July 4th 2024
Packing for a Winter Trip to Sydney with the RIMOWA Classic Cabin: What Fits Inside and Weight Tests
As someone who enjoys both travel and stylish luggage, I was excited to test out my new RIMOWA Classic Cabin on a winter trip from Melbourne to Sydney. My previous visit to Sydney was for a work expo, which limited my ability to explore the city. This time, despite the forecast of cold and rainy weather, I was determined to experience more of what Sydney has to offer.
In this blog post, I will cover the specifications and features of the RIMOWA Classic Cabin, detail what I packed for my 5-night stay, discuss weight considerations, and share my overall experience with this luggage.
The RIMOWA Classic Cabin: Specifications and Features
The RIMOWA Classic Cabin is crafted from high-end anodized aluminum alloy, making it heavier than typical polycarbonate hard-shell luggage. After trying quite a few cheap, flimsy luggage options, I found the added weight to be a worthwhile trade-off for the enhanced strength and durability. This suitcase feels solid and dependable, perfect for those who value quality and longevity in their travel gear.
Personally, I decided to use a luggage cover for my Rimowa Classic Cabin. I'm not the biggest fan of letting it gather "patina"; I much rather keep it as pristine as I possibly can. I know inevitably it will probably get a few scratches here and there, but after all, it did cost $2225 AUD.
With the cover on, it does add on additional weight, around 560g, but based on my travel experiences, it seems that whether they weigh your carry-on largely depends on the airline and the discretion of the check-in agent. Major airlines have typically been more relaxed—I haven't been asked to weigh my carry-on with them.
However, it is worth noting that you do lose around 1-1.5 kg in weight allowance compared to other lighter luggage (see table comparison of popular carry ons).
RIMOWA Classic Cabin Weight
RIMOWA Classic Cabin Weight with Luggage Cover On
In terms of size, the internal capacity of the RIMOWA Classic Cabin, as listed on their website, is 36 liters, which is slightly less than your average carry-on suitcases (see table comparison of popular carry ons). Despite this, I found it to be quite spacious. During my recent trip, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could pack into it especially with the flex dividers compressing everything down. I didn’t use any packing cubes at all and felt like I could keep everything relatively organised.
Popular Carry On’s
Dimensions, Weight And Volume
| Luggage | Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rimowa Classic Cabin | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 4.3kg | 36L |
| July Carry On | 55 x 38.5 x 21.5 cm | 3.4kg | 42L |
| Antler Clifton Cabin | 56 x 35 x 23 cm | 2.7kg | 43L |
| Monos Carry On | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 3.18kg | 39.9L |
| Tumi 19 Degree Aluminium International Carry-On | 56 x 35.5 x 23 cm | 5.14kg | 31L |
Qantas Carry On Baggage Allowance
For my domestic flight from Melbourne to Sydney, I flew on a regular Boeing 737 narrowbody. Despite the RIMOWA Classic Cabin being slightly wider than the allowed 36 cm, it fit in the overhead compartment without any issues. I stored it wheels first with ease.
Rimowa Classic Cabin Measurements
According to Qantas, carry-on baggage for domestic flights allows for one standard piece weighing up to 10 kg, equivalent to a small wheelie bag. Additionally, Qantas permits one small personal item on board, such as a handbag, laptop, camera, reading material, or a small amount of duty-free goods, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
On my trip, I packed a very small backpack (surprisingly, it fit everything I needed) and the RIMOWA Classic Cabin.
Qantas Carry-On Baggage Limits for Australian domestic (except Dash 8 services):
- One standard piece: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, maximum weight 10 kg
- Two small pieces: 48 cm x 34 cm x 23 cm each, combined maximum weight 14 kg (one piece up to 10 kg)
- One small piece and a garment bag: combined maximum weight 14 kg (one piece up to 10 kg)
The small backpack I brought
Australian domestic Dash 8 services
Recently, I flew from Melbourne to Mildura on a Dash 8 aircraft operated by Qantas. Upon boarding, they put a tag on my luggage which had my name and said "Premium Hand Luggage" at the gate. After landing, they had it ready for collection at the bottom of the stairs, which was a new experience for me. This was my first intrastate flight and normally, I'm used to stowing my luggage in the overhead lockers. Luckily I had my cover on my suitcase and it kept it in good condition despite being put in the plane's cargo hold.
For Qantas Dash 8 services, passengers are allowed one small piece of luggage, similar to a duffel bag, weighing up to 7kg, with dimensions of 48cm x 34cm x 23cm
Packing for a 5-Night Winter Trip: What Fits Inside?
According to Rimowa, the Classic Cabin is designed to accommodate 2-3 days' worth of clothes or up to 4 outfits. However, I found I could comfortably pack enough clothes for a 5-night trip without feeling constrained by space limitations. Yes, I did have to re-wear my outfits, but for a short trip, it was manageable.
Looking ahead to international travel with 7kg baggage allowances, I think the 2-3 days' estimate would likely be more accurate. It's something to consider if you're planning on only taking a carry-on for your trip, even though they mostly never weigh carry-ons (from my experience anyways).
What I Packed
Note: I wore my Ultra Light Down Jacket (3D Cut) from Uniqlo to the airport, and layered it over all my outfits. It’s super lightweight and kept me warm in the chilly Sydney weather.
Clothing Items:
- 2 knitted sweaters
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 button-up shirts
- 1 pair of shorts (as pj’s)
- 1 pair of jeans
- 2 pairs of pants
- 1 fleece jumper
- 5 pairs socks and underwear
- 1 pair of sneakers
In my backpack:
- Ipad
- Apple Airpods
- Powerbank
- Chargers
- Toiletry bag (cleanser, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaver, hair wax)
Weight Considerations
Despite my best efforts, my fully packed RIMOWA Classic Cabin weighed over 10kg:
- With toiletry bag inside luggage: 10.57kg
- Without toiletry bag: 9.83kg
- With luggage cover on and without toiletry bag: 10.4kg
I ended up moving the toiletry bag into my small backpack at the last minute because it was causing the suitcase to become overstuffed. As you can see in the photos, it was bulging quite a bit. I was concerned about the lock possibly popping open, something I've heard can happen. It also made the top and bottom of the luggage misalign slightly when I tried to close it. However, even with the toiletry bag inside, I could still manage to close the suitcase with some effort, and when the locks finally clicked shut, it was very satisfying!
To be honest, I could have gone without the additional sneakers. For reference, I am size 10, and the sneakers were definitely on the chunkier side, which took up a large amount of space. In terms of my fashion, I like to keep things quite simple and often find myself wearing the same combination of outfits. If you're someone who prefers to pack light and stick to a few versatile pieces, this luggage is perfect for you.
Just be considerate if you like to pack multiple shoe options or bulkier items. The luggage is spacious, though rigid, so it requires some strategic packing to make the most of the space. If you prefer to have more variety in your wardrobe, you might need to be more selective about what you bring along.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I was very impressed with the RIMOWA Classic Cabin. It offers a great blend of durability, style, and practicality. While the weight and size constraints require some careful packing, the quality and design make it a worthy investment for frequent travelers. If you value high-quality travel gear and are willing to invest in a suitcase that will last, the RIMOWA Classic Cabin is an excellent choice.