Travel Products - Best Budget Friendly Luggage

I did a search for this topic and I didn't come across anything (if I misses something I would welcome links), but I am wondering what the best luggage (in say the 24 - 26 inch range) is for the budget conscious? Say below $200.

I travel about once a month, mostly domestically, but internationally a couple times a year. I don't think I travel enough to warrant some of the pricer brands, but, I would like to find something that I know isn't going to fall apart after two trips.

So I was wondering if there are any recommendations for lower end luggage?

I've just been looking at Briggs & Riley (you may notice they've a very good reputation on here) and there seem to be some very good prices around at the moment, at least in the UK.

For not much more than $200 (say $250) it seems you could find something to fit your needs (and that price includes 20% sales tax).

B&R's reputation is based on their worldwide, lifetime, anything happens warranty (and it truly seems to live up to the description). If you can live with their looks (black nylon, the only thing holding me back from buying one) I would gladly pay a premium for them.

Cliché time; anything else might be seen as a false economy.

I've noticed that B&R is very well liked. I'm more interested in more budget conscious items, because I know myself. I know that in a few years I'll be bored, and I'll want a different piece. So I want to find something that will hold up well, but isn't so pricey that I feel like I have to wait forever to replace it. If that makes any sense. I'm fickle.

I've noticed that B&R is very well liked. I'm more interested in more budget conscious items, because I know myself. I know that in a few years I'll be bored, and I'll want a different piece. So I want to find something that will hold up well, but isn't so pricey that I feel like I have to wait forever to replace it. If that makes any sense. I'm fickle.

Oh, I understand far too well :)

For that reason I would head down to my local department store and see what they have and what you like. I would then try ebay, etc and see if you can get a bargain.

Brand-wise, I'm not sure what to suggest to be honest, but you might be able to pick up something a little different (Mandarina Duck keeps springing to mind for some reason). I've had some real bargains off ebay recently, so go rummaging!

As we all know 'budget friendly' and long lasting doesn't always go hand-n-hand. A $100 24" roller that lasts 8 months replaced by another $100 roller that lasts a few months... rinse repeat and you've shot your budget with out really knowing it.
I and others would rather spend $300 on a quality bag that lasts a life time and can be handed down or put on stand by duty when we get a new bag.

Costco kirkland or check tjmaxx etc for samsonite, delsey, travelpro...

You can probably still get the discontinued 25 or 26 inch size of Atlantic Infinity Elite on Overstock.com, Ebay or by googling - way under $200. It is not the lightest but it is extremely strong and full featured, expands more than any other, has a good size "laundry locker" pocket on the back, has add-a-bag strap, and importantly it does not tip over. Never a problem with zippers, wheels, or any kind of problem. I also have the 22 inch, what a workhorse that was, but it is oversize for a carryon and airlines are getting more picky about that. Atlantic is made by Travelpro.

I'm still casting about for a replacement carryon roller bag that satisfies me, like you wanting a good bag but not pricey. Currently I'm trying out the 21 inch Rick Steves, much lighter at 7.5 pounds, costs $119 on Overstock, holds quite a bit, has add-a-bag strap, but the front pockets will not hold a laptop bigger than 10 or 12 inches, not a handsome looking bag at all but will fit in the sizer. Before that, I tried out a Travelpro Crew 6 22 inch. It didn't hold as much but was much nicer looking and came with a J hook and front pocket that would hold a 15 inch laptop, paid about $149, passed it on to my daughter. Neither one of these bags has a tendency to tip over, by the way.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A334 Safari/7534.48.3)

You might look at LL Bean. They make some nice stuff and stand behind it based on what I have read here. Good prices too.

+1 to B&R... you may never need to buy a bag again. Great quality. I also have some Travelpro luggage which I'm quite happy with, but I only have the air crew carry-ons so I don't know about their bigger/consumer bags.

I bought most of my current luggage online, if you're willing to wait a bit for the shipping you can save a lot of money.

Check out the e-bags mother lode. Updated comment today in travel products. E-bags website customer reviews exceptional for all the "brand" products.

I did a search for this topic and I didn't come across anything (if I misses something I would welcome links), but I am wondering what the best luggage (in say the 24 - 26 inch range) is for the budget conscious? Say below $200.

I travel about once a month, mostly domestically, but internationally a couple times a year. I don't think I travel enough to warrant some of the pricer brands, but, I would like to find something that I know isn't going to fall apart after two trips.

So I was wondering if there are any recommendations for lower end luggage?

I have been flying internationally for 30+ years and have experimented with luggage costing all the way from $15 to insanely expensive. Based on that, here is my honest summary advice on best long term value:

You do't need the best carry-on out there. It remains under your care and is subject to less abuse, wear/tear. Choose a non-wheeled shoulder bag or backpack if you can manage. Will weigh about 1/3-1/2 of its wheeled cousin, fit into any bin and, because you have to carry it, it will also keep your overpacking tendencies under control. :)

If you must have a wheeled carry-on, keep it to 20" or below. (The 22" is more likely to get you into trouble internationally.)

You do need the best checked luggage. Please notice that I didn't say priciest. :) Keep it to 26" maximum. I believe the best value to be Briggs Riley Baseline. If you buy cheaper ones, they'll cost you more in the long run. B&R also have other lines, but I prefer Baseline.

I do understand budget pinch. If you absolutely cannot afford a B&R and must think within $200, I would suggest you go buy a very cheap one for $30 or so at some ethnic store, and save the remaining $170 towards a future B&R. Keep saving until you can buy a B&R.

Keep checking online for any sales, closeouts or discontinued models. I have bought B&R suitcases for under $200 (store closing), but you can't plan on it. Keep your eyes open and you may run into a good deal as well.

Good luck.