Samsonite is no longer bifl?

I've never found high end luggage to be worth the price. I was a road (air) warrior for decades, and had the best luck buying moderately priced stuff and replacing it every 10-15 years.

The way luggage is designed these days, anything that lasts longer than a decade: when something breaks it's usually a wheel attachment piece and it's no longer available. Plus almost every piece of luggage is expandable and the zipper is the next thing to go.

Plus, luggage weight limits aren't what they used to be. Get a 60s/70s style case and you will have used up half the allowable weight before you put anything in it.

Things to look for: Fully rotating wheels (case spins 360 degrees). Standard roller skate bearings and hopefully skate wheels. Wheel mount mechanism should be external so it can be 3d printed if no longer available.

I'm a fan of the flimsy plastic lightweight hardsides... When they get really dirty, just bring them to the car wash.

Edit: for carry on use also look at the roller backpacks. Some of them are really nice.

Why not Briggs & Riley?

Fwiw, I work at an airport and common FOD items are broken-off roller wheels, name tag/labels, and "locks". Oh, and sippy cup holders from checked baby strollers.

Basically, if it sticks out from the item, there's a damned good chance it'll be broken off, sooner or later.

And the only "blown" luggage I've ever seen is the kind that has the wrap-around zipper that opens an expansion panel. Those zippers pop open easily compared to ones that just close the two halves together.

Filson medium duffel bag.

Luggage Works Aurora line. It's not made of steel, and would be perfect for a passenger. I'm a flight attendant and have been using it for 3 years and it still looks brand new. Plus, it has a very convenient water bottle holder.

I've been well-served by Tom Bihn Aeronauts in 30L and 45L sizes for all my travels the last 8ish years. They work great if you're just doing carry-on and know how to pack/live light. I don't miss baggage claim at all or dealing with janky roller wheels and handles. 45L fits fine in the overheads, 30Ls fit fine under the seat.

You are conclusion shopping, let's not do that.

https://zerohalliburton.com/collections/carry-on-luggage is what you want for BIFL carry on luggage.

In 2007 Samsonite was bought out by a private equity firm. They have not been BIFL since.

OP, why not a Briggs & Riley carry on?

That's a shame. I have one in my closet that for sure was my grandpa's. Might have even been my great grandpa's.

Take a look at Red Oxx, they have a lifetime warranty and are built to last.

I bought the Air Boss about twelve years ago, which did a fantastic job for me during a period of air commuting for work.

I have three different sizes of Dakine suitcases and I swear by them. The sturdiest wheels you can get. Have had one for ten years without any issues.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 42l and Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40l, both of which are effectively under lifetime warranty, could also be options if OP is willing to ditch the wheels

Honestly, I switch to travel pro for all my luggage a number of years ago and couldn't be happier. I have a carry on and a smaller roller over night. I beat the hell out of my bags and they have never let me down nor have I found anything that makes me think the quality just isn't there.

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If you want to spend a bit more, I've heard good things about pelican luggage but that does get pricey. Also, if you want truly bullet proof and are willing to sacrifice convivence check out saddleback leather you'll never have to worry about durability with those bags.

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Anyone used the pelican air for international travel? It looks the right size for USA but slightly too big for some international carriers.

Just thinking to try something different. I believe the 2 wheeled rollers are a bit more durable than 4 wheeled spinners.

I have a Pelican Air for other uses, it's tough and solid in build quality, but essentially a thick plastic case with luggage "attachments". The telescoping handle and wheels seem like afterthoughts compared to the smooth rubber wheels of these other brands.

Pelican air will last.

Osprey has wheeled carryons, and they have a lifetime guarantee.

If you are value shopping, you can find quality brand luggage at places like Marshals, Ross, etc. Hard shell carry-ons have held up well for me and I can fit more in them.

Dakine. Lifetime warranty.

I have both the 2 wheel and 4 wheel spinner. Just get the 2 wheel and call it a day. That lifetime warranty and build quality can’t be beat. One of the biggest downsides is when it gets gate checked it can be mistaken by someone else. Personalized luggage is the way to go. Oil marker and spray paint. The 4 wheel spinner is just a durable but I hate the way it feels when on concrete. Change is good and luggage works makes a quality product too. Just a brand whore at this moment. Given B&R have taken care of me throughout the years of 50+ flights annually.

I'm a frequent flier for work and personal life. I never ever check a bag so this is a topic near and dear to me. I spent a lot of time buying and trying out new bags, and I settled that this brand Red Oxx is superior in quality and long lasting, and helps with making life easier as a one bag carry-on person.

https://www.redoxx.com/

First of all a few things to say about the quality of these duffels: Duffel bags are the way to go, they are soft and can squeeze into any sized overhead. Since the duffel can get heavy, I either pack a collapsible roller trolley, or I use a backpack version of a duffel (they sell these too).

The bags have high quality zippers, and the pulls on the zippers have monkey fist knots. The canvas material is high quality thick and withstands moments of having to check a bag in a pinch (one time I had to because the plane was full and I couldn't shove the bag under the seat in front of me).

Agreed. I love my Briggs and Riley 2-wheeled carryon. They have replaced it once. I’ve had the thing since the 1990s. It’s been on dirt roads and airport tarmac in three or four continents, depending on how you count continents.