It's coming up to replace my ever reliable low thrills Samsonite carry on over nighter.
Whilst I'm a fan of Samsonite, I wanted to see if there are any recommendations for a bag. Any positive experiences out there? What about the higher end brands ie Tumi. Are they worth it?
I buy my suitcases whenever I'm in Asia. If you come across a brand called Eminent, I highly recommend it. Made in Taiwan, light, very reasonably priced and the ones I bought have lasted much longer than my previous Samsonites/Antlers etc. I had wheels fall off an Antler on its first outing. A handle broke on my Samsonite.
Haven't tried the higher end stuff like Tumi/Rimowa.
Keen for feedback as well. My Samsonite is dying a slow death of rusting zippers and wheels with no rubber left!
I purchased a couple of Antler 4-wheel larger bags - super light, have been pretty durable so far - was concerned about how durable they would be with decent weight in them but I've loaded one up with 20+ kgs and it was fine.
I'll probably stick with Antler for the carry on unless others have better suggestions
I have an Away "bigger carry on". I use it primarily as carry on, though on smaller planes it will have to be checked. Built in battery bank is a lifesaver at the airport and I can usually cram a months worth of stuff in there if I'm desperate. They do a smaller one, which I'm sure is good but have never tried.
Only issue is price/ease of buying - probably $500 to have one shipped to Australia. If you're able to get one in America, then it will be much cheaper.
I use a Samsonite 72 hours 50 cm for this type of travel. It just fits in the 105cm bucket (50x33x28). The rain cover/emergency bag is handy and it fits a good amount, especially if using a packing cube. Best thing is it only weighs 1.5kg. My only complaint is the four wheels rather than two but I've got used to that now.
My wife and I both use Samsonite B'Lite 3 Mobile Office: plenty of space for several days' clothes, and separate internal and external pockets for tablet computer, papers etc. Plus only two wheels that don't protrude too far.
I buy my suitcases whenever I'm in Asia. If you come across a brand called Eminent, I highly recommend it. Made in Taiwan, light, very reasonably priced and the ones I bought have lasted much longer than my previous Samsonites/Antlers etc. I had wheels fall off an Antler on its first outing. A handle broke on my Samsonite.
Haven't tried the higher end stuff like Tumi/Rimowa.
We purchased a couple of larger (check-in) Eminent bags when in Singapore last year after a 20yr old Samsonite finally gave in. They've been good bags so far (about 5 trips checked in). Can't find them out here though.
Tumi looks fancy but it's not for true road warriors. Many pilots, airline crew, and I personally use Travel Pro. Their full range isn't available in Australia so I usually pick up a bag when I'm in the 'States.
I have the bluesmart series 1. Absolutely love it with the built in battery charger and auto lock / unlock (a feature that's been more refined in the new ones coming out soon). But no way would I have paid full price for it at $600.
The only downside is it's on the heavier side and it's 115cm so too big for VA/QF domestic but havnt had an issue so far with Virgin when carrying on.
Other than that it's great even if it is a bit of a gimmick
I've bought Eminent to replace my Samsonites, reasonably priced and very good quality. Samsonites are not what they used to be. Rimowa is very overpriced and I don't think very good quality either, unless you get the aluminium cases and they are too heavy for Australia's draconian carry-on limits
My Antler died on my last trip, the top part of the handle snapped off and the end result was beyond repair. It was 12 years old and heavily used but I was still a little disappointed.
I was surprised to see that the majority of carry on bags now are 4 wheel spinners. I don't like them at all, the extra wheels add weight and bulk and, given the capacity of the bag, are unnecessary unless you're transporting lead weights.
Amongst 2 wheel uprights it was quite hard to find anything good that fit cabin bag sizes. Also so few of them have side handles - I loved the side handle on my Antler, when you don't want to wheel it, it means you can carry it without hitting yourself in the shins every second step. It ended up being a compromise.
I considered the Antler Mobile Office which was similar to my old bag. It has an abundance of pockets for laptops, business cards, pens etc, a lot of dividers and a side handle; but it is too big for VA domestic, the dividers waste capacity and it is relatively heavy. Also worried about the quality given what happened to my old bag.
