REASONS TO BUY
Great construction quality
Rubber-treaded wheels
Good packing system
Quite stylish
Customizable trolley handle
REASONS TO AVOID
No expansion capabilities
Pricier
Wheels tend to stray
A little heavier
Carl Friedrik The Hybrid Carry-On Review
Stylish, classy, and well-built — this piece of hand luggage packs well, looks great, and is made for extensive travel
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 14, 2026
RELATED: The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2026
Our Verdict
The Carl Friedrik The Hybrid Carry-On hits the sweet spot when it comes to quality, style, and price. Yes, this lovely piece of cabin baggage comes with a heavier price tag, but if you have the cash to spare, it's a fun splurge. The ease of its zipper-less design alone might pay for itself. Its buckled closure is not just cool-looking. We actually found it to be easier to use and more functional than zippers. We really liked how simple it was to open and close, especially when we needed to quickly grab something before boarding. This bag's striking appearance goes without saying, and, given its construction quality, we wouldn't hesitate to pack it to the gills and lug it all over the world.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Hitting the pavement in Birmingham, Alabama. We liked the smooth roll of the Carl Friedrik wheels. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Likes
We loved this bag's looks and function. It never failed to appeal to onlookers. It also offered value-adding features. From its multi-pitch trolley handle (20-plus height adjustments) to its amazingly smooth combination latches, we loved it as a statement piece, but also as a precisely functioning travel tool.
We love the higher-end look of this carry-on. We even got a few compliments from fellow travelers. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Even just sitting on the shuttle bus, the Carl Friedrik stands out. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Its multi-height trolley offers the perfect extension for most travelers. The tester in this photo is well over six feet tall. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Two distinct, sturdy latches hold the Hybrid Carry-On together. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Easy to spin combo dials make light work of locking and unlocking the latches. No more finagling with stubborn zippers. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our testing crew also liked the finely crafted details of the Hybrid Carry-On, particularly its leather handles and accents.
Leather handles and accents not only give it a stylish edge, they also make your bag instantly distinguishable from other carry-ons in the overhead bin or terminal stores or eateries. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Although relatively compact, we really liked this bag's packing system, which included an effective compression panel on one side and cinchable lock-down straps on the other.
We were able to pack enough clothes for a five-day jaunt to Alabama. We even fit in an extra pair of shoes.
Fully packed, including toiletries. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Flipping down the compression panel. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The compression panel packs clothes down tight, which creates more room and keeps clothes from shifting or wrinkling. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Cinching the compression panel tight with the compression straps. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Closing everything up. We liked that the compressed side allowed us to open and close our carry-on without messing up our clothes. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Carl Friedrik earned its highest score for its construction quality. This case is crafted with precision and care.
Layered with multiple rows of metal rivets, this carry-on is made to last. It boasts a metal frame on each end of its clam-shell opening, dense metal hinges, and a rugged polycarbonate shell that can handle the worst of airline travel.
Pointing out one of the layers of rivets which circle the entire case. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The rivets securely attach the metal frame on both sides of the clams-shell opening to the polycarbonate shell. We feel this gives the case more strength and rigidity, and better protects your belongings from theft. Credit: Jason Wanlass
A view of the metal frame from the inside of the case along with the back side of the one of the buckles. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Even the packing straps are riveted into place. Credit: Jason Wanlass
A view of one of the case's metal hinges -- one of the most solid we've seen in years. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Dislikes
Each of the spinner wheels is surrounded with a thick rubber tread — we loved this. It creates a smooth, vibration-less roll. The Hybrid Carry-On glides very well over a number of surfaces. However, based on our real travel experience and in-house testing, we feel our bag didn't track very well. It often pulled a bit to one side or the other, and felt slightly unpredictable at times.
Testing tracking ability of the wheels. In our testing, they often failed to maintain a straight course. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We were a titch disappointed with this case's ability to remain watertight. The entire opening of the Carl Friedrik is protected by rubber weatherstripping; however, during our backyard hose tests, we were surprised to find that a little bit of water made its way to the interior of the case. That said, this case performed as well or better than those it was tested against, so we weren't overly concerned.
The overall outer shell is solid material, so it did an excellent job of repelling water. Credit: Jason Wanlass
A close up section of the rubber seal -- or weatherstripping -- that seals both halves of the case together when they are closed. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Laying a strip of paper towel on one side of the case. This is an easy way to detect water. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Locking the paper towel down with the compression panel. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Placing a strip of paper towel on the opposite side of the case. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Spraying a selection of our testing group side by side in the upright position. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Spraying the same grouping in a sitting position. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Water was detected on the compression panel side of the case. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Water was not detected on the opposite (upper) side of the case. Credit: Jason Wanlass
What Other Carry-On Should You Consider?
If the price of the Carl Friedrik doesn't appeal to you, we think you should consider the Away The Carry-On, July Carry-on Max, or Monos Carry-On Pro. Each is a zipper model that offers similar packing features and construction quality. We love the Away's compression panel, the July's size and extra tote bag. And if you often travel with a laptop, the Mono's exterior compartment is the perfect place to stash it.
The Carl Friedrik packs a lot for its size, but it's still compact enough to fit in the overhead bin on smaller, commuter jets within the U.S. We also feel it should fit aboard most smaller international carriers (for example, simple flights between two European countries). Credit: Jason Wanlass
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Carl Friedrik The Hybrid Carry-On versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $645 List |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | Stylish, classy, and well-built — this piece of hand luggage packs well, looks great, and is made for extensive travel |
| Pros | Great construction quality, rubber-treaded wheels, good packing system, quite stylish, customizable trolley handle |
| Cons | No expansion capabilities, pricier, wheels tend to stray, a little heavier |
| Rating Categories | Carl Friedrik The Hy... |
| Ease of Transport (30%) | |
| Design and Functionality (30%) | |
| Construction Quality (25%) | |
| Capacity (15%) | |
| Specifications | Carl Friedrik The Hy... |
| Empty Weight | 9.5 lbs |
| Non-Expanded Main Compartment Volume (Measured) | 38.5 L |
| Expandable | No |
| Exterior Dimensions | 22" X 14.6" x 9.1" |
| Warranty | Lifetime on manufacturing defects or faulty workmanship. |
| Available sizes | 39L, 41L, 44L |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | None |
| Exterior Material | Polycarbonate |
| Opening Style | Clamshell |
| Pull Handle Heights | 20+ (Multiple Settings) |
| Locking System | Combination/TSA lock |
—Jason Wanlass
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