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

 

[RooFlyer]

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

You had me going there ... until I saw the price!! I'm currently using 4WD cabin baggage and suitcases with 'spinner wheels' and I loath them. Seems I'm always dragging them, and the little wheels are always jamming up.

Lets face it - the 4 wheeled things are great for the airport and many areas of a hotel or office, where the floors are smooth, plus the dash across a pavement to get into/out a building from transport. (Even then, I dislike having to walk the 4 wheeler beside me, making it more difficult in crowded areas - such as airports!). On carpets they need some pressure to make progress. But on most surfaces outside those - most asphalted areas & pavements, gravel finishes, deeper carpets, cobble stones, paved areas, dips and cracks in the pavement, up-slopes .... they simply can't be used in 4WD mode, and must be dragged as 2WD. Which usually works, but risks damaging the 2 sets of wheels under pressure, in which case the whole thing is rooted. Those same sticking-out wheels are also more at risk from airport baggage handlers. But the 4 wheelers are popular, so great for those who don't get beyond the airport & hotel much when flying, which I guess is the vast majority of travellers.

This video makes the case well (pardon the pun) (up to about 1:30:

https://v2.kickstarter.com/1676895855-HGr7O9qzQho1mfow%2Bhn37WY5dIdMy8Khrxlf%2B22vurc%3D/projects/2026577/video-591408-h264_high.mp4

I want a case that's robust and will handle both the comfy airport-type zones and the outside, less refined areas.

Post script. Something like this! I just remembered that I've had this packed with family history stuff in a store room, ready for a quick exit in case of emergency. Looks like it'll be pressed back into service for my long European trip coming up . Now to find a carry-on ....

 

[Flashback]

You had me going there ... until I saw the price!! I'm currently using 4WD cabin baggage and suitcases with 'spinner wheels' and I loath them. Seems I'm always dragging them, and the little wheels are always jamming up.

Lets face it - the 4 wheeled things are great for the airport and many areas of a hotel or office, where the floors are smooth, plus the dash across a pavement to get into/out a building from transport. (Even then, I dislike having to walk the 4 wheeler beside me, making it more difficult in crowded areas - such as airports!). On carpets they need some pressure to make progress. But on most surfaces outside those - most asphalted areas & pavements, gravel finishes, deeper carpets, cobble stones, paved areas, dips and cracks in the pavement, up-slopes .... they simply can't be used in 4WD mode, and must be dragged as 2WD. Which usually works, but risks damaging the 2 sets of wheels under pressure, in which case the whole thing is rooted. Those same sticking-out wheels are also more at risk from airport baggage handlers. But the 4 wheelers are popular, so great for those who don't get beyond the airport & hotel much when flying, which I guess is the vast majority of travellers.

This video makes the case well (pardon the pun) (up to about 1:30:

https://v2.kickstarter.com/1676895855-HGr7O9qzQho1mfow%2Bhn37WY5dIdMy8Khrxlf%2B22vurc%3D/projects/2026577/video-591408-h264_high.mp4

I want a case that's robust and will handle both the comfy airport-type zones and the outside, less refined areas.

Post script. Something like this! I just remembered that I've had this packed with family history stuff in a store room, ready for a quick exit in case of emergency. Looks like it'll be pressed back into service for my long European trip coming up . Now to find a carry-on ....

View attachment 317156

Here is my combo from my last trip, worked well. 50L for the 'main bag' was plenty and I had 3 pairs of shoes with me all up. Note the 50L was rolled down so had room for expansion etc.

 

[RooFlyer]

I'd never say no I do enjoy the chicken ones, but original is good too.

Well ... you might have a number of dealers ...

 

[Lynda2475]

Wow I could never fit anywhere near 3 weeks clothes in a 55L pack (you must all be very petite, not have many toiletries, chargers etc), and mix and match a ton.

