Need carry-on suitcase

[sherylivan]

Hi all, planning a trip this summer with family and need advice on a good quality carry-on suitcase. I am looking for something sturdy and durable – that will withstand the assault of long travel with kids. It has to be a wheeled case because there is no way we are carrying anything on our shoulders or in our hands. It would be nice if we can expand the bag for extra space since we intend to pick up a lot of small souvenirs for everyone back home.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

I find nice ones at TJMaxx/Marshall's. High Sierra makes a line of luggage that has pop-out straps, so you can wear them as backpacks.

 

[TheWog]

Macy's always has crazy sales and luggage is usually included. We got a whole set for under $100, included carry on size with wheels and all were expandable - Pierre Cardin I think it is. It has survived many trips now with the only major issue being a hole poked in one of the outside pockets by the airline.

Target usually has luggage as well.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

The Swiss Gear brand at Target has lasted us 4 years so far and still going strong.

 

[dancer4life22]

i love my vera bradley duffel bag!

theres no wheels but really soft straps!

 

[aubriee]

i love my vera bradley duffel bag!

theres no wheels but really soft straps!

I have two sets of the Vera Bradley duffels (18" and 22" each in both Raspberry Fizz and Mediterranean Blue) and agree they are great. But a few weeks ago when Vera Bradley had their luggage on sale, I bought the 22" rolling duffel in Blue Rhapsody and really like it so much more. I also got the large backpack, mini hipster, lanyard and zip ID case to match it on ebay for alot less than they were on the Vera Bradley site, even with the discount code I was using.

Before I got my Vera Bradley bags, I used a Heys Exotic hardsided spinner bag, that I also love. It's great in the airports, as you can easily push or pull it with just one finger. It's so light weight and easy to maneuver. It's four wheels are great and it never flips with you.

 

[sherylivan]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Although I do like some of the recommendations, I am not really looking for designer luggage. I need something that is functional and durable with a decent warranty, manufactured preferably by a pure luggage brand.

 

[TheWog]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Although I do like some of the recommendations, I am not really looking for designer luggage. I need something that is functional and durable with a decent warranty, manufactured preferably by a pure luggage brand.

Was in Sears yesterday and saw American Tourister luggage (had this thread in the back of my mind). 3 piece for $69 with a carry on size and a larger 7 piece for $109.99. you could check those out.

 

[tinkermom23]

I ordered from ebags. They usually have coupons floating around??
I really like the bag I have but it doesn't have wheels...

 

[delaneyc52]

I sometimes find good deals at ebags.com

 

[sherylivan]

Thanks for suggesting ebags.com, it was really helpful. It had some great options from Victorinox, TravelPro, and Briggs & Riley. Anyone has any experience, good or bad, with carry-ons from these brands? I would love to get your inputs.

 

[RyanFernandez]

+1 for Briggs & Riley because with BR luggage, you get their awesome lifetime warranty that covers all repairs – absolutely free of charge.

 

[englishteacha]

We have a Forecast brand carryon from Sears (step MIL works there). We got it for a wedding gift almost 8 years ago and it's been great. We have a Forecast rolling duffle, too, that has also held up very well. When they go on sale, they're very affordable. (Even more so when you're an employee!)

 

[sherylivan]

Thanks, Ryan, for pointing me to Briggs & Riley’s lifetime warranty. That does sound quite tempting. This is the carry-on (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=21-inch-Carry-On-Expandable-Upright_TD-U521X) that I liked. Has anyone used this or any other BR carry-on? What is your experience with it?

 

[JuneCleaver]

Delsey brand! Kohls carries it and they do great discounts and coupons. Tons of room and very light, good wheels.

June

 

[Manda]

I've got two of the eBags Mother Lode mini roller bags now and LOVE THEM. They hold sooo much, are extremely durable, are configurable, and fit the short way in the overhead bin!

Also - and this was a huge selling point for me because I have a bad shoulder - they are super lightweight (that's how I found them in the first place, I was searching for the lightest bag). A breeze to carry around. My 6 year old can handle his no problem.

Can't recommend them enough. You have to watch the price though and watch them for a bit. eBags like to play games with it's discounts and special offers, so the price varies a lot. I bought the first one straight from eBags for less than $100. For the second one, I went up to the 'TLS' model and found it cheaper via Amazon - I paid $150. Worth every penny.

 

[sherylivan]

I quite like this carry-on (http://www.ebags.com/product/delsey/helium-pro-h-lite-21-exp-carryon/142228) from Delsey. But I think the Briggs & Riley carry-on looks (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=21-inch-Carry-On-Expandable-Upright_TD-U521X) a lot more streamlined and organized. Plus their lifetime warranty is an absolute winner. What do you guys think? I like both of them and would love to know your thoughts.

 

[sherylivan]

So, I made my decision and ordered the Briggs & Riley carry-on expandable (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=21-inch-Carry-On-Expandable-Upright_TD-U521X) last week. Their lifetime warranty was just too tempting to resist. I can’t wait to get my hands on the suitcase and start using it.

 

[randyolson]

You can check American Tourister. Vera Bradley is another option. Also I’m quite partial to Briggs & Riley. These are sturdy options.

 

[Evi]

I use the vera duffel but I'm don't have little ones in tow usually when I travel. I made the choice because its light weight and large. I find that the more durable bags I find have less space and weigh more.