Looking for luggage
 

For some reason I can't use the search facility so apologise if this is covered elsewhere.

I've got some special reqs for luggage and wanted to know if anyone has any reqs:
* Has to have wheels
* Has to be carry-on size for the most part (i.e. usually get away with it but sometimes will have to check it in due to weight and sometimes get asked to leave it at the aircraft door)
* I usually carry laptop and lots of bits (rarely files, just cables, power etc) as well as clothers + washbag for a couple of nights stay
* Have to be able to seperate laptop bag part
* Has to balance properly (I have the rounded Victorinox/Swiss Army and it is horrendous!!)
* Does need to be hardy but doesn't need to be Tumi etc
* If possible, convert from wheely to backpack (like the Victorinox/Swis Army).

Any suggestions?

I went through this recently..... two words: Briggs and Riley.

They have several bags that seem to fit your needs, and the warranty cannot be beat.

D.

I 2nd the recomendation.

They have a upright rollerboard which has a detachable laptop bag built into the design.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/product.asp?pid=244

Another vote for Briggs and Riley. I love mine. Very well made, excellent warranty and much less conspicuous than other high-end bags like Tumi.

I was in Macy's yesterday and they had sales on several different lines and everything was on display. I particularly liked the JanSport and Timberland wheelies. It was a great place to "kick the tires."

FDuvall

I put in a vote for the Kirkland Signature rolling carryon available at Costco for $89 or so. Very good quality and design for the money imho. It doesn't address the laptop requirements but an additional bag that can be attached to the Costco bag can be purchased for that. Like most products purchased at Costco, it can be returned anytime for any reason, so it too has a very good warranty.

I bought the 22" Kirkland/Costco wheelie last month. I like it a lot, but for 2x price, Macy's had an amazing selection.

My only complaint with the Kirkland/Costco bag so far is that it looks EXACTLY like most of the other bags coming around the carousel. I spent almost an hour at SFO waiting for my bag only to find that someone had pulled it off the carousel, discovered it was not theirs, and left it standing amongst the other pax. I only noticed it after everbody had left. Who would do such a thing :mad:

A blue or red Victorinox would not have been mistakenly grabbed...

FDuvall

PS - If someone has a recommendation for a good bag that will sit on top of the Kirkland wheelie and hold a laptop and some extras (and not fall off constantly) I would be interested in hearing about it.

Kenneth Cole
 

Kenneth Cole New York
Pick up at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

bag

Rollerboard

I use tumi and kenneth cole. Both are great.

From what I read, Briggs & Riley's warranty seems fantastic. But Tumi products are much better looking IMHO.
Also, Samsonite products for Asia/Europe market look more sophisticated IMHO than the U.S. market ones.

Also check to see what Dakota has, it is made by Tumi but looks less "bling bling"...

I don't know that Tumi looks any better than Briggs and Riley, but from user reports seems to be a bit more fragile than I think most frequent flyers want to see.

On the other hand.... the Briggs and Riley warranty has exactly 3 words in it: "Anything, Anytime, Period"

They and Eagle Creek are the only ones that also cover Airline Damage.

I really don't get why Tumi looks 'bling bling' to some of you... :confused: :)
It is so plain - people who don't know the brand won't be able to tell it is more expensive than a Samsonite.

Dakotas look similar to some U.S. market Samsonites.

I haven't tried Briggs & Riley so I don't know how tough it is, and yes the warranty is wonderful. I mean, to cover even airline damages ... ^.
But then looks is very subjective. IMHO Tumi looks more elegant than B & R. You might feel otherwise. :)

Tumi doesn't look BlingBling to ME (well, except for their new T3 line :)), everything I own in luggage is Tumi and I have been using it for years now.

Me: not all but most yes (G3 line). Heart was broken when I saw the new G4 line. :D
But most of my G3s are still in good condition (the first piece was bought in 1999) so I don't think I will replace them anytime soon with G4s, except the cabin one. Saw a 'limited edition' G4 in silverish orange when I was in SIN the other day.
My oldest G3 (29" wheelaway) still holds up fine except that patched hole someone 'drilled' into in FRA. :mad:

Wonder why they don't have non-expandable wheelaways in 20" and the check in sized wheelaways for the G4 line on Tumi website. I hope those are coming. They look better built than G3 (d-uh). ;)

My wife just got a colleciton of the new T3 in silver. It isn't something I'd use, but she loves it, and gets loads of compliments at the airport, she especially loves the turning handle. I saw the "limited" G4 orange too, I think there is a reason it is "limited"... YUCK....