What's the best cabin bag to purchase?

[clipped_wings]

Here I go with another mundane question (I warned you when I signed up, didn't I):

I want to invest in a new cabin bag. Something black, silver, gunmetal etc. Would love a hard case, but the choices are limitless and I just got a glazed look in my eyes after 30 minutes of rolling them about in the store.

Is there a brand that transcends all others when it comes to functionality, quality and price? I have a budget of <$200 and although there are some spectacular half price specials on at the moment, I want to make sure it does the job without falling apart first time. Obviously, weight plays a big factor, anything <2.5kg would be fabulous. Four castor wheels is preferred over two.

Many thanks in advance to my expert friends!

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

We have probably 6 or 7 cabin bags. From IT Luggage (cheap) to Antler. The Antler is a hard sided case that opens flat, I would never get another case like this again, I just find them annoying to use, and there is a lot of stress on the hinges IMO.
Currently my favourite is the Samsonite 72 hour range. We have had it over a year now, and it has cope well. It is firm enough but can cope with being stuffed. And it only weighs 1.5kg ! We just did a week around Japan with carry on only (using the bullet trains) drron had the samsonite and I had the IT Luggage one - the Samsonite rolls SO much better than the IT !

Samsonite 72 Hours 55cm Cabin, 4 Wheel Suitcase, Grey - Best Price Guarantee!

 

[Denali]

I have a Samsonite 72hrs. I wish it was 2 wheels but the 4 wheels work well on smooth surface.

My concern when I bought it was would the handle be strong enough and so far no issues.

 

[blackcat20]

I have this one (Bagworld Australia | Shop | Viewing Antler Duolite GT Small/Cabin 56cm Softside Suitcase Black 39912) in red and love it. Super light, the sides are protected and fits everything I need. I also have the checked-bag-sized version and its doing well through numerous overseas trips.

 

[Denali]

I have this one (Bagworld Australia | Shop | Viewing Antler Duolite GT Small/Cabin 56cm Softside Suitcase Black 39912) in red and love it. Super light, the sides are protected and fits everything I need. I also have the checked-bag-sized version and its doing well through numerous overseas trips.

1.9kg and two wheels. Nice

 

[TomVexille]

I have a Samsonite 72hrs. I wish it was 2 wheels but the 4 wheels work well on smooth surface.

My concern when I bought it was would the handle be strong enough and so far no issues.

I got my Samsonite 72hrs 2 wheeler from bagworld. Personally I think I like 2 wheels over 4 for a few reasons.

 

[Milboo]

I picked this one up recently: Bagworld Australia | Shop | Viewing American Tourister Bon Air Small/Cabin 55cm Hardside Suitcase Black 62940

American Tourister (Samsonite brand). Was very happy with it.

I actually grabbed it at the airport on my way to SIN. In a fit of madness, I'd decided to use a tote as a cabin bag and that idea lasted about 5 mins at the airport...

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I adore my very minimal, very reliable (and very affordable) Muji cabin hardcase. That thing has been everywhere and just keeps going.

 

[juddles]

Each to their own, but I think the most important thing is quality. especially if you travel a lot. My travel becomes habit - each thing in its spot. My current carry-on has no wheels (personal preference), but I can load it with 10 kgs and the straps are as good as new. Strap quality, zip durability. Everything else is personal choice!

 

[cove]

What about a Tumi on 4 wheels? Is it worth the money?
i have to carry 3kgs of lithium batteries in my carry on so I need a bag with wheels or my bag carrying arm will get longer.

 

[Conrad_S]

+1 for Samsonite. We have a few and they stand up well to pretty constant use. I like 2 wheel in the smaller bags.

 

[newmarket]

I have a small antler that I like. It also works for 2-3 night domestic trips. That said, I almost never bother with a cabin bag, just a Samsonite backpack.

BTW - I hate 4 wheel bags. I just bought a large Delsey spinner and with any weight at all it just cannot handle carpet!

 

[CPMaverick]

I have a Rimowa 22" Salsa with two wheels and I absolutely love it.

