Post: #26

If looking for space, roll your clothes.

Post: #27

Ali,

You should prioritize your investment in the order that you'll be actively using them which will most likely be

1. Laptop bag
2. Carry on
3. Checked luggage

Checked cases - These will get banged up. Hard. The second they leave your hand at the airport they are going to get used as a tap-dancing podium and doorstop by the material handlers. No matter what status you carry with Airlines and if you wrap them in that protective cellophane at every airport. Putting money on high quality luggage of this type is thus a waste. Rather the primary function of your checked luggage bag is to protect what is inside. A soft shell case which are very popular these days are not going to do that, they will bend and flex when they are dropped three stories down on the tarmac where some dude who hates his job drags it onto a luggage wagon.

This is why you need a a hardside case. Any will do basically, you're just going to replace them once they get banged up. The only difference between your no-name hardside case bought at Walmart and a Samsonite is that the latter might take another 2-3 heavy hits before it needs to be replaced and don't be surprised if you've payed 6x as much for the Samsonite. I think of these cases as with motorcycle helmets. Designed to take one major hit on itself and collapse just as long as it protects the content. So with checked cases, just get a "burner" from whatever places (CostCo, Best Buy, K-Mart etc) has them on special for $39.99 at the moment.

Carry On - This is where it's valuable to start investing.You will definitely want a spinner (ie 4 wheels) as these makes the logistics far more bearable. I can't think of a single reason why you'd want a 2-wheel config or a shoulder bag (unless you're flying to a lot of dirt airstrips in Africa). The second decision is if you want it maxed out in size (to fit regulations) or at half-size. To me the only real advantages of the half-size is that they don't need to be checked at gate like some full-size ones. You will probably want a soft shell carry on as these have a lot of exterior pockets so you can easily grab your tablet, Mp3 player, book or whatever without having to get the whole bag open or even down form the overhead compartment.

I like Eagle Creek's http://shop.eaglecreek.com/lightweight-carryons/l/111
If you have special needs the B-lite Rolling tote might be an alternate http://theluggageprofessionals.com.au/sa...-tote.html

Also, check this one out. I'm seriously considering one should my Tumi have a disastrous mishap. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0rV5JZYDoc

Laptop bag - This one is the one that leaves the most open for personal expression. Because you're likely carrying the laptop with you wherever it needs to be comfortable but if your needs are any like mine (work environment) it should also be stylish and project class. You can go anywhere here really as it has so much to do with individual needs.

A couple of inspirational examples (I could go with anyone of these).
http://www.walkonwater.se/laptopvaska.html#/bags/51
http://store-us.hugoboss.com/boss/buxton...D001_Black
http://www.mobileedge.com/scanfast-check...ase-2.html

Post: #28

(04-14-2012 08:51 AM)Vicious Wrote:  It all depends on your travel pattern. For a frequent flyer like me a Tumi alpha is invaluable.


The measurements are maxed out, there's tons of pockets, they'll engrave your initials on it and give you a really good lifetime warranty.

It'll set you back a cool $600 but if you travel a lot it's money well-spent.

+1000. Tumi is top notch, I'm an absolute fan since maybe 15 years now. Admittedly not cheap, but really top in design, engineering, quality, ect. I have a new large Alpha duffel plus a carry-on (still Alpha) for the side-trips or the weekends.

http://uk.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?pro...c=paramNav

Post: #29

Quote:This is why you need a a hardside case. Any will do basically, you're just going to replace them once they get banged up.

Exactly. Until I bought an aluminum Rimowa I actually cared about my checked bags getting banged up. Now I could care a less. This luggage looks better with age. And the 10 year anything goes warranty is amazing. At 9 years 10 months roll in to the shop and have everything replaced.



Tumi is solid carry on no doubt. The design is heads above pretty much everything out there.

Post: #30

Reason for edit: Too much of a ballin post.

Post: #31

(05-19-2013 05:07 AM)Laner Wrote:  Exactly. Until I bought an aluminum Rimowa I actually cared about my checked bags getting banged up. Now I could care a less. This luggage looks better with age. And the 10 year anything goes warranty is amazing. At 9 years 10 months roll in to the shop and have everything replaced.



