Rec's for new carry-on suitcase? - YouLookFab Forum

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Rec's for new carry-on suitcase?

unfrumped

Veteran

Ahoy, veteran YLF travellers! I'm in the market for a new carry-on, rolling bag or spinner for an upcoming trip overseas. My current bag has internal hanging features, which adds weight and which I don't need for casual-wear trips, and the wheelbase and rolling action are not quite as stable as I'd like, so for a new bag, I would just probably get the basic box style.

Am pretty much of a travel rube. Do not need the "best" or hardest-wearing item as might the million-mile club, but I do plan to do some more air travel in the coming decade or so, soexpect this to last for some years, but tend to use different suitcase options when travelling by car, which I probably do more.
I want to be sure it stays within the carry-on limits--so I can be wary of the expanding types that I might overstuff! But, perhaps can measure and exercise restraint over such a feature.

Am looking at TravelPro just because it's well-known, but would consider any brand really.

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

unfrumped

Veteran

I was trying to do this in Off Topic, actually, and now can't figure out how to move.

Dee

Veteran

No matter the brand, the spinner style is the best, in my opinion. So much easier to navigate in crowded airports, and takes much less energy to pull around than one with two wheels.

I bought a set of Samsonite suitcases about five years ago and, aside from looking a little grubby on the outside, they are still in excellent condition after many many miles of travel.

Runcarla

Veteran

Mine is AC (Air Canada) branded, 15 years old, and still going strong after being my main suitcase for all things. It is a 2 wheeler, semi-soft sided case. Fabric like Gortex. I got it at Winner's - the first time I ever visited the store (friends brought me when we went on a business trip.). I think I paid around $45.00 for it.

I also have a Longchamps LePliage. The two together are my 'never-fail' travel set.

Personally, I wouldn't spend a lot of $$ on a suitcase, but I WILL recommend splashing out for the Longchamps LePliage.

Kirstjen

Veteran

I have used a Delsey for about a decade. I love it. Hardside, lightweight, durable.

old chic

Like you, unfrumped, I decided last year that I wanted a new carry-on. After years of business trips, I had just retired and wanted something that would be suitable for fun travel. Here were my requirements:

Distinctive looking, because 1) that makes it so much easier to locate your bag on a carousel (On a small plane, you may have to gate-check your carry-on.), if necessary, and 2) it's nice to have something that makes a little bit of a style statement, since the bag you are rolling around is part of your outfit. (My small checked bag is neon orange and black.)
Dimensions within the requirements of both domestic and international airlines.
Lightweight. I have a bad back and sometimes the escalators aren't functioning. And, the lighter the case, the more you can put in it while staying within even stringent airline weight restrictions.
Water-resistant and unlikely to rip.
Spinner wheels, good retractable handle.
Adjustable volume, to accommodate what you need for weekend or even multi-week trips.
Outside pocket(s) so that at security checkpoints you can easily remove plastic bag with your liquids and your tablet.
Costing not more than $200.

I ended up with the black-trimmed white version of this case:
http://www.hideowakamatsu.com/.....ry-on-blac
I love it and highly recommend it. I've done a lot of travel with it already -- and it actually hasn't gotten that dirty-looking, despite its brilliant whiteness.

rachylou

Veteran

IT Luggage, world's lightest!

http://www.beallsflorida.com/S.....IT+LUGGAGE

dakotacheryl

Veteran

I have several pieces of the Tumi Voyageur line. Lightweight excellent quality luggage with nice details.. I have flown dozens of times with this luggage and still love them.

http://www.ebags.com/product/t.....d=10343502

Inge

(website)

Hi Unfrumped,

I have no recommendations (but am reading along with interest), and just wanted to let you know it's OK to leave this in "Shopping", as I think it can be part of travel wardrobe discussions:-)

Marlene1

Handles are surprisingly important to me. I like a handle on the bottom so that I can easily pull the bag out of the overhead bin on the plane. And I like a handle on the side so that I can carry the bag up and down flights of stairs in train stations.

Marlene1

Handles are surprisingly important to me. I like a handle on the bottom so that I can easily pull the bag out of the overhead bin on the plane. And I like a handle on the side so that I can carry the bag up and down flights of stairs in train stations.

cloud9

Veteran

I have a few samsolite. They work fine for me. I second that you get the 4-wheel type so it can rotate. I was skeptical at first but once I've used it there is no going back. So much easier and more options to move the luggage around.
I'd pay attention to how sturdy the handle is, how easy and smooth it is to pullout and retract. Size of wheel matter too. Zipper needs to be metal and strong.
I personally like a color : patterned one. To quickly distinguish from other luggages and to prevent mixup, I tie some colorful yarns on the handle. On my last trip I saw one family tied neon colored tube socks on their handles. Made me smile...

Minnie

I really like Tumi Tegra Lite. Lightweight, yet tough.
Tumi is not cheap, but I was tired of getting new bags and suitcases every few years.

abc

Veteran

I must be the only one but I hate spinners. A good quality two wheeled carry on can be pulled with one or two fingers (I do it regularly with mine). I could run the concourse if needed with that bag. I'm more than halfway to the million mile club on one airline so I have flown quite a bit in my time. For me it's things like fabric quality, handle, zipper and wheel quality and lack of pockets, sections, compartments that makes a carry on work for me. External metal supports for the handle track so they don't take precious space inside the bag and make you pack around two bumps. I like an open space I can decide how to use rather than being forced as the designer sees fit. I did choose a non standard color for reasons previously mentioned. Mine is Briggs and Riley brand in their cheapest line geared at occasional travelers and it's held up perfectly. Good luck.

chadya

Veteran

what is your budget? I think luggage is one of those items that is all over the price range and on sale often well except at Louis V.
I went to TJM and Marshalls and got carry ons and the next size up for our recent trip. Both inexpensive. They were hard sided and very lightweight $50 and 60 or 70 each.

viva

Veteran

I second the importance of distinctive looking. I travel a lot and it's gotten more and more common to have to gate check. I still carry a black bag but am on the brink of getting a colored bag so that it is easier to grab at baggage claim.