Rimowa Salsa 22" Cabin Trolley | Luggage Pros

It will not meet your budget requirements, but I have had mine for 8 years now, over 300 trips, and not a single problem. Everything still works just like new. And sometimes I pack that thing so full I am sure it will burst, but it doesn't.

Here are a few opinions I have formed over the years:

- 4 wheels are a waste. You take a pretty significant space reduction for any wheels, but 4 especially so as you saw off the bottom of your bag. And for what? So it rolls in tight circles? They also either add weight, or are more exposed/complicated/fragile than integrated and covered dual wheels.
- Compartments are a waste. Again, extra space, extra weight. You can organize without them and buy separate bags for organizing if you *really* need them (but you probably don't)
- Hard cases rock. You can really pack tightly into a hard case (as in, stand-on-it-to-close-it), where a soft case will stretch and balloon if you do that... probably making it too big for a cabin bag.

If you like to mix things up every few years, go for a cheaper bag and you'll get to shop again in a couple years probably. But you can buy a quality bag and don't mind using it forever, you'll probably come out cheaper in the long run.

Happy bag hunting!

 

[clipped_wings]

Ok, I am going to listen to your advice and give the 4 wheels a big swing & a miss. It's amazing how smart I think I am, until I read this forum! Loving all the links too, there are some pretty good deals out there.

 

[david1]

I have an Osprey Porter 30, no wheels. For me it's brilliant, plenty of space, and it has 2 straps to compress the contents. It's really well made, and weighs less than 1kg. Worth having a look at if you can find one to check out, and if you think you can manage without wheels. The only issue is the harness isn't the best, so not so good if you're carrying it long distances, but it works really well on and off planes etc.

 

[Buzzard]

And yet here I am with an Antler 4 wheel carry on and very happy.
If I want to use 4 wheels, I just roll it along and if I want to use 2 I just tilt it.
It is a soft case and I do agree that hard cases may suit some people better than a soft.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

And yet here I am with an Antler 4 wheel carry on and very happy.
If I want to use 4 wheels, I just roll it along and if I want to use 2 I just tilt it.
It is a soft case and I do agree that hard cases may suit some people better than a soft.

I agree ! You can easily turn you 4 wheel into two wheels by tilting, it depends on the floor surface - but you have that option !! As an old lady with leg issues its 4 wheels and soft sides for me !

 

[dodgeyhack]

I use this one and like it a lot.
DRY RED NO 3 - 47cm Cabin Luggage | Crumpler

It'll fit 7 days worth of clothes easily. Including shoes, coat, toiletries, cables, etc.

I like two wheels because I often end up doing a bit of walking and it can be on variable surfaces.
Soft case lets me stuff things into the bag easily even after it's packed to the brim - e.g. pyjamas and amenity kit.

 

[CPMaverick]

Of course you can convert a 4 wheel to 2 wheel easily, but the fact many people do just reinforces the question, what do you need 4 wheels for? I'm genuinely interested why it is such a great feature... obviously it is popular but I don't get it. How is 4 wheels better if you have leg issues? Doesn't that make it less 'stable' to lean on? I'm open to learn.

I will say that the four wheel bags have gotten a lot lighter and probably don't weigh more than two wheels anymore, but I still think they have less robust designs, more likely to have reliability issues, and take up more space.

 

[kermatu]

Of course you can convert a 4 wheel to 2 wheel easily, but the fact many people do just reinforces the question, what do you need 4 wheels for? I'm genuinely interested why it is such a great feature... obviously it is popular but I don't get it. How is 4 wheels better if you have leg issues? Doesn't that make it less 'stable' to lean on? I'm open to learn.

I will say that the four wheel bags have gotten a lot lighter and probably don't weigh more than two wheels anymore, but I still think they have less robust designs, more likely to have reliability issues, and take up more space.

Take up more space but they are more manoeuvrable, easier on the wrist and better as a light support while walking - but I agree, not good to lean on too heavily.

I'm keen on getting a light laptop bag with 4 spinner wheels - if such a thing exists.