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I'm trying to hang up the backpack now when I return to Europe since I usually just stay with a friend, so I'm in the market for a carry-on approved luggage.
What are some brands that, in your experience, are good for lasting a long time? I prefer not to have a hardcase, but if it's that much more durable I'm willing to consider it.
I have a Globe Trotter trolley case that has been around the world several times. I take that and my 20+ year old Courier Wear messenger bag with me whenever I travel.
I can't praise Travelpro enough. I have one of their rollaboard carry ons and it's still held up over five years now after been through ringer. I learned about the brand from a flight attendant friend of mine who swears by them.
Hartmann has different warranties for different bags, and their top-of-the-line one seems pretty good ("Absolute Assurance", replaces/repairs for everything other than cosmetic damage and theft.)
I hear really good things about Briggs & Riley from a quality POV and they have a terrific warranty. I dislike the way they look; I prefer a bag that looks a bit more unique than the 80 other bags in the overhead bins/on the baggage claim belt.
Tumi is also a good one, although I've heard people say their quality is a bit lower than it used to be.
Also, luggage from places like L.L. Bean - supposedly they also have a fantastic warranty.
I'm trying to hang up the backpack now when I return to Europe since I usually just stay with a friend, so I'm in the market for a carry-on approved luggage.
What are some brands that, in your experience, are good for lasting a long time? I prefer not to have a hardcase, but if it's that much more durable I'm willing to consider it.
Stick with the backpack. The backpack is your friend. I can squish my backpack into any size "does-it-fit" cage the airline cares to throw at me. And now I don't have to check baggage. I pack light -- unbelievably light. My last long-haul trip, my bag and clothes and camera weighed a grand total of 12 pounds.
When the plane lands, I grab my backpack, sprint off the plane with my wife (who has the same brand pack), and then we are first in line at customs. From the minute the plane arrives at the gate, it is usually less than 30 minutes to clear customs, get the [censored] out of the airport, and be on our way.
No rolling luggage, no "traditional" luggage. No luggage, ever. Backpacks. The kind you can remove the supports and squish, if necessary. And then fill it with super light-weight, easy-drying clothes. Light-weight shirts, pants, socks, underwear and travel toiletries -- all ready to go. My backpack is packed right now. I can add things as necessary and leave in five minutes flat. And that's how I like it. If the phone rings and someone suggests that we spend a week with them in Fiji, we're good to go.
I have been backpacking it for more than 30 years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Hartmann has different warranties for different bags, and their top-of-the-line one seems pretty good ("Absolute Assurance", replaces/repairs for everything other than cosmetic damage and theft.)
I'm having some quality issues with my Hartmann Intensity bags that I bought about 2 years ago. After 10 or 12 trips, the cloth is worn off on one corner of my large roller board. They are wonderfully functional bags, but I don't want to have to "baby" them.
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