Find your PERFECT LUGGAGE! | Suitcase Buying Guide

I cover the most important features and things to look out for when buying a new piece of luggage.

Fav Luggage Picks*

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0:00 Intro
0:17 Are hard-shell or soft-shell better?
2:12 Are 4-wheels better than 2?
2:54 What size is best?
4:44 What is the most durable luggage?
6:50 Do you need a TSA lock?
7:12 Any other cool features to consider?
7:53 What do you do when your luggage is damaged?
8:27 What about lifetime warranties?

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📷 Matt 📷

[ryandersones]

I've handled a lot of luggage working as a valet in the past and I've found the luggage that I like the best. There are two suitcases that I rely on every year for travel to Europe from the States. The first one is the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler, the downside to this large rolling duffel is that it doesn't have a hard handle, but it never breaks, has a lifetime warranty, and it doesn't weigh anything! This means you can load it completely full and never have to worry about going over the weight limits. For carry-on luggage, I love The North Face Rolling Thunder. It has two wheels, which can easily be replaced, but they are also recessed, which means that they don't break, and fit into the overhead bin better than 4 wheels that stick way out. Also, while working valet one thing I hated was the handles on luggage. They usually were never in the right place or didn't have very many or were only on one side. All of the ones I just mentioned have handles on all sides, and they are sturdy, top, bottom, and both sides! They both come with lifetime warranties!

[TechGamesAU]

Thanks for making a video that isn't just AI generated garbage. It's so hard to find genuine content on youtube now.

[Daveriotourguide]

Wow, your video is a game-changer! As an avid traveler, finding the perfect luggage is always a challenge, but your tips and recommendations have taken the guesswork out of it. Your attention to detail and genuine passion for travel gear really shine through. Thanks to you, I'm now equipped with the ultimate travel companion. Keep up the fantastic work, and I can't wait to see what other gems you have in store for us

[RobUKTH]

An 18” Soft sided underseater (for regional jets) and a 22” poly / abs for checking (max weight of 2kg each with two wheels) have both served me well over the years, for trips up to 4months. Two wheels seem better integrated giving you more room to pack 👍😎. Keep up the great work!

[jasona]

nadine is the OG veteran traveler/ backpacker from my generation haha.

always thoughtful genuine and high quality content!

[campagnollo]

When I fly with a combination of carry-on/checked, I take the carry-on as soft sided as it is more versatile and I'm not as worried about damage and for my checked it will be hard sided as the whole baggage handling process can be rough and not in your control.
As for putting on TSA locks on your checked bags, my answer is yes. Of course they're not the strongest locks in the world, but if you lock the bag properly by immobilizing the zippers, this will cause any potential thief to seek out easier and less time consuming bags, like unlocked bags, to get into. Only if you have a bag that screams luxury (Rimowa, Tumi etc) should you be worried about a thief being dead set on your bag.
For bags with a built-in power bank or connection, they're nice to have but I don't consider them to be a must have feature.
For shopping for luggage, make sure you put some money into it. A suitcase from Wally World might only survive the trip if you are lucky; seeing a split open luggage at the carousel is no fun.

[sarahmckenzie]

Woo hoo!! My question regarding the different carryon sizes between North America vs Europe made it! Thank you so much! 😊 I had no idea different airlines had different size requirements.

[don-dspid]

My personal preference is a soft case with high quality wheels. Ones with a good structure around the wheels to protect them from damage. Also, I gotta have those pockets on the outside. Plus they stretch for those not too particular packing types. AKA ME! 4 wheels definitely. Easier to move and if you've ever been traveling with a broken wheel, it's nice to have a few extras that will work. One wheel doesn't work, trust me. Especially in a country that loves to use cobble stones. Ah Assisi! I miss you. Great video Nadine.

[talkconversation]

I have been traveling all over for the place for 23 years and I can officially say that American Tourister had done wonders for me. Currently, my daughter has the Moonlight Carry-On and Checked in Bag, and it has been thru 4 countries with many transfers. It has a few little scratches but this bag has done wonders for her. Now for myself, I have learned that more bags isn't always great. I currently have the Samsonite Underseat with USB, and the Bartlett set. I hate all with a passion, it's a pain to walk them across certain surfaces and they don't balance well. The wheels are flimsy and I highly don't recommend these bags. However, I am getting all new luggage after getting these a year ago. I donated them to a homeless shelter. I mostly travel with my Swiss Gear bag, and I've decided to just a 21-inch spinner since I have internationally a lot. I am still researching brands and I'm not a fan of Tumi, Away or the July bags. Can anyone recommend a brand of packing cubes? I need two sets.

[TheDumbTake-xbrr]

I have an American Tourister's budget brand called Kamliant set - Cabin+Large+Large - hard shell. It have survived 12 journeys now 😮 Also survived the walkways at London Victoria (cheap trolley wheels would have given up there).

Very satisfied.

[Vevehvavo]

This was so detailed ! You even asked some questions I didn’t even think of ! Thank you

[cmartin_ok]

What you didn't appear to show with hard sided cases is the "solid" variety with a proper hinge and clips to hold it closed rather than zippers. When zippers are used, you have fabric between the halves of the case so they are not totally rigid, also thieves can just cut into the fabric and destroy the case in seconds. The fabric area around the zipper can also let rainwater in. Solid plastic presents a somewhat tougher challenge, also usually there is some form of overlap or seal making water ingress from rain much less likely. My preferred bags are a solid plastic case for checked baggage and a backpack as close to the cabin size limit as possible. This leaves me one hand free when walking, to open airport terminal doors etc

[nino]

Yes just on time 😍looking for new luggage

[WorldIsOurRunway]

You're killing it! Can't wait for more.

[steephaniieeeee]

you forgot about polypropelene hard luggage, its more flexible than polycarbonate but not as durable but better than ABS

[taylorthompson]

Great advice 👏🏻 I’ll try to remember that when I go out for another luggage or hearing my family speak of what type of luggage they want.

[eggheadegghead]

I shake my head when I fly commercial and see people check in the big aluminum suite cases. I am jus thinking that if you fly in private jets, that is totally ok. If you fly commercial, it would be better to not check in the aluminum suite cases.

[jasminefleming]

Briggs and Riley’s warranty isn’t as great as it seems. It says they repair all functional damage to any bag they make. But I messaged them about this, and they said they can actually evaluate the bag and determine it’s non-repairable. In that instance you get a credit.

Based on comments I saw on Reddit, the credit offered is less than half the cost of the bag.

I think the Monos and July lifetime warranties are better because they cover all functional damage and don’t have stipulations regarding airline/ third-party damage. They offer repairs or replacements if repairs aren’t possible.

[rsz]

Could you do a video on how to choose where to travel on a budget? Maybe just a whole budget video!

[fahimroy]

Hi your video was the most informative after i spent my saturday night watching suitcase videos
I’m interested in the briggs and riley sympatico large and the samsonite c-lite large. Which would you recommend from the 2?