Looking for some luggage suggestions...

[purbeast0]

My wife and I need to replace our older Samsonite luggage. It's like 10 or so years old and just beat up and like half of the wheels are falling apart.

Its soft luggage but I'm pretty sure I want to go with a hardshell this time around. I have these 3 carryon cases that are hardshell and I like them a lot.

Amazon.com: Gregory Mountain Products Quadro Hardcase 22 Inch Roller, Slate Black, 22" : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

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However I'm looking for 30" bags that will be checked in and will be handled by the airlines, and the reviews of the 30" version of that aren't the best when it comes to durability. There is a pro line that looks to be decent though.

But not knowing anything about luggage, I wanted to see if there are other brands recommended as far as durability goes and quality. As I mentioned the wheels on our Samsung have started to fall apart. Like they work fine still, but like a "layer" has fallen off of em. But again, they are 10 years old and been through a lot, so they lasted well.

Also those ones are 15lbs and looking at these hard ones, they appear to all be like 11-12lbs, which is good, because I am always borderline 50lbs because I pack my SCUBA fins, an umbrella, and just a lot of stuff that gets me very close to 50lbs. It will be nice to have a bit of wiggle room now. So looking for light weight too.

So anyone have any recommendations?

 

[Captante]

And I don't know much useful about newer luggage either but these look pretty cool! (doubt the wife would approve though)

Monoprice 29 inch - Aluminum wheeled bag @ $209 shipped

 

[MrSquished]

This is not a hard shell but I have had this Samsonite the last few years and love it. The 25" is under 10lbs and the 29" is 10.5 lbs. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074WKJ5CH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For carry on I have the Away expandable soft one. I prefer soft over the hardshell. They are expandable. And when made right, they really do last a loooong time.

That being said, my backpacking backpack is a Gregory. They are known to make top quality stuff.

 

[Exterous]

I don't have much in the way of 30" Luggage but I've been pleased with the Travel Pro Platinum Magna line. Higher quality and sturdier wheels, handles and zippers than a lot of their other offerings and the Samsonites we've had. And we're not gentle on Luggage as we'll roll it down a couple km of cobblestone sidewalks, up and down stairs to public transport and shoved into various corners and and under seats. Supposedly a good warranty as well but haven't made use of that yet. Doesn't look like they make a 30" in that one any more but I think their Platinum Elite is the comparable line now

Rimawa and B&R are the big names (slightly less so Tumi) for quality and warranty but also quite a bit more $.

I've also had good luck keeping an eye on Amazon warehouse deals. I got my travel pro magna suitcase ~33% off and it was NIB

 

[Exterous]

Also how much does your umbrella weigh to get included in that list??

 

[purbeast0]

Also how much does your umbrella weigh to get included in that list??

Says 4lbs on the listing here.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073PSZNML

I'm on my 2nd one as the first one I had ended up rusting out around where it digs into the sand and the spear that goes into the ground broke off. I never cleaned it and always only used it in salt water beaches so I'm sure that contributed to it falling apart.

It's not very big but I don't care about being in shade. My wife does and it's good enough for her and then a little extra space under it. Also obviously depends on the time of day and where the sun is coming from.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

We love rolling duffel bags. Lightweight & cheap enough that we replace them ever few years and don't care. Airline workers destroy even the nicest of luggage!

Costco usually has them once a year although I've been intrigued by the $200 DaKine ones.

 

[JEDIYoda]

I personally have several of these -- Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Rolling Luggage Trolley 96lvs727 Black Taiga Leather Weekend/Travel Bag - Tradesy

 

[Muse]

I have a Chester carry on, they get pretty good reviews. Plus they have various and bigger sizes.

 

[purbeast0]

I don't have much in the way of 30" Luggage but I've been pleased with the Travel Pro Platinum Magna line. Higher quality and sturdier wheels, handles and zippers than a lot of their other offerings and the Samsonites we've had. And we're not gentle on Luggage as we'll roll it down a couple km of cobblestone sidewalks, up and down stairs to public transport and shoved into various corners and and under seats. Supposedly a good warranty as well but haven't made use of that yet. Doesn't look like they make a 30" in that one any more but I think their Platinum Elite is the comparable line now

Rimawa and B&R are the big names (slightly less so Tumi) for quality and warranty but also quite a bit more $.

