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-   -   Victorinox Luggage help (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/victorinox-luggage-help-651042/)

hannahskm Oct 5th, 2006 07:14 AM

Victorinox Luggage help
 
Hi

I'm in a little bit of a dilemna...
I'm about to move abroad and need to pack alot of things with me. I'd also however would love to use a bag that's versatile for frequent travelling.
My main concern is weight and size at the moment due to baggae allowance for international travels.

I'm a little undecisive whether to go for a Victorinox 27" or a 24".
Ive checked out both of them in the store..

I am smitten by the 27" for the space and thought of packing clothes (winter coats etc). Sale assistant also was egging me on to go for the large as the weight of both empty does not make much difference.

The 24" didn't look as much inviting, (obviously not as big as the 27") however I do like the expanding feature... and could take it on for smaller trips.

so I don't know whether I should settle with 1 large 27" (half empty) or a 24" + a small daffle bag (fully stuffed).

I can do allowances up to 30 kilos...

Any suggestions? :)

happytourist Oct 5th, 2006 07:45 AM

I have the 24" one and use it constantly, even for long trips (but I pack carefully with coordinated colors so I don't have to take a lot). If you're moving abroad, you'll probably be taking a lot of train trips, and the smaller one will be a lot easier to carry on and lift (don't expect porters). It should also be small enough for airplane carryon.

hannahskm Oct 5th, 2006 08:17 AM

Hi Happy tourist

Thank you for your comment...
I think I might settle down with the 24". A kind forum member also recommended me the smaller size aswell.

Not easy to decide as these bags are not the cheapest.



dovima Oct 5th, 2006 09:15 AM

Hi hannah,
I bought the 24 inch lightweight Victorinix about 2 years ago. Broke it in - and how - over the cobblestones of several cities in the Netherlands. It held quite a bit but I did not like the system by which hangers attach inside. I also did not like the handle very much - it's supposedly ergonomic but for me it was awkard. Maybe it's me that's not up to the ergonomic standard. In terms of versatility, I think the 24 inch, wisely packed, would get more use than the larger.

Anyway, that's my two cents - hope it helps.

SB_Travlr Oct 5th, 2006 09:26 AM

Don't know where you live, Hannah -- but when I was in my local TJ Maxx last week, they had Victorinox luggage there (for well under list price). That would apply for Marshall's too -- part of same company.

hannahskm Oct 5th, 2006 10:22 AM

Hi Dovima

I hear that they cover lifetime warranty. Did you manage to claim it or get it fixed?

I've read many mixed reviews on these bags .. some good.. some bad. I can imagine it to be a dissapointment and a hassle!

-----------------

SB_Travlr

I'm based in Sydney..
I found a store in the city that has them on sale till this Sunday!

2 days to make my mind up... :)



dovima Oct 5th, 2006 10:57 AM

Hannah,
I gifted this bag to a relative and went back to my TravelPro, so I don't have experience with the guarantee. When I bought the Victorinix, it was with a gift certificate, so the risk was minimal on my part. If it were my own money on the line entirely I sure would have waited for a sale.

suze Oct 5th, 2006 11:22 AM

I don't like Victorinox brand because they are too heavy (empty).

I would use any ole brand of a 24" expandable, plus a duffle like you mentioned. I bought mine at a discount store for $50, and have used it for years.

The suitcase weighs 7 lbs empty & 25-29 lbs. when it is packed.

It would not be big enough for me to use if I were moving to live somewhere. If I were to move abroad, I would pack a box or two and ship it ahead, then travel with my normal amount of luggage.

hannahskm Oct 6th, 2006 02:05 AM

Hi Suze

I've bought the 24" and I think your right. The 27" would have been too big for me to carry. I'm quite happy with the bag. The only thing that takes a little bit of unnescary space is the spine, the 2 front pockets are quite deep but I could use it for A3 drawing pads etc. I was slightly dissapointed that they did not come with free locks.
Stitching seems O.k.. time will tell.
My main concern is the warranty, and the ease of getting it repaired if things do fall apart. Other than that.. it felt really good strolling home... the wheels glide very nicely and I love the handle! :)

hannahskm Oct 6th, 2006 02:36 AM

btw ... I forgot to thank you all for your helpful comments!

Hope you all have a wonderful pleasant weekend!


suze Oct 6th, 2006 06:52 AM

You're most welcome. Good luck. I have never had a suitcase fall apart on me (and I never have anything fancy and travel hard), so I'm guessing you'll be fine.

I think if you find you still need a second piece, your idea of a soft duffle bag (that can ride on top of the 24"-er) would work well.

Kal Oct 6th, 2006 06:59 AM

hannah,
thx for reminding me.
My large rolling duffle bag handle broke (won't pull out or retract) on the recent trip.

After seeing your post I called Victorinox' Customer Scv and they gave me a name/addy of a nearby repair shop.

Once again, thx for the reminder!

hannahskm Oct 7th, 2006 03:20 AM

Hi Kal

Great to hear that they have good customer service! I hope this bag will last me a lifetime but you never know these days when it comes to baggage handlers.
(...my hardcase broke down on my last travel and my warranty was expired!)


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