New Luggage Recommendations

[Andy Travels]

Hi all

Newbie here but a frequent flyer who will be rejoining the skys again very soon.

I'm looking at refreshing my carry on luggage to a hard case. Currently looking at the Qantas branded hard cases but just wondering if anyone has any feedback / suggestions? Probably looking at around $120 mark (obviously in this field a $120 price tag is usually a RRP reduced from $250 haha)

Thanks!
Andy

 

[Lynda2475]

$235 is an excellent decent price

 

[RooFlyer]

Antler head office 3 minutes up the road from me. Unfortunately I don't think they accept buyers.
LoveLuggage site has Stamford Medium in Putty for $234.95 $339.00 You Save 31% ($104.05 ). This is the colour MsProzac likes so maybe that is a sign.

I'm possibly in the market for a new carry-on, so I looked at this on the Antler page:

Stamford Medium Suitcase Khaki (Green) | Hard Suitcase | Antler AU

The Clifton medium in sage is everything you could possibly want from a suitcase. It's designed to last longer and function better. Shop now at antler.co.uk

www.antler.com.au

* Don't like that they only show you one internal view and a number of the external views only seem to be there to show off the logo. I mean, is it meant to be a functional carry-on, or something to be admired from the outside?

* Don't like a lot of internal dividers etc - adds to weight. I can pack things in plastic bags if needs be. Ah, I see one is removable. But I'll pay for it.

Nothing about the inside in the Product description:

Product Description
Turn down the volume on travelling from A to B with our Stamford Medium Case, whose Hinomoto wheels guarantee whisper-quiet gliding.

Stamford fuses Antler’s timeless British design with modern Japanese innovation. Hinomoto’s 360-degree rotating wheels offer enhanced control and a muted tread, thanks to their Lisof tyre fabric, developed with Mitsubishi. In-built functionality keeps these wheels well-greased for longer, lengthening your luggage’s lifespan.

Stamford’s robust yet lightweight polycarbonate shell has a smooth, matt surface, making scratches less visible. A removable packing divider with a pocket sits under compression packing straps to help prevent creasing and keep clothes flat, whilst an expander zip on the case adds 5cm space. A TSA-approved combination lock keeps treasures safe.

For easy storage, the Stamford Medium has space for a Stamford Cabin Case to nest inside, and also fits inside the Stamford Large.

I'm going from the car park, through the airport. What's the virtue of whisper-quiet gliding? At a hotel, the noise will be generated by the floor covering. I really prefer larger wheels.

I know others love Antler, and works for them, but I want functionality, not styling. Can't tell much about the functionality from the web page.

 

[prozac]

$235 is an excellent decent price

Their standard price was already $34 under anywhere else, so we boomed on it. She's happy with the colour, it was the only colour they had in the medium size. One overseas review said the bag is almost indestructible.
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Ade]

bag is almost indestructible.

That should give comfort, given the videos of baggage handlers we've been seeing

 

[prozac]

I'm possibly in the market for a new carry-on, so I looked at this on the Antler page:
...



I'm going from the car park, through the airport. What's the virtue of whisper-quiet gliding? At a hotel, the noise will be generated by the floor covering. I really prefer larger wheels.

Sneaking past the guards.

Have a look at the LoveLuggage site. As mentioned they were already cheaper than anywhere else and is a private business. About

 

[prozac]

Ms Prozac now wants a recommendation for a carry on weapon backpack.

 

[RooFlyer]

Sneaking past the guards.

Have a look at the LoveLuggage site. As mentioned they were already cheaper than anywhere else and is a private business. About

Yes, very good prices (compared to Antler site) - but only shows the same Antler pics. I don't buy anything on 'label' - clothes, stuff, luggage.

Bric has more pics. Actually, my ideal carry-on is a 2 wheeler, but as I discovered when I went shopping last time, they are very rare these days. 4 wheelers are virtually useless in 4WD mode except good smooth surfaces. No pavers, no gravel, no 'typical' pavement, no deep pile carpet. Plenty of the first 2 in places I go!

Of course I'd go and check it out in store but there are b-all luggage places in Hobart. So it would be nice if these web pages could show me what I'm actually buying rather get me to coo over the styling.

