An OMAAT reader asked for my take on what the best carry-on bags are nowadays. I’ve never explicitly addressed this in a post, so let me share my opinion, and then I’d love to hear what other think. Let me say from the get-go that I don’t at all have strong feelings on this topic…
In this post:
There’s no right or wrong approach with carry-on luggage
Suggesting the best carry-on is perhaps like suggesting the best clothes — there’s simply no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your budget, and it also depends on how much you value style and appearance. Personally, I’d like to think that I take a pragmatic approach to luggage, and I care a lot more about how durable and functional it is, than I do about how stylish it is, or how it’s perceived.
For example, if you travel with any frequency, I think there’s merit to taking either of the below “extreme” approaches:
- There’s something to be said for just buying cheap luggage that won’t last forever, and using it until it’s not usable anymore; after all, even nice luggage will suffer from wear & tear, so buying reasonably priced luggage reduces frustration when you inevitably need a new bag
- There’s also something to be said for investing in great, high-end luggage; after all, some bags will last for a long time, and it’s easy enough to amortize the cost across many trips
Personally, I typically take the latter approach. I consistently keep my luggage for well over five years, and when you consider how many trips I take, that represents a lot of use of bags. I should also of course mention that for some people, luggage is a status symbol or part of their general approach to fashion. There’s nothing wrong with that either. It’s harder to justify the cost, but to each their own.
Here’s one thing I do have strong opinions about, though. For checked luggage, you absolutely shouldn’t invest in nice bags:
- Checked luggage gets beaten up like crazy, and you have no control over that
- The fancier your luggage, the more of a target you’re putting on it possibly having contents stolen, or getting “lost”
- Even if you care about appearances, it’s not like people actually spend much time in public with their checked bags
The carry-on luggage brands that are well regarded
Ultimately it’s impossible to review every luggage option out there. For that matter, the real way to figure out if a particular bag is good is to use it for years, and see how durable it is over time. So I’ll simply share my perception of the carry-on bag landscape, and then I invite OMAAT readers to share their opinions.
After all, this is a situation where firsthand experience from frequent travelers is super useful. It doesn’t matter how good a bag is on one trip, but rather, how good it is over years of heavy travel. Let me share a couple of further thoughts upfront:
- The amount of value you place on overall luggage capacity may vary greatly depending on whether you’re someone who exclusively uses carry-ons, or whether you check bags
- People also having varying takes on two-wheel bags vs. four-wheel bags, and soft-sided luggage vs. hard-sided luggage
With that out of the way, let me share my perception of things…
The best spinner carry-on bags
When it comes to spinner (four-wheel) bags that are hard-sided, Rimowa is considered to be the gold standard. The people who have Rimowa bags generally swear by them, and they’re among the most stylish luggage out there (in a sort of minimalist, aluminum way).
If money is no object, I’ve also heard good things about Sterling Pacific, though have no firsthand experience. The company’s pricing ($1,950 for a carry-on) makes Rimowa look like a deal, by comparison.
For those looking for a lower price point than Rimowa, Away has become really popular, especially with younger people. To be honest, I’m not sure I totally get what people love about Away luggage (if anything), or if it’s just that it’s reasonably priced compared to the likes of Rimowa.
The best two-wheel carry-on bags
Back in the day, Tumi was almost unarguably the best luggage brand out there. However, that’s not the case anymore. The company’s warranty was made worse several years back, and I just didn’t find the luggage to be durable anymore. I used to be a big Tumi customer, but not anymore.
Nowadays I’d say that Briggs & Riley is the highest quality luggage brand out there for soft-sided, four-wheel bags. I made the switch from Tumi to Briggs & Riley in 2019, and still have the same suitcase and backpack that I’ve had since then. You simply can’t beat the quality. Briggs & Riley also has the best warranty in the industry, as products come with a lifetime guarantee. That’s how committed the company is to its quality.
Now, the problem with Briggs & Riley is that I just don’t find the bags to be very attractive. In my opinion they look super outdated and generic. I wish Briggs & Riley would keep its same quality while updating the aesthetics, because it’s an area where there’s huge room for improvement, in my opinion, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.
