Hey there, wanderlust fashionistas! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the lookout for travel gear that‘s both stylish and functional. Well, I‘m excited to dish about my new obsession: Calpak‘s Hardyn luggage collection. After seeing these gorgeous suitcases blowing up my Insta feed, I knew I had to get my hands on one (or three). Spoiler alert: they‘ve totally lived up to the hype.
But before we dive into the details, let me give you the 411 on Calpak. This LA-based lifestyle brand has been shaking up the travel scene since 1989. What started as a modest family biz has skyrocketed into a global phenomenon, with Calpak‘s signature trendy-meets-practical designs earning loyal fans worldwide. In fact, the company has seen a whopping 200% year-over-year growth recently!
Calpak is all about helping modern travelers explore the world with ease and style. Their curated collections span everything from luggage and backpacks to travel accessories and apparel. Celebs like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen and Karlie Kloss have all been spotted rocking Calpak gear.
Why I‘m Obsessed with the Hardyn Collection
Alright, so let‘s talk Hardyn. When I first laid eyes on these beauties, I was immediately struck by their ultra-sleek look. The polycarbonate shell is available in a dreamy range of matte colors like Hazel, Seaweed, and classic Black. I opted for the chic Mauve carry-on and I kid you not, I‘ve never gotten so many compliments on a suitcase!
Looks aside, I‘m happy to report that the Hardyn is a total workhorse. Here are the deets on this collection‘s standout features:
-
Lightweight yet durable polycarbonate hard shell: Hardyn suitcases weigh in at just 6.5-10.3 lbs depending on size, but the German polycarbonate is impressively sturdy. The material is temperature-resistant too, so you won‘t have to stress about cracks or warping.
-
Smooth, 360° Japanese spinner wheels: These bad boys are a dream to maneuver, even when I‘m racing to my gate. The wheels have a super fluid spin and make even a fully-packed bag feel weightless.
-
Luxe interior with loads of organization: The fun doesn‘t stop at the shell, people. The Hardyn‘s fully lined interior is like a Type A packer‘s fantasy, with a zippered divider panel, compression straps, and mesh pockets galore. No more digging for your charger!
-
Secure combo lock and water-resistant zipper: Safety first, am I right? The built-in TSA-approved lock gives me peace of mind, and the water-resistant zipper protects my goodies from the elements.
Dimensions-wise, you‘ve got options. The carry-on measures in at a TSA-friendly 21.5" x 13.5" x 9", while the medium and large checked bags clock in at 26" and 30" respectively. I‘ve found the carry-on has room for 3-5 days worth of clothes and essentials, easy.
How Hardyn Stacks Up to the Competition
Of course, Calpak isn‘t the only brand slinging chic hard-shell luggage these days. So how does Hardyn compare to popular competitors? Let‘s break it down:
| Features | Calpak Hardyn | Away Carry-On | Samsonite Omni PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | German Polycarbonate | German Polycarbonate | 100% Polycarbonate |
| Wheels | 360° Japanese Hinomoto | 360° Hinomoto | 360° Spinner |
| Lock | TSA-approved combo | TSA-approved combo | TSA-approved combo |
| Interior | Compression straps, zippered divider, mesh pockets | Compression pad, hidden laundry bag | Cross-straps, mesh divider |
| Sizes | Carry-On, Medium, Large | Carry-On, Medium, Large | Carry-on, Medium, Large |
| Warranty | 2 years | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Price | $225 – $285 | $295 – $345 | $149 – $209 |
As you can see, the Hardyn‘s quality materials and design features are on par with pricier brands like Away. However, Calpak‘s suitcases ring in $50-$70 cheaper across sizes. Compared to Samsonite‘s popular Omni PC hardside, I‘ve found the Hardyn to have a slightly more elevated look and feel, with more interior organization. That German polycarbonate really makes a difference!
