Can you recommend luggage for overseas travel?

[6packofun]

My dh travels 2-3x a year for work, one of those times to somewhere in Europe.  He needs to carry some slightly delicate video equipment; it's not easily breakable, but it needs a little protection even if just surrounded by clothing, towels, etc.

 

We thought about a hardcase style but amidst the good reviews there are ALWAYS a few whose suitcase was broken in transit.  Perhaps fabric IS better for getting thrown around...I dunno.  lol

 

What do you recommend for something sturdy, large but definitely not oversize?

[regentrude]

Are you talking about checked luggage? Hard shell every time!

I have traveled with my suitcase overseas yearly for 25 years; the wheels no longer work, but we never had a breakage. I have seen soft sided bags split open (avoid anything that has zippers!!!!) on baggage carousels, but never a busted hard shell.

 

There are now wonderful metal cases, too, but the lightweight ones are expensive.

 

Or are you talking about carry-on?

 

ETA: You can also check metal chests that are used on mountaineering expeditions - indestructible, just not very convenient to lug around.

Edited September 9, 2016 by regentrude

[TheReader]

For checked baggage, we always used Action Packers (black heavy duty Rubbermaid type container, found at Walmart and the like), secured with zip ties through the lid latches. We tape extra zip ties to the top, so that when TSA inspects, they can resecure it.

 

For expensive equipment, though, no way, no how, no way would I check it. Carry it on, and get whatever kind of case fits it and can be stowed in the overhead bin, in eyesight, or under the seat if it is small enough.

 

Seriously, a rugged style camera case or something would be good. But I would probably have enough space in my checked luggage to tuck it in there once out of the airplane/airport, but I would not in a million years check in something expensive.

Edited September 9, 2016 by TheReader

[gardenmom5]

Briggs & Riley is warranted against airline damage, so you know it's tuff. I have one my mother bought used, dd hauled to college and south America ( with much back and forth), ds hauled and it's still great.

 

For electronics, I'd want carry-on.

 

Costco kirkland has a really nice one that is online only.

[6packofun]

Are you talking about checked luggage? Hard shell every time!

I have traveled with my suitcase overseas yearly for 25 years; the wheels no longer work, but we never had a breakage. I have seen soft sided bags split open (avoid anything that has zippers!!!!) on baggage carousels, but never a busted hard shell.

 

There are now wonderful metal cases, too, but the lightweight ones are expensive.

 

Or are you talking about carry-on?

 

ETA: You can also check metal chests that are used on mountaineering expeditions - indestructible, just not very convenient to lug around.

 

Checked luggage.  We have a few carry-on bags/cases, he just needs something for these larger items.  Thanks!

[6packofun]

Btw, I don't know what these items are, but they are NOT the expensive lenses, iPad, laptop or stuff like that that he needs.  Those he DOES carry on.  Once he had to take a special tripod and other easily replaced stuff that just can't fit in a smaller bag.  They rent cameras IN the country and then ship larger items to the location.  It's just some miscellaneous things that he sometimes needs to bring that we want to fit in a checked case.  Nothing that is his personally, either.

[Spryte]

My DH travels quite a bit, often needing to check that type of item. His current bag is soft, not a hard shell. We did a ton of research, and it's held up the best so far, but was pricey. I'd check to see what type it is - but it's in Europe now. (Is your DH going to the IBC, by chance?)

 

I think he's had this bag for 4 years, 5 - 6 trips overseas per year. That's a guess.

Edited September 11, 2016 by Spryte

[Guest]

Normall, airlines do not cover electronics lost in checked baggage. I don't know what movie makers do, so if there is a lot of video ask about that. Otherwise, carry on all electronics.

 

I used to spend a lot of money on baggage. Then I had it stolen. I asked my neighbor, a flight attendant, what to get. She said that all the flight attendants get the cheapest stuff they can find. It all breaks. And the high-end stuff is a target for theft, whether by airport personnel or random thieves. She said to make my high end stuff look crappy--spray paint and so on--until it broke. Then just get luggage at outlets or Tuesday Morning kinds of places.

 

I have a wonderful wheelie I got on sale. It's an Eagle Creek carry on and it and my Big Bag are all I need for up to four weeks travel.

 

ETA: http://m.ebay.com/itm/Eagle-Creek-Load-Warrior-Lt-22-Carry-On-Wheeled-Duffle-Bag-Luggage-/252508475924?hash=item3acaad9214%3Ag%3Ah6AAAOSwIgNXunDg&_trkparms=pageci%3D7cf2c396-0389-465d-b484-f1c8a32f9037%2Cparentrq%3D17cae1811570a8835ca96b1cfffa5953%2Ciid%3D1%2Cobjectid%3D16080