Tumi is solid carry on no doubt. The design is heads above pretty much everything out there.

While I personally like Rimova (more than Samsonite) they are in the same price range as Tumi which is why I didn't include them in the recommendation to Ali.

Post: #32

(05-19-2013 08:03 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

(05-19-2013 05:07 AM)Laner Wrote:  Exactly. Until I bought an aluminum Rimowa I actually cared about my checked bags getting banged up. Now I could care a less. This luggage looks better with age. And the 10 year anything goes warranty is amazing. At 9 years 10 months roll in to the shop and have everything replaced.



Tumi is solid carry on no doubt. The design is heads above pretty much everything out there.

While I personally like Rimova (more than Samsonite) they are in the same price range as Tumi which is why I didn't include them in the recommendation to Ali.

My Rimowa was €500. I have easily spent more than that on mid range luggage over the years. Luggage I never "loved". As you said yourself:

Quote:This is why you need a a hardside case. Any will do basically, you're just going to replace them once they get banged up. The only difference between your no-name hardside case bought at Walmart and a Samsonite is that the latter might take another 2-3 heavy hits before it needs to be replaced and don't be surprised if you've payed 6x as much for the Samsonite.

€150 for a bag that lasts 3-5 years, less even for heavy travelers, and even less for those who travel through USA and Heathrow. It might feel like a lot to pay up front, but when I factored in the life of the product and the 10 year full warranty, it is cheaper to buy an aluminum case. If it gets heavy damage the airline will pay for it, but also these aluminum cases carry a certain pride of ownership where the owner would get the hardware replaced (for free) and just use a wooden mallet and sandbag and bang out the dents.

Carry on = Tumi.
Checked = Rimova
Laptop Bag = ? Still trying to figure this one out myself. I used a Piquadro for a number of years.



Now I am using a Jack Spade.


The laptop bag is the hardest one to get right in my opinion. As Vicious mentioned, it gets the most wear and protects a $1000 to $2000 of electronics.

Post: #33

What do you guys think about this:

http://www.modernmanbags.com/dubai-2-men...briefcase/


   


I want something slimline to carry an ultra book and tablet. Chargers can go in the roller carry on. On regional flights space under the seats is limited. Plus when you have padding or extra room, I tend to pack more, making it too big. Something this size should fit anywhere and limit what I can put in it.

Post: #34

(05-19-2013 03:41 PM)Laner
While I personally like Rimova (more than Samsonite) they are in the same price range as Tumi which is why I didn't include them in the recommendation to Ali.
[/quote' Wrote:  My Rimowa was €500. I have easily spent more than that on mid range luggage over the years. Luggage I never "loved". As you said yourself:

Quote:This is why you need a a hardside case. Any will do basically, you're just going to replace them once they get banged up. The only difference between your no-name hardside case bought at Walmart and a Samsonite is that the latter might take another 2-3 heavy hits before it needs to be replaced and don't be surprised if you've payed 6x as much for the Samsonite.

€150 for a bag that lasts 3-5 years, less even for heavy travelers, and even less for those who travel through USA and Heathrow. It might feel like a lot to pay up front, but when I factored in the life of the product and the 10 year full warranty, it is cheaper to buy an aluminum case. If it gets heavy damage the airline will pay for it, but also these aluminum cases carry a certain pride of ownership where the owner would get the hardware replaced (for free) and just use a wooden mallet and sandbag and bang out the dents.

Carry on = Tumi.
Checked = Rimova
Laptop Bag = ? Still trying to figure this one out myself. I used a Piquadro for a number of years.

You can get a lot of fair heavy travellers for $40 at the marts. Which is basically 10x what you'd get for a Tumi/Rimova so it depends on what you want to invest and Ali specifically asked for something cheaper.

Epic (a Swedish brand) makes a custom in Stainless steel. That one I'd like to get! But it's $$$$.

Post: #35

I just wanted something something cheaper to get started. If things go well, then I'll upgrade. You guys are throwing a lot of great ideas. Thanks and keep them coming.

