Kipling Zasha wheeled duffel cabin bag
UK price: £121.53
Pros: Attractive, sturdy, easy manoeuvrability
Cons: More outside pockets needed
Verdict: Ideal weekend and/or cabin bag
Rating:
Available from:Amazon.co.uk
Product Review
I’ve been lugging around a boring black shoulder bag for some time now and knew when I tested this that I ought to swop to a wheeled option before I did myself a shoulder injury. Not only do I seem to have to walk for miles at every airport, but the list of things I would prefer not to put in the hold seems to have grown longer.
Cue this sexy little number, with discreet Kipling monkey logo. I already knew the brand had a reputation for quality, but would it pass muster as a useful bag rather than as a pleasing accessory?
As the product description suggests, it’s like a duffel bag on wheels. The main compartment flap may be opened quite easily by using both or either zips, but you have to undo the straps first. It also has a smaller pocket, useful for a passport and other travel documents. I found this quite hard to open quickly; a fob would be useful to facilitate this. The retractable handle opens and closes easily and the wheels glide well; if you are in a queue, you are able to move forward with the bag upright, rather than have to carry it.
There are two choices of carrying it; as a normal case, in a vertical position using the handle or in a horizontal position, using the padded straps. This is quite handy when faced with moving it in different situations; the handle is quicker but the straps are more comfortable.
The polyester material looks like it will sponge clean easily and it’s water repellent. The bag comes with a combination lock for the paranoid, weighs 2.4 kilos and has a 27 litres capacity. As a cabin bag, I would like more outside pockets, so I could almost use it as a substitute handbag.
Finally, its dimensions comply with most airline in-flight baggage requirements.
Verdict: A bag that’s as smart as it looks
PS My bag is in hot pink with navy trimming
