[ARCHIVED THREAD] - For the frequent flyer (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/15/2016 2:29:29 AM EDT
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Let's see those luggage, I'm thinking of getting a hard shell. My mission, find one hard shell that has at least a set of wheels, that are recessed, extendable handle to roll luggage, some what water proof, big enough to keep a weeks cloths (t-shirt, polo, jeans), socks, undies, and 2 set shoes.
Probably toiletries, shampoo, razor also. I only fly about 5 times a year, my current luggage is a duffle that's 8 years old, one of the wheels finally bit the dust. I don't like these new type luggage where the 4 tiny wheels looks as if they could snap off by TSA. I DON'T need a set of 3, just one large one. |
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Two weeks of clothes is a lot. I often travel for one week at a time with a regular sized soft rolling suitcase. Anything more than that sucks to drag around. Pack one or two detergent pods doubled up in zip lock bags along with several dollars worth of quarters, and plan on a laundry day. |
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Two weeks of clothes is a lot. I often travel for one week at a time with a regular sized soft rolling suitcase. Anything more than that sucks to drag around. Pack one or two detergent pods doubled up in zip lock bags along with several dollars worth of quarters, and plan on a laundry day. This |
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Why do you need a hard shell? The collar on your polos going to snap off? A hard shell limits your flexibility. It can also keep it off certain aircraft if it won't quire fit the sizer. Check the website of the airline you fly the most and buy a bag that fits their specs.
For 5 casual trips a year, you don't need anything too fancy. I use a Briggs & Riley, but I'm traveling a few times a month. It's held up very well for the past 4 years, with a mix of carry-on and checked usage. It blows your budget though..... And why do you need 3 pairs of shoes for a 1 week trip? A carry-on should be big enough for a week's travel if well planned and packed. |
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I flew 165,000 actual miles (not miles plus bonus air miles...) last year. I go through suitcases every two to three years unless something really bad happens to one.
Hard shell suitcases suck. They break. The wheels snap off because the cases are rigid. Throwers trash them. They get all scuffed up in one trip. They're all cheap made in China garbage. AVOID. No such thing as recessed wheels in a suitcase the size that your'e contemplating. Don't worry about waterproof. Even in a severe rain, luggage is only outside for a few minutes between the terminal and the aircraft. Get a Samsonite soft-side suitcase with four wheels. The material Samsonite is using right now are amazing. It does not snag or tear and doesn't get all crapped up like the Tumi suitcase I paid $700 for two years ago that looked shredded after 20 flights and the interior brittle plastic skeleton shattered. A Samsonite will cost $150-$250 and will last you a decade. I'll never forget standing at baggage claim at LaGuardia next to a guy that had one of those $1,500 titanium suitcases come down the revolver... smashed and dented on both sides. He had only used it that one time. Hard cases of any material suck. |
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Don't worry about waterproof. Even in a severe rain, luggage is only outside for a few minutes between the terminal and the aircraft. Ummmm no... If you ever missed a flight with a checked bag and the next flight was next day or purposely sheduled a flight were the connection was the next day then your bag may be sitting outside of the aircraft (or just outside on the ramp with no plane) until the bag is loaded the next morning. This is how it works on Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta! I don't know about the other stations though.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Ummmm no... If you ever missed a flight with a checked bag and the next flight was next day or purposely sheduled a flight were the connection was the next day then your bag may be sitting outside of the aircraft (or just outside on the ramp with no plane) until the bag is loaded the next morning. This is how it works on Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta! I don't know about the other stations though.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quoted:
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Don't worry about waterproof. Even in a severe rain, luggage is only outside for a few minutes between the terminal and the aircraft. Ummmm no... If you ever missed a flight with a checked bag and the next flight was next day or purposely sheduled a flight were the connection was the next day then your bag may be sitting outside of the aircraft (or just outside on the ramp with no plane) until the bag is loaded the next morning. This is how it works on Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta! I don't know about the other stations though.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Everything else he said was true! Stay away from hard cases, they break. If you expect weather or rain toss everything inside a trash bag and then place it all inside your suitcase. You should always carry two trash bags anyway for dirty clothes and weather. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Everything else he said was true! Stay away from hard cases, they break. Except for Pelican cases...never had one of those break. If you expect weather or rain toss everything inside a trash bag and then place it all inside your suitcase. You should always carry two trash bags anyway for dirty clothes and weather. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quoted:
