After a previous review of American Tourister, our community asked us to test the British travel brand Antler. I have never used Antler before, so we specially ordered two pieces for a thorough, hands-on review. Antler has a long British heritage (founded 1914) with a focus on quality and innovation. The new Heritage Stripe collection blends retro trunk-style design with modern hard-shell materials.
This review has tested each and every possible thing of antler luggage, we have make it sure that after reading this antler luggage review you will be able to make best choice for you.
What & How We are Reviewing:
We have choosen the latest antler luggage models the Haritage stripe Cabin & Haritage Stripe Trunk. I will check almost every aspect; dimensions, build, interior, wheels, security, and more, based on real tests (overfilling, scratching, dropping in water, etc.). The goal is an expert and rigorous testing, in-depth look at the Heritage Stripe Cabin (carry-on, in Sandstone and Basalt) and Heritage Stripe Trunk (large, in the same colors), so you can decide if Antler lives up to its pedigree.
Key Specifications:
| Specification | Heritage Stripe Cabin | Heritage Stripe Trunk |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 21.7 × 14.6 × 9.1 in (55.1×37.1×23.1 cm) | 29.9 × 16.9 × 14.96 in (76×43×38 cm) |
| Packing Capacity | 39 L | 90 L |
| Shell Material | Premium polycarbonate (20% recycled) | Premium polycarbonate (20% recycled) |
| Price (USD) | $390 | $510 (pre-order) |
| Warranty | Lifetime (from May 2023) | Lifetime (from May 2023) |
Heritage Stripe Cabin Review
Design:
The Heritage Stripe Cabin has a cool retro vib, a nod to mid-century trunks with a textured stripe pattern, but in trendy Sandstone (beige) or Basalt (navy) with colour-matched trim. All hardware (corners, logo plate, zipper pulls on accessories) is anodized in a soft pewter grey, giving a timeless, upscale look. The handles are leather-wrapped and soft-close: they spring back with a dampened motion.
There’s a sturdy top and side carry-handle, and a four-stage telescopic pull handle that locks solidly at any height. All these components feel beefy under load; during our handle test (leaning on the fully extended handle while rolling the max-packed case), it didn’t wobble or slip down.
Airline Compatibility:
The Antler Heritage Stripe Cabin model is designed to comply with most major airline carry-on size limits, and in our testing, it comfortably passed. We measured the external dimensions at 21.7″ × 14.6″ × 9.1″, which fits overhead compartments on most international and domestic carriers.
While there’s no expandable zipper (this is a fixed hardshell model), the space feels optimized, and what you see is truly what you get in terms of capacity. Weighing just 7.94 lb (3.6 kg) when empty, it’s on the lighter end for a reinforced polycarbonate build. That lower base weight gives you more usable packing allowance before reaching airline limits.
Most carriers cap carry-on bags at 15–22 lb (7–10 kg), so you’ll need to pack smart, but the case itself won’t add up unnecessary weight. For testing, we pushed it well beyond airline standards, loading it up to 50+ lb (22.7 kg) to assess structural integrity. The frame held firm, and the handle mechanism stayed smooth under stress. While you wouldn’t carry that much onboard, it’s reassuring to know the case can take it.
Exterior:
Antler calls this a “hybrid hard shell”, a premium polycarbonate shell bonded to an anodized aluminium frame. The polycarbonate (20% recycled content) is rigid and virtually unbreakable under normal stress. Reinforced corners (aluminium caps) add impact protection.
In practice, this means knocks at baggage claim leave the suitcase intact, that is problem at USA baggage claims. We gently scraped the sides with a sharp blade: as expected, the glossy polycarbonate finish can show superficial scratches (especially on darker colors), but the shell held firm. The aluminium frame and corner gussets absorbed most of the impact force when I deliberately dropped the loaded case sideways, the interior structure held up well. (Antler even says they test to a “12-point” standard for durability.)
The flat sides and edges made the case easy to wipe clean after our ground testing. There are no external zipper compartments, everything is inside.
Zipperless Closure:
Instead of a zipper, the Cabin uses Antler’s patented double-latch closure. You lift two metal latches to open the case. This design is very secure and streamlined (no flimsy zipper teeth) and integrates a TSA-approved combination lock on top.
We found it very easy to open/close even with one hand, and the locks clicked shut reassuringly. The absence of an external zip also means there’s no zipper to snag or fail under pressure, an advantage, though it also means no expandable zip.
