jdraper, that is interesting. Never thought about red (or any color) getting black marks but sure makes sense. My daughter has a rather tapersty floral print (black backgroud) on her luggage which has made several trips. Maybe that is a better way to go although haven't seen any like that in the past few years.

So perhaps black with the red tie (which mine has) is still the way to go than. Thanks for the heads up.

LoveItaly - I didn't consider the dirt factor myself but it seemed obvious when I retrieved my checked bags after the very first flight. I would think that the tapestry bag would hide the dirt as well as black luggage would so perhaps that is the way to go in the future if I want to avoid black. I don't believe it was offered for the Alantic luggage and I was more interested in the luggage being lightweight and easy to pack than color. Perhaps they will offer it in the future. J

Color is the last thing I look for in luggage. Lightness, strength, and good design (expandibility is a great feature; small enough to carry on, if necessary, but bigger to accomodate the loot) are far more important.

My wife sewed brightly colored cloth (she's dayglo pink; I'm a garish green) around every handle on our bags, and it makes it easy to spot them anywhere. Marking every handle is important; if you mark but one, invariably that one will end up on the bottom.

My husband has some Timberland luggage which has turned out fabulos. It is soft but very durable, takes amazing amounts of stuff and is a khaki/military green type colour which hides dirt really well. I bought burgundy Samsonite soft tops recently to be able to spot them on the conveyor belt easily and yet durable.

For a lot of good recommendations for buying luggage and a chance to compare prices, check out www.packinglight.com

When I purchased this set at ebags.com, there were actually 4 pieces in the set. It looks like they revamped it, but you can buy an additional suitcase separately to get a 4 piece set.

http://www.ebags.com/international_t...4001%202003610

It comes in black, red or silver, and although you have the protection of hardside luggage, it is much lighter in weight than it looks.

BC

my black is Atlantic and most of it did hold up well..however now is is getting frayed and a few small holes... the biggest problem was with the largest bag which has nothing but the wire showing on the edges now. why is that only on the large bag?? anyway all have wheels...i went to Tuesday morning and found some ralph Lauren with leather trim ...now how would you use it without them ruining it? ...Need the large size 26-28... going to the 4-seasons Madrid next...

Anyone have experience with Mandarin Duck luggage? It's sold in Paris and Brussels (and elsewhere, I presume, but I haven't seen it) and it looks stylish, but have no idea how well it will hold up.

Look at the new Exploration line from Eagle Creek. It's great, it's sturdy, it's cool. It has an attached backpack.

<b>http://www.eaglecreek.com/</b>