 

[Bindibuys]

Ms Prozac now wants a recommendation for a carry on weapon backpack.

Hubby loves his Black Wolf backpack/carry on. He has it right now as he is flying to Darwin in the morning. Will see if I can find if it is even still made.
Its called the Skedaddle, and can be a hand carry, shoulder carry or has back pack straps concealed, that you can pull out to convert it to a proper backpack.
It may be a search to find it now.

BLACK WOLF SKEDADDLE URBAN BAG LIME - Steelo’s Guns & Outdoors 2:22 pm

 

[Lynda2475]

My previous Antler carry-on was a two wheeler, but having a 4-wheeler now I would never ever go back to 2 wheels. 4-wheeler can easily be used in 2-wheel mode, but where walking long distances through airports, on tube stations, paved city streets etc 4 wheels is a godsend for easy of mobility with as little as 2 fingers no matter what the weight.

If I'm going somewhere rugged I travel with my either my 75L Pacsafe travel pack (its nice and stylish, they dont make it anymore) or my One Planet 85L Back Pack - both have zippable covers that keep all straps inside when checking in) and a smaller pacsafe day pack for my carry-on + purse.

WRT more views inside there are plenty of you tube videos where people review luggage, with shots of all angles and even sample pack to show what fits inside.

The carry-on is an oyster stle (same as the medium) but it has a pocket for a power bank, so you can charge a device without open the bag, USB port on the outside.

I didn't choose Antler for the name, I chose it for the functionality I wanted, Delsey )more expensive, heavier and worse reviews) was the only other brand availabel readily here in Aus that still allowed you to add your own padlock, not be limited to using the inbuilt TSA locks.

Different bags suit different people. I was able to find video footage on youtube that showed me everything I needed to know, without needing to visit a store. YMMV.

 

[Lynda2475]

Finally, an answer to how to store bed set/sheets and I bought 2 of them

Doesnt look big enough (well not for the way I fold sheets) to hold Fitted + Flat + 6 pillow cases + duvet cover. I have 3 sets on rotation and just have them folded on shelf in the linen cupboard.

 

[Flashback]

My previous Antler carry-on was a two wheeler, but having a 4-wheeler now I would never ever go back to 2 wheels. 4-wheeler can easily be used in 2-wheel mode, but where walking long distances through airports, on tube stations, paved city streets etc 4 wheels is a godsend for easy of mobility with as little as 2 fingers no matter what the weight.

If I'm going somewhere rugged I travel with my either my 75L Pacsafe travel pack (its nice and stylish, they dont make it anymore) or my One Planet 85L Back Pack - both have zippable covers that keep all straps inside when checking in) and a smaller pacsafe day pack for my carry-on + purse.

WRT more views inside there are plenty of you tube videos where people review luggage, with shots of all angles and even sample pack to show what fits inside.

The carry-on is an oyster stle (same as the medium) but it has a pocket for a power bank, so you can charge a device without open the bag, USB port on the outside.

I didn't choose Antler for the name, I chose it for the functionality I wanted, Delsey )more expensive, heavier and worse reviews) was the only other brand availabel readily here in Aus that still allowed you to add your own padlock, not be limited to using the inbuilt TSA locks.

Different bags suit different people. I was able to find video footage on youtube that showed me everything I needed to know, without needing to visit a store. YMMV.

Using a 4 wheeler in 2 wheel mode doesn't work very well, they're not the right angle for it.

I'm a other in the camp of hating the 4 wheelers especially for carry on.

But, then again, as per RooFlyer most of.ky destinations are nowhere near suitable for 4 wheeler bags.

 

[prozac]

Yes, very good prices (compared to Antler site) - but only shows the same Antler pics. I don't buy anything on 'label' - clothes, stuff, luggage.

Bric has more pics. Actually, my ideal carry-on is a 2 wheeler, but as I discovered when I went shopping last time, they are very rare these days. 4 wheelers are virtually useless in 4WD mode except good smooth surfaces. No pavers, no gravel, no 'typical' pavement, no deep pile carpet. Plenty of the first 2 in places I go!

Of course I'd go and check it out in store but there are b-all luggage places in Hobart. So it would be nice if these web pages could show me what I'm actually buying rather get me to coo over the styling.

