Looking to travel to asia for 2 weeks so in the market for luggage.
Brand name pieces are a good 170% of no name/Chinese pieces found in local shops and markets….the question is are they really worth it?
I travel once a year only and stay pretty much in one place so I don't need a armoured tank to carry around. In this case is it still worth shelling out more for brand names? ie. Antler, Samsonite, American Tourister…
then repeat the same process next time you travel…….
Just don't be a retard with your luggage, and it will last. It's fine for most people.
lol… wow. Someone's forgotten to take their pills!
You need to relax, enjoy your cookie, and have some faith in people :D
Great banter guys. Really terrific
I have used an Eminent brand Suitcase for a few trips and it has been amazingly tough.
It was purchased from Strand bags on sale for $180. A full size suitcase with 2 trolley wheels and ext. handle.
15 years used and it is still here ready for another trip.
It proved itself when i saw it fall out of a luggage cart at Heathrow while I was in the plane prior to take-off.
This review may help:
http://www.skyscanner.net/news/suitcasemustdie
Samsonite and Antler are nice but can be pricey. Myer have sales once a year where they are quite discounted.
I have not heard good things about Kelsey.
Edit(extra info)
In your case a "cheap" bit of luggage is fine - heck even a second hand case would be great.
Do not get Zipper closing luggage.
i have used the same eminent suitcase for many trips…would be 20+ flights so far
still going strong
even the wrap for the case is still in good nick
You're going to Asia… the Mecca of shopping — why not buy all the branded bags there? Prices will be much cheaper I'm sure.
I went to Vietnam with pretty much an empty battered suitcase and a small bag of clothing for a few days — and came back 2 weeks later with a brand new suitcase full of clothes.
just dont get a vietnam suitcase, i have witnessed exploded suitcases come off flights last port hcmc
That's what I thought. However last year I found (for branded spinners) was actually more expensive overseas than ozbargain price! that's why I didn't get it last time while overseas. I will consider trying again.
Not sure which Asia you are referring to, but I know HongKong, Singapore, and Indo are not cheap anymore. I am talking about genuine articles. Unless they are on sale the prices are as comparable as here in Sydney. My wife checked out an LV handbag in Singapore and it's 30% more than in Sydney. I literally checked the Australian website. Same story with other brands. That's why there are so many Asians in LV Sydney city.
Branded luggages offer durability and quality. Eg: the wheels are easy to work. We also have a cheap one and it's so hard to steer. It's like the wheels have a mind of its own. As some say, check Myer or DJ. They offer great deal when on sale. We bought a Samsonite on sale and it came with a cabin luggage for free. If you don't need it, eBay it.
Grab a boogie board cover in Indonesia - you can fit a lot in them
Two weeks only? Save your money. Every time I've visited Asia, it's just been a frame backpack, or a canvas army kit bag (dirt cheap at surplus stores)
Did this before with only carry on backpack mainly BC it was a single city lIke HK and SG and I was too cheap to pay for checkin luggage. Found it too hard to pack everything I need (cloths and loot)…ended up wearing the thickest and heaviest stuff onboard LOL, it was OK when I was younger….think I am too old for that now…
Thats what I do too. Helps save money and time while travelling on a budget. Versatile enough for less developed areas too. I hate dragging spinners or whatever wheeled luggage across uneven and undulating pavements.
What about brand name ones on sale? Eg, http://m.myer.com.au/shop/mobile/mystore/hs-mv-hard-spinner-…
thanks for this, I haven't checked Myer prices yet till ur link.
anyone work for Myer know if there's a sale ccoming before Feb?
Don't know about a sale, but that particular bag is unlikely to get much cheaper based on my experience with another American Tourister bag, the Vivolite, posted here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/201354 don't think the price went down further from $136.15
Bought a cheaper set of Strand Bags own imported suit cases before going to Thailand a couple of years ago. They had a no questions asked 15 year warrantee, one of the zips broke. Returned the suit case and the replaced it with another immediately.
Lucky it didn't break badly while travelling!
suitcase?
All you need is a cardbox box.
Want water proof? put it in a black trash bag.
And tie it with a bit of raffia for the appropriate look.
