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]

Were you were thinking a backpack-type 'suitcase' over those distances with also managing a (4 wheeler?) carry-on?

Nope a travel pack and a day pack, easy to carry both (big one on back, smaller on side or front) no dragging required.

In London 2 x 4 wheelers zero issues, walked almost a km from tube to hotel no drama at all. The foot paths are paved not cobblestones. But you do you.

Some parts of Cuba like Trinidad had genuine cobblestones, but then that trip was travel pack plus day pack.if you cant carry it (i.e on back or in a case up a couple flights of stairs if needed, lots of latin america and europe is no lifts) then you have over packed.

 

[RooFlyer]

Nope a travel pack and a day pack, easy to carry both (big one on back, smaller on side or front) no dragging required.

Well, having done those places, with a group, just let me say, sincerely good luck with that!

The foot paths are paved not cobblestones. But you do you.

Not all , and not all well paved either. I possibly get into the less refined areas of London like Hammersmith and Limehouse and old medieval towns, and I do what the locals do - adapt to the conditions .

Now, this is a 4 wheeler that I could use:



Or, better this (minus the stilettos ):

 

[prozac]

Well, having done those places, with a group, just let me say, sincerely good luck with that!



Not all , and not all well paved either. I possibly get into the less refined areas of London like Hammersmith and Limehouse and old medieval towns, and I do what the locals do - adapt to the conditions .

Now, this is a 4 wheeler that I could use:

View attachment 317099

Or, better this (minus the stilettos ):

View attachment 317100

I don't mind the stilettos

 

[Cossie]

That reminds me.... now that Israel & Jordan is largely planned/booked, 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.

We’ll be in Croatia in 8 weeks time, WRC from the Wednesday to Sunday, then a few weeks driving, will go out west to Porec then down to Pula, around to Rijeka and then see what happens, hopefully some islands, if we get down to Split, that will be good.

 

[Lynda2475]

Well, having done those places, with a group, just let me say, sincerely good luck with that!

Ive done plenty of group travel soft sided packs are usually preferred over suitcases cases for putting on 4WD roof racks or in luggage trailers or in train luggage racks etc. I dont do giant coaches only ever small groups.

Pack combos (no wheels) have served me well through South and Central America over several trips and also through Spain/Portgual/Croatia.The right pack (one that can open all the way up like a suitcase (not old fashioned ones where you have to stuff things in) combined with parachute material packing cells are super easy to travel with.

But when visiting cities like London or New York, 4 wheeled cases have proved no problem at all for me and I take public transport as dont drive.

 

[Flashback]

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).



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



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.

BBQ Tanjga · E65, Kotor, Montenegro - meat, and lots of it. Mate and I devoured a massive platter there....

Don't really have much for the other cities, haven't been to some yet and Dubrovnik was very ............ touristy.

 

[Lynda2475]

We’ll be in Croatia in 8 weeks time, WRC from the Wednesday to Sunday, then a few weeks driving, will go out west to Porec then down to Pula, around to Rijeka and then see what happens, hopefully some islands, if we get down to Split, that will be good.

If you make it to Korčula then I highly recommend chef hatted LD Terrace restaurant, delicious (bookings essential) and very resonably priced compared to equivalent resturants elsewhere in Europe.

The locals eat late, so sometimes possibel to snag a early sitting at say 6pm at short notice.

 

[VPS]

Well, having done those places, with a group, just let me say, sincerely good luck with that!



Not all , and not all well paved either. I possibly get into the less refined areas of London like Hammersmith and Limehouse and old medieval towns, and I do what the locals do - adapt to the conditions .

Now, this is a 4 wheeler that I could use:

View attachment 317099

Or, better this (minus the stilettos ):

View attachment 317100

Well I'm in London now and let me confirm the fact there are cobblestones in many places but other members on this forum just like to disagree with everything because they haven't encountered it. And btw if you're travelling via car you will be wise to have some cash. A few car parks won't take cards.

 

[Lynda2475]

other members on this forum just like to disagree with everything because they haven't encountered it.

Prozac asked for feedback about a particular brand and type of case, not for opinions about whether a case itself is what they should buy. It is blatantly obvious who has set out to disagree for the sake of it, hint they admitted to having no direct knowledge of the brand.

Anyway im sure MsProzac will enjoy many years of her new Antler Stamford medium case it is a great suitcase.

 

[love_the_life]

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.

We have Pacsafe carry on international size - yes, not light but the 2 wheels are set in and solid as a rock. If we need to check them in the risk of wheel damage is almost zero. They have been all over the world and we have had them for maybe 10 years. Still as good as new.

 

[Pushka]

Well I'm in London now and let me confirm the fact there are cobblestones in many places but other members on this forum just like to disagree with everything because they haven't encountered it. And btw if you're travelling via car you will be wise to have some cash. A few car parks won't take cards.

You know the things that do my head in with rollers? Those chrome bumpy things in the ground that are always at airport entrances.

I don't take roller carry ons anymore. I have a large floppy sided bag that slings over my shoulder. Trying to cut back next trip which given it will be hot will help. But am taking so much other stuff not clothing. But we are going to UK in summer so some heavier clothing needed.

