What is the best luggage for someone who travels overseas a lot?

[Peterjules]

We travel overseas at least 3 to 4 times a year and our luggage comes out worst for wear. We have bought high end luggage and found after several trips it has needed replacing and conversely we have bought cheaper luggage with the same effect. We are looking at the Samsonite Cosmolite but to replace all of our luggage will result in close to $1000 plus. Does anyone have any suggestions on luggage to use?

 

[Simo]

I just buy cheap luggage and when it is buggered I buy another bag.

I also have many sizes as well so I have the perfect size for my trip that I need.

I have app 6 or 8 different size bags which range from carry on rolla bags to big suitcases.

I have purchased Samsonite bags before and they got damaged just as easily as the cheap stuff.

 

[Peterjules]

Thats what we were tending to think but the Cosmolite looked like it was a bit "different". It doesn't look like it has expandable capacity though.

 

[Mal]

Never buy "cheap" luggage. When luggage fails, it fails in very bad ways and that is the last thing you want when you are travelling.

I'm not particularly sold on "expensive" luggage either. While Samsonite do make good bags, they way too much and imho cost too much. Their new Cosmolite range does look promising, but surely the wheels and handles are just as likely to get damaged as their other bags. And hardshell luggage has the disadvantage of not being able to be compressed /expanded.

For my purposes, I find Antler to be good - just find that they hold up to rough handling a bit better than Samsonite. But (luckily), a bag lasts me at least 2+ years with extensive use so I don't have to worry about replacing them too often.

 

[drron]

We bought a Cosmolite when one of our older bags failed just after we started a trip.It scatched badly and very noticeable as the colour is only skin deep.
Have now purchased Antler liquis as they are lighter than Cosmolite-large size 3.8kg.One of our bags got scratched coming home-hardly noticeable as the colour is all the way through.it handles better than the Cosmolite-much better rolling over uneven surfaces.Too early to say how they will stand up.
There is an older thread on this here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/travel-insider-tips/luggage-27515.html

 

[Fantic125]

For check-in luggage I have two different sized Samsonite cases which I've used over the past 4 years.

A large one which is a Samsonite Aero spinner (72cm polycarbonate hardshell) which has been on 40+ overseas trips with me. It has stood up well to the luggage handlers and conveyors, with only one of the rings on the zippers (where you put the padlock through) being broken off. The wheels have received plenty of abuse from some of the places I've been to like India, Korea & Germany where the sidewalks and roads are either poor condition or cobblestones, but they still appear in good condition. No issues with the handles either.

The other is a Samsonite 60cm fabric spinner which has been on a similar number of trips as the Aero. Apart from getting a bit frayed on the corners it's still going strong.

The Cosmolite range looks nice but from my experience with Samsonite I would most probably choose from the mid-range of their products, where you get reasonable quality but without price shock. :shock:
Whatever you buy I think the most important thing is not to overpack them or make them too heavy. I think that tends to shorten their lifespan more than anything.

 

[amaroo]

We have two brands (not including the old back packs) Delsey & Antler. All purchased in SIN over a few trips....drron must be those long & enjoyable lunches

We went for the soft option as we like the expandable zip out section - has come in very handy over the years! Both brands have been subjected to many, many LH & DOM flights & have held up really well.

If I had to pick one over the other I'd go with the Antler....oldest bag, most used & seems to handle the harsh treatment slightly better.

 

[Cynicor]

Victorinox make very nice luggage, but they are not cheap in Aus. I bought my first after advice on a previous thread 3 years ago. You can see the range at Myer, but don't buy unless they are 40-50% off as the markups are ridiculous. I have a spectra carry on, werks 4 ultra light carry on , and 2 larger werks 4 checkin bags and they are all amazing. The wheels, hangles and zips all just seem nice and it even rolls smoother than some other bags I've had. Most of mine were purchased in the USA or SIN.

Apparently people have a lot of success with the lifetime warranty if something does go wrong, too, as they cover carrier damage and not just manufacturing defects.

 

[RB]

I am still using my old backpack so I believe the soft luggage is a good idea. Mrs RB has moved on to Eagle Creek & has used it for quite a few years & many trips & it has stood up to it well-is a convertible roller/backpack type with expansion option

 

[Cynicor]

Also, a mate who works at an outdoor store has mentioned that Arcteryx have made a new bag expressly designed for carry on luggage business travellers, a backpack style bag IIRC. They make amazing outdoor gear so I presume the quality would be good. They also have a lifetime warranty on this bag I believe, might be worth a look into for some people.

Edit: found a review, the Blade 30. http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Laptop-Bag-Reviews/Arcteryx-Blade-30

 

[Jude Starr]

We have Antler hard shell spinner cases...have had them for several years and they have done 4 overseas trips as well as countless domestic journeys with no dramas at all.

 

[freepyjamas]

Victorinox make very nice luggage, but they are not cheap in Aus. I bought my first after advice on a previous thread 3 years ago. You can see the range at Myer, but don't buy unless they are 40-50% off as the markups are ridiculous. I have a spectra carry on, werks 4 ultra light carry on , and 2 larger werks 4 checkin bags and they are all amazing. The wheels, hangles and zips all just seem nice and it even rolls smoother than some other bags I've had. Most of mine were purchased in the USA or SIN.