Alternatively, try a red-white-blue bag.
These are what we asians use for trips
Why wasting storage space to keep travel bags that only used few times a year
Wait until the 11th of January for Peter's of Kensington Sale.
I paid $90 for a Delsey expandable 2 months ago and went to on a trip to one of our neighbours where the luggage was lterally thrown into and out of aircraft holds.
4 wheels and 68cm expandable and less then 3kg weight.
Apart froma superficial scrape which cba about no dramas.
And, it was 30% of fhe David Jones Price - Myer do not carry it.
Peters has a large selection which is what I have been browsing. what's on 11th?
Think this is when they open after theri Christmas Holiday with their usual super sale.
Hey I have the same one, also from PoK. +ebay 15% off a while back
Really depends, that said, the decent ones do seem to last, unless you are an idiot like my brother. I am using one that my dad gave me, the one that he used, it's at least 10 years old. So in that sense, I guess it is worth the price (though you'd be better off getting a decent one at reasonable price)
Grab a decent one for cheap, more importantly, travel lightly.
I never thought a samsonite is worth the money until I got one. The spinner wheels are so smooth it is a life saver for me during my last trip to the USA, where I had to drag my luggage around often.
I rarely move the luggage when I land at hotel/destination, so its not that big a deal for me.
Any feedback on Polyester vs Clam Shell material?
Polyester vs Clam is up to your personal preference. Clam looks cool but polyester is more flexible in terms of volume. Usually the polyester ones has a zip which allows you to "extend" the luggage slightly, so you always have the option if you buy too much stuff on the return trip. Polyester also have external compartments which can be useful.
Since your on a two week trip I would not worry about it.
I've bought a few sub-$100 suit cases that lasted maybe 2-3 trips before a zip broke or similar.
The semi-clam shell material Delsey and a few other manufacturers use is nice (I would recommend Delsey over Samsonite, I've tried both now), it provides a little bit of protection without adding weight.
One piece of advice I got from another seasoned traveler was not to buy something too flashy, as this way your luggage was less likely to be the one stolen if your on a train or similar.
It can be false economy when your elcheapo suitcase eats into a huge chunk of your luggage allowance. Buy decent light ones when they come up on special.
Its false economy spending a couple of hundred or more on better bags when the difference in weight costs but a few dollars in baggage fees.
I do around 15 to 20 flights a year.
Every few years I buy a new bag in the markets of Thailand or Malaysia.
Large wheeled "Name Brand" cases cost as little as $14 last year.
Agree. Not sure what people are doing to destroy their cases, but our cheapo bags last many years. A wheeled, draggable soft case i got in Bangkok 17 years ago is still going strong.
People travel differently
packing 32kg into a small bag comes to mind…..oh the wheels broke off?….
Cobblestones and spinner suitcases don't mix well, but American Tourister keep on replacing the wheels for me.
Brand name luggages aren't worth the price unless you're trying to score yourself a foreign trophy wife.
I have done hundreds of business trips. Tried samsonite, antler, delsey, victorinox and others.
For best price/performance I recommend Antler. For rolls Royce I recommend Victorinox.
When it breaks mid trip or whilst being transported by an airline cheap luggage shows why it's a false economy trust me!
I prefer hard case but soft is fine too depends on how wet it is where you are going and if your luggage will sit outside.
Thank you for this advice
WTF? Why is he getting downvoted for saying thank you???
I have done hundreds of business and leisure trips and never had a cheap bag let me down.
Sure, I have had cracked plastic and broken zip tags but so do expensive bags.
Fair enough - i had two cheap bags break mid trip early on when i was using cheap bags so i could easily justify getting better ones - on sale of course!
YMMV.
In a recent CHOICE test the $49 K-mart case came second ahead of heaps of more expensive cases. If I can find the article I'll post the winner but I think it was the Antler.
When we travel we take one case over and buy a cheap case where we end up to bring the bargains home in. Last one is still going and was only $35.
I doubt there is anything ever that is worth the name brand price that name brands charge. There are so many decent quality items at a decent price all over the world, that I think name brand buyers do so because the simply can.
