My Honest CALPAK Luka Carry on Review + Unboxing

We are not affiliated or sponsored by Calpak, this is just an honest review*
Link to bag: bit.ly/469zieF
In this Calpak luggage review, Lauren showcases the sleek and durable construction that ensures your belongings stay safe and secure throughout your travels. With its soft-sided design, the Luka carry-on provides flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for navigating busy airports and squeezing into tight overhead compartments.
Our Calpak Luka unboxing reviews not only delve into the physical attributes of the luggage but also offer valuable insights on how to maximize its packing capabilities. Join Lauren as she shares her expert tips and tricks for minimalist packing, allowing you to bring all the essentials without excess baggage. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the adventure, these travel tips will revolutionize the way you pack.
So, if you're searching for a reliable travel companion, look no further than the Calpak Luka carry-on. Join us in this Calpak luggage review as we unbox, pack, and embark on a travel adventure with Lauren and the It's the Kellys team. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest travel reviews, unboxing, and packing tips. Happy travels!
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[@lynn-888]

The extra little side pocket would be perfect for storing gloves and a knit cap during winter travel - easy access when exiting the airport. 👍

[@ItsTheKellys]

It can probably fit one or the other :) it’s pretty small, but yes, great idea!

[@cincinnatigirl74]

And I feel ya on a matching bag. I got the expandable laptop tote and absolutely love it!

[@babycale]

I actually have the backpack in Chocolate! It’s pretty spacious, and I can fit quite a bit. I’ve used it as a personal item on Frontier and packed a few dresses and toiletries in it (I flew to Orlando and that was all I took!). This definitely makes me want to get the carry on to match! Calpak also has packing cubes you should try!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I actually ended up not using it and I really don’t think I can do soft luggage 😝 I tried!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Do you have a trip coming up? Let me know where you are going or let’s talk hard shell vs soft shell luggage! I want to hear your thoughts!

[@sylviaescarcega6616]

Thanks Lauren and I hope you are enjoying French Polynesia! I actually have the Luka duffel in chocolate color, and it is a very nice bag: it is beautiful and lightweight, spacious, and strong, but...puffy. Oh yes, very puffy. Soooo, when packed, even when packed lightly, it bulges out and does not longer comply with some of the carry-on/personal item limitations of many international airlines. I would not recommend it for international travel for that reason unless it is used as the main cabin bag and not as a personal item (that is if people want to be extra sure that they will not get flagged by aircraft agents for having a seemingly/potentially larger bag).

[@ItsTheKellys]

Good to know!

[@courtb3535]

Thanks for this review. I am considering getting this calpak in the mini size for spirit.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I honestly didn’t love it and would personally not reccommend the mini, as it’s actually extremely small and there’s several underseat rollers that hold more :)

[@sherolovetree3678]

I love my Calpak Luka Duffel bag!!

[@catiejohnson7910]

been waiting for this! so curious..

[@bethpenick3860]

I like soft luggage... the eBags TLS motherlode is my go-to. I like the wheeled carry-on, even though it only has 2 wheels. It's very much like the backpack that you love. I like that the wheels are embedded in the suitcase. It's very sturdy and has compression straps on the exterior of the bag.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I do love that backpack!

[@seastarbutterfly]

I've been looking at the Motherlode. Nice to hear from a real person who loves it. Thanks!

[@IntriguedLioness]

I prefer for no wheels when I travel but if I do ever choose wheeled luggage again I would prefer 2 wheels. The stands on the opposite side act like a breaking system when set upright. Have you ever seen 4 wheeled luggage get loose on a airport tram or public transportation!?! 😳

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@IntriguedLioness I déteste 2 wheels so much. I also ended up disliking this bag and packed a different one 😂

[@greta5499]

I personally love bucket style bags. Clamshell takes up a larger footprint in the hotel room and if you have a large device (like camera equipment or a c-pap machine) buckets always fit deep items. Nice review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Calpak Luka. I am curious if you think the fabric is durable?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I actually disliked this bag when I packed it for my trip, and haven’t used it since. I ended up switching my stuff over to another bag that was lighter and had more room.

[@sodoffbaldrick3038]

Hi Lauren! Thanks for the review. I noticed on the opposite side of the bag from the handle there was another little zipper pocket going down the side. It looks like the comparment should go all the way down to the bottom of the bag but I can't tell since you didn't open it. It looks like it would be the perfect size for my machete, (just kidding).

[@ItsTheKellys]

😂 I’ll have to look when I get home. I did NOT end up bringing it on this current trip

[@celyco01]

Thank you for the review! I’m considering buying this luggage 😊

[@ItsTheKellys]

No problem ❤️ thanks for watching!

[@carolynwilson7806]

I personally don’t like the hard shell bags because they split down the middle. I like one deep side.

[@ItsTheKellys]

The one deep side is what I can’t stand 😂 I ended up switching luggages and fit twice as much in my hard one for this trip!

