Slightly OT: Luggage Recommendations? - YouLookFab Forum

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Slightly OT: Luggage Recommendations?

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I travel a lot, and have burned through three or four sets of luggage in the past seven years. The latest two suitcases are done...time to get two more (one for me, one for my husband). The carry-ons are still ok. I'm after a couple of medium-ish regular suitcases. I don't want a set right now because I never use all of the pieces, and really all I need is one carry-one and one medium-ish suitcase for slightly longer trips.

I'm not too concerned with 'style' or designer stuff when it comes to luggage, but I'd like the next suitcase to last a little bit longer - does anyone have any recommendations? I travel about 10-15 times a year or more. Most of the sets/cases I've bought over the past few years have been Samsonite and/or American Tourister. They last about two years maybe.

Is there something more durable?

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from judy

rachylou

Veteran

I used to commute weekly to another state. My conclusion was no luggage can really withstand heavy use - unless it's a wooden suitcase that weighs too much empty. Add in the fact that security will paw through all your stuff and break your locks/zippers... I believe in cheap suitcases and only putting cheap things inside them. I went strictly Target/Walmart and used suitcase bands to identify them and just in case the zippers broke. I see they have hard case luggage (no-zipper bags) now at Target.

If that's too cheap, my other thought would be LL Bean.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Delsey Helium, and/or 4 wheels, hard shell. This is what I have come to prefer, and I do travel quite a bit.

Other recommendation: whatever your suitcase, whenever possible have it wrapped at the airport before checking it. It makes a big difference in wear and tear.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Thank you for this rachylou! I feel better now about my suitcases getting totally wrecked in such a short time. I don't mind buying cheap/inexpensive suitcases - just that I was wondering if I was buying the wrong brand(s) or something because they seem to wear out sooner than I was expecting. But you're right - that much travel and nothing is going to last all that long, is it?

My current suitcase no longer has a zipper - so I need a new one...fairly soon, as my next trip is at the end of January. It's a road trip though, so not as big a deal as checked baggage for a flight. Still though, a non-zippable suitcase isn't a good scene (laughing here).

Thanks for letting me know that this is pretty normal..I will just go ahead and buy something from Costco, Target or wherever. I was looking at some at Costco today, but then thought I should at least investigate if there was something that might last longer - but I think you're right - nothing is going to withstand that kind of heavy use for a really long time.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I'll look into the Delsey Helium as well too...just on the chance that it might last a bit longer. I was wondering if the hard shell was better...we were looking at some hard-shell suitcases this afternoon. Thanks for the tip Krishnidoux

lynn

Veteran

What does having it wrapped mean?

LoP

Veteran

I have been luckier with Delsey compared to Samsonite in terms of durability. The wheel quality is better. American Traveler is hit and miss.

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

I've had a Rimowa set since about 2003. I use the carry-on size at least 20 times a year and while there are a few scratches, I think they've added to the look of the piece. I thought the set was pretty expensive but I've seen the newer ones and the price has come down a bit. It's been almost a decade and I really think the set is going to last at least a decade more - especially the larger pieces which unlike the carry on, hasn't been banged around quite literally a couple hundred times.

MsMaven

Veteran

DH bought a Tumi suitcase when he was traveling back and forth to Europe frequently. It broke his heart when it lasted only slightly longer than the stuff we buy at the discount store. Baggage handlers are not respecters of luggage. Buy the cheaper stuff, check the zippers and handles frequently, and you will do well.

bella

(website)

Veteran

We use the exact same combo as you: one medium luggage and a carry-on. So far our most durable luggage has proved to be Victorinox Swiss Army:
http://www.ebags.com/brand/victorinox
We bought them at Marshall's or TJMAxx at drastically reduced prices.
Actually, I would recommended strongly checking out these two stores because they sell brand names at Walmart/Target prices.

JayS

Veteran

If you want luggage that really lasts, try Briggs and Riley. It's pricey but has a lifetime guarantee. Husband and son both have pieces and so far they've held up better than any luggage I've seen.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Lynn: At the airport, usually larger ones, before check in, you will see booths with guys working on spinning machines to wrap travellers' luggage tightly in plastic that looks like huge Saranwrap. They will also cover the wheels to protect them, then cut a slit for the handle. It is not free, the fee is usually around $10 per suitcase. They then hand you your cocooned luggage which you put on your cart and go check.

It does protect the luggage from breaking (wheels, handles) and it also deter possible theft. If customs decide to open your suitcase for whatever reason, they will, but that has never happened to me, and even if it did, I would still wrap my suitcases whenever possible.

Laurinda

Veteran

Interesting, I'd never heard of wrapping before.

The one time I used a new luggage band it was undone and lost by security
If I used one again I would sew or staple the band to the suitcase.

My strategy is to use cheap/used suitcases or duffles 'cuz they all get wrecked

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Thanks so much! I will check TJ Maxx for sure - in fact, I think the last time I was there, there was someone buying up some nice quality luggage. Just didn't occur to me to look there, but then again - it's not like I'm looking for luggage all that often. We've been buying them "cheap" at places like Wal-Mart/Target or JC Penney over the years. Just yesterday we saw some various luggage pieces and sets at Costco, but I wanted to consider buying something that might last longer than the other pieces/sets we've bought in the past.

Thanks again - I'll try TJ Maxx first, then investigate the higher end brands if no luck there.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I got my carry-on Ogio Crunch duffel at TJ Maxx for $15 or something. I don't travel a lot, but it works great and for the price, I could buy one every year if I had to. Oh, and since it's bright purple, it's easy to spot if I do check it

judy

Veteran

Glad to hear everyone's responses. I bought a TUMI carry on at Costco earlier this year and have been happy with it so far for three trips. It has great pockets in the front for a laptop which I needed. i had never heard of wrapping at the airport either. Thanks!