The Luggage Company That Allows You to Design Your Own Bag

When I first received a press release from ROAM, the first fully customizable luggage brand, I didn’t take any action. The release explained that ROAM bags can be customized with over one million possible color combinations, and it included a promo code I could use to try out a bag for myself, but the last thing I needed in my basement was another suitcase. I also figured I didn’t have the time to design my own bag. But then the company’s online ads intrigued me, and I decided to take the team up on their offer. After all, the company was created by the founders that helped make Tumi the mega-brand it is today.

For $50 off: I have a promo code that’s good for $50 off on any order. Simply use this code when checking out at roamluggage.com: JOHNNYJET50

ROAM’s mission is to offer a collection that’s comparable in quality and luxury to Tumi’s but without the high price point. There’s also the unique twist that you can quickly and easily design your own bag to be built by hand in its San Diego factory. Once you’ve ordered your creation, you can expect to receive it within 6-10 business days.

Here’s how it works:

First, you select the size of one of the four bags they offer:

• The Jaunt ($450)
  A versatile carry on that weighs only 6.6lbs and has the dimensions that meet the requirements of all major U.S. airlines (22” x 14” x 9”)
• The Jaunt XL ($475)
  Two extra inches of width of the Jaunt so you can overpack while still qualifying as a carry on for most airlines (22” x 15.75” x 9”)
• The Journey ($495)
  The Journey case accommodates all the footwear and layers you’ll need for long trips, and won’t tip the scales at the airport (25.5” x 18” x 10”)
• The Globetrotter ($550)
  The Globetrotter is the largest bag and still light and maneuverable so it won’t slow you down (29.5” x 20” x 11”)

Next, you choose whether you want to do a “Simple Customization” (two options + a monogram) or a “Full Customization” (nine options + a monogram). It doesn’t cost anything more to do the latter, so that’s what I chose. I also chose the biggest bag (the Globetrotter) since I mostly travel with my family, and we need big bags to accommodate all of our son’s supplies. The ROAM website shows you the parts and the colors to choose from and what your design looks like. When you do a “Full Customization,” the nine options are: Front Shell, Back Shell, Zipper, Binding, Zipper Pull, Stitching, Wheels, Carry Handle, and the Monogram Patch. It literally took me less than five minutes to design my colorful suitcase, which is pictured at the top of this post.

The cases are crafted from 100% virgin U.S. polycarbonate that the company says can “can stand anything the world or baggage handlers throw at it.” The color is saturated all the way through the shell, so the inherent scratches of traveling won’t be nearly as noticeable, and the proprietary scratch-resistant nano-coating adds an extra layer of protection. All suitcases come with a 60-day trial, a five-year warranty, and free shipping and free returns.

The specs on the Globetrotter bag are as follows:

• Size: 29.5” x 20” x 11”
• Ultra-light weight of 10.3lbs
• 100% virgin Polycarbonate shell made in USA
• Aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle with four height settings and ergonomic handle grip
• Water-repellent zipper (ROAM notes: “We use the industry’s finest quality water repellent zipper. Please note that due to its waterproofing, it may feel slightly stiffer than other zippers, but it is built to last!”)
• Fully integrated TSA-approved lock
• Best-in-class ball bearing wheels
• Water-resistant, washable lining fabric
• Interior compression system on both sides with one laundry pocket and two accessory pockets
• Comfort-molded top and side carry handles
• Interior volume: 98.5 liters
• Leather patch on back of case can be embossed with a three-letter monogram

For $50 off: I have a promo code that’s good for $50 off on any order. Simply use this code when checking out at roamluggage.com: JOHNNYJET50