As seasoned travelers, we understand the importance of having reliable, stylish, and durable luggage for every journey. Today, we bring you an in-depth review of London Fog luggage, a brand synonymous with sophistication and quality. Our comprehensive guide covers the history, features, and top collections of London Fog luggage, along with tips on choosing the perfect set and maintaining your investment.
Table of Contents
London Fog Luggage: A Brief History
London Fog was founded in 1923 and initially produced waterproof coats and jackets. Over the years, the brand expanded its product line to include a range of luggage that upholds its reputation for quality and style. With a design inspired by the iconic British fog, London Fog luggage exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a top choice for discerning travelers.
Features and Benefits of London Fog Luggage
1. Durability
Constructed from high-quality materials, London Fog luggage is built to withstand the rigors of travel. The brand’s suitcases often feature reinforced corners, sturdy zippers, and durable wheels that ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
2. Style
London Fog’s design aesthetic combines classic British elegance with modern functionality. Their luggage collections are available in various colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to select a set that complements your personal style.
3. Functionality
With features such as expandable compartments, multi-directional spinner wheels, and ergonomically-designed handles, London Fog luggage sets are designed to make traveling a breeze. Thoughtful interior organization, including shoe pockets and accessory compartments, further enhances the travel experience.
Top London Fog Luggage Collections
1. London Fog Cambridge II Collection
The Cambridge II Collection is a timeless and elegant luggage set featuring a signature houndstooth pattern. The collection includes expandable spinners, garment bags, and a satchel, all designed to meet your travel needs. It is the only collection that features a genuine carry-on suitcase. The smallest size is 20 inches tall, and even with wheels, it can easily fit in the overhead compartment.
Redesigned for Convenience
Previously, London Fog carry-on suitcases were too bulky to be used as carry-ons. However, the company has since redesigned its Cambridge collection, specifically reducing the 21-inch suitcase to a sleek 20-inch carry-on to conform to most airlines’ in-cabin luggage requirements. It’s worth noting that some of their old Cambridge luggage is still available online, but they differ in name and the shape of the front pocket.
Maneuver with Ease
The entire Cambridge II collection features double spinner wheels that allow for excellent maneuverability. The telescopic wheel handle provides effortless steering, making it easy to roll or push your luggage without tilting the bag.
Spacious and Organized
All three suitcases come with a single packing compartment that can be expanded for additional space. The packing compartment has double dividers with pockets on both sides, and the front panel features a large zippered pocket with a couple of slip pockets for shoes. However, it’s important to note that the slip pockets are quite small and may not fit larger shoes comfortably.
Expand for Extra Packing Capacity
Expanding your suitcase will give you an extra two inches of packing space, and London Fog has marked the expansion zippers to differentiate them from the ones that open the main compartment.
Consider the Color and Dirt Factor
One thing to keep in mind is the color of the Cambridge II luggage. While you can choose between Olive and Black/White, both colors are quite light and tend to attract dirt easily. Using a sleek suitcase cover can be a solution to keep your luggage clean and free from dirt.
2. London Fog Oxford Hyperlight Collection
Introducing the London Fog Oxford Hyperlight Collection, a sophisticated and stylish luggage line designed to meet the needs of modern travelers. Crafted with a perfect blend of functionality, durability, and elegance, this collection is ideal for business trips, weekend getaways, or longer vacations. Let’s explore the key features that make the Oxford Hyperlight Collection stand out.
Constructed from a lightweight yet durable material, the Oxford Hyperlight Collection is perfect for those looking to minimize their luggage weight. The collection includes expandable spinners, a wheeled duffel, and a wheeled garment bag.
Lightweight Design
As the name suggests, the Oxford Hyperlight Collection is designed with weight-conscious travelers in mind. Made from durable yet lightweight materials, these suitcases allow you to pack more without worrying about exceeding airline weight limits. The reduced weight also makes maneuvering your luggage through busy airports and hotels a breeze.
Stylish Aesthetic
London Fog is known for its timeless elegance, and the Oxford Hyperlight Collection is no exception. The suitcases feature a classic houndstooth pattern, accented by leather trim and brushed nickel hardware. These design elements come together to create a refined and polished look that is sure to impress.
Expandable Storage
With the Oxford Hyperlight Collection, you don’t have to worry about running out of space. Each suitcase comes with an expandable compartment, allowing you to pack more when needed. The expansion system provides an additional two inches of packing capacity, ensuring you have ample room for all your essentials.
Spinner Wheels
Navigating through airports and train stations has never been easier, thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels on each suitcase. The multi-directional wheels provide effortless mobility, allowing you to glide your luggage across various surfaces with ease.