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Don't worry about waterproof. Even in a severe rain, luggage is only outside for a few minutes between the terminal and the aircraft. Ummmm no... If you ever missed a flight with a checked bag and the next flight was next day or purposely sheduled a flight were the connection was the next day then your bag may be sitting outside of the aircraft (or just outside on the ramp with no plane) until the bag is loaded the next morning. This is how it works on Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta! I don't know about the other stations though.... Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Everything else he said was true! Stay away from hard cases, they break. Except for Pelican cases...never had one of those break. If you expect weather or rain toss everything inside a trash bag and then place it all inside your suitcase. You should always carry two trash bags anyway for dirty clothes and weather. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Two weeks of clothes is a lot. I often travel for one week at a time with a regular sized soft rolling suitcase. Anything more than that sucks to drag around. Pack one or two detergent pods doubled up in zip lock bags along with several dollars worth of quarters, and plan on a laundry day. I don't think I said two weeks, I said a week. |
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Why do you need a hard shell? The collar on your polos going to snap off? A hard shell limits your flexibility. It can also keep it off certain aircraft if it won't quire fit the sizer. Check the website of the airline you fly the most and buy a bag that fits their specs. For 5 casual trips a year, you don't need anything too fancy. I use a Briggs & Riley, but I'm traveling a few times a month. It's held up very well for the past 4 years, with a mix of carry-on and checked usage. It blows your budget though..... And why do you need 3 pairs of shoes for a 1 week trip? A carry-on should be big enough for a week's travel if well planned and packed. Because the duffle and canvas had ripped from tsa tossing then in the past. So kinda want to try hard shell. Plus don't want my undies to get smushed, jk. Two pair, dress & sneaks. |
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Tumi is absurdly overpriced. $500 for a roller laptop bag? C'mon.  Quoted:
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Tumi at Costco. Tumi is absurdly overpriced. $500 for a roller laptop bag? C'mon. at Costco, it wasn't $500. I wouldn't pay $500 for any luggage, but it's also not "absurdly" overpriced. Plenty of brands are. |
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I flew 165,000 actual miles (not miles plus bonus air miles...) last year. I go through suitcases every two to three years unless something really bad happens to one. Hard shell suitcases suck. They break. The wheels snap off because the cases are rigid. Throwers trash them. They get all scuffed up in one trip. They're all cheap made in China garbage. AVOID. No such thing as recessed wheels in a suitcase the size that your'e contemplating. Don't worry about waterproof. Even in a severe rain, luggage is only outside for a few minutes between the terminal and the aircraft. Get a Samsonite soft-side suitcase with four wheels. The material Samsonite is using right now are amazing. It does not snag or tear and doesn't get all crapped up like the Tumi suitcase I paid $700 for two years ago that looked shredded after 20 flights and the interior brittle plastic skeleton shattered. A Samsonite will cost $150-$250 and will last you a decade. I'll never forget standing at baggage claim at LaGuardia next to a guy that had one of those $1,500 titanium suitcases come down the revolver... smashed and dented on both sides. He had only used it that one time. Hard cases of any material suck. Do you have a specific model I should check out? $250 is do able. |
| I have this from Costco. Works fine. I fly about 75k miles per year. http://www.costco.com/Ricardo-Beverly-Hills-2-piece-Hardside-Spinner-Set.product.100234189.html |
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I have a High Sierra rolling duffel that I use for extended travel that has served me well for years. This is the updated version I believe. http://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Rolling-Upright-32-Inch/dp/B00COBKWS8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452880287&sr=8-1&keywords=high+sierra+at7 |
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I still have some older Samsonite hard side cases with a rubber seal all the way around them.
