Horizn Luggage Review: Is This Eco-Friendly Brand Worth the Splurge?
Overview of Horizn Studios
Horizn Studios is a Germany-based luggage brand making waves in the travel scene for their sleek, sustainable designs and high-tech features. Founded in 2016, Horizn aims to create luggage perfect for the modern, eco-conscious traveler.
They‘ve quickly become a favorite among frequent flyers thanks to their use of recycled materials, removable power banks integrated into each suitcase, and partnerships with organizations like NASA and Kiron University.
But with price tags exceeding $300 for some models, is Horizn worth the investment? I decided to test out a few of their best-selling suitcases to find out.
Horizn Luggage: Key Features and Benefits
Across all of their suitcase models, from carry-ons to large check-in sizes, Horizn luggage touts these core features:
- Sleek, minimalist design made from recycled materials
- Vegan leather accents
- Waterproof exterior
- TSA-approved locks for security
- Removable power banks to charge devices
- Responsive wheels and durable handles for maneuverability
- Wide range of colors/prints to choose from
On top of their design and functionality, Horizn also heavily focuses sustainability across their entire business. They use renewable energy sources in production, 100% recycled materials, and vegan leather. Even their packaging and office supplies are eco-friendly.
This devotion environmental awareness does come at a cost though. Horizn luggage models range from $335 for a small carry-on to $845 for a limited edition collaborated piece.
Next, I‘ll share an in-depth look at some of Horizn‘s most popular suitcases to showcase their quality and performance abilities.
Horizn Carry-On Reviews
While Horizn offers both medium-sized carry-ons and large check-in suitcases, their sleek cabin bags shine brightest for frequent flyers needing maximum portability.
Horizn H5 Essential Carry-On
The H5 carry-on is optimized for easy transport through busy airports with smooth-gliding wheels and a lightweight, compact body.
Don‘t let its small size fool you though – I could fit a shocking amount of clothing and gear within the H5. The internal compression straps condensed everything down into a tightly packed, wrinkle-free bundle.
Padding on the top, bottom and sides means your valuables withstand bumps and knocks from even the most chaotic baggage handlers. And the eco-friendly recycled polycarbonate shell is completely waterproof.
While the zipperless opening took some adjusting to operate at first, the innovative design grew on me quickly. And the vegan leather top handles add a nice stylistic touch.
For $335, the H5 Essential carry-on proves a smart investment for frequent travelers prioritizing portability and protection.
Horizn M5 Essential Carry-On
The M5 carry-on offers similar performance and quality as the H5 but with a few bonus bells and whistles.
Along with all the standard Horizn features like a recycled body and waterproof shell, the M5 also boasts a designated laptop pocket fitting most 15 inch models. No more frantically digging around the main compartment to retrieve your computer before boarding!
There’s also an extra front quick-access pocket along with two padded top handles – one leather wrapped and one cushioned neoprene.
I found the M5 slightly heavier than the H5 when loaded up thanks to these extras, but appreciated them nonetheless, especially the laptop sleeve.
At $100 more than the H5 though, the M5 best suits travelers wanting some more built-in organization in exchange for a bit of added weight.
Horizn Checked Luggage Reviews
While the Horizn carry-ons cater well to quick weekend trips, the brand also offers durable large-capacity check-in suitcases to accompany extended journeys.
Horizn H6 Essential Check-In
The H6 checked suitcase demonstrates the resilience and quality construction synonymous with Horizn luggage.
After fully packing this bag for a 2 week trip, I had no trouble smoothly wheeling it around despite it weighing nearly 50 pounds. The ergonomic handle minimized strain on my arms while the 360 degree spinning wheels responded remarkably over sidewalk cracks and thresholds.
Just like the carry-on models, the H6 checked is crafted from hardy recycled materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. After subjecting it to the horrors of baggage claim carousels and crammed shuttle bus underbellies, the H6 arrived at my destination completely unscathed.
Inside, smart features like compression straps, mesh dividers and lined pockets kept all my belongings secure and organized. I also loved being able to stash my coat, swap out my shoes for slippers, or grab a snack all without fully unpacking thanks to the large external pocket.
So while the $405 price sits on the higher end, I found it warranted for a suitcase able to endure extensive trips while keeping items safe and accessible.
Horizn H6 Smart Check-In
As the name implies, the H6 Smart model steps up the tech components even further. Most notably, Horizn integrated their high-speed Power Bank Pro into this design allowing you to charge USB devices up to 10x faster.
The Smart version also uses aircraft-grade magnesium in its construction shaving off a few pounds from the Essential edition. Always a plus when packing for longer stretches.
Other enhanced aspects include an upgraded TSA lock system and adjustments to the interior compartments allowing custom configurations.
