Checked Baggage Advice for Overseas Trip

Ljtevans1991 on 18/07/2017 - 10:46
Last edited 18/07/2017 - 13:16 by 1 other user

Hi all,

I’m moving to London in December to work there for a year and as such I’m in the market for a new piece of luggage. I don’t really have much of an idea when it comes to luggage, so I’m hoping you’ll be able to help me on my search.

In my limited research, the main questions/queries I have are:

  • Hard case vs soft case – I’m leaning towards a hard case as I’ve read that they’re more durable and also may hold up better in rainy conditions, but I’m open to any suggestions.
  • What is a good budget luggage brand? I’ve had a brief look at Antler & American Tourister which look solid and fall within my price range.
  • Where to buy the luggage? I had a look on Bagworld which seemed to have a lot and plenty of options under $200.

I don’t necessarily have strict budget but would ideally like to spend under $200.

Although I will be based in London, I will be doing a little bit of travelling to other countries (weekends away, short holidays) so I’ll need something which is durable.

Thanks in advance everyone and I’m open to any feedback or suggestions.

Cheers,
JT

Travel

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 18/07/2017 - 10:54

    have you considered a backpack?

    Farpoint 40 or porter 46 are your best bets, especially since you will be travelling

    You dont want to be wheeling around Luggage around Europe

    • djkelly69 on 18/07/2017 - 11:10

      Really depends on what sort of travelling OP will be doing IMO. If backpacking/staying in hostels/on buses/trains, then a backpack is great. If mainly flying and staying in hotels, then a wheeled case will likely be easier to use, as all you really do is wheel it through the airport then wheel it through the hotel lobby.

      I did a 3 month RTW trip with a convertible wheeled backpack (flying, hotels, plus a contiki hotel tour in Europe, Oktoberfest, etc), and used it in backpack mode about twice. Normal wheeled case would have been much more useful.

      OP - Bagworld is fine, just check prices and warranty are good. I would probably go with a brand name hardcase (again, depending on what type of travel you will be doing). Just watch the weight with a hardcase as some (in particular cheaper brands) can be pretty heavy.

      Costco usually has a brand name 2 piece hardcase set for about $200, consisting of a large and medium size case. This could give you some good options for shorter or longer trips.

  • k-rokfm on 18/07/2017 - 12:14

    You also have to consider what security you would like as well? The main differences are zips are easily broken into, where clip cases are much harder to get into - and easily noticed if tampered with.

    Ive got a samsonite S'Cure 81cm which on sale (fairly frequently) can be found for around $360 or just a little bit less and rate it really highly. 10 year warranty as well.

    • jtevans1991 on 19/07/2017 - 11:59

      Thanks for the feedback. I didn't even really think about that, i've only ever used zips.

      I had a look at the Samsonite S'Cure bag which you mentioned and it looks good. Do you need to need to put in the combination for the lock every time you want to open the suitcase? And if so, does it get annoying?

      • k-rokfm on 19/07/2017 - 12:28

        No the lock is just like your normal combination lock, where you can scroll through the numbers. if you have it left on the correct numbers then you can just unclip if normally.

  • Caped Baldy on 18/07/2017 - 12:44

    I got a antler juno (hard) from bagworld who also have a sale on atm. Held up pretty well for a trip to Japan except for light scraps from buggage handlers. So maybe consider a wrap or cover if this will annoy you.

    Some advantages for soft over hard include more pockets, a bit lighter and more flexible when jamming items in.
    Do some research into the wheels durability (and warranty) as I've heard this is a problem for some brands.

    • jtevans1991 on 19/07/2017 - 13:21

      Thanks, i'll keep doing some more research, especially around the wheels and warranties.

      • Caped Baldy on 19/07/2017 - 15:49

        btw those TSA locks are a gimmick. A journo took pictures of them and people 3D printed them so they're not really secure.

  • boomramada on 18/07/2017 - 13:29

    Hard case vs soft case, usually a personal preference, I like soft case, easy to squeeze into tight spaces specially when you travelling in trains.
    More info https://www.google.com.au/search?q=hard+case+vs+soft+case
    What is a good budget luggage brand? Go with samsonite / American Tourister / Antler, get them at sale price (usually 40% + off RRP), although their 10 warranty is gimmick but quality is usually better.
    Where to buy, find a brand and size, compare on Bagworld / bags2go / myer / hs

    • jtevans1991 on 19/07/2017 - 13:28

      Yeah i thought i was settled on getting a hard case but then i saw my friend's soft case yesterday which has changed my mind again. The extra pockets and ability to squeeze more with a soft case is tempting. Thanks for the feedback anyways.

  • Peck on 19/07/2017 - 17:06

    For me Antler are fine. Light and can compress contents better with hard sided case.
    IMHO no cases are very secure, and all are breakable except for those heavy duty ones that cabin crew use.

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