Hi folks - after discovering that my old school 1990s air canada luggage (which is still in great shape) took up nearly HALF of my bag's weight allowance, I am in the market for some new luggage. I've seen a lot of sales lately (Best Buy, namely) but not a lot of reviews anywhere on the particular models that they are selling. I also know that MSRP is hella marked up, so they save $900 sales aren't really that great.
So, in a nutshell, I'm looking for recommendations on luggage. Hard sided or soft? Names and models? Thanks all!

Burton. Burton. Burton. expensive yes but for full size luggage, they use skateboard wheels which tow easier, don't fall off and generally just last and last. They have cram technology so you can fit more in and still zip it and they come in lots of colours. can buy online or in snowboarding stores and the like. I'd gone through 2 expensive suitcases before I got my one. it's traveled through numerous countries and still wheels great (the others had their wheels fall off. great fun half way through a huge train station!!)

Burton makes really good luggage. Pricey but lifetime warranty and mine have skateboard wheels. They last so well.

Skateboard wheels are key. Those thinner ones alllll other brands seem to use are so crap. Like I will be towing a small hand luggage suitcase in one hand and my full-size Burton crammed to the brim in my other and my Burton feels lighter to pull than the 10kg hand luggage. sadly I bought a Burton handluggage bag and it has crap skinny wheels but it won't be towed quite as much as my big one

i bought my set in 2007 and they are in perfect condition still. Been to Europe, Africa, UK and USA and no issues at all. The burton set was worth the price for sure.

Great news! Been eyeing up burton bags online, anything burton is usually top cheese!

also

I love my North Face luggage. I was looking for something really really light but durable and it has done the job. I've used it back and forth between Canada and North Africa many times and it's still in great shape.

Briggs &Riley-lifetime warranty; amazing construction.

Agreed. Anything on it breaks, they fix it no charge. I used to go through a suitcase at least once a year until I got my B&R. 50 flights a year.

Now you know why your luggage lasted so long. Eddie Bauer for the great design and warranty. Mountain Equipment Co-op has some good luggage too if you have access to MEC.

https://www.raden.com
RADEN.COM
Raden

I love mine. You can charge your phone on it, it has a scale built in to the handle and will read to the app, and you can tell when it's in range to your phone so you can anticipate when it's coming down the belt if you check it.

Holy shnikes! I love the built-in tech!

$595USD for the set...that's hard to justify, I only fly a few times per year. Still...

If it means anything it was one of Oprah's favourite things this year. That's a pretty good name to have for a review.

Yeah, it's not cheap. I fly 3-4 times a month so it was justifiable for me.

If it had the same accessible outside pocket on the carry-on, I'd probably be less hesitant. That's what I would miss the most going from softside to hardside.

Fair enough! The hard case is essential for a frequent flyer. But your not so find something that works and is reasonably priced. I just love the gadgets and durability (so far) of this one. Haha.

I know! The toys are making it really hard to say no!

Costco, d

Costco had Samsonite hard ones, they're awesome

Costco samsonite , awesome, lifetime warranty, just take back to Costco and they replace, had broken wheel, they gave us a new set after 2 years

Thanks everyone for your advice! I thought that I'd had it down to the Delsey Helium Aero 2 - I REALLY like the accessible pocket on the carry-on, which is rare for a hardside. And really great reviews all around. Plus it's available at Costco, which is a de facto lifetime warranty.
The only problem is the 29" hardside just puts it 0.5" beyond the 62" linear luggage dimension allowance for most airlines, when you include the spinner wheels. A great majority of people said that they've logged thousands of flight hours and were never harrassed. I wonder if it's worth the risk?
https://www.costco.ca/Delsey%c2%ae-Helium-Aero-2-pc...
COSTCO.CA
Costco Wholesale

I would be cautious about size. we flew from MTL to YVR in December with air canada and they made us put our handluggage in the sizer without force. my hand luggage fits within the dimensions for nearly all airlines. it's actually tiny but I'd crammed it full so it wouldn't quite fit and they made me check it. I was furious.

Yes, I know that they'll make you test hand luggage, because they have the device at the gate. The carry-on is well within even the most strict dimensions. I just wonder how it would go down at check-in?

Don't get the biggest size of anything even ultra light weight, get the 2nd biggest we are always overweight with ours so usually only fill to 50lbs and then it is half empty so stuff shifts around really easily. We got the second biggest size (in a light weight Delsey) and have no problem filling it to the max weight of 50lb almost always within a pound or so though so not as big of a deal to remove one or two dense items strategically placed so easy to get to if needed. It has built in weight measure, but has never worked right usually reads over weight about 35ish pounds. Also the two delsey suitcases we have both got broken zippers on one of the smaller front pockets after the first or second use. Haven't attempted to warranty them, but kind of annoying.