Is there any other brand on the same level of Briggs & Riley in terms of quality, which is worth being aware of? I’ll throw the question out there, because if there is, I don’t know of it.
For what it’s worth, I have the above bag in addition to a Briggs & Riley backpack, which is similar to the one below (the one below is the updated version, since I got mine years ago). I find the backpack to be super functional.
I guess I’m wondering if there’s any other luggage setup I should be considering, that’s perhaps a bit more visually interesting than this? Personally I’m in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” camp, so unless I see something that I like a lot more, I’ll probably just continue to stick to this.
Bottom line
Everyone has their own take on what the best carry-on luggage brand is, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Rimowa and Briggs & Riley are generally the best regarded, large, high-end luggage brands out there. However, I think there’s also merit to just buying cheap luggage, since it’s going to get scratched up anyway, and then you can replace it in a more guilt-free way.
But those are just my impressions, so I’d love to hear more firsthand experiences from OMAAT readers. I’m 100% sure that the comments on this post will be more insightful than the post itself, since you can’t beat the collective insights of many road warriors.
What’s your take on the best carry-on luggage?
I'm also on team TravelPro. My wife and I each have bags that are now 10 years old, with 100+ hotel nights each of those years, and both bags are pretty much good as new. The only issue we've had in either bag for the past decade is that the zipper pull broke on one of them. We called TravelPro and had a new one sent to us within a couple of days. I've purchased...
I'm also on team TravelPro. My wife and I each have bags that are now 10 years old, with 100+ hotel nights each of those years, and both bags are pretty much good as new. The only issue we've had in either bag for the past decade is that the zipper pull broke on one of them. We called TravelPro and had a new one sent to us within a couple of days. I've purchased a travel pro backpack and a TravelPro weekender bag since, and I've been quite happy with both of them as well.
Porsche Design
My husband and I are in our 70s. We have not checked a bag since our bags were lost going and returning from Russia in the early 2000s. For years we used Tumi Ledger (2-wheel), which have not been made in years. Then because of switching to airbnbs and having to lug up many flights of stairs and lots of train travel, we switched to backpack duffels. We used Eagle Creek and Patagonia but then...
My husband and I are in our 70s. We have not checked a bag since our bags were lost going and returning from Russia in the early 2000s. For years we used Tumi Ledger (2-wheel), which have not been made in years. Then because of switching to airbnbs and having to lug up many flights of stairs and lots of train travel, we switched to backpack duffels. We used Eagle Creek and Patagonia but then settled on the small Granite Gear (about 40 liter capacity and less than 2 lbs in weight). We bought compression straps to keep things from moving if not full. That and a personal item Are all we use for trips from 4 days to 5 weeks. We rent airbnbs with washing machines or if in hotels, go to local laundries. After 10 years, the duffels are showing wear but no longer being made so I am checking for a replacement. We have, to date, never had to check them, even on regional Southeast Asian airlines. Our next challenge will be Binter in the Canaries
Here's my hot take on Sterling Pacific, if their bags are made in China, are the factory workers getting paid the same rate as the Rimowa workers? It has nothing to do with being made in China but with the practices and how much the bags cost to manufactur. If SP is getting them for 10$ (most likely, unless they are paid high), then they make at about a 16,000% profit.
Tom Bihn it. Pay the price and use it for life.
No wheels is the way.
Travelpro has lifetime warranty too, and I have had my Travelpro Platinum Magna carry on for over 10 years (and it's still going strong!). Needed one minor repair 5 years ago, but Travelpro paid for it.
I’ve had my Travelpro Platinum Magna 21” spinner for 10 years and love it. It’s been over a million miles and is holding up great. Did a wheel swap last year which only took me about an hour.
B&R is the best so far. Certainly not look for those hard shell metal thing that will always look like dishaped.
While not for everyone, the Briggs and Riley Torq collection is definitely a bit more of a "designer" look than many of their other bags. Got the int'l carry-on spinner and loved it so much I paired it with the medium trunk checked bag. The larger/deeper design of the trunk is great for fitting larger items if you tend to shop/carry gifts when traveling
Timbuk2 has the best Rollerboards. Lifetime warranty! These can't be beat. I have one in every size.
