up over the course of several years, the M5 Essential seems like a robust suitcase. It’s made from quality materials, so we’d expect the shell to survive intact long term – especially since, as a piece of carry-on, it’s not going to be subjected to rough baggage handlers!

Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which covers functional damage to things like zippers, wheels, and handles – but notably not cosmetic damage to the shell.

It’s always worth remembering that polycarbonate hardshell suitcases are more prone to scratches, scuffs, and dents than aluminum or softshell ones. If you can be a bit rough with your bags or you often travel to rural areas with dirt tracks rather than pavement, you might be better off with something hardier like a wheeled duffel.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong and stylish exterior
• Lighter than most
• Convenient front pocket

Cons:

• Relatively small capacity
• Pricey investment
• Lacks a compression system

6. Horizn Studios M5 Essential vs. Away Bigger Carry-On vs. Monos Carry-On Plus

The front compartment is the standout of the Horizn Studios M5 Essential. As well as providing a padded space for a laptop, it also has multiple smaller pockets for tech accessories. That’s something that neither the Away Bigger Carry-On nor the Monos Carry-On can boast, even if they do have a similar design ethos.

However, the M5 Essential is also quite a bit smaller in terms of capacity than the Away, which can fit almost 50l of stuff. Admittedly, the Bigger Carry-On has oversized dimensions of 22.7″ H x 15.4″ W x 9.6″ L (57cm x 39cm x 24cm) that won’t fit most airline restrictions, so it’s only suitable for certain carriers.

The Monos has a comparable capacity (35l) but with a slightly better internal storage design. If you’re more interested in cramming in clothes than a laptop compartment, this is the smart choice, since the compression system cinches down apparel so that you can fit more inside.

Both Horizn Studios and Monos have a sterling sustainability ethos, but in slightly different ways. Horizn Studies boasts a waste-free production cycle and carbon-neutral logistics, while Monos has B Corp certification and a reforestation partnership with Veritree. Both are working to incorporate more recyclable materials in their design.

In terms of price, both the Monos and the Away cost $295, which is substantially less than the $500 Horizn Studios.

7. Who It’s For (And Who It’s Not)

Perfect for: digital nomads with tech setups, long weekenders

Not ideal for: winter holidayers, chronic over-packers

While the M5 makes it easy to pack a full digital setup, it doesn’t have that much additional room for clothing and other equipment. We managed a four-day trip to summery Copenhagen, but we can’t imagine it would be easy to get away with much longer than that – and certainly not if you were packing jumpers for wintery weather.

8. Final Verdict & Rating

The M5 Essential is not the bag for you if you want maximum packing space. While the stated capacity might not seem that small, we found it impossible to fit as much stuff into this suitcase as we could into other products with similar dimensions.

However, having easy access to our laptop is a huge plus in our book, and very few hardshell suitcases provide this functionality. For people who like to work while they travel, the M5 Essential is worth exploring for this feature alone.

Perhaps what our biggest bugbear about this piece of luggage is its cost. It’s hard to see how Horizn Studios can justify the higher price tag when comparable alternatives like Away or Monos are $300 cheaper. It might be that there’s a very reasonable explanation, but it wasn’t self-evident to us.

Rating: 4/5.

9. FAQ Section

Does the Horizn Studios M5 Essential fit under airplane seats?

No, the M5 Essential will not fit under the seat in front of you. However, it will fit in all airline overhead compartments.

What’s the warranty policy?

Horizn Studios has a Lifetime Manufacturer’s Guarantee that covers functional damage to its luggage. This includes things like malfunctioning zippers, handles, and/or wheels. It does not include cosmetic issues like shell cracks or scuffs, nor does it include damage caused by airline mishandling.

Is the luggage waterproof?

Horizn Studios’ suitcases are described as “liquid repellant,” with water-resistant lining that is designed to prevent leakage in rainy conditions. We wouldn’t expect it to stand up to torrential downpours – but then again, we wouldn’t expect to go out in torrential downpours!