I realized that I always talk about traveling and what great travel products to bring except for I forgot the most obvious thing of all, what carry-on do I recommend.
I've flown over 60k miles in under 9 months so I feel like I really live out of my suitcase. I never check my carry-on in but at the same time, my suitcase has def. been abused (cobblestones, tour buses, me sitting on it in the airport, etc.).
I'm a huge fan of Delsey (for their ultralight 24 inch plus 4 wheel spinner suitcase), Samsonite (for their 4 wheel spinner carry on's), Tumi (for their accessories, totes and misc items).
They don't sell my exact suitcase but here are a few examples of a few things I can't live without.
Why a Samsonsite boarding bag? On the back of the bag there is smart sleeve that allows you to slip this bag onto your carry-on. After you put your roller bag in the overhead compartment, this boarding bag fits EXACTLY underneath a seat, even an aisle seat (lengthwise). It just fits, perfectly even when stuffed to the brim yet it's small enough to be considered your personal item ie. purse. You can even put a laptop up to 15 inches in it with a padded sleeve of course. The best part is the exterior pocket where you can put your boarding pass, cell phone, enough cash for the airport or anything you need handy until you board. Best of all, when you reach your destination, the hard bottom folds so the bag can slip neatly in a drawer, under the bed or wherever space is limited. Amazing!!!
Now onto checked in bags that are 24 inches or larger. I find with a 50 lb weight limit without status and 70 lb weight limit with status, I try to air on the side of caution. I used to like bags that could be expanded, but I realized that the way to go it polycarbonate. With polycarbonate you can save up to 10 lbs on just the luggage alone! Then with a 25 inch suitcase which is the smallest size of checked in luggage as 22 inches can still be a carry on luggage, you won't go over the 50 lb weight limit. My new favorite luggage is
Delsey Helium Karat 25 4 wheel spinner luggage.
And for you Asians who love covers, it even comes with a soft fabric case to protect your luggage when you check it in. Just make sure to use a luggage strap like the one from
American Tourister for $8.00 to secure your cloth case.
Now onto carry on's. I think this is your most important investment as this will serve as your main bag for traveling. I try to use mine for at least 10 years unless there is a new development in travel technology like when 4 wheel spinners came out to replace 2 wheeled suitcases.
There are a few things you should consider when getting your wheeled carry on:
1. Do you need an outside pocket?
If you do, that will eliminate polycarbonate ones. If you do and go durable with ballistic nylon, it will add significant weight. I like having the outside pocket in the event I'm on a quick trip and don't bring a boarding bag.
2. Do you want two or four wheels?
Most people prefer four wheels but it adds height and reduces the amount of packable space within your suitcase. If you go two wheeled, it is generally cheaper as there are much more options for 2 wheeled suitcases out on the market. I prefer 4 wheeled as it is easy for me to handle esp. when traveling alone.
3. Do you want two compartments or one?
I prefer two compartments versus one large compartment so I can organize my clothes, accessories, shoes and makeup bag easier. This also depends on how you pack. I prefer not to have a black hole where my stuff can get lost. Another reason why two compartments (where the bag unzips at the 1/3 or 1/2 mark) is that if you need to re-open suitcase after it has been packed it's easier to re-pack and close.
4. How often do you travel?
This is important because buying a rolling carry-on is an investment. You can buy something for $50 all the way up to $800. If you don't travel frequently, it may not be a sound investment to invest in something extra durable or lightweight.
5. Where do you travel to the most?
In Asia and some European countries, they actually weigh your carry on and limit it to 20 lbs or you will be forced to check in your carry on EVEN IF it will fit overhead. Therefore, if a lot of your travels are in Asia and Europe, it would be best to invest in a lightweight carry-on to avoid checking in.
That being said, I go mid-range for $300, not polycarbonate but still lightweight and 4 wheeled. In my opinion, Samsonite makes the best 4 wheeled carry-on suitcases on the market.
It is only 7 lbs empty, tricore polyester which is 30% lighter than ballastic nylon and is four wheeled. The only problem with this suitcase is that it is one compartment. The model I bought (6 years ago) was like this but 2 compartment.
As for Tumi items, my Mom prefers their boarding totes to Samsonite based on the fact that you can use it as a large tote (purse) upon arrival of your destination. I don't like it because even though it's more stylish, it def. cost a lot more. That being said, I did buy her 2 boarding totes from the Vista line as presents she can rotate for her travels.
Lastly, if you are going the two wheeled carry-on route, I highly recommend Tumi, my old suitcase from the Vista line, which I still use on short trips. It is 20 inches, two wheeled, extra light nylon, has an outside pocket and is still in near perfect condition after almost 10 years being on the road with me.
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