An Honest Review of Roam Luggage, the Customizable Luggage Brand Loved by TikTok

As someone who travels frequently, I know that having a good carry-on can make all the difference. Planning a vacation is hard enough, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your luggage will be able to hold up in the journey from the airplane to your destination. In the past, I've splurged on durable hard-side suitcases that got the job done, even if I was less than excited about the overall look. But a recent journey through LaGuardia (of all airports, I know) introduced me to Roam Luggage, the brand behind the customizable-suitcase craze that's currently taking over TikTok.

Roam goes beyond just allowing shoppers to choose between different colorways and sizes: from changing the model's shell coloring to tweaking the color of the lining, trim, and wheels, Roam gives shoppers total creative control so that they can design a suitcase they'll actually be excited to tow along on their next adventure. The brand gave me the opportunity to create my own dream Roam Carry-On ($450) from scratch, and ahead, I break down my experience, plus whether or not the luggage lives up to the online hype.

Roam Carry-On

From

$450

$450 at ROAM Luggage

There are a couple factors to consider when shopping for a new carry-on or suitcase. The first is what you'd like to get out of the product. If you're in the market for something that's compact and easy to bring on short trips, then a carry-on is definitely your best bet. Alternatively, if you want something with more packing space for longer vacations, then a suitcase or checked bag is the more ideal route.

You'll also want to consider the material. Hard-side luggage is popular right now because it's more durable and designed to show less wear than fabric variations. Soft suitcases, however, tend to have a little bit more stretch, which can be useful if you're an overpacker.

Another key factor is the warranty. Even the most careful travelers can get their luggage banged up after a trip, especially if they're checking it or lugging it between trains and cabs. Purchasing a suitcase from a brand with a great warranty policy provides extra insurance in the event that your luggage becomes cracked or broken.

I consider my personal style an extension of my interests and personality, which is why I take pride in what I wear — whether it be with my clothes, accessories, or even luggage. While I've had the freedom to shop out stylish suitcases or carry-ons, I've never customized the pieces so that they feel entirely my own.

Roam gives shoppers the opportunity to personalize their luggage down to the very last detail, allowing you to upgrade its size, change the color of the lining or zipper trim, and even monogram it. All of the customization can be done on Roam's website, so you don't have to worry about the hassle of going back and forth with a brand representative. And you can even save your design on the website so that if you want to come back to it (or copy the same design elements for another product), you can do so with ease.

The luggage itself is incredibly durable, with a hardshell frame that's protective and thick yet still lightweight enough to meet the weight requirements of a traditional carry-on. Unlike other suitcases, this product also features other practical design elements, like 360-degree wheels which give you more motion, a TSA-approved lock system that can be customized with your own preferred code, and an interior compression system that allows you to pack more without fear of not being able to zip up the suitcase.

Roam also offers customers a lifetime warranty, which provides insurance for a replacement should the luggage crack or retain any non-cosmetic damage.

In full transparency, the first time that I ordered this carry-on, it arrived damaged with a small crack on the corner that exposed the inside of the luggage. It's unclear whether or not the product was damaged prior to being shipped or in the delivery process. But this wouldn't deter me from purchasing from Roam again, because the brand provided incredible customer service and made sure that a new version of the carry-on was shipped out at no additional cost.

If you're a frequent traveler who wants to incorporate a more personal touch into your luggage collection, then this hardside carry-on is perfect for you. It has all the functionality of a classic carry-on, just with the added benefit of being able to customize it entirely to your liking. Practical features like an interior compressive organizer and 360-degree wheels make the product feel like a worthy investment (even with its higher price tag), and the personalization process is so easy, you'll be able to have the luggage made and delivered well in advance of your next vacation.

This hard-side suitcase is available to shop exclusively at Roam.

Rating:

★★★★