Review / Why the Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin S is our go-to carry-on: celebrities from the Kardashians to Julianne Moore love the luxury aluminium suitcases – but its super lightweight option comes out on top

Mar 2, 2024

Rimowa’s aluminium suitcases have long been celeb favourites – so how does its Essential Lite compare with the others? Photo: @Rimowa/Instagram

The luxury luggage brand’s Essential Lite holds up to five days of belongings and costs US$720 – cheaper than its other models, but a hefty price tag nonetheless

Weighing just under five pounds with a TSA-approved lock and scratch-resistant body, Rimowa’s polycarbonate Essential Lite carry-on is ‘a true stand-out’, writes Hannah Freedman

Rimowa is a premium luggage brand perhaps best known for its aluminium carry-ons. At just under five pounds, the Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin S is one of the brand’s best luggage options.

Rimowa is a luxury luggage brand favoured by celebrities. Photo: @Rimowa/Instagram

Rimowa is probably best known for its eye-catching aluminium suitcases that you may have seen celebrities from Julianne Moore to the Kardashians sporting. However, it’s Rimowa’s polycarbonate Essential Lite carry-on that’s a true stand-out.

The Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin in ivory. Photo: @Rimowa/Instagram

Ultra-lightweight, durable and available in glossy, eye-catching colours, the suitcase features plenty of packing space while making it much easier to meet strict airline weight limits.

Kanye West (left) seen with a Rimowa suitcase, along with then-partner Kim Kardashian. Photo: @Rimowa/X

After testing this bag out for several months, it is likely to become my go-to carry-on for many international trips, or trips with interconnecting flights on small planes.

The Essential Lite cabin is the brand’s “lightest case ever”. Photo: @Rimowa/X

Here’s why I was so impressed with the Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin S suitcase.