As an avid traveler, I tend to be rough on my checked luggage. So I stick to hardside spinner carry-ons that can withstand the rigors of frequent trips. However, the flexible Ascella softside from Samsonite caught my eye as a potential lightweight alternative worth testing out.
In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience using the Ascella as my sole carry-on. Read on for details on the specs, interior and exterior features, performance, pros and cons, and whether it makes a practical softside pick for frequent fliers.
Overview of the Samsonite Ascella Carry-On
The Ascella is a softside carry-on spinner constructed from durable mini ripstop polyester fabric with a water-resistant coating. It has an exterior dimension of 21” x 13” x 9”, allowing it to fit most carry-on allowances. The large main compartment has a 33 liter capacity.
Weighing just 6.6 lbs, the Ascella is pleasingly lightweight for maximum flexibility in packing and avoiding excess baggage fees. Aesthetically, the diamond texture looks stylish in eye-catching colors like cobalt blue and bright rose that help identity it quickly on the carousel.
My initial hands-on impressions were positive regarding the comfortable padded handles, smooth spinner wheels, and flexibility of the fabric while still seeming fairly scuff resistant. However, long-term durability remained uncertain.
Review of Key Features and Benefits
Interior Storage and Organization
Inside the U-shaped lid, you’ll find one cavernous main compartment with adjustable hold-down straps on one side and a zippered compartment on the other. There’s a large additional zippered pocket against the back for quick access.
I easily fit 5-7 days of warm weather clothing and still had room to spare. The straps and compartments allowed decent organization but packing cubes would maximize the space for longer trips. The flexibility of the fabric made overpacking easier.
Exterior Performance and Durability
The Ascella held up admirably to my real-world packing methods and typical carry-on handling. Despite some tosses in the bin on planes, the mini ripstop poly held up without any torn seams, significant scratches, or broken parts.
The durable spinner wheels rolled effortlessly on carpet, tile, and sidewalks. The push-button telescoping handle extended and locked securely at multiple heights. And the padded top and side handles made lifting comfortable.
There’s an integrated TSA-approved combination lock on the main zipper pulls. All zippers operated smoothly without catching on the fabric. And there are minimal exterior pockets to break over time.
Pros and Cons From My Testing
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 6.6 pounds
- Roomy 33 liter storage capacity
- Durable mini ripstop fabric resists scuffs
- Smooth spinner wheels for easy maneuverability
- Multiple padded carry handles
- Interior organization straps and compartments
- Fun, stylish color options
Cons
- No dedicated laptop sleeve
- Not guaranteed to fit all carry-on size allowances
- Shoulder straps lack adequate padding for heavy loads
- Fabric may be prone to staining over time
- Unproven long-term durability compared to hardsides
Is This a Good Carry-On for Frequent Travelers?
The Ascella meets the needs of certain types of travelers who will appreciate its benefits:
- Those wanting a lightweight bag to avoid excess baggage fees
- People who overpack and need maximum interior flexibility
- Women with heavy purses who want a lighter carry-on
- Leisure and casual travelers not checking luggage
- Anyone seeking an affordable, stylish softside spinner
- Those wanting the flexibility to squeeze in extra items
However, road warriors hauling electronics may want a dedicated laptop sleeve. And the long-term resilience is unproven compared to premium hardsides. But for many travelers, it hits a sweet spot of practicality and performance.
My Final Verdict After Several Trips
After taking the Samsonite Ascella softside bag on multiple trips as my only carry-on, I’m impressed with how well it held up and handled. The mini ripstop fabric resisted scuffs while still offering flexibility to slightly overpack. The spinner wheels and multiple padded handles made maneuvering easy despite a heavy load.
For travelers wanting a lightweight, roomy carry-on that offers protection without the rigidity of hardsides, the Ascella delivers. It swallowed up a surprising amount of contents thanks to the expandable fabric. And the style looks sharp on the luggage carousel.
Frequent fliers who are tough on their bags may still prefer hardside protection. But for those wanting maximum portability without checking luggage, the Ascella is a superb softside companion. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to savvy travelers looking to simplify their journey.
