Luggage choices.

[LabelKing]

I am interested in luggage, whether vintage or not--although it does have to be of high quality.

For my travel needs I have a vintage black Louis Vuitton Epi Keepall and a set of two Zero Halliburton alumnium cases. One is a rather scuffed rolling suitcase for checking in and the other is a sort of smaller traditional suitcase.

What type of luggage do you use?

 

[fumanpo]

I have a orange and brown Globetrotter case I procured in their London boutique several years ago. I find it's a real standout retro-style statement, as it is totally different from all the other Tumi-esque black fabric trolley bags on baggage claims nowadays. Random people on airport shuttles and buses and hotels have come up to me to ask about the suitcase. And because of its color and style, I find some security in it, as I can probably spot someone making off with it from the other side of the baggage claim.

I currently have a piece from their Original collection, but have been salivating over their Orient collection with the high-gloss Urushi lacquer finish...oh well, need to save up some money for it first.

 

[LabelKing]

Do you use it as a carry-on piece or checked in?

I had considered Globe-trotter because of their extreme retro-centrism, but I was unsure as to their overall durability.

The lacquered ones are beautiful, I agree. As to other people's luggage, it's all an hateful mass of black and bar-code stickers.

 

[Tomasso]

Years ago, I was silly enough to use a set of vintage Hartman belting leather luggage for airline travel. Beautiful stuff, bequeathed to me by an uncle who had used it exclusively for steamship travel. The airport caurosels made quick work of those pieces. I couldn't imaging subjecting Globetrotter luggage to that abuse.

 

[fumanpo]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Do you use it as a carry-on piece or checked in?

I had considered Globe-trotter because of their extreme retro-centrism, but I was unsure as to their overall durability.

The lacquered ones are beautiful, I agree. As to other people's luggage, it's all an hateful mass of black and bar-code stickers.


For domestic travel, I use it as a carry-on (and it's a lot more reasonable in size and thickness than some of the monstrosities people try to cram into overhead compartments nowadays). When I have traveled in Europe (where they have a really low 12-lb carry-on weight limit), I have checked it in, without any problems so far. With normal wear and tear, the corner covers have become scuffed a bit, but the sides are still largely unscathed. With more travels, I hope to start collecting stickers of my destinations and plastering it on the front, to give it more character.

I guess the one drawback with checking it in is that with the Original collection items, it's really easy to pop open the latches when it's unlocked (per TSA regulations), so maybe an unscrupulous luggage handler can get himself a little freebie. With their other collections, they feature a pair of wrap-around leather straps, which at least makes it a little more time-consuming to open the suitcase.

 

[Edward Appleby]

I have a godfather who lives in Cyprus, works frequently in Istanbul and London, and visits Vancouver several times a year, in addition to many other short trips. He uses Globetrotters and has for many years, and he says that he's only ever had to have the locks replaced.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

Years ago, I was silly enough to use a set of vintage Hartman belting leather luggage for airline travel. Beautiful stuff, bequeathed to me by an uncle who had used it exclusively for steamship travel. The airport caurosels made quick work of those pieces. I couldn't imaging subjecting Globetrotter luggage to that abuse.
I can't imagine using Hartmann's belting leather as check-in luggage even though the leather is rather durable on its own.

 

[drizzt3117]

I have a newer LV Taiga bag that I use as my go to carryon, and my check in luggage is the ubtiquous Tumi, which has been extremely durable for me.

 

[Pundit]

I have been using Hartmann belting leather cases for both international and domestic air travel for nearly 20 years and while the cases do does reflect it, I like the fact that it looks like we've been somewhere. I think this may be a common sentiment for folks drawn to leather cases and recognise what is inevitable. Still you'd be surprised at the number of "nice luggage" comments I get at baggage claim.

 

[LabelKing]

Another high-end luggage choice is Germany's Rimowa, which is like an alternative to Zero Halliburton: http://www.rimowa.com/index_int.asp?spr=Amerika

 

[Nataku]

Bric's also is pretty decent. It's what I use....works for me!

 

[pkincy]

I suppose making a statement with luggage on an airline is OK, but I just consider the downsides:

If that unscrupulous baggage attendant is looking for a mark, will it be your expensive glove leather luggage or my generic (Costco and Tumi in 20 or 22 carryon sizes like everyone elso) ballistic nylon or even my wifes cloth Hartman 22 inch carryon?

It is the contents that I want to protect and with the hard use that airlines give luggage today, I feel more comfortable opting for the more nondescript pieces.

I flew into Kuala Lumpur many many years ago in one of the first Jumbo Jets to routinely use that airport. I saw them dropping luggage from 20 foot heights since they did not yet have the equipment to reach the taller airplanes!!

Perry

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by pkincy

with the hard use that airlines give luggage today

 

[Full Canvas]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I am interested in luggage, whether vintage or not--although it does have to be of high quality.

With your abiding interest in genuine classics, you may be interested in this lovely old carry-on size Goyard on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Beautiful-Goyard...QQcmdZViewItem

\t
\t
Many years of use have gone into developing its patina! The case will require some restoration or clean up and TLC. Nevertheless, a new Hermès or Globe-Trotter item just won’t have the loving vibes (or possible final cost).

Sadly, the auction history reveals some goofy bidding by inexperienced bidders. Nevertheless, it is worth viewing.
_____________

Originally Posted by LabelKing

What type of luggage do you use?

We travel most of the time with some ancient (1970s) French luggage. We must have ten or twelve pieces of assorted sizes. It is tan leather and black jacquard fabric incorporating a faint burgundy floral motif. We also have a five or six pieces of the taupe ballistic from TravelSmith. The ballistic nylon luggage does not develop a patina. It only looks more and more abused over time.

_____________________________________

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

an hateful mass of black and bar-code stickers.

^my luggage