As per the title, it’s suitcase purchasing time. Is it really worth buying the big brands (samsonite, antler etc)? Or is it worth just getting a low/mid range one. Do they really last longer, hold up better?
Thinking of going a hard case at this stage. Obviously there are always a few edge cases with quality but any help is greatly appreciated.
Any recommendations?
Many thanks,
Danny
Personally we use travel backpacks. We just got sick of hauling luggage up and down stairs in Paris. Unzip the back of the pack, put on the harness and we are ready to see the world. We are in our mid 50s and not in great fitness but we had no trouble hauling packs through Europe. We are too stingy to take taxis it is public transport or walking.
I used a RIMOWA. I don't wrap it in protective cases like everyone else… I chuck it into checked baggage, comes out with dings, scratches and dents. But never failed me. Does it justify the $1400 price tag I paid. Probably not, for the brand maybe?
Do you also adorn it with airline tag stickers from past trips to show how worldly you are?
Yes, I do. Have to leave every single one on! I even save ones from domestic flights from the self check in to stick onto it :P
They actually discourage you from leaving old stickers on in case the scanner reads the wrong barcode and your luggage ends up being missorted
I've become a big fan of American Tourister - name and logo make it look cheap and nasty but its owned by Samsonite and generally the product range is Samsonite older tech simnply rebadged as AT. It often goes on sale - most punters just think its a cheap and nasty brand - which it isn't, there's always stock around and in my view is equal to samsonite in terms of quality, just heavier (being 5-6 year old tech), slightly less trendy and often in gordy colours.
most punters just think its a cheap and nasty brand
You're absolutely right and did not know they were a Samsonite sub-brand of decent quality. Thanks for the heads up.
I bought a two case set from Costco years ago for $169, labelled as their home Kirkland brand, and it's still going strong after several overseas holidays. My husband bought a Samsonite case which we paid several hundred dollars for and the wheel is damaged after two trips. I wouldn't pay top dollar again but I wouldn't buy a cheap, cheap suitcase either.
too many variables in a wheel being damaged whilst traveling overseas to say it isn't worth the money. Maybe your bags were carefully placed whilst his were tossed.
Maybe, however I would expect that this would be taken into consideration when it was being designed, other than scratches there aren't any other visible signs of misuse.
wheel might have got snagged on something. Can see your point though, it is always disappointing when you buy "quality" and you get an issue.
You buying carry on, or check in sized?
Bought a large soft samsonite. Has lasted more than 10 trips and still going strong.
When travelling to the states I have taken old suitcases and replaced with new ones for return trip, buying name brands at discount places like Ross, Nordstorm rack, etc. At least half the price or less, what you pay in Oz.
Buy both and report back.
Personally for check-in luggages I would buy cheap brand eg antler, American tourister etc. Hand luggage I would buy samsonite. We had few big samsonite suitcases but after one checked-in we had issues like lock can't be unlocked, wheels jammed up, dented and lots of scratches,
I got a second hand samsonite hard oyster case a few months ago. It is big and solid, and will protect its contents. It was $40 delivered.
Judging by the number of older oyster cases coming off the luggage conveyor with business class tags, I expect it will last.
Not suitable for budget airline carry on, however.
Fake Samsonite - 2 different sizes for for $50. Its light enough and strong enough. Over 10 trips and still going.
Thinking of getting Xiaomi suitcase when these 2 gave in.
Buy a solid budget brand, if possible an semi-enclosed 2 wheel type (hard to find in large size!) … these are best for dealing with stairs with - a heavy case!!. have had a number of stair encounters in France & Italy!.
As for other observations, the airlines just love to semi-destroy cases, so I work on the basis - buy an inexpensive one and expect to replace it within 2-3 decent trips.
IT Luggage the light one have served me well. Feels nice and light when you lift it
Australian Luggage brand's SoLite is a good option for light weight and value soft luggage suitcase. I have Antler's Atom hard suitcase which has last about 20 trips but it was expensive.
It somewhat depends how far and how often you will travel.
Personally i find the potential downsides (losing part of my luggage, bags breaking mid trip) too high for using REALLY cheap luggage.
I have had poor experiences with Samsonite and believe it or not Victorinox! (crappy locks and faulty zips multiple times). I have also had great experiences with other Victorinox and Samsonite bags - you can just be unlucky!
Antler are a good compromise brand - have two of their hard cases and they have served me well. American Tourister can also be good but be careful with their hard cases, some of them (the larger ones) are thin and flimsy (i have one that when it's full (about 22kg) the bag itself warps, corners pop in and out when being loaded and moved - so i replaced it with something sturdier.
I like mskeggs answer - if you're prepared to find a second hand Samsonite oyster and you don't mind it's weight and bulk there's nothing more reliable - the 4 different flight crew i know ALL use them. Their only disadvantage is their relative weight, not a problem if you're crew or travelling business or a premium member of an airline though.
I like Antler personally. Was really happy with the first one so have stuck with the brand.I think for check in luggage you need something durable. I think one with good warranty and reputation. For hand luggage/cabin, as you will be looking after the bag yourself you can use any luggage.
However, for airport style factor you might want a nice looking hand carry.
Personally, we have a couple of large and medium sized luggage that is just gathering dust. I rarely ever use the large and the last time I used the medium was over 2 yrs ago. Even with a large luggage, I really don't want to carry 30kgs in one bag unless I'm moving overseas. I really can't imagine that much luggage for a holiday.
I only use cabin and it's important to buy good quality and light weight.
we have Antler lightweight for check in luggage and has been good. handle broke after six years. found the '10 year guarantee' and could not believe they honoured it.
now back good as new.
i do not care if it looks 7 years old as long as it does the job. That is just me.
Buy an "expensive " brand second hand on eBay. It's going to get scratched any way.
a bit over 10 years ago i did a bunch of shopping on a trip and bought a suitcase to bring back extra stuff. spent about $60 on a mid-size suitcase from some shitty backstreet luggage store in tokyo. figured it just needed to make it home in one piece and it would be worth it
its a good medium size, so since then its been on many trips, including an entire year with my brother backpacking, lent to housemates for visits home, and now ive been moving around with it every few months for the last 18 months. held up better than some less used samsonites in the family.
if it ever breaks id either take my chances on another cheapo or splurge around 150 on a hardshell American Tourister (got an almost free carry-on size from an old ozbargain. feels great, just too small)
Hey all, thanks for much for all the info and words. Sorry I forgot to add the size it'll be a large (100-120L) for the family going to Europe along with a toddler, pram and a backpack!
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