Luggage recommendations
Discussion
So, our large suitcase survived as single trip - t'was a John Lewis one so thinking it'll be "alright" but both wheels have splayed outwards and appears that the plastic holding the axle has failed. So the case was much like dragging a dead body around!
I've always been inclined to just two wheels, as less to brake and less internal space taken up - or the wheels stick out and look like they'll get knocked off easily. Our other luggage has survived OK, so some of the thinners ones are failing at the corners - I'm not as bothered about this, as they've done a number of long haul flights and been thrown around cars, planes, terminals etc...
Not wanting to go full PH and spend £500 on a case, but happy to spend a bit more for something that'll last a few years. We have a small and medium of this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8796574 which seem to have held up OK on some short hauls. but any other recommendations?
I've always been inclined to just two wheels, as less to brake and less internal space taken up - or the wheels stick out and look like they'll get knocked off easily. Our other luggage has survived OK, so some of the thinners ones are failing at the corners - I'm not as bothered about this, as they've done a number of long haul flights and been thrown around cars, planes, terminals etc...
Not wanting to go full PH and spend £500 on a case, but happy to spend a bit more for something that'll last a few years. We have a small and medium of this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8796574 which seem to have held up OK on some short hauls. but any other recommendations?
Thanks both - the Samsonite ones keep popping up searching, but they're pricey and if broken it's back to square one. For that I'd probably look at the pricey ones with lifetime warranty...
Tripp and Antler look like a good balance... But all 4 wheels, what am I missing here? Feels like it's the norm now?
Tripp and Antler look like a good balance... But all 4 wheels, what am I missing here? Feels like it's the norm now?
we had 3 antler ones that lasted 15 years and actually still look new but wife wanted 4 wheels and now have 3 samsonite ones and i do like them, really there isnt a huge amount between cases usually so what attracted me to the samsonites was the handle it twists to unlock rather than pressing a button and i really liked that
We've had Samsonite, Antler and Tumi. But been really impressed with a couple of cheap 'it' soft sided suitcases we bought 3 years ago. They are incredibly lightweight, but very strong. They've survived multiple international trips both long haul and short haul. Wouldn't bother with any other make now.
And they are available in Argos.
And they are available in Argos.
RemarkLima said:
Thanks both - the Samsonite ones keep popping up searching, but they're pricey and if broken it's back to square one. For that I'd probably look at the pricey ones with lifetime warranty...
Tripp and Antler look like a good balance... But all 4 wheels, what am I missing here? Feels like it's the norm now?
I find four wheels much easier. You can pull along in "two wheel mode" if you wish but nornally I just push the cash along which I find easier and appears to require less effort. We've not lost any wheels or had any issues.Tripp and Antler look like a good balance... But all 4 wheels, what am I missing here? Feels like it's the norm now?
My wife bought some Antler hard shell units that have survived a few trips unscathed. I've got a 15 year old cheap no name thing that still works fine which is just fabric.
miniman said:
We just bought 3 from Tripp - they have survived EasyJet, cobbled streets, cruise ship loading and unloading so far! Seem well made.
Same for me. One each for Mrs A and myself which have now completed two Jet2 holiday and show all the signs of lasting quite well for many holidays to come.
balise said:
Pleasantly surprised how well our Antler cases have survived. Samsonite definitely better though, and lighter.
After lots and lots of research we went for Antler and very nice they are too. One thing to bear in mind is that Samsonite were bought out by a Private Equity firm and they are now made in China. Having looked at them I believe they sell because of their previous image before they were bought out by PE.There are three types of plastic hard cases are made of
ABS - The cheapest cases will be made of this, it is very brittle and prone to cracking.
Polypropylene - Middle of the road, stronger than ABS.
Polycarbonate - The strongest, but heaviest of the three.
Antler cases are made of Polycarbonate, most of the Samsonite cases (including the American Tourister brand) are Polypropylene.
We used to live abroad and used our cases every month for medium haul flights, often with changes.
I would agree that our 'it' suitcase has really surprised me, I've been impressed. I bought an Eastpak one and the zip broke in a fashion that it is very hard to use and requires repair. Eastpak will charge me for repair as warranty only covers return to original retailer, and that's in another country. Its a shame, because the form/function of the bag was perfect. I had a look at Samsonite and they appear to be much lighter now. My wife had a large hardcase bag, and we barely used it because it took nearly a third of her luggage allowance whenever we travelled. It also broke, but they did repair it for free after a few months.
I much prefer two wheels as they are generally much bigger and don't rotate. Its a nightmare trying to pull a suitcase with four tiny caster wheels on unsurfaced roads, or cobbled streets. Maybe I'm unusual but all my trips involve some of that at least with our luggage. It is never, smooth airport, private transfer, straight into marble floored hotel.
I would agree that our 'it' suitcase has really surprised me, I've been impressed. I bought an Eastpak one and the zip broke in a fashion that it is very hard to use and requires repair. Eastpak will charge me for repair as warranty only covers return to original retailer, and that's in another country. Its a shame, because the form/function of the bag was perfect. I had a look at Samsonite and they appear to be much lighter now. My wife had a large hardcase bag, and we barely used it because it took nearly a third of her luggage allowance whenever we travelled. It also broke, but they did repair it for free after a few months.
I much prefer two wheels as they are generally much bigger and don't rotate. Its a nightmare trying to pull a suitcase with four tiny caster wheels on unsurfaced roads, or cobbled streets. Maybe I'm unusual but all my trips involve some of that at least with our luggage. It is never, smooth airport, private transfer, straight into marble floored hotel.
We bought a 4 wheeled soft shelled Samsonite one in Sicily when the zip on one of our cases broke while we were away. It's survived a few trips now and my Mrs liked enough to buy the next size down as well.
I have a cabin bag sized Eastpack 2 wheeler for many years now, including 2 years of weekly commuting on Easyjet. Wheel bearings are starting to go now so I need to find a local dealer to see if I can get them replaced, but very impressed how well it's lasted.
I have a cabin bag sized Eastpack 2 wheeler for many years now, including 2 years of weekly commuting on Easyjet. Wheel bearings are starting to go now so I need to find a local dealer to see if I can get them replaced, but very impressed how well it's lasted.
Have had a soft Antler rolling bag for 20yrs. It's been all.over the world with me.
Replaced wheels last year with some eBay specials for a tenner - the tyres had come off making it v noisy on the hard plastic centres. Now back to full health again, although relegated to back up duties as I have a four wheeled bag that is a bit easier to roll.
Can't see the new one lasting half as long though.
Replaced wheels last year with some eBay specials for a tenner - the tyres had come off making it v noisy on the hard plastic centres. Now back to full health again, although relegated to back up duties as I have a four wheeled bag that is a bit easier to roll.
Can't see the new one lasting half as long though.
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