Calpak’s Luka Duffel tops NBC Select’s travel gear picks
NBC Select editors say Calpak’s bags, cubes and cases deliver on pockets, padding and plane-friendly storage.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
3 min read
Calpak’s $138 Luka Duffel came out as NBC Select’s top overall pick in a review of the California-based travel accessories brand, with editors praising its pockets, padded handles and suitcase-friendly design.
NBC Select said its editors collectively own more than 13 Calpak items, including products they bought themselves and samples supplied by the brand. The company, originally known as California Pak, sells carry-ons, checked luggage, backpacks, personal items, toiletry cases, purses and other travel gear.
The review focused heavily on the brand’s Luka line, a collection known for simple stitching and single-color looks. NBC Select’s Daaiyah James said she has used several Calpak products after traveling to 16 major cities, while colleagues Zoe Malin and Mili Godio also weighed in on items they use.
The Luka Duffel gets the star treatment
NBC Select named the Luka Duffel the best overall Calpak product. The bag comes in small, medium and large sizes, according to the review, and has padded handles plus a removable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Malin said the duffel has interior and exterior pockets, a shoe pocket on the outside and a trolley sleeve that lets it sit on a suitcase handle. Godio said she has taken it on trips for the past two years, including travel to France, Italy and Argentina, and uses it for weekend essentials or as a companion to a larger suitcase.
NBC Select noted one limit: the mini version does not include a shoe pocket.
Work bags, lunch bags and packing cubes
The $138 Luka Expandable Laptop Tote also earned praise from James, who said she bought it in multiple colors after trying many work totes. NBC Select said the tote comes in mini and regular sizes, includes a laptop sleeve with a securing strap and has side pockets for smaller items.
James said the bottom can unzip to create extra space, which she uses for weekend travel. She also highlighted the padded straps, saying they made the bag more comfortable than totes with rougher handles.
For office meals, NBC Select highlighted the $48 Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag. Malin uses it for lunch and snacks at work, according to the review, and said it keeps food fresh. The bag has exterior pockets, a drawstring-style closure, nylon construction and more than 10 color options, though NBC Select said it comes in only one size.
The $68 Packing Cubes Set also made the list. NBC Select said the set includes four cubes and a zippered pouch. The cubes have mesh tops, handles and label slots, with sizes suited for items such as socks, T-shirts, pants, sweaters and light jackets.
Carry-on and tech picks round out the list
Malin recommended the $44 Luka 14-Inch Padded Laptop Sleeve, which NBC Select said also comes in a 17-inch size. She said its padding feels protective enough for a laptop and iPad, and its soft lining helps prevent scratches while traveling.
The $215 Hue Carry-On was NBC Select’s best carry-on pick. The suitcase has an expandable shell, built-in TSA-approved lock, 360-degree spinner wheels, adjustable handle, side handles and interior compartments, according to the review.
Godio said she uses the Hue on all her trips and has taken it over bumpy cobblestone streets. NBC Select reported that she has used it on more than 10 trips without a major flaw.
The review also listed the $85 Medium Clear Cosmetics Case, describing it as a zippered case with a top handle and two compartments. NBC Select flagged one drawback: the clear case can pick up smudges.
NBC Select says it independently chooses what it covers and recommends, and earns a commission when readers buy through its links.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.