Luggage

[Edward]

I have just returned from a work trip oversea with yet another suitcase worn out. Alas it seems they just don't last these days. It's not the cases, I suspect, but rather the ill-treatment to which they are subjected by baggage handlers the world over. I've been lusting after the likes of Globe Trotter, or Rimowa's sturdy options, and I would still adore to have a Saddleback Leather case. Financially, alas, these remain out of reach. I suspect I may have to resign myself to something hideous again for hold baggage. For trips not involving air-travel, however, I'm leaning in favour of trying one of these:

http://www.manufactum.co.uk/suitcases-cardboard-wood-strips-black-p1410892/

Anyone have any experience? And on the broader matter of hold-baggage, anyone found anything affordable that isn't also hideous? I'm thinking of a Mossman trunk, but that might be overkill size-wise....

 

[Foxer55]

There are some really neat sets of old style luggage out there I would love to own. The tan leather or the olive ballistic nylon with tan leather grips and trim are my favorites. My concern is that if you are going to do some serious traveling, like abroad, that fancy luggage makes you a target for bad people so I recently got a very servicable set of American Tourister black ballistic nylon that just looks kind of ordinary. But its sturdy.

 

[Talbot]

Not vintage in style, but I have had good experience with a hard Carlton suitcase and ballistic carry bag.

Over 15 trips to the US and SE Asia in the last 10 years.

 

[HorseHide]

I travel a lot for business (150k-200k miles/year) and I've tried them all. I've come to the conclusion that you can either buy cheap luggage and expect to toss it when a handle breaks, when a wheel falls off, etc. or go high end. And by high end I mean Rimowa Topas (the original ribbed aluminum stuff). Everything in the middle will just disappoint (Tumi...) and many of the other high end options (Globe Trotter...) really aren't designed for travel today. First, you need to walk further (and most of us don't have the services of a valet) so wheels (in my estimation, 4 omni-directional) are essential. Next, it seems that as the planes get smaller and more seats are filled it is becoming more difficult to avoid checking bags and I wouldn't want to think what would happen to a fine piece of luggage in the hands of most baggage handlers (I know that my Rimowa bears some "interesting" scars). Last, theft - there are quite a few fine people working for the airlines but somehow nice bags (and their contents) continue to disappear.

I have never heard of (or seen) a Manufactum bag but I would be wary of cardboard, even if the East Germans made a car from it...

 

[memphislawyer]

I read a lot of nice stuff about Red Oxx. Some reviews I have read said to avoid wheels since you have escalators, walking conveyers, unevenness on asphalt, curb cuts, etc, and they take up extra space and room in case you do have to check luggage and exceed 50 lbs.

 

[kyboots]

I have to travel a lot with work and finally wised up to buy hard but common discount luggage. Some of it has lasted longer than my high end suitcases. The big issue is nobody notices it; which is important and if something happens it is easily replaced. BTW I do like wheels on my luggage, with a bad back I don't want to carry it. If it don't roll, it don't go!

 

[alsendk]

I have just returned from a work trip oversea with yet another suitcase worn out. Alas it seems they just don't last these days. It's not the cases, I suspect, but rather the ill-treatment to which they are subjected by baggage handlers the world over. I've been lusting after the likes of Globe Trotter, or Rimowa's sturdy options, and I would still adore to have a Saddleback Leather case. Financially, alas, these remain out of reach. I suspect I may have to resign myself to something hideous again for hold baggage. For trips not involving air-travel, however, I'm leaning in favour of trying one of these:

http://www.manufactum.co.uk/suitcases-cardboard-wood-strips-black-p1410892/

Anyone have any experience? And on the broader matter of hold-baggage, anyone found anything affordable that isn't also hideous? I'm thinking of a Mossman trunk, but that might be overkill size-wise....

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Edward I know very well how it feels like to find ones suitcase ripped and torn to bits and pieces at the baggage claim.
I decided in the end to buy a fairly expensive german Rimowa aluminium suitcase, and this one here have survived 4 trips to China, two trips to Poland, one to Portugal and finally two trips to Roma Italy, and it is still in one piece. You might be lucky to find a cheaper one on Ebay, and it is well worth the money if you decide to go for it. If so, do purchase a four wheeler. Nihao

 

[Tomasso]

I'm just now in the middle of switching over from Tumi to Rimowa. I've been thinking about it for a few years, ever since the four wheelers came out; definately the way to go. So I just sold off my last piece of Tumi and now it's time to choose the style/color from the Rimowa line. This could take a while....

 

[alsendk]

I believe you will be satisfied, if purchasing a Rimowa suitcase mr. Lyles, but can I draw your attention to the Polycarbonate Rimowa suitcases also ? my wife have one.
Travelling in out China airports for 5 years, it still looks new. They seem to be made very strong and more flexible, compared to my Alu case. Wife`s Rimowa case is in deep Purple, but they come in a variety of colours. I really like this black one - should I choose today. They even seem to be at a cheaper price, in accordance to the german Rimowa site.
Allan

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[Edward]

There are some really neat sets of old style luggage out there I would love to own. The tan leather or the olive ballistic nylon with tan leather grips and trim are my favorites. My concern is that if you are going to do some serious traveling, like abroad, that fancy luggage makes you a target for bad people so I recently got a very servicable set of American Tourister black ballistic nylon that just looks kind of ordinary. But its sturdy.

