Best luggage?

I recently purchased and have used the Samsonite Cosmolite 20 inch carry on....I am very satisified. Hard sided and distinctive appearance...A bit on the expensive side, but I do a good bit of traveling and plan on it lasting a long long time. Check the various internet listings for whatever piece you decide on...great savings, and usually free shipping, no tax, can be returned, etc.

Try doing a search on this site using the search box in the top right corner of the page (this question is asked a lot, especially under the "General Europe" section). Anything with wheels is going to be at least 5 pounds empty, in my opinion defying the "lightweight" definition. If this is your only bag, it means you'll likely exceed the weight limits for discount airlines and will have to check the bag. Also, to avoid what happened to you, load the bag and test drive it at home for several days. Most places will accept a return if it breaks down in such a short period of time (look for good guarantees at places like eBags).

Eagle Creek makes great luggage. Very sturdy and backed by a lifetime guarantee in the event anything does happen to your bag. My Eagle Creek bag fell out of an unsecured luggage hold on a bus and fell onto a road at about 70mph where it was clipped by several cars riding behind the bus. My bag had a few minor scuffs on it but other than that it held up amazingly well (I even had some glass items packed inside and nothing broke. Can't say the same for the other passengers who had clothes scattered all over the road. Not cheap, but worth every penny. They have a website or you can buy at various retailers like REI.

I agree with Ceidleh on this one. Eagle Creek is the way to go. I bought my bag for my honeymoon many years ago (Switchback - many models and sizes) and it has been all over the world. I've never had a problem with it, as it is incredibly durable. Eagle Creek's repair division is a part time employee, if that gives you any idea how often they receive repairs. I agree with an earlier poster, though, about the wheels. They add several pounds to the weight of the bag, so your lightweight option is going to be limited. I've never had problems with mine in carry on luggage, but I'm usually training it in Europe, not flying, so I can't help you there.

I have a Delsey carryon-size suitcase with wheels, which I really like. The wheels are set at the very outer edge of the suitcase and I haven't had a problem with it flipping over or twisting. (It does great on cobblestones and it's easier for me to pick up it by the handle and carry up stairs, instead of pulling it.) I haven't yet taken it on an intra-European flight but I accept that I will probably have to check it (or leave it at my hotel which I'll return to). Considering the whole cost of your trip, the cost to check a bag is negligible.

RyanAir says their carryon size limit is 55 x 40 x 20 (21.65" x 15.75" x 7.87"). The specifications for the the Samsonite Cosmolite 20" carryon says 20" x 15" x 9". That's over an inch too deep and, being rigid, there is no way to compress it to fit. Note also, the 15" width exceed the 14" limit used by most US airlines. And, at 4#14oz, pretty light for a wheelie, you are losing 22% of your allowed carryon weight for RyanAir.

Kay, I definitely agree with the others concerning Eagle Creek, as the Backpack that I use most often is an EC product. I've used their warranty once to repair a broken zipper, and the repairs were excellent. You might also have a look at Rick's products in the Travel Store here, as they're reasonably priced and work well. I've been using one of this Civita Daypacks for many years, and I always pack it on every trip. I'd suggest looking at soft-sided luggage rather than "rigid" types, as they will compress a bit to fit the sizing frames. Happy travels!