Rimowa Luggage Review – Buy It For Life Luggage
In this Rimowa Luggage Review, I’m going to share all I learned about the Rimowa brand and why I chose this as a buy-it-for-life luggage pick. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my honest, first-hand experience with our Rimowa luggage and help guide your luggage-buying decision.
A Legacy Built on Craftsmanship
What I have noticed is that most buy-it-for-life (BIFL) brands share a common thread: they have rich histories shaped by dedicated individuals who perfected their craft through years of hard work, trial, and genuine artistry. Rimowa exemplifies this with its high-quality luggage.
The company was founded in 1898 in Germany and began as a saddlery workshop. Rimowa then evolved into crafting custom suitcases or trunks for traveling professionals. Initially, they used leather-coated plywood and cardboard for their luggage exteriors, before transitioning to aluminum, which they still use today.
Interesting Design Fact: Rimowa’s signature exterior groove design came out around the 1950s, an inspiration from the all-metal planes from the golden era.
I recently came across a fascinating article by Boss Hunting, which provides an in-depth look into Rimowa’s history and legacy.
Previous Luggage Experiences
Before owning a Rimowa, I had very basic luggage, nothing fancy or name brand. I didn’t spend time researching before buying luggage, and typically, I’d buy something on sale. All luggage seemed to function the same and I expected luggage to fall apart every few years.
The last lower-end luggage I owned was only a year old when one of the wheels completely snapped off and a zipper handle broke. We were on vacation when all this happened and it was inconvienient and frustrating. The luggage couldn’t be repaired and I had no customer service to contact for help. It was time to buy another piece of luggage (again).
It was the pain of this experience with poor-quality luggage that led me down this path to discovering Rimowa.
How Do You Fix A Broken Luggage Wheel?
What happens if you’re on a trip and your luggage wheel breaks? Based on my research and personal experience with broken luggage, here are your options:
local repair shop
Search for a local luggage repair shop in the city you’re in. You should see some results if you’re in or near a town. Often, shoe repair shops will appear in search results because they also repair luggage. Call ahead to confirm they can fix your luggage wheel and that the cost, turnaround time, and effort are reasonable and worthwhile.
Luggage Brand Repair
Brands like Briggs & Riley offer extensive global repair services and partner with vetted repair centers that specialize in their luggage. Other brands like Rimowa ask you to complete an online repair form and typically require you to mail in your luggage—though if you’re near a Rimowa store, you can bring it there directly.
DIY luggage wheel repair?
If you still have the wheel that broke off, you may be able to salvage it temporarily until you get home. Staying at a hotel? Bring your broken luggage and wheel to the concierge and ask if the maintenance staff can assist. You might be surprised by how helpful and resourceful hotel concierge departments can be. If you’re not at a hotel, head to a hardware store for strong tape or even Gorilla Glue to hold things together until you’re home.
The Reality of Buying Cheap Luggage
Buying discounted off-brand luggage may seem like the right choice at the time (and maybe it is for you), but when something like a wheel breaks off, you’re really at the mercy of what’s available. You don’t own a product with a backed warranty or a name brand familiar to local repair shops, so they’re not confident they can fix it.
Investing in quality often lessens frustration and can save you time and money in the long run.
When a wheel breaks, you either have to buy new luggage immediately or deal with temporary repairs until you get home. Even if repair options are available, the price for repair is often not worth it. For example, if you paid $150 for your luggage and it’s 2 years old, a repair could cost $50 or more—a third of the original price. That doesn’t include the time spent researching, contacting shops, and waiting for repairs.
The reality is, the money you saved wasn’t worth it if the experience takes this much emotional energy from you. You end up disappointed, frustrated, and luggageless, and the satisfaction you once had from buying a discounted luggage set is quickly outweighed by the poor quality you’re experiencing now.
Sometimes it takes an experience like this to begin your “buy it for life” journey.
When you buy built-to-last luggage, you don’t deal with these issues. You experience a concierge-level repair team who are happy to assist you because they believe in the product they built and sold you.
Researching Buy It For Life Luggage Brands
After the broken wheel and zipper incident, I spent a few months researching quality luggage brands. My end goal was to find “buy it for life” quality luggage for our family.
First I searched high end brands, searched reddits for quality luggage discussions, then I searched customer reviews and other reddits to find as much real life commentary as possible.
I also spent significant time reading about the luggage brand’s histories and legacies, why they make luggage, how they got into it, how long they’ve been making luggage and how their luggage evolved (yes, I am a nerd when it comes to product craftsmanship and its history, but when spending top dollar on something like luggage, it was necessary).
