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

 

[Steady]

The old threads where I posted about Samsonite customer service and warranty claims are closed

I have a few hard side Samsonite spinner cases - the handle on my 55cm carryon broke on my last trip - I dug up the receipt when I returned home to see I had purchased it in September 2012 so about 6 months outside the 10y warranty period I figured I would buy a replacement as I am happy with the case and there is nothing wrong with the rest of it. Made contact, I was sent a spare part request form and was quoted $45 for the replacement assembly, filled it out and sent it in with the photos and receipt they requested, received a reply saying it was passed onto the spare parts department and they would contact me, heard nothing then a parcel turned up - new handle, no charge.

While hard side clam shell cases can be frustrating - I cannot fault Samsonite customer service having received a full set of wheels for one case, a complete replacement on another, and now a handle on a third outside of the warranty period.

 

[Flashback]

In recent weeks I've travelled through Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Israel and Palestine....... thought I'd try a 4 wheeler case to get some real world data. Not a good option at all.

 

[FlyingFiona]

In recent weeks I've travelled through Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Israel and Palestine....... thought I'd try a 4 wheeler case to get some real world data. Not a good option at all.

I'm looking at new luggage options and have never had a 4 wheeler before. What do you find is the main disadvantage to them (apart from them rolling off on you!)?

 

[John in Melbourne]

I'm looking at new luggage options and have never had a 4 wheeler before. What do you find is the main disadvantage to them (apart from them rolling off on you!)?

You have to steer them instead of pulling them along, but you get used to it. I like 4-wheelers far more than 2. However, I could still pull my 4 along if I wanted to, but I don't.

 

[Lynda2475]

You have to steer them instead of pulling them along,

Nope you can do either, steer or pull.

I'm looking at new luggage options and have never had a 4 wheeler before. What do you find is the main disadvantage to them (apart from them rolling off on you!)?

Im guessing flashback was using on dirt roads or cobble stones.

Ive had zero issues with 4 wheeler on recent travels, if Im anywhere where wheels would present a problem I take a travel pack, and carry on my back, so hands are free.

 

[Flashback]

You have to steer them instead of pulling them along, but you get used to it. I like 4-wheelers far more than 2. However, I could still pull my 4 along if I wanted to, but I don't.

You can pull along too, but it doesn't work so well. I find that the 4 wheelers with dual wheels (so 8 wheelers, I guess...) are slightly better; but still not great. When having to pull along on not even cobble stones, but just very uneven side walks (even through the main streets on town) then 2 wheelers are more effective in that regard.

 

[Lynda2475]

Ive never seen a 4 wheeler without dual wheels.

 

[love_the_life]

I'm looking at new luggage options and have never had a 4 wheeler before. What do you find is the main disadvantage to them (apart from them rolling off on you!)?

Most of the 4 wheelers I have seen have small wheels which are attached on the outside of the body of the luggage, making them more prone to damage if they need to be checking in. I have not seen 4 wheelers with large, solid wheels - most seem very flimsy.
That is why I much prefer a 2 wheeled one though I am talking about international carry on size.

 

[Lynda2475]

wheels - most seem very flimsy.

Certainly not my experience, my previous 4 wheeler (samsonite medium case) was always checked in on domestic and international flights, also on busses and trains - zero wheel damage. Actually, after 8 years of heavy use the only damage sustained was the logo was ripped off the front of the case (never interfered with it functionally) and is now in use by my parents.

Have had current antler 4 wheeler for just over a year, the medium size one has been checked in and is damage free apart from some marks on the case after over 30 flights so far, wheels are anything but flimsy.

YMMV of course.

 

[prozac]

Certainly not my experience, my previous 4 wheeler (samsonite medium case) was always checked in on domestic and international flights, also on busses and trains - zero wheel damage. Actually, after 8 years of heavy use the only damage sustained was the logo was ripped off the front of the case (never interfered with it functionally) and is now in use by my parents.

Have had current antler 4 wheeler for just over a year, the medium size one has been checked in and is damage free apart from some marks on the case after over 30 flights so far, wheels are anything but flimsy.

YMMV of course.

MsProzac messaged from Brazil to say she also loves her new medium Antler Stamford.

 

[John in Melbourne]

Aircraft you fly on might be a consideration. If you fly on Qantas Dash 8's you might want to consider a smaller hard case as the standard size doesn't fit in the overhead!

My Crumpler gym bag is great for Dash 8’s. It fits easily into the overhead.

 

[FlyingFiona]

Out of curiosity, when travelling solo for longer periods, what size is your main suitcase? (Eg medium ~88cm, large ~122L)

 

[Lynda2475]

For me its medium, as outside US airline the large size is technically considered over the max dimension (at least for Qantas).

