As a travel writer, I've learned to appreciate the importance of the perfect suitcase. From compact carry-ons to family-sized vessels that hold an entire wardrobe, modern-day luggage restrictions have turned the humble suitcase into a multi-purpose accessory where one size rarely fits all.
Over the years, I've accidentally become a kind of connoisseur of cases, finely tuned to spot sought-after brands at 50 paces.
While being able to tell an Antler from an Away, or a Samsonite from an American Tourister isn't the most useful skill, it has given me a deeper understanding of what constitutes a great piece of luggage. And while the Brixham Large from Antler may be a little pricey at £240, it definitely is just that.
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While there are many practical and fashionable cases to choose from on Amazon, very few can deliver the perfect balance of form and function while still being affordable. British heritage brand Antler has managed to bridge the gap between cheap and cheerful and aspirational and expensive by creating a carefully crafted collection that looks great and performs admirably.
As part of the brand's recent Spring Sale, savvy travellers were able to snap up high-end cases and carry-ons for less with up to 50% off RRP. Never one to shy away from a bargain, I treated myself to a beautiful soft-sided Brixham Large suitcase, a handsome-looking piece of luggage that I had been hankering after for a while.
Touted as Antler's "lightest suitcase yet" imagine my delight when I ran my fingers across the smooth polyester material, admiring the contrasting piping, before taking in the curved edges of the engineered construction that oozes elegance.
Opting for the earthy "canopy green" colourway, the case gave me major minimalist vibes with matt black wheels, a gunmetal handle and discreet Antler livery. With a solid feel that is often missing from less expensive brands, the case is super lightweight while still feeling incredibly stable, despite its size.
Speaking of which, the Brixham large measures 81 x 46.5 x 31 cm, and offers an impressive 122 litres of packing capacity. As industry standards go, this case is on the larger end of the size spectrum, offering those all-important extra inches for when packing light just isn't an option.
Weighing a mere 2.7kg, this case leaves enough weight allowance to carry an extra book or pair of shoes, and the well-thought-out storage spaces mean you can fill every inch.
The cavernous main compartment was more than big enough for me to fill with enough clothes for my upcoming week away in the UK. Throwing in a bulky pair of Doc Martens, three pairs of joggers, t-shirts, two hoodies, a pair of jeans and a nice top just in case, I was also able to neatly pop in my leather jacket to avoid nasty creases in transit.
Given the outdoorsy nature of my trip, I was delighted to see that I had so much space left over I could even fold and roll my beloved Dryrobe. If I was heading off somewhere sunnier I have no doubt that I would be able to fit a fortnight's worth of holiday clothes in with ease.
Better still, if you are planning on taking the kitchen sink with you, the Brixham Large comes with an expander zip offering an extra 5cm depth for more packing power. There is also a large zippered compartment which is perfect for storing smaller items, a vanity pocket for loose toiletries and branded compression straps to remind you exactly where this brilliant case comes from.
Four 360-degree double spinner wheels offer whisper-quiet and super smooth gliding, and the cushioned carry handles on the top and sides make it easy to lift in and out of car boots and more. With an additional deep zippered pocket on the front, this suitcase is undoubtedly one of the most capacious for its overall weight and size.
If I had any gripes or concerns about this beautiful behemoth, it would be that it doesn't look quite as sharp as its hard-sided counterparts. The Clifton range from Antler looks poised and professional, while still feeling lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, but I guess that's just my personal preference.
Sadly, my beloved Antler Brixham in green is now only available in Cabin size for just £102 in the sale.
Travellers who want to experience the splendour of the larger cases though can still pick them up in Black or Navy. The Brixham Medium is available for £210, the Brixham large for £240 and the three-piece set including a cabin case can be all yours for £527. While these may seem pricey at first glance, the lifetime warranty and superior construction should see the cases last for many adventures to come.
Alternatively, Amazon also sells Antler cases at reasonable prices.