Jetsetters Love Their Calpaks: Reviews and Testimonials
You know I stan a Calpak, but what are other travelers saying? Spoiler: the Calpak fam is DEVOTED. The Hardyn collection boasts hundreds of glowing reviews from satisfied Calpak customers. Here are a few highlights:
"I was a little hesitant to splurge on Calpak, but WOW was it worth it! I got the white marble Hardyn carry-on and it‘s held up amazingly well after a year of heavy travel. Not to mention, it‘s a total conversation starter." – Jenn L.
"If you‘re on the fence, hop off and get yourself a Hardyn! I have the silver one and it‘s the perfect balance of durability and style. The Japanese spinner wheels are a game-changer." – Vic R.
"I never thought I could love a suitcase so much. I have the Hardyn set in Hazel and they‘ve totally transformed the way I travel. No more squishing things into a duffel bag and hoping for the best. Packing is a breeze with all the compartments!" – Mei X.
The raves don‘t stop there. Calpak‘s hardside luggage was named "Best Overall" by Travel + Leisure, "Best Hardside Luggage" by BuzzFeed, and "The Best Luggage Brands of 2023" by Forbes. Not too shabby!
How Calpak Gives Back
Cute luggage is great and all, but investing in travel gear that‘s ethically made and gives back? We love to see it. I‘ve been super impressed with Calpak‘s commitment to sustainability and community initiatives.
Did you know all Calpak suitcases are made from partially recycled materials? The company has also adopted more eco-friendly packaging recently, with biodegradable poly bags and recycled cardboard boxes.
Calpak also has an ongoing partnership with non-profit organization Peace4Kids, which provides support and enrichment for foster youth. A portion of proceeds from Calpak‘s sales directly benefit Peace4Kids programs.
On top of that, Calpak offers an awesome recycling program for their old suitcases. When you‘re ready to retire a well-loved Calpak bag, the company will upcycle or recycle it for you – and give you 15% off a new Calpak when you do. Stylish AND sustainable.
Packing Tips for Your Hardyn
Alright, so you‘ve treated yourself to a shiny new Hardyn suitcase – yay! Before you jet off, check out my go-to packing tips to make the most of your luggage:
-
Channel your inner Marie Kondo: Whether you‘re a minimalist or chronic over-packer, editing your load is key. Lay out everything you want to bring, then remove 1/3. Trust me, you won‘t miss it!
-
Master the roll: Rolling your clothes not only saves precious suitcase real estate, but also minimizes wrinkles. Fold things in half, smooth them out, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
-
Packing cube power: If you want to level up your organization, snag some packing cubes. They make it a snap to compartmentalize outfits, undies, toiletries, you name it.
-
Heavy items on bottom: When loading your Hardyn, place bulky items like shoes and toiletry bags in first, with lighter clothes on top. This keeps your suitcase from toppling over and spilling its contents.
-
Never check essential items: Keep your wallet, keys, prescriptions and a spare outfit in your personal item, just in case your checked luggage takes a detour. The Hardyn carry-on is perfect for valuables!
One last tip: Calpak offers a super handy packing checklist on their website. Definitely check it out before your trip to ensure you don‘t forget any essentials!
TL;DR: Calpak Hardyn is a Must-Have!
Well friends, we‘ve reached the end of my Calpak Hardyn love fest. Can you tell I‘m a wee bit obsessed? All gushing aside, I genuinely believe Calpak has knocked it out of the park with this collection. With their eye-catching designs, thoughtful features and accessible price point, Hardyn suitcases are a worthy investment for any frequent flier or weekend warrior.
If you‘re ready to upgrade your luggage game, I can‘t recommend the Hardyn enough. Scope out the full collection on Calpak‘s website, or check out Nordstrom and Shopbop for select colors. Pro tip: sign up for Calpak‘s emails to stay in the loop on sales and new drops!
And hey, when you do get your hot little hands on a Hardyn, let me know how you like it! I‘m always down to swap packing hacks and travel inspo. Until then, wishing you smooth travels and fabulous adventures ahead.
XOXO,
Your Resident Calpak Fangirl
