VELO 3-in-1 Expandable Hard Side Luggage Review

Planning a Trip

Twice a year, I fly home to visit my family. During the summer, I travel light, packing everything I need into one piece of carry-on luggage. However, since my winter vacations are longer and require heavier clothing, I routinely switch to a larger 22-inch suitcase. And, if my relatives are especially nice to me at Christmas, even this case is insufficient.

Today, I am reviewing an expandable suitcase from VELO that can be configured to 16, 22, or 26 inches. In this article, I focus on the ease with which the luggage’s size can be adjusted and its ability to withstand the wear and tear associated with travel.

Description

This suitcase consists of a black polycarbonate case supported by an aerospace-grade aluminum frame. Four wheels capable of swiveling 360 degrees and an extendable handle ensure this luggage can be easily maneuvered.

Sturdy zippers mated to a TSA 008 lock are used to close and secure the 11.6-pound suitcase. Several dividers are included, allowing users to separate and safeguard the articles packed within.

In the 16-inch carry-on configuration, this luggage is 10.6 inches thick, 15.5 inches wide, and 18.5 inches tall. When set to the 22-inch and 26-inch positions, overall height increases to 23.6 and 28.3 inches, respectively.

Specifications

• Brand: VELO
• Name: 3-in-1 Expandable Hard side Luggage
• Outer Shell: Black polycarbonate
• Frame: Aerospace-grade aluminum
• Wheels: Four (can be swiveled 360 degrees)
• Extendable handle: Yes
• Locking mechanism: TSA 008
• Dividers included: Yes
• Weight: 5.26 kilograms (11.6 pounds)
• 16-inch configuration: 26.9 x 39.4 x 47 cm (10.6 x 15.5 x 18.5 in)
• 22-inch configuration: 26.9 x 39.4 x 60 cm (10.6 x 15.5 x 23.6 in)
• 26-inch configuration: 26.9 x 39.4 x 71.9 cm (10.6 x 15.5 x 28.3 in)

Increasing Size Capacity

The first step is to push the button located at the center of the suitcase’s handle. The handle will extend slightly, revealing a second button hidden below.

The mechanism securing the suitcase’s two expandable sections will unlock when this button is pressed and held. At this point, the height of the luggage can be extended to the 22-inch size by pulling upward. If the button is pressed again, the suitcase may be expanded to its maximum size of 26 inches. For better leverage, clamp the bottom of the case between your feet.

The size of the luggage can be reduced by following the same procedure while pushing downward.

Recommended

Amazing Experience of the 1000 Islands Cruise in Ontario, Canada

Sturdiness and Maneuverability

I expanded this suitcase to its maximum size and filled it with clothing. Then I pulled the luggage through the various rooms within my house and up the steps to the second floor. It maneuvered across the thresholds that separate rooms and up the staircase quietly and competently.

The polycarbonate shell, zippers, and lock appear sturdy enough to survive the horrors of travelling in planes, buses, trains, and automobiles.

The 16-inch Configuration Test

I used the suitcase as a carry-on, packing it with a laptop and the clothing needed for a short trip. There was more than enough room, but I had difficulty securing the heavy laptop.

The 22-inch Configuration Test

I stuffed the suitcase with the clothing and accessories I generally take on longer winter trips.

Although the luggage straps and dividers are designed to handle three different size configurations, I was unable to secure the laptop fully. While I cheerfully pin the blame on VELO, it is equally likely that I am an incompetent packer.

The 26-inch Configuration Test

For this test, I packed everything I used in the previous experiment and added a pair of shoes and my heavy winter parka.

The straps and dividers worked much more effectively when the suitcase was expanded to its maximum size.

Overall Impression

This luggage can be used as a carry-on bag or expanded to a 22- or 26-inch suitcase. It is sturdy and maneuvers well and quietly.

While I am not over-enamored by the suitcase’s complicated arrangement of straps and dividers, the design represents a compromise necessary to accommodate expandability.

This extendable suitcase provides plenty of flexibility. I can travel light, but if I do some shopping during my vacation, I’ll have plenty of room to pack my new purchases. The VELO 3-in-1 Expandable Hard side Luggage is recommended.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2024 Walter Shillington