Does a $100000 car get to the shops any quicker than a $2000 car, assuming all other variables - traffic etc are the same?
I have seen friends with some over priced trip luggage and they break too, and when the airlines throw a $20 bag, it is the exact same force used on a $200 bag. I have also learnt that same fake name brand stuffs are actually of a poorer quality than the normal cheapies sold at Asian markets etc.
It really comes to do you want to travel and have more money to actually travel, or loose a few days or attractions and have someones name to show off on an over priced bag.
My $15 back pack gets replaced every 2-3 trips, and before I go, I spend about 10 min with a needle and thread to fix any loose threads just in case they might become a problem. That works for me, and you should do what ever works for you based on need against $ and if ya just gatta have someone elses name on it, try the OP shops too.
If you want a stiff case, well, you must admit, you see many antiqued cases from the war era still around overseas, and a darn sight cheaper too.
Just my opinion, from experience and the fact I use OzBargain, therefore every $ helps.
I bought a Lanza case half price at Strandbags. It had a seven year guarantee but one of the plastic dome legs came off on my first trip. Other than that I still use it but only rarely as I mostly travel with carry on only.
For my carry on I have a super light largish backpack which was $20 from Kmart. Not the best looking thing but it does the trick after 8 years and dozens of flights on budget airlines. Plus I used to take it on the bus to work every day.
So my conclusion is that brand name pieces aren't worth it.
However if you are a tour leader then maybe it would be justified for a decent hard case.
Yeah I had an old STM backpack which had straps on the side that allowed the backpack to be expanded like 2.5x the volume, was fantastic for short trips and carry on - was a work horse used it daily when staying put, then carryon when travelling.
Just saw at local Bag & Baggage store they had specials matching or bettering the Peters of kensington prices (for American Tourister and Paklite brands entry bags in medium size) will do some final research on American Tourister Portebello Medium $109 (cheapest is $119 at Bagworld or $128 at Peters K).
I think you get what you pay for to a certain degree. I find the cheap suitcases are only good for a few trips - zippers broken, wheels missing, plus they weigh more. I use antler and sierra and would recommend both. Not the cheapest but they cop a flogging and keep going.
Unless you frequently travel on short trips and move around different places, the differences between an expensive branded luggage and no name luggage may not be something that matters to you all that much. Name brand luggages are usually better built, but probably have a better wheel system. I recently bought a Tumi and a Rimowa suitcase, i have to say after several trips between Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou over the last 10 months, they are now little worse for wear, several dents on my alloy Rimowa luggage set) and my Tumi luggage has lot of tiny tears on the ballistic nylon. However, i really appreciate the Rimowa luggage, as the wheels on those are just so good, it takes absolutely no effort to push or drag around.
So basically, after a few trip your average luggage and a brand name luggage will look pretty much the same once it goes through some airport baggage handling procedure.
Buy online that's for sure. I bought in thailand a lojel lucid travel medium baggage (or was it large i think)… basically wanted in on the whole polycarbonate suitacases that can never break etc….
one thing I"ll say is it was on sale online abit later for like mid $200s as opposed to the mid $300's i paid.
another thing is I'd go for features, weight and size…. handles that can easily withstand pulling at weird angles. and now adays I think most large suitcases are similar design wise, so I"d go for quality, in which case my lojel was for the indestructible type of material. Compared to 'material' old school luggage bags though, you can't have items bulge out much as obviously the shell is fixed so you can't cram it…
I'd look towards smart, innovative products. I don't know any but the dream is to set up a pretty decent mid/small sized bag, hand luggage, even backpacks, that are really handy for travelling. I've seen some good concepts online but haveto find the link, of backpacks which range from having built in chargeable batteries for the modern tech these days, to convertible into rollers and other hand luggages.
Especially as flying gets cheaper I think its worth spending time finding some of those 'cool' but expensive bags… sorry i don't know any names, always see the videos and pages pop up shared on facebook… so if anyone remembers any good one i'd be keen to know. I remember on eparticularly hand luggage one which folded out into a whole bag…. pretty impressive.
thats actually not that cheap IMHO. I was looking at the Portobello, similar features but a good $30-$50 cheaper (at the retail shop new year special).