These special touches do bump up the cost though – $515 makes the H6 one of the pricier checked luggage options out there. So while the quality proves exceptional, you‘re mainly paying for the upgraded charging capabilities and lighter body here. Casual travelers can safely stick to the Essential and still get fantastic performance.
Horizn vs Other Luggage Brands
Horizn certainly holds its own when compared to other top luggage companies like Rimowa, Tumi, Away and Samsonite. I specifically compared Horizn‘s cases against models from these four big names in terms of quality, versatility and overall value.
Durability
The thick yet lightweight polycarbonate or aircraft-grade aluminum shells of Horizn luggage offer equal, if not better, protection than the other brands. Only high-end Rimowa models with titanium builds surpass Horizn for scratch resistance.
Maneuverability
Smooth-rolling wheels handle various terrain admirably well across Horizn’s suitcase collection. In my testing, only Rimowa‘s premium 360-degree wheels outperformed Horizn‘s when it came to effortless steering.
Storage Capacity
Compression systems in Horizn bags maximize storage density similarly to Away and Tumi luggage. Samsonite cases tend to fit a bit more thanks to slightly more relaxed dimensions.
Visual Appeal
With colorful varieties and sleek frames, Horizn luggage looks just as modern and stylish as the others. Rimowa still takes the lead for high-fashion flair though.
Charging Capabilities
None of the other four brands offer removable batteries like Horizn does. This proprietary feature gives them a huge functional advantage for travelers needing to power devices on the move.
Eco-Friendliness
As the only company using 100% recycled materials and renewable energy in production, Horizn blows the competition out of the water here for sustainability.
Price
When it comes to affordability, Away and Samsonite edge out Horizn by a small margin. But the extra cost with Horizn does buy you that embedded smart charger. Expect to pay more for Rimowa overall, with Tumi falling mid-range.
Ideal Customer for Horizn Luggage
Based on my experience testing Horizn luggage in various travel scenarios, I would recommend these Horizn suitcases for:
- Frequent flyers who want luggage to seamlessly keep up with their globetrotting lifestyle.
- Style-conscious travelers who want functional, protective bags that also look sleek and modern
- People who frequently drain their phone battery mid-travel and need extra charging support
- Environmentally-minded folks who want luggage made sustainably from recycled materials
- Those willing to invest more for quality materials built to last across years of trips
Travelers needing to stick to tight budgets or pack lots of dense, heavy gear may find better value in brands like Samsonite. And Rimowa still leads for ultra luxurious suitcases as status symbols.
But for the average traveler wanting a durable, tech-enhanced suitcase to keep up with regular trips without breaking the bank, Horizn remains a fantastic option.
Where to Buy Horizn Luggage
Horizn luggage is primarily available on their company website, horizn-studios.com. But you can also find select models at various retail partners:
- Mode Sens
- Matches Fashion
- Mr Porter
Be sure to browse Horizn‘s sales section for any current promotions or seasonal sales for maximum savings on their typically higher price points.
You can also sign up through their website for email notifications about new product launches, exclusive subscriber-only sales, or a 20% off coupon code for your first order.
Horizn Return Policy and Customer Service
One last thing I wanted to cover in this review – Horizn‘s return policy and customer service.
The brand offers free returns and refunds within 30 days of receiving your order confirmation email. Horizn will also cover return shipping costs back to their facility in Germany. Just make sure items come back undamaged and unused.
I needed to exchange a suitcase for a different color, and found Horizn‘s support team responsive and helpful throughout the return process. They issued a replacement bag promptly with no problems.
Between the quality guarantees provided by extended return periods and accessible customer service agents, Horizn proves they stand behind their products for 100% satisfied customers.
Is Horizn Luggage Worth the Cost?
At the end of testing, I can confidently say Horizn luggage delivers premium quality matched by few competitors in the market.
The brand clearly drilled down to examine the frustrations travelers face and innovated intentional features to solve those pain points. Removable batteries, various storage compartments, sleek yet hardy builds – they check all the boxes.
Plus Horizn accomplishes this through an eco-lens focused on sustainability from start to finish. A noble mission bringing ethics into an industry needing more accountability in production standards and social outreach.
The only downside remains Horizn’s steep pricing, especially on newer collections with upgraded fast-charging capabilities. But frequent travelers should find the long-term value worth the investment thanks to durable materials and future-forward tech integrations.
For those seeking luggage marrying quality craftsmanship with environmental ideals, Horizn Studios delivers. Their suitcases withstand the rigors of regular travel while streamlining packing efficiency – exactly what modern jetsetters need to traverse the world responsibly and seamlessly for years to come.