I've also had good luck keeping an eye on Amazon warehouse deals. I got my travel pro magna suitcase ~33% off and it was NIB

I don't know if I could spend the asking price for hte Pro Platinum line, but I was looking on the travel pro website and saw some that looked in my range and were just the normal line.

Do you know anything about those? They have something going on right now where it's 30% off a second one, and I would be buying one for myself and wife so that would save about $60 if I were to get it on their website. Amazon has em for the same price if buying 2 as well, however their colors are more limited.

 

[Exterous]

Says 4lbs on the listing here.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073PSZNML

I'm on my 2nd one as the first one I had ended up rusting out around where it digs into the sand and the spear that goes into the ground broke off. I never cleaned it and always only used it in salt water beaches so I'm sure that contributed to it falling apart.

It's not very big but I don't care about being in shade. My wife does and it's good enough for her and then a little extra space under it. Also obviously depends on the time of day and where the sun is coming from.

Ah - I was thinking about a travel rain umbrella

I don't know if I could spend the asking price for hte Pro Platinum line, but I was looking on the travel pro website and saw some that looked in my range and were just the normal line.

Do you know anything about those? They have something going on right now where it's 30% off a second one, and I would be buying one for myself and wife so that would save about $60 if I were to get it on their website. Amazon has em for the same price if buying 2 as well, however their colors are more limited.

We also have a Maxlight carryon spinner and its 'OK'. Not bad by any means but the Platinum is definitely made of better materials. The Maxlight has survived many a flight but its wheels are wearing out and the handle is pretty lose - both issues that the Platinum at least feels like it would take longer to exhibit given the stronger and what appears to be better made handles and wheels. I've also had the generic $50-$100 samsonite bags and like travel pro better for what you get for the price (and they were on sale a lot). I have no idea if this will be the case again in this New Normal but I've had great luck in the past getting luggage in Jan\Feb for cheap. Maybe people buy luggage for christmas presents from amazon and people then return them or something but the warehouse inventory picked up in the past if you have time to wait.

The Crew line might be a good middle ground. Generally a few less 'fancy' features but as good or sturdier construction but might not have the same warranty coverage. It depends on whether its really is a line they offer to airline crews or just marketing. If it is crew line then it will be as or a little more durable because its meant to be jammed on a plane all the time for crews but they usually shorten or limit the warranty a bit because they know it will take more abuse. This touches on one thing I hate about luggage - naming and marketing boarder on mattress sales level tom-foolery and lack of clarity around warranties.

 

[purbeast0]

Ah - I was thinking about a travel rain umbrella


We also have a Maxlight carryon spinner and its 'OK'. Not bad by any means but the Platinum is definitely made of better materials. The Maxlight has survived many a flight but its wheels are wearing out and the handle is pretty lose - both issues that the Platinum at least feels like it would take longer to exhibit given the stronger and what appears to be better made handles and wheels. I've also had the generic $50-$100 samsonite bags and like travel pro better for what you get for the price (and they were on sale a lot). I have no idea if this will be the case again in this New Normal but I've had great luck in the past getting luggage in Jan\Feb for cheap. Maybe people buy luggage for christmas presents from amazon and people then return them or something but the warehouse inventory picked up in the past if you have time to wait.

The Crew line might be a good middle ground. Generally a few less 'fancy' features but as good or sturdier construction but might not have the same warranty coverage. It depends on whether its really is a line they offer to airline crews or just marketing. If it is crew line then it will be as or a little more durable because its meant to be jammed on a plane all the time for crews but they usually shorten or limit the warranty a bit because they know it will take more abuse. This touches on one thing I hate about luggage - naming and marketing boarder on mattress sales level tom-foolery and lack of clarity around warranties.

The Crew doesn't appear to be in the size I want. I'm also pretty set on hardcases at this point after having my carry on be hardcased.

The Maxlite 5 is what I was looking at briefly.

Maxlite® Air V2 Large Check-In Hardside Spinner

Designed for big trips, the Maxlite Air V2 large checked bag offers lightweight durability & expandable storage in a sleek design. Shop this check-in suitcase now!

travelpro.com

I could get 2 of those for $340 with their 30% off discount. I also like how light it is.

 

[LikeLinus]

So anyone have any recommendations?

