Travel Products - Costco Kirland Signature Executive luggage question

Do to lots of positive feedback on this site I went to my local Costco and purchased the rolling 26" suitcase and the 22" rolling carry on in BLUE. I also wanted to purchase the 19" weekender duffel bag but it was not in stock. I went online and saw ALL the bags in stock but no blue color...just black, red and taupe.

I called the Costco 800 number and they told me to check more local stores. I checked another store in my area and it did not carry the other pieces so I was wondering if anyone has seen in local stores the BLUE Signature luggage in styles besides the 22" and 26" rolling models?

My wife said if we cannot match the colors its going back. ;(

Thanks.

I have both bags in the very nice common basic black. I just checked costco.com and black seems rare and blue dont seem to exist. Maybe try ebay.com The bags are the best luggage deal out there and what does luggage color really mean (but no pink please).

MisterNice

Is it light blue? I seem to remember seeing that color at Costco here in Detroit, but it was probably awhile ago.

They seem to rotate their colors every so often. Black, ugly brown and red seemed to be what they had in stock last time I walked down that aisle. I have an olive green 22" - I have only seen one other person with the same bag.

Costco makes the best bags. We use them exclusively.

When the handle on Hunki's broke after 7 years we took it back to get it fixed because it had a lifetime warranty. They said that they don't really fix things and gave him his money back to buy another one. We couldn't believe it. That old bag had well over 700,000 miles on it.

Is it light blue? I seem to remember seeing that color at Costco here in Detroit, but it was probably awhile ago.

They seem to rotate their colors every so often. Black, ugly brown and red seemed to be what they had in stock last time I walked down that aisle. I have an olive green 22" - I have only seen one other person with the same bag.

Check Costco.com to see if other colors or styles are available that your local store doesn't carry.

I have seen a light blue in some stores but not others, and I've also seen the taupe--mine is taupe with black trim, and I've even seen a taupe with garish, but very distinctive, red trim--no missing your bag on the carousel with that scheme. My wife has a matching 22" and 26" in the olive green.

I am not hung up on matching luggage, but maybe I'm strange. I expect my luggage to 1) protect my stuff and 2) be recognizable as mine. Thus no more basic black for me. I think obsessing over matching luggage is just one short step from the neurosis that makes people buy plastic covers for their Hartmann belting leather bags to protect the leather--that stuff is made to be abused, not coddled. And what do you cover the plastic with to protect that?

I know there are a lot of Briggs & Riley fans on FT who swear by B&R's commitment to fix any problem with any bag, regardless of who caused it or how, but I am with Punki on this one--why take the bag back and wait for it to be repaired, even free, when you can go to any Costco in any major metro area and swap it out?

OK, I have wandered off-topic. To the OP, the duffels tend to be harder to find in a specific color than the other pieces, so you may have to do some investigating with local stores--or have an FTer keep an eye out for you, I'm going to my local Costco tonight. :)

I have been very happy with my Costco business briefcases as they have held up equally as well to my Briggs & Riley.

I would not hesitate to buy more Costco but the stuff I already have just doesn't break.

My wife said if we cannot match the colors its going back. ;(


Wow, I've never seen an unhappy winking smiley before. :)

Wow, I've never seen an unhappy winking smiley before. :)

I think I may have started a new trend......

Wow, I've never seen an unhappy winking smiley before. :)
perhaps it's just blinking back a tear ;)

on topic, afraid i've never seen the blue duffel at any costco, only the colors shown on the site (black, red, taupe)

Costco makes the best bags. We use them exclusively.

When the handle on Hunki's broke after 7 years we took it back to get it fixed because it had a lifetime warranty. They said that they don't really fix things and gave him his money back to buy another one. We couldn't believe it. That old bag had well over 700,000 miles on it.

This is the joy of shopping at Costco.:D

I was surprised yesterday standing at the luggage carousel at SFO to see a big black ~26" rollerboard come off the belt and the "Kirkland signature" logo on it.

