New Suitcase

[Rossmoyne]

So this is not about travelling but about what sort of suitcase to take on your travels.

 

My much loved and very much used soft case that has been around the world and Australia so many times, has finally reached it's used by date and I need to buy something new for my next trip in a few months. But what to buy!!!!???? I have spent ages on line looking at different suitcases, and today braved the crowds at Garden City Shopping Centre to see what was on offer. I am now totally confused and need some input on what people think about hard cases versus soft cases. Looked at heaps of both and can't make my mind up what to go for apart from knowing that it has to have 4 wheels as the one I am replacing has 2 wheels and is a pain in the wotsit to tow along with my arthritic shoulders, elbows and hands.

 

Lots of options for both soft and hard... soft have an expander section... hard don't. Do you really need that expander section and can you fit more into a hard case than a soft case? Hard cases all seem to have to equal halves whilst soft are one big area.... and what is this inbuilt locking system???? I have always used padlocks so are they now redundant?

 

I so need help on this... I don't buy cheapy suitcases, but just need some comments and views on what other people find works for them so I can make up my mind on what to buy....

 

Over to you PerthPommers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wild rose]

I have been looking at the ultra lightweight suitcases in the hope that I'd be able to fit more stuff in when we move over but I'm not sure that's really necessary for holidays or short trips. There are so many different features to consider! I do think I've ruled out hard ones this time just because of the weight. Also, the last hard case I bought had the corner smashed during our last trip abroad (the suitcases first journey!) which put me off.

[nikkiwd]

We have a selection of cases now, we brought over 9! we bought 2 very big Linea ones, one hard shell and one soft, they both have an expandable bit. The hard shell one has a second zip that undoes the hidden panel which is made from fabric. We found though that once full it was too heavy for the maximum weight allowed per case so had to take some stuff out therefore the expandable bit isn't needed. Both good but I would imagine the fabric one would wear quicker over time.

[portlaunay]

I have a bag fetish.

 

There, I said it, can we move on now?

 

I love buying bags and have quite a collection, from technical rucksacks and day packs to camera bags, laptop cases and man bags.

For travel my favourites are definitely Crumpler. I've been buying their stuff for years and although it can be expensive it never fails, ever. If it does it's covered by a lifetime guarantee and not one of those 'all talk' guarantee, Crumpler will actually honour theirs.

 

I recently bought their hard cabin case and it's great.

There's a store in the city and for me it's like bag porn;

http://www.crumpler.com/au/

[Arwen]

I'm an soft case fan and have a selection of sizes but mainly Antler with a couple of Samsonite.

[Rossmoyne]

Thanks so much everyone for your comments.... I will bear them all in mind when I venture into the city to see what is on offer there! Leaning towards a softie at this stage... Rossy.

[portlaunay]

I went to Crumpler again today and bought a laptop bag. I just can't help myself, I think I need therapy.