We thought that the difference in materials/quality was quite noticeable when you compare the cheap Portobello range with the standard American Tourister bags. We went to a bag shop and looked at them side by side. They aren't any great bargain, just a cheaper made suitcase. We decided that if we were going to go at that price point we'd be better with one of the other non-brands. You seemed to get better quality materials for the money and most suitcases seem to have fairly long guarantees.
It's worth going into a bag shop and directly comparing all your options before buying.
Piece of advice, dont buy black. See how much time you save at baggage collection when yours is neon green among all those blacks
I don't know about this - Wife has a bright red one - was totally clean for a while, then with one flight…grease marked off the conveyor belts and trolley trucks. Very unsightly now… I do the tie a ribbon on the handle trick….
Law of diminishing returns. Are they better, generally yes, are they worth it, generally no.
Unless you have tons of cash to waste, in which case you probably wouldn't be on this website.
But, if you can pick one up for 90% off then for a day you can pretend to be rich :-)
I've bought cheap $2 shop quality luggage several times and they always break. Wheels, handles, etc. Not had a problem since switching to back packs
I recently read a comparison article in Choice magazine that tested quite a few of the luggage products sold by different brands.
It was pretty interesting but not that surprising to see that a lot of the overpriced brands offer luggage that is not that much better than much cheaper brands.
I think I saw a comparison that involved dropping, physically squashing and banging and trying to destroy the luggage show that K-MART luggage came out on top of SAMSONITE or something.
and the Kmart luggage was only $50 for a small suit case compared to the $300 it would cost for the Samsonite/Lanza or something.
I have not visited Kmart, but i had a look at Target (i thought Target stuff were better than Kmart) - but the prices were $80 for a equivalently sized hard shell (still $70 or so cheaper than brand name) - but the quality was really bad. The shell was thin, the wheels looked weak, and two out of 20 they had already had broken handles!
Upon seeing this i am against buying from these mass merchants…atleast for their generic brand luggage piece.
Target is over priced, Kmart is low priced but with a lot of garbage made in bangladesh and china, and I think Big W sits nicely in the middle.
But as per this article posted above, Kmart luggage came out quite high in terms of wear and tear and performance, and at a much lower cost.
https://www.choice.com.au/products/travel/on-holidays/luggag…
For a full size suitcase I got something called 'International Traveller' a few years ago. Lightweight hardcase. It is still in good nick except one of the wheels is a bit gamey (probably all those stupid European cobblestones). I think the company is called 'IT' now. Can't remember the price but it wasn't too bad.
A few years ago I got this dodgy no name brand bag from Hong Kong for carry on. The zips are a bit fiddly, but the material in the bag has ripped and the handle has fallen apart, so not a good purchase overall IMO.
So I guess get a cheap 'branded' bag?
Best bet is to look for sales on the Brand name. Managed to get 40% or so off a Samsonite bag from Strandbags a few years ago, and apart from a few scratches, everything is still good after multiple flights both domestic and international.
Monsac from Myer is a good deal when they do 40-50% off (which is pretty much every second weekend). Antler make it and it is rebranded as Monsac!
I bought an Antler Juno 2 years ago for aroun $180. It's stylish, packs well, easy to pick out at baggage claim and has held up over 2 international and about 10 domestic flights without any damage. I would highly recommend it.
I use a fancy Samsonite suitcase - Was around $350?
Certainly not worth the money, but even after 150+ flights and 15 countries over the last 5 years, it's still super smooth. Also nice little touches.
If you plan to do quite a few overseas trips a year, and have plenty of cash, do it :)
Wade
if you do buy expensive branded luggage and the total is >$300, get the TRS refund on the way out. If it is checked baggage goto the customs desk outside the checkin area to claim your refund. Also don't forget to use the trs app, it will save a lot of time especially in Sydney.
Yeah i know this - with TRS it's horribly long with all the chinese tourists buying 10x ipads and designer bags…I recall on the site they say allocate 30 minutes, i actually recommend 90 minutes…
Tom Bihn (aeronaut) is worth every cent. Enables you to travel with one bag thus more than pays for itself with transport to and from the airport savings.
