I need new luggage

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
1
0
I was looking on Amazon and found these:

22"

and

18"

I like the look of these and they are expandable. I would much rather buy the 22inch luggage, obviously because I can pack more into it, but after a few bad experiences with airport carry-on policies (or lack there-of), I feel inclined to buy the 18inch luggage.

Any other recommendations on what brand I should look at or where to shop? Amazon has some decent deals on Samsonite luggage, but I like the looks of these better. My price range is around $100 and I want carry-on size luggage.

Thanks
 

jhayx7

Platinum Member
Oct 1, 2005
2,226
0
0
Go to a local department store and try some out first. Make sure it has good wheels that are big, push down on the top and wiggle it around to see if it is good and sturdy. Check the corners of the luggage to make sure they are very sturdy and enforced.

We purchased a new piece of samsonite luggage from Macys when they were having their sale. Went to New Zealand and back with no issues, looks like water or something spilled on the top of it (big water spot) and nothing on the inside got wet.

Also, the compression zipper feature is very nice. Looks like those you are looking at have them.
 

huberm

Golden Member
Dec 17, 2004
1,105
1
0
i got mine at kohls while a sale was going on. Seems like it was 1/2 off or something. I've been pretty happy with it.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: spidey07
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Any one else have suggestions?

Don't get cheap luggage (each piece should cost over 300 bucks). It will quickly fall apart.

Hartmann and Sampsonite are nice. You can get by with cheap stuff but don't expect to last more than a few flights.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/10...ield-keywords=hartmann+mobile+traveler

My cheap stuff has lastest pretty close to 100,000 miles of travel now. Woohoo for Target! :p
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
My cheap stuff has lastest pretty close to 100,000 miles of travel now. Woohoo for Target! :p

meh, you must have gotten lucky. I've had no less than at least 10 pieces crap out on me. One of them ripped on the very first flight.
 
May 18, 2004
141
0
0
Do you have a Carson's around you? They are having a big sale, plus Goodwill coupons for 10-20% off on top of that if you bring in old clothes to donate to Goodwill.

I would agree with others that you are going to get a lot of bang for the buck if you look for major department stores having a big sale. Most of them will also give you an additional 10-20% off for 1 shopping day when you apply for the in-store credit card.
 

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
1
0
I agree, you get what you pay for. But I only expect to be traveling once a month + occasional weekend getaways. And I would really rather not pay an arm and a leg for luggage.

I'm curious though, what gives the luggage quality and what are the things to look for?

And what do you think about the pieces I linked above?
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I agree, you get what you pay for. But I only expect to be traveling once a month + occasional weekend getaways. And I would really rather not pay an arm and a leg for luggage.

I'm curious though, what gives the luggage quality and what are the things to look for?

Look and feel the fabric, it should be thick/heavy.

Look at and use the zippers, it should be sturdy.

Check out the wheels and handles, should be heavy duty.

Basically if anything looks or feels "cheap". One thing I like is pieces that have four wheels instead of two. These wheels swivel and make the bag easy to roll. The samsonite stuff that I have feels like you can drive a truck over it.

Also base your size on how many days you are saying. A 27" is good for a week or more, an 18" is probably 3-4 days max.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: spidey07
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I agree, you get what you pay for. But I only expect to be traveling once a month + occasional weekend getaways. And I would really rather not pay an arm and a leg for luggage.

I'm curious though, what gives the luggage quality and what are the things to look for?

Look and feel the fabric, it should be thick/heavy.

Look at and use the zippers, it should be sturdy.

Check out the wheels and handles, should be heavy duty.

Basically if anything looks or feels "cheap". One thing I like is pieces that have four wheels instead of two. These wheels swivel and make the bag easy to roll. The samsonite stuff that I have feels like you can drive a truck over it.

To add to this, look at the stitching, especially holding the zippers on, since that is usually the area to rip. It should be thick thread and not sloppy, the tighter the pattern, the stronger it will be.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Kohls when it's half off and you have a 30% off coupon. We got all ours there. Samsonite I think. WOrks very well/
 

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
73,073
34,352
136
Thrift stores are the only place I have ever bought luggage and I've never paid more than seven dollars for a suitcase or bag, ever. Think about how baggage handlers are going to abuse your luggage. Knowing this, why would you spend anymore than you have to on it? Besides, taped up luggage gives TSA something to do with their time.
 

Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
23,578
1
0
I have that same bag. It is awesome, IMO....

....and that is a superb price. I paid $98 for mine.


EDIT- The 22" is pretty big. I bought it and now I'm going to get something smaller from International Traveller.
 

LS20

Banned
Jan 22, 2002
5,858
0
0
I've read lots of reviews, the best (reasonably priced ones) you'll find is Kirklands (Costco brand).

Anything else less than expensive, high-zoot (think Briggs Riley) will fall apart despite the name
 

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
1
0
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
I have that same bag. It is awesome, IMO....

....and that is a superb price. I paid $98 for mine.


EDIT- The 22" is pretty big. I bought it and now I'm going to get something smaller from International Traveller.

You have the 18" or the 22"?