[@v_r_6424]

Do you have videos on advice for traveling? Deciding where to go, stay, what to see... Those type of things, thanks!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Here’s my travel tips playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLiTcxyDSiK9VNGB8CUtxNV8GfKXVRYhnu

[@Keith_Aerotrunk]

2nd chances are great. Nice video review!

[@ritagilmer5389]

I’ve just seen your review of Calpak soft shell mini carry on. Can you tell me what other luggage brands carry under seater luggage preferably with a trolley sleeve. Thanks. My current luggage is Monos which just came out with expandable luggage. Thanks.

[@craigo2142]

Always love how excited you get with a new piece of travel gear. This one is interesting but do fear the size getting out of control. And, not for sure what the compartment on the front would really hold and not just make it get bigger. Do you happen to keep a spreadsheet showing all your luggage by weight and size? I need an international carry-on that is light as possible. Enjoy your trip!!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I do on itsthekellys.com under the luggage page. It doesn’t have all of the newest ones. But the lightest you will find ever is the july lite at 3.9 lbs. And I ended up hating this luggage and didn’t bring it on this trip 😂

[@craigo2142]

@@ItsTheKellys Thanks for the link. I am not really surprised you didn't use it. Seemed smallish and not easily packable with just one compartment. Like you, i like the two sides. Hope your trip is/was great!!

[@soitsmelaura]

I’m Definitely a convert from soft to hard bc I do tend to overpack. I got an email that they dropped the price for the luka duffel which is very tempting. I have their Calpak compakt duffel bag which I luv

[@ItsTheKellys]

I very very quickly converted back to hard! 😂

[@cincinnatigirl74]

I bought one in matte black when it came out. It is super cute. I have so much luggage I need to go on more trips. I had started with the mini one but I don’t think it will count as a personal item. 😢

[@ItsTheKellys]

Depends on the airline, most of them say it’s too big :(

[@cressidaonthego]

I really like hard shell bags I always think I can pack more and be more organised . But this little guy you reviewed looks promising 😀😉

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yeah I’m a hard shell girl 100%. I packed it for the trip I’m currently on (and filmed it- it comes out next Saturday) but a day later, I switched. I couldn’t do it!

[@cressidaonthego]

@@ItsTheKellys I pushed myself once to pack a soft luggage and hated it the whole trip, never again

[@Arm_Bears]

I have a Delsey hard 4-wheel that I love and an e-Bags TLS Motherload soft 2-wheel that I'll use when I have to over-stuff. One minor advantage of soft is you don't need as much space to have it open in tight quarters. Unfortunately, I injured my shoulder so I need to downsize to an underseater. I bought a London Fog and an Amer Tourister - they don't hold enough. Just bought an Underseat Pro hoping that will work. I'm flying to visit my daughter in a couple weeks - fingers crossed! I have a stupid question: I'm large and very awkward. Do you put the suitcase under the seat before you sit down? I'm worried that if I sit down first I won't be able to shove it down there like I can a backpack.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I always put it under the seat first, and adjust when I’m in the seat if I need to. If there ends up being space above once everyone has boarded, I may even move it overhead!

[@larissaagatep6451]

What is the lightest weight carry on you have… I’m plus size and most airlines in Asia have a weight limit of 7 kilos… my clothes can get heavy even if i get the light material 🤣 so i wanna get every pound i can if i can 😬. I tried using just a backpack got it to 7kilos but it was tiring carrying it after a while . So any advice would be great pls. Thank you.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m plus size too. The best thing you can do is a capsule wardrobe in 1 medium size packing cube, and only bring 1 extra pair of shoes besides the ones you’re flying in. The lightest bag that exists is the July light carry on and it’s 3.9 pounds :)

[@larissaagatep6451]

@@ItsTheKellys so far, im working on my packing and getting better light weight travel clothes and in my present location there isnt much choices in term of clothes for my size 🤣, shipping from the usa can get a bit pricey… so once i get back im shopping! 🤣 Wow I will look into that luggage. Thank you so much. And i really enjoy watching your videos, keep it coming 😊

[@BK-ni6me]

Could you review some of Eastpak carryon luggage....They are soft side luggage, but open like hardside and seem very interesting.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Good find! I will have the check them out and reach out!

[@JaeGemini]

That 7kg limit killed me when I was traveling around Greece. Talk about anxiety. 😂

[@ItsTheKellys]

It’s always on the back of my mind, but I’ve only been weighed a few times in all of my travels of 9+ years! Did they weigh your bag?

[@JaeGemini]

@@ItsTheKellys Yup. It was unbelievable that they was weighing carryons. One time Aegean didn’t weight it. But Sky Express weighed it every single time

[@kristid4246]

Love the matching Calpak duffel. Would you recommend…regular or large size?

[@ItsTheKellys]

If you want to use it as a personal item, get it as small as possible

[@justcallmedani5895]

Does the calpak luka duffel fit in the sizer for frontier airlines? I booked a cheap from to Orlando and I have a luka duffel but I’ve never used it as a personal item! I have the small one 😊

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m not sure, I don’t own the duffel. It probably all depends on how full you pack it

[@suzanneshields2768]

What would you suggest packing in the laptop compartment clothes wise? Would like to use that space well for something but def not laptop related things. 🌸

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’d suggest maybe flip flops or undergarments.