Wheels:
Four 360° spinner wheels, made by Japanese brand Hinomoto, glide near-silently and offer smooth maneuverability. On polished tile and airport terminals, the Cabin moved effortlessly with minimal resistance, turning on a dime. We also tested it over uneven asphalt and New York cobblestones to mimic real-world conditions: while there was some vibration on rough terrain, the wheels remained stable and intact. Even when fully loaded and pulled across gravel, the wheel system held up without damage, a strong testament to Antler’s commitment to durable mobility components.
Bonus: Antler’s first-ever replaceable wheel system means if a caster does break, it can be swapped out rather than replacing the whole suitcase.
Interior:
Open the latches and the Cabin reveals a thoughtful interior. Both sides are lined in soft grey fabric (100% recycled polyester) One side has a zippered pocket and a full-length compression panel (with straps) to keep clothes flat. The other side has cross-straps and several smaller pockets (including a mesh laundry compartment).
Antler has even included a small removable laundry bag in the base. We gently stretched the straps and pockets: they held tension without fraying, so organization features feel robust. Leather trim accents on the pockets and handles inside add a touch of luxury. Overall, the interior layout made packing and unpacking easy, clothes stayed in place, and we had room for shoes or a small toiletry kit under the compression panel.
Water Test:
To test limits, We go for water resistance test by splashing water on the case and even briefly submerging one corner. The double-latch seal prevented major leaks, the case did not flood, but a small amount of moisture did seep under the latch, so we can say it’s water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
After that, I checked inside: the lining got slightly damp at the seams but kept most clothing dry. In summary, the Cabin proved sturdy and reliable: dents or structural failure were nowhere to be seen after these stress tests (just a few cosmetic scuffs, which I buffed out).
Security Features:
The Cabin’s security is solid. The zipperless latch design itself is tamper-evident (no easy bypass). The integrated TSA lock means U.S. screeners can open it without damage. Since there’s no external zipper, the only access is by fully opening the latches. For extra security, travelers could add a strap around the case or a padlock on the latch loops, but for most use the built-in lock is enough.
Heritage Stripe Trunk Review
Design and Features:
The Heritage Trunk really looks the part of an heirloom. The lid opens on sturdy hinges and the inside is lined fully with the same soft recycled fabric. There are broad leather handles on top (for lifting) and metal clasps front and back (one with TSA lock). To seal it, you actually have to flip two latch-bars and then click them down (similar to the Cabin’s system, but larger). Closing the case with the weight of clothing inside felt impressively solid, there’s no way it pops open unintentionally.
Dimensions:
The Heritage Stripe Trunk enters a different league altogether. At 29.9″ × 16.9″ × 14.96″ (76 × 43 × 38 cm), it’s nearly three times the volume of the Cabin model, with a cavernous 90 L interior. Airlines will definitely count this as checked, its dimensions exceed standard cabin size. So be mindful: the reward is space, but the weight eats into your checked allowance.
The moment I opened the lid, it was obvious: this trunk was designed for long hauls. To put it to the test, we packed it for two people: winter coats, bulky shoes, toiletry bags, and an entire week’s worth of clothing, and still had leftover space. Even the included laundry bag (which we filled to capacity) fit neatly inside without crowding the interior. The shell remained rigid, and the interior organization kept everything tidy and accessible.
Weight:
Empty the Heritage Trunk weighs 13.23 lb (6 kg), still impressively light for a 90 L hard-shell, because of aluminium frame, making it light but strong. Adding gear, it can get heavy: our test bags pushed it near 100 lb total. I noticed the telescoping handle held firm under that weight (no wobble), but lifting into a taxi took effort.
Exterior:
This trunk has the classic rectangular shape with decorative rivets along edges. I noticed the anodized corners really stand out in Sandstone color. The biggest downside of this design: no external stretch pocket or zip, everything is internal. That’s expected for a trunk, but means tech (laptop, documents) must go inside. Also, the top-fitting TSA lock on the latch is easy to reach, so unlocking/locking is smooth even when the case is upright.
Construction mirrors the Cabin: premium polycarbonate shell with alloy frame and reinforced corners. The big revelation here is that Antler has brought its aluminium-framed trunk design (a nod to 1950s ship trunks) into modern travel.
The trunk’s corners and edges are all metal-bound, creating a boxy silhouette. We gave it a forceful shove and the corners did not bend, the metal protects the usual stress points. I also tried scratching a metal corner with a cutter, it didn’t scratch much, not pierce nor dent. The polycarbonate panels on sides scratched similarly to the Cabin (we see the same glossy finish), but again, that’s mostly cosmetic. Overall, it feels built like a vault.
