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When A-listers travel nowadays, you’ll more often than not spy them pulling along a silver, aluminium, industrial-looking suitcase while they traipse through airport security.
A far cry from the plastic models us mere mortals tend to use, silvery cases from brands such as Rimowa are all the rage.
Everyone from Rihanna to Austin Butler and Lewis Hamilton seems to have one of the recognisable elite models.
Sterling Pacific takes the design further.
While not (yet) quite as globally recognised as Rimowa, the brand uses aluminium to create luggage that is favoured by many pilots.
The downside? The price point – with its 40L cabin case coming in at a staggering £2,057.
Here, we’ve taken the case for a spin – to see if it’s really worth it…
Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel CaseProduct SpecsMaterial5000 Series Aluminum Body with Impact Bearing RidgesCapacity40LSize57cm x 36cm x 23cmWeight5.4kgReview
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
When I first unpackaged the Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case, I was enamoured. Similar to the iconic Rimowa suitcase in terms of its iconic silver case adopted by every cool celeb, this case oozes glamour.
It’s not just a pretty face, either.
It wheels very nicely, smoothly gliding along corridors, and can survive a certain amount of bashing – essential when you’re purchasing a suitcase of this size.
But at £2000, it might cost more than your holiday itself.
It’s certainly not for everyone, but it is a lifetime purchase that is perfect for any ultra-luxury lovers, regular flyers or business travellers looking to travel with real style.
How we test
Travel writer Erin takes the Sterling Pacific case for a spin – to see if it’s worth the cost
When testing suitcases, we give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face on a typical journey – for example, wheeling along both smooth and bumpy surfaces and being lifted. As well as evaluating performance, we also look for style, space, size, weight and durability to get a true measure of their abilities. We also make sure all suitcase comply with popular airline sizing restrictions.
Together with a group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail, we collate and compare how well each product performs, so you can choose the best suitcases for your travels.
We then collate and compare how well each product performs so you can choose the best suitcase for your travels.
Read our dedicated suitcase reviews for more detail:
Why trust us
Our team of travel writers and editors has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, such as suitcases, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys.
Our reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case review
Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case wheels nicely, gliding through any airport
Performance
Given the Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case falls into the realms of an elite suitcase, I had high expectations. Which, I’ll admit, were met.
Not only is the case extremely durable – it fared well when I manhandled it and wheeled it around – but it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
The top lid can be secured to the trunk with a TSA-approved, double spring-loaded combination latch lock system, flanking the leather side handle of the case on each side.
I was promised Italian full-grain leather handles, which felt sturdy and soft, and the 360° wheels with metal caps made it easy – and almost silent – to wheel around.
Value for money
This is the controversial question – as a budget-suitcase user, would this case really seem worth the money, at almost 10 times the cost of my regular luggage?
The suitcase has a lock on the side, helping to improve its security
On the one hand, when I showed off this piece of art to my friends, they were gobsmacked – who has that kind of money?
On the other, as many have pointed out online, this suitcase is actually a feat of engineering – and you’ll have it for life.
In short, it is worth the money as few cases come even close to the quality and durability of this model.
That said, it will be out of most people’s price range – and other models will be just as convenient and stylish for travels, just without that elite luxury edge.
It’s not for everyone – perhaps just pilots and luxury-loving regular travellers.
Design and accessories
In terms of design, it has everything you could need.
The top and side handles of the case are from full-grain Italian leather. The leather comes from an independent tannery, based out of the small town of Chiampo in the Italian region of Veneto – as classy as it comes.
The suitcase’s glamorous brown interior has several compartments to stay organised
The top part of of the case is enclosed within a compression pocket and an additional outer mesh pocket. The lower part of the case can be secured with the interjecting metal buckle straps.
The number of compartments makes it super easy to pack.
Plus, it comes with the Sterling Pacific Amenity & Care Kit to help keep your case in ship-shape.
How does it compare to similar products?
At its price point, Sterling Pacific is remarkable – competing with brands such as Monos and Rimowa, reviews online hail the durability of this model.
For a similar product in a lower price range, you could explore brands such as Flight Knight and it Luggage.
How does it rate online?
The Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case fares favourably online with an average rating of 5/5 on its website.
The Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case comes with a protective case
Most people praise the customer service, construction and quality of the case.
One review read: ‘As both a 4+ million miler and an engineer I rate the quality and construction of the case as excellent. The best part is it’s NOT a clamshell. Having to separate items in equal amounts it’s not very practical. This solves the issue with a single space.’
Another added: ‘The build quality is immense, the style is incredible, and the smoothness of the wheels is second to none. I have several Monos carry ons and was considering a Rimowa, before ultimately splurging on this … and I am very happy with my choice.’
Common concerns seem to relate to the fact the case is on the heavier side, and certainly looks expensive – so might attract attention.
Overall, I’d say if you’re seeking a celebrity-style suitcase for this sort of price, it’s a fantastic option.
Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case
FAQsWhat size is a carry-on for Sterling Pacific?
Sterling Pacific has two main carry-on sizes: the 35L case and the slightly larger 40L case.
Here, we’ve reviewed the 40L case.
What makes Sterling Pacific luggage special?
Sterling Pacific manufactures full aluminum travel cases – so there’s no plastic in sight.
The brand is ultra-luxury, and is a favourite among pilots and frequent flyers.
It also provides a lifetime warranty.
What is the best carry-on bag?
We’ve reviewed and rated some of the best cabin suitcases, based on performance, practicality and style.
All of these suitcases pass our tests: they’re sturdy enough to stay in tact for more than a few flights and ultra-stylish to match your new airport outfit.
We love models by Kapten & Son. Although it’s not cheap, the Kapten & Son Heathrow Cabin glides along so smoothly, making it a super useful travel companion. It’s pretty to look at, too, making it a must-have choice for anyone looking to travel in style.
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