ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Luggage Review: A Rare In-Between Checked Bag
I had been looking for something very specific: a suitcase that lands between a typical carry-on and a medium checked bag. That size range is surprisingly hard to find.
We have used Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on bags and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bags and have liked them very much. The 21-inch Maxlite is a great carry-on, and the 25-inch Maxlite has been our go-to checked bag for cruise travel. But there are times when a carry-on feels too tight and a full 25-inch checked bag feels like more suitcase than I want to take.
That is why I picked up the ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium Luggage. It has a rare middle-ground capacity: more useful packing space than a standard carry-on, but not as large as many traditional medium checked bags.
Check ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Prices
The ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 line is available in multiple sizes. The medium is the in-between size I purchased, but the carry-on and large checked bag may also make sense depending on how you travel. Pricing and availability can vary by retailer, size and color, so check both Amazon and ANTLER direct before buying.
Amazon
ANTLER Direct
Price check tip: Check both Amazon and ANTLER direct before buying. Pricing, colors, stock and promotions can vary between retailers, especially during major travel and Prime Day sales.
This is an in-depth hands-on look at this bag after real-world use. I also compare it to our Travelpro Maxlite luggage.
In This Post
Why This Size Makes Sense
Most luggage jumps from carry-on size to a fairly large checked bag. That can leave a gap for travelers who want more room than a carry-on, but still want to keep things compact and manageable.
That middle size can be especially useful for cruise travel. Cruise packing often involves more than just clothes. You may be packing shoes, toiletries, formal night clothing, swimsuits, layers, electronics, chargers, medications, cruise documents and pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel items. A standard carry-on can get tight quickly.
At the same time, not every trip needs a larger checked bag. For shorter cruises, warm-weather itineraries, solo trips, lighter packing, or travel that includes trains, taxis and hotels, a smaller checked bag can be much easier to manage.
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The Rare Middle-Ground Capacity
This is the main reason I bought this bag. The ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium is listed with a 74 – 88 L packing capacity and a maximum volume range of 84 – 99 L.
On paper, 74L is a really interesting target capacity. It gives you roughly 60% more packing capacity than a 46L carry-on without going all the way to a 90L+ checked bag.
For comparison, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch carry-on is listed at 46L, while the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag is listed at 91L. That makes the ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium much roomier than a carry-on, but still a step down from the larger checked suitcase we normally use.
As of this update, I’m seeing the following message on the product page (this can change quickly)
Yep… it is on the small size for a checked bag. That’s what I was looking for when I found this and it’s what this review says. If you understand what you’re getting this is a rare size that was really hard for me to find and exactly what I wanted.
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Why I Bought the ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium
The appeal here is simple: it gives me more room than a carry-on without automatically jumping to a larger checked bag.
That can be a really useful size for:
- Shorter cruises where carry-on-only feels too tight
- Warm-weather cruises with lighter clothing
- Fly-to-cruise trips where you want to keep checked luggage manageable
- European travel, especially trips where you cannot quite get down to a single carry-on and still need to manage trains, taxis, sidewalks and hotels
- Travelers who want a checked bag but do not want to overpack
- Anyone who likes the idea of a smaller checked suitcase with real packing capacity
Related: What size luggage should I take on my cruise?
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About ANTLER Luggage
ANTLER is a British luggage brand with roots going back to 1914. The company makes suitcases, travel bags and accessories, and its current lineup includes both hard shell and softside luggage options.
I was not specifically shopping for a new luggage brand when I found this bag. The size is what caught my attention first. But ANTLER’s long luggage background, lightweight softside design and this unusual medium capacity made the Soft Stripe Medium worth trying.
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Key Features
- Rare middle-ground checked size – larger than a typical carry-on, but not as large as many medium checked bags.
- 74 – 88 L packing capacity – useful capacity for cruise travel, European travel and trips where a single carry-on is not quite enough.
- 84 – 99 L maximum volume – listed on the luggage tag as the maximum volume range.
- Lightweight design – the luggage tag lists this bag at 5.2 lbs, and ANTLER describes the Soft Stripe 2.0 as its lightest suitcase yet.
- Fully recycled lightweight polyester – the product tag says the suitcase is crafted from fully recycled lightweight polyester.