Wheels:
Even for its size, the Trunk rolls quite well. It has four 360° spinners identical to the Cabin’s. With a careful tilt, I dragged the 100 lb test load along airport floors, it managed without tipping. However, on uneven ground the wheels’ limits show: on cobblestone I needed to lift and pull rather than roll. That’s partly just physics with such a heavy load. Antler’s emphasis on replaceable wheels means I’m not worried about wear here, even if one wheel took a beating (as we did pound it over curbs), I could swap it out.
Interior:
Open the Trunk and you find a giant single compartment, flanked by the same features as the Cabin: padded lining, cross-straps, compression shelf. In fact, it includes the compression shelf with garment holder (great for hanging shirts or dresses flat) and big zip pockets on lid interior.
We filled clothes on the floor of the trunk and then used the shelf and straps to pack the rest. It all stayed in place. Since it’s hand-built (and each one has a leather name tag inside), the craftsmanship feels very refined. The only possible improvement might have been more small pockets or dividers, the space is so large one could use even better organization.
Testing the Limits:
Given its robust build, the Trunk weathered our tests. Overloading Trunk to 110 lb (mostly heavy boots and equipment) made it hard to move, but the structure did not warp. I intentionally kicked one corner and it held shape, with only minor paint chipping (just like any metal-bound trunk would). I then did the “handle test” by rolling it with my weight pushing on the pulled handle, it remained sturdy, though it creaked a bit under such extreme stress.
For water resistance, I did not fully submerge this (it’s too large!), but I ran a wet cloth over the seal and lids. Similar to the Cabin, water beads off for a bit but will eventually seep at the edges. So again, better for rain than a monsoon.
Security Features:
The trunk uses two metal latch-bars with one integrated TSA lock. You lift them up and slide them back to open. This provides very good security, you can even lock both bars independently. Once locked, there’s no way to pop it open except breaking something.
The TSA combo is easy to set (instructions included) and meant it sailed through security. In a pinch, I suppose an airport agent could smash off the lid, but under normal use it’s quite secure. No zipper (or code on zipper) to worry about here.
Who Should Buy, Which One?
Antler’s Heritage Stripe collection is made for travelers who want luggage that lasts, not something disposable. The Cabin model is perfect for frequent flyers and style-conscious travelers who prefer a compact, well-built carry-on with a premium finish. It’s best for those who pack smartly and value durability over expandable space. With a lifetime warranty and lightweight design, it works well for business trips or luxury weekend getaways.
On the other hand, the Trunk version is built for people who need a lot more space, ideal for longer trips, vacations with family, or anyone who packs heavy. Its massive 90-liter interior fits coats, shoes, and full outfits easily, but it’s meant for checked baggage due to its size. If you only travel light, it might be more than you need. But if you want one big, reliable suitcase that makes a statement and can handle years of travel, the Heritage Stripe Trunk is a great choice.
Antler vs. Other Brands:
In the global luggage market, Antler often falls in the premium value segment. Condé Nast Traveller places Antler among the best value brands of 2025, alongside Monos and Away, offering more durability than budget cases. In contrast, true luxury brands like Rimowa or Tumi are cited as the go-to for top-tier suitcases, those command even higher prices with features like signature grooves (Rimowa) or ballistic nylon (Tumi).
Against its mid-range competitors (Samsonite, American Tourister, Carl Friedrik), Antler stands out with its British heritage styling and lifetime warranty.
So if you want more style and quality than the average luggage, but don’t want to splurge to ultra-luxury, Antler is a compelling choice. Ultimately, whether Antler is “better” depends on priorities: durability and design at a fair price (Antler) versus ultra-light weight or high fashion branding (some others).
Conclusion:
The Heritage Stripe luggage are exceptionally well-built pieces with thoughtful features, designed for travelers who appreciate classic style and long-term reliability. Our tests confirmed they live up to the hype – sturdy frames, clever interiors, smooth wheels, and robust closures.
Antler’s lifetime warranty and over-century legacy lend authority to their claims of quality. If any drawbacks show up, it’s mostly that these cases can scuff like any shiny polycarbonate. But that is a minor concern given how much else you get. We found these Heritage Stripe suitcases are worth the investment for frequent flyers and luxury-minded travelers alike.