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Right then, this is so dull, but actually very important to me so I'd appreciate some experiences.
Basically - is it worthwhile to buy a 'nice' 70L-ish suitcase on wheels? Like, really pretty good, even would consider Aluminium.
Its not my money, would buy it with air miles, e.g. Samsonite lite-box/alu spinner
Background - I travel a lot (mostly flying, short, mid and long haul), and I've a terrible time with cases falling apart, but I never really buy a good one.
I need something that 70-80L, 4 wheels, standard narrow extendy handle thing to slide my carry-on on to (large timbuk2 messenger bag that has a piece of webbing at the back for that purpose).
Working through a series of cheap or mid priced (say up to £200) cases of various designs for the last few years, they all break after a few trips. Zips ripped off, sides split, wheels break, handles break etc. I just want a reliable suitcase that won't leave me dragging a broken 25kg lump across between planes, trains and busses, nor something that increases the risk of me seeing my dirty scants slowly parading round the luggage carousel.
Never had one of those rigid plastic ones, as they just look like they will buckle and die if squished in the hold when not totally full. Am I wrong? Hence the question about Alu.
Any experiences gratefully received
I use a mahoosive Osprey Shuttle 130. Really good compression system, so I never have to worry about space. Can pack it lightly or stuffed and it just works. Have a Samsonite (Soon the be replaced) for shorter trips.
No longer made, sadly. This is similar, but smaller.
https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/rolling-transporter-90-2018
Go 2 wheeled. Ever notice what air crew use? Yep, two wheeleers. Simpler, stronger, less likely to be borked by the baggage monkeys.
Also, a nice, different colour. Easier to spot on the baggage carousel. Mine's red.
Osprey make tough stuff, great warranty and an equally great approach to supply chain sourcing, staffing and ethics. Good company, good people. Mine has around the world a fair bit and is still faultless.
Had a rigid shelled one but yes it did dent ( admittedly didn’t spend that much on it!)
I use a nice Eastpak cabin bag and would look at a bigger version of that if I was looking. I tend to use a big simple Eastpak hold-all if I need to use hold luggage. That or an Alpkit waterproof duffel bag with shoulder straps etc.
Thanks Bruk - really need a wheeled bag for work stuff. Had a look at Eastpak, see they have some big options too, will dig deeper.
Interestingly, quite similar in basic design to Flashy's recommendation.
Flashy, agree on 2 wheels, and 2 big wheels at that, not sure why I was thinking 4. Good reminder. That Osprey also looks pretty good, like the flexibility.
I went through a similar process thought process a few years ago, when one of my checked bags died on the way to destination, I went to a 'big luggage shop' in the US and bought a Samsonite bag of a similar type to the osprey one (and not far off in price) - but my god it was awful:
- handle was shit and broke
- it was one of those jobs that zipped in half all the way round, open was too big for hotel luggage rack
- the external compression straps buckles snapped
- somehow the 'all the way round' zips got ripped off between check in and collection
- etc etc -
Which all kinda puts me off buying something similar - but it looks like the Osprey or North Face options would negate many of those risks due to different design - and big wheels
Cheers
I'd say get a hard plastic Samsonite, with 2 semi-concealed wheels (so they can't get ripped off). Much like a lot of flight crew use. The more expensive lighter weight ones don't appear as robust, but I've no experience to say otherwise.
This is my go-to bag, quite similar to the Osprey with the 2 semi-recessed large wheels. Rolls really nicely and has taken quite a bit of abuse over the past 6 years or so.
https://www.evocsports.com/products/bags/world-traveller
Unlike my Dakine Split Roller, it doesn't flip in half and thus completely cover the floor when unzipped. I've been very impressed with all of my Evoc stuff, it's well thought out and durable.
I've probably done 30 flights with an eastpak transverz, not showing any signs of wear. Get an unusual pattern and it is easy to spot on the belt. Just bought another one as we need more space when flying as a family
I've got a nice eastpak one. Worth a look as they do nice colours.
Thought I'd stick a wee update on here. I followed the guidance, and got for Crimbo from the family one of these in screaming yellow and 110L capacity.
https://www.ortlieb.com/duffle-rs+K13102
Its fabulous - used it for big trips to Asia, and dragged it easily across snowy streets in the alps. All before the lockdown of course. Its now getting rather dusty stuck behind a chest of drawers, hope it gets used again soon...
As an aside, its the only bag I've ever had, where on every trip, random strangers will come up and say 'nice bag'.
I'm using an Osprey Rolling Transporter 90 for checked baggage. It's unscathed after a couple of trips on budget airlines and the big wheels are ideal if you prefer to public transport and walk to hotels from railway stations or airports.