Without a doubt Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside, both for carry on and check in. Very durable, and super light. Why waste luggage kgs/lbs on the luggage itself?
My first "real" roller was an Eagle Creek. It had a great warranty (and I had good luck using it) and took a beating. I still sometimes use it today. Not sure where Eagle Creek stands though, overall, these days. My perception is that it's not the same (and I think the warranty may be different).
Someone else mentioned outdoor gear companies - Patagonia, TNF, etc. I have several Black Hole duffles that are my...
My first "real" roller was an Eagle Creek. It had a great warranty (and I had good luck using it) and took a beating. I still sometimes use it today. Not sure where Eagle Creek stands though, overall, these days. My perception is that it's not the same (and I think the warranty may be different).
Someone else mentioned outdoor gear companies - Patagonia, TNF, etc. I have several Black Hole duffles that are my go to for equipment. Some sizes are offered as rollers, though none are hard-sided. Mystery Ranch has some great ones, too, but were just bought by Yeti, so we'll see what they keep going forward (wouldn't surprise me to see it rebranded as Yeti, too).
I'm actually more interested if I have to replace my carry-on that is 10" in depth, given that the "new standard" is 9"
Love my Away(s), family of 4 all has them. Lightweight and fits on European and Asian airlines without worrying. Great compression system that i can stuff 2 weeks of clothes in , sit on it to close and not worry about seems bursting.
Buy quality luggage that lasts, not chinese garbage that you’ll just toss into a landfill when it inevitably breaks. Over time, you’ll spend less money, and you won’t be part of the problem.
I just caved and replaced my 25-year old Samsonite with a 2-wheel Briggs & Riley (in navy, does this make it less dull?). The Samsonite was a soft, two-wheeled clamshell type bag, something that is almost impossible to get nowadays (Tumi makes some but they're $800 and up and seem just ok and Samsonite (and most others) seems to have given up on 2-wheeled bags altogether). Attaching a backpack onto the front of the bag...
I just caved and replaced my 25-year old Samsonite with a 2-wheel Briggs & Riley (in navy, does this make it less dull?). The Samsonite was a soft, two-wheeled clamshell type bag, something that is almost impossible to get nowadays (Tumi makes some but they're $800 and up and seem just ok and Samsonite (and most others) seems to have given up on 2-wheeled bags altogether). Attaching a backpack onto the front of the bag balances it out nicely and makes it super light weight to pull, so I think 2-wheels continue to be the way to go. Also there is more space inside and better roll-capability on bad surfaces.
Travel J or A and carry-on only - Rimowa Cabin Original (not plus, not compact, not pilot) and purely as garment carrier in PeakDesign compression bags. Then a 20-26l backpack on top - Xaiomi older or PeakDesign 26l backpack. Backpack with cables, computer and liquids (if any, I never have liquids). Super comfortable with 4 wheels and space for a week with 35l + ~10l clothes in backpack.
Travel with checked luggage? Then just 20-26l...
Travel J or A and carry-on only - Rimowa Cabin Original (not plus, not compact, not pilot) and purely as garment carrier in PeakDesign compression bags. Then a 20-26l backpack on top - Xaiomi older or PeakDesign 26l backpack. Backpack with cables, computer and liquids (if any, I never have liquids). Super comfortable with 4 wheels and space for a week with 35l + ~10l clothes in backpack.
Travel with checked luggage? Then just 20-26l backpack in cabin.
Travel 1-2 days only or in Eco with carry-on only? Then 35l PeakDesign backpack as single piece. Can live out of that 6 days comfortably, including proffesional settings. Carry a packable daypack like Matador in the big backpack.
Why Rimowa cabin alu as the carry on? In clothes carrier function it should not break 8kg - important for Asian airlines even in C who do weigh - and never have to be opened at airport with backpack present. And backpack sits comfortably on the handle - assuming a passthrough is present. 1.2kg backpack + laptop + cables + some clothes + documents and water - the heavy stuff not in the carry-on.