Instead I went for the Samsonite Duranxt which is smaller and lighter but still with a good capacity and quite a few pockets. But I would have liked a side handle and a fixed combination lock (it comes with a combination padlock). I have a Duranxt large case that is 5 years old and I'm very happy with the quality of that one.
BTW I used to tell all my friends to buy luggage in Hong Kong, I got some great deals on Samsonite, Antler and American Tourister in Li Yuen Street five years ago, but the last couple of years the bargains seem to have disappeared. It may be the lower AUD but I generally find eBay sales are the best source of luggage now.
Last editedby lionelhutz at Jul 28, 2017, 10:36 AM.
I use Rimowa Topaz 32 (carry on), but probably wouldn't recommend it if you are likely to be weighed, they are fairly heavy, the main strength is you can buy every single part and they are the worlds best looking case. (MyTopaz 78 and Multisport checked bags are actually reasonable for weight, it is the carry-ons that blow out a bit)
The Salsa range are probably the way to go, good light versions below 2kg for an international size, but if you take away the Aluminium and the watertight seal and cam-over locks you are losing the point of having a Rimowa! There are more rational choices in the Samsonite range, but everyone has those
I use a Samsonite hardcase spinner but what gets me is the price variation on these. The same bag can be $CA250 in Canada but $NZ400 in New Zealand. Or $SG500 in Singapore!
Suggest you have a look at the range provided by manufacturer Briggs & Riley. They come with a full, lifetime guarantee. Briggs & Riley will repair your broken or damaged B&R bag for free — even if an airline caused the damage. The company's Simple as That guarantee includes repairs for all functional portions of your luggage. The warranty does not cover cosmetic wear, cleaning, damage to contents or replacement of lost or stolen bags or content.
Like most expensive luggage, they are available in Australia - but can undoubtedly be purchased cheaper in the USA.
Jazzop
Jazzop
Member since 02 Dec 2016
Total posts 123
It's coming up to replace my ever reliable low thrills Samsonite carry on over nighter.
Whilst I'm a fan of Samsonite, I wanted to see if there are any recommendations for a bag. Any positive experiences out there? What about the higher end brands ie Tumi. Are they worth it?
Tancho
Tancho
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
Member since 31 Jan 2013
Total posts 38
I buy my suitcases whenever I'm in Asia. If you come across a brand called Eminent, I highly recommend it. Made in Taiwan, light, very reasonably priced and the ones I bought have lasted much longer than my previous Samsonites/Antlers etc. I had wheels fall off an Antler on its first outing. A handle broke on my Samsonite.
markpk
markpk
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 29 Nov 2013
Total posts 457
Keen for feedback as well. My Samsonite is dying a slow death of rusting zippers and wheels with no rubber left!
Dredgy
Dredgy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Apr 2017
Total posts 182
I have an Away "bigger carry on". I use it primarily as carry on, though on smaller planes it will have to be checked. Built in battery bank is a lifesaver at the airport and I can usually cram a months worth of stuff in there if I'm desperate. They do a smaller one, which I'm sure is good but have never tried.
Boof
Boof
Member since 29 Aug 2013
Total posts 33
I use a Samsonite 72 hours 50 cm for this type of travel. It just fits in the 105cm bucket (50x33x28). The rain cover/emergency bag is handy and it fits a good amount, especially if using a packing cube. Best thing is it only weighs 1.5kg. My only complaint is the four wheels rather than two but I've got used to that now.
CBR boy
CBR boy
Member since 12 Feb 2015
Total posts 61
My wife and I both use Samsonite B'Lite 3 Mobile Office: plenty of space for several days' clothes, and separate internal and external pockets for tablet computer, papers etc. Plus only two wheels that don't protrude too far.
