Gomatic Method Carry-On review: a premium suitcase with secret space

Let me take you back: two kids, one early morning flight from Turkey, and one overstuffed suitcase with a zip that decided to bust open. Utter chaos – and exactly the kind of travel drama I didn’t need. After that 'clothes all over the terminal floor' nightmare, I swore I’d never skimp on luggage again. Enter the Gomatic Method Carry-On.

From the moment I unboxed the case, this lean, mean travel machine looked and felt reassuringly solid. The build quality is top-tier, the flexible storage cleverly expands to accommodate an extra 8 litres of last-minute (and often unnecessary) packing, and the zip action is smooth and sturdy.

The overall design oozes a clean, fuss-free aesthetic that feels modern without being flashy, and its toughness instantly filled me with the confidence to pack more, and worry less (well, try).

GOMATIC METHOD CARRY ON LUGGAGE REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Gomatic has built a solid reputation for creating functional, durable, and understated travel gear – from camera bags and backpacks to travel accessories like packing cubes, toiletry bags, and wallets.

The Method Carry-On launched in late 2024 and is priced at £320 at Gomatic (approx. $405 USD / AU$610). If you prefer something roomier, then the Method Check-In suitcase comes in at £420 (approx. $530 USD / AU$800).

Both are backed by a 30-day return policy and an impressive lifetime warranty, which speaks volumes about the confidence Gomatic has in its products.

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GOMATIC METHOD CARRY-ON LUGGAGE REVIEW: SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 3 kg

Capacity: 39L (expands to 47L)

Dimensions: H 56 cm x W 35.5 cm x D 23 cm. Expands to 27 cm depth via full-perimeter zip

Included Features: Compression Panel, TSA-Approved Lock

Materials: Polycarbonate Shell, YKK Zippers, Silent Glide Wheels, Aluminium Trolley Handle

GOMATIC METHOD CARRY-ON LUGGAGE REVIEW: DESIGN & FEATURES

This is a suitcase built with real-life travel in mind. Inside, you get a generous main compartment that offers up to 20% more internal capacity without increasing its external dimensions as well as an adjustable divider and a zipped compartment, which make packing (and unpacking) far less of a faff.

Whether you’re heading away for a long holiday, packing for a family, or jetting off to St Lucia for a week like I did, this bag offers the space, structure, and smarts to handle it all.

One standout feature? The 360° silent-glide wheels. They’re as smooth as they come. No dragging, squeaking, or resistance – and crucially, they stay that way even when the case is packed to the brim. Paired with a 3-stage aluminium telescoping handle that glides up and locks securely at each height, the overall feel is impressively solid and easy to maneuver. No rattles, no wobble, and one less travel annoyance to think about.

Inside, there’s no cloth lining either, which reduces weight and maximises usable space.

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GOMATIC METHOD CARRY-ON LUGGAGE REVIEW: PERFORMANCE

While the design screams minimal, it’s anything but basic. The ribbed shell adds serious toughness, resists scuffs from heavy handed airport staff, and gives the case a clean, elevated look. The outer is made from ultra-durable polycarbonate, reinforced with a micro-welded ridge design, making it rock-solid yet surprisingly lightweight at just 3kg.

You can choose from black, grey, moss green, and navy, and on the inside, you’ll love the light-grey mesh lining. It measures H 56 cm x W 35.5 cm x D 23 cm, but a full-perimeter expansion zip increases depth to 27cm, expanding the capacity from 39L to 47L. This makes it perfect for last-minute chuck them in items.

The compression panel system helps keep things neat and can be adjusted to separate your clothing or essentials, and when it comes time to close it up, the YKK zippers are strong, smooth, and reliable - and securely fastened even further with a built-in TSA-approved lock.

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GOMATIC METHOD CARRY-ON LUGGAGE REVIEW: WHAT’S INSIDE

Open it up and you’re greeted with a liner-free interior that’s super easy to wipe clean - a lifesaver after that leaky shampoo incident, or sandy shoes.

There’s also a secure, integrated compression panel and corner reinforcements to help keep everything in place, even when the case is packed full.

Packing for a whole week? No problem. You’ll have space to spare. My travel buddies couldn’t believe it when I rocked up with just a carry-on for a long-haul flight. “Wow, you’ve travelled light,” someone said. I hadn’t. This is a good case for carrying about a week’s worth of clothes, including three pairs of sandals and a fairly bulky toiletry kit.

There’s room for a Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag Plus or Apple AirTag too, thanks to its concealed GPS tracker pocket. It’s well hidden, but ideal for that peace of mind if you’re worried about your luggage going on its own mini adventure.

I always dreaded that moment when you have to lift it into the overhead compartments, too. But not this time. I shoulder pressed and stored it effortlessly, even when packed to the brim.

GOMATIC METHOD CARRY-ON LUGGAGE REVIEW: VERDICT

After being slightly wary following a past check-in case disaster, the Gomatic Method carry on has officially won me back.

From the internal reinforcements, to the durable YKK Zippers and full-perimeter expansion that makes every square centimetre count, the Gomatic Method Carry-On doesn’t just perform - it’s a dream to pack and take out and about. It’s classy, quiet, and built to last.

I did miss the convenience of an external pocket for stashing a passport or spare flip-flops, but the case’s smooth surface made it easy to balance my handbag on top, so I didn’t need an extra pouch after all.

And as far as cost, this didn’t phase me. I think the pricing is excellent, and it’s undoubtedly an investment. So if you’re tired of hauling noisy, clunky, unreliable luggage through airport after airport, this might just be your forever case.