These were pretty rugged cases, but no matter how tough a case can be, TSA and baggage monkeys will eventually tear off a handle, break the lock, or break off a wheel. Luggage is a consumable to the frequent flyer. This is their modern version of it: " target="_blank">http://shop.samsonite.com/luggage/samsonite-flite-gt-31%22-spinner/40859XXXX.html?dwvar_40859XXXX_color=Black&cgidmaster=lugaz-lu161 
These cases were available in several sizes and were by far the most rugged case on the market: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/samsonite-200-series-oyster-29-cartwheel?a=234040 Monkeys destroyed two of them in my career, but I still have two that will probably last me the rest of my life at my current rate of travel. |
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I still have some older Samsonite hard side cases with a rubber seal all the way around them. These were pretty rugged cases, but no matter how tough a case can be, TSA and baggage monkeys will eventually tear off a handle, break the lock, or break off a wheel. Luggage is a consumable to the frequent flyer. This is their modern version of it: " target="_blank">http://shop.samsonite.com/luggage/samsonite-flite-gt-31%22-spinner/40859XXXX.html?dwvar_40859XXXX_color=Black&cgidmaster=lugaz-lu161
These cases were available in several sizes and were by far the most rugged case on the market: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/samsonite-200-series-oyster-29-cartwheel?a=234040 Monkeys destroyed two of them in my career, but I still have two that will probably last me the rest of my life at my current rate of travel. The Samsonite F'Lite GT shells are made of polypropylene, tough as hell. The ones they sell now are the spinner version. If you are worried about the wheels breaking off, you can still get the upright version on Amazon. p://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-FLite-GT-Upright-Red/dp/B0055327O4 
Samsonite F'Lite GT 31" Upright |
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The Samsonite F'Lite GT shells are made of polypropylene, tough as hell. The ones they sell now are the spinner version. The spinner set up is very nice. I fought the wife in buying them, but I gave in. The other ones we have used for over the last 10 years and were finally acting up. BTW, the airline monkeys broke a wheel on the return of the first trip. Samsonite sent the replacement wheel. |
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Two weeks of clothes is a lot. I often travel for one week at a time with a regular sized soft rolling suitcase. Anything more than that sucks to drag around. Pack one or two detergent pods doubled up in zip lock bags along with several dollars worth of quarters, and plan on a laundry day. This Forget that! Drop your laundry off at the front desk, or better yet, have maid service pick it up. It'll be washed, folded/hung, and back to your room by bedtime. |
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Because the duffle and canvas had ripped from tsa tossing then in the past. So kinda want to try hard shell. Plus don't want my undies to get smushed, jk. Two pair, dress & sneaks. Quoted:
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Why do you need a hard shell? The collar on your polos going to snap off? A hard shell limits your flexibility. It can also keep it off certain aircraft if it won't quire fit the sizer. Check the website of the airline you fly the most and buy a bag that fits their specs. For 5 casual trips a year, you don't need anything too fancy. I use a Briggs & Riley, but I'm traveling a few times a month. It's held up very well for the past 4 years, with a mix of carry-on and checked usage. It blows your budget though..... And why do you need 3 pairs of shoes for a 1 week trip? A carry-on should be big enough for a week's travel if well planned and packed. Because the duffle and canvas had ripped from tsa tossing then in the past. So kinda want to try hard shell. Plus don't want my undies to get smushed, jk. Two pair, dress & sneaks. But you'll be wearing one pair as you travel, so you only need enough room for one extra pair. I said 3 pairs, assuming you would have 2 pairs in the pack, and the pair on your feet. Also sounds like you check your bag more often than not? Otherwise, the baggage handlers wouldn't be tossing it around. |
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Came here to post this. |
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I travel for work and use to take a roll on. Got tired of standing in the jet bridge wainting for it. Been using a Kelty MAP 3500 and have not plane side checked in years. In blow right by everyone and on to my connection.
I can be out there for 4days with no problem. and I carry safety shoes and a laptop . Pack will fit in the smallest overhead on a regional jet like a RJ 200. Just got back from a 3 day trip to Wichita. I never have to play any games. quick and easy. Makes flying with noobs.... just tolerable. |
| I use my Mystery Ranch 3DAP as a carry on, longest Ive used it is for 3 weeks of house hunting leave when I came from overseas and didn't want to check anything. But damn those Pelican cases look bad ass. Ive been eyeing Red Oxx for some time now but my pack is so good I can't justify it. |
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Buy a cheap (larger-sized) carry-on, bring it to the gate as if you would carry it on the plane, then gate check it for free when the gate attendant goes on the intercom asking for volunteers to do so. Your bag will avoid the rough handling from the baggage guys and the intrusive searches from the TSA. Then get on the plane without having to deal with the fuck-tards who stuff two bags, a purse, and a jacket in the overhead and take up all the space.
