Updated on December 13th, 2022
Rimowa check-in suitcases are designed for frequent travelers who don’t want to carry heavy hand luggage but still have enough items to cover their trips whenever they are travelling. Rimowa Check-In luggage pieces are well crafted with innovation, providing storage capacity for longer trips.
Rimowa has two sizes of Check-In luggage. There are more bags from Rimowa you can check in but here I’m talking about the collection that carries the name ‘Check-In’. There is the Check-In M and the Check-In L. Very easy and straightforward, a medium and a larger size Check-In luggage.
They are an excellent travel luggage choice if you love travelling, especially when organizing your belongings. It offers easy carriage and low baggage fees.
The difficulty starts when you want to purchase one. Which should you pick? Is the Check-In M not too small? Is the Check-In L not too heavy-handed? Can I fit the Check-In L on the train or in my trunk?
The size of the bag will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Nevertheless, in this piece, I cover the main feature of the Check-in M and Check-In L models, including their differences, pros and cons, and which one you should invest in.
Ready? Let’s delve in!
Main features of the Rimowa Check-In M
The Rimowa Check-In M is one of the most iconic luxury luggage designs built with longevity in mind.
Below I discuss some of its main features:
Dimensions
The Rimowa Original Check-In M is the smallest Check-In luggage available from the Original Line. It has the following dimensions:
- Size: 26.4 x 17.8 x 9.5 INCH (69 x 44 x 27.5 cm)
- Weight: 11,9 Lbs (5,4 Kg)
- Volume: 15.4 Gal (60 L).
Design
The unmistakable RIMOWA Original Check-In M model has distinctive grooves and an aluminium exterior that gives it an authentic, robust and stylish look, as seen in the image above. The handles and wheels are made of plastic. The wheels are relatively large, which guarantees that the suitcase maneuvers smoothly.
The model has the following design features: TSA-approved locks, Flex Divider, Multiwheel® System, and Telescopic Handle.
TSA-approved locks
The Check-In M model, like other models, features TSA-approved locks, which can only be opened during airline baggage checks without causing any damage.
Multiwheel® System
This Check-In M high-end multi-wheel system feature offers solid and uncomplicated steering thanks to ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles. Its wheels are larger compared to cabin-size luggage. The larger wheels enable it to roll more efficiently and flexibly.
Telescopic Handle
Rimowa handles have stayed the same for years. They are made from plastic and have a snap-back feature that keeps the grip in place when carried around.
In addition, the handle’s design enables seamless stage-free adjustability that provides maximum comfort and easy manoeuvrability.
Colors
The Rimowa Check-In M model exterior has more color options than you would typically find. Hence, depending on your preferred style, the Check-In M model is available in four colors (Silver, Titanium, Quartz Pink, and Black).
The Rimowa Check-In M has a black/dark blue interior.
Flex-Divider System
The interior still has two height-adjustable Flex-Dividers that keep your clothes in place while travelling. The Flex-Divider also has a section for holding smaller items like socks and underwear.
Materials
The Rimowa Check-In M is a beautiful suitcase made from high-end anodised aluminium designed and engineered in Germany with longevity in mind. This means the luggage will not get dented or scratched easily, which can be an issue with some other suitcases.
As aforementioned, the Rimowa Check-In M model is available in four colours; each is made using the same premium materials.
Have a quick view of each below.
Rimowa Check-In M Silver colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Rimowa Check-In M Titanium colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Rimowa Check-In M Quartz Pink colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Rimowa Check-In M Black colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Storage capacity
Depending on the trips you frequently take, the Rimowa Check-In M is built to have a storage capacity for longer trips of up to 5 days.
Price
To purchase one Rimowa Check-In M collection costs about $1,573.
Main features of the Rimowa Check-In L
The Rimowa Check-In L is one of the most iconic, highly durable luxury luggage designs built with longevity in mind.
Let’s take a quick look at its main features:
Dimensions
The Rimowa Original Check-In L has the following dimensions.
