1961 was a remarkable year in Australia. The last tram service ran in Sydney, the Parkes radio telescope was officially opened, the first ultra sound was invented and ironically, oral contraceptives first went on sale. It was the same year Felix Vogelnest designed and manufactured Australia’s first zipper soft side luggage in his garage in suburban Sydney. He called it Paklite.
Today, Paklite is still designed in Australia and still an Aussie favourite. In March, Paklite launched the stylish Altitude range.
The name says it all – designed primarily for air-travel these sleek, hard-shell case range includes a cabin-sized trolley case at 2.8kg and 55cm with larger sizes available for extended travel. Although designed as a cabin companion, this bag is perfect for a weekend getaway. Enough room for a few changes of clothes and at least 2 pairs of shoes: I mean ladies we do need at least 3 pairs for a weekend away – don’t we?
ThisMagnificentLife recently road-tested the Altitude cabin-sized trolley case across Australia: From Brisbane to Perth, Exmouth, the Margaret River Region and back. 10,440 kilometres as the crow, or more accurately Qantas flies.
With bags of camera gear, tripods, sliders and more, sometimes we had to check in the cabin bag. And yes, it came through with (excuse the pun) flying colours. Surviving the onslaught of baggage handlers, carousels and more, the Paklite soldiered on.
When travelling with us in the cabin, the bag even with a week’s worth of clothes, shoes, media kits and toiletries was incredibly light. An absolute bonus when you’re overtired and just want to get home and usually have to exert every last ounce of energy to lift your bag into the overhead locker.
Great as an overnight business bag – it saves precious time waiting at the baggage carousel. Heavy-duty wheels made the gliding easier in what seemed like an eternity between arrivals and the car rental.
But it’s the easy-access front pocket, offering padded for your essential electronics that separates the Altitude apart from other cabin trolley cases. The padded space is roomy enough for the laptop, phone, tablet and more. Invaluable at security when you need to get to your phone in a hurry.
All 3 sizes have TSA-compliant locks to make life easier. No more destroyed locks on bags after overzealous US baggage inspections. The tough polycarbonate luggage also stands out on the baggage carousel – especially the distinctive Copper coloured cases.
We have an Altitude Copper cabin case valued at $239 to giveaway to one lucky subscriber.
If you aren’t our lucky winner, the Paklite Altitude range is now available at all major stockists. www.paklite.com.au
