Best full size luggage?? Carry on??

[TwingleMum]

My poor DH's luggage is just sad. Its over 20 yrs old and has been on African safaris , Europe many times and WDW over 25 times. He loves it but the locks are broken and it doesn't close anymore so sadly I must replace it. Any suggestions?? I want to get him a full size suitcase and a carry on. Both preferably with wheels. DH is very tall (6'7) so I also need to take that into account. Thanks for the help

 

[lilmissdisney216]

Not sure what your budget is but I have a Zuca bag and I have used it for air travel several times. Its a WONDERFUL carry on and it fits in the over head bin not to mention survived being handled by baggage handlers. I even packed 10 days worth of clothing plus shoes and a beach towel in it comfortably. I absolutely love my zuca!! the top of it also doubles as a seat that can accomodate up to 300lbs of weight. Here's their website if you wanna take a look. They have the Pro and the Sport (I currently have the sport) and the pro has inserts that are TSA compliant.

Website: http://www.zuca.com

 

[sssteele]

My wife and I picked up a piece at Costco to give it a try (wheeled duffle). Really liked it - now we own 7 pieces, including a laptop backpack. All but the first and last pieces were ordered through Costco.com, but they do have their own website. I checked before replying to your query.

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks I'll check them out. He had an American Tourister which was @ $300 when I bought it for him 20 yrs ago.

 

[Rumpus]

I have found great Samsonite pieces at TJ Maxx and Marshals. They last as long as anything else that I have overpaid for. The only requirement? That they are spinners and can go forward, sideways, at an angle, etc.

 

[kirbydog48]

Love Eagle Creek. They make all different sizes and styles. They also have packing cubes so your stuff stays organized and doesn't get wrinkled. Very lightweight.

 

[Pakey]

I had American Tourister many years ago. Then I had Samsonite; still have some pieces that I let my adult kids borrow when needed.

However, I'm totally in love with my Tumi. I wouldn't buy anything else now. I love that they have so many pieces; you are bound to find the ideal piece. I've got a few and they are durable, lightweight and they clean up so nicely. They've been all over the place and look brand new.

 

[JessicaR]

I've been through most and find Briggs & Riley to be the best. I bought a set of Samsonite before that with the spinners and it did not wear well at all.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/collection-overview/

TravelPro gets rave reviews on Flyer Talk.
http://www.travelpro.com/

 

[Mish19]

I got the Ebags.com brand called MotherLode. It's part duffle, part suitcase since the bottom is hard and it has wheels and a retractable handle.

 

[NotUrsula]

If it has to go checked to the third world, and price is no object, then I'd suggest a Titan hardside spinner. If softside will do, then I'd suggest the lightest thing you can get from Eagle Creek; duffel or square, whichever he likes best. If you need to stick to a lower budget, then try to find a Delsey Helium bag at a discounter like Marshall's, TJMaxx or Ross. Go for a lifetime warranty if at all possible.
(I agree that Tumis are great bags, but they are known to be expensive, so they are attractive to thieves, too.)

Samsonite bags are made of durable materials, but lately they have been having a lot of problems with badly made handles; it can be a hassle to have to have them sent back for repair.

Whatever you do, make sure that you do not go above a total size (L + H + D) of 60 inches (the limit is 62", but a crammed suitcase normally will go a bit larger than it's spec'd dimensions). Also, stay under 10 lbs. empty.

For a carryon that will be used internationally, don't go bigger than 19".

 

[ahutton]

TravelPro gets rave reviews on Flyer Talk.
http://www.travelpro.com/

TravelPro is what many airline employees use. They've had some sets at Costco, but you can sometimes find it at Tuesday Morning too. There is a luggage outlet near Disney (the yellow ones that are up the road a bit) that had TravelPro stuff too. My parents have it and LOVE it. It sitll looks new, and they travel quite a bit.

I found Swiss Army suitcases at Ross this year, and bought a couple and love them. They were more in my budget than TravelPro was, and they have been great. They are very light when empty, and well packed did not go overweight on our trip. They also fit in the back of our SUV nicely, even when the seats are all up and the trunk space is limited.

 

[IDoDis]

Not sure what your budget is but I have a Zuca bag and I have used it for air travel several times. Its a WONDERFUL carry on and it fits in the over head bin not to mention survived being handled by baggage handlers. I even packed 10 days worth of clothing plus shoes and a beach towel in it comfortably. I absolutely love my zuca!! the top of it also doubles as a seat that can accomodate up to 300lbs of weight. Here's their website if you wanna take a look. They have the Pro and the Sport (I currently have the sport) and the pro has inserts that are TSA compliant.

Website: http://www.zuca.com

DD has had a Zuca for about 6 years now for her figure skates and other skating essentials. They are pretty much the norm at ice skating rinks. I love that when she gets tired of a bag, we can switch it out for a new one with a different design/color.

I read recently that hard-sided luggage is making a comeback due to beg bugs. Bed bugs "travel" by latching onto soft-sided luggage which is how most people bring them into hotels and then into their homes. I'm glad I still have my old Samsonite hard-sided suitcase from 30 years ago! I haven't used it in many many years, but would always forget to put it out for our annual garage sale. Now I just may keep it!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I've been through most and find Briggs & Riley to be the best. I bought a set of Samsonite before that with the spinners and it did not wear well at all.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/collection-overview/

TravelPro gets rave reviews on Flyer Talk.
http://www.travelpro.com/

Briggs & Riley is what my husband uses. Their warranty can't be beat. He has had bags repaired free of charge, and has even gotten a new replacement bag if they couldn't repair the damaged bag.

He just had two in for repair. The one suitcase was able to be repaired, but his backpack wasn't. They gave him the choice of replacing it free of charge, or a credit towards the purchase of a different model. He took the credit and bought one he liked even better.

 

[prncess674]

Not sure of your hubby's industry but the bag of choice by me and all my road warrior consultant friends is TUMI! It is expensive, but the warranty and fabulous feel of the luggage makes it a must have. I bought my first piece used on ebay when I was a new consultant back in 2000. I couldn't afford the $600 price tag, but could afford the used ebay price of $200. My Dad thought I was crazy for buying a $200 piece of USED luggage! It is now 2011 and it is still going strong. I did have to send it in once for repairs, but otherwise it has been great.

If you are looking for a regulation size carry on make sure you get one that is expandable. It isn't regulation carry on when expanded, but at least if you end up shopping while away you don't need to tote an additional bag, just expand the tote and check the luggage with your carrier.

My favorite bag.
http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4209930&prodFindSrc=paramNav

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks for all the great input. I need to keep it in the $300 range. I'll check out all the suggestions.