Stubble & Co Wheeled Kit Bag review: The ultimate travel companion

I find myself playing a little game most mornings on the commute: spot the Stubble & Co.

City streets are heaving with the brand’s rolltop rucksack - I can spot them at twenty paces.

Has it become Cityfolk’s version of a Daunt Books tote? I didn’t say it was a particularly interesting game, but hey, it’s something to look at other than my phone.

Perhaps I notice because I’m part of the pack. I love my S&C 20L rolltop, mainly for the Tardis-like main compartment, which is enough to see me through a long weekend away.

I also love that it’s so compact - no bulky shell to navigate through crowds or accidentally knock out the elderly or children - and there are extra side and front pockets to stash essentials. The padded laptop sleeve at the back? Genius when working on the go.

The brand has now upped the ante for business travellers with a wheeled backpack that can fit up to a whopping 40L. Ideal for work trips and short breaks, I took the bag for a spin to see if it lives up to the hype.

Stubble & Co Wheeled Kit Bag key specs

• Capacity: 40L
• Dimensions (including wheels): H56 x 38 x D24cm
• Laptop friendly?: yes, 16-inch compatible
• Handle extended length: 106cm
• Weight: 2.9kg
• Construction: 900D Recycled PET (comp: 100% recycled polyester)
• Backpanel: 900D RPET + foam padding
• Lining: 210D Recycled Nylon Ripstop
• Delivery and returns: free

(Stubble & Co)

Design

Currently only available in all-black, this is luggage that will go with everything while showing fewer signs of wear and tear thanks to the forgiving hue.

The back is hard since it supports the telescopic handle bracket, but the top is soft, so it will yield to extra stuff inside. This also means if you have fewer things to cart about, you can use compression straps to minimise bulk.

Inside the primary compartment, the design is loaded with pockets and sleeves to organise your bits efficiently. You’ll find the laptop compartment on top of the opening, which can accommodate devices with screens up to 16 inches, about enough for most people. Everything is covered in durable, weatherproof fabric, shielding it come rain or shine, undoubtedly a handy feature for British weather.

The biggest USP? You can use this two ways: as a standard backpack with the handle tucked in, or as a cabin bag, detaching the straps so they don’t get caught as you glide it behind you on two wheels.

Performance

Weighing just shy of 3kg empty, the Wheeled Kit Bag isn’t exactly a burden on the shoulders - it just feels a bit awkward thanks to the handle hardware. This is twice as big as my usual rollop bag, after all. I suppose backpack mode would be useful in circumstances where you need both hands free, have to move quickly (Tom Cruise would love it for the next Mission: Impossible), or you’re facing a lot of stairs or rough ground like gravel or cobblestones.

Rolling it along is far preferable, and those two wheels run smoothly on all kinds of terrain - I tried it on paving slabs, tarmac, grass and laminate flooring without issue.

Plus, wheelie mode is much more suited to the trials and tribulations of rush hour, sitting safely on the floor instead of assaulting bystanders every time the train or bus lurches.

I like the opening the best. The zip opens 3/4 around the top, creating a wide mouth to reach the pockets and corners of the main compartment. You can get what you need without unearthing the contents of the entire bag.

(Stubble & Co)

While I haven’t tried it on a trip yet, the measurements tell me that this bag will fly through the free bag luggage requirements at Jet2 and Norwegian. If you’re flying with BA, easyJet, Ryanair or Wizz Air, it will count as a standard cabin bag, which usually costs an additional fee. Travelling by rail? This will fit into the luggage rack or overhead compartments without trouble.

Price - is it worth the money?

At £225, Stubble & Co’s bag is expensive, but for the dual-use and easy rollability, it’s worth the investment, especially if you travel a lot.

It feels exceptionally well-made with solid materials and storage galore, so I’m sure it will go the distance. The 40L capacity means, with careful packing, I could go away for a week with just this bag alone.

Verdict

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Stubble & Co Wheeled Kit Bag

Stubble & Co appears to be the City worker’s backpack of choice - I see dozens on the way to the office each morning - but now it’s making a play for luggage with this wheeled backpack.

Designed with detachable shoulder straps, wheels and a telescopic handle, you can carry or roll this design as the situation calls. It’s crafted with weatherproof fabric and hardwearing fixtures too - this is a bag designed to go the distance.

Inside, there’s a spacious 40L to fill, with additional pockets and compartments to organise your stuff. You’ll also find a 16-inch padded laptop sleeve, marking this all-black bag out as the next essential for forever-on-the-go execs and minibreak addicts.

Buy now £225.00, Stubble & Co