This new carry-on let me pack more without checking a bag—and that's not its only advantage

The Cotopaxi Coraza carry-on travel suitcase combats travel uncertainty with wide-open compartments on both sides, allowing for flexibility and packing freedom. And since brand-name carry-on luggage isn’t cheap, being able to use it for every kind of trip lets you get the most value out of it.

That’s one reason I enjoyed using the Coraza carry-on on my recent international trip. I wanted every ounce of space I could manage without checking a bag. It has two removable, full-length packing cubes on each side that clip in. When they’re removed, all that’s left is a wide-open plastic shell. It left the most possible room for my own organization. 

Beyond organizational flexibility, the suitcase foregoes a zipper closure. So it’s faster to open and shut and most others. The Coraza is an intriguing new carry-on, but it has some quirks, including using colors that might not hit everyone’s style.

The style and design of the Cotopaxi Coraza

From the outside, the Cotopaxi Coraza looks like most hardshell carry-on suitcases. The purple (Aster) and teal (Blue Spruce) colors, along with bright wheels, aren’t common. But the shape is very familiar. The difference is that instead of using a zipper closure, the Coraza uses two latches.

Is the zipperless, latch-closure style actually more durable than yanking on a zipper around the entire suitcase? It’s hard to tell from my one use, but it feels like it’s less likely to break. I found the latches to be faster, if nothing else.

The handle has two lengths. I’m nearly six feet tall, and I don’t have any complaints about either one. However, I did find the handle to feel flimsier than similar luggage from Aer or Bellroy. The telescoping handle didn’t always pull up in unison on both sides.

The Coraza carry-on version weighs 8.5 pounds and measures 22 by 14.5 by 9.5 inches. This makes it about two pounds heavier than Bellroy’s Transit Carry-On and just lightly larger. Even on an international flight from the US to Japan, I didn’t have a problem with it not fitting in the overhead bin. Cotopaxi says it meets most U.S. domestic airline carry-on size requirements.

While the black color is the stealthiest option, its bright blue wheels make it stand out, for better or worse. The wheels run fine, but they aren’t the smoothest ones I’ve ever used. Cotopaxi sells extra wheels for $5 each, but those are all bright colors as well.

Traveling with the Coraza

I threw the Coraza right into the fire, taking it halfway around the world. It held up well. I stuffed the suitcase full, and it handled it like a champ. However, I did run into a few minor concerns.

The recycled polycarbonate shell seemed thinner than some other carry-ons I’ve used. The wheels could have rolled a little more smoothly. My biggest gripe is that the telescoping handle pulled up unevenly or didn’t latch fully when I was moving quickly or not giving it my full attention.

None of these high touch points let me down, though I will keep an eye on the wheels and telescoping handle, specifically over future travel, to see how they hold up.

The two internal liners attach easily to each of the four corners and can even be removed at the hotel. To get the most room possible, I removed a liner on one side so I could use every ounce of space. If you do remove both sides, you’ll just need to be careful about flipping one side over to close the bag.

Is the Cotopaxi Coraza worth buying?

The carry-on Cotopaxi Coraza is a fascinating new suitcase for travel. Its zipper-free closure is fast and convenient, while its internal organization is highly flexible and simple. It performed great flying around the world.

The suitcase has some oddities that don’t make it a slam dunk for everyone. For example, the color choices might not hit the sophisticated style business travelers are looking for. I also wish the telescoping handle felt a little sturdier. Still, the $295 is lower than some other brand-name options, and the pros heavily outweigh the negatives. The Coraza is a carry-on worth considering for new or seasoned travelers.