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But you'll be wearing one pair as you travel, so you only need enough room for one extra pair. I said 3 pairs, assuming you would have 2 pairs in the pack, and the pair on your feet. Also sounds like you check your bag more often than not? Otherwise, the baggage handlers wouldn't be tossing it around. Quoted:
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Why do you need a hard shell? The collar on your polos going to snap off? A hard shell limits your flexibility. It can also keep it off certain aircraft if it won't quire fit the sizer. Check the website of the airline you fly the most and buy a bag that fits their specs. For 5 casual trips a year, you don't need anything too fancy. I use a Briggs & Riley, but I'm traveling a few times a month. It's held up very well for the past 4 years, with a mix of carry-on and checked usage. It blows your budget though..... And why do you need 3 pairs of shoes for a 1 week trip? A carry-on should be big enough for a week's travel if well planned and packed. Because the duffle and canvas had ripped from tsa tossing then in the past. So kinda want to try hard shell. Plus don't want my undies to get smushed, jk. Two pair, dress & sneaks. But you'll be wearing one pair as you travel, so you only need enough room for one extra pair. I said 3 pairs, assuming you would have 2 pairs in the pack, and the pair on your feet. Also sounds like you check your bag more often than not? Otherwise, the baggage handlers wouldn't be tossing it around. Gotcha, no, I'm a sneaker guy, and the work shoes are just loafers. I'd wear the sneakers at all time really. |
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals.
http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html 
Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. |
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. Becausehe's only carrying 2 days of clothes and isn't checking it. Heavy as all get out. I routinely appear at the southworst counter with a pair of 49 pound bags to check for free. |
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Becausehe's only carrying 2 days of clothes and isn't checking it. Heavy as all get out. I routinely appear at the southworst counter with a pair of 49 pound bags to check for free. Quoted:
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. Becausehe's only carrying 2 days of clothes and isn't checking it. Heavy as all get out. I routinely appear at the southworst counter with a pair of 49 pound bags to check for free. I just finished an 11 day Asia trip with mine. True, it's heavier than most. Tough and rugged = weight. But it's on wheels so it doesn't matter. And to put it's weight in context, we have petite little female pilots hauling them around too. Same for 70 y.o. grandma flight attendants. No real man should have an issue with its weight and I've never heard of another bag brand outlasting it. Eta: oh, and they fit in every overhead. Even on the CRJs. Don't check it. It's called a rollaboard for a reason. |
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. He gets to keep his luggage in the cabin, not tossed onto the rainy tarmac by union laborers. |
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. 15.8 lbs empty? Shit, my Kifaru EMR doesn't even weigh that much...... |
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15.8 lbs empty? Shit, my Kifaru EMR doesn't even weigh that much...... Quoted:
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. 15.8 lbs empty? Shit, my Kifaru EMR doesn't even weigh that much...... It's not for pussies. The thing is a steel frame with the toughest ballistic nylon cover you can imagine. Heavy zippers, solid stitching and rivets, and well thought out for travel needs. It's also designed to be maintainable. My last bag lasted 15 fucking years. And this isn't occasional flying. I had at least 4 million air miles on that bag. It's designed with one main purpose in mind. Durability. If this is a thread about durable luggage, then I can tell you all from experience that this one is the undisputed winner. |
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The Samsonite F'Lite GT shells are made of polypropylene, tough as hell. The ones they sell now are the spinner version. If you are worried about the wheels breaking off, you can still get the upright version on Amazon. p://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-FLite-GT-Upright-Red/dp/B0055327O4 http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod27/dw/image/v2/AAUE_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-product-catalog/default/dw116fb953/collections/_samsonite/flitegt/500x500/408591726bi01.jpg Samsonite F'Lite GT 31" Upright Quoted:
