Luggage Recs

[hz80408]

My ten year old luggage set has finally seen the end of it's days and needs replacing. I don't want to spend a ton (under $150 for large and carryon size rolling luggage) and plan on looking at TJ Maxx/Marshalls.

We don't travel a ton (maybe fly twice a year), but luggage is always good to have on hand...are there any particular brands you recommend; either to purchase or to stay away from?

[Deleted]

I really like our REI brand luggage. We have two large rolling duffel bags (one 'tech beast' and one 'wheely beast') and one carry-on. I'm a convert to the rolling duffel style. The larger ones were more than $150 but I caught them both on sale. Also, if you sign up for the REI membership they have periodic special sales and coupons. We get a lot of use out of our luggage, and they've held up well.

[GilliC]

I love my lightweight Samsonite spinner bag. It was a bit of an investment (mostly because it was one of the lightest soft-sided bags they made at the time, and weight was a big issue for me), but I got a decent deal at a Samsonite outlet store, and I imagine I'll have that suitcase for quite a while. It's been through hell and back in the first few years I've had it), and aside from marks, scratches, and discoloration (get a darker color if you care about your luggage looking travel-worn) it's held up to every ridiculous trip I've thrown it at. And I absolutely love the spinner wheels, because when it's packed full I can just push it along without having to hold up any of the weight.

XH had two 30" Samsonite wheeled duffles that he used on all of our international moves. They've held up nicely and were under $100 on sale at a Samsonite outlet. They also have a nifty two-layer packing system that makes it a little easier to organize, but even then I didn't like using them because I felt like with the smaller duffle opening it was too hard to find things. Also, I'm a folder and not a roller when I pack, and I feel like that lends itself better to a traditional suitcase.

Other brands we've owned: My right-out-of-college American Tourister suitcase had worn a hole through one corner after its first or second domestic flight. We had a Jeep bag that lasted quite a while, but eventually gave up a wheel after about five years of heavy use. I also own a huge Atlantic upright from JC Penney, but it's so big that I don't use it much. It did make it through some serious abuse in the Paris metro and being hauled up seven flights of stairs to our garret apartment, and it was still in good shape for the move to Beijing.

[babygirlpriest]

Are you wanting a large bag or carry on? I am almost strictly carry on so some of the below won't matter if you want a large one. But here's my 2 cents on my 3 carry on suitcases:

1. Samsonite Spinner - By far my favorite. The ability to 'push' as well as 'pull' has taken significant strain off my elbow/shoulder. The only downside to a spinner is it can't 'lock' so if the suitcase is ramp/slope it WILL run away from you unless you keep a hand on it. Really not a big deal but worth mentioning. It also has an outside pocket large enough for a laptop - makes security screening much easier.
2. Briggs & Riley - only brand I've found with the metal bar thingys on the OUTSIDE of the suitcase. Makes packing easier cause you're not navigating around the bars inside the cavity. The only drawback is the top flap part has a built in hanging clothes-type feature which is more bulk than helpful IMHO. Also, this carry on expands to be HUGE so can also be a decent size checked bag. B&R also has lifetime replacement on their bags so good investment. Handy mesh outside pocket for shoving snack/hat/water bottle/etc. Handy hidden outside umbrella pocket, too.
3. Tumi - I have the Tech series carry on and while it pulls better than most, a couple design elements (stiff side handle, wheel placement, etc.) make it a challenge to fit in some standard overhead bins. Outside pockets are perfect for holding laptop and liquids going through screening.

[hz80408]

Thanks for all of the info (and keep it coming).

H is an REI member; I need to ask him to send me any sales he sees!

I also should check the Samsonite outlet; I think there's one fairly close.

I want two pieces; one large luggage and one carry on size. My large suitcase got majorly ripped coming back from London in April and the zipper is burst on my carryon size. I've already had it fixed twice at the cobbler, but at this point, I think I may as well buy a new set.

It looks like I really need to check out the Samsonite Spinners. Thanks for the other brand recs as well

[Deleted]

We have Samsonite non-spinners and I hate them. They were expensive pieces of crap. I would never buy a Samsonite again.

However, that being said, I've started replacing our luggage with Eagle Creek. That stuff is amazing. They have a really good repair/replacement policy too.

www.eaglecreek.com/warranty

[sm12]

Eagle Creek makes great luggage, and has a fantastic warranty - but can be pricey.
We have 1 or 2 things from REI, and I really like them. And REI customer service is awesome - you can return it, for any reason, at any time - even if already used.

And, I also have a samsonite spinner that I bought from some online outlet for about $100. Nothing super-special but it does the job. I wouldn't take it to europe to drag over cobblestone streets, but it's fine for quick business trips.

[Susie]

I bought a Samsonite spinner (carry on size) at Marshall's that I really like.

[hz80408]

Thanks for the recs! And interesting to hear about the cobblestone streets. My immediate need for luggage is September's Ireland trip; but after that we probably won't be back in Europe until Italy in 2014.

[travelingturtle]

I have an Eagle Creek backpack/roller bag that I love. It holds a lot for the size and it has held up nicely. I also have a two samsonite spinners that I love. The carry-on size that I got is a bit small, so we only use that on overnight trips. It's not so much that it's small, but that it seems to be bigger and when I pack it I'm amazed on how little it takes to fill up.

I've never had any issue with cobblestone streets using my Eagle Creek bag, or my two samsonite spinner bags.

[msamyfarrahfowler]

If I weren't so damn cheap when it comes to luggage, I'd totally invest in Samsonite spinners. I see these whiz by me at the airport and I just look on with extreme envy.

[bunnysmom]

Definitely check Samsonite spinners, they're awesome! You don't have to carry the weight and also they're very durable.

[sunshinedaydreams]

We also have Samsonite spinners and love them. We've beat the hell out of them and they're still going strong. I got them for super cheap (less than $100 each) during a huge Macy's sale with a coupon. I'd keep an eye on Macy's. They frequently discount their luggage hugely.

[merrhosyn]

DH and I have used Delsey bags purchased at TJ Maxx for about four years. With heavy carry-on and gate checking, they are still in perfect condition. Great value for money.

[Deleted]

I like Ricardo brand. They're inexpensive and well-made. I have two and they last through years of heavy use. I once splurged on a $200-a-piece Samsonite spinner. The wheel broke on the first trip, and it was un-repairable.

[hz80408]

Thanks for the additional info. I'm headed to TJ Maxx this wknd and am also going to be keeping an eye out on flash sites and Macys now!

[FormerCityGirl]

Heys is on Ideeli today and always at TJ Maxx. I have a couple of their hard side pieces and they are pretty light for what they are. I like them because they are easy to spot with a lot of fun colors and patterns. The glossy ones will scuff a bit with wear though.

[hz80408]

Thanks FCG!