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Pack Smarter: 8 Luggage Brands Making Briggs & Riley Nervous

Steve McClain

Steve McClain

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 17, 2024
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The quest for perfect luggage often leads to Briggs & Riley, with their bulletproof lifetime warranty and reputation for tank-like durability. But we're living in a golden age of luggage innovation, where a new guard of brands is bringing fresh thinking to how we haul our stuff around the world.
We've discovered some fascinating alternatives that deserve attention, from sustainable startups to artisanal workshops crafting tomorrow's heirlooms. While these brands might not have the same name recognition as the industry stalwarts, they're creating products that challenge conventional wisdom about what great luggage can be.

Level8
: Where Premium Features Meet Wallet-Friendly Prices

The Vintage Collection from Level8 proves you don't need deep pockets to get thoughtful design. Operating on a direct-to-consumer model, they've eliminated the markup that typically comes with high-end luggage while maintaining impressive build quality.
Their approach to design focuses on the elements that actually matter to travelers. We appreciate how they've integrated charging ports and laptop compartments without making them feel like gimmicky afterthoughts. The interior organization is particularly clever, with a system of mesh pockets and compression straps that brings order to the chaos of packing.

Why we like Level8

  • 1

    Direct-to-consumer value

    Premium features without the traditional retail markup

  • 2

    Thoughtful integration

    Smart charging ports and laptop compartments that enhance functionality

  • 3

    Superior organization

    Innovative mesh pocket and compression strap system

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Capra Leather
: Colombian Craft Meets Italian Materials

Working from their Bogotá atelier, Capra's artisans are creating some of the most soulful leather goods we've seen. Their Small Gear Pouch showcases what happens when traditional craftsmanship collides with modern functionality.
The story begins with their choice of leather – full-grain hides from a single Tuscan tannery, vegetable-tanned using methods that date back centuries. Each piece passes through the hands of craftspeople who've spent decades perfecting their techniques. We're intrigued by how these pouches develop character over time, with the leather taking on a rich patina that makes every piece unique.

Why we like Capra Leather

  • 1

    Artisanal craftsmanship

    Handcrafted by experienced Colombian artisans

  • 2

    Premium materials

    Full-grain leather from a single Tuscan tannery

  • 3

    Unique character

    Develops beautiful patina over time

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Lo & Sons
: Engineering Better Ways to Carry

The O.G. 2 from Lo & Sons reflects their obsession with solving real travel problems. This family-owned company approaches design like engineers, examining every pain point in the travel experience and methodically addressing them.
Their signature features aren't just clever – they're genuinely useful. The way they've configured their laptop compartments and shoe pockets shows deep thought about how people actually pack and travel. We're particularly impressed by their commitment to sustainability, using recycled materials without compromising on durability or aesthetics.

Why we like Lo & Sons

  • 1

    Engineering mindset

    Problem-solving approach to travel gear design

  • 2

    Practical innovation

    Thoughtfully designed compartments for real-world use

  • 3

    Sustainable focus

    Commitment to recycled materials without compromising quality

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Monos
: Japanese Philosophy Meets Canadian Design

Drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of mono no aware, Monos brings mindfulness to luggage design. Their Compressible Packing Cubes demonstrate how simplicity and functionality can coexist beautifully.
The technical aspects are impressive: aerospace-grade materials, silent wheels, and antimicrobial interiors. But it's their thoughtful touches that capture our attention – like compression systems that actually work and organizational features that make sense. Their carbon-neutral shipping practices suggest a brand thinking beyond just product design.

Why we like Monos

  • 1

    Mindful design

    Japanese-inspired approach to simplicity and functionality

  • 2

    Technical excellence

    Aerospace-grade materials and silent wheel technology

  • 3

    Environmental consciousness

    Carbon-neutral shipping and sustainable practices

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Paravel
: Turning Plastic Bottles Into Luxury Goods

The Fold-Up Bag by Paravel demonstrates how recycled materials can be transformed into something genuinely sophisticated. This isn't just another eco-friendly brand – it's a luxury house that happens to care deeply about sustainability.
Looking at their products, you'd never guess they're made from post-consumer plastic bottles. The finishes are impeccable, the color palettes are sophisticated, and the designs feel timeless rather than trendy. We're fascinated by how they've managed to maintain high-end appeal while adhering to strict environmental standards.

Why we like Paravel

  • 1

    Sustainable luxury

    Transforms recycled materials into sophisticated products

  • 2

    Premium aesthetics

    Timeless designs with sophisticated color palettes

  • 3

    Environmental commitment

    Strict adherence to sustainability standards

C

Connie W

05/28/24

Perfect to pack upfront + save to use for those souvenirs!

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Carl Friedrik
: Where Minimalism Meets Craftsmanship

The Compact Weekender from Carl Friedrik shows what happens when traditional leather crafting meets contemporary design sensibility. Their single-minded focus on quality manifests in every stitch and hardware choice.
Their use of Vachetta leather from Tuscany yields bags that age beautifully, developing character rather than just wearing out. We're drawn to how they've stripped away unnecessary embellishments while reinforcing the elements that matter most for longevity and function.

Why we like Carl Friedrik

  • 1

    Minimalist excellence

    Contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship

  • 2

    Premium materials

    Tuscan Vachetta leather that ages beautifully

  • 3

    Quality focused

    Emphasis on essential elements and durability

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Béis
: Function-First Design with Style to Match

With their Sport Backpack in Beige, Béis proves technical features don't have to look technical. Their approach bridges the gap between performance and aesthetics, creating gear that works as well in the gym as it does in the airport.
The organizational elements show real understanding of how active people move through their days. Hidden pockets, thoughtful weight distribution, and versatile bottle holders suggest a brand that's done their homework on user needs. The neutral aesthetics feel intentional rather than safe.

Why we like Béis

  • 1

    Versatile design

    Seamlessly transitions from gym to travel

  • 2

    Smart organization

    Thoughtful pocket placement and weight distribution

  • 3

    Aesthetic balance

    Technical features with stylish presentation

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Calpak
: Three Decades of Innovation

The Medium Compression Packing Cubes from Calpak represent 30 years of incremental improvements in travel organization. Since 1989, they've been quietly perfecting their craft, and it shows in the details.
Their compression technology solves a real problem: how to pack more without creating a disorganized mess. The materials and construction methods reflect lessons learned from decades of product development. We appreciate how they've created solutions that work for different travel styles without overcomplicating things.

Why we like Calpak

  • 1

    Proven expertise

    30 years of travel organization experience

  • 2

    Effective compression

    Space-saving technology that maintains organization

  • 3

    Versatile solutions

    Adaptable designs for various travel styles

Shelby

Shelby

05/29/24

I’ve moved four times, and each time, these compression packing cubes have saved me so much space and made organizing clothes so much easier!

Emily Russell

Emily Russell

05/08/24

I bought a full set of these several years ago and just purchased a second set even though the first set is still going strong - just needed more for longer trips! I love how stylish these cubes are in addition to being water resistant and super durable.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Luggage

The luggage industry is evolving beyond traditional notions of premium products. These brands show how innovation can come from unexpected places – whether it's sustainable materials, direct-to-consumer business models, or fresh approaches to age-old design problems. While Briggs & Riley continues to set standards for durability and warranty coverage, these alternatives offer compelling reasons to look beyond the familiar names in luxury luggage.