The trusty rollerboard, looking a bit worse for wear.
I’ve had my trusty suitcase for two-plus years. I’ve dragged it around the world, dragging it through airports, scraping it on curbs, fumbling it up stairs and down escalators, and shoving it into more overhead bins than I can count. The bottom is ripped, the wheels scored, zippers missing, and the handle no longer extends without manipulating some of the screws that hold its base in place. As you can see, it’s pretty damaged at this point, and it’s time for a new one.
It’s a sad moment – that suitcase has been all over the United States, Eastern Europe, Japan, China, Uzbekistan, and dragged through the streets of Iraq.
With needing to purchase an new rollerboard, I’d love some recommendations from my fellow travel brethren: what rollerboards do you like, use, swear by, would defend with your life? What has accompanied you valiantly around the world? I’m looking for the most durable option available: one that can survive going down stairs, over curbs, being slammed into overhead bins. I’d also like a super-durable handle because, I sheepishly admit, that sometimes I use the handle to carry the entire suitcase up and down stairs. Oh – and zippers that won’t snap off would be nice, as well. Moreover, I’m looking for something still in the legal-airline carryon size.
Hit the comments if you have any reccomendations on brands and models, or e-mail waapblog@gmail.com!
I’ve had my Costco (Kirkland Signature) roll aboard for 10 years. It’s been to over 60 countries. Last month, the “hub cap” on one of the wheels came off while rolling over the cobblestone streets of lower Manhattan, but it’s still functional.
I’m perfectly happy with the TravelPro I got two years ago and have been living out of since. I got it at Altman Luggage on the lower east side, great prices and if you pay cash they won’t charge sales tax.
Tuni Tumi Tumi! ‘Nuff said.
Timberland 20″ wheeled backpack with daypack
Well, I like the Costco Kirkland idea, it’s a nice bag. I also roll a 22″ Travelpro Crew 3 bag since 2000, it’s been around the world many times. Though, I am interested in the bag the crews use. It’s called a LuggageWorks Stealth 22″ bag, and it has a metal frame. I see crews use them all the time. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/BR41y
If you get one, do a review on it. They are not cheap, but are designed to last for many, many years.
Pathfinder bags work great for me, the quality of Kirkland Signature or TravelPro.
I’m with A Kimyai, my Kirkland one is eight years old and still kicking. Everything works and it seems to hold up on flights when it’s checked.