Chicago Suitcase from Rock Luggage – Review and Giveaway

When it comes to travel luggage we’re unashamedly addicted. In fact our wardrobe is full of carry on bags, and under the bed you’ll find a graveyard of suitcases that we can’t bear to throw out as they’ve served us faithfully on our travels around the world. Whilst I love a shiny new bit of kit, Hubbie prefers his gear to be a bit weather-beaten, showing off the marks and dents lovingly collected during adventures to tropical rainforests and arid deserts.

We’d love to say that after all these years trotting around the globe, we’ve got packing down to a fine art and always travel light. Yet in reality, that’s just not the case. Unless we’re flying by light aircraft on safari in Kenya or to the remote islands of Sao Tome and Principe, we always each have a piece of hold luggage in tow. You know, for all the clothes that we’ll probably never wear because it’ll be too hot, and all the toiletries we inevitably carry with us, just in case the hotels don’t come up trumps in the bathroom department.

But one thing we never compromise on when it comes to hold luggage is a hard shell suitcase. Having a solid, reliable piece of kit that we know is going to protect our gear when it’s undoubtedly thrown around the airport is an absolute must.

We have a penchant for buying awkward and sometimes delicate souvenirs too so it’s super important that we know our new-found handicrafts are going to make it back home in one piece. Packing souvenirs is quite an art, and we’re proud to say we’ve successfully transported everything from glass lamps and pottery to paintings and even a massive wooden giraffe (who only lost an ear in the process, which we thought was quite impressive). And it was all thanks to having a hard shell case rather than a soft holdall.

My current suitcase has been begging for retirement for a few years, so when the lovely folks at Rock Luggage asked if I’d like to test out one of their cases I jumped at the chance.

The Chicago Suitcase

I opted for the Chicago suitcase in medium, which of course was hard shell and came in a range of classy colours. It was a bit like Christmas when it arrived, as I knew this particular gift heralded the start of new adventures. Something that is especially poignant now travel is opening up again after being dormant for so long.

Whilst we weren’t quite jetting off to foreign shores just yet, a week’s self-catering holiday in Devon and Cornwall was perfect to give the case a trial run. Even if we’re just staying in a cottage I like to feel stylish!

The Hard Shell Outer

Made out of ABS/PC material, the outer shell is durable and solid, although there is a bit of flex which is something I’m not used to with my completely rigid existing case. However, this means at 3.7 kg it’s a lot lighter which is great news when it comes to luggage weight limits on planes. Being able to pack even more pants and extra souvenirs is always a bonus, even if the 60-litre capacity is actually plenty big enough for all our travelling needs! Which makes this relatively large suitcase the perfect size for long-haul travel. The only downside is that from now on I’ll have no excuse to get Hubbie to do all the heavy lifting!

The Best Features

One of the gripes I’ve always had about many cases is the wheels. So many suitcases seem to have a mind of their own when trundling across the airport floor, and sometimes the wheels don’t spin in sync. Which is why I was impressed with the Chicago case – it has a grand total of eight wheels rather than just four, which makes it a lot more stable and easy to pull.

The integrated TSA combination lock is really handy too as it’s built into the suitcase, and helps prevent theft at airports and whilst you’re on your travels. No more scrabbling around for misplaced padlocks for us! You can just choose your own unique 3-number combo and slot in the zip handles so everything is secure. There’s an additional hole on the zips if you want to double up with a padlock too, for extra piece of mind.

Handles are something else that can be a bit hit and miss, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one didn’t mess around. It’s one of the sturdiest I’ve come across, and doesn’t rattle as you pull the case along.

The rigidity also meant the case didn’t have a tendency to flip over when in use, which has happened to us on multiple occasions, especially when rushing to catch a flight. There are carry handles on the top and side too, for those annoying times when you have to negotiate steps.

Inside the Case

Despite all these super bells and whistles, my favourite feature was actually the mesh divider inside the case. Not only does it come with a handy pocket for all your little bits and pieces, it also zips around the entire inside of the suitcase, thereby keeping all your gear secure.

So many times have I opened a case and things immediately fall out because there’s just a simple strap to hold it all together. I’m looking forward to having no more embarrassing moments at airport security when dirty clothes try to make a break for it across the floor in front of other passengers.

Yes, that has happened. More than once!

There are elasticated straps in the other side of the case, which are really handy to keep packing cubes and larger items of clothing in place.

