Rock Luggage ‘Vintage’ Suitcase – Review

Updated for 2025: Our Rock Luggage ‘Vintage’ Suitcase Review

Originally reviewed a couple of years ago, we’re updating our thoughts on the Rock Luggage ‘Vintage’ suitcase for 2025 – because, quite honestly, it’s still going strong. Whether you’re shopping for a durable, stylish travel companion or just wondering how well this case holds up over time, I’ll let you know in this updated review.

Travel-Tested: Still Going Strong

Since our original purchase, this suitcase has accompanied us on adventures to Thailand, Orlando, and Japan – and it’s held up remarkably well. Out of all our luggage, it’s the only one that’s emerged from the baggage carousel completely unscathed every time. No cracks, no dents, no broken zips – just a few scuff marks (our fault!) that add to the character of the vintage look. If you’re after something that looks great and is built to last, this one’s a solid choice!

When it comes to travelling, one the things on my ‘to-do’ list for a while has been to begin to update our family suitcases, having been using the same, increasingly tired ones for the past decade (and longer!), and I really like the idea of a vintage style luggage set. So when Rock Luggage got in touch and asked if I’d like to review one of their suitcases from their ‘Hard Luggage‘ range, I jumped at the chance! Rock Luggage is a UK-based, family-run luggage brand, so it’s been great to discover and support a UK company I wasn’t aware of before, and add to one of several, great, Rock Luggage reviews.

As a family we love to travel, and one of the things that has bugged me in recent years when getting from a-to-b, has been the fact that our stuff has often arrived battered, due to being squished into a soft, material suitcase (drawbacks of a growing family and being in denial about needing extra suitcases!). For this reason alone I’d been keen to upgrade to the hard shell variety and something a bit sturdier, with also that vintage luggage look. 

Looking at the Rock Luggage website, I instantly swooned at the Rock Luggage Vintage Suitcase range, as the classic-looking ‘trunk’ appearance makes the cases look super-smart and I love the look of a vintage style luggage set, and the range of colours avaiulable. I decided to go for a gorgeous Rose Pink suitcase, one that I could use on family trips, but also weekends away with friends or Ad. The same suitcase in navy would’ve been a close second choice though, and one I’m considering purchasing soon to go along with my pink one! 

In lieu of an actual trip abroad, I took my new suitcase for a test-glide around the neighbourhood, and was very impressed with how easy it was to manoeuvre (no doubt helped by the 8 easy-glide, 360 degree rotating double wheels that increase stability). There’s nothing worse than running for a train and your suitcase is clattering along behind you as the wheels are rubbish! 

The aluminium telescopic handle on the Rock Luggage suitcase also allows the height of it to be easily adjusted using the push button, and is made from durable aluminium. I’ve had an issue with suitcase handles ‘sticking’ before and not going up and down, but so far so good with the ‘Vintage’. 

When it comes to security, there is an integrated TSA combination lock, which took me a few minutes to figure out (I’m always paranoid I’m going to mess it up, forget the code, and get locked out forever!), but once I’d ‘got it’ it was fine, and this is a feature I’m looking forward to having for the first time ever on a suitcase when travelling. Previously, we’ve always used little padlocks and keys, and then spent an ages faffing about to find these in the old handbag on arrival at our holiday destination. 

The interior of the Rock Luggage Vintage style luggage has lovely, luxurious soft-touch lining, as well as a mesh divider section to put other bits and bobs in. The case is also home to a zipped, inside pocket and some elasticated packing straps to hold your clothes securely in place.

The big draw for me with this particular suitcase is the hard shell to protect your possessions, and the ‘Vintage’ doesn’t disappoint with its sturdiness. The shell is made from ABS material, (apparently this makes it super-tough), and the reinforced corners help with any unavoidable bashes out and about, or heavy-handed baggage handlers. 

How the Rock Luggage Vintage Has Held Up Over Time

Right, here is the bit you actually want to know – does this suitcase survive real life? Because let us be honest, a suitcase can look gorgeous in photos, but the true test is what happens after a few trips through Gatwick baggage handling.

Since we first got this case, it has been to Thailand for two weeks, survived the chaos of Orlando airports (twice), and made it through a dream trip to Japan. That is a lot of carousel rides, overhead locker squishing, and general holiday rough-and-tumble.

The verdict? It is genuinely the only suitcase we own that has come out looking more or less the same as it went in. The shell has zero cracks or dents. The zips still work perfectly. The wheels are as smooth as day one. Yes, there are a few scuff marks on the surface now, but honestly? They blend in with the vintage aesthetic and make it look like a well-travelled trunk rather than a damaged case.

