Gladiator

Gladiator: It All Started with Watch Straps

Very few luggage brands have undergone such a dramatic transformation as Gladiator. The origins of Gladiator lie in the company Maletas Queralt, established in 1939. Maletas Queralt started in a small warehouse in Blancaforte, manufacturing watch straps. But it didn’t stay that way for long, as founder Luis Queralt recognized the high demand for functional and high-quality luggage. By 1950, the suitcase range already included 32 different models. Throughout its success, Gladiator was introduced as a private label of Maletas Queralt in the 1970s.

High-Quality Luggage Made from Durable Materials

Gladiator was revolutionary in many ways. It was one of the first companies to use Skai in the 1960s – a low-maintenance, durable, and versatile synthetic leather. Another unique feature was that many of the first Gladiator suitcases included elements made of aluminum, nickel, or gold. Not to mention the first Gladiator trolleys, which were manufactured in the 1970s using one of two German ILLIG machines. While hard-shell suitcases made using the thermoforming process (like a Gladiator cosmetic bag) are now widespread, they were quite a novelty at the time.

Gladiator Suitcases

The most important component of the range is the Gladiator suitcases, which are almost exclusively trolleys with hard shells and two or four wheels. You can choose from larger Gladiator suitcases with a high volume of around 80 to 90 liters, and carry-on bags with a volume of about 30 to 40 liters. The larger Gladiator suitcases practically all feature an expansion fold to increase the interior space when needed. Additionally, there is a laundry compartment for separate storage of dirty laundry. The carry-on bags, though not as voluminous, impress with a good layout, which includes external and internal pockets, as well as a crosspacking strap and a mesh pocket.

Gladiator Laptop Backpacks

Strictly speaking, the laptop backpacks are not typical backpacks you would wear for hiking in the woods. Rather, they are trolleys that you can either pull with a telescopic handle or carry on your back. The volume of the backpacks is quite large, averaging 30 to 40 liters. Each Gladiator laptop backpack also comes with useful extras like organizers, pen holders, or a pocket for bottles. In terms of dimensions, most laptop backpacks are cabin luggage compatible. Whether it is allowed for transport depends ultimately on the airline.

Gladiator Cosmetic Bags

Sometimes, we simply need an easily portable bag to store our cosmetics and toiletries. If you feel the same, you might be interested in the cosmetic bags from the company. Despite their compact size, they offer a volume of up to 20 liters. The interior is highly flexible and offers good organizational options. The cosmetic bag can either be attached to the trolley or carried crossbody with the shoulder straps. Thanks to the two straps with snap closures, you can open the cosmetic bag completely or partially, providing flexible use even while on the go.

The Right Luggage Line for Every Lifestyle

The company offers not only different types of luggage but also various luggage lines to suit every possible lifestyle. These luggage lines have been developed by people with diverse backgrounds. They are not just famous designers but people just like you and me. The current luggage lines of the brand are:

• Boxing
• Bionic
• Flow
• Glam
• Kick-Off
• Neon
• Neon Lux
• Nomadtec
• Ocean
• Opera
• Space
• Tarifa
• Trick
• U-Myto

As you can see, the selection of luggage lines is truly vast, and each model has its individual features. For example, the Nomadtec Gladiator Trolleys are specifically designed for the needs of digital nomads. They feature a special compartment at the front for storing laptops and allow safe transport of sensitive electronics. Similar concepts are followed by the other luggage lines, which have been inspired by different people. For instance, Boxing is all about sports, Flow is about music, and Space is inspired by the vastness of outer space.

Always in Tune with the Times

With its Gladiator suitcases, the company has shown that it keeps up with the times. This is evident just from the developments of the 1980s and 1990s. On the one hand, the office was modernized, and on the other, new luggage lines with bold, youthful, and sporty designs were launched. These new designs were characterized by new colors and materials. In general, the brand has always valued catering to the full market demand to some extent. This goal has undoubtedly been achieved. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be approaching their 100th anniversary.

In the Third Generation on the Road to the 100th Anniversary

There are many successful luggage brands that have been on the market for several decades. Two good examples are Eagle Creek (since 1975) and Eastpak (1952). Both have a long history and have established themselves as major players in the market over the years. But neither of them is approaching their 100th anniversary. At Maletas Queralt, it's a different story. With its founding in 1939, the company has been in business for more than 80 years. That’s a long time in which the company has constantly proven its ability to survive, despite all the market changes.