Best carry-on brand? Price?
Sep 28th, 2007, 07:34 AM
#21
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"Caveat...price is an indicator of quality! " strongly disagree with that. It MAY indicate some degree of quality but far too ofter the price is dictated by some hoity toity brand name. There is a strong chance that they low cost no-name bag and the pricey fancy brand name bag were made in the same Chinese factory, out of the same materials and the biggest difference is the name that is attached at the end.
Review the issue of Consumer Reports (a few months back) that rated luggage for some good information.
Review the issue of Consumer Reports (a few months back) that rated luggage for some good information.
Sep 28th, 2007, 01:37 PM
#23
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Hi LouUS,
The LW might be a good choice for you because it has extra handles that make it easy to lift from different angles. Have you looked at one in person? I didn't think I needed new luggage until I saw it, but I was floored by the handling and weight. The space inside is particularly good because of the wheel placement. I got the travel tote too, to sit on top of the bag -- it has a sleeve that slips through the handle to keep it in place. Also, tightening the compression straps on the LW can make the bag even smaller, so it can fit in tight spaces.
Another bag I like is our Victorinox roller, which can double as a backback, but it's still not as light, and probably not as efficient space-wise. We have a couple pieces of TravelPro, but for me they don't compare to the Eagle Creek. YMMV, but they have been great for us. Last month my husband traveled by plane with our 2 year-old, and he was able to push the 30" LW with one hand, and the full stroller with the other.
The LW might be a good choice for you because it has extra handles that make it easy to lift from different angles. Have you looked at one in person? I didn't think I needed new luggage until I saw it, but I was floored by the handling and weight. The space inside is particularly good because of the wheel placement. I got the travel tote too, to sit on top of the bag -- it has a sleeve that slips through the handle to keep it in place. Also, tightening the compression straps on the LW can make the bag even smaller, so it can fit in tight spaces.
Another bag I like is our Victorinox roller, which can double as a backback, but it's still not as light, and probably not as efficient space-wise. We have a couple pieces of TravelPro, but for me they don't compare to the Eagle Creek. YMMV, but they have been great for us. Last month my husband traveled by plane with our 2 year-old, and he was able to push the 30" LW with one hand, and the full stroller with the other.
Sep 28th, 2007, 02:28 PM
#24
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I bought a 20" Eagle Creek Velocity rolling bag. It is light, durable and comes with a free replacement guarantee which says that Eagle Creek will replace the bag regardless of who is responsible for the damage.
Is Eagle Creek the "best" brand. I can't say that. Frankly, since I started traveling to Europe and beyond 10 years ago, Eagle Creek is the only brand I've used. I keep using it because it is so well-made. Are there better cheaper bags? Who knows? I have used cheap luggage before but I have found that I got what I paid for.
The real important consideration is whether a bag that is called a "carry-on" bag is in fact at or under the size restrictions of the airline(s) you are using. I found that most 22" are really bigger than 22" when you measure the wheels and handle. I got the 20" bag because I wanted to be sure.
Is Eagle Creek the "best" brand. I can't say that. Frankly, since I started traveling to Europe and beyond 10 years ago, Eagle Creek is the only brand I've used. I keep using it because it is so well-made. Are there better cheaper bags? Who knows? I have used cheap luggage before but I have found that I got what I paid for.
The real important consideration is whether a bag that is called a "carry-on" bag is in fact at or under the size restrictions of the airline(s) you are using. I found that most 22" are really bigger than 22" when you measure the wheels and handle. I got the 20" bag because I wanted to be sure.
Sep 28th, 2007, 02:41 PM
#25
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I've bought so many types of luggage over the years. The pieces that I usually take out of the closet are my Kipling bags. I have the large duffel on wheels, a smaller sized duffel on wheels, a wheeled backpack, and a carry on tote bag. All of them have held up well under lots of use. I travel (fly) over 50k in a year, so something that wears well is important to me.
I also have a nice piece of Hartmann that I got using ff miles. Nice piece for carrying on a plane. I've taken it a couple of times, when going only for a few days.
I also have a nice piece of Hartmann that I got using ff miles. Nice piece for carrying on a plane. I've taken it a couple of times, when going only for a few days.
Sep 29th, 2007, 05:00 AM
#26
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Taking off from the thread title ("Best", "cost"
, jet-setters like carry-ons from Valextra (somewhere north of $5000) and both carry-ons and checked bags from Globe Trotter (the Queen is a customer). Globe Trotter is thought to be best because it is made of fiber-board (yes!)and all those dings and scratches only add character. Valextra is sleeker but only for First Class and your friend's Gulfstream G V.
When F Scott Fitgerald told Ernest Hemingway, "The rich are different from you and me," Hemingway replied, "Yes, they have more money." One way they apparently spend it is on ultra high end luggage!
, jet-setters like carry-ons from Valextra (somewhere north of $5000) and both carry-ons and checked bags from Globe Trotter (the Queen is a customer). Globe Trotter is thought to be best because it is made of fiber-board (yes!)and all those dings and scratches only add character. Valextra is sleeker but only for First Class and your friend's Gulfstream G V.When F Scott Fitgerald told Ernest Hemingway, "The rich are different from you and me," Hemingway replied, "Yes, they have more money." One way they apparently spend it is on ultra high end luggage!
Sep 29th, 2007, 08:00 AM
#28
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My vote is for Pathfinder. Great quality and prices are OK if you can find a deal (check out bargainoutfitteres.com, sierratradingpost.com, ebags and ebay).
Similar in quality to travelpro or briggs, but less well known and less likely to get stolen.
Very lightweight polycarbonate shells.
Similar in quality to travelpro or briggs, but less well known and less likely to get stolen.
Very lightweight polycarbonate shells.
Oct 1st, 2007, 07:09 PM
#29
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Thanks again for more good advice. We're still looking at the Load Warrior - hopefully in person very soon. I do know that we like both a top and side handle for lifting. One of ours only has one handle and it's a pain even in and out of the car. We also watch the wheel quality (lose them going to China and downunder) and how sturdy the fasterner is that holds the lock.
Oct 8th, 2007, 07:12 PM
#30
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What does everyone think of the Eagle Creek Cross Roads line compared to Load Warrior? It seems a little more expensive for some reason. Some of the reviewers on ebags say that the zipper on Load Warrior is not strong. To those of you that have it, do you agree?
