It is time to retire the Thomas the Tank Engine suitcase! My son has loved it since we got it nearly 5 years ago, but at 1260 cu in, it simply is too small for an 8-yr-old growing boy.

I'd like to get him something closer is size to my 22" wheelie, which is nearly 3000 cu in. Price should be under $100 and it should be sturdy enough to last 10 years til high school graduation. He wants zebra stripes.

We've had one false start already--ordered the Baggalini Rolling Tote bag ($80 at Shoebuy.com). We loved it--looks and quality and well thought-out details, pockets & things. Unfortunately, it is liliputan and comes in right between Thomas and mine. Still, ignoring the size, you can get an idea of the kind of thing we're looking for.

What suggestions do you have for what to get--and what to avoid?

what about this one ?

http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb...emNumber=14535

I have a Heys and the kids were able to pull it.

That looks perfect!

Is it good quality/well made?

This isn't quite the same, but is the same company so the fact that several people say theirs have cracks makes me nervous

http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bag...r-reviews.html

Surfmom, how long have you had yours, and does it hold up well?

We've had it about a year - it traveled to Europe twice last year - once when we took it and once when a friend was scrambling for her 10yo daughter (by borrowing it, it saved her a trip to the mall to get some). She said her daughter loved it also. (I bought it at Target for less than $50 - I figure I've already gotten my money's worth, because my 7yo (last year) could manage it and it made my bags lighter).

So far, its held up well. Two things I liked about it : it has 4 wheels and they roll all directions. So if you are walking along and someone is tired of pulling it, they can stand it up and push it next to them. Second, it is expandable and has 2 sets of zippers. On the way out, we use the smaller version, on the way back, we expand it (and usually check it).

if you insist on the stripes you will likely sacrifice quality...JMHO

As far as the stripes go, if you want him to use the bag until he's out of high school, you might want something a little less obtrusive. Zebra stripes might well be "so 2011" in just a few years.

Forgot to report back--ooops!

We got zebra stripes from Pottery Barn. The rolling bag is the perfect size for him, and he got a backpack too.

We found a Heys at a good price at Kohl's. Can't remember why we didn't get it.