 

[VPS]

You know the things that do my head in with rollers? Those chrome bumpy things in the ground that are always at airport entrances.

I don't take roller carry ons anymore. I have a large floppy sided bag that slings over my shoulder. Trying to cut back next trip which given it will be hot will help. But am taking so much other stuff not clothing. But we are going to UK in summer so some heavier clothing needed.

My luggage home should have been a lot lighter but I got a bit carried away and bought some prints of London today. @Flashback should be enjoying the twisties, minties and Fruchocs that helped to weigh down my luggage on the way over. I'm not sure whether they are all gone yet or not

 

[prozac]

@RooFlyer , looks like the only choices for 2 wheels these days are duffels. Delsey do one but is out of stock everywhere, even overseas. Victorianox also do one though more expensive. They also do a smaller version.

Victorinox VX Touring Expandable Extra Large Duffel

Victorinox’s VX Touring Expandable Extra Large Duffel Bag is a high performance, versatile duffel bag designed with adventure travellers in mind. The VT touring range is the lightest from Victorinox, it is a 2-wheel case with monopole handle.

theluggageprofessionals.com.au

 

[Lynda2475]

Well Antler still do one 2 wheel carry-on case and a bunch of 2 wheel hold alls, but if you want 2 wheels it will be soft sided . In stock.

 

[SuePa]

I'm also soon departing for parts of Europe with cobblestones and no elevators, so I want something that has good wheels for most of the time and an optional harness for stairs and rough surfaces (carrying bags up stairs can be challenging for short people ).
I'm looking at an Osprey Sojourn, but I'm not sure how big 60L is and if I can fit enough in. There is also an 80 L, but that will probably be too big.
I'm heading in to Paddy Pallin, Sydney next week to take a look.

Osprey Sojourn 25 /60L Wheeled Luggage | Paddy Pallin

Travelling far and venturing even further.

www.paddypallin.com.au

 

[Lynda2475]

I'm not sure how big 60L

60L is quite small for checked baggage depending on length of time you would be travelling id go for 80L.

A standard medium 67cm suitcase is ~80L (90-95L expanded)

I have both 70L (75L expanded) and 80L (85L expanded) packs and would not go smaller for checked luggage. Shoes are the limiting factor (wear 1 pair, pack 2, possibly 3 if one pair are thongs).

 

[SuePa]

60L is quite small for checked baggage depending on length of time you would be traveeling id go gor 80L.

A standard medium 67cm suitcase is ~80L (90-95L expanded)

I have both 70L (75L expanded) and 80L (85L expanded) packs and would not go smaller for checked luggage. Shoes are the limiting factor (wear 1 pair, pack 2, possibly 3 if one pair are thongs).

Hmm, that's what I was thinking, but I really need to see them. I suppose I wouldn't need to fill the 80L.
I'm taking my mum in to Sydney to visit the Japanese Gardens, so it won't be a wasted trip, whatever the results.

 

[Cossie]

I'm also soon departing for parts of Europe with cobblestones and no elevators, so I want something that has good wheels for most of the time and an optional harness for stairs and rough surfaces (carrying bags up stairs can be challenging for short people ).
I'm looking at an Osprey Sojourn, but I'm not sure how big 60L is and if I can fit enough in. There is also an 80 L, but that will probably be too big.
I'm heading in to Paddy Pallin, Sydney next week to take a look.

Osprey Sojourn 25 /60L Wheeled Luggage | Paddy Pallin

Travelling far and venturing even further.

www.paddypallin.com.au

More than happy with our Ospreys, one had some stitching come undone and was replaced on the spot. They aren’t carryon bags though. I think 60 litre Shuttle. I’ll check later. We must have had them over 10 years. Certainly would look at replacing with same when needed.
After reading what Lynda2475 said above, I think they 80 litre.

 

[Lynda2475]

I suppose I wouldn't need to fill the 80L.

Most have compression straps that you can tighten if the pack/duffle is not full.

Personally I like to depart without my bag expanded, leaving that expansion space for shopping (plus as you use up toiletries that also saves weight/space).

Also looks for pack/duffle that zips all the way open much easier to pack when the opening is suitcase like.

Carry-on suitcases/pack typically 38-45L, so 60L is check in size but on the small size. A girl has to have the ability to shop!

 

[love_the_life]

60L is quite small for checked baggage depending on length of time you would be travelling id go for 80L.

A standard medium 67cm suitcase is ~80L (90-95L expanded)

I have both 70L (75L expanded) and 80L (85L expanded) packs and would not go smaller for checked luggage. Shoes are the limiting factor (wear 1 pair, pack 2, possibly 3 if one pair are thongs).

We have 55L carryon (and sometimes check them in depending on weight) - if we need more we take a small extra bag each - this has served us for many trips for both light weather clothes and winter woolies. Anything up to about 3 weeks away is easy (though we do use laundry facilities even if paying for them). Too old to worry about a bit of money here and there!
Anything much larger becomes too hard to wrangle on trains etc. Lots of stairs can be a bit of a pain but I can manage to carry the case up most of them.