The Quest For The Perfect Carry-on Suitcase
As I pack for my upcoming Memorial Day weekend trip to LA, I realized that I needed to post about my favorite suitcase! I bought a new suitcase a few months ago when I realized my frequent traveling made a new carry-on suitcase a good investment. I wanted something light, aesthetically pleasing and one that wouldn't run into trouble carrying on (I hate it when they take my suitcase for planeside "valet").
While I was shopping / browsing / researching, I narrowed it down to two choices:
1. Samsonite 20" Sahora Brights Spinner (~$130)
2. Heys XCase 20" Upright Suitcase ($70) aka The World's Lightest Suitcase
Both of these suitcases were touted to be extremely light with hard cases and zipper closures (exactly what I was looking for!). They also said they were guaranteed to fit into all airplane overhead compartments. The difference was that the Samsonite suitcase has 4 wheels (hence the name "spinner"), making it extremely maneuverable at airports and narrow airplane lanes. It also has a handle with two bars (I realized later how useful this feature is).
At half the price of the Samsonite though, I went with the Heys in my favorite color: ORANGE (I usually go w/ practical neutrals, but at $65 I thought I could have a little fun with this). I felt like I was taking a chance since I had never heard about the brand before, but all the reviews on overstock.com were extremely positive, so I went for it. When I picked up the huge box in the mailroom, I was surprised how light it was! The orange is beautiful and the plastic surface makes it very easy to clean. The compartments and zippered divider make it easy to pack and organize. I've taken it on a number of trips and it's so convenient to have a light suitcase, especially when loading it into overhead compartments. At 5' 2", this is usually a difficult task where I have to ask people for help to save from breaking my back, but not anymore! Also when I travel with my friends, they say that they can always find me in busy arrival lobbies because they can always spot my suitcase in the crowd.
Now for my one complaint. The handle is "telescope" style with just one bar. I didn't think twice about this when purchasing, but soon realized that I couldn't hang my Longchamp bag on top since there weren't two bars for it to balance against. Also, the handle feels just a bit wobbly -- not enough where I'd worry about it breaking, but just enough to slightly irk me. When it's fully extended and in use though, it feels very sturdy, so not a huge issue.
Some things to note -- you cannot check this bag in. Reviewers said it would get ruined if tossed from the conveyer belt to the bin to the plane. Also, I don't feel like I'm missing out on the 2nd set of wheels. For a bag of this size (tiny), they are definitely not necessary. If you want a more conservative look (vs. my orange), don't get the bright colors. I am slightly embarassed when I roll this suitcase through my work lobby on days where I have to catch an early evening flight -- I do get compliments on it in the elevator though!
So anyway, if you are on a budget and need a great, light carry-on suitcase, I'd go w/ the Heys XCase.. If you have a bit more to spend, the Samsonite seems to have all the great features of the Heys and then some.. It is also mighty beautiful, especially in this red =P
Happy summer travels everyone!
----
Where to buy:
Heys XCase on overstock.com -- $2.95 flat rate shipping!
Samsonite Sahora Brights Spinner 20" Upright -- Amazon.com was the cheapest reputable place I saw
While I was shopping / browsing / researching, I narrowed it down to two choices:
1. Samsonite 20" Sahora Brights Spinner (~$130)
2. Heys XCase 20" Upright Suitcase ($70) aka The World's Lightest Suitcase
Some things to note -- you cannot check this bag in. Reviewers said it would get ruined if tossed from the conveyer belt to the bin to the plane. Also, I don't feel like I'm missing out on the 2nd set of wheels. For a bag of this size (tiny), they are definitely not necessary. If you want a more conservative look (vs. my orange), don't get the bright colors. I am slightly embarassed when I roll this suitcase through my work lobby on days where I have to catch an early evening flight -- I do get compliments on it in the elevator though!
So anyway, if you are on a budget and need a great, light carry-on suitcase, I'd go w/ the Heys XCase.. If you have a bit more to spend, the Samsonite seems to have all the great features of the Heys and then some.. It is also mighty beautiful, especially in this red =P
----
Where to buy:
Heys XCase on overstock.com -- $2.95 flat rate shipping!
Samsonite Sahora Brights Spinner 20" Upright -- Amazon.com was the cheapest reputable place I saw