I also have had a good experience with both Eagle Creek and Briggs and Riley and when I replace the 25" I plan on getting a B&R. This pack was an impulse buy - it has very wide shoulder strap/harness and a mid-chest "waist" strap so the weight distribution works for me in a way that ordinary packs don't. I have a pinched nerve and had altogether stopped using packs, even carrying much even in a tote bag, so this Tumi bag was a real find for me.

Sylvia

I am also very impressed with Briggs & Riley. Their unconditional guarantee is what sold me -- I haven't had a chance yet to test the guarantee since nothing has broken in a year of heavy usage. With the cheap stuff I previously used, I was lucky if something lasted for a few months. I have no experience with Tumi -- never owned any.

Briggs and Riley guarantee is great. I've had only a stuck zipper in four years. I took it to their authorized repair place a couple miles from my office and they fixed it while I waited.

I second that emotion!

Sounds like you guys need to get yourselves some travelpro bags. I've abused all of my bags and have never had a problem with them replacing the wheels, handles, zipper pulls,any of the plastic guards near the wheels or on the edging, or interior pieces. All of the items have been replaced at no charge as long as you bring them to or mail them to an authorized dealer.

Most flight attendants use the Travelpro and Baggalini bags and most pilots and some FA's use the Purdy Neat bags.http://www.stopoverstore.com/luggage.htm
http://www.luggageworksonline.com/

Pilots swear by their purdy neat bags. I don't like them because I don't like the metal frame.

I use Kirkland brand luggage purchased at Costco. 100's of 1,000's of miles and abuse and the thing still works like a charm. And for a pretty decent price too. I have found that Costco will take back anything, at any time, for almost any reason, no questions asked. Not as prestigous as Tumi or those other brands, but works pretty good as luggage.

I only use Samsonite and I only buy them at Costco or an outlet store: great prices and prefect service. My carry on + suitcase together cost me less than 200$ and are in perfect shape after several years of frequent use.

BTW there is a very nice Samsonite Outlet in the Woodbury Premium Outlet Center, less than an hour north of NYC, off I-87.

Latest development:

I took the bag to my dry cleaners who mended it so it looks fine, for $5. I have no idea how strong it is, whether other seams will fray, stuck a safety pin in to reinforce the mend.

Was planning to then try to sell certificate or give a gift to family.

Just now a phone call from supervisor, offering, instead, same bag, an irregular she found, I return original and gift certificate. My instinct is I'm better off with the devil I know. And I don't think there is any warranty on irregulars. OTOH, the irregular doesn't have THIS defect, reportedly looks fine, ...

Your vote?

Sylvia

I would keep the gift cert and the meded bag. Why give all that up for an irregular?

Anyhow I completely agree with the Costco comment. I bought a set of Ricardo of BH luggage at Costco before I moved to Europe for a year of living/travelling. Granted my bags were packed solid, but I had a small rip in the bag after a few uses. Costco took it back a year later, no receipt, no original packaging and gave me CASH BACK!!!

Hooray for Costco!

akap16isme: I would keep the gift cert and the meded bag. Why give all that up for an irregular?

Yes, that's what I'm thinking too. I think Warren made a mistake in not making the return of the original part of the deal (that's what the very first offer was from the first person I spoke to) and that Supervisor Carol wants the bag back. And is trying to take advantage of me, change the deal already made.

I'm traveling next week, if the bag holds up, I'll keep it and the certificate (which has not yet arrived).

I'm very glad you are all here to discuss this with.

Sylvia