Organized Packing
The Oxford Hyperlight Collection features multiple compartments and pockets to help keep your belongings organized during travel. The interior includes a zippered divider, shoe pockets, and tie-down straps to keep your clothes secure and wrinkle-free. Exterior pockets provide easy access to items like travel documents and small accessories.
Durable Construction
The Oxford Hyperlight Collection is designed to withstand the rigors of travel. The suitcases are crafted from a high-quality, durable polyester fabric that is resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, reinforced corners and a sturdy frame provide extra protection to ensure your belongings remain safe and secure.
London Fog Oxford Hyperlight Collection combines style, functionality, and durability to create the perfect luggage solution for the modern traveler. With its lightweight design, expandable storage, and easy mobility, you’ll be well-equipped for any adventure that comes your way.
3. London Fog Luggage Kingsbury Collection
Offering a sleek and modern design, the Kingsbury Collection is ideal for the fashion-forward traveler. Available in various colors, this collection includes expandable spinners and a wheeled duffel.
Hard Shell London Fog Luggage Suitcases
The Kingsbury Luggage is the sole collection from London Fog that boasts hard shells, exclusively offering suitcases without any supplementary duffel or garment bags. Crafted from lightweight polycarbonate, the Kingsbury luggage comes in two elegant color options: Titanium and Coffee. Despite being a coffee enthusiast, I find the Titanium’s steel grey shade more appealing and would choose it as my top preference.
Functional and Stylish Interior
These hard shell suitcases provide two fully lined packing compartments as expected. One side includes elastic tie-down straps, while the other contains a divider to secure your clothing. However, the suitcases lack interior pockets and, being hard-sided, have no external pockets as well, which may pose some organizational challenges during packing.
Smooth Mobility and Expansion Features
Kingsbury suitcases are equipped with double spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle that locks in place, and expandable capacity. Notably, the polycarbonate luggage is surprisingly affordable, with the largest Kingsbury suitcase priced slightly above $100—a fantastic value.
Cabin-Friendly and Compact Carry-On
Although the dimensions with wheels are not explicitly stated for the smallest luggage piece in the collection, it is often referred to as a carry-on or overnight bag. A review of customer feedback reveals that many travelers successfully brought this suitcase into the cabin, where it fit snugly in the overhead compartment.
Enhanced Scratch Resistance
A common concern with hard side luggage, particularly polycarbonate, is the susceptibility to scratches. However, London Fog luggage cleverly incorporated a smart plaid design with a grain finish on these suitcases, enhancing their scratch resistance and maintaining a pristine appearance even after multiple flights.
Handle Durability Considerations
It is essential to be aware that the wheel handle’s sturdiness may not meet expectations, as it is the primary point of criticism from users. Nevertheless, the handle is adjustable to various heights, ensuring a comfortable fit for all users. Be gentle when handling the suitcase to prolong its lifespan.
How to Choose the Perfect London Fog Luggage Set
- Consider your travel needs: Evaluate the type of trips you take most often frequently and the duration of your stays. This will help you determine the size and type of luggage that best suits your requirements.
- Evaluate luggage materials: London Fog offers luggage sets in various materials, including hard-sided and soft-sided options. Consider the level of protection you need for your belongings, as well as the weight and durability of the materials.
- Choose a design: London Fog luggage collections feature a range of stylish designs, from classic houndstooth patterns to sleek, modern finishes. Select a design that reflects your personal style and complements your other travel accessories.
- Examine the features: Look for features that enhance functionality and convenience, such as expandable compartments, spinner wheels, and ergonomic handles. Also, consider the interior organization, including pockets and compartments for shoes, accessories, and toiletries.
- Check the warranty: London Fog luggage typically comes with a warranty to protect your investment. Make sure to review the warranty details, including the duration and coverage, before making a purchase.
Maintaining Your London Fog Luggage
Proper care and maintenance can help extend the life of your London Fog luggage. Follow these tips to keep your luggage looking and functioning its best:
- Clean your luggage: After each trip, gently clean the exterior of your luggage using a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn stains, use a luggage cleaner specifically designed for the material of your suitcase.
- Store it properly: When not in use, store your luggage in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of your luggage, as this can cause damage or deform the shape.
- Inspect your luggage: Regularly inspect your luggage for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed edges or loose stitching. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- Lubricate the wheels: To ensure smooth rolling, occasionally lubricate the wheels of your luggage with a silicone-based lubricant.
Final Thoughts
London Fog luggage is an excellent choice for travelers seeking stylish, durable, and functional luggage sets. With a rich history and a reputation for quality, the brand offers a wide range of collections to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. By considering your travel requirements, evaluating materials, and choosing the right features, you can select the perfect London Fog luggage set for your adventures. And with proper care and maintenance, your investment will serve you well for many journeys to come.