Victorinox Avolve 3.0 Review – Is It Swiss Quality?

The Victorinox Avolve 3.0 is a nice example of Swiss quality because it brings together the best of soft and hard luggage in one suitcase. It has a strong polycarbonate frame with a soft 1000D nylon exterior.

What I love about the Avolve series is that they are light suitcases with built-in strength plenty of packing space and options with a “spinner” configuration for easy pushing through the airport.

To be sure it is “the one” for you, below, I am going to pick it apart and show you all the ins and outs below.

Victorinox Avolve 3.0 Features & Review

It’s a lot easier to get an overview of the features via video, so below I have included a handy 2-minute video – check it out.

Otherwise, you may go over each section of this review.

What I love about the Avolve 3 is the massive interior space for packing.

A lot of other suitcase brands are going for the clamshell design. Some people love that as you can split your luggage across two equal size areas. But, there are some disadvantages like needing to secure your luggage to open/close (otherwise it goes spilling out when you open the case).

With such a huge and deep packing space you can stack, align, push and pack to your heart’s content! And if you use packing cubes like me, it is a lot easier to arrange your gear and even do two levels.

There is even a handy elastic cross-compression strap on the bottom to help secure some or all of your luggage. This helps when it’s in the transport of just to keep down one layer while you are packing the second.

Interior Pockets

Victorinox has really thought about the pockets in the Avolve. You have a nice and deep side pocket for smaller things (jewelry, maps, cables, etc). It also has some extra pockets inside it, including one for a dedicated luggage tracker (always good to know where your luggage is).

On the flap, you have a near full-width mesh pocket to separate out some more sensitive items (blouse, shirt, pants – for dinners out perhaps) or just keep your dirty gear away from your clean (although I recommend a laundry bag for that).

Front Pockets

The problem with such luggage, especially hard cases is a lack of pockets.

I love that Victorinox has given us three useful front pockets. Two slim zippered pockets/panels on the very front (good for papers, magazines, small clothes).

Also, a fold-out panel with more storage behind the front panel. These are especially useful on the carry-on version where you can fit a 15″ laptop and other electronics so they are easy to get to (during security and on the plane).

Grab Handles & Telescopic Handle

Of course, you expect to see a few handles on such a suitcase as the Avolve 3.0, and Victorinox has the usual suspects there.

There are both top and side grab handles with soft material for comfy carrying. They also retract when not used to keep them out of the way.

The telescopic handle is well built with metal that moves to 3 positions to adjust for people of various heights (being someone who is kinda small, I am thankful for this :>).

And at the bottom of the case is the last handle. It is a molded plastic handle which is great for just pulling the case out of the trunk or overhead bin (if you have the carry-on size).

This kind of handle is often forgotten by most manufacturers but is really handy. If you accidentally put your case in head first, it is hard to get out. With such a “bottom handle” it really saves the day.

Other Handy Features

I am always a bit stressed that my luggage is going to get stolen or broken into. So, I always use a lock on the main zippers.

TSA Approved Lock

The Avolve luggage has some handy zipper holes for a lock and they also come with a Travel Sentry TSA approved lock. Not only is it a good way to lock your bag (without having to buy one) it is also able be opened by TSA without breaking it.

I have turned up at the luggage carousel once only to find my lock broken and taped to my bag with a note. Don’t let that happen to you!

Built-in Luggage Tag

The built-in luggage tag is a real lifesaver. 

Did you ever get into the line to hand in your luggage only to realize you either forgot your tag or it fell off on the last trip?

This built-in luggage tag means not only will you never forget, but it is highly unlikely ever to come off. It’s part of the suitcase!

Final Impressions

Victorinox is well known for the original Swiss Army Knife! They have long since expanded into the travel market and are known for their quality products.

The Avolve series is no exception.

• Quality materials.
• Strong design (with an internal frame and softshell).
• Lots of storage space and pockets
• Extra features to make your travel easy

Sure, it is not the most stunning case on the market, but if you are looking for something that is price competitive and long-lasting you certainly can’t go past a case from a strong Swiss brand like this one.