JULY LIGHT EXPANDABLE CARRY-ON | is it better than July Essential & Takeoff Luggage?

I went on a journey to find the perfect hardshell carry-on suitcase for me. After reviewing 7 pretty awesome carry-ons and crowned July Essential Carry-on to be the winner. The problem with July Essential was it was a little heavier than I wanted. Hence, I am going to give July Light Expandable Carry On a chance to compete.

Timestamp ⏱
0:00 Intro
0:27 Rules
1:33 July Light Expandable
2:28 Make and Measurements
3:35 Outside and Inside
4:26 Suitcase Body
5:00 Fit
5:44 Carpet Roll Test
7:03 Compare to Takeoff Luggage
8:09 In Conclusion

[spruceyt]

After my previous comment I did buy this bag based on this and other reviews, but in multiple weeks of constant use in Europe I discovered its serious shortcomings and the near-uselessness of July's 100-day return option. Perhaps this mini-review-within-a-comment will be helpful to others considering this bag. Let me start with the least-important drawbacks:

1. As has been pointed out by the OP, when the two zippered compartments are both open they partially block access to one half of the bag or the other. This makes it hard to access both halves of the bag when packing or unpacking it. If the zippered covers hung over the outer edges of the bag, as they do in some other bags, it would be easy to pack things in both halves of the luggage at the same time.

2. There is no way to easily have access to any small items that you might use while traveling, like gloves or keys or a passport. Getting access to anything requires you to find a large horizontal space where you can open out both halves of the luggage and completely and unzip the compartment giving access to what you want to pack or unpack. If you're doing this in an airport the only place is probably the ground, which is awkward.

3. As also pointed out by the OP, because the fixed handle is offset from the centerline, the luggage is lopsided when it's lifted by the handle and does not hang vertically for carrying, making it awkward to handle, for example, when lifting it to put it in an overhead bin. This problem is even worse when the luggage is expanded, which makes it even more lopsided and more awkward to handle.

4. But for me the main and most-serious problem with this bag, and the one that makes it completely unusable for me, is the shape of the telescoping handle grip. The grip is curved so that when it's not extended it matches the curve of the bag. While this is stylish, it creates an asymmetric handle with a tilted-oval cross section. This is comfortable to grip but only when you position the bag next to you with the handle on the far side from your body.

When you're rolling the bag this position requires you to reach across the bag to control it with the handle. Nobody rolls a bag that way. You position the bag with the handle close to your body with the bag to the outside. Unfortunately, in this position, the grip doesn't fit your hand well at all. When you hold it tightly it digs into your palm and across the last joints of your fingers. People with hands both larger and smaller than mine have confirmed this issue.

This problem isn't apparent rolling the empty bag along a smooth surface when you first receive it, which you can do with a light grip. But when you load it and start to use it for travel it becomes uncomfortable. And in situations where you have to put extra torque on on the handle to control the bag - like when it's heavily loaded and/or fully expanded and/or rolling on carpet or rough pavement - rolling the bag becomes an ordeal.

I used this bag as carry-on luggage on eight airplane segments, three train segments, two bus segments and a ferry segment, and I could hardly wait to get home and take advantage of the 100-day return option. And that brings me to the worst problem of all ...

5. The 100-day return policy. July says, "If you decide that this is not the product for you, send it back to us within 100 days of placing your order and we’ll reimburse you to the original payment method, as long as the product(s) meet the conditions set out in our return policy."

Unless you click through to see the conditions you might think that you could return the bag if you're dissatisfied with its performance. But no. The return policy says that the bag has to be unused and in its original condition and with all its original packaging, including any dust bags. So if you actually *use* the bag during the 100 days and find it unsatisfactory it's already non-returnable.

But if you can't use the bag in actual travel - or somehow simulate all the various conditions of actual travel without making the bag appear "used" - how can you determine whether this bag, or any July luggage, "is not for you"? Apparently July's policy only covers what can happen to the bag if it sits on a shelf for 100 days. Maybe it develops a smell you don't like? If anything shows up while you're putting it to the use it's intended for you're just out of luck. I appealed to July customer service and was told the same thing; they won't accept used bags for return.

