I am looking for a lightweight 22" carry-on luggage with a companion bag. What type of luggage do you prefer?

There are two schools of thought on this: (1) buy cheap at a discount store and prepare to toss after several trips and (2) pay a _lot_ for Tumi or Hartmann or the like and have it last a long time. Some people get lucky with (1)and find a cheap bag that lasts a long time.

I am a former business traveler now semi-retired but still traveling a lot. I went the Hartmann route and am not a bit sorry. It is holding up incredibly well, though the tan gets dirty, but it has the advantage that you can see it on the carousel.

Hi UnderTheStars,

Or you could split the difference. I bought a Victorinox WerksTravler II, which has a lifetime warranty. It's cheaper than Tumi or Hartmann but more expensive than discount brands. I love mine!! In addition to its light weight, I particularly love its mono-pole with rotating handle (easy on my wrist). It also seems to be better balanced than any other luggage I've had -- seems to almost roll itself.

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Ackislander is 99.9% right on this. I just think you're better off getting the cheapie bags. Having once worked as a baggage handler for a major airline I can confirm that those guys will not treat any bag any better than the others. The heavier the bag the more chance they'll throw, squash or kick into the baggage hold. And when you arrive at your destination, the guys unloading are required to hustle which often means a 10 foot toss from the baggage tug or container to the conveyor belt. Expensive bags are almost an invitation for the more unscrupulous bagmen to "accidently" tear open in hopes of finding something good. As careful as you might be in handling your own bag, airport personnel, taxi cab and bus drivers, train porters and other travelers whose bag might somehow rest under yours are gonna treat it rudely. And even if you dream about taking it on the plane as a carry-on, be aware that the airlines are justifiably cracking down on that abused practice. I've had backpacks that I've stowed in the overhead bins damaged by late arriving passengers (morons) cramming their stuff on top of mine.

I now buy my bags at Family Dollar or Walmart because there is no point.

I use to buy expensive pieces of luggage but I too now think that inexpensive it the way to go. When (note I said when not if, lol) they get damamged it is not the upset that it is with expensive luggage.

I am going to buy a 22 or at the most 24 inch suitcase. I too want as light weight as possible and I will chose something that is not the color black. I saw a fabulous one at Ross's, it was red. I sure wish I had purchased it. When I went back a week later it was gone of course.

I buy ALL my suitcases at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. They have some very nice brands at discount prices, often with the matching companion bags available (although I choose my tote for its own merits.) I don't feel bad when my bags (inevitably) go through rough treatment on various transportation modes or face inclement weather/mud. Most 22" suitcases weigh around the same - you're not likely to get under 8 pounds if you get one with wheels.

Hi Underthestars,

At the rate that the airlines are permanently loosing luggage - I vote for the inexpensive plan!

That said, I have an Eagle Creek 21" roller that converts to a backpack if necessary (rarely) and has a zip off day pack. I've taken it as my sole piece (3 wk trips) 3 times now and love it.

On the last trip Delta managed to break off one of the legs. Eagle Creek stood behind there "lifetime" guarantee and fixed it no charge.

Oops, make the "Their"!

I'm a big fan of ebags.com. You can go there and choose from thousands of bags. And they offer discounts to returning customers.