Whilst I do laundry when traveling I don't like to do so more than once every 7-8 days. I like to have options and not to have to wear the same 2 or 3 outfits whole trip. I try to cater for casual 3-4 shorts, at least 3 pairs of jeans, 8 t-shirts, 4 merino layers (2 long sleeved tops, 2 jumpers), a waterproof jacket, casual jacket, 2 dresses for those chef hated dinners, beachwear (swimmers, rashies, boardshorts), PJs, hiking shoes/boots, comfy sneakers, heels, thongs/sports sandals, microfibre towel, underwear (9-10 days worth of bras, camisoles, pants, socks). Gifts. Toiletries (a 4 week trip needs full size shampoo and conditioner, the free stuff in hotels is like detergent and results in unmanageable locks).

Last year I travelled in Scotland (Edinburgh and Glasgow), London, New York and Chicago with a medium 4 wheeled case (~20kgs), a 70/75 travel pack (~12 KGs easily balanced on the medium case with one hand, occasionally worn if stairs involved), a 4 wheel carry-on case (7-10kgs) in other hand and handbag on my shoulder and could manage all those by myself. I used the tube and trams without issue.

Because I had the privilege to fly J i availed myself of the extra luggage allowance. Just as well as my checked bags were delayed in Edinburgh (one by 24 hours, the other by 36hours) but I had 2 spare outfits and mini toiletries in my carry-on case which meant i didn't need to do an emergency shop and could get on with my plans.

Now on a Y itinerary and tour where there are tight luggage restrictions I take less and unlikley to take any suitcases. Thankfully I have no trouble carrying a 70-80L travelpack with up to 23kg inside whilst walking upstairs, in fact walked 3km from train station to hotel in Lisbon whilst also carrying another 35L day pack weighing another 8ks or so. A good harness has the weight on hips. But then I'm not a senior and have no mobility issues.

I pack for the trip and don't expect one luggage type to be good for all travels.

 

[Lynda2475]

I travel HLO if the trip is 3 nights or less (i.e. my trip to WLG on Aus Day weekend), otherwise it doesn't work for me due to international liquid restrictions.

Fine if you can manage it, but i would not enjoy my holiday if i didnt have enough clothes, and couldn't properly wash my hair, take enough cleanser/toner/moisturiser for my sensitive skin, take tweezer, nail clipper etc

If it works for you great, but when i travel for a month or more across different climates, HLO wont cut it.

 

[SuePa]

You had me going there ... until I saw the price!!

It is pretty expensive, but I think you get what you pay for. It gets good reviews and it is supposed to be rugged enough to handle all surfaces. Its been the best one I can find that has 2 'all terrain' wheels, a double rail handle and the backpack harness.
I'm away for about 6 weeks, so hlo is not an option for me.

 

[prozac]

This is what Ms Prozac is looking at for carry-on. She had one when she left for o/s a week before covid and sold it at a profit. She is looking at it again because she was very happy with it. Osprey Porter 46 - Osprey Porter 46L Duffel Bag | Paddy Pallin
Her tip. Get a black one, colours just attract attention of customs at the airport.
She's only been home a couple of weeks and will be shooting aff again as soon as her US artist visa comes through. I don't think that is the real name but she is going back to work in the arts.

 

[SuePa]

This is what Ms Prozac is looking at for carry-on. She had one when she left for o/s a week before covid and sold it at a profit. She is looking at it again because she was very happy with it. Osprey Porter 46 - Osprey Porter 46L Duffel Bag | Paddy Pallin
Her tip. Get a black one, colours just attract attention of customs at the airport.
She's only been home a couple of weeks and will be shooting aff again as soon as her US artist visa comes through. I don't think that is the real name but she is going back to work in the arts.

Similar to the one I'm going to look at, but without the wheels.
At the moment it seems you can have any colour you like, so long as it's black ! (Thanks HF)

 

[Quickstatus]

combo from my last trip

I like it.
I intend on travelling light with next trip to CPH. Will see how much of a challenge it will be to go HLO.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Wow I could never fit anywhere near 3 weeks clothes in a 55L pack (you must all be very petite, not have many toiletries, chargers etc), and mix and match a ton.