Last trip I took a medium, plus a travel pack (easy to balance on top of the medium) plus a cabin size.

If I knew i could avoid stairs would have taken 2 medium.

 

[John in Melbourne]

when travelling solo for longer periods, what size is your main suitcase?

When traveling OS, I usually go for a month and take a gym bag for the cabin and a medium. I also take care when packing, for example rolling clothes up tightly (yes, they become creased ).

 

[RooFlyer]

I'm looking at new luggage options and have never had a 4 wheeler before. What do you find is the main disadvantage to them (apart from them rolling off on you!)?

Rather than saying Four wheeler versus two Wheeler, I would say consider where you’re going. if it’s just urban use - airport, taxi to hotel and similar, then a Fourwheeler is probably going to be perfectly fine. Mainly smooth and mainly level surfaces.

However, if you’re going off the beaten track so to speak - Africa, much of Asia, anywhere around Europe away from the main cities (and even in the old parts of main cities) where there’s going to be cobblestones, rough surfaces, etc old pavements with cracks and holes, divots etc. then pack a 2 wheeler.

These uneven and cracked surfaces will prevent you from using your four wheeler in glide-along mode. You’ll have to go into two wheel mode and that will risk the wheels breaking off as they’re not meant for bouncing over uneven services.

I know Lynda had said she'll use a backpack in some of these circumstances, but I'm afraid my days off backpacking around Europe are long behind me . I've been here a week and everyone is using their suitcases via 2 wheels due to cobblestones etc.Taxis etc sometimes can't get within 250m of a hotel in the old towns.

Another issue I find with fourwheelers is that you have to trundle them along beside you and that’s a problem in crowded spaces like airports. With a two wheeler you can at least tuck it behind you and pull it.

if the wheels of a four wheeler hit a sudden crack or other impediment, it’ll either jar your wrist, or topple the suitcase over, or maybe both.

Here is my current champion two wheeler - jumbo wheels enclosed, so they are protected, especially from mis-use by baggage handlers and conveyor belts. If will even handle gravel!



But like I said - horses for courses. A 4 wheeler will do in most circumstances a general traveler will go. But you risk a very difficult time if you suddenly strike surfaces like this

Out of curiosity, when travelling solo for longer periods, what size is your main suitcase? (Eg medium ~88cm, large ~122L)

If I'm traveling for an extended period (usually means mixed climates), and have to take a checked bag, I go the kitchen sink. Like the above , but it's still under 20 kg.

 

[FlyingFiona]

Thanks, @Lynda2475 @John in Melbourne and @RooFlyer - great tips (especially re rough surfaces and suitcases - totally sealed the deal for me that I will stick with 2 wheelers) and to stick with my medium size case...just might get a second (for all the shopping I inevitably return home with ).

 

[Lynda2475]

I have never had an issue pulling a 4 wheeler in 2 wheel mode, and being higher off ground less concerns re puddles. Of course quality varies amongst brands and styles.

Wrt travel pack f you cant carry it you have over packed, a quality harness should ma,e it relatively effortlesss to walk 2-3kms from any bus/train/taxi point to hotel.

 

[Lost Redditor]

Had anyone had a look at this Aussie carry on called July, and July Pro?

Carry On Pro | Hard Shell Carry On Luggage | July

Elevate your travels with the Carry On Pro by July. Experience the perfect blend of style, innovation, and functionality in one premium package. Order today.

july.com

People seem to be raving about it, and I like the detachable sleeve and built in battery bank.

I'm pulling the trigger as soon as my next CC arrives

 

[Lynda2475]

I looked at July but in the end decided it wasnt worth the extra $ and weight. My Antler Stamford carry on has a pocket for battery pack and inbuilt usb cable, which allows you to remove the bank should you need to check that bag.

Have seen quite a few July bags at airports over the last year, you have to be super careful re clicking the laptop case on top, ive seen one fall off on exit from QPub, but quickly recovered.

 

[FlyingFiona]

Had anyone had a look at this Aussie carry on called July, and July Pro?

Carry On Pro | Hard Shell Carry On Luggage | July

Elevate your travels with the Carry On Pro by July. Experience the perfect blend of style, innovation, and functionality in one premium package. Order today.

july.com

People seem to be raving about it, and I like the detachable sleeve and built in battery bank.

I'm pulling the trigger as soon as my next CC arrives

Amazing reviews. Would want to see one before buying to judge the interior space (or reported lack thereof) for myself. Let us know what you think!

I assume it's not easy for someone to swipe the laptop sleeve is it? Otherwise it'd make you a bit of a target.