Guy, your love for German products honors you. I feel the same way, being German and all. I actually own the big 32" multiwheel Topas by Rimowa. Love it.

BUT, the BR things I've owned and seen are just as well made. Chapeau to the Chinese! And they have a better warranty than Rimowa. I do hear though that Rimowas international customer service is fantastic. They have centers in many a metropolis around the globe. Need a new wheel when in HK, you got it in 24h. Quite amazing the stories I read.

Also, if Tumi shouts "Steal me!", Rimowa uses a megaphone to be heard.

When I check my Rimowa, it is opened in 50% of the times (supposedly by TSA). I say that because only in another 50% of the times does anyone leave a note. I've not had anything missing this far. Guess my stuff is not the typical TSA guys taste or size.

My other luggage is opened with a significantly lower frequency.

What I must say, though, is that if you need to transport heavy and fragile things a Rimowa is wonderful. Even when loaded to 32kg (or more) it rolls effortlessly and is pushed with just two fingers. Amazing engineering.

@hotindallas I hope you weren't offended by my tongue-in-cheek reply of "intelligent enough to know learn how to pack". If you are interested at all in learning it, please do check out the packing masterthread stickied at the top of this forum. When I learned the tricks of proper packing it has changed the way I travel BIG TIME. Faster, lighter, more efficient, more comfortable, even cheaper because I now can live indefinitely from a 22" roller or equivalent duffel. No more lost bags, no more pilfered bags, no more waiting at the baggage claim. Love it.

And even when I do have so much things to take that I need to check a bag, my goods are packed very neatly and arrive in tip top shape usually.

I do own one really nice rolling garment bag (Samsonite ProDLX). The thing is about as big as a 24" suitcase. It fits three suits, a couple of pants, sweaters, t's etc. But fitting shoes is a hassle and overall the packing takes longer. It is also very heavy. I use it now mostly for car travel and if I know I will go somewhere, where the conditions are a bit dusty and not super comfortable (e.g. visiting an artists studio and staying there - I'm an art historian). Usually there is no closet. The garment bag then serves as my closet and I hang it over a door or on a hook on the wall.

Cheers from the hot Austin,

Till