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SE Logistics - Carry-on / Bag Recommendations

MikeD_Anderson

Since we’ve got some new engineers in the community - and because my own trusty roller just gave up the ghost. What is your favorite travel bag and why?

Let’s assume carry-on size, but if you’ve got a favorite checked bag and or laptop bag give it a shout out too.

K? 3-2-1...GO!!

Accepted answers

All comments

Jeff_Perkinson

I like my TUMI but if I needed a new one I’d go to thewirecutter.com and look at their Luggage page and see their recommended carry-on.

Spoiler alert: It’s the Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 22″ Expandable Rollaboard Suiter.

nick_shelton

I prefer Samsonite for the durability. I've had a Samsonite suitcase for +10 years that has been all over the world with me and still works and looks flawless.

http://shop.samsonite.com/luggage/samsonite-bartlett-20%22-spinner/62251XXXX.html?dwvar_62251XXXX_color=Black&cgidmaster=lugaz-lu080#srule=Price+Low+to+High&sz=12&start=2

DonMcCormack

About a year ago, struck up a conversation with a pilot about carry-ons. He said that LuggageWorks's Delta Flight Station Stealth is popular. Pricey, but definitely the next one I'll get becuase of durability and layout. Here's a link to LuggageWorks.

Don

Chris_Kirchberg

I used Eagle Creek 22" bag for over 10 years until it died on me in Japan (wheel blew out). I got a new one there that definately cost more than buying something in the US, but I didnt want to be literally dragging my bag around everywhere.

Eagle Creek was good to me because I had my back fixed a few times. As long as I paid for shipping it to them, they would fix for free and send it back. Wasn't gonna work for me this time (plus you have to wait about 1 month for total turn around)

brady_brady

Executive Summary: Have 3 bags:

- one that is small enough you NEVER have to check it. It will last forever.

- one standard size, that you may have to curb-check, but that is tough and only costs $100

- one that you WILL have to check, but that is almost indestructible.

My overall favorite travel bag is no longer available; it is a mini-size roller made by Atlantic. The best bag is a bag you NEVER have to check, since it never gets abused, and will therefore last forever. Also, you won't ever be separated from it, if you hop off your original itinerary or make an uber-tight connection that leaves everybody else's bags in the dust. (Or that you'd have missed, had you had to hang around to retreive a curb-checked bag.) This bag fits under the seat of every plane I've been on so far, so I never stress as to whether overhead bin space will be available. (It fits in all but absolutely the smallest of those, too... and on the planes having those small bins, they occur only on one side... the other side holds the bag easily.) It fits enough for 2-3 nights, more if you forego an extra pair of shoes. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag. One thing when buying a bag like this is to forego compartments, just go for a single compartment with an outside pocket. Otherwise these bags would not be able to hold nearly as much.

EDIT: my bag is 17x14x8, so per Don's recommendation as to vendor, this might do the trick for an equivalent: http://www.luggageworks.com/aurora-17-expandable.html. I like a horizontal config (while this is vertical), but this is the same size.

For a week-long trip, a standard bag I like is Kirkland's (Costco) standard roll-aboard. It is tough and only costs $100. I have a Travelpro that has more bells & whistles, and cost 3X as much... loses the 80/20 all day long to the Costco bag in my opinion. Just looked at some reviews and apparently the new version of this Costco bag is incredibly lame. Much weeping and knashing of teeth as to the new vs. old bag. No longer recommend. Sorry.

For longer trips, or with more stuff, or when I KNOW I'm going to have to not just curb-check, but actually check a bag (i.e, carting beverages), I use a Pelican Air 1615 rolling case. It is lighter (and cheaper) than a full-on bombproof Pelican case, but is plenty tough. No frills... just a box. But it's freaking awesome. Baggage handlers are not going to be breaking this bag.

Daniel_Valente

I have used a RedOxx airboss for the past 6 years (the same one, I just looked back; I purchased it 12/4/2011). It looks the same as when I bought it. It never needs to be checked. I can fit a week's worth of clothes in it. If you bundle pack it, your clothes (including a full suit) arrives at your location wrinkle-free. It has no wheels to break. It is soft and conforms to fitting on the smallest regional jets as long as you don't over stuff it.

The one downside and biggest plus (for me that is) is that it has no wheels. That may be a dealbreaker for some. I find it is much easier to navigate carrying around a shoulder bag like this vs. wheeling a suitcase.

https://www.redoxx.com/Featured-Items/Air-Boss/91018/0/Product

They also have a mini version now that ought the be perfect for an overnight trip where you want to pack everything in a single bag and not have to deal with a seperate suitcase and latop bag.

https://www.redoxx.com/mini-boss/91016/product

Peter_Hersh

I will second Nick's vote for Samsonite. They come with a 10 warranty I have had a couple zippers replaced on my 8 year old bag other than that they have been pretty bomb proof.