How to Choose a Vacuum-Seal Carry-On: Complete Guide for Space-Saving Travelers
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Have you been wondering if a vacuum seal carry-on is worth the investment? Me too!
After trying out BlackVoyage’s Aero PRO 60L – CloudWeave™, I was keen to see if their carry-on was just as useful for a digital nomad, this time on a trip to sunny San Diego!
I visited this Southern Californian city for a short family trip, which was perfect because I knew I wouldn’t need to pack a ton, so a carry-on would work.
While I wasn’t able to test it out in various weather, as the United States Weather Bureau calls San Diego’s weather the closest thing to perfect.
I can honestly reflect on whether this piece of luggage would be helpful for digital nomads, as I was also working on this very blog during this break.
Why Having the Right Carry On Matters
A good carry-on holds all your clothes and other valuables, protects them, maximizes storage space, and is easy to use.
As a digital nomad, it’s also important to look professional, so a sleek design is a bonus, as no one wants to roll into the office with some wacky piece of luggage you inherited from grandma.
But, most importantly, it should meet airline carry-on requirements.
While these may seem like “yeah, duh, Michelle,” I’ve had plenty of luggage that didn’t fulfill these requirements, so I’m a tough critic when it comes to suitcases.
Here are some tips to help you figure out what to look for to avoid disappointment:
Key Features to Look for in a Vacuum Seal Carry-On
Size and Capacity
- It should be light-weight while empty
- Have a large capacity
- Meet the product dimensions of most standard carry-on requirements (budget airlines such as RyanAir sometimes have smaller specifications)
Protection Level and Durability
- Be made of a material that protects your valuables even if the airline crew chuck it
- Be crush-proof, as you never know if something will be placed on top of your luggage
- Have a TSA-Approved integrated lock built-in and puncture-resistant zippers
- Offer some sort of guarantee
Storage Space
- Offer space saving tech to maximizing usable packing area
- Leave room for smaller items
- Offer expandability
- Boast outside pockets
Ease of Use
- Wheels that provide smooth rolling across varied surfaces
- A handle for ergonomic control and maneuverability
- At least two carry handles to it’s simple to lift up and place in overhead compartment
Travel-Friendly Design
- Water-resistant or waterproof material
- Hidden security pockets
- Sleek design to go from airport to office
The 20″ AirCabin Pro
The key question is, does BlackVoyage’s 20″ AirCabin Pro fulfill all of these?
No, but it does cover most of them, and I’ll dive into which it doesn’t and why I don’t think it matters if you’re a certain type of traveler.
Size and Capacity
- AirCabin Pro is light-weight unpacked: 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg), especially in comparison to major brands such as Samsonite, whose best seller is 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg)
- It has a large capacity: 60L
- The product dimensions are 21.7 x 14 x 9 in, which means it’s well within most standard carry-on requirements (RyanAir, it is over by .05 inches in length, so depending on the gate agent, it may or may not pass)
Protection Level and Durability
- It’s made of BAYER® PC Polycarbonate Hardshell High-impact BAYER® polycarbonate shell reinforced with aluminum alloy corner caps, which means any bumps shouldn’t impact it, and all your valuables are less likely to be crushed in transit
- It’s an eco-friendly pick as it boasts re/cor™ recycled interior nylon lining, which is a durable material
- The TSA-Approved integrated lock built-in for secure travel is especially wonderful if you plan to stay in hostels and want an added level of protection
- It has Puncture-Resistant YKK® RCW Zippers, which are rated up to 3× stronger than standard zippers
- There’s a lifetime guarantee, so if something should happen, you’re protected
Storage Space
- The Vortex Vacuum-Seal® chamber removes excess air, reducing clothing volume by up to 57%, maximizing usable packing space up to 36-hours
- Dual-sided vacuum bag compression chambers mean you can vacuum-seal both sizes for maximum space; however, if you don’t want to use them, they are removable
- A layer of storage between the chambers with zippered sections leaves room for smaller items
- There’s a divider for organization, though with the chambers, I found it kind of useless
- No expandability on the AirCabin Pro, so if you’re prone to overpacking, this may not be the luggage for you
- With no outside pockets, it’s great for protection; however, if you’re looking for a piece of luggage that allows you to quickly store something, this isn’t it
Ease of Use
- Dual Hinomoto® wheel Technologies Silent Run Miraclent® ball-bearing wheels provide smooth, quiet rolling across varied surfaces, which is great if you plan on trekking through cobblestones or uneven ground
- The adjustable telescopic handle with varying heights ensures ergonomic control and stable maneuverability, wonderful for those with back issues
Travel-Friendly Design
- Charging ports are integrated (USB-A and USB-C) via an internal power bank (not provided). While I see the interest in this, I could just as easily carry a battery pack in my purse, so I don’t really see the allure. Plus, if you end up checking your carry-on, then you have to open the suitcase, unzip the compartment, and unplug the battery per flight rules
- Top and bottom carry handles are a lifesaver! During my 4.5-month journey through Europe, my old carry-on broke, so I bought one abroad, only to not notice that there was only one handle. It was such a pain to pick up and put in the overhead bin that I was thrilled to see BlackVoyage had multiple easily accessible handles, making it a great gift for those visiting Europe
- Concealed internal pocket designed to house Bluetooth or GPS trackers. As I always pop in an AirTag, I love this feature
- As I’ve traveled in various weather, I always look for water-resistant or waterproof material, and BlackVoyage certainly delivers on that
- The matte black design makes it easy to take this suitcase anywhere. However, I do recommend that if you have trouble spotting your suitcase, you put on a colorful luggage tag to help it stick out, as many bags are black
Vacuum Compression Technology
What sets BlackVoyage apart from other companies is its built-in vacuum-compression system.
