Originally Posted by
elizadoo
I've tried cheap, moderate, and pricey. Depends where I'm going and what I'm doing. This is a good question because I have some really specific and unmet luggage needs.
For the past several years my travel has been Latin 3rd world countries, out in the rural areas. Sometimes I'll have to go via panga (small boat); horseback, 2-wheeled carts, and/or chicken bus. The biggest problem that I have found is ot rough handling but the elements: the torrential downpours and mud really can create a problem. Also, I carry medical/educational supplies in an extra (beat-up) suitcase that I always leave behind. That particular suitcase is triple wrapped in duct-tape and the interior contents are always shrouded in plastic.
But the suitcases/duffels I utilize have all failed in some way. The only constant in my life is a Swiss Army backpack (super big, strong zippers) and that I have no complaints about. If anyone has suggestions, I'm listening!
Eliza, it is perfectly ok to start a new thread for your luggage search topic. Otherwise the two threads will get watered down.
TMOliver, in your case you got the luggage at an exceptionally cheap price AND we are talking carry-on here. As long as it is in your possession and not that of some possessed baggage handler, you could almost make a plastic bag survive for a year.
So I think for carry-on luggage built quality and warranty matter less. But the form follows function idea just costs money. Where to place pockets, how deep to construct them, what kind of zippers and pulls are use - all of that requires careful consideration and a qualified designer, both cost money. So more expensive bags will usually be much more in this category. Look at Briggs or Tumi. Then compare the attention to detail with a Walmart piece.
As for changing shoes because of fashion. That is a valid argument but on the other hand the shape and styles of men's shoes hasn't changed so much. A Blucher, Oxford, Monk or Brogue has existed for 100 years and still looks good. They are classics. If you stick with those you are good to go independent of fashion. Basically the same for suits. Men are lucky in that regards.
For luggage it is quite similar. If you buy a classic piece of luggage like a TP Plat5, a Tumi 26141 or a Rimowa suitcase in alu, the design/style aspect is taken care of. Now if you like to change your styles from a lime-green leopard print to a turquoise tiger pattern, then you are better off buying cheap luggage. Co-incidentally these atrocities are usually offered only in cheap versions.
Till