When talking about quality luggage, the name Rimowa is certainly one that deserves to come up in the conversation. Here I present a review of the Hybrid Check-In L, a large suitcase in the much-touted Rimowa range, and find out whether it lives up to the hype.
Rimowa has gained a strong reputation for excellent quality engineering in the field of suitcases. It manufactures a range of sturdy and durable, yet lightweight luggage.
We’ve come to expect high standards from this big brand that was founded in Germany in 1898.
Vital Statistics of the Hybrid Check-In L
Probably the first thing that you’re likely interested in knowing is just how much you’ll be able to pack into this suitcase. The Hybrid Check-In L is a fairly generously-sized luggage case. It comes in the following size dimension specifications:
- 78 x 52 x 27 centimetres
- 5.90 kilograms
- 84 litres of internal space
- Maximum load weight of 25 kilograms
According to Rimowa, you can pack 10 outfits into this case which is good for about a two-week trip.
The ‘Hybrid’ in the Check-In L refers to the combination of polycarbonate (for the main body of the bag) and aluminium (for the metal parts including the corners and handle).
While there are many positives to the aluminium (it is light and will not rust) it can be quite prone to scratching and scuffing and even denting. See our review of another hybrid case, the Cabin S for photos showing what this can look like.
Visual Appearance
As one might expect from a manufacturer of high standards such as Rimowa, the Hybrid Check-In L is quite an exquisitely designed item to behold. Take a look at these close-up images that I have taken to get an idea of the look and feel of it:
First Impressions
The Hybrid Check-In L arrived in a protective dust bag. I suppose it’s the only time that it won’t be thrown around by baggage handlers in the bowels of one of many future airports!
Still, it’s a touch of class that adds to the buying experience. Here’s what the suitcase looks like before it’s removed from the bag.
The Hybrid Check-In L certainly feels like a lightweight piece of luggage given the internal spaciousness it offers. It weighs in at a tad under 6 kilograms, and it feels very robust with it.
The majority of the case is made with polycarbonate material which is very strong, yet flexible. It’s hard not to be impressed by the simplicity of this design. It’s classic, almost timeless (which is probably why this design has been around for so long on Rimowa cases).
If you check the rimowa.com website, there is a link to current airline compatibility. On there you will find that most airlines permit cabin luggage with total dimensions up to 158cm. This is calculated by adding the height, depth and width of the item.
This number has clearly been at the forefront of the Rimowa design team’s minds, as the Hybrid Check-In L comes in at a combined 157 centimetres, which is just inside the limit.
Hybrid Check-In L Main Features
At the end of the day, this is a suitcase so we can’t expect too many bells and whistles as if we are inspecting the cockpit of a car. However, through this Rimowa Hybrid Check-In L review you probably get the feeling that what features there are, they really are done to very high standards of German engineering.
So here’s the lowdown:
The Hybrid Check-In L comes fitted with TSA-approved locks. This means that the locks can be opened by airport security staff when they are doing checks – with no damage being caused.
There is a telescopic handle on this suitcase that is pretty standard with Rimowa. It is very comfortable to use, I must say. It also feels very solid and sturdy.
Inside the case, you will find what Rimowa calls a ‘Flex Divider‘. What it means is that you can separate one side of the case from the other. This way, when you open the case, you don’t have everything falling out onto the floor. It’s useful for keeping things where you want them to be and is height-adjustable, too.
The Multi-wheel system (there are four wheels) works wonderfully well. Turning at a moment’s notice is easily achievable.
In fact, you can spin this case around like a ballerina or ice skater. This is about as far away from trying to steer a wounded shopping trolley as you can get. Even the wheel axles are cushioned.
Would I recommend the Rimowa Check-In L?
Having reviewed other Rimowa luggage in the past, I can admit that it’s always going to be difficult to go back to another brand.
So far I have had the opportunity to test this item in a home setting, filling it with typical items that one would take on a trip. It feels very easy to use and the quality hallmarks are evident everywhere.
I have to say that I absolutely love the Rimowa Hybrid Check-In L. The locking devices are so much better than the zipped-side versions that I have used in the past.
Zips have a habit of breaking at some point when a case is crammed to bursting point! That would be the main ‘win’ for me that adds to the rest of the superbly designed features.
With a bag like this, you know that you are buying something designed to last.
That said, I’ll keep this post updated with any interesting developments during the remainder of the review lifespan. Hopefully there are not too many rough baggage handlers on my travels to scuff up the aluminium parts.
It would be remiss of me in this Rimowa Hybrid Check-In L review not to mention the next point. What is very comforting (especially for the high price tag of one of these) is the fact that the Rimowa Check-In L comes with a five-year guarantee.
You just need to ensure that the item is registered online at rimowa.com. Otherwise, it’s only a 2-year guarantee, so it would be quite silly not to.
You may notice that your luggage gets knowing nods of approval and admiration at the airport. After all, this is the Rolls Royce of luggage.
Product SKU: 88373664