Suitcase advice requested

[Needtosoundoffandbreathe]

I need a new suitcase. The one I've got is a medium hard shell, but it's not proved to be as robust as others I've had in the past and has been battered over the less than five years I've had it, including a corner being pushed in where it's obviously been dropped on it.

Do I go for another hard shell or a soft one instead? I don't want to spend a huge amount so the likes of Samsonite are probably out. Any recommendations? I am not a hand luggage only person and will pay for a checked bag if I'm going for longer than a weekend.

Eastpak suitcases are soft, expandable, you can fit so much more in than you think, and are really well designed and made. I’ve only had mine for a few months, but apparently they last forever too.

They're very expensive aren't they? Just had a look at the Eastopak website and found it quite difficult to gauge size just from the photos - the more affordable ones seem to be backpacks or have only two wheels. If they last then maybe it's worth the humungous cost.

I bought the canvas Eastpak range and really love it. I bought a large, a medium and a matching backpack. I use the backpack for work daily, but they have worn well and all three look good as new. Had them 3 years. The two suitcases have wheels and all of them integrated external straps that strengthen them from rough handling. I've had good branded hard shell and soft cases, delsey and samsonite, and this is my favorite.

Does anyone have any other recommendations? M&S have some and offers on.

American Tourister are made by Samsonite but usually offer cheaper ranges. It maybe worth a look.

The problem with most cases is the wheels, they appear to be less robust than in the past. Wheels are not usually covered by guarantees. Spinner cases have particularly vulnerable exposed wheels due to their design.

I was going to say that I’ve 2 Samsonite and are quite good. The older one is 10yo and probably been in around 100 flights so quite a big use in it.

look into American tourister. Used to be cheaper than samsonite

I think this is one instance where you really do get what you pay for I'm afraid. I've got the small 2 wheel Eastpak and it's the perfect cabin case. If I needed a larger check in case I'd 100% stick with Eastpak. I also have a 10 year old Antler hard cabin case that's still in excellent condition and has been used at least 3 times a year. If you're not fussed on colour then you can usually pick up a brighter option on offer.

Myself and husband have the “duffle bag on wheels” style from It Luggage. Had one each for 10 years, travel several times a year- long haul with stopovers, cruises, roadtrips, you name it and neither bag looks particularly worn! It’s softer than both a hard or softshell which I think helps when they get thrown around- it’s just a hardwearing fabric than trying to hold a shape.

They fold down almost completely flat for storage too. We don’t see this as a drawback but there’s no compartments or anything so it’s more flexible to pack but I would advise packing cubes to help organise the space!

I like the range from it luggage. Bought a very lightweight medium size soft shell one. It’s sturdy and can store more than my much larger case because of the shape. Enough for two adults for a week. They have regular offers on but are not the most expensive.

I have travelled a lot and used soft and hardshell. Definitely prefer the soft shell ones, particularly the IT range as they are light and a reasonable price. These days I only ever take a cabin bag (IT) and a rucksack designed like a small suitcase from Amazon (not IT) that is compliant with every airline for the under the seat personal item. Just returned from a 2 week holiday where I needed to dress for the cold to visit a glacier and to spend time in tropical areas too, plus a couple of days by the pool and time in a capital city dining out. I had everything I needed!

Tripp suitcases are relatively cheap, but very sturdy. They are Good Housekeeping recommended. Everyone in our house has one.

Lots of suggestions, thank you. I have a trip coming up where I'll be on buses, planes and trains so want to get a case sorted before then.

Although wishing not to state the obvious a strap round the closed case can be great in emergencies.

Osprey ... not used yet but my DC, who travels a lot, says they are great

I wouldn't buy as they are American

We just replaced our largest case with a soft shell from TK Maxx - they had a huge range at decent prices - ours was £70 and remember to look at the litres it holds rather than just the size

Aerolite have a deal on a set of three (large, medium and cabin) for £99 at the minute. We've always liked them. Obviously if you don't need all three it's cheaper to just buy the size you need.

They're sold out. They've only the large 30" one in stock.

There are some American Tourister and Samsonite on TK maxx currently

Tripp for hard shell checked in bags. Indestructible and easy to use. Really good value

Eastpak xs soft case for handluggage. Fits even Ryanair overhead cabin, lasts well.

I use my soft Eastpak all the time and live it, but I don’t think I would want soft shell for checked bags as they often are outside in rain waiting to be loaded and can get filthy on plane so easier to wipe hard shell

Looks in stock when I search. Link here:
aeroliteluggage.co.uk/products/aerolite-hard-shell-suitcase-complete-luggage-set-cabin-medium-large-hold-luggage-suitcase

I can see the dark grey is £114 though, not £99 anymore. And that the black set is only for 2 and not 3.

I bought a new suitcase from American Tourister, I believe they are made by Samsonite

Already mentioned up thread! They are Samsonite in disguise.

We’ve all got Tripp hard shell cases and they’ve held up remarkably well given the battering they’ve taken. I’d definitely recommend and buy again.

Mines a super cheerful sunflower yellow colour which stands out nicely as well.