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I got my first real grown-up luggage set for my wedding back in 2007. And those suitcases have served us well for MANY years – but the carry-on size suitcase busted a wheel and has been on the fritz for a while. The big one busted a zipper and I had to replace it on short notice. I had been in the market for a new carry on suitcase, but with SO MANY options I was kind of stymied about making a new purchase! I was so excited to be introduced to Chester Travels, the ultimate brand in hardside luggage. Today I am so excited to share my review of the Chester Minima, a hardside carry on suitcase that I know you all are going to love!
Momma To Go received a Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Chester Travels : The Best Hardside Luggage
Looking for the Best Carry On Suitcase
With more and more airlines charging for checked baggage, I prefer to carry on as much as possible. My husband has silver medallion status on Delta, so he doesn’t pay for checking bags, but I hate waiting to retrieve my bag when I land! For those reasons, my carry on suitcase gets a lot of use! To me, the best carry on luggage will feature:
- Most importantly, easy to maneuver. I am frequently traveling solo with one or two kids, and usually lugging a bunch of crap – booster seats, backpacks, iPads, and our luggage! My kids can, and do help, but having a carry on suitcase that is easy to roll around definitely helps entice them to grab something!
- Fits a ton of stuff – like I said, I like to carry on as much as possible. I need my carry on suitcase to be able to hold a whole bunch of things!
- Lots of compartments – I like a bag with lots of pockets and compartments to help organize my stuff!
- Sturdy and durable – Again, we travel frequently and my carry on luggage is usually my go-to when packing for a long weekend, a road trip or a girls’ getaway. I need a bag that is going to last for a while. I know you can get some cheap suitcases at places like Marshalls or Wal-Mart, but I need a durable piece of carry on luggage.
- Good price point – Since we use our carry on luggage often, and I see how thrown around it gets, I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of carry luggage!
The Best Hardside Luggage: Chester Minima
I was excited to learn my new Chester Minima checks ALL THOSE BOXES! Each suitcase is designed with an unbreakable AND lightweight exterior, maximum packing space, 360 degree spinner wheels, and all at a fair price! Additionally, my Chester Minima carry-on suitcase features a few things I didn’t even know I needed! This carry on suitcase has a built in TSA approved combination lock – a combination code that you set, so no one can get in your bag!
A Chester Minima measures up at 21.5” x 13.5 “ x 8.5” (including wheels) giving you the maximum space, while still being carry-on approved size! Empty, the suitcase only weighs 7 pounds, making it the best lightweight carry on suitcase for your travels!
The interior features the ability 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. I hate arriving to wrinkled clothes and these features help minimize clothes sliding around.
Additionally, the Chester luggage has a hardside design. I’ve never had a hardside suitcase before, but I’ve been curious! Honestly I love the durability and the sleek, modern design. Also, no bulgy front pocket makes it easy to slide into the airplane overhead bin! This luggage is made our 100% polycarbonate which gives it some flexibility that expands for maximum packing.
Now I am definitely someone who buys for function – but the Chester Minima is also so stylish, sleek and modern. It also comes in SEVEN different colors!
Where to buy a Chester Suitcase
Chester Travels sells directly to travelers – which helps keep the costs down (no middle man) and makes it so easy to order your Chester luggage. They ship all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
BUY YOUR CHESTER MINIMA HERE USE THE CODE 10AF AT CHECKOUT FOR AN EXTRA 10% OFF
Chester is also so confident you will love their luggage (as am I) they offer a full refund if you are not satisfied! If within the first 100 days of use, you decide you don’t like the piece, you can send it back, no questions asked.
Chester also guarantees their product for 10 years with a warranty that covers any damage to the exterior. If anything does break, they will fix or replace it. Ordering a Chester is really a risk-free purchase. If you are in the market for a new carry-on suitcase, this is definitely the brand for you!
Tips for Packing A Carry On Suitcase
If you have read my Vacation Packing Tips post, you know that I am a very methodical packer. I ALWAYS start each packing adventure with a list. In my family, I pack for myself, and my two kids. Well, I let them pick their stuff – but I actually pack it into the bags (and double check with the list that we have everything).
For a short trip, where I am using a carry-on sized suitcase, I will first fold and pack all the nicer clothes. Things I don’t want to get wrinkled. Those I will put in the large zippered side, so they don’t slide around and get wrinkled.
Next, in the main compartment, I will pack the larger items – mostly shoes (wrapped in a shoe keeper or plastic bag), and my toiletry bag with travel size items (which I always have packed so it’s ready to go!). Lastly, I will fill in the spaces with the smaller items – pajamas, underwear and socks, any left-over clothes, my make-up, any toys or gear that we need for that particular adventure. And that’s about it!
Make sure your suitcase is labeled with your name (just in case you have to gate check it or get separated from your carry on) and that you are not carrying any TSA prohibited items. I always keep my real valuables – wallet, passports, phone, medicine, or jewelry in my handbag, again just in case I have to part with my carry on.
How do you like to travel – checked luggage or carry on? When you are in the market for you next carry on suitcase, be sure to check out a Chester Travels bag!
Need more great packing tips?
What to pack for a day at the Pool
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Please share:
I had no idea there were TSA approved combination locks. I’ve never heard of this Chester brand, but it looks worth checking out. I need a hard-sided carry-on.
I know me either – I had never had a combo lock suitcase!
I’m a carry on convert now myself! I do not like paying for baggage and all of my travel experience tells me I have overpacked way too many times. I’ll check these out.
I’ve never been a big hardside luggage gal, but am now intrigued…
yeah its different, just because I’ve never had one! I miss the front pocket but its very durable.
Thanks! May have to try this one! -Jen