This is the review that almost never happened.
Back in early 2022, the team at July reached out to send me one of their carry-on cases for some upcoming travel. The idea was simple: take it with me, put it through its paces, and write up my thoughts.
But then life did what it does best — got in the way. A few small delays turned into six months, and by the time I finally hit the road again, the write-up had completely slipped my mind. It was one of those “I’ll get to it later” situations that quietly slid into the rearview.
Fast forward three years, and I’ve certainly made up for lost time. That July carry-on has now clocked over 45,000km of international air travel — Italy, Greece, Qatar, Fiji and many more — plus another 20,000km on domestic flights, countless road trips, overnighters, staycations, and even a seven-day cruise. And every time I pulled it out of the boot or dragged it off a baggage carousel, I’d have a fleeting thought: “I really should have written that review.”
But something happened after my most recent trip — I took a proper look at this bag and realised just how well it’s held up.
In nearly two decades of travel, I’ve seen bags fall apart in every way imaginable — busted zippers, lost wheels, mystery cracks, and one that even showed up on the baggage carousel half-open and patched up with packing tape. One particular name-brand suitcase didn’t survive its first overseas trip, losing both wheels and forcing me to carry it like a briefcase for two weeks. My biceps got a decent workout, but I walked with a lean for the rest of the holiday.
The July carry-on, though? It’s been a different story. Three years on, it’s still in my rotation, still doing the job, and still looking surprisingly good for its age. Apart from a few superficial scuffs (earned honestly), everything else — the wheels, the handle, the zip — is just as solid as the day it arrived.
The only casualty so far? The battery pack. After three years of near-constant use, it’s finally stopped holding a charge. But even that feels fair — it’s been on just as many adventures as the bag itself.
What’s stood out most?
A few things have really impressed me over time:
- The wheels. They glide like no other. Seriously, I’ve rolled this thing across cobblestones, tiles, airport linoleum, hotel lobbies, gravel driveways — you name it — and it’s always cruised along like a dream.
- The zippers. I’m not gentle with packing. My carry-on is almost always pushing the limit of overstuffed, but the zips have never once given me grief.
- The shell. It’s clearly been through it. Scraped, dropped, rolled, slung into car boots, and handled (or mishandled) by baggage staff from five countries. It’s held up better than any suitcase I’ve owned.
This carry-on isn’t just still alive — it’s thriving. And for someone who’s lost faith in a lot of travel gear over the years, that’s worth celebrating.
So yeah — this is the review that almost never happened. But I’m glad it finally did.
Because after 65,000 kilometres and more travel than I care to count, I can say one thing with confidence: July makes a damn good suitcase.
And this week i pulled the trigger and purchased the checked bag companion, to my carry-on and look forward to many more adventures with my July gear.