Post: #36

I roll with a Revo 20" hardside roller, in ZEBRA. That's right. I've had it for 3 years or so now, and it's been my go-to. I wanted something, that if I had to check it, didn't look like every other suitcase on the luggage carol. From her on in, when I get a new suitcase, it will be in an crazy print or really bright color.

Post: #37

For my "secondary bag" I've been using a Filson Zippered Tote. It looks great, has a ton of room. No padding though...but its a great item. Its also within the dimensions for Spirit Airline's "Free" bag and probably maximizes your room. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it.



This is it, I got the same color.
http://filsonfan.com/2012/11/01/first-lo...e-bag-261/

Not a fan of rollers, but I'll probably pick up a Rimowa when I'm in Germany later this year, either an aluminum Topas classic or a polycarbonate..haven't decided for sure though. I have a black hand-carry rimowa boarding case, I always feel like some shady international transporter whenever I use it, its pretty badass looking. I can only imagine the feeling of having aluminum.

Post: #38

(05-19-2013 04:41 AM)Prosal Wrote:  

(04-14-2012 08:51 AM)Vicious Wrote:  It all depends on your travel pattern. For a frequent flyer like me a Tumi alpha is invaluable.


The measurements are maxed out, there's tons of pockets, they'll engrave your initials on it and give you a really good lifetime warranty.

It'll set you back a cool $600 but if you travel a lot it's money well-spent.

+1000. Tumi is top notch, I'm an absolute fan since maybe 15 years now. Admittedly not cheap, but really top in design, engineering, quality, ect. I have a new large Alpha duffel plus a carry-on (still Alpha) for the side-trips or the weekends.

http://uk.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?pro...c=paramNav

My friend got his Tumi jacked at the airport in NYC.

Lost 3 Armani Suits, and 2 or 3 pairs of Ferragamos among others.

Something to keep in mind with Tumi.

Post: #39

Just a PSA:

American Airlines, Delta and United have recently started instituting new size restrictions wheras the max width of a bag is now 14", while most roller bags are 15". Most of it now is probably at the gate agent and security's discretion, but I imagine at higher profile airports they will have "baggage patrol types" as outlined in this post.

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/1881...-on-rules/

Quote:Recently I had a very unpleasant surprise in the TSA line at New York's JFK airport. No, they did not do a touchy-feely pat down or confiscate something.

Just before actually getting to the TSA agent's podium, a red-jacketed person (who I believe was hired by American Airlines as a subcontractor but not an actual employee) insisted that I put my beloved Rimowa four-wheeled suitcase in a bag sizer. Keep in mind that I was flying in business class, and that I've taken this same 21-inch suitcase all around the world on almost every major airline and quite a few not-so-major ones.

To make a long story short, it was rejected as "too big." What I didn't realize, because it's never become an issue, is that American (as well as Delta and United) have fairly new carry on bag limits, including a 14-inch maximum width, and my Rimowa is 15 inches wide, as are many carry ons. Even though it's an inch shorter than the 22-inch length limit, and an inch shorter than the official 9-inch depth limit, back to check in I went. And the line was so long, I almost missed my flight. I was then told that this is a new "FAA regulation" but I doubt that's true, since some airlines still have more generous allowances.

One of my colleagues insists that this is a revenue ploy by the airlines: enforce the limits to the letter, and they'll get more checked bag fees (since I was flying in business class I didn't pay a fee, but others might not be so lucky).

And these size limits are fairly recent policies. In fact, United made the change on March 2, 2014. Their previous policy was that no dimension could be over 22 inches and the total overall dimensions no more than 45 inches. So these very specific measurements really change the game, and will be causing a lot of headaches -- and heartaches when people learn they will have to leave their very expensive (in some cases) favorite bags in the closet or sell them on eBay.