Alu because it has proper seals and not stupid go-around-zyppers and will last forever, unlike the plastic essential line. Cabin plus is too big for bookshelf planes and small cabins even in C. Cabin compact is too small for the purpose and pilot is too heavy and unsuitable for clothes really. Rimowa's original with double dividers are also perfect without compression cubes, unlike the zyppered compartments on others, another Rimowa patent btw, besides the outside ridges.
Sterling Pacific - ugh, look at the interiour. 19th century says hi.
Ben was incredibly sneaky writing this entire post without the slightest mention of his preference: two wheels or four? Maybe he's right, since this is like posting "which is the One True Religion?" and expecting useful replies.
For what it's worth, I have a TravelPro backpack and a Victorinox 2-wheel 22" rollaboard. I'm happy with the package but it's dull, just like Ben's pictured pieces.
My opinions:
4-wheelers are simply out. I wouldn't even...
Ben was incredibly sneaky writing this entire post without the slightest mention of his preference: two wheels or four? Maybe he's right, since this is like posting "which is the One True Religion?" and expecting useful replies.
For what it's worth, I have a TravelPro backpack and a Victorinox 2-wheel 22" rollaboard. I'm happy with the package but it's dull, just like Ben's pictured pieces.
My opinions:
4-wheelers are simply out. I wouldn't even consider any "spinner" bag because the wheels aren't recessed and they're too small and breakable. 2-wheelers use the same wheels as Rollerblade skates so wheels are easily replaced while travelling.
Warranties: my VSA 22" bag is a free replacement for a 10-year-old Victorinox Tourbach "LifeTime Warranty" 22" rollaboard which needed a handle and parts were unavailable. Victorinox said "pick any bag from our US website and we'll deliver it to your home in Canada free". Now THAT's a warranty.
Soft vs Hard: hardside is inferior because, as @Carryon Enthusiast said upthread, they break instead of bending. Also I use the various pockets on the outside of my softside bag, including the 2 clever hidden ones with invisible zippers.
I've been envious of Briggs and Riley but on balance I think I'm satisfied witht he bags I'm currently using.
For me it has to fulfill 2 basic requirements:
1. As light weight as possible (preferable not more than 2kg)
2. Must be a backpack/roller so I can roll or sling over my shoulder when needed.
So my current bag that’s so far lasted over 5 years and seems to be still going strong is a Roncato wheeled backpack that I bought from El Corte Ingles on a trip in Spain after my old Samsonite just wasn’t quite big enough for me.
I keep thinking about replacing my 10+ years old TravelPro Maxlite, but it keeps trucking without issue, and other bags are too heavy.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On
4 lbs lighter than the Travelpro FlightCrew 5 21" carryon, with more volume (according to Travelpro).
Samsonite. If I ever need another luggage bag I would go to goodwill. What a waste of money.
Near-weekly business traveler here, and I have a strong preference for the Hello Kitty & Friends Character Group 20” Carry-On Luggage from Target. It’s held up well and I get a lot of compliments in meetings and at conferences.
Briggs & Riley is the best. I have the same two-wheeler here but it is heave 4.5 kg. which is more than half of the 7 kg limit going on nowadays. And airlines are getting stingier with the carry-on weight.
I personally travel w/ Samsonite for Check-in bags, Mont-blanc spinner carry-ons (I find them stylish), and Tumi backpacks
I've had a two wheeled EBags carry-on for about 10 years. Half is hard sided and half soft. Been taking 4 to 5 multi week international trips a year with it. Unfortunately Samsonite bought them and I don't think they make the bag any more
The Travelpro Flightcrew 5 21” rollaboard is the single best carry on today. First of all, any hardshell is an automatic no, due to their propensity to break, not bend. Second, a two wheel design is essential. Third, this is the most durable soft bag you can buy, significantly thicker than any of their consumer facing products, since it is designed for flight attendants and pilots. The warranty is excellent as well, but you won’t...
The Travelpro Flightcrew 5 21” rollaboard is the single best carry on today. First of all, any hardshell is an automatic no, due to their propensity to break, not bend. Second, a two wheel design is essential. Third, this is the most durable soft bag you can buy, significantly thicker than any of their consumer facing products, since it is designed for flight attendants and pilots. The warranty is excellent as well, but you won’t need it. Finally, it’s 21” size ensures compliance with international carry on limitations (which are usually smaller than US carriers).
