Unpacking the Truth: $100 vs $1,000 Luggage

The Luggage market is weird, with option-overload, and a ton of marketing fluff, so in this video, I share the most important details to pay attention when you are choosing which luggage to buy.

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TIMELINE + LINKS
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Some of the links below are affiliate links. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

0:00 Intro

0:10 Decision 1
🧠👆MY THOUGHTS: This piece feels like it’s the perfect blend of aluminum components while retaining a primarily lightweight polycarbonate shell. I feel like the performance and aesthetic are as good as Rimowa at less than half the price. That said, if you want as lightweight as possible, go for a 100% polycarbonate shell. Generally speaking though, for most people shoving clothes and gifts in their check-in luggage - weight is typically not a huge concern.

0:35 Your TYPES of Travel

0:53 Decision 2
🧠👆MY THOUGHTS: AmazonBasics are actually generally all great products at even better prices. Aside from the more-than-I-like wobble of the telescoping handle, I think this is a fantastic piece for many people but with less-than-ideal wheels (no ball bearings), if you’ll be traversing a lot of cobblestone or uneven walkways, you may want to move up to a piece by Monos, Aer, or TravelPro.

1:38 Truth About Wheels
🧠👆MY THOUGHTS: This piece by Aer surprised me in a good way. I thought that the super user-friendly wheel-lock would add a TON of weight, but at 8.3 lbs (3.8 kg) it STILL rivals many of the absolute lightest options including the Essential Lite by Rimowa (yes, it’s heavier, but not by much at all). The fit and finish, including the Cordura interior components, and other premiums, including Hinomoto Miraclent wheels really make this a fantastic piece.

🧠👆MY THOUGHTS: I bought this white carry-on back in 2018 and it has never disappointed. TWhen I bought it, it shipped with Hinimoto Wheels, while today, as I shared in the video, Monos makes their own wheels in-house. I RECOMMEND you look through Reddit, because some people have complained about this change, but like I said in the video, I have not felt any difference in real-life use. AS AN ADDED BONUS: this is one of THE LIGHTEST hard-shelled carry-ons I’ve found and at the price, it’s actually on the lower-end of high-quality polycarbonate spinners.

🧠👆MY THOUGHTS: My thoughts are basically same as the Carry-On (directly above), except, of course, with the add on of the exterior accessible pocket with built-in organization zipper pockets and sleeves. The real consideration is with weight, since with the added exterior-pocket, this is 0.8 lbs heavier than the Carry-On without the pocket (but still lighter than many polycarbonate hard-shell carry-ons on the market).

2:43 IMPORTANT NOTE

2:58 Decision 3
🧠👆MY THOUGHTS: This particular line of TravelPro spinners is one of the most popular models from Cabin Crew around the world, so if flight attendants trust it for their much-more-frequent-flights-than-you, we know we can trust its durability. TravelPro has some confusing warranties because they have a tiered system. IF you go with TravelPro, please research WHICH WARRANTY the model you’re looking at offers.

3:58 MVP for Travel

5:02 Your Packing Habits

5:25 Decision 4

6:12 Decision 5

7:51 Decision 6
To me, with luxury name-brand luggage, given that brands like Monos and Aer create comparable pieces in terms of weight, durability, and functionality, a HUGE portion of the price of very expensive luggage is that we are “PRE-paying” for their great less-questions-asked warranties.

9:21 WEIRDLY Emotional

#Travel #Luggage #TravelTips

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DISCLAIMERS:
✅ A portion of this video is sponsored by TomToc, meaning, they paid me to feature their “Aviator T33 Sling” between the 4m03s mark and the 5m03s mark.

✅ Some of the links above have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[kwong]

It’s crazy to think that after watching so many travel guides. Maurice is the first person on I’ve seen on YT acknowledge that luggage choice depends on dependents and mobility! Thanks Maurice

[michaelgray]

Maurice: Good stuff as usual. As a 3 million+ mile flyer, I can tell you that any and all brands of luggage break at some point. After years of trial and error (cheap and very expensive), I have standardized on Briggs & Reilly (small, medium, large, rolling suit bag). You are correct, when something goes wrong, they fix it with no charge and no qualifications. Luggage is truly a "get what you pay for" proposition. Good luck on your efforts, keep up the good work.

[FlipSparrow]

Just discovered your channel. Love love LOVE how you stray away from making blanket “this is the best” statements, and clearly identify the fact that everyone’s “best” depends 100% on them as an individual. 🖤

[ShinbiBelldandy]

I used to travel with luggage, but then when I found your channel, I decided to try a backpack only approach. Omg, the freedom was unmatched!! I got off the train, walked & did everything I needed to do before going to the hotel. I remember when we used to go to the hotel to drop everything off & then had to go back to where we started. That was way easier.

If I do bring luggage again, it’s definitely going to be carryon size & lightweight. Investing in good bags saves money in the long run. And because I live in hurricane prone areas, we use them for storage & go bags during the season.

