This luggage was gifted by Samsonite, but the choice and all opinions are, as always, my own
Growing up, one of my family’s most-used bags was a wine-colored soft-side luggage that traveled on nearly every trip. It wasn’t flashy, but it was dependable and distinctive… a color that was hard to miss on a baggage carousel. It left a lasting impression because it did its job well.
I rarely check bags now. A preference for moving efficiently through airports has made me firmly carry-on–only. Still, my appreciation for richly colored luggage never disappeared. So when I came across the Samsonite Mobile Solution 2 Carry-On Spinner in Merlot, it appealed to me right away.
The Merlot color is rich and forgiving, polished without being severe, and easy to spot in a sea of black and gray bags without attracting unwanted attention.
Functionally, it delivers what I want from a carry-on: The spinner wheels roll smoothly, the soft-sided shell is durable but pliable, the dedicated laptop compartment has multiple padded sleeves, the expandable feature offers flexibility without encouraging overpacking. The interior layout is intuitive rather than over-designed, making packing feel efficient.
At 9.5 pounds and measuring 22.5″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″, the Mobile Solution 2 fits most airline carry-on size requirements. And even though the exterior is polyester, it manages to look just as sleek and modern as hard-sided luggage.
The exterior organization is thoughtful without being complicated. The zippered front pocket provides convenient access to small miscellaneous items, while a deeper front pocket has slots for a laptop and/or tablet. While I wish it had side carry handles on both sides, the existing top and side handles are easy to grab and allow for the bag to be lifted easily.
Inside, the layout is intuitive. Cross-straps keep clothes in place and compressed on one side, and a zippered panel keeps things secured on the other. There are also zippered lining pockets designed to store toiletries, and the waterproof WetPak pocket is useful for separating damp clothes from everything else.
You can buy the Samsonite Mobile Solution 2 Carry-On Spinner at Amazon, Bloomingdale’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Samsonite.
