Travel Poll: Luggage

[GilliC]

What kind of luggage do you have (sizes/styles/brands)?
What do you use most and/or like best?

[Deleted]

2x 22" Eagle Creek Tarmac Roller Bag
1x 29" Eagle Creek Tarmac Roller Bag
1x 22" Samsonite piece of crap

1 XL Le Pliage Longchamp

I really, really love the Eagle Creek stuff. I travel with it like 2x a month, it's 2 years old and literally shows zero signs of wear.

However on the other hand, the old Samsonite piece we have is like 7 years old and is nearing it's last leg. It's too bulky and heavy. The treads on the wheels are wearing out and almost all of the zipper tabs have fallen off over the years. We just use it as a piece of checked baggage now. I will never buy Samsonite luggage again. It all fell apart too quickly.

I also really love the Longchamp XL Le Pliage. It folds nearly flat and packs away perfectly. I can also fit a weekend's worth of clothes on there if we have to fly Wizz air, where you have to pay to put a bag in the overhead. If I'm using a suitcase, I'll always pack this in addition in case I find goodies I want to bring home then I can hand carry the Longchamp on as my second personal item. I just fold in the sides and it doubles as a purse.

[GilliC]

After months of debating with myself, I bought a new suitcase last week, which is what inspired this week's poll. I really wanted it, and I'm already planning to use it this weekend, but I have way too much luggage. Hence the long hesitation.

• Huge soft-sided upright suitcase
  32" Kenneth Cole -- I bought this back in 2005 when you could carry two 70-lb bags on a normal economy ticket. This was actually my second giant suitcase, and I've only ever used them when I moved. I just got rid of the other one by giving it to my XH to haul home some appliances I was giving him for his upcoming move to the US.
• Large soft-sided spinner suitcase
  28" Samsonite B'Lite -- This is pretty much my go-to luggage for longer trips. Especially trips to the US where I'm shopping a lot, since it expands. It was a replacement for another lightweight Samsonite spinner that I had for years until Air France ripped a wheel off of it. That one made it through 33 trips across the Atlantic during the five years I had it, and I hope this one measures up.
• Large soft-sided rolling carry-on
  22" American Tourister upright -- This was my first post-college luggage purchase, and I used to take it back and forth across the US when I traveled home. It held up reasonably well, but it's way too big (and heavy) to fly carry-on in Europe, so I haven't used it in nearly a decade. I will be getting rid of it as soon as I have the chance, since I'm replacing it with my new bag:
• European-sized soft-sided rolling carry-on
  20" Samsonite Short-Lite -- I picked this one because it weighs almost nothing, and it has dimensions that are supposed to fit onto a RyanAir flight. I also plan to use it for short business trips when my back is occupied by my laptop bag. I would have rather had the spinner version, but I was worried the wheels would stick out too far for the really picky airlines.

• Large rolling duffel with backpack straps
  30" High Sierra AT Gear Ultimate Access -- Sometimes my suitcase feels too big, so I like using a duffel that will smush down when it's not all the way full. I went with this one so I could use the backpack straps if I ever need to carry it long distances or up stairs. I haven't used them yet, and I get annoyed that it won't stay upright on its own. On my last flight, the handle was damaged, so it's now pending airline-paid repairs or replacement.
• Medium duffel bag
  Land's End round duffel -- My uncle bought me this bag for Christmas over 25 years ago. Last year the shoulder strap broke, but otherwise it's in the same shape it's been in since I was a kid. When I had high enough status to bring back more than one bag from the US, I'd fold this one up and put it in my suitcase to fill with new clothes. I love everything about it, except that it doesn't roll and always has to be carried.
• Small duffel bag
  Land's End round duffel -- From the same uncle. These were a matching pair, and this one held up just as well. It's strap is still intact, so now I have to switch it back and forth to whichever bag I'm using. Since my old carry-on was too big/heavy, this has been my RyanAir bag for many years now, and I used it for carry-on-only trips up to 1 week. It will likely give way to the new Samsonite in roller-friendly environments.

