Best Luggage -- New York Times

The wirecutter reviews are very 'hit or miss' IMO. I flat out reject many of their recommendations when I have personal experience with the products they are evaluating and rating, so reader beware...

As usual, they really don't give them to consumer travelers to test and give their opinion. Their favorite bag weighs just under 8 lbs and is over one inch too long for most international sizers. Their testing is not real world.

Just noting that I just saw Travelpro luggage at 50% off at my local Macy's (if you still have one around), as it often seems to be.

But I agree this article falls into the same trap as any "best" list. They have selective criteria. There is more to choosing carryon luggage than just whether it fits on the aircraft or looks smart in the airport.

I'd stack my Osprey Meridian with detachable daypack up against any of their high-priced recommendations anyday ... and the cynic in me says the winners were the bags he got to keep from the manufacturer.

You can love your Osprey Meridian but paying $400 for any luggage is ridiculous. But it you like, it is fine with me.

There are many, many great brands of luggage. It all comes down to price.

We have been using TravelPro ultra light 21" swivel wheel luggage in recent years bought at Amazon.com for reasonable prices. I have noticed many world travelers using TravelPro.

TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Tuesday Morning are also great places to buy quality luggage.

1 the first two are too large for many US and International carriers.
2 the first two weigh in the neighborhood of 9 pounds which is more than half the weight limitations on many carriers.
3 the first two come in at $400 with tax; I wouldn't pay half that for a bag.
4 my Walmart carryon has lasted more than 10 years (so far, and I travel a lot) and is a tad heavy at 6 lbs; current price less than $90 (and that seems a bit steep to me).
5 my bag is still in great shape, but lets say it died at 10 years, that means the $400 bag would have to last 400 years to break even compared to me replacing my bag every 10 years .... okay lets say 100 years accounting for inflation
6 confession, i supplemented my Walmart bag with a fancy $135 hard sided spinner last year because the hard side fits particular needs from time to time.

You can love your Osprey Meridian but paying $400 for any luggage is ridiculous

I agree, $400 is ridiculous ... but i paid about $150 for my Osprey brand spanking new from REI

The luggage mentioned are toooo expensive. One is $699, ridiculous, I have a carry on that cost 15% of that and it has been all over the World and I still use it.

Value is what I look for..

The best luggage has two shoulder straps and maybe a waist belt.

(((Hides under desk)))

I don't really trust Wirecutter, since they get a commission from the affiliate links. That's where there are very few bags from smaller companies.

I am a big fan of TravelPro, but the Maxlite I ended up with is a couple pounds lighter and a couple of hundred bucks less expensive than the recommendation. It has been very durable and fits everything I travel with.

All luggage is on sale every holiday weekend at department stores, and often on almost every random weekend as well.

They are just tools, not family heirlooms. Don't spend a lot and don't expect a lot. If it breaks, replace it and keep moving. Like umbrellas.