My goal in researching these topics was to gain an understanding of why high-end companies priced their luggage the way they did and what made them special.
Buy it for Life Luggage Brand (Rimowa)
It turns out there are many luggage companies that care deeply about the products they’re making and take their craft very seriously. Here are some of the luggage brands I looked into:
- Globe Trotter
- Rimowa
- FPM Milano
- Tumi
- Brics
It was tough to decide. I ended up choosing Rimowa because of their strong history, their guarantee and customer support, the customer comments and how long the luggage seemed to last them. Although there are many quality luggage brands, I’m glad we chose Rimowa because it exceeded all my expectations and more!
In the sections below, I review the two Rimowa luggage pieces that we decided to purchase and discuss some of the pros and cons of owning these so far.
Rimowa Cabin Plus
My first Rimowa purchase was the Original Rimowa Cabin Plus Carry On in Titanium. I love this suitcase. It is a go-to for almost any trip! I chose the plus-size cabin because it is slightly wider than the standard cabin size, and I appreciate having the option of needing a tad more room. So far, I’ve had no issues fitting my Rimowa carry-on in the overhead bins or it being too heavy for me to lift.
Securing the luggage produces a satisfying snap sound that I enjoy. Once it’s locked, I spin the combination dial and feel content knowing it won’t be tampered with.
Original Cabin Plus Specifications
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 17.8 x 9.9 inches
- Weight: 10.4 lbs
- Volume: 11.9 gallons
Features include:
TSA-Approved Locks: Built-in TSA-accessible locks protect your luggage during security checks, eliminating the risk of damage.
Flex Divider: My favorite feature—these dividers adjust easily and hold items perfectly in place, making packing effortless.
Multiwheel System: After four years and at least ten trips, the wheels show hardly any wear. They remain as securely fastened as they were on day one, unlike previous luggage, which would often loosen or break entirely.
Telescopic Handle: Easy to maneuver, adjust, and retract—no more stuck handles when you’re on the go.
Lifetime Guarantee: Peace of mind for your investment.
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Volume: 9.2 gallons
For a slightly lower price and less width, you can get this Rimowa Carry On, an essential starter pick for anyone starting their buy-it-for-life luggage collection.
Rimowa Original Cabin Plus dimensions vs. Original Cabin Carry On:
- Height: Cabin Plus is 0.4 inches taller
- Width: Cabin Plus is 2 inches wider
- Depth: Cabin Plus is 0.8 inches deeper
- Weight: Cabin Plus is 0.9 lbs heavier
- Volume: Cabin Plus holds 2.7 gallons more (about a 29% increase in capacity)
Helpful Tip: On Rimowa’s website, under the product’s Size and Weight specifications, you’ll see a link for Airline Compatibility. I found this very helpful when choosing between the Original cabin and the Original cabin plus.
Rimowa Trunk Plus
My husband’s top pick was the Original Trunk Plus in Silver. He wanted something that we could use for longer journeys, something indestructible, and something that could accommodate bulkier items like boots and winter gear. Unlike traditional suitcases that are typically equal in size on both sides, Rimowa’s Trunk Plus has a side that is much deeper for larger, bulkier items. We really like this and find it functional for our travels.
For perspective, we can easily pack two weeks’ worth of men’s XL clothing, two pairs of shoes, boots, an XL Moncler puffer jacket, a toiletry bag, and room for gifts if needed.
Original Trunk Plus Specifications:
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 17.3 x 14.4 inches
- Weight: 14.1 lbs
- Volume: 26.5 gallons
The Rimowa Trunk Plus includes the same high quality features that the Original Cabin Plus has described above. Finally, Rimowa’s luggage always includes a lifetime guarantee.
Benefits of Buying Built to Last Luggage
There are many benefits to investing in Built to Last Luggage like Rimowa. But before we dive into the practical advantages, it’s worth understanding the philosophy behind why these pieces endure: Ingenieurskunst—the German art of engineering.
This isn’t just about making luggage that works; it’s about creating something that works beautifully. It’s engineering with soul—where every detail, from the satisfying click of the closure to the effortless glide of the wheels, is obsessively perfected. Rimowa doesn’t make luggage; they craft precision instruments for travel. And that philosophy translates into real, tangible benefits for you:
1. Buy Once, Done Forever. You never have to repurchase luggage again. These pieces are truly manufactured to last, and if something goes wrong, they have you covered. This is the core promise of Ingenieurskunst—design so thoughtful and construction so robust that replacement becomes unnecessary. You’re not buying luggage; you’re buying the last suitcase you’ll ever need.
