Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case | Long Term Review

For those travelers out there, finding the perfect carry-on luggage is no small task. I’ve been sent several different types of luggage to test and review over the years and I have my favorites. One of them is a high-end piece from Sterling Pacific, the 35L Cabin Travel Case. It is also by far, the most visually appealing piece of luggage I own.

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After separating from my military service, our family continues to travel extensively. Whether for business or pleasure, we find ourselves transversing the globe via airlines and busy airport hubs. Having the right travel case to haul the necessary clothing and toiletries is essential. So far, after almost 2 years, the 35L Cabin Travel Case has held up beautifully. And continues to be my go-to for these shorter trips. From a long weekend to a week in the Caribbean, this 35-liter case seems to hold all I require.

Sterling Pacific 35L Travel Case Long Term Review:

Features I love

First off, the look and construction are amazing. I constantly have other travelers and flight crews comment on this case. I know it sounds weird, but people let you know they like your luggage. The overall strength of the case due to its construction fends off the bumps and scrapes that plague soft sided luggage. At first, I was worried about scratching or denting the case. Now, the patina just shows how well-traveled it is.

All the touchy, feely things. The cavernous interior is lined with a luxurious brown ring spun twill material. Handles made from full-grain Italian leather. Smooth rounded A380 aluminum corners. Softly ridged 5052 aluminum panels. It all adds up to a tactile wet dream. Sterling Pacific even includes a nice little Amenity & Care Kit. Which includes a toiletry bag, an aluminum pen, and some cream for the Italian leather. A really nice touch.

Mobility

Strolling over pavement, walkways, stairs or terminals. The 2.5″ recessed wheels keep on trucking. I’m a fan of the 2 wheeled cases. I prefer them to the 4-wheeled versions. And it’s getting harder to find a good 2 wheeled case. So I applaud Sterling Pacific for continuing to produce a 2 wheeled variant. Although I hear a 4-wheeled unit may be in the works. Keeping this piece of luggage standing upright, Sterling Pacific uses riveted aluminum leveling legs. When on its side, it rests on 4 bumpers to protect the silky aluminum. Attention to detail.

With the recent acquisition of a Mooney M20R Ovation, our travel mode has shifted a bit. Now we’re able to weigh the cost and time between commercial travel and just flying ourselves to the destination. For instance, we just completed a trip from Northern Michigan to Grand Turk Island. A 1-mile by 6-mile island in the Caribbean 580 nautical miles off the coast of Florida. Our SCUBA equipment as well as a pair of carry-on rollers filled the cargo area. The 35L Cabin Travel Case got its first ride in our private airplane.

35L Travel Case Specifications

• Full 5052 Aluminum Body with Impact Bearing Ridges
• Reinforced A380 Aluminum Corners
• A380 Aluminum Wheel Housings
• A380 Aluminum Trolley Housing
• Retractable Aluminum Trolley
• Italian Full-Grain Leather Handles
• Extruded 6063 Aluminum Frame
• Dual Thru Axle Wheels
• TSA Double Combination Latch Locks

Features I wish it had

My only complaint about this case is its lack of a laptop sleeve. Or some way to easily slip a tablet into it. If there were a padded sleeve sewn into an interior divider, that would allow a traveler to quickly open the case and slide a laptop or tablet into something more secure. Maybe add a separate sleeve pocket for travel documents or a passport. Currently, 2 straps crisscross the interior for securing clothing. And a zippered mesh pocket in the lid. And I don’t feel great about putting my laptop in either.

35L Cabin Travel Case Measurements

• Dimensions: 22.5″ x 14″ x 8.5″
• Volume: 35L
• Weight: 11.5 lbs
• Maximum allowable carry-on size on major American airlines.

Final Thoughts:

The 35L Cabin Travel Case is among my favorite pieces of luggage. If not THE favorite. I love the look and durability of this piece. And so do others based on the compliments I get. The exterior size fits well in the trunk, between isles on the plane, and inside the overhead compartments. I’ve never had trouble fitting this case in any domestic airliner. At $1950, this case isn’t for the budget traveler. However, I’m confident that it will outlast any soft-sided case. And will become an heirloom item in your family. My 2 sons are already positioning themselves to inherit this case at some point.

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Lifetime Warranty & Repair Service

About Sterling Pacific

“The origins of the Sterling Pacific corporation date back to June 22nd of 1907 when Richard Herz and his brother Carl Otto registered the company to open up their business, initially with a focus on jewelry and watches. The Herz family, native of Leipzig, arrived in Nevada after years filled with travel, having worked in Dresden, Vienna, Budapest and London before making the journey across the Atlantic. Remembered as true Nevada pioneers, the Herz family built their business to become a local staple over decades, known for their commitment to excellence of their jewelry and watch products.”

“In the 21st century, the corporation was renamed Sterling Pacific after the Herz family had already shut down their store. After that, the company was acquired by the brand developer Galton Voysey, who launched a new line of aluminum suitcases inspired by the travels & legacy of excellence of the Herz family under the Sterling Pacific banner.” ~sterlingpacific.com