Sorry, but I don't care how nice the bags are, I couldn't bring myself to tote around Costco bags. It's a matter of self respect, but maybe that's just me. I don't wear Costco clothes either.

I love Costco (executive member!), but I've yet to try their luggage. Thanks for the tips about the luggage quality, perhaps I'll try one of their bags next time I'm in the market :)

Off topic though, don't you find the most amazing things there? I surf on occasion (ok, I surf at least twice a week), and when I saw them selling 9 foot 3-fin longboards for $300, I bought a pair :D

but maybe that's just me.

Yup, you and my wife.

I bought the Costco 22" rollaboard and my wife, who was too snooty for Kirkland luggage, bought some name brand thing from a department store.

My Kirkland has been on 2 transpacs, 2 TATLs, and about a half dozen short-haul domestics. My wife's has been on 1 TATL and about 3 short-haul domestics. Guess whose has held up better... I'll give you a hint, it was the less expensive one. :)

My Costco bag is about to enter service as a 18 TATL R/T a year bag and I have no doubt it will hold up great. And if it doesn't, I can just go to my local warehouse and get a new one in 30 minutes (including the r/t drive). Beat that, Tumi.

I was surprised yesterday standing at the luggage carousel at SFO to see a big black ~26" rollerboard come off the belt and the "Kirkland signature" logo on it. Sorry, but I don't care how nice the bags are, I couldn't bring myself to tote around Costco bags. It's a matter of self respect, but maybe that's just me. I don't wear Costco clothes either.

Good for you. I wear the Kirkland underwear and find it is as nice as the brands costing 3X the price. I saved over $3K using the Costco car buying service, save 20%-40% on some Costco pharmacy meds and love the Costco/Kirkland pizzas. The eyeglasses are great but I never bought any of their $49K diamond rings to date. YMMV or course.

MisterNice

I love COSTCO - disclaimer I am an Executive Member for years - and a shareholder. I get stuff from them all the time, it's the only place where I'll try an expensive electronic item no matter who the manufacturer - because I know that they won't charge me restocking fees or give me trouble for returning it - no matter how picky I am about the issue.

I have a Kirkland rollaboard that's travelled everywhere with me for over 7 years - I've never had a chance to test whether they'll take it back. Sadly I've opted for a lighter, smaller Delsey Helium now, and it's doing well - but it doesn't seem as robust... Nevertheless, to the folks that say they couldn't take around a bag with Kirkland Signature on it - would't it be interesting for you to find out who manufactures it? Most of these store brands are actually made by quite famous manufacturers who white label their product for Costco for larger distribution without affecting their "brand reputation". To carry a Kirkland Signature label implies the manufacturers guarantee that they will include something MORE than what is provided in their standard set that is generally sold for a whole lot more...

So enjoy your TUMI or B&R - I'll be the guy in the Kirkland shirt, with the Kirkland pants and the Kirkland luggage (okay maybe not that far but...) - and probably paid a whole load less than you paid for your air ticket too ;-)

They do switch the colors, every now and again. I've had a Costco 22" for about 4 years, and traded it in once when it got slightly damaged after a lot of hard use. My favorite color is the dark olive, but they rarely have it. The newer versions are 2-4 pounds lighter than the older ones. I once picked up a black one at a Business Center location for $69.99, but usually paid the $79.95-$84.95 price. I think they're now $99.95 or so. Still a great deal.

My wife has one of the original 22" models, and it finally started to split around the zipper. I need to remind her to take it back! :)

So this is really interesting - I was about to go buy another Costco one or get a B&R or something, but after all these posts about folks going back and showing them the damaged one, and getting a replacement, I think I will try that tonight.