2. Lifetime Guarantee That Actually Means Something. For an investment like Rimowa, warranty coverage is expected. Although I haven’t had to file any damage claims, I reviewed their lifetime guarantee extensively before purchasing. Also, I read several Reddit posts about repairs with Rimowa luggage and about their customer service experience.
Here’s what Rimowa promises: “RIMOWA offers a lifetime guarantee for new suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022. RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee covers all functional aspects of your RIMOWA suitcase for the lifespan of your suitcase. RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee does not apply to cosmetic wear and tear, misuse, or abuse.”
Translation: if it breaks through normal use, they fix it. They stand behind their craftsmanship because they’re confident in it.
3. Timeless Design. Buying luggage from brands like Rimowa means owning something aesthetically pleasing and timeless—it’ll fit into your life at whichever stage you’re in (youngster, college, newlywed, family, retirement, and so on). The simplistic look and design aren’t tailored to a specific demographic, which I love. It’s the same reason a well-engineered Swiss watch never goes out of style: true quality transcends trends.
4. Holds Its Value. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to sell your luggage, the resale value of brands like Rimowa is often very decent. Quality endures, and so does demand. People recognize precision engineering when they see it—even secondhand.
5. You’re Buying Legacy. When you purchase a Rimowa piece of luggage, you’re buying a world-renowned product. It’s been made for over 125 years, backed by generations of refinement and obsessive attention to detail. This is what separates brands built on Ingenieurskunst from disposable alternatives—they’re not chasing quarterly profits; they’re perfecting a craft across centuries.
For more background on Rimowa’s Legacy, Craftsmanship, and In-House Repair, you can find this on Rimowa’s website, Designed To Last.
Rimowa Luggage Sizing
Picking the luggage size was more difficult than I expected. What I found was that the higher-end luggage brands tend to offer more sizing options, which is a great perk but can also lead to decision fatigue. After spending several hours browsing and adding to the cart, walking away a few times, I finally stopped and started to jot down my priorities for luggage.
Since I was going to be spending a significant amount of money on Buy it for life luggage, I wanted to make sure I picked the right size for myself and our family.
Here is a simple step by step instruction set to help you decide the best luggage size:
Step 1 – Get a notebook, pencil and measuring tape.
Step 2 – Pull out your most often used luggage and measure its Height, Depth and Width like the chart below.
Step 3: Write down the answers to these questions in your notebook:
- Is this luggage primarily for work, leisure or both?
- How long do I need to pack for? (ie – how many outfits, shoes, winter coats and will I have access to washer/dryer while traveling)
- Am I planning to use this luggage as “carry-on” or “checked” baggage when flying?
- Is this suitcase for me or for me and others?
- Will I be lifting the luggage myself in and out of vehicles or up into the overhead compartments or will I have assistance?
- When not in use, what are the storage options and dimensions at home (ie, under the bed, closet, garage, attic, etc) ?
5. Once you’ve answered these questions and measured your prior luggage – you should have a good idea on what you need for this luggage purchase.
For me, the luggage was primarily for leisure and short work/weekend trips. I typically packed for 5-7 days at a time. I wanted this luggage to be a carry-on. This luggage was primarily for me, but I wanted a little extra space to add my children’s clothes if needed. I was going to be lifting the luggage myself. I had the measurements of our storage at home (in my case, it was under-stair storage), which I used when shopping for the perfect luggage piece.
How to Shop for Luggage
Once I knew what it was I needed and wanted, headed to Rimowa.com and began the hunt. Right away their website asks you is this for Cabin, Check in or Trunk. In my case, I selected Cabin. Next, at the top I selected the checkbox “Size – Carry On” option. At this point I had 49 product options. The next categories to drill down are Color, Category, Material, Product Collections, Size (already selected Cabin) and Features. I started with Features because I wasn’t particiular about Color or Product Collection. Features filter had these options: Flex dividers, Laptop – up to 16″, Latch lock, Zipped compartment or Zipper Closure. I selected Latch Lock for simplicity. The next filter I chose was the category filter which I checked and it didn’t change the search results since I selected carry on in an earlier option. Next I selected Material and the options were Aluminium or Polycarbonate (I go in depth on the features more below), I selected Aluminum. Now I was down to only 18 options which mainly came down to size, shape and color. For me, I didn’t care if the luggage had leather which removed several options. Then it was down to size and I liked the original cabin size or the original cabin plus. The Original Cabin small was too small for what I was wanting based on the answers to the questions and need for use.
At this point, the zooming down is more cosmetic and a personal preference.