• Large trekking backpack
  Gregory Jade 60 -- I bought this for a 3-day trek in the mountains, and it's my go-to for overnight backpacking. I chose it because it was the most comfortable pack I tried on, but I really like the Jet Stream suspension, since it provides so much ventilation on my back. Also, the front-access pocket is very useful. Although I bought it for hiking, it also worked reasonably well for budget traveling around SE Asia.
• Medium trekking backpack
  Gregory Jade 38 -- I liked my Jade 60 so much that I bought another to use for more general purpose. I use it as a carry-on for shorter trips, especially where I'm using public transit, since it's comfortable to wear and keeps my hands free. The downside is that the curved back for the ventilation adds extra unusable space (that still counts in airline size frames) and makes it a little hard to pack. I can use it for a 4-day city break, but not much more.
  

Yeah, I told you I have too much luggage. 

My favorite is the Samsonite spinner, because it's held up well so far, it's very lightweight, and the spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver. It's a bit big for some trips, but from time to time I do fill it far enough to use the expansion. My second favorite is probably the Jade 38 backpack. It's great for weekend trips, because it's so easy to wear that it's almost like not having luggage at all. The only problem there is if I have my work laptop backpack as well, so we'll see how the new Samsonite works out this weekend!

[v]

I do recommend all of my pieces

I have:

Samsonite Lift2 29 Inch Spinner (drawback -- it is so cavernous that it is very easy to go over weight limits with it)

Samsonite Lift2 21 Inch Carry-On Spinner (drawback -- it is a touch too big to carry on on some carriers (like United) nowadays)

Because the Samsonite 21" is too big for some carriers, I just got:

Travelpro Maxlite 3 21 Inch Spinner which is fantastic because it is sooooo light.

Note: I spent way less than what is listed at the links provided for all of these items.

I also have Lo & Sons Brookline and OMG that I use as personal items (Brookline for work -- it is a laptop bag -- and OMG for play)

[osumelissa]

21", 25", and 29" Samsonite blue luggage - it works and fits everything I need for various travels.

Osprey 60 backpack - fits a ton of stuff and worked well for Spain and hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. Probably was too big for the trail - I learned my lesson.

Louis Vuitton soft duffel - not sure the size but it is pretty much the max to carry on. It works great for weekend/short trips.

[magdala]

My luggage is 10 to 15 years old and holding up beautifully. I travel for work and invested in three key pieces of expensive luggage. The links below are for the current versions of what I own. I bought my luggage before spinners were available. If I were to buy again now, I would get spinners for the ease of getting through crowds in airports.

Carry on roller. This size packs a week of business clothes and fits in most overhead bins. This is the one I use the most. shop.hartmann.com/travel/carry-ons/hartmann-tweed-belting-mobile-traveler-expandable-spinner-21%22/64317XXXX.html?dwvar_64317XXXX_color=Walnut%20Tweed#start=16

Carry on carriage bag. This is the size for a long weekend. I also use this as my carry on when travelling vor business because my laptop, kindle and purse fit inside perfectly. shop.hartmann.com/everyday-and-leisure/shoulder-bags/hartmann-tweed-belting-carriage-bag/56617XXXX.html?dwvar_56617XXXX_color=Walnut%20Tweed#start=6

The big hauler: I use this for a two week trip for me or when the three of us go on vacation. It holds a lot of things. When we vacation, I will take fewer bags so that one of us can keep an eye on the baby. shop.hartmann.com/collections/tweed-belting/hartmann-tweed-belting-mobile-traveler-expandable-spinner-26%22/64318XXXX.html?dwvar_64318XXXX_color=Walnut%20Tweed#start=37

[EmilieMadison]

I have about 6 different pieces of luggage, but my hands down favorite is my eBags Mother Lode carry on. I have hauled it overseas, domestically, and even just to the cabin for 5 years and it's still like new. I am a carry on only traveler, so it is the only piece of luggage I pack and I've been able to pack for 2 weeks to Europe in cold weather easily. 

[winnied]

I have the EBag Mother Lode and LOVE it. I wish it was a spinner but otherwise love the pockets. I also travel with the Lo & Sons O.G for my carry on stuff, laptop, etc. It's been great, still is in great condition, and three of my friends just ordered their own. 