Whilst I do laundry when traveling I don't like to do so more than once every 7-8 days. I like to have options and not to have to wear the same 2 or 3 outfits whole trip. I try to cater for casual 3-4 shorts, at least 3 pairs of jeans, 8 t-shirts, 4 merino layers (2 long sleeved tops, 2 jumpers), a waterproof jacket, casual jacket, 2 dresses for those chef hated dinners, beachwear (swimmers, rashies, boardshorts), PJs, hiking shoes/boots, comfy sneakers, heels, thongs/sports sandals, microfibre towel, underwear (9-10 days worth of bras, camisoles, pants, socks). Gifts. Toiletries (a 4 week trip needs full size shampoo and conditioner, the free stuff in hotels is like detergent and results in unmanageable locks).

Last year I travelled in Scotland (Edinburgh and Glasgow), London, New York and Chicago with a medium 4 wheeled case (~20kgs), a 70/75 travel pack (~12 KGs easily balanced on the medium case with one hand, occasionally worn if stairs involved), a 4 wheel carry-on case (7-10kgs) in other hand and handbag on my shoulder and could manage all those by myself. I used the tube and trams without issue.

Because I had the privilege to fly J i availed myself of the extra luggage allowance. Just as well as my checked bags were delayed in Edinburgh (one by 24 hours, the other by 36hours) but I had 2 spare outfits and mini toiletries in my carry-on case which meant i didn't need to do an emergency shop and could get on with my plans.

Now on a Y itinerary and tour where there are tight luggage restrictions I take less and unlikley to take any suitcases. Thankfully I have no trouble carrying a 70-80L travelpack with up to 23kg inside whilst walking upstairs, in fact walked 3km from train station to hotel in Lisbon whilst also carrying another 35L day pack weighing another 8ks or so. A good harness has the weight on hips. But then I'm not a senior and have no mobility issues.

I pack for the trip and don't expect one luggage type to be good for all travels.

With shampoo and conditioner ask your hairdresser for samples.

Mine keeps me in Kerastase and the sachets easily fit in my lags bag along with my other skincare etc for a 3 week trip.

 

[RB]

You had me going there ... until I saw the price!! I'm currently using 4WD cabin baggage and suitcases with 'spinner wheels' and I loath them. Seems I'm always dragging them, and the little wheels are always jamming up.

Lets face it - the 4 wheeled things are great for the airport and many areas of a hotel or office, where the floors are smooth, plus the dash across a pavement to get into/out a building from transport. (Even then, I dislike having to walk the 4 wheeler beside me, making it more difficult in crowded areas - such as airports!). On carpets they need some pressure to make progress. But on most surfaces outside those - most asphalted areas & pavements, gravel finishes, deeper carpets, cobble stones, paved areas, dips and cracks in the pavement, up-slopes .... they simply can't be used in 4WD mode, and must be dragged as 2WD. Which usually works, but risks damaging the 2 sets of wheels under pressure, in which case the whole thing is rooted. Those same sticking-out wheels are also more at risk from airport baggage handlers. But the 4 wheelers are popular, so great for those who don't get beyond the airport & hotel much when flying, which I guess is the vast majority of travellers.

This video makes the case well (pardon the pun) (up to about 1:30:

https://v2.kickstarter.com/1676895855-HGr7O9qzQho1mfow%2Bhn37WY5dIdMy8Khrxlf%2B22vurc%3D/projects/2026577/video-591408-h264_high.mp4

I want a case that's robust and will handle both the comfy airport-type zones and the outside, less refined areas.

Post script. Something like this! I just remembered that I've had this packed with family history stuff in a store room, ready for a quick exit in case of emergency. Looks like it'll be pressed back into service for my long European trip coming up . Now to find a carry-on ....

