You see them everywhere. Honestly, if you walk through any major airport terminal—from LAX to Heathrow—you’re going to spot that white woven label. It’s almost a rule of modern travel at this point. Herschel Supply Co luggage has become this weirdly ubiquitous thing, a sort of uniform for the "I travel but I'm still cool" demographic. But here’s the thing: most people just buy it because it looks good in a boarding gate selfie. They don't actually know if the wheels are going to snap off on a cobblestone street in Rome.
Founded in 2009 by brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack, the brand isn't actually from a tiny town called Herschel. Well, technically, their family grew up there, but the company is based in Vancouver. That bit of "heritage" branding is what makes them masters of the market. They sell a feeling of nostalgia, even if you’re just headed to a boring corporate retreat in Omaha.
The Reality of Herschel Supply Co Luggage Quality
Is it actually high-end? No. Let's be real. It isn't Rimowa. It isn't Tumi. If you're expecting hand-stitched Italian leather and aerospace-grade aluminum that can survive a plane crash, you're looking at the wrong price point. Herschel lives in that middle ground. It’s for the person who graduated from a cheap, nameless suitcase they bought at a big-box store but isn't ready to drop a thousand dollars on a piece of metal with wheels.
The Trade Series is their bread and butter. It uses a polycarbonate shell. Most people assume "hard shell" means indestructible, but polycarbonate is actually designed to flex. That’s why your bag doesn’t shatter when a disgruntled baggage handler hurls it onto a cart. If you see a Herschel bag with a dent, you can usually just pop it back out from the inside. It’s resilient, not rigid. There is a huge difference.
I’ve noticed that people complain about the zippers. Herschel uses YKK zippers on almost everything, which are basically the industry standard for "won't break immediately." However, on their softer bags—like the Novel duffel—the zippers can feel a bit stiff because of the weather-resistant coating. It’s a trade-off. Do you want a smooth zip, or do you want your clothes to stay dry when you're stuck in the rain looking for your Airbnb?
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Wheels and Movement
Let’s talk about the 360-degree spinners. They are smooth. Like, surprisingly smooth. Herschel uses a multi-directional wheel system that feels effortless on polished airport floors. You can do that cool little glide where you push the bag beside you with one finger.
But take that same bag onto a sidewalk in New York? Different story. The wheels are relatively small. They’re great for "urban" travel—airports, Ubers, hotels—but they aren't off-road tires. If you're planning on trekking across uneven pavement for miles, those wheels are going to vibrate your teeth out.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Soft Shells
Everyone loves the Heritage and Little America aesthetic. It’s that classic mountaineering look with the rubber straps and the cinch top. But using a Herschel Supply Co luggage piece that isn't a hard shell requires a different mindset.
The soft-sided luggage, like the Highland or the Buckingham, is actually more durable in some ways than the hard shells. Why? Because polyester doesn't crack. Herschel uses a heavy-duty ripstop or 600D polyester fabric. It’s thick. It hides scuffs. If you’re the type of traveler who overpacks—guilty—the soft-sided stuff is your best friend. It has give.
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- The Signature Liner: That red and white striped fabric inside? It’s iconic. It also makes it incredibly easy to find a black charging cable at the bottom of a dark bag.
- The Shoe Compartment: This is the "killer app" of the Herschel Novel duffel. It’s a side-access pocket that keeps your dirty sneakers away from your clean white shirts. It’s simple. It’s brilliant. Why doesn't every bag have this?
- The Warranty: Herschel offers a limited lifetime warranty. People think this covers everything. It doesn’t. It covers "manufacturing defects." If you drag your bag behind a bus and the fabric rips, that's on you. But if a seam bursts while you're packing normally? They’re usually pretty good about replacing it.
Comparing the Trade vs. the Heritage Hard Shell
There’s often confusion between these two. The Trade is the classic. It’s sleek. It’s minimal. The Heritage Hard Shell, on the other hand, tries to mimic the look of their backpacks. It has that distinct rubber strap vibe on the front.
Honestly? Get the Trade. The Heritage Hard Shell looks cool, but those rubber accents are just more things to get caught on a conveyor belt. When you’re choosing Herschel Supply Co luggage, less is usually more. The more "bits" and "bobs" hanging off a suitcase, the more likely it is to come back from the cargo hold looking like it went through a war zone.
Sustainability and the Eco-Line
In the last few years, the brand has pushed their "Eco" collection. This is actually a big deal. They are using 100% recycled fabrics made from post-consumer water bottles. It’s not just marketing fluff; the texture is slightly different—a bit more rugged—but the durability holds up.
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of buying a new suitcase every three years, the Eco line is the way to go. It’s a small step, but considering how much waste the travel industry generates, it’s a necessary one. They’ve managed to keep the price points nearly identical to the standard line, which is rare. Usually, "green" means "more expensive." Not here.
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The Weight Factor
Weight matters. A lot. Especially with airlines getting stricter about carry-on limits. A standard Herschel Trade Carry-On weighs about 6 to 7 pounds. That’s average. It’s not "ultra-light," but it’s not a tank either.
If you’re flying a budget airline in Europe like Ryanair, that 7 pounds takes a massive chunk out of your 22-pound limit. You have to be strategic. If you're a heavy packer, you might find a soft-sided Herschel duffel is a better bet because the bag itself weighs almost nothing.
Practical Steps for Choosing the Right Piece
Don't just buy the prettiest color. I know the "Ash Rose" and "Timberwolf" colors look amazing on a screen, but they show dirt instantly. If you actually travel—like, really travel—buy the darker tones. Black, Navy, or the Raven Crosshatch.
- Check the Dimensions: Herschel’s "Carry-On" size fits most North American overhead bins, but the "Large" Trade is massive. Like, "moving to a new country" massive. Don't buy it for a week-long trip; you’ll end up paying overweight fees.
- Test the Telescopic Handle: When you get your bag, extend the handle all the way. Shake it. A little wiggle is normal (it needs room to retract), but if it feels like it’s going to snap, return it. Herschel's handles are generally sturdy, but lemons happen in mass production.
- The "Spin" Test: On a flat surface, give the bag a push. It should move in a straight line. If it veers sharply to the left or right, the wheel alignment is off.
- Organize Inside: The interior of most Herschel luggage is a big open cavern. Buy packing cubes. Herschel makes their own, but any brand will do. Without them, your organized suitcase becomes a clothing tornado after one TSA inspection.
The real secret to Herschel Supply Co luggage isn't the tech. It’s the balance. You're getting a bag that looks professional enough for a business meeting but casual enough for a hostel in Thailand. It’s a lifestyle choice that actually functions. Just don't expect it to be a bulletproof safe. Treat it like a well-made piece of clothing—take care of it, clean the wheels occasionally, and it’ll last you dozens of trips.
If you’re looking to buy your first real suitcase, start with the Trade Carry-On in a dark color. It’s the most versatile thing they make. Avoid the oversized logos and stick to the classic woven label. It’s a design that has aged well for over a decade for a reason. It just works.