AfricaRising

I have enjoyed the extensive discussion re: lightweight luggage -- focusing on carry-ons. I am interested, however, in hearing ideas about sturdy but lightweight packing solutions for large loads. I live in rural Africa and travel to the US every 18 months or so. Heading back to Africa, I take two 50-pound suitcases, filled to the brim with medical supplies, shoes, books, etc: all kind of items not available where we live. I want to use as much of my weight allowance as possible for stuff, rather than luggage. But I also need something durable, as these are rough trips. Wouldn't even necessarily have to be suitcases -- some other type of durable container could work, as long as I'm able to move it. Any ideas? I've heard a recommendation for a luggage line made by Tutto. Any experiences with it? Thanks in advance for your help.

ShelliDawn

My brother likes to use duffle bags when he travels as he usually takes a lot of stuff. They're definitley the most lightweight. However, there's no padding so you would need to make sure that what you're packing isn't going to be damaged. Normally he wraps harder/more fragile items in clothing/towels etc. to give some cushioning.

For example: http://tinyurl.com/yg8xjlj

hetismij

My son uses a North Face duffel. it is water and dust proof too and has stood up to a fair bit of air travel, plus camping trips, roughing it in a Land Rover.
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/...uggage_duffels

NGail

I just did a bit of homework before ordering some Eagle Creek luggage (25" - not carry-on but not huge either). The website I used - luggagebase.com - has a durability scale for each item (the Eagle Creek was a 9 out of 10). Other sites have reviews too.
You can look up lots of possibilities - decide on duffels vs. suitcases, find out the dimensions and weight of each piece, also what's on sale.

Bisbeee

Sorry, but the TNF Duffel mentioned above is not waterproof. The material is waterproof, but the thousands of needle holes that happen when stitching on the webbing and bottom fabric allow water to come right through.

Eagle Creek HC2 luggage in a 28" upright or 30" wheeled duffel would be good choices.

suze

Why not use large canvas duffle bags, like military style.

NGail

Those army duffels were canvas and heavy. Would you be transporting these bags yourself at all? In which case you'd certainly need wheels. We've got High Sierra wheeled duffels- 28" or 30"- and they hold a ton and are very light when empty.I don't remember any leakage problems - you can always wrap stuff in plastic bags. We don't like them much for traveling around but they'd be good for one-destination packing (though not for anything fragile).