kirkland = pathfinder
 

First off I do not know if this has been covered before in on FT, however I thought it might be interesting to some people.

The issue of quality luggage often comes up on FT and one frequent suggestion for a bag with a good mix of quality and value is the kikrland brand of luggage that is available at Costco. I personaly own two pieces of kirkland luggage and have found the pieces to be of very high quality. I have traveled all around the world with my 22" suiter, rolled it over cobble-stone streets, dragged it up and down stairs fully loaded by the telescoping handle, and have generaly treated it like crap due to the knowledge it costs only 90 bucks and I could probably return it to Costco if something did break. It has held up very well and it looks pretty much new after 100,000+ miles and 1.5 years of heavy use. I was always curious who made the bag, and I think I found out today.

I was at a store and I came across the Pathfinder Revolution LT 22" expandable trolley. The bag was nearly identical to my kirkland brand. It seems obvious that Pathfinder or the chinese company that produces it also makes the kirkland line. So if you're looking for a a great bag at a great price, I think the kirkland line is worth a look. The price diff. between the kikrland line and the pathfinder bag further cements the value if the line.

Here's the Pathfinder Revolution line. Quite a premium over Costco.

They probably sell more as the Kirkland brand.

The possible Costco equivalents are here.

I sat next to a Costco executive on a LHR-ORD flight very recently. She told me they were strongly considering making changes to their return policy for luggage - something similar to the policy they have in place for computers, so churn them while you can ;)

BTW, thank you for posting the name of the brand that makes Kirkland luggage. I keep losing the bag tethers to piggy back other bags and am literally down to my last one (We probably own a good 10-12 Costco rollaboards, suitcases and rolling briefcases). Costco does not know how I can order spare tethers so I am now going to call Pathfinder for assistance.

I don't worry about them changing the policy. I have gotten more use out of my kirkland carry-on then I ever expected and there is little sign that it is slwoing down. At the time of purchase I was deciding between the kirkland bag and a tumi for five times the price. If a tumi can be reasonably expected to provide 7 years of service, I've already gotten the value out of my bag.

The only reason I would change would probably be the new Briggs & Riley line that they are going to introduce soon. If those bags do the trick, i migth upgrade for the peace of mind of the industry's best warranty.