RIMOWA Essential Cabin Review

1. Introduction

Design, durability, and maneuverability are our core watchwords when it comes to suitcases. For regular travelers, it’s essential to have something that is well organized, easy to handle, and capable of withstanding a bit of banging about!

RIMOWA has been in the baggage biz since 1898. You could say they’re the OG of luxury luggage. Now part of LVMH, the brand made its name as a producer of very strong (and very expensive) aluminum suitcases. It’s since diversified its portfolio, introducing polycarbonate options that aren’t quite as robust – but also aren’t quite as damaging to the wallet.

The Essential Cabin is RIMOWA’s “affordable” polycarbonate option – and by that we mean the carry-on costs $950 instead of $1,500. It’s part of a range that includes checked luggage as well as trunks, so if you really feel like splashing out, you can get the full set.

Here, we’re going to detail our experience of flying with the Essential Cabin, from ease of packing to the smoothness of the wheels.

2. Size, Capacity & First Impressions

The Essential Cabin comes in a variety of snazzy colors, including Verde Green and Granada Pink, as well as more understated hues like blue and black.

We went with the glossy red option and were slightly dazzled by the bag’s brightness. We did specifically go for the most cheerful color available, and the luggage certainly livens up the place!

At 21.7″ H x 15.8″ H x 9.1″ L (55cm x 39cm x 23cm), the suitcase is slightly too large on the width front for airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Emirates, but we haven’t been stopped with it yet. It’s also worth noting that it’s within the limits for most of the stricter carriers, so while we can’t guarantee you won’t be forced to check it, it’s unlikely.

Inside, you can fit a grand total of 36l, which is just OK. It’s by no means the most spacious bag we’ve tried, but the capacity is manageable for a long weekend.

It weighs 7.1lbs (3.2kg) empty, which in our experience is right on the standard for a polycarbonate hardshell suitcase.

3. Features & Functionality

The Essential Cabin lives up to its name in the sense that it doesn’t really break the mold when it comes to functionality. It just sticks to trying to up the stakes with the key attributes.

Storage & Interior Design:

The older version of the Essential Cabin used to have two equally sized compartments, each with a compression pad. The newer version that we bought brings RIMOWA more in line with other luggage brands by having one zippered side and one compression side.

The patented RIMOWA compression system uses Velcro rather than a buckle, which we were a bit skeptical about at first, but actually it works quite well – consider us converted!

Both the compression divider and the zippered compartment are fronted by mesh pockets for flat-ish items. We used them for a mix of cables, notebooks, and dirty underwear.

You’ve also got a small pocket on one side that you can use for pens or other small things.

Wheels & Handling:

RIMOWA wheels are the crème de la crème of the suitcase world. They have a sterling reputation, and we weren’t disappointed with the quartet of ball-bearing-mounted, dual spinner wheels, which make wheeling the bag effortless.

The telescopic handle is also pretty cool, in that it doesn’t have set stages, so that you can adjust it to fit your height exactly. On the negative side, this setup does make the handle a bit jerky, and the push button doesn’t have the smoothest release.

Security:

Like most quality suitcases, there’s a TSA-approved lock on the side, which locks in the pair of zippers that open the main compartment.

Tech & Smart Add-ons:

No smart add-ons to speak of – RIMOWA is all about simplicity and style.

Mobility & Ease of Use:

The retractable handles on the top and side have a good feel to them. Personally, we would have liked to see a handle at the bottom as well for easier maneuverability, but it’s a detail rather than a dealbreaker.

4. Durability & Travel Performance

All RIMOWA’s luggage has ridges is to avoid the appearance of scuffing – but does it work? Well, in our experience, they do reduce the appearance of damage better than similar polycarbonate hardshell suitcases. That’s a definite plus.

Of course, hardshells are always going to be more prone to damage than duffels or softshell rollies, which is something to bear in mind. On the flipside, a hardshell usually protects the items inside the suitcase better than a fabric-based option.

Overall, we’re happy with the sturdiness of the carry-on. The wheels and handles all seem robust and unlikely to break – although we didn’t give those lovely wheels a test on particularly uneven surfaces.

If these parts do break down, the Essential Cabin comes with a lifetime warranty that covers all functional repairs. Just bear in mind that cosmetic issues are not included.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smooth wheels
• Stage-free telescopic handle
• Scuff-resistant shell

Cons:

• Pricey investment
• No smart features

6. RIMOWA Essential Cabin vs. TUMI Alpha Continental vs. Away Bigger Carry-On

The RIMOWA Essential Cabin is one of the most expensive pieces of carry-on available. At $950, it’s only just cheaper than TUMI’s Alpha Continental ($1,050), even though the Essential is meant to be RIMOWA’s bargain option, while the Alpha Continental is very much at the upper end of TUMI’s carry-on range.

For people who are in the market for something that still oozes style but at a lower price point, the Away Bigger Carry-On is much more affordable at $295. It’s also got a much bigger capacity of 49.7l, albeit its dimensions are a little too large for most airlines.

The TUMI, on the other hand, manages to meet most airline restrictions while still offering a capacity of 42l – that’s 8l more than the RIMOWA.

While the Essential Cabin may be the loser when it comes to price and capacity, it does offer greater scuff resistance than the Bigger Carry-On. It’s also more flashily stylish than the Alpha Continental.

It’s hard to argue that the Alpha Continental isn’t a better option for nomads who like to stay organized – it’s equipped with a garment sleeve and multiple compartments for electronics. However, TUMI’s five-year warranty feels underwhelming for regular, long-term travelers, who are obviously going to benefit more from the lifetime warranty offered by RIMOWA and Away.

7. Who It’s For (And Who It’s Not)

Perfect for: style-conscious travelers, weekend trippers

Not ideal for: comprehensive packers, nomads on a budget

The RIMOWA Essential Cabin is a great bag for long weekends, as you can easily fit in four sets of outfits, including a thicker jumper or two. You’d probably struggle to pack for more than four or five days though – which isn’t bad going for a carry-on, but it isn’t as good as some options.

8. Final Verdict & Rating

The big question for almost every RIMOWA product is: does the design justify the cost? The Essential Cabin looks cool, has amazing wheels, and has a clever compression system – but does that make it worth $650 more than, say, an Away suitcase?

Bear in mind that we’re not talking here about RIMOWA’s famously robust aluminum luggage. We’re talking about a polycarbonate hardshell – a product which uses a very similar exterior material to cheaper alternatives. Is it slightly hardier than the competition? Arguably yes, but realistically a carry-on is not going to undergo the same rough usage that a checked bag might encounter.

RIMOWA has a great reputation, one that we feel it has absolutely earned based on our experience using the Essential Cabin. Personally though, we expect a bit more value for money when it comes to a carry-on. At some point, you’re paying for the brand rather than the product.

Rating: 4/5

9. FAQ Section

What’s the warranty policy?

RIMOWA adjusted its warranty policy in 2022 to offer lifetime protection for its luggage. Previously, it had a similar attitude to TUMI, which only offers five years of coverage. The updated warranty includes functional damage but not wear and tear. While repairs are free, postage needs to be covered by the customer, so it’s better to bring your bag into the store in person if possible.

Is the luggage waterproof?

Like most hardshell luggage, the RIMOWA Essential Cabin is water-resistant, rather than waterproof. It will keep your belongings dry in a light shower, but in a heavy downpour there is the possibility that the zipper lining will become saturated.