Please help me out choose a new carry-on suitcase and other travel products
Jul 8, 2014, 4:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Some hole
Posts: 2,783
Please help me out choose a new carry-on suitcase and other travel products
So I currently have a Travelpro Crew 8 22 Inch Expandable Rollaboard Suiter that I'm looking to replace and I would like some recommendations on a replacement.
Here is my criteria:
*I'm looking for the maximum size should fit comfortably most widebody aircraft bins mostly the 777 since thats what I'm always on.
*Should have alot of compartments especially for an ultrabook
*Has to be durable. The handle on my current one is slightly broken.
*I don't want it tipping over all the time. My current one does.
*Not opposed to looking at other brands.
*Price should be reasonable. Should be the same as the Crew 8. I don't remember what I paid for it. But I'm willing to spend a bit more if I fins it to be better.
*Should I go for a spinner or not?
As for other travel products, I'm looking at a small umbrella for men that is good for regular use.
Here is my criteria:
*I'm looking for the maximum size should fit comfortably most widebody aircraft bins mostly the 777 since thats what I'm always on.
*Should have alot of compartments especially for an ultrabook
*Has to be durable. The handle on my current one is slightly broken.
*I don't want it tipping over all the time. My current one does.
*Not opposed to looking at other brands.
*Price should be reasonable. Should be the same as the Crew 8. I don't remember what I paid for it. But I'm willing to spend a bit more if I fins it to be better.
*Should I go for a spinner or not?
As for other travel products, I'm looking at a small umbrella for men that is good for regular use.
Jul 8, 2014, 8:55 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CEB & LAS
Programs: CX GO, TSA Pre✓ Afflictions: TSASS
Posts: 734
IMHO you want the Briggs & Riley carry on spinner (not the widebody version). It's a bit more expensive than the Travelpro line, but it's one of the very few bags that comes with a lifetime warranty including airline damage, so you don't have to worry about small stuff like broken handles. The outside compartment is perfect for an ultrabook or tablet.
In my experience, spinners are the best thing ever. You can put your briefcase on top and glide through the airport like a leaf on the wind. Usually the people who don't like them are the people who haven't tried one or can't afford a good one. The B&R will even glide over carpet, which is very uncommon for a spinner. And if you want to tow it behind you like a two-wheeler (useful for going over curbs, or up stairs) you can still do that.
In my experience, spinners are the best thing ever. You can put your briefcase on top and glide through the airport like a leaf on the wind. Usually the people who don't like them are the people who haven't tried one or can't afford a good one. The B&R will even glide over carpet, which is very uncommon for a spinner. And if you want to tow it behind you like a two-wheeler (useful for going over curbs, or up stairs) you can still do that.
Last edited by RevJim; Jul 8, 2014 at 9:05 pm Reason: Edit: looks like the widebody version doesn't have the outside compartment
Jul 9, 2014, 3:53 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BUR
Posts: 769
The Crew line from Travelpro tipped over a lot. I think it has to do with the front feet which is at the 7/8th point of the depth (not at the tip of the bag). when you expand the darn bag the feet are now at the 5/8th point of the depth of the bag. then it easily tips over from there. Even the first generation Tumi Alpha's had the same problem. The Alpha 2s are now fixed in that regard.
If you can find a Ricardo Beverly Hills Bel Aire line it would be a good compromise between cost and quality.
If you can find a Ricardo Beverly Hills Bel Aire line it would be a good compromise between cost and quality.
Jul 10, 2014, 7:44 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
My Crew 9 20" is terrible about tipping, especially if using the front laptop compartment. I probably wouldn't buy another Crew-series bag because of it, and maybe not even another TravelPro.
