Best Luggage?

[Curious]

I wondered which cases people found most appropriate for hold luggage, or more to the point after it’s out of the hold and you are dragging it around yourself.

I am leaning towards a hard case with 4 wheels and a TSA lock. To get this combination in a light, say 3-4 kilo case, is fairly expensive thus needs to be well considered.

Size is a personal thing; we each usually cram most of our needs into a medium 70 litre case.


Tks Curious

 

[tba]

I got a Rimowa polycarbonate case about 9 months ago. It's been great so far - very lightweight

I currently only have the 52cm IATA Trolley (35L), which I use for carry-on or checked luggage depending on my mood. So can't comment specifically on the larger 4 wheeled cases you would be looking at.

I ordered online from the 'koffer24.de' web site for about half the cost of a local retailer. It's still very expensive, but I'm really happy with it

 

[Sprucegoose]

Depends where you mainly fly to and how you get there

To the tropics where your case will be left out in the rain - hard case would be the go - is weight an issue?

To south Africa - security will be a driver.

Travel to a developed country where weight is no problem - ie increased allowances through status or tickets, a good hard case with TSA locks would be the go - dont get black everyone else has black.

Tough Nylon material for most luggage no locks - cheap and will work for 10 cycles.

Want the best - TUMI.

Four wheels help if you need to push it far.

there are some airline staff who swear by certain brands, there are some US blogs on this stuff.

hope that helps

SPRUCE

 

[Curious]

Thank you both for your comments. I will look at the koffer website and check out TUMI.

You are dead right about black being common and hard to pick. I guess my specific needs are more off the plane, in and out of taxis, trains, underground escalators and alike.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Thank you both for your comments. I will look at the koffer website and check out TUMI.

You are dead right about black being common and hard to pick. I guess my specific needs are more off the plane, in and out of taxis, trains, underground escalators and alike.

Tumi $$$$$$$$

blogs are a good forum to pick up tips and comments. You sound like you need sturdy wheels and effortless movement and a good handle.

 

[sunbeamrapier]

I am an experienced traveller and have lugged cases around the world for many years.

Tip 1: Get a hard case with two big wheels and a strong pull out handle - the two wheels should be on the sides of the suitcase but make sure it is not too wide or you will find it difficult navigating train carriages. Cases with 4 wheels fall over too easily - I pulled one through the streets of Paris once for some hours: never again! Here is an example of such a bag - note the BIG wheels which make it easy to pull on rougher surfaces such as streets and footpaths: ebags.com/international_traveller/melbourne_24_hardside_packing_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=146687

(It won't let me post the full link here - just add w w w at the beginning...)

Tip 2: Make sure you only have ONE bag to pull, so that you always have one free hand. Your other bag should go on your back. I have a Victorinox laptop backpack which takes heaps and still complies with carry-on restrictions.

The cases with four wheels are fine for pulling along in the check-in queue but they are hopeless for getting on and off trains, on and off escalators and on footpaths and streets.

The right baggage makes all the difference!

 

[RB]

I am an experienced traveller and have lugged cases around the world for many years.

Tip 1: Get a hard case with two big wheels and a strong pull out handle - the two wheels should be on the sides of the suitcase but make sure it is not too wide or you will find it difficult navigating train carriages. Cases with 4 wheels fall over too easily - I pulled one through the streets of Paris once for some hours: never again! Here is an example of such a bag - note the BIG wheels which make it easy to pull on rougher surfaces such as streets and footpaths: ebags.com/international_traveller/melbourne_24_hardside_packing_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=146687

(It won't let me post the full link here - just add w w w at the beginning...)

Tip 2: Make sure you only have ONE bag to pull, so that you always have one free hand. Your other bag should go on your back. I have a Victorinox laptop backpack which takes heaps and still complies with carry-on restrictions.

The cases with four wheels are fine for pulling along in the check-in queue but they are hopeless for getting on and off trains, on and off escalators and on footpaths and streets.

The right baggage makes all the difference!

Interesting that the baggage in the link weighs over 9 pounds, something of an issue that has been discussed in earlier similar posts

 

[sunbeamrapier]

I'm not recommending that particular brand of luggage - I included the link to illustrate the configuration of the bag only...

 

[Fantic125]

For multi-stopovers where I need to check baggage I have a bright red Samsonite Aero 72cm hardshell spinner. Very easy to spot!
Strong handle, 4 wheels with 2 larger wheels on the handle side, so easy to manuevre. Has a TSA lock the zip tags click into, however I have found they can get pulled out if the handling is fairly rough. I use a combo TSA lock as well.

