LAST YEAR, I SET OFF FOR A 10-DAY TRIP AROUND JAPAN with my partner only to have not one, but two wheels of my suitcase fall off before even arriving to immigration. For 10 days, I (my partner) lugged the large suitcase up and down train stations across Tokyo, arriving at each destination sweaty and exhausted. Although it didn’t completely ruin the trip, we both still feel a wave of anxiety when thinking about carrying the bag up 5 flights of stairs in Shinjuku station. We vowed to be more discerning in our choice of luggage from there on out.
The truth is, a successful trip begins with excellent luggage. Having confidence you won’t lose a wheel or find a crack in the case means having one less thing to worry about in an often overwhelming travel world. But unlike shopping for a handbag or pair of shoes, buying luggage is, well, decidedly less fun. It’s one of the few items where even the most stylish consider functionality over fashion. And once you weed out the less durable, you’re left with just a few brands to choose from—most of which have dominated the industry for decades.
I had been putting off buying new luggage for months (a bold move for a travel editor flying more than four times a month) mostly because what was on the market was either too expensive, looked like it belonged to my grandpa, or wouldnt last more than one international flight.
So when I came across Thai brand Wander, an AWAY-like brand that is aesthetically on-point, high quality, and decently priced, my ears perked. In general, I’d almost always prefer to shop local, but when it comes to something as high stakes as luggage, the choices are minimal and optics haven’t always been great in our region.
Equally frustrated by high prices and poor quality in the local luggage market, the founders of Wander decided to create their own direct-to-consumer luggage brand that is affordable and beautiful.
The team meticulously sourced premium materials from around the world, including wheels and zippers from Japan and polycarbonate bodies from Germany. They carefully selected each component, sifting through hundreds of designs for something as simple as a zipper, to ensure top quality. And it shows. After more than fifteen flights using my Wander carryon and 24-inch suitcase, I can fully endorse the brand for its high-end components and the best-rolling (some might say buttery) wheels of any bag I’ve ever used.
The strong yet flexible polycarbonate shell comes in earth-toned, retro colours like forest green and mustard yellow. And while polycarbonate shells will always show more wear than soft-sided luggage, I found that the Wander bags had endured most of the trials of travelling, with only a few scratches. Plus, bags are also backed by a three-year warranty, which covers you for cracks in the shell and any broken hardware (wheels, handles, and zippers).
No matter how you’re travelling, owning a great piece of luggage means you have one less thing to worry about. I am pleased to report that I may have even redeemed myself during this year’s Japan trip for the trauma of last year’s lost wheels.
For now, Wander is only available in Thailand but aims to start shipping regionally by the end of the year. The range includes two carry-ons—one traditional and one front-open— a 24-inch medium bag and a large 28-inch bag. Thailand-based travellers can shop their collection on Wander’s website, Shoppee, or Lazada.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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