Yeah, most of my work travelling overseas these days is China and India, so I kinda unavoidably stick out over there..... (fat, bald white guy alert.... ). I know what you mean, though. I do feel like I'm tilting at windmills; it's just such a bugger to find anything I don't hate.

I travel a lot for business (150k-200k miles/year) and I've tried them all. I've come to the conclusion that you can either buy cheap luggage and expect to toss it when a handle breaks, when a wheel falls off, etc. or go high end. And by high end I mean Rimowa Topas (the original ribbed aluminum stuff). Everything in the middle will just disappoint (Tumi...) and many of the other high end options (Globe Trotter...) really aren't designed for travel today. First, you need to walk further (and most of us don't have the services of a valet) so wheels (in my estimation, 4 omni-directional) are essential. Next, it seems that as the planes get smaller and more seats are filled it is becoming more difficult to avoid checking bags and I wouldn't want to think what would happen to a fine piece of luggage in the hands of most baggage handlers (I know that my Rimowa bears some "interesting" scars). Last, theft - there are quite a few fine people working for the airlines but somehow nice bags (and their contents) continue to disappear.

I'm increasingly looking at the Rimowa aluminium cases as possible the way forward.... I just can't afford one for now. IN the ideal world, I'd have one of these, and a couple of the Saddleback Leather suitcases. Alas, funds... The Rimowa does look realistic one day, though. For now I'll likely end up having a new handle fitted to my old Samsonite. Handle fell off that on the way to Heathrow one day. Real bugger - a couple of hours later and I could have billed the airline for it.... (which would be only fair, as it was most likely to have been them I flew with last by my reckoning, and the damage caused by baggage handlers at the airport they used). Still liking the look of the Orvis Battenkill stuff, but again, out of my reach at present.

I have never heard of (or seen) a Manufactum bag but I would be wary of cardboard, even if the East Germans made a car from it...

If I get one of those, I certainly won't be putting it on a plane! To the best of my knowledge, it was a common approach back in the day, if not so much among those who could afford air travel, and thus were at the mercy of baggage handlers...

I have to travel a lot with work and finally wised up to buy hard but common discount luggage. Some of it has lasted longer than my high end suitcases. The big issue is nobody notices it; which is important and if something happens it is easily replaced. BTW I do like wheels on my luggage, with a bad back I don't want to carry it. If it don't roll, it don't go!

Oh, I agree. Got to have wheels. The likes of Globetrotter would be just fine if I was flying irst or business as standard, but it's just not realistic when the norm for me is flying steerage.

Edward I know very well how it feels like to find ones suitcase ripped and torn to bits and pieces at the baggage claim.
I decided in the end to buy a fairly expensive german Rimowa aluminium suitcase, and this one here have survived 4 trips to China, two trips to Poland, one to Portugal and finally two trips to Roma Italy, and it is still in one piece. You might be lucky to find a cheaper one on Ebay, and it is well worth the money if you decide to go for it. If so, do purchase a four wheeler. Nihao

Thanks, yes - I've started looking for a deal on those. Been wodnering what the difference is between their ABS and alu bits? THey look to be about the same price. Naturally I'd favour the alu, but...

I'm just now in the middle of switching over from Tumi to Rimowa. I've been thinking about it for a few years, ever since the four wheelers came out; definately the way to go. So I just sold off my last piece of Tumi and now it's time to choose the style/color from the Rimowa line. This could take a while....

Yes, I think Rimowa might be the future for me too, if I can find the cash over time.

 

[Foxer55]

Edward,

Yes, I think Rimowa might be the future for me too, if I can find the cash over time.

Dunno. I bought a set of expensive luggage about 30 years years ago and it lasted about as long as any others and fell apart. Conclusion: buy the cheap, value stuff, use it till it wears out and buy new stuff. Over a period of 10-20 years style and technology will change anyway and you'll want to change your old stuff for the shiny new stuff. Gives you a good excuse.

 

[alsendk]

Foxer55 I do understand your point of wiew, and if the only issue will be to carry your items from A to B, and take in the account possibly to have to pick up your belongings at the baggage claim runway, as I unfortunally had to do once, then I agree with you. But if you want a tank solid suitcase - with a history connected to it, then a Rimowa suitcase would be an option. I am in no way endorsed by this particular brand at all, but I have always liked the history, and the design of these suitcases, and I was willing to pay this extra for purchasing mine.

The history about the grooved shape originally came from watching the solid body and wings of a german Junkers 52 many years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm3O6Dz18Z4

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A Brief History Of Rimowa Luggage

You might know Rimowa luggage (pronounced ree-mo-vah) by its signature groove design, its sleek aluminum material. But Rimowa has a rich heritage of producing top quality luggage that you may not be aware of. It’s a tradition that began over one hundred years ago and the story is quite amazing.