- Expandable packing space – expands from 11″ to 13″ deep, giving you extra room when needed.
- 4 double spinner wheels – 360-degree double spinner wheels are designed for easier movement through airports, hotels, cruise terminals and ship corridors.
- Adjustable handle – helps keep the bag easier to control while moving.
- Ergonomic grip handle – designed for more comfortable lifting and handling.
- Exterior front pocket – handy for flat, non-valuable items you want accessible before checking the bag.
- Interior pockets – helpful for separating smaller items inside the suitcase.
- Interior compression strap – helps keep packed items in place.
- TSA lock – built-in lock for travel security.
- Secure zip – listed as a feature on the product tag.
- Top, side and bottom handles – useful when lifting the suitcase into cars, onto luggage racks or out from under a cruise cabin bed.
- Storage bag included – a nice extra for keeping the suitcase protected between trips.
- Lifetime warranty – listed by ANTLER on the product tag.
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Specs at a Glance
The luggage tag on the ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium lists the following specifications for this 69 cm expandable softside spinner:
| Product |
ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium |
| Model/Description |
69CM EXP SC SPIN BLACK |
| Style |
Softside expandable checked suitcase |
| Dimensions |
27.2″ x 17.1″ x 11″ – 13″ |
| Weight |
5.2 lbs |
| Packing Capacity |
74 – 88 L / 4,534 – 5,344 cu. in. |
| Maximum Volume |
84 – 99 L / 5,129 – 6,045 cu. in. |
| Wheels |
4 double spinner wheels |
| Lock |
TSA-approved combination lock |
| Material |
Fully recycled lightweight polyester |
| Expansion |
Expands to 13″ deep |
| Model No. |
4749124016 |
ANTLER notes that specifications, color, weights and dimensions may be amended without prior warning, and that product size may vary +/-10%. Check the product page for current info before buying.
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ANTLER Soft Stripe Dimensions
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Carry-On – 21.7″ H x 13.8″ W x 7.9″ D, 32 L / 1,944 cu. in., 4.1 lbs
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Carry-On Expandable – 21.7″ H x 13.8″ W x 9.1-11″ D, 37-45 L / 2,235-2,721 cu. in., 4.1 lbs
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Expandable – 27.2″ H x 17.1″ W x 11-13″ D, 74-88 L / 4,534-5,344 cu. in., 5.2 lbs
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Large Expandable – 31.9″ H x 18.3″ W x 12.2-14.2″ D, 105-122 L / 6,422-7,458 cu. in., 5.9 lbs
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Hands-On Review
Back of the bag with handle extended
Front of the Soft Stripe
Closeup of the ANTLER luggage logo. This can be found in multiple spots on the bag including zipper pulls and spinner wheels.
Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Dimensions
This is the Soft Stripe Medium next to Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch checked bag. Both taper toward the top, presumably to keep the center of gravity lower so the bag is less likely to tip. The Soft Stripe looks to be more of a rectangular shape with less tapering. I really like this because max thickness comes into play when trying to shove a bag in a tight space. For example, that could matter when using an overhead luggage rack on the train from London to Southampton.
The top of the Soft Stripe Medium is just under 8″, excluding the front pouch and expansion zipper.
The bottom is right around 9″.
This usable inside compartment is about 21″ tall.
The usable inside compartment is about 16″ wide.
The usable depth is a little over 8″.
Here is the ANTLER Soft Stripe packed for a long weekend. I took more stuff than I would usually take and had room to spare. Pictured: Cotopaxi Packing Cube, Cotopaxi Cado Dopp Kit, Eagle Creek Packing Cube, ANTLER Compressing Packing Cube, Osprey Shoe Bag, Compact Rumble Roller.
With compression straps engaged. As much as I love this bag, these compression straps don’t go a long way toward securing items from shifting around. If you’re going to check this bag, this is something to keep in mind.
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Size Comparison
Our go-to luggage has been the Travelpro Maxlite 5 in the 21″ and 25″ sizes. I think comparing sizes with these bags is helpful even if you do not own them, because you have probably seen similar bags out and about and have an idea of the sizing.
From left to right: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On, ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium, Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked Bag
Height Comparison: ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium (Left), Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked (Right). These two are very close in total height.
