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Luggage - what do you prefer to use?

Astrid

Veteran

I'm going on another six day trip to Italy in February and the travelling bag I have is pretty battered. I also use it when I'm going home and I guess I'm just too hard on it. Now I'm thinking about getting some hard case luggage, but I worry that I can't stuff as much into a suitcase like that. Or maybe that could be a good incentive to travel with less?

What kind of luggage do you prefer and why? Do you have recommendations for brands that aren't too expensive?

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

anne

Veteran

Sounds exciting Astrid!
Will you have to walk with your luggage much?

Diana

Veteran

I have a 4-wheeled rolling suitcase with spinner wheels which is fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend getting the 4 spinner wheels. It's so much easier to maneuver and doesn't fall over nearly as easily as the 2 wheel ones. I like that you can push it instead of pulling; this is especially useful in the narrow aisle of the plane where you can push the suitcase sideways in front of you. The only downside (and it's a small one) is that I can't "park" it on the subway or bus, but have to keep a hand on it so it doesn't roll away. It's small enough to fit the carry-on size limit for US airlines, but has an expandable section in front if I need to pack more. I can't find mine online (it's old, the brand is Chaps), but this Samsonite one is good too and has all the same features:
http://www.zappos.com/samsonit.....:s#prdInfo

I am a light packer though! There are bigger versions if you want to pack more.

For weekend trips I just use a backpack or small duffel bag depending on how much I need to bring.

PS - Jealous! I want to take another trip to Italy.

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, we will be walking a bit from the train station to the hotel. The new suitcase should be one for all purposes, so I need to think about what size would be best.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I bought an inexpensive set of Rockland spinner hard side cases at amazon. I love how easy they are to navigate with in the airports. The 4 spinning wheels allow them to go any direction and you can still tilt and use them on two wheels for over large bumps and inclines when you need to drag them behind. It is also much easier to manage two bags. I can see that they are already getting scuffed on the exterior after about half a dozen trips but don't care as airlines are so hard on luggage that I find 4-5 years is the limit regardless of brand.

Added bonus: I have never had trouble finding my bag.

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Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Diana! Sounds like I should look out for one with four wheels. I only had ones with two wheels until now. I also prefer to take only a backpack for weekend trips and it would function as a carry-on luggage too. What I'm searching for is a bigger suitcase suitable for packing comfortably for a week. When I go home I can do laundry, so I never have to take as much then even if I stay longer.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Dianthus! I don't expect my bags to last years and years, but my current one isn't that old (maybe one and a half years?) and already battered. That's why I thought a hard case would be better. I agree about colorful luggage, my current bag is bright green with a leaf pattern and I never have to search for it!

Laurinda

Veteran

My first choice would be a rolling backpack that meets carry-on size requirements. Like this one from Rick Steves' site: http://travelstore.ricksteves......038;id=507

On the down side those often have only 2 wheels, unlike the convenient 'Spinner' types.

ETA: But what I use, and have for over 25 years (!) is this backpack from Jandd:
http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FKLT

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Anonymous

I use a carry-on sized Rollaboard by Travelpro. It's soft sided, but stands up pretty well to being checked occasionally. I guess if I had to check my suitcase every time, I'd want a hard-sided one as well. The spinner cases drive me nuts though. I need one that I can wheel in a straight line. Maybe you can take yours potential bag for a "test drive" in the store to see how it wheels for you.

Marlene1

I am very happy with my TravelPro MaxLite 2. I have the 2-wheeled version and it weighs about 6 pounds - I can easily lift it into the overhead bin myself. I also like that it is expandable and that it has a handle on the bottom for pulling it out of the overhead bin.
I prefer 2 wheels vs. 4 wheels- personally, I can't manage the 4 wheeled cases. I also like the retractable pull-up handle to have 2 bars rather than 1 bar - I find the 1 bar cases "tippy."
This suitcase comes in 22 in. (US domestic carry-on) and 20 in. (international carry-on) versions. Also in 2 wheeled and 4 wheeled versions.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I actually avoid the spinners, most of the time, and hard luggage too. Largely because our airline procedures and streets are neither smooth nor even.

Which is to say, a hard case, while it will protect fragile stuff inside better, does tend to look scuffed much faster (think patent vs matte leather) and can get warped or cracked in ways that are harder to repair than soft luggage. So ask yourself whether you're likely to be hauling wine bottles and pottery, say.

And given you're going to Italy, you ought to think about the terrain and places where you'll need to take your luggage. If it isn't restricted to smooth sidewalks and hotel lobbies, if there's a lot of bus travel or train travel involved besides the flight, and then walking smaller streets and such, you may be better off without spinners. A backpack on wheels sounds very nifty for that.

