By Katie Wilson
Luxury British luggage brand Antler has been making suitcases for over 100 years, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two when it comes to packing.
Their collection ranges from suitcase sets to backpacks and overnight bags that are perfect for weekends away or hand luggage.
You can even match your luggage to your vanity case or invest in mini organisers from their chic travel accessories to save on space.
We tried out their best-selling Clifton set – a cabin size, medium and large suitcase – and were not only impressed with how stylish it looks, but how lightweight and easy to wheel they are. You’ll literally feel like the chicest person in the airport.
Made from polycarbonate – a tough, durable plastic designed to be strong and last longer – all three cases come with clever packing compartments and a handy strap to keep all your clothes in place. The trio were delivered with individual dust bags and fit perfectly inside each other, making them easy to store away.
There is also a combination lock on each case, so no need to think about where you put the one you used for your last holiday, plus all Antler products come with a 10-year warranty.
Now we’ve got the perfect case, we asked Antler’s Elizabeth Rhodes for her top tips on how to pack it.
Keep a wash bag ready packed
If you’re a frequent traveller, keep a wash bag packed and ready to go. That means keeping double stock at home of bathroom products or make up, which is entirely worth it, as what you pack in your wash bag rarely needs to change depending on your location, so you can just grab it and go.
Roll, don’t fold
When packing clothes, you’ll want to consider how much space your bag has and how to make the most out of it. My top tip, especially when travelling with a cabin or a weekender bag where space is at a premium, is to roll your clothes rather than folding them. I find this quicker to do than folding, and it also leaves fewer creases.
Go easy on the shoes
Shoes take up a lot of space, so try to only pack pairs that are multi-purpose and will work for what your trip involves, like a pair of trainers you can use for the gym, but that will also be comfortable and smart enough for sight-seeing day trips. One pair of sandals, or classic shoes in a neutral colour, can work for the day and evening if it’s a work trip, too.
Use mini organisers to compartmentalise
Use a mini travel organiser (or two) to keep small essentials neatly in one place. Your tech kit like a laptop charger, phone charger and earphones will sit neatly in one, and a toothbrush and toothpaste, mini contact solution and emergency paracetamol or any medication might be useful in another. Keep the pouches in your hand luggage for easy access.
Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage
We all know that luggage packed in the hold can at times go walkabout, so pack a change of underwear, swimwear if you’re off on a summer trip, and the key things you’ll need for at least the first night, in your hand luggage rather than packing everything in a suitcase that’s going into the hold. That way, if your suitcase does reach your destination later than you do, you’ll at least be able to get through the first day or two without added stress. I always take an overnight bag — the Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag — as well as a handbag as hand luggage for exactly this reason.
Antler suitcase sets start from £578, while individual cases start from £159
Find out more at antler.co.uk
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