If you can get past the need for a dedicated laptop pocket, this 20" Eagle Creek ES2 Tarmac bag is a real steal given the price and inclusion of their "No Matter What" warranty. I have the rolling-tote from the same line and the build-quality is top notch and it too was a steal when it was still in the $30-$50 price range, but recently jumped back up to $135. I'd grab the 20" before it jumps back up in price as well. If I hadn't received the Crew 9 as a gift this past Christmas, I'd probably jump on the EC for my 5+ night trips (the rolling tote with a laptop bag on top serves me for up to 4 nights without extra shoes).
If you can get past the need for a dedicated laptop pocket, this 20" Eagle Creek ES2 Tarmac bag is a real steal given the price and inclusion of their "No Matter What" warranty. I have the rolling-tote from the same line and the build-quality is top notch and it too was a steal when it was still in the $30-$50 price range, but recently jumped back up to $135. I'd grab the 20" before it jumps back up in price as well. If I hadn't received the Crew 9 as a gift this past Christmas, I'd probably jump on the EC for my 5+ night trips (the rolling tote with a laptop bag on top serves me for up to 4 nights without extra shoes).
Jul 10, 2014, 11:38 am
#5
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 58
This is a very pro spinner and wheels forum. I do not intend to come across cavalier but in my opinion the ultimate road warrior gets rid of wheels altogether. This saves weight, gives you more packing room and helps you to be more mobile for those stairs, escalators, curbs and cobblestone streets.
Jul 10, 2014, 11:49 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
This is a very pro spinner and wheels forum. I do not intend to come across cavalier but in my opinion the ultimate road warrior gets rid of wheels altogether. This saves weight, gives you more packing room and helps you to be more mobile for those stairs, escalators, curbs and cobblestone streets.
While going wheelless is compelling and works for some, it's not for everyone for a variety of reasons. Mine is a pretty minor reason, but there are plenty of folks with back/knee problems or that otherwise can't cary the load of a shoulder bag.
Jul 10, 2014, 12:01 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
This is a very pro spinner and wheels forum. I do not intend to come across cavalier but in my opinion the ultimate road warrior gets rid of wheels altogether. This saves weight, gives you more packing room and helps you to be more mobile for those stairs, escalators, curbs and cobblestone streets.
I say this as a person who generally does not use wheels in his travel. My preference is for Red Oxx products and to travel as light as possible. Some people cannot make certain sacrifices, so they take items I'd think were superfluous, thus increasing the weight of their stuff and perhaps making them more reliant on wheels on their luggage.
Each person should travel in the way that suits them best. I find discussions about "road warriors" miss the point of travel: there is no ultimate winner, and there can be lots of losers if they travel in a way that makes them less comfortable. And those who carry a little too much or who take bags that defeat that purpose tend to learn if they keep traveling.
Jul 10, 2014, 2:03 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 58
True for you. There are tradeoffs in every type of bag. For some, the wheels are always necessary. For some, although they don't need wheels for health conditions, such as a bad back or a bad shoulder, there are times when wheels are helpful. The tradeoff for wheels is a loss of space and a gain of weight not dedicated to packing. Amazingly, although a bag has wheels, it can also be lifted and carried, just like a bag without wheels. I have seen that people with wheeled and non-wheeled bags can sometimes be equally oblivious to other passengers as they manuever their bags through an airport or on an airplane--I've had my toes run over by spinners/rollaboards and my head hit by backpacks.
I say this as a person who generally does not use wheels in his travel. My preference is for Red Oxx products and to travel as light as possible. Some people cannot make certain sacrifices, so they take items I'd think were superfluous, thus increasing the weight of their stuff and perhaps making them more reliant on wheels on their luggage.
Each person should travel in the way that suits them best. I find discussions about "road warriors" miss the point of travel: there is no ultimate winner, and there can be lots of losers if they travel in a way that makes them less comfortable. And those who carry a little too much or who take bags that defeat that purpose tend to learn if they keep traveling.
I say this as a person who generally does not use wheels in his travel. My preference is for Red Oxx products and to travel as light as possible. Some people cannot make certain sacrifices, so they take items I'd think were superfluous, thus increasing the weight of their stuff and perhaps making them more reliant on wheels on their luggage.
