Nice smart wheeled small suitcase for work trips for a man

[ChillinwiththeVillains]

Clumsy title, sorry. I need a nice smart carry on for my husband. Just started a new job involving travel and it turns out that we upgraded our big suitcases but not our little ones. I don’t want to buy the wrong thing, just want something understated and functional.

What kind of price buys a good suitcase?
What is a good brand? For our big suitcases I just chose hard shell samsonite in metallic turquoise as no one else wanted them so reduced and they stand out at the airport. But don’t think that is the right vibe for DH’s new serious job.
Thank you,

@ChillinwiththeVillains I worked abroad or away from home Monday to Friday for the more than 15 years. I travelled with a good quality rucksack for laptop and other bits I couldn't do without, this one has lasted me over ten years and is still going strong. If I'm away more than one night or need to take a change of clothes and footwear etc. I always take hold luggage. This one is pretty much the smallest you can get a suit into, mine has lasted 15 years and while its pretty battered now must have done 600+ trips. I also have a dedicated wash kit that never gets unpacked and duplicates everything I have at home.

Business/work travel is hard work, investing in decent luggage makes life so much less stressful. Buy cheap buy twice, and the last thing you need at the tail end of a 60 hour week is a busted zip. Most luggage simply isn't designed to be used for weekly travel for years on end.

I travel A LOT for work, and just bought this one www.argos.co.uk/product/8276908?clickPR=plp:15:27
Its perfect! Opens down the middle so great for packnig, allowed on all airlines, easily manouverable and looks really smart!!

I have an Eastpak case that’s got a pocket inside the lid for a laptop and a pocket on the front which is really useful if you’re travelling with hand luggage only. Hard shell cases are a nightmare if you’re only allowed one piece of luggage as you always have to open them to get anything in or out.

Tripp was Debenhams own brand wasnt it?

In decreasing price order
Rimowa
Briggs and riley
Eastpak (amazon is much cheaper than JL) They have a 4 wheel cabin bag- I have it. I also have a 2 wheel which is actually better.

I bought one of those cabin max hybrid last year. If it was raining when we landed then this just soaked the rain up, not ideal. I had 8 flights in 12 days and by the end zips were busted, the toggle grip thing on the zips were all gone and some of the fabric was deeply scratched though not clean through.

I like the look and flexibility of a soft case and like the eastpack ones. How has yours held up @Greengr ???

Another vote for Eastpak. DH has had one for about 10 years, it's been brilliant and still going strong. In my opinion a soft shell case is more flexible and convenient.

We've got a cabin bag size and a medium size Antler case, navy blue - they seem hardwearing, and have good pocket configurations. I think we got them from an outlet store so they weren't excessively expensive.

Total bonus/ this thread made me very motivated to buy a nice suitcase but even better in-laws said they will buy a v nice one as joint birthday Xmas gift. And they are good at splashing the cash so I’ve shared the thread anonymously. Thank you!

I bought the case that @Justhereforthechristmasthreads linked to! It's really good - will fit under the seat in front of you if you need to do that (it fits with easyJet's sizing of 45 x 36 x 20cm). It has a pull-up handle so you can wheel it round, as well as a carrying handle, and also has back-pack straps if you want to use it that way.

It was big enough for a summer, 4 night-away trip - but you'd probably want a slightly bigger size for winter/bulkier clothes. If you search for bags that are 56 x 45 x 25cm, this also counts as carry-on with easyJet.

@dudsville - our Eastpak xs are on about 12 years use so far. As new tbh. That’s been various flights, work trips, private trips, on boats, full relocation overseas, baby birth trip, wedding packing… seems good value.

Thanks@Caspianberg , that's quite a recommendation. Style have probably currents since then, but do you know if yours is water proof?

I have a Rimowa and it's brilliant, light, well made and fits loads in. They're expensive but I've had it years and actually I think they look better as they get a bit battered in transit.

The Rimowa website has a great size guide that shows you all the airlines and the size allowance for cabin bags.

@dudsville - I’m not sure. It’s been walked through the rain fine, it’s a kind of thick canvas type fabric. So I imagine it’s ‘shower proof’ ie would eventually get wet if outside for ages. I have never left it to go in hold though so haven’t seen results of it being left on tarmac for an hour in rain.

www.tripp.co.uk/tripp-pewter-absolute-lite-cabin-4-wheel-suitcase/p3386

We have these in a couple of colours. sturdy and light but not ridiculously expensive.

Thanks@Caspianberg , and for making sense of my typos! There on sale at the moment so I've ordered two to see what they're like.

I bought one of those cabin max hybrid last year. If it was raining when we landed then this just soaked the rain up, not ideal. I had 8 flights in 12 days and by the end zips were busted, the toggle grip thing on the zips were all gone and some of the fabric was deeply scratched though not clean through.

I like the look and flexibility of a soft case and like the eastpack ones. How has yours held up @Greengr ???

It's been great!

Thanks @Greengr , and thanks OP for the thread!