I have had one of the original Costco rollers forever...I bought it in May of '98 (!). I work as a consultant so this bag has gotten no less than 8 years of a LOT of travel (maybe 100,000 miles per year). And I must say, I have been SO impressed with this thing. I mean this thing has been dragged *everywhere* (cases in point: 3 months of travel around europe for an extended biz trip, and all through NYC during 9/11...even through the downtown area the night of). This bag has held up amazingly. I like how 'simple' the thing is (ie, i can just pack what I want in there and don't have to fuss with pockets / etc.. The handle is extremely strong (though I wonder if the new ones are). In anycase, for a 'cheap' bag it's amazed me.

I have both bags in the very nice common basic black. I just checked costco.com and black seems rare and blue dont seem to exist. Maybe try ebay.com The bags are the best luggage deal out there and what does luggage color really mean (but no pink please).

MisterNice

Would the duffel lend itself at all to transporting a laptop and accessories? (assuming I have additional padding for laptop I'd supply)

I've found that their 22 roller actually is a bit too big for the international sizers. But online there's a smaller one, 20" or so, with all the same features (tough, affordable, guaranteed) that fits perfectly and is also expandable.

I love shopping at costco (note to self, must renew membership). My only objection to costco suitcases and rollaboards is that they are bog uggly.

At the same time, the rolling garment bag had me drooling. I wish I had bought that but at the time couldn't justify getting yet another bag.

I shop at COSTCO often. WE love many of the products. The pizza (take and bake) is the best we can get around here out on the prairie.

Next time I need a bag for checking I'll follow the advice on this thread and get one at COSTCO.

I checked the Fort Worth store this weekend and found no color selection at all. Black was it. The selection looked picked over and short on supply. Very popular item!

Are lots of folks reading this thread and following the advice?

I've found that their 22 roller actually is a bit too big for the international sizers. But online there's a smaller one, 20" or so, with all the same features (tough, affordable, guaranteed) that fits perfectly and is also expandable.

I'm curious, in what countries have you had problems with the 22incher?

I was actually at a Costco last night, and saw yet another update to this line of luggage. Instead of a zipper that pulls around the expandable section, it is now controlled using some internal framework that is automatic...should be interesting to use!

I've had a Kirkland bag since 2000 and it's still holding up strong.

I checked the Fort Worth store this weekend and found no color selection at all. Black was it. The selection looked picked over and short on supply. Very popular item!



I found some cosmic red ones at the Costco Business center a couple of weeks. ago. Not quite maroon in color, these are the style from a few months back. The brand new styles now have a button or something to expand the bag, instead of a zipper, and are lighter in weight by a pound or two.

QUOTE=LordHamster;9208017]I'm curious, in what countries have you had problems with the 22incher?[/QUOTE]

I can't speak for Boghopper but I can say that the 22 inch Kirkland regularly is stopped in CDG/Orly and Heathrow, and I have had occasional problems in Germany.

I've taken my Kirkland 22" about 800k miles in the last 4 years. I've had some places say that it was overstuffed, and had to take a few things out, but never been refused to bring it on board. I scoff at sizers. ;)

<snip> Instead of a zipper that pulls around the expandable section, it is now controlled using some internal framework that is automatic...should be interesting to use <snip>

Costco bags are (at least as of last year) made by Paragon Luggage. So, If you don't want to buy one from Costco, go to Macy's and buy it there...for more money...

The bags have gotten a bit lighter over the years, but when my wife complained to Costco about hers feeling too light compared to mine (hers was mid generation - still zipper expansion but lighter weight - purchased about Q2 2006) she got a personal email (complete with typos) from a Paragon Executive VP explaining the change in materials . Apparently the frame change (lexan frame instead of ABS) was brought about due to complaints about the empty weight eating into 50 pound domestic weight allowance. The newer construction dropped the overall weight by 3.5 pounds. I don't know what the weight impact (if any) of the non-zip expansion system is...

In Kirkland Signature, I've got the weird olive green (pretty unique) full size, and a navy blue rollaboard (both zip-expand and heavier construction). Love them, lots of domestic miles.

My wife has an *old* black rollaboard of the pre-expansion vintage (probably the "original" Kirkland bag, from around 1999 or 2000) and a "taupe" (read "tan") of the zip-expand but lighter frame vintage.