The best thing you can do — and will save you some time down the road — is to pull out your current luggage for comparison, a measuring tape, and start taking notes. Look at the sizing you currently have. Is it just right? Too small or too large? What about its weight? Is the size reasonable to carry in and out of a car? How much are you packing and are you wanting to fit everythingin one suitcase or do you want two small sizes? Will it fit in your trunk and do you have storage at home for it? These are some realestic questions to ask yourself before starting online.
Once you have an idea of the sizing you’re looking for or a roundabout, then start looking at the company website for the options.
Rimowa Carry-On vs. Trunk
Picking the size of luggage was a harder task than I expected. What I found was that these higher-end luggage brands tend to offer more sizing options, which is a great perk but can also lead to decision fatigue. After more reading online, researching, and ultimately, getting our ruler out, we decided on the Cabin Plus sand Trunk Plus.
Rimowa Carry On (Cabin Plus)
Pros:
- Perfect for weekend getaways with room to spare
- This size works for longer trips too, with smart packing
- Timeless, classic aesthetic
- Fun to customize with stickers
- Extremely durable aluminum shell protection
- Smooth wheels and easy maneuverability
- Lightweight design
- Excellent warranty and customer service
- Secure locking system
- Great “buy it for life” gift for a loved one
- High resale value
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Heavier than some competitor models
- Susceptible to scuffs and dents (though I view this as character)
- Slightly larger than your traditional cabin size luggage (but this can also be a perk too, depending on your circumstances)
- Hard shell requires more storage space than collapsible luggage or duffles
Rimowa Trunk (Plus)
Pros:
- Tremendous inside storage capacity
- Superior protection compared to soft-cover suitcases
- Timeless aesthetic
- Extremely durable construction
- Sturdy, indestructible wheels
- Easy to maneuver
- Great having the option of needing to pack bulky items with a deeper-than-normal suitcase
- Top notch customer service and warranty coverage
- A secure lock system that is easy to reset if needed
- Very high resale value
- Can double as storage for travel accessories when not in use (duffles, pillows, travel cases, etc)
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- The luggage is heavy when empty (14.1 lbs) and heavy when packed full
- The large size may lead to overpacking and potential airline overweight fees
- The size can be challenging to store when not in use, especially in smaller homes or apartments
- Trunk-like proportions can be unwieldy and difficult to lift off during transport
Is Rimowa worth the Investment?
What comes with spending all this money on luggage? These are my thoughts from our experience so far:
- I won’t ever have to spend another dollar on luggage unless I want to upgrade to something larger.
- Riowa’s 125-year history of fine-tuning their manufacturing process, obsessing about engineering and components of the luggage, and years of expertise in the luggage-making business is worth something vs. buying from a company that maybe specializes in multiple product lines. Rimowa only specializes in luggage. Hence, they focus only on making the best. That is worth $ to me.
- Quality customer service and a guarantee that they’ll make it right if it’s a product defect. Support for any luggage questions or needs.
- Our belongings are safe in the hard-shell container space. Our clothes and items won’t be squished or affected by external elements, and that gives me peace of mind.
- The dings or scratches give the luggage its “character” without looking cheap and worn.
- Peace of mind that this is something I own that I won’t have to replace or that won’t give me frustration from poor quality.
Quality Alternatives to Consider
Here are some alternative luggage brands I considered before buying Rimowa. I have not personally tried these, but they were at the top of my list before I purchased Rimowa.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, 22-inch Expandable Carry On
Highlights: Built to last with a lifetime warranty backing. This luggage has its own patented “CX® one-touch system” that expands for essentials but compresses to fit most US overhead bins.
Carl Friedrik The Carry-On Hybrid
Highlights: This luggage features its own elegant Makrolon polycarbonate shell, complemented by vegetable-tanned leather. Unlike aluminum, the polycarbonate ages gracefully, resisting dents while staying clean through multiple trips.
Tumi 19 Degree Alumninum Extended Trip Packing Case
Highlights: Stunning, unique design with expandable construction featuring Tumi’s “Lever Lock System™.” Wide US and international store presence provides convenient in-person support.
Budget-Friendly BIFL Pick: Pelican 22″ ATX Carry-On
Highlights: Military-grade durability with Pelican Armor™ construction, lifetime guarantee, and TSA-ready locks. Less expensive than Rimowa but built for a lifetime of heavy use. Best for: Adventure travelers and gear haulers
Final Thoughts on Rimowa Luggage
Looking back, I’m glad I went through the process of dealing with poor-quality luggage. It ultimately led me to discover and appreciate Rimowa even more, and I have never regretted investing in this luggage. I take satisfaction in knowing that the days of broken wheels are behind me, but more importantly, I feel good about making a smart investment in something that will last a lifetime.