[mdgirl]

I got a Rimowa carry on (in purple!) for Christmas and I'm loving it. It holds a ton, is easy to roll, and is super light. I took it and a tote bag to Vietnam for two weeks. The only thing I don't like about it is that the surface seems to scratch easily.

www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/rimowa-salsa-air-domestic-carry-on?ID=666746&CategoryID=3865&linkModule=1#fn=spp%3D1%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D%26spc%3D48%26cm_kws%3Drimowa luggage

If it's a longer trip and I need a good size personal item, I have a Tumi Voyageur tote bag I got a few years ago that holds a ton of stuff and has lots of pockets, so it's very handy. I don't think they make them anymore, but you can find a few around here and there.

www.amazon.com/Tumi-0491794TG-Voyageur-Quintessential-Tote/dp/B00A4CDBUA

I also just got a Henri Bendel Mini Jetsetter backpack last week for when I don't need a huge personal item. I tried it this past weekend on a trip to NYC and it works great. Not bulky, handy that it's a backpack, a couple external pockets, and big enough to hold a hardcover book.

www.henribendel.com/jetsetter-mini-convertible-backpack-27895813450193.html

Our other luggage is lots of random stuff we've bought at the Rack. I know one is Swiss Army and one is maybe Sharper Image?

[udscoobychick]

I have an older set of Diane von Furstenberg luggage that has held up remarkably well...it's the Runway set. I have two of the three sizes shown below...I *think* the 21" and 26", since I've carried the smaller one on board before:


I also have the laptop bag shown above (the handles are fraying, unfortunately, but it has seen a LOT of use) and the wheeled city bag below:


I love, love, love the set. The fabric is super durable and stain resistant, and it still looks good, even though it's 7 years old now. The city bag is the perfect size for a long weekend or for weeklong trips where I don't need a whole lot. The smaller roller is good for normal 1-week trips, and the larger one is more than enough room for 2-week trips (I recently fit clothes for a 2-week trip to Egypt, souvenirs, AND fins, mask, and snorkel all in the big roller bag!). The rollers all expand pretty significantly. It's also really unique--I've only ever seen one other person with it, which makes it really easy to spot on luggage carousels. The only thing I would change is to make them spinners.

[Champagne Supernova]

I bought a 25 inch hardside Samsonite in teal during the holidays because my last suitcase barely survived my South America trip (it was covered in needlework and duct tape)

I love it because I can spot it very easily at baggage claim. It holds sooooo much stuff too.

I usually travel with that, and my Michael Kors Hamilton tote bag for my electronics and my Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha crossbody bag for my other stuff.

[Wanderista]

Luggage is something that my mom likes to give me as a gift, she buys it new for me and has bequeathed lightly used luggage to me as well. This means that I've never really had to buy it. She's given me a small used (by her) Samsonite. More often, she has bought me new American Tourister so that's what I tend to use. I will say that it is nice and holds up well. I've never felt a need to complain about it. (There have been several American Tourister cases that she has bought me new as gifts including my primary case right now).

I have one black soft-sided roller case in particular that I tend to use these days, it suits most of the traveling that I tend to do now. I used to have massive cases when I lived abroad. Now, I don't need anything that big. I will say that I strongly prefer having a wheeler case. I like to be able to walk along wheeling a case with a pull-out handle. I am not into having a backpack at all.

The brand doesn't bother me, luggage is not really a big deal for me - I just want it to be functional which it is. I will say that I can usually tell which luggage is mine without too much difficulty. The black case is a little harder to spot than when I had a hunter green one but it is fine. I can recognize it but it is also kind of anonymous too which I like.

[mich1]

I have a LOT of luggage, but my normal pieces that I use regularly only amount to 3. I have a 25" expandable Delsey. I don't use it regularly, but it's nice to have. A 22" Victornox which is my workhorse. I take this piece EVERYWHERE, and have lived out of it as long as a month when we were in Turkey. I also have a Hartmann duffle that I use for overnight trips. It's only big enough for a change of clothing, a sweater, nightclothes and toiletries. My carry on is a Tumi computer back pack.

Looking at the stack of luggage in the garage that we're likely getting rid of is a 27" Samsonite. It's too big and I never use it anymore. I have a Hartmann Garment bag (matches the duffle), also never use it anymore. I have a Delsey cabin bag that fits over the rails of my roller bags but it has no protection for a computer and I pretty much always have some sort of electronics with me that need to be protected. I also have this HUGE rolling duffle that I never use anymore. I have an old Samsonite 22" roller bag that is probably at the end of its life as some of the edges have started to rip (it's about 25 years old now).

This is just my stuff. SO probably has an equal number that he needs to cull.

