The Tiko Carry-on Review: The Next Big Thing in Soft-Sided Luggage
SmarterTravel
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.
After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.
Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.
The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."
Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."
Travel Motto: "Travel light, often, and in good company."
Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window—best view in the house."
Tiko, i.e. the “Away of soft-sided luggage,” is a direct-to-consumer luggage product that launched late in 2018. With an affordable price and stylish looks, it’s a worthy addition for soft-sided carry-on bag lovers.
Usefulness: 9/10. The Tiko Carry-on has a large capacity for a carry-on and because of the soft-sided material, overpackers can squeeze in just “one more thing” if you really want to. The Tiko Carry-on complies with most major U.S. airlines’ carry-on restrictions including Delta, United, American, JetBlue, and Southwest.
Value: 9/10. You can’t find well-constructed carry-on bags much cheaper, and being direct-to-consumer, you know you’re getting the best deal on this bag. There is also a five-year warranty on the bag for replacement or repair.
Durability: 8/10. The waxed canvas is water-resistant and sturdy. The bag is also made with Hinomoto spinner wheels, which are the o.g. of spinner wheels. My only concern is that the light color might get dirty, but you can spot clean it if needed.
Portability: 10/10. The Tiko Carry-on is super lightweight, weighing only 7.2 lbs. I also really like the easy-access zip-top pocket at the top of the bag.
Cool Factor: 10/10. Soft-sided luggage often gets overshadowed by Instagram-famous hard-sided luggage brands. Well, Tiko is making soft-sided luggage cool again with affordable pricing and a smart design.
Final Verdict: Tiko leaves the fussiness aside with this minimalist bag. I love the design, construction, and spaciousness.
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her onTwitterandInstagramfor travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.
Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.
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