 

[TheFergus]

Having used a wheeled suitbag for 10 years, I wouldn't go back to a boxed bag.

I'm 187cms and every wheeled bag I've ever seen is too short in the handle - with a long stride, my heel would hit the bag and it gets a bit boring after a while so I was wrapt to find a bag with a longer handle.

Tall people will know altering your stride isn't as easy as it sounds.

Careful what you wish for - now I can't rest my laptop bag on the top of the bag and hold it and the suitbag handle at the same time - handle of laptop bag not long enough to reach longer suitbag handle

A note on Tumi - not sure if it's every bag or just their wheeled suitbags but the clearance under the bottom is very shallow and so it scuffs easily on uneven surfaces.

 

[austrider]

First of a disclaimer - I have no "lugged" a luggage around for extensive periods - typically it goes from carousel to taxi / bus, and then some distance from taxi / bus to accomondation. I'd say maximum distance per leg travelled is around 2km

I have used a varierty of luggage over the last few years:

• polycarbonate - samsonite black label (zipped, 2 wheel, carry-on) and rimowa salsa (zipped, 4 wheel, 30" ??)
• ABS - titan (zipped, 4 wheel, expandable, carry-on), samsonite (hardcase, 2 wheel, 26")
• Softcases - samsonite (2 wheel, 31"), samsonite duffle, samsonite suite bag, samsonite carry-on (2 wheel)

I'd recommend the following:

• go for a good polycarbonate - it's light and roomy.
• however if you are carrying fragile items, consider a ABS or softcase with steel frame for better protection
• forget about the expandables - I seldomly ended up using them
• for large luggages, go for quality 4 wheels (spinners) - this means large diameter, thin width with ball bearing
• for carry-on, 2 wheel is sufficient - you don't need the 4 wheels
• if travelling by yourself, ensure the carry-on bag can strap onto the rails of the main luggage (which would also rule out those telescopic handles) so you only have one luggage to pull (as per the earlier recommendation)
• I'm not worry about standing out - all my luggages are black. Just put a nice strap around it and it helps to hold the luggage together while making it distintive
• if you are paranoid about security, either shrink wrap it or use a hard case. All zipped luggages can be opened easily.
• If getting a zipped luggage, ensure there's a built-in TSA lock that locks the zips so that even if it's opened, it cannot be closed easily (so you know it's been tempered with)
• IMHO I like "rectangular" shaped luggages - ie both ends are the same with. This makes packing easier but YMMV

Personally I'd always go for Rimowa. Tumi seems to be really good but too heavy for me. Selected Samonite is good.

If you are considering buying it overseas, then you can find really cheap luggages from US, though I found the ones they sell in Japan (eg from Tokyu Hands) are usually better quality, even the no name ones.

Hope my 2 cents helps!

Cheers,

David

 

[austrider]

Cases with 4 wheels fall over too easily -
The cases with four wheels are fine for pulling along in the check-in queue but they are hopeless for getting on and off trains, on and off escalators and on footpaths and streets.

I'd normally agree with you as most of my luggages are 2 wheelers due to that reason. However having used the 4 wheel Rimowa for couple of trips I can say they are as good as the rest of the 2 wheelers.

The price is dearer, however you can get cheaper ones if you shop around - the black Salsa was on special when I bought it in the Rimowa store in Taiwan.

 

[csomole]

Check out what international flight crews use: mostly car-bumper-material hard cases. The reason is, there is a good chance your bag will end up at the bottom of the container, with everyone else's piled on top. Also, soft cases, especially those with straps, are easily caught on pointy bits along the luggage path, and rip. I have seen too many soft cases come off conveyors in shreds to count.

A good argument for the standard models from well-known brands is that Myers regularly have them on special, and if they are damaged, they can be fixed around the world. (NB: if your luggage arrives damaged, go to the airport's luggage section and ask them for a voucher for repair. The airlines' insurance covers this, even if this is not advertised for obvious reasons.)

Samsonite is the champ here, although I personally prefer my 25-year-old Delsey that has been around the world a few times: flush name-tag window (external tags get ripped off), all handles spring loaded to lie flat (unlike my wife's Samsonite that had the flapping solid metal handle bashed into a hook shape) and has both key and combination locks. I too find the two-wheelers easier to maneuvre: for example, they can be reversed at speed into tight lifts.

However, security is overrated. If airport thieves want to open a bag, they will: they have the time and experience. So the lock is mainly there to prevent the case from spontaneously bursting open. Valuables belong in your carry-on, or should stay at home.

