Chester Travel Luggage Review: The Best Carry-On Luggage

Are you looking for the perfect carry-on luggage? One that is not only durable and lightweight but also stylish, sleek and easy to maneuver? Having the perfect luggage is essential for any trip. Look no further than the Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase.

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During our trip to France last spring, my carry-on bag busted at the wheels and zippers making it very difficult.   Fortunately for us, we were visiting family there so we were able to “borrow” one of their suitcases to help us get through our trip. 

I believe their suitcase is still sitting in my basement.  I may have to send it with my mother-in-law when she goes for a visit in a couple of weeks. 

I have been in the market for a new carry-on luggage and was thrilled when Chester Travels reached out to me and asked if I would be willing to try out their Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase in exchange for a review. Please note all opinions are my own and are my honest feedback.

Benefits Of Using A Carry-On Luggage

First off: what are the benefits of using a carry-on suitcase? A carry-on suitcase is perfect for a weekend getaway or if you travel with the kids as I do, it is a perfect addition to your other luggage. There are many benefits to using a carry-on suitcase. Here I list them in no particular order.

1. Save Money

Save money on those high fees on checked luggage. You can expect to pay an average of $35 for your first checked luggage.

Most airlines do not charge for carry-on luggage but please be sure to check with your airlines on this. I know that Spirit Airlines charges for carry-on luggage but many do not.

2. Light Packer

I try to limit my travels to one carry-on and possibly one checked-in bag when traveling with the family. So it is important that I can fit as much as I can in it.

I tend to overpack so limiting myself to just those two has helped.  There is no need to bring one full suitcase of just my shoes.. so I have been told by my husband.

I also tend to overspend for unnecessary things or bring back too many souvenirs. By packing light, this helps me avoid overspending as I would not have a place to put them in to bring them back with.

3. Convenience

A carry-on luggage is so convenient when you are traveling light. You tend to move around more by walking versus taking the bus or taxi.  It is easy to store it on a plane or in a small hotel. Most importantly, it does not take up much room when using public transportation.

Another big plus to the convenience it that you would have easy access to all you need as it would be in the overhead bin versus stored under the plane.

4. No Worries About a Lost Luggage

With your carry-on luggage safely stored above you in the overhead bin, you can be sure it is safe and sound waiting for you at the end of your plane ride. Just grab and go. You don’t have to worry about waiting at baggage claim in hopes that your luggage is not lost.

See related post: 11 Things To Bring To An All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean

Things To Consider When Shopping For A New Carry-On

In searching for a new carry-on suitcase, there are just so many options out there and many things to consider.

Taking a luggage on a plane is convenient as long as it is easy to move around and fits nicely in the overhead bin. Therefore it is extremely important to take these things into consideration when you are looking for that perfect carry-on suitcase.

1. Size

The carry-on luggage has to meet TSA size guidelines and still be able to fit all my things.  It’s important to measure your carry-on to meet the guidelines. This includes the retracted handles, wheels, and any compartment protrusions.

2. It is easy to maneuver

Nothing is worse than having to carry a piece of luggage especially when I have so many other things to lug around. Things such as backpacks, laptops/ iPad, booster seats, our other luggage, and the kids. 

Getting a suitcase with wheels will be most ideal and they are honestly a godsend. While many come with two wheels, four wheels are the best when it comes to maneuverability. Commonly known as a “spinner”, the four wheels help you move in tight spaces and with multi-directional movements.

With the ease to maneuver, this also means the boys are more likely to help with it. And this is perfect for the kids to help you out.

3. Interiors

The inside of the suitcase is just as important as the outer parts. Not all interiors are created the same. Even with the same outer dimensions, the interior may vary. Having enough space inside to pack all your essentials is so important to help keep our things organized.

4. Lightweight

You do not want to buy a suitcase that is already heavy when it is empty. Imagine once you pack your things how much heavier that would be. It is definitely not helpful as all to have to lug around a piece of heavy carry-on luggage when you have other things too. 

5. Durability

Looking for a durable suitcase that will last for a long time is a plus.  One can get a cheap one at the local store but it may just last for so long.  I need something I can depend on so I won’t have another mishap as I did in France.

6. Good Price Point

This goes hand in hand with durability.  Getting a cheaply priced suitcase may not last long and a high priced one does not necessarily equate to a piece of good suitcase.

See related post: The Ultimate Family Road Trip Planning Guide

About Chester Travels

Chester Travels is the ultimate brand for hard-side suitcases.  I have never used a hard-sided suitcase before so I was especially excited to receive this carry-on suitcase. 

Chester Travels is a NYC based lifestyle brand with a design philosophy that was born out from necessity. As avid travelers, the founders grew tired of luggage that never seemed to work. It was either too heavy, complicated, or easily ruined by harsh climates or adventures.