Next purchase will be an expandable rollaboard for her in a non-black color.

Go Costco!

RFTraveler ^^^ :D:D

I was surprised yesterday standing at the luggage carousel at SFO to see a big black ~26" rollerboard come off the belt and the "Kirkland signature" logo on it.

Sorry, but I don't care how nice the bags are, I couldn't bring myself to tote around Costco bags. It's a matter of self respect, but maybe that's just me. I don't wear Costco clothes either.

I just purchased a Kirkland Rolling Executive Briefcase for $99 online and my first impressions are it is every bit as well constructed and functional as the other bags I've been looking at including Briggs & Riley, Victoronix, Brookstone and Travel Pro but at a third of the price. I received it in 2 days and can return it to any store for a full refund if I find it doesn't fit my needs.
The bottom line to me is function and appearance and this bag looks like all the others and the supplied laptop case is better than any other I've seen and certainly good enough to use as a standalone.

I have a Hartmann Belting Leather Briefcase that cost over $500 and after 6 months of laying under airplane seats and just being used it looked like S#*T. Also, it had to be sent back to them for a minor repair and was out of use for 6 weeks. I've since stopped using it because of its appearance and lack of utility and 4 years ago purchased a TUMI Brief in Ballistic Nylon which has served me well but cost $450.

I bought the TUMI because of my experience with a Garment Bag I used from 1992 - 1999 and later replaced with a Rolling Garment Bag by their entry level line DAKOTA which was half the price and same quallity and appearance.

TUMI is great but I just don't see the 5x cost difference in its utility or construction anymore.

I think Costco has a complete satisfaction guarantee policy which means you can take just about anything (except tv's and electronics) back if you are not satisfied.
I've bought several of their luggages but still find them too heavy for me. I've given them to other family members. I see they are selling Rick Steves luggage set online. Rick Steves' 21" rolling carry on is only 7 lbs. Anyone has any experience with Rick Steves' bags? If I buy them at Costco, it's just like having a lifetime guarantee.

I think Costco has a complete satisfaction guarantee policy which means you can take just about anything (except tv's and electronics) back if you are not satisfied.
I've bought several of their luggages but still find them too heavy for me. I've given them to other family members. I see they are selling Rick Steves luggage set online. Rick Steves' 21" rolling carry on is only 7 lbs. Anyone has any experience with Rick Steves' bags? If I buy them at Costco, it's just like having a lifetime guarantee.
I saw that, too, and am curious if anyone has any knowledge of this product.

I've never bought any of Rick Steves' merchandise, but I've found his guidebooks useful references (albeit not perfect, but no guidebook ever is). I'd like to know if his luggage set is of decent quality.

I've got a full-size Kelty backpack I use when trekking around the country via train and some older/falling apart rollerboards, so I'm sort of in the market for a new one. I've been meaning to stop by my local Costco to see what they have in stock...

Good for you. I wear the Kirkland underwear and find it is as nice as the brands costing 3X the price.

Me too! The joys of reverse snobbery...:p

I was actually at a Costco last night, and saw yet another update to this line of luggage. Instead of a zipper that pulls around the expandable section, it is now controlled using some internal framework that is automatic...should be interesting to use!


My wife and I saw this too, and were debating how best to destroy one of our bags so that we could rationalize getting a new one. (They only had black, and I like the tan color I have, so I'm not ready to trade it in yet.)

Would the duffel lend itself at all to transporting a laptop and accessories? (assuming I have additional padding for laptop I'd supply)

My standard for 5 day or less trips is the Costco 22" wheelie. I fashioned an additional padded laptop carrier with a 13x10x1.5 inch cloth bag and 2 layers of fairly firm 3/32" closed polypropylene foam. It fits fine in the wheelie or a backpack and never a laptop ding or scratch in over 5 years. I never found better (or cheaper) fabricated protective case but I have a leather case or two to impress the impressible.

