The Kadi Luggage Founder Story – Bigger. Better. Built to last.
Kadi first came to market in 2023, unlike some of its competitors, it is Australian made (yay!). Harry Sanders was an SEO guy but after five years of being constantly on the move – business trips, holidays, back-to-back flights. He was sick of a lack of options for a suitcase which was good looking, looked professional, not overpriced and could stand up to lots of travel. He teamed up with Meirav Ambar and the rest is history. In 2024 they launched in Myer and sold over 20,000 bags and became their most successful travel launch. OK lets road test it!
The Range – Soft Shell, Hard Shell Luggage and Weekender Bags
I am reviewing a hard case body suitcase called ‘Carry On Leisure’. It’s one of the teeniest in the range, perfect for a weekender away or those times you are staying at ‘theirs’ this weekend.
They have a soft body range, but the only colour option is charcoal (bit boring and hard to pick out at an airport carousel) you can buy in 40L, 81L or 120L sizes. There is more choice when you shift to the hard shell range. With a ‘Carry-On Business’ which has an outside pocket mine doesn’t have and it offers a bit more storage. The other two suitcases are the Medium and Large Check In range with a 78L and 125L options. They also have a cute selection of weekender bags which I am drooling over but not reviewing today.
Unboxing: First Glimpse
Opening the box of the Kadi Carry-On Luggage feels like unwrapping a gift from a luxury boutique. The suitcase arrives in eco-friendly, minimalistic packaging, with a protective bag ensuring it looks pristine right out of the box. Alongside the luggage, there is a small thoughtful guide detailing its features and care instructions—a small touch that speaks volumes about the brand’s attention to detail.
First Impressions: The Outside Design. Where Style Meets Substance
It’s what I call a slim, skinny tall suitcase. I am heading to Europe shortly and it fits the ‘small bag’ category for ‘Easyjet’ who are absolute sticklers for weight and size with dimensions: 35.5 x 25.5 x 55.5cm and a 37/41L capacity weighing in at 3.3kg. So it passes the test.
It’s evident that this is no boring piece of luggage. Its matte, scratch-resistant German 100% polycarbonate shell is super premium but it’s still light for its size. This suitcase comes in a choice of six colours: olive(my fav), pebble, charcoal, burnt coral, ivory and a cornflour blue colour called Midnight Dusk.
It’s strong enough to withstand quite a bit of mishandling and I notice that the material is flexible enough to bend and return to its original form without any worry of cracking. We put it to the test on a weekend by stacking the car whilst it’s pelting down. It repels water and even the zips don’t absorb the moisture as they too are waterproof.
Expandable
Not many small carry ons have expandable zippers, that’s a feature normally reserved for checkin luggage, but with increasingly tight airline codes for carry-on its really handy. The black expandable section is around the tummy (think of elastic pants that are needed after a buffet lunch!). It’s made from long lasting Oxford fabric which doesn’t ruin the design athletic but extends its width rather than height expanding from 37 to 41L of capacity and still only weighs in at 3.2KG
Handles
These are often a bug bear of mine. This has an easy glide, multi-stop telescopic handle which is fitted with a rubber cover grip which makes it really comfortable. Going up a slope to our airbnb i shift it from wheeling on all fours to its two legs and the handle extends so that it is not catching my ankles as I walk. It has three handle height positions, which ‘clink’ into place so it’s a little restrictive compared to something like a July suitcase which offers infinitely more height options.
It has two soft handles for carrying, one top and one on the side which not all smaller suitcases offer and it makes swinging it up and into an overhead carrier much easier. Given its narrowness, this is a massive advantage as I can squeeze into small spaces other passengers are struggling with. BIG WIN.
Security
It has a TSA-approved integrated lock for security. The two zips just lock into place on the main body. The Code has been set to 000 factory settings. To set my personal three number code I push down on the reset button with a small screwdriver and I hear the ‘click’. I release and slide the ‘open button’ to the right and ter darh! We are ready to roll.
Kadi Wheels – Movin Movin, Movin
The big test for any suitcase (much like a supermarket trolley) is how pleasurable it is to drive. The wheels have a 360 rotation and spin beautifully. No grinding,stickiness or clunks to the rollers. They are well built and don’t buckle with uneven surfaces such as rocky pebble driveway and our uneven paving slabs by our house. I lie the suitcase on the side and spin the wheels – yep its true, they are indeed silent!
The Design – The inside
Now this is where I feel that Kadi is really winning me over. This IS exciting
The real wow fact are the pockets. There is an organization system that includes two zip areas on both sides so each side can be sealed and zipped so nothing falls out when I open it.
On the left hand side of the ‘shell’ there are two zip lock pockets. The bottom larger one is a frosted PVC pocket for my toiletries with a smaller pocket above. On the right side is another zip lock section, this time the pocket covers the entire half shell which is great for storing things like my underwear and also my ipad. In both half shells there are adjustable tension straps which keeps my belongings from shifting about.
There is a thoughtful drawstring water-resistant laundry bag. Seriously how smart, functional and clever is this little tardis sized pocket rocket of a weekender.
The Verdict
What we are Addicted to? The Kadi Carry-On Luggage is a triumph of thoughtful design, impeccable style, and practical functionality. The quality and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re seeking a travel solution that combines luxury with practicality, the Kadi Carry-On is a great choice.
What we need to be more Addicted? While it’s price tag might seem a little steep, it is great value. I would like to see improvements to the telescopic handle which is a bit clunky with only 3 options.
Kadi Carry On Leisure – RRP $325
