The Crumpler Dry Red No. 9: Not Your Regular Rolling Briefcase

Let's face it, folks. I'm a chronic over-packer. Two weeks is my travel sweet spot. But for a recent shorter trip, I decided to downsize and see if the Crumpler Dry Red No. 9 could handle my (slightly less outrageous) packing needs.

First Impressions: Looks Like a Fire Truck, Feels Like a Tank

This bag isn't winning any awards for subtlety. It's fire engine red, which is perfect for those times you want to announce your arrival at the airport with a grand entrance (or just lose it in a sea of black luggage). Don't worry, though, there's also a black option for the more introverted travellers.

Rolling on the Floor (Laughing) – or Up and Down Stairs

The Dry Red No. 9 is classified as a rolling briefcase. Great for work, school, or even travel... if you don't mind looking like you're about to give a presentation on the go. The wheels are sturdy and protected, perfect for those "accidents" where you find yourself dragging this bad boy up and down stairs (just ask my shins – they've got the battle scars to prove it).

Not Exactly a Lightweight

This thing weighs in at a hefty 3 kg. Think of it as a portable gym membership – you'll definitely get your bicep workout in while lugging it around. But hey, at least the extra weight comes from a heavy-duty build.

Compartment Chaos: A Tetris Player's Dream

The main compartment is like a clown car at a birthday party. You open it up expecting a single, neatly folded clown, but instead, you get a Technicolor explosion of clothes, shoes, and who knows what else. There's a complex system of straps holding everything down – a tangled web of fabric that would make even the most seasoned Tetris player scratch their head.

Fear not, intrepid travellers! Sure, a little space is sacrificed to the extendable handle, but think of it as a built-in wrinkle-maker for that "just rolled off the plane" look. And hey, on the bright side, there's a massive pocket for souvenirs – perfect for stuffing in that giant ceremonial sword you absolutely need to bring back from your trip (your friends and family will thank you… probably).

The Land of Laptops and Gadgets (with Padding!)

The second compartment is all about your precious tech. Laptops, files, gadgets – they all get a cozy, padded haven. There's also a giant zip pocket for your other miscellaneous techie bits and bobs.

The "What Were They Thinking?" Pocket

The front pocket is a true head-scratcher. It opens from the top and one side, with a clip that can hold... well, anything you can clip. The problem? It sits right over the zipper, so you have to unclip it partially to unzip halfway, then reclip it to fully open. It also has a bunch of pockets for cards and stuff, but let's be honest, who actually uses those anymore? There's also a key loop, which is handy since you probably won't need your keys until you get home anyway.

The Mystery Compartment: Great for Plane Tickets (and Not Much Else)

There's a fourth compartment in the back, but it's about as useful as a chocolate teapot. It's tiny and inflexible, good for maybe shoving your plane tickets in for quick access.

Packing Prowess (with a Few Caveats)

For a trip, I managed to fit in three sets of clothes and all my gadgets with a little room to spare. But if you're planning a shopping spree, this might not be the bag for you. Also, this bad boy is WIDE. Rolling it down the airplane aisle was like trying to park a school bus – it kept getting caught on everything. Ended up carrying it sideways to avoid becoming the in-flight aisle monster.

The Final Verdict: A Quirky Carry-On for Short Trips

Look, the Dry Red No. 9 isn't perfect. It's heavy, bulky, and has a front pocket that seems designed by a committee of monkeys. But for a short trip where you don't plan on doing any serious shopping, it gets the job done. Plus, the bright red color is guaranteed to make you stand out at baggage claim (just in case you forget what your luggage looks like after a long flight).

Would I recommend it? Maybe. If you're a light packer, a bit extroverted and a love for all things quirky, then this bag might be your perfect travel companion. But if you're a chronic overpacker who demands flawless functionality, then you might want to keep looking.

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DCC RATING: 👍👍👍

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