I have a mix of luggage, but it is my Samsonite hard plastic one that is so far indestructible, older model of "Samsonite F'Lite GT" and non-spinner. I also have an even older Samsonite one that is still good to go, I sometimes see this one at the airport looking battered but intact. I was sold on this case when I saw the long haul airline crews using them.
My experience with hundreds of local and interstate flights:
Don't worry about it if you don't fly much, not worth it.
My name brand luggage has held up way better than no name stuff, and usually, the quality stuff has extra nice features. But these are only worth it if you fly often.
Buy name brand luggage when it is on sale. Especially if the stuff in the luggage is worth more than the bag. Seriously, it may not be, e.g. going to Bali for a week, might as well fly with an empty bag and wear speedos and fill up your bag when you get there. Having a $400 bag to hold knock off t-shirts and shorts is not good value.
I fly a lot for work and have can easily have lots of expensive/not easily replaceable stuff with me. A good bag helps protect your sensitive gear.
It can be worth spending more on good light weight cabin luggage as the cheap carriers are getting really picky on weight, so having a bag weigh 3kg of your 7kg allowance is not worth it. A few kg over will cost you $50+ in charges. I am seeing it more and more.
Don't worry about locks. It will not slow down any thief.
Bought a carry on while in Malaysia for the equivalent of like $15. Feels sturdy and well built. YMMV lol
I only buy Antler now. If you buy on sale the pieces are quite reasonably priced. I haven't paid more than $100 for a bag yet.
Haven't had an issue yet and I fly often for work overseas. At the start of my travel days I bought cheapies because I didn't think I would be travelling much, they didn't last long and were a PITA - extension handles jamming/breaking, wheels breaking etc.
I always see some no-name-brand bag busted up coming down the conveyor belt. Don't be the guy picking his undies up from the belt and trying to stuff them into a falling apart bag.
American Tourister is a Samsonite sub brand and has Samsonite technology that is a few generations old. Great value, quality and good tech.
Really this all depends on you; your budget, your traveling habits and the frequency of your trips.
For example, if you will only travel this once off and added weight and other downsides dont matter then likely the Kmart/Target cheapies will suit just fine plus they have warranty and would be easy to get sorted if repairs/exchanges are needed.
But what about the next time? What about the long run? What about the extra weight those el cheapos contribute to your premium weighted carriage? What about the beatings it can take and still keep its contents safe? Likely least consideration, for ozbargain, how fashionable or 'in place' will you appear during your travel and at certain locations and establishments?
This is where your 'brands' MAY come in. For example, the best by far, in terms of pricing, durability, practicality, functionality and looks imo might be Antler Liquis. These things are well worth the money and virtually indestructible. Literally traveled all the continents with it and been dropped all over the place by baggage handlers and what not over the span of a few years now with zero issues and still going strong. Your elcheapos would not have faired anywhere near as well for itself least of all the contents and its security.
So, ultimately, it comes back to you and hopefully your informed researched choice.
"how fashionable or 'in place' will you appear"
I'd be more concerned about how shallow and vacuous you come across as by measuring a person by the thing they put random bits of cloth into.
There is a reason it was listed last and highlighted as such lol. Not my personal opinion or view but a reality nonetheless that may or may not be worth considering (which again only they would know).
Need I point out that plenty of people and establishments around the world are as 'shallow and vacuous' as that? lol
Dont know where your living but my inlaws from china living with me have been collecting luggage and suit cases since finding about rubbish day. I have at least half dozen decent ones sitting in my garage.
LOL, are you offering? Those cases tends to have something broken right otherwise why would they get thrown out. think about what they could have been used to carry….body part or drugs…then u get pulled at custom by sniffer dog….not worth the risk!
Use a Pelican case. Secure and tough. Don't worry about thieves stealing stuff out of your case. Use real padlocks instead of pissy luggage locks.
This changes when you get married now I use Samsonite with pissy little luggage locks. The Pelican case has been relegated to the shed.
You could use the Pelican case as a go bag, no? I would if I had one!
I checked last night and they do a luggage range now with wheels. Yes they are heavy 10KG approx from memory. But they are built like a brick and security wise nothing compares.
