India, Dec. 7 -- The search for a practical cabin suitcase never seems to end. But on my recent travels, it finally felt a bit simpler. I prefer small bags for short trips since they save time, save effort and let me stay nimble at airports. I also like using cabin bags as extra storage on holidays, so I can free up check-in space for shopping and all the little treats I drag back home.

That is where the HRX Kyoto caught my eye. After two trips, this little suitcase proved itself in the ways that matter the most. The wheel movement stayed smooth from start to finish, and the storage worked surprisingly well. The shell now carries a few marks from regular handling, though nothing dramatic.

Exterior shell and materialThe suitcase comes in...