Rimowa Luxury That Takes A Beating!

Rimowa Original Cabin Review: Is This Luxury Suitcase Worth the Investment?

As an editor, I often keep an eye on the luggage brands I see most frequently at airports, and Rimowa is consistently among the most visible. While aluminium luggage has become more popular in recent years, the German brand is credited with producing the first aluminium suitcase in 1937. Today, its grooved hardshell cases have earned a loyal following for their durability, smooth wheels and elegant design that evokes the golden age of travel.

A Rimowa suitcase is, however, no modest purchase. The aluminium models start at around £1,100—a considerable outlay. For frequent travellers, this price might be justified: these suitcases look refined, are resilient enough to withstand rough handling, and glide smoothly across almost any surface. I tested Rimowa’s Original Cabin to assess whether its price tag holds up for most people.

Design and Capacity

Like all Rimowa aluminium luggage, the Original Cabin is crafted from high-grade anodised aluminium. Its grooved exterior has a distinctive and recognisable look. Having tested many suitcases, most with zipped closures, I often find built-in locks cumbersome or prone to jamming. That was not the case here. The Original Cabin’s oversized latch locks, held by sturdy rivets, are simple to snap shut, eliminating any concern about being locked out of my belongings.

The suitcase’s built-in compression system particularly impressed me. While most compression systems rely on pulling buckles tightly, Rimowa uses dual-sided Velcro panels that smooth clothes flat. I was sceptical at first, thinking Velcro might lack strength, but it proved surprisingly effective. I packed for a six-day trip—six shirts, three pairs of trousers, three blazers, undergarments, toiletries, a hair straightener and flats—and the case closed without fuss.

Durability and Handling

The Original Cabin’s ribbed shell looks as high-quality in person as it does in photos. It fitted easily into an overhead locker and a vehicle boot during my trip, and showed no scratches on the main body afterwards. Although I didn’t check the bag, I tested its resilience by dropping it down stairs and onto tiled floors. The case held up well, although as with any aluminium luggage, it is prone to denting. I did notice a few scuffs on the corner end caps, but nothing that undermined functionality.

One trade-off with aluminium is weight. At 9.5 pounds (about 4.3kg), it is heavier than many polycarbonate alternatives. For travellers concerned about strict airline weight limits, that is worth noting. However, the suitcase is easy to lift thanks to generous top and side handles, which are comfortable to grip even without padding.

Smooth Wheels That Live Up to Their Reputation

Rimowa is renowned for its smooth-rolling wheels, and this model did not disappoint. The double wheels, cushioned and multi-directional, made crossing carpets, pavements and concourse floors feel almost effortless. Even with the case fully loaded, it glided smoothly without causing wrist strain, which is a frequent complaint with cheaper luggage.

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, I can confirm that the Rimowa Original Cabin offers excellent quality, thoughtful design and robust construction. It moves easily over a range of surfaces, withstands rough handling better than most hard cases, and can comfortably hold a week’s worth of clothing despite its compact size. The compression panels in particular were highly effective and user-friendly.

That said, this suitcase is not for everyone. If you travel only occasionally, spending over £1,000 may feel excessive. But if you fly frequently—five or more trips a year—it starts to look like a practical long-term investment rather than a luxury indulgence. Rimowa’s lifetime warranty also adds reassurance, covering all functional damage for the life of the case, though it does not extend to cosmetic marks or dents.

Overall, the Rimowa Original Cabin justifies its high price through a combination of durability, ease of use and distinctive design. It isn’t perfect—aluminium will inevitably pick up dents over time—but for serious travellers who value quality and style, it is among the best carry-on options available.