Thickness Comparison, Top: ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium (Left), Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked (Right)
Thickness Comparison, Bottom: ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium (Left), Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked (Right)
Handle Height Comparison: ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium (Left), Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked (Right). As you can see, the Travelpro has a noticeably taller handle.
Thickness Comparison: ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium (Top), Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked (Bottom)
A look inside both
| Bag |
Listed Capacity |
Listed Weight |
General Role |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On |
46L |
5.4 lbs |
Carry-on travel |
| ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium Luggage |
74 – 88 L packing capacity / 84 – 99 L max volume |
5.29 lbs |
Smaller checked bag / in-between size |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-inch Checked Bag |
91L |
6.8 lbs |
Full medium checked bag |
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Exterior Front Pocket
The Soft Stripe features an exterior front pocket. It runs the entire length of the front and is accessible via zipper about one-third of the way down the front, under the logo.
Exterior front pocket zipper. Notice the ANTLER logo.
A look inside the front pocket. Much like the interior, this has light color fabric. This is a small detail that I really appreciate. It makes finding things easier.
I’m used to front luggage pockets with zippers at the top. Longer items can still fit in this pocket, but the opening is a little different. For example, my Tooletries Back Scrubber fit, but I had to angle it to get the top of the handle under the top lip of the front pocket.
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Expansion Zipper
The front flap is also home to the expansion zipper. The Soft Stripe expands from 11 inches to 13 inches deep. The tag lists a 74 – 88 L packing capacity and an 84 – 99 L maximum volume range.
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Wheels and the Bottom of the Suitcase
A look at the bottom of the ANTLER suitcase. Notice that it features double spinner wheels as well as a handle.
The bottom corner of the suitcase. This shows a corner guard as well as wheels.
ANTLER Soft Stripe Double Spinner Wheels
Close-up of one of the double spinner wheels. The inclusion of ANTLER’s logo in the center of the wheel is a nice touch.
Soft Stripe Double Spinner Wheels
Wheel Comparison: ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium (Left), Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked (Right). The ANTLER has double spinner wheels while the Maxlite 5 has chunkier single spinner wheels.
Real-World Results
We have traveled with both the ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked at the same time. I rolled both bags over the same surfaces during the same trip, so this was a pretty fair real-world comparison. The packed weight was not exactly the same, so it was not a scientific test, but the ANTLER rolled really, really well. Noticeably better than the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Medium Checked. However you cut it, the double spinner wheels on the ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium have worked great for me.
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Double Spinner Wheels vs Single Spinner Wheels
When comparing suitcases, one detail worth looking at is the wheel design. Some spinner luggage uses single wheels at each corner, while other bags use double spinner wheels, meaning two smaller wheels side-by-side at each corner.
For cruise and travel use, double spinner wheels can be a nice upgrade. The wider wheel setup can help the suitcase feel more stable when rolling upright through airports, hotels, cruise terminals and ship corridors. They can also make the bag easier to turn, pivot and guide in tight spaces.
Single spinner wheels are simpler. They may be slightly lighter and have fewer moving parts, but they can sometimes feel less stable on a fully packed suitcase, especially when the bag is being pushed upright instead of pulled behind you.
- Double spinner wheels: Usually feel smoother, steadier and easier to maneuver on flat indoor surfaces.
- Single spinner wheels: Simpler design and sometimes lighter, but may not feel quite as stable when the bag is packed full.
- Best surfaces: Spinner wheels work especially well in airports, hotels, cruise terminals and ship hallways.
- Rough surfaces: Any spinner wheel can struggle on cobblestones, gravel, uneven sidewalks or rough pavement.
For most situations, I like double spinner wheels when the suitcase is otherwise well made. They tend to make a checked bag or carry-on easier to manage during the parts of travel where luggage gets handled the most: airports, hotels, terminals and getting to and from the ship.
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Zippers and Pulls
I’ve found the zippers and pulls on this bag to feel high quality. They operate smoothly and look good.
Expansion zipper
Main case zipper
Interior compartment zippers with ANTLER-branded pulls
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ANTLER Luggage Default Lock Code
If you are wondering about the ANTLER luggage default lock code, the factory setting for ANTLER TSA locks is 000. On a new ANTLER suitcase, line up the dials to 0-0-0 and slide the release button to open the lock and release the zipper pulls.