I'd never heard of Raden or Burton, before. I'll have to look into them!

Costco, The Bay or Best Buy.ca sometimes you can get lucky at a Winners
Brands - Samsonite or Delsey

We have Delsey Ultralite and absolutely love it. We have the 19", 25", and 29". We got it from the Bay when they have their "75% off" deals.

You ever get any grief at the airport with the 29'?

Nope - never. Been on likely 30-40 flights at least (all over Canada, USA, South America and Europe) and have never had an issue.

Thank you. That was the major consensus of the amazon and other reviews that I've read. I may just roll the dice and do it.

I think as airlines start to cut back on service (charging for checked luggage, no food service etc) that dimensions may start to come into play...

Take westjet for example. They don't list a maximum height, they list "62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height)", so it's the overall size, not just one side.

Yes, most airlines have a size restriction of 62" linear. When factoring in the spinner wheels, it's 62.5".

We LOVE our Delsey luggage.

Costco

I LOVE my Delsey cases.

Briggs and Riley. Lifetime warranty. Available at the travel store on West 4th.

Very heavy and never on sale at that store.
As noted below luggage often deeply disc- check out the Bay

I got mine at a deep discount there - light (depends on the series) and have had it fixed for free multiple times (one piece was run over by taxi). I will have these for life.

Check out aliexpress or alibaba . Don't waste your money on luggage brand names.

We have used this one from MEC, for multiple trips (camping in Alaska, cruise, trip to New Zealand and were impressed with how it has done.https://www.mec.ca/.../5030-440/Fast-Track-3-Rolling-Duffle
MEC.CA
MEC Fast-Track 3 Rolling Duffle - Unisex

Worth going thru the MEC suite of luggage. It's versatile, durable, smart. I have 3 in my retinue now.

Happy with my new Wenger 4-way roller, bought 70% off at Sears. Luggage is always deeply discounted somewhere. Also important: do you want one big space, two equal halves? Do you want some outer pockets for quick access to things like a light jacket or a rain shell?

I'd like outer pockets for travel documents, headphones, snacks, etc.

http://mightygirl.com/.../a-case-for-the-cheapie-carry.../
MIGHTYGIRL.COM
A Case for the Cheapie Carry On Bag - Mighty Girl

Look for the weight of the luggage bags, it is almost always shown when buying online or on the attached tags in store. Do not get the set - it is now only one bag at max that is incl. free of charge and the sizes have decreased for both carry on and checked in - find out the size you need. Do not buy the hard shell - they break. Take the picture of the bag with the luggage tag attached before it went down the transporter in case it is lost or damaged. If you are a member at Costco, buy their set and return id it does not survive after the first trip. Outer pocket is good to put the note with your name address at the destination with the "till"date and back home in case it is lost.

Check out RICK STEEVES website for luggage. We have 3 of his backpack/carry on suitcases. They have been all over Europe, the US, and Canada and they still look brand new. Very good quality and very light weight.

I actually have a brand new set of Heys soft sided for sale. I was going to list them. If interested, PM ME and I will send you a pic and info. I bought them for my Mom and sadly she is not traveling anymore.

Thanks! If I was in Vancouver and not Victoria, I'd definitely take a look.

The Bay regularly (almost every other week) puts luggage on sale with every brand on sale at some point. I like soft sided as it can be expandable and as people have mentioned on some sites the clamshell type suitcase requires a larger space to open all the way.

Interesting, I never thought about how they open. Thanks!

Yes, and in late November they put it on 50-70% off. They have the largest luggage selection in the city.

Costco

sometimes you can get a really good deal at Winner. Saw a brand name carry on bag there for $79 when it was $300 elsewhere, used it on a 4 month trip and it was perfect and in good condition on return. Just research and become aware of the features you want/need.

My wife did that but at Marshall's. Good idea!

We got some relatively high end TravelPro at The Bay - they always have sales. We've used them on 8 trips so far and no damage at all. Soft sides, 4 wheels, combination lock built in, dark red with a pattern - easy to spot.

Go to ebags.com
EBAGS.COM
eBags - Shop Luggage, Backpacks & Everything Travel - eBags.com

Have softside air canada 2 carry ons plus a 28" If you travel overseas, especially Australia/New Zealand, the airlines are very strict and if you have to check at airport due to size/weight issues you will pay twice as much as prepaying when booking tickets

MEC for quality and function!

