MAREN guide
A black hard-shell carry-on suitcase
Black is the default for luggage for good reasons: it goes with everything and it hides travel dirt. The catch is that half the bags on the carousel and in the overhead bin look the same. Here is how to get the practical color without the mix-ups.
Why black works
Dark colors show scuffs, dust and wheel grime less than pale ones, so a black case still looks tidy after a few trips. It also suits business travel and pairs with any other bag you carry.
How to make yours recognizable
- Choose a textured or patterned shell rather than plain smooth black.
- Add a luggage tag or a distinctive strap or ribbon to the handle.
- Travel with a matching second piece, so the pair is easy to spot.
The Weekender Set in Obsidian does the first and third: its hard shell has a raised wave texture, and it comes with a matching black vanity case.
The Obsidian carry-on
- 55 × 34 × 22 cm (21.6 × 13.4 × 8.66 in) including wheels
- Four spinner wheels, each turning 360°
- Telescoping handle with three heights, plus a top carry handle
- Side-mounted combination lock (not TSA-approved)
- Inside: a zip divider panel on one side, buckled cross straps on the other
The matching vanity case
30 × 30 × 16 cm (11.8 × 11.8 × 6.3 in), lined, with two top handles. A strap on its back slips over the carry-on's handle so it rides on top as you roll.
Using the pair at the airport
Roll the carry-on with the vanity case strapped over its handle. At security, lift the case off so both pieces go through the scanner separately, and keep liquids near the top of whichever piece holds them. On board, the carry-on goes in the overhead bin; if your airline allows the vanity case as your personal item, it goes under the seat in front of you. Check your airline's personal-item limit against 11.8 × 11.8 × 6.3 in first.
Price
$149 for both pieces (compare-at $225), free shipping from the US in 4–9 days, and 30 days from delivery to return it. Prefer a color? It also comes in Lilac.