In a Nutshell

  • Hard shell outer that isn’t too heavy
  • Sturdy handle for fast wheeling
  • Easy-to-use integrated combination lock
  • Lots of wheels for a smooth ride
  • Internal pocket to keep your gear in place

The GIVEAWAY

Okay, you know I’m a fan, so how would you like to get your own hands on one of these cases for your next holiday? You’re in luck, because Rock Luggage have kindly provided a medium Chicago suitcase (also in the same green as mine) to give away to one lucky winner.

Prize: One medium Chicago suitcase in green (RRP £159.99)

UK entrants only (due to delivery being UK-only). 

How to Enter

It couldn’t be simpler. Just use the Gleam widget below to enter, completing as many of the options as you like. If you have previously completed any of the actions (for example if you already follow us on Facebook, Twitter etc) then feel free to have an entry for them!

IMPORTANT: Make sure you use the Gleam widget below to validate your entries.

The link for the first (non-mandatory) entry option of “Subscribe to our Newslettercan be found here HERE. Make sure to let us know you’ve done this in the Gleam Widget below.

Rock Luggage Suitcase Giveaway worth £159.99

Please check our Conversant Traveller Privacy Policy and also the Gleam Privacy Policy for more information on how your data will be used and stored

Terms and conditions

No purchase is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. The prize is provided by Rock Luggage and is a Chicago medium suitcase in green.

The giveaway is open to UK residents only. The prize is not refundable or exchangeable for cash. The giveaway will run for 2 weeks starting on Monday 24th May 2021 and end at midnight on Monday 7th June 2021. The winner will be determined on or around the 8th June 2021 by a random drawing of eligible entries received. Your chances of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries. Winners must respond within a week of receiving the notification email, otherwise another winner will be chosen. The winner’s name and email address will be passed to the giveaway sponsor in order to arrange delivery.

[separator type=”thin”]

Rock Luggage have kindly provided the prize for this giveaway, as well as our suitcase reviewed in this post. We never work with brands we don’t know and love, and as always, opinions are entirely our own. 

More from Heather Cole
A luxury weekend at Yorkshire’s Crab and Lobster
Hubbie and I don’t do Valentines Day as we’re quite capable of...
Read More
Join the Conversation

166 Comments

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. says: Crystal Ferriman

    I would love to take this fabulous suitcase on my next trip to Turkey – once restrictions are lifted.

  2. says: Nicola S

    We won’t go abroad this year but hopefully things will be more settled for a trip to a cottage we’ve been waiting to stay in close to Toulouse. Our booking just keeps getting pushed to the next year, then the next….. Surely next year!

  3. says: Michelle Turner

    I’m really hoping to meet up with friends in Manchester later in the year and go to a gig – fingers definitely crossed for that one! Next year I also hope to travel through Germany so that would be it’s first outing abroad. Fab prize!

  4. says: Teresa Sheldon

    We re going to Scotland for the first time ever In September to do a bit of island hopping, loved your review on this it looks compact, neat and light to push but has plenty of room inside ideal for our adventure

  5. says: Catherine Thomas

    How fantastic I would absolutely love this case for our adventures first stop would be Montenegro with the family.

  6. says: Christine Hobbs

    I am off to Scotland with my brother and parents. I have never been before so it will be a huge adventure. I am 60 my parents are 90 but we are fit and healthy and love exploring new places and who knows what tomorrow will bring so we never take life for granted.

  7. says: angie pickering

    I would wheelie love to take this fab new case to our bucket list destination of the Galapagos as soon as we can get there!

  8. says: Heather Jenkinson

    We fell in love with Turkey 10 years ago, and can’t wait to go back, so that’s where we’d take this case!

  9. says: Fiona Foskett

    Have to staycations planned for this year in Brighton and Poole
    and next year we are planning to visit New York and Los Angeles – Covid permitting. x

  10. says: Kirsty Fox

    I’d like to take it to Cyprus, we had a holiday booked there last year and it would have been the first time my boys went abroad. Maybe next year.

  11. says: Theresa M

    I’ve had a dream for the last twenty five or so years of visiting Iceland, and it’s on the Green List so …..

  12. says: Lucy Wright-Booth

    I would take it on my mini break that my husband has arranged for our 20th wedding anniversary in October. I have no idea where we are going though as it’s a surprise!

  13. says: Kay Broomfield

    We’re looking forward to a family break to the Isle of Wight! We’re skipping the international holidays until the world is a little more normal!

  14. says: Daphne Monk

    Due a visit to London, where my darling daughter lives, I am going to hug her so hard, I will lift her off the floor.

  15. says: Debbie Hoare

    Since we are unable to travel to many destinations abroad at the moment due to lockdowns I’d take this suitcase to Cornwall for its first trip.