- Size: 31.2 x 20.1 x 10.7 inches (79 x 51 x 27.5 cm)
- Weight: 13,7 Lbs (6.21 kg)
- Volume: 21,7 Gal (82.1 litres).
Design
The beautiful RIMOWA Original Check-In L model is the largest Check-In luggage available from the Original Check-In Line. Similar to the Check-In M, It has distinctive grooves and an aluminium exterior that gives it an authentic, robust and stylish look.
Despite being the largest in the Check-In luggage original line, it is surprisingly lightweight. Meaning it is easy to carry.
The model has the following design features: TSA-approved locks, Flex Divider, Multiwheel® System, and Telescopic Handle.
TSA-approved locks
Similar to the Check-In M model, it has TSA-approved locks, which can only be opened by security during airline baggage checks without causing any damage.
Multiwheel® System
Similar to the Check-In M, the wheels of the Check-In L models are relatively large, which guarantees that the suitcase manoeuvres smoothly.
Telescopic Handle
The handles and wheels are made of plastic and have a snap-back functionality, which ensures that the handles remain in place while you are in transit.
Likewise, the Check-In L model is engineered to provide seamless stage-free adjustment for maximum comfort and flexible maneuverability.
Colors
The Rimowa Check-In L model exterior has fewer color options than Check-In M. Hence, depending on your preferred color choice, the Check-In L model is available in three colors (Silver, Titanium, and Black).
Similar to its medium-sized model, the Rimowa Check-In L has a black/dark blue interior regardless of the exterior colour.
Flex-Divider System
The interior still has two height-adjustable Flex-Dividers, which is a partition a little smaller than the interior of the suitcase. The Flex-Divider minimizes the volume of your gear and keeps everything in order while you are in transit. It also features a compartment that can be used to hold smaller objects like underwear or socks.
Rimowa Check-In Materials
The Rimowa Check-In L is a beautiful suitcase made from high-end anodised aluminium engineered with longevity. Like its medium-sized counterpart, this suitcase will not get dented or scratched easily.
As aforementioned, the Rimowa Check-In model is available in three colours; each is made using the same premium materials.
Have a quick view of each below.
Rimowa Check-In L Silver colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Rimowa Check-In L Titanium colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Rimowa Check-In L Black colour
- Outside: Aluminium
- Inside: Polyester
- Handles: Plastic
- Wheels: Hard plastic
- Dividers: Polyester
Storage capacity
Depending on how often you travel, the Rimowa Check-In L is built to have a storage capacity for trips of up to 10 days.
Price
The price of one Rimowa Check-In L is $1,750.
Differences between the Rimowa Check-In M and L
The Original Check-In L and M differ in width and height.
| Rimowa Check-In M | Rimowa Check-In L | |
| Colours | It is available in four colours | It is available in three colours |
| Measurements | 69 x 44 x 27.5 CM/26.4 x 17.8 x 9.5 INCH | 79 x 51 x 27.5 CM/31,2 x 20,1 x 10.7 INCH |
| Weight | 5.4 Kg/11.9 Lbs | 6.2 Kg/13.7 Lbs |
| Volume | 60 L/15.4 Gal | 86 L/21,7 Gal |
| Storage | Provides the traveller with room for journeys of up to 5 days | Provides room for up to 10 days of travel |
| Price | $1,570 | $1,750 |
As you can see from the table above, the only difference between the two is the size. But for travellers, size makes all the difference. Travelling is always about finding the right balance between what to take and what to leave at home.
Pros and cons of Rimowa Check-In M
Here are the Pros and cons of Rimowa Check-In M cases:
Pros
- The casing is made of high-end aluminium and can endure frequent use.
- Valuables can be stored there without worrying about them breaking or getting wet.
- It has a multidirectional wheel system that enables easy maneuvering, even on cobblestone concrete.
- The Flex Dividers keep items organised and in place.
- It is sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about the luggage handle wobbling as you move through the airport.
- Straightforward locks and suitcase close easily
- It has a sleek and classic look
- The luggage is surprisingly lightweight
- It has more colour options than Check-In L
Cons
- It gets scratched over time, and it shows, especially on the silver Rimowa.