Compare that to some of our older soft cases, which have ripped handles, dodgy zips, and mysterious stains from who-knows-where. The Rock Luggage Vintage has earned its keep.

If I had to nitpick, the hard shell does show surface scratches more than a fabric case would. But structurally? Rock solid (pun intended). 

Rock Luggage Vintage vs Other Suitcases

I know what you are thinking – there are loads of hard shell suitcases out there, so why this one? Here is how it compares to some of the other options we have tried or considered:

For us, Rock Luggage hits that sweet spot – you are not paying premium brand prices, but you are getting something that genuinely lasts and looks a bit different from the sea of identical black cases at baggage claim. Plus, supporting a UK family business is a nice bonus.

Rock Luggage Vintage vs Other Suitcases

I know what you are thinking – there are loads of hard shell suitcases out there, so why this one? Here is how it compares to some of the other options we have tried or considered:

For us, Rock Luggage hits that sweet spot – you are not paying premium brand prices, but you are getting something that genuinely lasts and looks a bit different from the sea of identical black cases at baggage claim. Plus, supporting a UK family business is a nice bonus.

Rock Luggage Vintage vs Other Suitcases

I know what you are thinking – there are loads of hard shell suitcases out there, so why this one? Here is how it compares to some of the other options we have tried or considered:

For us, Rock Luggage hits that sweet spot – you are not paying premium brand prices, but you are getting something that genuinely lasts and looks a bit different from the sea of identical black cases at baggage claim. Plus, supporting a UK family business is a nice bonus. 

My medium suitcase measures 67 x 41 x 26 cm, so if you’re looking for hand-luggage that can go on a plane, the Rock Luggage small version of the vintage is probably more up your street, measuring up at 54 x 35 x 22.5 cm. 

The ‘Vintage’ isn’t the cheapest suitacase on the market (RRP at £184.99, but currently in the sale for a tidy £94.99!), but it’s a great travel investment for yourself or your family when it’s a vintage style luggage set that looks like it’ll last for donkey’s years. I’m fed up of cheapo cases that really aren’t a joy to lug around, so wheeling this beauty around my area has been a real pleasure- although the neighbours must’ve thought I was mad in the current climate and wondered where I was off to!

I’m looking forward to updating this Rock Luggage review once my suitcase has been on a plane next year (fingers crossed) and can report back on how it’s fared. 

For any traveler, luggage tags are also a must-have items. You can check BPS.com for custom luggage tag designs. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, luggage tags provide practicality and functionality. You can customize luggage tags with clear windows where you can enter your information, ensuring that your bag is easily returned if it gets lost or misplaced during transit.

Rock Luggage Vintage Suitcase – Your Questions Answered

Is the Rock Luggage Vintage suitcase good for long-haul flights?

Yes. We have taken ours to Thailand, Orlando, and Japan without any issues. The hard shell protects your belongings from rough baggage handling, and it has come through every trip without cracks or damage.

Does the Rock Luggage Vintage fit in overhead lockers as hand luggage?

The small (cabin) size at 54 x 35 x 22.5 cm fits most airline requirements, but always check your specific airline. The medium size we reviewed is too large for hand luggage and needs to go in the hold.

How heavy is the Rock Luggage Vintage suitcase when empty?

Despite being a sturdy hard shell case, it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to lift. The eight spinner wheels also make it effortless to manoeuvre, even when fully packed.

Is Rock Luggage a good brand?

Rock Luggage is a UK-based, family-run company that has been making luggage for years. Based on our experience, the quality is excellent for the price point – our Vintage case has outlasted several more expensive suitcases we have owned.

Does the vintage design scratch easily?

The surface does pick up light scuffs over time, as most hard shell cases do. However, the vintage trunk styling actually disguises minor marks well, and we have had no structural scratches or damage after years of use. 

Final Thoughts – Is the Rock Luggage Vintage Worth It?

After several years and countless trips, this suitcase has properly earned its place as our family favourite. It is not the cheapest option out there, but when you factor in how long it has lasted (and how many budget cases we have binned over the years), it is genuinely good value.

The vintage styling still makes me smile every time I pull it off the carousel – it is so much nicer than the endless black rectangles everyone else seems to have. And knowing it is from a UK family business rather than a faceless mega-brand is a nice touch too.

If you are fed up with flimsy cases that fall apart after a trip or two, and you want something that looks a bit special without spending Samsonite money, the Rock Luggage Vintage is well worth considering. Ours is still going strong, and I would absolutely buy it again.

*Thanks to Rock Luggage for sending me fabulous Rock Luggage Vintage suitcase to review, all words and opinions my own. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.