MisterNice

Me too! The joys of reverse snobbery...:p



My wife and I saw this too, and were debating how best to destroy one of our bags so that we could rationalize getting a new one. (They only had black, and I like the tan color I have, so I'm not ready to trade it in yet.)

My Philly friends suggest a trip or two on US Air should accomplish your objective.

MisterNice

I recently purchased the Costco 100 dollar suitcase.
Have been a travel pro guy for many years. I think the Costco bag is too heavy for the size of the bag even empty :(
Let alone full. Though I see it as a sturdy constructed bag I also see it as lacking in interior design functionality
There is nothing like the comfort and trust in buying from Costco however mine will likely be returned for a Travel Pro purchased somewhere else.
My productivity, convenience and ease when I travel mean everything.
I find the Costco luggage poorly thought out within the exterior yet well made. It is possible I am simply more use to the Travel pro where it seems to me the use of interior space is simply better utilized
My two cents

I was actually at a Costco last night, and saw yet another update to this line of luggage. Instead of a zipper that pulls around the expandable section, it is now controlled using some internal framework that is automatic...should be interesting to use!

I've had a Kirkland bag since 2000 and it's still holding up strong.That's the 3rd generation version. I had a 1st generation, and the wheels starting getting loud and I always hated the stupid velcro flap that went over the handle. Soooo... I got a 2nd generation that I've had for about 3 years now and love it. It's nowhere near being worn out so I may have to wait for the 4th generation before upgrading. I still have the computer bag from about 12 years ago that I still use from time to time, plus the rolling computer bag that I may bring out of storage.

Like many of you, we're diehard Costco fans (exec member) and love their business strategy and promise to consumers. We purchased 3 Kirkland 22 inchers for my wife and family and they are excellent, but I like my TravelPro better. Its wheels seem better, the garment bag a little bet better, and I think it is lighter. My previous TravelPro lasted for years of hard consultant labor -- many international flights.

We also bought one rolling duffel at Costco, but I think it is not Kirkland but something like High Sierra.

I think Costco has a complete satisfaction guarantee policy which means you can take just about anything (except tv's and electronics) back if you are not satisfied.
I've bought several of their luggages but still find them too heavy for me. I've given them to other family members. I see they are selling Rick Steves luggage set online. Rick Steves' 21" rolling carry on is only 7 lbs. Anyone has any experience with Rick Steves' bags? If I buy them at Costco, it's just like having a lifetime guarantee.

Our family got Rick Steves bags for our trip to Europe a few years ago. The kids and I chose rollaboards, and my husband got the convertible shoulderbag/backpack. They are perfect for traveling light, and we love them as carry ons. For many trips these will hold everything, but for long vacations, I'd rather pack a bit more and not spend time at a laundromat. My husband does a lot of business travel, and the convertible is indispensable. He loves that he can squish it into the overhead bin.

However, on our trip to Canada last summer, we checked the bags, and they all received damage. The convertible has lots of straps, one of which must have gotten caught on equipment, it was torn off, and the zipper was sheared off and melted into the fabric. The rollaboards have slices in the fabric, and abrasions, and one bag lost a foot, and cannot stand upright. Rick Steves will not repair bags. I managed to find a new convertible on clearance at REI, which my husband will not be checkng.

We are considering buying some ILite bags, 25" and 29" to use when we need to check bags.

With the Costco policy, I think the Rick Steves bags would be perfect.

Oh, and Travelsmith.com has Rick Steves bags, too, and a 100% no questions asked return policy at any time. Although I guess you'd have to pay for return shipping.

Does anyone have any feedback about the non-Kirkland brand luggage sold at Costco? I was at a store in Santa Clara, CA last week and saw a Samsonite 29" semi-hard sided suitcase, and a purple 24" and duffel set (don't remember the brand). One or both of them might fit my needs (2 week trip for family of 4). Any thoughts?

