Bottom Line: The German-born brand has over 120 years of history behind it and is now one of the most revered luggage manufacturers in the world. We are not, nor do we have any affiliation with, Rimowa. If We need to rely on consent as a legal basis for processing Your information and Your country requires consent from a parent, We may require Your parent's consent before We collect and use that information. The company name Rimowa is an acronym for Richard Morszeck Warenzeichen. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. Which is better Rimowa essential or Rimowa Lite? Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Yes ! While the carry-on is fairly bare-bones and doesn't come with any extras like a charger or laundry bag, it does come with a chic leather luggage tag. Also available in check-in medium, check-in large and trunk sizes, this aluminum suitcase range is a classic staple of upscale adventurers everywhere. Tumi outsources all of its manufacturing operations, which are mostly located in Asia since all manufacturing activities were relocated there in 2001 and 2002. However, I do wish it had a divider with a separate pocket for items like socks and underwear. Learn more. Suffice it to say I was immediately impressed. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Email us at reviews@insider.com. The interior is totally different. The Flex Divider system is height-adjustable to fit your belongings to ensure that they arrive perfectly pressed and wrinkle-free. There's no perks like a battery pocket, laundry bag, or garment bag included, and many of the details are plastic as opposed to leather. Bottom line: Is the Rimowa Essential Lite worth it? However, all of that is also largely how it's able to achieve being one of the lightest hard-sided carry-ons available. Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. I use it when I walk the stairs. The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information. When the Rimowa Essential Lite was first delivered to my apartment, I actually assumed a vase I had ordered around the same time had come in an inexplicably large box because it never dawned on me that a suitcase could be that light. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page. For standard delivery, please expect 3-5 business days. Tracking technologies used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service. I lift it with the handle on the side. The wheels are easy to maneuver on every surface I've tested from hardwood to carpet, and they're also whisper quiet. Cons: Expensive, doesn't come with many extras. The Essential Lite has only a handle on the top. Since then Amar has endeavored to turn his gap year into a gap life and has spent the last 10 years traveling the 7 continents. The difference between the aluminium shell of the Rimowa Classic and Rimowa Original is that the aluminium shell of the Classic is made out of one large plate while the shell of the Rimowa Original is tailored for each model. Since then, the brands chief executive Alexandre Arnault has reached out stating, Rimowa takes great pride on its manufacturing heritage and expertise. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The grooves on the shelves are identical. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider You will be the envy of all your friends with this luggage. On the inside, the height-adjustable Flex Divider helps to keep your gear well-organized on the go, while the interior zip pocket options mean that every one of your precious travel essentials is kept safe in transit. Incredibly lightweight and featuring Rimowas iconic groove design, this is a solid suitcase that works as well on business trips as it does on vacation. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. The Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes: We may share Your personal information in the following situations: The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. The Essential has the lock on the side of the suitcase. Both are the same size and color but have a price difference of $160 dollar. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. While its pieces are definitely on the more expensive side of the affordability scale, investing in a Rimowa is buying yourself a little piece of history, as well as becoming the proud owner of a suitcase that will last for many, many years. All Rights Reserved. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. A Solid Suitcase With the Iconic Groove Design, 5. If you frequently take flights on airlines with low or strict weight limits, this bag is absolutely worth it, especially when you consider the potential baggage fees savings. The brand is largely known for its shiny, eye-catching aluminum suitcases, but many of Rimowa's other suitcases are extremely heavy. Even more than a century after its founding, Rimowa continues to be a trailblazer in an industry where it often seems there are no more trails to blaze. The corner on the Essential tries to replicate the exterior of the Rimowa Original. Of course, the most important part of any carry-on is packability. I've also been pleasantly surprised to find that the suitcase holds more than I was first expecting. In fact, the Essential Lite is almost half the weight of Rimowa's classic Original Cabin aluminium carry-on, and still over two pounds lighter than the standard Essential carry-on, the brand's other polycarbonate offering. The cavernous interior is beautifully lined, and your packed items can be kept perfectly well-ordered in transit using the adjustable Flex Divider that adapts to suit your belongings. Whereas the corners on the Essential Lite are smooth without any embellishments. Tumi works with manufacturers in China, Vietnam and Thailand, and outside of Asia, in the Dominican Republic (since 2010). I think at one point rimowa might have made good bags, but for sure now they are a liability that might totally destroy your trip. I use the handle on the side regularly when I travel. Im not a big fan of the Flex Dividers. They take up unnecessary space and the edges get in the way when you try to close the suitcase. The soft leather handles allow you to tote this bag around easily, or for hands-free convenience, theres also a detachable shoulder strap. Another instance when I use the side handle is when I stow it in the overhead compartment on the plain or when I take it out of the overhead compartment. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. The serial number is located on the side of the suitcase. Its not easy to pick between the Essential and the Essential Lite. It will fit in just about any standard overhead bin, including smaller jumper planes and international flights. As part of the Rimowa entry-level luggage collection, you can be sure that this case still offers the incredible craftsmanship and superior design innovation that the brand is so famous for. Ultra-lightweight, durable, and available in glossy, eye-catching colors, the suitcase features plenty of packing space while making it much easier to meet strict airline weight limits. To make it easier, weve listed some of our favorite options for you. Visually they are almost identical so lets find out what is different besides the price. Crafted from durable canvas and full-grain leather, the Never Still Weekender bag has been built to last, while being incredibly stylish and functional. Lightweightbut durable, strong but also smooth to roll, the Original collection from Rimowa is carefully crafted and built to last. The standout feature of the Essential Lite is its weight. Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. The Multiwheel system enables the case to glides smoothly alongside you, and the stage-free telescoping handle makes it easy to find the perfect setting to suit your height. An excellent example of the world-famous Rimowa craftsmanship, this case is available in a choice of black, silver, or titanium colorways. An Entry-Level Suitcase With a Difference, 6. It also doesn't come with any extras or premium features, and some might be surprised that details are plastic rather than leather given that it's from a luxury travel brand. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods. If you choose express delivery, you can expect to receive your customized suitcase within 2-3 business days. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The Essential Lite Cabin has two enclosed compartments which you can open and close with a zipper. The purpose of these Cookies is to provide You with a more personal experience and to avoid You having to re-enter your preferences every time You use the Website. The difference in appearance can be seen on the corners. We are Upgraded Points, a website that publishes helpful information for travelers. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Rimowa entry models are the Essential and the Essential Lite. Theres an exterior sleeve for quick access to your laptop (up to 15-inches) and other travel essentials, or you can pop your laptop (up to 16 inches) in the interior laptop compartment. Offering roomy interiors across the range, paired with clever storage solutions including the patented height adjustable Flex Divider partition system and a wealth of mesh and zippered pockets, Rimowa cases make it easy to stay organized on your travels. Over the passed six months, I've used it on road trips, flights, and even to move when it got tossed around in the back of a moving van and it still looks pristine. Other differences are the position of the TSA combination lock. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. Persistent Cookies remain on Your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close Your web browser. In fact, its glossy coating keeps it from scratching or marking up as easily as similar matte-finished suitcases. But also on the interior every excess weight is eliminated. This case is also super easy to maneuver on any surface thanks to its Multiwheel system, and the telescoping handle makes it easy to find the right pull height to suit your needs.