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I still have some older Samsonite hard side cases with a rubber seal all the way around them. These were pretty rugged cases, but no matter how tough a case can be, TSA and baggage monkeys will eventually tear off a handle, break the lock, or break off a wheel. Luggage is a consumable to the frequent flyer. This is their modern version of it: " target="_blank">http://shop.samsonite.com/luggage/samsonite-flite-gt-31%22-spinner/40859XXXX.html?dwvar_40859XXXX_color=Black&cgidmaster=lugaz-lu161
These cases were available in several sizes and were by far the most rugged case on the market: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/samsonite-200-series-oyster-29-cartwheel?a=234040 Monkeys destroyed two of them in my career, but I still have two that will probably last me the rest of my life at my current rate of travel. The Samsonite F'Lite GT shells are made of polypropylene, tough as hell. The ones they sell now are the spinner version. If you are worried about the wheels breaking off, you can still get the upright version on Amazon. p://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-FLite-GT-Upright-Red/dp/B0055327O4 http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod27/dw/image/v2/AAUE_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-product-catalog/default/dw116fb953/collections/_samsonite/flitegt/500x500/408591726bi01.jpg Samsonite F'Lite GT 31" Upright I use the spinner version of this exact case and it works wonderfully. It has held up nicely for 3 years now with no real issues. I had to tighten the wheels on the back once. I fly around 75K miles a year. The locks are holding up better than any of my old Samsonite cases. I have been using samsonite hardside cases for 18 years and I will use nothing else. |
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Ebags Don't get a hardside. And I agree 187% on avoiding the "spinner" wheels. Any reason you are thinking that water proof is a needed feature? Even a basic bag will keep contents dry in typical parking-lot to terminal usage, and you can always spray it with Camp Dry to help water bead up instead of soak in. |
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Ebags Don't get a hardside. And I agree 187% on avoiding the "spinner" wheels. Any reason you are thinking that water proof is a needed feature? Even a basic bag will keep contents dry in typical parking-lot to terminal usage, and you can always spray it with Camp Dry to help water bead up instead of soak in. This X2. |
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It's not for pussies. Quoted:
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. 15.8 lbs empty? Shit, my Kifaru EMR doesn't even weigh that much...... It's not for pussies.  . Yeah, that's why I mentioned the weight.....
The weight complaint has nothing to do with carrying it, but more about not exceeding 50lbs when it has to be checked. I have no doubt it is durable, but it seems the trade off is excessive empty weight. And I can see airlines enforcing carry-on weighing in the near future too..... |
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You're gonna have to trust me on this. You don't want a hardshelL. You also don't want one of those silly 4 wheel 360 swivel deals. There are specific reasons for this.
Look to Travel Pro. You want 2 roller blade wheels. A Solid, extendable handle. A hook on the back from which you hang another smaller bag. My bag has a zipper that opens, to extend the bag when needed. 
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. . Yeah, that's why I mentioned the weight.....
The weight complaint has nothing to do with carrying it, but more about not exceeding 50lbs when it has to be checked. I have no doubt it is durable, but it seems the trade off is excessive empty weight. And I can see airlines enforcing carry-on weighing in the near future too..... Quoted:
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There's only one choice for true travel professionals. http://www.luggageworks.com/stealth-26-bag.html http://www.luggageworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/104ng_front1500x1500-72dpi_1.jpg Look familiar? That's right... Every air line pilot you've seen is pulling one through the airport. 15.8 lbs empty? Shit, my Kifaru EMR doesn't even weigh that much...... It's not for pussies. . . Yeah, that's why I mentioned the weight.....
The weight complaint has nothing to do with carrying it, but more about not exceeding 50lbs when it has to be checked. I have no doubt it is durable, but it seems the trade off is excessive empty weight. And I can see airlines enforcing carry-on weighing in the near future too..... LoLs welcome to the 90's. Those are great, because they also double as a weapon. Mine has a million miles on it. they have mostly been replaced now, by the type that I posted. Lighter, and just as rugged. Yep, call me a Flt Attndt. 'Cause my bag don't have metal girders. Don't care. I gotta shlep the mf'er on busses these days. 
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