Samsonite Smart Top Softside Cabin Bag

[vetrade]

The applicable cabin bag threads seem to be quite dated so thought I'd provide a "heads up" for anyone looking for a new lightweight cabin bag.
Have just taken ownership of the new Samsonite Smart Top 50cm (2 wheel) softside cabin bag and I am mightily impressed even though I haven't used it yet. Got mine from Bagworld for $219 with free delivery. There is also a 55cm spinner but I went for the smaller one for VA domestic flights.

https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail/samsonite-smart-top-small-cabin-50cm-softside-sui/

The main innovation is that it has a top opening zip pocket which could easily fit a water bottle, passports and phone charger etc. - only bag I've seen with this feature. Has a front pocket too.
Seems very sturdy despite its weight of only 1.8kg; 34L and has a 10 year warranty. Actual storage space for both the 50cm and 55cm versions is nearly identical.

 

[cosi]

Why are the majority of bags always BLACK?

 

[newmarket]

So they don't show how beaten up they are!

 

[mrdctau]

Why are the majority of bags always BLACK?

1. Black doesn't show dirt as readily as other colours.
2. Black goes with anything.
3. Black looks cool.
4. Black never goes out of fashion.

 

[11sjw]

Agree the top pocket is a great idea.

Still 1.8kg is a decent chunk of your 7kg. Need to pack it lightly.

 

[andyhui01]

Agree the top pocket is a great idea.

Still 1.8kg is a decent chunk of your 7kg. Need to pack it lightly.

My samsonite is 1.5kg which is why I picked it. Are there others which are lighter?

 

[11sjw]

My samsonite is 1.5kg which is why I picked it. Are there others which are lighter?

Not that I've encountered in that style. Even bags like the Red Oxx Air Boss are 1.7 kg.

I find I can fill them to 10kg-ish very easily.

 

[Milefest]

In the market for a new bag, will definitely consider this, thanks!

 

[JohnPhelan]

1. Black doesn't show dirt as readily as other colours.
2. Black goes with anything.
3. Black looks cool.
4. Black never goes out of fashion.

...... and black makes it look like everyone else's in the lounge and in the overhead bins!

 

[cosi]

...... and black makes it look like everyone else's in the lounge and in the overhead bins!

Thats the problem, especially if you are hand carrying valuables, under carnet, for your job.

 

[Conrad_S]

Thanks for the heads up on the bag. The top compartment looks handy. My current Samsonite is still working perfectly but is looking a bit tired after 7 years. I'll have a look at one of these as a replacement.

 

[serfty]

2 wheels as well ...

 

[vetrade]

They sell red smart tops in the UK for those who think black is too "common".

 

[Conrad_S]

I still prefer the 2 wheeler to a spinner in the cabin sized bags. I find them easier to use in town.

2 wheels as well ...

 

[Denali]

I moved to a Samsonite 72hrs (1.5kgs) but it has 4 wheels. I didnt realise how much I liked 2 wheels until I gave my old perfectly good bag away.

 

[andyhui01]

I moved to a Samsonite 72hrs (1.5kgs) but it has 4 wheels. I didnt realise how much I liked 2 wheels until I gave my old perfectly good bag away.

They come in 2 wheels as well

 

[cgichard]

What are people's s experiences with the Samsonite 72 hrs DLX 50" 2-wheel cabin bag? It's currently available in Australia at 2 price points, $89 and $179. I was able to see the more expensive one at a luggage shop and was told it was an improved version, using thicker material and slightly different positioning of the 'bars' of the pull-out handle to resist bending. But that makes it a little heavier: 1.7kg instead of 1.5kg. The newer one is currently available only in black, though I was told other colours are coming.

Has anyone found that the original 1.5kg version failed to stand up to repeated use?

 

[Denali]

Mine is the 55cm cabin size in grey and Ive had it for about 4yrs for international and domestic.

Initially I was concerned about the handle as it seemed a bit flimsy but its stronger than I thought and doesnt have any signs of breaking or wear. My only concern would be some of the smaller domestic flights in the US and they force gate check in as usually its got a couple of laptops and other heavy items and the frame is lightweight.

Mine is 4 wheels but I prefer 2 wheels but again, the handle is OK using 4 wheels on smooth surfaces. If they have made some material improvements for only 200gms, I would buy the same brand/model again.

 

[andyhui01]

I use the older version in grey. I love it because it is the lightest samsonite carry on. The pull out handles do feel a little loose after 2 years of almost weekly/fortnightly use and occasionally abusing it with 5-10kg weight on the handle but still extend and retract perfectly.

 

[cgichard]

Many thanks for the feedback, Denali and Andy. I don't travel to or through the States, but I do sometimes load up to 10kg and check in on the return journey from Europe on SQ. Being short I tend to use the shorter handle extension on my current 2-wheeler, which probably puts less strain on it. I've found that it's essential to step in quickly to prevent hotel porters and taxi drivers from lifting the bag by the extended handle. I'm inclined to catch the older model while it's still available, as double the price and a little extra weight seems a poor trade-off for the minor improvements, given my annual rather than frequent use.