Post: #40

Seriously, fuck that! It basically makes millions of carry ons out there obsolete. United, American etc fully know this and dialing back 1" on width does shit all since most max size luggage goes into the bins sideways anyhow. I can only assume this is some money grab rather than something out of necessity,

Post: #41

I've really tried to break away from the "product worship" that prevails in modern American society. You know the whole "time to buy shampoo" and you spend 5 hours reading reviews to understand the different qualities you never even knew shampoos had, and you wind up buying something expensive you never knew you needed with special foaming crystals made from green biodegradable tea leaves grown by an Tibetan monk in the Himalayas.

So in that vein I would suggest you'd be fine walking into a TJ Maxx or Ross or Marshall's discount store and picking up one of the small black carry-ons and you'd be fine.

That said, I have this Tom Bihn Tristar and it really is outstanding. Being able to switch in 30 seconds from messenger style shoulder-bag to backpack is great, and it can double as a brief case too if you need it. If you're careful it's big enough for trips for several weeks to even a month if you do laundry every 4-5 days.

I travel around the former Soviet union so the standard airplane roller is no good, I need something I can fly with but also take on trains, buses, marshrutka taxis, etc. You can't use a roller for half the year and even in the summer many cities have shitty sidewalks. I recommend a shoulder bag. This is a great one-size fits all solution.



Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKoPshpWy0o

Made in the USA, blah blah

Ebags makes a cheap equivalent if you want something affordable:

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/etech...ble/242274

And for the love of god get black or gray. Black has never looked bad on a guy.

Post: #42

511tactical.com

I have the Rush 24 backpack and a rolling duffel. Both black.

Been using them for years and no complaints.

Post: #43

(05-18-2013 09:57 AM)Aliblahba Wrote:  

(04-14-2012 08:51 AM)Vicious Wrote:  It all depends on your travel pattern. For a frequent flyer like me a Tumi alpha is invaluable.


The measurements are maxed out, there's tons of pockets, they'll engrave your initials on it and give you a really good lifetime warranty.

It'll set you back a cool $600 but if you travel a lot it's money well-spent.

Do you have any suggestions for something cheaper? That price is a little out of my desired range. Looks like quality though. My travel style is changing, and I need absolute efficiency.

1 roller
1 slim laptop case
1 checked bag

I balk at threesome-style travel. I prefer a duo. And I also object to roller suitcases - these always strikes me as either pretentious women's travel or else elderly travel.

So long as this tall, athletic man can, I'll carry my own - please.

One more affordable solution is offered by the Osprey line of travel packs, breaking under $200

I'm persuaded to try the Farpoint pack - a 55 liter (about 3200cu inch) pack, that smartly doubles as a zip-off day pack (15liter - replete with straps and hip belt), and 40 liter travel pack.



It features a very light-weight frame to hold the thing together. It comes in a S/M and M/L sizes for better carrier fit. The pack has both top and side handles, to compliment the shoulder strap stow-aways.

Praise for the Farpoint is almost universal (SEE Amazon dot com customer reviews).

While larger than official carry-on size, most people report being able to use it as 'carry on' bag with most airlines (and if not, the smaller pack is perfect overnight-sized with laptop room, while its larger mate is checked). The Farpoint a favorite for developing world extended travelers, and just as suitable for city-to-city and back-country adventures.

Osprey also has smaller and larger packs - for day use, laptops, as well as heftier bags. Their Farpoint line (at 70 liters) looks to be largest, but lacks the dual bag feature.

Boulder, Colorado-based "Gearlab" gave it their "Editor's Choice" award for best travel pack. SEE Outdoor Gearlab's video review, here.

And SEE side-by-side travel pack comparisons from Gearlab.

Post: #44

I just did a 10 day trip with the Patagonia MLC Backpack in the US (NYC, Atlantic City and Vegas). Really versatile, I actually wished I one-bagged it instead of bringing my laptop bag with me (only had my ipad and some papers for work). It fits under the airline seat, which is great with the increasingly burgeoning overheads. It was great having that as my bag in New York with one bag, as a backpack, with all my clothes in it. I was able to go up and down the subway platforms, stairs, etc with no problems, so I took the subway trains to JFK for 8 bucks instead of spending 60 bucks for a taxi.



I would have packed way less if I had not gone to vegas, as I had to bring an extra pair of shoes and button ups for every night I was out there on the town (4x).