  16. says: Gina Raymond

    I’d take my fab new suitcase to the Isle of Portland. Portland Bill is one of my favourite places in this country, my “happy place” where I have spent many hours staring out to sea

  17. says: Valerie Brown

    Hoping to visit my family in Australia before too long so would love to take this on that long journey

  18. says: JOHN FRASER

    I would love to take this on holiday. There are many ports of call. First on my list would be Rome, I’ve heard its great for sightseeing and has so much history attributed to it. This suitcase would be a stellar companion on my travels.

  19. says: Ishrat Khan

    A stylish suitcase that will keep my stuff safe and secure whilst light enough to easily to lug around. Would love to have one.

  20. says: Ingrid Duck

    Hoping to be able to finally get to see my parents by the end of this year if the restrictions ease!

  21. says: Heather Athanasiou

    Would give to my daughter who is about to leave to study at the University of Oslo for a year

  22. says: lynn neal

    I would love to visit Rome but with all the travel problems at the moment I would most likely try Snowdonia first!

  23. says: Winifred V

    I am hoping to go to London soon – I was meant to go for my 70th birthday but couldnt because of lockdown. Then hopefully a European trip to somewhere sunny!

  24. says: Julie Foster

    Our Suitcases Always Travel to Turkey But are Old and Battered . Every Year we say we are going to get New but always end up taking our Tatty embarrassing Ones .
    We Won’t Be Going Away This Year , We will save the Money for hopefully a Lovely Holiday Next Year

  25. says: DANIELLE V

    Anywhere with sun at the moment! I would love a trip to Spain or Cyprus. I also would lo a trip back to London once the erst end has reopened fully.

  26. says: Ruth Harwood

    I have a craving to travel up to Edinburgh for a nice quiet weekend of time to myself, maybe visit a few shops, & walk around just with myself and my thoughts, this would be perfect for such a trip! xx

  27. says: Katie B

    On my first trip away with my boyfriend. We’ve been together for three years now and was planning on going away together before covid struck. Now will be a while before we can plan again.

  28. says: Susan Willshee

    I’d take this on a rail trip to Scotland. I’d feel much more confident leaving a solid case in the luggage rack than my usual cloth case.

  29. says: sandy lynn ralph

    I would take it to Cornwall as I’m off to visit my dead husbands side of the family in the summer holidays

  30. says: Tracy Newton

    I would love to take this suitcase on our family cruise. Hopefully it goes ahead next year fingers crossed

  31. says: Sheila Shepheard

    I’m planning to go to Edinburgh in September and this case would give me room for lots of sweaters and room to bring back lots of shortbread.

  32. says: Catherine Gordon

    To visit my Dad, he went into residential care last year and I havent seen him for a year now as he lives so far away

  33. says: Jo Young

    I would take it to Russia next year, which has been rearranged twice, so I’m hoping for third time lucky

  34. says: Sheila Sloan

    I am hoping to take it to my apartment in North Cyprus which I have not visited since November 2019.

  35. says: Maegan Boyle

    To visit my in-laws in July! It’s my fiancé’s 30th, and he wants us to go visit his parents. So that’s what we’re doing ♥ looking forward to it xx

  36. says: Ellie Spider

    I have a trip booked to Gibraltar for July for my mum’s 70th birthday so this would be perfect for that 😀

  37. says: angie pickering

    We are going travelling for six months – when we are allowed – would love to take this suitcase wit us!

  38. says: Dragonfly63

    We have a booking for a France for September carried forward from last year but not sure if it will be allowed yet.

  39. says: Linda Ford

    wE are hoping to be able to visit the Channel Islands this summer, the case would be wonderful to use on a trip to Jersey

  40. says: Jane Willis

    I’d take it to France, as soon as it’s safe and allowed, to see my grandchildren who I’ve not seen since Christmas 2019. And I’d cram it full of all the toys and treats I’ve not been able to spoil them with since then!

  41. says: Pat Jones

    I would love to win this having had some not so good experiences with luggage in the past, a good sturdy suitcase is essential.

  42. says: Carolyn E

    First big trip would be to Bulgaria, via half of Europe on the way. Can’t wait for freedom to travel safely, In the meantime I would take up to Yorkshire and down to Cornwall.

  43. says: Fiona jk42

    We are hoping to visit my in-laws in India once the current wave of infections there is under control.

  44. says: Oriana Tracey Donlevy

    I am very excited to be going away for a night with my husband to celebrate our anniversary!

  45. says: Kristyn Harris

    I would love to take this fabulous suitcase to visit Orlando and I’m sure it would help me bring lots of goodies back!

    1. says: Karen T

      Due to Covid, I’m only travelling within the UK this year and the first place I’d take the case is to The New Forest