I had been waiting for this luggage to drop with a lot of anticipation. I remember the first version had zippers, and my immediate thought was, "Nah... zipper luggage feels outdated." When Actively Black released this updated version, I ordered it right away.
As someone who travels internationally on a regular basis, I'm in airports all the time. I almost always wear my Actively Black gear when I travel because I enjoy representing the brand, celebrating our culture, and promoting positive images of Black people.
My first impression when I opened the box was simply, "Wow!" The closure system is unlike anything I've seen on a carry-on before, and it's one of the features that immediately caught my attention. The front logo and the overall styling give the luggage a clean, premium look.
That said, once I picked it up, I had mixed feelings. The shell felt a little cheaper than I expected, especially considering the premium branding. I was also disappointed that the telescoping handle is too wide to securely rest a backpack over it, which is something I do constantly while navigating airports.
On the positive side, the wheels are exceptionally smooth, and the interior offers plenty of usable packing space.
I recently purchased the Noble Carry-On, so I wasn't planning on replacing it anytime soon. However, despite a few shortcomings, I have a feeling this Actively Black Carry-On is going to become my new favorite travel companion.
Overall First Impression: 8.5/10
Pros:
Innovative, zipper-free closure system
Stylish design with a bold Actively Black aesthetic
Smooth-rolling wheels
Spacious interior
Cons:
Exterior material feels less premium than expected
Telescoping handle design isn't ideal for carrying a backpack
