Travelling Businessmen - how do you stow your suits? (thread about garment bags)

beny · Mar 7, 2008

I'm going to be on travel for much of next year, and am looking for a convenient way to transport 6-8 suits. Also, some of my destinations are in extremely temperate places.

I'm looking for two pieces of luggage: 1.) A large check-in piece that can carry the bulk of my necessities (6-8 suits, ~10 shirts, 3 pairs of shoes, ties, etc.) 2.) A smaller piece that I can carry day-to-day so that I can carry a suit to the office and change there (I don't want to sweat through my office attire during the morning commute). I would also carry my laptop and a few office essentials in this piece.

I'm considering this set:
http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/g...?modelid=50125
http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/g...?modelid=47813

and also this set:
http://www.samsoniteblacklabel.com/c...armentbag.html
http://www.samsoniteblacklabel.com/c...armentbag.html

Suggestions welcome.

HomerJ · Mar 7, 2008

I would look in to Briggs Riley. They are 40% cheaper than the Tumi and carry a better (lifetime) warranty. They say even if the bag is broken or damaged by the airline they will fix it free. I haven't had to take them up on it yet but it's good peace of mind.

These two are similar to the Tumi you linked. I have 2 Tumi bags and like them but they're too expensive in comparison.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/g...edwardrobe.asp
http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/g...garmentbag.asp

gdl203 · Mar 7, 2008

Tumi tri fold is all you need

globetrotter · Mar 7, 2008

I use a tumi tri fold, and a briggs riley computer bag. If I were buying somethign today, tumi has a great rolling tri fold in leather, a new design. briggs riley is a great deal, I think that they are actually tougher than tumi, and have great planning in terms of the layout.

I travel 30 weeks a year or so, some trips I can be in russia and singapore in the same trip. I never pack more than 3 suit. never.

farfisa23 · Mar 7, 2008

How about one of those carry-on suiter suitcases? Or doe people check in a bag with the garment bag too?

LesterSnodgrass · Mar 7, 2008

Originally Posted by globetrotter

I never pack more than 3 suit. never.

+1.

If you plan on packing 6-8 suits and ten shirts you will need two large garment bags. I travel about 50% and my Samsonite garment bag is about ready to need replacement after 1 1/2 years of heavy travel.

Whatever you buy, if you will be checking it expect that it will be banged up something fierce.

HomerJ · Mar 7, 2008

Originally Posted by LesterSnodgrass

Whatever you buy, if you will be checking it expect that it will be banged up something fierce.

I once traveled with a guy who checked in a duffle bag. I later found out that he put a bottle of wine wrapped in clothing in that bag..

...

At baggage claims, he was greeted with a sopping glass shard-filled bag. I was.. speechless.

beny · Mar 7, 2008

Thanks for the replies. I will be in multiple locations/seasons in the same trip (Singapore summer, HK winter, London spring) and I work in a business-formal occupation (suit everyday), so I will need more than 3 suits. Altogether, I will probably be on the road for 8 months to a full year before returning home.

Also wanted to note: I probably won't be bringing 6-8 suits (probably around 5 or so) but I want to take the opportunity to get a few bespoke suits made while I am in HK and need a way to bring em home.

Will look into Briggs&Riley... will steer clear of Samsonite.

Twotone · Mar 7, 2008

Take two suits to get you by then buy the rest when you get there.

DMcG · Mar 7, 2008

I have this Briggs and Riley bag: http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/t...suitertote.asp and it works great when carrying a combination of hanging clothes and other stuff. Great quality too.

Mr. Pink · Mar 7, 2008

I second the recommendations for Briggs & Riley. At least as good as Tumi and far more reasonably priced.

jc138 · Mar 7, 2008

Originally Posted by beny

Thanks for the replies. I will be in multiple locations/seasons in the same trip (Singapore summer, HK winter, London spring) and I work in a business-formal occupation (suit everyday), so I will need more than 3 suits. Altogether, I will probably be on the road for 8 months to a full year before returning home. Also wanted to note: I probably won't be bringing 6-8 suits (probably around 5 or so) but I want to take the opportunity to get a few bespoke suits made while I am in HK and need a way to bring em home. Will look into Briggs&Riley... will steer clear of Samsonite.
With that schedule I'd go with:
http://www.fedex.com/us/

JayJay · Mar 7, 2008

Originally Posted by jc138

With that schedule I'd go with:
http://www.fedex.com/us/
I agree - saves you from a lot of worry.

Medvald · Mar 7, 2008

I have this large Tumi bag for suits that is pictured at the beginning of this thread. I think I can fit 8 to 10 suits in it. I do not use it much but it is great for conferences or occasions where you need a few outfits and have to check the bag anyway. If the occasion calls for suits during the day and another for dinner and perhaps one of the dinners is a formal one so a DJ is required then it is a great bag. I think it always best to travel light and not check your bags but with the security regulations and todays restrictions on hand bag allowance then sometimes you must check in your bag. And on some occasion you want to have nice things with you. You might be at a conference in Venice and you want to wear both formal business suits and your nice linen suits plus you need to go to that gala dinner, then it is a wonderful bag to have.

globetrotter · Mar 7, 2008

Originally Posted by beny

Thanks for the replies. I will be in multiple locations/seasons in the same trip (Singapore summer, HK winter, London spring) and I work in a business-formal occupation (suit everyday), so I will need more than 3 suits. Altogether, I will probably be on the road for 8 months to a full year before returning home.

Also wanted to note: I probably won't be bringing 6-8 suits (probably around 5 or so) but I want to take the opportunity to get a few bespoke suits made while I am in HK and need a way to bring em home.

Will look into Briggs&Riley... will steer clear of Samsonite.

you are leaving home and returning after 8 months?

Travelling Businessmen - how do you stow your suits? (thread about garment bags)

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