I've bought the Ricardo sets, and some of the rolling type dufflebags before. Nothing special, and once it's beat to hell, I won't take it back for a refund, unlike the Kirkland luggage. I know there are some people who will take it back 5 years later (non-Kirkland luggage), but I just feel that's pushing it too much. :)

... maybe that's just me. I don't wear Costco clothes either.

I found the quote amusing too. I agree and do not wear Kirkland clothes, except socks. However I do wear many clothes purchased at Costco like Nautica, Polo, Dockers, Nike etc.

Back to an earlier post in thread, if Blue cannot be found I would guess they were moved out. If you have a SKU ask the guy at the computer near check out to look at other stores. Chances are it's gone.

I bought a Swiss Army watch last year that I really liked. 6 months later it vanished at LAX security, but that's another story. I went to several stores and had them look up and was told finally "We put that one on a $30 clearance and they were all gone in a day"

Does anyone have any feedback about the non-Kirkland brand luggage sold at Costco? I was at a store in Santa Clara, CA last week and saw a Samsonite 29" semi-hard sided suitcase, and a purple 24" and duffel set (don't remember the brand). One or both of them might fit my needs (2 week trip for family of 4). Any thoughts?

The purple set is really pretty, but ... I bought one as a gift for christmas for someone, and it just happened to get a gash on it the first time out.... We all know that this just happens... but at the same time, my kirkland bag was untouched... my .02

Is the Kirkland luggage still in production? I was at my local Costco today and didn't see any, and the Costco Web site doesn't show any Kirkland brand luggage other than a computer bag.

I know people who own Kirkland bags, and they appear to be excellent quality, just as many of you have said on this thread. I'm looking to replace my Travelpro carry-on rollaboard that's seen better days (great quality bag, but it's flown a couple of hundred thousand miles since 2006 and is starting to wear out).

Anyone know if the Kirkland bags are still being made?

I've owned both 22 and 26 bags since about 2001. Mine are the older model prior to 'lightening'

The quality is non-pareil. When was the last time you saw real leather hardware on a $120 bag? Yes the handles are leather. Nothing has ever broken on either one. The wheels roll as smooth as day 1. The accessories are complete: locks, garment insert, laundry bag, etc.

However, there is a problem. They are heavy. Like someone said, I believe the 22" weighs 12 lbs and change. The leaders in this segment weigh 9 lbs or less.

Some time around 2006 they lightened it to about 9.5 lbs and the quality was still good. Funny thing though, I tried to exchange my 2001 bag for one of these 06 models, and they wouldn't let me. So the legendary return policy is not universal.

They seemed to have re-designed them again around 08, I don't think the newest version is high quality. Someone else can chime in.

Is the Kirkland luggage still in production? I was at my local Costco today and didn't see any, and the Costco Web site doesn't show any Kirkland brand luggage other than a computer bag.

I posted on this in another Costco thread about a month or so ago - they've seemed to all but vanish, although I managed to get a backup before they did. No one seemed to know what Costco's plans are, but the company making the last model apparently went out of business.

Saw a crew member at Dulles yesterday with a Costco bag that looked more beat to heck than I thought was possible for one of these, but it was still working fine.

They seemed to have re-designed them again around 08, I don't think the newest version is high quality. Someone else can chime in.

I have both the 22" and 26" models from the 2008 redesign. The 22" has been with me for 100,000 miles and in 10 countries in the last couple years. It still looks brand new.

The 26" hasn't seen quite that much use (only use it when planning on out-of-state shopping excursions and plan on bringing lots of stuff back--when you live in Godforsaken places like Alaska, you have to plan on that kind of thing occasionally :p), but it went all over Southeast Asia and Australia for two months and held up just fine.

The older ones may be more luxurious (the new ones don't have leather handles, for example), but the new ones do seem to hold up quite nicely and are very light. I'd be surprised if my 22" is over 9 pounds.

Dredging up old thread...

Do they still make the 22"? Went to my local Costco to buy one as a gift yesterday. Only the 26" and nothing on the website.

Recently some people have posted that the company that made these went bankrupt, and the supply in stores varies a lot.