My preference for cabin luggage and checked bags is 2 wheels also but they are dinosaurs now.

 

[Lynda2475]

Using a 4 wheeler in 2 wheel mode doesn't work very well, they're not the right angle for it.

That is is certainly not my experience at all.

My new 4-wheel Antler carry-on works just as well in 2-wheel mode as my previous Antler 2-wheeler did, I'd say better because the 2-wheeler had a stick handle vs the more traditional handle on the new one which makes it easier to balance a handbag or pack of top of the case when needed.

Post automatically merged: Feb 20, 2023

My preference for cabin luggage and checked bags is 2 wheels also but they are dinosaurs now.

You can still get them but they tend to be for soft sided luggage only and well i now prefer hard cases if using a suitcase, as your stuff stays drier when baggage handlers leave your case in the rain. Plus oyster style easier to pack that one deep section with a flip lid.

 

[Denali]

Ive tried so many different types of check in styles and ultimately, a duffle roller works best for us. I use packing cubes and like having everything in one spot, without having to go through zippered areas and flipping it open via the middle or hard case. Carryon, Ive had a Samsonite 72hrs for years and happy with it.

REI Co-op Wheeled Luggage | REI Co-op

Shop for REI Co-op Wheeled Luggage at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

www.rei.com

 

[prozac]

My previous Antler carry-on was a two wheeler, but having a 4-wheeler now I would never ever go back to 2 wheels. 4-wheeler can easily be used in 2-wheel mode, but where walking long distances through airports, on tube stations, paved city streets etc 4 wheels is a godsend for easy of mobility with as little as 2 fingers no matter what the weight.

If I'm going somewhere rugged I travel with my either my 75L Pacsafe travel pack (its nice and stylish, they dont make it anymore) or my One Planet 85L Back Pack - both have zippable covers that keep all straps inside when checking in) and a smaller pacsafe day pack for my carry-on + purse.

WRT more views inside there are plenty of you tube videos where people review luggage, with shots of all angles and even sample pack to show what fits inside.

The carry-on is an oyster stle (same as the medium) but it has a pocket for a power bank, so you can charge a device without open the bag, USB port on the outside.

I didn't choose Antler for the name, I chose it for the functionality I wanted, Delsey )more expensive, heavier and worse reviews) was the only other brand availabel readily here in Aus that still allowed you to add your own padlock, not be limited to using the inbuilt TSA locks.

Different bags suit different people. I was able to find video footage on youtube that showed me everything I needed to know, without needing to visit a store. YMMV.

I should have been more specific. She needs a carry-on backback that is comfortable after long walks/hikes. Evidently they make them male or female specific. This is the sort of thing, but seems to be out of stock in Oz. Osprey Fairview 40L Travel Backpack - Rainforest - S/M

 

[Lynda2475]

For me the issue with backpack with wheels or duffle rollers is that when you invariable have to carry them on your back, the wheels dig into your hips. If I'm travelling without a suitcase then I'm fine to have the pack on my back (and you can always use a trolley at the airport),

I should have been more specific. She needs a carry-on backback that is comfortable after long walks/hikes. This is the sort of thing, but seems to be out of stock in Oz. Osprey Fairview 40L Travel Backpack - Rainforest - S/M

Whilst I love my packsafe due to security features, when I was travelling south america and doing lots of day hikes, my carry on was my day pack and I favoured Deuter (I have both a 30L and 40L but the exact futura model I have isnt availabel anymore which is a shame because its prettier than the current futura pro models).

Firstly I like they make packs specifically for women, so the back length, shoulder straps and hip straps factor in womens body shape which is important for comfort when you could be carrying for 12hours plus (the angles much better than the mens variant for me at least, but mens version also good).

They also have in built rain covers, usual loops for hiking poles and some have a mesh system (aircomfort back system) which allows airflow between the pack and your back meaning you dont get a hot back carrying it all day (i put a red square in pic below to show the gap, it is great).

The deuter Futura series

The sporty all-round deuter hiking backpack – a top seller for years!

www.deuter.com

Osprey was the other brand I considered and my travel buddy had one and was very happy.