PS: Most of my longer-wearing stuff (5-7 years before it gives up the ghost) has been from Samsonite, and I've had hard cases as well as soft. The hard stuff is actually ancient (like a couple of decades?), but they do look disreputable and the locks have gotten warped. Modern tech will be better, but I'm not sure if the warping can be prevented with the abuse they get.

Susie

Veteran

It looks like there is no one right answer!

While wheels are good for rolling a bag through an airport, they do add weight and they aren't a good choice for less smooth terrain.

Last year I bought Rick Steves' convertible backpack/suitcase (without wheels). It is extremely lightweight, fits as a carry on, and holds a lot because no space is lost to the frame. I really liked using it as a back pack to be hands free.

But for my DD I bought a very large hard side spinner case from Tumi. It's spacious but light. Because it was a discontinued color, we got it at a greatly reduced price.

Diana

Veteran

FWIW I never have a problem with my spinners on cobblestones, and I live in a town that is full of them. If the suitcase is sufficiently weighted (and it will be if there is stuff in it), the spinners move just fine in a straight line. When you are pulling it with the handle, it tips so it's just rolling on the back two wheels anyway. With the amount of stuff that I pack into the spinner case and my bad wrists/elbows, it's unfeasible for me to not have wheels on my suitcase.

Anonymous

We like bags that will work as backpacks, especially in Italy. Example, if you are going to Venice and have a walk to your hotel, you will be going up and down steps over canals and have to pick up the bag alot. We did this last time in pouring rain. DH had a rolling backpack from Eagle Creek and it stayed dry on his back under the umbrella as well as being easily conveyed over those canals. The downside is that the wheels make it bulkier and heavier than a regular backpack would be.,

rachylou

Veteran

I only buy the smallest, cheapest, lightest wheelie luggage and put nothing inside that I can't lose. The monkey in luggage handling is gonna jump up and down on it and then security is gonna slash it open. It is emotionally distressing to see lovely expensive luggage get thrashed like that. And there is no torture like having a big, heavy suitcase to drag on-and-off trains, up-and-down stairs, etc. etc. etc.

Astrid

Veteran

Many good points to consider here! Thank you all for your answers.

@Claire
I'm definitely going to "test drive". Although I think that Diana is right and a suitcase rolls differently when it's stuffed.

@Laurinda, Manidipa, Susie and Joy
I like the idea of a suitcase/backpack in theory, but it wouldn't work out well for me because I carry a small backpack (as a carry-on) most of the time when I'm going somewhere on holiday anyway. When I know I will do a lot of walking I need a backpack for water bottle, camera and so on. I can't use a bag the whole day without my shoulder hurting. So I use the backpack I will use during vacation as a carry-on. And that way I always keep the important things with me too.

@Rachylou
You're right of course, heavy luggage isn't worth it, even it's prettier. I also wouldn't spend too much money on it, I just want something that holds up a little better.

Gaylene

Veteran

Honestly my favorite piece of luggage is this nylon Le Sport Sac that I picked up on sale in France:
http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7185_5205.html

It comes in a larger (and smaller) size but this medium size seems to work perfectly for me and easily fits the most stringent carry on requirements. The bag is almost weightless and conforms to my body if I wear it as a cross-body bag to free up my hands and save my back. The size reminds me not to over pack so I don't have to struggle with my luggage. As a bonus, it is also easier to stuff the case into a crowded overhead compartment, and, although I've never had to do it, it would probably also fit under the seat in a pinch.

Wheeled luggage works fine if I am just moving on relatively flat surfaces from place to place, but, because I like to take local transportation and stay in smaller hotels, hauling a wheeled bag up and down stairs is a killer for my older back and knees. My wheeled carry-ons are reserved for trips when I know I'll just be moving from the airport to the taxi to the hotel and back again. But my Le Sports Sac is my choice when I know that I'll be dealing with trains, subways, buses, stairs, and the like. The bag is quite inexpensive but has lasted me for 10 years, even though I have sent it home as checked luggage on a couple of trips. Cheap, durable, lightweight, and happy colours--what's not to love about it!

rachylou

Veteran

I buy $20 22" suitcases from Wal-Mart. You'd be surprised how long they last. The weak spot on all these things is the zipper. I suggest a luggage belt.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Honestly, I usually get luggage at TJMaxx or Marshalls. I'm so hard on the stuff that I hesitate to shell out the big bucks for the really good stuff, especially since the foot came off a brand new expensive Briggs & Riley bag my husband bought.

I usually look for names like Samsonite or Kipling (we have an ancient Kipling rolling duffel bag that has held up like iron). I've been intrigued by the spinner type of bags but have never tried one. I try to get bags in fun colors so they're easier to identify quickly at the baggage claim.

Anonymous

I do have several pieces of luggage from Samsonite, to Delsy and a couple Lesportsac and Kipling.
The most important feature for me is light weigh. I cannot handle a heavy bag ( with the exception below).

