Durable luggage recommendations

[denarii]

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for some large durable pieces of luggage (basically things that will be checked during airline transport). I'm looking at several multi-month trips during the next three years, so really cannot take the "carry-on" route that most of the previous threads are geared towards.

The two pieces that I'm currently evaluating are:
33" Globe-Trotter original
32" ZeroHalliburton case w/suiter

Yes, I already have a ZH attache, so am well aware of how easily the aluminum scuffs (even when pampered). And, frankly, this is one of the major downsides that I see. However, I'm not so sure that I trust a wood-framed case to withstand the love and affection showered upon it by airport personnel. So, does anyone have any experience with these two brands, and if so, would you be so kind as to share it?

 

[Tomasso]

I wouldn't recommend either, they'll both be ruined in short order.

 

[denarii]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

I wouldn't recommend either, they'll both be ruined in short order.

What would you recommend instead? Purchasing a much cheaper piece and replacing it every so often?

 

[lhooq]

I bought a Briggs & Riley piece (at full retail

) about a year ago because I needed a piece of quality luggage for a business trip. It came very highly recommended by lots of people I knew who had owned their stuff, and it's served me well. I think that they are well-known for durability and have some kind of free repair or replacement service. Check out this link:

http://www.briggs-riley.com/faqs.asp

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by denarii

What would you recommend instead?

 

[Mr. Pink]

If you don't care about the image, consider Costco's brand luggage. I have a 22" rollaboard that I've had for 5 years. I've used it on innumerable business trips and have also stuffed it with heavy dive and photographic gear. It hardly shows any wear. It's not Tumi. But it's one sixth the price.

 

[philosophe]

Another vote for Briggs & Riley. I bought on the advice of our own roadwarrior Globetrotter. Great stuff. Check ebay before you pay retail.

 

[DM.ru]

+1 for Briggs & Riley. Got this one http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/g...edwardrobe.asp last year at full retail price. I am very pleased with the quality and durability. I am a heavy traveller (at least twice a month travels overseas) no problems so far.

 

[pkincy]

I have very successfully used several sizes of the Kirkland (Costco) luggage for years and the good news is that it is so inexpensive you don't care if the airlines trash it.

I now am using Tumi T3 of varying sizes and my wife is using Hartmann.

But it is hard to beat the Kirkland for price/value.

Perry

 

[Man In Space]

I also have the Costco/Kirkland Brand luggage and have been very happy with it. Although I don't travel a lot, I think that it's going to last a long time. Can't beat the price. Also Costco has a virtual lifetime no questions asked return policy.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...t=2483&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=

 

[alflauren]

If durability is your main concern, I will echo the Briggs & Riley recommendation. However, if weight is also a concern, be careful about what you buy from them. I have one of their nice rolling garment bags, but I hardly ever use it because it weighs so much more than my Samsonite of similar size and shape.

 

[LabelKing]

As for the Globetrotter items, it seems they have a reputation of very durable cases.

 

[kolecho]

My 22" Swiss Army Victorinox has done some 250,000 miles and looks like new. I highly recommend this brand.

 

[hye]

My Tumi T3 luggage is great and will probably last another decade at least, but if I ever need to buy something else, I would consider this:

http://www.zerohalliburton.com/trave...r/ZR21L-CF.jsp

 

[gamelan]

another vote for Costco/Kirkland luggage. the carry-on i own was given to me as a gift in 2001. i probably use it ~30 days out of the year. the thing is a tank.

-Jeff