Each person should travel in the way that suits them best. I find discussions about "road warriors" miss the point of travel: there is no ultimate winner, and there can be lots of losers if they travel in a way that makes them less comfortable. And those who carry a little too much or who take bags that defeat that purpose tend to learn if they keep traveling.
Jul 12, 2014, 9:42 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Some hole
Posts: 2,783
IMHO you want the Briggs & Riley carry on spinner (not the widebody version). It's a bit more expensive than the Travelpro line, but it's one of the very few bags that comes with a lifetime warranty including airline damage, so you don't have to worry about small stuff like broken handles. The outside compartment is perfect for an ultrabook or tablet.
In my experience, spinners are the best thing ever. You can put your briefcase on top and glide through the airport like a leaf on the wind. Usually the people who don't like them are the people who haven't tried one or can't afford a good one. The B&R will even glide over carpet, which is very uncommon for a spinner. And if you want to tow it behind you like a two-wheeler (useful for going over curbs, or up stairs) you can still do that.
In my experience, spinners are the best thing ever. You can put your briefcase on top and glide through the airport like a leaf on the wind. Usually the people who don't like them are the people who haven't tried one or can't afford a good one. The B&R will even glide over carpet, which is very uncommon for a spinner. And if you want to tow it behind you like a two-wheeler (useful for going over curbs, or up stairs) you can still do that.
Jul 12, 2014, 10:22 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CEB & LAS
Programs: CX GO, TSA Pre✓ Afflictions: TSASS
Posts: 734
I own both hard and soft shell suitcases, and I slightly prefer the soft ones, but it really doesn't matter. Hardshell is probably a requirement for spinner luggage so the body has enough stiffness to stand up straight while you are using 4 wheels.
Most spinner luggage uses a horrible clamshell design for the same reason (structural rigidity). Look here to see why clamshells suck. Typically if you want to fit your suitcase on a luggage rack and live out of it for a few days, you need to get a soft-sided suitcase that is NOT a clamshell.
Now go back and look at the B&R Torq. It's a hard-sided spinner bag, but the zipper is off center so you can put it on a luggage rack and just lift the lid. Nice design!
Jul 12, 2014, 11:05 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 1,793
You might want to take a look at the Briggs & Riley Transcend 200 line. It's being replaced by a new Transcend line, so is on sale now for at least 20% off. Act quickly if you like the Transcend. I was in the upscale luggage store in Santa Fe the other day and the owner told me the new Transcend line will still have three colors - including a brighter crimson red, not the nice "Sunset" red in the current line.
Another brand you could investigate is ebags.com own line, the TLS. Their prices are reasonable considering the quality and features. The TLS are soft-side bags, their EXO line is hardside but holds less in the same dimension bag as the TLS.
I travel by car, train, ship, elephant, and camel - there isn't one perfect bag or set for me. I purchased a set of TravelPro Maxlite 2 last year and like it a lot, but it's missing some features I would like. The rolling tote has no attachment method to attach it to another bag and doesn't have tie-downs (an annoyance when the bag isn't full). There is no boarding tote (small duffel) in the Maxlite 2 line, and I'm finding I need that now that I'm mostly flying on bitty jets. I now wish I had sprung for the TPro Platinum Magna, but it was brand new when I needed to buy and had no discounts.
I do love the spinner wheels on the Maxlite 2, I'm now sold on spinners. I thought they were gimmicky when they first came out, but after traveling with the style I like it a lot.
One last thought - the airlines are downsizing their carry-on specs. Be sure whatever you select meets the criteria of the airline(s) you fly.
Another brand you could investigate is ebags.com own line, the TLS. Their prices are reasonable considering the quality and features. The TLS are soft-side bags, their EXO line is hardside but holds less in the same dimension bag as the TLS.