Rimowa was founded in 1898 in Cologne. The first series of Rimowa luggage was actually manufactured using traditional wood. Still, the company and its founder Paul Morszeck insisted that the cases be lightweight, a value that continued into the 20th century and beyond.

With the advent of aviation technology in the 1930’s came new ideas and materials. The son of Rimowa’s founder, Richard, was fascinated by aircraft aluminum and in 1937, Rimowa marketed the first overseas trunk made of this new material. It was also at this time that the luggage got its signature groove design that is timelessly beautiful.

In 1950, Rimowa took their designs a step further and built their first suitcase made from structural aluminum. Now their cases were not only lightweight, but also sturdy. These combined qualities led their luggage to be a popular choice among flight crews and early airline passengers. Their reputation grew and soon Rimowa attracted the attention of photographers and reporters which lead to the company’s expansion into professional transport cases in 1976.

Today the company is headed by the third generation of Morszeck’s, Dieter, and continues to produce their signature aluminum luggage and cases. However, there is a new line of products in the Rimowa family. Since 2000, Rimowa has been producing high quality polycarbonate cases that still adhere to their philosophy of lightweight meets sturdy. In fact, their polycarbonate is so impact-resistant that dents practically pop back out all by themselves.

With great attention to detail, high quality materials, innovative design, and a constant focus on their core values, it’s no wonder Rimowa luggage continues to be highly sought after by celebrities and demanding travelers alike.

 

[Edward]

Edward,



Dunno. I bought a set of expensive luggage about 30 years years ago and it lasted about as long as any others and fell apart. Conclusion: buy the cheap, value stuff, use it till it wears out and buy new stuff. Over a period of 10-20 years style and technology will change anyway and you'll want to change your old stuff for the shiny new stuff. Gives you a good excuse.

I know where you're coming from - that's what I've been doing for the last decade or so. My problem is I don't want new and shiny, I want old-style and classy!

 

[tonypaj]

Carry on - Ghurka Express no 2. The rest, Orvis Battenkill. I have three of the older ones of those, they have lasted a good 15 years of traveling between different continents. Wear is there, now, soon I have to start thinking again. For non airplane travel I have a older, nicer model of this bag from Alexandre Mareuil:

http://www.alexandremareuil.com/pro...il&product_id=117&groups_id=34&category_id=18

 

[kyboots]

I think everyone will agree to disagree over this issue so I will continue to see nice stuff in the terminal, it just won't be mine. Even now luggage is being beaten and battererd worse than in the past. My Kohls discount luggage from 10 years ago is still together, was well made, looks good and if lost or torn I can replace it and not lose sleep. 25 years ago I sat on a plane in Madrid and watched my buddy's set of golf clubs go up a conveyor belt only to not stop at the top but drop 30 feet over. A trip to NYC through gasp! Atlanta sent me to New York and the bag to Europe. After Delta bought me clothes for the city I saw my bag three days later. Buy a good pair of engineers with the money.

 

[Tomasso]

can I draw your attention to the Polycarbonate Rimowa suitcases

Yeah, that's probably the smart play....yet I keep on leering at the Topas Titanium, against my better judgement.........

 

[HorseHide]

I think everyone will agree to disagree over this issue so I will continue to see nice stuff in the terminal, it just won't be mine. Even now luggage is being beaten and battererd worse than in the past. My Kohls discount luggage from 10 years ago is still together, was well made, looks good and if lost or torn I can replace it and not lose sleep. 25 years ago I sat on a plane in Madrid and watched my buddy's set of goff clubs go up a conveyor belt only to not stop at the top but drop 30 feet over. A trip to NYC through gasp! Atlanta sent me to New York and the bag to Europe. After Delta bought me clothes for the city I saw my bag three days later. Buy a good pair of engineers with the money.

No real disagreement from me - what I said (or what I intended to say) is go cheap and replace when it fails or go super-expensive and invest in some Rimowa Topas (and I don't think the polycarbonate stuff holds a candle to the aluminum cases, but that's just me). BTW, the Rimowa Topas Stealth (the black aluminum which is even more money) scratches easily and looks like crap as it starts to get beat up - I would avoid that stuff as well.

 

[Tomasso]

I think at some point one has to look at all the nicks, scratches and dents in the aluminum cases as a patina. If you can't do so then it's not for you. Kinda like the wrinkling associated with linen garments.

 

[esteban68]

A car boot find yesterday, a nice mechanically sound and pretty good cosmetically 'Revelation' lightweight pressed board and extending aluminium hinged case;

I love the chap walking trademark, unsure of date but I didn't notice until just now that there is a date on the Railway luggage label that says 18 Sept 19?
As it's British Railways it must be between 1948-62 but I guess the case is earlier?

 

[Eddie Derbyshire]

Great looking case Esteban! Very often you see old suitcases in terrible condition, and crazy prices. That one there is lovely! I've got one that I use for weekend trips, or for taking my accessories on longer holidays (we don't go abroad at all really). It's a real leather one that I creamed and polished and it looks great! Yours is nice with that double lock and still with the original logo on - I saw a similar Revelation in an antiques shop for about fifty quid, in no-where-near as good a condition as yours. Nice find

I think I can see a familiar cravat in one of those pictures...