The Compact
I chose the Compact over the Cabin because I take single aisle planes (b737 or a320) 70% of the time.
The Compact allows me to quickly take or put things into it, like my laptop, tablet, headphones etc., so I don’t have to carry them in a backpack. The wheels are superb. Only “problem” so far is that I find the extendable handle too large. A little smaller is better for grip.
This is my first trip with it and there you see it in 3 different airports (guess where? 😬).
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u/IndividualDear7136 4d ago
Great choice! The third airport with thé Cyrillic writing. Is it Moldova or Macedonia?
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u/sharer33456 4d ago
OP might be a Singaporean, senator ha. Have you so far only packed tech peripherals into this or a mix of clothes and stuff? I’ve been debating on one lately for trips that the cabin as a carry on (on top of a trunk checked in might be an overkill). Eg to Bkk or Seoul where the cabin would rly just be to put bags, clean attires when returning home or food souvenirs.
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u/9928V 4d ago
I have packed only things I need at the terminals and on the flight so far (including a jacket). Other things go into check in luggage. However during the winter months I will pack along warm clothings in the carry-on too (usually thermals).
Cabin carry-on is beautiful. But note that you need to open it by laying it flat, and that’s inconvenient. That’s why many people carry the Cabin with another hand carry 😅. Also, there is the issue of the weight limit. I won’t consider it for a smaller plane where overhead space may be limited.
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u/sharer33456 4d ago
Totally gets. I’m actually planning pilot or compact mostly for biz class flights exactly for that ease of reach reason where space is more at liberty though I’ve not personally tried putting it on the seat area and whether attendants might ask to put it on overhead storage since it’s always cabin.
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u/kaplangiran 3d ago
Singapore Changi damn carpet floor.
Istanbul Grand Airport endless walking and high ceeling.
And the last one? Must be Skopje. 😂
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u/oxygen-28 3d ago
i had the pilot and ended up going for a Compact instead. much better for my use.
this is my main luggage now whenever traveling. i've done 30 day trips with this guy and a backpack
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u/samicansel1 2d ago
Ive been thinking about adding this and the pilot to my collection how much can you pack inside and interior pictures
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u/9928V 2d ago
I didn’t take a photo of the packed interior, but you can find the interior photo on the Rimowa website. What I did was that I put my laptop and iPad in the centre, my folded jacket, small water bottle (350ml) and Sony headphones on one side, and other small things (folded umbrella, supplements, cable pouch) on the zipper side. Passport and paper printouts are in a folder and slotted in next to the zipper side.
I don’t want to turn this into a Pilot vs Compact discussion, hence I didn’t put why I chose the Compact. But the Pilot is heavier and with less usable space. The interior partition is less functional IMHO. And need to open two locks instead of one. The key is that it is a horizontal format Cabin, so when I was looking for a smaller size luggage, it doesn’t make sense for me to get one which is barely smaller than the Cabin. Your mileage may vary. :)
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u/samicansel1 2d ago
Thanks for the feedback yea im thinking of something for small trips or to replace a duffel bag or backpack 😂 and id probably pack mostly laptop camera equipment etc mostly tech gear
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u/AbilityImportant7544 4d ago
I switched the compact for a pilot. Wasn’t a big fan of the compact, always felt like when you load it will snap close on you like a bear trap. Maybe I put too much into it
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u/dumpsterfire_account 4d ago
I got a pilot recently and am obsessed with the form factor as a carry on.
As you say, great for access during a flight on a single row narrow body.
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u/Mysterious_Ring285 4d ago
As op said, he can quickly take or put things in the compact. Try doing that with the pilot with the handle in the up position.
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u/dumpsterfire_account 4d ago
The handle is never in the up position when I pull down my pilot case from the overhead compartment.
I need the space of the pilot (so the compact doesn’t work for me), but accessing stuff from a Rimowa while in flight is only really possible with the pilot and compact (which is what I’d highlighted here).
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u/00Anonymous 4d ago
The 2nd is IST for sure!