[Khanh.Nguyen]

One part I look for is a brick and mortar store. Rimowa is expensive but they have world wide stores with in house repair. So even while traveling if something breaks you can simply bring it into the local shop.

[jdmj]

I've been on a crazy review spree for some new luggage for the past couple days. This is the first video (and channel for that matter) that has brought forth the actual decision making process in this manner. Thank you sir. You've actually made my decision much easier (due to ease of clarity via answering your key questions).

[EveretBaxtor]

kislux bags are beautiful and I have never been disappointed with a handbag. The leather is soft and the hardware is durable. The design never goes out of style.

[dr.d]

Great video! I am a Rimowa fan. About 15 years ago, I bought 3 pieces - a rolling briefcase, a carry on and a check thru - Salsa Deluxe version. I am a consultant, and travel several long haul flights, many short haul flights and countless driving miles. My luggage must be durable and the Rimowa luggage has exceeded my expectations. I recently purchased another carry-on for my husband. Your point about wheels is important. Even as a business traveler, I have had to take my luggage across broken up parking lots, gravel walkways, etc. And another factor regarding weight is that there are times when you have to carry your luggage up stairs or across surfaces where the bag can not be rolled. Now, when I have to go to small towns with small motels requiring me to haul my bags upstairs, I just take a duffel bag and my computer backpack.

[hubbiemid]

the way you organize your videos around a decision tree to get to the right recommendation works so well for me. thank you man. I'm rocking the monos rn

[Aliveife]

I came for the luggage guide and i ended subscribing simply because i love how he breaks down info and makes listening very enjoyable.

[mjtaber]

We went Briggs and Riley a few years ago (8 yrs) got the whole family. We fly long haul about 7-10 times a year plus about 15 short haul. They have been amazing. And recently my wheels gave out. One email to them to request new wheels and they arrived in 3 days. No questions. And the luggage still feels like new.

[bruckssarah]

It’s crazy how much info you fit so seamlessly and efficiently in your videos!

[CabeGiuseppe]

This is my first time watching your video and I loved it. I don't purchase luxury bags and I probably never will, or if I do, it will be pre-loved. But I do buy kislux occasionally of the styles that I really like. I truly appreciate your comparisons here, which have helped me make a decision about a couple for which I was on the fence. I'll be pulling the trigger now. Thanks for this and your humor.

[BlakeAStoffel]

Lots of comments about Briggs and Riley. As an airline pilot I can tell you they’ve stood up well and once consideration that could be added to wheels is how easy they are to replace. I’ve had bags where it almost broke the frame getting the wheel off and I’ve found B&R to be very good in this case.

[ianyu]

Maurice Moves has truly transformed my approach to productivity. The channel's insights have been invaluable, and this video about suitcases and luggage was no exception. It provided practical tips that made packing and organizing so much easier, enhancing my travel experience. I'm deeply grateful for the guidance and wisdom shared, which have significantly impacted my efficiency and well-being. Thank you, Maurice Moves, for being a crucial part of my productivity journey

[Belgarathe]

Agree going with one bag backpack is incredibly liberating and very doable. Easy to get off the plane and catch the connecting flight. Be ahead of the crowds as everyone queues for the escalators. Only weakness horrible if it lots of long standing or waiting lines or if your connecting gates is really really far away.

[TheJttv]

Most folks over spend on luggage. Much like buying a guitar doesnt make you a guitar player. Buying fancy luggage doesnt make you a frequent business traveler. A $60 piece of luggage will serve you just fine for a bi-annual biz trip.

[fecardona]

6:49 Sadly, Rimowa has discontinued the included pull anchor. That’s one of the older models (and more affordable back then), it has the older logo.

[t.h.]

In my experience of being a 20+ years loyal customer and 8 pieces of luggage for my family from Rimowa, they surprised me by refusing to honor the lifetime warranty the only time I asked for it. They told me because they changed their warranty to only 5 years, even though at the time ours came with lifetime warranty. So for the replacement I bought Briggs N Riley. There are plenty excellent luggage out there nowadays, don’t need Rimowa anymore.

[stoner_pinky]

Tend to agree with ditching behind the roller carry on for the solo frequent fliers. I use the Cotopaxi Alpa 35L with great success. Easy access laptop sleeve, opens in half like a traditional carry on, external zip for toiletries, etc.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve gotten away with not having to valet or gate side check this bag while flying tiny or full flights. Stow the hip belt and add a compression strap or two to take down the bulk. I’ve rarely even had a double take from gate agents.
This combined with a larger sling has been money for ease of travel by foot. Latest sling has been the REI 7L Ruckpack sling which is frequently on sale in the $30 range. It has its shortcomings but packs a punch for the price while being comfortable and feature packed.
There are few things more freeing in the airport than having two free hands haha.