- Storage space is smaller than Check-In L; hence can only pack fewer amount of items.
- It commands a higher price tag compared to other brands.
Pros and cons of Rimowa Check-In L
Remember that both Rimowa Check-In L and Check-In M are the same and only differ primarily in size. With that said, here are the Pros and cons of Rimowa Check-In L cases:
Pros
- Like Check-In M casing, it is made of high-end aluminium and can withstand frequent use.
- You can keep valuables there without worrying about them breaking or getting wet.
- It has a four-wheel system that enables easy manoeuvring, even on cobblestone concrete.
- The Flex Dividers keep items organised and intact.
- It is sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about the luggage handle wobbling as you move through the airport.
- It locks easily.
- Storage space is more comprehensive than Check-In M; hence can pack more items in a single trip.
- It has a sleek and classic look.
- Despite being larger than the Check-In M, the Check-In L is surprisingly lightweight.
Cons
- Like Check-In M, it gets scratched over time and shows, especially on the silver-coloured Rimowa Check-In L.
- It has fewer colour options than Check-In M.
- It commands a higher price tag compared to other brands.
Which suitcase is best for long trips?
The Original Check-In L and M next to the person (pretty obvious)
To aid you, here is a visual representation demonstrating what these suitcases can fit. The following pictures have a thick sweater, a dress, jeans and a pair of shoes inside the luggage.
Rimowa Original Check-In L Interior with content
To get an idea of how many clothes fit inside the Check-In M, look at the following pictures.
Rimowa Original Check-In M Interior with content
The other half of the bag took up less room than the half I showed. The telescope handle mechanism is located on the other half. The two rails that obstruct space are shown in the image below. Smaller things like underwear or socks can be placed in the gap between the rails.
Telescope handle takes up space.
In summary, it’s hard to tell how much you can pack. There are too many variables to consider. For instance, each person has different clothing to load, and people typically pack differently. Some pack more efficiently than others.
However, if you are the type that often takes trips longer than seven days, the Rimowa Check-In L will serve you better.
Which one is a better investment?
Now you have a detailed comparison between these two iconic Rimowa Check-In models. However, I can’t tell you what suitcase you need to buy.
The best I can do is tell you what you need to consider when deciding to purchase one of the Check-In Suitcases.
- Are travelling alone or with company?
- For how long are you travelling?
- Do you want to leave space in your luggage in case you want to take items back with you. Consider what the maximum allowed weight is for Check-In luggage. On Check-In L, the maximum weight is more easily reached than on Check-In M.
- Check with what you are travelling. Do you often travel by train, cab, or airplane? If you need to travel in small vehicles (tuk-tuk, riksja), a Check-In L might be too large. Do you need to travel parts on foot in crowded, bustling city centres, then the Check-In L might be too heavy-handed. In this case, consider the Check-In M.
I hope these considerations make it plain for you to make a decision.
Takeaway: Both will serve you well in the long term!
I have given a detailed review in this Rimowa Check-In M vs Rimowa Check-In L comparison piece to help you decide if investing in one or both Check-In models is best for you.
I talked about the two Check-In model’s main features, their differences, and their pros and cons.
Although both command a high price tag, they are built to be your long-term travel companion. They are sturdy, lightweight, lock quickly, and are easy to carry and manoeuvre on rough surfaces.
As I mentioned earlier, I can’t tell you what suitcase you need to buy, your needs and how often you travel should aid your buying decision.
All things considered, you should note that no matter which Check-In model you eventually decide to buy, both will serve you well in the long term.
If you want to invest in the Rimowa Check-In M, visit the Rimowa Check-In M web page to get an excellent deal on this multi-wheel carry-on luggage!
If you prefer the Rimowa Check-In L, visit the Rimowa Check-In L web page to get the same excellent deal on this four-wheel carry-on luggage!
Made in Germany - Model 2022
Made in Germany - Model 2022
Made in Germany - Model 2022
