Luggage suggestions?

[ateam79828592]

based on DIS recommendations we got rolling duffles for Disney as they collapse into smaller spaces which was great for our family of 5.

We have 3 of High Sierra 26" Drop Bottom Wheeled Duffle and 1 of the bigger size. The 26" are prefect to hit 45-50# if well-packed. The bigger one tends to go over unless we are very careful what we put in.

-Amber

 

[aubriee]

I like the LLBean duffels. They are light, roll easy, and we have our last name monogrammed on them, so it's easy to spot our bag coming around the carousel. I also have some Heys hardsided spinners (both a carry on and a check bag) that I picked up at Ross several years ago that have held up well. I've seen the Heys at Ross, TJMaxx, and Burlington's. They also have several other name brands there. I know I was in TJMaxx this past weekend and saw Diane von Furstenberg, Swiss, Heys, and a few other brands.

They wouldn't work for your husband, but I also have several of the small and large Vera Bradely duffels, Vera Bradely several Weekenders with matching duffels, Grand Traveler, or Get Carried Away totes, a Vera Bradley gament bag with matching small duffel, a rolling Vera Bradley duffel with matching small duffel, and a Vera Bradley spinner with matching Weekender that I love. The Vera Bradely bags don't hold as much as the others, but they are sooooooo cute. lol

 

[ready123go]

I love my backpack but wish it had some kind of trolley sleeve for when I want to attach it to my checked or carry-on bag.

I have found that if I give my son a lightweight rolling bag it kind of helps keep him grounded. Otherwise he wants to be a video game character dodging people as we walk through the airport.

I know you're probably looking for something more substantial, but I did find this backpack with trolley sleeve.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Everyone in my house has LL Bean medium (carry on) and large (check in) rolling duffles, all in bright prints. You certainly can't miss our bags at baggage claim! We have been using them for a few years and have had good luck with them, plus you can't beat the warranty!
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63916?feat=904-GN1&page=adventure-rolling-duffle-large

Don't get extra-large, when filled it will exceed airline size requirements.

 

[ready123go]

We have a Marshalls here. I have never actually found anything there so quit going, but will check it out for luggage. We have had 2 luggage nightmares with large disney bags, once when the strap ripped apart from the weight of the bag, and another when a wheel broke and we had to drag the suitcase from the van to the porter and then back to the van again after. No more disneystore luggage for us!

Having lived in FL we normally drive to Disney or cruises, but now that we are in VA we are flying more and more.

Good to know about Disney luggage. I've been dying for some since I first saw it. Just can't justify it though. Now I feel better about not caving in...

We have several TJ/Marshalls in the area and I have found they each vary with the amount and selection of luggage they carry. It seems to depend upon their location how much luggage they turn over (hence carry).

During the time period I was checking out the stuff in the stores, I was also hitting up ebags' website for reviews of the luggage and luggage configuration options.

Sam's Club has some decent sets, as well.

 

[ready123go]

Another FWIW-

My orange luggage gets searched by TSA far more often than my black luggage (like 12:1). I don't really care if the TSA wants to go through my dirty unmentionables, but I thought I would put that out there in case it is a concern for you.

 

[Debkearsch]

I agree with PP about the L.L. Bean luggage. We love ours! It's very sturdy, and we always know which bags are ours! They occasionally put it on sale for 1/2 price, so keep checking!

 

[raenyny]

Like a previous poster said...my kids all have rolling duffles we got really nice ones for great prices on overstock.com and they have held up nicely....we have a nautica set we got on sale at ebags for ourselves also very good quality

 

[lucigo]

Everyone in my house has LL Bean medium (carry on) and large (check in) rolling duffles, all in bright prints. You certainly can't miss our bags at baggage claim! We have been using them for a few years and have had good luck with them, plus you can't beat the warranty!
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63916?feat=904-GN1&page=adventure-rolling-duffle-large

Don't get extra-large, when filled it will exceed airline size requirements.

With the duffles though do they stand up when you aren't holding onto them or do you have to set them down long ways? I'm thinking the 4 wheeled luggage would be easier to manage.

 

[aubriee]

With the duffles though do they stand up when you aren't holding onto them or do you have to set them down long ways? I'm thinking the 4 wheeled luggage would be easier to manage.

Not the one you asked, but I have the LLBean duffel and love how light it is and how much it will hold without going over the airlines weight limits. However, they do not stand upright. At least mine don't. I use packing folders and packing cubes to organize them and can fit a ton in there though. They no longer make the color I have, but mine is a really bright Kelly green, then I had them monogram our last name on it in black, so it's impossible to miss on the luggage carousel. If it every wears out, I'll be getting another.

 

[emilymad]

My favorite piece is a Swiss Army bag I got at TJ Maxx. It is now being ducted taped together so I am in need of a few piece. For the record, I have had that bag for close to 8 years and we travel about 3 times a year so it has taken lots of abuse.

We are thinking of getting hardsided spinners. How do the hardsided ones hold up? We are going to Europe next year and thought this type would be easier on the trains. We traveled last year to London with the Swiss Army bag and wished we had spinners.

I never shop for luggage without my luggage scale. Just like not believing the dimensions on the tag I never believe the weight. I am overpacker and need every pound available.

 

[boswellnakia]

I love rolling luggage, but it seems like I can't find any to last more than a few trips before the handles get bent by the airlines and I can no longer extend the handles. Does anyone have an idea of brand that has "strong" handles? I've gone with duffle bags lately, but like OP, for our Europe trip next May, I think I need to get spinners again just for my kid's sanity.

 

[bellaally]

Costco has this combination hard and soft luggage. It has a hard bottom and soft top. Looks like a huge duffle bag. It only cost $40 dollars and is great quality. It also comes with a ten year warranty from the company.