Best Suitcase

mid_gen said:
Duffel vs Hardcase :

Duffel:
  • Lighter (gives you several KG extra luggage)
  • Easy to carry on any surface, up/down stairs etc.
  • Doesn't break when getting chucked around airports
  • Doesn't make a god-awful racket when walking to the shuttle bus at 5am ;)
Hardcase :
  • Good if you've got perfect surfaces everywhere
Kids aren't manhandling 20kg hard cases or duffels around, and if they are, the duffel gives them more of an incentive to not take so much useless **** :p

I will not be going back to wheely luggage hardcases!
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I have a wheeled duffel, what do i win? :D
 
dlockers said:
Don't the hard shells weigh a tonne?
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Mine weighs 3.5kg empty (though it genuinely feels considerably less than that in the hand)

Rucksacks and duffel bags are great up to a point, but I've walked a few km with 25kg in something like this and it's not exactly a boatload of fun. A 4 wheeled case, in comparison, would have been a breeze.
 
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Bought a couple of American Tourister Soundbox cases recently and have been very pleased with the quality. Can be had for £130.
 
Terminal_Boy said:
Another vote for Samsonite hard shell cases. I have a set of super ugly Kawasaki Green ones that are at least 30 years old and remain undefeated by the world’s baggage handlers.

The medium sized one must have survived around 50 flights across 4 continents.

Pro tips:

1. Buy luggage in very bright colours that can be seen from low Earth orbit.
2. Buy luggage with recessed wheels and flush handles that are spring loaded to stay out of the way when not in use.
3. Use a luggage strap around the middle of the case so that some of the load is taken off of the locks and latches.
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I can see why you've made the points, but are exposed wheels that likely to break? The American tourister ones that have been reccomened all have stuck out wheels.
 
Lopéz said:
but I've walked a few km with 25kg in something like this and it's not exactly a boatload of fun. A 4 wheeled case, in comparison, would have been a breeze.
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Samsonite Oyster user
I'd say the 2 wheeled ones , with handle on opposite corner, potentially even easier, pulled behind you, steerable, especially if you have any pavements/kerbs to navigate,
used to have a km walk to home from bus I took from airport (saving money for firm & privately)
wheels not protruding helps, loading into cars, or lifting on any stairs (underpass), full depth for packing stuff , and weather protection hard shell gives.
 
I have this Samsonite S'Cure - Spinner L Suitcase, 75 cm, 102 L, Black (Black) https://amzn.eu/d/c0vrkm2 in red.

My parents have the same ones for 8 years now and can fit 2 weeks of clothes plus various items

I have a couple of bright luggage tags on my suitcase just in case someone else uses the same suitcase!
 
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I really like the brand American Tourister. They come in fun colours, which is important IMO! Have a coral pink set of this one and they look ace.

www.americantourister.co.uk

Bon Air Dlx 75cm Large Check-in | American Tourister UK

Shop American Tourister Bon Air Dlx Spinner Expandable (4 wheels) 75cm - Flash Coral in the official American Tourister online store and enjoy Free Shipping on all our luggage.
www.americantourister.co.uk www.americantourister.co.uk

Whatever you get, make sure it has two wheels per wheel, double wheeled… however you call it. Much more manoeuvrable.
 
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I usually have a distinctive belt around the black suitcase ....
have never locked it, but not seen any indication of additional searches either - carrying a bike chainset back from USA was the most unusual thing I packed

The American tourist one do look symmetric opening though - per Ray's earlier comments/critique.
 
If the suit case does not have built in TSA locks I would use a cable tie to close them. If customs wanted to get in, they can cut the cable tie and it will stop most opportunists from getting into it and slow them down a little. Not that i pack valuables in the check in bag anyway.
 
I tend to use Tumi for smaller hand luggage, laptop and rucksacks but I bought 2 x Samsonite Lite-Cube Spinner DLX 82's from Bicester for my trip to US last month (as they were £150 cheaper in the Samsonite shop there). I wanted cases that stood out a bit more so went silver with light brown trim and they stood out well. Add some packing cubes (vital) and they worked well for my girlfriend and I.
 
Raymond Lin said:
If the suit case does not have built in TSA locks I would use a cable tie to close them. If customs wanted to get in, they can cut the cable tie and it will stop most opportunists from getting into it and slow them down a little. Not that i pack valuables in the check in bag anyway.
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Great shout
 
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