Ravenna suitcase

I hope they do too. The handle on mine broke one week into its first trip.

Hi Frank,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I had heard about your suitcase handle breaking. That was tough. Sorry. I figure RS stands by his product so if something breaks he will take care of it and I have nothing to lose by trying it. Fingers crossed that this luggage will hold up as well as the last ones did. I will report back if it doesn’t.

I'm not knocking RS customer service. They were great. Within 24 hours of my reporting it, with photos, they offered me either a replacement bag when I got back to the U.S. or a full refund. I took the refund.

Luckily, the hotel where it happened gave me some tools and I was able to temporarily put it back together so I could use it until I got to where I could buy a new bag. Eventually it made its way back to the U.S. where I donated it.

I've been buying RS bags since 1992 and unfortunately have seen the quality go down since they are trying not to raise prices. Costs go up so the only way to keep a price point is to cut expenses. And that usually means quality.

My wife has a Ravenna bag and has used it for a few trips (I have the standard rolling carry-on bag). We were on a month-long trip last year and the Ravenna performed very well. It also went on a few week-long trips since then. We had the 22" bags previously and were initially skeptical because of the smaller size of the Ravenna, but once my wife started using it, she was impressed. She likes the smaller size and feels that it is a little easier to maneuver. We're learning more and more about packing lighter with each trip, so the slightly smaller capacity is not an issue. The Ravenna bag is going on a nearly two month trip this spring, so fingers crossed, it will serve her well again with no problems.

Thanks, Mr. Woods, for your input. It’s good to know that your wife is happy with her bag. If this one doesn’t work out/ falls apart, then I at least know what to look for next time. Right now I am liking the size and configuration of the compartments.

Yup, Mary, the zippered lid of the Ravenna actually functions as a large packing cube. For 7-10 days I fit all tops and 2 pairs of lightweight capris in lid, roll jammies and unders to fit around the rails to create a flat surface for my other things. (INCLUDING, if I'm just driving around the us, a fairly large toiletry bag) recently we were flying back from north Carolina from a conference w carryon only, but because flight was Pretty full, they offered at gate to check our bags free thru to Des Moines. I had a hard sided book in the outer pocket, and I noticed when we got home that a few stiches around the gusset had come loose, but that was easy for me to fix with a needle and thread. So, don't over pack the outer pocket if checking the bag. Other than that, it has performed like a champ

Hi doric8,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I think overstuffing your suitcase can stress it and cause seams, etc. to fail. I am looking forward to seeing how well this luggage performs.