Luggage Review

Newer, lighter luggage is getting attention now, as airlines raise fees on checked and overweight bags. A May 2008 review in USA Today notes that older rolling carry-on bags typically weigh about 15 pounds, but newer 7- to 10-pound rolling luggage leaves more of the weight allowance for your clothes. Travel experts say it's more important than ever to pack light - preferably in one carry-on bag - as airlines get stricter about size and weight limits.

We found the best comparison tests of new, lightweight luggage at Good Housekeeping, where editors test medium-size bags that are too big to meet carry-on limits. However, the same luggage that passes their tests of maneuverability, construction and durability is also available in carry-on sizes. Real Simple tests carry-on bags specifically, testing over 100 pieces in order to identify the best four. Consumer Reports tests a dozen rolling bags with simulated durability testing and on an obstacle course. Other publications also put luggage through rigorous tests, but cover fewer models. Outside magazine tests mostly larger luggage, Popular Mechanics tries to break hard-sided luggage, and we found nine other useful comparison tests of rolling luggage.

We found the best review of soft-sided carry-on bags at OneBag.com, where travel expert Doug Dyment recommends non-rolling carry-on luggage as far better than the more popular rolling luggage. Editors at Fodors.com and travel guru Rick Steves agree that backpack and shoulder-strap carry-on bags weigh far less, leaving more space for contents. They also fit better into overhead compartments since they are more "squishable," and are more convenient when traveling by train, bus or maneuvering on rough sidewalks. However, all these experts agree that not everyone is able to carry bags even as light as 15 pounds or so. A rolling carry-on may also be your best bet if your trip will involve lots of long airport corridors.

If you travel more than once or twice a year -- or if a broken zipper or lost wheel would ruin your trip of a lifetime -- then travel experts say it's worth investing in durable, well tested luggage - preferably with a lifetime warranty that also covers accidental damage. For infrequent travel, however, travel experts at Fodors.com say even discount-store luggage should be fine. Owners report more quality control problems with budget luggage, however. The zippers, wheels and handle are most apt to cause problems.

In reading luggage reviews for our report, one point came across loud and clear from experienced travelers and professional reviewers alike: Avoid buying luggage that has hard sides unless you're carrying fragile items. It doesn't hold as much as soft-sided luggage with the same exterior dimensions, and is harder to fit into overhead compartments because it doesn't flex. New polycarbonate luggage is light - for example, the Heys XCase 20-in (*Est. $100) weighs only 5 lbs. 4 oz. However, reviews give it below-average ratings for durability. The soft-sided Delsey Helium Fusion Carry-on Expandable Suiter Trolley (*Est. $80) costs less but gets higher ratings as a budget choice.

Most luggage comes in lines that include different sizes, so if a review recommends a luggage line in one size, the same bag in a different size is also apt to be satisfactory. For example, Good Housekeeping's review of medium-size luggage recommends the 25-inch Eagle Creek Hovercraft 25 (*Est. $225), while the Travel Insider, reviewing carry-on bags, recommends the smaller Eagle Creek Hovercraft 20 (*Est. $185).

Since many people -- particularly business travelers -- want to fly with a carry-on bag (in case the checked baggage is delayed or even lost), our report - like most luggage reviews - concentrates more on carry-on bags. (The typical maximum size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including any wheels and pockets.) Reviews also recommend some luggage that comes only in a large size - suitable for car travel or long trips -- covered in a separate section.