The Cost of a Decent Set of Luggage: Tips and Recommendations
When it comes to purchasing a set of luggage, it's important to strike a balance between spending enough to get a quality product and avoiding unnecessary expenses. In this article, we will explore what constitutes a reasonable cost for decent luggage, provide some practical advice, and offer specific recommendations based on different travel needs.
Is it Necessary to Buy a Set?
Before diving into the cost aspect, let's address a common question: is it necessary to buy a set of luggage? Many people find that buying individual pieces of luggage, like a carry-on and a suitcase, is more practical and cost-effective. Just like with knives, a set often includes items you might not realistically use. For example, a train case might be part of a comprehensive set but not something you'll find yourself using frequently. Therefore, it's advisable to buy specific pieces that meet your needs.
What Constitutes a Good Cost?
The cost of decent luggage can vary widely depending on your travel needs. For occasional travelers, a cheap and durable set of luggage can often suffice. For instance, around six or seven years ago, Tesco UK promoted a range of Wenger suitcases for about ￡30 if you collected enough stamps, and these suitcases are still in good condition today. They can serve you well for years, with minimal wear and tear, especially if you're simply ferrying items for occasional trips.
If you need to travel more frequently, however, you might want to consider investing in higher-quality luggage. While it's tempting to opt for trendier options with shinier elements, it's important to focus on functionality and durability. On average, investing between ￡100 and ￡300 for better, lightweight, and durable bags is a reasonable cost.
Specific Recommendations and Evaluations
With these considerations in mind, here are some specific recommendations and an evaluation of different brand options:
1. Rimowa and Other "Smart" Suitcases
Bags from prestigious brands like Rimowa may be tempting, especially for frequent travelers due to their stylish appearances and space-age design. However, they can be overpriced and structurally weak. For instance, the smallest Rimowa suitcases can cave in with a single impact, making them less suitable for everyday use. Similarly, Samsonite carbon fibre suitcases are more technologically advanced than necessary for most travelers. If you have either a significant budget or specialized needs, such as a camera case, then these luxury options may be worth considering.
2. Suitcases with Spinner Wheels
Bag brands that market their products as "smart" or with features like spinner wheels are often overrated. These bags are designed to be too easy to move, making it difficult to control them on ramps or keep them on moving transport. Instead, opt for two-wheeled suitcases with a tilting handle, which offer a more controlled and efficient rolling experience.
3. Lightweight Soft-Sided Suitcases
For frequent travelers, the ideal luggage is a lightweight, soft-sided suitcase with two sliding wheels and a retractable handle. These types of suitcases are typically more affordable than high-end luggage options but still offer excellent performance. Specifically, you might consider the Osprey Ozone range, which is durable yet lightweight and falls within the ￡100 to ￡200 price range. It has held up well in frequent travel, managing to keep up even after 100,000 air miles over two years, with the added advantage of not weighing too much.
Another excellent option is the Eagle Creek Load Warrior range, which is somewhat more expensive at ￡200 to ￡300 but can withstand the weight of heavier items and maintain its durability. These are the bags you'd pack if you were taking a trip to a place like Denmark and came back with items like beer, ensuring that you don't sacrifice quality for convenience.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of decent luggage can vary widely based on your travel frequency and needs. For occasional travelers, spending around ￡100 or less on a basic and durable set of luggage is reasonable. For frequent travelers and those who need high-quality gear, a budget of ￡300 to ￡500 for lightweight, durable, and functional suitcases is a good investment. Remember to buy only what you need and prioritize practicality and durability over flashy technology or excessive features.