So I have an expensive bag that I'll never use again but I'm just out of luck. If I had clicked through to see how worthless the July return policy is I wouldn't have bought the bag. But I didn't click through so I don't have grounds for a complaint.

What I can do though is warn others about the shortcomings of this particular bag and alert them to the fact that the 100-day return policy won't help them if they find any piece of July luggage to be unsatisfactory in actual use.

[JohnLozano]

I ultimately chose the July essential based off of MONTHS of my own research. Thank you for making detailed videos like this based on actual specs and real use cases. I wish these videos were around when I was researching. Looking forward to your warranty follow up. The robust warranty was one of my deciding factors, I reached out to July with questions and every answer explicitly stood by their guarantee. While $265 isn’t much to most, for me it’s a luxury for luggage.

[KenshoQuest]

Nice! I have the simple July Carry On Light (not expandable). I really like the mesh panels on each side. I prefer that over compression strap or panel. I was surprised when I picked it up that there is no side handle. I'm excited to take it to Japan soon, to really put it to the test! 🌸Heidi

[cs-yqed]

I am highly interested in the July Light and Light Expandable EXCEPT the lack of a side handle. It just seems odd to not have one. I realize they were trying to keep the weight down, but how much extra weight could a handle add? Thank you for your detailed review!

[goku]

Just binged all your luggage videos! You are definitely filling a gap that no other reviewers are filling. Where did you get that beautiful orange color?

[spruceyt]

I really appreciate your real-world approach to reviewing. You look at exactly what people really want and need to know - for example, the behavior on carpets and the ACTUAL dimensions.

I'm ready to buy this suitcase, which will meet the stringent requirements on an upcoming Aer Lingus flight. But I'd like to take advantage of one of the July sales, as you recommend. Do you have any idea of how often these may occur?

[aigidh]

I have the July expandable in Moss...I love it ❤

[cs]

I bought July light expendables for my husband and myself based on friends recommendation. She travels internationally all the time and I was looking for a bag that met European size and weight standards. I really like how it handles, and I did a test pack for a 10 day trip in northern Scandinavia that we have coming up and I was able to fit everything I’m taking including my winter coat and stay well below the 8 kg limit.

[tonithomas]

Thank you for your review. I have the July Light expandable bag and I also have the checked bag in Moss. I love them. I took them both to Bali and had no problems. And I recently took the expandable carry-on to New Orleans. Anyway, I'm a fan.

[jyupster]

Appreciate your detailed review as I am also looking at the July suitcase carryon for International travels and trying to keep the weight in check as well. Very helpful and let us know how the July light expandable worked out on your trip.

[cmooreHD]

Safe travels! And thank you for the review!! 🎉

[tuyetti]

Great review! I need a new carry-on for a trip and your reviews have been so helpful

[lindapeterson]

Cute puppy and thanks for these great reviews. I now feel I can make a good purchase choice.

[michaldobrzyn]

thank you for another great review and a shoutout to your very cute doggy.

[jc]

I just found this video and just had to say I find your comparison sheet SO helpful!! Thank you for sharing it!

[benefitthirteen]

Thanks for the follow up to your previous video. I'm waiting on another carry on at the moment, but if it doesn't turn out as I hope, I'll take a look at the July Light.

[BethC]

Super helpful video, especially as a follow up to your last. I myself create spreadsheets for everything so I appreciate you did the same. Saved me some time for these options 😊 I was nearly sold on Quince from other reviewers but now this bag seems like the better option if I'm able to pay the extra amount. Curious to see how your travel goes. My only concern is the lack of side handle. I need something light to help with lifting so I'm wondering if it's better to get a lighter bag or deal with a slightly heavier bag with a side handle. I'm considering Heys Airlite but the price range is more similar to Quince so I'm guessing the rolling quality and other features might be more comparable to Quince, rather than July. Thanks for the detailed review, I hope you keep doing more luggage reviews in the future. You covered items other videos have overlooked.

[mandyliu]

Thank you for your time and detailed reviews for these videos! Any chance you can do one for travel backpacks?

[Erinflave]

Love your videos! Thank you so much. You have helped me out so much!

[mlandry]

I really enjoyed your comparison video and came to this one to see how you liked this one. Very informative! Thank you