For traveling for 4 days or less, with luggage I won't be checking in (primarily when I travel by road), I take a 2 wheel bag by Delsy. This bag is carry on size but I have checked it in. For traveling of 4 days or more or traveling with a bag I will be checking in, for sure, I have a Samsonite bag. This one is heavier and a bit bigger.

My luggage is old and I cannot longer find them online.

I do have a number of duffles and other bags that I take for overnight trips etc. Those are usually taken in addition to the two above and would not use them as my primary bag. I cannot hold on to those bags for extended periods of time. My bags need to ROLL.

Choosing luggage is just like choosing a handbag. It all depends on what you value most. My luggage needs to be lightweight so that's what I go for. With the exception of this cutie:
http://www.target.com/p/alice-.....medium_1_4
Weights a lot, but what a cutie pie.

For the type of traveling you will be doing I would go either with a wheeled backpack or a very lightweight carry on size bag. 4 or 2 wheels is actually pretty indifferent to me.

ETA: To Gaylene, I love those Lesportsac duffles. I have two! I love to take them empty inside my luggage to bring back goodies!

ETA2: And I don't buy sets. I only travel with one piece of luggage, no exceptions.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I have a bubblegum pink hard shelled Samsonite suitcase that I love to death. I found it pretty cheaply at Marshall's awhile back. I love having two separate sides to store my stuff, the wheels that go any which way (like an Ikea shopping cart! Why don't more stores have carts like that?) and that I can spot it super easily at baggage claim.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Gaylene! This looks very nice, but I don't think it would be big enough as my main bag. Maybe for that five day trip, but not for all the stuff I need when I go home. Problem is I'm sometimes staying two weeks and our weather is fairly unpredictable. Most of the time I need at least a second pair of shoes and a second jacket in the bag and they alone take up a lot of space. Also I'm not sure I can handle a bag the size I need that I couldn't roll.

Rachylou, luggage belts are really practical, that's true. I have one too.

Zap, that target suitcase is sweet! I'm with you on bags needing to roll. I've always had ones with wheels and it was never a problem.

Nicole, my current bag also has two seperate sides and I love that feature! Totally awesome. I think I want that again. I always use it to separate clean and used clothing.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I splurged on a beautiful set of HEYS when I graduated medicine and had to go on my interviews

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Kristin SF

Veteran

We have a trio of Samsonite rollers, they have 4 wheels and they nest inside each other for easy storage. They are super light and have nice compartments that let us store lots and lots of things.

We consider these our best buy ever, and here's why:

--hard cases protect everything we choose to pack inside, very nice! - and we don't care if they get dinged, dings are badges of honour, reminders of our travels!
--the wheels save our backs!
--the cases are super duper light - essential in these days of weighing bags and charging for overweight cases!

When choosing your new luggage, I highly recommend 4 wheels and anything super lightweight to save on cost, but hard case to protect your belongings. Happy travels!

JAileen

Veteran

I have a wheelie duffle from REI:

http://www.rei.com/product/747.....-duffel-35

It's pretty durable (so far) and holds a lot.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

A lot of really good points. My last set was Delsey titanium framed luggage and it was good but the fabric started to wear after a while and the handles are at risk because they are attached on the outside so can get damaged when tossed around. I also had a babylis hair iron broken inside one of them (travel to Nunavut was not luggage friendly).

The set before that was samsonite and was very expensive. It didn't last any longer than the Delsey and it was also a retractable handle that went and the fabric was wearing.

When looking for the new set, I checked the dimensions on each piece to ensure that the smallest qualified as carry on and that the largest was within the airline maximum of 62 inches for length, height, and depth (some are an inch or two too large). I also checked the weight of each bag against similar bags and finally I looked at what the exterior material. I ended up going with the one I did because it was one of the lightest weight but also was polycarbonate which is one of the stronger materials.

You have some excellent suggestions and points to consider. Luggage is a personal item so what works for one won't necessarily meet the needs of another.

Astrid

Veteran

Great pattern, Lyn!

Thanks Kristin! I was thinking along the same lines when I started considering a harcase suitcase. I think I'm going to go and have a look at some options at the departement store soon.

Thanks Jaileen! Looks good too.

Dianthus, that's so true. It's the same as handbags, I guess. I'm definitely going to check the dimensions, although I think I will be going for a middle size first. I don't have the money for a set and I need something that's big enough to hold my stuff for a week.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I am partial to the 4-wheeled spinner types too, if for no other reason than that they are much easier to set your carry-on bag on top of and push it around the airport lobby by the check-in desk. Generally I don't have an issue with balance or with the wheels coping with city streets and cobblestones, but suitcases in general are always just so noisy! I have been daydreaming about designing some kind of city-friendly wheeled luggage for a while, something using little rubber tires like you get on baby strollers. Maybe a folding luggage cart would work for you?