Luggage brands: July vs. Paravel
Quick Verdict
Both are high-quality luggage options with different strengths. July offers a lighter carry-on and lifetime warranty, while Paravel emphasizes sustainability and scuff resistance.
- July offers a limited lifetime warranty, while Paravel offers a 10-year limited warranty.
- July has a lighter 'Carry-On Light' option at 3.9 lbs, while Paravel's lightest is 8.2 lbs.
- Paravel uses recycled materials and vegan leather accents.
- July's polycarbonate shell is susceptible to scratches, while Paravel's has a scuff-resistant exterior.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | July | Paravel |
|---|---|---|
| Material Durability | Polycarbonate shell with anodized aluminum bumpers. Excellent impact resistance but susceptible to scratches. | Recycled polycarbonate hard shells, water-resistant exterior fabric, metal-reinforced corners. |
| Weight (empty) | Carry-On: 7.4 lbs (3.4 kg), Essential Carry-On: 6.6 lbs (3 kg), Carry-On Light: 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg), Checked: 8.3 lbs | Aviator Carry-On: 8.2 lbs, Aviator Carry-On Plus: 8.5 lbs, Aviator Grand: 11.8 lbs |
| Carry-on Size Compliance | Designed to meet most US and international airline standards (22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Compliance can vary, check with specific airline. | Aviator Carry-On: 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9″ (TSA compliant), Aviator Carry-On Plus: 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″ (Complies with most US airlines). |
| Wheel Quality and Smoothness | SilentMove™ wheels with steel ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet gliding on various surfaces. | 360-degree double spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings. |
| Handle Extendability and Comfort | Multi-stop telescopic handle with approximately 20 different height adjustments. Soft-to-touch rubber coating for a comfortable grip. | Telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum with vegan leather accent. |
| Internal Organization (pockets, compartments) | Classic Carry-On: Laundry bag, Y-strap compression system on one side and full mesh zipper on the other. Carry-On Light: Two zippered components without compression panels. | Compression pad, interior pockets, removable laundry bag, optional packing cubes. |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining. German polycarbonate shell is also water-resistant. | Water-resistant materials, including Negative Nylon and EcoCraft Canvas. |
| Locking Mechanism Quality | Integrated TSA lock. | Zipper locks, some models with clip-in three-number combination lock, TSA-compliant code locks. |
| Warranty Length | Limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing faults on wheels, zips, handles, compression straps, and certain cracks or breaks in the polycarbonate shell or aluminum bumpers. Ejectable Power Bank in the Carry On is covered by a two-year warranty. | 10-year limited warranty. |
| Price | Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors. | Aviator Carry-On: $425, Aviator Carry-On Plus: $475, Aviator Grand: $525, Average: $463 |
Overall Comparison
Warranty: July (Lifetime) vs Paravel (10-year); Weight: July wins (lighter option); Materials: Paravel (recycled)
Pros and Cons
July
Pros:
- Durable polycarbonate shell
- Smooth and quiet SilentMove™ wheels
- Comfortable telescopic handle with multiple height adjustments
- Water-resistant lining and shell
- Integrated TSA lock
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Polycarbonate shell can be susceptible to scratches
- Some discrepancies in advertised weight vs. actual weight
- Carry-on size compliance can vary with different airlines
- Higher price point
Paravel
Pros:
- Durable and water-resistant materials
- Smooth-gliding wheels
- Well-designed internal compartments for organization
- TSA-compliant code locks
- 10-year limited warranty
- Scuff-resistant exterior
- Stylish, minimalist design
Cons:
- Wheels can be too small to easily roll over gaps and changes in surface material
- Lighter colors may show dirt and stains more easily
User Experiences and Feedback
July
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- One review of the Carry On Trunk found it weighed 10.2 lbs, while the website stated 8.4 lbs.
- The Carry-On Light is advertised to weigh 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg).
Paravel
What Users Love
- Exterior fabric is durable and can withstand the rigors of travel
- Wheels glide across any surface without a hitch
- Internal compartments are well-designed and useful for organizing belongings
- Water-resistant fabric protects contents from spills
Common Complaints
- Some reviewers noted that the wheels can be too small to easily roll over gaps and changes in surface material
Value Perception
- The exterior fabric holds up well to the rigors of travel
- The scuff-resistant exterior is a nice feature
User Recommendations
- The wheels are described as "buttery smooth"
- The telescoping handle is described as nice and beefy, but not too beefy