No one's recommended Rimowa! I love mine because it's light-weight, has very smooth wheels, looks great, and comes in a variety of sizes and finishes.

Great quality but a premium brand at high price

Macy's Delsy light and reliable
One piece have for 5 year travel 5-6 time in a year

Only one person has suggested Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) which in my opinion is by far the best if for only one reason. If anything screws up on it, bring it back, even a year later. They will give you a new one. And here's the kicker NOTHING will screw up. These are great bags. Ignore other suggestions and get the one from MEC.

I'll have a look, thanks. I have made use of their generous return policy, so I agree. That's also the main reason why I'm considering Costco, too.

MEC all the way! Our family of four has been to Europe three times with our MEC soft sided roller bags that convert to backpacks using hidden straps. Unless you're going somewhere really sketchy in which case still shop at MEC but look at Pacsafe bags

Swiss army @ Walmart. I think it weighes around 4. Soft sided and under $70.00 for 28". Rolls like a dream

I bought the hard shell Samsonite set at Costco, and the small under seat carry-on that they usually have as well (Cisco I think the brand is). They have traveled well in the year to two years I've had them. Costco also has/had a Roots hard shell set that I considered buying gas well, but went with the Samsonites

Go hardshell for strength, the bay has sales all the time on luggage

I've heard that the hard-shells have issues with the locks getting jammed due to the weight of the other suitcase. As well there appears to be no flexibility when cramming stuff in the suitcase . Have you noticed this?

Not the good brands, check consumer reports at your library, great reference for purchases

*

Nothing lasts no matter the price. Airlines are rough!

Agree! I have had terrible luck with really expensive bags. It always happens at the worst times too

You will be delighted by the ones with the new wheels that roll in all directions. So light and easy to roll. The Bay, when they have their great sales is recommended!

I agree

Costco!

I agree The Bay is the best for luggage, watch for their sales because they are well worth it. I have luggage from The Bay that still looks brand new after many, many, travels! I didn't go cheap though... got 60% one of their higher priced Heys sets.

Louis Vuitton makes great luggage and a matching set always looks nice

Heys luggage is great! Super durable and light. You can buy good pieces from the Bay

Winners for luggage! All the way. Great prices and reputable brands.

Heys are lightweight but I find they break easily. Briggs and Riley are relatively expensive but are durable, warrantied, well designed and are available in lightweight models.

Winners and 4 wheelers. I go for size and weight rather than hard or soft shell.

*

Eagle Creek makes awesome bags. I have one at the moment called a Lync 26. Lightweight wheeled backpack. Fully detachable from the external frame which all fits in a bag for compact storage. Compression straps inside to secure your gear. backpackstraps fully zip away out of sight.Best bag I have ever had. and it has been treated none too gently on third world buses and thru airports.Been dragged down multiple unpaved roads, yet the wheels continue to roll smoothly -no obvious damage and minimal wear. Awesome lifetime guarantee. Recommend you check out their site

I agree Eagle Creek are great. Lifetime warranty too.

I love my IT soft shell carry-ons! I purchased them in the UK but have seen them online too. I paid 30 pounds ($60?) each for them. So roomy and zippered compartments on the outside. They are very lightweight and easy to pull. The zippers are strong and after 4 longhaul trips plus many roadtrips, they are still in excellent condition. I'd like to buy the check-in size too.

Love my IT. Bought it at Winners in wvan, park Royal. Think I paid $70. It's very lightweight and durable. Best I've had!

I like hybrid luggage that is a combination of soft & hard. Heys luggage is good quality and often available with interest-free payments on theshoppingchannel.com
THESHOPPINGCHANNEL.COM
Shop Jewellery, Beauty, Fashions, Home at The Shopping Channel - Online Shopping for Canadians

Costco is great for luggage and prices are fabulous

Alain Desaulniers

As others have said, the Bay is a superb place to look- they have sales pretty often for good quality suitcases

winners

I'd go for cloth b/c far more expandable (& hard cases can crack). Also: a lot of the bag's weight comes from the cloth material inside too- choose something that has enough compartments, but not too much excessive material?

I got a second hand combination bag..Wheels and backpack with lots of compartments and zippers...$8

I actually got a 28" hard case from London Drugs on sale for 100.00

Travelpro is great ..Briggs and Riley is the best and warrentied for life but not cheap.

Heys is good and so is air canada brand.....both economical in price too

Winners is great

Depending on where you are going, you might want to buy the new luggage overseas. In parts of Asia, it is just as good and can be less than half the price of the Bay sale luggage.

