RIMOWA Trunk Sizes Compared: S, Trunk, Plus and XL

The Original Trunk ladder grows from 65 cm to 80 cm in height and, at XL, from 34 cm to 44 cm in depth. The volume progression is 66, 90, 105 and 130 litres; empty weights are 5.3, 6.1, 6.4 and 6.8 kg in the US size module. Unlike a conventional Check-In range, the expansion is not mainly width. It creates a deeper packing well and, eventually, a much more awkward object.

Dimension sums show the airline issue plainly. S totals 138 cm, Trunk 153.5 cm, Plus 160.5 cm and XL 167.5 cm. IATA describes 158 cm as a common reference where the piece concept applies, while carriers set the actual rule. S and Trunk are candidates for ordinary treatment under such a policy; Plus and XL begin the conversation in oversize territory.

• Trunk S — 65 x 39 x 34 cm; 5.3 kg; 66 L; dimension sum 138 cm.
• Trunk — 73 x 44 x 36.5 cm; 6.1 kg; 90 L; dimension sum 153.5 cm.
• Trunk Plus — 80 x 44 x 36.5 cm; 6.4 kg; 105 L; dimension sum 160.5 cm.
• Trunk XL — 80 x 43.5 x 44 cm; 6.8 kg; 130 L; dimension sum 167.5 cm.

Trunk S holds 66 L, only six litres more than Original Check-In M, while weighing 100 g less. Its advantage is not raw capacity but a 34 cm depth that accepts boots, helmets, boxed items and layered footwear more naturally. The 39 cm width is easy to place in a car or room. Choose it when the largest packed object needs depth but the trip does not need a 90-litre wardrobe.

The standard Trunk is the best overall decision. It adds 24 litres over S for 800 g and remains at a 153.5 cm sum. Under a 23 kg allowance it leaves 16.9 kg for contents, enough for a long wardrobe if weighed during packing. Its 36.5 cm depth is substantial but not absurd. This is the point where the Trunk form solves more than it complicates.

• Choose S for bulky but limited loads, small vehicles and rooms where a 44 cm-wide case is inconvenient.
• Choose standard Trunk for long trips, winter clothing and the best balance of volume against dimension sum.
• For flat folded wardrobes, compare Check-In M or L before accepting the floor depth of either Trunk.

Trunk Plus raises height from 73 cm to 80 cm while keeping the standard Trunk's 44 cm width and 36.5 cm depth. It gains 15 litres for 300 g, an efficient physical expansion, but the 160.5 cm sum moves past the common reference. It makes sense for a known airline policy, long road travel or professional loads that use the extra height.

Trunk XL keeps roughly the same height and width but deepens the body to 44 cm, adding 25 litres over Plus for 400 g. That is impressive capacity engineering and a serious handling problem. A 130-litre shell can exceed 23 kg long before it looks full, may not sit upright in an ordinary car boot and occupies a large square of hotel floor. Buy it for relocation-scale volume, not because a three-week trip sounds long.

• Trunk Plus theoretical payload at 23 kg: 16.6 kg; potential oversize begins at its 160.5 cm sum.
• Trunk XL theoretical payload at 23 kg: 16.2 kg; its 44 cm depth is the defining transport constraint.
• Before either purchase, price the actual route's oversize charge and find the carrier's hard maximum dimensions.

A Trunk is at its best when a real item—boots, protective equipment, a folded coat, a product sample—sits poorly in a flatter case. Put the largest object into the chosen model first, then build softer layers around it and keep dense pieces near the wheel end. Balance both halves before lowering the Flex Dividers so the tall case tracks predictably when rolled.

If the load is simply more shirts, a Check-In shape may be easier to live with. The Trunk's visual capacity tempts owners to fill every cavity, but 16 to 18 kg of payload is not much inside 90 to 130 litres. Weigh midway through packing. The smallest Trunk that accepts the awkward object is normally the best one; unused volume is preferable to recurring oversize fees.

• Best default: standard Trunk at 90 L and a 153.5 cm sum.
• Best compact deep case: Trunk S, when 66 L is enough and storage space is tight.
• Specialist only: Plus and XL, after route, vehicle, storage and lifting constraints have been tested.