View attachment 317156

Maybe look at Eagle Creek, we have had them for a long time

 

[SeatBackForward]

Maybe look at Eagle Creek, we have had them for a long time

Eagle Creek have recently released a whole new line up of bags, that can be viewed on their US website Eagle Creek | Luggage, Travel Backpacks & Travel Gear . Unfortunately these are not available in Australia as the sole importer of Eagle Creek into Australia went bust before covid hit. I picked up a few items when I was in the US last year (sorry I'm a bit of a bag nerd so I do silly things like that).

EC also went through a change of ownership away from a corporate owner to someone more passionate about the brand, so they may find better ways of supplying globally.

 

[prozac]

Similar to the one I'm going to look at, but without the wheels.
At the moment it seems you can have any colour you like, so long as it's black ! (Thanks HF)

No wheels.

 

[blackcat20]

With shampoo and conditioner ask your hairdresser for samples.

Mine keeps me in Kerastase and the sachets easily fit in my lags bag along with my other skincare etc for a 3 week trip.

I just decant mine into travel bottles.

 

[RooFlyer]

Maybe look at Eagle Creek, we have had them for a long time

Thanks. This from the Eagle Creek site: 4-WHEELED LUGGAGE VS. 2-WHEELED LUGGAGE: WHICH KIND SHOULD YOU GET?

 

[Lynda2475]

Mine keeps me in Kerastase and the sachets easily fit in my lags bag along with my other skincare etc for a 3 week trip.

Nice tip if you have thin or short hair. Unfortunately, id need about 10 sample per wash for my very long very thick hair. On a 4 week trip I don't leave home without at least 500ml of shampoo and 1 litre of conditioner.

I do take the mini size freebies and samples of my facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser on short trips.

The travel bottles are only 100ml, if doing a 3 day trip I need to decant 100ml of Shampoo and 200ml of conditioner into 3 of them.

Internationally you cant have bigger than 100ml and all must fit in a small plastic bag, add cleanser, toner, moisturiser, sunscreen, shower gel etc it becomes impossible once over 3 days to be HLO for me. YMMV.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Nice tip if you have thin or short hair. Unfortunately, id need about 10 sample per wash for my very long very thick hair. On a 4 week trip I don't leave home without at least 500ml of shampoo and 1 litre of conditioner.

I do take the mini size freebies and samples of my facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser on short trips.

The travel bottles are only 100ml, if doing a 3 day trip I need to decant 100ml of Shampoo and 200ml of conditioner into 3 of them.

Internationally you cant have bigger than 100ml and all must fit in a small plastic bag, add cleanser, toner, moisturiser, sunscreen, shower gel etc it becomes impossible once over 3 days to be HLO for me. YMMV.

I don’t have thin or short hair but obviously my use of shampoo and conditioner and yours must be vastly different.
I wouldn’t go through a litre of conditioner in a year !!!

 

[Flashback]

I like it.
I intend on travelling light with next trip to CPH. Will see how much of a challenge it will be to go HLO.

Mrs FB and I both did 3 weeks in Peru/Ecuador HLO - wasn't a problem at all. Yes, even the Mrs coped just fine!! Yes .. she also washed her hair with shampoo and conditioner. Still using my stash from Conrad Cairo which she really likes.

 

[VPS]

Slightly OT but does anyone actually use the stuff they give you in hotels while you're staying there. I have to carry all my own toiletries because the ones in the hotels are too harsh and too strongly scented. I've got very dry sensitive skin and it is a pain having to carry toiletries

 

[RooFlyer]

Still using my stash from Conrad Cairo which she really likes.

Me too!!!

Slightly OT but does anyone actually use the stuff they give you in hotels while you're staying there. I have to carry all my own toiletries because the ones in the hotels are too harsh and too strongly scented. I've got very dry sensitive skin and it is a pain having to carry toiletries

I do. But I'm an old guy and nothing will change ... oh, never mind ...