I'll try to ignore for a moment the extreme inconvenience to other passengers, delays in boarding, etc, of such items when used as what is referred to in this part of the world as "hand luggage", except to mention that anything big enough to be on wheels will thankfully not be allowed on many airlines outside the USA. (Try it in New Zealand and see how far you get. <g> )

One thing I've wondered about all luggage: Is it worth getting good stuff, especially for hand luggage? There are decently designed no-name cheapies for 1/10 the cost of a Samsonite which can last for more than 1/10 the time and don't give you cause to worry about possible damage to them.

The Packing Book is written by Judith Gilford. ISBN #1-58008-021-9. Price $8.05 at www.bn.com

[This message has been edited by PltPrincess (edited 03-12-2001).]

Since I push the envelope on abuse (stays poolside for a minimum of a day a week where it can get splashed with heavy chlorinated water and is exposed to 100% humidity, heavy on the chlorine) for roll-onboard luggage, I had found that cheap stuff didn't last more than a couple months.

I bought three different Delsey's, one in 1995, one in 1998, and one in 2000. The one from 1995 is shabby but usable. The 1998 one needs repairs, but probably could be used. The 2000 one died in 2 months. Delsey quality seems to have gone down a lot over the years (also true for hard-sided cases I use for regular checked bags).

I have since moved to a Samsonite expandable. I bought mine for just under $250 but I have seen it on sale for under $150. The nice things about it is that if it gets a bit too full, I open up the expandable section and ship it in the hold.

I have admired the Tumi's from a distance, but have been afraid to subject the nice leather to the abuse I put my luggage through.

[This message has been edited by Water Polo Ref (edited 03-12-2001).]

mre2b9,

I have a Swiss Army packback which I love! Their luggage line came out over a year ago and seem very good. It is sold under the Swiss Army brand but not all luggage stores sell them. I tend to find them at the more expensive stores.

I also have tumi and samsonite bags which are great.

I would vote for Tumi, Swiss Army and then Samsonite (in this order).

Although it cost a lot at the time, I have never regretted buying my Tumi luggage.

I have two Tumi "wheel-a-way" cases (both in ballistic nylon); one that can be carried on board and another, larger case. Both are very strong (the case itself plus all straps, buckles, handles, wheels, fabric, etc.) and each offers plenty of capacity. Plus they are virtually silent as they effortlessly roll along behind me.

The smaller of the two is expandable but, then, it must be checked. My only regret is that I did not opt for the model with the suiter when purchasing the smaller of the two (although my larger piece has it-very effective for packing slacks, jacket and dress shirts).

[This message has been edited by bbinchi (edited 03-12-2001).]

INDPremExec gives excellent advice. I must have the same model as my plaid Hartmann wheelie is also expandable and was about the same price. It holds one suit perfectly. The warranty sez "Lifetime". It is super. I sent it back to have a broken strap repaired...... no charge sez Hartmann and they replaced some trim for free too. As they have an in-house cleaning service, I had it totally cleaned for about 10 dolla. It looks better than new now. Nice deal!

MisterNice

ps: my other wheelie is a black Travel Pro. Itsa great but not in the same league as the Hartmann, but very serviceable. The Costco wheelie goes for about 1/2 the price of a new T-Pro so it will be the T-Pro's replacement soon.

Although I have only had my Briggs & Riley for three months, I have logged 60K miles and am very pleased.

I'm a hartmann gal. That expanding carry-on is wonderful. I purchased mine 4 or 5 years ago and haven't had a single problem.

If you ever need a repair, a hartmann dealer will loan you a bag to use while yours is being fixed. I recently had a strap replaced on a close to 50 year old bag---it was returned to me clean and looking more like 5 years old.

I'm with braslvr, I too have the Kirkland bag. Ballistic nylon, laundry bag, lots of pockets, heavy duty zippers, and it also includes a suiter you can store inside.

Mine cost $99. I've used it constantly over the last six months, and even checked it a few times, and it's none the worse for wear.

My vote goes for the Samsonite classic. The black nylon (vinyl on the bottom) roll-aboard with the handle that can hold extra bags. I bought mine in 1995 and it wears like iron. Probably 1 million flight miles on that case.

I am very happy with my Dakota bag. Had it for three years and it still looks like new. A little pricey though.

I Love the durability. The miles flown people quote don't really matter. If you fly to asia 4 times you got 50,000 miles. Not alot of wear and tear there. For me to get to 50,000 miles, I will fly 75 segments. That is a bunch of cab rides, overhead bins, hotels,trains, subways, etc..etc... I have 4 TUMI bags that have never been damaged in many years. My oldest bag is about 10 years, the newest this year. They are just industructable. But very expensive for the frugal at heart to part with the cash.

Black Paw carry-ons are awesome. Mine has lasted me over 600000 miles. My Big Tumi is also great and has lasted a similar amount.

I'm going to add my vote to teh Tumi line. I've got a few Tumi bags, they all routinely get the s**t kicked out of them, and they always keep going.

Only problem I've ever had with a tumi bag is a shoulder strap broke a few months ago. I actually bought a new bag because I didn't have time to deal with getting it fixed.

I'm going to add my vote to teh Tumi line. I've got a few Tumi bags, they all routinely get the s**t kicked out of them, and they always keep going.

Only problem I've ever had with a tumi bag is a shoulder strap broke a few months ago. I actually bought a new bag because I didn't have time to deal with getting it fixed.