I got a cheap carry-on no-name brand at the eMart in Korea and have a B&R backpack. I really like how the backpack is super functional. My kid has the same initials as me, so I plan to give it to him when he's older. :)
IMHO for the minority of us who are in the "no wheels" carry-on camp, the Tumi weekender/duffel bags are great. P2 uses the Away spinner, which has stood up to a lot of abuse for many years.
For checked luggage, I love my B&R spinner. One note on this though - I recently used the lifetime warranty offer, and they could not repair my bag, so they replaced it. However, they apparently will only do...
IMHO for the minority of us who are in the "no wheels" carry-on camp, the Tumi weekender/duffel bags are great. P2 uses the Away spinner, which has stood up to a lot of abuse for many years.
For checked luggage, I love my B&R spinner. One note on this though - I recently used the lifetime warranty offer, and they could not repair my bag, so they replaced it. However, they apparently will only do replacements with decommissioned floor models, not brand new bags. I don't care if it's not brand new, but this policy significantly restricts replacement availability, so you may be stuck without a bag for a while. I didn't understand that this was how the warranty worked going in, so just putting it out there for general awareness.
You’re with me! I got my Briggs & Riley Baseline carryon wheelie in 1999 and it’s still going strong. I’ve had it repaired free 3 times.
I’m kind of envious of the spinners, but my backpack (NorthFace Surge) rides of top supported by the handle tubes.
The two-wheel, 22-inch Kirkland Signature Carry-on was the best carry-on bag ever. The most capacity, crazy durable and only $99. After fifteen years, mine is finally on it's last legs and I can't find anything close.
Whatever caused them to go away from the manufacturer of that bag is heartbreaking. I still have 2, 1 of which is just barely showing its age, and paired with a Tortuga backpack, 10 day trips are easy. The Kirkland material seems like kevlar and the design is beyond functional.
I have a TravelPro rollaboard that has lasted nearly 20 years with 2 wheel replacement ($10 a pop and 15 minutes with inline skate wheels). TCO about $120 and it's going strong (apart from some tape over the disintegrating rubber on the handle).
Do between 50-75 segments a year with that case. Don't think I'll ever be convinced to invest in branded luggage.
Patagonia (and the north face) have some really durable luggage with a lifetime warranty. Unless you get them in all black, they look kinda “outdoorsy” but are functionally amazing.
I love Briggs & Riley. I have the carry on and the backpack, and find both very logical and can pack a lot of stuff. Being able to increase the depth of the carry on to fit stuff in, and then compress it, is extremely useful. I don't mind the "old/outdated" look, I think less likely to be targeted by opportunistic robbers than if you have fancy looking/shiny luggage.
B&R's compression feature is great. I avoid checking in luggage like the plague and have done 10-day long trips with just my B&R carry-on and backpack.
I HATE the new compression system.
It's quite inferior to the old compression system with zippers. The compression stays neither locked nor compressed. It's fairly obvious that Briggs and Riley was trying to save money.
I love my B&R international baseline carry-on. I will compress it for a carryon on the way to a destination and expand it for a checked baggage on the way home with whatever I bought (and frankly it is always harder to pack all that laundry for the return trip) Just bought my husband the B&R backpack so glad to hear you like it Ben.
Kirkland Signature spinner has a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
Victorinox hard cases hold up better than Rimowa and cost a lot less. You can also call Victorinox to get free replacement handles or wheels if they get damaged. An advantage of all hard shell cases is that I can actually clean off the grease from the baggage handling systems when we get home. Fabric bags hold the grease then spread them to your clothes when you brush or bump against your bag.
Last year I made the switch from Tumi to Briggs and Riley for checked luggage and Rimowa for my carry on. I have tried pretty much every brand that gets solid reviews and am happy I made the switch. The worst was Monos as they are too thin and the wheels cave in with ease. Happened on two different pieces within the first two trips.