Carry-On Luggage | Lifetime Guarantee | Briggs & Riley (briggs-riley.com)

Checked Luggage | Large Suitcase | Briggs & Riley

I use these Briggs & Riley exclusively. Have had the same set for years and it has traveled the world with me (North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia). They have a lifetime warranty where you can just take it into a local shop and they will give you a new bag or fix it if it's something little. Great customer service and I've been very happy with them.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I ended up getting some Rockland bags a few years ago from Amazon.

They had some 20" carry on sizes and I ended up liking the 2 that I ordered for my wife and I that I picked up 2 more for the kids. We did a few week-long flights with them and checked them optionally for ease...but did carry-on on some flights as well to save time as well as money.

They have multiple sizes if you want to just get 3 bags for $160 shipped:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockland-Son...rds=hard+shell+luggage&qid=1629848974&sr=8-17

You can pay more, but at the end of the day I would buy cheap and expect the wheels to break off within 10 trips. (to avoid disappointment if it actually happens)

I should mention....they appear to be mostly sold out. If you're not travelling anytime soon, go ahead and order now. The 28" size is like $70 by itself. That's a pretty decent deal. I can pack light and get a week's worth of stuff in 1 carry on + a backpack. On my next 10 day excursion....that's my plan.

 

[purbeast0]

I ended up getting some Rockland bags a few years ago from Amazon.

They had some 20" carry on sizes and I ended up liking the 2 that I ordered for my wife and I that I picked up 2 more for the kids. We did a few week-long flights with them and checked them optionally for ease...but did carry-on on some flights as well to save time as well as money.

They have multiple sizes if you want to just get 3 bags for $160 shipped:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockland-Son...rds=hard+shell+luggage&qid=1629848974&sr=8-17

You can pay more, but at the end of the day I would buy cheap and expect the wheels to break off within 10 trips. (to avoid disappointment if it actually happens)

We've taken our luggage on at minimum 30 trips, checked in, and while like a "layer" or something has come off a couple of the wheels, functionally everything is working it's just super worn. I'd be pretty pissed if my wheels broke off within 10 trips lol.

 

[Scarpozzi]

We've taken our luggage on at minimum 30 trips, checked in, and while like a "layer" or something has come off a couple of the wheels, functionally everything is working it's just super worn. I'd be pretty pissed if my wheels broke off within 10 trips lol.

Ohh me too....but just saying I've seen it happen a lot. I don't know how many trips they should last....just saying @ $50-70 bag you're paying $6-7 per trip for luggage. That's not too bad compared to buying expensive stuff that breaks just as easily. A coworker had it happen and Delta just gave her a replacement bag...was decent, but the same cheap crap you buy on Amazon.

I assume it's the guys tossing bags on the carts and conveyor belts that do the most damage.

 

[purbeast0]

Ohh me too....but just saying I've seen it happen a lot. I don't know how many trips they should last....just saying @ $50-70 bag you're paying $6-7 per trip for luggage. That's not too bad compared to buying expensive stuff that breaks just as easily. A coworker had it happen and Delta just gave her a replacement bag...was decent, but the same cheap crap you buy on Amazon.

I assume it's the guys tossing bags on the carts and conveyor belts that do the most damage.

My mother in law had her bag damaged one time as well. They gave her some POS for the remainder of our trip but she also filed a report and they gave her the money it cost her on top of that. That is surprising if Delta didn't give her money for the bag they busted too.

 

[Scarpozzi]

My mother in law had her bag damaged one time as well. They gave her some POS for the remainder of our trip but she also filed a report and they gave her the money it cost her on top of that. That is surprising if Delta didn't give her money for the bag they busted too.

I don't know. I just saw them physically toss her a new bag. I think the one that was damaged was older, so she was ok with it...

I really like this Rockland bags. Surprised to see Amazon sold out so much. I guess they sat on inventory the past year and didn't restock.

 

[brianmanahan]

we need @madoka here at times like this

 

[MrSquished]

You can always go with the Germans. Their lighter big suitcases are very light. https://www.rimowa.com/us/en/all-luggage/

I saved money and went with an Away carry on. But if you got the beaucoup bucks and want to drop $800 on a suitcase, their essential lite line gets praises. Of course they have stuff for over a grand too.

 

[sdifox]

You can get kevlar luggage. For the times you need to stop bullets.