Sterling Pacific 35L Aluminum Luggage Full Review
I have personally tested Sterling Pacific’s Luggage very thoroughly. After receiving this case I decided to take it with me to Costa Rica. This trip entailed driving 10 hours to Denver, then using this case as a carry-on flying Southwest Airlines. Travel all over the country via rental car on very rough roads. Return to the US and take the 10-hour drive back home. I’ve also thoroughly examined this case while at home, and here is what I’ve found.
A super short overview of this suitcase.
A full length video review of the Sterling Pacific 35L Aluminum Luggage.
This aluminum suitcase has 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 61 reviews on their website.
In a world of mostly cheap quality products, I always love discovering brands that are still creating great products. Good quality always comes at a premium but I will gladly pay a premium if it means I will love every time I use the product, the product will last significantly longer than cheaper counterparts, and I will create less waste by buying it for our beautiful planet. Let’s dive into this Sterling Pacific 35L suitcase and see if it’s worth the price.
About Sterling Pacific
Sterling Pacific is a company specializing in the production of high-quality aluminum travel cases. Established by a small team in 2019, the brand prides itself on its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to crafting top-notch luggage.
Sterling Pacific’s History
The brand's origins date back to 1907 when the Herz family registered a jewelry and watch business in Reno, Nevada, evolving over the years into Sterling Pacific. Acquired by Galton Voysey in 2018, the company drew inspiration from the Herz family's legacy to launch a new line of aluminum suitcases in 2021. Their luggage is fairly new, but wow they have had a strong start.
Where is Sterling Pacific’s headquarters
The company's headquarters, service center, and showroom are at 3515 Airway Dr, Reno, NV 89511. Sterling Pacific's travel cases are available in 45+ specialty stores globally, catering to a diverse clientele, including frequent flyers, pilots, and enthusiasts of high-quality aluminum travel cases.
Design & Durability
This aluminum luggage is a standout in its construction. Crafted from 5052-grade aluminum - a material highly regarded in aviation for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and malleability. Notably, its reinforced corners and wheel housings employ a die-cast A-380 aluminum, fastened together by over a hundred SAE 304 Stainless Steel rivets, each boasting a shear strength of 26,000 pounds per square inch, onto an extruded 6063 aluminum frame. The durability of this luggage is undeniable.
The wheels are equally impressive, dual oversized 2.5” thru-axle wheels capable of enduring substantial impacts, ensuring a smooth roll and longevity even on cobblestone streets.
While a four-spinner wheel design would offer greater convenience, the rationale behind the chosen two-wheel setup becomes evident in their commitment to strength. Their opting for a robust two-wheel setup over spinner wheels, which are known for their susceptibility to damage, just makes sense and aligns perfectly with the overall design philosophy, which places a heavy focus on durability. Though slightly less convenient, it's a deliberate choice in favor of resilience. I also really appreciate that only having two wheels creates stability when your on moving trains or buses, reducing the risk that your luggage will go rolling away from you.
The trolly arm and handle are also fully aluminum with the handle wrapped with a layer of leather. This is a very sturdy trolly system so don’t worry about needing to deal with a flimsy trolly arm.
The 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
Measurements
Dimensions: 22.5" x 14" x 8.5"
Volume: 35L
Weight: 11.5 lbs
This is the max for allowable carry-on size on major American Airlines.
I didn’t have any issues getting this onto the flight and no issues putting it into the overhead bins either. Certain small regional flights in some parts of the world won’t let you take a carry-on of this size but that’s the case for most carry-ons sold in the United States
Inside The Luggage
There are two main standout things I love about the interior of this suitcase.
Its simplicity is a refreshing change from the modern suitcase. You get a large trunk compartment where you can put all of your clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. And one large mesh pocket on the lid. It doesn’t come with dividers or 13 different pockets to lose your stuff in. Keeping its interior simple and elegant. I love this design choice as well. I prefer products being kept simple unless they actually require a more complicated design.
Lining this case is a ring spun twill weave lining. In a beautiful golden brown color. It’s nice and soft to the touch but you can also tell it’s a durable fabric as well. They also use highly polished metal buckles on the straps which feel very high-end and look incredibly elegant.
The Luxury Touches & Aesthetics
The handles on the side and top of this case as well as the trolly handle are all made with full-grain Italian leather, which is sourced from an independent tannery, based out of the small town of Chiampo in the Veneto region of Italy. Full-grain leather is the most durable grade of leather and it’s commonly used in high-end long-lasting upholstery. And because this is such a high-quality leather you will have it for years and years while it develops a natural patina from the oils on your hand and from conditioning the leather.
The dual combination locks are also highly polished and contain a TSA-approved, double spring-loaded 3-number combination latch lock system. These have a loud but satisfying sound when flicked open.
Another nice little touch is the Amenity & Care Kit that comes along with the case. The quality of the amenity bag itself is decent enough but nothing spectacular. It includes a polishing cloth, the manual, leather care wax (For the handles), and my favorite a full aluminum pen.
This also includes a lifetime warranty & repair service that covers defects and the main functionality during the lifetime of the travel case for the original owner of the case. It doesn’t cover scratches, dents, or dings. Those things need to be expected when buying any aluminum luggage. However, this warranty is a huge peace of mind when investing this much into luggage. Obviously, make sure to read the full terms here for all the information regarding their warranty.
Is Sterling Pacific Luggage Worth It?
The Sterling Pacific 35L Aluminum Carry-on is without a doubt a fantastic product. Its price will hold back most people from buying it. However, this isn’t luggage for most people. It's tailored to those who prioritize quality over cost. Its ideal user understands the value of paying more for excellence and sees the long-term worth of such investments. Think of it as a statement piece, especially for business travelers—carrying this suitcase makes a lasting impression and sparks conversations that could forge future connections. Whether it's a good buy depends on personal factors; it's not a universal fit. Yet, undeniably, this is a meticulously crafted, stunning product that guarantees enduring performance for years ahead.
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