Taking advantage of a recent long weekend, I made the journey up to Queensland, visiting the family on the fabulous North Stradbroke Island.
Though much to my grandmother’s dismay, these trips tend to be few and far between, leaving me with multiple months’ worth of gifts and hand-me-downs to be delivered on both departure and arrival…call me the local postman!
Over this most recent trip, however, I wasn’t left with the decision of choosing between my joggers or mums new skincare bundle, the clever design of the Samsonite OCTOLITE NEO meant I had room to spare.
Not only was I able to travel freely with all of my belongings accounted for, but the lightweight construction combined with the oh-so-smooth and silent double wheels made the journey across land, sea and air all the more enjoyable.
So, if you are planning travels back home this Christmas, or maybe headed out of the country to somewhere a little cooler, the Samsonite OCTOLITE NEO is the suitcase to get you comfortably from A to B.
Samsonite’s OCTOLITE NEO review verdict
- Our rating: 9 out of 10
- Why we rated it a 9/10: The Samsonite OCTOLITE NEO suitcase not only withstands off-the-beaten-path travel, but its clever design and lightweight structure make moving between accommodation a needless worry.
Pros
- Super smooth dual wheel operation
- Spacious interior with clever compartments
- TSA lock with anti-theft security zipper
Cons
- Colour exposes scratches
- Light interior shows dirt more easily
What’s so special about the OCTOLITE NEO?
Stylishly designed to withstand rough handling, the structure of the Samsonite OCTOLITE NEO allows for flexibility and convenience suited to you and your journey regardless of the destination. Some other key features that stood out were:
- The possibility to choose between three sizes; 55cm, 75cm and 81cm, and two colours; black and off white
- Shell is designed with polypropylene, making it both durable and lightweight
- Fitted with four double wheels creating an unexpectedly smooth rolling experience
- Expandability on all sizes providing increased packing capacity with ease
- Fitted with a TSA-approved combination lock for superior security
OCTOLITE NEO materials and size
The modern silhouette of the OCTOLITE NEO not only makes this piece of luggage a stylish choice, but crafted with a polypropylene shell, it is also designed to stand the test of time.
Available in a sophisticated black matte and chic off white, the OCTOLITE NEO has been designed with grooves that elegantly expand from the centre.
It is this expanding feature that welcomes a packing capacity that knows no limit. Yep, that means you don’t have to decide on just one pair of bathers…pack the lot.
Catering to every travel need, Samsonite’s OCTOLITE NEO range comes in three sizes: 55cm, 75cm, and 81cm. So, whether it be domestic or international travel, you’ll be sorted.
How to use the OCTOLITE NEO safety feature?
Once you’ve unpacked this suitcase from its packaging and before you get to the airport, it’s a good idea to set up the TSA-approved combination lock.
To begin, the factory default code ‘0-0-0’ should appear in position. Next, slide the side button across to release the zippers.
After the zippers pop out of position, set a new code by pushing in the small button with a pen tip – the button should automatically stay pushed in.
Next, move the dials to your preferred code. After you have set the code into place, finalise the new code by sliding the side button across.
Finally, we recommend you test the locks by inserting the zippers and changing the dials to reflect a random code. If you have correctly inserted your new code, the zippers should pop out of place when the dials are positioned with your code facing upward.
Results from our test
In terms of packing the suitcase, I found the two compartments to be of great help in separating my clothes from heavier items like shoes and cosmetics. Unlike some suitcases with weak elastic compression straps, the cross ribbons held down my belongings leaving minimal room for movement.
Another notable feature I spotted right away was how easily the suitcase rolled across different surfaces. Whether in the airport or travelling up an old bitumen road, the wheels never became caught or stuck, which, in my eyes, is a true testament to the quality of the suitcase.
In addition to the TSA-approved combination lock, the real worry-free travel experience happened when I arrived home and was able to remove most of the scuff marks that made their way onto the suitcase during transit.
Considering its light colour, the damage can be easily seen in comparison to possible scuff marks made on the black OCTOLITE NEO suitcase. Understandably then, over time the suitcase won’t appear as clean and crisp as when it was first purchased.
Overall, is the OCTOLITE NEO worth it?
The smooth wheel rotation and lightweight construction of the OCTOLITE NEO alone make it worth the investment. Its clever design and sturdy structure not only made carrying my belongings uphill for half an hour possible but surprisingly easy and far less strenuous than expected. As a one-time purchase, the durable nature of polypropylene means that you will get your money’s worth for years to come.
Where to buy the OCTOLITE NEO
01
OCTOLITE NEO expandable suitcase
from $213 (usually $355) at Samsonite
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