I need to purchase new luggage and am considering some of the newer styles that are 20-25% lighter than older ones. Does anyone have any experience with bags of this type? Are they durable? Are there specific brands you might recommend? Thanks for your input.

Hi UNCalum,

I **love** my Victorinox Werks Traveler II luggage -- I want to travel just to use it! I love the rotating mono-pole handle to keep my wrist properly aligned. Of course, I love its weight the best!

s

I just purchased Briggs & Riley "Transcend" series-which is their lightweight series. So far I love it-it's expensive, but has a full lifetime warranty (including airline damage). The pull up handle is on the outside of the bag, so that it doesn't take up any packing space, and you have a flat-bottom packing space.

I also have a Victorinox Werks bag-I've had a problem with one end getting mashed in everytime I fly with it. Since it has a lifetime warranty, the luggage repair place fixes it for free-but it's been such a hassle that I bought the Briggs & Riley. Also, although I LOVE the way the handle works on the Victorinox, it is impossible to put a small bag on top of the suitcase and loop the handle over the Victorinox mono-pole handle because it falls off to one side or the other.

As you can tell, I've just spent a lot of time thinking about luggage!!

I'm absolutely sold on all my Briggs and Riley bags, both the lightweights and the regular weights.

If that doesn't work for you (I agree it is expensive and all the luggage discounters will tell you it is NEVER discounted) you might also consider Eagle Creek. I have the lightweight duffel that has been durable and very useful.

One of the cheaper lightweight brands is Skyway. You can get them on ebags.com and elsewhere. I just bought one, and they seem to be pretty well-made; but I cannot recommend for or against it yet as I've not used it on a trip.

UNCalum, this thread has a ton of suggestions (maybe overwhelmingly so!):
"Do you love your luggage? If so, please share!"
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34780555

Looks like the Victorinox Werks, Briggs & Riley, and Delsey Lite are popular...

I have a Delsey Helium which I am very happy with. Not sure if this same as the "Lite" but the tag says it's "40% lighter." I saw this brand on sale in the Macy's circular (starting Thur I think). You might want to check online. ebags is usually competitive with pricing but I think with luggage it's better to see it in person.

We bought a couple of 24 inch suitcases made under the "Pathfinder" brand, model Presidential 3LT, which is lighter weight and smaller than most 24 inchers. Very moderately priced thanks to a sale. Got it in a standard department store. We really like them and they have held up very well. It probably won't go into most overhead bins though.