Technology and luggage are two words not normally associated with one another. ‘Technology’ elicits images of smooth design and sophistication, while the best that ‘luggage’ can usually manage is functionality and reliability. LAT56° have merged the two, combining their proprietary design technology with the functionality required by today’s urban traveller.
The Red-Eye suitcase is a revolutionary new product designed specifically for travelling businessmen. The case is a lightweight carry-on, so no need to wait for baggage reclaim, and yet it is large enough to fit a suit, shoes, and enough clothes for a good few days on the road. LAT56° claims that this is the world’s most compact business travel luggage; even incorporating a separate suit compartment, or ‘garment chamber’, to provide full torso protection and keep the suit crease free.
Having tested the product in my own urban jungle, I feel that the Red-Eye has three distinctive features that separate it from anything that I have used before. The first, and most important feature, is the technology behind their TPS (Torso Protection System). This system of suit packing was designed in conjunction with tailors, and allows suit jackets to keep their shape around the shoulders and stops trousers from becoming creased. The soft hook also prevents clothes from catching and is far more practical than a normal metal one. For me, this TPS is the most impressive part of the product and works a treat.
The second distinctive feature is the inside of the Red-Eye. The interior of the case splits into two halves with the top half housing the suit and is the TPS. This is zipped off from the rest of the case, which then has enough room for shoes, a couple of shirts, trousers and a jumper. One thing it did not have enough room for was my laptop (a 15 inch screen), although I tend to take this in a laptop case anyway. The inside is simple and effective, with a few zip pockets for a wash bag and essentials.
The third and most distinguishing feature is the exterior shell of the product, aka the ‘armoured skin’. The shape of the Red Eye was a topic of conversation in the office, with mixed views over its appearance. In order to accommodate a suit on a hanger, the case is much longer than it is wide and does look a little bit like a case for a musical instrument. However, few musical instrument cases are lightweight, tough, rugged, and have a Batman-esque matt look and feel. The texture of the exterior is a honeycomb structure, entirely waterproof with welded zips as standard, and this, as with the rest of the product, is of a very high quality.
As such a young brand in the travel market, LAT56° have done well to enter with a completely different style of product. We’re convinced that their innovation can be transferred to adventure to reflect the heritage of founders Lawrence Broadley and Kevin Fox.
Useful information
Available in the US and UK from LAT56.com.
