I’m off on a European rail journey soon and, conscious of the weathered state of my cases, I’m in the market for a large wheeled case to stuff everything into.
Even the cheap cases look nice & shiny so that’s no guide. Any advice around quality brands that are reasonably priced, please?
I’ve got some Antler cases and bags, and they are good quality. Next best to Briggs & Riley in terms of the trade off of warranty and price I’d say.
From Antler I currently have 2x large hard shell, 1x medium hard shell, 1x weekend soft bag, 1x overnight soft bag
Not had any issues with any of them and would highly recommend if you’re not looking to spend B&R money
Bought an Antler soft shell case in 2012. The zip broke in 2022. Remarkably, I still had a copy of the receipt, and they were happy to give us a replacement hard-shell case under their (at the time) 10 year warranty.
Unfortunately it’s only lasted a couple of years before the plastic broke near the wheels - I figured that by this point we’ve probably got a decent amount of value for money out of it, but would probably still be happy to buy another case from them.
We use Tripp cases and not had an issue with them. They’ve survived a good few holidays and are reasonably priced as theres always a sale on and come with a 5 year warranty
I use Samsonite which I find to be excellent, thought it is quite expensive to buy in the UK so perhaps pick one up cheaper abroad if you can.
Thanks chaps. It looks like I have a choice - blissfully short but at the right end of the market.
Hadn’t thought about warranty - I will now 
Another vote for Tripp 
The kids (and you) get to choose a favourite colour and it makes it stand out on the baggage carousel too.
I’m a buy it once where I can afford it kind of person so if I can get a long warranty at a reasonable price then I’d happily pay that bit extra.
I’ve also bought Tripp cases before and they’ve been great, albeit they didn’t feel anywhere as good quality as Antler but still did the job for a number of years.
I find that the hard carry on ones that Tesco do now and again are quite good and a lot cheaper than the other options usually. We’ve had our current ones for three years now and just back from a round the world trip with them. Critically, they are right on the max carryon size.
This thread couldn’t have been any better timed.
Our Tripp hand luggage cases are great, can’t fault them. Our Tripp large case on the other hand, terrible.
One wheel went after about a year. Fair play to their customer services, they sent out a replacement wheel to us. 6 months on and I’m on a trip right now and the rubber is delaminating from two of the wheels. We have a lot of miles still to cover, but I’m hopeful it will make it to the end.
When I get home, it’s done, I’m not travelling with it again so I’m in the market for a new case, but wow it’s a minefield and wow it’s easy to spend hundreds!
My best purchase ever was the Tripp “small carryon” which I’ve had for getting for ten years now and cost all of £13.
This is timely!
I’m off to Nashville in August/September for the final race of the Indycar season. I need a transparent rucksack for the Superspeedway, which I’ll probably only use for the weekend. I’m thinking just a cheap one off Amazon, but does anybody have a recommendation for one that’s a decent size and fairly study (to carry DSLR camera, water bottle, etc etc)
Whaaaaaaaaaaat! 
Why does it need to be transparent, especially if it contains expensive equipment. Is it a requirement?
Aye it’s a requirement of entry to the superspeedway - I guess to reduce bag searches!
The following items are permitted through Nashville Superspeedway gates:
- ONE clear bag or clear backpack, no larger than 18x18x14 inches for headsets, scanners, cameras, binoculars, cold packs, etc. No loose ice permitted.
- ONE clutch bag/f@nny pack, no larger than 4.5x6.5 inches.
- UNOPENED OR EMPTY water bottle. Insulated cups are permitted. No other outside beverages will be permitted.
What an odd requirement.
You will only see one level of its contents, plus, all sorts of things now look like a camera lense 
I never travel with suitcases - always a backpack. Nothing more annoying than dragging a suitcase around!
We’ve done well out of IT luggage, it’s been across the pond, thrown about in Greece and chucked in the boot of my car a number of times. It’s starting to get slightly worn but I think there’s a few trips left in it yet.
Plus, most importantly, the four wheels are super smooth, I’d never buy another suitcase that wasn’t glide ready. Makes trawling through terminals so much easier.
On a bag perspective I’ve had a Patagonia roll top (fieldsmith) and it’s been bloody brilliant. Holds tones, isn’t heavy on the shoulders, fits under seats but also does nicely on the beach. I’ve another one for work trips and both are bombproof.
Having invested in Samsonite (early 90’s), Tumi (early 2000’s) and Antler (late 2000’s) - Antler stood out for continuous travel reliability. Until…
The realisation that you need to take f’all really - anywhere - so we’ve, for the last 3 years, used 4x Slazenger carry-on’s, in addition to backpacks, and those same Slazenger carry-on’s are £9 at Sports Direct.
£9
aka - NINE POUNDS - £36 total plus backpacks/handbags for the family of 4 and if you can’t fit your own stuff into your own carry-on, it isn’t going with you.
Despite what premium-luggage brands emit, it’s a bag. It could be an Aldi £1 bag and it’d still work. And apart from a few strangers, no-one will see the £1 Aldi bag anyway. Plus the bag is with you during travel and so no more carousel-blues at the end*
*Understood that families with youngsters need way more portable stuff, plus car seats/carriers/strollers, but that’s temporary.
Oh, the joy of extensive travel experience…
We have Tripp cabin and hold cases. They are excellent and seem to cope with the impact of travel well.
If you are worried about your cases looking too new just fly Ryanair and put your bags in the hold they will age years in one trip
One thought here is convenience. In that in an airport and on a place a suitcase works quite well. Wheel it through the terminal, let someone else throw it about for a while, see what’s broken when you land.
I’d imagine there will be a lot of steps, stairs, compacted spaces etc. Would a larger rucksack not be a better option?