Thoughts on a new suitcase

[volcs0]

The only reliable piece of luggage we've ever owned is this Samsonite suitcase my wife has had for 30 years. The material is some sort of indestructible nylon and the zippers have never shown any signs of breaking. But it has tiny crappy wheels and falls over all the time - and it is a bit small.

We only travel 3-4 times a year, but I want something rugged and convenient. In looking over the offerings at Amazon, these two appear to be a good combination of high-quality and great price.

Thoughts? Is that 29" bag too big for practical use? In other words, is it likely to be over-weight when filled? Should we opt for a 24-25" bag instead?

http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Silhouet...?s=apparel&qlEnable=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1307024050&sr=1-1



http://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Bottom...?s=apparel&qlEnable=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1307024281&sr=1-1

[testcase]

I've done a lot of air travel with a 29" hardside suitcase. If you really load it, you could go over 50lbs (the limit for most air carriers). I bought a luggage scale for about $10 that is quite accurate. After packing, if it shows more than 48lbs, I remove something.

[lazydays]

I like the Victorinox line of luggage. We only travel a few times a year also but I have found these bags stand up to abuse. I have purchased a few lesser bags and they have all fallen apart fairly rapidly. Never pay full price for Victorinox though. Best deals I have found are the sales at Macy's where they often knock as much as $100 off the price of a piece of luggage.

[OWC Jamie]

I've given up trying to outsavvy the baggage handling by buying more expensive and "better made cases.
Indestructible seems to be a personal challenge and affront to the handlers.

Without being too cheap, I spend less and toss them as soon as the corners start to tear.
In fact I have a bag quite similar to the High Sierra and it seems to shrug off the corner wear and tear by not having any.
It's also extremely light to begin with.
Just be careful to check that all the zippers are closed twice.

I use bright colored head scarfs to help ID a bag on the carousel.
Two or more per bag as the bag may not land scarf side up when it is carefully placed on the carousel.

[tenders]

I travel a lot and have been very pleased with Eddie Bauer soft-side luggage I bought 5-6 years ago at...Target. I can't find its equivalent on the Target website but it isn't unlike this:
http://www.target.com/Eddie-Bauer-Luggag.../b?ie=UTF8&node=293966011

Or their current "Explorer" series
http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Bags--Gear/.../index.cat

TJ Maxx often has very good prices on pretty good luggage.

I agree that cheap luggage is a constant disappointment.

[abevilac]

In addition to TJ Maxx, Marshalls also has good prices on luggage and you get to lift and inspect before you buy. For carryon, I love my Samsonite 4 wheeled 360 rolling one - I think I got it for about $30 to $40 at Marshalls 5 years ago and it has travelled the world. Rolls really well in airports.

[Trouble]

abevilac wrote: I love my Samsonite 4 wheeled 360 rolling one

My parents have really nice 4 wheeled luggage. Rolling it with no weight and the luggage being able to spin is convenient. I have a large, I think samsonite, case with huge 4" wheels and it rolls like a dream.

[anonymouse1]

YMMV--I've had nothing but lousy results with Victorinox--both a 29" roller, and a 25" backpack/roller--zippers fell apart on both.

[OWC Jamie]

the only 4 wheeled bag I had came afflicted with ADD.
It rolled nice, but it sure as hell didn't understand the concept of a single straight line.

[Trouble]

anonymouse1 wrote:
YMMV--I've had nothing but lousy results with Victorinox--both a 29" roller, and a 25" backpack/roller--zippers fell apart on both.

Don't tell me that. I just bought a Seefeld 25".