Unlike carry-ons I’ve owned before, this carry-on features a hand-held electric pump that reduces clothing volume by up to 57%—boasting a 60-liter capacity when compressed.
While using the AirCabin Pro, I packed my clothes, sealed the compartment with its sturdy zipper, opened the port, aligned the pump, and pressed the compression button.
Within 10-15 seconds, my clothes shrank to a fraction of their original size.
Then, to relieve the compression, I opened the valve and unzipped the compartment.
This pump is separate from the AirCabin Pro, making it easy to travel with. It also has a USB-rechargeable battery, and the cable is included.
Lastly, it has a lock. Press the button for a few seconds, and it’ll light up red, indicating it’s locked.
Good Investment or Not?
During my family trip to San Diego, the AirCabin PRO was great as a simple, sturdy carry-on.
The compression system reduced my volume, allowing me to pack a week’s worth of clothing, workout clothes, and some toiletries.
As I was working, however, I did miss the compartment in the BlackVoyage backpack for securely storing my computer.
Do I think I could have survived my 4.5-month trip through Europe with this carry-on as I did with other brands?
If I packed really well, I think I may have. However, if you’re someone who relies on expansion, then likely no.
On the way home, I just shoved everything inside as I was in a bit of a rush and didn’t vacuum the compartments. This made it harder for me to close.
Now, this is due to my lack of packing properly and not using the compression tech, but I call it out because if you aren’t a smart packer, this may also be an issue for you.
Additionally, if you’re someone who typically travels with a larger suitcase, such as the Delsey Paris luggage I have, I would test if you can fit everything in, as while you are saving space with vacuum tech, it won’t magically fit everything in like the Mary Poppins bag.
Or, if you use compression cubes, I don’t think a vacuum seal carry-on is going to optimize that much more space.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Compression technology
- Modern professional aesthetic
- Made of recycled and crush-proof materials
- Small business brand
- Several handles, smooth wheels, telescopic handle
- Water-resistant
- Light when empty
- Is within most carry on size limits
- Anti-theft lock and puncture-proof zipper
- Charging ports
- Air pump with USB-rechargeable battery
- Lifetime guarantee
Drawbacks
- Higher price point than traditional carry-ons
- Requires periodic battery charging
- Limited color options
- No expansion
- No outside pockets
- Compression zipper may be difficult for some to unzip
- No battery included
Who Should Buy This Vacuum Seal Carry-On?
AirCabin PRO is the best carry on for:
- Frequent business travelers
- Digital nomads
- Light minimalist packers
- Tech-savvy adventurers
- Anyone looking to maximize packing efficiency
- Those who prefer to do carry-on
Value for Money
At $359.99 on Amazon, the BlackVoyage AirCabin PRO sits in the premium carry-on category.
💰💰💰 However, you can save a bit of cash by signing up for their newsletter to get a discount or use my code (travelherstory15) for $15 off on their official website!
Even at that price point, given its innovative compression technology and hardshell exterior, it offers excellent value for frequent travelers who need to maximize packing space without compromising style.
If you’re a digital nomad like myself, I strongly suggest opting for the AirCabin PRO along with the Backpack, included in the Ultimate Carry-On Bundle.
This way, you can carry your laptop and use compression technology to fit everything else!
Final Thoughts
Remember, the best carry-on is one that fits your specific needs.
While the BlackVoyage AirCabin Pro represents a significant breakthrough in compression technology, that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.
If you’re someone who tends to overpack, the lack of expansion may prove to be an issue.
Or if you’re someone who likes to have easy access to exterior pockets.
I did not find having the charging ports all that interesting, as I always carry around an external battery pack; however, you may feel differently.
The battery for these ports also isn’t included; you have to provide your own.
The same sentiment applies to the divider, which I’d never seen before this carry-on but am told is standard for most premium brands.
However, while the price might give you some pause, its space-saving capabilities, durability, and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for serious travelers.
The benefits of having a vacuum seal carry-on outweigh most of my caveats.
Where to Buy
BlackVoyage is available on its official website (www.blackvoyageusa.com), where you can get free shipping on orders over $200 (in the USA), free returns within 30 days of purchase, a lifetime guarantee, and a percentage of your purchase donated to charity.
Signing up for their newsletter to get a discount! Or use my code (travelherstory15) for $15 off!
BlackVoyage is also available on Amazon. Keep an eye on seasonal sales that can bring the price down there.
Transparency: This was a complimentary item I was gifted in exchange for a blog post, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
FAQs
Can you vacuum-seal carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can vacuum seal carry-on luggage. However, it’s important to pack the air pump with you in case TSA needs to search your suitcase for whatever reason, so that you can reseal it.
Could I vacuum pack a weeks worth of clothes in a carry on bag?
Yes. I have easily vacuum-packed a week’s worth of clothing. However, it is advisable to pack properly by folding and organizing to maximize space before sealing.
How do you use vacuum seal bags for clothes?
Pack your clothes into the vacuum-seal bag, seal the compartment, open the port, align the pump, and press the compression button. Within 10-15 seconds, your clothes should shrink to a fraction of their original size. To relieve the compression, open the valve and unzip the compartment.
Do vacuum storage bags reduce weight or make it heavier?
Vacuum storage bags neither add or subtraction weight as they are merely removing air.
Are vacuum seal bags worth it?
Vacuum-seal bags are useful because they remove excess air, saving you valuable space you wouldn’t have otherwise. If you’re looking for a simple way to get more room in your luggage, vacuum-seal bags are a great choice.
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