Lightweight is also key.

Thanks for posting this question. I am watching the recommendations closely.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I really like Victorinox, not super expensive, plenty durable. And they come in different colors. I have the red version which definitely stands out on the belt.

ETA

http://www.ebags.com/product/v.....ers/237354

Hunt around there might other versions

cjh

(website)

Veteran

El-frugal here. I purchased a 4-5 piece set at local department store on their sale special, a no-name brand. It was probably under $75 for the whole set - a larger suitcase, a carry-on size, a wheeled duffle, a small tote with shoulder strap and a zippered shaving kit. I've traveled by car, train and plane with them and they have survived well. Sturdy, durable, easy to pack and move around, very serviceable. I chose navy blue to make for easier spotting on luggage carousels and they are not worn, stained or torn. I put a piece of color tape around the handle and luggage tag for even more identifiable marking.

I don't think that being inexpensive made them any less attractive or durable. And if I'm wrong, purchasing another piece or set won't set me back too much.

Laurinda

Veteran

Another frugal one here!

There is usually a good selection at Goodwill. I look for one that is lightweight, and not damaged or smelly :-/. I've never spent more than US $10, and I add a brightly colored ribbon to the handle.

The one time I secured a bright strap around my suitcase it was 'lost' by TSA in transit, so if I use one again I will securely stitch the strap to the bag.

Gaylene

Veteran

Exactly the same bag, Briggs and Riley, for all the same reasons as abc. Put me down as another one who can't understand the attraction of spinners. Give me two GOOD wheels instead of four inexpensive ones. A few years ago, I bought an inexpensive roller bag overseas to check for the trip home; the sucker barely made it back intact--wheels were jammed and the handle was partially ripped off. These days, unless I'm traveling business class, I never assume there will be space in the overhead bins. If I can't fit my carryon under a seat, I go on the premise that checking at the gate is a real probability and pack accordingly.

kkards

Veteran

i must be the odd one, but for short trips (3 days) i prefer a non rolling bag because i find them easier to get in and out of the over heads---especially if i end up on a smaller plane or boarding in the middle. i don't have a good recommendation becuase the bag i'm currently using is about 10 years old.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love my Briggs & Riley carry-on, and I have a tote (with padded laptop pocket) that matches. They're burgundy, so they hide dirt well and still stand out amongst other luggage, which I like.

I'm also now a fan of Lipault for times when I am trying to lighten the weight. They're not cheap, but they are very lightweight and yet sturdy.

That said, I've gotten some perfectly fine bags from TJMaxx and Marshalls over the years that served me well and were very budget-friendly. Delsey, Samsonite, and Victorinox have all been good ones.

I'm another one who has never gotten into spinners. I've never had trouble with my two-wheelers. Even though I'm usually wielding two rolling bags: my suitcase and my camera gear bag.

greycat6

Veteran

Have you tried Costco luggage? I bought our four wheeler bag there two years ago and it is still going very strong after moderate usage (1 trip/month or so). Prices are great and they carry some major brands as well as some that were new to me.

Good luck!

N-Marie

Veteran

I settled on the same Victorinox as annagybe (mine is the purple one) after trying out many of the higher end brands (Tumi, etc) and finding them still pretty heavy. The Victorinox is pretty light, but durable, and not too expensive for luggage (mine was less than $200). I travel every few months and can fit enough business clothes for 4-5 days in there. Best advice if you're not sure would be to visit a luggage store and try out a few - make the handle height works for you and that the weight and space are a good fit.

unfrumped

Veteran

Lot of great suggestions here; thank you!

I got my favorite luggage over the years at TJMaxx so definitely look there, both for the occasional real "find" and because as noted, good luggage does not have to be an expensive label. But have been trying to determine which features, such as spinner vs. roller. Definitely like the idea of the simple clean interior without a lot of bumps or extra weight. I have enjoyed some pockets but agree, too much zipper flaps and compartments cuts down on total space and adds weight and doesn't always add much to day-to-day living out of suitcase. I tend to use some mesh bags and zip-lock baggies for organization.

Runcarla

Veteran

Chiming back in. Packing cubes are great! If you are staying in one place for any length of time, you can just toss the cube, unzipped, into the available chest of drawers. Freezer bags (zip-lock) are also good for small items like a mini first aid kit, and toiletries. You just pull them out of the suitcase pocket and lay it on top for viewing when going through security.

unfrumped

Veteran

Still looking and haven't pulled the trigger! I think I want the regular 2-wheeler--I think it fits how I race through airports. The spinners are fun to twirl but I'm not as concerned (yet--still can lift the bag!) about using the spinners to maneuver through aisles and such.

A local dept store has Delsey lightweight 2-wheeler as well as spinners, but I noticed some reviews have said that the/a Delsey, and maybe some other bags, have misleading dimensions and refer to inside packing dimensions, and the bag does not fit the airline box test! What's up with that? Does that mean I need to go to 20" or just need to take my tape measure and check? I already know I can't super stuff an "expandable" bag or it might not fit the requirements.