I just got my spinner Heys at Costco, and I love them! Plus, you can't beat the price. https://www.costco.ca/Heys-World-Map-3-pc.-Hardside...
COSTCO.CA
Costco Wholesale

I saw those, too! You'd always be able to pick them out of the baggage carousel. I'd consider them, if the carry-on had an exterior pocket.

Vittorio, I do sometimes miss the outside pocket, but I just put whatever I'd put there in my oversized purse
And yes, I always know it's my luggage, lol!

Kat Shwydky Maybe I've been going about this all wrong. Perhaps I should consider a man-purse, as well!
!=

Vittorio Cheli LOL! Whatever makes traveling better

What a great thread - thanks to everyone who's chimed in! I think that I'm going to pull the trigger on the Delsey® Helium Aero 2-pc. Hardside Luggage Set from Costco. I'll roll the dice on the size and if I get nailed, I'll have learned my lesson and will return them to Costco. I hope that this thread has helped others, too!
https://www.costco.ca/Delsey%c2%ae-Helium-Aero-2-pc...
COSTCO.CA
Costco Wholesale

Thanks for this Vittorio Cheli! I just picked up new luggage for my husband and I. I bought this awesome Samsonite Carry On from Amazon. It's exactly what I was looking for. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00F9KE912/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8https://www.amazon.ca/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201515800=1
Also picked up a 24 inch Delsey bag for me and a 24 inch Swiss Gear for my husband. That's all we're taking for a month to Vietnam. Laundry is very cheap to do. I don't want to worry about different restrictions with the smaller charters we're taking. I'm determined to pack light!!
AMAZON.CA
Samsonite Luggage Ladies Travel Large Wheeled Underseater, One Size, Black

Whatever you get, err on the side of caution when it comes to overweight luggage charges...go for two mid size(26")rather than a large and a small. I can usually jam up my midsizes, and never have gone over 50lbs YET!! (My larger one, on the other hand, got donated after a $75 upcharge for overweight by 3 lbs.....)

A luggage scale is THE best investment ever! $25 ish for a good one and you'll never be overweight again lol. My daughter packs hers to 49.5 lbs and laughed as the airport guy weighed and re-weighed haha

I LOVE my Samsonite, and when there are sales I paid $120 for the big hard sided light weight roller. love it and so worth the price. i have bought cheaper luggage and i get what i pay for

Costco is great. They often have great deals.

Depends on whether or not you want to travel with checked bags or carry-on only. Indestructible and made in the US are Tom Bihn and Red Oxx. I have a Tom Bihn Aeronaut - a soft sided 45 litre carry-on, would travel with nothing else.

Don't invest in expensive luggage. There's no care in baggage handling anymore. Purchase some cheap Heys from Winners. They're light and will last a good amount of time.

I love my hard shell Hays!!

Costco !!! Without a doubt. Great prices, lightest weights anywhere perfect sizes and great return policy. 4 spinning wheels so easy to travel
With- travel- go for the smaller sizes and travel
Light!!!

The Bay . Great sales .

Wanted to thank whomever mentioned the Burton roller bag luggage. I travel very very frequently and have gone through a TON of worthless luggage. From $100-$500 a piece. None have lasted that long, especially the ones with the 4 wheels. I've especially had issues with hard side bags as well. BUT, I love love love my new Burton Exodus!!! I can tell the quality is there and that the wheels will never, ever fail me. So thanks so much for the suggestion, worth every penny of the $250 ticket price and even folds up almost completely flat for storage

Update.... do not buy Burton bags (see post above). Sooo disappointed. While the wheels are great, the material is absolutely terrible. After just a one way flight to Japan last month, I ended up with a massive 5 inch rip in the material. Would not recommend. So unfortunate that the handles and the wheels on this bag are excellent, and the material is cheap. The exact opposite that I have experienced with any other bag!!! Ugh.

Ouch!

I would recommend the Eagle Creek Lync 26. After 35 years of both domestic and international travel on various modes of transport, from local Mexican and Central American chicken buses to Indian trains to African dhows and overland trucks, with a variety of different luggage types, this bag gets a Gold Star. Superlightweight, fully detaches from the framing for storage in its own bag and super simple to reattach. Heavy duty large wheels,tough fabric , sturdy zippers. Converts from a roller bag to a packpack with hidden straps, good interior features to secure items from shifting. Mine has been on 6 trips and has not disappointed. Amazing what you can get in it. Worth the $ 279 price tag for sure. And covered with a “ NO MATTER WHAT” warranty. Kudos to this bag- #1 in my opinion.
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