Thoughts on a new suitcase

[haikuman]

You are going to need a suitcase that is able to accommodate your skeletons and baggage :devil:

[volcs0]

It looks like that Sierra bag is the bottom line one - nylon, more or less. Not that ballistic stuff in the higher-end bags....

[rz]

4 wheeled rolling luggage is great. I don't think I'll ever go back to plain 2 wheeled luggage again.

[Ombligo]

If you can go sans wheels - get a military surplus jump bag or cargo bag. Cost is around $10 and they will last forever. Ours are now 20+ years old and used several times a year including international travel to Central America. Made from canvas with brass zippers and snap reinforcements. Fully loaded they will hold right at 50 lbs.

Stylish? hardly but they get the job done effectively. There is a reason the military still uses these.



But you want wheels? Try a Snugpak wheeled duffle. At $85 it costs more and is larger but it built to last.

[digby]

I'd recommend something with backpack straps.

My son just moved to SF... with everything on his back. It was something to watch him walk away with everything he needs in life (skateboard, t-shirts, MacBookPro) in one duffle on his back.

I have a "Borneo Bag" -- recc. by Rick Steves in his early days (it's a good 25 yrs old) -- with hidden straps. It was so nice to hit the road (flew to England and "The Cawntinent" ) and stride through airports at a faster clip than I could've dragging a rolley-bag. And I got to walk upright, too. Felt better on my back.

And nothing to check, so no danger of my stuff going on its own vacation to Kuala Lumpur by way of Tierra Del Fuego.

Ahh... gotta pack that bag and fly some friendly skies somewhere...

[volcs0]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll just get that Sierra bag. It is inexpensive ($90), has backpack straps, has 25/25 great reviews on Amazon. Hopefully it will be a good bag for our europe trip.

[lazydays]

With Victorinox you have to be aware that there are two companies marketing under that name. One sells cheap luggage at stores like Fred Meyer or Target while the other sells very expensive pieces at Macy's and other similar stores. For the line that I buy the cost is generally $250-$350 for each piece of luggage. I did buy one of the cheaper ones at Fred Meyer, sold under the same name, and the zipper fell apart within a year.

[mark25]

Hey volcs0,
I definitely agree that Samsonite suitcases are some of the most reliable travel products that one can buy. I haven’t owned anything that’s as convenient or reliable.

Looking at your requirements, I would suggest you go for a smaller luggage type because the 24 or 25” Samsonite suitcases can be a bit bulky. I recently bought a 21” Samsonite Suitcase from Bergman Luggage on sale for only $110. I’ve used this suitcase for about 6 years now and it’s still in great condition, I highly recommend it!