I travel by car, train, ship, elephant, and camel - there isn't one perfect bag or set for me. I purchased a set of TravelPro Maxlite 2 last year and like it a lot, but it's missing some features I would like. The rolling tote has no attachment method to attach it to another bag and doesn't have tie-downs (an annoyance when the bag isn't full). There is no boarding tote (small duffel) in the Maxlite 2 line, and I'm finding I need that now that I'm mostly flying on bitty jets. I now wish I had sprung for the TPro Platinum Magna, but it was brand new when I needed to buy and had no discounts.
I do love the spinner wheels on the Maxlite 2, I'm now sold on spinners. I thought they were gimmicky when they first came out, but after traveling with the style I like it a lot.
One last thought - the airlines are downsizing their carry-on specs. Be sure whatever you select meets the criteria of the airline(s) you fly.
Jul 12, 2014, 4:46 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: DFW, DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, SWA A-list +
Posts: 1,007
You might want to take a look at the Briggs & Riley Transcend 200 line. It's being replaced by a new Transcend line, so is on sale now for at least 20% off. Act quickly if you like the Transcend. I was in the upscale luggage store in Santa Fe the other day and the owner told me the new Transcend line will still have three colors - including a brighter crimson red, not the nice "Sunset" red in the current line.
Another brand you could investigate is ebags.com own line, the TLS. Their prices are reasonable considering the quality and features. The TLS are soft-side bags, their EXO line is hardside but holds less in the same dimension bag as the TLS.
I travel by car, train, ship, elephant, and camel - there isn't one perfect bag or set for me. I purchased a set of TravelPro Maxlite 2 last year and like it a lot, but it's missing some features I would like. The rolling tote has no attachment method to attach it to another bag and doesn't have tie-downs (an annoyance when the bag isn't full). There is no boarding tote (small duffel) in the Maxlite 2 line, and I'm finding I need that now that I'm mostly flying on bitty jets. I now wish I had sprung for the TPro Platinum Magna, but it was brand new when I needed to buy and had no discounts.
I do love the spinner wheels on the Maxlite 2, I'm now sold on spinners. I thought they were gimmicky when they first came out, but after traveling with the style I like it a lot.
One last thought - the airlines are downsizing their carry-on specs. Be sure whatever you select meets the criteria of the airline(s) you fly.
Another brand you could investigate is ebags.com own line, the TLS. Their prices are reasonable considering the quality and features. The TLS are soft-side bags, their EXO line is hardside but holds less in the same dimension bag as the TLS.
I travel by car, train, ship, elephant, and camel - there isn't one perfect bag or set for me. I purchased a set of TravelPro Maxlite 2 last year and like it a lot, but it's missing some features I would like. The rolling tote has no attachment method to attach it to another bag and doesn't have tie-downs (an annoyance when the bag isn't full). There is no boarding tote (small duffel) in the Maxlite 2 line, and I'm finding I need that now that I'm mostly flying on bitty jets. I now wish I had sprung for the TPro Platinum Magna, but it was brand new when I needed to buy and had no discounts.
I do love the spinner wheels on the Maxlite 2, I'm now sold on spinners. I thought they were gimmicky when they first came out, but after traveling with the style I like it a lot.
One last thought - the airlines are downsizing their carry-on specs. Be sure whatever you select meets the criteria of the airline(s) you fly.
Jul 15, 2014, 5:35 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Some hole
Posts: 2,783
Anyone recommend a soft sided carry-on with the specs I want?
I prefer it to be lightweight as well.
And can someone recommend a a small umbrella for men that is good for regular use?
Thanks!
I prefer it to be lightweight as well.
And can someone recommend a a small umbrella for men that is good for regular use?
Thanks!
Last edited by maortega15; Jul 15, 2014 at 3:47 pm Reason: additional info
Jul 15, 2014, 7:58 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,409
I've got one of each coming today from Amazon --- will measure and see how close their numbers were to the hangtag measurements plus the wheel allowance.