Originally Posted by
tfar
Before answering your question, let me ask why are you wanting to replace the Tumi duffel? Just because the handle has a button missing? You could either repair that yourself or have it done for probably less than $10 at a repair shop or shoemaker.
Or is it the pocket layout or the design you don't like anymore? In that case what would you like in its place?
I own a Tumi Alpha Bravo McGuire duffel. Nice. Not very big though but if you travel light and leisurely it should be enough.
The flat out best duffel I know is the Andiamo Valoroso VD25. If you can still find one, buy it. Sometimes they still show up on ebay. Do a search on here for that model to see what is written about it.
BTW, a search for duffel on this forum will give many good results.
Till
Til, I don't want to take this thread off OT, but I am wondering if you (or anyone else here) have ever had trouble with using a duffel as carry-on - particularly on intra-Europe flights.
I have read of GAs occasionally taking a hard-line on the sizer at the gates - this is actually my biggest concern, because even a duffel that is inches under the overall l+w+h of 45" still won't fit in the sizer if it is reasonably full. It's a point I really wish the airlines would clarify. After all, a 30x2" poster tube probably wouldn't fit in the sizer (unless diagonally), but it wouldn't take up much room in an overhead.
I'm also curious about intra-European airlines and their attitude towards duffels, since they tend (IME) to be much stricter about carry-on size.
I'm in the market for a new carry-on, and once again I'm tempted by some of the duffels out there - seems to be my best option for cutting weight without giving up the wheels - but I continue to worry about the airline sizer issue.