In my experience, the best carry-on is as big as the legal limit. This way it may be enough for shorter trips, and you can save the extra time and hassle of checked luggage. I used to carry a soft pilot bag from KMart ($20, and very light), but with advancing age have opted for a wheeled bag instead. An abundance of nooks and crannies and pockets and sections is best, to facilitate packing. Carry-ons are more of a personal preference and cool rational logic is less applicable than with checked bags.

 

[samh004]

I’ve used a small Samsonite for many years, and other that the built-in lock starting to come loose a few years ago, it’s still very sturdy and has travelled all over the world. It’s a soft case I suppose, though is fairly rigid, and light.

My mum just bought me an Antler, still soft and rigid and light, but a little bigger than my last one, and to be honest I’m not too impressed with it, as it feels a little more flimsy compared to my old trusty Samsonite. I can just fit my old Samsonite inside the new Antler.

I don’t like that the handle doesn’t pull out as far as the old one, but it is a little taller too. Wheels are a similar size to my old one, and don’t twist, but I’m not a fan of those types.

I’m not sure of actual sizes, there’s no model number on them anywhere I can see, but the old one used to be “cabin size” though Qantas were never happy with it while other airlines were, and the new one is just a little bigger, so would have to be checked-in.

 

[Gunsh0tglitt3r]

Not too sure if this is the "best luggage" Looking for advice myself..

Been looking at a Burton wheelie Sub.. as I pretty much live out of a suitcase.. (gypsy?)

BURTON WHEELIE SUB TRAVEL BAG - www.SurfStitch.com

In economy.. although they state one piece of luggage.. this "one piece" splits into two.. would airlines really accept you splitting it to "cheat" their baggage allowance?

Same with the Dakine;

DAKINE SPLIT CONVERTIBLE WHEEL BAG - www.SurfStitch.com

Anyone had any experience with any of these bags/splitting luggage into two?

OR, if they did allow it, would it still be for the same weight as the one piece allowance?

 

[samh004]

Been looking at a Burton wheelie Sub.. as I pretty much live out of a suitcase.. (gypsy?)

BURTON WHEELIE SUB TRAVEL BAG - www.SurfStitch.com

Thanks to that link I saw some speedos I never wanted to see :shock:

But it does raise an interesting question. I’m guessing if you separated them they’d have some objections.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Have decided to stick to cheap and cheerful. Bought various samsonite and other brand wheelie cases, they generally failed in about 12 months or so. Broken handles or broken wheels usually. More recently have been buying cheap and cheerful at a fraction of the cost. They generally fail in about 12 months or so...

Cheers skip

 

[straitman]

Have decided to stick to cheap and cheerful. Bought various samsonite and other brand wheelie cases, they generally failed in about 12 months or so. Broken handles or broken wheels usually. More recently have been buying cheap and cheerful at a fraction of the cost. They generally fail in about 12 months or so...

Cheers skip

I relate to what you are saying and do the same.

 

[Fantic125]

Have decided to stick to cheap and cheerful. Bought various samsonite and other brand wheelie cases, they generally failed in about 12 months or so. Broken handles or broken wheels usually. More recently have been buying cheap and cheerful at a fraction of the cost. They generally fail in about 12 months or so...
Cheers skip

Has anyone here had experience with the "US Polo Assn" brand cases? I bought a carry-on size hard shell 4 wheeler in SIN a few trips ago for $78 SGD and seems OK. What I like about it is it doesn't have zips - it latches using 2 lever-type thingy's which are key-lockable as well as having a a combination lock (similar to a briefcase). You can use both/either/or to lock it.

 

[Skyring]

I travel with a tonne of books, so status and two bags are important to me. Big bright yellow tote bag that gets packed into a cube shape from the books. No wheels, so I have to carry it, which can be a pain. However, once I'm where I need to be, the bag gets mostly unloaded and it's good for convention duties.

Main luggage is a humungous LL Bean rolling duffle, again in bright yellow. It has a sled type bottom, wheels and a pull out handle. Big, but it's no problem to roll around. Doesn't like stairs - it can sled up and down, but it's still a pain.

I have a couple of Systema plastic food storage boxes I put inside to protect crushables like the Tim Tams that I take with me and the weird forren lollies I bring back for the kids.

I never have any trouble spotting my bags on a carousel. Yeah, they quickly lose their newness, but as someone who travels in cargo pants, I'm no style sheik.

I don't bother with locks. Zips are too easily penetrated - with a ballpoint - and TSA has cut off TSA locks. Anything that is valuable goes in my carry-on.