Tumi used to be great, had several bags for 10+ years then about 4 years ago "upgraded" to a new one and it was complete crap. Broke on the first trip and I replaced it with the B&R bag (Tumi did replace the bag but I punted it on eBay) and they're fantastic. The warranty is great, but honestly I think they offer such a warranty because they seldom have to pay out on it. I beat the crap out of this bag and after 100s of trips it is still good as new.
I have a Samsonite two-wheel bag I got from Ross for $59. Got it for 5 years now and the handle is getting a bit wonky but I can repair/replace that maybe 50 times before the price gets anywhere near those fancy bag.
I’ve been using an Osprey Transporter 38L for my yearly work trips to SE Asia; it’s pretty lightweight but it’s robust, travels well through the airport for connections, and it’s one of the few brands in that price range to still do a lifetime warranty
Cannot understand RIMOWA's appeal. They are terribly unpractical... If you have to get something from the case, you are forced to open the whole thing, which is not very convenient if you are in a full plane. They have no outside pockets. They are a magnet for carousel thieves. Their form factor is a nuisance (unless you have a very structured routine on what you carry, any non routine items are difficult to hold)... I...
Cannot understand RIMOWA's appeal. They are terribly unpractical... If you have to get something from the case, you are forced to open the whole thing, which is not very convenient if you are in a full plane. They have no outside pockets. They are a magnet for carousel thieves. Their form factor is a nuisance (unless you have a very structured routine on what you carry, any non routine items are difficult to hold)... I got one as a gift and passed it on without even using it.
TUMI was great until the SAMSONITE guys took over. My "Alpha" notebook bag has managed to survive daily abuse since 2011 and counting. I've seen the new ones and they simply can't be as good.
Travelpro's FlightCrew5 is my carry on bag of choice. Sturdy, pockets galore, replaceable wheels... I have had one for around 10 years at 25 trips/year and it is as good as new. Only the top clasp got broken (got it replaced for about $10).
I think that the idea with hard side cabin cases is that they're used in conjunction with a 'personal item' (backpack, laptop briefcase, cross-body bag). I did my SK challenge with one of them and it was absolutely fine. However, the regimentation is indeed critical and turning up at security without having your ducks in a row could result in frustration for everyone involved (I would shove my tablet and cosmetics bag into the laptop...
I think that the idea with hard side cabin cases is that they're used in conjunction with a 'personal item' (backpack, laptop briefcase, cross-body bag). I did my SK challenge with one of them and it was absolutely fine. However, the regimentation is indeed critical and turning up at security without having your ducks in a row could result in frustration for everyone involved (I would shove my tablet and cosmetics bag into the laptop case to ensure that there wouldn't be any need to open the spinner).
If you have a Rimowa hardshell, you should not have a need to open it at an airport or in airplane. If you do, you either fly economy with single proper bag and shouldl have checked luggage or use soft lugage then. Rimowa hardshell shoudl always be paired with a laptop that carries stuff you DO need to access at airport (or larger handbag if better gender). Its the perfect carry-on pair for C, never as single item (ugh).
To be fair, lots of airlines allow both a carry on (i.e. metal case) and a personal item (i.e. backpack or laptop bag) in Y. Often weight restrictions are more limiting than size ones.
i use an Away, its good size, high quality wheels and looks great for the price. There is a reason everyone has one, they are great.
Props spinner luggage is great. It was created and designed by a business traveler. I get asked about all the time in the airport. Even by airline employees.
The unique feature (and where the luge gets its name) is that the luggage has built in legs to “prop” up.
This feature is invaluable. Need a small table at the airport when eating? Prop up carry on! Need a table for laptop use ?...
Props spinner luggage is great. It was created and designed by a business traveler. I get asked about all the time in the airport. Even by airline employees.
The unique feature (and where the luge gets its name) is that the luggage has built in legs to “prop” up.
This feature is invaluable. Need a small table at the airport when eating? Prop up carry on! Need a table for laptop use ? Prop up. Arrived at hotel and no luggage holder? Just in fold legs and Prop up.
I have used for 18 months and has held up very well.
Many different color options. Good compression and expands if needed
In the post about spinners, Sean M has commented that IATA recommend a 7kg maximum weight. In the light of that, and knowing that there are a fair few airlines out there with 7-8kg limits, anything with frames, wheels and so on, and particularly anything that's made of metal, isn't going to cut it, unless you only travel with your laptop and charger. So, in my view at least, one needs to optimise their stuff...
