đ Review score: 4/5
đ
Editorâs Choice Award
â
Pros
âď¸ Lighter, 7-pound starting weight
𪨠Rock-solid SlimDrive trolley handle
đź Extremely nimble thanks to smooth glide casters
𧳠Low-profile interior maximizes internal volume
đ Integrated TSA lock
đ ď¸ Multiple easily replaceable parts
â Cons
đ¤ $449 is still a steep premium even compared to $300 luggage options
â¤ď¸â𩹠Scratches show up as glossy and even white
The Shortcut Review
The $449 Peak Design Roller Lite â temporarily 10% off lowering its price to $404 â is the smaller, lighter, and more affordable version of the brandâs feature-rich Roller Pro youâve been waiting for.
The Roller Liteâs name truly embodies everything this new product is about as it drops the original Roller Proâs oft-criticized 8.6-pound weight for a lighter seven-pound package. It still includes all of Peak Designâs core luggage features, including the ultra-thin SlimDrive trolley handle that maximizes internal volume, the Cord Hook retention system, smooth-glide casters, and easy repairability.
What makes the Roller Lite truly stand out is that it starts as a 38L suitcase, making it smaller than competitors like the Monos Carry-On Pro and Aer Carry On. But you can expand it to a max of 45L, and thanks to peak designâs low-profile interior, you can fit more into it than other equally sized options. I swore Peak Design employed some form of Timelord Science because the 38-45L Roller Lite is more spacious than the 35-39L Roller Pro despite being physically smaller than the brandâs original suitcase.
Even without expanding the luggage, I could easily fit nine shirts and seven pairs of pants and still had plenty of room left for toiletries and my tech pouch.
Three sizes to choose from
While weâre reviewing the smallest Peak Design Roller Lite, it also comes in two larger sizes: the 43-50L Roller Lite+ and the checked-luggage-size 95L Roller Lite Trunk. The $469 Roller Lite+ â temporarily 10% off lowering its price to $422Â â is still carry-on compliant and perfect for those who need a little more space. The $549 Roller Trunk â temporarily 10% off lowering its price to $494 â is taller and narrower than your average suitcase, with an asymmetrical shape that fits bulkier items.
Now the Roller Pro is ultimately a simpler piece of luggage compared to the Roller Pro, but you may prefer this suitcase for that very reason. Instead of a hybrid hard-and-soft piece of luggage, the Roller Lite is entirely hardshell, so itâll never tear â though one scratch on the black version has left a noticeable white scar. The Roller Lite also includes an integrated TSA lock, one more than comes with the Roller Pro.
Moving away from the trunk style to a clamshell opening does mean the Roller Lite takes up more hotel floor space and sits more haphazardly on a luggage rack, but itâs not a huge deal breaker.
If youâve been eyeing the Peak Design Roller Pro for over a year (like I have), but couldnât justify its $599 price and 8.6-pound weight, the Roller Lite is a fantastic alternative. You still get Peak Designâs well-engineered maneuverability and maximized internal storage in a slimmer, lighter, more affordable package.
$449 is still a steep premium, even with prominent competitors starting at $300, but you wonât find another piece of luggage that fits more into a smaller package than the Peak Design Roller Lite.
Should you buy the Peak Design Roller Lite?
â
Yes, ifâŚ
𧳠You always stuff socks and undergarments in luggageâs hollow spaces
đ Youâve been eyeing the Roller Pro, but couldnât justify the $599 price
đ You want to pack more into luggage thatâs physically smaller than competing suitcases
â No, ifâŚ
đ¤ Spending even $300 for luggage seems like a lot
đ You abhor clamshell luggage
Kevin Lee is The Shortcutâs Creative Director. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam