Luggage recommendations

Tumi

whatever is cheap and looks halfway decent from walmart

I use a carry on backpack I found on Amazon for short trips, and a large samsonite for long trips. I can travel minimalist so usually just take the carry on. Also if it’s a hiking trip I have my big hiking pack

I have not found one brand that trumps functionality. For me, I’ve been using the Samsonite Detour 29” rolling split duffel and this thing is outstanding. Packed to the gills and never approaches 50lbs, the bottom compartment is great for things I don’t want wrinkles, light, ten year warranty and holds up well to TSA abuse.

LINK

I actually got out of spinners and especially with my carry on just went to a standard, soft side carry on with rear wheels and a sleeve on the lid for my laptop.

eBags brand. I've had one wheel fall off of my big arse "2 weeks in Tokyo" (29") bag, and they tried to ship me an entire new bag. I insisted I didn't need a new bag, just the wheel assembly, which they promptly sent. I'd had that bag for six years before United finished off the wheel (aided by me dragging that SOB up and down stairs all over the world.) I've now had that bag for over ten years, and still use it, although not as frequently post COVID.

Because their bags are inexpensive (in comparison), you don't end up with analysis paralysis like you will with $500 Tumi bags, etc. I've bought a couple of Motherlode carry-ons (21", currently $160) for the kids' stuff, the ex-wife, etc. Not a *single* broken zipper on anything I've bought from them since 2006, for example. Airline did rip some Cordura once, but that's not eBags' fault.

Every opening of consequence has proper locking accommodations, there are multiple grab handles in places you need them, but don't expect them, and almost all of the ones I have use hi-vis orange interior liners which I greatly appreciate.

I don't do spinners, I'm not that lazy, so I can't speak to any of that. I switch my carryon to a $40 ALICE enabled backpack/rucksack for airline travel. Still use the eBags for checked luggage and trips to Dallas, etc.

I was gifted my first Tumi bag about 10 years ago. I never purchased due to price point. I told myself I’d give it a chance until it failed.

I still have the same Tumi carryon along with 4-5 other bags. None have failed. And I’d consider myself as an avid traveler.

To be fair, I’ve never checked a Tumi bag. I can only advise on their durability when I have control.