[@labtechsuperstar]

I have not used this brand, but up until now I have always used soft luggage. I have a Delsey carry-on that I won years and years ago (and it's still in good shape!). However, because I expanded it, I had an issue at MUC. The woman patrolling the pre-security saw my bag and said it was too big. Sure enough, it didn't fit in the sizer and I had to check it. :(

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yeah once I packed this, I actually said no way Jose

[@lorimcmeeken9736]

Have you evaluated the Calpak 26 liter backpack/duffle?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I haven’t, only because I haven’t heard good things about its durability, and that it breaks alot.

[@juliehouser9361]

Is yours the mini? They have so many, which one are you showing

[@ItsTheKellys]

It’s the carryon seen here bit.ly/469zieF thanks for watching!

[@bettinanadler9416]

Please review CalPac’s Terra backpack/duffles in 27 L and 50 L!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I think I’m done with Calpak to be honest. A lot of people have had bad experiences with the duffel.

[@rosac8168]

Can you do a review on the wertum luggage I’ve been seeing a lot of ads in it

[@ItsTheKellys]

The most I can do is try to contact the company and see if they are willing to send any for a review :)

[@BeautybyNeema]

Hi Lauren, I’ve watched tons of videos on carryon bags with outside laptop pocket and still not sure which one I should pick - Level 8, Away, July, Samsonite etc I prefer one with 4 to 8 wheels: do you have one that you would pick over the others?

[@ItsTheKellys]

To be honest, I personally would never use one. Once any of those bags are fully packed, it’s hard to fit your laptop, and I always prefer to put my laptop in my personal item, incase those bags need to be checked for whatever reason. The level 8 has the most space, but is a little bit deeper than the others. Eventually I’ll do a comparison about them all, I just want a few more.

[@BeautybyNeema]

@@ItsTheKellys thank you. I can’t carry my laptop on my back (back problems) that’s why I prefer those types of carry on. When will you be doing the video?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m not sure, I’m trying to get a few more pro bags first.

[@BeautybyNeema]

@@ItsTheKellys thx. I’ll wait for your review

[@LadyAK1]

Is chocolate the new hazelnut? I have hazelnut belt bag and want matching luggage

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m not sure. This is my first time ever buying from this company and have not seen any other colors in person.

[@lynn81181]

Good to know its probably to big as a carryon for Spirit once packed.

[@ItsTheKellys]

It would be fine for spirit. It’s so tiny compared to all of the bags I have used on spirit

[@sandj-tv3gs]

Can you please review the Lojel Cubo Small & Large luggage? Not a lot of reviews out there on them and I have been eyeing it but can’t decide between them or BÉIS. I love your luggage reviews and would love to know your thoughts on them!

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’ve reached about to them probably 100 times and they have never responded. I want to try the small!

[@sandj-tv3gs]

@@ItsTheKellys aw man! That is so unfortunate for them :-(

[@luvpinkhellokitty]

Hi not sure if you been to Japan, do you know if the TSA Liquid is 3.4 oz too? Thank you 😊

[@ItsTheKellys]

It’s a worldwide thing :)

[@luvpinkhellokitty]

@@ItsTheKellys Thank You soooooo much!! I knew you be the person to know! My coworkers are telling me it’s 1.4oz!! Something about her perfume was confiscated.

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@luvpinkhellokitty 100ml! But if it’s a bigger bottle and only a little bit left (such as a perfume bottle) it’s not allowed.

[@jessicaberens5099]

What's the zipper on the other side of the bag, opposite the little passport pocket?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’ll have to check when I get back home, I must have missed it and don’t return until this weekend

[@joybruno4668]

Can you pleeeeease do a video on the Solgaard Carry-On Closet large size? I would love to see a comparison of someone comparing using their shelving system vs packing cubes! None out there! TIA

[@ItsTheKellys]

Believe me I’ve tried. They won’t respond. But for what it’s worth, it seems horrible. I would NEVER use one.

[@joybruno4668]

Thanks for responding! I love your reviews and would only trust your opinion on it. I’m a horrible over-packer and know I probably would fit more with packing cubes but I’m a hot mess when I get to destination with stuff all over! It seemed so alluring to have it all organized as soon as I arrive. Thanks for trying!

[@ItsTheKellys]

They do have the shelves you can pack (I did a video on them) but you can definitely fit more with cubes. Testing a hanging packing cube for travel | Travel essential? kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5DVf5tjaat8rtU

[@james22939]

Love the zipper sounds

[@shellyledbetter5285]

What toiletry bag is that?

[@bethpenick3860]

Tripped brand... she made a video on it.

[@shellyledbetter5285]

thanks, I saw that one. I thought maybe she was trying out a new one. Doesn’t look the same.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yep it’s the tripped one! It can look different depending on if it’s right side up or down. While I’m here in Tahiti traveling with it, I’ll be filming a video about it :)