In the post about spinners, Sean M has commented that IATA recommend a 7kg maximum weight. In the light of that, and knowing that there are a fair few airlines out there with 7-8kg limits, anything with frames, wheels and so on, and particularly anything that's made of metal, isn't going to cut it, unless you only travel with your laptop and charger. So, in my view at least, one needs to optimise their stuff with reference to that baseline. In other words, the choice boils down to canvas duffle, polyester duffle, or large backpack.
When you are certain that you will be going on a trip that won't be subject to those restrictions (due to airline policy, class of service, lack of enforcement for status pax or whatever), you can, and perhaps should, consider an aluminium spinner or a hard side plastic case. I prefer latches to zippers, as the latter can often be a bag's Achilles's heel, but a hybrid one with a front pocket can work well.
In order to maintain a bit more flexibility on more complex trips involving various airlines and cabin classes, you could of course squeeze the duffle into the cabin case so that you can check that in if it's found to be overweight.
Travel Pro Platinum for two-wheel carry on with a Patagonia backpack is used for 90% of my international trips. We have a large Eagle Creek two-wheel roller that gets checked when we must take enough to require checked luggage.
I have the B&R baseline 4-wheel for the compression feature and a Tumi backpack that has a nicely hidden zipper expander so it can be a single overnight if needed, but is mostly zipped unexpanded. 40+ trips a year on both for the last 3 years and very pleased. Bought the B&R baseline from Bloomingdales for P2 for Christmas using a CapOne Shopping offer and got about $350 back as credits. 40% off was a score.
"Briggs & Riley also has the best warranty in the industry, as products come with a lifetime guarantee." FYI, Rimowa also comes with lifetime warranty.
"What does the RIMOWA lifetime guarantee cover?
RIMOWA offers a lifetime guarantee for new suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022.
RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee covers all functional aspects of your RIMOWA suitcase for the lifespan of your suitcase.
RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee does not apply to cosmetic wear...
"Briggs & Riley also has the best warranty in the industry, as products come with a lifetime guarantee." FYI, Rimowa also comes with lifetime warranty.
"What does the RIMOWA lifetime guarantee cover?
RIMOWA offers a lifetime guarantee for new suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022.
RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee covers all functional aspects of your RIMOWA suitcase for the lifespan of your suitcase.
RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee does not apply to cosmetic wear and tear, misuse, or abuse."
Briggs & Riley's warranty will cover airline damage - I don't think Rimowa's does from reading it.
What do you mean by airline damage? Don't think it is different. B&R won't cover for cosmetic damages done by airline or others. Both will cover if the damage reduces the functionally of the bag such as broken wheels, broken handle, broken zipper, etc.. It should not matter if done by airline or someone else. None will cover if the airline scratches your bag.
TravelPro strikes the best balance between quality and price, in my opinion. They roll really well for the life of the bag, which is longer than the other moderate or low priced bags.
And I have had my Eagle Creek travel bag (convertible backpack) since the 1980s. It was my primary bag for 25 years, went around the world and up and down the hemispheres. It is still completely functional, but too grimy for anything but storage.
A merge between Briggs & Riley and Rimowa would make the best of all worlds. Best quality and reliability with the best design.
I've had Away, Rimowa, Tumi, Samsonite, B&R, Monos, and probably missing a few others. I still prefer and use my Away bag the most. Lightweight, great internal volume for the external dimensions, and lifetime warranty. The Tumi and Rimowa are "nice", but heavier, less internal volume, and you're essentially paying extra for the name.
As of this summer, I have been using the Samsonite BOSS. I really like it, and it has severed me well through some pretty intense travel. https://www.samsonite.co.uk/lite-box-alu-boss-spinner-55-20-55cm--graphite-monogram/150301-6433.html?cgid=luggage_cabin-luggage
Mokobara.
If I didn't already own so many Rimowa's I'd definitely switch to Mokobara.