Pacsafe has nice security features Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack againt the ones I have (including 75L checked version) no longer available.

 

[RooFlyer]

That is is certainly not my experience at all.

Fair enough, horses for courses. But once you’ve done five Stsns where to go cross border country to country. you’ve got a walk between about 300 to 500 m or more across gravel and potholes, that’s where the fourwheelers will fall down and if dragged in a two wheel mode, susceptible to snapping. Big wheels a God-send.

Now, that’s an extreme example, but even in the bloody Hobart Airport car park, you might have to walk a couple of hundred metres across gravelled asphalt. You can’t push the four wheeler, you’ve got to drag it in two wheel mode.

I bought my current four wheeler a couple of years ago ( couldn't get a 2 wheeler) and this is why I’m in the market for a new 2 wheeler.

I'm visiting the UK, France, the Balkans etc in a few months and am anticipating a lot of cobbles .

 

[Lynda2475]

Now, that’s an extreme example

Yep and on that type of trip i would not even contemplate taking a suitcase.

Whether you agree with my case choice or not doesnt really matter since the OP was asking about experience with a brand you dont own, but i do. Ive explained why it works for me, the OPs mmv as well.

 

[Bindibuys]

For me the issue with backpack with wheels or duffle rollers is that when you invariable have to carry them on your back, the wheels dig into your hips. If I'm travelling without a suitcase then I'm fine to have the pack on my back (and you can always use a trolley at the airport),



Whilst I love my packsafe due to security features, when I was travelling south america and doing lots of day hikes, my carry on was my day pack and I favoured Deuter (I have both a 30L and 40L but the exact futura model I have isnt availabel anymore which is a shame because its prettier than the current futura pro models).

Firstly I like they make packs specifically for women, so the back length, shoulder straps and hip straps factor in womens body shape which is important for comfort when you could be carrying for 12hours plus (the angles much better than the mens variant for me at least, but mens version also good).

They also have in built rain covers, usual loops for hiking poles and some have a mesh system (aircomfort back system) which allows airflow between the pack and your back meaning you dont get a hot back carrying it all day (i put a red square in pic below to show the gap, it is great).

View attachment 317084

The deuter Futura series

The sporty all-round deuter hiking backpack – a top seller for years!

www.deuter.com

Osprey was the other brand I considered and my travel buddy had one and was very happy.

Pacsafe has nice security features Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack againt the ones I have (including 75L checked version) no longer available.

LOVE my Deuter ladies backpack, just wish it got more use.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yep and on that type of trip i would not even contemplate taking a suitcase.

Well, I was talking carry-on, but it would equally apply to suitcases. Were you were thinking a backpack-type 'suitcase' over those distances (presumably with wheels) while also managing a (4 wheeler?) carry-on? Good luck. Large-wheeled 2 wheelers were the go. I was merely pointing out that under some circumstances, 4 wheelers are not the go - including in places like England, France etc where you might be walking 100m across cobbles from parking to your accommodation. Thump, thump, thump of a 4 wheeler in 2 wheel mode might well shed a wheel. Heck, even in London you might be walking that distance or more down the street from a station, with pavers, cobbles and holes. But as I said, horses for courses (which means the same as YMMV).

I need to sort out the Balkans which is only a few weeks away. A little easier to do book as you go over there though, did that a few years back and worked well.

You can tell us all the good boozers & places to eat, for when I'm there in mid May, on a tour. Lots of time for such when everything else is organised for you

Kotor, Zabljak, Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik

When my mother moved into aged care it was extremely difficult to get rid of wall units

My sister has just moved into care and now, what to do with our grandma's semi antique sideboard, dining table, bookcases etc (v high sentimental value)? Thankfully her daughter (in Brisbane) is going to take the first two (squeeze into her townhouse), and is going to pay a fortune to get it up there from Hobart. I was dreading sending them to the weekly auction house (not Sotheby's!), where a lot of other stuff is going. I'm going to have a bit of a clean out at the same time - that excess leather couch, surplus bookshelf, surplus aircon, mums 5 bridge chairs. Won't get much for them, but at least they'll have a home.

When I peg it, all my really good Tas blackwood furniture will be someone else's problem - in the auction places, its worth 20%of what I paid for it.