That is also the starting point for setting your own combination. Before changing the code, make sure the lock is open and the dials are set to 000.
How to Set the ANTLER TSA Lock
- Set the dials to 000.
- Open the lock and release the zipper pulls.
- Press the small reset button with a pen or similar pointed object until it clicks.
- Turn the dials to your preferred 3-digit combination.
- Push the release button back in the direction of the arrow until the reset button clicks back into place.
- Test the new code before locking the zipper pulls back into the suitcase.
Important: Write your new code down somewhere safe. If the combination has already been changed, the default 000 code will probably no longer open the suitcase. ANTLER says there is no master key for forgotten combinations, so it is worth setting and testing the lock carefully before travel.
More Info: ANTLER Luggage Lock Instructions
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Telescoping Handle and Top Handle
The top also features a well-built handle.
Handle extended
Handle retracted
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Interior Organization
The inside seems large and spacious. I’m a big fan of the light fabric. This is a small touch that makes a big difference. Things are much easier to find when the background fabric is light.
The front flap features a large interior mesh compartment.
The front flap also has a smaller zipper compartment for odds and ends.
The inside also has a compression strap to help keep items in place.
Another ANTLER logo can be found inside the bag.
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Carrying Handles
The case features three handles for flexibility. Here is the top handle.
Side handle
Bottom handle. I wasn’t sure if the Soft Stripe would have a bottom handle. I’m very glad it does. I regularly use the bottom handle on my Maxlite medium checked bag and regularly miss it on my Maxlite carry-on.
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How Light Is the ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0?
One of the most impressive things about the ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 line is the weight. These bags are very light for spinner luggage, especially when you look at the amount of packing space they provide.
The medium size I bought is listed at just 5.2 lbs. That is extremely light for a checked suitcase with a listed 74 – 88 L packing capacity, expandable design, front pocket, TSA lock, double spinner wheels and multiple handles.
The full Soft Stripe 2.0 lineup is light across the board:
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Carry-On: 4.1 lbs
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Medium Expandable: 5.2 lbs
- ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 Large Expandable: 5.9 lbs
Those are impressive weights. I do not know that I can conclusively say these are the lightest bags on the market, but they have to be among the lightest spinner suitcases in their size range. That matters because luggage weight is not just a spec-sheet detail. Every pound the empty suitcase weighs is a pound you cannot use for clothes, shoes, toiletries, cruise gear or souvenirs before getting close to airline weight limits.
For cruise travel and Europe trips, lighter luggage is also easier to manage. You may be moving through airports, hotels, cruise terminals, train stations, sidewalks, elevators and cabin hallways. Starting with a lighter suitcase makes all of that a little easier, especially if you are trying to pack more than a carry-on without jumping to a bulky checked bag.
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Storage Bag
As a bag lover, there is nothing like your bag coming with its own bag. Seriously though, this is another small thing that is thoughtful. I use plastic bags for some of my other bags. The inclusion of a purpose-built storage bag is a really nice bonus. This sort of attention to detail makes ANTLER stand out.
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Final Thoughts
We have had very good luck with our Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch and 25-inch bags, so I was not necessarily looking to replace those. I was looking for something more specific: a rare in-between size.
That is what made the ANTLER Soft Stripe Medium Luggage interesting enough for me to buy.
It sits between a carry-on and our larger 25-inch checked bag in terms of packing capacity, while staying very light for a checked suitcase.
For cruise travel, and especially for trips where a single carry-on is not quite enough, this could be a really useful size. I will update after I have more real-world travel time with it, but based on the dimensions, capacity, weight and hands-on comparison, this is exactly the kind of middle-ground bag I had been trying to find.
More real-world observations to come, but so far I’m very impressed with this luggage.
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Check Current Prices
The ANTLER Soft Stripe 2.0 line is available in multiple sizes. The medium is the in-between size I purchased, but the carry-on and large checked bag may also make sense depending on how you travel. Pricing and availability can vary by retailer, size and color, so check both Amazon and ANTLER direct before buying.
Amazon
ANTLER Direct
Price check tip: Check both Amazon and ANTLER direct before buying. Pricing, colors, stock and promotions can vary between retailers, especially during major travel and Prime Day sales.
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For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.
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Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. review:softstripe tag:tpru