Apparently people have a lot of success with the lifetime warranty if something does go wrong, too, as they cover carrier damage and not just manufacturing defects.

Last two times I've been in NYC (April '11 and '12) Bloomingdales has had huge discounts on Victorinox... 60% off. Bought four pieces over the last couple of years - you're right, it's great luggage.

 

[cove]

Our last 2 purchases of Samsonite bags was at Costco and we got the multi directional wheels so you can handle 2 bags back to back and roll them with a couple of fingers. I think the set cost $160 plus tax at Marina del Rey in California.
It is so easy to roll 4 bags that weigh a total of 90 to 100 kgs by yourself with so little effort.

 

[jetlagger]

In my business & client dealings I see more than a fair share of luggage types, ranging from atrocious to fantastic & some downright hideous.
On a personal level..
I have always been loyal to Samsonite.. I have 4 ranging in size from carry on to 70cm rollers.
The best ever was the older model, hard shell, two recessed wheels. I've done over 100 o/s trips with these, apart from a few scratches no other damage. Really not sure if can buy these anymore.
Recently I bought a Rimowa Topas alloy. Pricey, but It's a great heavy duty luggage, however, unladen it's around 4kgs. So far done 16 flights, 1 broken wheel - easily repairable though.
I'm not convinced about the zip type luggage, as most of the new designs are - have seen these fail more than a few occasions.
Soft/expandable luggage are great for some, though I tend to venture through tropical rainy environments & water can & does seep through.
I would definately stay well away from the 'cheap" ones. The build quality is rubbish, & they will disintegrate at the worst possible time.. Save the embarrassment..
Without going over budget, Antler are excellent as reported & always remember: build quality is as important as styling.
Happy shopping & report back on your decision & satisfaction rating.
Cheers, jl

 

[vetrade]

FWIW we've had reasonable service out of Samsonite, Antler and others over the years and usually had the soft-sided variety.
After giving our existing cases to our son and his GF, after much detective work, we tried Delsey hard-sided spinners (4 x double wheels) which have a sturdy double zip arrangement for added security. Not sure what specific model they are but they have an irregular diamond pattern moulded into the ourside.
They performed very well through Europe last year and didn't mark much so they're worth a look.

 

[atreides]

Another vote here for Samsonite.

In regards to the 2 vs 4 wheel debate, I've always opted for the 2 wheel, due to the two wheel option having larger more solid wheels which I find more stable on cobblestone and the like. Saying that, I'm thinking of buying another jumbo suitcase with spinners for when taking the train so that I can push it sideways down the aisle.

The other debate is Soft vs Hard. I tend to go for soft shelled cases as I find they provide a little more cushioning, are expandable and are a little more flexible to the required shape. But this is entirely subjective. One of the largest downsides to soft cases is that the contents might get wet in the rain or snow.

 

[Fantic125]

One of the largest downsides to soft cases is that the contents might get wet in the rain or snow.

FYI, I usually spray my fabric case every 12 months or so with one of those aerosol shoe waterproofing sprays. Doesn't make it totally waterproof, bit it works pretty well if you get caught in a short burst of rain or snow.

 

[ozmille]

I just bought the Cubelight as I found the Cosmolight to rounded at the top and it looks like you can pack easier in the Cube... Also I thought that the handle for the Cube looks stronger

 

[atreides]

FYI, I usually spray my fabric case every 12 months or so with one of those aerosol shoe waterproofing sprays. Doesn't make it totally waterproof, bit it works pretty well if you get caught in a short burst of rain or snow.

I never thought of that, great idea!

 

[drewbles]

Never buy "cheap" luggage. When luggage fails, it fails in very bad ways and that is the last thing you want when you are travelling.

I'm not particularly sold on "expensive" luggage either. While Samsonite do make good bags, they way too much and imho cost too much. Their new Cosmolite range does look promising, but surely the wheels and handles are just as likely to get damaged as their other bags. And hardshell luggage has the disadvantage of not being able to be compressed /expanded.

For my purposes, I find Antler to be good - just find that they hold up to rough handling a bit better than Samsonite. But (luckily), a bag lasts me at least 2+ years with extensive use so I don't have to worry about replacing them too often.

+1 on the Antler products. I have various ones (including a Size Zero rollaboard) and they've never let me down. The rollaboard has done around-the-world probably 4-5 times now, and i've had it around 2-3 years. They come in larger sizes too.

Also a vote for Crumpler stuff, but be careful. A lot of it is not great for storage, but exceptionally sturdy. They have now released the 'Dry Red' range, which is stunning. I have a Spring Peeper roller Duffle bag which I love. The handle took a beating in LHR recently (my fault) and they replaced it zero charge. They're not cheap, but great stuff (suggest you pop into a store and look at both Antler and Crumpler, but Crumpler is mainly in their own stores if you want a decent range).