No love for travel backpacks? I've been using the Osprey Farpoint 40 and love it. Much more versatile than roller bags, and I never have a problem fitting it into an overhead bin. Obviously it means you have to carry your stuff on your back, but once I started using it I will never go back to roller bags. (Well, maybe when I get a lot older.)
I’m a Travel Pro user for the wheels alone. Sealed bearings keep the crud out and the magnetic wheel alignment keeps it rolling true. I throw it in the bathtub with soapy water once a year to get the grime off of it.
I know you like B&R but there are several other high-end options out there. Tumi was only the "best" out there for those who didn't know any better (and I am a Tumi fan). With that said, I've had the same soft-shelled Eagle Creek bag for the last 15 or so years. It has two thick wheels that are fit into the end of the bag so they barely take any extra room (outside or...
I know you like B&R but there are several other high-end options out there. Tumi was only the "best" out there for those who didn't know any better (and I am a Tumi fan). With that said, I've had the same soft-shelled Eagle Creek bag for the last 15 or so years. It has two thick wheels that are fit into the end of the bag so they barely take any extra room (outside or inside the bag), and they can handle any surface. It's the best bag ever - I've beaten the hell out of it and it's been all over the world. Only now is it starting to show some stress signs.
Love my Eagle Creek too - bought it for the lifetime warranty and lower price than B&R, and they fixed the handle without issue when it ripped.
A cheap bag from TJMaxx or a similar store that I won't hesitate to replace as needed. I could never understand paying more than $100 for any piece of luggage (carry on or checked).
A bag is one of the few things where I think spending for quality makes a huge difference. A good (but expensive) bag can last for years upon years, whereas a cheap bag won't and you'll have to keep replacing it. Might as well spend one time and not have to deal with it, plus it may equal out over time. I've had mine for over 15 years now.
@pstm91, I have had my current under $100 carry on bag for about 10 years. I spend ~50-60 nights at hotels a year. Have no idea why I would spend more.
@VitaliU , this 100% -- no point putting money towards something that gets destroyed over time. Disagree with pstm91 -- for bags *in general* that's certainly true about quality, but for something getting put through as much abuse as travel luggage (including handling by people you have no control over), it's not worth the headache imho.
I'm strictly talking about carry-on bags. For checked bags I agree.
Delsey for hard case carry on. Most bags under $125. Had mine for 6 years now, still like new.
Delsey is the brand a luggage repair shop recommended to me. I've had a soft-sided checked bag that has held up very well, even though sometimes stuff it pretty full.
Highly recommend travel pro platinum elite.
Trying to figure out what you mean by four wheeled luggage vs spinner. Do you mean two wheeled luggage?
@ Kevin -- Sorry about that! The second heading should've said two-wheel. It has been updated now.
I’ve used Antler luggages for more than a decade now and still have them
After your review and purchase of the Briggs & Riley setup a number of years back I followed in your footsteps and have been very impressed as have others who I recommended it too. I think I will get a few more years out of them and intend a like for like replacement.
Weight is an important factor. Emirates weighs carry on at checkin even for business class passengers. Low cost carriers of course enforce weight restrictions. A carryon 5lbs or less is great! IT Luggage makes some but they are a little flimsy.
Besides weight dimensions matter. Would the Rimowa fit in the carryon sizer for any airline?
Agreed, weight is the most important factor for me. I like Lucas for this. Their draggy is 5lbs, but a little more sturdy than IT. You can normally find them on-sale at TJ Maxx.
I have a Stryde 111 carry-on/checked combo from Samsonite. Carry on spinner that can rest atop the checked bag and has a built-in strap.
Problem is Air France broke the checked bag, wouldn't replace it, then I bought a new one and Singapore cracked the checked bag, and then claimed it was a manufacturer defect.
So I'm out an extra $900 in replacements (I like the design/color/functionality enough to keep replacing)
Are you sure you're not secretly straight? I've never seen a gay man use luggage like yours. More like a sad Accenture consultant.
As a gay man you probably won't be impressed with my travel pro. I would rather spend my money on the trip. Name brands don't impress me.
I use Muji luggage. Great quality, excellent value and lasts a long time. I love that they're not showy at all and minimalist like most Muji products. Had two of them 15 years now.