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Choosing the Right Luggage
I've always been of the mind that one piece of luggage is NOT as good as the next. In fact, I generally feel that the uglier the piece of luggage, the better. This thinking is based on the following:
- If it's ugly, it's less likely to be stolen.
- If it's ugly, it's easier to spot on the carousel.
- If it's ugly, it probably doesn't matter if it gets dirty or beat up.
Consequently, updating luggage is not a priority to me. (If you don't believe me, then consider my current bag: 2 of the bag's 4 wheels are missing, and the stupid thing won't stand unless it's propped against a wall. Who's going to take it?)
However, if you are quite unlike me -- and I presume most of you are -- here are some things to consider when selecting luggage:
- What kind of traveling are you most likely to be doing in the coming year(s)? Jet-setting through Europe's finest hotels will necessarily require different baggage than back country camping.
- What's your budget? You could shell out hundreds or even thousands on a suitcase. Me, I bought my last carry-on bag for $10 at a flea market. (Of course, as I mentioned, the wheels recently fell off. Cause and effect? You be the judge.)
- Size matters. Are you a thrifty packer, or do you bring every pair of shoes you own?
- Does the bag really have to have black? A non-traditional color will make spotting your bag much easier.
- Where are the wheels and/or shoulder straps? Although the prefix of luggage is "lug-", it's surprisingly un-fun to lug luggage, especially if you have a long distance to walk.
Packing List Advice has some other tips for helping you to choose the right luggage. However, I'm curious as to what tips YOU have.
Filed under: Gear
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cbct Jun 8th 2008 9:32PM
Briggs & Riley has as close to an unconditional repair/replace guarantee as you can get. I just purchased a new one yesterday (Transcend 22" rolling carry-on). I fly between 150K - 200K annually , often several times a week, so I need sturdy, reliable, durable luggage. A bag I have to send out frequently for repair because it can't take the hits is useless to me - but my needs may be different than yours. I used to use a Travelpro Crew 22", which is the largest rolling bag you can put wheels-in on a domestic US flight, but I kept having problems with the wheels. I loved the bag, but the wheels kept going bad on me - even on the newest Crew (the "6"). The plastic upright bracing on the bottom was also completely destroyed by the end of my 4th week with it - just torn off the bag in large pieces every time I flew so now it won't stand up. I also literally have to drag it around with rubbing wheels as well - and they start to smell like burnt plastic after about 200 yards or so. I am having the wheels and support repaired, and it will be my backup if I ever have to send in the Briggs for repair. The Briggs & Riley was about $279, but considering that I have already gone through 3 Travelpros in 5 years it will pay for itself if I never have to replace it. It is expandable, lightweight, has solid ball-bearing wheels, and does not feel flimsy (especially the pull-out handle). The 21" x 14" x 8" unexpanded (21 x 14 x 11 expanded) size will readily fit wheels-in into domestic overhead compartments on full-size planes. Many local carriers in Asia require a 20" maximum size for overhead bins, so if I go back to China and Japan and fly domestic carriers I may pick up a smaller one for clothes and items I want to carry on. If I was traveling to a tourist destination where luggage security was questionable, I would bring the repaired Travelpro out (it is a very common-looking scruffy black bag), but on my domestic business trips where the bulk of my traveling is done I will go with the new bag for reliability, speed, and ease of my aching back and shoulder (the wheels are superb!). I also chose a dark red bag instead of black so it will be easier to identify both on the baggage claim AND behind the scenes if an airline ever has to search and locate my bag - did you ever notice how many variations of black rollaboards there are?
Max Entropy Mar 20th 2009 1:44AM
My recommendations:
1. Hard sided always unless you enjoy broken things.
2. Never buy black pilot cases. They are way too common and easy to confuse. My wife has one and has to check three dozen cases on the turntable before she finds hers.
3. My favorite suitcase has two wheels, a pull-up handle and a hidden strap in the handle to carry a second suitcase on top like a hand-truck. I love it.
4. Don't buy cheap Costco or Wal-Mart knock-offs. The brand-name suitcases like Samsonite and American Tourister cost more but pay back in conveniece and less frustration. I learned this the hard way.