What do you look for in a cabin bag?  We tested the Horizn Studios M5 Smart cabin bag

ByAndrea Thompson

June 11, 2024

We tried and tested the Horizn Studios M5 Smart cabin bag on a short business trip to Barcelona in Spain and Lake Maggiore in Italy.  After 3 flights, 6 taxis, 2 boats, together with cobbled streets we can safely say this cabin bag was vigorously tested.

What qualifies as a Cabin bag? Roomy enough for that long weekend or city break.  Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and small enough to fit into the plane’s overhead lockers.  There is a lot to consider when buying a suitcase, particularly cabin luggage as size restrictions varies greatly between airlines.  In addition to weight and dimensions the type of suitcase depends on the travel you are planning.

History

In 2015, the company launched as Europe’s leading travel brand for the next generation.  Being 100% design and innovation driven, they soon became a driving force in the industry. Thriving on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, they started designing high-end luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories both for the daily commute and long-haul trips.

In their first year, they launched the world’s first luggage featuring a removable charger. Subsequent collaborations with icons such as BMW, Beats By Dre, Soho House, and NASA astronaut Alyssa Carson have elevated their profile, culminating in the global debut of space luggage.

Function

Lightweight cabin bag for a long weekend and to fit into the overhead locker of a plane

Colour

We tested the matt gloss in Dark Olive.  There are 4 matt and 1 gloss colour and you can customise the handle and wheel caps from a choice of colours.

Style

M5 Smart Cabin Bag

Dimensions

  • 55(H) x 40(W) x 23(D)
  • Weight 3.6kg
  • Volume 37l

Quality

Crafted from partly recycled polycarbonate with a durable hard shell, the material is waterproof and vegan. It is fitted with 360’ degree spinner wheels and height-adjustable telescopic handle for effortless manoeuvring.

Moveability

The suitcase features four shock resistant 360° rotating wheels by Hinomoto for upright moveability made from rubber and featuring a patented self-lubricating mechanism. It can actually spin on the spot.

Interior and internal storage

Water resistant front pocket for laptop/iPad with an internal zipper compartment for papers and also zip up front pocket on the outside

With dark grey recyclable lining and black zips.  Side pocket with a laundry bag and two dualled zip mesh screens with a compression pad which is used to secure your belongings via the straps plus the removable smart charger.

The charger is housed under the handle and released by a small button.  It has two USB ports so you can simultaneously charge your phone and laptop.  The smart charger pops out effortlessly and can be plugged into a power source to charge.  The cables are also included. The charger must be removed if placing in the hold but  is approved for the cabin.

Lock

3-digit TSA combination lock.  This proved delightfully straight forward to reconfigure and the instructions given to set the lock were very clear.  The zippers pressed in easily and popped out smoothly.

Accessories

Cotton dust sheet, free laundry bag, cable for the smart charger and a transparent bag which doubles as a liquid bag.

Verdict

Being vegan and sustainable means a lot to travellers nowadays.  I found it easy to manoeuvre and perfectly sized for those budget airlines. Gliding effortlessly across carpets, escalators and walkways.  It is a cinch to hoist into overhead lockers or a car boot. Even after a trek across cobblestones, and thrown into the hold it emerged unscathed, without a single mark or scratch.  I loved the colour, very stylish and easily recognisable on the luggage carousel

I simply suggested you go buy one and I can’t wait for our next adventure together.