AKB (Travel luggage)

[DaytonRickster]

Heading overseas (Europe). Need recommendations on quality, sturdy (hard), lightweight, wheeled luggage that I can pack my 50lbs in. Don't want to pay big $.
My current large piece of luggge is worn out. I have not traveled overseas in years and so I am asking for your recommendations.

Thank you!

 

[CvilleElksCoach]

Heading overseas (Europe). Need recommendations on quality, sturdy (hard), lightweight, wheeled luggage that I can pack my 50lbs in. Don't want to pay big $.
My current large piece of luggge is worn out. I have not traveled overseas in years and so I am asking for your recommendations.

Thank you!

We have two High Sierra bags that are around 20 years old and still in great shape. They have been on countless planes and have bern stuff full. Was just in Europe with them last week. Paid about $150 for them then.

 

[BW Lion]

We Tried 621 Carry-Ons Over 4 Years—These 10 Are Still the Best

Every frequent flyer needs a reliable carry-on. From expandable options to suitcases with brakes, here are the best carry-ons we’ve traveled with.

www.travelandleisure.com

Unless TravelPro has improved their quality over the past few years, I'd avoid them. Overpriced junk IMO...I've had to replace the wheels and handles on all of them after 2-3 years.

 

[DaytonRickster]

We have two High Sierra bags that are around 20 years old and still in great shape. They have been on countless planes and have bern stuff full. Was just in Europe with them last week. Paid about $150 for them then.

Will look those up on line.

 

[PSUSignore]

Need recommendations on quality, sturdy (hard), lightweight, wheeled luggage that I can pack my 50lbs in. Don't want to pay big $.

You have asked for an impossible recommendation. Good luggage is expensive, cheap stuff will wear out faster and require more frequent replacement. The choice depends on your usage but I lean toward the expensive stuff that lasts.

Keep in mind that in Europe you'll deal with small buildings, small elevators (sometimes no elevators), cobblestone streets, etc. Backpacks and duffels can be a gamechanger in places like that vs. rolling bags, and if carrying it you'll want to pack light.

I disagree with the poster above on TravelPro, mine have been great, best luggage I've ever owned. I own the Crew 8 line, which is obsolete at this point. I've only had to replace one handle in 10+ years for the two bags I own. The ability to replace parts vs. buying a whole new bag is now a requirement for me, and that typically is not an option on cheaper bags. I prefer roller bags over spinners because fewer wheels means fewer parts to break, and wheels infringe on the interior dimensions a bit so it gets you a slightly larger bag. You'll notice that many airline crew members use TravelPro bags, although that may be due to airlines forming a contract with them vs. personal preference. Airline crews also don't check bags and carry ons don't get nearly the same level of abuse.

Briggs & Riley is another great brand because they have an unconditional lifetime warranty. I believe they are the only company that does this, but it comes with a high price tag. Another uncommon feature is they put the telescoping handles on the outside of the bag. This creates a flat, square storage compartment but also means that has smaller interior dimensions vs. competitors because the outside dimensions are what has to fit in the airline's required dimensions.

 

[4n6]

My whole family uses AWAY luggage. We have all had good luck with it so far. Their line includes an international sized carry-on, if that helps you.