[wise_rita]

Uh...what did TJ Maxx have on special when I was in need of buying one?

That.

[dorothyinAus]

What kind of luggage do you have (sizes/styles/brands)?
I have tons of luggage, more than I need really.
    large spinner hard-side (Delsey)
    large wheeled hard-side (L.L. Bean)
    medium wheeled soft expandable (Samsonite Featherlight)
    carry-on wheeled soft expandable (American Tourister)
    carry-on wheeled soft (Land's End)
    large fold-over soft-side hanging bag (Land's End Lighthouse)
    large soft-side fully split duffle (Land's End Lighthouse)
    carry-on soft-side traditional-style case (Land's End Lighthouse)
    carry-on soft-side weekender bag (Vera Bradley)
    and more carry-on backpacks/totes than I care to admit (mainly Vera Bradley, but some High Sierra)

What do you use most and/or like best?
On long trips, I use either one of the wheeled bags or the fold-over hanging bag, usually depending on what I want to being home.  On short trips, I go with the smaller traditional a smaller traditional-style case or the weekender bag.

I think of luggage as disposable, so I like to have something decently durable but not too expensive.  I hate spending more than $200 on a case that will be destroyed by the airlines.  But if I were sure it would not be destroyed, I'd really like a matching set of luggage from Vera Bradley.

Edited to add:
My Land's End luggage was my High School graduation present (24 years ago).  It's held up beautifully, though I did have to send the duffle back to get the zipper repaired after an Air Canada flight dislocated a couple of teeth.  I loved the lifetime warranty on those bags, though I have not needed the "repair/replace" provision since Lands' End was bought by Sears.

[marytini]

I have the ebags Motherlode Weekender, which is basically a soft sided suitcase with back pack straps. I think it is technically carry on size, but I check it. I like having the backpack straps so I can carry it on my back and have both hands free. I also don't have to drag it over cobblestone etc when I take it to Europe, which I've done a couple times now. FTR, my travel is all pleasure/personal.
I also have some random TJ Maxx special from 2002. It is also slightly Frankensteined, but is holding up just fine otherwise. It's slightly larger than carry on size. DH uses it mostly now.

[mbcdefg]

May 11, 2015 21:00:05 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Uh...what did TJ Maxx have on special when I was in need of buying one?

That.

Ditto. 

I've had a green Chaps rolling carry-on bag for almost a year now. MH bought an orange Dockers rolling carry-on bag for our London/Ireland trip in 2010. Both are holding up well so far, although we mainly use them for car trips rather than plane travel. Before that I had a no-name black luggage set that didn't roll properly (did that thing where it skipped and flipped over when I was pulling it through the airport) and now they live in my attic. 

I was also gifted the large Vera Bradley weekender duffel a few years ago and it's come on many trips with me. I love how it folds up when it's empty, it's washable, and it has a handy outer pocket. It can fit a ton of stuff, so MH and I often share it for a weekend trip. 

Here's the cute luggage tag I recently bought:

[mcfelix]

Another ebags Motherlode fan. We got them bc my SIL had them and we raved about them when they visited. So they gave us a substantial ebags gift card for our wedding gift and we bought 4 of them (2 in 2 different sizes).

[mrs.jacinthe]

My primary suitcase is a Flight001 Cargo hardside.  It's small enough that it qualifies as a european bag, but it holds a TON (thanks mostly to being hardsided).  I can easily pack for 1-2 weeks with only this bag and a laptop tote.

I haven't checked a bag (except b/c they were requesting people to check carry-ons) in years, but if we ever took a trip that required more than a carry-on, I'd buy the Flight001 DSH-1.  I love the F1 internal organization systems and this bag has spinners, which I presume are a plus (I've never needed them, but I'm guessing it would be nice for a heavier checked bag.)

[bonnie]

Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion 28" Spinner
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion 20" Spinner
Longchamp 'Large Le Pliage' Tote (used for my "personal item")

I just got the Samsonite pieces before our cruise in February and have used them four times now. I love them so far!

[msturtle143]

I have 20" Dash from Brookstone in yellow. I'm a carry-on traveler regardless of the length of my trip. www.brookstone.com/dash-20-upright-suitcase-with-wheels

[riverpestie]

Eh, I just used my Jansport backpack when I spent 9 days in Greece.
I used an Osprey hiking backpack when I went to Spain, Taiwan, and France.