I’m a huge fan of Dagne Dover—I’ve been using and loving several DD bags for years and have always been impressed by their design and quality. So when I heard the brand was releasing luggage a few months back, I knew I needed to get my hands on a piece for my upcoming European vacation. I was going on a cruise for 12 days and wanted a substantial piece of luggage that could hold nearly two weeks of clothing, toiletries, hair tools, and makeup. I was also taking long flights that included connections and hectic treks through JFK airport (iykyk)—needless to say; durability was a must for me.

The brand offers a variety of luggage, from small carry-ons to large checked bags. I got the Sydney Checked Luggage (Larger, 28.5 inches), the largest option available, and boy, was it the right choice. If you’re considering investing in a new piece of luggage, I’m sharing everything you want to know about this one from Dagne Dover.

Dagne Dover Larger Sydney Checked Luggage 28.5 Inches

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Size: 18.25” L x 11.75” W x 28.5” H | Weight: 13 lbs 5 oz | Colors: 4 | Material: 100% GRS certified recycled 900D poly (exterior), 100% REPREVE® recycled poly (interior) | Features: 360 wheels, pocket opening to the middle, corner protectors, luggage feet, expandable main compartment, passport pocket, zipper divider, internal elastic straps

This checked luggage (28.5 inches) is also available in a slightly smaller version (25 inches). The large size was perfect for a nearly two-week trip; I could fit a sufficient amount of clothing, shoes, and other necessities. The main compartment has a zipper divider that you can put shoes or other items in, as well as elastic straps to tightly secure your belongings and prevent them from moving around in transit. This is a soft-shell bag made of entirely recycled materials (the large size is made with 72 recycled bottles), but it’s not so soft that it feels flimsy. It features 360-degree wheels, which makes taking it around airports much easier than standard wheels that don’t turn with you. The front flap opens into the bag’s main section, so you can easily pop things in and take stuff out without needing to lay the luggage flat and completely unzip it.

My Honest Review

I’ve often heard travel experts recommend hard-shell luggage, especially when checking your bag (to protect your items from being crushed), but after using this soft-shell bag from Dagne Dover, I’ll never go back. I loved that the material was flexible but super durable and sturdy, and I never had to worry about cracking it or getting major scuffs. The bag is spacious (I had extra room despite packing for a 12-day trip), and the details, like the handles, zippers, and wheels, feel high-quality. The handles are cushioned, making them easy and comfortable to grip. But the wheels on the bag were a game changer for me—they’re small and glide so easily. They never got stuck or made swerving through busy airports difficult; the luggage moved with me—not against me.

While this luggage absolutely has my stamp of approval, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it doesn’t have sections or pockets for organization (other than a divider and a small passport pocket in the back). The brand offers packing cubes designed to fit into its luggage, but the cost of purchasing these in addition to the bag adds up quickly. I decided to go with packing cubes I found on Amazon, which fit nicely. Also, the Ash-colored exterior did get some stains, which is common with soft-shell luggage but not ideal if you like to keep your items pristine.

If you’re willing to invest in a piece of luggage for big trips (and you’re opposed to a soft-shell option), I think you’ll be pleased with this one. It fits a ton of stuff, feels sturdy and high-quality, and is easy to transport around busy airports.

Other Dagne Dover Items I Love

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

$250 at Nordstrom

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

$240 at Nordstrom

Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack

$95 at Nordstrom

Dagne Dover Dash Grocery Tote

View on Dagnedover.com