Jazzop
Jazzop
Member since 02 Dec 2016
Total posts 123
We purchased a couple of larger (check-in) Eminent bags when in Singapore last year after a 20yr old Samsonite finally gave in. They've been good bags so far (about 5 trips checked in). Can't find them out here though.
rob01
rob01
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 10 Nov 2011
Total posts 110
I use a Samsonite Viz Air roll on. I like it alot. Good padded space for laptop and plenty of space for other items, and good solid rubber corners.
sid
sid
Member since 07 Jan 2011
Total posts 208
Tumi looks fancy but it's not for true road warriors. Many pilots, airline crew, and I personally use Travel Pro. Their full range isn't available in Australia so I usually pick up a bag when I'm in the 'States.
deegee93
deegee93
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 27 Jan 2017
Total posts 37
I have the bluesmart series 1. Absolutely love it with the built in battery charger and auto lock / unlock (a feature that's been more refined in the new ones coming out soon). But no way would I have paid full price for it at $600.
TheHawk
TheHawk
Member since 10 Jan 2017
Total posts 2
I've bought Eminent to replace my Samsonites, reasonably priced and very good quality. Samsonites are not what they used to be. Rimowa is very overpriced and I don't think very good quality either, unless you get the aluminium cases and they are too heavy for Australia's draconian carry-on limits
lionelhutz
lionelhutz
Member since 20 Jun 2014
Total posts 38
My Antler died on my last trip, the top part of the handle snapped off and the end result was beyond repair. It was 12 years old and heavily used but I was still a little disappointed.
I was surprised to see that the majority of carry on bags now are 4 wheel spinners. I don't like them at all, the extra wheels add weight and bulk and, given the capacity of the bag, are unnecessary unless you're transporting lead weights.
Amongst 2 wheel uprights it was quite hard to find anything good that fit cabin bag sizes. Also so few of them have side handles - I loved the side handle on my Antler, when you don't want to wheel it, it means you can carry it without hitting yourself in the shins every second step. It ended up being a compromise.
I considered the Antler Mobile Office which was similar to my old bag. It has an abundance of pockets for laptops, business cards, pens etc, a lot of dividers and a side handle; but it is too big for VA domestic, the dividers waste capacity and it is relatively heavy. Also worried about the quality given what happened to my old bag.
Instead I went for the Samsonite Duranxt which is smaller and lighter but still with a good capacity and quite a few pockets. But I would have liked a side handle and a fixed combination lock (it comes with a combination padlock). I have a Duranxt large case that is 5 years old and I'm very happy with the quality of that one.
BTW I used to tell all my friends to buy luggage in Hong Kong, I got some great deals on Samsonite, Antler and American Tourister in Li Yuen Street five years ago, but the last couple of years the bargains seem to have disappeared. It may be the lower AUD but I generally find eBay sales are the best source of luggage now.
Notso Swift
Notso Swift
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Oct 2016
Total posts 32
I use Rimowa Topaz 32 (carry on), but probably wouldn't recommend it if you are likely to be weighed, they are fairly heavy, the main strength is you can buy every single part and they are the worlds best looking case.
(MyTopaz 78 and Multisport checked bags are actually reasonable for weight, it is the carry-ons that blow out a bit)
The Salsa range are probably the way to go, good light versions below 2kg for an international size, but if you take away the Aluminium and the watertight seal and cam-over locks you are losing the point of having a Rimowa!
There are more rational choices in the Samsonite range, but everyone has those
aggie57
aggie57
QF
Member since 04 Apr 2014
Total posts 136
I use a Samsonite hardcase spinner but what gets me is the price variation on these. The same bag can be $CA250 in Canada but $NZ400 in New Zealand. Or $SG500 in Singapore!
kimshep
kimshep
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 11 Oct 2014
Total posts 412
Suggest you have a look at the range provided by manufacturer Briggs & Riley. They come with a full, lifetime guarantee. Briggs & Riley will repair your broken or damaged B&R bag for free — even if an airline caused the damage. The company's Simple as That guarantee includes repairs for all functional portions of your luggage. The warranty does not cover cosmetic wear, cleaning, damage to contents or replacement of lost or stolen bags or content.
Like most expensive luggage, they are available in Australia - but can undoubtedly be purchased cheaper in the USA.