Today Chester Travel offers 3 sizes of suitcases for every travel need.

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If you are looking for a new quality carry-on suitcase, continue on to learn why you should put Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase on top of your list.

My First Impression

I was excited to see that Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase met all those listed above. My first impression when I took it out of the box was that it came with a dust cover pictured below. This is great for storing the suitcase and keeping it like-new. 

1. Size

When choosing your carry on suitcase, it is important to look at the size. You are allowed one carry-on with you and this should be able to fit in the luggage compartment above your seat.  If it is even an inch bigger, you may not be allowed to “carry it on” the plane. You don’t want that happening. 

The Chester Minima measures at 21.5” x 13.5 “ x 8.5” (including wheels) giving you the maximum space, while still being carry-on approved size by both TSA and IATA cabin luggage guidelines. This means that it passes both domestic and the stricter international luggage size requirements.

2. Four Multi-Directional Wheels

I don’t know about you but I have always wondered why some suitcases just easily glide by me at the airport.  Now I know why.  This suitcase not only comes with 2 wheels but with 4.  The handle is sturdy and its silent 360° spinner wheels glide over even rough terrain with very minimal efforts so even the boys roll this. 

3. Retractable Handle

The smooth, retractable handle makes it for some effortless handling. 100% aluminum telescopic handle locks in two positions providing the ultimate control and maneuverability.

This makes it perfect for anyone of any height. The top and side handles make it easy to grab and lift to place it in the overhead bin.

4. Compartments

The interior features two fully lined compartments making it possible to pack into both sides of the luggage. There are three pockets to store smaller items, and double zippered sides to make sure your stuff stays in place while traveling.

It even has a laundry pouch for all your dirty clothes.

See related post: 20 Things To Bring On Your Next Road Trip

5. Lightweight

Experts recommend that a wheeled bag should not weigh more than 7.5 pounds. 

Empty, this suitcase only weighs 7 pounds, making it the best lightweight carry on suitcase for your travels. This means that when fully packed, it will not be a heavy suitcase to take along.

6. Durability

Chester Minima is made of 100% polycarbonate hard shell making it not only sleek and stylish, but it is incredibly durable and water-resistant.  It is more durable than the average plastic but at the same time, it is lighter than aluminum giving some flexibility that expands for maximum packing.  

7. Cost

 Currently priced at $175 one may consider that to be pricey for carry-on luggage. However, considering all the features mentioned above as well and the bonuses below I believe it to be fairly priced.

I used this luggage quite often and it has yet to fail me. Remember the mishap I mentioned above during my France trip? I have yet to have another one.

Added Bonus

1. Lock

Chester Minima comes with a combination lock.  Say what!  And on top of that, it is TSA approved. This means improved security and less worry.

2. 100-Day Trial

Chester Minima comes with a 100-day trial meaning if you purchase this through their website and are not 100% satisfied with the product, you can return it within 100 days of purchase.

3. Limited 10-Year Warranty

Chester Minima comes with a limited 10-year warranty that covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that functionally impairs the luggage. They have done rigorous testing and are confident in the durability of their products. If anything breaks, they will fix or replace it.

4. Beautiful Color Choices

The Chester Minima is available in 8 neutral colors.  I am loving all these color choices. It was really hard to choose just one color but I ultimately chose the color Ocean Blue.

• Desert
• Fog
• Ocean Blue
• Onyx
• Snow
• Spritz
• Storm
• Surf

Where To Purchase?

There are a couple of ways you can purchase the Chester Carry-On Spinner Suitcase.

You can purchase this on the Chester Travels website with free shipping. Use my discount coupon 10AF for an additional 10% off.

You can also purchase this on Amazon with free shipping with Prime.

Make It A Set

The beauty of this luggage is you can buy it separately or make it a set to fit your need. It is beautifully designed and so durable, you will not regret getting this.

My Final Thoughts

Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase is very well made. We use this carry-on all the time from a quick weekend getaway to a long family trip. It is a definite keeper for us.

Would I recommend this? Absolutely! Not only do I use this all the time, but my daughter also borrows this every time she goes away for a quick weekend getaway.

This Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase is the perfect companion for your next trip. With over 200 five star reviews, you will love it just as much as these 200 folks as well as my daughter and I.

If you think this sounds like the carry-on for you or you want to try it out, there are two ways to buy: Amazon and Chester’s website.

Two huge advantage of purchasing off their website (in addition to their free two-day shipping) is that The Caffeinated Introvert readers can enter 10AF for 10% off their purchase AND there is a 100 day trial period with free returns if you for some reason decide it is not for you.

But I would imagine you will love it just as much as me.

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