To answer your question though. Just be careful with cheap luggage. I had three pieces break on me when I have been away. First thing I had to do in HK was to look for luggage same in Banff and then in Vancouver.
Now we only use Samsonite and so far no dramas.
maybe for the camera gears, these pelican case are so heavy.
I would prioritise - weight & ease of use.
1) weight for carry on is important - different airlines/different weight policies
2) Ease of use - you want something that's easy to roll around & feels solid - spinner wheels are versatile to manoeuvre around, esp if you have to carry other things or hand over passports/use your phones with your hands as well. The handle is important too, it shouldn't flex, have multiple/adjustable heights. Dragging 20kg comfortably just makes your trip that much better - less frustration etc.
3) Warranty - my samsonite handle broke after being mishandled by the check in guys - got it fixed under warranty (10 years) with a 2 day turn around.
Yeah, after my research….
No name brands definitely break more easily, and with the trouble of picking up ur cloths on the street and shorter warranty. not worth the saving.
The saving isn't that great since have to buy in Aus at retail prices.
So I am looking at entry level brand name like American Tourister.
i buy high sierra, from myers when 40% off, that brand lasts for ages, and i use and trash them alot….. buying cheap luggage, will result in you replacing it more often than not,
Don't be cheap. Buy Samsonite and Louis Vuitton luggage. You cashed up middle class folk, who are constantly jetsetting overseas on holiday, can afford to purchase brand name luggage.
Yes, I use brand name rubbish bag like Glad to carry my loot.
Depending on which part of Asia you are talking about, you can get away with going over with a small bag and then buying luggage bags there (branded) and coming back with more shopping :). That's what I do anyway. Go with an overnight bag, start shopping for bags and clothes =)
Buy luggage when it is 30-40% off and the right size / shape / hard / soft case, look at the airline you most travel for cabin size, four wheels are handy.
Brands I recommend
Samsonite (Monotrax or 72 hours spinner)
Pros - durable bag, light weight, simplistic design, local warranty. Friends had issues and was covered under warranty (turn around repair was 5 days)
Cons - Price, other people have the same bag on the carousel and could get mixed up (make sure yours has a ribbon or something to stand out)
Ricardo Beverly Hills (Rodeo Drive model)
Pros - durable bag, light weight, price was cheap as it was bought overseas, extra strap to hold small bags at the front
Cons - The rubber stoppers one has fallen off (when bag is place on the long side)
Catch of the Day regularly sell Antler luggage cheaply. Myer and DJs have had luggage sales recently as well
Myer sometimes have 70% off luggage on their website. Go with a brand name so it will last at least while you are travelling.
If I was going to Asia, I would buy a hardcase. Don't want to end up in prison. Just saying.
i recently bought Antler "Juno" from Myer at 45% off. they had a deal where you get a free cabin bag when you purchase a full price mid or large bag. so bought a mid and large for $578 total and got 4 bags in total. saved $458. they are really good quality for the discounted price as they are hard case (which keeps the rain out from when they drive from the aircraft to the conveyor belt) and are actually quite flexible so are not easily cracked. I know this because after buying our cases we noticed my inlaws bought the same ones 2 years ago and are in extremely good condition for their age. only scuff marks.
http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Public/Antler-Juno-Blac…
just noticed the above place that sells for even cheaper. not sure once postage is included depending where you are though.
happy travels!
For carry-on, it's not so much a deal (although only the branded expensive ones tend to be light-weight, leaving enough weight for contents). For check-in, it certainly matters a lot. My experience is that branded suitcases survive way more trips with way less damage, and are far easier to move around. A samsonite spinner is a breeze, which is pleasant when you are tired, in a hurry, and have a lot of weight in there. Do I think you have to spend $700 on a suitcase? No way, that's overdoing it. I have bought Samsonite cheaply on ebay, shipped from Italy.
Stay away from Monsac (Myer brand) - those spinners manouvre horribly once they have weight in them. They last, but the hassle is not even worth the $150 sale price.
No.
You're off for 2 weeks. Chill, save $$$, and get a no name Chinese luggage piece, you'll be fine.