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So with all my traveling I need a good suite case. Mine just bit the dust after 8 REALLY good years. But the people who made mine are no longer around. So sad. Best suite case EVER. And 8 years with all the traveling I have done. It will be missed. So anyone?
Atlantic brand - high end models...shop online and save a BUNDLE!
One brand that does not sell for a discount (unfortunately) but is great, very light and rolls like a dream: Rimowa, their "Salsa Air" line. I have a purple 26" one. Bought it three years ago and still love it.
I don't mind paying more for luggage if it has a good company to back it. I was done years ago with buy cheap luggage. It has to protect my stuff. I have had luggage fail badly and had things damaged. This last duffel I bought was really a great one.
I will look into your recommendations. Thank you :p
I'm sure this will be of no real use to you, but before my last trip I bought "new" luggage. A vintage 60's Samsonite hard case large suitcase and a smaller matching train/cosmetic case. It's actually VERY roomy and fits a TON more stuff than my last soft-sided luggage. It had the keys and it locks, but I don't know what would happen if it gets randomly selected for a TSA inspection (since the original locks are obviously not TSA approved- since TSA didn't exist in the 60's ;)).
I'm sure that's not what you were asking, but being the tree-hugging hippie I am, I vowed I wouldn't buy anything new if I could find something vintage and used that would work. And I got lots of "oh, my grandmother had a train case like that" at the airport. Yup, I'm a grandmother stuck in a 40 year old's body. ;)
From my travels I have learnt-
Hard case rather than soft
Better quality rather than cheap (used one suitcase once- the trolley handle was broken and unrepairable- good bye suitcase)
Four wheels rather than 2 (makes it easier when you are standing in a line, just push along, no need to tip).
Don't go too big (you will never be able to pick it up to carry upstairs)
Zip with rubber bumper rather than clip (clips fail more easily and you can get zips reaplaced. However it must have a rubber bumper to help protect the zip)
I got a pretty decent Heys (Hays?) hard case on clearance from TJ Maxx & I love it. It's bright pink so it's easy to find, too.
I can't have a hard case because sometimes I have to pack a circular saw. Doesn't everyone?
So I need the expansion. I usually put it is a soft case then in my suit case. In case anyone was wondering.
I'm really happy with the Briggs & Riley that I bought a couple of years ago. It's well-designed and constructed, and the company has an awesome repair policy.
And yes- NOT BLACK.
I've had good luck with both Atlantic and TravelPro.
I need to look that up. My Briggs & Riley is coming apart (fraying fabric). Doesn't appear to be airline damage.Quote:
Originally Posted by NbyNW
Otherwise, it's a good suitcase (if larger than I really want to carry at times).
I've never had a piece of soft luggage survive an air trip in good enough condition that I'd want to fly with it again. I've never owned really expensive soft luggage, but the experience doesn't really make me want to, either.
I would highly recommend 360° casters over fixed wheels. It is soooooooo much easier to push or pull a suitcase on casters - narrow spaces and changes of direction are no problem.
ETA: These are the ones we have. The frame of one got bent on one trip, but it still closes fine with a little finagling, and it doesn't seem to have weakened the sides or seams at all (so far, anyhow, and it's been years and many trips). They've been plenty durable not only for air travel but also for FedEx shipping.
I prefer a hard case with wheels all the way around. I have one and I cruise through airports while my travel mates struggle.
+1 on TravelPro. My uncle, who was a pilot before retiring, swears by it and it has been a very good piece of luggage, still going strong after almost 10 years.
I guess that eliminates any chance of carrying on your luggage, huh? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandi
Briggs and Reilly is good quality stuff. My husband and I both have computer bags from them that are top-notch. My luggage is Victorinox and it's been bomb proof. There are lots of knock-offs and I would bet, a cheaper line that they sell to discount stores, but the good quality stuff you find at luggage stores has lasted me for decades. I have a new lightweight carry-on 22" roller that I like, but I try to avoid checking it because it's not made for that. I also have a set of heavier duty (still soft sided) cases that are still going strong after more than 13 years. My husband has a matching set (in a different color) and we have zero complaints.
Is there a luggage store nearby where you can ask a bunch of questions about durability.
Whatever you do, don't buy designer. I can't stand people who spend a fortune on fancy luggage and then complain when it gets marked or dented. What do people really think is going to happen? Your luggage is to protect your belongings, not to be treated as delicate china....sorry...just a pet peeve.
We have some Lands End bags that have been heavily used for 2 decades. One zipper pull disappeared on a trip, but I fixed that with a split ring keychain through the zipper slider.
Yea i don't carry on anything but my back pack. I can be away from home for a long time and need a certain amount of stuff. At least 8 days worth of clothes. I have to use cleaners a lot. my luggage does at least 40 -50 flights a year. Paying a little more is worth it.Quote:
Originally Posted by GLC1968
Has anyone had a High Sierra piece of luggage? I see good reviews.
I used to care what it looked like then realized it was how well it stood up rather then looks. Color and all that does not matter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jen12